Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the contributions of an extraordinary organization in my congressional district: the Stand Down House.

The Stand Down House and its dedicated staff provide support and services for homeless veterans, including transportation, counseling, and job training. These honorable servicemen have fallen on hard times and need a place to stay and a chance to get their lives back on track.

The Stand Down House provides exactly that chance, and it is a lifesaver for many of our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, there are over 200,000 homeless veterans in America today, and up to 2,000 in Palm Beach County alone where I live.

We must never turn our backs on a single one of our servicemembers, and I commend the Stand Down House for serving those who have served our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished member of the Jewish Community and a real role model in my life.

Dr. Leatrice B. Rabinsky, an Adjunct Professor of Jewish Literature at the Siegal College of Judaic Studies and a board member of the Ohio Council on Education, has recently retired after 25 years of dedicated service, teaching Ohio youth about the Holocaust at Cleveland Heights High School.

During her 25 years of service she pioneered Holocaust education and led eight ``Journeys of Conscience'' for students and survivors to the sights of the Holocaust in Europe and Israel.

I was privileged be a student of Dr. Rabinsky. She instilled in me principles and knowledge that have had a lasting impact on my life. She shaped me as a person and as a public servant. One of my proudest moments as a state legislator in the Florida legislature was when we passed the Holocaust Education Act, legislation that I authored that mandated teaching about the lessons of the Holocaust in all of Florida's public schools. Because of this legislation, which grew out of Dr. Rabinsky's inspiration, more of America's children will know the consequences of bigotry and intolerance. Now, as a member of the United States Congress, and as the Chairman of the Congressional Taskforce Against Anti-Semitism, I continue to make Holocaust issues a priority.

I am sure that each and every one of our colleagues can identify a teacher from their past who left a significant mark on their lives. I know that I would not be where I am today without the motivation and encouragement of Dr. Rabinsky.

Finally, I would like to thank the Jewish National Fund for honoring Dr. Leatrice Rabinky as a ``Woman of Valor.'' She is a pillar in the Jewish community and, I am proud to honor her in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6331, the ``Medicare Improvements and Patients and Providers Act of 2008,'' and thank Chairmen Rangel and Dingell for their leadership in bringing it to the House floor today. This legislation, among other things, will block a devastating 10.6 percent cut in reimbursement fees for physicians who accept Medicare patients.

Mr. Speaker, Medicare used to be known as the ``Gold Standard'' for physicians because it provided them with fair and sustainable reimbursement rates, but not anymore. As a result of the President trying to balance the budget on the backs of doctors, physicians all across the country are facing severe cuts in their Medicare reimbursements on July 1.

In south Florida, we're currently facing a severe shortage of qualified physicians in part because of the way physicians are paid under Medicare, and the pending cut could hasten this exodus, potentially leaving many elderly and other vulnerable populations without doctors to treat them.

This is an unacceptable situation for south Florida or for any region of this country. Eliminating the cuts and providing physicians with a 1.1 percent increase in 2009 is simply the right thing to do.

But we cannot be satisfied with short-term patches to this systemic problem. During the next 18 months, let us once and for all end all talk of patches or fixes, and come together in a bipartisan way to find a permanent solution to the way we pay our doctors.

We owe it to our seniors, to the men and women who helped to make this country the greatest in the world, to ensure that when they are sick, a doctor will be there to see them. It's a fair deal, and one we must not turn our backs on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the Congressional Award Gold Medal from my congressional district in south Florida. This award recognizes a significant commitment to community activism, as well as leadership development and physical fitness.

I am proud to recognize Angela Boyd, Addison Craig and Elizabeth Lott from Palm Beach Gardens and Jacob Schattie from Jupiter.

Angela Boyd completed over 450 hours of community service, including raising money for juvenile diabetes.

Addison Craig worked to raise money for organizations dedicated to finding a cure for cancer and heart disease.

Elizabeth Lott completed 500 hours of work with children and cancer patients.

Jacob Schattie was a coach and camp counselor to local youth.

These young men and women are role models for people, young and old, in my community and throughout our country. I am proud to honor these distinguished individuals today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Second Lieutenant Alexander ``Sandy'' Nininger, a heroic American soldier and the first United States recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War II.

Lieutenant Nininger entered service in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and bravely served his country during the Second World War as a member of the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. He gave his life near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands in January of 1942. He fought valiantly into relentless enemy fire even after sustaining three wounds.

In his hometown of Fort Lauderdale stands a Sandy Nininger statue and WWII memorial where annual Memorial Day services are held in recognition of his service and that of his fellow veterans. Their efforts have provided Americans with security and peace of mind, and I join all Americans in gratitude for their sacrifices.

On June 14th, which has been designated as National Flag Day, Americans honor those who fought to protect this country and the ideals for which the American flag stands. Sandy Nininger fought for America, and I think it is only appropriate to pay respects to him on Flag Day.

Madam Speaker, I believe that America owes its military heroes the utmost appreciation and I am honored to represent thousands that served our country honorably in our nation's military, just as Sandy Nininger did. On this Flag Day, I am proud to remember a distinguished local and national hero, Sandy Nininger.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, June 12, 2008 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 413.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nathalie McCrate on winning the Congressional Art Competition for Florida's 22nd Congressional District. Nathalie is a tenth grader at Jupiter High School, and her winning art work titled ``The Brink'' puts viewers on the edge of a forest looking out at urban sprawl. The contrast between the natural and the man-made is sharp in Nathalie's work, and she has a great future ahead as an artist.

Madam Speaker, as you know, the Congressional Art Competition is in its 27th year. This tradition brings together the work of young artists from all over the United States to hang in the United States Capitol. And I'm proud that Nathalie's will be among them.

I congratulate Nathalie, her parents and teachers, and all of our students for all that she has accomplished.

Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public Schools Facilities Act.

I was proud to work with the chairman and Mr. Blumenauer to authorize the use of funds to improve building infrastructure to facilitate bike and pedestrian access. This could include bike storage facilities, safety lighting, lockers, safe travel routes on school grounds for bicyclists and pedestrians, and more.

Alternative modes of transportation and storage facilities for bicycles are recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council as criteria for obtaining certification as a green school and are critical to reducing emissions and the carbon footprint of our Nation's schools.

With skyrocketing gas prices, American families are feeling the pain at the pump. It's my hope that this amendment will help ease that burden by encouraging students, just as we did, to walk and bike to school rather than catch a ride with their parents or drive themselves. I would like to thank my friend Representative Blumenauer for working with me on this important provision and commend him for his tireless work on this issue.

Additionally, I would like to thank the distinguished chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, along with his staff, for their work to bring this legislation to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008, which passed the House of Representatives this week.

Fifty veterans move to Florida every day, and I am honored to represent thousands who served our country honorably in our Nation's military. The efforts of military veterans have provided Americans with security and peace of mind, and I remain eternally grateful for their sacrifices.

I believe that America owes its military heroes a debt of gratitude, and that their priorities must be the Nation's top priorities. I am committed to making sure that members of the military and veterans receive the benefits that they deserve when they return home.

Several times per year, I am proud to convene my Congressional Veterans Advisory Groups in Broward and Palm Beach Counties to listen and learn about the needs of South Florida veterans. One of the most pressing issues that has repeatedly come up is the veterans' need to know more about their benefits. One solution to this problem is an awareness campaign to educate returning servicemembers about available benefits. The Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008 does just that by allowing the Secretary of the VA to advertise and promote awareness of veterans' benefits.

I am proud to support H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008, because I believe that nothing should stand in the way between a veteran and the benefits that he or she deserves. This legislation will go a long way to help returning servicemembers and veterans in my district and throughout the country.

Madam Chairman, I rise today to support the amendment that I authored with my friend, Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky.

Although some of my colleagues and I have differing views on our strategy in Iraq, one thing is clear: after five years and $600 billion of American taxpayer dollars spent, ``enough is enough.''

That is why Mr. Yarmuth and I are offering this amendment today. Our amendment declares that any future Status of Forces Agreement that is negotiated between Iraq and the United States must include cost-sharing measures so that that the Iraqi government can take more responsibility.

With an expected Iraqi budget windfall of some $60 billion this year, it is time for Iraq to stand up and take responsibility for its own future.

All of our districts are feeling the pinch of tough economic times here at home. Critical domestic priorities are being underfunded or not funded at all.

Our amendment would help put our economy back on track and would send a message to the Iraqi government that they must participate in their own future.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

Had I voted, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall No. 294.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a leader in our community. A man of faith and a deep generosity of spirit, Rabbi Howard Shapiro has served his congregation at Temple Israel in Palm Beach County, Florida, with distinction for the last 27 years. His retirement in June will be bittersweet for all those who have come to know the rabbi.

Rabbi Howard Shapiro has served our community for nearly 30 years and has also served our country as an Army chaplain in Vietnam. The rabbi is a family man, and often speaks proudly of his wife, Eileen, his son, David, and daughter, Rachel, and her husband Bobby Green. The Shapiros have five grandchildren--Tali, Jacob, Maya, Samantha and Cory.

Since coming to South Florida, Rabbi Shapiro has been a steadfast leader, serving as president of the Palm Beach County Board of Rabbis and Urban Interfaith Council. He leads his congregation in regular good works, mitzvot, that include helping the elderly and the needy.

Rabbi Shapiro is not only a leader in our Jewish community. He frequently organizes joint programming with Christian congregations and interfaith groups. The rabbi is a community builder in the Palm Beaches, bridging different institutions and forging links between people, traditions and congregations. He cares deeply for Jewish education and loves to teach and to learn.

Rabbi Shapiro has been a blessing to the thousands of congregants he has served over the years. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 952, legislation calling for the establishment of a National Teacher Day. Few professionals touch as many lives as teachers do. They provide us with the knowledge and skills that we need to succeed in life, and their compassion, sacrifice, and dedication to their profession deserves national recognition.

As the son of an elementary school teacher, I was proud to introduce this resolution calling for the establishment of a national day of recognition for our Nation's teachers. My mother and so many other teachers across the country spend their lives working to inspire children and open their minds to new ideas so that they can grow up to be successful in whatever path they choose.

I am sure that each and every one of our colleagues can identify a teacher from their past who left a significant mark on their lives. I know that I would not be here where I am today without the motivation and encouragement of teachers from my past who challenged me to aspire to greater things and pursue my dreams of public service.

For me, the teacher who provided the greatest impact of my life is Dr. Leatrice Rabinsky, a teacher at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio. She was one of the pioneers of Holocaust education. Her teaching and experience left an indelible mark on me and led me to introduce legislation, as a State Senator in Florida, requiring the teaching of the Holocaust in all of Florida's public schools. Florida was one of the first States to pass and implement this policy which is now considered a model for Holocaust education across this country, and I attribute that effort to Dr. Leatrice Rabinsky.

I believe it is important to recognize the hard work of our Nation's teachers who prepare our students to build a stronger America. The education of our children is critical to the success of our country, and despite limited compensation, in many cases, and increasingly high expectations, our teachers rise to the challenge each and every day.

In Florida, the average teacher earns about $43,000 per year, and nationally, teacher salary growth continues to lag behind inflation. This day of recognition is critical for bringing national attention to the pressing need to invest more in our teachers and our public schools. By providing teachers with the support, professional development, and compensation they deserve, we will retain more teachers in the profession and see significant gains in our public schools. No longer can we ask our teachers to increase their workload and raise academic achievement without providing them with the resources they need to do so.

Teachers are a critical component to our increasing global competitiveness, and once again establishing our country as a world leader in the global economy, teachers will play a central role.

I'm proud to have voted for the passage of legislation that invests in our Nation's math and science teachers this year providing roughly 25,000 teachers with assistance in pursuing graduate degrees, summer training, and other types of professional development. I am confident that this is just the beginning of new Federal support investing in science, technology, engineering, and math education and providing incentives to teachers who wish to engage in these specialty areas.

Our teachers are charged with a very difficult task as the pressure continues to grow across the country to increase student achievement. However, they have taken on the challenge with incredible perseverance and determination, and their dedication to our students and their profession deserves thanks and recognition.

I'm hopeful with the passage of this resolution, every American will take time from their day to acknowledge the teachers in their lives, both past and present, for their commitment to this important profession.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my distinguished colleague, Congressman Roskam, for joining me in introducing this legislation, and I thank the overwhelming number of Members who have joined me in support of the establishment of a National Teacher Day.

I urge passage of this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Coral Springs, Florida, on receiving the 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the Nation's highest presidential honor for excellence and organizational performance.

In 1993, city management implemented a Total Quality Management Program designed to overhaul operations and service delivery by becoming more customer-focused and quality-oriented. Today, Coral Springs was the first city to receive the award.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology said of the City of

Coral Springs that it ``demonstrates a consistently high level of financial performance'' and that its key strategic advantage is the ``city's effectiveness of running like a business.''

The city's efforts to improve public safety have resulted in the city's crime rate decreasing by nearly half over the last 10 years, the lowest crime rate in the State.

I rise to congratulate the City of Coral Springs, its citizens and its leadership for striving for the best and inspiring others to do the same.