Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of my friend Matthew Levin, the Southeastern States Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Matt has shown outstanding leadership in the development and coordination of AIPAC's political and grassroots objectives. It is an honor to commemorate his years of dedicated service in strengthening the United States' relationship with our great ally Israel.

A native of South Florida, Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He first joined the Washington, DC, office of AIPAC in 1987, where he served as a Field Organizer for pro-Israel communities throughout the United States. Matt traveled extensively throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southwest to speak about the importance of the United States-Israel relationship and encourage citizen involvement in the American political process. From this wealth of experience, Matt has gained an extensive background in politics and foreign policy.

Matt's impact in the Jewish community of South Florida and the United States extends beyond his work with AIPAC. For six years, Matt served in BBYO, one of the world's leading Jewish organizations, where he demonstrated his passion for convening and connecting Jewish teenagers of all backgrounds, while motivating them to make a difference in the world. In 1981, Matt rose to become the Gold Coast Council President of

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following:

house resolution

Whereas, 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Art Glass in the United States, and to celebrate the milestone and recognize the many talented artists, including many in Florida, more than 500 glass demonstrations, lectures and exhibitions will take place in museums, galleries, art centers, universities, art organizations, festivals and other venues across the United States, and

Whereas, the Florida Glass Group is an Florida non-profit organization with over 75 members primarily in Florida whose mission is to educate the public concerning the development and appreciation of Contemporary Glass Art in Florida, and

Whereas, the Art Alliance of Contemporary Glass (AACG) is a national non-profit organization with members primarily from the United States, whose mission is to educate the public and to provide grants to further the development and appreciation of art made from glass (Contemporary Glass Art), and

Whereas, AACG and the Florida Glass Group inform and educate the public, including collectors, critics and art curators and provide financial support with grants to University Glass Programs, Museums, Art Center Glass Exhibitions and other public glass programs for Contemporary Glass Art, and

Whereas, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach and the Naples Museum of Art and other art venues in Florida are having exhibitions in 2012 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States; and

Whereas, the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States is also being specifically celebrated and recognized on November 3rd, 2012 by over 300 glass collectors, glass artists, curators, and art gallery owners at an event sponsored by AACG on the Spirit of Chicago in connection with the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art International Art Show (SOFA) one of the World's Foremost Fairs of Art and Design Events at the Navy Pier in Chicago from November 1st through the 4th 2012, therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives of the United States that we recognize the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States; and be it further

Resolved, that we applaud and honor the accomplishments of the Florida Glass Group and AACG as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary in the United States and proclaim the year of 2012 as Contemporary Glass Art Awareness Year in the United States; and be it further

Resolved, that we encourage educators throughout the United States to provide educational programs for their students about Contemporary Glass Art and to arrange for students to attend exhibitions and otherwise participate in the various events and exhibitions recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Contemporary Glass Art. We also encourage all citizens to attend events and exhibitions recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Contemporary Glass Art; and be it further

Resolved, that suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the members of the Art Alliance of Contemporary Glass and Florida Glass Group at the special celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States on the Spirit of Chicago on November 3, 2012 during the SOFA Event at Navy Pier in Chicago as a symbol of our respect and esteem for those organizations and their memberships.

Thank you very much to my dear friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, and thank you for your committed work in making sure that not only this Special Order hour takes place tonight but for your work in ensuring that Jewish American Heritage Month has become a reality. You are to be commended for that, and I think we are all the better for it. I appreciate it, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the seventh annual Jewish American Heritage Month, which is an opportunity for our Nation to recognize the many contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our history. America's Jewish community has helped shape our country since its inception. Jewish Americans have courageously served in our Armed Forces in every major conflict of our Nation's history. They've also helped drive America as a powerhouse of economic innovation, contributing key advances in everything from science and medicine to the law and the arts.

Today, as we mark this year's Jewish American Heritage Month here in Congress, I would like to highlight our community's tremendous contributions to American social policy. Jewish Americans have a long history of shaping our political priorities as a Nation. I am proud to be part of a community that has led efforts to protect the most vulnerable, to ensure fairness in our justice system, to promote economic opportunity, and to safeguard the religious freedoms and liberties of all Americans.

We need look no further than Social Security, a program that helps keep 50 million Americans economically secure each year. Serving on the committee that helped establish Social Security was Wilbur Cohen, a man who was eventually appointed by President Kennedy as an Assistant Secretary for Legislation of Health, Education, and Welfare. As a member of President Johnson's Cabinet, Wilbur Cohen's influence over issues that impact America's seniors continue to grow, and many today regard him as the man who built Medicare.

Jewish Americans also took an active role in our Nation's struggle for civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, Jewish Americans were passionately engaged in the struggle for civil rights:

Rabbi Stephen Wise, the great American Jewish leader, was one of the founders of the NAACP. He made the case that civil rights were not only a Jewish issue but that civil rights were a quintessential Jewish issue. He understood and believed firmly that the Jewish community and that the Nation--America--were stronger when prejudice was defeated and when equal rights were extended to all;

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma. In reflecting upon that march, Rabbi Heschel said, When I marched in Selma, my legs were praying. It was his understanding, his commitment, to what he viewed as essentially the holy work of lifting up all Americans and of ensuring equal rights for all;

Several prominent Jewish activists, including Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman lost their lives, along with African American activist James Chaney, while fighting for the right to vote alongside organizers in the South;

And perhaps there is no greater indication of Jewish Americans' involvement in the struggle for civil rights than the fact that both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965--two landmark pieces of civil rights legislation--were both drafted as legislation at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

As a Jewish American, I am honored to be part of a community that throughout our Nation's history has helped make America a more fair and a more just Nation--a Nation where opportunity extends to all, where everyone can be lifted up by being given the chance to succeed. It is a commitment to ensuring that seniors live lives of dignity and where the poor receive the support that they need when times are most difficult. Finally, it is the respect for every American--the dignity of every American--that is recognized and fought for still to this day by so many in the Jewish community.

I am so grateful to my friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for helping to ensure that we have the opportunity to share these thoughts here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this evening. I am grateful for that opportunity. I thank you for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Diane Glasser, the National and State Party Committeewoman and Vice Mayor of the City of Tamarac. As she concludes her term as Vice Mayor, we reflect on her years of dedicated community and public service which set a brilliant example for our future generations. It is truly an honor to represent her in the United States Congress.

Ms. Glasser has been integral in the significant growth and progress that the City of Tamarac has made over the past 20 years. She is a truly active and inspirational leader. She is involved in many civic and national organizations, such as the AARP, Hadassah, JAFCO, and University Hospital. Within the City of Tamarac alone, she has been a Charter Board Member, City Commissioner, and Vice Mayor. Ms. Glasser epitomizes public service, and it is unfortunate that I can only mention just a few in a long list of her tremendous accomplishments. I can affirm beyond a doubt that she has been an important leader in the Democratic Party in South Florida, and I do not want her achievements to go unrecognized.

It is a privilege to represent an individual who has done so much for Broward County and the City of Tamarac. I applaud her efforts, and even though her term has come to a close, I look forward to her continued good work for years to come.

Congratulations to Diane Glasser, together with her children and her grandchildren, as they celebrate this well deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, and I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 568, a resolution making clear that the United States' policy towards Iran is not one of containment but is one of prevention.

I'm pleased to have co-introduced this resolution with a bipartisan group of colleagues, including the chair, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.

Indeed, this Congress, this administration, and this President understand that failing to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran would ignite a destabilizing arms race in the Middle East, would threaten the very existence of our ally Israel,

and would endanger the security of the American people.

As Iran faces growing international isolation, now is not the time to roll back crippling economic sanctions, nor should we fall victim to this regime's penchant of hiding behind the pretense of negotiations simply to buy more time. With this resolution, we will send a message to Iran's regime and to the world that the U.S. will accept nothing less than a strict policy of prevention when it comes to this regime's illicit quest for nuclear weapons.

Mr. Speaker, in Congress, it's our job to help protect the American Dream. We have to remain the land of opportunity where anyone willing to work hard and stay focused can secure a brighter future. If Congress fails to act, 7 million college students across the country will see their student loan interest rates double to 6.8 percent.

I met some of these students last week at Palm Beach State College. Whether it's the young man who works 85 hours a week while carrying 12 credit hours--the first in his family to go to college--or the young man who described in passion the 14-year path he has embarked upon to serve out his dream by becoming a surgeon, their pursuing higher education is a path of opportunity.

If we want to protect the American Dream here in Congress, then we should give legislation that keeps interest rates low a fair shot. After all, that's all America's students are asking for--a fair shot at the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, when the doorbell rang at 5 a.m., Kimberly Metcalf of Boynton Beach, Florida, knew her worst fear had come true. Her only child, 22-year-old Michael Metcalf, U.S. Army private first class, died in Afghanistan on Sunday following an IED attack. Michael was killed while at the wheel of his armored vehicle that was going to rescue other soldiers that had been struck by a roadside bomb. Described by his mother as tough and strong, with a sensitive side, that he performed this one last act of bravery came as no surprise to all who knew him.

Michael attended Park Vista High School and graduated from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy. He loved surfing, skim-boarding, and spending time by the water.

On Monday, Michael's friends and family gathered at the inlet to light candles on his surfboard. Winds blew out all but one. As his friends said, The candle wouldn't go out. He wanted to hang out with us all night.

We will never forget Michael Metcalf's sacrifice, and our Nation is forever grateful for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Annette Fentin, recipient of the Jewish Museum of Florida's Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award. Her tenacity, professionalism, and role as a business and philanthropic leader in Florida are truly an inspiration, and it is an honor to represent her in the United States Congress.

Annette Fentin is a pioneer. At a time when the very existence of her career seemed improbable, she not only entered the workforce but skyrocketed to the top of her field. As a young mother balancing numerous family obligations, Annette was inspired to get a real estate license, and after overcoming numerous hurdles was soon a top seller at a real estate firm.

In 1969, after being recognized as a respected member of the business community, Annette became the first woman member to be appointed to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. She worked side by side with 99 men to help make Jacksonville a place where businesses could grow and thrive. Soon, Annette was appointed to their board of governors, was organizing business exchanges with countries around the world as head of the World Trade Committee in Jacksonville, and began her own firm where she employed 30 individuals. And the honor of being the first

woman member of an influential organization was given to her once more, as she was appointed to the University of North Florida board of trustees.

But Annette's service to her community transcends far beyond the realm of creating an environment where business can flourish. She is committed to improving education for people in Florida, and has organized fundraisers with her Synagogue, B'nai Torah, to assist students in need at FAU. Furthermore, in Miami she was instrumental in the creation of Israel Tennis Centers, a Jewish organization that fosters cultural exchange by connecting athletes who are part of the global Jewish community.

Today, women make up half of our workforce here in the United States. And although we have made great strides since the 1960's when Annette first began her career, we are often reminded that there is still room for progress. Business owners like Annette who took on careers previously reserved for men are an inspiration to us all. She reminds us that with tenacity and courage it is possible to break barriers and give women a seat at the table.

Mr. Speaker, today is Israel's independence day, Yom Ha'azmaut, and I recognize our great ally's many achievements over the past 64 years.

Israel has endured against all odds, against border attacks, against deniers of a right to exist, against international bias; and even in the face of the threats posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel valiantly strides forward.

Israel is a world hub for biotechnology, for medical research, green energy and innovation, and she is also a welcoming home to those seeking freedom and equal rights as the region's only true democracy.

So as we celebrate Israel's independence day, let's remember why our bonds run so deep. It's more than strategic cooperation or shared security. It's the values that Americans and Israelis share. For democracy and freedom, for basic human dignity, that's what forms the bond; and it's a bond that I will always work to protect and support.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the White House's first-ever Rotary Day. Tomorrow, Americans from Rotary Clubs across the Nation will be honored as champions of change in their communities.

Many of us in this House frequent Rotary Clubs throughout our districts. I'm always pleased to meet with constituents so committed to honest discussion, civic engagement, and the betterment of our community.

Last week, at a meeting of a Rotary Club in Coral Springs, Florida, I was reminded of something I would like to share with you today. It's called the Four-Way Test. These principles guide Rotary members in

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed.

Mr. Speaker, this debate has revealed deep differences between the majority and minority when it comes to how to grow our economy. We object to how Leader Cantor's bill borrows $47 billion from China for tax cuts designed to benefit millionaires. That's why the CBO ranked this proposal second to dead last in a long list of things we could do to create jobs.

Now, Americans have learned by now that there is no such thing as a temporary Republican tax cut for the wealthy. They're all permanent. Let's acknowledge the real price tag here, a half a trillion dollars in deficit spending over the next decade--not for education, not for infrastructure, another $500 billion in windfall for the wealthy.

As I said before, our disagreements run deep. The fact that we are outnumbered means that this misguided

legislation will likely pass. Given that reality, we should at least be able to come together and agree on which businesses should be excluded from this new windfall. That's what my amendment aims to do.

My changes are relatively small. In fact, Leader Cantor's legislation remains largely the same. For example, pass my amendment, and H.R. 9 will still uphold the GOP plan to take $46 billion from China and give half of it to millionaires. H.R. 9 will still count oil speculators, professional sports teams, and corporate lobbyists as small businesses. H.R. 9 will still pick and choose winners and losers by arbitrarily adding new loopholes to our already overcomplicated Tax Code. And, of course, Leader Cantor's massive tax cut will remain available to businesses even if they create no jobs at all.

So let me be crystal clear about what my bill changes. It better safeguards our taxpayer dollars.

First, my amendment will stop businesses engaging in illegal activity, from drug trafficking to prostitution, from receiving this deduction. This is a no-brainer, and I have no idea why it's not in the bill already. We should all agree, given the recent news from South America, that there is no such thing as being too careful with American tax dollars.

Second, this amendment ensures that no company that outsources American jobs will qualify for this windfall. Certainly our constituents don't want us borrowing money from China to give to companies that outsource jobs to China. Certainly we can all agree that cutting taxes for businesses that are American in name only, that choose foreign workers over American workers, do not deserve another giveaway.

Third, my amendment prevents companies that do business with Iran from being eligible for this tax cut. As Iran pursues an illicit nuclear weapons program, we should not reward businesses that threaten the security of the United States and our treasured ally Israel.

Mr. Speaker, my amendment also stops this bill from cutting taxes for pornographic empires that somehow qualify as small businesses under this bill. It also requires Members of Congress who are owners of small businesses to disclose any benefits that they get under this bill. It excludes golf courses that discriminate based on race and gender. Finally, my amendment bans lobbyists from cashing in on this deduction.

Now, look, I know as soon as I sit down a colleague from the other side of the aisle will come forward and claim that I'm pursuing some procedural ploy and attempting to kill the bill. That's simply not true. Adopt these changes so we can vote on the final bill right here and right now.

Join me and prevent Americans' hard-earned tax dollars from subsidizing Iranian nucs, cutting costs for criminals, and padding the pockets of pornographers. And let's make sure that this bill does not reward companies that ship jobs overseas. It is the right thing to do. It's up to us to make these changes. We can make them right here and right now.

I ask all of my colleagues to protect the American taxpayers and support these final protections to the bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 11th annual America's Young Heroes contest, which honors students who have created visual art, film, poetry and essays to promote self-empowerment and combat bullying. These students have undoubtedly fostered more tolerant communities in South Florida as well as across the country, and I applaud their efforts.

Last year in the United States, nearly 5.7 million middle school and high school students were bullied. Even more tragic is the fact that almost one in five teens who were victims of bullying contemplated ending their own lives. America's Young Heroes provides a vital platform for teens to address these problems in a way that helps promote positive change.

I congratulate the organizers and participants of the America's Young Heroes contest for operating under the shared belief that in America, no child should be afraid to go to school because he or she is experiencing bullying. It is my hope that because of their efforts, we can work towards a future where all schools are a safe place for students to learn and grow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mike Jones' years of dedicated service to the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. Mike leaves behind a strong legacy of working with business and community leaders to create progress in our community.

Founded 35 years ago, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to help foster an environment where businesses can grow and thrive. As president of this vital organization, Mike has worked for over a decade in order to achieve that goal. He understood that pragmatic solutions come from bringing more people to the table. That is why he led a forum of 30 business groups to help discuss the development of a strategic plan for the county, and worked to create a regulatory climate more conducive to business practices.

Mike's impact in South Florida extends beyond the business world. During his tenure, he worked with the entire community to help advocate for better schools and educational opportunities, and prioritized ethics reform by pushing the county to create an Office of the Inspector General and an Ethics Commission.

I congratulate Mike Jones, his wife Dee, and their son, as they celebrate Mike's retirement. Mike's dedicated leadership has made a positive impact on the South Florida community, and it is an honor to represent him here in Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Captain Robert C. Grant, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Coast Guard Reserve. For over 30 years, Captain Grant has dedicated his life to serving our nation and protecting South Florida, and it is truly an honor to represent him here in Washington.

Captain Grant is an exceptional public servant. As Deputy Chief of Staff of the seventh Coast Guard District, he served as a senior advisor to eight admirals, and provided support to Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. And as Congressional Liaison for Florida's 19th district, Captain Grant assisted Congress in passing legislation that has proved instrumental in addressing new maritime smuggling tactics.

But Captain Grant's work also extends to the realm of community outreach. He helped strengthen the relationship between the Coast Guard and the Cuban and Haitian communities in South Florida through a dedicated public outreach initiative. Furthermore, he was able to assist with relief efforts in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his exemplary service.

Captain Robert C. Grant's service in the United States Coast Guard has made an extraordinary local, national, and international impact, and has made South Florida a safe place where families can grow and thrive. It is my hope that his example will inspire others to serve their communities for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. Stanley Goodman and Mrs. Pearl Goodman for their years of exemplary service to the South Florida Jewish community. Their accomplishments are truly a cause for celebration, and it is a privilege to represent them in the United States Congress.

Since becoming members of the South Florida community in 1961, The Goodmans have been tireless advocates for Israel, and have joined countless organizations like The Hillel of Broward and Pam Beach to promote the welfare of Jewish people across the globe. During their 58 years of marriage, the couple has instituted mentoring programs, as well as networks through universities in Broward and Palm Beach that allow young students to engage with the larger Jewish community. In addition, Both Dr. and Mrs. Goodman have served on the Board of the Jewish Family Services of Broward County and are actively involved in the award-winning David Posnak Jewish Day School where Dr. Goodman is an Honorary Vice-President.

But the Goodman family's service extends beyond the scope of creating a more inclusive, informed Jewish community, and includes a commitment to fostering artistic enrichment in South Florida. Dr. Goodman has served as Secretary for the Executive Committee at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, and Mrs. Goodman is an avid supporter of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Foundation.

The South Florida Jewish community has undoubtedly been strengthened by the Goodmans exceptional work. They are truly a source of inspiration for all those who have dedicated themselves to promoting Jewish causes, and I look forward to their continued good work.

Congratulations to Stanley and Pearl Goodman, and well as their children and grandchildren, as they celebrate this well deserved honor.