[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1535-H1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ISRAEL'S DEMOCRACY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as President Biden recently 
said: The genius of Israel and America's democracy is they are both 
built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, and on an 
independent judiciary.
  Israel's checks and balances, its independent judiciary, faced an 
attack from its own, Prime Minister Netanyahu. He tried to implement 
so-called reforms that would turn Israel's courts into nothing more 
than an enforcement tool for his policies.
  By undermining the independent judiciary and disregarding the rule of 
law, sadly, Israel's own Prime Minister threatens the very foundation 
on which Israel's democracy depends.
  Israel must remain a democracy that protects and lifts all of its 
citizens, Israeli and Palestinian. We all want to see a safe and 
successful Israel. To be pro-Israel means always to be pro-democracy.
  I celebrate the estimated more than 600,000 Israeli protesters who 
knew they needed to stand up for their Nation, for their democracy, who 
took to the streets against the blatant disregard for institutions, 
checks and balances, and an independent judiciary. I applaud their 
bravery that made it clear they will not tolerate the undercutting of 
their judicial system, compromising their military readiness, and 
moving their country in the direction of authoritarianism.

  For its future, its safety, and security, for those who love her, 
Israelis and Palestinians alike, Israel must not abandon that genius of 
democracy, just as America cannot.

[[Page H1536]]

  



                      High Hopes for the Phillies

  Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, spring has sprung, and 
opening day is on the horizon. Spring is meant for new beginnings.
  What a run our Phillies had last season. This year, Phillies fans 
come to this season with, as the great Harry Kalas sings to us after 
every home win, ``High Hopes'' for our Fightin' Phils.
  Madam Speaker, we have high hopes for Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, 
Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, and our world-class players 
being led to glory by our manager, Philly Rob; and high hopes for the 
return of Bryce Harper and the recovery of Rhys Hoskins from his 
devastating ACL injury. We wish him a full recovery.
  In my hometown of Glenside, we have high hopes for our two Glenside 
boys, Mike and Sammy Siani. Mike was called up to the majors last 
season with the Cincinnati Reds, and Sammy is well on his way.
  Good luck to the Glenside Siani men, and watch out for the Fightin' 
Phils this season. Let's play ball.


                        Covenant School Shooting

  Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, here we are again, talking 
about another school shooting.
  When will enough be enough in this country?
  How is it that we allow our schoolchildren to go to school each day 
with the uncertainty of their own safety?
  How do we allow parents to drop children off and not be able 
sometimes to pick them up at the end of the school day?
  At Covenant School on Monday, in Nashville, three 9-year-old babies 
were slaughtered and three of their teachers, or adults, were taken, as 
well.

                              {time}  1045

  It is a shameful number. We now in this country have had 15 mass 
shootings at schools. When will enough be enough?
  I hear an appalling silence from the majority party in this House--an 
appalling silence. Call for the safety of every one of our citizens. 
Call for the safety of every one of our children as they go to school, 
that they can come home safely and not be terrorized by what is going 
on.
  Here we are the greatest Nation on the planet, and we can't keep our 
children safe. Let's close the background check loophole. Let's keep 
guns out of the hands of violent people. Let's get weapons of war out 
of the hands of civilians, off our streets, and out of our schools. We 
are failing our children and our grandchildren--this greatest Nation on 
the planet.
  Please stop the appalling silence. Partner with us to end gun 
violence in this country and to end this shameful nightmare.

                          ____________________