Israel's Democracy

Floor Speech

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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. High Hopes for the Phillies

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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

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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.

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.

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