Peter Deutsch: “this is with both great pride and sadness that I rise today to join what I really think are unprecedented spontaneous…”

“this is with both great pride and sadness that I rise today to join what I really think are unprecedented spontaneous words of Members to talk about our friend and our colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek). I joined this Chamber with her 10 years ago with several other Members from Florida, and particularly from south Florida. Three of us were elected: myself, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart). For those of us in south Florida, we literally stepped on the shoulders of giants: Claude Pepper, Dante Fascell, Bill Lehman. I think for all of us those truly were icons in American history. We felt we could fill their shoes, but we knew of their legacy. I think after 10 years it is absolutely clear that at least one of us has attained that legacy, and that is the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), who really in the history of America stands out as a unique leader. Clearly not just in the history of Florida, in the history of south Florida, but truly in the history of America she is an icon, an icon in terms of integrity, accomplishment, work, and compassion. I think that is something that she will remain for the rest of her life and for all history. Her legacy is not just her good works but her family, as well, who join her in public service and will continue.”