On the recordApril 15, 2010
Thank you, Speaker Pelosi. This is a truly humbling day, and the honor of a lifetime. My constituents are an extraordinary collection of Americans, seniors who served our Nation valiantly in times of war and rebuilt this country after the Great Depression. They are hardworking families who strive to pass on a better world and greater opportunities to their children. I want to thank Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their exceptional leadership. I am also grateful to my South Florida friends, Representatives Klein, Meek, and Wasserman Schultz, and especially our dean, Congressman Hastings. I want to thank Congressman Wexler for his service, as well as his support and friendship. I will never forget my family, friends, volunteers, and most importantly voters, who helped send me here today. I want to profoundly thank my wife, Jill, and my three children, Gabrielle, Serena, and Cole, who are all here with us today. Their love and support means the world to me. In all of her 86 years, my mother, Jean Deutch, never could have imagined hearing her name in this Chamber, and she is here with us today. {time} 1345 Mom, thank you for making me believe that I could be anything I wanted to be, because today I am a Member of the United States Congress. Thank you, Madam Speaker. ____________________





