Nita Lowey: “Let me thank my outstanding colleague from the State of Florida, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. I personally want to…”

“Let me thank my outstanding colleague from the State of Florida, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. I personally want to express my appreciation for the work you have done to make this day a reality so that we can all acknowledge Jewish American Heritage Month. It's because of you that this day is noted, and it's because of you that we have gathered at the White House for a really inspirational speech from President Obama. So as a Jewish American, I want to express my appreciation to you. I know that it may not be coincidental that this was a special time in your life this past week. I think it's appropriate that we talk about your family and your personal commitment to your Jewish heritage. During this month--last week, I believe--your daughter celebrated her bat mitzvah or bene mitzvah. This is such an amazing, amazing time in your life when your daughter or your son reaches that point where they have studied, they have learned what it is to be a Jewish American here in the United States of America. I am sure that your family was just overflowing with joy. And I just want to say mazel tov to you. That means good luck and congratulations. So today I not only rise, Mr. Speaker, to express my appreciation to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for making this Jewish American Heritage Month an annual tradition, but to express my appreciation to you for organizing this event tonight.…”