Date: 2010-05-26
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Thank you. Thats right. They wished for a doctor or a lawyer. they got a Member of Congress. What can you do? They had to settle. Mr. Speaker. as I wrap up. and I am going to yield the last portion of our time to my good friend from Indiana. but I do want to talk about this years Jewish American Heritage Month. And its been packed with programs celebrating the contributions of American Jews to our country with movies. cultural exhibitions. speakers. and innovative educational curricula. Right here in Washington. the United Jewish Communities and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington will once again be hosting what has become their annual tradition. a reception for Members of Congress and members of the Jewish community right here on Capitol Hill. J Street will also be hosting a reception to celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month with Members of Congress. their staff. and the Jewish community. But thats not all. The Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration has been hosting lectures and exhibits and discussions about Jewish contributions to America. In my home State of Florida. there will be a celebration of Jewish contributions to the civil rights movement. And the Marlins baseball team will host a Jewish Heritage Game. I can share with you that I had the privilege of throwing out the first pitch last year at the Jewish Heritage Game. which was really neat. But at that game they have kosher food and Jewish music inbetween innings. and its really an incredible experience. Cincinnati. Ohio will be hosting lectures. including one on President Lincolns solid relationship with Jewish Americans. And Wyoming of all places will host a festival celebrating Jewish food. And Lord knows that we Jews like food a whole lot. Events are also scheduled to occur in New York. California. Texas and other States around the country. but I think the thing that we are all the most proud of is that tomorrow we will join President Barack Obama and the first lady. who will hold the first ever White House celebration and ceremony honoring Jewish American Heritage Month and the contributions of Jewish Americans throughout American history. Its our first opportunity to have that celebration in the White House during the month of May and Jewish American Heritage Month. Mr. Speaker. we have come a long way in recent years to promote appreciation for the multicultural fabric of the United States. Its our responsibility to continue this education. If we as a Nation are to prepare our children for the challenges that lie ahead. then teaching diversity is a fundamental part of that promise. Together. we can help achieve this goal of understanding with the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. I thank my colleagues for their support and call on all Americans to observe this special month by celebrating the many contributions of Jewish culture throughout our Nations history. With that. I would be happy to yield to the gentleman from Indiana who hopefully will come up with a good segue from Jewish American Heritage Month to what he has come to share with us tonight about his constituents.