speaker, to express my appreciation to congresswoman debby waserman shults, for making this -- debby wasserman schulz, for making this an annual tradition, but to express my appreciation to you for organizing this event tonight and i rise to mark the contributions of jewish americans to the rich culture and history of our nation during this jewish american heritage month. jewish tradition embraces the concept of repairing the world. and indeed our actions in congress are aimed at that concept. helping to improve our society, create equity for all, americans ' equality, health care, education and economic opportunity regardless of their ethnic, cultural or socioeconomic background.