Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, last week, we all learned the tragic news that a military transport plane crashed into the Mississippi Delta. Sixteen marines, who courageously fought to defend our country, died from this unfortunate event.

One of those marines was Sergeant Joe Murray of Jacksonville, Florida. I would like to take this moment to express our deepest condolences to Sergeant Murray's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sergeant Murray was a husband to Gayle Murray, and a father of four beautiful children--Isaac; Annabelle; and twins, Judah and Micah. He was known for being a family man who cared deeply for those around him.

Murray was a member of a special operations team and was promoted three times in the first 3 years he was in the Marine Corps and was deployed to Afghanistan twice.

The son of a Navy man, Sergeant Murray will always be remembered as a true American hero. I will continue to pray for him and his family and for every soldier out there protecting our great country.

May he rest in peace, and semper fi.

Mr. Speaker, On rollcall vote No. 412 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, once again, President Trump's budget calls for extreme cuts to vital programs that are funding for the Nation's poor, for healthcare, food stamps, student loans, and disability payments. It is a very shortsighted plan that seeks to break the situation that exists for those who can least afford it, while giving tax breaks to the wealthy in our country.

In my district, one in every four Floridians have been on food stamps for some point over the last 12 months. This is twice the national average. It is really unconscionable for the President to propose cutting nutrition benefit programs by $192 billion because that would mean less to those in north Florida who need it the most.

SNAP programs that benefit the needy are so important. We have kids in north Florida, which I have had the personal opportunity to witness, in school programs, and probably the only meal that they are going to get is at school where they come and don't have an opportunity to get another meal at home.

We put hardworking Floridians in a no-win position, having to choose between paying their light bills or affordable healthcare. This is totally unacceptable in America.

This budget calls for slashing $800 billion from Medicaid over the next decade and $72 billion for disability benefits, which are so important. There is no way that we should be encouraging people who are disabled to go out and work to earn their benefits.

Did you know, Mr. Speaker, that almost 40 percent of low-income women in America who are between the age of 15 and 49 years use Medicaid to pay for their healthcare needs?

And in my home State, Florida, 50 percent of those pregnancies are paid for by Medicaid. Who will make up the difference? The need will not magically disappear, as most people think.

This is a shortsighted budget and one that eliminates programs that particularly are geared toward protecting the poor. That is what our job should be in government: to make sure that we protect those and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

At this time, when we need to be working to make college more affordable and accessible in order to prepare the next generation of tomorrow's leaders, this is counterproductive to be cutting financial assistance to these students.

The President is proposing deep cuts to our Nation's poorest urban and rural communities, which would shrink the supply of affordable housing and increase homelessness and other hardships across this country.

I personally have been touring areas in my district where HUD has failed these communities. The budget continues corporate welfare to Wall Street, and what is so amazing is that Wall Street doesn't receive those cuts. The people who receive the cuts are the ones who need it the most.

An inspiring and most hopeful past President once said that the defining challenge of our time is making sure that our economy works for every working American.

This budget cut does not put us on the path of tackling these challenges. I believe that our Nation's budget should reflect our own values as a society, but it does not align with the values of the Fifth Congressional District, and, therefore, I intend to strongly oppose this budget.

We need to remember that all of the issues we debate on this floor, from healthcare to the President's budget, to America's role in the Middle East, and our borders, foreign policies, those issues have an effect on all of our constituents. While some of our colleagues seem to only want to have political perks, sound bites in the media back home, I implore them to remember this simple fact: The work we do here matters to every person in America, not to just those who vote for us.

It is important that as we approach this budget, Mr. Speaker, that we think about those who are less fortunate.

Mr. Speaker, this week is infrastructure week, and today I rise to highlight the need to update our country's aging infrastructure system. This is a topic that is important in both the rural and urban areas of our country.

From the highway system in Lake City, Florida, to the port needs of Jacksonville, we must put forth the necessary resources to update our transit needs.

Each year, millions of tons of freight traffic, seaport cargo, and rail cargo pass through Jacksonville as they are transported to communities throughout our country.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is building a 57-mile bus rapid transit system, which is cost-effective and will support hundreds, and potentially thousands, of new jobs.

They are also overseeing the development of the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center, a transportation hub that will consolidate major modes of public transportation, making transit more accessible and convenient.

While that is all good news, there is still much work to be done to improve our infrastructure in north Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, during their annual James ``Biff'' Carter Kappas on Capitol Hill Legislative Policy Conference.

Each year, donning their crimson blazers, they come to Capitol Hill to raise awareness around many of the key issues facing the African- American and other communities in this country.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity represents over 150,000 members from all 50 states, several U.S. territories, and six countries around the globe. These distinguished men of achievement are leaders in their respected communities, in the boardrooms, classrooms and academia, public service, and every field of human endeavor.

Today, it is with great humility and commitment to improving our communities that my brothers in the bond come to Washington for the Kappas on Capitol Hill Legislative Policy Conference.

As I see the brothers in their red blazers walk these hallowed halls, bringing their professional expertise, wisdom gained through experience, and passion for their communities to Washington, my heart beams with pride.

Mr. Speaker, now, more than ever, we need leaders in our communities to raise their voices to raise awareness about the issues that are confronting our communities back home. Today, I am proud of my brothers in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, for coming to Congress today to ensure that we never forget how decisions on issues like health care, higher education, job creation, and veteran benefits are affecting our communities at home.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot of big ideas and promises from the President, but we haven't seen much intangible action from the Republicans over the last 100 days. We know we need to continue to improve health care in this country, yet Republicans have failed to come up with a reasonable solution.

As someone who has spent over 36 years working in the insurance industry, I stand willing and ready to work with my colleagues to improve health care for my constituents and the American people, especially in the Fifth Congressional District.

What we really need is for my colleagues to focus on energy and creating jobs. That is so important here in America.

What we don't need is to continue with more of the antics from the President who is more focused on selling scores from the campaign trail than finding real solutions for the American people.

It really is a sad day in America when Congress can't come together to make real progress for the American people. Real progress. We need to put aside the bickering and roll up our sleeves in order to get the work done for the people in America.

That is something we should all be able to do within the next 100 days. There has been so much concern about what is happening with the present administration over the next 100 days. So since that is prevalent and the American people have heard about it, now the concentration is on what Congress and the President are going to do for the next 100 days for the American people.

I urge my colleagues to join me in doing what is right--right for their constituents, right for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 9 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until Monday, May 1, 2017, at noon for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the West Gadsden Boys Basketball Team on their 2017 FHSAA State Championship win over Wildwood. This is the first time in 46 years that the mighty bulldog's basketball team has accomplished this great milestone. They have proven that dedication, hard work and unwavering passion will carry you a long way.

This win was a special moment for West Gadsden Bulldogs as it honored one of their very own. On June 17, coaching legend William Moody, who helped the Bulldogs win 75 games in a row and Class C state tides from 1969-71, passed away.

The Bulldogs has made not only me and Coach Moody proud, but the entire Fifth Congressional District proud as well.

I look forward to watching their future success in both their academic and athletic pursuits and wish them all the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of FAMU Women's Softball Head Coach, Veronica Wiggins. Coach Wiggins and her team celebrated her 700th career victory earlier this month in the Puerto Rico Collegiate Softball Classic.

Coach Wiggins reached this impressive milestone in her 26th season at Florida A&M University. With this win, Coach Wiggins is now the longest serving head coach in the school's 100-plus year of athletic history and ranked 44th on the NCAA's Career Coaching wins list for active coaches. Known as an intense competitor, master psychologist and mother hen, Coach Wiggins is a true leader in the Rattler Community.

Since the beginning of her career at FAMU in 1990, Coach Wiggins has been the architect of one of the more respected mid major Women's Softball programs in NCAA Division One. She has led FAMU Softball to a 226-76 record all-time in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, while guiding her charges into postseason play eight times. Coach Wiggins was inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame, won the MEAC Outstanding Tournament Coach Award eight times and is a four-time MEAC Coach of the Year. She has served with a spirit of love and patience that has carried her into victory.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire FAMU Rattler community, I am proud to honor Coach Wiggins. She is an inspiration to many across northern Florida both on and off the softball field. Her enthusiasm and passion for her team have not gone unnoticed.

I look forward to watching FAMU Women's Softball Team future success and I wish Coach Wiggins well as she continues to lead the mighty rattlers to victory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ribault High School Girls' Basketball Team. The Lady Trojans won their 11th state championship title with a 60-37 win over Orlando Bishop Moore in the Class 5A championship game. Under the leadership and guidance of Head Coach Shelia Seymore-Pennick, the Lady Trojans are truly a force to be reckoned with.

The Lady Trojans Basketball team is no stranger to winning. With a nearly perfect record for the season, with only a three-point loss, they make residents of Florida's Fifth Congressional District proud.

As a former basketball player, I am excited to witness the success of such hardworking and dedicated young women. They are the true definition of a team and show these qualities both on and off the basketball court.

I look forward to watching their future success in both their academic and athletic pursuits and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Lady Trojans Girls' Basketball Team and Coach Shelia Seymore-Pennick on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a school in my District who was recently crowned as state champions for the third time in three years. The FAMU Development Research School Baby Rattlers Girls' Basketball Team, led by Head Coach Erika Cromartie, made history with a 46-37 win over Tampa Carrollwood in the FHSAA Class 3A state championship game. As a fellow rattler, I am extremely proud of their hard work and dedication in achieving this goal.

The baby Rattlers has had an amazing season and has made Florida's fifth Congressional District proud. They have represented us well. Winning a state championship is a testament to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed.

It takes a dedicated combination of skills and many hours of practice to win a state title. They have surely earned this honor. I look forward to watching their future success in both their academic and athletic pursuits and wish them all the best in these future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Baby Rattlers Girls' Basketball Team on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, the Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is an exercise in smoke and mirrors.

This proposal would give tax breaks to wealthy Americans by burdening hardworking families with higher healthcare costs.

The Republican plan allows for soaring new healthcare costs for our seniors and shortens the life of the Medicare trust fund, endangering seniors and disabled Americans who depend on Medicare coverage.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that if the Republican proposal became the law of the land, some 14 million people will be without healthcare insurance in 2018, and up to 24 million could lose their healthcare coverage by the year 2026. The CBO also found that average premiums for people buying insurance on their own would be 15 to 20 percent higher in 2018 and 2019 than they would under current law.

In my home district, the uninsured rate has gone from 18.7 percent to 14.9 percent since the Affordable Care Act was implemented, and 34,000 people have purchased coverage thanks to the ACA. Those people are now at risk of losing their healthcare coverage if the Republican plan becomes law. This is completely unacceptable to Floridians.

We know that the Affordable Care Act is not a perfect law, and there is a lot of room for improvement. That is what we should focus on in Congress right now: coming together to figure out ways to bring down healthcare costs, stabilize the market, and help ensure that more people can have access to the affordable health care they need and deserve.

We need to put aside the partisan bickering, roll up our sleeves, and get to work. It is a sad day in America when Members of Congress are unable to come together to do what is right for the American people. I will continue to fight to ensure that Floridians with preexisting conditions don't have to worry about losing their healthcare costs, and that young adults can stay on their family's insurance until they reach age 26.

I urge my colleagues to remember that no roads or bridges were ever built by Democrats or Republicans. No war was ever won by Democrats or Republicans. From Social Security to Medicare, to putting a man on the Moon

and tearing down the Berlin wall, none of these milestones in our history was accomplished by one particular political party. They are a result of public servants coming together to solve the great challenges of our time.

This is the challenge that lies before us: we must find a way to come together to make meaningful progress for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, the Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is an exercise in smoke and mirrors.

This proposal would give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans while burdening the hardworking families with higher healthcare costs. The Republican plan also allows soaring new healthcare costs for our seniors and shortens the life of the Medicare trust fund, endangering seniors and disabled Americans who depend on Medicaid coverage. This is completely unacceptable to Floridians.

We need to hear from the Congressional Budget Office about what this bill would really mean in numbers. The American people deserve to understand what the Republicans are trying to do with their health care.

I will continue to fight to ensure that Floridians with preexisting conditions don't have to worry about losing their healthcare coverage, and that young adults can stay on their parents' insurance until they reach age 26, and that we are going to do all we can to make health care affordable and accessible for all Americans and not just for a select few.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month. It is especially meaningful to me this year as I am so proud to have the honor to represent the great people of Florida's Fifth Congressional District.

Now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon all of us to work to ensure we are protecting our beacons of democracy within our government institutions, from maintaining a vigilant and responsive Department of Justice, to a robust Department of Health and Human Services, to ensuring that our Department of Education is advancing public education and protecting our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

One African-American who left a lasting legacy in education in Florida is John G. Riley, who was born a slave in 1857 and who died as a millionaire in 1954. Riley was a schoolteacher in Wakulla County, near Tallahassee, and later became the principal of Lincoln Academy in Tallahassee, Florida, serving the community as an educator for 49 years.

Riley was also the first African-American in Tallahassee to own property at the turn of the century. Today, we can all visit the John G. Riley Museum for African American History and Culture to learn more about his contributions to the fabric of African-American history.

In Jacksonville, we celebrate Mary Littlejohn Singleton, who became the first Black woman elected to the City Council in Jacksonville, Florida, and then elevated herself to be elected to the Florida Legislature, the first one since the Reconstruction era. Singleton paved the way for other Black women to follow in her footsteps in the Florida Legislature, like former Congresswoman Carrie Meek, and our colleague, Frederica Wilson, who serves now with us today.

It is stories like John G. Riley's and Singleton's and countless others that remind me to work and lead us ahead in the future. We must think differently and act differently to affect change by working together to help our fellow men and women.

I am committed to standing with the Congressional Black Caucus and to keep the fight for equality for all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise to voice my strong opposition to the current efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Nearly 20 million Americans have gained access to health care because of the Affordable Care Act, including nearly 1.5 million Floridians. Because of the ACA, over 278,000 children in Florida have gained healthcare coverage, and 132,000 young adults in Florida have been able to remain on their parents' health insurance plan until they reach age 26. Women in Florida and across this Nation can now purchase health insurance for the same price as men because of the ACA's ban on gender rating.

Repealing the law could endanger the health and welfare of hundreds of thousands of Floridians and their families. Repealing the ACA would not only make America sick again, but it would threaten the economic security of every American. I will not stand by and allow my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to dismantle the ACA and threaten the health and economic security of millions of hardworking Americans.