Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this dog does not hunt. The cow has left the barn. This is absurd.

I rise today to urge Congress to put aside partisan politics. We are playing a dangerous game that the majority of Americans agree is time to end.

While certainly Congress needs to fix the Affordable Care Act--of course. I've signed on to several of these bills; we want to make this work. But what is true is that this is behind us. We can neither go back nor start again. We need to fix what we have.

Instead of finding commonsense solutions, all we are doing is letting people go home and not respond to those needs. In Florida alone, 90,000 folks are going to be sent home.

Not passing the legislation closes critical parks that are essential to tourism and hurts agencies that are essential to driving trade and commerce. This is ridiculous, and it is beneath the dignity of this body.

We've heard a lot of things from the other side here. I understand messaging so that we can make the argument, but what needs to be done is we need to sit. I sat with my colleagues on the other side just yesterday. You can see the angst in their eyes. But unfortunately, they have been taken hostage by extremist elements in their party.

The time has come to put these guys aside and come to a deal. We can fix a lot of these problems. We've cut government spending. We can do more of it. We can make government more efficient. We can fix the sequester and give agencies more flexibility.

We agree with all of that on this side. We just need our colleagues to step up and push aside these extremist elements, this ``Taliban'' that is in America's core for some reason. It's time to act. It's time to fix this problem.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to please step forward. There are many of us that want to find a solution. We need to let the majority work its will. That is what the Founders intended for the House of Representatives. It is the voice of the country. It is the popular voice. Please let the majority vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Florida International University's College of Education for their recognition by Excelencia in Education as an ``Example of Excelencia'' for the College's ``Creating Latino Access to a Valuable Education'' or CLAVE program. CLAVE is a truly outstanding program that aims to increase the number of graduate degrees awarded to Hispanic American teachers and administrators by providing scholarships to complete masters and doctoral degrees.

It brings me great pride to represent a university that not only leads the nation in awarding bachelor's and master's degrees to Hispanic students but is also deeply invested in its surrounding community.

After receiving a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, CLAVE was created as a collaborative effort between the College of Education and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS). The program targets low performing urban schools within the school district as a way to enhance the professional development of teachers working in challenging academic environments and ultimately enhance the performance of the students they serve. CLAVE selects teachers that come from schools where more than 50 percent of the student population is Hispanic and less than half of the faculty holds Master's degrees.

The financial support offered by CLAVE doesn't only expand the educational opportunities of Hispanic Americans through direct scholarships. This program also provides the College with resources to expand its institutional capacity by improving its Student Support Services, enhancing its mentoring support at the graduate level, strengthening academic quality, expanding technological infrastructure, and targeting the professional development of faculty.

While this project focuses on expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans, all students attending the College of Education benefit as do the MDCPS students who will gain better trained teachers. The results of the pre/post test that is used to measure changes in students' performance resulting from improved knowledge and skills of participating teachers and administrators in the program prove the benefits of CLAVE.

CLAVE is a vehicle to enhance access for Hispanic-Americans to post- baccalaureate degrees, and like FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said, ``it is a great example of FIU's commitment to Miami-Dade's public schools, its teachers and its students.''

Mr. Speaker, FIU and its College of Education are truly ``Examples in Excelencia'', and more universities should follow suit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an impending problem, which is the increase of insurance premiums in south Florida and throughout our country.

The Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 will burden many homeowners with flood insurance increases of up to 25 percent for years to come. Congress must act to reverse these increases and ensure they do not undermine our housing market.

Mr. Speaker, this is a national problem. This act was passed before I came to office, but affects my constituents and the Nation as a whole, and seriously threatens our economic recovery. There is already a bill that can delay these increases and gives us time to work on this problem. Let's act now.

Mr. Speaker, this is neither a Democratic problem nor a Republican problem. This is a national problem. Perhaps if we work on real problems as opposed to ideological problems, we can find the common ground that all Americans wish us to work on.

I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting our hardworking homeowners by creating a commonsense solution that addresses this crisis.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. We recognize the important roles these institutions play in educating our future leaders. With more than 60 percent Hispanic enrollment, Florida International University has made tremendous contributions to my district, among those my own father, who graduated from there. And Hispanic-Serving Institutions are not

only a boon for our community but for our Nation.

Just this month, FIU received an $11 million grant benefiting the south Florida community and transportation. It was also featured on NBC's Today show as they began operating the Aquarius Reef Base. I believe in the future of FIU and have no doubt that it will continue to build on its past achievements in order to reach greater heights. In closing, I would like to thank all Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a valiant, devoted woman. At age 64, Diana Nyad navigated the Florida Straits--a treacherous body of water between Cuba and Florida. However, Diana's journey wasn't accomplished by vessel; instead, she swam . . . 110 miles . . . without a shark cage.

Despite several failed attempts at accomplishing her goal, her passion, perseverance, and persistence never faltered. As the first person to accomplish this astonishing feat, Diana's display of tenacity and enterprise is worthy of acclaim.

Ms. Nyad's triumph is a true testament of the human spirit and an embodiment of the ``anything is possible'' philosophy. Her mantra, ``find a way'', is one elicited by a true role model.

I commend Ms. Nyad for her achievement, as she serves as an example to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the SNAP program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP is a critically important program. It helps struggling families put food on the table while they work to get back on their feet. It helps our Nation's most vulnerable, as nearly two-thirds of recipients are children, elderly, and disabled. And according to new

census data just released yesterday, the SNAP program helped lift 4 million people out of poverty in 2012. Additionally, this is a multiplier of 2\1/2\ times in our economy.

Unfortunately, it is my understanding that the House of Representatives may soon consider legislation that cuts $40 billion in funding from SNAP. This is the wrong approach. At a time when many families and communities are still struggling to get back on their feet from the Great Recession, we should be working to strengthen, not undermine, the SNAP program.

Mr. Speaker, I have the great opportunity to come from a community that, in large part, has been built by immigrants. I am the son of refugees to this great country. And here's what we know:

We know that immigrants add to America's way of life; they create more opportunity for all; they make our country better; they make American citizens richer.

Here's what we know:

We know that in the next 10 years, if we find a pathway for legalization, over $100 billion of additional capital will be added to our country. What we know is that in the next 20 years, that will be over $870 billion. In fact, what we know is that they will almost provide $1 trillion of economic growth over the next 20 years.

It's important to understand that immigrants bolster our country, make our country better, and they add to it.

I lived in south Florida during very tough times for immigrants. I remember, as a young man, seeing bumper stickers on the back of cars that said, ``Would the last American leaving Miami please bring the flag.'' What I know is that the flag still flies high in Miami. It is a leading beacon for work and opportunity in our country because people didn't give up on the dream of our country. They continued to work and they continued to make a difference.

And that is exactly what we have to understand is that immigrants bolster our country. They bolster America's private sector by consuming more goods, more services, providing increased income. All this, in turn, creates more jobs and greater income for all Americans.

What we know is that by 2022, over 820,000 more workers will be created because of the need, $321 billion of increased income for all Americans. The GDP increases by $568 billion if all noncitizens, undocumented and those illegal residents in the country, were to be legalized. This is a boon for our country. It creates opportunity. It makes for a better America.

I thank the gentleman from California for doing this because of course what he's doing is trying to save this country, to make it better. There has never been a great country, a great nation in the history of the world that was shedding citizens. In fact, all great countries welcome opportunity. They welcome those who come to provide.

We need a comprehensive immigration system not only because we need more workers, but we need the intellectual capital that they bring. We need that drive, that vigor that they add to our country. And the fight for comprehensive immigration reform is one that makes all Americans better, makes our country richer, and makes opportunity for all, creating the motto that lives in our country.

So again, I want to thank the gentleman from California for his efforts. I know he's one of many in the House. And what we do know is that if a bill came to this floor, it would have majority support. The Senate passed it, and this House could pass it if the leadership would allow it to get to the floor.

More than enough of the Members of this Chamber understand the benefits of immigration, understand that it is necessary for our country's greatness, and understand that it is what we will do inevitably. Let's do it now. Let's do it right. Let's get it done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a disease that plagues our Nation and my home State of Florida--that is pancreatic cancer.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer today remains the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with a 5-year survival rate of just 6 percent. In 2013, the Pancreatic Cancer Network anticipates that there will be 3,380 new cases of pancreatic cancer in Florida alone.

Last year, Congress passed the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, which calls on the National Cancer Institute to help develop a scientific framework for combating pancreatic cancer. This was an important step forward, but there is clearly more that we can do and should be done.

We must continue to fund investments in the National Cancer Institute's research so that they can better

understand how to prevent and treat this disease. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this critical funding and to renew and strengthen our commitment to combating pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a legendary eatery serving the people of South Florida and beyond.

For over 100 years, Joe's Stone Crab has been a prominent institution honored for its unparalleled customer service and quality food. Started by Joseph Weiss in 1913, Joe's Stone Crab was one of the first eating establishments on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Over the years, Joe's has hosted a list of the ``who's who'' of the world including celebrities, politicians, and the like.

The love of food, friends, and family has brought a countless number of people together, making this restaurant a ``must'' on the list of places to visit in Miami. Joe's Stone Crab is the epitome of top notch restaurant service and food, and is undoubtedly one of our community's most revered culinary institutions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Captain Lefere, who recently retired after 27 years of service in the United States Navy.

Captain Lefere has a proven commitment of valor to his country by fighting for freedom and democracy throughout the world. In his 27 years of service, he completed four different deployments and will be remembered in the service for his strong character, work ethic, and love of country.

It is with pleasure that we can say that Captain Lefere will continue his career in public service as a director of operations and planning in the Monroe County School Board.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my best wishes to Captain Lefere on his retirement and in particular to his family and to his wife, Wendy. Our thanks for his continuing contribution to our country and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support funding for the National Institutes of Health and to stop the mindless and automatic sequestration cuts.

Earlier this month, I met with Carlos Santos and James Hodge, two young men from Florida. We talked about their sisters, who suffer from cystic fibrosis, and how potential budget cuts to the NIH will drastically affect their lives.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease with no cure. While discoveries from NIH over the past 30 years have helped double the life expectancy of those with cystic fibrosis, there is much more we can do, including finding a cure for this disease in our lifetime.

Because of NIH's groundbreaking research into this disease and others, I ask my colleagues to support funding for NIH. We must secure our Nation's future by making smart investments in our Nation's health.

Mr. Speaker, just last week, I had the privilege of speaking to students who attend Florida International University in my district. These students included Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. But their message was clear: it is time for Congress to help keep college affordable.

That is why I have supported efforts to prevent and reverse the doubling of the Federal student loan rates that took effect on July 1. This issue is too important for us to delay any further.

I was very encouraged that the Senate yesterday passed a strong bipartisan compromise bill to lower these rates. I urge the House leadership, Mr. Speaker, to bring this bill to the floor and keep college rates affordable for our Nation's students.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge my colleagues to reverse the doubling of rates on student loans.

Education is and will always be the great equalizer in this country. It was central to my success. And with 7 million students relying on Federal Stafford loans, it is our responsibility to keep college education affordable.

It is also necessary to keep our Nation competitive globally. That is why I cosponsored the Student Loan Relief Act, which extends the 3.4 percent student loan interest rate until 2015.

I call upon my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to take action so that college remains within reach for all Americans who dream about earning a degree, starting a business, or shaping the future.

I'd like to thank the gentleman from California.

Madam Speaker, it's been 20 days since the Senate passed overwhelmingly a bipartisan immigration reform bill.

In the House Judiciary Committee, we've considered four controversial bills, none of which address the 11 million people that are already here.

In south Florida, for example, there are thousands of Venezuelan families stuck in an immigration system with some combination of legal or undocumented status. They came to this country fleeing Chavismo and have since purchased homes, started businesses, and invested millions in our community.

Earlier this year, I introduced a bill, the Venezuelan Liberty Act, which would allow any Venezuelan who had been in the United States since Chavez was elected to adjust to permanent-resident status. This is similar to what Congress passed in 1997 with the Nicaraguan Adjustment Act and the Central American Relief Act.

However, because we have yet to consider any sort of legalization path, the House Judiciary Committee has not yet had the opportunity to consider this bill as an amendment or to debate on how best to bring people out of the shadows.

And Venezuelans aren't alone. The Haitians, the Africans, the Central Americans on TPS, the young people who are covered under DACA continue to live their lives in immigration limbo while the House has yet to act.

Immigration reform isn't about politics. It's about our Nation's values. It's about our economy. It's about our future.

The recent White House report and last month's CBO report confirmed what my constituents in south Florida already know: our Nation's livelihood depends on fixing our broken immigration system.

The Center for American Progress projected that immigration reform would generate over 8,000 additional jobs per year in Florida and that current Florida citizens would see an increase in wages of $6.3 billion over the next 10 years.

We may not agree on everything, but we cannot afford to wait any longer. Passing immigration reform will spur innovation, lower our deficit, and raise wages for all workers.

As if the voices of many DREAMers who have recently descended on Washington aren't enough, business leaders, law enforcement officials, farmers, clergy throughout the U.S. have urged Congress to take action.

It's time to move this Nation forward. I urge the House leadership to bring immigration reform to the floor.

The time has come. Ha llegado la hora.

Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chairman, my amendment seeks to increase funding to the Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works Construction account by $1 million to support flood and storm damage reduction efforts. With hurricane season underway, it is important that we support the Corps' critical efforts in this area.

In H.R. 2609, Chairman Frelinghuysen has provided the Corps of Engineers with $1.3 billion for projects that can mitigate natural disasters, including hurricanes, storms, and floods.

Having lived through Hurricane Sandy, I know the chairman is well aware of the value of these investments, and I would like to thank the chairman and the committee for their efforts on our behalf.

By providing this additional funding for the Corps to conduct important activities, my amendment demonstrates a commitment to addressing the threat of severe weather events and flooding. The Corps has undertaken a number of important flood projects throughout the country, and we must continue to provide the funding we need to support these efforts.

Again, I appreciate the efforts of the chairman and his committee's work in crafting this bill and supporting the Corps' important work, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.