Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed to the bill in the current form.

Mr. Speaker, this is a final amendment to the bill. This will not delay or kill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will proceed immediately to final passage, as amended.

Just over 3 years ago, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded, killing 11 workers and spilling 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Our Nation was gripped with images like this and this, of oil gushing into the gulf, washing up on to our shores.

Mr. Speaker, this was the worst environmental disaster in our Nation's history, with economic costs of over $40 billion.

While other Gulf States suffered more, Florida's tourism and fishing were hurt. Mr. Speaker, it could even be worse, more damaging next time. That's why my amendment that I am offering today is so important. The amendment will prevent another BP oil spill by imposing safety standards for drilling based on what we learned from this terrible accident. If such a disaster is to occur again, this amendment will also make sure that the polluter pays for the cleanup.

As the BP oil accident shows, something happening hundreds of miles away affected Florida's coast and can easily bring oil to our State's shores. In south Florida, we know that these spills are not just a threat to the environment; they are a threat to our economy.

An oil disaster off Florida would affect the lives of millions, including local fishermen, hotels, restaurant owners, small businesses, and families that depend on these businesses for their jobs and livelihoods.

With approximately 90 million visitors per year, Florida is one of the top destinations of the world. Our tourism industry generates nearly $70 billion annually, supporting over 1 million jobs throughout the State. People from all over the country, in fact, all over the world, travel to Florida to enjoy our incredible beaches, our unparalleled sport fishing, and our State's unique natural treasures.

Anglers from all over the world come to my district, to the village of Islamorada, the sports fishing capital of the world, to enjoy sports fishing that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. My district also includes the Florida Everglades, the largest wetland in America and a jewel in our National Park System.

In south Florida, we know our economic future depends on preserving our environment. This is why protecting Florida's coast from the dangers of offshore drilling has always drawn support from both sides. This is not a Democratic issue. This is not a Republican issue. It's a Florida issue, and, in fact, it's a national issue.

At a time when we face so many important issues, we here in Congress need to work together to do what's right. While I am new to the ways of Washington, I hope and believe that we can put party pressures aside and put America's people first.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to ensure that we can protect our environment, our economy, our Nation from another disaster like the BP oil spill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 254, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, in the Judiciary Committee today, we will be considering an immigration enforcement bill that is as controversial as it is downright dangerous.

While the Senate is working in good faith towards real immigration reform, some of my colleagues continue to push partisan legislation that does nothing to fix our broken immigration system or get us any closer to real reform.

If my colleagues will indulge me, I'd like to say a few words in Spanish.

(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)

In the Judiciary Committee today, we will be considering legislation that is as controversial as it is dangerous.

It would give unprecedented powers to local police, essentially giving them the same authority as immigration officials.

While the Senate continues to work toward a compromise, some of our colleagues continue to offer legislation that does nothing to protect our national security, does nothing to grow our economy, and does nothing to fix our immigration system.

We cannot allow a handful of Members of Congress to play politics instead of taking seriously the goal of passing immigration reform.

Hoy, en el comite judicial, vamos a considerar legislacion que es tanto controversial como peligrosa.

Le daria poderes sin precedentes a la policia local, esencialmente dandole la misma autoridad de agentes de inmigracion.

Mientras que el Senado continua trabajando hacia un compromiso, algunos de nuestros colegas siguen proponiendo legislacion que no protege nuestra seguridad nacional, no ayuda a crecer nuestra economia, y no arregla nuestro sistema de inmigracion.

No podemos permitir que algunos congresistas jueguen politica en vez de tomar en serio la meta de pasar una reforma migratoria.

Our Nation cannot afford to play partisan politics. Now is the time for real immigration reform.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my disappointment that the DHS Appropriations bill provides $68 million in funding for 287(g)--a redundant, controversial immigration enforcement program.

I will be offering an amendment later today to cut $10 million from this unnecessary program and use those funds to increase CBP staffing at our nation's airports.

I would like to express my frustration that the legislation we are considering today, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, provides $68 million for the 287(g)--a superfluous and controversial program that allows local police to act like federal agents.

It does not make any sense to waste $68 million on a program that will not help us fix our immigration system nor secure our country.

Because of this, today, I will be proposing an amendment that will cut $10 million from this program and use that money to increase the number of customs agents in our airports.

This would reduce long lines and unacceptable delays, promoting commerce and tourism and furthering our economic recovery.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment seeks to increase by $10 million the funding for Customs and Border Protection staffing and to decrease by $10 million the funding for the controversial 287(g) immigration enforcement program.

At a time when our economy is just starting to pick up steam, this amendment is intended to promote trade, travel, tourism, and investment through our Nation's airports and ultimately support our economic recovery.

As the busiest airport in the United States for international flights and the Gateway to the Americas, Miami International Airport is a vital economic engine for south Florida and our country. Unfortunately, MIA has been among the worst hit with inadequate

Customs and Border Patrol staffing levels. On the worst peak travel days, we have over 3\1/2\ hours of waiting time, and sometimes up to 800 missed connections.

If we want to continue being the top destination for foreign investors, for immigrants, for tourists, for visitors, and for business people, we need to ensure we have adequate CBP staffing to handle our growing number of visitors.

While these personnel shortages are especially acute at MIA, these delays are prevalent at international hubs throughout the country, impeding the trade, travel, tourism, and investment that we need to fuel our economic recovery and create jobs.

This amendment seeks to reduce the funding of the section 287(g) program to enable the increase of funding for CBP staffing. This immigration enforcement program has been controversial and criticized for many years and has been made increasingly redundant by the development and expansion of other questionable programs, like Secure Communities.

While this appropriations bill provides $68 million in funding for 287(g), that amount exceeds the request from the Department of Homeland Security by $44 million, that is, a $44 million increase over the request.

Both the Major Cities Chiefs Associations and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have expressed strong concerns about section 287(g)'s program, which undermine's public safety and diverts limited law enforcement resources, and exacerbates fear and distrust in our communities. And if that wasn't enough, other immigration enforcement programs like Secure Communities have replaced the need for 287(g), and yet we are continuing to fund a practically defunct program. I believe these funds are better spent in promoting American commerce at our Nation's airports and invigorating our economy.

I urge my colleagues to support what I think is a very sensible and important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, like most Americans, there are few things that I enjoy more than a Sunday tailgate with friends and family. Football and the NFL are an intricate part of our nation's cultural and social fabric.

Football is America's favorite sport because it is exciting to watch, but that excitement--the clashing of helmets and tackles--takes a terrible toll on the bodies of our nation's athletes and on their families.

A recent study from the American Academy of Neurology found that NFL players are four times more likely than the general U.S. population to die from Alzheimer's or ALS.1 This is only the latest piece in a body of evidence showing that the risks of repetitive head impacts, if not properly treated, can be severe and irreversible.

The scientific research, which shows a link between concussions and long-term injury to NFL athletes--is incontrovertible. And so, I call upon the NFL to do everything in its power to protect its athletes and warn them of long-term dangers to their mental and neurological well- being.

Far too many of our nation's favorite athletes have paid a terrible price for the brain trauma they sustained while playing in the NFL.

After taking his own life last May, Junior Seau, a former Miami Dolphin and one of the top linebackers in NFL history, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive and debilitating disease associated with repeated head trauma. When asked whether the game the whole family loved was worth it, Seau's oldest son Tyler tearfully replied: ``I'm not sure. But it's not worth it for me to not have a dad. So to me, it's not worth it.''

While the NFL has taken some positive steps regarding the safety of current players, we need it to take the necessary action to mitigate the risks of debilitating brain injury. Last season we saw high-profile players being sent back onto the field immediately after sustaining concussions. This is unsustainable and unfair to athletes and their families. It is also unfair to taxpayers. As a 2008 congressional research services report revealed, when our athletes cannot afford to address their injuries, the cost falls upon the taxpayers.

The NFL has the power not only to give these former players and their families the care and support they deserve, but also to ensure that the game is safer for future generations. As a Member of Congress, and most importantly, as a football fan, I ask that the NFL make use of that power.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word and enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Georgia, the ranking member of the committee.

The President's budget request included $3.6 million for the Special Operations Boat Docks in Key West, Florida. These improvements will help ensure that the Special Forces Underwater Operations School, which trains more than 300 servicemembers and conducts support training for troops preparing for deployments, can continue to meet its critical role in our Nation's defense.

The Appropriations Committee recommended no funds for the project. As I understand it, the subcommittee made that recommendation with no prejudice against the boat dock project. Having determined that the Army had sufficient military construction funds available to complete the project without additional appropriations, the committee recommended no additional funds to undertake the project.

I yield to my friend from Georgia to ask if it is a fair characterization of the committee's recommendation.

I thank the gentleman, and I look forward to working with him.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Amendment Offered by Mr. King of Iowa

Mr. Speaker, there are few things Americans enjoy more than watching Sunday football with their friends and family. But the excitement of football, the clashing of helmets, the tackles, can cause long-term health damage to our Nation's athletes.

Last May, Junior Seau, a former Miami Dolphin and one of the top linebackers in NFL history, sadly took his life after battling a debilitating depression associated with repeated head trauma.

Last season alone, we saw high profile players sent back into the game immediately after suffering concussions. This is unfair to athletes, their families, and it is also unfair to taxpayers since they pick up the cost when these athletes can no longer afford the cost of their injuries.

The NFL has the power to ensure that the American pastime--this American pastime--becomes safe.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 144. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Teacher Mr. Eugene David Zoller who is retiring this year after 47 years in public and private school classrooms as an exemplary and inspirational teacher of Social Studies. Eugene Zoller attributes his calling as a teacher to the influence of his mother Dorothea Donahue Zoller, his aunt Josephine Donahue, and his Grade 8 teacher, Sr. Joan Bernadette Davis, a sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

He started his teaching career in the Massachusetts public schools and continued his teaching in 1985, until his retirement in 2013, at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami, Florida, which I am proud to proclaim as my high school alma mater.

In 28 years at Belen Jesuit, Mr. Zoller has been the lead Teacher of Civics and Honors Civics, Faculty Advisor of the National Junior Honor Society, Director of the Patriot Program, Organizer of the Miami-Dade County Court and Jail tour, Chaperone of the Overseas Study Program trip to Russia, Chaperone of the Close Up program, Supervisor of the daily posting of the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald in the Central Patio, and honored by Nova Southeastern University with the Cervantes Award and Univision as a Maestro Especial. Mr. Zoller immortalized the Pan con Lechon Booth at the Belen Tombola dedicated to raising money for the school's scholarship program.

With honor, unwavering commitment, and love of country, Mr. Zoller has nurtured in his students a fervent patriotism for the United States of America. The Belen Jesuit community of students, parents, teachers, and alumni consider Mr. Zoller one of the pillars of our school and I eagerly add my name to the legions that admire and appreciate his service to God, Country, and Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary program that has touched the lives of thousands of young people across South Florida, and continues to shine a light on the importance of engaging our youth in programs that can help support and guide them.

For almost two decades, the South Florida After-School All-Stars has provided year-round programs to at-risk youth in successful efforts to better steer and empower our young people. This organization started as a summer camp servicing less than 50 students in 1997, and has since grown into a full-service program reaching over 4,000 students a year. With programs in fields ranging from health to scholastic achievement, this organization has managed to engage young people with increasingly varied interests and continues to reach them in meaningful ways.

The South Florida After-School All-Stars serves as an exemplar organization for youth engagement, and has undoubtedly earned our community's admiration, respect, and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of students and teachers that came together to make a great and lasting impact on the South Florida community, and continues to shine a light on the cause for environmentalism and the pivotal role our young people can play in promoting such.

For over a decade, the Leewood K-8 Center has been a school commemorated for its successful efforts in educating and empowering young people of South Florida. This school has consistently taught students through both in and out of the classroom experiences, and has most recently been named one of five nationwide grand prize winners of the Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition by Samsung. Leewood was chosen for its inception of a sustainable garden project, and has not only engaged our youth in infinitely meaningful ways, but has done so towards the betterment of our community and beyond.

Leewood K-8 Center serves as an exemplar institution for innovation towards a more sustainable future and youth activism, and has undoubtedly earned our community's admiration, respect and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a gifted man whose work in the arts and the advancement of human rights and peace in Latin America, specifically in the Republic of Colombia, is truly making a difference.

Jorge Celedon is an innate artist who sings music rooted in the desires and efforts of the Colombian people who seek peace in their homeland. His 20 year career as a singer has been recognized with multiple awards, including a Grammy Award in 2007 for his album titled ``Son para el Mundo.''

While achieving success as a recording artist, Jorge's music career has helped fuel his charitable work. Recently, he worked closely with United for Colombia, a non-profit organization based in Colombia and Washington D.C. to help the victims of mine explosions. Thanks to Jorge's efforts, many children in Colombia are now enjoying open spaces free from dangerous land mines.

In honor of his outstanding music career and dedication to peace in one of the world's most beleaguered regions, I ask that we recognize Jorge Celedon for his commitment to making the world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization of extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to bettering the lives of others, and continue to shine light on the pivotal roles health care professionals play in our communities.

Since its inception in 2011, the Dominican Health Care Association of Florida has served as an outstanding organization in the Dominican, Floridian, and health care communities. Comprised of health care professionals with ties to the Dominican Republic, this organization not only accentuates unique health care issues faced by both providers and patients today, but particularly issues faced by such persons of color. Focusing efforts on everything from advancing goals of Dominican health care professionals to informing health care reform in Florida and beyond, this organization has continually worked towards the betterment of the experiences and lives of increasingly diverse and eclectic members of our communities.

The Dominican Health Care Association of Florida serves as an exemplar organization for health care advocacy and community engagement, and has undoubtedly earned our community's respect, admiration, and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary person who has touched the lives of countless young people across South Florida, and continues to shine a light on the cause of empowering our youth through better guidance and support.

For almost three decades, Joel Furnari has served as the Athletic Director at South Dade Senior High School in Homestead, FL, and has continued to impact the lives of student-athletes both on the field and off. Mr. Furnari was sure to make a holistic impact on South Dade, doing everything from bringing the school to have a top Athletic Department, to helping many student-athletes enter college. As Mr. Furnari prepares to retire, he is commemorated for his dedication to our youth, and the great and lasting impact he has made on the South Florida community.

Mr. Joel Furnari serves as an exemplar person for serving and enriching the lives of others, and has undoubtedly earned our community's respect and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary organization that has touched the lives of innumerable people in South Florida, and continues to shine light on the economic, educational, and social issues many Latino Americans face.

For over three decades, Mexican American Council, led by Maria Garza, has served as an organization dedicated to bettering the lives of Mexican American migrants otherwise facing great adversity in their communities. This organization started as a organization serving South Dade County, Florida, and now serves as a national model for serving members of the Latino community. Focusing on everything from raising Mexican American cultural awareness to providing scholastic and scholarship assistance to children of farmworkers, Maria Garza and the Mexican American Council have managed to assist community members encountering increasingly varied obstacles and continues to reach them in meaningful ways.

Under the leadership of Maria Garza, the Mexican American Council serves as an exemplary organization for social service, cultural inclusion, and community engagement, and has undoubtedly earned our respect, admiration, and gratitude.