Speeches and Statements

Thank you, Mr. Speaker: I rise to discuss the political status of Puerto Rico, which is home to more than three million American citizens.  In my home state of Florida, there are now 1.2 million people who were born in Puerto Rico or who have Puerto Rican roots.  That’s more than any other state. Every month, many Puerto Ricans move to Florida and other states in search of a brighter future.  The island has been through so much—from the economic crisis, to Hurricane Maria, to the... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Speaker: I rise to honor an American patriot, a great and good man, and a hero of mine—Brent Scowcroft, who recently passed away. From humble roots, Brent rose to become an Air Force general, the national security advisor to two Presidents, and a statesman whose counsel was sought by policymakers of all political stripes. After his passing, Brent’s family and friends held a ceremony to celebrate his life. They described Brent as an exceptional public servant who left an indelible... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Speaker: I rise to honor my constituent, Bishop Hezekiah Ross, who passed away on July 29, 2020, at the age of 91. Dr. Ross was a man of faith and a man of action.  His life was defined by service to others. Dr. Ross served in the Army, deploying to Korea in 1950. After returning home to Central Florida, he became assistant pastor and then senior pastor at the West Sanford Freewill Holiness Church, serving there for over six decades. When I took office, I asked Dr. Ross—and he... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to all our witnesses for joining us today. I wanted to make some brief remarks broadly about my approach to the U.S.-China relationship—which is the most significant bilateral relationship in the world today. But first I want to acknowledge the heart-wrenching testimony of Ms. Abbas, who told how her activism has led to her sister’s disappearance by the Chinese authorities and presumed incarceration in one of the Uyghur re-education camps. My own family feared... Read more

Good afternoon and thank you all for joining us. I’m Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy. Welcome to the second session of “National Security in the Shadow of COVID-19.” This is a series of bipartisan conversations I’m co-hosting with my colleague and friend, Congressman John Katko of New York. We discuss how the ongoing pandemic, and its aftermath, could change or complicate the international security environment. Our goal is to inform Congress’s thinking, so we are better prepared to craft legislation,... Read more

Ambassador Lighthizer, Secretary Perdue, Secretary Ross, and members of the Hearing Committee, thank you for holding these two virtual hearings and for providing me the opportunity to submit this statement for the record.  My name is Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.  I represent Florida’s 7th congressional district.  I am a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the Subcommittee on Trade.  My district is home to the headquarters of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable... Read more

Hello everyone, I’m Stephanie Murphy and I’m proud to represent Seminole County and parts of Orange County in the U.S. House of Representatives. Like many of you, I’m beginning to take measures to prepare for hurricane season that is already upon us. The season officially kicked off June 1 st , but we’ve already had three named storms – one of which is Tropical Storm Cristobal that is currently making landfall in Louisiana. Although Florida was largely spared, we still felt Cristobal’s effects right... Read more

Good morning and thank you all for joining us.  On behalf of myself, and my colleague and friend Congressman John Katko of New York, I want to welcome you to the inaugural session of what we are calling “National Security in the Shadow of COVID-19.”  This is the first in a series of bipartisan conversations that we are holding to discuss how the ongoing pandemic, and its aftermath, could change the international security environment, for better or for worse. Our hope is that these sessions... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  And thank you to the witnesses for your testimony.   Let me start by offering my most sincere condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19, which has now claimed the lives of nearly 100,000 Americans.    In addition to taking so many precious lives, COVID-19 has upended the livelihoods of tens of millions of Americans.  Small businesses have shuttered, workers who have done everything right have lost their jobs, and families... Read more

Hi, I’m Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, MSFS class of 2004.  I’m speaking to you from my home in central Florida.  I know you’re watching from your own homes across the United States and around the globe.   I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.   I wish I could be with you in person to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class and to offer you a few words of encouragement as you embark on your next journey.   But, of course, a conventional ceremony... Read more