Speeches and Statements

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. I want to explain why I voted “no” on the two previous bills we considered today, and why I will vote “no” on this bill as well. I’m not opposed to what is in these three bills. In fact, I support their contents. I am opposed to what is not in these bills, and that’s a responsible pay-for. Our nation’s fiscal situation is precarious. CBO projects a deficit of $896 billion dollars this year. Federal debt held by the public is projected to grow... Read more

Thank you, John.  And thank you to CSIS and JETRO for inviting me to speak.  I’m honored to be here.   Given the sizeable Japanese presence at this event, I think it’s appropriate to begin with a  confession.  In the summer after my junior year in college, I lived in Japan and worked at Canon, where I was responsible for translating the company’s technical documents from English into Japanese.  I had studied Japanese for two years and arrived in Tokyo supremely “college... Read more

Mr. Speaker:   Yesterday, the House approved an amendment I offered to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2020, and I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the amendment.    There is a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, and it is man-made. In my view, the people of Venezuela will not prosper as long as the regime of Nicolás Maduro remains in power.     The regime has proven itself to be cruel, incompetent, and anti-democratic. It is... Read more

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST QUALITY VIDEO — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today marks three years since the terrible tragedy that took the lives of 49 people at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. That’s 36 months, 156 weeks, and 1,095 days that the victims’ family and loved ones have had to live without their presence and without their light. This single incident shook our community to its core and forever changed us. But our city showed that we are a vibrant community that prides itself on its love and... Read more

Thank you, Madam Chair. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in support of my amendment, which I am proud to co-lead with 25 members of Future Forum—a generational caucus that focuses on issues important to younger Americans.      My amendment would provide additional support for youth suicide prevention strategies in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, juvenile justice systems, and foster care systems.    My amendment would provide an additional... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. President Kennedy once said that “a nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Consistent with that principle, my bill would designate a U.S. post office building in Oviedo, Florida after Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe.  Sergeant First Class Cashe died in 2005 as a result of wounds suffered while serving in Iraq. When I recount the actions this American soldier and son of Oviedo performed—and what he... Read more

Thank you and good morning.   We are here today to honor Sergeant First Class Alwyn Crendall Cashe.   Before I begin, I’d like to ask the members of Alwyn’s family to please stand and be recognized. I know Alwyn’s son Andrew and his daughter LeJada are in attendance. We’re so pleased you’ve joined us as we pay tribute to your amazing father.     Alwyn’s siblings are also here to honor their brother, who was the baby of the family.  Thank you so much for coming.  ... Read more

Thank you, CTA. I’m honored to accept this year’s Digital Patriot Award alongside my colleague Congressman Greg Walden. I’m humbled by this recognition and I’m proud to be an ally for you, this community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. As many of you know, our American system of democratic capitalism provides access to opportunities and fertile ground for innovation that would not be found anywhere else. Reflecting on my own path towards the American Dream, I received a good public... Read more

Thank you and good morning.      My name is Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.  I am so happy and so honored to be here, helping you celebrate your special day.      And what a special day it is.  You are becoming citizens of the United States of America.  Let me say that again, more slowly this time, so it really sinks in.  You are becoming citizens of the United States of America.      I would say “congratulations,” but that doesn’t... Read more

Chairman Kilmer, Vice-Chairman Graves, and Members of the Committee.   Thank you for your service on this important committee and for seeking input from individual members at your first hearing. Consistent with my belief that Congress would function better if Members of Congress—myself included—were less long-winded, I promise to be concise.  I intend to yield back the balance of my time—perhaps the rarest phrase in the congressional lexicon.    I am proud to be a Member of Congress,... Read more