Speeches and Statements

Mr. Speaker: I rise to honor Thaddeus Seymour Sr., who passed away recently at the age of 91.  In an obituary that appeared in the Orlando Sentinel , Thad was described by one of his many admirers as a “community treasure”—and I think that sums up his life and legacy perfectly.  Thad moved with his beloved wife Polly and their children to the Orlando area over 40 years ago when Thad was named the 12 th president of Rollins College, where I had the privilege to teach before I was elected... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  And thank you to the witnesses for your testimony on this important issue. There are different ways to measure the greatness of a nation.  For example, we can look to whether the country is committed to protecting the fundamental freedoms of its citizens and to upholding certain universal values at home and abroad. We can also look to the country’s economic strength, its military might, and the opportunities it provides to its people.  Finally, and most relevant... Read more

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), a former national security specialist at the Pentagon, released the following statement after the Trump Administration released guidelines for when it would notify the public of election interference. Murphy has called for increased transparency in the event of election interference — by a foreign adversary and is the author of bipartisan legislation — , the ALERTS Act — , that would require notification to appropriate members of Congress, relevant... Read more

Good morning.  I’m Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.  I’m honored and humbled to be in your presence.  Thank you so much to the VFW for hosting us. We’re here today because of a simple belief—the belief that it’s never too late to do the right thing.  It’s never too late to say a heartfelt “thank you” to men and women who have earned it.   In a few moments, I’ll present the Vietnam veterans in attendance—or their family members—with a special pin to recognize your service... Read more

 Good morning.  I’m Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy and my Orlando-area district is home to  more Puerto Ricans than nearly any other congressional district.      I care deeply about Puerto Rico because my constituents care deeply about Puerto.  But every Member of Congress should care about Puerto Rico because Puerto Ricans are our fellow citizens.  We’re part of the same American family and we should fight for each other.      ... Read more

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the SHIELD ACT.  I helped introduce this legislation and the House will consider it on the floor later today.  This bill will protect our country from foreign interference in our elections. Russia’s assault on our democracy in 2016 exposed gaps in our nation’s defenses. It used to be that the primary threat from adversary nations was their potential use of traditional weapons of war.  But our society is rapidly changing, and so is the nature... Read more

Mr. Speaker: I rise to honor former Congressman Lou Frey, who represented the Orlando area in this chamber for a decade, from 1969 to 1979.  He passed away recently, but leaves behind an enduring legacy. Congressman Frey was many things, but above all he was a loving husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, and an extraordinary public servant who cared deeply about central Florida and about this country.  He was a man with strongly-held views, but also one willing to make principled... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  And thanks to the witnesses for your testimony and your endurance.  As some of my colleagues have done, I want to put a human face on the issue of prescription drugs.  It’s important to keep reminding ourselves that this issue may involve complex policy and complex politics , but at its core it’s about people .    People like Sandra from my district.  I told her story at a hearing back in February.  She’s a 66-year-old retiree in Orlando... Read more

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, a former national security specialist at the Pentagon, released the following statement in response to President Trump's decision to pull back U.S. troops in Syria: “I strongly oppose President Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. Our presence is vital to our national security. It has prevented the terrorist group ISIS from recapturing territory and averted conflict between Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces. Our departure helps ISIS,... Read more

Good morning. Thank you Suzanne and thank you to the hosts of this event. I’m honored to be here and to offer my perspective from Capitol Hill. There are roughly 40 election security bills pending in Congress. During the panel conversation, I’ll mention a few of these measures and their prospects for success, and what I say may surprise the more pessimistic among you. I’d like to use this time to discuss some broader themes. Let me start with the three reasons why I’ve tried to take a leading role... Read more