Speeches and Statements

Mr. Speaker: I rise in support of the Intelligence Authorization Act . Good intelligence safeguards our nation from adversaries. It is used to support our armed forces, our diplomats, and our homeland security professionals. The men and women of the U.S. intelligence community make enormous sacrifices on behalf of our country. While others seek the limelight, they shun publicity and self-promotion. They are silent warriors and quiet heroes. I want to highlight Section 609 of this legislation. It... Read more

Mr. Speaker: The House is currently considering the minibus, which would fund certain federal agencies in the next fiscal year. As a former Pentagon aide, I have opposed efforts to politicize national security policymaking since coming to Congress. That’s why I introduced a bill to bar political operatives from serving on the National Security Council, and was proud when Steve Bannon was removed from the NSC. The minibus provides robust funding for the Defense Department—the same funding I voted... Read more

Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Conyers, and Members of the Judiciary Committee: Thank you for inviting me to testify. Last month, I introduced a balanced budget amendment, which has been endorsed by the Blue Dog Coalition. Like other BBAs, my bill generally prohibits the federal government from spending more than it receives in a fiscal year. The prohibition would take effect five years after ratification, to allow for a smooth transition period. Unlike some other BBAs, my bill does not dictate... Read more

Mr. Speaker: It is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor the life and legacy of Billy Manes. Billy passed away last week, far too soon, at the age of 45. He is survived by his husband, Anthony, and an entire community that admired him. With Billy’s passing, Orlando lost an icon, and our nation lost a committed, passionate, and fierce advocate for equality. In Billy’s short time with us, he made an indelible impact on our city and our country. He was a prominent Orlando journalist and commentator,... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 2056, my bipartisan bill to improve the Small Business Administration’s Microloan program. Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. In my home state of Florida, there are 2.4 million small businesses, which is 99.8 percent of all employers in the state. These businesses employ 3.2 million workers. In my central Florida district, we have a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, and they tell me the number one challenge they face is... Read more

Good morning. Thank you Simon. And thank you to the Transatlantic Policy Network for organizing this event in general and this panel on the U.S.-Europe security relationship in particular. To re-introduce myself, my name is Stephanie Murphy and I am a first-year member of Congress. I represent a district in central Florida that includes Orlando. I am a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where I serve on the Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.... Read more

Good morning. Maritza—thank you for that warm introduction and for moderating the discussion we are going to have. I am so pleased to be here with the Hispanic Chamber. I see some familiar faces in the audience, and also some new faces. If I haven’t had the chance to meet you personally yet, I look forward to meeting you later this morning. I want to begin by thanking President Frank Lopez, as well as the Board members and trustees in attendance. I understand that the Chamber has about 700 member... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleagues for including my amendment in this en bloc package. My amendment would authorize Procurement Technical Assistance Centers to assist small business owners in pursuing funding opportunities during all phases of the SBIR and STTR programs. These federal programs enable small businesses to perform research and development that advances the national interest and has the potential for commercialization. My central Florida district is primed to benefit from... Read more

Thank you. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan amendment. It would strike Section 541 of the bill, a provision that would make it nearly impossible for graduates of the military service academies to play professional football, basketball or any other sport. I believe Section 541 will be detrimental to recruitment and morale at the service academies; could undermine efforts to bridge the military-civilian divide through the use of sports ambassadors; and could compromise the effectiveness of our... Read more

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased we are holding this hearing on the small business provisions contained in PROMESA, on the GAO report that was produced as a result of one of those provisions, and on the possible steps this Committee and the SBA can take to empower small businesses in Puerto Rico and to help the U.S. territory address its economic challenges. I want to thank Ranking Member Velázquez, who is a tremendous champion for the island. I also want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman... Read more