Op-Eds

As Covid-19 sweeps across the United States like wildfire, my fellow members of Congress and I are working to douse the flames. We need to use far more water -- a fact some of my colleagues haven't come to terms with yet. When the virus first emerged, it caused me to reflect on my experience at the Pentagon during the administration of President George W. Bush. In 2005, I was part of an interagency team that prepared for the potential arrival of another virus, H5N1, commonly known as the bird flu,... Read more

Like other immigrants and refugees to this country, I know how fortunate I am to call America home. When I was a baby, my family fled Vietnam because our lives were threatened by a communist government that exercised ruthless power unchecked by the rule of law. We were rescued at sea by the U.S. Navy after our boat ran out of fuel and then offered safe haven in the United States. My parents instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for America. They taught me this is an exceptional country. It’s... Read more

In May, other members of Florida’s congressional delegation and I were briefed for 90 minutes in the U.S. Capitol by officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security regarding Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. I sought the briefing after then-special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s report showed Russia had probed and even pierced election networks in Florida, among the most closely contested states in U.S. politics. Although our briefers supplied new details, much remained... Read more

I’m a Democrat in the House of Representatives who recently became a minor cause celebre in conservative media circles after I publicly pronounced myself a “proud capitalist” distressed by the increasing use of the term “socialism” in our national discourse. While this term has come to mean different things to different people, it signals disenchantment with — and a desire to discard — the capitalist model that the United States has embraced since its founding. I didn’t expect my comments to be... Read more

In 2017, as a freshman member of Congress, I visited Israel. While one can read about the threats Israel faces from countries like Iran and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas, there is no substitute for being on the ground, hearing from Israelis themselves, and seeing how close and complex the threats are. You realize this is a place where the past permeates the present — a highly-advanced nation that has not lost its sense of vulnerability, one both focused on the future and gripped... Read more

There are two major holidays when we honor the men and women of our armed forces. On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to military personnel who died in the line of duty. And on Veterans Day, we express gratitude to all those who honorably served, both living and departed. Every day — and especially on Veterans Day — we should take time to thank the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who wore our nation’s uniform. We should let the veterans in our life know we appreciate the sacrifices they made... Read more

Two years ago, I received a call informing me that my son’s school had been placed on lockdown after an active shooter warning was issued in the area. My son and his pre-school classmates were rushed into a supply closet and told to remain silent for hours. When I was finally able to pick my son up, he was visibly distressed. He struggled to tell me about the confusion he felt as his typical school day was shattered by the sound of police sirens wailing and helicopter rotors whirring overhead. I'll... Read more

House Republicans have said that “we have a once-in-a- generation opportunity to enact bold, pro-growth tax reform that will create jobs, grow paychecks, and unleash American competitiveness.” House Democrats are committed to a “better deal” and “better wages” for Americans of all stripes. President Donald Trump campaigned on bringing “federal policies in line with the needs of today’s working parents.” If you’re willing to look beyond the cynical politics of our time, you’ll see that these goals... Read more

Since taking office in January, I’ve made it my top priority to listen to people from every corner of my district. No matter where I go, my constituents tell me that health care is one of their most pressing concerns. I can often see the anxiety etched on their faces. As I can attest from personal experience, we never feel more vulnerable than when we, or someone we love dearly, receives a troubling diagnosis. Everything else in life fades into the background. For too many Central Floridians faced... Read more

The highest priority of government leaders is to protect the American people.  This solemn responsibility was brought into sharp focus when the United States was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.  The attacks underscored our vulnerability as a nation and the need to strengthen our security policies.  On a personal level, 9-11 led me to leave the private sector and eventually to enter public service, becoming a national security specialist in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.... Read more