Carlos Curbelo

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2842, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act. Here in the House, we have prioritized helping Americans escape poverty, and we are working to create policies that are focused on getting individuals into jobs so they can achieve self-sufficiency. A job is something that dignifies the human condition. It is an opportunity for every individual to make a contribution to their family, their local community, and to our country. This bill is an innovative solution that will give more people access to that opportunity. Through proposals like H.R. 2842, we can help struggling Americans find work and get on the path to success. This bipartisan legislation connects Americans looking for work with employers looking to fill job openings, including through apprenticeships and other forms of on-the-job training. It uses $100 million from the TANF Contingency Fund for grants so States can conduct demonstration projects intended to assist TANF recipients in entering the workforce and maintaining employment. Importantly, this legislation requires that States meet certain criteria to ensure they achieve their intended goal. This includes a description of how local governments will coordinate these efforts with others that assist low-income individuals. States must also report on the outcomes of the demonstration projects and provide evaluations to determine whether such employer-led partnerships were effective. This bill empowers States, giving them the ability to take into account their own unique challenges and design programs that meet both their employers' and job seekers' needs, rather than a top-down Washington approach. This legislation has support from our business leaders. I include this letter of support in the Record. Business Roundtable, Washington, DC, June 20, 2017. Hon. Carlos Curbelo, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Danny K. Davis, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Curbelo and Representative Davis: Business Roundtable appreciates your bipartisan efforts to bring more people into the workforce who currently have few skills and lack job experience. Your bill, H.R. 2842, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act, is a thoughtful approach for encouraging companies to hire recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). We are pleased to support it. Business Roundtable CEOs believe earn-and-learn programs help people become familiar with the workplace, gain needed skills, and earn a wage. In many inner cities, the unemployment rate for young people is distressingly high, but their prospects improve dramatically if they find a first- time job. By supporting partnerships among business, government, and education to hire TANF recipients, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act will give the unemployed an opportunity to work and succeed. Sincerely, Wes Bush, Chair, Education and Workforce Committee, Business Roundtable; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I was happy to partner with Representative Danny Davis on this effort to move individuals from welfare into long-term employment, and I am proud of the work we have done together. I would also like to thank Chairman Brady and Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith for their leadership and hard work, as well as Rosemary Lahasky, Anne DeCesaro, and the rest of the House Committee on Ways and Means staff who have worked on this legislation. Mr. Chairman, if I may add one thing. Last week, in the wake of the tragic shooting against Members of Congress, we all vowed to come together, to find common ground. The Committee on Ways and Means answered that call, and I am very confident that this House will do the same later today. The American people expect us to have our differences, our disagreements, but they also expect us to find common ground; and Republicans and Democrats have done this today in favor of those who need it most, welfare recipients, needy families in our country. I am very proud to sponsor this legislation, to support it, and I would ask all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday, June 26, 2017, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Colonel Abraham S. Conn on his retirement. COL Abraham S. Conn was commissioned through the ROTC at Canisius College located in Buffalo, NY, in May 1987, where he first entered the United States Army. COL Conn is a graduate of State University of New York at Buffalo State College and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. COL Conn also holds a Masters in Strategic Studies and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Class of 2010, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. COL Conn was originally branched as a Military Intelligence Officer. He has attended the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, the Quartermaster Officer Advance Course, the Air Defense Officer Transition Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the Pre- Command Courses. COL Conn has either Commanded or held duty positions at the Platoon, Company, Battalion, Brigade, Division, Corps, and Joint-Staff levels. COL Conn has completed three, 1-year deployments to Afghanistan, of Operations Enduring Freedom. Some of COL Conn's awards include the Bronze Star Medal 2nd Award, the Meritorious Service 2nd Award Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal 2nd Award, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal 5th Award, the National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon 3rd Award, the NATO Medal for Service in Afghanistan 2nd Award, the Florida Cross, the Florida State Distinguished Service Medal, the Florida State Commendation Medal, the Florida State Active Duty Ribbon, the New York Long and Faithful Service Medal, the New York State Counter-Drug Service Medal and the Mississippi Emergency Service Medal. COL Conn is also the recipient of the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Florida Governors Meritorious Unit 3rd Award. COL Conn recently completed Command of the 930th Digital Liaison Team in Homestead, located in Florida's 26th Congressional District. COL Conn is currently assigned to JIATF-S as a Reserve Officer, in the Policy and Plans Directorate. COL Conn is also currently employed in his civilian capacity, as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration, in Key West, Florida--also located in the 26th District. COL Conn resides with his wife Mindy in Key West, Florida. They have two children, Emily and Joshua. It is an honor for me to recognize a man who has served our country with such distinction.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on account of my flight being cancelled from MIA-DCA. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 300 and YEA on Roll Call No. 301.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Lewis for his work on this important legislation. I also thank the ranking member, Mr. Scott, whom I had the pleasure of working with on this same cause last year. This year, of course, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. As a former member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, this was and remains one of my priorities, as I believe that this reauthorization can help us achieve our antipoverty goals here in the U.S. House. The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2017 will help set kids up for success that is long term, so they are not caught up in a system that puts them on a path where failure is inevitable. This bill includes reforms that will help juveniles transition out of the system through community-based services and education. It also ensures that stakeholders can offer their expertise in order to best serve this population while also supporting prevention services to keep kids on the right track. Another important thing to note is that this bill prioritizes evidence-based strategies to reduce juvenile delinquency, directing necessary resources to what actually works. Everyone deserves the chance to improve their circumstances. Many kids who end up in the juvenile justice system are the most vulnerable in our communities. These kids and the stakeholders and policymakers who support them need the flexibility and tools to effectively serve them. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of it. I appreciate the work that the Committee on Education and the Workforce has done to help at-risk youth get on a path to a brighter future.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on account of a family obligation in the district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 267 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 268. personal explanation

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on account of family obligations in the district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 265, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 266.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for over a decade, thousands of Venezuelans were forced to flee the brutal Chavez dictatorship, and the situation has only worsened under his handpicked successor, Nicolas Maduro. Over the last several years, the people of Venezuela have increasingly spoken out against the Maduro regime, and time and time again he has attempted to silence them. In the last few weeks alone, the world has seen countless examples of the regime's thuggish tactics, unethical behavior, and lethal force against innocent civilians. Top opposition leaders like Leopoldo Lopez remain locked up in Maduro's prisons, while the dictator continues to stop at nothing to try and control all branches of government. Thousands of opposition protesters have been arrested and dozens have been left for dead or killed. So in response to this continued political crisis, I have joined with my colleagues Darren Soto, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz to introduce bipartisan legislation allowing Venezuelan nationals who have made a new home in the United States to remain here if they choose to do so, since it is too dangerous to return to their home country. Instead of returning to the instability and uncertainty in Venezuela, these individuals would be granted legal permanent residency, so long as they do not have a criminal record and have never been involved in the persecution of others, eliminating any possibility of human rights violators or Chavista thugs accessing our legal immigration system. The people of Venezuela deserve the American people's support and admiration for their continued fight against the brutal Maduro anti- American regime. Honest and hardworking Venezuelans who would be persecuted or imprisoned unjustly should they return to their country should be allowed the opportunity to take refuge here in the United States. Flood Insurance Reauthorization

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the critical issue of reforming and reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program. For my constituents in south Florida and the Florida Keys, and for coastal communities across the country, flood insurance is an absolute necessity to protect against natural disasters. But the program is flawed and saddled with $23 billion of debt. We have a unique opportunity in the coming months to address the issues that matter most to our constituents, providing for optimal coverage at rates that are affordable to policyholders and based on accurate flood maps. There are numerous solutions I am studying, such as expanding the use of Write Your Own policies and growing the private insurance market, as long as strict oversight protocols are established and a Federal backstop is in place. We should also promote stronger building standards for new construction projects that will better withstand flooding and strong winds. In Florida, we are a payee State, a donor State into the NFIP, but have also adopted strong building standards to reduce cleanup costs after the damage of a natural disaster has been done. As Congress works to reform the NFIP, I will find commonsense solutions with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure our constituents have access to reliable coverage at fair and appropriate rates. Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the seven Miami-Dade County schools that were recently named to the USA Today's top 100 public schools in the country, including Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School in my own district. The rankings are based on graduation rates, reading, and math scores on State standardized tests, including how low-income and minority students fared in comparison to the State average, and the number of students taking college-level advanced placement courses and scoring well on the corresponding tests. As a former Miami-Dade County Public School Board member, I am incredibly proud to see the tremendous growth and success of these schools in south Florida. MDCPS was in the midst of a financial and moral recovery when I was on the board just a few years ago; and during my time there, we improved the quality of education and put students and teachers first, resulting in major gains in student performance and graduation rates. Today, Superintendent Carvalho and the board continue to make great progress. The teachers, staff, administrators, and parents at these schools are working to ensure our students have the best education possible. Congratulations on this honor. I look forward to visiting the Archimedean Owls back home in the very near future.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 140

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to congratulate and express my gratitude to Monroe County leaders who recently took steps to address the impact sea level rise is having on roads and infrastructure in my district. Earlier this year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners took action that sets new standards for determining elevation of future county road improvement projects to account for future sea level rise. This is a problem my district is already facing. The 2015 King Tides led to flooding that lasted more than 3 weeks in several neighborhoods, causing damage to homes and businesses and leaving my constituents unable to move freely to and from their homes. Mr. Speaker, few cities or counties around the United States are as advanced in sea level rise planning and implementation as Monroe County. I am grateful for their leadership, and I am committed to continuing to support their efforts any way I can here in Washington, from advocating for transportation infrastructure research grants that will help ensure we have the best engineering at our disposal to working with my fellow members of the Climate Solutions Caucus to discuss and build consensus for proposals that will mitigate the effects of rising sea levels. It is critical we continue to work toward an infrastructure package that will give our communities the funds they need to bring our roadways like those in Monroe County into the 21st century. National Debt

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss one of the most serious issues facing the United States--the staggering national debt that will reach $20 trillion this month, or $62,715 per person living in our country. While the national debt grew over $9 trillion under President Obama, we now have a new opportunity here in this Congress to work together with the new administration to propose and debate solutions that will address our country's debt and get our fiscal house back in order. Every day, families across my district sit around the dinner table and make tough decisions about how they will spend their money. Most stick to their budgets because they don't have a choice, and their government should be no different. In 2015, I was proud to support a 2-year bipartisan budget agreement that implemented new caps on discretionary spending for both fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Too often, enormous sums are wasted due to unpredictable budget cycles and government shutdown threats. With the adoption of this 2-year budget, Congress was able to reduce wasteful spending by providing certainty to agencies as they plan for the future. The budget also included reforms to entitlement programs, which is the largest percentage of national debt. It is important that we protect programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid--the invaluable safety net for those who need the help--while working to implement reforms to make these programs solvent for future generations. Mr. Speaker, my constituents sent me back to Washington to continue to build consensus with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance solutions that will rein in our national debt, and that is exactly what I plan to do. It is our duty, as elected officials, to leave our children and grandchildren with the same economic opportunities as previous generations, and that will continue to be one of my main priorities here in Congress. Small Business Highlight

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have never had much of a sweet tooth, but it has recently been brought to my attention that my district is home to some thriving small businesses that are putting south Florida on the map for desserts. Not far from my district office, Night Owl Cookie Company, recently named Forbes 30 Under 30, is delivering fresh-baked cookies to constituents across West Kendall. Since starting the business in 2015, when he would make and deliver cookies from his parents' kitchen, Andrew Gonzalez's success has flourished to three brick-and-mortar locations across Florida. Further south is Knaus Berry Farm in the Redlands where families from all across south Florida will travel to pick up fresh produce and, of course, to wait in line for fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls. Founded as a family farm in 1956, Knaus Berry has since become a Miami staple, with generation after generation making the trip to south Dade to pick up fresh produce and baked goods. The farm's success has spread, leading to partnerships with other south Florida small businesses that use their cinnamon rolls to create Knaus Berry Farm- inspired doughnuts and ice cream. It is important that we celebrate these small businesses, Mr. Speaker, because they provide hope, opportunity, and jobs to so many Americans in my district and across the country. It is critical for us to continue advancing policies in this Congress that will continue allowing these small businesses the opportunity to provide hope and jobs for so many Americans.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a family obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 98 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 99.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 32.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, a bill that recently passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. I am proud that the package includes provisions for robust medical research, funding to combat opioid abuse, and support for individuals who struggle with mental illness and who are trapped in the criminal justice system. Reforming and modernizing our Nation's mental health system has been one of my top priorities. It is imperative that we help those who are struggling with mental illness get the help they need. Many tragedies can be prevented if the proper support structure is in place. As part of the reform efforts, I was proud that legislation authored by Representative Tim Murphy, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which I strongly supported, was incorporated into 21st Century Cures. I had the opportunity to host a roundtable earlier this year in south Florida, with my friend from Pennsylvania and local stakeholders, to discuss mental health and the benefits of this important legislation. The passage of 21st Century Cures also represents an important step toward the discovery and development of new treatments for many diseases, like cancer and Alzheimer's, in addition to empowering individuals, families, and employers across the country with more healthcare options. I was proud to have supported this pioneering legislation, and I look forward to its swiftly being signed into law. WIIN and CEPP

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, or the WIIN Act. Included in this package, which is expected to be considered in the House later in the week, is the Central Everglades Planning Project, which is of critical importance to the ecological health of the State of Florida. This project will significantly increase freshwater flows from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades and down into Florida Bay, providing critical relief to our water reservoirs and to a stressed ecosystem in the bay. The health of Florida Bay is a moral and an environmental cause. It is also vital to south Florida's multibillion-dollar tourism industry, making Everglades restoration an important local issue as well as a major national priority. Long-term restoration will be achieved primarily by constructing projects for the conveyance, treatment, and storage of water and, ultimately, the restoration of freshwater flow from north to south. CEPP contributes to all of these goals. I thank Chairman Shuster for working with me to include $1.9 billion for the Everglades Restoration Program in the WIIN Act. I am proud that, through bipartisan efforts, we were able to include this much- needed funding for Everglades restoration, and I look forward to getting this bill signed into law. FY 2017 NDAA and SPOC Act

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to applaud the House's passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017. This bipartisan legislation strongly supports our servicemembers by providing a much-deserved 2.1 percent pay raise and improves access to health care for them and for their families. It prohibits the administration from transferring our naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Castro dictatorship. It also protects victims who report sexual assault from personal and professional retaliation by making ``retaliation'' a separate offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In addition, I am grateful that my bill, the Service Provider Opportunity Clarification Act, was included in the final package. Any large business that receives a contract for more than $650,000 must show the Federal Government how it will use small businesses as subcontractors. Subcontracting is an important entry point for new Federal contractors. Without a robust and wide base of subcontractors, we will have fewer prime contractors tomorrow--meaning fewer suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators--and this will all result in increased costs to American taxpayers. I thank Chairman Thornberry and Chairman Chabot for including my bill and for their hard work in moving the NDAA forward. Their efforts serve as an excellent example of Congress' working together on behalf of the brave men and women who are tasked with keeping our country safe. I look forward to the legislation being signed into law. Congratulating Southridge Spartans Football

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Southridge Spartans football team on their first trip to the State finals since 1999. After a 2-2 start to the season, the Spartans' defense stepped up and shut out all future opponents from scoring a touchdown. The Spartans outscored their final five opponents by a whopping 151-0, finishing the season with a 7-2 record and earning a spot in the Florida State playoffs. After defeating Coral Gables in the quarterfinals, Southridge faced off against Deerfield Beach in the semifinals. The Spartans overcame six turnovers, five of which came in their own territory, to defeat Deerfield Beach 26-7 and to clinch their rightful place in the championship game this Saturday in Orlando v. Dr. Phillips High School. I congratulate head coach Billy Rolle and principal Miret, along with the players, students, faculty, and alumni of Miami Southridge High School, for their amazing season thus far. Good luck. Bring the championship home.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I unfortunately missed a vote during a vote series on 12/1/16. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 594.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 5732, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016. This legislation would impose sanctions on those who are responsible for the Syrian humanitarian crisis and on those who hinder or deny humanitarian assistance in Syria by declaring that to be a serious abuse of human rights. I have consistently said that the conflict in Syria is one of the greatest blemishes on human history, and it is imperative that we do more to put an end to it. Bashar al-Assad's regime has committed horrific abuses against civilians in his country by employing widespread torture and other tactics that have shocked the international community. The regime also continues to block aid from reaching parts of Syria in spite of U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for access to humanitarian assistance. This legislation holds not only regime officials accountable but also those who are providing the regime the support it needs to carry out its appalling crimes. Since 2011, millions have been forced to flee from their homes to escape the brutal violence and unlivable conditions that plague the country. Half a million people have died. I believe that strong action is long overdue. H.R. 5732 is a step forward, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of it. I want to thank Representative Engel for introducing this important legislation and Chairman Royce for all of his work.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Water Resources Development Act containing the Central Everglades Planning Project that is of critical importance to the ecological health of the State of Florida. This project will increase freshwater flows from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades and down into Florida Bay, providing critical relief to our water reservoirs and to a stressed ecosystem in Florida Bay. The health of Florida Bay, Mr. Chairman, is a moral issue, and it is also vital to south Florida's multibillion-dollar tourism industry, making Everglades restoration an important local issue as well as a major national priority. Long-term restoration will be achieved primarily by constructing projects for conveyance, treatment, and storage of water and, ultimately, restoration of freshwater flow from north to south. CEPP contributes to all of these goals. I want to thank Chairman Shuster for working with me to include $1.9 billion for the Everglades Restoration program in the Water Resources Development Act being considered today. This comprehensive bill provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with authority to carry out water projects through cost-sharing partnerships with non-Federal sponsors. I am proud that, through bipartisan efforts, we were able to include this much-needed funding for Everglades restoration, and I look forward to getting this bill signed into law.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in the coming weeks, the sovereign people of Colombia will decide, in a historic referendum, whether to approve or reject the agreement reached between the Colombian Government and the terrorist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, commonly known as FARC. I have made it a priority to hear from stakeholders on either side of this issue, and I remain concerned about the impact the deal could have on Colombia, as well as its broader effects on the region, especially given the drastic increase in coca production in recent years. My concerns are shared by many Americans of Colombian descent who call south Florida home, and who I am proud to represent in this body. Throughout the process, the FARC has demanded immunity, impunity, and political legitimacy, but we cannot ignore the thousands viciously murdered by this terrorist organization--people who were innocent victims and who demand justice that goes beyond special tribunals that offer relatively mild punishments. Throughout the decades, the FARC recruited children to serve its corrupt cause. American citizens were kidnapped and victimized by them. It is hard to believe that the FARC was an honest partner in the peace process, and allowing them to participate in the political process has been viewed as a generous and perhaps dangerous concession. The Colombian people will be voting on the deal next month after more than half a century of war. This is a decision exclusively for the Colombian people to make. However, those of us who cherish the U.S.- Colombia relationship, who care deeply for Colombia and its future, and who are privileged to represent many in our country's Colombian- American community must be sincere and, with respect, express our concerns, while at the same time renewing our commitment to the strong partnership between our two nations. Addressing the Federal Deficit