Carlos Curbelo

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss one of the most serious issues facing the United States--the staggering Federal deficit, which is expected to be one-third larger this year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, our Federal budget deficit will be $590 billion, compared with a $438 billion deficit last year. Future projections don't appear to be optimistic either, with OMB reports stating that the deficit will rise to 4.6 percent of GDP by 2026. For comparison, the average deficit as a share of GDP from 1966 to 2015 was 2.8 percent. These figures make it abundantly clear that Congress must work toward solutions that will address our Nation's deficit and get our fiscal house back in order. Every day, families in south Florida sit around the dinner table and make tough decisions on how they will spend their money. They stick to their budgets, and their government should be no different. Last October, 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 government spending by providing certainty to agencies as they plan for the future. The budget also contains real 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, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance solutions that will reduce our Federal deficit. It is our duty as elected officials to leave our children and grandchildren with the same economic opportunities as my generation, and that is my main priority in Congress. A ``Better Way'' Agenda

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the House Republicans' Better Way agenda to reform the way Congress does business by promoting solutions that will benefit Americans across the country. I am proud to have supported numerous bills within the Better Way agenda, including two education bills that are expected to pass the House this week. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, of which I am an original cosponsor, provides students with the tools to succeed in a variety of fields, including the technology and healthcare sectors, by simplifying the process of applying for Federal funds. This legislation also increases transparency, ensuring effective programs that allow students, teachers, and parents to attain their goals. This year, I had the opportunity to serve on the Poverty, Opportunity, and Upward Mobility Task Force and suggested that we focus on the most vulnerable in our communities--at-risk youth. I am proud the Better Way agenda included a plan to reduce poverty for children and was proud to introduce the bipartisan Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act. This legislation sets kids up for long- term success by giving State and local leaders the flexibility to better meet the specific needs of at-risk children in their communities.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita), a subcommittee chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5963) to reauthorize and improve the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5963.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5963, the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act. Mr. Speaker, helping kids succeed in life is a priority we all share. That is why we work to make sure all children have access to the education and the opportunities necessary to achieve their goals and build fulfilling futures for themselves. Unfortunately, too many children don't realize that success is even an option for them. Too many others believe their chance is past or don't know how to seize it. As a result, they make decisions that put them on the wrong path and, in some cases, in the juvenile justice system. These are the children this legislation will help. H.R. 5963 includes a number of positive reforms, all aimed at improving services to keep at-risk youth out of the juvenile system and help juvenile offenders turn their lives around. First, the bill's reforms will set these children up for long-term success. They will help them gain the skills they need to become productive members of society or a second chance to reach their full potential. These reforms will also give State and local leaders the flexibility to meet specific and unique needs of vulnerable kids in their communities. The legislation also prioritizes what works, focusing on evidence- based strategies that will help reduce juvenile delinquency. It will also give policymakers, State and local leaders, and service providers a better understanding of the best ways to serve kids across the country. Finally, the bill improves oversight and accountability to ensure juvenile justice programs are delivering positive results for children and to protect the taxpayers' investment in these important programs. These are all commonsense measures that will reform the juvenile justice system and improve public safety. But more than that, they will provide opportunities for kids to build successful, fulfilling lives, especially for young men and women who never thought that kind of life was possible. I was happy to partner with our ranking member, Bobby Scott, on this important piece of legislation, and I am proud of the work we have done together. Mr. Scott of Virginia has long been a champion of this effort, and with this bipartisan initiative, we have put forward a good bill that will help more children in this country achieve success in life. I would also like to thank our colleagues in the Senate, especially Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for their leadership and hard work, as well as Chairman John Kline, Amy Jones, Leslie Tatum, and the rest of the Education and the Workforce Committee staff. They have all helped pave the way for the reforms in the bill before us today, and I look forward to working with them to complete this important effort. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I want to remind my colleagues what this bill is about. Yes, it will improve the juvenile justice system. It will help State and local leaders better serve at-risk youth and juvenile offenders. It will also help improve public safety and build strong communities across the country. But, to me, it is really about opportunity. These reforms will help vulnerable kids from all across the country realize that they have an opportunity to work toward a brighter future--one that doesn't involve a life of crime or violence. And they will help those children find the support they need to seize that opportunity. A vote in support of the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act isn't just a vote to advance this legislation, it is a vote of confidence that all children can achieve a lifetime of success, even when the odds are stacked against them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 5963. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. I thank Mr. Thompson for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership on this bill. I would also like to thank Ms. Clark, our chairman, and the ranking member for making this possible. I think all of my colleagues have explained all the details in this bill, the important reforms that are in it, but what I want to focus on is the critical message that it sends young people and, really, all aspiring people all over this country, Mr. Speaker. For a long time--and I was a school board member, so I know this-- young people were told that there was only one path to success: a traditional 4-year degree. And anyone who didn't do that was looked down upon, and we stigmatized a lot of young people in this country. What this Congress is doing today together--Republicans and Democrats--is sending a strong message to students in high school today, students in middle school, and people who are adults but still aspiring and looking to acquire job skills so that they can get a good job, that there are many pathways to success. I think that is equally as important as the reforms, as the changes, as the updating of this important bill that we are advancing, the strong, wonderful message it is sending to the young people of this country. I thank everyone for their leadership, and I urge all my colleagues to vote for this legislation.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Tangela Sears, a local activist who has spent decades serving the south Florida community. She has been an outspoken leader on many topics, including gun violence and the need to protect young people in our community from these senseless crimes. She is a confident leader who stands up for her beliefs, and a fearless advocate who works to make south Florida a safer place to live. A year ago, Tangela's son, David, died at the hands of gun violence, a tragedy she had worked her entire life to prevent. Though heartbroken, she used the memory of David as an opportunity to continue spreading the message of nonviolence and justice more than ever before. I thank Ms. Sears for her years of service, advocacy, passion, and strength to make our community a better place for all, especially those who live in neighborhoods that have seen a troubling spike in violent crimes. We are extremely grateful for your unrelenting dedication to our community, and I know that David is extremely proud of you.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the end of the summer marks the beginning of the school year and a fresh start for teachers, students, and families. As a father of two young students and as a former school board member from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and now the husband of a teacher, I greatly cherish this time of year and the excitement that children feel while preparing to enter the next grade. Soon after classes started, I visited Redland Middle, a school in my district that has greatly benefited from my amendment to provide students learning English an extra year to become proficient before test scores count against their teachers and schools. Like all students, English language learners must be counted without being counted out, and their teachers deserve our support. As a proud member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, ensuring young people the brightest future possible is a central focus of my work in Congress. I wish the students, parents, teachers, support staff, and families of Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys much success as this new school year gets underway.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore Congress to take action to fund Zika response efforts in South Florida, throughout the country, and all over the world. Seven months have passed since the administration made its initial request for $1.9 billion to combat Zika, a request I supported. As of September 7, the State of Florida alone has seen 596 travel- related cases and 80 Zika infections involving pregnant women. Across the United States, thousands more have been infected with the virus. Mr. Speaker, Florida has been ground zero for Zika, and we are seeing firsthand the devastating impacts it has not only on public health but on our economy as well. Neighborhoods in Wynwood and Miami Beach and other communities across Florida are seeing decreased tourist traffic, and some residents, especially pregnant women, are fearful to venture outdoors. My wife and I know pregnant women who have moved away from South Florida to protect themselves and their unborn babies from a potential Zika infection. Over the months of July and August, I met with the director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Tom Friedman, as well as other government officials, including Senator Rubio, Governor Scott, and my Florida colleagues from both parties to discuss the progress of the government's response and the importance of funding these efforts long- term. It is imperative that Congress act on Zika legislation as soon as possible to provide the CDC and other agencies at the national, State, and local levels the tools they need to rid our neighborhoods of this disease. Combating Zika is not a Republican or Democrat initiative. It should be a national priority. The mosquitos carrying this disease will not discriminate between congressional lines or infect people from only certain States. All Members of Congress from both parties and across the country must appreciate the severity of inaction on passing Zika funding legislation. Let's put politics aside and get this done for our communities and for all Americans. Condemning al-Assad's Brutality

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise again to strongly condemn Bashar al-Assad's atrocities against the Syrian people. It has been reported that the government has, once again, unleashed barrel bombs with chlorine gas in Aleppo as the regime continues its brutal siege of that city. Victims of the attack suffered from breathing difficulties similar to the symptoms we have seen in the past when the government ignored international law by assaulting innocent people with chemical weapons. This was the second recent chlorine attack that affected Syrians who have been cut off from aid and are unable to escape. In spite of repeated warnings, the Syrian Government continues to utilize barrel bombs filled with chemical weapons as a tool to remain in power. This continued disregard for human life and the well-being of Syrians underscores why Assad must go and not be allowed to take part in the political transition discussions or Syria's future. The death and destruction in Syria is one of the greatest blemishes on human history. The entire world must do more to put an end to it. Back To School

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jolly), my distinguished colleague, for leading this very important discussion here this evening on a topic that has a lot of people worried back home. I remind people that, in the State of Florida, this is, obviously, a public health crisis. There are a lot of women who are pregnant and are very concerned. A few weeks ago, we got a call from my wife's OB/GYN telling us that his office was full of patients asking questions--a lot of anxiety, a lot of nervous people in our State. In Florida, this is also an economic issue. I met recently with businessowners in the Wynwood-Allapattah area near downtown Miami. They tell me that business in that area is down 60 percent. That means jobs. That means people who aren't going to be able to take income home to their families, income that they need. For us, of course, it is a public health crisis, and that is our number one concern because we want to make sure that people can live comfortably and feel safe in our State. We actually know a few people who have left the State because they are pregnant and they don't want to risk exposing their unborn babies to the effects, the devastating effects, that we have seen Zika cause throughout the world, primarily microcephaly, babies born with brain disorders. By the way, we are still learning a lot about the Zika virus. We don't know what the long-term effects are because, until recently, this isn't a virus that had really come under the microscope. The bottom line is that we need these funds because we need long-term certainty in the fight against Zika. We need long-term certainty so that all the Federal agencies--the CDC, Health and Human Services, State agencies, local agencies--can all respond, develop a vaccine, and, of course, help partner nations overseas. In Florida, we get tourists from all over the world, but especially from Latin America, from South America. We need to help nations like Brazil get this virus under control; otherwise, we will continue to be exposed. Madam Speaker, I am so thankful to my colleague, Mr. Jolly, for his leadership on this issue, for bringing us together here tonight-- Republicans and Democrats--asking for common sense, asking to make the American people proud of this Congress, to show that we can be competent, that we can solve people's problems, that we can help people feel safe and secure in their communities, especially throughout the State of Florida.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a strong sense of urgency for this Congress to pass legislation that will fund Zika response efforts. It has been 20 days since this House adopted the conference report to include $1.1 billion of funding to combat the Zika virus. While I still fully support the administration's request for $1.9 billion, this House-passed measure is a step in the right direction. I implore my colleagues in the Senate to unite and provide funding to eradicate a disease that could devastate our communities, especially young mothers and their infants. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the southernmost district in the United States that spans from Miami to Key West. We have a vibrant community and an economy based off trade and tourism. But we are also ground zero for the Zika virus, with over 239 cases in Florida, 75 of those being in Miami-Dade County. Just yesterday, the Florida Department of Health announced six new travel-related cases of Zika. I have consistently advocated for full funding at the administration's request to stop the spread of Zika and will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done. But in the meantime, I strongly encourage the Senate to adopt the Zika conference report and provide our healthcare officials with the resources they need to fight this dangerous virus. Promoting TPP and Protecting American Jobs

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the issue of trade has been much discussed in the current political season. Candidates all across the political spectrum are twisting the facts and telling half-truths in an effort to confuse the American people. The reality is that trade has afforded American workers and businesses the opportunity to sell the products they make all over the world, and it has reduced the cost of goods for all American consumers. Trade has lifted millions out of poverty and has contributed to the proliferation of American values and the advancement of our interests. South Florida being the gateway to the Americas, our community knows the many benefits of robust trade policies. However, free trade must also be fair trade, and American workers and companies should not be at an unfair disadvantage. Many citizens have contacted my office complaining about Chinese practices that do not allow Americans to compete. But even strong U.S. allies are guilty of such practices. An example is Australia's Personal Property Securities Act. Because of this law, U.S. companies that lease assets in Australia are at peril of losing them. This notion is contrary to the elemental right to own and conduct international business as well as the fundamental right to due process and equal treatment, both of which are key principles of justice in virtually all nations in the Western world. At least one Florida company has been aggrieved by this law, and it is important we discuss these issues while we finalize trade negotiations. Those of us who believe the Trans-Pacific Partnership has the potential to be a powerful policy instrument that will benefit America's economy and increase our influence in the world also hope that it will level the playing field for American workers and entrepreneurs and address the policies and practices that give trade a bad name. I look forward to following this issue very closely as negotiations continue.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan legislation I have recently filed to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists. H.R. 5576, the Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 2016, is similar to the bipartisan agreement championed by Senator Susan Collins, and would deny the sale of firearms to individuals on the no fly and selectee lists, while ensuring due process is protected for law-abiding gun owners. It was recently announced the House is unlikely to consider any legislation this week pertaining to terrorist access to firearms, and for this, I am truly disappointed. Mr. Speaker, it is time to do something, and this commonsense, bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction. I will continue to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to strike a bipartisan compromise that will protect law-abiding citizens' constitutional rights, while denying the sale of guns to terrorists. Recognizing Norberto Orellana

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Norberto Orellana, an incredible young man who, despite facing health challenges and long-term homelessness, recently graduated from the School for Advanced Studies at the Miami-Dade College Homestead campus with a near perfect GPA, a full ride to college, and a dream to go to medical school. Mr. Orellana has already confronted more hardships in his young life than many of us will encounter in our lifetimes, but he does so with a positive attitude that inspires all of us. Mr. Orellana was born with cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder caused by abnormal development in the part of the brain that controls balance and posture. By the time he was 5, he had undergone three major surgeries to correct a club foot, lengthen his muscles, and reshape his bones. He and his family also battled homelessness, moving from shelter to shelter. However, he never allowed his circumstances to dictate his attitude or detract from his belief in his own potential. He used his time spent in hospitals to fuel his burning desire to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. It is an honor for me to recognize Mr. Norberto Orellana on the occasion of his graduation. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for such a bright young mind. Comprehensive Strategy to Destroy ISIL

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the attacks in Orlando, San Bernardino, and across Europe are a horrific reminder that the war on terror continues, and that radical extremism from groups like ISIL remains a danger to all freedom-loving people. It is critical that a plan is in place to destroy this enemy before the United States and our allies face more senseless violence from cowardly terrorists. For these reasons, I have cosponsored Representative Kinzinger's bill, H.R. 4869, the Comprehensive Strategy to Destroy ISIL Act of 2016. This legislation directs the Secretaries of State and Defense to submit a joint report to Congress on the strategy to destroy ISIL and its affiliates. It is imperative the U.S. and our allies defeat these radical terrorists on their home turf, and this legislation will require a plan from the administration to do just that. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this critical bill. Congratulating Two Florida Keys Community College Student-Teams

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two Florida Keys Community College student-teams who won five medals, two of them gold, at the annual NASA Engineering Challenges at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This yearly competition is geared towards encouraging students to pursue STEM-related fields. The TechKeys and RocketTrees worked together to take home the gold in the high-altitude balloon experiment. FKCC is one of only three colleges in Florida to receive a $134,000 grant from the Florida Space Grant Consortium to support the program for 2 years. This grant also provides scholarships to each participating student. Each of these students is also now eligible for an internship at NASA as long as they remain enrolled in a Florida college. Congratulations to the students and their professor, Dawn Ellis, on this prestigious accomplishment. I am proud that they are bringing awareness to the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. I thank the chairman for yielding. I appreciate his work on this legislation, and the ranking member, Mr. DeFazio, as well. I really appreciate the way that they have worked collaboratively on this. Mr. Speaker, this FAA reauthorization works to ensure that our aviation system remains well equipped, secure, and safe for passengers and pilots alike. It provides vital enhancements to the U.S. aviation system by strengthening security, expanding TSA PreCheck, and requiring the FAA to give Congress quarterly reports on the number of civil or criminal disturbances that occur at airports. I am proud to say that this measure also includes my bill, H.R. 5292, the Air Traffic Controller Hiring Improvement Act. This legislation, which has over 243 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, will reform for the better the way we hire our air traffic controllers. It will improve the ATC system by exempting College Training Initiative graduates and military veterans from the controversial biographical questionnaire while still allowing the general public to apply to serve as controllers. H.R. 5292 also ensures the FAA directly notifies schools, such as Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic-Serving Institutions, when ATC vacancy announcements are made. This bill is certainly a step in the right direction; although, I believe, Mr. Speaker, we have a long way to go to modernize the FAA and bring America's ATO, or air traffic operation, into the 21st century. I certainly look forward to working with the chairman and my colleagues to make that a reality.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 385, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of one of Monroe County's most respected and decent public servants. Richard ``Dick'' Ramsay, a former Marathon mayor and city councilman, small-business owner and airline pilot, passed away on June 2 at the age of 74. A true visionary who worked tirelessly to better his community, Mayor Ramsay played a pivotal role in the incorporation of Marathon, Florida. He possessed a genuine passion for the Florida Keys, a passion that was reflected in his dedication to public service. Dick's contributions to Marathon are both significant and extensive. He served three 2-year terms on the city council and expressed great interest in issues concerning the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport. One of his many successful projects was the newly installed U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, which now allows international flights to clear customs in Marathon for the first time in decades. Beloved by his family, his friends, and his community, Dick Ramsay will be dearly missed by all. I am honored to have been able to call him my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ramsay family and to the Florida Keys for the loss of such an active and caring member of the community. Recognizing Ed Knight

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edward B. Knight of the Florida Keys. Ed, as he is known, is a true staple in our community. During his time in Key West, he and his wife opened one of the first U.S. Volkswagen dealerships, operated a successful real estate company, and served as an executive on several boards, including the Rotary Club of Key West and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Knight also created an annual Rotary scholarship program to help students attend Florida Keys Community College. Edward Knight is a leader, a businessman, and the definition of a philanthropist, so much so that Key West Mayor Craig Cates led a naming ceremony of the White Street Pier in Mr. Knight's honor on June 9. I want to personally congratulate Ed Knight. Thank you for all you have done for the Florida Keys community throughout the years. Your service is deeply appreciated. Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. There are more than 5 million Americans in the United States who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It is a devastating disease for patients and their families and is currently the sixth leading cause of death for individuals living in the United States. This disease, unfortunately, cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed, but as lawmakers, we have the ability to support patients and their families. I have cosponsored the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, which would amend Medicare to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care-planning services. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help move toward finding a cure for this awful disease.