Carlos Curbelo

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The important services that are provided by the Older Americans Act help us to achieve a goal that we can all get behind--that of supporting the country's seniors in helping them maintain the active, productive lives they desire. As I see it, that is not just a goal--it is our responsibility. The seniors we are talking about are veterans, parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers, laborers, job creators. They are individuals who have worked hard all of their lives, who have helped this country grow and expand, and who, in a lot of ways, have supported many of us throughout our own lives. It is now on us to help support them in their senior years. This reauthorization will do just that, which is why it has support from Members on both sides of the aisle and from nearly 50 groups, including the AARP, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Meals on Wheels America, and the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities. It will enable older Americans to remain independent, to continue contributing to their communities, and to remain in their homes with their families and among their friends. Many seniors are fortunate enough to have loved ones who are already helping them stay active and who are already looking out for their best interests. Unfortunately, there are many seniors who are not so fortunate. This bipartisan bill will help those individuals live out their years with dignity whether they are in their homes or in long-term care facilities. I believe that is an effort we can all support. I thank Chairman Kline, Ranking Member Scott, and my friend and colleague from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici). This is a wonderful model for bipartisan work--for working together--to help vulnerable people in our country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, there is no question that the barrage of attacks committed by ISIL are crimes against humanity. The administration's strategy in Syria and against ISIL up until now has been to do the bare minimum, which has only exacerbated the deteriorating situation. Assad remains in power and has, himself, committed an untold number of war crimes through the use of chemical weapons and barrel bombs against his own people, all while giving ISIL time to develop and to strengthen. Last month, the administration failed to comply with the legally mandated deadline to submit a plan to Congress. However, just this week, the House unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution condemning the attacks as genocide; and today, Secretary Kerry determined that Christians, Yazidis, and Shiite groups are victims of genocide. Because of the Obama administration's inaction and failure to develop a comprehensive strategy, minorities continue to be targets for these atrocious attacks. Now that the administration has begun to recognize the severity of these massacres, it is time to finally create a comprehensive strategy that will address the root causes of this conflict, including the continued presence of Assad in Syria.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today we honor the life of Kay Thacker, a woman who worked to make politics nobler and spent every hour of her life dedicated to helping others. As a visitor to the Keys since childhood and a 27-year resident, we will miss Kay Thacker tremendously. She was a woman who embodied the heart of the small and tight-knit community that we are. Though born in Kentucky, Kay spent much of her life in Indiana. In the late 1960s and into the early 1970s she ran her own salon, Casa de Kay. She received her degree from the University of Indiana and then proceeded to earn the title of Vice President of Sales for Metal Honing Inc. Thankfully, she then decided to make Key Largo her home where she embodied the role of a passionate civic activist. Tenacious and firm in her principles, Kay stood proudly as an environmental conservationist, advocate for the Arts and a staunch overseer of spending by public agencies. Even in the face of fierce adversity, Kay was a woman who refused to back down. Well known for her stubbornness, Kay knew when to put her foot down and fight for her beliefs, all the while never making that fight personal. Kay Thacker's impact on our community is far reaching and universally appreciated, even from those that she stood up to. She will forever be remembered for her unyielding devotion to the community that we are all fortunate to call our own.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Military Affairs Committee of Key West on their 50th anniversary celebration. Since its inception, MAC's mission has been to strengthen the bonds between military members and civilians in the Florida Keys. Members of MAC are devoted citizens of their community, participating or volunteering in local events to ensure that Keys life continues to thrive. Today I am proud to recognize two original charter members of MAC, Mr. Edward B. Knight and Mr. Frank Toppino. Mr. Knight is a former Naval aviator in World War II, while Mr. Toppino was in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre, also in World War II. Both men have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, businessmen, and philanthropists in Key West. They are highly respected pillars of the Florida Keys community, bringing together military members and civilians. They lead by example, inspiring us to uphold the values and the visions of MAC and their charter members. I applaud Mr. Toppino, Mr. Knight, and the members of the Military Affairs Committee of Key West on a very successful and unifying 50 years. May MAC and its mission continue to flourish.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Irene Staggers Harris. Pastor Irene Staggers Harris was canonized a Bishop in December of 2013 and has been selected as the first woman president of the South East Dade Ministerial Alliance. God placed Bishop Harris in a position to make a difference in her family, her church, and in the community-at-large. After receiving her education in Miami-Dade County Public Schools and graduating from the South Dade Senior High School, she sought higher education and attended the Miami Dade Community College. Following her academic endeavors, Bishop Harris was employed at the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant for numerous years before hearing the call from God to embrace full-time ministry in the Lord's Church. After being licensed and ordained an Elder by the House of God Saints in Christ, Inc., Bishop Harris led the congregation of the Greater St. Matthews Holiness Church where she extended the church name to include and embrace the ``Temple of Love''. In October of 1997, Bishop Harris became the Shepherd of Greater St. Matthews Holiness Church and communicated to her congregation a message of dependence on the Word of the Lord. Bishop Irene Staggers Harris has dedicated her life to the Call of God. Her invaluable contributions to the Miami-Dade community serve as the embodiment of her selflessness. I commend Bishop Harris for her unyielding commitment to the word of God and love for all people. She will undoubtedly continue to serve admirably as the president of the South East Dade Ministerial Alliance.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church for its designation as the oldest African-American church in South Miami-Dade County. The church property was identified by the City of Homestead as a significant historic structure and I truly believe it warrants this recognition. The first permanent church was built in 1911 by Linton Connors and the wooden frame building was given the name ``Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church''. Reverend W.M. Baker served as the first pastor of the church and during his tenure, the reverend organized their first choir and established the missionary society `Home Mission' to aid those in need within the community. This Mission continues to be in existence to this day. Since then, the Saint Paul Missionary Church has continued to give back to the community through its organization of programs that allow its faithful members to serve. I would like to express my gratitude to church leaders and congregations, past and present. You have all been essential in sustaining the fortitude of this truly historic place of worship. May God continue to bless you.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye''. personal explanation

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Miami- Dade County Public Schools, where the graduation rate recently reached an all-time high of 78.1 percent for the 2014-2015 academic year, surpassing the State average of 77.8 percent. This is a 1.5 percent growth from last year's rate, marking the highest graduation rate MDCPS has achieved since the Florida Department of Education began implementing new standards to track graduation figures in the late 1990s. This is a landmark accomplishment, considering the major challenges Miami schools face, including high poverty rates and a large population of English language learners. As a former member of the Miami-Dade County School Board, I salute the students, teachers, faculty, and parents for their dedication and for their commitment to excellence. I also want to recognize School Board Chair Perla Tabares-Hantman, my other former colleagues, and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho for their exceptional leadership. I think of them frequently, and I am constantly reminded of how fortunate our community is to have them. To the entire MDCPS family, congratulations. You are a model for the Nation. I am proud to represent you. Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2015

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on October 24, 2015, Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Gordon found himself in a firefight with a robbery suspect on Stock Island in the Florida Keys. Amidst the exchange of gunfire, Deputy Gordon's bulletproof vest stopped a round of ammunition, ultimately saving his life. If a bullet would have strayed a few inches one way or another, the outcome could have been entirely different. Every day, men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to ensure our safety. Incidents such as this shed light on the significance of effective body armor for those who protect us. Officers like Deputy Gordon are never off duty, and we must, in turn, do everything in our power to protect them. To address this, I stand in strong support of H.R. 228, the Bulletproof Vest Grant Act of 2015, which extends the grant program for armored vests through fiscal year 2018. I strongly encourage Congress to pass this essential legislation and protect the backbone of our Nation's domestic defense. Miami International Airport Passenger Records

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miami International Airport and their record-breaking year in 2015. Forty- four million passengers passed through this world-renowned airport last year, shattering the previous annual record of 40.9 million passengers in 2014. MIA has some of the most dedicated employees in the country who ensure passengers have a pleasant experience on their journey, whether visiting relatives, conducting business, or visiting the abundance of attractions south Florida has to offer. Tens of thousands of passengers pass through MIA on a daily basis, and I am proud to recognize an airport that connects so many people throughout the world. I offer my continued support to my friend, MIA Director Emilio Gonzalez, as his team works in the new year to attract more domestic and international routes, and I know cafecitos will continue to be available at each terminal so all visiting guests can enjoy the wonderful culture of south Florida.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, the people of Venezuela took to the polls and, in a loud, clear voice, deposed the Chavista ruling party from the National Assembly. Polls leading up to the election indicated that a vast majority, 87 percent of Venezuelans, were dissatisfied with the direction that Maduro and his cronies were taking the country. Maduro's policies have led Venezuela to having the hemisphere's highest inflation rate, causing critical shortages of food and medicine, as well as the collapse of the Venezuelan currency and rampant crime. The newly elected coalition has pledged to make necessary reforms to get a handle on the economy. It has also promised to pass laws to release the political prisoners that have been unjustly arrested by the Maduro regime. Sunday's elections were a watershed moment for the Venezuelan people, and it charts a new course for their destiny. However, there is still hard work that needs to be done to ensure a thriving, prosperous, and just Venezuela, at peace with itself and with its people. I congratulate the Venezuelan people and the Venezuelan community in the United States on this momentous occasion.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act. This critical legislation will provide 5 years of fully paid-for transportation projects across the Nation to repair our aging infrastructure. The FAST Act makes important reforms to highway and vehicle safety and expands public transportation to make Federal investment more cost- effective. It also expands funding available for bridges and roads. And, most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this bill was done through the regular order process, with transparent amendments considered and all Members having their say. I would like to highlight several initiatives that are important to my south Florida congressional district included in the FAST Act. Language was included in this bill that I offered with Representative Titus to protect our seniors and pedestrians in congested traffic areas. While total traffic crash fatalities are down nearly 25 percent in the last decade, pedestrian deaths are up, hurting children and the elderly most. This language will encourage States to adopt safe and adequate accommodation standards for roadways and sidewalks when developing future Federal projects. Also included in the FAST Act is robust funding levels for University Transportation Center programs, with much-welcomed increases over the next 5 years. One hundred twenty-five universities across the country participate in the UTC program, conducting critical research to develop future transportation technologies. Florida International University, in my district, is a world-recognized leader in accelerated bridge construction, and I am proud to advocate for them and all the UTCs here in Congress. I also introduced a bill earlier this month with Representative Lipinski that was similar to this language and appreciate all the bipartisan support UTCs have received. Lastly, I would like to thank Chairman Gibbs and Ranking Member Napolitano for their work in the creation of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, or WIFIA, in last year's WRRDA legislation. This is a perfect example of good government and will be truly revolutionary in addressing the dire water infrastructure needs throughout the country. I represent Miami-Dade County, one of the 10 largest water and sewer departments in the Nation, that services 2.3 million people daily. The 14,000 miles of pipeline date back more than 40 years, and repairs are much-needed. Included in the FAST Act was a fix to the WIFIA program to allow for the use of tax-exempt municipal bonds in these infrastructure projects. Earlier in the year, I introduced a bill with bipartisan support that proposed this fix, and I am grateful it was included in the FAST Act to allow local governments the tools necessary to repair our water systems. Lastly, I would like to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio and their Senate counterparts for all of their hard work in crafting this important legislation. This final product embodies the essence of bipartisanship, and I am proud to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I urge the House and Senate to pass the FAST Act to strengthen our Nation's transportation networks. I know my neighbors in south Florida, especially those living in Kendall and South Dade, will be very grateful. Seventh Annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give accolades to Monroe County and the city of Key West for holding their Seventh Annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit. For 7 years, they have created a forum for people to come together and discuss the importance of mitigating the effects of climate change. I thank them for their continued efforts and for being leaders on this critical issue that warrants serious attention. Like me, they believe that humans are a contributing factor to climate change and that our years of living irresponsibly have caught up with us, leaving a blemish on our planet. They have dedicated time to making a positive impact on our world, and I applaud them for their valiant and enduring efforts to see this task through. To all the attendees of the climate summit in beautiful Key West, thank you for your efforts to make the world a better place. I am confident that if we work together we can do right by future generations and leave them a cleaner, more beautiful planet. Nelson Sobrino, Student Council President

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a student in Homestead, Florida, Mr. Nelson Sobrino, and congratulate him on his recent election as student council president of Somerset City Arts Conservatory. President Nelson, who is 13 years old, ran on a platform of adding additional school spirit days and helping the less fortunate with food during the holiday season. The story of President Nelson's path to success at such a young age has a lot to admire. In first grade, he was diagnosed with autism. However, Nelson has overcome difficult odds and has not only been a very successful student academically, winning awards like ``Reading Plus'' for Web-based comprehension program, but has excelled socially as well. His teachers, parents, and fellow students have been a tremendous support network and have greatly contributed to President Nelson's success. So, President Nelson, I proudly recognize your leadership of the student body of Somerset City Arts and look forward to visiting with you soon.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Every Student Succeeds Act. I want to thank my colleagues on the Committee on Education and the Workforce for their tireless efforts to improve K-12 education for all students, especially Chairman Kline, Chairman Rokita, and Ranking Members Scott and Fudge. Throughout this process, we have identified the successes and failures of No Child Left Behind. This agreement allows us to capture the spirit of that last ESEA reauthorization: education is the great civil rights issue of our time, and every child in this country can learn, no matter the color of their skin, the ZIP Code they live in, the language their parents speak, or their income level. We also learned from the failures of No Child Left Behind that led to an overly rigid, one-size-fits-all accountability system, inevitably giving the Federal Government an outsized role in public education. That is why the legislation before us today returns decisionmaking authority to States and local school districts, empowering communities and giving America's teachers the respect they deserve. I am especially pleased that the bill we are considering today includes my amendment, which will ensure that children learning English are counted without being counted out, and that the teachers and schools who serve them are given more time to help these students succeed. As a former member of the Miami-Dade County School Board, I am proud to have been a part of this process as a conferee. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bipartisan compromise. This agreement promotes school choice, empowers local leaders, and, most importantly, puts children, not Washington bureaucrats, at the center of America's education system.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, last week's gruesome terrorist attacks in Paris were a disturbing reminder that the war on terror is ongoing and that radical Islamic extremism represents a clear and present danger to all freedom-loving civilized people. The time from September 11, 2001, up until today has been difficult for our Nation. We have seen our young men and women engaged in endless wars. We have lost thousands of American lives and spent a significant portion of our national treasure fighting in the Middle East. Costly mistakes were made in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. We are understandably a war-weary people. However, last Friday we were reminded that the consequences of inaction or of weak actions are far greater than any risks associated with making a serious and unwavering commitment to confronting and defeating radical terrorists. ISIS is not a problem to be managed or contained. This ambitious terrorist organization is a dangerous enemy of the United States and our allies that must be eradicated. If we refuse to fight ISIS on their home turf, we will have to fight them in the streets of Paris and maybe in our own communities. Just as the previous administration recognized that its Iraq strategy was failing and needed a jolt, it is now time for President Obama and his national security team to show that they are serious about destroying this dangerous threat to the stability of the world and to our own very lives. Mr. Speaker, I have cosponsored a resolution authorizing the use of military force introduced by the gentleman from Illinois, my friend Adam Kinzinger. It would guarantee the President and our military every tool necessary to defeat ISIS. This resolution deserves a vote so that we can fight to win a war that we cannot afford to lose. Cuban Crisis

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, since the announcement of the President's engagement policy with the Cuban dictatorship in December of last year, we have witnessed a 78 percent spike in the number of Cubans arriving into our country. An untold number have been lost to the sea. But they aren't only coming by sea. Thousands of Cubans are illegally entering Central American nations, making the long trek north through Mexico and entering via our southern border. Too many are at the mercy of reprehensible human trafficking rings. Costa Rican authorities report that the number of Cubans entering their country illegally has grown from 5,400 last year to 12,166 so far this year. This problem has become so severe that the Costa Rican Government had to temporarily close its borders this past weekend. These trends show no signs of letting up, and I am concerned about another migrant crisis overwhelming our Nation, particularly south Florida. This is a matter of our national security and requires the President's immediate attention. Cubans on the island seem to be reacting to the administration's new policy with desperation and fear, risking their lives and their safety to escape the prison that is Castro's Cuba. White House Accreditation Alternative

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the administration's proposal to provide an alternative to accreditation for providers who develop partnerships with accredited institutions. The introduction of a regulator to judge programs like computer coding boot camps can help challenge traditional accreditors to put more focus on the success of students after graduation. This could be the groundwork for a true alternative to accreditation that would not replace the traditional system. Rather, it would enhance and allow other successful models to access funding resources to replicate and extend their reach. Accreditors maintain an important role within higher education; however, alternative models can help deal with segments that traditional accreditors may not be able to address effectively. As a large number of students enroll in noninstitutional programs, we should encourage the growth of successful models that are providing students with a path to successful and rewarding careers. Emphasizing outputs is an important step forward in helping the system of higher education in the United States evolve. As we continue our work toward reauthorizing the Higher Education Act here in the House, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to ensure that we are helping prepare students for success. In education, one size does not fit all. This step by the administration is one in the right direction.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics and to recognize the bright spots that have been identified in Florida's 26th Congressional District. The initiative was established in 1990 to address educational disparities faced by Hispanic students. As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, the initiative released the Bright Spots in Hispanic Education catalog to highlight the ongoing efforts in promoting educational achievement. Recognizing these bright spots will encourage collaboration between stakeholders to promote best practices and to develop effective partnerships. I am proud to recognize two bright spots in the district I represent. Congratulations to Florida International University's Mastery Math Lab and the STEM Transformation Institute. The Mastery Math Lab is a high-tech, individualized approach to improving student performance in mathematics. The STEM Transformation Institute is a multidisciplinary collaboration to research and develops effective approaches to STEM education. Both of these programs have made a substantial impact to the Hispanic community in south Florida. I am also very happy to announce other programs in the 26th District that have made commitments as part of the initiative to support educational outcomes for Latinos. These include Achieving Community Collaboration in Education and Student Success, Teach: STEM: Miami, and Experience: STEM: Miami.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California for taking the initiative on offering this amendment, which simply modifies the pilot program already created in the manager's amendment. My endorsement of this amendment stems from the fact that Florida's DOT currently has a cosponsorship program, and a multitude of other State DOTs have also offered their support. This program permits States to partner with private sector organizations, which will fund further roadside maintenance. The private sector, not the government, will be responsible for the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of the signs, resulting in zero expense to taxpayers. This amendment enables State DOTs to implement an acknowledgment program with live plant materials. Furthermore, it provides specifics on the guidelines USDOT should develop and lets States decide which matters are of significance to them. I respectfully urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1090, the Retail Investor Protection Act, which just passed the House. This bill would delay the Labor Department's regulation defining when an individual would be considered a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA. As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I have expressed serious concerns that the proposal to expand the definition of ``fiduciary'' will limit investor choice, prohibit access to investor guidance, and raise the costs of savings for retirement. In July, I signed a comment letter, led by Chairman Kline and Chairman Roe, stressing that this proposal would cut off vital financial advice for many low- and middle-income families and small business owners. We also shared concerns that this regulation would conflict with Securities and Exchange Commission rulemakings authorized in Dodd- Frank. I want to thank my colleague, Mrs. Wagner, for introducing this important legislation that will provide certainty in ensuring that adequate financial planning products are available for all my constituents in south Florida, and I stand ready to work with Chairman Kline to further address this issue at the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. CURBELO of Florida

Mr. CURBELO of Florida. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the Ohio delegation for giving us this very special opportunity to honor a man whom we all admire and appreciate. I am not from Ohio. I am from the State of Florida. I haven't known John Boehner nearly as long as many of my friends who have spoken here tonight. However, I can say this, Mr. Speaker: For many of us who are still relatively new here in Congress, for many of us who represent a younger generation of leaders who have come here to serve, John Boehner is a great example--an example of decency, of sincerity, of integrity, and of profound caring for every single American and for all of us. I am moved by John Boehner's work in education, which is clearly one of his great passions. As a school board member in Miami-Dade County, I saw firsthand the difference that John Boehner's work in education made in the lives of children, oftentimes poor children, low-income children, who would not be counted had John Boehner not done such wonderful work in the Committee on Education and the Workforce when he was chairman. The legislation that John Boehner and those who served with him advanced made sure that every child counted and that no child would be counted out, no matter where they lived, the color of their skin, or where their parents came from. So today I just say thank you to John Boehner. I say thank you to his family. Like the Speaker, I am the father of two girls. I know exactly how much they have sacrificed for him, for his colleagues, and for our country. Mr. Speaker, I am a better man for having served with John Boehner. This institution is a better institution for his service. Tonight we and the American people thank him.