Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, first, I thank my friend, Chairman Price, for working with me to include a number of provisions important to Members on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Chair, I congratulate Mr. Meadows for his amendment to help unmanned aircraft manufacturers, one of our most important and innovative transportation sectors. I also thank Mr. Graves and Mr. Scalise on their tireless work on behalf of their constituents to help them recover from devastating hurricanes and floods. Mr. Burchett has a great amendment that increases funding for highway and bridge infrastructure. Also, Mr. Chair, I want to mention Mr. Calvert and Mr. Cook. They have cosponsored an amendment to address an issue that is critical to Amtrak employees in their districts. Finally, I congratulate Mr. Smith of New Jersey for his tireless advocacy for veterans housing, as he always does. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, liquefied natural gas is a major component of domestic U.S. energy growth, and it is facilitating the export of U.S. natural gas around the world. Railroads have been successfully moving flammable gases for 100 years. As a matter of fact, Transport Canada already allows LNG on rail and tank cars. So this provision would put us at a huge disadvantage with our largest trading partner. Furthermore, DOT always conducts a thorough, comprehensive, and transparent safety evaluation, accounting for public input and, again, before allowing for transportation of any hazardous material. This amendment would block a proven process at DOT and would inhibit U.S. LNG from meeting growing markets, the demand from growing markets for cleaner--again, cleaner--and more affordable energy. And again, Mr. Chairman, this is another important point. Currently, this is moved by trucks. They are all over the country, trucks moving LNG. And so, obviously, the question is: Are rails less safe than moving this on trucks? Obviously, the answer, I would say, is no. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I would just remind everyone that there are trucks with natural gas right in Florida and in, pretty much, every State around the Nation. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Kevin Hern).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I find it ironic that some of the same folks who are concerned about climate change and global warming want to make it so difficult to transport things that actually lower emissions compared to other sources of energy. Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``yes'' vote on the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, again, I want to first thank Mr. Vargas, not for this amendment, but for his leadership and for his support of immigrants. He has done that for many, many years, and I thank him for that. But I want to make some things clear. There is no DACA policy related to FHA-backed mortgages. As a matter of fact, there has been no change in policy. FHA's published policy states that non-U.S. citizens without formal lawful residency are not eligible for FHA-insured loans. Again, this is not a new policy. This was the policy during the previous administration. This was the policy when Secretary Castro was Secretary of HUD. It has been in place since the previous administration. There has been no change. Mr. Chair, obviously, I don't question the motives of the gentleman, whom I have great respect for, and I once again thank him for his concern on this issue. If I have some concern, it is the fact that this may let some people believe, those folks out there who are DACA recipients, that, all of a sudden, they have this new protection, which this amendment does not give them. Mr. Chair, I have no real objection other than to the fact that this really doesn't do anything. But I do appreciate my friend for his years of leadership and of care. Again, I don't have a real objection. This amendment just doesn't do anything. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I want to add what I said before, that there has been no change in policy. This was the same policy that was there during the previous administration. Again, that does not take away my great respect for the gentleman who is introducing this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, first, I understand what the gentleman is trying to do, and I respect him for that. But I think Chairman Price has set the right threshold for BUILD planning grants. More money going to planning could potentially, frankly, mean less money for infrastructure for actual projects. That is particularly true if, as I fear, when there is a top-line number agreed to by the House, Senate, and the White House, the number that Chairman Price is going to have to work with might be less than what he is working with today, making his job a lot more difficult. Again, I understand what the gentleman is trying to do. I have said it publicly and I have said it privately: I think Chairman Price has done a great job and has got a good balance. Therefore, even though I understand what the gentleman is trying to do, I respectfully have to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, again, after hearing the chairman, who is always willing to work with colleagues--again, I just understand the difficult task that he has ahead of him, but it is an issue that, as the chairman himself has said, he will continue to work on and with that--I understand where Mr. Garcia is coming from. Also, I know that he understands that this is a very difficult balance that the chairman has to deal with. I look forward to continuing to work with the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I don't object at all to the program that the gentleman is supporting with an increase. I think he has mentioned why, and I would agree with what he has stated. The problem that I have is not with the program he is trying to increase. The part that I object to is where the cuts are coming from, where he is obtaining the money, and that is cuts to transit bus and bus facilities. We have had a lot of Members who were supporting funding for transit bus and bus facilities. I believe it is over a dozen Members who have actually written support letters for that program that this amendment, unfortunately, reduces funding from. That provides vital resources and mobility in urban areas. It is crucial to a number of urban areas around the country. So, as I said before in other amendments, I think Chairman Price has struck the right balance in determining funding for this program. I think what the gentleman is trying to do in his amendment is meritorious. I would, however, say that taking it out of transit bus money and bus facility money is not the place to do it. Obviously, I know that Chairman Price will continue to work with the gentleman as the process goes along, regardless of what happens with this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 400, I mistakenly voted ``no'' when I intended to vote ``yes'' Amendment No. 235 Offered by Mr. Duncan

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this bill at this moment. My primary concern with the bill is quite simple--an unrealistic top-line number. If we don't act soon, sequester cuts will be the law of the land. These cuts would devastate our military and, frankly, cause nothing short of a national security crisis. Sequester cuts will also cause serious harm to our key important domestic program. Air traffic controllers could be furloughed, and vulnerable citizens could lose housing assistance, including our veterans, our elderly, and the disabled. We must act with urgency to set a budget framework for this year. Now, I am confident that because the leadership and leaders of the Appropriations Committee--Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger-- were instrumental in finally getting us out of the shutdown, they are going to be, thankfully, instrumental in this process as well, and that is good news. But, Mr. Chairman, I am also concerned about some partisan riders included in this legislation. In the Transportation-Housing part of it, riders in the bill would, for example, harm car manufacturers and consumers. They could place unfair burdens on trucking companies. What the language would do is place unfair burdens on trucking companies-- particularly the smaller ones by the way--and prevent the DOT from recovering funds from the failed California high-speed rail project, funds that have not been spent. Now, while I have some serious concerns about these riders and grave concern about, again, this body moving forward without a top-line cap agreement, I will tell you that I am grateful and thankful for the work of my friend--and I say that genuinely-- Chairman Price, on the Transportation and Housing bill. Chairman Price has been responsive, responsible, and has done a very, very good job listening to all Members from both sides of the aisle, and I am very grateful, Mr. Chairman. This package certainly has some good parts in it. Let me just mention a few: ports funding, resources also for our veterans. And funding for the STOP School Violence Act, which is why we have to get the top-line number thing done now. I would also add that the budget agreement must address the humanitarian crisis at the border. We don't have the luxury of time. The well-being of thousands of unaccompanied kids--children--is at risk while we do not act on this. Federal agencies are being forced to cope with the crisis without the resources that they are asking for and that they need. Again, we have to act now, because already their educational services, their legal services, and their recreational facilities are being curtailed or cut entirely because of not having the funds that they need, that they have asked for, and that this Congress has failed to act on. We must also provide immediate relief to those individuals. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I have some concerns, and I would respectfully ask for a ``no'' vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this supplemental funding bill. This funding bill is critical to the panhandle of Florida as they recover, Mr. Speaker, from Hurricane Michael. Under T-HUD's jurisdiction, this bill allocates $2.4 billion for CDBG-DR and $1.7 billion for highways. CDBG-DR is crucial to communities to help with unmet housing, business, and infrastructure needs. More broadly, Mr. Speaker, this bill also addresses agricultural needs, including for the timber industry that got hit so hard in north Florida. It will also help rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base. I am so proud of the work that we have done, and I want to also thank my counterpart, the chairman of the subcommittee, Chairman Price, for his hard work; also, Representative Neal Dunn of Florida, who has been an advocate; as well as the appropriators from Florida on the Appropriations Committee. Mr. Speaker, lastly, I thank the chairwoman, Mrs. Lowey, and the ranking member, Ms. Granger, for their continued leadership and help, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today because I was in my District with the Vice-President. I support anyone willing and capable of serving in the U.S. armed forces, including transgender individuals. If I had been present, I would have voted `` yea'' for H. Res. 124.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the American Welding Society on their 100th anniversary, and to commend them on their exemplary service to not only the global welding industry as a whole, but also our community in South Florida. The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 when leaders within the industry joined forces to advance the science, technology, and application of welding on both a national and international scale. Initially, the AWS was composed of 286 members and had one section, located in Philadelphia, PA. Today, the AWS is headquartered in Miami, FL and offers services for over 70,000 members worldwide. In line with their mission to offer professional development, the AWS provides a number of certification programs for welders, including the Certified Welding Inspector program, which was established in 1976, and has since certified over 97,000 welding inspectors. Having had the privilege to work with the AWS on a number of occasions during my time in Congress, I know firsthand the level of commitment and dedication that the entire organization has for the industry and its members. In its one hundred years of activity, the AWS has continued to make monumental strides in assisting and advancing welders around the world. Notably, the organization has done an exceptional job in expanding the welding network through educational opportunities and research programs, which, in turn, has led to immense growth throughout the industry. I am proud that a well-respected and committed organization like the AWS is not only headquartered in our great state, but also Florida's 25th District. By celebrating its 100th anniversary and reaching this significant milestone, the AWS has proven that their mission of bettering the welding industry not only provides significant results, but is also essential for its continued growth. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the American Welding Society for its significant contributions to the industry and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable organization for its dedicated work in the local and global welding community.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Kristine Petersen, whose long-term service in law enforcement has had a significant impact on Southern Florida. Over thirty years ago, Kristine, a single parent, moved to Hendry County and worked as a waitress and secretary. In 1986, she began her career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Hendry County Sheriff's Department. After successfully completing the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy, Kristine was appointed as a Sheriff's Deputy for Hendry County, making her the second female to do so. Through this role, Kristine helped build Hendry County's Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program, an important initiative that teaches middle schoolers the danger of substance abuse. During this time, she dedicated her evenings to working as an instructor with the Criminal Justice Academy for the Lee County School Board. Her passion for community service is of the highest caliber, and her selfless character is truly demonstrated in her work for public safety. In 1998, Kristine began working as a detective for the City of Clewiston's Police Department. In 2003, she became the Assistant Police Chief where she served in this role until 2012. Her honorable work ethic and determination has extended beyond law enforcement. Kristine was appointed to Clewiston's City Commission where she won consecutive four year terms in 2014 and 2018. She also served as Vice Mayor from December of 2014 to December of 2016. Currently, Kristine is employed by the Hendry County School Board to serve as Clewiston High School's Public Safety Academy Teacher. In addition to this role, Kristine also participates in the City of Clewiston's Chamber of Commerce Board. Madam Speaker, I am honored to know Ms. Petersen and it is a privilege to acknowledge the dedicated work she has done for Hendry County. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Ana Maria Rodriguez, who has faithfully served the City of Doral and the wider Miami region for many years. Born and raised in South Florida to Cuban exiles, Ana Maria has been heavily involved in the Southern Florida community since graduating from Florida International University in 1999 with a Bachelor's degree in communications. In 2009, she furthered her education by gaining her Master's degree in leadership from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University. Ana Maria worked for a number of years in public relations and the governmental affairs sector, where she presently serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Miami Association of REALTORS. Ana Maria's dedication to supporting Southern Florida's community is further demonstrated in her position as an elected official. Elected in 2018, Ana Maria currently serves as a Florida House State Representative for the 105th District. Prior to this impressive achievement, she served as Vice Mayor for the City of Doral and previously on the City Council. Ana Maria executed these roles in a professional and honest manner at all times, proving to be a true asset to the City of Doral. Her passion for community work goes beyond elected service. In 2007, Ana Maria launched the Southeast Region for Connect Florida, a leadership development program, and in 2009 served as Statewide Chair. For over a decade, she has been a dedicated and active member of the Doral Business Council and also served as Vice Chair for the City of Doral's Parks & Police 4 Kids Advisory Board. It would be remiss to honor Ana Maria without touching on the number of awards she has received for her ongoing commitment to her community. In 2011, she was selected as Humanitarian of the Year by the March of Dimes and in 2015 she received Advocate of the Year by the Miami Association of REALTORS. In 2017, Ana Maria was presented the Public Service Award by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and most recently, in 2018, the Salute to Miami's Leaders Government Award by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. These accolades are a just a small testament to Ana Maria's determined and selfless character. It is truly a privilege to know that she will continue to make a significant difference in the community she serves and the people that she touches. Madam Speaker, I am honored to know Ana Maria Rodriguez and to have the opportunity to acknowledge her amazing work for Southern Florida. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.