Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Mr. Hill for bringing us together and for allowing us to remember and to honor a great American hero. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement from the Florida Transportation Builders' Association (FTBA), I rise today to commemorate the years of service Mr. Bob Burleson has given to the state of Florida. Bob is a remarkable individual who I have had the privilege of working closely with for many years, dating back to my time in the Florida State legislature. Mr. Burleson's retirement closes a forty year chapter in the transportation construction industry. Prior to his longstanding success at FTBA, he served as a top executive for Wiley N. Jackson Company in Virginia from 1970 to 1988. He then took the prestigious role of President of FTBA in 1989 and has remained in this capacity to this day. Due in large part to his determination and vision, Bob restored the FBTA to strong fiscal health within seven years and increased membership after previous years of steady decline. Under his guidance at FTBA, Florida history was made in 1990 when Mr. Burleson helped secure the largest transportation funding increase for the state. Throughout his extraordinary career, he has received numerous awards, including the Golden Eagle Award by the Floridians for Better Transportation in 1997 and the CUTR's 2008 Transportation Achievement Award. Perhaps Bob's most impressive recognition was his induction into the ARTBA-TDF's Inaugural Hall of Fame, which is the nation's highest honor in the transportation construction industry, an acknowledgement which he undoubtedly deserves. Having known Bob for many years, his determination and passion for bettering the state of Florida cannot be understated. While his approaching retirement marks a sad day for Florida, the legacy that he has imprinted will remain. I am lucky to have had the privilege of working with such a talented and honorable individual and I am grateful to be able to call Bob a close friend. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my dear friend and mentor, Mr. Bob Burleson, for his outstanding accomplishments in the transportation construction industry, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, the chairwoman, the ranking member, and I wholly support the U.S. Navy and, also, the Navy's plan to get to the 355-ship number. This bill already supports the purchase of 12 new ships, including two new Virginia-class attack submarines. However, this amendment for an additional two more Virginia-class subs will wind up cutting, as you heard, much-needed money from other vital programs. The Department of Defense estimates that it would cut $7 billion from other programs over the next 5 years, by the way, impacting military readiness and other vital equipment procurement. So, again, while we must obviously pursue an aggressive shipbuilding program, it must be balanced. The Virginia-class sub is absolutely a critical national security capability, but we do not want to sacrifice other equally critical capabilities while we do that. Mr. Chair, I would respectfully urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of his long standing contributions to the Cuban community and his strong support for freedom for the Cuban people, I rise today to honor Mr. Frank Calzon. Born in Cuba in 1947, Mr. Calzon came to the United States in 1960, after which he became a staunch human rights advocate. Since his early days at the University of Georgetown, he has dedicated his life to promoting human rights and essential liberties on behalf of the Cuban people. Soon after graduating, he became Director of `On Human Rights', a Washington-based organization by which he informed Members of Congress, officials and others on the egregious human rights abuses in totalitarian Cuba. He later joined Freedom House, an independent NGO that supports the expansion and strengthening of freedom in the world. There, as Director of its Cuba Program, he expressed support of policies and strategies to support the Cuban people, and testified before the UN Commission for Human Rights in Geneva. Since 1997, Mr. Calzon has been the Executive Director of the Center for a Free Cuba, where he has continued his tireless advocacy for the human rights of the Cuban people, assisting political prisoners, their families, and other democracy activists. In partnership with U.S. Government agencies, international NGOs, parliamentarians, and many other notable freedom advocates across the globe, Mr. Calzon has dedicated his life to freedom, human rights, and democracy for the Cuban people. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Calzon for his selfless work on behalf of freedom for the Cuban people. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending his unwavering dedication in furtherance of this most noble cause.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I have heard so many interesting words on this debate. The last gentleman, whom I respect, said how the Democrats care so much for these individuals, and yet let's be perfectly clear. They had ample opportunity after ample opportunity to solve the problem. In 2009, they promised that they would do it within 100 days. Then the President said that he would do it. Democrats had 60 percent of the votes in the Senate. They had huge majorities in the House, and they had a bipartisan bill ready to go, and yet they refused to do it. But this is not a moment to point fingers, as my colleague just spent all of his time doing. This is a moment to find solutions. Look, if you believe, like I do, that these folks who are here--no fault of their own--should have an opportunity to stay here, to be part of society, to be legalized and to, yes, obtain citizenship, this may be the best--it is the best and, potentially, the last chance for a long time to get that done, and this bill does that. If you believe that minor kids should not be separated from their families, and if you believe that the best way to guarantee that is through legislation, this is the best and, potentially, last opportunity to get that done because this bill does that. And if you believe that the United States has the right--no, the obligation--to determine who comes in and who leaves, this is, then, also the best and, potentially, last shot to get those three things done. So, again, a lot of rhetoric, but this bill does three things: It allows Dreamers to stay here and allows them to become part of society forever and with pathways to citizenship; it stops, legislatively, the separation of minors from their parents on the border; and it secures the border. That is what this bill does. Everything else, Mr. Speaker, is cheap rhetoric.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, today we will vote on a bill that rebuilds our military. It supports our troops and protects the American people. Major credit for this great achievement goes to the man that I am so proud to call my chairman, Rodney Frelinghuysen. Chairman Frelinghuysen has been a public servant since the days that he served in Vietnam as an enlisted soldier, and that service continues to this day with this bill, which includes the most significant support for our women and men in uniform since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Let me tell you two other things that are in this bill for the American people due to the chairman's leadership. The bill includes over $10 billion in new transportation and housing infrastructure, without adding to the Federal bureaucracy. The chairman fought for major funding for key areas of our economy, yes, including the Northeast. This is a major investment in our Nation's infrastructure. Both Congress and the administration, as you know, have been talking about this for such a long time. Well, here you have it in this bill. This bill delivers on that promise of infrastructure. Finally, the chairman has been a tireless advocate for two decades for housing for the disabled in our country. This bill delivers a major humanitarian victory for the disabled community, with 40,000 new vouchers for the disabled. These Frelinghuysen vouchers will change the lives of countless families across our entire Nation, and I am particularly proud of this achievement by our chairman and his committee. Finally, I would like to thank the Speaker of the House for standing up and winning on some huge priorities for the House. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the staff of the Appropriations Committee, who worked long and hard--yes, very long and hard--on this bill. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this fine bill. I thank the chairman for the time.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I am joined here today by members of the Florida delegation to honor the victims of the tragic pedestrian bridge collapse at Florida International University. Last week, a pedestrian bridge that was designed to protect students and other campus personnel and visitors from the traffic on one of our busiest thoroughfares collapsed, taking the lives of six innocent people and leaving others gravely injured. So many of us, particularly in south Florida, have a close and meaningful relationship with FIU, or Florida International University, and its students. This tragedy has hit our community exceedingly hard. We also know that, today, six grieving families are mourning in the wake of this horrific event. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say we are truly heartbroken after Thursday's horrendous bridge collapse. We are thinking of the victims, those injured, and are mourning with their families during this very difficult time. This Florida delegation, Mr. Speaker, and this Congress, will leave no stone unturned to ensure something like this never happens again anywhere in our great country. Alexa Duran; Navaro Brown; Brandon Brownfield; Rolando Fraga-Hernandez; Osvaldo Gonzalez; and, Alberto Arias. We will never, ever forget them. We will remember them and grieve the lives cut short by this tragedy. Mr. Speaker, may their legacy live on with all of us, with our community, and in the hearts of their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I would respectfully ask that the House observe a moment of silence in honor of these victims.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Captain Nancy Gomez-Fernandez, who has been serving the Miami-Dade community as a law enforcement officer for a number of years. Captain Gomez-Fernandez began her career in law enforcement in 2001 with the City of Pinecrest Police Department, where she was a member of the School Resource Unit, Field Training Officer, and Honor Guard. In 2007, she became a Sergeant with the newly formed Doral Police Department and helped recruit and process background checks for officers. Captain Gomez-Fernandez quickly rose through the ranks and achieved the promotion of Captain in 2015, which she currently holds. Captain Gomez-Fernandez's service extends beyond her obligations as a police officer. In 2017, she was awarded the Life Saver Medal for saving the life of an individual who suffered a cardiac attack. This award speaks volumes to the level of dedication she has to serve and protect the people of Doral. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to know Captain Gomez-Fernandez and I greatly admire her service to the community. Her willingness to risk her life on a daily basis to protect and serve the constituents of Doral has made and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor Dorothy ``Dottie'' Joiner, the City Clerk for Everglades City. Ms. Joiner has been serving Everglades City for twenty-three years and has proved to be loyal, passionate, and driven. She began her career as a purchasing agent, then transitioned into a water billing clerk. In 2002 she was promoted to City Clerk. In her capacity as City Clerk, Dottie oversees the official City records, ranging from the financial statements to the meeting minutes. As such, she is known as the go-to person if an issue needs to be resolved. Dottie has been crucial in supporting the City in times of crisis. She played a key role in 2005 when Hurricane Wilma destroyed City Hall, resulting in the call for the building to be condemned. She worked tirelessly with the City leadership and myself to showcase the importance of saving the historic building; and was a big part of making sure it happened. More recently, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, she selflessly looked after the wellbeing of the residents of Everglades City, ensuring that necessary resources were there quickly, despite having lost her own home. Dottie's selflessness during this difficult time and the support she has given our community transcends her official responsibilities. Her dedication to Everglades City extends beyond her responsibilities as the City Clerk. She also serves on the board of the 4th of July Committee, the Betterment Association of the Everglades Area, as well as the Reach Out and Cops Program. Dottie has always placed her community first, even before herself. We are fortunate to have leaders such as Dottie in Everglades City and Florida's 25th Congressional District, and I and my wife Tia are lucky to be able to call her a friend. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to know Ms. Joiner and to have the opportunity to acknowledge her remarkable work for Everglades City. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize Gloria Padilla, whose dedication to the people of Immokalee and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) has had a major impact in our community. RCMA was established in 1965 and provides childcare and education services for low income and rural families. It has grown from two centers to seventy-one and is active in twenty-one counties in Florida. A lifelong resident of Immokalee, Mrs. Padilla has been a proven leader in our community. She joined the RCMA after graduating high school, becoming the youngest area coordinator in agency history. Gloria is currently tasked with overseeing seven childcare centers and twenty- four childcare homes, collectively serving 483 children. When Hurricane Irma struck in September, she offered the RCMA Immokalee Community School as a shelter for thousands of families displaced by the storm. Additionally, she helped organize with my office the opening of Horizon Village as temporary living spaces for constituents who lost their homes as a result of Irma. I find myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such a dedicated individual who cares so deeply about her community. In addition to her impressive work at the RCMA, Gloria serves on the board of the One by One Leadership Foundation and assists the community through outreach programs with her church. Through her professional and social capacity, Gloria's dedication to the people of Immokalee has improved the lives of many. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to know Mrs. Padilla and I greatly admire her service to Immokalee. Gloria is an exemplary citizen who has chosen to use her many talents in service of those around her. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor former Hendry County Commissioner Janet Taylor. Her service in this capacity, as well as many others, has had a major impact on our community. Born in Louisiana, Ms. Taylor moved to Florida at a young age and very quickly became involved in her community. She received her Bachelor's degree in political science from Palm Beach State College. In 1978, she joined the Clewiston Police Department and became the department's first female African American officer. She quickly rose through the ranks and reached Sergeant and Field Training Officer. She dedicated twelve years to serving and protecting those in Hendry County before retiring from the force. Ms. Taylor was appointed Hendry County Commissioner in 1994 and served in this position for twenty-two years. As Commissioner, she represented the citizens of Hendry County and the State of Florida with passion and dedication. Her impressive resume includes serving as Chairperson of the Florida Association of Counties for twelve years as well as being a member of the National Association of Black County Commissioners. Ms. Taylor's public service extends beyond her work as Commissioner for Hendry County, as she previously served as a Government Liaison for Congressman Alcee Hastings. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Taylor for her remarkable service to Hendry County. Her dedication to the betterment of our community is admirable and has touched the lives of many. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Lieutenant Gary King, of the City of Doral Police Department, a speedy recovery from the gunshot wound he received on January 16th while off-duty. Lieutenant King was confronted in his own driveway by two men who ambushed and attacked him and his wife. In the struggle, the attackers shot Lieutenant King in the arm. A longstanding member of the City of Doral Police Department, who has protected the citizens of Florida for over forty-eight years, Lieutenant King was rushed to the Jackson South Medical Center where he underwent surgery. He is currently recovering and is expected to return to duty shortly. I take this opportunity to commend Lieutenant King on his long career in the City of Doral Police Department and thank the whole Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) and other agencies involved for their swift action. Within days, MDPD officers arrested the two suspects and have charged them both with attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery on a person sixty-five years or older, and armed burglary. Lieutenant King began his long career in law enforcement in 1969 when he entered the police service with the City of Miami Police Department. After moving to the MDPD in 1982, where he served with honor in various roles, his hard work and dedication was rewarded in 1990 with a promotion to the rank of Sergeant. In 2008, Lieutenant King went on to serve the City of Doral Police Department as Motorcycle Patrol Sergeant where his capabilities and experience were recognized with a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in 2012. Since then, Lieutenant King has served as a Uniform Platoon Commander and is currently the Traffic Section Commander. He has always held true to the City of Doral's Police Department philosophy of guardianship and has proudly worn the shield with valor and reverence for the values for which it stands. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Lieutenant Gary King for his outstanding service to our community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him a prompt recovery.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill. This short resolution, this continuing resolution will give us time to negotiate it, but it addresses our Nation's priorities. Let's be very clear. If this does not pass now, go to the Senate, pass there and then sent to the President for his signature and signed, the Federal Government will shut down this week. So we all know, as the chairman said, that short-term CRs, that is not something that we want to do. That is not our preference. But again, if this one does not pass now, the Federal Government will shut down. This is no time to shortchange our first responders, our military as we continue to recover from natural disasters in places all throughout our country and, again, respond to the threats that face us abroad. This is no time to shut down the Federal Government. The CR supports ongoing transportation safety missions, including air traffic control. Again, we cannot allow the government to shut down and put all of that in jeopardy. It allows us to continue to house the most vulnerable families, especially our veterans. This is not the time to let them down by shutting, again, the Federal Government down. It also funds medical care for millions of children, blocks burdensome health insurance taxes, and, again, supports mission- critical defense activities. This is not the time to let them all down and shut down the Federal Government. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this short-term CR will allow us to work together to find common ground on, again, full-year 2018 bills that meet both our defense and domestic priorities. Something else, Mr. Speaker. I want the country to know that we also have to deal, have to solve the issue of DACA. Both sides have been at fault for, in many cases, refusing to sit down in good faith to negotiate a solution. This CR gives us some time to make sure we solve that issue. It is not time now for political games and gamesmanship and politics. We need to be able to solve the issue of those young folks. We can't do that if the government is shut down. It is time for leadership, for courage. Let's sit down, work out our differences, help secure the border, and provide a solution for these deserving kids. For that reason and for so many others, Mr. Speaker, it is essential that we do not allow the Federal Government to shut down. Voting against this resolution is a vote to shut down the Federal Government. I believe that will be highly irresponsible, so I urge a strong ``yes'' vote.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Maria Diaz on her retirement. For over thirty-five years, Maria has supported my constituents with advice, information, and guidance on Social Security matters. Maria began her extensive career in public service as a co-op student working at the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Little Havana Field Office in Florida. Through her dedication and hard work, Maria was swiftly promoted to the position of Claims Service Representative in the Perrine Field Office. Her invaluable contributions were recognized when, in 1990, she was promoted to Operations Supervisor in the Perrine Office, where she continuously displayed a high level of attentiveness and care. In September 2001, Ms. Diaz's strengths were acknowledged when she was appointed Public Affairs Specialist of the South Florida Area and the Atlanta Region, a position she held until her retirement. In this capacity, she has represented the SSA with an outstanding degree of professionalism and has remained steadfast with the main goal of the Administration, which is to serve the public. She continuously provided our community members with timely and relevant information and cultivated media and community contacts to ensure messages were delivered in a concise and positive manner. Throughout her impressive career, Maria demonstrated her commitment to public service and efficiently resolved our constituents' Social Security issues. In recognition of her invaluable contributions to the SSA, Maria has received numerous awards, including multiple Commissioner Citations, which is the highest honor conferred upon SSA employees. Maria's support to my constituents over the years has been remarkable and her dedication to her job commendable. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Maria Diaz for her outstanding service to our community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the chairman of the committee for his spectacular work on this bill. Look, this bill provides much-needed relief and resources to Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, and Puerto Rico. I have heard a lot in this debate, but let's be very clear. This bill treats Florida, the folks in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and California exactly the same--exactly the same. Significant portions, Mr. Speaker, of my district were hit hard by Hurricane Irma. Communities are still working to get back on their feet, communities like Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Plantation Island, Immokalee, and Montura Ranch. This bill helps meet our Federal obligation to ensure the full, appropriate Federal commitment is there for long-term recovery. Mr. Speaker, for highways, this bill funds repairs for the 2017 storms and clears the backlog of prior years. On the housing side, this bill provides $26.1 billion for Community Development Block Grants. Of that, $13.6 billion is provided to meet all remaining unmet housing, business, and infrastructure needs for those hurricanes, and, yes, that includes the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The remaining $12.5 billion is provided for mitigation grants, again, also to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and Florida and California and Texas. All of those are treated exactly the same. So, again, these grants provide resources to our communities so that they can rebuild. Additionally, I am pleased that $3.8 billion is allocated for the Department of Agriculture. This will go a long way to help those affected, those farmers, like the ag industry and the citrus industry in the State of Florida. So, again, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on this important supplemental. I once again want to thank the chairman, Chairman Frelinghuysen, for his leadership, for his courage, for bringing forward a good bill that helps the folks in our country and that treats everybody equally, equitably, and fairly.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank the chairman for, again, bringing the 12 bills, once again, through the process. This is just a short-term continuing resolution. It is a clean date extension, and this CR will give an opportunity to continue to move forward quickly, by the way, towards finalizing appropriations bills. It is important to note that, for example, in the Transportation and HUD bill, we considered 22 amendments in committee, 39 amendments here on the floor. You see, this has been an open and fair process the entire way. Now we must--we must--move quickly to finish the job and conference all 12 of these bills. In the meantime, however, we must keep the government open and funded. This is especially, by the way, important now that our communities are pulling together to recover from three devastating hurricanes, as well as the thousands of families threatened by raging wildfires in California. Look, we can't take the risk of shortchanging our first responders, our military, given the natural disasters at home and the threats from our adversaries abroad. A vote against this CR would do just that. Again, just for the Transportation and Housing segment, this CR will support ongoing transportation and safety missions, air traffic control, housing for vulnerable citizens, including our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on the CR. We cannot let those folks down. We cannot shut the Federal Government down, and it allows us to finish the job, and I thank the chairman for his steadfast leadership.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement of Mr. Ray Shook. Mr. Shook is an outstanding individual who has served as the Executive Director of the American Welding Society since 2002. Mr. Shook's retirement closes the chapter of a forty-four year association with the welding industry. Prior to his tenure with the American Welding Society, Mr. Shook served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of the International Institute of Welding for five years. He spent twenty five years working his way up at Hobart Brothers Company and reached the position of President at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, which is the world's largest welding training organization. Under his leadership, the American Welding Society experienced significant changes. With membership reaching over 73,000, revenues steadily increased from $15 million to more than $40 million annually. He was instrumental in establishing North America's largest annual metalwork exhibition by forging an alliance with FABTECH. The Society also expanded globally, achieving its first acquisition in its ninety- five year history through its purchase of Weldmex in 2007. Throughout his tenure, the American Welding Society continued to grow and acquire additional global holdings. Having known Mr. Shook for a number of years, I know that he has consistently demonstrated the highest degree of integrity. He has been dedicated to his profession and has worked tirelessly to advance the Society's mission of globally advancing the science and technology of welding. His work ethic, loyalty, and service to the welding industry cannot be understated. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my friend, Mr. Ray Shook, for his impressive career in the welding industry, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank the chairwoman for a phenomenal job. Look, our current fiscal environment, according to the CBO, they project that the growth of our economy will be 2 percent or less for the next decade. I am reminded of what a good friend and Democratic colleague in the Budget Committee said one day: That 3 percent growth, that is just a dream, that is unrealistic. Yet, before the storms hit, what did we see as far as our economic growth of the country: 3.1 percent economic growth, something that one of our colleagues, Democratic colleagues, said was a pipe dream. This is, in large part, because excessive regulations have been curtailed by both the administration and by Congress; but to keep that momentum, we need to pass tax reform. It will lead to a sustained strong economy. It will again lower the tax burden to our families. It will lead to increased wages for families, for the middle class, for individuals for the first time in such a long time, allowing the American people to keep more of their hard-earned money. It would make small-, mid-, and large-sized businesses more competitive so they can create millions of additional jobs here in the United States. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will allow us to do real tax reform to keep the economy growing, to get the economy going, to get the American people working again, and this is an essential part. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone's support.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by first recognizing one of our own, who has been a superb representative for Puerto Rico in these very difficult times. You rarely see somebody with the talent, the energy of the representative of Puerto Rico here in Congress. Miss Gonzalez-Colon has been, frankly, a hero, and I just wanted to mention that, because she has really made all of us understand the situation, and she has done so with great dignity and great passion and great brilliance. I just had to say that. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the chairman for being incredibly accessible and engaged. Florida has gotten hit rather hard, as you know. This bill totals $36.5 billion. $18.67 billion of that goes directly to FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, and it also ensures that our National Flood Insurance Program has the resources that it needs to pay the claims, also an important grant food and aid loan eligibility to Puerto Rico, which is crucial. So far, Mr. Speaker, Florida has received $740 million for assistance for individuals through FEMA, and is working through over 608,000 applicants. Think about that. As we continue to recover, again, I look forward to continue working with the chairman, who has been phenomenal. Specifically, we are going to have to deal with the agricultural impact of this storm, and again, particularly on the citrus industry, that has been devastated by this storm. This is an important bill. It is an important bill. I want to thank the chairman for bringing it up so quickly. We must pass it. I look forward to working with Chairman Frelinghuysen and with all our colleagues through this process, because we are going to need more assistance as the days and the months go. So this is an important bill. I urge your support.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I must first start by thanking Chairwoman Black for her excellent work on this bill. There are a lot of things that I can talk about that are very positive in this budget, but today I want to emphasize how it prioritizes our national security. With the growing threats around the globe, it is imperative that we fund defense of our Nation in an appropriate and a substantial way. We need to invest in our Armed Forces. We have to upgrade our defense systems and weapons systems, and we have to ensure the readiness of our military. The United States must continue to lead on a global scale. This budget takes us in that direction by investing in our national defense. Obviously, coupled with targeted soft diplomacy funding, we accomplish that. This budget takes us, as I said, in that direction, and it does so in a very positive way. I believe this budget makes those critical investments. Mr. Chairman, I don't have to tell you that under the previous administration, cuts to our defense spending left the world a more dangerous place and it left our country in a more vulnerable place. Thankfully, the current administration recognizes the failure of the last 8 years and is, again, willing to lead again. Now it is up to us to do our part to provide the resources to allow the administration and our military to lead again. This budget gets us there. I am pleased to support it. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the chairwoman for her invaluable leadership. I urge my colleagues to do the same and, again, make sure that we stand toe to toe with our adversaries and we stand, most importantly, with the national security interests of the United States.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement of Chief Master Sergeant Garrett Edmond, who I have had the privilege of working with for many years. CMSgt Garrett Edmond began career his with the United States Airforce when he enlisted in August, 1985 as an Airman First Class at Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. He deployed overseas and served our country during Desert Storm, Operation Allied Forces, and Operation Southern Watch. Throughout his career, CMSgt Edmond participated in numerous humanitarian projects in the Caribbean and Central and South America. He worked diligently protecting our country and achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 2005. This is the highest enlisted rank one can obtain as well as the ninth highest rank in the Air Force overall. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the Air Force, he has received numerous medals during his service, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster. This Medal is awarded to those who display exceptional non-combat achievements or commendable service. He has also received the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters. All of the medals and awards he has received an indication of his great service to our country. I have worked closely with CMSgt Edmond over the years. He has been an instrumental addition to the Academy Day I host which provides information to high school students who have an interest in joining our Armed Forces. His dedication to our country and our youth is commendable. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Chief Master Sergeant Garrett Edmond for his tremendous service to our nation, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, before I begin, I want to thank the chairman, our members, colleagues, and the leadership for being so understanding. Tomorrow, I will be heading back to south Florida to be there in case this horrible storm does head our way. Again, everyone has been incredibly supportive and shown great solidarity. I am exceedingly grateful for that. I rise today to express the strongest possible support for this bill. I applaud the leadership of Chairman Frelinghuysen for making it possible to consider it on the floor today. I would like to highlight some of the vital issues in this bill. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies division provides $56.5 billion in discretionary budget authority. That is $1.1 billion below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, but it is $8.6 billion above the budget request. We have targeted transportation and housing funding to essential investments in safety, infrastructure, and assistance for our most vulnerable citizens: the elderly; the disabled; and, yes, America's heroes, our veterans. We also had to prioritize by reducing or eliminating nonessential programs and scaling back administrative accounts. For the Department of Transportation, the bill includes $17.8 billion in discretionary appropriations and $76.7 billion in total resources. That includes support for the FAST Act obligation limitations. The Federal Aviation Administration is funded at $16.6 billion, Mr. Chairman. We provide this increase to keep advancing NextGen programs with over $1 billion and to continue to operate the safest, most complex, most advanced air traffic control system in the world. The bill reflects FAST Act priorities for highways, rail, and transit. It includes $45 billion in road and bridge funding from the highway trust fund, which is almost $1 billion above fiscal year 2017 levels. This funding will provide much-needed improvements to America's highways and bridges. The bill provides $2.2 billion to the Federal Railroad Administration to continue our commitment to rail safety and to make critical infrastructure investments. This includes FAST Act rail infrastructure investments to address the state of good repair backlog, which we really need to address. As a reflection of tough choices, Mr. Chairman, our funding level for transit Capital Investment Grants is $600 million below the 2017 level. But we have, and this is important, included funding and direction to keep upcoming projects in the pipeline. For housing programs, we work to ensure that we continue assistance to our most vulnerable population. The bill includes $38.3 billion for Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill also includes significant increases to keep pace with inflation, almost $1 billion above last year, for direct rental assistance to maintain, again, housing for those who are currently served. Homeless assistance remains a top priority in this bill. We included funding at the enacted level and well above the budget request.