Patrick Murphy

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues and the gentleman from Minnesota and the gentleman from New Jersey for the spirited debate on the importance of America's national parks, including Florida's incomparable ``river of grass,'' the Everglades. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4167, to create jobs and prevent unintended consequences of the Volcker Rule, which I strongly support. The bill before us represents a truly bipartisan compromise that balances the author's goal to preserve a proven financing mechanism with democratic concerns against watering down the Volcker Rule, which is designed to prevent banks from gambling on Wall Street with consumer deposits, the very type of behavior that nearly took down our financial system and gave us the Great Recession. The truth is the Volcker Rule is not intended to capture debt. Debt is an everyday tool of plain vanilla financial institutions. No, the Volcker Rule is about equity ownership. We don't want banks owning hedge funds and private equity funds, but of course we still want banks out in the communities lending to the real economy. I want to thank the gentleman from Kentucky and the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for working together on a compromise that makes a narrow, commonsense fix to the Volcker Rule without undermining its core purpose: prohibiting risky proprietary trading by federally insured banks. I also want to recognize Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters for the truly bipartisan way this bill came to the floor by a vote of 53-3. I am hopeful that we will see more bipartisanship from our committee on the business of the American people: comprehensive community bank regulatory relief, TRIA, reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank to help American job creators access foreign markets, and reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to protect taxpayers without undermining the housing market and preserving the 30-year fixed rate mortgage for middle class families. The bill before us would simply clarify that the right to vote to remove a CLO manager in traditional, creditor-protective circumstances, such as a material breach of contract, does not, by itself, convert a debt security into an equity security under the Volcker Rule. It would also provide narrow relief to existing CLO securities as long as they qualify as debt under this bill. For CLOs that are not debt securities under this bill, banks will get an additional 2 years to divest, which will prevent a disruptive fire sale of these securities and cost as much as $8 billion. At this time, I will insert the text of a letter from the Independent Community Bankers of America into the Record. Independent Community Bankers of America, Washington, DC, April 28, 2014. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the more than 6,500 community banks represented by ICBA, I write to express our support for the Restoring Proven Financing for American Employers Act (H.R. 4167), which will be considered on the House floor this week. Introduced by Rep. Andy Barr, H.R. 4167 will allow community banks to retain debt securities of collateralized loan obligations (CLO) issued before January 31, 2014. The Financial Services Committee reported H.R. 4167 by a nearly unanimous vote in March. As you may know, the final Volcker Rule implementing a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act, issued December 10, requires banks, including community banks, to divest their holdings of CLOs by July 2015. Though the compliance date was later extended, this requirement could cause a significant, immediate and permanent loss of capital for community banks that hold these securities and are still recovering from the financial crisis. H.R. 4167 would avert this damaging and unanticipated outcome by repealing the divestment requirement for CLOs issued before January 31. ICBA urges you to support H.R. 4167. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Camden R. Fine, President & CEO.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Once again, I would like to thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr), who also is a member of the United Solutions Caucus and is dedicated to real problem solving and saving the partisanship for another day. He worked hard on this bill and was willing to reach across the aisle for commonsense compromise. As a result of this hard work, this jobs bill is on the suspension calendar and has earned a strong bipartisan vote. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano).

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues and the gentleman from New Jersey for their thoughtful debate on this commonsense improvement to the Volcker Rule. I appreciate my colleagues on the Democratic side of the aisle always keeping the focus on preventing some of the world's largest banks from subjecting the American people to another financial crisis. However, I believe this bill strikes the right balance to protect the American people and create jobs. It was reported by the Financial Services Committee with a strong bipartisan 53-3 vote, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Washington for his advocacy and passion for this critical issue for our country and for American jobs. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out on the urgent need for Congress to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, boosting job growth at home and the export of American-made products abroad. Coming from the private sector, one of the first things I did after being elected was embark on a jobs tour, which included over 70 meetings, roundtables, and company visits within the first year. I have taken ideas and suggestions from all of these conversations and have put them into a plan to grow jobs in the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast district that I am so proud to represent. This plan consists of commonsense, pro-growth policies that allow new businesses to gain a solid foothold in a tough economy and for existing businesses to expand and prosper. One of the major focuses of this plan is on how the government can provide stability and certainty and resources to keep jobs at home by investing in our manufacturing sector and promoting exports of American-made goods abroad. Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank with greater lending authority is one pillar for how we can do this. As my voting record shows, I have strong feelings about government overspending. As a former small business owner myself, I know that government does not create jobs. But government does have the responsibility to create an environment conducive to job growth, and that is exactly what the Ex-Im does at zero cost to taxpayers. It is an unfortunate reality that the United States buys much more than it sells. In 2013 alone, we imported over $400 billion, about 25 percent of GDP, more than we exported. We need to reverse this trend by boosting U.S. manufacturing and exports. Now, the world knows we have the best equipment and the most highly trained workforce, and our products are sought after around the world for their high quality and skilled workmanship. We must better leverage these strengths and provide greater opportunity to export goods made in America. One of the best ways to do this is by reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank before its current charter expires on September 30. Just a few months ago, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Ex- Im Bank and its commitment to boosting the sales of U.S. products overseas. Ex- Im supported over 200,000 American jobs in 2013 alone and generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2012. With my district being home to a growing manufacturing sector and its proximity to several major ports, export sales are a major economic issue for our community, contributing tens of millions of dollars to our local economy every year. The Ex-Im Bank is especially beneficial to small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, creating two-thirds out of all new jobs nationwide. More than 85 percent of Ex-Im's transactions benefit U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses, helping these entrepreneurs compete globally. In my district, the majority of exporters are also small businesses. I recently met with one such business during my jobs tour, Locus Traxx Worldwide. They were recognized with an Export Achievement Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce for their successful entry into the international marketplace. I also must commend our local Export Assistance Center for the great work they do with local businesses such as Locus Traxx, helping them utilize the Ex-Im Bank to promote the selling of goods made in America to buyers overseas. You see, the Export-Import Bank makes a real difference to our economy at the local, State, and national level. It is a highly effective and completely self-sustaining mechanism that businesses of all sizes use to finance exports. Even in times of intense partisanship, we should all be able to agree on the value the Ex-Im Bank provides to our economy. It would be shortsighted and detrimental to our economic recovery to allow its charter to expire. We must work together to build a brighter future for our Nation, strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and reduce our deficit. To do that, we must come together to continue to support successful programs like the Ex-Im Bank that help small businesses prosper, support American jobs, and boost our exports. Now, we can have our differences, but at the end of the day we have to do what is in the best interest of America. And to do that, we have to work together. It shouldn't matter who gets the credit, as long as America and Americans succeed. For 80 years, the Ex-Im Bank has been making sure that we succeed. I strongly urge my colleagues to join in calling for the commonsense reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank so that we may continue to support American businesses' access to global markets and increase our Nation's international competitiveness. I want to thank the gentleman from Washington for his leadership.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 20 high school seniors from the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches of Florida for their commendable decision to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces following their graduation this year. Of these 20 enlistees, 8 are Army enlistees, 4 are Navy enlistees, 4 are National Guard enlistees, 2 are Air Force enlistees, 1 is a Coast Guard enlistee, and 1 is a Marine Corps enlistee. These young men and women have displayed an unmatched sense of bravery and courage in their commitment to defend and protect our Nation. Thus, it is important they know that they have the full support of the U.S. House of Representatives, their communities, and the American people. It is the dedication of these individuals which reminds us who we are as a people, and that though diverse problems may lie ahead, the United States remains a shining example of freedom, strength, and perseverance on the world stage. The service of these young men and women must not go unrecognized, and so I want to personally thank these twenty local graduating seniors for their selflessness and commitment to our Nation by naming them here today: Oneil Daley, Antonio Allen Jr., Juan Machua, Mario Esquilin, Henry Thomas, Dion Yu, David Colton, Corbett Pervenecki, Matthew Connelly, Laquann Pitts, Corey Boyce, Jose Ruiz, Kristi McMillion, Selena Harrison, Ty Torres, David Tarrant-Schneiderman, Angela Fernandez, Tristan Sperling, Andrew Williams, and Tyler Stewart. All will be recognized on May 8 at the Our Community Salutes event in Boca Raton. Mr. Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of them and to all who defend our freedom by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. That spirit of service and sacrifice is something we all can be proud of. For this very reason, it is my honor to recognize these young leaders here today.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial anniversary of the City of Stuart, Florida, which I am so proud to have located in my Congressional District. The City of Stuart, with its ideal location bordering the St. Lucie River and West of the Indian River, has long been a key destination for those looking to connect with the water, whether through fishing, boating, or other activities. Famed for its Sailfishing and other types of sport fishing, Stuart is known as the ``Sailfish Capital of the World.'' The city offers a scenic and historic downtown, with museums, live music, and numerous dining and shopping options. For the past 100 years, the City of Stuart has worked to promote and advance the interests and well-being of its residents and of the environment. Stuart has played a leading role in protecting and restoring local waterways from pollution, understanding that this issue impacts the community's entire way of life. Stuart's water treatment facility has received numerous awards for its efforts and dedication to protecting our waters, including the Operations Excellence Award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Medium Public Water System of the Year award from the Florida Rural Water Association. I am incredibly honored to represent the City of Stuart in Congress. This is a city whose beauty is paralleled only by the work ethic and dedication of its people, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. This is a city that knows the importance of protecting our environment, and is working to preserve it for our children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate the City of Stuart on their centennial anniversary, and I wish them many more milestones to celebrate.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Indian River State College swim team for winning yet another title for both the men's and women's teams during the 2014 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCCA) Swimming and Diving Championships. These championships were hosted by the IRSC in Fort Pierce from March 5 through March 8. In a competition against sixteen other college swim teams from across the country, the IRSC Swimming and Diving men's team succeeded in extending their amazing winning streak to 40 consecutive swimming titles, the longest unbroken championship winning streak in any sport at the collegiate level in the country. In an equal display of strength and sportsmanship, the women's team proudly brought home their 36nd title. These young men and women have demonstrated yet again that anything is possible through hard work, determination and a positive attitude. Their impressive accomplishments and unique sense of resilience inspire every single one of us, their fellow students, and their communities. Mr. Speaker, the achievements of these remarkable individuals serve as an example that sports can have an outstandingly positive impact on our youth as they prepare to face the challenges of today's society. For this very reason, it is my honor to recognize these young athletes here today.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Madam Speaker, there are currently many concerns regarding health insurance in our country, especially among our Nation's seniors. At this time of major transition in our Nation's health care industry, it is critical that seniors enrolled in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage can keep the coverage on which they depend. Unfortunately, proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage are putting these important benefits at risk. This is a very serious situation across the country, and it is of great concern to me, with Florida being home to over 4 million seniors. My district alone has over 160,000 seniors, with more than one-third of them choosing a Medicare Advantage plan whose coverage would be severely impacted by the proposed cuts released in the draft rule that CMS put out in February. We are already seeing what last year's cuts to Medicare Advantage have meant: smaller networks of doctors, cuts to add-on benefits, and higher out-of-pocket limits. The additional proposed cuts to the program released in February have raised great concerns from my constituents about their coverage and about the potential of having to pay more and having fewer benefits. That is why we are here today, urging the administration to reverse course and keep rates flat for 2015. At this point, I would like to yield to my good friend Ms. Sinema from Arizona, who has been fighting tirelessly to protect the seniors in her area as well.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I thank the gentlelady from Arizona for her comments and for reminding us that these aren't simply numbers on a ledger, that all of these beneficiaries are folks we know. These are our parents. These are our grandparents. They are more than just numbers. And like Ms. Sinema, I am constantly hearing from residents in my district about the negative impact these cuts would have on the well- being of their spouses, their parents, or personally, including Cheryl from Palm Beach Gardens, in my district. After doing everything right to plan for her retirement, like many seniors do, Cheryl and her husband saw their savings cut in half during difficult economic times. Now they are seeing their health care options limited and their out-of-pocket costs going up. These are changes they simply cannot afford. I agree with Cheryl that it is unfair to shift the burden onto those on fixed incomes, those who have little resources to make up the difference. Seniors cannot afford further cuts and the negative consequences if these misguided proposals move forward. At this point, I would like to take a moment to yield to the general, Mr. Enyart from Illinois, and thank him for his leadership in fighting for seniors on behalf of Illinois and the rest of our country.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois for his generous words and reminding us of the importance of Medicare and Medicare Advantage and what it means to so many folks across our great country. At this point, I would like to take a minute to let the gentleman from Georgia talk about what is happening in his district. Mr. Barrow has been fighting for years up here in D.C. for Medicare and seniors across the country.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I thank the gentleman from Georgia for sharing your thoughts and stories and reminding us that this isn't a partisan issue. It shouldn't be a Republican, Democratic, or Independent issue. These are seniors. These are folks that built this great country, many of whom are veterans who fought for our country and laid the foundation which we have today. So thank you for reminding us of that and being here today and taking a moment out of your busy schedule to share your thoughts. I would now like the gentleman from Arizona, who has been championing this issue back home, to talk about what he is doing with Medicare Advantage and why he is here today. Mr. Barber, thank you.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona for his leadership and for continuing to fight for seniors back home and continuing to be a champion here in Washington, D.C., for those folks. Thank you, also, for reminding us that this is a successful Medicare program that has already had a solid success record at reducing hospital readmissions and improving health outcomes, and continues to be a popular option for seniors, reducing annual out-of-pocket expenses from traditional Medicare and offering expanded benefit packages that include important dental, hearing, vision, and chiropractic care. Medicare Advantage plans also normally include the successful and cost-saving part D prescription drug plan and come without an annual deductible. By offering great coordinated care and innovative health care approaches, this program is highly effective at keeping seniors out of the hospital. But, if they do end up in the hospital, Medicare Advantage helps them recover more quickly and with less chance of returning. We should be building on this success, not stifling it. At this time, I would like to take a moment to yield to the gentleman from Florida who, similar to myself, has many seniors in the great State of Florida and will continue to be a champion for the seniors and is going to share with us some stories.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I want to thank the gentleman from Florida for continuing to fight for seniors and reminding us of what proposals on the other side might entail. The political games being played are not necessary in today's environment. These are real people. These are seniors. They are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. These are our grandparents and parents. These are folks who fought for our country and fought for our freedoms. Thank you for reminding us not to make this a political puck. This is serious, and we must work together as a Congress and the United States Government to ensure seniors are protected. I want to take a second to look at another scenario, gym memberships. A common add-on benefit for Medicare Advantage plans is free or discounted gym memberships. Cut Medicare Advantage too deeply, too quickly, and gym memberships are gone. Some think that is a good thing. I disagree. A recent study found that regular balance exercise for seniors reduces falls that cause injuries by 37 percent and broken bones by 61 percent. Most elderly Americans survive a broken hip, but it often undercuts confidence and diminishes quality of life. If a fall robs an elderly woman of her independence, it is a financial and emotional hardship. Whether it is the cost of Medicare of a hospitalization or 2 months of therapy, the cost to Medicare and Medicaid for a nursing facility, or most importantly, the cost to the senior of her quality of life and independence, Silver Sneakers doesn't seem like much of a cost at all in comparison. That is why, even during a time of great partisanship and gridlock in Congress, there is a growing bipartisan coalition calling on the administration to keep the rates flat for this year, putting the well- being of our Nation's seniors before party lines. Together, we are making several recommendations for changes to CMS' proposals that we believe could contribute to stabilizing the program while preventing devastating impacts on the program and the beneficiaries it serves. For example, providing more care at home, CMS could narrow the proposals on in-home health risk assessments and protect the benefit of medication management and continuity of care. If the visits are an important component of the disease management and provide value to seniors and taxpayers, they should be maintained. This is exactly the type of innovation we need. At this point, I would like to take a moment to yield to the gentleman from California who has been a champion for seniors in his great State. He will share with us his leadership and what he has heard back home.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. I thank the gentleman from California for taking a minute out of his busy schedule to come and talk about how important Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans are to you and your constituents back home. Finding ways to collect better and more thorough health information allows for better coordinated care with convenience to our seniors. We should also continue to reward programs that are performing the highest and providing the best care to seniors. To do that, CMS should also increase the percentage of rebates to reward and promote higher quality while averting negative consequences for beneficiaries. Other recommendations include keeping beneficiary stability and continuous plan improvement paramount when Medicare Advantage's benchmark calculations and bidding rules. By rewarding performance, while taking into account the challenges faced in low-income populations, Medicare would accelerate delivery system innovation and keep Medicare Advantage as a viable option. These are just a few of the smart changes that we should be making to build off the success of this program, instead of cutting these beneficial plans to the detriment of our Nation's seniors. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to once again call on the administration to preserve the Medicare Advantage choice for beneficiaries after a lifetime of hard work. Madam Speaker, we could be facing a serious situation throughout the country. Both sides of the aisle are concerned about the proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage. Further cuts not only risk new health care efficiencies and innovation, but the health and well-being of seniors who depend on these plans. Simply put, these cuts are counterproductive if it means more hospital readmissions and worse health outcomes. Cuts already happening this year have resulted in a 10 percent increase in overall out-of-pocket costs for seniors relying on Medicare Advantage, with the annual maximum for these expenses increased by $560. For seniors on fixed incomes, that can mean the difference between being able to fill a needed prescription, making a mortgage payment, or putting food on the table. If further cuts are made to this important program, it would be even worse, costing seniors an estimated $50 more a month in out-of-pocket expenses. It is wrong to shift this burden onto seniors. From Cheryl and her husband from Palm Beach Gardens to Walter from Tequesta to Robert from Palm City to Gary from Port St. Lucie to Lorraine from Fort Pierce, this touches the lives of seniors across my district and across this country. They deserve better after a lifetime of hard work than having to worry about losing their doctor or the affordable health coverage that works for them. This doesn't just impact my constituents across the Treasure Coast and palm beaches, but seniors and families across this great Nation. I thank my colleagues who stood with me today to urge the administration to protect seniors from further cuts, keeping rates flat for this year. I am committed to fighting for the well-being for seniors on the Treasure Coast and palm beaches, the great State of Florida, and across our Nation, protecting their earned benefits. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, with all the questions surrounding health insurance today, it is vital that seniors can keep the health care coverage on which they depend. I remain committed to working in a bipartisan manner to address the long-term drivers of our debt. I also understand we must consider the impact the decisions we make have on real Americans. Recent efforts to bring Medicare Advantage payments in line with traditional Medicare makes sense if you think of the budget solely as numbers on a spreadsheet; but we are seeing these cuts resulting in smaller networks of doctors, cuts to add-on benefits, and higher out- of-pocket limits, shifting the cost and burden onto our Nation's seniors on fixed incomes. The Medicare Advantage cuts proposed for 2015 would be shortsighted and counterproductive if it meant elimination of health care innovations and led to hospital readmissions and worse health outcomes. I add my voice to the growing bipartisan chorus calling for no more cuts to seniors on Medicare Advantage. I urge the administration to keep the rates flat for this year, protecting seniors' continued access to health care choices that they have earned after a lifetime of hard work.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whiticar Boat Works on the occasion of the 50-year celebration of their 1961 Motor Yacht Elegante, built in the same location that this family- run business still resides at in Stuart, Florida. Founded in 1947 by Curt Whiticar, who just celebrated his 103rd birthday last month, this renowned business has expanded but still remains family-run by Curt's son John Whiticar, and nephew Jim Dragseth. Fifty years ago, Whiticar built the Elegante on the very location where they now celebrate the motor yacht's anniversary. Originally called Aphrodite, the yacht was built for Fishers Island, New York resident John Hay ``Jock'' Whitney, a U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and publisher of the New York Herald Tribune. For many years, Jack Whiticar, a brother of the company's founder, served as the captain of the yacht for Mr. Whitney. The yacht, now known as the Elegante, is currently owned by Pat and Bill Anton and remains the sole motor yacht ever produced by Whiticar Boat Works. I am extremely proud of Whiticar for the great work they have done for so many years on the Treasure Coast. From its founding over 66 years ago to the present day, Whiticar has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in serving the boating community and producing excellent custom sport fishing boats. Passed from fathers to sons, Whiticar is a testament to hard work and dedication, a reminder of the important role family-owned businesses play in strengthening our economy. But not only has Whiticar Boat Works contributed greatly to our local economy and boating industry, but has played an integral role in our community, supporting coastal cleanups and efforts to clean our local waterways, encouraging boating safety, and benefiting local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club. We are so very lucky to have Whiticar as part of our Martin County community. Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate Mr. Whiticar and Whiticar Boat Works for the 50-year celebration of the Elegante, and I am honored to recognize the work they have done over these many years. I am proud that such a terrific organization has made its home in my district, and I wish them continued success and many more milestones to celebrate.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Madam Chair, as a former small businessman, I am acutely aware of the strain unnecessary regulations have on businesses. While I strongly support the underlying bill's goal of reducing the regulatory burden on American companies, truly smart regulatory reform would preserve government's ability to enforce clean air laws, food safety, and consumer protections. It would not pile on duplicative procedural hurdles on already inefficient agencies, gumming up government bureaucracy and obstructing agencies' most basic functions. Too often, the debate up here is about more regulations versus fewer regulations, but we should be focused on smarter regulations. We should all be able to agree that government has a role to play in clean water for Americans, an issue the people in the Treasure Coast are all too familiar with. We should all be able to agree that when a consumer walks through the door of a bank looking for a mortgage, that government has a role to play in protecting that consumer, but these regulations should help the public without unnecessarily hindering business, our Nation's economic engine. We must both protect Americans and enable commerce. The business community is not against all regulation, they are against excessively burdensome regulation. In my district, business owners believe that protecting the environment and clean water standards is not antigrowth. In fact, it is pro-jobs. When I recently toured the family-run Armellini trucking company in my district, the Armellinis were not against truck safety standards. They do the right thing by their workers, and they abide by safe driving rules. They want regulations to ensure that others do the same. What they are against are new truck safety standards that hinder growth without actually making trucking any safer. Smarter regulations should protect good businesses from bad actors. I will give another example. Denny Hudson runs Seacoast Bank, a small community bank in Stuart, Florida. Like many small financial institutions, Seacoast weathered the financial crisis because they were not involved in risky financial behavior. They expected mortgages to be repaid on time, and they wanted the small businesses they supported to succeed. After the financial crisis of 2008 nearly took down the global economy, most people agreed that government regulators needed to better protect our financial system, but if new regulations keep community banks like Seacoast from getting creditworthy young families into their first home, or providing capital to new small businesses, that is a problem. My amendment is simple. While recognizing the goal of the underlying legislation to improve the regulatory process, my amendment maintains the government's responsibility to protect the environment, consumer health, and workplace safety. I propose removing costly hurdles that would make government less efficient, while protecting the right of the American people to hold their government accountable when it fails to protect their health, safety, and civil rights. My colleagues across the aisle frequently complain about too much bureaucracy. We should not compound the problem by creating duplicative government processes. Let's examine the effectiveness of regulations already in place. Senator King introduced a bipartisan bill that would do exactly that. It would establish a process to identify and either strike or improve outdated and obsolete regulations. We should be doing the same thing in this body. At a time when we should be doing more with less, can we really afford to increase spending with more government bureaucracy? I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to improve the underlying bill, save the partisan fight over controversial sections for another day, streamline the regulatory process, and save 70 million taxpayer dollars. I thank my colleagues. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the City of Port Saint Lucie, Florida for earning the rank as one of the 25 best places to retire in the United States. For the third time since October, Forbes.com has listed Port Saint Lucie as one of the top places to live or do business, and I am delighted to recognize the recent Forbes.com list that names Port Saint Lucie as one of the 25 best places to retire in 2014. Forbes cites excellent climate and air quality, lower cost of living, median home price, and low crime rate as their key criteria for the ranking. Just months ago, Forbes selected Port Saint Lucie as one of the best places in the country for business and careers based on education data, job growth, and the lower cost of doing business. In addition to Forbes, last September, Movoto.com, a national online real estate broker, claimed Port Saint Lucie as number one on their list of the 10 best places to live in Florida based again on the city's low crime rate, cost of living, and housing among other factors. Port Saint Lucie commands national attention for its incentives for families, entrepreneurs, and international business leaders alike and a perfect balance of warm yet temperate year-round weather. As a major city on the Sunshine State's Treasure Coast in Florida's Eighteenth Congressional district, I am honored to represent Port Saint Lucie in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MURPHY of Florida

Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Madam Speaker, last week, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to fix the National Flood Insurance Program to protect homeowners from unaffordable rate hikes. It is beyond time for the House to follow suit by passing this bipartisan bill, which will help millions of Americans facing steep flood insurance rate increases, including thousands of residents across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast. The bill includes additional funding for FEMA to redraw flood maps accurately so homeowners do not face erroneous rate hikes in my district and around the country. Any proposed rate hikes must be delayed until the affordability study gives Congress a better understanding of how unaffordable rate hikes would negatively impact the Flood Insurance Program. I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so we can pass this bipartisan, commonsense solution that will provide much-needed relief for homeowners across America.