Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bill Becker on his 30 years of remarkable service to the Florida Keys-based U.S. 1 Radio 104.1 FM and to our community. Bill began his career with U.S. 1 Radio in 1980 when the news station had just established itself. He served as the news director, where he broadcasted local news, and hosted U.S. 1's 90-minute ``Morning Magazine'' every morning to highlight local issues and events through on-air interviews and commentary. His passion and devotion to marine biology first led him to the Florida Keys and is what jumpstarted his career in radio. After graduating in 1971, Bill began working at the Lower Keys' Newfound Harbor Marine Institute at Sea Camp. He taught marine biology to kids, through outreach programs and became involved in local organizations. Bill co-founded one of the Lower Keys' signature events: the annual Underwater Music Festival that spotlights coral reef preservation. Every year the event draws hundreds of diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, as well as national and international media coverage. With his unyielding dedication to his community, Bill's work has left a tremendous impact in numerous people's lives. He volunteered his time during the 1998 Hurricane Georges to offer comfort and critical live updates throughout the storm. Bill partook in broadcasts in Cuba as part of humanitarian efforts led by a local group taking essential medical supplies and food to the island nation. In 1982, Bill broadcasted live from Key West's Mallory Square when the Florida Keys seceded from the Union and formed the independent Conch Republic. Aside from his hard work in broadcasting, Bill also dedicated his time to the community of the Lower Keys by serving as the president of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. Through all these accomplishments, Bill made himself a pillar of the Keys community and his retirement marks the end of an era. Bill embodies the hard working, community-minded nature that the Florida Keys is known for. On behalf of Florida's 26th District, I would like to thank Bill for his contribution to the community and wish him the absolute best in this next chapter of his life.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Brigadier General David A. Piffarerio for his admirable dedication and selfless service to our Nation. BG Piffarerio will retire from his assignment as Commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB), Florida on August 2, 2020. BG Piffarerio first took command of the 482nd Fighter Wing at HARB on September 9, 2018. BG Piffarerio's tenure as Commander has marked everlasting change in the City of Homestead. BG Piffarerio was commissioned to the United States Air Force in 1994 as an honor graduate. BG Piffarerio has served as a command pilot with over 3,500 flying hours making him one of the most proficient pilots in aircrafts such as the F-15E. His devotion to flying led him to a major milestone, becoming the first pilot in the Air Force to log 1,000 hours in the F-22 Raptor. BG Piffarerio has dedicated over 13 years on active duty in a variety of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-22 assignments. He was selected as part of the first cadre to test the F-22 during follow-on evaluations in 2002. Shortly after, BG Piffarerio was named program manager and F-22 test director at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. BG Piffarerio was also a part of the initial cadre who stood up the 477th Fighter Group in 2007. He served as the Commander of the 302nd Fighter Squadron, Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Prior to assuming command of the 482nd Fighter Wing, BG Piffarerio was the Command Center Director at Joint Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. This admirable work ethic, experienced operational knowledge, and excellent leadership made him a respected and honorable Commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing. For the community in Florida's Congressional District 26, and the devoted men and women at Homestead Air Reserve Base, BG Piffarerio embodies superior professionalism. He led his members with courage and consistency. Under his respected role, BG Piffarerio commanded over 2,500 personnel members, stemming from active duty Air Force association personnel, traditional reservists, Air Reserve technicians, and full-time civilians. BG Piffarerio also managed wide-ranging tenant units that include the Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1 Alert Force, Headquarters, Special Operations Command, South (SOCSOUTH), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST 91114), the Florida Army National Guard's 50th Regional Support Group, and members of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). BG Piffarerio's impact reaches far beyond the work at HARB, ensuring the Homestead community benefits as well. He led efforts in enacting positive change within the community by partnering with local businesses, Homestead Hospital, Veterans Affairs, Military Affairs Committee (MAC), the South Dade Chamber of Commerce, and many other community organizations. It has been an honor to have someone of exceptional caliber serve as Commander. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today and congratulate General Piffarerio for a lifetime of service. We wish him, his wife, Jennifer and his son, Bryce, the best wishes on his new journey as Deputy Commander, U.S. Alaskan Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to the Strength in Diversity Act, and I am very grateful to Representative Fudge for allowing me to introduce this amendment, a critical piece of legislation to begin reversing decades of resegregation in our schools. In Florida, nearly 63 percent of students are from minority communities, compared to only 30 percent of teachers. This disparity is exacerbating racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps. A teacher in my district, Sharon Rivers, emphasized the importance of diversity in the classroom, saying: ``Culture diversity in the classroom is essential in helping us recognize, respect, and welcome the many differences across the district. It is imperative that we allow our understanding of our differences to build a bridge of respect for one another.'' I couldn't agree more, and my amendment would build upon that effort by increasing the diversity of our teaching workforce. Teachers of color can provide more culturally relevant education and better understand the situations their students of color are facing, helping develop stronger student-teacher relationships. Our teachers should reflect our communities and our schools. Recent studies show that increased teacher diversity results in better achievement scores, lower levels of disciplinary action, and reduced dropout rates. In fact, a Florida study showed that Black students had higher reading and math scores when taught by Black teachers. Unfortunately, in most States, as the proportion of students of color grows, the number of minority teachers is not keeping pace. We must do more to ensure that all students, regardless of their race or background, are set up for success. I urge everyone to vote to pass my amendment.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, today I stand here to honor and thank the courageous servicemembers and veterans who have served and protected this Nation. I was appalled when the President, the Commander in Chief, referred to them as ``losers'' and ``suckers.'' These brave men and women sacrificed for us, some giving their lives: Veterans like my constituent JL Demps, Jr., a U.S. Army Specialist, who at 18 was deployed and had to leave his wife and 2-month-old son; Or Manuel Suarez Rodriguez, who was drafted out of high school to serve in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division in Korea; Or Gary Malfield, a Comms Officer, who served in Vietnam reviewing heartbreaking messages on the status of Marines who were wounded or killed. Gary put it best by saying, ``Many of them lost their lives, but none of them were losers.'' I couldn't agree more. They deserve better, Mr. Speaker, and should never be disrespected the way this President did.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, it is difficult to express the immense loss and pain that not just myself but that this body feels at the passing of our good friend, John Lewis. It has been one of my greatest honors and privileges to be able to serve alongside him in my short time here in this body and to get to know him. He brought to us courage. He inspired love and gave us optimism in some of the most difficult times. He worked with joy in his heart, with courage and faith, and without fear. He was a fighter against injustice to anyone. I remember him saying that he was inspired to see the young men and women of all backgrounds, creeds, and religious backgrounds rise up in nonviolent protest, demanding justice. I wonder if he knows that he started that back in 1965 in Selma, Alabama. My kids, Jude and Siena, every time they came to Washington, they always sought out John Lewis because they looked up to him, just like all of us did. It is silly that I am crying, Madam Speaker. I just met him a year ago. I think it is because, during some of the most difficult moments in our country, we can't afford to lose someone like him. But I am so inspired today to hear my colleagues stand together in unity, and I know, and I am filled with optimism, that we will be able to exemplify his work, continue his work, and carry his dream of a better America forward.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, the Everglades, Dry Tortugas, and Biscayne National Parks are three of our south Floridian national parks that are magnificent parks that we cherish across our country. They are essential to preserving biodiversity, improving air quality, providing recreational opportunities, and sustaining our physical and mental well-being. They are also essential to our economy, bolstering local economies across our Nation, supporting countless jobs, and breathing life into our small businesses. Unfortunately, our national parks are in need of help. Hiking trails are in disrepair, roads are crumbling, visitor centers are falling apart, and our lands are in need of protection. That is why passing today's bill, the Great American Outdoors Act, is so crucial. It will permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund to address our severe maintenance backlog and ensure that these natural beauties will be there for our children and our grandchildren. With the passage of this bill, Mr. Speaker, the ecotourism economies in both Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties will flourish. I urge support.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio for this transformational bill. I stand in strong support of the Moving Forward Act. I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, people in south Florida are so tired of being stuck in traffic for hours and dealing with terrible public transit options. This is one of the top concerns that I get from my constituents. What they have asked for is rail, better buses, and a reasonable commute to and from work. This bill would make investments to make that a reality and create good-paying jobs. South Florida also needs a solution to climate change and to know that their roads, bridges, and streets will be able to withstand sea level rise. This bill does just that. This is a transformational bill. It is what people from South Dade to Florida City have been waiting for. I have fought to include funding for energy-efficient wastewater infrastructure projects that reduce our environmental footprint and monthly bills for families. This also includes one of the bills that I introduced, the Shovel- Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act, which creates jobs for fisheries and tourism-dependent communities hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It protects our coastal communities from sea level rise and stronger and more frequent storms. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I stand here today as a Member of Congress because, 3 years ago, I watched as this body took a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have ripped healthcare away from tens of thousands of constituents in my district and over 2 million Floridians in my home State. This was an unconscionable move that would have taken away protections for millions with preexisting conditions, like my constituent Michelle Garcia, who still suffers after a faulty medical device left broken pieces in her that, to this day, cause her chronic pain that requires persistent treatment. It is because of the ACA that her coverage is protected. It is because of the ACA that disparities in coverage for Latino communities and African-American communities have narrowed. It is because of the ACA that insurance plans can't deny or make healthcare more expensive because of someone's gender. It is because I watched my colleagues across the aisle try to take the ACA away that I ran for Congress and am here fighting to protect their care. Today's vote is very important to me. While the President continues his efforts to take away much-needed healthcare, especially during a pandemic, we are making quality care more affordable and accessible while removing junk plans. We are lowering health insurance premiums and prescription drug prices. We are also putting in incentives for States like Florida so that they can expand Medicaid and bring care to millions who need it. It is simple. We shouldn't be taking care away from anyone right now, not ever. We shouldn't be making quality care more expensive. We need to make it more accessible. We need to make it more affordable. That is why I am proud to vote ``yes'' on today's legislation, and, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 3094, a bill to designate the National Pulse Memorial. On June 12, 2016, a shooter hatefully took the lives of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Those who died were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers, and loving members of Florida's communities. This tragedy brought grief and pain to all parts of the Nation, to Florida, including my very own district, and to the LGBT community. That evening at the nightclub was Jerry Wright. His parents, MJ and Fred, are part of our community in south Florida. They described Jerry as a wonderful, loving, and caring son. He was there that evening, like any other evening, enjoying Latin music with friends, and from 1 minute to the next, his life was cruelly taken from him. He was only 31 years old. We all know that Jerry did not deserve this. His parents and family did not deserve this. I am very close friends now with the Wright family, and I know firsthand the anguish and the pain that they go through every single day, Mother's Day, Father's Day. That pain never goes away. I know that personally, Madam Speaker, because I have also lost a loved one tragically to gun violence. So the pain that the families and the friends of 48 other people who lost their lives the same way is still present today. Just over 4 years later, now it is time that we designate the Pulse nightclub as a national memorial. This memorial will honor the memory of those who died that evening. It will ensure that loved family members like Jerry Wright are never forgotten. It will reflect on the pain that their families are still suffering. But most importantly, it will serve as a reminder that we as a country have to stop this violence and disarm hate. This memorial is a testament to those who died, and it is a mandate that we do more to stop it from happening again.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, my condolences. I just heard about your father. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Today marks 1 month since George Floyd called out, ``I can't breathe,'' as an officer suffocated him to death and two complicitly watched. The world has joined Mr. Floyd's family in demanding that we take action. South Florida and my constituents are demanding action. We can't bring him back, but we can bring justice to him; to his 6- year-old daughter, Gianna; his family; and his brother, Philonise. We can put an end to chokeholds and hold every police officer accountable for their actions. We can honor the life and legacy of Breonna Taylor, whose murderers still walk free, and we can and must serve the memory of the countless other lives that have been taken and brutalized by bringing law enforcement back to their roots of protecting and serving. The time for bold and profound action is now.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, I can't believe what I am hearing, that this bill is political, that we have to wait, and that our constituents don't need help. I want my colleagues on the other side to tell my constituents in Florida who can't access their unemployment benefits that they have to wait. Tell the people who don't have food to feed their families that they have to wait. Each day that we delay, our constituents don't get the help they need. This is a bipartisan bill, and local municipalities are in dire need of those funds. Monroe County and Miami-Dade County are going to get the money they need to pay for our heroes--firefighters, teachers, and educators.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, South Florida is hurting. My community is calling me in tears because they don't know how they are going to make payments or keep their businesses afloat, and hospital workers are afraid of losing their jobs. And to make matters worse, Floridians--over 1 million Floridians--still cannot access unemployment benefits. Although I am happy to support this legislation to support our small businesses, we need to make sure that it is those small mom-and-pop businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, veteran- owned businesses, that receive that funding. We have not done enough for America. We need to continue to work.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, as of this morning, the U.S. has the most COVID-19 cases worldwide. Over 1,200 have tragically lost their lives. In Florida alone, we have over 2,300 cases, with 652 in Miami-Dade County and 14 in Monroe County. South Florida is quickly becoming another epicenter of this pandemic. We are watching how numbers for unemployment are skyrocketing, and small businesses are closing. It is a tough reality to face. But we in Congress can do something. We can come together, set aside our ideological differences, and help people now. That is why I support this bill.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, Miami-Dade County has its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we are all very concerned. Across the country, events are canceled and store shelves are empty. With anxieties high, we are receiving mixed messages when what we need right now is coherent direction. It is discouraging to see countries like South Korea respond much more effectively than we are. While they screen tens of thousands, we have sick patients and frustrated doctors who cannot access testing. This is not right. We must make tests available and accessible to everyone. We must strengthen our healthcare system so we have the beds, the masks, the respirators, and the supplies to respond to a surge in cases. We must provide relief to our working families and local businesses struggling to cope with this virus. Madam Speaker, I believe we have it within us to fulfill these needs, but we all must come together for a comprehensive response to meet this moment. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In the United States, 235,000 women and girls are living with HIV, and they make up one in four new diagnoses, with Hispanic and African- American women disproportionately impacted. Although, nationwide, new HIV cases are declining, in Miami-Dade County they are, sadly, on the rise, making today so important for my district. Let's remember, also, that this disease yet has no cure. Awareness is critical to reduce transmission. Knowing your status is crucial. But the reality is that one in nine women with HIV are unaware that they have it. That is why testing and preventive medication like PrEP need to be accessible and affordable. We must also be aware that some women living with HIV postpone care because of fears of rejection by loved ones or violence from a partner. It is on us to do our part to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and support women and girls living with HIV and AIDS.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to take a moment to honor a good friend, an incredible young man, one of Miami's best, Patrick Hidalgo, who passed away last week. Words cannot begin to describe the brightness that Patrick reflected on the world. His smile was infectious; his passion for life was palpable; and his empathy made everyone feel seen, feel heard, and feel valued. Patrick accomplished more in his lifetime on Earth than many will in their entire lives. He was a Belen High School grad. He graduated from Georgetown, Harvard, and MIT. He was appointed by the Obama administration to work in the White House, and he was a huge driving force in helping normalize relations with Cuba. While Patrick could have done anything with his life, he decided to move back home to Miami and work to ensure that our city became the best version of itself, a more equitable, more just, more accessible place for all Floridians. He recently cofounded the Miami Freedom Project to achieve just that. I know that Patrick has found his freedom and his peace. We will honor his legacy by working to ensure that our city is a more just and freer place. Patrick, you touched the lives of so many people from so many walks of life. You made us better. You challenged us. You believed in us. We promise to honor your legacy. May you rest in peace, Patrick.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Chairman, I am in agreement. I urge the support of this agreement, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will ensure that the TSA Administrator works in coordination with the Directors of the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to ensure that TSA employees are provided the proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against coronavirus, including appropriate resources. TSA employees are on the front lines of strengthening the safety of our transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is why this underlying legislation is so important. As part of their mission, TSA employees constantly come in close contact with countless people every day from across the country and from around the world. This means that their potential risk and exposure to the virus is heightened. Our TSA employees work every day to protect us as we travel. In turn, we must do all we can to protect them while they are on the job. Mr. Chairman, I urge support of this amendment and underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise as the designee of Ms. Schrier, and I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall no. 55 and ``yea'' on rollcall no. 56.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, getting back to the business of the people, this week is National Gun Violence Survivors Week when we honor and remember the lives that we have lost to gun violence, those whom we have loved and miss terribly, people like my father, Guido Mucarsel; Jaime Guttenberg; De'Michael Dukes; Joaquin Oliver; Tel Orfanos; Jerry Wright; and all of their loved ones who now must live with the pain forever. The sad reality is that 58 percent of Americans or someone they know has experienced gun violence in their lifetime. The number of gun violence survivors increases in each passing day, tragedy after tragedy. The mental and emotional toll on survivors is immense, and many people are thrust into financial hardship. These are experiences that no one chooses to endure. We must not only remember those who have died but also those who have survived and do all we can to help them in their never-ending journey toward healing. To all of those who are remembering a loved one this week, we stand with you.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, from maternal mortality rates to inaccurate drug prescriptions to cardiovascular procedures, it is clear that minority groups experience worse health outcomes in our healthcare system. Although structural bias is a factor, the unconscious biases of even the most well-intentioned healthcare professionals play a role as well. And we can't let this continue. In a district as diverse as Florida's 26th District, we must do more to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, can get the quality care that they need. That is why I introduced the Medical Education for a Diverse America Act, along with Representative Porter, which would provide cultural competency and language training to medical students and prepare them to better serve minority populations. This legislation would help not only patients in south Florida, but all over the country in diverse communities.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, with the escalation of conflict in Iran, we are currently living through uncertain times. Today and every day the safety of Americans is my priority, and I am grateful for the brave men and women in our armed services who put their lives on the line for our safety. While we are all united in supporting our troops in service, we must always remember our veterans at home. Throughout my district, I have heard so many stories from veterans and their loved ones who have told me just how difficult the transition back to civilian life can be. Our veterans should not have to worry about putting a roof over their family's heads, having access to quality healthcare, and obstacles to pursuing further career opportunities. Although we can never fully repay them for their service and sacrifice, we must all be committed to ensuring that veterans and their families have access to all of the benefits they have earned from their service. Let's not forget our troops, our veterans, and all the brave women and men in uniform who sacrifice each day for our Nation.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I did not have the privilege of being born into this country. My mother brought me from Ecuador, looking for freedom and opportunity. But that is not my story alone. This is a story that I share with so many people who live in Florida's 26th District and all over the country. We have experienced corruption in our countries of birth, where brutal dictatorships have choked their potential to benefit those in power. This President elected by the American people has violated his oath of office and violated the rule of law. The evidence is overwhelming that he withheld military aid approved by Congress and leveraged a White House meeting to extract a political favor from a foreign government. The President actively sought foreign election interference to benefit himself. It is undeniable that he has abused his power and obstructed Congress. He presents a clear and present danger to our democracy. As an immigrant, I still get chills because I feel so fortunate to live in this extraordinary country. The genius of American democracy lies in our Constitution and the dedication to the rule of law. I want my children, and all of our children, to feel the same way when they grow up. However, if we sit idly by as cracks begin to appear in our democratic institutions, our children will be in the same situation so many of us experienced when we left countries whose leaders destroyed democracy. We in Congress must abide by our oath to defend our Constitution. That is my duty as a Member of this body. That is my duty as a mother.

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL

Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, the number one concern that I continue to hear from my constituents is the high cost of healthcare, especially the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs. From Kendall to Key West, I have heard stories of patients that are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for lifesaving drugs. Meanwhile, Big Pharma continues to collect hundreds of billions of dollars in profits each year. This cannot continue. We must pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, which will save Floridians thousands in drug costs each year. This bill would cut Medicare spending by over $400 billion, and reinvest these savings to combat the opioid epidemic, fund research for new groundbreaking cures; it would expand Medicare benefits, and it would also be used to strengthen community health centers. As the past Dean of the Medical School at Florida International University, I have worked directly with these centers and I have seen firsthand the impact that they have had on our community. In my district, Community Health of South Florida, or CHI, plays a crucial role in providing care to the uninsured and underinsured. In 2018 alone, CHI provided care for over 82,000 patients, including primary care services, behavioral health, OB/GYN procedures, and free HIV screenings. These health centers serve everyone in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. They expand quality, affordable healthcare for everyone. The time to act is now. We have to pass H.R. 3 to lower prescription drug prices and strengthen the healthcare centers that thousands in my district depend on for care.