Dear Friends:
This past Congressional district work period, I had the pleasure of spending the week in South Florida. It is always great to come home and meet with constituents, and to get feedback and input from the people I represent.
As you may know, the House has had a remarkable level of achievement over the past five months, passing more than forty-five key measures – most with a majority of both Democrats and Republicans. This wide range of measures includes provisions to strengthen our military,
restore accountability, achieve energy independence and reduce global warming, grow our economy, and care for our children and families.
One of the most pressing issues affecting all of us is the intolerable increases in gas prices. During the work period, Congressman Ron Klein and I held a press conference to draw attention to the legislation recently passed in the House of Representatives to allow the Federal Trade
Commission the authority to investigate and punish price gougers. The House will have a comprehensive energy package on the floor by summer's end. To read the story or watch a news report of the press conference CLICK HERE.
As you know, Hurricane Season is upon us and the need for a National Catastrophe Fund is greater than ever. This year we have been warned of a 75 percent activity rate over the Atlantic region. We cannot allow another Katrina or Wilma to leave Florida, or any other state, devastated
and fiscally strapped. Recently passed emergency supplemental spending legislation includes a total of $135 million for Broward and Miami-Dade Counties' hurricane recovery programs associated with the 2005 Hurricane Season. Given that Florida was hit by Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005 I am proud to have successfully fought for
Florida's inclusion in national Gulf Coast recovery funds. These funds are vital to our counties. For information on how to protect your family during a hurricane, CLICK HERE.
By far, the most pressing issue that Congress addressed prior to the work period was the War in Iraq. Recognizing the growing number of questions and concerns from so many of you, I held a Town Hall Meeting to discuss my opposition to the War in Iraq and strategies to accomplish the
goal of bringing an end to the war and returning our troops home safely. I appreciated hearing the views expressed by those who attended the Town Hall Meeting. For my complete statement on the most recent vote on the Iraq War supplemental spending bill please CLICK HERE.
While the discussions and debate about the War in Iraq continue, we must recognize our courageous men and women for their service and sacrifice. I was honored to host the Library of Congress's Veteran's History Project, a project that archives the oral histories of our
brave veterans. For more information on the Veteran's History Project, CLICK HERE.
Thank you for your continued comments and feedback. If you have questions or need assistance, please call my office in Pembroke Pines (954) 437-3936, Aventura (305) 936-5724 or Washington, DC (202) 225-7931. |
