Iraq

Before the start of the Iraq War, I offered an alternative war resolution mandating the President to provide Congress with a comprehensive plan for the long term stabilization of Iraq before going to war.  Today, Iraq remains unstable and the violence has displaced almost 5 million refugees while the Bush Administration refuses to change its failed policies. I support a timeframe for troop withdrawals and have introduced the lead legislation to aid Iraqi refugees.  The War in Iraq has had a terrible human and economic toll on the American people and an impact on our nation’s international standing.  Too many brave servicemen lives have been lost and been injured while the war has diverted funding for important domestic programs and increased oil prices.  Our military readiness is stretched thin and our worldwide reputation damaged.  We need to fulfill our commitment to our heroic serviceman when they return home from duty and must fully fund veterans’ health care and other benefits.

War on Terrorism

The war in Iraq has resulted in us losing our focus on the War on Terrorism, both in policy and in resources.  Iraq is a disaster, Al-Qaeda has been allowed to rearm itself, Osama bin Laden remains on the run, the entire Middle East is unstable because of our neglect and actions, and Israel is less secure because Iran has been given unfettered access to Syria, Lebanon and Hamas while redoubling its efforts to become nuclear capable.  To win this war, we must refocus our efforts and recognize the impact that Iraq is having on the entire region.  The U.S. must also take responsibility for the almost 3 million displaced Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan, and Iran and along the Iraqi borders.  Refugee camps are ripe for extremists who are trying to break into these camps to win over refugees by feeding, clothing, and educating them.  I have introduced the lead legislation providing aid to Iraqi refugees and combat extremists who are trying to turn refugees into terrorists. 

Economy

As we sit on the edge of a recession, Congress must focus on job creation, economic stimulus and bringing to an end the housing crisis. My Democratic colleagues and I have taken significant action to address the subprime mortgage crisis which has led to these foreclosures.  The current housing and credit crisis is an example of predatory lending at its worst. I believe that companies which engage in predatory lending should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and that our government must do more to cracking down on these illegal practices.  Enhanced oversight and regulation of unscrupulous lenders is desperately needed.  It is also vital that we improve access to homeownership, but the current Administration exposed unsuspecting home buyers to exploitation and tremendous risk.  We need to build and revitalize communities in a way which attracts jobs and encourages investment.  Congress also has to fulfill its end of the bargain to fully fund infrastructure improvements which is a guaranteed job creator.  Finally, we need to reject trade agreements that place American workers at a competitive disadvantage and ship our jobs overseas.

Taxes

As co-Chairman of Florida's Congressional Delegation, I have fought to ensure that Florida residents continue to be able to deduct their sales taxes from their federal income taxes. I believe that this should be made permanent. The Bush Tax Cuts for the wealthiest of Americans have left our country in economic shambles. I did not vote for them in 2001 and 2002, nor have I voted for (or will I vote for) their extension. These tax cuts did not stimulate the economy, nor have they led to job growth. I do not see how extending those at this moment in time would be good for our economy or our country. I do not support a full repeal of the Estate Tax, though I have voted on numerous occasions to increase the current cap, proposals which were defeated by then-Republican Majorities.

Veterans Affairs

When our servicemen and women return home from duty, we must fulfill our commitment to then and fully fund veterans’ health care and other benefits. Under Republican Leadership, Congress' funding commitment to veterans declined significantly. They sent our troops into battle but refused to take care of them when they returned. It was disgraceful. I have been proud to support Democratic legislation which has done just this and will continue to do so in the future.

Healthcare

We are in a healthcare crisis that will escalate unless we work together to implement reform that is comprehensive, smart and sustainable.  First, the well-being of our nation’s economy, social and economic development and integrity demand that we provide universal healthcare to all Americans.  Second, the President and Senate Republicans need to stop blocking legislation that repeals a misguided provision in current law prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating with drug companies to lower the cost of drugs.  Third, Congress needs to act to ensure that doctors who treat Medicare and Medicaid patients continue to get paid for their services so that doctors do not begin refusing to treat Medicare and Medicaid patients.  Finally, the President must sign the SCHIP legislative giving healthcare to our neediest children.  It is despicable that President Bush has vetoed multiple times a bill providing health insurance to children in our country.

Social Security

As our nation’s economy worsens, more and more Americans are finding a secure retirement increasingly out of reach.  Retirement savings are near a historic low and 75 million working Americans lack employer-based retirement plans, and this says nothing of the increasing number of bankrupt companies that have cut the pensions thousands of Americans expected to have after a lifetime of hard work.  Privatization will neither protect nor improve the Social Security system.  Privatization would mean less retirement income for all American workers and would drain trillions from the Social Security Trust Fund, exhausting reserves almost 20 years before current projections.  The problems facing Social Security are manageable, and we must create a plan that ensures the long-term solvency of Social Security while maintaining our promise to American workers and protecting this vital safety net.  

Environment

Preserving and protecting our environment is one of my priorities in Congress.  I have fought to place a greater emphasis on environmental justice, ensuring that historically disadvantaged communities do not suffer disproportionately from poor energy and environmental decisions.  I oppose offshore drilling.  Florida’s beaches, coastline, and environment should not be destroyed in an effort that would only save taxpayers pennies at the gas pump.  Instead, I support raising fuel-efficiency standards and investing in research and development for the next generation of alternative and renewable energy.  As a fifth generation Floridian and great grandson of a Creek Indian, my passion for the Everglades extends back to my birth.  I have championed efforts to restore the Everglades.  Democrats in Congress have shown true leadership on Everglades restoration efforts and passed the 1^st  WRDA in 7 years with critical Everglades and South Florida funding.

Immigration

Immigration reform must be comprehensive and address both our nation’s security and economic needs. It is for this reason that I am a cosponsor of the STRIVE Act, a bill that better protects our borders while reflecting the realities of our work force and respecting the hard work and economic contributions of our nation’s immigrants. I also support the AgJobs Act which streamlines and expands the H-2A visa program to ensure a stable, legal workforce in American agriculture. Knowing English unquestionably creates greater economic opportunities and eliminates many everyday challenges for immigrants. I therefore do not believe most immigrants consciously refuse to learn English. Many simply lack the resources to do so, and this does not impede them from being productive, law abiding citizens.

Caribbean-Cuba/Haiti

We must help the poorest nation in our hemisphere and our friend, Haiti.  I have consistently supported U.S. assistance to Haiti and relief for Haitians here at home.  I have introduced legislation that would give Haitian nationals living in the United States TPS and have led Congressional efforts in support of increased funding for Haitians and the alleviation of Haiti’s debt to international financial institutions.  Beyond lip service, we must work to put Haiti on a sustained path to development.  I have also worked hard in Congress to strengthen the U.S.-Caribbean relationship. I regularly advocate advancing these countries’ economic and political security and have always supported aid to the region to reduce poverty and combat the AIDS epidemic.  I support a democratic and terror-free Cuba.  I will continue my high level of advocacy for a democratic Cuba in Congress, supporting legislative initiatives including sanctions, human rights, and drug interdiction cooperation.

Energy

I strongly oppose offshore oil drilling in Florida. With gas prices over $4 per gallon and expected to reach $5 per gallon by July 4th, America must become more energy efficient and independent from foreign oil. While the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is just a drop in the bucket in terms of vast American oil consumption patterns, Two years ago I introduced legislation calling on the President to stop pumping oil into the reserve. Democrats did just that earlier this year. Putting this oil in circulation will help lower costs at the pump. We must also work toward changing our consumption patterns and prioritize innovative transportation alternatives. I have also introduced the Working Families Tax Credit Act, legislation which provides up to $1000 in gas tax credits for families to alleviate the stress caused by soaring fuel prices. Finally, Congress must continue investing in renewable and green jobs, two top priorities of mine and the Democratic Congress.