Florida's 26th Congressional District election, 2018

Healthcare

Debbie has spent her career working to expand access to health care for families across South Florida. She believes all Americans, regardless of income or zip code, deserve quality care that can never be taken away – and will make improving health care her top priority in Congress. She has pledged to work with her colleagues to improve the Affordable Care Act and to protect Medicare from Republican efforts to raid it. Debbie has a record of working to improve health care access in her community. While at Florida International University College of Medicine, she helped to build public-private partnerships to establish and grow the NeighborhoodHELP program, which provided health care access to underserved communities in South Florida. Her life’s work has been about improving our health care system so no family needs to choose between putting food on the table and getting the care they need. She will bring that same passion and dedication with her to Washington.

Economy

Debbie’s mother and three sisters immigrated to the United States in search of opportunities to better their lives – and through hard work and the opportunities this country provided, they were able to achieve their American Dream. The opportunities that helped Debbie and her family get ahead are disappearing for too many families across the country. Debbie believes we need to boost the economy by bringing good-paying jobs to South Florida and making sure that Floridians can get the skills they need through job training programs. By investing in our workforce, our nation will be more prepared to compete in a global 21st century economy.

Education

As a first-generation American, Debbie was able to achieve the American Dream through education, and believes every child should have the same opportunity to reach their highest potential. Debbie believes in fully funding our public education system, ensuring every child has access to a quality K-12 education regardless of their zip code and access to early childhood education. Debbie knows we must make college more affordable by expanding financial aid programs, lowering interest rates for all federal student loans while working on a plan to provide free community college for families.

Immigration

As a Hispanic immigrant and first-generation American, Debbie knows firsthand the challenges immigrants face in this country. Just like millions of other families, Debbie’s family came to this country seeking opportunities to better their lives. It is with this compassion that Debbie believes we need to fix our broken immigration system, replacing it with an accountable system that includes an expedited path to citizenship for DREAMers and their families. Bringing eleven million hard-working immigrants out of the shadows and into our system will only strengthen our great nation.

Environment

South Florida is ground zero for climate change, and we must lead the way in combating it. We are already seeing its effect in stronger storms and increased flooding, and we cannot afford to wait for action. Through her work at the Coral Restoration Foundation, Debbie has worked to slow the impacts of climate change on our marine life, and knows there is no time to wait when it comes to our environment. Debbie believes we must move quickly to a low fossil fuel economy, invest in clean energy, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in innovative infrastructure to protect our communities from sea-level rise. Florida, the Sunshine State, should be leading the way in solar energy production and reducing our reliance on oil and gas.

Gun Safety

Debbie lost her father at the age of 24 to gun violence and understands firsthand the devastating impact gun violence has on our families and communities. Debbie will fight every day to prevent another mother or father, sister or brother, daughter or son from ever receiving the devastating news that a loved one has been taken too soon by gun violence. Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States, which is why Debbie will fight for common-sense gun safety legislation. We must close the gun show loophole by requiring universal background checks, prevent those with a history of domestic violence or terrorism from purchasing a gun, and prevent firearms from falling in the hands of the mentally ill.

Women

As a mother, sister, and aunt it is Debbie’s priority to ensure women are paid the same as men for the same work; and especially women of color who particularly get the short end of the stick when it comes to equal pay. Debbie is committed to ensuring real on-the-ground equality for all women. Debbie will fight to end gender discrimination in the areas of education, employment, health care, and all other spheres. She will work to achieve equal pay for women, ensure paid maternity leave, pass child care legislation, and protect reproductive freedom. She will also pledge to always stand with Planned Parenthood.

Tax Reform

Debbie believes we need real tax reform—but not at the expense of hard-working families. The Republican tax plan raises taxes on millions of middle-class families and eliminates critical deductions we depend on in order to give big corporations a handout. As Debbie talks with families in FL-26, she hears over and over again that the opportunities to achieve the American Dream are disappearing for too many. That should be our focus, not new tax breaks for millionaires or for companies that ship jobs overseas. Debbie knows we must make it easier for people to make ends meet, not harder.^[27]

Military

A strong military that can protect the interests of our nation at home and abroad relies heavily on our unparalleled strength and innovation. The United States military has always been and should remain a force of good in an increasingly dangerous world. Our men and women in uniform must continue to have the best tools at their disposal as they fight and train to defend our freedoms. In Congress, I’ve worked to raise troop pay and streamline our military programs and equipment, while also ensuring veterans have access to quality healthcare and services after they’ve returned from the battlefield.

In addition, I have made it a priority to advocate on behalf of undocumented individuals who want to serve our country in the military. If an individual possess critical language, medical, or technical skills needed by our military to accomplish their mission, they should not be disqualified from serving. We should honor ALL who are willing to risk their lives to defend our safety and freedoms. I am proud to report I was successful in leading the charge in defeating an amendment that would have eliminated these opportunities for young men and women in the DACA program.

Agriculture

Florida farmers and ranchers put food on our tables, feed our families, and grow our local and national economies. The role farmers play in our community and daily lives is invaluable, and I have made the priorities of the South Dade agriculture community a major focus of my work in Congress.

In the House, I have led the charge in working towards relief for local farmers aggrieved by the Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine and heavy rains of 2015. As Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade, I have focused my efforts on holding hearings on issues of importance to South Florida farmers, such as the classification of farm sizes as small businesses to make them eligible for additional loans.

If reelected, I will continue working towards reforming our inadequate H2A temporary guest work visa program. It is imperative that both farm owners and agriculture workers have a reliable, safe, and transparent visa program to ensure our crops can be planted and harvested in accordance with reasonable laws.

Small Business

American small businesses are at the heart of the American economy and free-market system. With their dedication to innovation and success, small business owners have led to the development of emergent technologies, sparked competition, and provided livelihoods for millions of Americans. They also employ low and middle income Americans trying to het ahead.

As a former small business owner, I know what bureaucratic red tape can do to a small business, its owners, and its employees. That’s why I’ve fought unnecessary regulations in Congress and proposed bipartisan solutions to help small business owners and those they employ. I’ve led efforts to raise the Obamacare workweek requirement to allow 40 hours of work a week instead of 30, and I fought for our local farmers to be recognized as the small businesses they are and be eligible for support from the Small Business Administration.

As Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade, I’ve brought issues of importance in South Florida to Congress. The Small Business Committee has held hearings on Citrus greening, the devastating disease hurting orange growers and others in Florida, and on what restricted access to Biscayne National Park means for fishermen and small businesses. I have also had a bill that supports small business contractors signed into law as part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

I will never stop fighting for the small businesses in our community because when small business succeeds, American families benefit.

Transportation

South Florida’s Highway Transportation Priorities

Traffic and congestion has plagued South Florida for years, but as the cost of housing continues to rise, workers and families often have to move to more affordable areas even further from their jobs and schools. This has resulted in dauntingly long commutes due to overcrowded roadways and an underutilized public transportation system. It is the responsibility of elected officials at all levels of government to address the needs of transportation projects, and by working together, I believe we can accomplish the goal of making our roadways safer and reducing traffic and congestion.

In Congress, I have been committed to providing local officials with the flexibility and funding they need to address the long-term transportation projects of our community. I was a firm supporter of the surface transportation bill signed into law last year that provides states and localities with the funds they need to advance projects that will most benefit them. The law includes several South Florida priorities, such as funding for water infrastructure projects, advancing creative bridge solutions at Florida International University, and larger sidewalks to protect pedestrians.

It is imperative the federal government work with state and local municipalities in areas like South Florida to promote economically efficient public transportation options that save citizens time and make their commutes easier and less reliant on their own cars. This will not only reduce congestion, but also benefit the environment.

Marine Transportation and our Nation

An efficient marine transportation system is crucial to both our local and national economies. Without properly dredged channels and harbors and the funding necessary for further expansion of our port facilities for handling imports and U.S. goods exported to foreign markets, the U.S. and South Florida will be left behind. Our inland tug and barge operation transportation systems, as well as our cruise line operations, must have the resources available to maintain global competitiveness. This will result in the higher effectiveness in moving goods and passengers on open waterways and allowing cruise lines and deep draft vessels to enter and depart U.S. port facilities. South Florida and our nation must remain competitive globally, and advocating for our marine industries is one of my top priorities.

Environment

South Florida is home to some of the most beautiful natural treasures in America. From the Everglades all the way to Key West, enjoying nature and the outdoors is at the center of our way of life.

Protecting these natural habitats is critical, and the promotion of sensible environmental protections has been at the forefront of my work in Congress. I have been a steadfast leader in the discussion of viable solutions that mitigate the effects of climate change without threatening economic productivity and growth. For the first time in Congressional history, I formed a bipartisan caucus to address the issues of rising sea levels, clean air, and alternative forms of energy with thought leaders from conservation groups and businesses.

We must remain committed to finding common sense solutions to protect beautiful parks, like the Everglades and reduce our carbon footprint. Water quality is also critical to South Florida and specifically, to the Florida Keys. I have worked to ensure the federal government’s support for efforts to update sewer and water treatment systems in Monroe County and to increase fresh water flows into Florida Bay. I am dedicated to being a positive voice on the issues of climate change and new energy solutions in Congress, even when I have to break from my party to do so. Our environment is too important to ignore and we must leave future generations with clean air and water.

Veterans

The men and women who bravely protected our nation from threats both at home and abroad deserve our utmost respect. When members of our armed forces retire, they should do so knowing they will be afforded everything the Department of Veterans Affairs and a grateful nation has promised them.

Unfortunately, we hear too many heartbreaking stories of veterans who have unjustly been ignored and neglected. The bureaucracy at Veterans Affairs hospitals across the country has resulted in delayed care for our service men and women, sometimes resulting in premature and avoidable deaths. The current Administration has shown a culture of disrespect and disregard for America’s heroes, and Congress must step in to rectify this inexcusable behavior.

I have been and will remain a steadfast supporter in cutting the red tape and allowing our veterans better access to the healthcare and other services they need. In Congress, I have led efforts to ensure veterans have proper identification cards and to make it easier to fire VA employees who are not doing their jobs. We have a responsibility to protect those who protected us, and I never stop making veterans’ issues a major priority.

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

We must keep the promise of Social Security to current beneficiaries and those nearing retirement while reforming the program, so it can effectively serve younger generations of Americans. Beginning in 2021, program costs are projected to exceed income, shrinking the trust fund, and threatening the future of Social Security and quality of life for future retirees.

As more Baby Boomers enroll in Medicare, it too is facing serious challenges. The program’s hospital insurance trust fund will be insolvent in 2026 — ten years from now — leaving younger Americans uncertain about their future.

These programs require bold decisions and innovative reforms that will guarantee their existence for rising generations of Americans.

Education

Ensuring every student has access to a high quality education is one of my top priorities and passions. I believe it is a civil rights issue, and that every child in America, regardless of their background or zip code, deserves access to a quality school that provides proper attention and resources to all its students. That is why I support an accountability system that sheds light on student learning, while treating them and their teachers fairly.

I believe the federal government has an important role to play by:

• Encouraging and supporting low-income families enrolling children in early childhood education programs,
• Working with educators and employers to ensure our schools are providing young people clear and direct paths to quality jobs,
• Supporting programs like Head Start
• Working to strengthen Career and Technical Education programs, and
• Ensuring a quality, personalized education to students suffering from disabilities.

Education will never again be one-size fits all. There is more than one path to a successful and rewarding career, and every young person should be encouraged to pursue their passions and goals without being stigmatized for their choices in education. I want to preserve access to a traditional university or college education, while also urging students to choose what is right for them by reducing the barriers many students face as a result of current policies that protect institutions instead of empowering students.

Immigration

Our nation, like any other, has the right and responsibility to secure its borders. We must be able to know who is coming in and out of our country, and we must insist all border traffic be legal.

To do this effectively, our immigration system must be modernized. We need the capability to track visa holders who overstay, making-up nearly half of the undocumented population in America. Our nation is in need of an expanded guest worker program that will help fill the jobs Americans are not seeking, especially in agriculture. And while we must demand accountability from those who enter our country illegally, we should establish an earned path to legalization for those who have abided by our laws and contributed to our economy, especially those who were brought to the country as minors by their parents. These young people have gown up in this, the country they love, and should be granted an opportunity to become Americans.

Foreign Policy and National Security

Every day the world becomes more and more unstable. The Middle East is in chaos with Iran using billions in sanctions relief and direct transfer payments from the Obama Administration to threaten Israel and other American allies. ISIS continues wreaking havoc in Iraq and Syria while the Assad regime presses forward with chemical attacks against civilians (including children) more than three years after President Obama drew a red line. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin seems intent on rebuilding the Soviet Empire and challenging American power in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Closer to home, the Cuban regime recently hosted the Iranian foreign minister and continues actively opposing American interests despite the Obama Administration’s long list of unilateral concessions.. In Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, with the support of the Castro government, is viciously repressing dissent as he desperately attempts to maintain power in an all but failed state.

When the United States shows weakness, bad actors become emboldened and make the world a more dangerous place. While we cannot afford to serve as the world’s police, America must lead with a clear voice, support our allies, and oppose our enemies. The Obama Administration has failed in this regard, and the President, more focused on legacy than policy, appears uninterested and disengaged. We need Members of Congress who will embrace the concept of smart power, and who understand that peace is only achieved through strength.

Taxes We must reform our tax system. We need fewer and lower marginal tax rates for all Americans that will lead to more job creation and a stronger economic recovery. We should close all special interest loopholes, increase the child tax credit for working families raising dependent children, and expand the successful earned income tax credit for those earning low wages.

We also need to reduce the corporate tax rate so we can remain the greatest country in the world to do business. In recent years we have seen an increased number of American companies attempting to “invert,” which means they leave the U.S. to incorporate in a foreign country with a more favorable tax code. This concerning trend can be attributed to the fact that our country has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the developed world, and it is costing our nation tax revenue, jobs, and potential economic growth. Congress must address tax reform to make our code more competitive. This will not only entice American companies to maintain their domestic headquarters, but it will also attract new businesses from overseas and encourage foreign companies to incorporate in the United States.

Healthcare

Like my neighbors in District 26, I want a quality healthcare system at an affordable cost. Unfortunately, the President’s Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, hasn’t fulfilled its promise to be that. Instead, it has increased the cost of healthcare for millions of Americans and is threatening our economic recovery. A law that gives the IRS an outsized role in our healthcare system, considers 30 hours a full workweek, and cuts funding for Medicare is, at best, deeply flawed.

After being sworn in to the 114th Congress, I voted to change the 30-hour workweek under Obamacare to a 40-hour workweek, so workers in need of more hours to support their families would not be limited. Unfortunately, Democrats in the Senate refuse to work in a bipartisan manner to pass this legislation so it could reach the President’s desk and become law.

Our community and our country deserve a world-class, consumer-driven healthcare system. By empowering patients to make rational choices in their health care, we will reduce the cost of care for all Americans and preserve the best healthcare system in the world. A new healthcare law should include reforms that are centered around consumers, demand more transparency in the healthcare market, facilitate high risk pools for those with pre-existing conditions, treat women fairly, and keep the promise of Medicare for our seniors.

Economy

We live in a new, fast-paced economy that is leaving too many people behind: young people cannot find work after college, millions of Americans are employed part-time despite needing full-time work to sustain their families, and wages are stagnant across the board. Unfortunately, our economy is the victim of self-inflicted wounds, like the 30-hour workweek under Obamacare, increased regulation, and an unsustainable fiscal policy that relies on deficit spending to fund the government.

Every day it seems like there is less incentive for people to get ahead or grow their business. This must change. If we want to get America growing again we must:

• Simplify our tax system, reduce taxes on working families, and reward hard work;
• End the chronic budget deficits that threaten our economy and our national security;
• Reform higher education, so our colleges and universities better prepare our young men and women for the jobs and opportunities of this century; and
• Modernize our anti-poverty programs, so that rather than helping people just deal with poverty they actually empower people to emerge from poverty.^[27]