Sequestration

Floor Speech

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share my deep concern with my colleagues of what these dangerous sequestration cuts mean to my community.

I have the honor to represent the suburbs of Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. We are a community of middle class families, and my constituents will be hurt if the leadership of this Congress fails to act.

Here are a few examples: south Florida's economy depends on the flow of tourists. It is an engine which fuels us. If sequestration goes into effect, TSA and customs agents will be furloughed, passengers throughout the country will miss their connecting flights, and we will have fewer tourists and hurt business.

Up to 600 civilians who work in the Florida Keys Naval Base will be furloughed. This means less money for everyday needs in the economy of the Keys. Students on work-study programs at schools like Miami-Dade College and FIU will see their funding cut. The leadership of this Congress owes the American people an explanation of why we have gotten to this point.

There is a better alternative that will create jobs, and that is H.R. 699. I respectfully ask unanimous consent to bring up this balanced budget bill that replaces the sequester with balanced cuts.

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