Congressman Alcee L. Hastings released the following statement on the Republican Continuing Resolution to fund the government through December 11, 2015: “Congress has become far too comfortable with the idea of waiting until the last moment to pass critical legislation, whether it is funding the government or raising the debt ceiling. Too often, we are bogged down by partisan issues that are only brought up to appease the extreme political agenda of a few in Congress. The debates of the last few... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on House Republicans continued efforts to play a dangerous game with America’s national security: “At this crucial time, when the world is unified in trying to combat ISIS, House Republicans are choosing to gamble with the safety of all Americans by holding our national security hostage as they pursue their draconian political agenda. “While the international community is at a critical juncture due to the proliferation of ‘lone wo... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in support of the Congressional Black Caucus Budget proposal: “On January 8, 1964, President Johnson came before the nation to deliver his State of the Union address and declared a war on poverty. It has been 60 years since President Johnson gave us that charge, but we have yet to achieve a country free from the burdens of poverty. As President Johnson said all those years ago, ‘It will not be a short or easy struggle, no single w... Read more

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling through February 7, 2013: “I join with many of my colleagues and millions of Americans in welcoming the end of this pointless government shutdown and increase in our nation’s debt ceiling to avoid a devastating default. “For more than two weeks, House Republicans held our country hostage over the Affordable Care Act – more accurately... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement strongly urging House Republicans to allow a clean vote to raise the debt ceiling and avoid default: “With just days left before default, it is time for Republicans to get serious and stop playing games with the livelihoods of American families. It’s bad enough that Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor won’t allow a vote to re-open the federal government, but now Republicans are holding the full faith and credit o... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, made the following statement in support of the fishing guides in South Florida, whose livelihoods depend on tourism in Florida’s Everglades National Park: “As a result of the government shutdown, middle class and working poor Americans all across this country are suffering, including fishing guides whose livelihood depends on tourism in Florida’s Everglades National Park. “On October 9, 2013, nine da... Read more

(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) spoke on the House floor on Tuesday night in opposition to H.R. 3273, establishing a bicameral working group on deficit reduction and economic growth. The legislation would create a new so-called working group, similar to the 2011 "super committee" that resulted in the disastrous sequester. Please see the full transcript below. “I thank the gentleman, my good friend from Texas, who yielded the time. “I rise today obviously in strong opposit... Read more

(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following remarks at a meeting of the House Committee on Rules on Monday, October 07, 2013, regarding H.R. 3273, which creates a bicameral working group on deficit reduction. The legislation creates a new so-called working group, similar to the 2011 "super committee" that resulted in the disastrous sequester. Please see below the clip of Hastings’ statement: Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules C... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on President Obama’s FY 2014 budget proposal: “The President’s budget demonstrates that we can continue to reduce the national debt, while simultaneously making smart investments in our nation’s future. I welcome proposals to increase funding for badly needed infrastructure improvement, job training and education programs. However, in an effort to appease Republicans, this budget makes reckless concessions that will hu... Read more

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding his vote in opposition to Senate Amendment to H.R. 933, known as the continuing resolution, that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 318-109: "I voted against this continuing resolution because it locks in the sequester, which everybody in this joint knows will cause the loss of American jobs. "The Congressional Budget Office has already said that this level of funding is detrimental to our economy, w... Read more