Patrick Murphy RSS Articles

MURPHY RECOGNIZES NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) made the following statement in recognition of the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week, which is recognized from June 17-21. Small businesses support over 50 percent of American jobs.

"As a former small businessman, I am proud to serve on the House Small Business Committee and to use my prior experience to promote the interests of this vital sector of our economy. There is so much work to be done to help small businesses prosper. That is why I support legislation to create a stable business environment and to continue to support essential small business assistance programs," said Rep. Murphy. "This week, we recognize the importance of small businesses and thank them for the hard work they do for our nation and our economy. On the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week, I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in rededicating ourselves to working together to support small businesses, creating a climate where they can thrive, as we continue on the path to economic recovery."

U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy serves on the House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member on the Agriculture, Energy, and Trade Subcommittee. As a former small businessman, the first piece of legislation Murphy introduced was the Partnering with American Manufacturers for Efficiency and Competitiveness Act. This bill fosters more efficient manufacturing capabilities in small businesses to promote economic competitiveness and create jobs. Additionally, Murphy recently introduced the Small Business Disaster Reform Act to help small business owners recover more quickly in the wake of natural disasters without forcing them to put up their homes as collateral.

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Statement Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the SBA's National Small Business Week

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

M. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the small businesses across our nation on the 50^th anniversary of National Small Business week. Small businesses are the backbone of our country—making up 50 percent of American jobs—and are essential to our economic recovery. It is our job as Members of Congress to provide support from Washington to small businesses by reducing unnecessary regulations and improving access to credit and small business assistance programs.

As a former small businessman, I am proud to serve on the House Small Business Committee and to use my prior experience to promote the interests of this vital sector of our economy. There is so much work to be done to help small businesses prosper. That is why I support legislation to create a stable business environment by passing a budget that reduces the deficit, simplifying the tax code for all Americans, and continuing to support essential small business assistance programs. To that end, the first bill I introduced was the Partnering with American Manufacturers for Efficiency and Competitiveness Act to foster more efficient manufacturing capabilities in small businesses, to promote competitiveness, and to create jobs. Having seen firsthand the havoc hurricanes can cause for small businesses, I also recently introduced the Small Business Disaster Reform Act to help small business owners recover more quickly in the wake of natural disasters.

Since coming to Congress, I have met with several small business groups, and recently hosted a small business roundtable in my district. I also have met staff from Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE, and I will continue to push for full funding for both of these organizations that play a crucial role in supporting small business growth. I ask my colleagues to recognize the significance of these organizations and the importance of preventing proposed cuts to SBDCs in the budget. We must also immediately consider legislation that creates jobs and those that help provide America’s small businesses with new incentives to grow and hire.

This week represents half a century of recognition of the importance of small businesses and I am proud to join in commemorating National Small Business Week and thanking small businesses across the nation for the important work they do. They create jobs and stimulate the economy, all in the face of tremendous personal risk. I urge my colleagues to stand with me in support of small businesses and in creating an economic climate where they can thrive.

M. Speaker, on the 50^th Anniversary of Small Business Week, it is clear that Congress still has much more work to do to help small businesses, but by working together we can better support the backbone of our economy to create jobs and continue on the path to economic recovery.

Click here to read this statement in the Congressional Record.

MURPHY AMENDMENT PASSES TO CUT WASTEFUL DOD SPENDING ON UNUSED BUILDINGS

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment offered by U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) to the National Defense Authorization Act that addresses wasteful government spending by the Department of Defense on unused and underutilized facilities. The Department of Defense has hundreds, possibly thousands, of buildings and structures that it has rated at zero percent utilization, which are maintained by taxpayer funding. Prior to the vote, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste announced their support for Rep. Murphy's amendment to make more efficient use of defense facilities. (Please find attached a copy of the amendment).

"By forcing the Department of Defense to take a serious look at its facilities, gather data on how these facilities are managed, and develop a coherent plan for reducing costs and improving efficiency, my amendment seeks to eliminate this wasteful government spending," said Rep. Murphy. "We all agree that we need to reduce government spending and that the best place to start is by rooting out waste. I was pleased to see my colleagues from both sides of the aisle come together to support this common-sense solution to do just that."

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MURPHY SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN STRONG ACT TO MAKE DISASTER MITIGATION EFFORTS MORE EFFICIENT

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) joined Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Peter King (R-NY) in introducing the Strengthening the Resiliency of Our Nation on the Ground (STRONG) Act, which aims to better coordinate federal, state, and local responses to extreme weather emergencies to make disaster preparedness and response efforts more efficient across all levels of government. (Please find attached a copy of the legislation).

"After witnessing the tragedies caused by recent tornadoes, wildfires in California and New Mexico, and with the northeast still recovering from Superstorm Sandy, we are reminded that disasters can strike in any community. Having lived in Florida my entire life, I have experienced firsthand the impact these disasters can have, especially when local and state governments are not on the same page as the federal government in preparing for and responding to extreme weather,” said Rep. Murphy. “With the start of what is predicted to be an active hurricane season, it is especially important for Congress to act. That is why I am proud to join Reps. Peters and King in introducing the STRONG Act that will help make disaster response efforts more efficient by allowing for better preparations and quicker recoveries. I also am pleased to announce that I have recently formed a bipartisan Disaster Relief Caucus to work towards improving the effectiveness of disaster preparedness and response efforts."

“Up to this point there hasn’t been a national vision for increasing community resiliency in the face of extreme weather events,” Congressman Peters said. “The STRONG Act will save taxpayers money over the long run by having the country plan ahead for more potent, extreme weather such as wildfires, hurricanes, and drought. It is about time that the government stops working only in a reactive way to natural disasters and instead gets to work efficiently helping states and localities find best practices.”

"We know that the best time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes. The STRONG Act will give state and local officials the information and tools they need to mitigate the effects of a natural disaster and recover more quickly," said Rep. King. "I commend Rep. Peters for introducing this bill and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation."

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Statement Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

M. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy signing the Equal Pay Act into law on June 10^th. When he signed it, President Kennedy stated that “when women enter the labor force they will find equality in their pay envelopes.” Unfortunately, fifty years later, women are still looking for that equality. The recognition of this anniversary serves also as a proclamation for Congress to close the wage gap and continue to strengthen the economy. Women make up almost half of the American workforce and the disparity between men and women’s wages needs to be recognized and corrected. This isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s a family issue, an equality issue, and an economic issue.

According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2011 American Community Survey Data, a woman in Florida makes 82.6 cents for every dollar a man makes, an African American woman makes 62.4 cents for every dollar a white, non-Hispanic man makes and a Hispanic woman makes 58 cents for every dollar a white, non-Hispanic man makes. My commitment to working towards fairness and equality led me to cosponsor the Paycheck Fairness Act, which reinforces the Equal Pay Act by providing solutions to women who are not being paid equally for identical work and protecting employees from retaliation for sharing salary information with their co-workers.

The time is now to strive for wage equality. Recent efforts such as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act have helped propel us forward on a path to equality but have not been enough to balance the discrepancy at this time. As we look back in time when the Equal Pay Act became law we see that fifty years later, women are still not receiving the same wages as men for the same work. This is beyond disappointing and should no longer be tolerated. As our great nation continues to progress, there is no reason why women should not receive equal wages when held to the same standard as men.

M. Speaker, on the 50^th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act it is clear that we still have work to do to end the wage gap and I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in the fight for the enactment of the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Click here to read this statement in the Congressional Record.

MURPHY COMMEMORATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EQUAL PAY ACT

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) recognized the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act being signed into law by President John F. Kennedy. Although this milestone law made great strides towards equal pay for women, a significant wage gap still exists. According to the Census Bureau, as of 2011 a woman in Florida still only makes 82.6 cent for every dollar a man makes. Murphy is a proud co-sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which reinforces the Equal Pay Act by providing solutions and protections to women who are not being paid equally for identical work.

"When President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, he stated that 'when women enter the labor force they will find equality in their pay envelopes.' Unfortunately, fifty years later, women are still looking for that equality," said Rep. Murphy. "Women make up almost half of the American workforce and the disparity between men and women’s wages needs to be recognized and corrected. This isn't just a women's issue -- it's a family issue, an equality issue, and an economic issue.

"As we commemorate the Equal Pay Act today we must recommit ourselves to righting this wrong, which is why I am once again calling on House Leadership to immediately take up the Paycheck Fairness Act so we can at last achieve the paycheck equality that President Kennedy spoke of 50 years ago today."

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MURPHY STATEMENT ON SEVERE STORMS IMPACTING DISTRICT

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) made the following statement in response to severe storms causing damage in Palm Beach County and continuing extreme weather conditions across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast due to Tropical Storm Andrea:

"Tropical Storm Andrea is creating extreme weather across the district, which has already caused damage in the Acreage and Loxahatchee. I am closely monitoring the situation and my office stands ready to assist residents in preparing for and responding to these storms."

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Murphy Statement on His Amendment in Support of Disaster Preparedness and Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

M. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will be amended and immediately proceed to final passage.

M. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Price for working together in a truly bipartisan process on the underlying legislation. With this bill we have shown that we can put partisanship aside to do what’s right for the American people, providing the necessary funding to the Department of Homeland Security to keep our nation safe from attacks as well as responding to natural disasters. But just as we have the responsibility to support the important work that Homeland Security does, we also have the responsibility to make sure we are spending funds where they are most needed.

After witnessing the tragedies caused by the recent tornado in Moore, Oklahoma; wildfires in California and New Mexico; and with the northeast still recovering from Superstorm Sandy, we are reminded that disasters can strike in any community. Having lived in Florida my entire life, I have experienced firsthand the impact these disasters can have, especially when local and state governments are not on the same page as the federal government in adequately preparing for and responding to extreme weather. And as we debate today, Florida and the Eastern Coast are preparing to deal with the potentially devastating effects of Tropical Storm Andrea. With the start of what is predicted to be an active tornado and hurricane season, it is especially important for Congress to act. That is why just this week I announced the formation of a bipartisan Disaster Relief Caucus to work towards improving the effectiveness of disaster preparedness and response efforts.

It is vital that we work to make disaster preparedness efforts more efficient across all levels of government. My amendment would take $2.5 million from the Department’s administrative operating expenses to put towards the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. This important program will assist state and local governments in better preparing for natural disasters, saving American lives and communities. Furthermore, better preparedness efforts reduce the costs of disaster response and cleanup efforts, ultimately saving American taxpayer dollars.

Additionally, with less than two months having passed since the tragedy of the bombings at the Boston Marathon, we must also recommit ourselves to funding anti-terrorism efforts. My amendment would provide a five percent increase in funding to train emergency responders on the federal, state, and local level so they can better prevent and respond to domestic attacks. Again, this funding is fully offset from the Department’s administrative operating expenses.

My amendment should have the full support of the House and I once again want to point out that it would not kill the underlying legislation. It would simply shift spending from administrative operations to invest in natural disaster preparedness and anti-terrorism efforts. As we continue to tighten our belts in Washington, I think we can all agree that these programs are a more vital use of resources than administrative expenses.

Natural disasters impact all Americans, as do acts of terrorism. These are two areas that should never get caught up in partisan bickering. We must stand united to prevent future tragedies caused by both natural disasters and acts of terrorism, which know no party affiliation. Anyone who supports the underlying legislation has no reason to not also support this amendment to spend smarter to better protect our nation.

M. Speaker, my amendment is an opportunity to show the American people that this Congress is willing to work together to put the safety and well-being of the American people first. I hope to see the same bipartisan support for my amendment as we have seen for the underlying legislation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in support of this important amendment.

Click here to view Rep. Murphy's statement on the House floor.

MURPHY ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BIPARTISAN DISASTER RELIEF CAUCUS

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Coinciding with the start of hurricane season and in the wake of devastating tornadoes, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy announced today the formation of the bipartisan Disaster Relief Caucus. Joining Rep. Murphy as co-chairs of the caucus are Reps. Peter King (R-NY), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), and Kay Granger (R-TX). The bipartisan Disaster Relief Caucus will facilitate policy discussions to promote more organized, streamlined, and timely responses to natural disasters.

"With the start of what is predicted to be an active hurricane season and after witnessing the tragedies caused by recent tornadoes, wildfires in California, and with the northeast still recovering from Superstorm Sandy, we are reminded that disasters can strike in any community," said Rep. Murphy. "Having lived in Florida my entire life, I have witnessed firsthand the impact these disasters can have, especially when politics tie up response efforts. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues Reps. King, Richmond, and Granger in announcing the formation of the Disaster Relief Caucus to improve the effectiveness of disaster preparedness and response efforts."

“Unfortunately as we all know, disasters can strike any Congressional district," said Rep. King. "It is important that any improvements in disaster preparedness and response are communicated and developed effectively to mitigate any tragedies and loss of life. As a co-chair of this caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues.”

“As someone who has witnessed the devastation of hurricanes firsthand, I am extremely pleased to join my colleagues in establishing the Disaster Relief Caucus to ensure that our communities are better prepared and protected,” said Congressman Richmond. “The founding of a caucus that addresses the increasing threat of natural disasters is critical as we work to rebuild our communities in the aftermath of hurricanes and tornadoes. It is vital that we unite in a common effort to proactively advocate for stronger policies, better preparation, and more effective responsiveness at the onset and after a disaster strikes.”

“The images from Moore, Oklahoma, and the Jersey Shore are only the most recent reminders of the devastating impact natural disasters have on our communities, our homes, and our families,” said Congresswoman Kay Granger. “With my home state and even my district often falling in the path of natural disasters, I understand how critical it is that we take the politics out of relief efforts. I look forward to bringing together both Republicans and Democrats to work on common sense disaster relief solutions as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Disaster Relief Caucus.”

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MURPHY MEETS WITH TOP ARMY CORPS OFFICIAL

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) met with Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), who is the top official for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At this meeting, Rep. Murphy expressed his serious concerns about the releases from Lake Okeechobee, which are extremely damaging to the local ecosystem and economy. With rainfall expected to be heavy this season, Rep. Murphy stressed the importance for alternative approaches to lake discharges to avoid the devastating impact they have on the St. Lucie River. Furthermore, Rep. Murphy discussed the need to fully fund and move quickly on Everglades restoration efforts, including the Indian River Lagoon Project, with the overall goal of improving the natural flow of water and improving water quality throughout the region.

"I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Assistant Secretary Darcy today to discuss many pressing issues facing the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches, including funding for the Indian River Lagoon Project as well as scheduled discharges from Lake Okeechobee," said Rep. Murphy. "With increased releases likely from Lake Okeechobee due to increased rainfall predicted in the region, I pushed the Army Corps to work expeditiously so we can stop these harmful discharges in order to protect our precious ecosystem.

"I also shared with Assistant Secretary Darcy my strong concerns regarding the failure of the President's budget to include funding for the Indian River Lagoon Project, which is vital not only to the district but to overall Everglades restoration efforts. While I was once again reassured that phase one of the project has the funds necessary for its completion, I will closely monitor the Army Corps' progress and the Administration's funding to ensure this important project is fully funded and completed in a timely manner."

The Army Corps of Engineers is a major player in Everglades restoration and other water quality related issues in Florida, such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), including the C-44 Indian River Lagoon Project, and the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP). Additionally, the Corps is responsible for repairing the Herbert Hoover dike and maintaining the regulation schedule of Lake Okeechobee, in addition to managing coastal restoration and dredging projects, all of which greatly impact the environment and economy in the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast district that Rep. Murphy represents.

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