Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) introduced the Best to Use Safety (BUS) Belts Act to enhance school bus safety. Crist’s bill would require all new buses be equipped with safety belts, and provide grants to upgrade existing buses with seat belts. (Please click here to view text of the legislation). "Families across Florida teach their children to buckle up. But for millions of kids across the country their school bus lacks this basic safety feature," said Crist. "All students deserve...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement regarding the tax plan outlined by the Trump Administration today: "The President’s proposal cuts taxes for corporations and the very wealthy while increasing the national debt by an astronomical amount. While I support middle class tax cuts and agree we need both a simpler tax code and a business tax rate that is more competitive with our global competitors, we can’t afford to saddle future generations with trillions ...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on comments made by State Senator Artiles: “The racial slurs used by Sen. Artiles are deeply offensive to me and the community I represent. He should restore the dignity of the Florida Senate by immediately removing himself from it. “
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) met with Army Corps officials last week to discuss prioritizing construction of the Pinellas County Shore Protection Project. As a follow up to meetings with both Headquarters and Jacksonville District officials, Crist formally requested all three segments of the renourishment project be awarded simultaneously, protecting taxpayer dollars and property along the coastline. Crist also recently testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on En...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on U.S. airstrikes in Syria: “The continued atrocities committed by Bashar al-Assad against innocent men, women, and most horrifyingly, children and infants, are an assault on humanity and must be stopped. Last night’s targeted airstrikes were a proportional and appropriate response, making clear that these war crimes will not go unanswered. “Congress must also do its part and return immediately from recess to debate a...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) introduced a resolution urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize the hiring of mental health professionals to better serve our nation's veterans. In recent years, the rate of mental health diagnoses among active duty military and veterans has dramatically increased. This measure would help address the troubling shortage of mental health professionals working for the VA to provide the care our veterans need. (Click here to view the text ...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (FL-13) joined with U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) in leading a letter to Florida Governor Rick Scott urging him to listen to the will of a majority of Floridians and adopt Medicaid expansion. The letter was also signed by Reps. Val Demings (FL-10), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Al Lawson (FL-05), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Darren Soto (FL-09), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), and Freder...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) introduced the Empowering Homeowners to Mitigate Flood Damage Act, legislation to increase the amount of funding property owners can access for home improvements to prevent flood damage. Currently, the National Flood Insurance Program caps the amount policyholders can use to bring their property up to building code compliance after a flood event at $30,000. This cap has not been adjusted since 2003. By lifting the cap to $60,000, homeowners can better...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) applauded passage of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 after successfully advocating for the addition of language improving the integrity of the hurricane hunter airplane fleet. "As Floridians, we know how vital the information provided by hurricane hunters is when preparing for approaching storms," said Crist. "With no backup fleet currently in place, if these aging planes are grounded during a storm, we are less able to pre...
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Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) is bringing President Trump's attention to the case of constituent Michael Morgan, who remains unjustly imprisoned after more than two decades. Crist is requesting the President's support to help finally bring justice to this case, as well as much-needed criminal justice reform efforts. Earlier this year, Crist shared Mr. Morgan's story of injustice with President Obama. For more information on Michael Morgan's case, click here. Please find a copy of ...
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