[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 122 (Thursday, July 19, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H6577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     AMERICA IS FINALLY BETTER OFF

  (Mr. RUTHERFORD asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, after years of 
struggling to get ahead, America is finally better off. America is 
stronger at home and abroad, with a booming economy, safer communities, 
and a revived military.
  Thanks to the historic tax reform, unemployment is at an all-time 
low; job openings are at record highs; paychecks are increasing; wages 
are rising; and small businesses are expanding. I hear it from people 
in Florida all the time: My constituents are better off.
  Mr. Speaker, I represent Florida's Fourth Congressional District, 
which is home to many military families; and I am proud to say that we 
have begun to rebuild our military and support our men and women in 
uniform. We have passed legislation giving our troops the largest pay 
increase in almost 9 years, and investing $144 billion in upgrading and 
maintaining our military facilities. Our military men and women are 
better off.
  The work that we have done and continue to do is creating a better 
way for the people of northeast Florida and for all Americans. Although 
there is much more to do, the economy is soaring, and Republican 
policies are helping to improve people's lives, making it easier for 
families to get ahead with a renewed sense of confidence.

                          ____________________