This week, U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., South Florida’s only Member on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and the sponsor of the “VITA Permanence Act," highlighted the need for permanent, free tax preparing services for low income South Floridians in a Subcommittee on Oversight. Curbelo highlighted the legislation’s bipartisan support within the House of Representatives, and emphasized how free tax preparing services help vulnerable populations receive highly-accurate guidance to ensure the largest possible tax returns.

Responding to President Donald Trump touching on the national debt in his first State of the Union address on Tuesday night, on Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., took to the House floor to weigh in on the issue. His speech is below:

When I was elected to represent our community in Congress I pledged to work and fight for solutions that will better our education system by empowering parents and teachers while equipping students with an education that will prepare them for success. Congress, along with the president, have united to make this pledge a reality.