Post Office Designations and Establishing New Zip Codes

Floor Speech

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Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman from Arizona for the time. And I also need to, in particular, thank Chairman Chaffetz for introducing this, I think, very important piece of legislation.

We have heard what the issue is. Look, for years now the city of Miami Lakes, which I am privileged to represent, has attempted to receive a unique ZIP Code for all the same reasons that you have already heard. This would help with auto insurance rates, with branding and economic development, and, frankly, would lead to less election and census confusion, Mr. Speaker. So it is a no-brainer.

But, unfortunately, the Postal Service has continued, and continues, to stonewall the city, despite absolutely no opposition from either anyone in Miami Lakes or, frankly, the areas around it. I have had meetings with the mayors from the areas around it, and everybody supports it. This legislation solves the problem and grants Miami Lakes its own ZIP Code.

I really need to, by the way, give credit to then-Vice Mayor, now Mayor-elect of Miami Lakes, Manny Cid. He has made this a priority. He was told ``no'' time and time again, refused to accept that as an answer, and came to us. It has been a privilege to work with him. Because of his hard work, together, we were able to get the committee, with the chairman and the ranking member and all of the rest of the members of this committee, to get this done through the House.

Again, I want to thank Congressman Chaffetz. I want to thank the committee staff. His staff has been great to work with.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this legislation.

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