DAVID RIVERA (FL-25) Top Headlines

Miami Herald: A $500,000 question over tracks payments [Miami Herald, 5/12/11] Miami Herald: David Rivera discloses $137,000 in loans for slots campaign [Miami Herald, 1/3/11] Miami Herald: Investigators look into Rep. Riveras thank you spending [Miami Herald, 1/15/11] Politico: Rep. Rivera facing ethics issues [Politico, 1/25/11] AP: Inquiry Casts shadow over Rep. Rivera fundraising [AP, 7/18/11] Miami Herald: Feds investigate Congressman David Rivera on casino contract [Miami Herald, 7/21/11] Roll Call: Ethics woes reportedly deepen for Florida Rep. Rivera Disputes Report of FBI and IRA Investigations [Roll Call, 7/21/11] Miami Herald: Attorneys: US Rep. Rivera facing federal probe [Miami Herald, 7/22/11] Miami Herald - FEC asks Rep. David Rivera to explain campaign debt [Miami Herald, 8/25/11] Roll Call: Florida Freshman Rep. David Rivera's Future Plagued by Troubles [Roll Call, 10/6/11] The Hill: Rep. David Rivera's fundraising down in wake of ethics, criminal probes [The Hill, 9/27/11] The Hill - Watchdog spotlights lawmaker ethics in 'most corrupt' report [The Hill, 9/20/11] Miami New Times - David Rivera Named One of the Most Corrupt Congressmen [Miami New Times, 9/20/11] Broward/ Palm Beach New Times - David Rivera, Vern Buchanan Among 2011's "Most Corrupt Members of Congress" [Broward Palm Beach New Times, 9/20/11] The Daily Caller - CREW names most corrupt members of Congress, critics raise questions [Daily Caller, 9/20/11] Florida Independent - Florida congressmen make Most Corrupt list [Florida Independent; 9/20/11]

Editorials

Murky Finances Limit Riveras Effectiveness [Miami Herald, opnion, 5/3/11]

Palm Beach Post: This idea doesn't hold water In August 2011, the Palm Beach Post criticized the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act saying: Bashing the Environmental Protection Agency has been a GOP theme since the party took control of the House this year. In July, the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, that would leave regulation of water quality to the states. Republican members of the Florida delegation, along with most state politicians, oppose the EPA's proposed standards for the state's rivers, lakes and streams even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed essentially the same standards

in 2009. Given the rhetoric, it's hard to believe that protecting the environment once was a strongly bipartisan issue [] Congress recognized that water and air pollution don't observe state lines, and put the federal government in charge of stopping both. Reactionary revisionists who want to turn back the clock ignore history and reality. [Palm Beach Post, editorial, 9/6/11] Miami Herald: House attempt to gut EPAs enforcement of clean-water rules is dangerous In July 2011, the Miami Herald penned an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the EPA from imposing stricter water quality standards on states. According to the Miami Herald, Clean water is not a jobs killer certainly not in Florida, which counts on its beaches and natural assets to lure millions of tourists and billions of dollars here. Yet U.S. Reps. John Mica, an Orlando-area Republican, and Nick Rahall, a West Virginia Democrat, have sponsored a bill that seeks to gut the Environmental Protection Agencys ability to regulate water quality, wetlands protection and the removal of mountain tops in coal mining [] Clean water doesnt have state boundaries. The reason the EPA was created and the Clean Water Act was strengthened in 1972 was the confusing patchwork of state-by-state water rules that allowed governors and legislatures to curry favor with big industries in their states and permitted uses with disastrous consequences [] The legislation, HB 2018, is being hailed as a state-federal partnership that will help states create jobs. This is laughable if it werent so frightening [] Make no mistake. This legislation would hamstring the EPA from overruling any states vague water-quality limits or ensuring dredge permits are feasible even when there is evidence of contamination. Under HB 2018, the misnamed Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act, the EPA could not veto a states assessment of a project unless the state agrees. In effect, outdated state rules on water-quality standards, requirements for dumping waste or trash would no longer have to answer to federal oversight [] The GOP-led House, apparently embracing tea-party hysteria about federal overreach, needs a reality check. [Miami Herald, editorial, 7/11/11] Bradenton Herald: House bill restricting EPA water rules wrong In July 2011, the Bradenton Herald wrote an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the EPA from imposing stricter water quality standards on states. According to the Bradenton Herald, The U.S. House of Representatives took a wrong turn last week with passage of a measure that would restrict the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing stricter water quality standards on states []The bills sponsor, Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, argued that the federal agency exceeded its authority in the enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Such government overreach would be too costly on public water treatment plants and private polluters, bill supporters maintain. This is a disservice to Floridas fragile and polluted waterways -- coming at a time when a toxic green slime covered the Caloosahatchee River near Alva. Such disgusting algae blooms, caused by sewage, manure and fertilizer pollution, kill marine life, contaminate drinking water supplies and force beach closures over the public health threat [] While proponents of the congressional measure asserted tougher EPA enforcement would kill jobs, clean water creates and saves jobs. Polluted rivers, lakes and bays kill jobs in the tourism and fishing industries, which, in turn, kills other jobs that depend on income from those two economic powerhouses. The Clean Water Act came about in 1972 because states spurned pollution regulations. [Bradenton Herald, 7/22/11]

Budget Issues
Rivera A No Vote on Debt Ceiling In May 2011, David Rivera voted against raising the debt ceiling saying that Washingtons serious budgetary issues cannot be solved by throwing money at the problem without a serious plan for how to solve it [] House Republicans have proposed and passed a budget that would cut $6.2 trillion in federal spending over the next decade [] Raising the federal debt limit without significant cuts to spending and the deficit would be more of the same irresponsible behavior that led our nation to this fiscal crisis. [David
Rivera Press Release, 05/31/2011]

Was Against Raising the Debt Ceiling in 2010 In November 2010, Rivera said that I am against increasing the debt ceilingIt is going to be very, very difficult, I would say next to impossible to change my position on any of those issues. [Daily Caller,
11/19/2010]

South Florida Lawmakers Get Avalanche of Calls, Emails [Palm Beach Post] In July 2011, the Palm Beach Post reported that Riveras office was swamped with phone calls from frustrated constituents. According to the Post, Thousands of callers with opinions on how to solve the debt crisis flooded the Capitol switchboard Tuesday, and email traffic swamped congressional servers on both sides of the aisle. In South Florida, Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami, saw her website slow to a crawl, while Republican Rep. David Riveras office handled two and a half times its normal call volume [] The Capitol, which typically handles 20,000 calls per hour, saw spikes of up to 40,000 calls Tuesday, rivaling the 50,000-anhour rate of the 2010 health care debate [] Their details of their opinions varied widely, but callers and emailers across Florida seemed to agree with the president, who warned Congress Monday night that even if Americans voted for divided government last fall, they didnt vote for a dysfunctional government. Those heeding the presidents advice to make their voices heard on the debt debate had one common refrain: Get it done. [Palm Beach Post, 7/27/11] Voted in Favor of Final Budget Control Act of 2011 In August 2011, Rivera voted in favor of the final Budget Control Act of 2011 which raised the debt ceiling. In a release, Rivera said While todays debt limit vote is certainly no solution to our nations debt problem, it lays the foundation to move forward with real reforms and solutions such as a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget. I continue to oppose any effort to raise the nations debt without such reforms. However, by cutting more spending than it raises in debt, by not raising taxes, by capping future spending, and by providing an opportunity to move forward on a balanced budget constitutional amendment, todays vote provided the only alternative to President Obamas and the liberal Senates irresponsible tax and spend plans to increase the debt. [David Rivera Press Release, 8/1/11]

Business and Consumer Issues Campaign Finance Issues

Rivera Filed Third Quarter FEC Report In October 2011, Rivera for Congress filed its October 2011 Quarterly FEC Report. Rivera raised $26,500.87 in the 3rd quarter of 2011, has $68,399.24 cash on hand and spent $20,137.70. Rivera received $3,500 from PACs and still has $154,080.58 worth of debt. [David Rivera for Congress, filed10/14/11] Expenditures of Note: Spent $8,012 on Legal Fees. From July-September 2011, Rivera spent $8012 on legal fees at Paton Boggs. Spent $9,000 on Accounting Services. From July-September 2011, Rivera spent $9,000 on accounting services with Robert Watkins and Company. Other Items of Note: Rivera Owes $148,080 to Vendors. Rivera owes $29,859 to Capital Strategies for fundraising consulting, $89,221.08 for media expenses, $10,000 to The Factor for media consulting and $19,000 to a GF Strategies from the 2010 general for fundraising consulting. Last quarter, he owed $155,474 to vendors. He still has a $6,000 outstanding loan to himself. Took $500 from Goldman Sachs In February 2011, Politico Reported that Rivera had taken $500 from the Goldman Sachs Political Action Committee. [Politico Huddle, 2/22/11] Riveras First Fundraiser in DC Cost $80,000 In January 2011, Rivera was part of a group of freshman republicans who held a swanky fundraiser at the W Hotel in Downtown Washington, DC. The fundraiser cost $80,000, which included $25,000 to have LeAnn Rimes perform, $22,000 for catering and lighting and $10,000 for floral expense and event design. [Politico, 1/31/11] Attended Lavish Republican Gala That Only Netted $650 In April 2011, Southerland attended a lavish GOP Gala that only netted $650. According to the Florida Independent, Florida Reps. Steve Southerland, R-Tallahassee, and David Rivera, R-Miami, were two of the attendees of the high-profile GOP fundraiser, which cost $2,500 a head. [Florida Independent, 4/20/11]
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Gala Only Netted $650 According to McClatchy Newspapers, the America's New Majority political action committee who sponsored the event barely broke even at a glitzy and controversial January GOP fundraiser featuring country singer LeAnn Rimes, new campaign filings show [] Between assorted fees, flowers, catering and other costs, Denham's special fundraising committee reported spending $212,250 on the Rimes event. The committee, meanwhile, raised only $212,900 from outside contributors [McClatchy Newspapers, 4/15/11] Southerland Potential Beneficiary of PAC According to McClatchy Newspapers, Other potential beneficiaries [of the money raised] included Florida Reps. Steve Southerland and David Rivera. [McClatchy Newspapers, 4/15/11] Rivera Fundraising Takes A Hit In July 2011, the Miami Herald reported that Riveras fundraising has taken a hit because of the investigation against him. According to the paper, The fundraising reports released last night for the second quarter of the year show the Miami Republican took in just $33,500. And he spent $40,584.82. So the freshmen whose party is railing about fiscal responsibility is shelling out more than he's taking in. [Miami Herald, 7/18/2011] Rivera Filed 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report Rivera for Congress filed its July Quarterly FEC Report. West raised 1581333.74 in the 2nd quarter and has $1,266,356.28 cash on hand. He received $151,148.10 from PACs. Contributions of Note: Received $5,000 from Ileana Medina. In June 2011, Rivera received $5,000 from Ileana Medina. [David Rivera for Congress 2011, July Quarterly FEC Report, filed 7/15/11] Expenditures of Note: Paid $10,000 to Fundraising Consultants. In May 2011, Rivera paid $10,000 to two fundraising consultants. [David Rivera for Congress 2011, July Quarterly FEC Report, filed 7/15/11] Paid $6,038 in Legal Services and Fees. In April and May, Rivera paid $6038 to Patton Boggs in DC. [David Rivera for Congress 2011, July Quarterly FEC Report, filed 7/15/11] Other Items of Note: Rivera Received $11,500.00 from PACs. In his July 2011 Quarterly FEC report, Rivera received $11,500.00 from PACs including National Rifle Association, National Air Traffic Controllers and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. [David Rivera for Congress 2011, July Quarterly FEC Report, filed 7/15/11]
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Rivera Spent More than Raised: IN his July 2011 Quarterly FEC report, Rivera spent $40584.82 and only raised $33,500. [David Rivera for Congress 2011, July Quarterly FEC Report, filed 7/15/11 Rivera Had $151,580.58 of Debt. Rivera has significant debt owed to consultants and vendors. Rivera owes $27,358 to Capital Strategies for fundraising consulting, $89,221 to the Victory Group, $10,000 to The Factor for media consulting and $19,000 to GF Strategies for fundraising consulting. Rivera has a personal loan for $6,000. [David Rivera for Congress 2011, July Quarterly FEC Report, filed 7/15/11] Rivera Not Attending NRCC Dinner In July 2011, the Miami Herald reported that Rivera would not be attending an NRCC fundraiser. The paper reported that Rivera would not be there because hes snarled in a legal investigation over his ties to a $500,000 dog track, his changing statements, and his questionable federal and state financial disclosure forms (each of which he changed). [Miami Herald, 7/18/2011] Received 43% from Heritage Action for America Based on 30 key votes from January-August 2011, Rivera received a 43% score from the Heritage Action for America. [Heritage Action for America, accessed 9/6/11] Rivera: FEC Questions His Debt In August 2011, The FEC started questioning Rep. Rivera about the new debt he accrued. The Miami Herald reported, An amended report filed in July from the second quarter of the year discloses a substantial increase in the amount of debts from those disclosed on your original report, the FEC noted in a Aug. 9 letter to his campaign. Please amend your report or provide an explanation to clarify why this additional activity was not provided with your original report. When Rivera was asked publicly about the FECs questions the Miami Herald reported that Rivera, said You'll have to ask Nancy, referring to his campaign treasurer, Nancy Watkins. They didn't send it (the letter) to me. They sent it to Nancy." [Miami Herald 8/25/11] Rivera Called Campaign Contribution Loser In October 2011, the Washington Post labeled Rivera and other Florida representatives Daniel Webster and Steve Southerland as losers because of his lower fundraising numbers. [Washington Post, 10/17/11] Rivera Reported Low Campaign Contributions for 2nd Quarter 2011

In October 2011, it was reported that Rivera raised just $35,000 in the second quarter and $5,000 of that was from his mother. At the end of June, he had $62,000 in cash on hand but had $152,000 in outstanding debts. [Roll Call, 10/6/11]

Campaign 2012
Introduced Newt Gingrich at Campaign Event In January 2012, Rivera introduced Gingrich at a campaign event. Both men were listed on Judicial Watchs most corrupt politicians of 2011 list. [Washington Post, 1/13/12] Campaigned Hard for Gingrich In January 2012, Rivera campaigned hard for Gingrich and touted Gingrichs plan for immigration reform and plan to increase pressure on the Cuban government. [Miami Herald, 1/17/12] FL-25: American Action Network Placed Ad in Miami Herald to Support David Rivera In October 2010, the American Action Network placed a half page ad to support David Rivera in the Miami Herald. [Eye on Miami, 10/10/11]

FL-25: Newt Gingrich embraces David Rivera, though few do In January 2012, Politico reported Rivera was endorsing presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich, although No one seems to have told Newt Gingrich, but most Republicans in Florida keep their distance from David Rivera. But there Rivera was on Friday afternoon, standing behind Gingrich at a campaign stop in Little Havana in full sight of rolling TV cameras. Rivera even introduced and endorsed Gingrich. [Politico, 1/14/12] FL-25: House Republicans Havent Been Eager to Help Rivera In January 2012, Politico reported that House Republicans havent eager to help Rivera. Though Riveras helping Gingrich, the House Republicans havent been too eager to help Rivera. GOP leaders havent given him a dollar. Early on in his tenure, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor told reporters that he was very concerned about the investigations into the congressman and Cantor who travels frequently to Florida to raise money hasnt bothered to invite Rivera to fundraising events he

has held in Miami. The National Republican Congressional Committee hasnt placed Rivera in its incumbent protection program, even though he has drawn a serious Democratic challenger. [Politico, 1/14/12] Rivera Not Endorsed by Any Other Member of Congress In October 2011, it was reported than no member of Congress had donated to Riveras campaign in the 2012 election cycle, despite the fact that Rivera was once considered a top candidate by the NRCC and at least 21 Republican lawmakers gave to Riveras campaign in the last election cycle [2010], including House Speaker John Boehner (Ohio), who gave $2,000, and a political action committee associated with House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), which gave $5,000. [Roll Call, 10/6/11; The Hill, 10/24/11] House Republicans avoid Rivera. Both John Boehner and Eric Cantor avoid Rivera, with Cantor telling the media he was very concerned about the Rivera investigation. [The Hill, 10/24/11] Supported by Rep. Denham. In September 2011, The Hill reported that California Rep. Jeff Denham did support Rivera, but Denham himself was only recently cleared by the Federal Elections Commission, which deadlocked on three allegations against Denham and dismissed five others regarding an alleged violation of campaign finance laws. [The Hill, 10/24/11] CREW listed Denham in its Dishonorable Mention section and called him the most shameful instance in the report. [The Hill, 9/20/11] DCCC Hit in District In July 2011, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched robo-calls to hit Republicans in 60 districts across the country, including David Rivera. [Orlando Sentinel, 7/25/2011] Rivera Expected to be Challenged by Republicans In October 2011, a number of Democratic and Republican candidates hinted at their interests in seeking Riveras House seat including Republican Sens. Anitere Flores, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and former state Rep. J.C. Planas. [Roll Call, 10/6/11]

Congressional Issues
Rivera Traveled to Columbia and Panama on House-Sponsored Trip From May 16 to May 20, Rivera traveled to Columbia and Panama on a trip sponsored by the House. Though transportation costs were undisclosed, Rivera spent $945 in per diem expenditures. [Clerk of the
House Travel Disclosure, 8/16/11]

Rivera took $650 trip to Fort Worth, TX Courtesy of AEPC From August 15 to August 17 2011, Rivera traveled to Fort Worth, Texas paid for by the American Exploration and Production Council. AEPC spent a total of $650.05 on the trip, $384.87 on transportation, $218 on lodging, and $47.18 on meals. [Clerk of the House Travel Disclosure, 8/23/11]

Crime & Public Safety Issues Cuba Issues

Called for the Indictment of Castro Brothers In February 2011, Rivera called for the indictment of the Castro brothers. He said: Fifteen years ago, Raul Castro gave the order that brought down the Brothers to the Rescue planes, and he faced no consequences...The Obama administration needs to do more, beginning with revoking the recent concessions given to the Castro dictatorship and indicting the Castro brothers for their murderous role in the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown. This will send a clear message that acts of terror and repression are not acceptable or tolerable. [Miami Herald, 2/24/11] Rivera Opposed Obamas Loosening of Cuba Travel Restrictions Rivera used a trip to the White House to directly tell President Obama that he opposed his plan to loosen the restrictions on the travel policy to Cuba. Between the Cuban people and his efforts, Rivera said, stand the Castro tyranny. [St. Pete Times Blog, 1/24/11] Rivera Said Univision Was Extorting Rubio In October 2011, Rivera, along with state Reps. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Erik Fresen, demanded that the television network, Univision, which is the most influential Spanish-language television network in the country, apologize for its suspected extortion of US Senator Marco Rubio. Univision was accused of offering to downplay or kill a story about a decades-old drug bust of Rubios brother-in-law if Rubio would agree to an interview with the Network. After refusing to accept the offer, the story was run by Univision. [Miami Herald, 10/3/11]

Economic and Financial Issues

Received B Grade From Americans for Prosperity In January 2011, Americans for Prosperity scored the most important economic votes of the first session of the 112th Congress. Representative Rivera received a grade of B from Americans for Prosperity.
[Americans for Prosperity 112th Congress Mid Term Scorecard,1/2012]

AFP Founded In 2003 By David H. Koch. The New York Times wrote about David H. Koch, noting that in 2003 he helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which supports free-market policies and promotes government spending limits. It split off from an earlier

Koch-backed enterprise, now called FreedomWorks, which promotes similar goals. [New York
Times, 7/10/08]

Americans for Prosperity Funded, Run by Koch Industries Executives. Americans for Prosperity was founded by David H. Koch, one of the wealthiest men in America and the executive vice president and board member of Koch Industries, which was founded by his father. Recently, Koch gave $5 million to Americans for Prosperity. In 2009, AFP President Tim Phillips said Koch launched our organization. The executive Vice President of Koch Industries said, What we have done is support the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which has been active in various forms for nearly 30 years. [New York Times, 7/10/08; MSNBC, 3/31/10; Politico, 10/14/08,
Washington Examiner, 7/18/10; Washington Independent, 10/5/09]

Rivera Pledges Fiscal Responsibility His Top Priority In May 2011, Rivera said that he pledged to the voters of Floridas 25th district that fiscal responsibility would be my top priority. [David Rivera Press Release, 05/31/2011] Delivered Politically Charged Commencement Speech In June 2011, Rivera delivered a speech in which he challenged graduates to hold leaders accountable for bringing back fiscal responsibility. In his speech, Rivera said that We can choose to continue along a path where high spending levels go unchecked; where businesses do not have faith in our economy and hesitate to hire new employees; and where theres more concern for the growth of government than for the growth of an American familys pocketbook. Rivera also invoked the following quote from Ronald Reagan: You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We'll preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness. [David Rivera Commencement Speech, 06/13/2011] Voted In Favor of Cut, Cap, and Balance Act In July 2011, David Rivera voted in support of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, which mandated a cut in spending in FY2012, a federal cap on spending as a percentage of GDP, and a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. In a press release, Rivera said that he would support the Cut, Cap, Balance Act because it would restore fiscal responsibility now, and prevent future politicians from going back to continuous deficit spending.
[David Rivera Press Release, 7/19/2011]

Rivera Spent $2,408 of Tax Payer Dollars on Travel Subsistence. In June 2011, Riveras disbursements included $2,408.90 for travel subsistence on a Citibank Government Card. This year so far, Rivera has been reimbursed 6,620.60 for parking, tolls, private auto mileage and commercial transportation. [2011 2nd Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 7/5/11; 112th Congress, 1st Session Statement of Disbursements 1Q 2011, 5/23/11]

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Rivera Paid $39,330 in Tax Payer Dollars to a Campaign Contributor. Since January, Rivera has paid $39,330, $6,555 a month, to Birdside Center for district office rent in Miami. According to the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, Birdside Centers registered agent is Nestor Machado. In September 2010, Nestor Machado contributed $500 to David Rivera. [Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, accessed 8/30/11; CQ Moneyline, accessed 8/30/11; 2011 112th Congress 2nd Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 7/5/11; Statement of Disbursements of the House 1Q 2011, 5/23/11] Rivera Said Jobs Are Top Priority In January 2011, Rivera said Jobs and the economy are the top priority of this Congress. [Rivera Week in
Review, 1/23/11]

Democracy for America Targeted West and Rivera In August 2011, Democracy for America will run an ad in Reps. Allen West and David Riveras district. According to Huffington Post, And in another sign that liberal-minded organizations still place GOP obstruction at the top of their list of chief obstacles, one such group is going up with a new ad campaign accusing the GOP of endangering the American Dream.The ad, sponsored by Democracy for America, will air nationally at first -- with a prime time spot during NBC's Meet the Press as well as Inside Washington-- before it is tailored for local versions that target individual lawmakers. The first two targets, one DFA official tells The Huffington Post, will be Reps. Allen West and David Rivera, both Republican freshmen from Florida. [Huffington Post 8/32/2011]
Note: Democracy for America uploaded Dont Kill the Dream to YouTube. [YouTube, uploaded 8/22/11]

Education Issues Energy Issues

Criticized Obama on Keystone XL Pipeline In November 2011, Rivera criticized Obama on Keystone XL pipeline. Florida Republican U.S. Rep. David Rivera tore into President Barack Obama on Tuesday over the administrations decision to postpone the Keystone XL project. President Obama has decided to play politics with an issue that intersects at the avenues of jobs, foreign affairs and energy, said Rivera. By postponing the approval of the Keystone pipeline, out of a concern for his own electoral future, the president has jeopardized 20,000 American jobs [Sunshine State News, 11/15/11] Rivera Supports Nuclear Energy

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Rivera visits a FL nuclear plant and declares his support for nuclear energy. According to the Miami Herald, Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Frederica Wilson, along with congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart and David Rivera, said they still support nuclear energy, but promised to keep vigilant. [Miami Herald, 4/18/11] Agreed with Obama on Free Trade Agreement In September 2011, Rivera agreed with Obama on passing three free trade agreements. President Obama once again mentioned the United States pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea as a potential area for economic growth and job creation in our country. His own administration estimates that the three agreements could create upwards of a quarter of a million American jobs [] If the President is going to continue pointing to the free trade agreements as potential engines for economic growth, he should let his actions speak and send all three agreements to Congress where they will no doubt garner bipartisan approval. [St. Petersburg Times, 9/8/11]

Environmental Issues
Rivera Voted for Anti EPA Bill In July 2011, Rep. Rivera voted for H.R. 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which was sponsored by Rep. John Mica. According to McClatchy, the House bill would revise the Clean Water Act to prevent the EPA from setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards don't protect public health [] The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who objected to EPA water regulations for algae in Florida rivers [..] The House passed the bill Wednesday night. The 239-184 vote was largely along party lines, with only 13 Republicans opposed. [H.R. 2018, Vote #573,
7/13/11; McClatchy, 7/13/11]

Rivera Voted for Bill that Would Limit EPA Regulatory Responsibilities In July 2011, Rivera voted for H.R. 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which was sponsored by Rep. John Mica. According to McClatchy, the House bill would revise the Clean Water Act to prevent the EPA from setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards don't protect public health [] The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who objected to EPA water regulations for algae in Florida rivers [..] The House passed the bill Wednesday night. The 239-184 vote was largely along party lines, with only 13 Republicans opposed. [H.R. 2018, Vote #573, 7/13/11;
McClatchy, 7/13/11]

Rivera Voted for Bill that Would Limit EPA Regulatory Responsibilities In July 2011, Rivera voted for H.R. 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which was sponsored by Rep. John Mica. According to McClatchy, the House bill would revise the Clean Water Act to prevent the EPA from setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards don't protect public health [] The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who objected to EPA water

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regulations for algae in Florida rivers [..] The House passed the bill Wednesday night. The 239-184 vote was largely along party lines, with only 13 Republicans opposed. [H.R. 2018, Vote #573, 7/13/11;
McClatchy, 7/13/11]

Ethics Issues
FL-25: Rivera Under Investigation for $800,000 in Payments to Girlfriend In January 2012, Politico noted that Rivera was under investigation for $800,000 in payments to his girlfriend. Rivera, a former Miami Dade County GOP chairman who has long been active in the states Hispanic community, still has strong political ties including to Gingrich. Jose Mallea, Gingrichs Florida campaign director, has a long friendship with Rivera. Also, Esther Nuhfer, a Miami-based GOP consultant is heading up the former House speakers fundraising in the state, has worked on Riveras campaigns. Nuhfers relationship with Rivera he described her as his girlfriend has come under scrutiny from investigators, who have reportedly looked into more than $800,000 Nuhfer received in payments from campaign and committees tied to the now-congressman since 2006, according to federal and state records. Nuhfer has been interviewed by the FBI as part of its investigation in Rivera, The Miami Herald reported. [Politico, 1/14/12] Nuhfer Received $817,000 Tied to Campaigns Associated with David Rivera. Before launching his bid for Congress last year, David Rivera embarked on a record-breaking campaign for state Senate, amassing more than $1 million in donations some eight months before Election Day. Rivera paid $250,000 of that money to his fundraiser and longtime ally, Esther Nuhfer including $150,000 in "bonus" money, records show all for a political campaign that Rivera never finished [] Rivera's nascent Washington career is in jeopardy, as criminal investigators in Miami and Tallahassee comb through his personal finances and campaign accounts including the Senate account that fattened Nuhfer's paycheck. Investigators are focusing on Rivera's tight relationship with Nuhfer []Since 2006, Nuhfer's consulting firm has received at least $817,000 in fees from Rivera's political campaigns, or from political committees tied to the Republican congressman and former state lawmaker [Tampa Tribune, 2/19/11; Miami Herald, 2/5/11] Nuhfer Paid in Riveras Slots Campaign. Rivera's deal with the dog track now called Magic City Casino is one of the transactions now under investigation by the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. Rivera has denied any wrongdoing, though he has acknowledged receiving $132,000 in undisclosed loans from Millennium money Rivera says he repaid before taking his congressional seat [] Among the consultants hired was Nuhfer, who worked closely with Rivera, said consultant Brian May, who also worked on the campaign. Nuhfer's firm was among the highest-paid on the slots campaign, earning more than $110,000 in fees from a political committee financed by the gaming industry, records show. [Tampa Tribune, 2/19/11] Nuhfer Interview by FBI. Federal investigators have opened a second criminal probe of U.S. Rep. David Rivera, examining undisclosed payments from a Miami gambling enterprise to a company tied to the Republican congressman, The Miami Herald has learned []Earlier this year,
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FBI agents also interviewed Esther Nuhfer, a Miami lobbyist and political consultant with close ties to Rivera, sources said. [Miami Herald, 7/21/11] Loophole Has Stalled Rivera Probe In December 2011, the Sun Sentinel reported that a campaign finance loophole as stalled the David Rivera investigation. The yearlong Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office investigation into U.S. Rep. David Rivera's personal and campaign finances has stalled over questions about more than $100,000 in undisclosed campaign donations that appear to fall under a little-known loophole in Florida's campaign-finance laws. Rivera collected the money not for a political office but for a campaign he mounted for an obscure, unpaid position within the Republican Party. Campaigns for party posts are not governed by state election laws, allowing Rivera to raise and spend as much money as he wanted without public disclosure or contribution limits. [Sun Sentinel, 12/17/11] Rivera Made Statement Denying Any Wrongdoing "Any money raised and spent in relation to Congressman Rivera's campaigns for the Republican Party of Florida state executive committee was done with the strictest adherence to all applicable legal requirements and any suggestion to the contrary is completely false," the statement said. "Congressman Rivera has at all times acted in compliance with both the letter and spirit of campaign finance regulations and has timely, properly and publicly reported all personal income." [Sun Sentinel, 12/17/11] Rivera Claimed Official Conduct Most Transparent of Any Member of Congress In February 2011, when questioned about his ethical conduct, Rivera said Im probably the most transparent member of Congress as of right now. He pointed to the release of his personal financial disclosure to dispel a lot of any concerns that may have been put out there during the campaign. [Naples News, 2/25/11] Rivera Claimed Nothing Improper, Nothing Inappropriate Done Regarding His Questionable Expenses and Reimbursements While In FL legislature In April 2011, Fox 4 reported on the continual investigation into Riveras questionable expenses from his 8 years as part of the FL legislature. According to Fox 4, some say Rivera's own political career is on life support as he faces questions about his campaign finances. The controversy surrounds a report that Rivera paid himself nearly $60,000 dollars in unexplained reimbursements over the 8 years he served in the Florida legislatureIn the past, the Congressman had denied taking money that wasn't a legitimate reimbursement. Rivera claimed, everything that has been disclosed for every elected official has been disclosed. I know that there has been nothing improper, nothing inappropriate done.

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According to Fox 4, not everyone is convinced of Riveras innocence. Several published reports indicate Rivera is now facing a criminal investigation by the state attorney's office even as he tries to show voters his focus is on issues like creating jobs and tackling the national debt. [Fox 4, 4/27/11] Rivera Failed to Report $137,000 Loan from Mothers Company In January 2011, Rivera, admitted receiving $137,000 in undisclosed loans from Millennium Marketing, a company co-owned by his mother and whose corporate address is Riveras godmothers apartment in west Miami-Dade. The company is currently under criminal investigation over secret payments from the Flagler Dog Track during its campaign to bring slot machines to Miami-Dade pari-mutuels. Rivera claimed that he has repaid all loans in full with interest. According to the Miami Herald, in 2006, Flagler Dog Track agreed to pay as much as $1 million to Millennium under a contract for Rivera to manage Flaglers successful political campaign to win voter approval for slot machines in Miami-Dade County. Flagler ultimately paid $510,000 to Millennium. Rivera has insisted that he received no income from the Millennium. [Miami Herald, 1/03/11] Rivera Reported Loan Out of an Abundance of Caution David Rivera failed to report his more than $130,000 loans until after the election, on December 16th, when his attorney hand deliver them. The official documents state that the loans total $132,000, not $137,000 like previously stated by Rivera. On the cover letter of the document, Rivera wrote that he did not think the loans had to be reported at the time of his statement of candidacy and were now being reported out of an abundance of caution. [Washington Post, 1/04/11] Rivera Causes GOP More Headaches According to Politico, the undisclosed loan is just the latest ethical cloud hovering over Rivera. In 2002, he was accused of running a truck off the road that held flyers targeting him. Florida Senator, Marco Rubio, and Rivera were both sued in 2010 for missing payments on their Tallahassee home. Finally, Rivera listed the U.S. Agency for International Development on his financial disclosure form but the agency couldnt say whether he ever worked for them. [Politico.com, 1/04/11] Rivera Investigated for Questionable Thank You Spending After dropping out of a state Senate race in 2010 to run for Congress, Rep. Rivera set aside tens of thousands of dollars from his dormant Senate campaign account to say thank you to supporters of a race he never intended to finish. According to the Miami Herald, those thank you campaign dollars are now being scrutinized as part of an expanding criminal investigation of Riveras personal and campaign accounts by Miami-Dade police and prosecutors. Rivera paid the money to a company called ACH Fundraising Strategies -- a Miami-based business founded by the daughter of a longtime aide. He wrote a $50,000 check to ACH on July 15, 2010, the day

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before the firm was incorporated as a business. ACH was dissolved in December. [Miami Herald, 1/15/11] Spent $243,000 from 2004-2010 on Thank You Spending From 2004 to 2010, Rivera spent almost $243,000 in campaign donations on thank you expenses -- far more than any other state candidate, and accounting for almost one-quarter of all the thank-you money spent in Florida during that period, a Miami Herald analysis of state campaign data found. [Miami Herald, 1/15/11] Half of Money Went to Consulting Firms More than $122,000 of Riveras thank-you expenses went to consulting firms, including two payments to ACH totaling $75,000, records show. Rivera has always felt a strong desire to express this appreciation after every election and will continue to do so, his campaign statement said. [Miami Herald, 1/15/11] Questionable Spending on Company Owned by Mother and Godmother In 2006, Rivera spent $15,000 on a thank you campaign through a company called Millennium Marketing -- a company co-owned by Riveras 70-year-old mother and his godmother. Riveras ties with Millennium are at the heart of a criminal investigation. Millennium received more than $500,000 in secret payments from the Flagler Dog Track as part of an agreement with Rivera to manage a political campaign on behalf of parimutuels seeking voter approval for slot machines in Miami-Dade County. Rivera long maintained that he received no income from his work for the track. But in January, 2011 he acknowledged receiving $132,000 from Millennium, payments Rivera had not previously disclosed in financial disclosure forms. Rivera said the payments were loans from his mothers company, which he repaid after he won election to Congress on Nov. 2. Rivera has said he did not believe he was obliged to report the loans under state and federal disclosure rules. [Miami Herald, 1/15/11] Headline: Rep. Riveras Fundraising Consultant Collected $817,000 in Fees Since 2006 In 2011, the Miami Herald reported that since 2006, Riveras campaigns for Congress and the Florida House paid Esther Nuhfers consulting firm, Communication Solutions, $817,000 in fees. When questioned for the article, Rivera described Nuhfer as his fundraising consultant but in 2010 said, Shes a close friend. Nuhfer was also a lobbyist in Tallahassee who was often seen working out of Riveras office and was his legislative aides roommate. [Miami Herald, 2/20/11] Florida Department of Law Enforcement Took Over Rivera Case

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In January 2011Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle removed one of her top prosecution teams from Riveras investigation and asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to take over as the lead agency. The FDLE led the probe will look into Riveras personal and campaign spending from 2010 as well as his ties to Millennium Marketing and a dog track. A spokesperson for Fernandez said, We think thats a priority for the office, and the community. The investigation started weeks before Riveras November win and only intensified after. [The Miami Herald, 1/19/11] Miami Herald Dug into Riveras Murky Finances In May 2011, the Miami Herald exposed the continued criminal investigations into Riveras murky finances. According to the Miami Herald, Rep. David Rivera is nobodys fool, but he appears to be living in a fools paradise. Or simply in a state of denial. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] Current State of Investigation As of May 2011, the Miami Herald revealed that its hard to know where the investigation of Rivera stands with the FDLE, Miami-Dade Police public corruption unit and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Theyre looking hard at Riveras campaign-related and personal finances from the past several years, which are as complex and convoluted as a credit default swap. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] Rivera Continues to Change His Story on USAID According to the Miami Herald, with every new revelation about his finances and work history, Rivera has changed his story. While he was a state representative (2002-2010), Rivera listed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a source of income. But when The Miami Herald checked, the agency said that it had no record of Rivera working for it. He then said hed worked for a subcontractor, although USAID had no record of that either. Rivera eventually deleted USAID from his state financial disclosure. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] Rivera Continues to Change His Story on Millenium According to the Miami Herald, with every new revelation about his finances and work history, Rivera has changed his story. Like USAID financial issue, Rivera never listed Millenium Marketing on his state financial disclosures, but later added it when he said hed repaid that company Riveras godmother is its president and his mother VP and secretary a loan of $132,000, plus interest. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] It gets curioser. It was Millenium that signed a contract with Flagler Dog Track (now Magic City Casino) for a full-bore campaign to win voter approval for gambling in 2008. The contract specifically called for Rivera to lead that campaign, and he spent months working on it, but claims he was paid nothing. Really? Paid nothing for working for months running a $6-million progambling effort? Millenium, however, was paid $510,000. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] Unexplained Campaign Finances

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According to the Miami Herald, Rivera has unexplained campaign finance reimbursements. According to an AP investigation, Rivera paid himself more than $60,000 in unexplained campaign expenses. During his tenure as chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party, a marketing and media consultant named Esther Nuhfer, who is close to Rivera and has worked on his various campaigns, received $150,000 from the local GOP for work that was never fully accounted for. And Rivera paid Nuhfer $250,000, according to The Miami Herald, for her work on Riveras state Senate campaign, which he later dropped in favor of running for Congress. In all, Nuhfer was paid about $817,000 for work on Riveras campaigns. Investigators are following the money to see if any of it wound up in Riveras pocket. He says it didnt. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] Rivera did not Report Details on more than $60,000 in Campaign Reimbursements to Himself During his eight years in the Florida Legislature, Rivera, while serving as his own campaign treasurer, did not report any details for more than $60,000 of the roughly $160,000 in expenses for which he reimbursed himself. Florida law requires reimbursements to candidates to be report with details including the name of the person or business the candidate paid. [The Associated Press, 1/28/11] Miami Herald Says Investigation Is Limiting Riveras Effectiveness According to the Miami Herald, the investigations are limiting Riveras effectiveness in Washington. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is keeping Rivera at arms length. House Speaker John Boehner says hes waiting to see how this plays out. [Miami Herald, 5/3/11] Rivera Aide Possibly Subpoenaed in Criminal Probe In January 2011, the Miami Herald reported that Congressman David Riveras longtime aide, Alina Garcia, was subpoenaed in a criminal investigation tied to the lawmakers financial relationship with a dog track. The paper claimed to have two sources familiar with the subpoena. [Miami Herald, 1/25/11] Note: After the paper reported on the subpoena, Garcia responded to requests for comment in an email and claimed the report was, "false. No subpoena." Rivera Campaign Said he was not Aware of Any FDLE Involvement In January 2011, Riveras campaign stated that he has not personally become aware of any involvement by FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement), as he has not been contacted by them. He has only read media reports. [msnbc.com, 1/27/11] GOP Leadership Questioned for Standing by Rivera In articles published in both Politico and Washington Monthly, the GOP leadership was questioned for refusing to publically admonish Rivera or separate him from the party.

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Cantor, meanwhile, has promised a zero-tolerance policy for GOP lawmakers caught up in the scandals. But so far, the Virginia Republican has refused to comment on the Rivera case, drawing criticisms of hypocrisy from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, wrote Politico. [Washington Monthly, 1/25/11; Politico, 1/25/11] Politico Reported That GOP Already Looking for Riveras Replacements In light of the ethics scandals surrounding Rivera, Politico reported that GOP insiders already are drawing contingency plans for a replacement should the freshman lawmaker resign or be forced to step aside, according to multiple Republican sources. [Politico, 1/25/11] Boehner Addresses Rivera Ethics The first time Boehner spoke out regarding Riveras ethics issues, he claimed to be waiting to see how the allegations were resolved. As I understand the allegations against Mr. Rivera they don't involve any of his congressional service, Boehner said Wednesday. These are activities that took place before he was elected. and I think we're waiting to see how this plays out. [Politico, 1/26/11] Boehner Reiterated He Will Wait to See How This Plays Out In January 2011, Boehner said that "As I understand the allegations against Mr. Rivera, they don't involve any of his congressional serviceThese were activities that took place before he was elected. And I think we're waiting to see how this plays out." [St. Petersburg Times, 01/27/2011] Sessions on Rivera In March 2011, Sessions expressed joy that Rivera had joined the Florida delegation. He said that "David Rivera is a brand new member of our delegation from Miami who is doing a very good job in his duties up hereHe's very active as a member of his freshman class. He's getting his job done and I think that he's seen in a very favorable light." [The Hill, 3/2/2011] Cantor Concerned About Rivera and Avoided Him During Fundraiser in Miami In February 2011, Cantor avoided making contact with Rivera during a visit to Miami House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said he was Very Concerned about the Rivera Probe. In February 2011, Cantor said, There are ongoing investigations in Florida involving Congressman Rivera, and we are respectful of those investigations [] Im obviously very concerned about the reports surrounding those investigations, but well wait to see the results of them. [The Hill, 2/28/11] House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Previously Avoided Rivera While in Miami. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor avoided making contact with Florida Rep. David Rivera during a visit to Miami last weekend and instructed aides not to reach out to the first-term congressman
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[] Given the recent reports and the ongoing investigation in Florida, Eric is concerned and believes that this was the appropriate way to handle this situation, said Cantors spokesperson. [Politico, 2/25/11] Last Summer Cantor Pledged Zero-Tolerance. Republican Whip Eric Cantor said, I think that as Republicans emerge as a new governing majority, it is incumbent upon us to institute a zerotolerance policy that we understand there are reasons for our being fired in '06 and '08 [] We cannot tolerate any ethics violations or behavior in terms of compromising the ethics that the people expect us to have as their representatives. [YouTube, uploaded 8/10/10] David Rivera Was Originally Left Off the Invite List For The Miami Fundraiser. It looks like every Republican U.S. Rep. from Florida is sponsoring an upcoming Miami fundraising dinner featuring Majority Leader Eric Cantor. Except for one: Miami Rep. David Rivera, who's snarled in a legal investigation over his ties to a $500,000 dog track contract, his changing statements, and his questionable federal and state financial disclosure forms (each of which he changed). [Miami Herald, 7/18/11] Now, David Rivera Has Been Invited to the NRCC Fundraiser. It seems the National Republican Congressional Committee inadvertently left Miami Rep. David Rivera off its list of congressional Florida Republicans sponsoring a dinner for House Republican leader Eric Cantor. Rivera was the only one of the 19 Republicans who didn't make the first send. He's also the only one under investigation for his ties to a secret $500,000 dog track contract. [Miami Herald, 7/19/11] Republican Attorney Wanted Rivera to Explain or Step Down In January 2011, Thomas Spencer, a co-counsel for George W. Bush during the 2000 recount and prominent Republican attorney in Riveras district, called for him to either fully explain himself or step down. In a letter to the Miami Herald, Spencer said Rivera needs to, fully and completely, without delay or obfuscation, disgorge and fully explain every single relevant fact and document- or he needs to step down. Spencer planned to call on top Republicans to ask Rivera to release information. [The Miami Herald, 1/28/11] Hired Former Lobbyist to Work on Official Staff In March 2011, the Center for Responsive Politics released a database that showed Rivera hired Steve Vermillion to be his chief of staff. According to the CRP, Vermillion had previously lobbied for Kemp Partners. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 3/8/11] Headline: Lobbyist connected to Rivera got major contract In February 2011, the Associated Press headline read, Lobbyist connected to Rivera got major contract. When Rivera was chairman of the Miami-Dade GOP, the Republican party made record payments with little explanation to a political consultant with whom he had close ties. [Associated Press, 2/07/11] Obtained $100,000 to Employ Floridians Rebuilding Haiti but most went to Companys Founder

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Rivera earmarked $100,000 in Floridas 2010 budget for the non-profit company United for a Sustainable America to employee Floridians while rebuilding Haiti with green homes. In February 2011, the St. Petersburg Times reported that $48,000 went to a salary for the companys founder and three colleagues while another $39,000 went to green energy conferences they run. Only $12,000 was used to upgrade a Haitian orphanage and $1,000 was spent on a documentary of the humanitarian effort. [St. Petersburg Times, 2/20/11] Cleared of Wrongdoing by FEC in Campaign Finance Probe In May 2011, according to the Associated Press, the Federal Election Committee cleared U.S. Rep. David Rivera following an investigation into whether he improperly helped an independent group produce an attack against his opponent in last years election. The commission says it found no reason to believe Rivera violated federal campaign finance laws. Supporters of Riveras rival, Democrat Joe Garcia, alleged the independent committee Voters Response coordinated fliers against Garcia with Riveras then-spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. Despite the FECs findings, the Associated Press reported that a separate state investigation into Riveras finances is ongoing. [Associated Press, 05/20/2011] Cleared of FEC Charges In May 2011, the FEC said that they had no reason to believe that Rivera broke campaign finance law in 2010. According to the Miami Herald, The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed last August by criminal defense attorney William Barzee who alleged that Riveras campaign and Voters Response, a Florida electioneering committee, worked together on the attack flyer through a Rivera spokeswoman, Sarah Bascom. The Miami Herald also reported that The committee told the FEC that it had retained Bascom to assist with media and social networking research of state candidates, and provided the FEC with the agreement. It said it did not discuss its congressional activities with Bascom and did not compensate Bascom Communications for any work it may have done for Mr. Riveras campaign. The group told the FEC it didnt know Bascom was working for Riveras campaign until the press called. The FEC said the president of Bascom Communications and Riveras campaign manager said in sworn affidavits that they were unaware of the Voter Response flyer. The FEC noted that Riveras campaign paid Bascom $2,500 on Aug. 24 for media consulting. [Miami Herald, 05/17/11] Being Investigated by Feds Regarding Casino Contract In July 2011, the Miami Herald announced that the Feds were investigating Rivera regarding a casino contract.

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According to the Herald, The contract also called for an additional $500,000 success fee to Millennium if and when slots machines won approval, records show. At the time, however, neither Rivera nor Millennium made a claim for the fee. But in recent weeks, Millenniums officers formally requested the $500,000 success fee from the Magic City Casino, according to Herald news partner WFOR/CBS-4. It is unclear who made the request on behalf of the company. [Miami Herald, 7/21/2011] Satirized in Florida Democratic Poster for Shady Contract In September 2011, Rivera was the target of a satirical poster published by Florida democrats that highlighted his involvement in a secret dog-track contract under criminal investigation. [Miami Herald, 9/1/11] Earns Title of one of 2011s Most Corrupt Politicians In September 2011, the non-profit group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington named Rivera among the most corrupt politicians for allegations of money laundering, unreported income and misuse of campaign contributions. As a Naples News reported, Rather than refute the allegations against him, when asked about the CREW report, Riveras campaign responded by pointing out CREWs ties to Democratic politicians and leftleaning causes. Rivera is under criminal investigation by the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Miami-Dade Police public corruption unit and the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office. Despite this setback, Rivera continues to vow that he will uphold his legislative agenda for his constituents. [Naples News, 9/21/11] Rivera Included on CREWs Most Corrupt List In October 2011, Rivera was included on the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washingtons Most Corrupt politician list for 2011. [The Hill, 10/24/11; The Hill, 9/20/11; Miami New Times, 9/20/11]

Foreign Policy Issues Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea

Called for Return of UN Money In February 2011, on the House floor, Rivera called for the return of $179 million dollars in US funding from the United Nations. We pay most of the costs of U.N. peacekeeping operations, we pay for most of its security costs, and now the Obama administration refuses to let the United Nations pay us back. He also cited the Human Rights Commission as a corrupt body which hides the human rights violations of some of its members. [Rivera Floor Remarks on H.R. 519, 2/9/11] Riveras Called China an Enemy of Democracy

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In October 2011, despite new Pentagon reports that Chinas military will not achieve full preparedness until 2020 and even then will be relevant only regionally, Rivera said in a hearing on Taiwan, I know some folks like to sugarcoat the terms in describing China as a rival or competitor but the fact is Communist China is an enemy of democracy. [The News, 10/11/11]

Gay and Lesbian Issues Gun Issues Health Care Issues

Washington Post Week In Review Highlighted Protest Outside Riveras Office In June 2011, the Washington Post Week in Review highlighted protestors outside Riveras office asking him to join in their support of the Medicare program. The post reported that From left, Nakita Tiyade, Dave Patlak, Joe Miller and Richard Coller protest in front of U.S. Rep. David Rivera's (R-FLa.) office, asking him to join in their support of the Medicare program in Miami. They say Rivera has joined other House Republicans that have voted for a plan to end Medicare and impose cuts to seniors' health care benefits. [Washington Post, 06/29/2011]

Immigration and Border Issues Israel Labor and Working Family Issues
Rivera Blamed Unemployment on Obama In January 2012, David Rivera, R-Miami, countered that unemployment remains higher than when Obama took office although over three million jobs have been created in the last 22 months. Unfortunately, according to the president and Democrats in the Senate, the solution to these problems is not only more government participation in the private sector, but more government spending as a means to help an ailing economy," Rivera said. [Sunshine State News, 1/25/12] Supported Columbia Free Trade Agreement In January 2011, Rivera spoke on the House Floor in support of a free trade agreement with Colombia. He said, Colombia is America's fourth-largest trading partner in Latin America, and the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that 9,000 American companies trade with Colombia Rivera also noted that 90

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percent of Colombian goods enter the U.S. duty free while American companies still pay tariffs for U.S. goods to enter Colombia. [Rivera Floor Statement, US House of Representatives, 1/07/11] Riveras Miami Office Was Scene of Protest in Support of Obamas Jobs Bill In October 2011, a group of protestors gathered outside Riveras district offices to urge him to pass Obamas jobs bill. Though Rivera was not in the office at the time, he released a statement later that said the Obama jobs bill focuses more on scoring political points than on real long-term reforms to improve our nations economy. [] While I oppose any tax increases, I am prepared to support legislation we agree on to create jobs. [CBS Miami, 10/7/11]

Other Social Issues

Rivera Said Obama Needs to Lead by Example In January 2012, Rivera said Obama needs to lead by example if he discusses being hardworking and responsible. If the President is going to speak on the importance of being hardworking and responsible, he has to lead by example." [Miami Herald, 1/24/12]

Senior Issues
Rivera Received Award From RetireSafe In November 2011, Rivera posted On Facebook pictures noting that RetireSafe Honors [Congressman] Rivera for Standing Up for Seniors. [David Rivera Facebook, 11/9/11]

Stem Cells Tax Issues Tea Party Transportation Issues Womens Issues
Rivera was a co-sponsor of H.R. 374, the Life at Conception Act On July 7, 2011, Rivera became a co-sponsor of the Life at Conception Act. According to the Library of Congress, the Life at Conception Act declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is
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vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. [Library of Congress, accessed 11/10/11]

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