Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned that many regions of this world are suffering from the effects of armed conflicts with religious aspects. I believe that the differences of faith are not the real reason for these conflicts.

lawmakers the Center for Responsible Politics named Hastings the "Poorest Member of Congress" with a 2010 average net worth of -$4732002. After placing second in the initial Democratic primary for the post he scored an upset victory over State Representative Lois J. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

He is a member of the Democratic Party. Representative for Florida's 20th congressional district serving in Congress since 1993. S.