Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., launched a political action committee (PAC) to raise funds for Republicans seeking immigration reform.

According to Curbelo, the What A Country! PAC, or WAC PAC, will attract money to contribute to campaigns for Republicans in favor of border security, immigration reform and solutions with undocumented immigrants. The Miami Herald noted the WAC PAC was registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Jan. 14.

Latin Post contacted Curbelo's office for information and a comment on WAC PAC, but they have yet to respond.

Curbelo did tell the Miami Herald on Jan. 29, "What a Country recognizes that the United States is the land of opportunity, where anyone who comes here and works hard and plays by the rules can get ahead. It will support candidates who understand the importance of overhauling our nation's immigration laws to secure our borders, promote legal immigration and reward those who contribute to our economy."

Curbelo told NBC News of the existence of House Republicans who "believe that it is critical to overhaul" the country's immigration law. He added, "[WAC PAC] is part of the effort to support them and to continue building momentum for this necessary reform."

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Curbelo was among the 26 House Republicans, including Florida Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who voted against amendments attached to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would block President Barack Obama's immigration executive actions, namely the deferred action programs. The vote occurred on Jan. 14, but Curbelo's vote did not represent his support of the executive actions. In a statement released following the House vote, Curbelo said he is "troubled" by the Obama administration's use of executive action on immigration.

"However, it is my firm belief that Congress should address the issue of overhauling our nation's immigration laws through separate bills, rather than attaching these amendments to the critical Homeland Security Appropriations bill," Curbelo said. "These reform bills would supersede the President's executive orders. This Appropriations bill now shoves the Department of Homeland Security, and the brave men and women charged with our nation's security, into the middle of the immigration debate. This is unfair to them as they work to keep us safe."

The Florida Republican added it is time for Congress to get serious about border security, modernize the visa system, promote legal immigration and find an "adequate solution" for undocumented families.

Curbelo's focus on immigration reform was also present during the night of the State of the Union. He delivered one of two official GOP responses. While Rep. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, delivered the English-language address, Curbelo had the Spanish-language speech. As Latin Post reported, Curbelo's GOP response was originally set to be a translated address of Ernst's speech. GOP.gov, however, removed mention of the translated speech of Ernst. Of the two GOP responses, Curbelo's address was the only version to mention immigration reform.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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