U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., officially announced his bid for the White House. From Miami's Freedom Tower, Rubio became the third Republican Party candidate to launch a presidential bid.

"After deliberation and prayer about the future of our country, I have come here to make an announcement on how I believe I can best serve her," said Rubio, noting his address from the Freedom Tower because it is a "symbol" of the country's " identity as a land of opportunity."

Rubio spoke about his parents' history, coming to the U.S. from Cuba. Rubio quoted his father, who told him in Spanish, "En este pais, ustedes van a poder lograr todas las cosas que nosotros no pudimos." The quote translates to, "In this country, you will achieve all the things we never could."

According to Rubio, current leaders are still "stuck in the 20th century." He said the current leaders have been "taxing, borrowing and regulating like its 1999." He called for tax reforms and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare.

"If we remember that the family, not the government, is the most important institution in our society," said Rubio.

"This election is not just about what laws we will pass. It is a generational choice about what kind of country we will be," Rubio continued, making a clear reference to Hillary Clinton, who announced her presidential bid as "the candidate from yesterday."

"Yesterday is over and we're never going back," added Rubio.

"Before us now is the opportunity to author the greatest chapter yet in the amazing story of America," said Rubio, noting that the lessons from history and the promise of the future enabled him to announce his candidacy for president of the U.S. by 6:13 p.m.

Rubio said he has heard people suggest he should not run and "wait" for his turn. The senator said he believed the identity of the U.S. as an "exceptional national" is at stake, and he will make the difference as president.

"If we can capture the promise of this new century they will be the freest and most prosperous Americans ever....The final verdict on our generation will be written by Americans not yet born," said Rubio. "Let us make sure they record that we made the right choice."

Rubio has been U.S. senator for Florida since Jan. 2011 and was a member of Florida's House of Representatives from 2000 to 2009. Rubio has been vocal against President Barack Obama's efforts to renew diplomatic ties with Cuba, seeks stricter sanctions on Venezuela and was a co-sponsor for the U.S. Senate's 2013 comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Rubio, however, has stepped away from his support of the legislation.

Rubio's entry comes after Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., announced their presidential bids for the GOP.

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