{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"FL\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3538", "Wasserman Schultz Conducts Surprise Miramar ICE Facility Inspection Following Whistleblower Report", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cThe conditions we documented during my last surprise inspection got ICE\u2019s attention, so they did their best over the last week to clean things up. Oversight and public pressure work, and we need more of it in our state and across the country,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cIt\u2019s clear that the push from the Trump administration to round up as many people as possible has caused this facility, and others, to become overwhelmed. They simply don\u2019t have the capacity to hold this many people humanely, and most of them are law-abiding immigrants who just came here for a better life.\u201d\n\nMiramar, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced visit to conduct oversight at the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Center in Miramar, FL. This was Wasserman Schultz\u2019s second visit to the facility, after a previous inspection uncovered overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, and illegal detention of individuals for days or weeks on end, prompting Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to open an investigation into the facility\u2019s dangerous and unlawful practices.\n\nClick here for video of the press conference and Wasserman Schultz entering the facility.\n\nThe surprise inspection follows whistleblower disclosures detailing horrific conditions in the Miramar facility, including a pregnant woman being detained for three weeks, detainees brushing their teeth outside with water from a hose attached to a jug, lack of proper access to medication or hygiene products, and other abuses. Detainees have been cuffed and chained overnight, forced to use overflowing porta-potties, and denied access to medical care despite more than two dozen emergency calls, including a detainee throwing up blood.\n\n\u201cThe conditions we documented during my last surprise inspection got ICE\u2019s attention, so they did their best over the last week to clean things up. Oversight and public pressure work, and we need more of it in our state and across the country,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cIt\u2019s clear that the push from the Trump administration to round up as many people as possible has caused this facility, and others, to become overwhelmed. They simply don\u2019t have the capacity to hold this many people humanely, and most of them are law-abiding immigrants who just came here for a better life.\u201d\n\nWasserman Schultz described the improvements she saw in the facility\u2019s operations as proof that oversight of ICE detention centers remains crucial. People were being processed quicker compared to her first inspection, leading to less overcrowding in the Miramar facility, approximately 20 people per holding room.\n\nBut there is still no consistent policy regarding showers or changes of clothes for individuals detained at the facility. Additionally, Wasserman Schultz saw broken sinks, floors covered in filth, and overflowing dumpsters. There is no medical unit, and Wasserman Schultz saw a woman with a leg injury. Wasserman Schultz also reported that two detainees told her in Spanish that they had been there for six days \u2013 much longer than the 12 hours permitted after a federal court order barred ICE from holding immigrants for three days or longer in temporary processing facilities.\n\n####\n\nRelated News", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-introduces-glaucoma-vision-act-to-expand-screenings-and-prevent-vision-loss", "Rep. Wilson Introduces Glaucoma Vision Act to Expand Screenings and Prevent Vision Loss", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced the Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026, legislation to expand access to annual glaucoma screenings, bring detection and treatment to underserved communities, and invest in research to protect and restore vision.\n\n\u201cGlaucoma can steal a person\u2019s sight before they even know they have it. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may be irreversible,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cA screening could change the course of someone\u2019s life, but too many people face gaps in coverage or cannot afford the care they need. My bill would help families detect glaucoma earlier, get treatment sooner, and hold on to the independence that comes with their sight.\u201d\n\nApproximately 4.22 million Americans were living with glaucoma in 2022, and about half of people with the disease are unaware they have it. Although Medicare covers screenings for certain people at high risk, federal law does not uniformly require glaucoma screening coverage across Medicaid, private health plans, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.\n\nKey Provisions of the Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026\n\nExpands screening coverage across major health plans. The bill would require glaucoma screening coverage for eligible people with private insurance, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage. It would also eliminate applicable Medicare Part B cost sharing for screenings furnished to eligible people. The coverage provisions would generally take effect in 2027.\n\nReaches people at higher risk. Eligible individuals include adults age 40 or older who identify as having African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, or who have a clinical risk factor such as diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, myopia, certain blood pressure conditions, or chronic corticosteroid use. Adults age 60 or older would also qualify.\n\nBrings screening and treatment into underserved communities. Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s Vision Health Initiative, the bill would establish competitive grants for free or low-cost screenings and follow-up treatment for uninsured and underinsured people at high risk. Grants could also support community education, mobile screening units, care coordination, and disease surveillance. Projects serving racial and ethnic minority communities and other underserved populations with a high burden of vision loss would receive priority. The bill authorizes $10 million for these activities across fiscal years 2027 and 2028.\n\nAdvances research on glaucoma and optic nerve damage. The bill would authorize $10 million across fiscal years 2027 and 2028 for National Eye Institute research, including work on optic nerve repair, neuroprotection, gene therapies, and approaches to preserving or restoring vision.\n\n\u201cNo one should lose their sight because glaucoma went undetected. The Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 would expand screening coverage, invest in community detection programs, and support vital research to improve treatment and prevent vision loss. The Academy applauds Representative Wilson for introducing this important legislation and advancing eye health for all Americans,\u201d said Michael Repka, MD, MBA, Medical Director for Governmental Affairs, American Academy of Ophthalmology.\n\n\u201cThe impacts of untreated glaucoma extend beyond the individual, leading to emotional and psychological challenges for patients and their families. It can also diminish independence and contribute to substantial economic costs at both local and national levels through decreased productivity and increased health care demands. Given that there is currently no cure, proactive screening and prompt treatment are essential to reduce incidents of preventable blindness. Congresswoman Wilson\u2019s legislation addresses this critical public health issue by increasing access to early glaucoma screening and investing in public health and research. Put together, these initiatives aim to protect vision, maintain independence, and mitigate the long-term personal and economic effects associated with this silent, irreversible disease. Prevent Blindness applauds Rep. Wilson\u2019s efforts to promote early detection, preserve sight, and improve the health and well-being of our communities,\u201d said Karen Allison, MD, MBA, FACS, Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center; Prevent Blindness Board of Directors member; and Prevent Blindness Public Health & Science Committee Co-Chair.\n\n\u201cProtecting someone\u2019s vision protects their ability to work, care for their family, and move through the world on their own terms,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cWe have the knowledge to catch glaucoma earlier. We must make sure people have the opportunity to act on it.\u201d\n\nCosponsors of this bill are Reps. Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Sanford Bishop (GA-2), Troy Carter (LA-2), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-7), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1), Robin Kelly (IL-2), Lucy McBath (GA-6), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Christian D. Menefee (TX-18), Kweisi Mfume (MD-7), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Terri Sewell (AL-7), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-7), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-5), as well as Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL).\n\nOrganizations supporting this bill are the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Alliance for Vision Research, Cornea Society, Macula Society, Foundation Fighting Blindness, and Prevent Blindness.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/oversight-ranking-members-robert-garcia-bennie-thompson-and-maxwell-frost-demand-answers-from-ice-on-dangerous-conditions-in-florida-immigration-facilities", "Oversight Ranking Members Robert Garcia, Bennie Thompson, and Maxwell Frost Demand Answers From ICE on Dangerous Conditions in Florida Immigration Facilities", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Maxwell Frost, Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, wrote to the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General demanding answers after whistleblowers shared with Oversight Democrats information on the Trump Administration\u2019s dangerous conditions and lawless practices at ICE holding facilities in Florida. The reports include overflowing restrooms, air vents with visible black mold, and detainees forced to sleep on the concrete floor or in chains.\n\n\u201cWhistleblowers have shared explosive new information with Oversight Democrats about the horrific conditions inside ICE facilities in Florida. The Trump Administration is trying to cover up these disgusting and unsafe conditions and escape accountability, while countless lives are put in danger. ICE must immediately put an end to this inhumane treatment and give us answers on this horrific situation,\u201d said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.\n\n\u201cWhistleblower reports detailing inhumane and illegal detention conditions at multiple ICE holding facilities are appalling. These horrors \u2013 and the fact that the Trump administration is trying to cover up these abuses \u2013 must be fully investigated. These facilities must also be shut down and the individuals responsible need to be held accountable. Immigrants in ICE custody must be treated humanely and given proper medical care,\u201d said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s immigration detention system is as cruel as it is unnecessary, and this administration's deliberate efforts to hide the conditions inside ICE facilities in Miramar and Orlando, Florida are abhorrent. This new whistleblower report reinforces what has long been documented about immigration detention facilities\u2014a system being used to punish people rather than uphold basic human dignity and justice. Alongside my colleagues on the Oversight Committee, I\u2019m demanding accountability and an end to these horrific abuses that are putting lives in danger,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost.\n\nImages of Miramar Holding Facility provided by the whistleblower can be accessed here.\n\nIn the letters to Mr. David J. Venturella, the Acting Director of ICE, and Joseph V. Cuffari, the Inspector General of DHS, the Members wrote, \u201cWe have received confidential whistleblower disclosures about the Trump Administration\u2019s dangerous and lawless practices and conditions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facilities in Miramar and Orlando, Florida. Acting in clear defiance of court orders and ICE\u2019s own internal policies, the Trump Administration has created crises at these facilities where brutal conditions put staff, detainees, and the public at imminent risk of serious harm or death. Whistleblowers warn that, among other abuses, ICE is detaining people\u2014including men, women, families, and elderly people with chronic medical conditions\u2014for days to weeks in abusive and life-threatening conditions, including overcrowded cells, prolonged shackling, inadequate access to medical care and hygiene, insufficient food, and limited to no legal access. ICE is simultaneously attempting to cover up these horrific practices.\u201d\n\nIn July 2026, Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal demanded answers from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) regarding the vetting and training of ICE officers in the wake of the killing of Joan Sebasti\u00e1n Dur\u00e1n Guerrero on July 13, 2026, in Biddeford, Maine.\n\nIn May, Ranking Member Garcia held an immigration round table in Orlando, and visited an Orlando ICE facility with Congressman Maxwell Frost.\n\nIn February 2026, Ranking Member Garcia released a report highlighting Oversight Democrats\u2019 key findings regarding the killings of Ren\u00e9e Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both victims were killed while bearing witness to the abuses and injustices on their neighbors by the Trump Administration\u2019s aggressive, violent, and unlawful immigration enforcement tactics.\n\nIn December 2025, Ranking Member Garcia and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal launched a series of bicameral hearings to expose and investigate abuses, excessive force, and constitutional violations by federal immigration enforcement agents.\n\nIn November 2025, Ranking Member Garcia led Oversight Democrats in launching a public Immigration Enforcement Dashboard to track and document incidents of abuse and potential misconduct by DHS immigration enforcement agents across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405288", "Reps. Castor & Sewell Introduce the Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act, legislation that would prevent the Trump Administration from prematurely ending the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration and keep monthly premiums down for seniors enrolled in standalone Medicare prescription drug plans. The legislation follows the Trump Administration\u2019s announcement that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would terminate the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration at the end of 2026.\n\n\u201cEvery trip to the grocery store and every monthly bill is increasingly painful for my older neighbors. The added strain of higher prescription drug costs is the last thing they need, so I will fight to reverse a recent HHS scheme to increase Medicare prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act will reverse the HHS scheme, keep premiums down and provide greater certainty on health care costs. Seniors worked hard for their earned Medicare benefits, and I am fighting to keep those benefits affordable and dependable.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor seniors living on fixed incomes, every dollar matters. At a time when seniors are already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, housing, health care, and everyday necessities, the Trump Administration should be doing everything it can to lower costs, not ending a program that is helping seniors afford their prescription drugs,\u201d said Rep. Sewell. \u201cEnding the Part D Premium Stabilization Program could mean higher premiums and greater financial strain for millions of seniors. The Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act will help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have the stability and certainty they deserve.\u201d\n\nCMS established the demonstration in 2025 after changes to the Medicare Part D benefit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to help stabilize premiums for beneficiaries enrolled in standalone prescription drug plans.\n\nThe IRA made several changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage, including establishing a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs beginning in 2025. As the redesigned benefit shifted more prescription drug costs to Part D plans, the Premium Stabilization Demonstration was created to help mitigate premium increases and provide greater stability during the transition.\n\nAccording to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), the demonstration saved seniors an average of $312 in 2026. Ending the demonstration could expose beneficiaries to higher premiums beginning in 2027.\n\nThe Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act would require CMS to:", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405289", "Castor Champions Passage of Bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to Shield Neighbors from Higher Electric Bills Tied to Data Centers", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) celebrated the passage of their bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which protects American families and small businesses from the costs of energy and grid upgrades required for new hyperscale data centers.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act requires state utility regulators to establish rules ensuring communities do not pay for the costs of building new power plants, transmission lines and other upgrades to serve data centers. Without proper safeguards, families and small businesses in communities where data center development occurs could see their electric bills skyrocket. The Ratepayer Protection Act ensures that wealthy Big Tech companies cover the full energy and infrastructure costs of new data center development and are held accountable for their promises.\n\n\u201cFloridians already are dealing with sky-high electric bills. They should not be forced to subsidize the enormous energy demands of the world\u2019s richest corporations,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cIf Big Tech builds a massive AI data center, the Big Tech company\u2014not hardworking families, farmers or small businesses\u2014should pay for their power and grid upgrades. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act is an important first step that can help lower costs for our neighbors back home and empower states to set strict guardrails.\u201d\n\n\u201cHardworking families should not have to subsidize the energy demands of data centers. America needs the infrastructure to lead the world in AI and outcompete Communist China, but we cannot have that growth at the expense of hardworking families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses. My bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act ensures large data centers pay for the infrastructure they require while giving states the flexibility to determine what works best for their communities. I\u2019m incredibly proud to lead the charge on this pivotal issue, ensure our ratepayers are protected, and keep American innovation moving forward,\u201d said Rep. Evans.\n\nCastor strongly opposes data center development in Hillsborough County due to high electric bills and environmental concerns and pressed the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in a September 10, 2026 letter to \u201cact decisively to protect Hillsborough County residents, resources and long-term sustainability.\u201d\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act builds on Rep. Castor\u2019s leadership on the Stopping Hikes in Electricity from large Load Demands (SHIELD) Act, which she introduced with Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) in January.\n\nBackground\n\nIf enacted, the Ratepayer Protection Act would direct state regulators to adopt new guardrails for new data centers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more, including:", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5030", "ICYMI: FAA Accepting Public Comments on Proposed Permanent Mar-a-Lago Flight Restrictions Through October 2", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On September 2, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) formally proposed making the current airspace restrictions around Mar-a-Lago permanent. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal through October 2, 2026.\n\nHOW TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT\n\nMembers of the public can submit comments on the FAA\u2019s proposal by clicking here or by:\n\n1. Going to Regulations.gov.\n\n2. Entering FAA-2026-10827-0001 in the search box.\n\n3. Following the instructions to submit a comment.\n\nComments must be submitted by October 2, 2026.\n\nCongresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) recently joined Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore, and local residents to raise concerns about the FAA\u2019s proposal and explain how members of the public can make their voices heard through the agency\u2019s formal comment process.\n\nFollowing the event, Rep. Frankel sent a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting that the FAA:\n\nDelay action on the proposal to make the restrictions permanent;\n\nExtend the public comment period by 60 days, through December 1, 2026, if the agency moves forward, so residents have adequate time to review the proposal and respond;\n\nHold a public meeting in Palm Beach County so affected residents can ask questions, provide input, and hear directly from the FAA; and\n\nEstablish a clear and expedited process to modify or end the restrictions if security circumstances change, rather than locking the community into restrictions that may no longer be necessary.\n\nFor Rep. Frankel\u2019s full letter to the FAA, click here.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-leads-florida-democrats-urging-speaker-johnson-reinstate-affordable-care", "Soto Leads Florida Democrats in Urging Speaker Johnson to Reinstate the Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credit", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter with all Democratic Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation urging Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to reinstate the Affordable Care Act\u2019s (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC) in any future funding vehicles.\n\n\"Around 4.7 million Floridians were enrolled in ACA insurance plans before the tax credits expired. Many of our districts had 30% or more residents enrolled,\u201d wrote the Members. \"However, as a result of the expired funding, about 443,000 Floridians dropped their ACA plans this year so far, more than in any other state, and the system saw a 13% drop in enrollment from one year to the next.\"\n\n\"These subsidies bridged a vital gap in access to care for hard-working Americans. Over half of adult marketplace enrollees are small business owners or self-employed\u2014the very backbone of our great country. Now, many of these individuals are either uninsured or struggling to afford premiums that have risen by more than 58% since last year, a direct result of the expiration of ACA EPTCs...\u201d continued the Members. \"Congress just voted to pass a Continuing Resolution, keeping the government open through December. As negotiations for the FY27 Appropriations process continue, we must include the reinstatement of the ACA EPTCs in the discussion. With Americans facing rising costs in all aspects of daily life, increases in health premiums could amount to a death blow.\u201d\n\nThe signers include all seven Democratic Members of Florida\u2019s Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).\n\nFor the full text of the letter, please click here.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3537", "Wasserman Schultz Leads Florida Democrats in Denouncing Florida\u2019s Use of Cages in Everglades Internment Camp", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led all Democratic Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation to call on Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Jared Perdue to provide transparency around holding detainees in outdoor cages only slightly larger than telephone booths at the so-called \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d ICE internment camp.\n\nThe DHS Inspector General recently released a report which found that 79 detainees were held in \u201csmall metal enclosures\u201d of roughly 4-by-4, or 16 square feet for up to 2 hours. Facility staff members described them as \u201ccalming areas\u201d for \u201cdetainees to de-escalate and have time alone.\u201d They also found numerous other concerning conditions, saying the facility \u201cdid not comply with standards related to: Environmental Health and Safety; Special Management Units; Medical Care; Food Service; Personal Hygiene; and Recreation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is not how America should treat human beings in our custody, regardless of their immigration status. We can enforce our laws without abandoning basic human dignity,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cAnd in a nation of laws, there must be consequences when elected officials and their appointees rob taxpayer funds to inflict environmental damage, violate Constitutional protections, and commit acts of torture in our backyard. Those responsible for these conditions must be held accountable and we must make sure nothing like this happens again in Florida.\u201d\n\nThe signers comprise all seven Democratic Members of Florida\u2019s Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Darren Soto (FL-09), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) and Maxwell Frost (FL-10).\n\nWasserman Schultz conducted a surprise oversight inspection of the facility in April prior to its closure in June. She also introduced the No Cages in the Everglades Act with fellow Florida Democrats to defund the Everglades internment camp, launch an independent investigation of any laws broken in its construction and operation, and ensure more robust Congressional oversight there and in all similar facilities.\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nAs Members of Congress representing the State of Florida, we are sickened by the revelations reported by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security regarding a wide range of human rights abuses at the Everglades camp operated by FDEM that was cruelly nicknamed \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d.\n\nIn particular, the Inspector General\u2019s report found that people were locked in tiny metal enclosures\u2014just 18 square feet\u2014for up to two hours. The federal watchdog found these conditions unprecedented and a significant risk to detainees\u2019 health and safety. People held in this type of cage, nicknamed \u201cthe Box,\u201d were isolated and exposed to environmental hazards including extreme heat and insects. This is a clear violation of the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment in our Constitution, and human rights experts describe this practice as a form of torture.\n\nMany of us conducted oversight inspections at this facility, which was constructed and operated illegally, using over $1 billion in Florida taxpayer funds designated for responding to emergencies like hurricanes. We witnessed and exposed horrific, inhumane detention conditions that shocked the conscience of our State.\n\nDuring these visits, Members in our delegation were repeatedly denied access to view these punishment cages,and told by DHS and FDEM employees and contractors that detainee reports of their existence and use for punitive or coercive purposes were categorically false. We were deceived. It is now clear that this was intended to mislead public officials at public expense.\n\nThe Inspector General report not only confirms many allegations of sadistic cruelty that we saw or were reported by detainees, but sheds light on why the Trump Administration and Florida\u2019s state government worked overtime to block transparency and accountability.\n\nShortly after our initial visit, we introduced the No Cages in the Everglades Act to prohibit the use of Federal funds for this appalling project or any other detention facility in the Everglades, require an independent investigation of State and federal laws violated in its construction and management, and permanently codify the rights of Members of Congress to conduct unannounced oversight visits wherever immigrants are detained.\n\nThis is not how America should treat human beings in our custody, regardless of their immigration status. We can enforce our laws without abandoning basic human dignity. And in a nation of laws, there must be consequences when elected officials and their appointees rob taxpayer funds to inflict environmental damage, violate Constitutional protections, and commit acts of torture in our backyard. Those responsible for these conditions must be held accountable and we must make sure nothing like this happens again in Florida.\n\nIn service to that goal, we request your response to the following questions as soon as possible:\n\nHow many individuals were subjected to treatment constituting torture under U.S. or international law at the Everglades internment camp or at other immigrant detention facilities in Florida?\n\nHas the Office of the Attorney General conducted an analysis of the State\u2019s potential civil liability for cruel and unusual punishment without due process at this facility?\n\nHow many other facilities used for immigrant detention in Florida have utilized isolation in small metal cages as a punitive or coercive measure?\n\nWho instructed FDEM employees and contractors to deceive Members of Congress conducting lawful oversight with respect to the use of these cages?\n\nWill you commit to ceasing this practice and dismantling these cages, wherever they are used?\n\nHave the State government and its contractors involved in constructing and operating the Everglades detention camp appropriately retained and preserved photographic evidence, digital communications, documents, and other records that may be relevant in future investigations, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes?\n\nIf so, please provide a list of all relevant evidence that you have retained.\n\nDo you commit to fully cooperating with future law enforcement investigations of Florida's involvement in immigration detention abuses?\n\nIf not, are you aware of the potential legal consequences associated with obstructing law enforcement investigations, failing to preserve or report evidence of wrongdoing, or violating court orders or Congressional subpoenas?\n\nWe hope that you will take immediate action to bring these abusive practices to an end and begin repairing the damage you have inflicted on our neighbors, our beloved Everglades, and the State of Florida.\n\n####", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-and-us-commission-on-the-social-status-of-black-men-boys-to-honor-parents-carrying-forward-the-legacies-of-black-children-lost-to-violence", "Rep. Wilson and U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men & Boys to Honor Parents Carrying Forward the Legacies of Black Children Lost to Violence", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, will center the voices, courage and advocacy of bereaved parents during the 55th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.\n\nThe centerpiece of Congresswoman Wilson\u2019s final Annual Legislative Conference as a member of Congress will be the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Braintrust, \u201cOur Young Black Boys Are Being Murdered and Nobody Seems to Care,\u201d on Friday, September 18.\n\nThe braintrust will honor the lives and legacies of King Carter, Jordan Davis, Trayvon Martin and Nolan Wells while paying special tribute to the parents who turned unimaginable loss into a lifelong fight for truth, justice and change.\n\nSix-year-old King Carter was killed by gunfire near his Miami-Dade home in 2016. His parents, Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, transformed their heartbreak into advocacy aimed at ending gun violence and protecting other children from the tragedy that took their son.\n\nSeventeen-year-old Jordan Davis was shot and killed at a Jacksonville gas station in 2012 following a confrontation over loud music. His mother, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06), carried Jordan\u2019s memory from advocacy into public office, becoming a leading national voice for gun violence prevention.\n\nSeventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was walking back from a convenience store in Sanford, Florida, when he was followed and fatally shot in 2012. His death awakened the conscience of the nation and helped ignite a new era of civil rights activism. His mother, Sybrina Fulton, has dedicated her life to preserving Trayvon\u2019s legacy and fighting for safer communities, justice and meaningful change.\n\nEighteen-year-old Nolan Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, and was found dead two days later. With critical questions surrounding the circumstances of his death still unanswered, his parents, Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, continue to demand a complete, transparent and accountable investigation into what happened to their son.\n\nThe discussion will be co-moderated by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Congresswoman McBath, who will also share Jordan\u2019s story and her journey from a grieving mother to a national leader in the fight to protect families from gun violence.\n\nPanelists will include Congresswoman Wilson; Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04); Congressman Christian Menefee (TX-18); STARZ actor Nicco Annan; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, mother and father of Nolan Wells; and Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, mother and father of King Carter.\n\nTogether, the moderators, panelists and parents will share their experiences, honor their children\u2019s lives and confront a nation that has too often failed to protect Black children or deliver justice to their families.\n\n\u201cThese parents have endured the pain no mother or father should ever have to bear, yet they refused to allow their children\u2019s stories to end with their deaths,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson. \u201cThey turned grief into action, heartbreak into advocacy and their children\u2019s names into movements for justice. We honor King, Jordan, Trayvon and Nolan by honoring the parents who carry their legacies forward and by continuing their fight to protect every Black child in America.\u201d\n\nThe Commission will also hold its Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Honoring the Martyrs Who Shaped Black History, featuring a special tribute to the parents who continue to carry their children\u2019s legacies forward.\n\nThe Commission will honor Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, parents of King Carter; Congresswoman Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; and Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, parents of Nolan Wells.\n\nThe ceremony will recognize these parents not simply as survivors of tragedy, but as leaders whose relentless pursuit of truth, justice and accountability has changed communities, influenced public policy and ensured that their children\u2019s names will never be forgotten.\n\n\u201cBehind every young Black life lost is a family left carrying unimaginable grief and a future forever rewritten,\u201d said the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. \u201cYet these parents have turned their pain into purpose, their heartbreak into action and their children\u2019s names into a national demand for justice. The Commission stands with them to ensure their voices are heard, their children\u2019s legacies endure and their courage drives the change necessary to protect Black men and boys across America.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Wilson has spent her career fighting for Black children and standing beside families whose lives have been forever changed by violence. Her work led to the establishment of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, a bipartisan federal commission charged with examining the conditions affecting Black men and boys and advancing solutions in education, health care, employment, housing, criminal justice and public safety.\n\nThe Commission\u2019s work continues the mission Congresswoman Wilson began more than three decades ago through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project: protecting Black boys, interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline and surrounding young men with the mentorship, opportunities and support they need to succeed.\n\n\u201cFor years, these parents cried out for justice while too many people looked away,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson. \u201cThe Commission exists because America must pay attention to what is happening to Black men and boys. We will say their names. We will listen to their families. We will tell their stories. Most importantly, we will continue fighting for a country where no parent has to bury a child because of racism, violence or a system that failed to value his life.\u201d\n\nWilson Scholars and Role Models representing Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Broward County Public Schools, Duval County Public Schools and the Los Angeles Unified School District will also travel to Washington to participate in the conference. The students will attend the Commission\u2019s braintrust, serve as ambassadors and experience the institutions and history their predecessors helped shape.\n\nTheir presence will create a powerful connection between the children whose lives were taken, the parents protecting their legacies and the young men Congresswoman Wilson has dedicated her life to protecting.\n\nThe week will also include \u201cFrom the Classroom to Congress: Celebrating Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson,\u201d recognizing her 35 years of public service as an educator, school board member, state legislator and member of Congress.\n\nKEY EVENTS\n\nFrom the Classroom to Congress: Celebrating Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson\n\nThursday, September 17, 2026\n\n7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.\n\nThe Anthem Room\n\nMarriott Marquis Washington, D.C.\n\nU.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Braintrust\n\n\u201cOur Young Black Boys Are Being Murdered and Nobody Seems to Care\u201d\n\nCo-Moderators:\n\nCongresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06)\n\nCivil Rights Attorney Ben Crump\n\nPanelists and Featured Participants:\n\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24)\n\nCongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04)\n\nCongressman Christian Menefee (TX-18)\n\nNicco Annan, STARZ Actor\n\nSybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin\n\nChristine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, mother and father of Nolan Wells\n\nMonica Smith and Santonio Carter, mother and father of King Carter\n\nFriday, September 18, 2026\n\n4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBallroom C\n\nWalter E. Washington Convention Center\n\nWashington, D.C.\n\ncbcfinc.com/ALC\n\nOfficial Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys\n\nHonoring the Martyrs Who Shaped Black History\n\nA Tribute to the Parents Who Carry Their Legacies Forward\n\nHonoring:\n\nMonica Smith and Santonio Carter, parents of King Carter\n\nCongresswoman Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis\n\nSybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin\n\nChristine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, parents of Nolan Wells\n\nFriday, September 18, 2026\n\n4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBallroom C\n\nWalter E. Washington Convention Center\n\nWashington, D.C.\n\ncbcfinc.com/ALC\n\nAbout the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/frost-ezell-king-hinds-bill-to-give-disaster-survivors-more-time-to-appeal-fema-denials-clears-committee", "Frost, Ezell, King-Hinds Bill To Give Disaster Survivors More Time To Appeal FEMA Denials Clears Committee", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act, led by Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (MP-AL), passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\u2019s markup today, bringing the legislation one step closer to a vote on the House floor.\n\nThe legislation would extend the deadline for applicants to appeal denials of FEMA disaster assistance from 60 to 90 days, matching the amount of time FEMA has to review an appeal. The extension would apply to individual disaster survivors as well as government applicants, including states, cities, counties, and utilities.\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, people should not have to race against the clock to prove that they need help,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost. \u201cIf FEMA has 90 days to review an appeal, survivors should have 90 days to make their case. This is a simple fix that gives families and communities the time they need to gather documents, correct mistakes, and access the assistance they are entitled to.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunities across South Mississippi know firsthand that recovering from a natural disaster is difficult enough without unnecessary hurdles from the federal government. The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a commonsense fix that gives families and local communities more time to navigate FEMA\u2019s appeals process and make their case. If FEMA gets 90 days to review an appeal, disaster survivors deserve the same amount of time to submit one. I\u2019m glad to see this bipartisan bill advance out of committee, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line.\u201d \u2014 Congressman Mike Ezell\n\n\u201cDisaster survivors and communities are often navigating an overwhelming recovery process while trying to access the federal assistance they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds. \u201cHaving experienced firsthand the challenges of disaster recovery in the Northern Mariana Islands, I understand how difficult it can be to gather documentation, navigate federal requirements, and appeal a decision while rebuilding lives and critical infrastructure. The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a practical step that gives disaster survivors and local governments a fair opportunity to make their case. I am proud to join Representatives Frost and Ezell in advancing this bipartisan legislation and ensuring that communities across our nation have the time and support they need to recover.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Post-Disaster Protection Act is an important step toward giving homeowners and community associations more time to appeal FEMA assistance decisions during disaster recovery. CAI is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and commends Rep. Maxwell Frost\u2019s leadership in helping the 78.1 million Americans living in community associations access the federal assistance they need to recover and rebuild.\u201d \u2014 Community Associations Institute\n\n\"Disaster survivors are often at their most vulnerable when they're forced to navigate FEMA's complex appeals process,\" said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. \"The Post-Disaster Protection Act provides much-needed fairness by giving survivors 90 days to appeal a denial, giving them the time they need to gather documentation and correct errors after a disaster upends their lives. This commonsense change will help more residents successfully access the relief they're entitled to and ease the burden on local governments working to help our communities recover. As this legislation heads to markup, counties urge the T&I Committee to advance this bipartisan legislation.\"\n\n\u201cOne of the biggest challenges of responding to and recovering from a disaster is managing the complexities of federal programs. The Post-Disaster Protection Act will bring applicant deadlines into alignment with federal review periods and help ease the burden on disaster survivors. NEMA thanks the Members willing to co-sponsor and make this bill truly bipartisan.\u201d \u2014 A.J. Gary, NEMA President\n\n\u201cThe National League of Cities supports the Post-Disaster Protection Act, which would give communities additional time to appeal FEMA assistance decisions. We thank Representatives Maxwell Frost, Mike Ezell, and Kimberlyn King-Hinds for championing this important bipartisan legislation.\u201d \u2014 Yucel Ors, Legislative Director, Public Safety and Crime Prevention, National League of Cities\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the National Association of Counties, Community Associations Institute, United States Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and National Emergency Management Association.\n\nThe Post-Disaster Protection Act is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-VI), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405290", "Rep. Castor Leads SEEC Institute\u2019s Release of Thriving Economy Project Report", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Castor today joined the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Institute to release the Thriving Economy Project report, a first-of-its-kind menu of more than 800 policy recommendations for Congress to consider now for long-term economic and job growth and affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy for all American families and businesses.\n\nThe report is the product of a coalition of members of Congress and a diverse set of energy, environmental, and economic policy subject-matter experts, including private-sector leaders and advocates, and former senior officials and advisors spanning several past presidential administrations and Congressional offices and committees.\n\nRep. Castor is the Chair of the Thriving Economy Project and is one of nine Members of Congress who worked on the report. Rep. Castor also collaborated with Samantha Medlock on the chapter on Thriving, Affordable, and Resilient Communities.\n\n\u201cMy neighbors are facing rising costs, including from increasingly deadly and costly extreme weather. Geopolitical uncertainty and growing competition from abroad drive difficult decisions at the gas pump and on our farms,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe Thriving Economy Project provides a menu of practical, common-sense solutions that will lower costs and keep our communities safe. It\u2019s a roadmap to help every family, in every zip code, share in a healthier and more secure future.\u201d\n\nThe Thriving Economy Project is an effort of SEEC Institute, a nonprofit founded in 2024 to advance climate and clean energy solutions. The report was shaped by nearly two years of public input, including convenings around the country and more than 1,300 policy recommendations and other responses received from communities and business leaders, experts, advocates, and policymakers across the country and economic sectors.\n\nThe ideas highlighted in the report focus on the challenges affecting American families and businesses today, and cover themes like rising household costs, reliable and affordable energy, economic competitiveness, access to good jobs, ways to make our supply chains more efficient and effective, environmental protection, public lands protections, and government efficiency.\n\nAmong the policy recommendations included in the chapter Rep. Castor led are:\n\nCreate an independent FEMA, with a Senate-confirmed administrator and IG.\n\nReestablish FEMA as an independent, cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President, with a Senate-confirmed Administrator and Deputy Administrator and a dedicated Inspector General.\n\nAdditional policy recommendations included in the report include:\n\nMake sure federal energy assistance helps families keep their homes cool as summers get hotter.\n\nEnsure LIHEAP adequately addresses home cooling needs.\n\nCreate an energy reserve that states could draw on to keep energy prices low.\n\nCreate a Strategic Energy Affordability Reserve drawing from windfall oil and gas profits to give states resources to secure energy price stability for their residents.\n\nCreate a permanent White House office responsible for protecting U.S. energy security from global disruptions.\n\nEstablish a permanent Office of Global Energy Security (OGES) with adequate funding and staff as a component of the White House Executive Office of the President (EOP), structured similarly to the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD).\n\nCreate a 30% tax credit for major new transmission lines and upgrades that increase the capacity of existing lines.\n\nEstablish a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for new high voltage interregional and interstate lines, and for upgrades to existing lines using advanced transmission technologies and reconductoring that increases line capacity.\n\nDownload a copy of the report from the SEEC Institute website at https://www.seecinstitute.org/thriving-economy-project.\n\nMedia Contacts:\n\nCastor Office Media Contact:\n\nJay Rhoden\n\nCommunications Director\n\nJay.Rhoden@mail.house.gov\n\nSEEC Institute Media Contact:\n\nPearson Croney-Clark\n\nDirector of External Affairs\n\nSEEC Institute\n\npearson@seecinstitute.org", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-frost-federal-watchdog-confirms-reports-of-inhumane-conditions-at-alligator-alcatraz", "Rep. Frost: Federal Watchdog Confirms Reports of Inhumane Conditions at \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement after a Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report confirmed that detainees at the now-shuttered \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d were held in outdoor metal cages as small as 16 square feet for extended periods of time:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s report confirms what we already knew: what happened at Alligator Alcatraz was disgusting, inhumane, and a stain on Florida\u2019s history.\n\nI saw those conditions with my own eyes. I went to Alligator Alcatraz twice, and before both visits, I was specifically told to see \u201cthe cage\u201d in the recreation area \u2014 including that there had been blood inside it. Both times, I was assured the cages were no longer being used. Now we know that wasn\u2019t true. The federal government\u2019s own watchdog confirmed that people were being held in outdoor metal cages barely larger than a telephone booth, sometimes for nearly two hours.\n\nThis does not end with Alligator Alcatraz. People in ICE custody across America are still facing horrific conditions. I will continue conducting oversight at facilities across Florida and demanding answers.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/25-years-later-we-remember", "25 Years Later, We Remember", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, FL \u2014 In a statement marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Congressman Maxwell Frost said:\n\n\u201cTwenty-five years ago, our country experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Nearly 3,000 people never made it home to their families, and countless others have lived with that loss every day since.\n\nWe remember the people we lost. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger. And we remember how, in the aftermath, Americans showed up for each other.\n\nThat spirit of looking out for one another is what we should carry forward. Twenty-five years later, we remember, we mourn, and we recommit ourselves to building a country where we take care of each other.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405285", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Opposes Data Centers in Hillsborough County", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Castor highlighted the significant strains on pocketbooks and local resources associated with data center development that can drive up electric and water bills for residents, farmers and small businesses.\n\nIn Hillsborough County, the average electric utility bill has increased by over 40 percent in the past five years. Castor\u2019s bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act would require data centers to pay the full costs of energy demand and protect ratepayers from data center rate hikes.\n\nCastor concluded, \u201cData centers cannot come at a cost to neighbors who are already facing high grocery, gas, utility, health care and housing costs. We need to make sure these projects actually bring good-paying jobs to our community and that workers, families, and neighborhoods aren\u2019t forced to pay the burden of rapid technology growth, while out-of-state tech billionaires get richer.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter below:\n\nRE: Opposition to Data Center Development in Hillsborough County\n\nDear Commissioner[s]:\n\nAs the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners considers the future of data centers in our community, I would like to relay my strong opposition to the siting of data centers in Hillsborough County. The potential impacts on the cost of living for our residents and on our community\u2019s essential resources are too significant to ignore.\n\nAs the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s Energy Subcommittee, I have led the national conversation in Congress as we grapple with high energy bills and rising electricity demand from data centers. I\u2019m proud to lead the Ratepayer Protection Act \u2013 a bipartisan bill that requires data centers to pay the full costs of their energy demand. Data centers cannot be allowed to pass on their costs to hardworking Florida families and small businesses. The Ratepayer Protection Act would preserve local control over siting and permitting decisions \u2013 because these are decisions that should be made by the people and communities where these facilities are being built.\n\nEqually troubling is the immense water usage required for cooling these facilities. In a state where water resources are already under pressure from population growth and climate challenges, diverting millions of gallons for private corporations is neither sustainable nor in the public\u2019s best interest. The county faces moderate to extreme drought conditions, limiting our public water supplies and hurting our farming communities. Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay Water are grappling with huge new water demand requirements and costs. Plant City is already turning to creative water solutions, like reuse for crop freeze protection, and population growth that are threatening local aquifer levels. Community leaders have expressed to me their strong opposition to data centers that could further strain our limited water supplies.\n\nI am also deeply concerned about the new state law permitting nondisclosure agreements for data centers. Secret deals are wrong. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and prevents residents from fully understanding the environmental, economic, and infrastructural impact on their lives. Our community deserves immediate open access to information about developments that could affect our daily lives for decades to come.\n\nData centers cannot come at a cost to neighbors who are already facing high grocery, gas, utility, health care and housing costs. We need to make sure these projects actually bring good-paying jobs to our community and that workers, families, and neighborhoods aren\u2019t forced to pay the burden of rapid technology growth, while out-of-state tech billionaires get richer.\n\nPlease act decisively to protect Hillsborough County\u2019s residents, resources, and long-term sustainability.\n\nI respectfully urge you to prioritize the public interest over private profit.\n\nThank you for your time, service, and commitment to our community.", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-honors-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-bunch-iii-following-retirement-announcement", "Rep. Wilson Honors Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III  Following Retirement Announcement", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement on the retirement of Lonnie G. Bunch III.\n\n\u201cLonnie Bunch III did not simply preserve history. He made it, defended it, and refused to let anyone erase it.\n\n\u201cAs the first Black Secretary of the Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, he transformed a dream carried across generations into a national treasure.\n\n\u201cFor 38 years, Secretary Bunch fought to ensure that Black history was protected and told truthfully. When powerful forces sought to censor exhibits, distort the past, and diminish the Black experience, he stood firmly in their way.\n\n\u201cAttempts to censor our history cannot erase it, and attempts to silence the truth will only make us tell it louder.\n\n\u201cIf there is a sword worth falling on, it is this: We will never stop telling the full American story.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/frost-introduces-no-homeless-detention-centers-act-to-ban-forced-labor-and-cruel-homeless-encampments", "Frost Introduces No Homeless Detention Centers Act to Ban Forced Labor and Cruel Homeless Encampments", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "*LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE*\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) joined Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03), along with Eric Tars of the National Homeless Law Center, Setareh Gandehari, Advocacy Director, Detention Watch Network, and Wesley Thomas, Guest Advisory Board Member, Miriam\u2019s Kitchen to announce his No Homeless Detention Centers Act, legislation to stop federal housing dollars from being used to force people experiencing homelessness into detention-like facilities or subject them to forced labor.\n\nThe bill would prevent the federal government from funding programs that force people experiencing homelessness into shelters, camps, or other facilities against their will. It would also ban these facilities from making people work in exchange for a place to stay or punishing people for doing basic things they need to survive, like sleeping, resting, eating, drinking, or protecting themselves from the weather.\n\n\"No one should look at a person who is homeless and think the answer is to lock them up or make them work for a place to sleep,\u201d said Congressman Frost. \u201cPeople need housing, not cages. They need support, not forced labor. At a time when homelessness is growing and housing is becoming more and more unaffordable, we should be investing in getting people into homes\u2014not building cruel encampments and criminalizing people for trying to survive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAllowing Americans to live on streets is not a standard our nation should be willing to accept, but forcing unhoused people into detention-style facilities and forcing them to work while corporations rake in profits is a cruel punishment,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonamici. \u201cWe must make clear that we won\u2019t stand for federal dollars being used to detain people simply for being unhoused. Together, let\u2019s advance policies that will actually help people experiencing homelessness instead of making their lives more difficult.\u201d\n\n\u201cHomelessness is not a crime \u2013 it is a failure of systems meant to serve the needs of our communities,\u201d said Congressman Carter. \u201cThe solution to this failure is not locking people up. It is not forcing them to work in exchange for a place to stay. It is not denying them access to care. The Trump Administration\u2019s reckless policies are causing homelessness to rise by the day. If we truly want to address homelessness we must invest in affordable housing, expand mental health services, and strengthen workforce pathways \u2013 not punish people for simply trying to survive.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump and all the authoritarians in the Administration want our lives, our labor, and our freedom to extract every bit of profit they can from us for themselves and their billionaire bosses. Just as they knew that mandatory detention paired with Trump\u2019s mass deportation campaign would be good for business, they know that detention camps for unhoused neighbors will also be a lucrative venture,\" said Congresswoman Ramirez. \"Detention has always been UNSAFE, INAPPROPRIATE, INADEQUATE. We must not continue to fund our death and destruction. That's why I introduced the Melt ICE Act, and why I am proud to join Congressman Frost in introducing the No Homeless Detention Centers Act to demand an end to the detention and punishment of our unhoused neighbors. Together, let\u2019s fight for every single thing our people need to thrive, including HOUSING FOR ALL!\"\n\n\u201cWe should be operating from the fundamental truth that every person deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep. When rent, grocery, and gas prices are skyrocketing, and Trump has cut healthcare for tens of millions of people, it is absolutely wrong to criminalize the inability to afford a home. That is why I am proud to co-lead the No Homeless Detention Centers Act to prevent a dime of federal funding from being used to put people experiencing homelessness into the for-profit prison industrial complex.\u201d - Congresswoman Jayapal\n\n\u201cTrump is carrying out a cruel and multi-layered detention expansion plan as part of his mass deportation agenda, locking up tens of thousands of people in facilities rife with egregiously poor conditions, medical neglect, and a culture of violence that results in system-wide abuses, including death. That\u2019s why we are alarmed by the Trump administration\u2019s efforts to criminalize and detain people without homes. We see this is a clear attempt to vilify homeless people and enrich private prison companies and tech surveillance organizations, just as they have done with our immigrant communities - all while ignoring the real affordability crisis in this country.\u201d - Setareh Ghandehari, Advocacy Director, Detention Watch Network\n\nWe shouldn\u2019t have to be here today, introducing the No Homeless Detention Centers Act, legislation restricting federal funds from going to detention camps for Americans who can\u2019t afford the rent. But we are here today, because it is necessary to fight back against the Trump Administration that is aggressively erasing decades of data-based progress on solving homelessness and instead promoting jails, labor camps, warehouses, and asylums, not because there is any evidence to support them, but because the right-wing Cicero Institute is spoon-feeding Trump detention policies that will enrich its billionaire-backers financially \u2013 and benefit him politically. We know the solution to homelessness is housing, not handcuffs. -Eric Tars, Senior Policy Director, National Homelessness Law Center\n\nThe bill comes as the far-right Cicero Institute, a conservative think tank backed by wealthy donors and corporate interests, pushes states and the federal government to criminalize homelessness, ban sleeping in public, and move people into temporary shelters or treatment facilities\u2014sometimes against their will. Versions of these policies have already passed in states including Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah, with some proposals also including work requirements or forced labor.\n\nThe No Homeless Detention Centers Act is endorsed by: National Homelessness Law Center and Detention Watch Network, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Drug Policy Alliance; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; Funders Together for Housing Justice; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Housing Law Project; A Way Home America; Housing Justice Collective; Justice in Aging; National Low Income Housing Coalition; National Association of Social Workers; Poverty & Race Research Action Council; Kids In Crisis; National Organization for Women; The Southern Poverty Law Center; National Network to End Domestic Violence; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); National Partnership for New Americans; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas \u2013 Justice Team; The Workers Circle; Muslim Advocates; DemCast USA; Just Detention International; Coalition on Human Needs; Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR); Freedom Network USA; Latino Community Fund of Washington State; Praxis Health Empowerment; National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Street Democracy; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; Lincoln County Indivisible; Western Center on Law & Poverty; Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center; Access Reproductive Justice and Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness.\n\nFootage of the press conference\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-leads-letter-opposing-president-trumps-decision-import-300000-tons-tariff", "Soto Leads Letter Opposing President Trump\u2019s Decision to Import 300,000 Tons of Tariff-Free Beef", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter to President Donald Trump opposing his recent decision to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef.\n\n\"American consumers are struggling with the rising cost of groceries and deserve long-term solutions to bring prices under control. Grocery prices as a whole have risen 2.7% in the past year, with strong demand for beef and low inventory leading to price increases for beef products. Flooding the market with beef imports will not solve the long-term issues that led us to this point\u2014it will only harm our nation\u2019s ranchers and jeopardize our long-term goal of building a strong domestic beef industry,\u201d wrote the Members. \"American ranchers have faced strong headwinds in recent years. Soaring input costs, droughts, and extreme weather events have left our ranchers with the lowest cattle supply in 75 years\u201d\n\n\"Additionally, the ongoing outbreak of New World Screwworm has imposed additional burdens on ranchers as they work to protect their herds. Since June of this year, 46 cases of New World Screwworm have been detected, posing additional economic risks for our ranchers,\u201d continued the Members. \"Our ranchers are actively working to rebuild America\u2019s domestic beef industry, using strong demand from American consumers to reinvest in their herds. Our policies must reflect our commitment to the ranchers and producers that feed our country.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rep. Soto, the letter was signed by Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).\n\nFor the full text of the bill, please click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-votes-yes-to-keep-the-government-funded-protect-critical-programs-and-lower-costs", "Rep. Wilson Votes \u2018YES\u2019 to Keep the Government Funded, Protect Critical Programs, and Lower Costs", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11.\n\n\u201cToday, I voted \u2018YES\u2019 to keep our government open and protect the vital services families across South Florida depend on. With the cost of living already stretching household budgets, hardworking Americans should not suffer because of dysfunction.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill protects critical housing, nutrition, healthcare, veterans, and infrastructure programs while temporarily blocking the Trump administration\u2019s reckless attempt to politicize federal grants.\n\n\u201cNow, Congress must finish the job and pass full-year funding bills that lower costs, protect our communities, and put people first.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-castor-demand-federal-investigation-accountability-after-grand-jury-finds", "Soto, Castor Demand Federal Investigation, Accountability After Grand Jury Finds Taxpayer Dollars Were Abused for Corrupt Political Purposes", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) are demanding a federal investigation and full transparency following new reporting that $10 million in taxpayer funds from a Medicaid-related settlement were misappropriated and routed through the Hope Florida Foundation, with $8.5 million ultimately flowing to political committees.\n\nIn their latest letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Reps. Soto and Castor urged federal officials to investigate whether the diversion violated federal Medicaid law and determine who was responsible.\n\nEarlier this year, a Florida grand jury concluded that the $10 million was misappropriated \u201cas part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.\u201d The grand jury investigation followed allegations uncovered through a Florida House Republican-led inquiry into the settlement.\n\nReps. Soto and Castor first called for a federal investigation in May 2025 after questions emerged about Florida\u2019s $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene. The settlement directed $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. $8.5 million was then transferred through nonprofit organizations to political action committees controlled by James Uthmeier, Gov. Ron DeSantis\u2019 then-chief of staff and now Florida Attorney General. According to the grand jury report, Uthmeier\u2019s PAC transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC.\n\nThe new grand jury report also raises questions about the unusual speed and timing of the transactions. Centene was required to transfer $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while being granted more than a year to repay the remaining $57 million to the State of Florida. The grand jury concluded the settlement appeared rushed because the 2024 election was only 45 days away and many Florida families were busy recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nDespite concluding that taxpayer money was misappropriated for political purposes, the grand jury found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges because officials would not identify\u2014or said they could not remember\u2014who made the decision to send the $10 million to Hope Florida.\n\nReps. Soto and Castor argue that the inability to pursue state criminal charges does not end the federal government\u2019s responsibility to determine whether Medicaid laws and regulations were violated and taxpayer dollars were misappropriated for political purposes.\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nRE: Urging Transparency into and Accountability for Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida\n\nDear Inspector General Bell and Administrator Oz:\n\nOn May 15, 2025, we wrote a letter urging your agencies to investigate whether the $10 million settlement scheme from Centene to the Hope Florida Foundation at the direction of the State of Florida in 2024 violated federal law and complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid, but $8.5 million in funding was quickly redirected to political committees supporting a Governor DeSantis-led campaign against a ballot amendment to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Recent press reports have brought new information to light regarding the settlement that we believe requires further investigation and clarity by federal agencies.\n\nEarlier this year, a grand jury in Florida concluded that the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer money to Hope Florida Foundation and that the funds \u201cwere misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.\u201d The inquiry followed allegations raised through a Florida House Republican-led investigation. These findings and gross abuse of taxpayer dollars demand immediate federal action.\n\nThe grand jury concluded that \u201cthese funds were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.\u201d The report provides important context on the timing of these financial transactions during the deadly Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and suggests the State may have taken advantage of the chaos and confusion on the ground for purely political gain while Floridians were reeling from the destruction and devastation of sequential natural disasters. The expedited nature of the movement of unusually large amounts of money moving through various entities, and the quick disbursement to their final destination during the 2024 election appears to be illegal and morally wrong.\n\nWe learned several new items from the grand jury report, including an alarming money trail that funneled $8.5 million in taxpayer dollars into a political action committee (PAC) controlled by James Uthmeier, then Florida Governor Ron DeSantis\u2019 chief of staff and now Florida\u2019s Attorney General. Uthmeier\u2019s PAC then transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC.\n\nWe also learned that the repayment schedule for the settlement required Centene to wire transfer the $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while allowing Centene a year and 45 days to repay the remaining $57 million to the State. The grand jury report noted that \u201cThe Centene settlement itself seems rushed as it materialized rapidly after years of inactivity. Then, once reached, it took a mere 7 days to fund. We believe the rush was due to the impending election which was just 45 days away.\u201d\n\nUnfortunately, reports from the grand jury conclude that \u201cDespite our finding that the money was misappropriated, we find insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally\u2026Nobody will take responsibility for deciding the $10 million of taxpayer money would go to Hope Florida\u2026or had any memory of who made it. We recognize that this would be an impediment to criminal prosecution. While we can\u2019t provide who is responsible, we can plainly see that taxpayer money was misused for political purposes and we would like to see changes made to prevent this from happening again\u201d (emphasis added). An inability to pursue state criminal prosecution because public officials profess memory lapses and CMS has recouped the federal share associated with the settlement does not eliminate the federal government\u2019s independent responsibility to protect Medicaid and taxpayer dollars from abuse.\n\nFederal interest is not theoretical. In February 2026, Florida Agency for Health Care Administrator Secretary Shevaun Harris confirmed that Florida calculated and returned the federal share using the full $67 million settlement \u2013 not $57 million \u2013 while characterizing the action as an \u201cabundance of caution.\u201d That accounting undercuts the claim that the $10 million was independent of the Medicaid recovery.\n\nSection 1903(d)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act and 42 C.F.R. Part 433 require states to account for Medicaid overpayment recoveries and return the federal share; states report recoveries through Form CMS-64. HHS OIG regularly audits state reporting of Medicaid settlements and judgments. Reimbursement would not by itself cure the diversion of a Medicaid recovery through private entities for partisan political expenditures, identify the responsible officials or make Florida\u2019s taxpayers whole.\n\nWhile we thank you for your previous response and confirmation that CMS has recouped all federal share associated with the full $67 million settlement, we believe further questions remain, particularly given the new information that has come to light. We kindly request the answers to the following questions:\n\nDid CMS or HHS OIG take any steps to ensure Medicaid and taxpayer dollars are protected following our May 15, 2025 letter, or was the matter simply considered resolved upon recouping the funds despite what the grand jury described as \u201ca sophisticated scheme to divert taxpayer dollars for political purposes?\u201d\n\nFor CMS: In the grand jury report, Mr. Weida confirmed that the State decided to reimburse the federal government\u2019s share of the full $67 million settlement. Please detail all conversations between CMS and the State of Florida about this settlement and the recoupment of the federal share. Given the grand jury testimony, identify any false, incomplete or misleading statement made to CMS concerning the settlement, source of funds, federal share or intended use of the $10 million in taxpayer dollars.\n\nFor HHS OIG: In response to our letter, OIG stated that they had no role in overseeing the terms of the settlement agreed to between the State of Florida and Centene. Given this new information, can you confirm that the State of Florida did not violate federal law and fully complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework?\n\nDid the settlement provision directing $10 million to a private foundation \u2013 and the subsequent transfers to politically active nonprofits and committees \u2013 comply with the Social Security Act, 42 C.F.R. Parts 433 and 438, Form CMS-64 instructions, Florida\u2019s approved Medicaid state plan and all federal award conditions?\n\nWill CMS review other Florida Medicaid-related settlements for third-party carveouts, donations or unreported recoveries?\n\nWill this be used as precedent for other states when determining how to use recouped settlement funding in the future? Will CMS adopt guidance or controls to prevent the routing of Medicaid-related taxpayer dollars to a private entity without enforceable restrictions, robust public reporting or appropriations through legislation?\n\nThe grand jury report ends with recommendations to enact legislation to prevent this from happening again, including rules for taxpayer funding, consequences for violating the law, and measures to ensure taxpayer funds are tracked and monitored. They write that \u201ctaxpayer money should have been treated as such instead of being allocated for partisan political purposes and without transparency.\u201d We urge CMS and OIG to seriously consider the new information brought to light in this case and to provide full transparency into any federal government involvement with the State.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405273", "Castor, Soto Demand Federal Investigation, Accountability After Grand Jury Finds Taxpayer Dollars Were Abused for Corrupt Political Purposes", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Darren Soto (FL-09) are demanding a federal investigation and full transparency following new reporting that $10 million in taxpayer funds from a Medicaid-related settlement were misappropriated and routed through the Hope Florida Foundation, with $8.5 million ultimately flowing to political committees.\n\nIn their latest letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Castor and Soto urged federal officials to investigate whether the diversion violated federal Medicaid law and determine who was responsible.\n\nEarlier this year, a Florida grand jury concluded that the $10 million was misappropriated \u201cas part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.\u201d The grand jury investigation followed allegations uncovered through a Florida House Republican-led inquiry into the settlement.\n\nCastor and Soto first called for a federal investigation in May 2025 after questions emerged about Florida\u2019s $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene. The settlement directed $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. $8.5 million was then transferred through nonprofit organizations to political action committees controlled by James Uthmeier, Gov. Ron DeSantis\u2019 then-chief of staff and now Florida Attorney General. According to the grand jury report, Uthmeier\u2019s PAC transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC.\n\nThe new grand jury report also raises questions about the unusual speed and timing of the transactions. Centene was required to transfer $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while being granted more than a year to repay the remaining $57 million to the State of Florida. The grand jury concluded the settlement appeared rushed because the 2024 election was only 45 days away and many Florida families were busy recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nDespite concluding that taxpayer money was misappropriated for political purposes, the grand jury found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges because officials would not identify\u2014or said they could not remember\u2014who made the decision to send the $10 million to Hope Florida.\n\nCastor and Soto argue that the inability to pursue state criminal charges does not end the federal government\u2019s responsibility to determine whether Medicaid laws and regulations were violated and taxpayer dollars were misappropriated for political purposes.\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nRE: Urging Transparency into and Accountability for Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida\n\nDear Inspector General Bell and Administrator Oz:\n\nOn May 15, 2025, we wrote a letter urging your agencies to investigate whether the $10 million settlement scheme from Centene to the Hope Florida Foundation at the direction of the State of Florida in 2024 violated federal law and complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid, but $8.5 million in funding was quickly redirected to political committees supporting a Governor DeSantis-led campaign against a ballot amendment to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Recent press reports have brought new information to light regarding the settlement that we believe requires further investigation and clarity by federal agencies.\n\nEarlier this year, a grand jury in Florida concluded that the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer money to Hope Florida Foundation and that the funds \u201cwere misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.\u201d The inquiry followed allegations raised through a Florida House Republican-led investigation. These findings and gross abuse of taxpayer dollars demand immediate federal action.\n\nThe grand jury concluded that \u201cthese funds were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.\u201d The report provides important context on the timing of these financial transactions during the deadly Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and suggests the State may have taken advantage of the chaos and confusion on the ground for purely political gain while Floridians were reeling from the destruction and devastation of sequential natural disasters. The expedited nature of the movement of unusually large amounts of money moving through various entities, and the quick disbursement to their final destination during the 2024 election appears to be illegal and morally wrong.\n\nWe learned several new items from the grand jury report, including an alarming money trail that funneled $8.5 million in taxpayer dollars into a political action committee (PAC) controlled by James Uthmeier, then Florida Governor Ron DeSantis\u2019 chief of staff and now Florida\u2019s Attorney General. Uthmeier\u2019s PAC then transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC.\n\nWe also learned that the repayment schedule for the settlement required Centene to wire transfer the $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while allowing Centene a year and 45 days to repay the remaining $57 million to the State. The grand jury report noted that \u201cThe Centene settlement itself seems rushed as it materialized rapidly after years of inactivity. Then, once reached, it took a mere 7 days to fund. We believe the rush was due to the impending election which was just 45 days away.\u201d\n\nUnfortunately, reports from the grand jury conclude that \u201cDespite our finding that the money was misappropriated, we find insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally\u2026Nobody will take responsibility for deciding the $10 million of taxpayer money would go to Hope Florida\u2026or had any memory of who made it. We recognize that this would be an impediment to criminal prosecution. While we can\u2019t provide who is responsible, we can plainly see that taxpayer money was misused for political purposes and we would like to see changes made to prevent this from happening again\u201d (emphasis added). An inability to pursue state criminal prosecution because public officials profess memory lapses and CMS has recouped the federal share associated with the settlement does not eliminate the federal government\u2019s independent responsibility to protect Medicaid and taxpayer dollars from abuse.\n\nFederal interest is not theoretical. In February 2026, Florida Agency for Health Care Administrator Secretary Shevaun Harris confirmed that Florida calculated and returned the federal share using the full $67 million settlement \u2013 not $57 million \u2013 while characterizing the action as an \u201cabundance of caution.\u201d That accounting undercuts the claim that the $10 million was independent of the Medicaid recovery.\n\nSection 1903(d)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act and 42 C.F.R. Part 433 require states to account for Medicaid overpayment recoveries and return the federal share; states report recoveries through Form CMS-64. HHS OIG regularly audits state reporting of Medicaid settlements and judgments. Reimbursement would not by itself cure the diversion of a Medicaid recovery through private entities for partisan political expenditures, identify the responsible officials or make Florida\u2019s taxpayers whole.\n\nWhile we thank you for your previous response and confirmation that CMS has recouped all federal share associated with the full $67 million settlement, we believe further questions remain, particularly given the new information that has come to light. We kindly request the answers to the following questions:\n\nDid CMS or HHS OIG take any steps to ensure Medicaid and taxpayer dollars are protected following our May 15, 2025 letter, or was the matter simply considered resolved upon recouping the funds despite what the grand jury described as \u201ca sophisticated scheme to divert taxpayer dollars for political purposes?\u201d\n\nFor CMS: In the grand jury report, Mr. Weida confirmed that the State decided to reimburse the federal government\u2019s share of the full $67 million settlement. Please detail all conversations between CMS and the State of Florida about this settlement and the recoupment of the federal share. Given the grand jury testimony, identify any false, incomplete or misleading statement made to CMS concerning the settlement, source of funds, federal share or intended use of the $10 million in taxpayer dollars.\n\nFor HHS OIG: In response to our letter, OIG stated that they had no role in overseeing the terms of the settlement agreed to between the State of Florida and Centene. Given this new information, can you confirm that the State of Florida did not violate federal law and fully complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework?\n\nDid the settlement provision directing $10 million to a private foundation \u2013 and the subsequent transfers to politically active nonprofits and committees \u2013 comply with the Social Security Act, 42 C.F.R. Parts 433 and 438, Form CMS-64 instructions, Florida\u2019s approved Medicaid state plan and all federal award conditions?\n\nWill CMS review other Florida Medicaid-related settlements for third-party carveouts, donations or unreported recoveries?\n\nWill this be used as precedent for other states when determining how to use recouped settlement funding in the future? Will CMS adopt guidance or controls to prevent the routing of Medicaid-related taxpayer dollars to a private entity without enforceable restrictions, robust public reporting or appropriations through legislation?\n\nThe grand jury report ends with recommendations to enact legislation to prevent this from happening again, including rules for taxpayer funding, consequences for violating the law, and measures to ensure taxpayer funds are tracked and monitored. They write that \u201ctaxpayer money should have been treated as such instead of being allocated for partisan political purposes and without transparency.\u201d We urge CMS and OIG to seriously consider the new information brought to light in this case and to provide full transparency into any federal government involvement with the State.", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-announces-final-release-of-more-than-1-million-to-florida-international-university-for-environmental-stewardship", "Rep. Wilson Announces Final Release of More than $1 Million to Florida International University for Environmental Stewardship", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) is proud to announce that the final $1,031,000 to be awarded to Florida International University through one of her Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding requests will be released this month. This funding milestone marks the culmination of three projects and over $11.5 million in Congressionally directed funding delivered by Congresswoman Wilson to support critical research, restoration, and educational initiatives that protect South Florida\u2019s Everglades and advance innovative technologies. This release by the National Institute of Standards and Technology of the final grant funding this month will put the full resources behind these projects, enabling the critical work to move forward.\n\n\u201cAs Congress\u2019s top Democrat on water resources and the environment, protecting our waterways is my critical mission. There is no South Florida if we do not protect the Everglades and Biscayne Bay,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cI will also stand with FIU as it delivers critical research and restoration efforts. As a proud steward of the environment, I am proud that this work will positively impact generations of South Floridians.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Wilson (FL-24) is extremely proud that this funding will create a central data clearinghouse, making complex restoration data readily accessible. This funding also supports training students, engaging our communities, and advancing Everglades research that we will all benefit from.\n\nToday\u2019s funding will support FIU\u2019s Everglades Task Force \u2013 Research, Development, Remote Sensing/Geographic Information System Support. The project will support whole-system resilience and assess vulnerabilities. The Everglades Task Force will leverage this funding and existing partnerships to upgrade and modernize carbon-flux measurement towers, deploy cutting-edge remote sensing and geographic information systems, develop a climate technologies and community engagement hub facility, create a central data clearinghouse for data and synthesis across the restoration lifecycle, and conduct research and development on nature-based green-gray solutions and novel methods for restoration and mangrove rehabilitation.\n\nIn March, Congresswoman Wilson (FL-24) had the pleasure of joining FIU\u2019s President Jeanette Nunez in the grand opening of FIU\u2019s Coastal Conservation and Restoration Laboratory and the marine robotics research space at the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus. During the visit, Congresswoman Wilson had the opportunity to see firsthand how the grant funding has been put to work, supporting cutting-edge research and strengthening FIU\u2019s capacity to protect our coastlines. In honor of Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson\u2019s tireless commitment to FIU and the environment, FIU named a research robot after her, RV Wilson.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) is an eighth-term lawmaker from Florida, representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and lifelong educator, she founded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring and dropout prevention program for boys and young men of color. Congresswoman Wilson is also the founder and chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys and the Florida Ports Caucus. This bipartisan task force coordinates federal action to support Florida\u2019s harbors and waterways and is a proud member of the Congressional HBCU Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus. The Florida lawmaker sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Labor Committee. She serves as the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405286", "U.S. Rep. Castor takes aim at High Rents and Predatory Housing Practices", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the Housing Price Transparency Act to help make housing more affordable for renters by disincentivizing predatory AI algorithmic and surveillance pricing. Rents rise when landlords implicitly collude through computer software and algorithms to raise prices together. This new predatory price-fixing demands new solutions to keep rents affordable.\n\n\u201cThe cost of living is already soul-crushing, and rental pricing algorithms make it worse as invisible systems quietly push rents up, putting profits before people who need affordable homes,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cRental software can look at a lot of data\u2014things like what other landlords charge\u2014and suggests rent prices that maximize profit and push housing even further out of reach. Instead, the data should be kept out in the open, algorithms disclosed and collusion ended to protect renters from corporate greed and unreasonable rent increases.\u201d\n\nThe Housing Price Transparency Act is a commonsense approach that would require transparency in pricing practices and give renters more power to combat predatory models. Specifically, the bill would:\n\n-Require disclosure by companies that use an algorithm to help set monthly rental prices.\n\n-Empower the FTC to pursue unfair and deceptive practices in the rental housing market.\n\n-Authorize state attorneys general to bring civil enforcement actions.\n\n-Establish a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue within two years of an alleged violation, with statutory damages of $10,000 per violation.\n\nThe bill builds on Rep. Castor\u2019s record of standing up for consumers, including championing the largest piece of Housing legislation in decades, targeting hidden fees in the hotel and timeshare industries, and leading legislation for pricing transparency in government deals with Big Pharma.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAlgorithmic pricing, the use of formulas to automatically set prices to maximize profit, is increasingly common across industries, including residential rentals. When these formulas incorporate personally identifying information, the practice is known as surveillance pricing, which is distinct from ordinary dynamic pricing based on real-time supply and demand.\n\nWhile new AI-driven tools can simplify the process of finding and comparing housing, they also carry risks: discrimination, lack of transparency in decision-making, and misuse of sensitive personal data.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/for-immediate-releaseaugust-26-2026contactariana-ornearianaornemailhousegovfrost-nadler-demand-antitrust-investigation-into-syscos-291-billion-acquisition-of-restaurant-depot-over-threats-of-higher-costs-for-restaurants", "Frost, Nadler Demand Antitrust Investigation Into Sysco\u2019s $29.1 Billion Acquisition of Restaurant Depot Over Threats of Higher Costs for Restaurants", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to closely scrutinize Sysco's proposed $29.1 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot and investigate its potential anticompetitive effects. In the letter sent to the DOJ and FTC, the Congressmen warn that the deal could reduce competition, drive up costs for independent restaurants, and ultimately make dining out more expensive for consumers\n\nRestaurant Depot currently operates 166 locations across 35 states and serves more than 700,000 restaurants and food service operators. As a direct competitor to Sysco, Restaurant Depot provides independent restaurants with an important alternative when purchasing food and negotiating prices.\n\n\u201cRestaurants are already struggling with rising costs, and eliminating competition in food distribution could make the problem worse. If this merger drives up the cost of food for small restaurants, those costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers. Families can\u2019t afford another hit to their wallets, and that\u2019s why the DOJ and FTC need to closely scrutinize this deal,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10).\n\n\u201cSoaring food prices are forcing Americans to struggle to put food on the table for their families. The last thing our districts need is another bloated corporation using their unfair market power to raise food prices further. The Department of Justice must take its job seriously by fairly and carefully examining this proposed transaction to ensure that American consumers are protected,\u201d said Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust Committee on the Judiciary.\n\n\"Independent restaurants operate on razor-thin margins, and Restaurant Depot gives them an essential alternative to large distributors like Sysco and a critical price benchmark when negotiating with suppliers. If Sysco is allowed to acquire a major competitor, independent restaurants will lose that leverage, face higher food costs, and ultimately have little choice but to pass those costs on to diners. We thank Representatives Frost and Nadler for urging federal regulators to thoroughly investigate this deal before it does lasting harm to independent restaurants and the communities they serve,\u201d said Erika Polmar, Executive Director Independent Restaurant Coalition.\n\nThe proposed acquisition would eliminate a major competitor to Sysco, the nation\u2019s largest food distributor, and could give the company greater leverage over the prices restaurants pay for ingredients and supplies. For independent restaurants operating on already-thin margins, even modest increases in food costs can have significant consequences, including higher prices for customers.\n\nFrost warned that the impact of the merger could extend beyond restaurant owners to consumers and workers. If restaurants face higher costs, they may have little choice but to pass those costs on to customers at a time when families are already cutting back on dining out because of rising prices.\n\nThe proposed acquisition could also have implications for independent farmers and growers. Sysco has touted the increased purchasing power that would result from the acquisition, raising concerns about how greater market concentration could affect the prices paid to producers.\n\nFrost is calling on the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to closely examine the proposed acquisition and launch an antitrust investigation into its potential effects on competition, independent restaurants, farmers, workers, and consumers.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405270", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Administration to Protect American Farmers and Fertilizer Producers Against Rising Costs and Chinese Weaponization", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Zachary Nunn (IA-3), members of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, today led a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging immediate action to protect American farmers and domestic fertilizer producers from a deepening, deliberately engineered supply chain crisis.\n\nGlobal conflicts and market manipulation by the People's Republic of China (PRC) has created a critical vulnerability in America's agricultural supply chain that is hurting American producers, rural communities, and families.\n\n\"Hardworking American farmers, workers and families are depending on the Administration to ensure farmers can access the fertilizer they need, at prices they can afford,\" Rep. Castor said. \"The Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated a willingness to exploit global commodity disruptions to advance its strategic interests at the expense of American producers and consumers. We need to act now to protect our supply chain from bad actors who send costs skyrocketing.\"\n\n\"Iowa farmers shouldn't have to outbid Communist China for American-made inputs in their own backyard,\" said Rep. Nunn. \"Adding fertilizer minerals like phosphate and potash to the U.S. Critical Minerals list was the first step. Now, I'm asking the Administration to work with us on a whole-of-government strategy to secure our fertilizer supply chain and give Iowa producers the certainty to plan for next season.\u201d\n\nRep. Castor is urging USDA and USTR to secure domestic fertilizer production and develop a comprehensive fertilizer supply chain security strategy that accounts for geopolitical risk, adversarial commodity manipulation, and the strategic importance of domestic agricultural inputs before American businesses are irreversibly harmed.\n\nFull text of the letter is below and available here:\n\nDear Secretary Rollins and Ambassador Greer:\n\nWe write as members of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party to urge action to protect American farmers and domestic fertilizer producers from a deepening supply chain crisis. The convergence of geopolitical disruptions, the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s (PRC\u2019s) strategic use of export controls, and PRC government intervention in global commodity markets have created a critical vulnerability in America\u2019s agricultural supply chain. This challenge is one that requires a strong interagency response before irreversible harm can be done to American producers, rural communities, and ultimately, American families.\n\nSulfur is an indispensable input for the manufacture of phosphate fertilizer, an essential tool for sustaining American crop yields. [1] Over the past year, a series of geopolitical shocks including Russia\u2019s war of aggression in Ukraine and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have severely restricted global sulfur supply. [2] The result has been an acute and artificial price spike. In December 2025, sulfur traded at approximately $450 per ton. Today, spot market prices have surged above $1,000 per ton. [3] The United States Gulf Coast, once a reliable but modest global supplier, has become the primary source of global sulfur supply by default. [4] Yet American manufacturers are being systematically outbid in their own backyard.\n\nThe crisis facing American fertilizer producers is not simply a function of market forces, it reflects a deliberate strategic posture by the PRC government. Chinese state-affiliated and state-linked companies are actively purchasing American-produced sulfur at elevated prices, outcompeting domestic manufacturers. Mosaic Company, a cornerstone of American phosphate fertilizer production, was recently outbid for a sulfur contract by CMOC, a PRC-linked metals and mining company operating in Brazil. American sulfur is leaving the country while American fertilizer plants are idled.\n\nIn early May 2026, the PRC enacted a ban on sulfuric acid exports. By purchasing American sulfur at premium prices, converting it into sulfuric acid domestically, and then restricting exports of that processed product, Beijing is effectively weaponizing a critical agricultural input. The move hoards upstream supply while locking downstream output behind export controls. It reflects a sophisticated strategy by the PRC government to acquire American raw materials, process them domestically, and then restrict re-export, achieving supply chain leverage over American agriculture while preserving its own food security and industrial base.\n\nThe consequences of inaction are no longer theoretical. For example, the Mosaic Company is currently in curtailment at two manufacturing facilities due to its inability to secure affordable sulfur. [5] These disruptions are having impacts on farmers as well. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects the average cost of production for an acre of corn to rise to $917 in 2026, up from $890.[6] This will layer on top of the increased cost of diesel and equipment and cut into the already thin margins that American farmers operate on. [7]\n\nThe window for preventive action is closing rapidly. Once phosphate manufacturing capacity is idled, restarting it is a slow and costly process. We urge you both to consider measures to resecure American fertilizer production. We urge USDA and USTR to develop a comprehensive fertilizer supply chain security strategy that accounts for geopolitical risk, adversarial commodity manipulation, and the strategic importance of domestic agricultural inputs.\n\nAmerican farmers, workers, and families are depending on this Administration to ensure farmers can access the fertilizer they need, at prices they can afford. Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated a willingness to exploit global commodity disruptions to advance its strategic interests at the expense of American producers and consumers.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter and please advise on how you can help lessen the pain of the current supply chain crisis.\n\n[1]https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/113324/ERR-354.pdf?v=42889\n\n[2]https://www.woodmac.com/press-releases/middle-east-conflict-disrupts-major-metals-and-mining-markets-threatening-global-supply-and-prices/\n\n[3]https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/052926-high-sulfur-prices-squeeze-fertilizer-margins-spur-production-cutbacks\n\n[4]https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/031926-sulfur-nitrogen-markets-under-pressure-as-middle-east-war-persists-analysts\n\n[5]https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24654-mosaic-to-scale-back-us-phosphate-production-over-high-input-costs\n\n[6] https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/commodity-costs-and-returns\n\n[7]https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/rising-fuel-prices-hit-us-farms-iran-war-drags-2026-06-09/", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/more-than-2000-job-seekers-attend-rep-wilson-s-federal-job-fair", "More Than 2,000 Job Seekers Attend Rep. Wilson\u2019s Federal Job Fair", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI GARDENS, FL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), in partnership with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Miami Dade College, CareerSource South Florida, and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, welcomed more than 2,000 job seekers and 60 vendors to a Federal Job Fair at Miami Dade College.\n\nThe extraordinary turnout demonstrated both the urgent need for employment opportunities and the determination of South Floridians to build brighter, more secure futures. Attendees connected directly with employers representing a wide range of industries and sectors, explored full-time and part-time positions, and accessed on-site career and professional development resources.\n\n\u201cJOBS! JOBS! JOBS! That has always been my mantra because a good job is about far more than a paycheck. It is about dignity, independence, stability, and the ability to provide for your family,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cToday, more than 2,000 people walked through these doors ready to work, grow, and build a brighter future. That incredible turnout sends a powerful message: South Florida is ready for opportunity.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we connect people with meaningful employment, opportunities become careers, careers become stability, and stability strengthens entire families and communities,\u201d Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) continued. \u201cI am proud that we brought 60 vendors together to meet our residents where they are and help open doors that can change lives for generations. This is what progress looks like, and we will continue working until every South Floridian has a real shot at success.\u201d\n\nThe Federal Job Fair was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miami Dade College\u2019s North Campus. The event reflected Congresswoman Wilson\u2019s longstanding commitment to job creation, workforce development, economic opportunity, and empowering South Florida\u2019s working families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5028", "Rep. Frankel Leads Bipartisan Florida Delegation in Urging Surgeon General to Protect Critical HIV Prevention Funding", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) led a bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers in urging Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and the Florida Department of Health to ensure critical federal HIV prevention funding reaches community-based organizations (CBOs), preventing disruptions to essential HIV prevention services across the state.\n\nThis follows reports last month that White House directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to renew direct HIV prevention grants to CBOs nationwide and instead distribute the funding to state and local health departments. In Florida, 11 organizations collectively receive approximately $5 million each year through the program.\n\nThe letter was cosigned by Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Darren Soto (D-FL-9), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).\n\n\u201cFlorida\u2019s CBOs are trusted providers that deliver lifesaving services, including HIV testing, prevention, care coordination, and outbreak response. Any interruption in funding would jeopardize these services, increase the risk of HIV transmission, and undermine the State\u2019s progress in ending the HIV epidemic. In addition, without either direct federal funding or state pass-through funding, affected CBOs risk losing eligibility for the 340B Drug Pricing Program. That would eliminate a critical source of support for providing free or low-cost PrEP and PEP medications and other essential services to uninsured and underinsured Floridians,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate FL DOH\u2019s commitment to protecting public health. We respectfully request that the Department act promptly to ensure uninterrupted HIV prevention services for Floridians and provide a response outlining FL DOH's plans for establishing cooperative agreements with CBOs to pass through these funds,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nRepresentative Frankel also joined House Democratic colleagues in a separate letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding answers about reports that OMB directed the CDC not to renew approximately $46 million in direct HIV prevention grants supporting 96 community-based organizations. The lawmakers emphasized that Congress appropriated these funds to support evidence-based HIV prevention services, including HIV testing, linkage to care, referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and outbreak response.\n\nFor the full text of the letter to Surgeon General Ladapo, click here.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-leads-letter-urging-epa-address-puerto-ricos-drinking-water-emergency", "Soto Leads Letter Urging the EPA to Address Puerto Rico's Drinking Water Emergency", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the EPA to address the urgent drinking water emergency affecting Puerto Rico.\n\n\"In early June, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) detected a rupture in a 72-inch Superaqueduct transmission line. Despite repairs to this fracture, outdated infrastructure continues to cause significant interruptions in water service, leaving roughly 3 million residents with inconsistent access to drinking water,\u201d wrote the Members. \"This crisis is further intensified by a worsening drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor designating more than half of the island as experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. As a result, hundreds of thousands of residents are forced to ration their water supply and go as long as two days without running water.\u201d\n\n\"The island\u2019s water system has carried the weight of an aging infrastructure for decades. Experts estimate that 60 percent of the island\u2019s water supply is lost due to leaks in aging infrastructure\u2026\u201d continued the Members. \"Since this crisis began, residents have been forced to buy potable water, spend money at laundromats, and haul heavy buckets up several flights of stairs to wash dishes, flush toilets, and take showers. The strain falls hardest on those least able to bear it: lower-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities, with community leaders noting that some have been hospitalized as the water shortages persist...\"\n\nIn addition to Rep. Soto, the letter was signed by Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo Jos\u00e9 Hern\u00e1ndez and Reps. Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15).\n\nFor the full text of the letter, please click here.\n\nRecently, Rep. Soto introduced an amendment to H.R. 9022, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, in support of the following report language for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:\n\n\"The Committee directs the Department [of Energy] to offer technical and other programmatic assistance to Puerto Rico for the assessment and implementation of innovative technologies to mitigate power plant emissions, treat and reuse wastewater, produce biofuels, and generate power from solid waste.\n\n\"In addition, the Committee directs the Department [of Energy] to offer technical and other programmatic assistance to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in assessing the feasibility of:\n\n(1) Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands subsea electric and fiber optic cable interconnection as well as a stronger connection between Puerto Rico and surrounding islands such as Vieques and Culebra;\n\n(2) the potential effectiveness of solar and wind power implementation in the territories; plans for power grid repair, improvement, resiliency, and modernization; and\n\n(3) microgrid innovation.\u201d\n\nRep. Soto also supported an amendment to H.R. 9022 introduced by Rep. Vel\u00e1zquez to direct the U.S. Secretary of the Army to fund an integrated water management plan for Puerto Rico.\n\nAdditionally, Rep. Soto co-sponsored H.R. 7397, the Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act, introduced by Resident Commissioner Hern\u00e1ndez, to require the U.S. Secretary of the Army to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Puerto Rico's water and wastewater infrastructure modernization needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3535", "Wasserman Schultz, Cleaver Convene Housing Officials, Advocates to Tackle High Housing Cost Crisis", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Lauderdale Lakes, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) joined local housing advocates and public housing officials who help Floridians facing skyrocketing housing costs to discuss possible solutions and reforms the affordability problem confronting nearly all Floridians when it comes to keeping a roof over their head.\n\n\u201cHome insurance, rent, and mortgage costs keep climbing, flooding fears only grow, and we have a Republican Legislature that ignores our problems in Tallahassee, while handcuffing any local solutions at home,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cDemocrats are working to solve these problems, and that\u2019s why I brought Congressman Cleaver here, so local leaders can work closely with us to help our hard-working families can afford to put a safe, comfortable roof over their head.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, it comes as no surprise that many of the challenges facing families in South Florida are the same challenges facing families back home in Kansas City. Housing affordability has reached the point of crisis in this country, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents an important step toward addressing some of the barriers that are driving up the cost of housing.\" said Cleaver. \"Rep. Wasserman Schultz worked to advance provisions in the legislation important to her constituents, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to build on that progress. Today, I appreciated hearing from housing leaders about the positive impact they expect the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to have in their communities, as well as the challenges that still require the attention of Congress.\u201d\n\nThe discussion keyed in on federal legislative solutions that can be implemented when House Democrats take back control of the House of Representatives in the next Congress. Cleaver is the lead Democrat of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.\n\nFlorida ranks among the worst states for affordable rent, and recent polls show as many as half of all residents have considered leaving the state due to rising costs of living. Wasserman Schultz and Cleaver discussed how Congress can help relieve this crisis, and asked advocates and local officials to share other ideas.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5026", "Frankel Responds to Trump\u2019s Dangerous Childhood Vaccine Order", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order overhauling the childhood vaccine schedule and pushing dangerous misinformation about lifesaving vaccines:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s new executive order changing the childhood vaccine schedule against the advice of pediatric experts is dangerous and makes no sense,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \"Vaccines have saved millions of children from diseases that once killed, paralyzed, and disabled them. These changes could mean more sick children, more trips to the doctor, and higher health care costs for families. Our grandchildren should not be guinea pigs for political ideology or conspiracy theories. As a grandmother, I am furious. Our kids deserve medical decisions based on science, not politics.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-12T06:18:38Z", "2026-08-12T06:20:33Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405264", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Fights to Protect 700+ TPA Security Officers\u2019 Jobs, Pay & Earned Benefits", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) urged Tampa International Airport (TPA) CEO Michael Stephens and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) Chair Chip Diehl to reverse plans to privatize the airport\u2019s passenger-screening workforce through the Transportation Security Administration\u2019s TSA Gold+ initiative. The change would replace more than 700 federal Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at TPA with a private contractor responsible for passenger screening and checkpoint equipment and technology.\n\n\u201cEvery day, TPA TSOs greet and protect 70,000 passengers\u2014neighbors, friends, and visitors\u2014ensuring that each journey begins and ends with security and care. Their professionalism is not just a job requirement; it is a commitment to the well-being of our community. To replace these federal officers with a private contractor is to risk public safety, place profit above people and jeopardize the livelihoods of those who have served us faithfully,\u201d said Castor in her letter.\n\n\"Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, where terrorists exploited lax airport security screeners, TPA should not weaken its safety framework. TSOs are vital to operating safely and smoothly, protecting tens of thousands of passengers every day. TPA TSOs continued reporting for duty through government shutdowns\u2014even when their paychecks did not arrive. During those difficult periods, the vast majority of TPA\u2019s TSOs stood by TPA and the traveling public. Now, TPA leadership must stand by them and reverse the plan to eliminate more than 700 federal officers and put their pay, health coverage and earned retirement benefits at risk in favor of a private for-profit contractor.\u201d\n\nIf TPA continues on this track, it will be among the first airports in the country to weaken the post 9/11 security framework by entering into TSA Gold+, with the transition expected to be fully implemented by May 2027. Castor warned that privatization would create uncertainty for hundreds of Tampa Bay Veterans and longtime officers who have built careers serving the traveling public. TPA TSOs risk losing federal retirement benefits, health coverage and accrued vacation time they have earned over their years of federal service.\n\nCastor challenged the argument that privatization is necessary to accelerate the deployment of modern screening technology, citing increases authorized by Congress for TSA\u2019s technology funding to support the deployment of advanced screening equipment. The potential transfer of control of checkpoint technology to a private, for-profit contractor would put taxpayer dollars and travelers\u2019 sensitive personal data at unnecessary risk, including through data breaches or misuse.\n\nCastor\u2019s letter is available here and below.\n\nRe: Support for Tampa Airport TSA Security Officers and Opposition to TSA Gold+\n\nDear Mr. Stephens and Mr. Diehl:\n\nI write not just as a representative, but as a member of the Tampa Bay community who deeply values the dedication and integrity of our Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at Tampa International Airport (TPA). The proposal to privatize the workforce of over 700 TSOs and outsource passenger screening under the TSA Gold+ program will profoundly affect the lives of hundreds of families, the safety of millions of travelers and the reputation of the best airport in the country.\n\nEvery day, TPA TSOs greet and protect 70,000 passengers, neighbors, friends, and visitors, assuring that each journey begins and ends with security and care. Their professionalism is not just a job requirement; it is a commitment to the well-being of our community. To replace these federal officers with a private contractor is to risk public safety, place profit above people and jeopardize the livelihoods of those who have served us faithfully, including the many veterans and long-serving officers in the TSO ranks.\n\nI have heard directly from TPA TSOs, who have expressed their deep concern and opposition to privatization. Their sense of duty, pride and belonging cannot be replicated by a private entity. Tampa International Airport deserves world-class security, rooted in experience and dedication, not instability and uncertainty.\n\nThis proposal arrives as we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks\u2014a painful reminder of what happens when airport security is left to private firms with high turnover and inconsistent training. The Transportation Security Administration and federal TSOs were created by Congress after 9/11 to prevent another terrorist attack and ensure that our airports would never again be vulnerable to such tragedy. To weaken aviation security now is to forget the lessons learned at great cost and the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.\n\nPrivatization threatens not only security but also the economic stability of hundreds of Tampa Bay area families. TSOs face the loss of federal retirement benefits, health coverage and accrued vacation time. Even if offered comparable salaries initially, there is no guarantee of long-term financial security. At a time when inflation and living costs are high, this change would bring hardship to those who have given so much to our community.\n\nTPA TSOs have shown unwavering dedication, maintaining low call-out rates during government shutdowns and high service standards. Their commitment has been inspiring. To discharge them now under TSA Gold+ would be a betrayal of trust and gratitude.\n\nI understand that TSA proposes to allow TSA Gold+ contractors to ease deployment of screening technology. While modern screening technology is important, Congress already has provided TSA with increased funding to deploy these advancements. There is no need to risk taxpayer dollars or passenger data by handing over control to a private contractor whose primary motivation is profit, not public safety. The risks of data breaches and misuse are simply unacceptable.\n\nPrivate contractors may cut corners on training, wages and benefits, leading to fatigue and reduced vigilance. Unlike federal officers, whose mission is public safety, contractors\u2019 financial incentives may conflict with the imperative to protect lives. TPA TSOs should not be defunded.\n\nFor all of these reasons, I implore you to reject the change to TSA Gold+. Let us honor the memory of the Americans lost and injured on 9/11 by upholding the commitment to vigilance and security that has kept us safe for a quarter-century. Let\u2019s also stand with our TSOs, local families, and our community. Thank you.\n\nSincerely,\n\nKathy Castor\n\nUnited States Representative\n\nFlorida \u2013 District 14", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-alejandro-frost-and-florida-democrats-press-desantis-administration-for-answers-on-planned-use-of-ai-in-snap-eligibility-determinations", "Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Florida Democrats Press DeSantis Administration for Answers on Planned Use of AI in SNAP Eligibility Determinations", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Florida's Rush to Use AI in SNAP Program\n\nORLANDO, FL \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation\u2014Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Darren Soto (FL-9), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) sent a letter to Florida Deputy Secretary Williams and Governor Ron DeSantis demanding answers about the state's plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rate.\n\n\"We understand that the state must act urgently to address the impending budgetary crisis created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, we are concerned with one of the state's proposed solutions: the appropriation of $4 million in state funds for the new and relatively unproven technology of AI to identify the SNAP error rate,\" wrote the Members.\n\n\"The state is moving on an extraordinarily accelerated timeline to procure an AI vendor by September 1, yet Floridians have received little information about how that vendor will be selected or what safeguards will be in place,\" continued the Members. \"We are seeking answers about the vendor's qualifications, the accuracy of its AI tools, protections against bias, human oversight of AI decision-making, transparency, appeals for affected SNAP recipients, and whether the state has contingency plans if it fails to meet its procurement deadline.\"\n\nFor a copy of the letter, please click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3534", "Wasserman Schultz Joins Constituent Released from ICE Facility", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Sunrise, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined her constituent Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone after she was released from the ICE Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach last night.\n\nClick here to watch the full press conference.\n\nClick here for video of Claudia and Wasserman Schultz meeting.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so grateful and relieved that Claudia is with her family again. I was proud to help put a spotlight on her case, but there are 300,000 Florida families who had TPS ripped away just like Claudia, and they are just as vulnerable to the kind of cruel arrest and detention that she and her family just went through,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cShe\u2019s clearly no threat to our community. And the atrocious pain and uncertainty that she and her family were put through, and all the immense, wasteful expense it costs taxpayers, are just appalling. The end of TPS means more and more of our neighbors will be targeted by ICE. I\u2019ll keep fighting to keep families like Claudia\u2019s together, and to put an end to Trump\u2019s racist cruelty. There are still too many Claudias going through this same horror.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, my heart is also with the many people in detention without the same support and visibility, and also the opportunity to have shared their stories and also be heard,\u201d said Claudia. \u201cI hope this moment also shines a light on them, because this journey is just the beginning.\u201d\n\nClaudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone was held at the Pompano Beach facility after being detained for eight days at the ICE Field Office in Miramar, where Wasserman Schultz recently conducted oversight and put a spotlight on inhumane conditions. Claudia lawfully moved from Venezuela to the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa, and within six months applied for asylum. She received Temporary Protected Status in 2023, and her asylum case is pending. Earlier in July, she was arrested by ICE agents at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Last year, she earned her master\u2019s degree from St. Thomas University.\n\nWhen she spoke to Claudia last week, Wasserman Schultz says she described being held for eight days in the Miramar ICE facility, significantly longer than the 72 hours allowed by law. Claudia had no access to a shower or change of clothes for the entirety of her time in Miramar. She also described women sleeping on the floor and limited light.", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-to-host-free-federal-job-fair-for-south-florida-job-seekers", "Rep. Wilson to Host Free Federal Job Fair for South Florida Job Seekers", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI GARDENS, FL \u2014 Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will host a free Federal Job Fair with Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Miami Dade College, 11380 Northwest 27th Avenue, Building 3.\n\nThe event comes as recent teacher layoffs and federal workforce reductions have left many experienced workers searching for new employment opportunities. The Department of Government Efficiency\u2019s federal workforce cuts have disproportionately affected Black women and other federal employees, disrupting careers and creating uncertainty for families throughout South Florida.\n\n\u201cAfter DOGE firings disproportionately impacted Black women and other federal workers, we are stepping up to connect our community with new opportunities, resources, and a path forward,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cRecent teacher layoffs have also displaced dedicated educators who have spent their careers serving our children. This job fair will bring employers and job seekers together so qualified workers can explore open positions and take the next step in their careers.\u201d\n\nJob seekers attending the fair will have the opportunity to meet directly with recruiters, interview for full-time and part-time positions, explore careers across multiple industries, and access on-site employment and professional development resources.\n\nAttendees are encouraged to bring several copies of their r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and dress professionally, as participating employers will be prepared to meet and recruit qualified candidates.\n\nThe Federal Job Fair is free and open to the public. Attendees may scan the event QR code to RSVP.\n\nWHO\n\nU.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, Florida\u2019s 24th Congressional District\n\nMiami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III\n\nMiami Dade College\n\nCareerSource South Florida\n\n5000 Role Models of Excellence Project\n\nParticipating employers and recruiters\n\nWHEN\n\nThursday, August 13, 2026\n\n11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.\n\nWHERE\n\nMiami Dade College, North Campus\n\nConference Center\n\n11380 NW 27th Avenue\n\nBuilding 3, Room 3249\n\nMiami, FL 33167\n\nVISUALS\n\nCongresswoman Wilson engaging with job seekers and participating employers; recruiters meeting with prospective applicants; on-site interviews and networking; employment and professional development resources.\n\nRSVP\n\nPress RSVP required. Members of the media planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Kailyn McBride at kailyn@mail.house.gov.\n\nFor additional event information, call 305-690-5905.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3533", "Wasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Pompano Beach ICE Facility Oversight Visit, Announces New ICE Reform Legislation", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Pompano Beach, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced oversight inspection of the ICE Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach. Wasserman Schultz also announced two new bills, the No PREJUDICE Act to prohibit ICE from racial profiling, and the Build Homes, Not Hate Act to redirect ICE funds to instead build housing.\n\nClick here to watch the full press conference.\n\nA Wasserman Schultz constituent, Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone, is being held at the facility after being detained for eight days at the ICE Field Office in Miramar, where Rep. Wasserman Schultz recently conducted oversight and put a spotlight on inhumane conditions. Claudia lawfully moved from Venezuela to the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa, and within six months applied for asylum. She received Temporary Protected Status in 2023 and her asylum case is pending. Earlier in July, she was arrested by ICE agents at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Last year, she earned her master\u2019s degree from St. Thomas University. Wasserman Schultz spoke with Claudia via phone to learn about her treatment at the ICE facilities in Pompano Beach and Miramar.\n\nWhen she spoke to Claudia, Wasserman Schultz says she described being held for eight days in the Miramar ICE facility, significantly longer than the 72 hours allowed by law. Claudia had no access to a shower or change of clothes for the entirety of her time in Miramar. She also described women sleeping on the floor and limited light. Wasserman Schultz was joined by Claudia\u2019s friends and family for the press conference.\n\n\u201cStories like Claudia\u2019s and so many others must lead to action. Because the end of TPS means more and more of our neighbors will be targeted by ICE,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cRight now, ICE agents are overrunning airports to catch law-abiding residents like Claudia, upending lives, wasting taxpayer dollars, and betraying America\u2019s values. Every dollar we spend to build mass detention centers is a dollar not spent on making life more affordable for working families.\u201d\n\n\u201c[Claudia] is living proof that the reality is much more complicated than any narrative that can be painted,\u201d said Gabriel Dominguez, Claudia\u2019s cousin. \u201cWe can\u2019t allow labels to replace humanity.\u201d\n\nThe No PREJUDICE (No Person\u2019s Race, Ethnicity, Job, or Use of Dialect or Inflection is Cause for Enforcement) Act would ensure that that no DHS funds may be used to target people based on perceived race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. It would bar DHS from targeting people just because they are at a bus stop, car wash, a Home Depot, or any other place associated with temporary work. It would also ensure that speaking Spanish, Haitian Creole, or even English with an accent, is not a legal cause for immigration enforcement. Read the full No PREJUDICE Act here.\n\nThe Build Homes, Not Hate Act would claw back $70 billion of ICE funds from the Republican Big Ugly Law, and to use that money to solve America\u2019s housing cost crisis and end homelessness, once and for all. By redirecting this money from incarceration to investment in home construction, conversion, and preservation, 200,000 new affordable and market-rate housing units can be generated in the most expensive regions, like South Florida. There would remain enough money left over to provide supportive housing and transitional services to every single homeless person in America. Read the full Build Homes, Not Hate Act here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405255", "ICYMI: Castor Delivers $2.29 Million to Cut Costs, Protect Property and Invest in Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "ST. PETERSBURG, FL \u2014 This week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced $2,290,288 in community project funding for two stormwater projects designed to cut costs and protect St. Petersburg residents, roadways and property from frequent flooding. St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City Council Members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Brandi Gabbard and community leaders cheered the local investments.\n\nCastor secured the investments through federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) on behalf of the City of St. Petersburg. The projects will upgrade aging drainage infrastructure in two flood-prone areas, improve emergency access and public safety during storms and strengthen the city\u2019s long-term resilience as heavy rainfall and tidal flooding become more frequent.\n\nView photos from the press conference here.\n\n\u201cTampa Bay families should not have to worry that a heavy rainstorm will flood their street, damage their property or cut them off from their neighborhood,\u201d said Castor. \u201cI am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these federal investments because protecting our neighbors from flooding requires reliable, modern infrastructure. These projects will help keep important roadways open, move stormwater more effectively and make our community safer and more resilient for years to come.\u201d\n\nCastor community projects include:\n\nMLK Street South Flooding Alleviation \u2014 $1,145,144: The project will elevate and improve Martin Luther King Jr. Street South between 30th Avenue South and 36th Avenue South, where flooding can make the roadway impassable during heavy rainfall. The funding will also expand stormwater culverts to improve drainage capacity and reduce roadway flooding under current and future conditions.\n\n88th Avenue North and 4th Street North Storm Drainage Improvements \u2014 $1,145,144: The project will address recurring street flooding near a tidally influenced stormwater outfall. Planned improvements include replacing and enlarging stormwater conveyance systems, installing new inlets and underground piping, and adding stormwater storage. Green infrastructure will be incorporated where feasible to reduce runoff and improve water quality.\n\nTogether, the projects will reduce the risk of roadway and structural flooding, protect nearby homes and businesses, improve access for residents and emergency responders during severe weather, and increase the reliability of St. Petersburg\u2019s stormwater system.\n\nCastor secured $19,607,288 for 15 community priority projects across Tampa Bay through the FY 2026 federal appropriations. These investments will lower costs, expand affordable housing, strengthen flood mitigation, improve transportation, create workforce training opportunities in trades and expand services for students, young people, veterans and military families.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5025", "Reps. Frankel, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Korean War Veterans", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "###", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3530", "Wasserman Schultz, Florida House Democrats Oppose Endangered Species Act Rollbacks, Demand Rule Withdrawal", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Darren Soto (FL-09), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to immediately withdraw their agencies\u2019 final rule redefining \u201charm\u201d under the Endangered Species Act.\n\nThis change makes it easier for the oil, gas, and mining industries and development interests to encroach on wildlife habitat, so long as it does not directly harm threatened or endangered plants and animals themselves.\n\n\u201cIn yet another handout to polluters, Trump is making it easier for his corporate friends to cash in on our natural resources and simply ignore protections for rare plants and animals,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cAnyone who cares about Florida\u2019s treasured Everglades, coral reefs, and the amazing wildlife that call our state home should be angry as hell about this.\u201d\n\nOver 100 species found in Florida are listed under the Endangered Species Act, including iconic animals like the manatee, the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the hawksbill sea turtle. Many of these species are found nowhere else on earth.\n\n\u201cThe rule change directly threatens the unique habitats that support the plants and animals for which our state is renowned,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cClimate change coupled with unprecedented urban growth in Florida and around the nation has pushed our wildlife to the brink. This rule will significantly weaken the ESA and usher in the often-irreversible loss of habitat, hastening the extinction of plants and animals that are a vital part of our state\u2019s culture and tourism economy.\u201d\n\nThe rule change was followed by two other Endangered Species Act rollbacks, one which ends automatic protections for newly listed threatened species \u2013 those on the brink of endangered status \u2013 and one which gives more weight to economic factors when considering critical habitat designation.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n####", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405252", "Castor, Welch Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Energy Grid, Lower Electric Bills", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, and Sen. Peter Welch (VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy and Credit, this week reintroduced the Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act, bicameral legislation that aims to make it easier for the United States to advance affordable, clean energy projects and strengthen its electric grid.\n\nThe Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that interstate and offshore transmission infrastructure projects allocate costs to beneficiaries more fairly. The legislation would help lower energy costs for consumers by accelerating the construction of interstate transmission lines that deliver vital affordable, clean energy to communities across the country.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s aging electric grid and growing transmission bottlenecks are driving up energy costs for Florida families, slowing the development and deployment of newer, cheaper energy resources and leaving communities more vulnerable to increasingly extreme weather,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act will help address these challenges by making it easier to complete essential transmission projects, reduce costly grid congestion and deliver affordable, reliable electricity where it is needed. This commonsense legislation will help build a cheaper, cleaner, stronger and more resilient energy future for families and businesses across Tampa Bay.\u201d\n\n\u201cStrengthening America\u2019s electric grid is essential to ensuring we can meet modern electricity and climate challenges. Finding ways that make it easier to construct and complete transmission projects that boost the resiliency of our grid and lower costs for consumers is a major part of that. We\u2019re working to bolster our grid against extreme weather and help ensure every home across America has access to affordable and reliable electricity,\u201d said Sen. Welch.", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3528", "Wasserman Schultz Joins Mourning, Overtown Youth Center to Announce Broward Expansion", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Hollywood, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz joined Overtown Youth Centers (OYC) Co-Founder Alonzo Mourning, Broward School District representatives, and local elected officials to announce OYC\u2019s expansion into Broward County.\n\nClick here to watch the full press conference.\n\nIn partnership with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), OYC is further expanding its proven youth development model to communities in South Broward County. Through an official agreement with Broward County Public Schools, OYC expanded its programming to McNicol Middle School in Summer 2026 and will continue through the new school year.\n\nThe expansion will also offer OYC services at McNicol Middle School to students from four nearby elementary schools. This represents a strategic investment in increasing access to high-quality, outcome-driven programming for more students and families.\n\n\u201cI'm ecstatic that the Overtown Youth Center will bring its proven, holistic model for family and child success to Broward County,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cIf we truly want all our children to travel on a path of success, they must have access to sound nutrition and tutoring, STEM and arts education, and the family support systems that make it all possible. This proven enrichment blueprint is just the type of empowering infrastructure that our Broward communities deserve, and I'll support these efforts any way that I can. I'm also very proud that our Broward County School District leaders and Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy are teaming with community leader and OYC architect Alonzo Mourning, to embrace this amazing expansion opportunity to support our children and families.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor 25 years, I have been committed to ensuring that children and families have access to the high-quality programs they need to thrive. I know firsthand that there are a lot of champions in our communities; and my goal is to galvanize resources for our families and to nurture the gifts and talents of our young people. Through OYC and Honey Shine, our goal is to provide empowering, enriching and exposure opportunities that positions all those we serve to compete and win in this world, and I am proud to strengthen that mission through our partnership with Broward County Public Schools,\u201d said Mourning.\n\n\u201cThis partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every child has access to meaningful opportunities that support academic growth, personal development, and long-term success. We are proud to welcome OYC\u2019s proven programming into our schools and to expand the resources available to students and families in South Broward,\u201d said Broward School Board Member Maura McCarthy Bulman.\n\nOYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, empower, and enrich the lives of youth, adults, and families by providing a comprehensive and long-term approach to strengthening communities.", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-announces-over-36-million-federal-aviation-administration-funding-orlando", "Soto Announces Over $36 Million in Federal Aviation Administration Funding for Orlando International Airport", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, FL \u2014 Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) hosted a press conference at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to announce over $36 million in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds for MCO. He was joined by City of Orlando Commissioner Tom Keen and union representatives.\n\n\u201cWe are proud to announce another $36 million in federal funding for MCO, which builds upon the $33 million recently awarded from the Airport Terminals Program to modernize public restrooms and enhance family facilities,\u201d said Rep. Soto. \"Since passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we\u2019ve worked to secure over $500 million in funding for MCO\u2014more than any other Florida airport. As Congress works on a new Infrastructure Law, we must ensure that it includes airports, ports, water, and electric grid projects in addition to roads, bridges, and road transportation projects.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical for us to maintain the infrastructure that supports our airport in order for it to continue running efficiently,\u201d said Commissioner Tom Keen. \u201cI thank Congressman Soto for his leadership to ensure the over 58 million people who visit our airport have a smooth travel experience.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is important to recognize leaders who understand what a strong airport depends on. Keeping our airport running boosts the local economy and helps thousands of workers maintain their jobs,\u201d said TWU Local 555 Representative Edgar Jimenez. \u201cWe thank Congressman Soto for supporting working families and investing in the future of Central Florida.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. FAA awarded MCO the following funds:\n\n$22,140,828 from the Airport Improvement Program for a project to rehabilitate existing 6,700 feet Taxiway E lighting and 6,700 feet of Taxiway F lighting to extend their useful lives. This grant funds phase 2 of the project, which consists of construction of 4,200 feet of Taxiway E and 4,200 feet of Taxiway F.\n\n$13,891,922 from the Airport Infrastructure Grants Program for a project to reconstruct 39,311 square feet of existing terminal by reconstructing the restrooms that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of 11,078 square feet of design and construction.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3527", "Wasserman Schultz Leads 50+ Democrats in Bill to Protect TPS Holders, Restore Checks and Balances", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cHundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes are at risk of being torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will because of the horrible decisions made by the Trump Administration and a MAGA Supreme Court,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cThis fight is not over. My TPS Review Act will restore checks and balances on the President\u2019s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.\u201d\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) introduced the TPS Review Act, which would reassert judicial and Congressional review of the executive branch\u2019s decisions about TPS. She was joined by 58 original cosponsors, including Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Yvette Clarke, (NY-09), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06). A federal appeals court gave Haitians a temporary reprieve Wednesday from losing their deportation protections from deportation, which had been set to end Friday. That reprieve could end anytime after Monday, July 27.\n\nThe crux of the Supreme Court\u2019s Trump v. Miot ruling that allows this threat to proceed, is that, regardless of whether the Administration\u2019s TPS termination for Haiti and Syria was lawful, courts have no authority to assess if a decision to revoke TPS is legal. This legislation explicitly allows court reviews of TPS determination reasoning, which in the case of Haiti was clearly fueled by Trump Administration racism.\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes are at risk of being torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will because of the horrible decisions made by the Trump Administration and a MAGA Supreme Court,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cThis fight is not over. My TPS Review Act will restore checks and balances on the President\u2019s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.\u201d\n\nThe TPS Review Act would amend the Temporary Protected Status statute to institute judicial review, establish a cause of action for TPS recipients and their representatives to sue for relief in court, and allow Congress to reverse a TPS termination by simple majority vote under the Congressional Review Act.\n\nThis legislation will also require a standardized, documented process for the Executive Branch to review country conditions before TPS can be revoked, creating a paper trail for litigation. It places the burden of evidence on the Government to prove that a challenged TPS decision complies with these requirements.\n\nUnder this bill, TPS recipients would maintain their status and work permits automatically and indefinitely while a termination is litigated in court, eliminating the uncertainty that has harmed Florida businesses and consumers over the last year.\n\nOriginal co-sponsors include: U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Donald Beyer, Shontel Brown, Andr\u00e9 Carson, Kathy Castor, Joaquin Castro, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Angie Craig, Danny Davis, Suzan DelBene, Maxine Dexter, Adriano Espaillat, Lois Frankel, Maxwell Frost, Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda, Jimmy Gomez, Al Green, Adelita Grijalva, Steven Horsford, Jonathan Jackson, Henry Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rick Larsen, John Larson, George Latimer, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, John Mannion, Doris Matsui, Jennifer McClellan, Morgan McGarvey, James McGovern, Gregory Meeks, Jared Moskowitz, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Norton, Nancy Pelosi, Scott Peters, Brittany Pettersen, Stacey Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Marc Veasey, Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Frederica Wilson.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n####\n\nRelated News\n\nWasserman Schultz Calls on FIU to Rescind Punishment of Student ICE Protest\n\nJuly 21, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nWasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Miramar ICE Facility Oversight Visit\n\nJuly 2, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nSun Sentinel: Congresswoman describes \u2018inhumane\u2019 conditions at Miramar ICE facility\n\nJuly 2, 2026 | Posted in In the News", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405250", "Castor Opposes Blank Check for Iran War in Extreme Defense Spending Bill", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the extreme fiscal year 2027 defense spending bill:\n\n\u201cThe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) typically is a bipartisan commitment to our armed forces and the men and women who defend our country. Unfortunately, extreme politicians in Washington hijacked this critical legislation with divisive policies that do nothing to fortify our military or improve the quality of life of service members, civilian workers and military families. The bill proposes to spend $1.5 trillion without a strategy for the war in Iran. I cannot support a blank check for an open-ended war with no clear objectives, timeline or exit strategy.\n\n\u201cThe war has already cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, driven up gas prices and transportation - painfully rippling through the pocketbooks of Tampa Bay families grappling with high-priced groceries and bills. The highest costs are being carried by our service members and their families, who deserve a clearly defined mission\u2014not continued uncertainty. Americans have made clear that they do not want war, yet extreme politicians refuse to listen.\n\n\u201cFamilies and small businesses are struggling with the rising cost of housing, health care, electric bills, groceries and much more. Congress should be laser-focused on lowering costs\u2014not writing a blank check for a war the American people oppose.\n\n\u201cI hope that the House and the Senate can come to a bipartisan agreement on the NDAA, removing harmful policy riders and refocusing the bill on supporting our military and service members as intended.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-legislation-honoring-vice-mayor-nancy-metayer-heads-to-house-floor-for-vote-after-clearing-key-committee", "Moskowitz Legislation Honoring Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Heads to House Floor for Vote After Clearing Key Committee", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) announced that his legislation to rename the United States Postal Service facility located at 3255 NW 94th Avenue in Coral Springs as the \u201cNancy Metayer Post Office Building\u201d has advanced out of the House Oversight Committee. The committee\u2019s approval marks a key legislative hurdle and sends the bill to the House Floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cNancy Metayer devoted her life to serving Coral Springs and making South Florida a better place,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cShe was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and, most importantly, a deeply kind person who advocated for everyone. We are now one step closer to ensuring Nancy\u2019s legacy is permanently recognized in the community she loved and served.\u201d\n\nVice Mayor Nancy Metayer was a dedicated public servant and community leader whose work left a lasting impact on Coral Springs and communities across South Florida. She made history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission and later served as Vice Mayor, where she championed environmental stewardship, public health, sustainability, and inclusive community development.\n\nBefore serving in elected office, Metayer led environmental justice efforts across Florida, working on issues ranging from water quality to disaster response. She also served on numerous local and statewide boards and was widely respected for her commitment to improving the lives of others.\n\nMetayer\u2019s tragic passing was a profound loss for Coral Springs and for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Once enacted, the designation would permanently honor Vice Mayor Metayer\u2019s leadership, service, and contributions to the Coral Springs community.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T08:16:28Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405247", "Castor Breast Cancer Awareness Bill Passes House", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) celebrated passage of her bipartisan Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act Reauthorization (H.R. 4541) with Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).\n\nBreast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and 42,000 deaths are expected from breast cancer in 2025. And with incidences rising in younger women each year, the earlier it\u2019s caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating disease.\n\nThe key to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This is especially true for younger women and those at greater risk of death from more aggressive forms of breast cancer.\n\n\u201cToo many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to catch it early and fight back,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cFor more than fifteen years, the EARLY Act has supported young women through outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I\u2019m proud to lead the charge for this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease continue.\u201d\n\nView Castor\u2019s remarks on the EARLY Act reauthorization here.\n\nThe EARLY Act authorizes three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women. This includes the Bring Your Brave effort, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages of 18 and 44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients\u2019 survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer.\n\nAfter fifteen years of successful implementation, it is now time to again reauthorize the EARLY Act to ensure that it continues to reach even more young and higher-risk women across the United States. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is vital to continuing to save women\u2019s lives.\n\nThe EARLY Act is endorsed by:", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3524", "Wasserman Schultz Calls on FIU to Rescind Punishment of Student ICE Protest", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) called on Florida International University (FIU) to rescind its disciplinary actions against students who engaged in silent protest against the university\u2019s voluntary collaboration with ICE enforcement on campus.\n\nIn March, seven students engaged in a silent protest at a school event. Recently, the students were told they had to record videos about FIU policies that they allegedly violated or have a hold placed on their accounts, preventing them from signing up for classes or receiving a diploma.\n\n\u201cThis push to muzzle silent protest is a gross violation of our Constitution, FIU's own rules and sets a dangerous precedent,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI'm hopeful that by rescinding these forced-confession punishments FIU can restore its reputation for rigorous speech and debate.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear President Nu\u00f1ez,\n\nThe recent penalization imposed by Florida International University\u2019s (FIU) administration upon seven of its students for their silent protest staged at a campus event in March of this year is a grave violation of First Amendment free-speech protections. FIU\u2019s actions set up a dangerous precedent and will have a chilling effect on students\u2019 ability to freely express themselves and their ideas\u2014a bedrock tenet of our free and democratic society, as enshrined in our Constitution, particularly in a university environment.\n\nFIU\u2019s own regulations, as defined in FIU-110 Expressive Activities in Outdoor Areas on Campus, protect students\u2019 First Amendment activities, including \u201cassemblies, demonstrations, exercises of free speech, protests, parades, marches, and picketing protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1 of the Florida Constitution.\u201d FIU regulations permit such activities so long as they are lawful and do not \u201c[\u2026] materially and substantially disrupt the normal operations of the University or materially and substantially infringe upon the rights of others.\u201d\n\nFIU has maintained that the seven students violated a university ban on expressive activities indoors. However, students\u2019 First Amendment rights on campus have been upheld at the federal level at least since the Supreme Court precedent set in 1969 by the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District decision. The majority ruled in Tinker that neither students nor teachers \u201cshed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.\u201d\n\nUniversity regulations plainly serve to prevent disruption of the learning environment. It is disingenuous to suggest that the seven students standing up to display the message on their shirts is \u201cmaterially and substantially\u201d disruptive to normal university operations.\n\nPer public reporting, the punishment levied against students includes forcing them to record a two-minute video explaining university expectations around indoor and outdoor areas, which they could be compelled to re-record if it does not meet FIU Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity standards. This punishment itself violates students\u2019 First Amendment rights, given that no governing body can force individuals to support certain expressions\u2014 often referred to as the compelled speech doctrine\u2014 as upheld by West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette.\n\nFIU\u2019s violation of constitutionally guaranteed free-speech rights for students is thus twofold. Responding to the violation of a protected First Amendment expression with a further violation is an unacceptable form of disciplinary action. The university\u2019s actions send a clear message to students that free expression will be silenced if it is convenient for the university, and that they must fall in line or suffer the consequences.\n\nThis presents a clear disincentive for students to voice controversial, unpopular or divisive opinions, which is both a right and an important part of the education process. As part of the State University System of Florida, FIU adopted its Statement of Free Expression \u201cto support and encourage full and open discourse and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives on our respective campuses.\u201d Punishing students in the aforementioned manner for silent protest is in direct violation of this statement, as well as FIU\u2019s publicly stated values of \u201cfreedom of thought and expression.\u201d\n\nAs a public university supported by federal funding and entrusted with advancing the education of our students, FIU has a responsibility to uphold students\u2019 First Amendment rights. I strongly urge FIU to rescind its disciplinary actions against these students and fully restore First Amendment speech protections for its student body.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDebbie Wasserman Schultz\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3525", "Wasserman Schultz Leads Latino-Jewish Caucus, Argentina Caucus in Marking Anniversary of AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, Demanding Accountability", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), co-chair of the Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, was joined by fellow co-chairs, Reps. Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Rep. Maria Salazar (FL-27), and co-chairs of the Argentina Caucus, Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Michael Rulli (OH-06) in sponsoring a resolution to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires and demanding justice and accountability for those responsible for the attack.\n\n\u201cMore than three decades after the tragic AMIA Jewish Center bombing, and there\u2019s still no justice for the 85 victims, the hundreds of injured, and countless people who were traumatized by this Iran-backed Hezbollah attack,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cWith antisemitism skyrocketing around the world, this gruesome attack on Argentina\u2019s thriving Jewish community cannot go unanswered. I\u2019m proud to honor the victims of this attack and keep up the vital pursuit of justice for their loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith this resolution, we honor the 85 innocent people who lost their lives and the more than 300 who were injured in the bombing of the Asociaci\u00f3n Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA). This heinous act of terror, carried out by Iran and its proxy Hezbollah, remains the deadliest antisemitic terrorist attack in Argentina\u2019s history and serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of extremism,\u201d said Diaz-Balart. \u201cThis past May, I visited the AMIA memorial in Buenos Aires, where I paid my respects to the victims and reflected on the enduring impact of this tragedy. We must never forget the victims, and we must continue to condemn the alarming rise of antisemitism and hold accountable those who commit terrorism.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe AMIA attack is a painful reminder of the dangers of antisemitism,\u201d said Soto. \u201cToday and every day, we keep the memories of those we lost alive by continuing to reject the extremism that leads to these violent acts of terror.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Argentina Caucus, I strongly support this resolution condemning the 1994 AMIA bombing and demanding full accountability from Iran and Hezbollah,\u201d said Rulli. \u201cAfter 32 years, the victims\u2019 families deserve justice. The United States stands with Argentina and the Jewish community in their fight against terror and impunity.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we mark the 32nd anniversary of the AMIA bombing, we stand in solidarity with Argentina's Jewish community as we remember the 85 people who were killed and the many others who were injured,\u201d said Dina Siegel Vann, Director, The Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs, AJC. \u201cThank you to Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (R-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Michael Rulli (R-OH) for championing this resolution, honoring the victims, and demanding accountability for the Iranian regime and Hezbollah terrorists responsible for this vicious attack.\u201d\n\nFirst established in 2011 with support from the American Jewish Committee, the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus has cemented stronger bonds based on Latino and Jewish communities\u2019 shared histories as immigrants and minorities. It has also been vocal in responding to the growing wave of antisemitism across the globe in the U.S. The 25-member Caucus is now led by Reps. Wasserman Schultz, D\u00edaz-Balart, and Espaillat. In 2024, Rep. Wasserman Schultz joined a Congressional delegation to Buenos Aires to participate in the formal 30th anniversary commemoration of the AMIA attack.\n\nThe text of the resolution can be found here.", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-seeks-answers-over-alleged-wage-violations-affecting-workers-at-epcot-restaurants", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Seeks Answers Over Alleged Wage Violations Affecting Workers at EPCOT Restaurants", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), sent a letter to the executive leadership of Delaware North requesting answers about allegations that employees at Patina Group restaurants inside Disney's EPCOT Italy Pavilion were not paid for all of the hours they worked over several years.\n\nFollowing concerns raised by Central Florida constituents, Rep. Frost is seeking information about the company's timekeeping, payroll, overtime, and wage-and-hour practices as part of his congressional oversight responsibilities.\n\nIn the letter, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\u201cI am writing regarding wage and hour practices at the Delaware North subsidiary Patina Group restaurants located inside Disney\u2019s Epcot Italy Pavilion.\n\n\u201cMy office has been contacted by constituents regarding allegations made by four employees who claim that they were not compensated for all the hours they worked over several years. As a member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, who helps advance policies covering these matters, I am seeking additional information to better understand both the circumstances and the policies currently in place.\n\n\u201cI am requesting answers to the following questions no later than August 3, 2026.\n\n1. What are your company policies for tracking employee work hours?\n\n2. What processes are in place to ensure employees are compensated for all hours worked, including work performed before or after their scheduled shifts?\n\n3. Are employees ever expected to perform work before or after their scheduled shifts?\n\na. If no, how is that policy communicated?\n\n4. How are overtime hours approved and compensated?\n\n5. What training do managers or supervisors receive regarding wage and hour practices?\n\n6. What procedures are in place for employees to report concerns about pay? How are those concerns addressed?\n\n7. Can you provide my office with any documentation regarding the payroll and timekeeping systems used at Patina Group restaurants located inside Disney\u2019s Epcot Italy Pavilion?\n\nThank you for your time and attention to this important issue.\u201d\n\nClick here for the full letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3521", "Neguse, Wasserman Schultz Lead Entire Democratic Caucus in Demanding CMS Reverse Course on Rule Threatening Medicaid Access for Cancer Patients", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Joe Neguse and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz led the entire House Democratic Caucus in a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency reverse course on a new rule requiring certain Medicaid applicants and enrollees to meet conditions of eligibility in order to access critical healthcare services. The framework implements work requirements mandated by the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), and has the potential to lock American families facing some of the most dire health conditions out of lifesaving care.\n\nNeguse and Wasserman-Schultz, who have each been impacted by cancer as a caregiver and patient, respectively, also called on CMS to establish, at a minimum, automatic exemptions for patients with cancer and other aggressive illnesses.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our profound concern regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) interim final rule titled \u2018Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals.\u2019 This interim rule will create an undue burden for beneficiaries with serious health care needs and put people at risk of losing coverage, while also creating significant implementation challenges for states. Therefore, we urge CMS to revise this rule, and until such changes are made, call on CMS to authorize states to delay implementation,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nMore specifically, CMS\u2019s new rule makes it harder for cancer patients and survivors to qualify for Medicaid\u2019s \u201cmedical frailty\u201d exemption\u2014stating that a medical condition must significantly impair a person\u2019s ability to comply with the 80-hour per month work requirement. In their letter, the lawmakers argue this framework does not adequately consider the complex nature of illnesses like cancer, which can exhibit periodic or intermittent symptoms often relating to side effects of treatment or the disease itself.\n\nThe requirement also forces individuals to prove they can\u2019t work, in an exhaustive process that increases barriers between struggling Americans and access to basic healthcare.\n\n\u201cForcing vulnerable patients to exhaustively document their symptoms simply to maintain access to basic healthcare is both imprudent and inconsistent with Federal law. Diagnoses such as an aggressive cancer require patients to receive care as soon as possible, and as you know, any delays to treatment put patients at heightened risk. These and other rapidly progressing conditions become significantly less amenable to treatment in their later stages, meaning a patient's current capacity to work does not reflect the urgency of their medical needs.\u201d\n\nThe House Democratic Caucus, led by Neguse and Wasserman-Schultz, also called attention to the fact that this rule will create significant administrative and financial burdens for states. It departs from a previous definition and requires a rushed change in implementation plans.\n\nThey closed by stating that the rule goes even further than Congressional Republicans intended in their disastrous One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which already strips health care coverage from at least 17 million Americans while driving up health care costs for millions more.\n\nThe letter concluded: \u201cWhile there is no way to prevent some eligible people from losing coverage due to the flawed nature of the underlying policy, which in and of itself exacts draconian cuts to healthcare programs and strips access to affordable care for millions of Americans, CMS has an obligation to implement the law in question as written. And, as noted, the new rule appears to be inconsistent with the plain language of H.R. 1, adding a new, restrictive standard that will add to the number of people losing coverage. Indeed, the evidence clearly demonstrates that creating more documentation requirements and adding complexity to the enrollment process will have a devastating effect. Therefore, in sum, we urge CMS to reconsider its interim rule to protect people with serious medical needs. CMS should also delay implementation of the new work requirements pending these changes.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3522", "Wasserman Schultz\u2019s\u00a0EARLY Act\u00a0Passed by House", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, legislation led by U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) to reauthorize and continue funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY) Act and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program passed the House of Representatives in a 394 to 6 vote.\n\nIn the United States, the most common cancer diagnosed among women is breast cancer, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and over 42,000 deaths are expected from breast cancer in 2026. And with cases rising in younger women each year, the earlier it\u2019s caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating health challenge.\n\nKey to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This especially is true for younger women, and those at higher risk of death, like ethnic and racial populations who too often face an aggressive form of breast or cervical cancer and are not able to catch it until later.\n\n\u201cI know firsthand that early detection is our most powerful tool to beat cancer. It can be the difference between life and death, especially in combatting breast cancer, especially for those with inherited mutations,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene mutation at age 41 and after 15 months of surgery, has been cancer free for 18 years. \u201cReauthorizing the EARLY Act saves women\u2019s lives, and I\u2019m proud to team up with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Castor, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, and Harshbarger, and Senators Klobuchar and Crapo to make sure those resources are out there.\u201d\n\nThe EARLY Act became law in 2010. Its success centers around authorizing three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women to better focus their attention on this deadly disease.\n\nThis includes the Bring Your Brave effort, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages 18-44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to several non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients' survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer.\n\nThe bill also reauthorizes funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured women. Since its inception, NBCCEDP has served over 6.6 million women, provided more than 17 million breast and cervical cancer screenings, and caught over 88,000 cases of invasive breast and cervical cancer.\n\nClick here to read the full bill.", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5023", "Frankel Responds to Trump\u2019s Primetime Attack on Voting Rights", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement in response to President Trump\u2019s Thursday evening election remarks:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s address last night was another attempt to distract the American people with falsehoods and long-debunked conspiracy theories about our elections instead of addressing the issues families care about most,\u201d said Rep. Frankel.\n\n\u201cWhile Americans are paying more for groceries, housing, and health care, President Trump and Republicans are focused on spreading election misinformation and advancing legislation that makes it harder for eligible Americans to vote. The facts remain unchanged: the 2020 election was secure\u2014a conclusion confirmed by the Trump Administration\u2019s own review, bipartisan election officials, independent audits, and the courts.\n\n\u201cAlong with House Democrats I will continue fighting to lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, defend the freedom to vote, and hold accountable anyone who abuses public office for personal gain. We stand with the dedicated state and local election officials who protect the integrity of our elections, and we will continue working to ensure every eligible American can cast a ballot freely and confidently. The strongest answer to fear and misinformation is participation. Make a plan to vote, vote early if you can, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. In our democracy, the most important title is not President or Representative\u2014it is citizen.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405244", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency in Rx Pricing, Lower Health Care Costs", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Summer Lee (PA-12) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the public disclosure of the White House\u2019s prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.\n\n\u201cFloridians and Americans deserve lower drug costs,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cNo one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their lifesaving medications. After making health care out of reach for millions of Americans, the White House claims they are helping our neighbors afford prescription drugs through closed-door deals with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Americans are skeptical and deserve to know if those deals are truly lowering costs, or if they are another false promise. I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Congress to actually lower drug costs through Medicare negotiation, caps on insulin, no-cost vaccines and out-of-pocket limits. Our neighbors have waited long enough for fair prices for important medications, and I am committed to doing that in a transparent manner.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has repeatedly claimed that his Administration\u2019s private deals with pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices for American families. If that\u2019s true, then he should have nothing to hide,\u201d said Rep. Chu. \u201cDemocrats didn\u2019t ask Americans to simply trust us when we lowered prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, we passed a law that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capped insulin at $35 a month for seniors, limited annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and held drug companies accountable for unjustified price hikes. Those reforms are already delivering real savings. If President Trump wants the American people to believe his secret deals with Big Pharma will do the same, then he should release the agreements and let the facts speak for themselves.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo one in Western Pennsylvania should have to ration medicine or walk away from the pharmacy counter because Big Pharma and the Trump Administration are cutting deals behind closed doors,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cMore than one in four Pennsylvanians have already been forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave prescriptions unfilled simply because of cost. People paying the price deserve to know who these agreements are really serving, and this bill would force the Administration to release these secret agreements and require independent analysis of whether they actually lower costs for patients and taxpayers. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this bill and help build a healthcare system that works for the people, not billion-dollar corporations.\u201d\n\n\u201cDeals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,\u201d said Rep. Pappas. \u201cGranite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.\u201d\n\nThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the White House and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements\u2019 economic and budgetary impacts.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nRequire HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers;\n\nRequire disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements;\n\nRequire HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and\n\nDirect CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements\u2019 impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5022", "Frankel: Trump and Republicans Are Making America Less Secure", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), released the following statement after voting against House Republicans' Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill.\n\n\"This bill should have been our moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership still matters. Done right, it would have made our nation safer, stronger, and more secure\u2014at home and abroad. Instead, it falls painfully short,\" said Rep. Frankel.\n\n\"Rather than making smart investments in the tools that prevent conflict and build peace and prosperity, the Trump Administration has embraced bullying, reckless tariffs, and a war that is costing our nation billions of dollars and countless lives, with no end in sight. Real security requires more than military force. It requires diplomacy. It requires development. It requires humanitarian leadership. It means showing up before a crisis becomes a catastrophe, before instability becomes extremism, and before conflict becomes war. That is how we build strong alliances, create trading partners, stop diseases before they reach our shores, and keep America's sons and daughters out of costly wars.\n\n\"Instead of repairing the damage caused by dismantling USAID, this bill doubles down. It slashes humanitarian assistance, weakens our diplomatic corps, undermines development programs that advance American interests, and turns its back on the partnerships that have strengthened our nation for generations. Foreign assistance is not charity\u2014it is a strategic investment in our national security. When America steps back, our adversaries\u2014including China\u2014step in.\n\n\"As Ranking Member of the NSRP Subcommittee, I will continue fighting for a foreign policy that reflects our values and protects our security. A strong America requires both hard power and soft power. Our greatest strength has never been our military alone\u2014it is our diplomacy, our alliances, our humanitarian leadership, and our enduring commitment to building a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure world. This bill fails to meet that standard, which is why I voted no.\"\n\nThe FY27 NSRP bill would", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-fry-bipartisan-school-background-check-bill-clears-judiciary-committee-heads-to-house-floor", "Moskowitz, Fry Bipartisan School Background Check Bill Clears Judiciary Committee, Heads to House Floor", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "CHILD Act closes gap in nationwide background checks for contractors who work with students\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressmen Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Russell Fry (R-SC-07) cleared the House Judiciary Committee and took a key step toward consideration by the full House of Representatives.\n\nThe Comprehensive Health & Integrity in Licensing and Documentation (CHILD) Act would amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to ensure that individuals working under contract with schools are covered by nationwide background-check requirements that already apply to other caregivers.\n\nThe bill represents Moskowitz\u2019s ongoing effort to strengthen safety at Florida schools and ensure that every adult entrusted with the care of students is properly vetted.\n\n\u201cParents should never have to question whether the people working around their children at school have been thoroughly vetted,\u201d said Congressman Moskowitz. \u201cThe CHILD Act closes a gap in the law by ensuring that contractors who work with students are subject to nationwide background checks. Clearing the Judiciary Committee is an important step forward and I look forward to bringing this commonsense, bipartisan school-safety measure to the House floor.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents should be able to trust that when their children go to school, they are in safe, trustworthy environments,\u201d said Rep. Fry. \u201cThe CHILD ACT gives parents that confidence by ensuring every contracted employee in a school setting can properly pass a background check. Today\u2019s passage of our bipartisan legislation through the House Judiciary Committee is a major step in strengthening school safety, and I look forward to its consideration in the full U.S. House of Representatives.\u201d\n\nMoskowitz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee and Florida\u2019s former Director of Emergency Management, has made improving school safety a central focus of his work in Congress. Moskowitz has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to address school safety, including the bipartisan Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act to improve emergency notification systems and strengthen school doors; the bipartisan Single Application for School Safety (SASS) Act to simplify the federal school-safety grant process; and the bipartisan EAGLES Act to establish a national program focused on preventing targeted violence in schools.\n\nMoskowitz is also leading the bipartisan ALYSSA Act, which would require silent panic alarms in schools, and the bipartisan Strengthening Our Schools (SOS) Act, which would invest in school resource officers. Together, these bills are designed to help Florida schools prevent threats, respond more effectively during emergencies, and keep students and educators safe.\n\nThe CHILD Act is endorsed by Students Against Destructive Decisions; Student Transportation & Education Equity Roundtable; Parents Helping Parents, Inc.; National Diversity Coalition; RaisingHOPE, Inc.; National Center on Adoption & Permanency; HopSkipDrive; and Streets Are For Everyone.", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3515", "Wasserman Schultz, Swim Safety Advocates Highlight Drowning Prevention Efforts", "2026-07-09", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cDrowning is a public health crisis \u2013 and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we\u2019re on pace to surpass it,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cSince I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children\u2019s lives.\u201d\n\nNorth Lauderdale, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened pool safety advocates from Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, Broward Swim Central, Safe Kids Broward, Diversified Swimming Inc., and Every Child A Swimmer to spotlight recent drownings in South Florida and offer solutions to prevent these tragedies. Participants included Cassie McGovern, whose 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, drowned in the family\u2019s backyard pool in 2009.\n\nClick here for video of the press conference.\n\nLast year, Florida recorded 119 child drowning deaths, the most in state history. Tragically, 120 children died over a 12-month period. In 2026, Florida is already on pace to break last year\u2019s tragic record with 62 drownings, including 13 in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties combined.\n\n\u201cDrowning is a public health crisis \u2013 and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we\u2019re on pace to surpass it,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cSince I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children\u2019s lives.\u201d\n\nIn 2007, Congress passed Wasserman Schultz\u2019s bill, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, to implement layers of protection to prevent childhood drownings. Wasserman Schultz will discuss her bill to reauthorize funding for this program, which has delivered $22.8 million to states and municipalities for drowning prevention programs since it was put in place.\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined by Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Director of Aquatics George Coneo, Broward County Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Katherine Fermenich, Let Us Swim CEO & Diversified Swimming President Shana Lorde, Every Child A Swimmer Executive Director Cassie McGovern, and Safe Kids Broward Injury Prevention Coordinator Rachele Solomon.\n\n####", 1, "2026-07-10T08:20:04Z", "2026-07-10T08:21:18Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3514", "Wasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Miramar ICE Facility Oversight Visit", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Miramar, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced oversight inspection of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Field Office in Miramar, where advocates recently shared troubling testimony from people released or transferred from the facility about the conditions and treatment taking place there.\n\nClick here for video of the press conference.\n\nThe Miramar facility is supposed to be an administrative check-in facility but is now functioning as a short-term detention site, holding detainees in crowded areas for 72 hours or more without the same humane detention standards that other ICE facilities are required to meet. There were approximately 150 detainees held at the facility when Wasserman Schultz inspected the site.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been to this facility many times alongside my late colleague Alcee Hastings because of reports of a lack of sun cover, water, and toilets for people waiting to check in. Today, I had to do this surprise inspection to see inside for myself, and what I saw were people packed in like sardines, in conditions I wouldn\u2019t wish upon my worst enemy,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI\u2019ll continue to conduct oversight of South Florida ICE operations and fight to hold them accountable for their brutality.\u201d\n\nWhile in the facility, Wasserman Schultz saw four \u201cholding tanks,\u201d with two for men and two for women, with a single exposed toilet in the corner of each tank. The men\u2019s area was about 15\u2019x15\u2019, with about 70 men crammed in, shoulder-to-shoulder and wall-to-wall, she said. The women\u2019s area was approximately 7\u2019x14\u2019, with about 40 people in the same tight conditions. Individuals were forced to sleep on a hard floor and made to use the toilet in front of others.\n\nDetainees are allowed one water bottle a day, along with 7.5 oz meals. ICE officers told Wasserman Schultz that detainees are allowed to shower once every other day. There is no space for in-person attorney access or family visitation at the facility.\n\n####", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3513", "Wasserman Schultz, Salazar Reintroduce Bipartisan Condo Relief Bill to Mark Surfside Collapse Anniversary", "2026-07-01", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Maria Salazar (FL-27) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act to provide comprehensive condo relief that expands and ensures access to public and private loans for structural and safety repairs, providing bipartisan preventive assistance for millions of residents grappling with the building integrity realities exposed in the Surfside condominium collapse that took 98 lives.\n\nThe Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act makes it easier for condo owners to afford special assessments assigned by their HOAs or Condo Associations by expanding access to two loan programs guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The loans are geared to help cover the cost of special assessments for structural and safety related repairs, keeping Florida families safe, healthy, and in their homes.\n\n\u201cFive years ago, an unimaginable but entirely preventable tragedy rocked our South Florida community with the collapse of Surfside's Champlain Towers, claiming 98 innocent lives. While the cause was finally identified after years of investigations, action is still needed to stop this from happening again,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cMy bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act ensures condominium associations can afford to make pressing repairs and keep residents safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Surfside tragedy changed our community forever and reminded us that protecting families must always come first. As we honor those we lost, we must take action to help prevent another disaster,\u201d said Salazar. \u201cThis bipartisan bill gives condominium associations and homeowners the tools they need to finance critical safety repairs, protect residents, and preserve safe, affordable housing across South Florida.\u201d\n\nKey provisions in the legislation:\n\nAmends the 203(k) program to allow loans to be used on special assessments for structural repairs.\n\nExpands the Title I Property Improvement Loans program to insure private lenders against losses when lending to individual condo owners or condo associations for special assessments. Additionally, the legislation increases the maximum insured loan amount to $55,000, to be adjusted with inflation.\n\nStreamlines the process of applying for these loans so that individual homeowners and condo associations can more easily apply for, and obtain, assistance.\n\nAmends Section 234 of the National Housing Act to authorize Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance for condominium association building rehabilitation loans.\n\nCondominium association loans are collateralized with pledges of future association assessment income. As FHA\u2019s mortgage insurance programs are collateralized by real property, the legislation authorizes the agency to insure condominium association loans collateralized by assessment income or real property or a combination of the two.\n\nUnder the legislation, FHA-insured condominium association loans may be used for the rehabilitation, alteration, repair, improvement, or replacement of a condominium project\u2019s common systems, infrastructure, and facilities.\n\nTo protect FHA and the U.S. government against financial loss, the legislation allows FHA insurance for only 90% of the cost of building rehabilitation work. This restriction operates in other FHA multifamily housing rehabilitation loan insurance programs.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Community Associations Institute.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n####", 1, "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405235", "ICYMI: Rep. Castor Highlights Hurricane Recovery & Resilience Assistance, Hosts Pop-Up Help Session for Hillsborough Neighbors", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla.\u2014Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) was joined by Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, CEO of Boricuas de Coraz\u00f3n and caseworkers with Hillsborough County to highlight the County\u2019s Rebuilding for Tomorrow Hurricane Recovery and Resilience initiatives made possible through $709 million in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).\n\nHillsborough County caseworkers were on-site and available to assist residents directly in submitting applications for available hurricane recovery assistance.\n\nPhotos and videos from today's event can be viewed here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nRebuilding for Tomorrow is a CDBG-DR initiative administered by Hillsborough County and funded by the Congress through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), providing funding to help communities recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The initiative supports long-term recovery efforts, including housing rehabilitation, infrastructure restoration, economic revitalization and mitigation projects, with funding prioritized for the most impacted areas and low- and moderate-income households.", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-on-supreme-court-ruling-our-constitution-is-not-up-for-debate", "Congressman Maxwell Frost on Supreme Court Ruling: \u201cOur Constitution Is Not Up for Debate\u201d", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement after the Supreme Court rejected efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine birthright citizenship guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\"Our constitution is not up for debate. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what the Fourteenth Amendment has guaranteed for generations: if you are born in the United States, you are a citizen of the United States.\n\n\u201cBirthright citizenship has been settled law for more than 150 years. It's a guarantee rooted in equal protection, not politics. Attempts to narrow or erase that guarantee were never about constitutional principle, they were about deciding who belongs in America.\n\n\u201cEvery child born here deserves the same recognition under the law, regardless of their parents' background or where their family came from. That's what the Fourteenth Amendment protects, and that's what the Court upheld.\n\n\u201cThis decision doesn't end the effort to roll back fundamental rights. It does, however, make clear that presidents cannot discard constitutional protections they disagree with. That's how our system of government works.\n\n\u201cWe'll keep fighting for an America where everyone is treated equally under the law and where our rights are protected, not selectively applied.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-frederica-s-wilson-releases-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-reaffirming-birthright-citizenship", "Rep. Frederica S. Wilson Releases Statement on Supreme Court Decision Reaffirming Birthright Citizenship", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after the Supreme Court reaffirmed birthright citizenship and rejected President Trump's effort to limit the constitutional guarantee.\n\n\"I welcome today's Supreme Court decision reaffirming birthright citizenship, a victory for the Constitution and for families across America. The Court made clear that children born in the United States, including those whose parents are here unlawfully or only temporarily, are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are citizens at birth under the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.\n\n\u201cThis decision brings relief to countless families who have spent months fearing that one of our nation's most fundamental constitutional protections could be stripped away. Birthright citizenship is not a political favor. It is a constitutional guarantee that has stood for more than 150 years and reflects our nation's enduring commitment to equal protection under the law.\n\n\u201cEvery child born in the United States deserves the full rights and protections of citizenship, regardless of their parents' immigration status. While today's ruling is an important victory, we must remain vigilant in defending the Constitution and protecting immigrant families from continued attacks on their rights and their dignity.\n\n\u201cI will never stop fighting to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up with the security, freedom, and promise that American citizenship provides.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405234", "Castor Leads Long-Overdue Bipartisan Action to Protect Kids Online", "2026-06-29", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and longtime leader for stronger online protections for children and teens, released the following statement after the House passed the bipartisan KIDS Act, legislation to strengthen outdated privacy and safety protections for young people online. The KIDS Act passed the House 267-117.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s adoption of the bipartisan KIDS Act is a long-overdue and meaningful step toward protecting America\u2019s children in the digital age,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cFor years, parents, young people, pediatricians, psychologists, teachers and advocates have made clear that Big Tech must act to reduce the harms experienced by too many kids online. This bill strengthens privacy protections for children and teens, bans targeted advertising to young people, gives families more control and preserves parents\u2019 ability to seek justice in court.\n\n\u201cThis is an important step, but it is not the end of our work. I will continue to press to create a safer digital environment for children and teens.\u201d\n\nThe KIDS Act would strengthen and expand existing online privacy protections for children and teens, limit the collection and use of young people\u2019s personal information, require stronger safeguards and tools for families, support state and federal enforcement, and preserve families\u2019 ability to pursue justice through the courts. Castor has led bipartisan efforts for years to strengthen the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act and adopt age-appropriate design requirements for Big Tech corporations. The KIDS Act reflects much of Castor\u2019s work to improve the law.\n\nBackground:\n\nChildren and teens face growing risks online, including harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation and manipulative design features that keep young people addicted.\n\nUp to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, according to a 2023 Surgeon General report.\n\n1 in 5 teens say social media sites hurt their mental health, and a growing share think they harm people their age, according to Pew Research Center.\n\nA 2024 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report found that social media companies failed to adequately protect children and teens\n\nIn the United States, teens who spend four or more hours online each day are more than twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression.\n\nStudies show a dramatic rise in online sexual exploitation, including a 26,000% increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material reported globally in 2025.\n\nThe bipartisan KIDS Act would:", 1, "2026-06-30T06:29:10Z", "2026-06-30T06:30:42Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-urgently-calls-on-secretary-rubio-and-secretary-hegseth-to-deploy-navy-hospital-ship-to-venezuela", "Moskowitz Urgently Calls on Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth to Deploy Navy Hospital Ship to Venezuela", "2026-06-29", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "After devastating earthquakes killed more than a thousand people and injured thousands more, Moskowitz urges deployment of USNS Comfort or USNS Mercy to immediately help the people of Venezuela\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deploy the USNS Comfort or the USNS Mercy to Venezuela in response to the devastating earthquakes that caused mass destruction, killed more than one thousand people, and injured thousands more.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m calling on Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth to deploy a Naval hospital ship to Venezuela,\u201d said Rep. Moskowitz. \u201cThe earthquakes have killed over a thousand people and injured thousands more, with thousands more people unaccounted for. The USNS Comfort and Mercy can save lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-30T06:29:10Z", "2026-06-30T06:30:42Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3511", "Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, Kelly Recognize Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day", "2026-06-29", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Debbie Dingell (MI-6), and Mike Kelly (PA-16), House Cancer Caucus Chairs, introduced a resolution recognizing Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day on June 28. Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day is a celebration of inspiration, companionship, and connection for the communities around the country who come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caretakers, and loved ones.\n\nCommunity is Stronger than Cancer Day is celebrated on June 28th each year to coincide with the birthday of Gilda Radner, the Saturday Night Live star who died of ovarian cancer and whose experience at The Wellness Center in Santa Monica inspired the creation of Gilda\u2019s Club (now Cancer Support Community).\n\n\u201cNo one should ever have to fight cancer alone. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the importance of having a strong community and support system during this battle,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI\u2019m proud to stand with my fellow House Cancer Caucus Co-Chairs in recognizing the often-unseen roles of families, friends, and neighbors in this fight.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen more than 18 million Americans are living with a history of cancer, and millions more step forward as caregivers, it\u2019s clear community is not just part of the fight\u2014it is the fight. Like so many families, including my own, I\u2019ve seen how this disease tests every ounce of strength and resolve,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cAs Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am continually inspired by the survivors, caregivers, and advocates I have the honor of working with to expand access, fight for hope, and break down barriers to care. This resolution marks an enduring commitment to the idea that compassion and connection will always be stronger than cancer, and that no one should ever face this journey alone.\u201d\n\n\u201cNearly every family in America has been touched by cancer in one way or another \u2013 whether you are a survivor, have lost someone, are a caretaker, or a member of a community that has come together to support a patient,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cCommunity Is Stronger Than Cancer Day recognizes and celebrates the powerful role that community has in supporting all those impacted by cancer.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis resolution stands with the more than 18 million Americans who are living with cancer. In Congress, we must continue working to fund cancer research and to promote legislation that brings new cancer treatments to market,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cAs a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus and also of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, I\u2019ve had the honor to meet some of the strongest, most courageous Americans who have battled cancer. Today, may we come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n####", 1, "2026-06-30T06:29:10Z", "2026-06-30T06:30:42Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3509", "Wasserman Schultz Announces New Bill to Save TPS After SCOTUS Decision", "2026-06-26", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Sunrise, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local immigration advocates to condemn the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling to deny Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in Trump v. Miot, and unveiled her forthcoming bill the TPS Review Act, to reassert judicial and Congressional review of the executive branch\u2019s decisions about TPS.\n\nClick here for video of the full press conference.\n\nThe crux of the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Trump v. Miot was that regardless of whether the Administration\u2019s termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria was lawful, courts do not have the ability to assess the legality of the decision to revoke TPS.\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cThis fight is not over. When I return to Washington next week, I\u2019ll introduce the TPS Review Act to restore checks and balances on the President\u2019s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.\u201d\n\nThe TPS Review Act would amend the Temporary Protected Status statute to institute judicial review, establish a cause of action for TPS recipients and their representatives to sue for relief in court, and allow Congress to reverse a TPS termination by simple majority vote under the Congressional Review Act.\n\nThis legislation will also require a standardized, documented process for the Executive Branch to review country conditions before TPS can be revoked, creating a paper trail for litigation, and place the burden of evidence on the Government to prove that a challenged TPS decision complies with these requirements.\n\nUnder this bill, TPS recipients would maintain their status and work permits automatically and indefinitely while a termination is litigated in court, eliminating the uncertainty that has harmed Florida businesses and consumers over the last year.\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined at the press conference by President and CEO of LifeNet4Families Denise Brown and Americans for Immigrant Justice Detention Attorney Sandra Cherfrere.\n\n####", 1, "2026-06-27T06:16:17Z", "2026-06-27T06:17:30Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-slams-scotus-decision-to-strip-temporary-protected-status-for-haitian-and-syrian-immigrants", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Slams SCOTUS Decision to Strip Temporary Protected Status For Haitian and Syrian Immigrants", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Watch: Rep. Frost Speaks at Press Conference Outside SCOTUS on TPS ruling\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement after the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mullin v. Doe case to side with the Trump Administration\u2019s cancellation of temporary protected status (TPS) for thousands of Haitians and Syrians, putting them at risk of deportation.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\"Today\u2019s Supreme Court decision strips legal protections from 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who have lived and worked legally in the United States under Temporary Protected Status. This ruling not only endangers those directly affected, but also sends a chilling message to millions of immigrants and their families with lawful humanitarian protections that they too, may be next.\n\n\"Returning people to countries facing severe humanitarian crises puts lives in danger and reflects this Administration's broader effort to dismantle legal immigration pathways for our neighbors, caretakers, and communities. Donald Trump is a racist who is using the United States Government to treat Black and brown people as less deserving of protection and belonging.\n\n\"In Florida, tens of thousands of Haitians have built their lives here\u2014raising families, caring for our community, working in our hospitality industry, and running the small businesses that strengthen our economy. My district is home to one of the largest Haitian diasporas in the country, and I am deeply heartbroken for the countless families now facing uncertainty and fear as to what this means for the future of their family.\n\n\u201cFor years, I have fought to protect our Haitian community and I will continue fighting like hell for them. And the fight doesn\u2019t end here. This moment requires all of us to step up and wrap our arms around our Haitian brothers, sisters, and siblings. My office will work with local clergy, advocates, and service organizations to ensure families have the support they need in the difficult days ahead.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-delivers-more-than-7-3-million-for-south-florida-securing-major-wins-for-public-safety-infrastructure-and-economic-growth", "Moskowitz Delivers More Than $7.3 Million for South Florida, Securing Major Wins for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "BROWARD COUNTY, FL \u2014 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has secured more than $7.3 million in federal funding for critical projects, delivering major investments in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, and community improvements throughout South Florida.\n\nWhile many in Washington talk about results, Moskowitz continues to deliver them. By working directly with local leaders, first responders, educators, and community stakeholders, Moskowitz successfully fought to deliver funding for projects that address some of South Florida\u2019s most pressing needs \u2013 from strengthening school safety and modernizing aging infrastructure to preparing students for the jobs of the future.\n\n\u201cSouth Floridians sent me to Washington to deliver results,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly what these investments represent. We identified real challenges facing our communities, worked alongside local leaders to develop solutions, and secured federal resources to get those projects moving. From making our schools safer and upgrading critical infrastructure to preparing students for high-paying careers and improving transportation networks, these investments will have a direct impact on families across our region. I\u2019ll continue fighting to bring taxpayer dollars back home and make sure South Florida gets its fair share of federal resources.\u201d\n\nPhotos of Moskowitz delivering the funds across South Florida are found here.\n\n$2,000,000 for Boca Raton Jeffery Street Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing\n\nMoskowitz secured $2,000,000 to support construction of a new public railroad-highway grade crossing at Jeffery Street in Boca Raton. The project will improve transportation connectivity, strengthen emergency response access, enhance public safety, and unlock economic development opportunities while reconnecting neighborhoods.\n\n\u201cThis is exactly the kind of infrastructure investment that produces lasting benefits for a community,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThe new crossing will improve safety, reduce barriers, support economic growth, and help ensure emergency responders can get where they need to go more quickly.\u201d\n\n\u201cImproving infrastructure is essential to maintaining the high quality of life our residents expect. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the transportation network that supports a safe, connected, and thriving community. We are grateful to Congressman Moskowitz for championing this funding and supporting infrastructure investments that deliver lasting benefits for Boca Raton,\u201d said Andy Thomson, Mayor of Boca Raton.\n\n$1,092,00 for Coral Springs Water Treatment Plant Upgrade\n\nCongressman Moskowitz secured $1,092,000 to modernize Coral Springs\u2019 aging water treatment plant and support critical upgrades necessary to maintain a reliable supply of safe drinking water. The project will improve long-term water system reliability and help meet the needs of a growing community.\n\n\u201cInvesting in drinking-water infrastructure means investing in public health and long-term community resilience,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThis funding helps ensure Coral Springs residents continue to have access to safe, reliable drinking water while preparing the city for future growth.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Jared Moskowitz for championing these federal funding requests that help to advance critical infrastructure and quality-of-life projects in Coral Springs. Actively pursuing state and federal appropriations is part of our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. These appropriations allow us to leverage outside resources to enhance public amenities, improve essential services, and reduce the financial burden on our local taxpayers,\u201d said City of Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brooks.\n\n$1,031,000 for Coconut Creek Fiber Optic Ring for Resiliency & Redundancy of Fiber Optics Network\n\nMoskowitz secured $1,031,000 for the City of Coconut Creek to establish a redundant fiber optic ring architecture that will strengthen critical communications infrastructure and improve reliability for emergency management, public safety, and municipal operations. The project will provide essential network redundancy for police and fire dispatch services while improving resilience during emergencies and system outages.\n\n\u201cReliable communications infrastructure is not a luxury, it\u2019s a necessity for public safety,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThis investment will help ensure first responders and city officials have the resilient systems they need to serve residents when every second counts.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we continue building a smarter and more technologically resilient Coconut Creek, this funding represents an important step toward protecting our community today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. We thank Congressman Moskowitz for his continued partnership and commitment to delivering meaningful results for the residents of Coconut Creek,\u201d said Mayor Jeffrey Wasserman.\n\n$1,031,000 for FAU Chip Design Hub: Advanced Chip Design, Testing and Fabrication Laboratory Equipment\n\nMoskowitz secured $1,031,000 for Florida Atlantic University to establish advanced laboratory infrastructure supporting integrated circuit manufacturing and electrical circuit testing. The project will help prepare engineering students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry while strengthening America\u2019s domestic technology workforce.\n\n\u201cThe competition for the jobs of the future is happening right now, and South Florida should be leading\u2014not following,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThis investment gives students access to cutting-edge technology and helps build the workforce needed to keep America competitive in semiconductor manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe truly appreciate Congressman Moskowitz\u2019s support of his Hometown University and our Chip Design Hub, which will help to reestablish American leadership in semiconductor innovation,\u201d said FAU President Adam Hasner. \u201cFlorida Atlantic is proud to serve as a catalyst for regional collaboration, bringing together education, industry and government to strengthen the semiconductor talent pipeline and position South Florida as a vital contributor to our nation\u2019s technological future.\u201d\n\n$1,010,000 for Wilton Manors Transparency in Public Safety Project\n\nCongressman Moskowitz secured $1,010,000 for the City of Wilton Manors to develop an integrated surveillance system throughout the city, including along Wilton Drive. The project will enhance public safety, improve transparency and accountability, and help local officials address increasing concerns related to hate crimes.\n\n\u201cWilton Manors is known around the world as a welcoming and inclusive community, and residents deserve to feel safe wherever they live, work, and gather,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThis funding provides resources to strengthen public safety and prevent hate crimes.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic safety and transparency go hand in hand. This investment will help Wilton Manors enhance safety throughout our community while reinforcing the accountability and trust that residents expect from their local government. We thank Congressman Moskowitz for recognizing the importance of this project and for delivering resources that will have a lasting impact on our city,\u201d said Scott Newton, Mayor of Wilton Manors.\n\n$800,000 for Coral Springs Everglades Trail Loop\n\nCongressman Moskowitz secured $800,000 for the City of Coral Springs to advance development of the Everglades Memorial Loop, a major recreational and environmental project connecting residents to the Florida Everglades through a multi-use trail system. The project will improve walkability, create safe biking opportunities, and expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education.\n\n\u201cThis investment improves quality of life while showcasing one of South Florida\u2019s most unique natural resources,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThe Everglades Trail Loop will create new opportunities for recreation, learning, and community connection for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Jared Moskowitz for championing these federal funding requests that help to advance critical infrastructure and quality-of-life projects in Coral Springs. Actively pursuing state and federal appropriations is part of our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. These appropriations allow us to leverage outside resources to enhance public amenities, improve essential services, and reduce the financial burden on our local taxpayers,\u201d said City of Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brooks.\n\n$366,000 for Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office School Safety Response Equipment and Training Enhancement\n\nMoskowitz secured $366,000 for the Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office to purchase advanced response equipment and provide specialized training for School Resource Deputies serving campuses throughout Broward County. The investment will enhance emergency response capabilities and help protect approximately 90,000 students and 1,000 faculty members.\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to school safety, we have a responsibility to give law enforcement every available tool to protect students and teachers,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cThis funding strengthens preparedness, improves response capabilities, and helps make our schools safer for thousands of Broward families.\u201d\n\n\u201cExcellence in public safety starts with preparation. Our deputies must be ready to respond to any situation with precision, confidence and urgency,\u201d Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said. \u201cWe are grateful for this investment, which will expand critical training opportunities and equip our deputies with additional resources to further strengthen the safety and security of Broward County schools.\u201d\n\nDelivering for South Florida\n\nThe more than $7.3 million secured by Congressman Moskowitz reflects a continued focus on delivering tangible results for South Florida communities. The projects included in the House Appropriations Committee mark will strengthen public safety, modernize critical infrastructure, expand educational opportunities, improve transportation networks, and support economic growth throughout Florida\u2019s 23rd Congressional District.\n\nAs the appropriations process moves forward, Congressman Moskowitz will continue advocating for investments that bring federal resources back home and deliver meaningful results for the families, businesses, and communities he represents.", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-responds-to-devastating-earthquakes-in-venezuela", "Moskowitz Responds to Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after a pair of powerful earthquakes stuck Venezuela on June 24th, the strongest to hit the country in more than 125 years, killing over one hundred people and injuring thousands more.\n\nThe statement can be found below:\n\n\u201cAbsolutely devastating news coming out of Venezuela. The U.S. Government must stand ready to help the Venezuelan people with rescue, recovery, and humanitarian assistance in any way we can. The people of Venezuela have been dealt terrible hand after terrible hand politically, economically, and now by natural disaster. In this moment of tragedy, America must stand with them.\u201d\n\nJun 25, 2026\n\nPress\n\nMoskowitz Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Haitian TPS\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court, in Mullin v. Doe, cleared the way for the Trump Administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants, many of whom live and work in South Florida. The statement can be found below: \u201cToday\u2019s decision is a [\u2026]\n\nJun 25, 2026\n\nPress\n\nMoskowitz Delivers More Than $7.3 Million for South Florida, Securing Major Wins for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth\n\nBROWARD COUNTY, FL \u2014 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has secured more than $7.3 million in federal funding for critical projects, delivering major investments in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, and community improvements throughout South Florida. While many in Washington talk about results, Moskowitz continues to deliver them. By working directly with local leaders, first responders, educators, [\u2026]\n\nJun 24, 2026\n\nGood Governance\n\nMoskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Force Vote on Student Loan Relief\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) is helping lead a bipartisan effort to force Congress to act on the student loan crisis and bring the Affordable Loans for Students Act directly to the House Floor. Earlier today, Moskowitz helped file a discharge petition on the legislation. A discharge petition is a tool Members [\u2026]", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-responds-to-supreme-court-decision-on-haitian-tps", "Moskowitz Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Haitian TPS", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court, in Mullin v. Doe, cleared the way for the Trump Administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants, many of whom live and work in South Florida.\n\nThe statement can be found below:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s decision is a failure of judgment that puts roughly 350,000 Haitians at risk of deportation to a country our own State Department says is too dangerous to visit. It\u2019s wrong, and it\u2019s not smart policy. Haitian TPS holders are legal workers who support our health care system, our infrastructure, and our economy in South Florida. Deporting them to a country in a declared state of emergency means fewer caregivers, higher costs, and lives at risk. I urge the Administration to reverse course and work with Congress on a lasting solution.\u201d\n\nJun 25, 2026\n\nPress\n\nMoskowitz Responds to Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after a pair of powerful earthquakes stuck Venezuela on June 24th, the strongest to hit the country in more than 125 years, killing over one hundred people and injuring thousands more. The statement can be found below: \u201cAbsolutely devastating news coming out of Venezuela. [\u2026]\n\nJun 25, 2026\n\nPress\n\nMoskowitz Delivers More Than $7.3 Million for South Florida, Securing Major Wins for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth\n\nBROWARD COUNTY, FL \u2014 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has secured more than $7.3 million in federal funding for critical projects, delivering major investments in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, and community improvements throughout South Florida. While many in Washington talk about results, Moskowitz continues to deliver them. By working directly with local leaders, first responders, educators, [\u2026]\n\nJun 24, 2026\n\nGood Governance\n\nMoskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Force Vote on Student Loan Relief\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) is helping lead a bipartisan effort to force Congress to act on the student loan crisis and bring the Affordable Loans for Students Act directly to the House Floor. Earlier today, Moskowitz helped file a discharge petition on the legislation. A discharge petition is a tool Members [\u2026]", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3508", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Supreme Court TPS Decision", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on United States Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Trump v. Miot:\n\n\u201cI am heartbroken and infuriated by the Supreme Court's despicable decision on TPS for Haitians and Syrians.\n\n\u201cThis callous ruling will have devastating implications for 1.3 million TPS recipients who have been targeted by Trump despite abiding by the law and contributing to Florida's economy. The Court selectively ignored Trump's open racism against Haitians to imply that race was not a factor in this case. We all know better.\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will. Haitian-American children\u2014U.S. citizens\u2014will be orphaned, detained in horrific conditions, or deported alongside their parents to imminent danger. Americans will pay even higher prices for groceries, healthcare, housing, and childcare.\n\n\u201cI have proudly led the fight to protect Venezuelan, Haitian, and Cuban immigrant communities from Trump's collective punishment. I led nearly 200 Congressional Democrats in an amicus brief defending TPS in this Supreme Court case, and I fought alongside Rep. Ayanna Pressley to successfully force a House vote on legislation extending TPS for Haiti.\n\n\u201cAnd this fight is not over. The mission to protect our law-abiding neighbors from ICE brutality and provide a lawful pathway to permanent status has never been more urgent, and I will continue working tirelessly to achieve those goals.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-06-26T06:29:35Z", "2026-06-26T06:31:46Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-introduces-haitian-refugee-immigration-fairness-act-following-supreme-court-tps-decision", "Rep. Wilson Introduces Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act Following Supreme Court TPS Decision", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Following today's U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for Haitians, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) today introduced the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026, legislation that would provide eligible Haitian nationals and their families with a pathway to lawful permanent resident status after years of living and working in the United States under temporary protections.\n\n\"Today's Supreme Court decision is heartbreaking, but it will not be the final chapter,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cFor more than forty years, I have stood with the Haitian community, and I will not stop now. The Court may have cleared the way for this administration to end TPS protections, but Congress still has the power to protect these families.\"\n\n\"The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act moves Haitian families from uncertainty to stability,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cInstead of forcing people who have lived, worked, paid taxes, and raised their children here to depend on temporary protections that can disappear with the stroke of a pen, this bill provides eligible Haitians with a pathway to lawful permanent resident status and, ultimately, American citizenship. It rewards those who followed the law, keeps families together, and provides the lasting security that Temporary Protected Status was never intended to provide.\"\n\n\"TPS was never meant to become a lifetime of uncertainty,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cHaitian families have done everything this country asked of them. They registered, paid the required fees, worked, paid taxes, raised their children, and strengthened our communities. My Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act creates a responsible pathway to lawful permanent resident status while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public safety. It is a fair, long-overdue solution that replaces years of temporary uncertainty with lasting security for long-settled Haitian families.\"\n\n\"My constituents are already receiving emails telling them to self-deport or face arrest, deportation, and permanent exile,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). \u201cFor Haitian families, this is not immigration policy. It is cruelty. It is inhumane. It is a death sentence. Haiti remains in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, and families who have lived, worked, and contributed to this country for years deserve certainty, stability, and the opportunity to become permanent members of the country they already call home. I will never stop fighting to keep families united.\"\n\n\"At a moment when Haitian families face the loss of lawful protections despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 provides a responsible and lasting solution rooted in fairness and the rule of law,\u201d said Sui Chung, Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice. \u201cAmericans for Immigrant Justice proudly supports Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson's legislation because individuals who have established their lives, supported their families, and contributed to our communities deserve the opportunity to remain in the country they call home. We thank Congresswoman Wilson for her leadership and urge Congress to advance this critical legislation without delay.\u201d\n\nThe Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 would:\n\nCreate a pathway to lawful permanent resident (green card) status for eligible Haitian nationals and their qualifying spouses and children.\n\nApply to Haitians who have continuously lived in the United States since June 26, 2024, with limited exceptions for authorized travel and brief absences.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 include Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Maxine Waters (CA-43).\n\nThe legislation is supported by Americans for Immigrant Justice, the National Immigration Law Center, Catholic Legal Services, Family Action Network Movement (FANM), Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, and the Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405232", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Calls on the President to Sign the Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to Lower the Cost of Housing for Floridians", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:\n\n\u201cThis week, the Congress passed meaningful, bipartisan legislation that will help make home ownership more attainable for hard-working neighbors across the Tampa Bay area who have seen the dream of homeownership move farther out of reach due to high costs,\u201d said Rep. Kathy Castor. \u201cThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes several policies I championed, including limiting the ability of hedge funds to buy a large number of homes while driving costs through the roof. The bipartisan bill also incentivizes the permitting and construction of new homes and residences. Homes are for people, not for hedge fund managers. I am particularly pleased that, through this legislation, we will improve Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), which has delivered billions of dollars in disaster recovery funding to Tampa Bay communities and neighbors impacted by recent hurricanes. I\u2019m proud of the bipartisan work accomplished through this legislation to address a real, significant challenge in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.\n\n\u201cThe President\u2019s last-minute decision today to cancel the signing of the critical 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to push a bill to limit access to the ballot box ignored the real needs of American families and young people trying to buy a home in an increasingly unaffordable economy. I urge President Trump to reverse course and sign the bill to rein in the cost of housing for American families.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan and bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents the most comprehensive housing reform legislation in decades to jumpstart the construction of homes people can actually afford.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would:\n\nRemove barriers to expedite the building of new homes\n\nCodify the CDBG-Disaster Relief initiative, which will expedite funds to my neighbors rebuilding from storms\n\nResponsibly rein in corporate landlords, banning large institutional investors from purchasing up single-family homes\n\nImprove transparency for Veteran homebuyers\n\nView a one-page summary of the legislation .", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5021", "Frankel, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Esther Coopersmith Award Act to Honor Champions of Women, Peace, and Security", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), co-chair of the Women, Peace, and Security Caucus, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-27) introduced the Esther Coopersmith Award Act, legislation to create a State Department award honoring public servants who advance Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) around the world.\n\nNamed for Esther Coopersmith \u2014 a trailblazing diplomat, philanthropist, and lifelong champion of women\u2019s leadership \u2014 the award would recognize members of the Civil and Foreign Service whose work strengthens peace, security, and stability by elevating the role of women in preventing conflict, resolving crises, and rebuilding communities.\n\n\u201cWomen are the backbone of families and communities \u2014 and when they have a voice in decisions about peace and security, the world is safer and stronger,\u201d said Rep. Frankel, \u201cEsther Coopersmith spent her life bringing people together and opening doors for women leaders. This award honors her remarkable legacy and the dedicated diplomats and public servants carrying that mission forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cThroughout her remarkable career as a diplomat, host, and philanthropist, Esther Coopersmith not only blazed a trail for herself, but brought countless other women to the table too,\u201d said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. \"At a time when world leaders too often choose force over diplomacy, Esther\u2019s legacy reminds us of the importance of human connection and the inclusion of women when tackling global issues. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this legislation that both honors Esther\u2019s life\u2019s work and reaffirms the U.S.\u2019s commitment to Women, Peace, and Security.\u201d\n\nEsther Coopersmith dedicated more than 70 years to diplomacy, public service, and building bridges across cultures and communities. She served on the U.S. delegation to the United Nations (UN) under President Jimmy Carter, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as an advisor to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, became only the second woman to receive the UN Peace Medal, and was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Known for bringing people together across political and international divides, Mrs. Coopersmith regularly convened women leaders, Members of Congress, diplomats, and advocates to promote cooperation, peace, and opportunity.\n\nThe Esther Coopersmith Award Act builds on bipartisan efforts to recognize the important role women play in creating lasting peace and advancing U.S. security interests.\n\nSenators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-helps-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-force-vote-on-student-loan-relief", "Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Force Vote on Student Loan Relief", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) is helping lead a bipartisan effort to force Congress to act on the student loan crisis and bring the Affordable Loans for Students Act directly to the House Floor.\n\nEarlier today, Moskowitz helped file a discharge petition on the legislation. A discharge petition is a tool Members of Congress use to bypass leadership delays and procedural roadblocks. If enough Members sign on, it forces a vote on a bill, whether House leadership wants to bring it up or not. Through this effort, Moskowitz is pushing Congress to stop stalling and take direct action to lower costs for millions of student loan borrowers.\n\nVideo of Moskowitz highlighting his efforts to address the student loan crisis and deliver relief for borrowers across Florida is found here.\n\nThe bipartisan Affordable Loans for Students Act would cap federal student loan interest rates at 2%, giving borrowers real relief and helping ensure their payments go toward paying down the actual loan \u2014 not years of compounding interest. The legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY-17) and co-led by Rep. Moskowitz and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13).\n\n\u201cThere is broad bipartisan agreement that student loan debt is holding Americans back, yet Congress has failed to act,\u201d said Congressman Jared Moskowitz. \u201cOur bill would cap federal student loan interest rates at 2%, helping borrowers get ahead while preserving access to higher education. The more money Americans can save on interest for their loans, the more money they can put into the economy. This is commonsense reform that does not rely on blanket loan cancellation and does not spend taxpayer money. If Members believe we need to address the student loan crisis, they should sign this discharge petition and let the House vote.\u201d\n\nCurrent federal student loan interest rates have climbed as high as 6.39% for undergraduate Direct Loans, 7.94% for graduate and professional Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and 8.94% for Direct PLUS Loans. For many borrowers, these rates make it harder to repay what they owe and can turn student loans into long-term financial burdens that delay buying a home, starting a family, saving for retirement, or building a future.\n\nIn addition to lowering the interest rate on certain federal student loans, the Affordable Loans for Students Act would require loan terms, for eligible loans held by the Secretary of Education, to be modified automatically without any action from the borrower. For eligible federal loans not held by the Secretary, the bill would create a refinancing process while allowing borrowers to opt out.\n\nThe legislation would also prohibit origination fees on refinanced loans under the program, preserve a borrower\u2019s original repayment term unless the borrower chooses otherwise, and apply the 2% rate to future Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Direct Consolidation Loans covered under the bill. On CNN, Moskowitz highlighted his push to force a vote on commonsense reform to the student loan crisis, making clear that Congress should not continue to ignore an issue that is crushing borrowers across the country.", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/congressman-jared-moskowitz-to-host-4th-annual-sneaker-day-on-the-hill", "Congressman Jared Moskowitz to Host 4th Annual Sneaker Day on the Hill", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, will host the fourth annual Sneaker Day on the Hill alongside Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and other participating Members of Congress. Sneaker Day on the Hill brings together Members, staff, students, designers, collectors, and leaders in the footwear industry to celebrate sneaker culture, design, entrepreneurship, and the role sneakers play in bringing people together.\n\nThis year\u2019s event will feature a panel discussion with Sean Williams, co-founder of SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy, andDr. D\u2019Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy and Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design. The conversation will focus on sneaker culture, design, entrepreneurship, and career pathways across the footwear industry.\n\nThe event will also include a cleat and sneaker display highlighting gear connected to the World Cup, celebrating the intersection of sports, culture, design, and the global community.\n\nWHO:\n\nCongressman Jared Moskowitz\n\nCongresswoman Sharice Davids\n\nParticipating Members of Congress\n\nSean Williams, co-founder of SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy\n\nDr. D\u2019Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy and Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design\n\nWHAT:\n\n4th Annual Sneaker Day on the Hill\n\nWHEN:\n\nThursday, June 25 from 2:30pm to 4:00pm", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405231", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Introduces Bipartisan Bill Protecting Americans from Paying for Data Center Development", "2026-06-19", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) introduced the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to protect American families from the costs of energy and grid upgrades required for new data centers, while advancing American innovation in industries like artificial intelligence.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act requires state utility regulators to establish rules to ensure that community members do not pay for the costs of building new power generation, transmission lines, and other upgrades to serve large-load customers, such as data centers. Without proper safeguards, families and small businesses in communities where data center development occurs could see higher electricity bills at the end of every month.\n\nAt a time when Americans are increasingly struggling with rising energy costs and an aging electric grid, the Ratepayer Protection Act ensures that major technology companies that have committed to covering the full energy and infrastructure costs associated with new data center development are held accountable for their promises. As states consider new data center development, this bill provides states with responsible solutions to ensure that community members can benefit from those investments.\n\n\u201cMy neighbors across Florida are grappling with skyrocketing electric bills. Ratepayers should not have to subsidize wealthy corporations\u2019 growing energy demands, especially from AI data centers,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe Ratepayer Protection Act safeguards consumers by ensuring these data centers pay for the energy and grid upgrades they need so hardworking families and local businesses are not stuck paying more.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs America races to lead the world in AI, we must build the energy infrastructure needed to support this innovation and stay ahead of competitors like Communist China,\u201d said Rep. Evans. \u201cBut Colorado families, farmers, and small businesses should not be forced to cover the costs of new power generation driven by these developments. The Ratepayer Protection Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that protects everyday Americans and ensures our nation can continue to win the AI race.\u201d\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act builds on Rep. Castor\u2019s leadership on the Stopping Hikes In Electricity from large Load Demands (SHIELD) Act, which she introduced with Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) in January.\n\nBackground\n\nIf enacted, the legislation would propose standards that state regulators could enforce when considering the integration of new large-load customers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more onto the grid. Those recommendations include:", 1, "2026-06-20T06:35:38Z", "2026-06-20T06:37:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405230", "U.S. Reps. Castor and Suozzi Introduce Resolution to Lower Costs for Families by Repealing Rule that Increases Premiums for Health Care Coverage", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced a bicameral resolution to repeal the Trump Administration\u2019s rule that will increase the cost of health care for hardworking Americans, sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, kick up to two million Americans off their health coverage, and make it easier for insurance companies to cover fewer services.\n\n\u201cFamilies need affordable health coverage, not more economic pain by ripping health care away. The recent rule change to the ACA would make life more expensive by increasing out-of-pocket costs, ripping two million Americans\u2019 health coverage away, and creating more obstacles to coverage and care,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThis resolution will ensure that this predatory rule change does not go into effect. Everyone deserves affordable health care coverage \u2014not just the wealthy and well-connected.\u201d\n\n\u201cHealthcare costs are already too high, and millions have already lost their health insurance due to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of last year,\u201d said Rep. Suozzi. \u201cThe latest ACA rule would only make things worse, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and decreasing the quality of their coverage. This rule risks even more Americans losing their health insurance, and we cannot let that happen.\"\n\nThe rule promotes the use of catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, loosens physician network requirements for plans, and proposes that insurers be allowed to offer \u201cnon-network\u201d plans that may not cover the cost of care. This would make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase working families\u2019 deductibles, cover fewer services and kick more providers out of network.\n\nAt a time when Americans are already struggling to afford health care thanks to the deeply unpopular policies of President Trump and congressional Republicans, this rule will make it even harder for consumers to get the coverage and find the doctors they need.\n\nThe result would be worse coverage at higher costs, including:\n\nTerminate Coverage for 2M: According to CMS estimates, the rule would reduce enrollment in ACA plans by up to 2 million.\n\nRaise Costs: Insurance would become more unaffordable. For example, some bronze plans would have maximum out-of-pocket costs of $15,600 for an individual per year or $31,200 for a working family per year in 2027.\n\nReduce Benefits: Benefits may be reduced in many states \u2013 meaning Americans could lose access to coverage for substance use disorder treatment, hearing aids, or other critical services, as well as adult dental.\n\nIncrease Red Tape: Paperwork burden would increase on 4.7 million Americans, making it more difficult for them to get the coverage they deserve and kicking millions off their insurance.\n\nCut off Americans from their Doctors: Access to providers would decrease as insurance companies sell non-network health plans \u2013 with unlimited costs to consumers \u2013 and reduce the number of providers in their networks.\n\nSenators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also introduced this resolution in the U.S. Senate today.", 1, "2026-06-18T06:41:00Z", "2026-06-18T06:43:25Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3507", "Wasserman Schultz Joins Children's Services Council, Law Enforcement to Announce New Safety Initiative", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Lauderhill, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined advocates, law enforcement, and local elected officials to announce the launch of a major regional child safety initiative to distribute 400,000 free National Child Identification Program (NCIDP) kits to families throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Collier counties.\n\nWatch the livestream here.\n\n\u201cIf a child goes missing, information obtained by this kit can make all the difference in bringing them home. No one should experience that harrowing dread to see a police officer at your door or feel the real pain behind the missing child poster on a wall,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI look forward to working with the dedicated teams here today to end the missing child crisis. We owe it to every young person and parent to be fully committed to this fight.\u201d\n\nThe ID kit allows parents to collect specific information by easily recording the physical characteristics, fingerprints and DNA of their children on identification cards that are then kept at home by the parent or guardian. If ever needed, this ID kit gives authorities vital information to assist their efforts to locate a missing child.", 1, "2026-06-16T06:53:21Z", "2026-06-16T06:55:02Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-thompson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-bolster-wic-families-access", "Soto, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan\u00a0Legislation to Bolster WIC Families\u2019 Access to Nutritious\u00a0Juice", "2026-06-14", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI am proud to work with Chairman Thompson on these two important bills to ensure that families in Florida and across the nation have access to delicious and nutritious juice,\u201d said Rep. Soto. \"As juice consumption for families who receive WIC benefits is down due to recent policy changes, the Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act will allow families the opportunity to increase their consumption.\"\n\n\u201cFamilies participating in WIC deserve access to nutritious foods and beverages that best meet their needs,\u201d said Chairman Thompson. \"The Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act will restore access to the key nutrients juices provide and preserve flexibility for families working hard to put healthy options on the table.\"", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5019", "Frankel Calls on House Oversight Committee to Advance Long Overdue Epstein Hearing in Palm Beach County", "2026-06-12", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) sent a letter to House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY-01) and Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) requesting the Committee issue long-overdue subpoenas for key witnesses in the Epstein case and put the local Palm Beach County prosecutors and officials responsible for Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s failed prosecution under oath.\n\n\u201cI again respectfully request that the full House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform come to Palm Beach County and subpoena key witnesses to testify under oath,\u201d wrote Rep. Frankel. \u201cTheir testimony could provide critical insight into how Epstein secured such a lenient agreement, why survivors were denied the justice they deserved, and how we can prevent such failures in the future.\u201d\n\nRep. Frankel has called for a hearing in Palm Beach County for years. Previous hearings were postponed at the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the ongoing prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell. Rep. Frankel believes it is past time that the Committee moves forward with this hearing\u2014a belief strengthened after hearing directly from survivors last month at the Oversight Democrats field hearing in Palm Beach County.\n\nLast month, through her role on the House Appropriations Committee, she also helped advance two provisions to:\n\nRequire the DOJ to remove and prohibit the further release of personally identifying information of Epstein survivors on DOJ websites and in public materials.\n\nDirect the DOJ Inspector General to review compliance with the Crime Victims\u2019 Rights Act (CVRA) and examine reforms needed to ensure all survivors are guaranteed their rights under the law, including timely notification of plea agreements before they are finalized \u2014 addressing the very loophole exploited in Epstein\u2019s secret 2008 non-prosecution agreement.", 1, "2026-06-13T06:32:19Z", "2026-06-13T06:34:27Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405226", "Castor, Thompson Introduce Bill to Safeguard Consumers Against Predatory Timeshare Practices", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps.Kathy Castor (D-FL) andGlenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act. This legislation increases accountability and transparency in the timeshare industry, protecting consumers from misleading contracts, hidden fees, and vague exit options.\n\n\u201cThe dream of a vacation ownership \u2014 a timeshare \u2014 too often comes with hidden fees, confusing terms and few options when costs spiral out of control for hardworking families,\u201d Rep. Castor said. \u201cIn Florida, where tourism is the foundation of our economy, families deserve clear prices and honest information, not fine print and expensive surprises, so that they can plan and budget with confidence. Instead, millions of Americans have found themselves locked into agreements with escalating costs and few ways to get out. The bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act will establish commonsense safeguards so families can make informed decisions, avoid predatory practices and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.\u201d\n\n\u201cBad actors in the timeshare industry have made a business model out of confusing consumers with misleading contracts, while leaving unsuspecting families with little recourse,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cAmericans deserve clear and honest information when making significant financial decisions, rather than predatory and manipulative sales tactics. This bipartisan bill protects hardworking families, so they can safely invest in vacation experiences.\u201d\n\n\u201cTimeshare members and owners, including young families, seniors, veterans, and active-duty service members, have long waited for their voices to be heard. The Timeshare Transparency Act is the path forward that we and our volunteers and I have hoped for. This bill directly addresses the concerns we hear every day: no more hidden fees, no more confusing contracts, clear exit options and a 14-day penalty free cooling off period for every buyer. Better communication between consumers and developers is the foundation of a healthy industry. This bipartisan legislation puts that principle into action, and I applaud Congressman GT Thompson and Congresswoman Kathy Castor for championing transparency in the timeshare industry,\u201d said Irene Parker, Co-Founder of Timeshare Advocacy & Reform Disclosure Alliance, Inc. (TARDA)\n\nSpecifically, this legislation requires all timeshare agreements to:\n\nInclude a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs;\n\nMandate disclosure of modifiable fees and the notice requirements for such changes;\n\nProvide clear, documented options to exit ownership;\n\nGrant buyers a 14-day, penalty-free cancellation period;\n\nAllow buyers time to review the timeshare agreement privately.\n\nSenators John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) lead the Senate companion bill.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5016", "Rep. Frankel Joins Legislation to Protect Jewish Community, Counter Antisemitism", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined 29 of her colleagues in the House of Representatives in introducing the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act to strengthen Federal efforts to counter antisemitism in the United States and protect the Jewish community.\n\n\u201cAs antisemitism continues to rise and threats against our community become more frequent, Congress and the Executive Branch must do more to protect Jewish communities, students, and institutions from violence and discrimination,\u201d said. Rep. Frankel. \u201cNo one should have to fear for their safety while practicing their faith or gathering to celebrate Jewish life. The Jewish American Security Act is an important bipartisan bill that will enhance and strengthen federal protections for the Jewish community and counter antisemitism. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in this effort.\u201d\n\nThe bill would:\n\nAuthorize the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) at $1 billion and improve the program by allowing the use of grant funding to hire security personnel, improve the application process, and ensure clearer access to grant opportunities;\n\nMandate the Department of Justice award grants to state and local law enforcement to increase security around religious sites;\n\nRequire civil rights training and public awareness campaigns in schools, create an Antisemitism Coordinator at the Department of Education, and require increased transparency from social media platforms on how they are handling antisemitic content on their sites.\n\nFor full text of the bill, click here.\n\nRelated News\n\nRep. Frankel Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses\n\nDecember 18, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nRep. Frankel Celebrates the Release of the Hostages from Gaza\n\nOctober 13, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nRep. Frankel Statement on Reported Peace Agreement Between Israel and Hamas\n\nOctober 9, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nRep. Frankel Marks Two Years Since October 7 Hamas Terrorist Attacks\n\nOctober 7, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-helps-lead-bipartisan-jewish-american-security-act", "Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Jewish American Security Act", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) helped lead the introduction of the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act, legislation to strengthen federal efforts to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish students, secure Jewish institutions, and address the spread of antisemitic content online. The legislation is sponsored by 30 Members of Congress from both parties. Video of Moskowitz discussing the new legislation is found HERE.\n\nThe Jewish American Security Act would establish new protections for Jewish students on college campuses, strengthen security programs for synagogues and nonprofit organizations, improve federal tracking of antisemitic incidents, and increase transparency surrounding antisemitic content on large online platforms.\n\n\u201cAntisemitism is on the rise across our country, and the federal government has a responsibility to help protect Jewish communities,\u201d said Congressman Moskowitz. \u201cWhen a man in my district made a plot against my life, I got lucky when authorities prevented it. But unfortunately, not everyone\u2019s story ends the same way. The Jewish American Security Act will strengthen critical security programs for synagogues and nonprofit organizations while also improving how we address antisemitism online. As more Jewish Americans continue to experience the effects of antisemitic hatred, Congress must act swiftly to pass this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nFlorida is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, and Congressman Moskowitz has long understood the stakes firsthand. As Florida\u2019s Director of Emergency Management, he oversaw security grant requests from places of worship across the state; and saw repeatedly that there was never enough funding to meet the needs of every institution that applied. The Jewish American Security Act is aimed at closing that gap, helping ensure more houses of worship have the resources they need to stay safe.\n\nAmong other provisions, the Jewish American Security Act would:\n\nStrengthen protections for Jewish students by requiring enhanced Title VI compliance efforts on college campuses and creating dedicated antisemitism coordinators to address incidents of discrimination.\n\nExpand and reform the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, authorizing $1 billion annually to help protect synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other at-risk nonprofit organizations.\n\nCreate new grant opportunities to support local law enforcement efforts protecting houses of worship and vulnerable religious institutions.\n\nImprove transparency and accountability surrounding antisemitic content online while strengthening federal efforts to understand the connection between online hate and real-world violence.", 1, "2026-06-11T06:38:38Z", "2026-06-11T06:41:07Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3506", "Democratic Caucus Votes to Place Wasserman Schultz on Influential House Foreign Affairs Committee", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington DC \u2013 This morning, the House Democratic Caucus unanimously supported appointing U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) to serve on the influential House Foreign Affairs Committee, a post that allows her to directly tackle issues impacting her diverse constituents and challenge the Trump Administration\u2019s cruel, transactional policies, which harm our national interests and threaten South Florida\u2019s strategic position as an economic hub linking the U.S. with Latin America and the Caribbean.\n\n\"South Florida is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and for our people, foreign policy is domestic policy for so many,\" said Wasserman Schultz. \"I\u2019m proud to have long represented one of the nation\u2019s most diverse Caribbean and Latin American diasporas, whose stories and struggles shape my commitment to democracy and justice abroad and at home. I will seize this opportunity to continue to champion human rights, lift the voices of those suffering under violent repression, and fight Trump's self-serving, America-last foreign policy. And I'm deeply grateful to Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and all my House Democratic colleagues for this vote of confidence.\"\n\nWasserman Schultz brings two decades of diplomatic and national security policy experience to this post. She has fought to restore Temporary Protected Status for Haitians as a member of the Haiti Caucus and advocated for Cuban political prisoners as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. She currently co-chairs the Congressional Venezuelan Democracy Caucus, Cuba Democracy Caucus, the Abraham Accords Caucus, and co-founded the Victims of Communism Caucus. Wasserman Schultz will retain her post as a Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on the Appropriations Committee. The Democratic Caucus added her to the Foreign Affairs Committee along with U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Wesley Bell (MO-01).\n\n####", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405222", "Castor Urges Quick Delivery of Home Energy Rebates to Lower Costs for Florida Families After Months of Delays", "2026-06-08", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today called on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Gov. DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to move quickly to deliver $346 million in long-delayed savings she championed for Florida families.\n\nThe rebates are designed to help families lower their monthly utility bills through home energy-efficiency improvements, weatherization upgrades and more efficient appliances.\n\n\u201cFloridians are paying too much for nearly everything right now\u2014from housing and insurance to groceries and utility bills. Energy costs remain a significant burden for many families, especially during Florida\u2019s long, hot summers when air conditioning is a necessity,\u201d said Rep. Castor. DOE finally released updated guidance last week for the Home Energy Rebates Program that should allow states to distribute rebate savings to Floridians. The updated guidance is an important step in getting long-overdue savings to Florida families as they grapple with an intense affordability squeeze.\u201d\n\nDOE\u2019s updated guidance explicitly contradicts U.S. law by imposing new restrictions that limit consumer choice and create barriers to adoption. DOE\u2019s decision to issue guidance that conflicts with the law is another attempt to thwart energy efficiency savings for consumers. At every turn, the Trump Administration has sided with polluters and special interests to the detriment of hardworking Americans. Nevertheless, the home rebates still provide a significant opportunity to help families reduce costly energy waste, improve home comfort and lower monthly utility bills.\n\nFlorida is slated to receive approximately $346 million through the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) initiatives. The funding was secured through legislation championed by Rep. Castor and included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).\n\nFlorida\u2019s funding was approved in January 2025, but implementation has been delayed by the Trump Administration since then. Rep. Castor is encouraging both federal and state officials to quickly complete any remaining steps so Floridians can begin accessing the savings as Congress intended.", 1, "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-and-senator-richard-blumenthal-introduce-the-right-to-record-act", "Congressman Maxwell Frost and Senator Richard Blumenthal Introduce The Right to Record Act, Allowing Citizens to Sue Federal Officials Who Violate Their Rights as They Attempt to Legally Record", "2026-06-08", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Right To Record Act, legislation that would protect individuals\u2019 First Amendment Rights while engaging with ICE agents and federal law enforcement officers \u2013 giving citizens an opportunity for civil compensation if these rights are infringed upon.\n\nAs protests and public demonstrations continue outside New Jersey\u2019s Delaney Hall detention facility, there are reports of agents harassing journalists, advocates, and community members who are trying to document the conditions of the facility. This is just the latest example of federal immigration officials denying the public the transparency they deserve. Moreover, citizens currently face significant obstacles when trying to hold individual officials accountable for violations of constitutional rights. The Right to Record Act is needed to promote transparency, prevent federal agencies from concealing their unlawful behavior, and ensure that they are held accountable in a court of law if they do.\n\n\u201cThe First Amendment defends the right to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public. That right has never been more important. In cases like the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, officials and their allies tried to paint the victims as threats despite evidence showing otherwise,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost. \u201cWithout firsthand recordings, those false narratives might have become the official story, which is why the Right to Record Act is so important. It would protect the public\u2019s ability to expose the truth without fear, giving individuals a legal path forward if an officer does violate their constitutional rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the last year, I\u2019ve investigated dozens of cases of Americans brutalized by agents of their own government, and across the board, video footage corroborated their testimony \u2013 showing the world what they experienced and making sure that justice was served. Without recordings, we wouldn\u2019t know the truth of what happened to Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, Marimar Martinez, George Retes, and so, so many others. The right to bear witness has never been more important. I\u2019m proud to work with Congressman Frost on bicameral legislation that will strengthen the right to record, observe, and peacefully protest \u2013 creating real enforcement tools for the protections of the First Amendment that lay the foundation for our democracy.\u201d - Senator Richard Blumenthal\n\n\"The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy,\" said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel with the ACLU. \"We can't hold our government accountable if we can't see for ourselves what they're doing in our communities. Observing and filming allows people to create an independent record, share information with their communities, and demand better from our government. Protesting for what we believe in is a core American value, and observing and filming government activity can drive the protest movements that spark change. All of these rights are squarely protected by the First Amendment, and we're hopeful that Congress will codify them into law by enacting the Right to Record Act.\"\n\nFor more information on the Right to Record Act, click here.\n\nThe Right to Record Act has been endorsed by: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC)\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"], ["https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-and-donalds-release-bipartisan-hurricane-preparedness-psa-for-florida-families", "Moskowitz and Donalds Release Bipartisan Hurricane Preparedness PSA for Florida Families", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Jared Moskowitz", "M001217", "moskowitz.house.gov", "moskowitz", "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) released a bipartisan public service announcement urging Floridians to prepare now as hurricane season gets underway. The PSA covers critical preparedness steps every Floridian should take before a storm strikes, including assembling a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, and knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.\n\n\u201cHurricanes don\u2019t care whether you\u2019re a Democrat or a Republican; they hit everyone,\u201d said Congressman Moskowitz. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Byron Donalds to deliver this message together. Floridians should not wait until a storm is on the radar to start preparing. Get your kit ready, have seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the FEMA app today.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting Florida communities is a shared duty that transcends any political divide. The safety and security of all Floridians is paramount, especially as we enter this hurricane season. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Moskowitz, in urging all Floridians to take proactive steps today. Don\u2019t wait for a storm. Prepare today: get seven days of supplies, know your evacuation route, and stay ready,\u201d said Congressman Donalds.The PSA urges Floridians to take the following steps before a storm arrives:\n\nAssemble a disaster supply kit that can last you seven days, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.\n\nKnow your evacuation zone and follow instructions from local emergency management officials.\n\nUnderstand the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they are expected within 36 hours.\n\nHave a plan for pets. Know where you can take them, pack food and supplies, and make them part of your evacuation plan. Not all shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have planned where you\u2019ll bring your pets ahead of time. Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred kennels and facilities and make a plan to ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.\n\nDownload the FEMA app for real-time weather alerts and nearby shelter locations.\n\nBusinesses should plan ahead to protect employees, maintain communications, and secure property before a storm hits.\n\nFloridians are encouraged to stay informed through their local emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.\n\nAs the only former Director of Emergency Management in Congress, Moskowitz served as Florida\u2019s Director of Emergency Management from 2019-2021, where he oversaw the state\u2019s response to major disasters, including Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued that work in Congress, focusing on strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring communities have the resources they need when disaster strikes.", 1, "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3505", "Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Carol Miller (WV-1), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care.\n\nOver 500,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD.\n\n\u201cPKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn\u2019t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cKidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,\u201d said Miller.\n\n\u201cDespite more than 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,\u201d said Cleaver. \u201cThere are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I\u2019m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.\u201d\n\n\u201cPolycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,\u201d said Bacon. \u201cThe PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I\u2019m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation,\" said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. \u201cThis bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country's leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure \u2014 not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,\u201d said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. \u201cThe PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,\u201d said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. \"Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.\u201d\n\n\"The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation's kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD,\" said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. \"It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community's recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.\u201d\n\nThe PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology.\n\nThe bill text can be found here.", 1, "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-introduces-protect-our-homes-act-improve-disaster-relief-and-lower", "Soto Introduces Protect Our Homes Act to Improve Disaster Relief and Lower Housing Costs", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) introduced H.R. 9159, the Protect Our Homes Act\u2014legislation to establish a loan program within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help communities repair residential common areas after natural disasters and/or protect property from future disasters. This includes low-cost loans to Condominium, Townhome, and Homeowners Associations. This bill may also reduce costly special assessments for homeowners over the long term.\n\n\u201cIn Florida, we are no strangers to hurricanes. We\u2019ve seen wind and flooding damage to planned communities in BVL, Meadow Woods, St. Cloud, Belle Isle, and other areas across our district. It is critical that we continue finding ways to help these communities recover common areas like roofs, walls, sidewalks, clubhouses, and other common areas after storms,\u201d said Rep. Soto. \u201cToday, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Protect Our Homes Act to establish a loan program within the SBA to help Floridians restore their communities and reduce costly special assessments after storms.\u201d\n\nThe Protect Our Homes Act establishes a loan program within the SBA for entities responsible for managing residential common areas (e.g., homeowner associations, apartment complex property managers):\n\nThese loans would be used to repair residential common areas damaged by natural disasters\n\nThe loan funds can also be used as mitigation efforts to protect property from possible future disasters\n\nThe bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL-01). Upon introduction, it was referred to the House Committee on Small Business.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3503", "Wasserman Schultz Shares Broward County Residents\u2019 High-Cost Utility Struggles, Offers Legislative Solutions", "2026-06-01", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Sunrise, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened Broward County residents to share how utility prices continue to squeeze families across South Florida, as electric, water, gas and other bills continue to climb, and she offered a raft of common-sense legislative solutions to bring these costs down.\n\n\u201cCongress can lower utility bills by passing legislation that caps excessive corporate profits and overcharges, and speeds up the deployment of low-cost clean energy,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cWe live in Florida, where sun, wind and water sources for clean, cheap energy are abundant. We did this kind of work in the Inflation Reduction Act. And we need to revive that, because Trump and this Republican Congress simply do not care about Americans\u2019 monthly utility bills.\u201d\n\nDuring the press conference, Wasserman Schultz discussed her co-sponsorship of the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which cracks down on for-profit utility companies that make consumers pay for wasteful spending, huge profits margins, and unnecessary projects that raise residents\u2019 bills. She also demanded stronger investments into clean energy, like wind and solar, and moving away from oil and gas reliance, priorities Democrats championed in the recent Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nIn recent months, Wasserman Schultz convened from local officials and Broward County residents who know first-hand about the high cost of housing, gas, and healthcare costs, while also proposing solutions to these issues.\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined by Hollywood Commissioner Idelma Quintana, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, newlywed father of three Philmon Brown, and domestic violence survivor and mother of an adult son with disabilities Joy Seymour.\n\n####", 1, "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-announces-43-million-federal-aviation-administration-funding-orlando", "Soto Announces $43 Million in Federal Aviation Administration Funding for Orlando International Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport", "2026-05-29", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, FL \u2014 Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) hosted a press conference at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to announce $43 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funding for MCO and Kissimmee Gateway Airport. MCO received $33 million from the Airport Terminals Program and Kissimmee Gateway Airport received$10 million from the Contract Tower (FCT) Competitive Grant Program.\n\n\u201cThanks to the Infrastructure Law, we have secured millions of federal dollars over the years to modernize our local airports\u2014helping meet the growing tourism demand and supporting local travelers,\u201d said Rep. Soto. \"We are proud of our collaborations with MCO and Kissimmee Gateway Airport to enhance experiences for families and ensure safety remains a top priority.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement of $43 million in federal funding for Orlando International Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport represents an important investment in Central Florida\u2019s transportation infrastructure and future growth,\u201d said State Senator Kristen Arrington. \"Special thanks to Congressman Soto for his leadership in securing these federal funds and for continuing to advocate for critical investments in our region. These improvements will help strengthen connectivity, support economic development, enhance airport infrastructure, and accommodate the continued growth of Central Florida\u2019s communities and tourism industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor more than 10 years, I have proudly worked alongside Congressman Darren Soto and many dedicated community partners to help make the new control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport a reality. Seeing this project come to fruition today is truly exciting and a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration and persistence,\u201d said State Representative Jose Alvarez. \"During my tenure as a Kissimmee City Commissioner, I proposed naming the tower in honor of former Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan, whose leadership and commitment to our community left a lasting impact on our city. I am especially thrilled that a plaque bearing his name will be placed on the tower in recognition of his legacy. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Soto and everyone who worked alongside us over the years to help bring this vision to life. This milestone represents continued growth and opportunity for our region, and I look forward to what the future holds for Kissimmee and Central Florida.\u201d\n\nMCO will use the $33 million awarded from the Airport Terminals Program to modernize approximately five public restrooms in Terminals 1 and 3 to enhance the existing family facilities. As the program reaches its final year of funding, we celebrate a total of $157 million awarded to MCO in Airport Terminals Program grants. The program has allocated $5 billion ($1 billion annually from 2022-2026) to provide competitive grants for airport terminal development projects across the country that address the aging infrastructure of the nation\u2019s airports.\n\n\u201cThis federal infrastructure investment reflects the kind of partnership that keeps Orlando International Airport competitive on a national and global stage,\u201d said CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Lance Lyttle. \u201cInfrastructure is one of the four pillars of our strategic vision, and the $33 million award through the Airport Terminal Program advances that commitment in a meaningful way.\u2019\u2019\n\nThanks to the FCT Program, Kissimmee Gateway Airport will use the $10 million awarded to fund a portion of the construction of their new air traffic control tower. The FCT Program allocates up to $600 million over 10 years for the modernization of airport traffic control towers.\n\n\"The City of Kissimmee is very grateful to receive grant funding for the new Kissimmee Gateway Air Traffic Control Tower. The funds will allow us to replace the aging tower with a modern, more efficient facility, ensuring our controllers can continue delivering critical airspace safety for the region,\u201d said City of Kissimmee/Kissimmee Gateway Airport Director of Aviation Shaun J. Germolus, A.A.E. \"This has been a lengthy process for the City and Congressman Soto\u2019s efforts to assist us is very appreciated.\"\n\nBoth FAA programs were created thanks to the Infrastructure Law, passed in the 117th Congress.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-statement-following-visit-to-alligator-alcatraz", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement Following Visit to \u2018Alligator Alcatraz\u2019", "2026-05-26", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Watch the full press conference here\n\nSOUTH FLORIDA \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement after a state-approved visit to \u2018Alligator Alcatraz,\u2019 amid recent reports that the facility is expected to close.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\u201cToday, I visited \u2018Alligator Alcatraz\u2019 to conduct oversight and seek answers about the future of this facility, the conditions people are currently being held in, and where detainees may be transferred if the facility closes.\n\n\u201cDuring the visit I noticed it is very apparent operations are winding down. Staff even used terms like \u201cdecompressing\u201d and \u201cwinding down\u201d and they are currently not accepting any new detainees. I even saw flights taking off to transfer detainees to other detention facilities. But what stuck out to the most to me, is on my past visits the processing center was full of staff and detainees and this time it was completely empty\u2014which clearly shows this facility is no longer operating at the capacity it once did.\n\n\u201cBut Governor DeSantis and the Trump Administration have sent conflicting messages about [\u2018Alligator Alcatraz\u2019s\u2019] closure because they don\u2019t want to admit the truth: this facility should have never opened in the first place and it will forever be a stain on Florida\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cWhile the closure of this facility would be an important step, shutting the doors alone is not enough. We must ensure that people are not simply transferred from one abusive or unsafe situation to another. Most importantly, there must be accountability for the civil and human rights violations, accountability for the environmental destruction inflicted on one of the most sacred ecosystems in the world, and accountability for the misuse of taxpayer dollars to subject our immigrant neighbors to this failed experiment in suffering.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-advances-central-florida-priorities-in-surface-transportation-reauthorization-effort", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Advances Central Florida Priorities in Surface Transportation Reauthorization Effort", "2026-05-22", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Maxwell Frost announced today that several key transportation and infrastructure priorities for Central Florida were advanced as part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee\u2019s ongoing surface transportation reauthorization process.\n\nDuring the committee markup, Congressman Frost successfully advanced his bipartisan Safer Rail Crossing Act, legislation aimed at improving safety at railway crossings and reducing preventable accidents in communities impacted by freight and passenger rail traffic. Several additional priorities submitted by Congressman Frost were also included as part of the committee process.\n\nThe managers\u2019 amendment, a bundled set of agreed-upon changes to a bill, offered by the bill\u2019s sponsor or committee manager to streamline and refine the legislation during debate includes bipartisan language co-led by Congressman Frost and Congressman Rob Bresnahan to help ensure fair distribution of federal funding for local infrastructure needs.\n\n\u201cToday is a big win for Central Florida,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost. \u201cOur communities deserve transportation systems that are safe, reliable, and built to meet the needs of working families. Through the surface transportation reauthorization process, we\u2019re fighting for investments that improve railway safety, modernize infrastructure, strengthen transit options, and keep our communities connected.\u201d\n\nThe legislation and related transportation priorities now move forward following committee approval.\n\nClick here for more info on the Safer Rail Crossing Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-reaffirms-commitment-to-rail-safety-following-tragic-death-of-miami-artist-eric-eson-hirt", "Rep. Wilson Reaffirms Commitment to Rail Safety Following Tragic Death of Miami Artist Eric \u201cEson\u201d Hirt", "2026-05-22", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI GARDENS, FL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement following the tragic death of Miami street artist Eric \u201cEson\u201d Hirt.\n\n\u201cSouth Florida is mourning the loss of Eric \u2018Eson\u2019 Hirt, a Miami street artist whose work and legacy became part of our community\u2019s cultural fabric. His creativity left a mark on Miami, and my prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all those grieving this heartbreaking loss.\n\n\u201cAs this investigation continues, I remain committed to taking action to strengthen rail safety measures so we do not see another tragedy like this happen in our community again.\n\n\u201cJust yesterday, I was proud to continue supporting rail safety efforts in Congress by helping advance the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act within the Surface Transportation Reauthorization, Build America 250 Act. I also continue pushing for increased funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program and the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant programs, which support critical safety upgrades including grade crossing improvements, grade separations, quad gate installations, and other measures designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities.\n\n\u201cAs one of five cosponsors of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I was proud to help deliver billions of dollars for rail safety investments, including more than $3 billion currently available through existing funding opportunities. We must continue investing in solutions that save lives and strengthen safety across our communities.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405215", "Rep. Castor Introduces Resolution Supporting SOF Week and Supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces", "2026-05-21", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18\u201321, 2026, as \u201cSOF Week.\u201d\n\nRep. Castor led the resolution with fellow Congressional SOF Caucus Co-Chairs\n\nRepresentatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). The Co-Chairs are also joined by Representative Jason Crow (CO-06) in leading this resolution.\n\nTampa Bay is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which hosts 33 mission partners including U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters. Rep. Castor\u2019s district is proud to host Special Operations leaders, industry partners and military advocates each year for SOF Week. Their expertise and partnerships are critical to the defense community and U.S. national security.\n\n\"America\u2019s Special Operations Forces deserve support and investment in innovation to keep them at \u2018the tip of the spear\u2019 of our military operations. I am especially proud to offer this bipartisan resolution alongside my SOF Caucus Co-chairs as thousands of special operators, military leaders and defense industry partners convene in my hometown of Tampa for SOF Week 2026 to share insights and inform mission and advocacy priorities for SOF,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe professionals who serve at U.S. SOCOM Headquarters from across the Tampa Bay area and those stationed across the globe are central to America\u2019s national security. They and their families deserve top-tier trainings, resources and care, and the SOF Caucus is committed to ensuring that through our strong bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to work with Rep. Jackson, Peters and Hudson to lead this important bipartisan resolution.\"\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s Special Operations Forces represent the very best of our military. They are highly trained, deeply committed, and consistently called upon in the most dangerous and complex missions around the world,\u201d said Rep. Jackson. \u201cAs Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee\u2019s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the SOF Caucus, I am proud to lead this resolution recognizing the service of our special operators and reaffirming our commitment to support them and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe men and women of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) play an indispensable role in our national security,\u201d said Rep. Hudson. \u201cAs Fort Bragg\u2019s Congressman, I am proud to represent these heroes and honor them for their service to our country.\u201d\n\n\"San Diego is a proud military town that is home to Naval Special Warfare's headquarters in my district,\" said Rep. Peters. \"Our Special Operations Forces (SOF) community conducts some of the most dangerous and challenging missions confronting our country unknown to the American public. Their quiet professionalism too often goes uncelebrated. I support the designation of SOF Week to honor the great skill and sacrifice of these courageous servicemembers and their families who live in San Diego and throughout the country.\"\n\n\u201cI served in special ops. I know how hard this job is,\u201d said Rep. Crow. \u201cI\u2019ll always support the men, women, and families in the Special Operations Forces community who make many sacrifices for our nation. They always get the job done to keep the American people safe.\u201d\n\nThe resolution coincides with SOF Week 2026, the premier annual gathering of the global special operations community hosted in Tampa, Florida, by the United States Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation. The event brings together military leaders, operators, policymakers, allied partners, innovators, and defense industry leaders to collaborate on emerging threats, evolving operational requirements, and next generation capabilities supporting the SOF mission.\n\nThe resolution highlights the significant contributions of the SOF community across a wide range of missions essential to national defense, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action operations that deter adversaries and protect American interests.\n\nAdditionally, it recognizes the unique burdens carried by SOF personnel and their families, including frequent deployments, operational secrecy, and sustained high-risk assignments, and reaffirms Congress\u2019 commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support they need.", 1, "2026-05-22T06:27:39Z", "2026-05-22T06:29:18Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5013", "Frankel Moves to Halt Trump\u2019s $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Settlement", "2026-05-21", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) joined Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to stop President Trump\u2019s $1.8 billion \u201cweaponization\u201d slush fund settlement from taking effect.\n\nAt the center of the controversy is a newly announced agreement between President Trump and his own Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ announced that Trump agreed to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the leak of his tax returns in exchange for the creation of a $1.776 billion fund for people claiming they were unfairly targeted by the Biden Administration \u2014 including individuals charged for their actions attacking the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The agreement also shields Trump, his family, and his companies from certain unpaid tax claims by the IRS.\n\nRep. Frankel joined Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring two pieces of legislation to prevent presidents from using the power of the federal government for personal or political gain.\n\nThe No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act would expressly prohibit the use of federal funds to create or finance the slush fund established under Trump\u2019s IRS settlement, and prohibit any payments from the Treasury Department\u2019s Judgment Fund - which pays settlements and court judgments involving federal agencies - to go to the President, Vice President, their immediate family members, entities they control, and political appointees. For the full text of the bill, click here.\n\nThe SLUSH FUND Act would require the Treasury Department to publicly disclose recipients of payments from the slush fund and tax any payments received from the fund at 100 percent. For full text of the bill, click here.", 1, "2026-05-22T06:27:39Z", "2026-05-22T06:29:18Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3501", "Wasserman Schultz, Hinson Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Infant Formula and Donor Breast Milk", "2026-05-21", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act, bipartisan legislation that provides parents who are unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition with financial assistance to purchase infant formula and donor breast milk.\n\nThis legislation is named for Constance C. McDaniel, a mother, army veteran, and advocate who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer in 2025. While pregnant, Constance underwent chemotherapy, and after her child was born, she was unable to breastfeed because of her cancer treatment. Constance also learned her insurance did not cover the cost of infant formula, requiring her to pay out-of-pocket. She became involved with the Breasties and Bobbie for Changes to raise awareness and advocate for parents who cannot breastfeed due to a medical condition.\n\n\u201cFor so many moms, the decision to breastfeed is one that is deeply personal, but too often, diseases like cancer take this choice away from them. It\u2019s more important than ever that parents who need these nutritious products for their newborns out of medical necessity can get them,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI applaud Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, and the McDaniel family for their relentless advocacy on an issue that has gone overlooked for too long. I look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act becomes law.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a mom, I can\u2019t imagine the heartbreak of wanting to provide for your baby but being physically unable to breastfeed because of cancer, chronic illness, or another serious medical challenge,\u201d said Hinson. \u201cYet, it is still too common - parents in those situations should be focused on caring for their child, not worrying about whether they can afford medically necessary formula or donor milk. This bipartisan bill is about supporting families during some of the hardest moments of their lives and making sure babies get the nutrition they need to thrive. I\u2019m proud to work with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the moms and dads who brought this need to our attention.\u201d\n\n\u201cBefore we even had a product on the shelf, we said we\u2019d fight like hell to fix this glaring gap, and today, we are bringing that fight to the halls of Congress,\u201d said Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie and mom of four. \u201cWe always knew that sponsoring feeding journeys for these families was a temporary bridge. By taking this fight to Capitol Hill, we are moving beyond giveback and toward justice. We are proving that when private innovation and non-profit advocacy unite, we can create the kind of lasting, structural change that ensures no parent ever has to choose between their health and their baby\u2019s nutrition again.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy collaborating with the members of Congress to draft this bill together, we\u2019re taking our advocacy to the next level\u201d said Allie Brumel, COO and Co-Founder of the Breasties and mom of two. \u201cThis is what long-lasting change looks like in practice: it\u2019s the evolution of an urgent question into a piece of federal legislation that will hopefully outlast us all. We\u2019re proving that when you build a community around a shared mission, you can create something far bigger than we ever could have imagined.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt borders impossible to put into words what transpired; the events, the timeline, the feelings, and what the consequences of all of that would be,\u201d said Matt McDaniel, Connie\u2019s husband and father of two. \u201cConnie was on a mission and I\u2019m so proud this bill will continue to honor her incredible legacy. I\u2019m grateful for Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Hinson for hearing Connie\u2019s story and turning it into action.\"\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, Brightspot Network, Chick Mission, Kasem, 4KiraforMoms, and Hope for PDCD Foundation.\n\n####", 1, "2026-05-22T06:27:39Z", "2026-05-22T06:29:18Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405213", "Reps. Castor & Buchanan Reintroduce Bill to Expand Hospital at Home, Lower Health Care Costs", "2026-05-20", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) reintroduced the bipartisan At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation (HOME) Services Act to expand access to innovative health care models for Medicare patients under observation status. Hospital-at-home is helping hospitals deliver high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their own homes while easing pressure on crowded facilities and improving patient experiences.\n\nThe At HOME Services Act would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a two-year pilot program that allows hospitals to provide hospital-level care at home for eligible patients while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards. The legislation is designed to improve care coordination, reduce unnecessary hospital stays and give providers more flexibility to meet patients where they are.\n\n\u201cTampa Bay hospitals have been leading the way in delivering innovative, high-quality care that saves time and money, and puts patients first,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe bipartisan At HOME Services Act will help expand safe, cost-effective hospital-at-home care so more neighbors can receive treatment comfortably at home while freeing up hospital capacity for patients with more urgent and intensive needs. This approach will lower costs, improve patient experiences and strengthen care for families across our community. I\u2019m grateful to our local health care providers for continuing to lead with innovation and to Congressman Buchanan for partnering with me on this bipartisan effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis commonsense legislation builds upon the incredible success individuals have seen in hospital-at-home programs and is a much-needed solution to the healthcare challenges facing our country,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cThe At HOME Services Act is an important step in ensuring patients receive the level of care they need and deserve in the comfort of their own homes.\u201d\n\n\u201cRapid advancements in technology are creating new opportunities to expand access to high-quality health care, and hospital-at-home care is a proven model that should be advanced and supported. Leveraging sophisticated, around-the-clock remote monitoring alongside in-home visits from clinical professionals enables patients to safely receive hospital-level care where they are most comfortable\u2014at home. We are incredibly grateful to Representatives Kathy Castor and Vern Buchanan for sponsoring legislation that allows health care providers to build upon the success of hospital-at-home models by supporting more patients, such as those who may not need to be admitted to a hospital inpatient bed but still require hospital observation status that can be supported in their home,\u201d said Mary Mayhew, President & CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.\n\n\u201cThe extension of the Hospital-at-Home waiver gives health systems the stability needed to truly innovate,\u201d said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. \u201cWith a five-year runway now in place, it\u2019s time to build on that foundation and expand the patient population eligible for hospital-at-home care. Doing so allows us to better meet patients where they are, improve comfort and outcomes, and ensure hospital resources are available for the sickest patients. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Castor and Rep. Buchanan in advancing solutions that strengthen community-based care.\u201d\n\n\u201cTampa General Hospital has been operating a CMS-approved Hospital at Home program since 2022 and has seen firsthand the remarkable evidence via enhanced patient experiences and improved patient outcomes. This is a true model of innovation that integrates remote patient monitoring, telehealth visits, and in-person comprehensive care by trained medical providers,\u201d said Tampa General Hospital CEO John Couris.", 1, "2026-05-21T06:28:16Z", "2026-05-21T06:29:43Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405214", "U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Indictment of Former Cuban President Ra\u00fal Castro", "2026-05-20", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the indictment of former Cuban President Ra\u00fal Castro:\n\n\u201cThe indictment of former Cuban President Ra\u00fal Castro marks a critical moment for the Cuban people. The corrupt communist regime has inflicted economic pain and violated human rights for decades. The Cuban people deserve freedom,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cAs Cuban freedom fighter Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ed said, \u2018Like bones to the human body, the axle to the wheel, the wing to the bird, and air to the wing, so is Liberty the essence of life. Whatever is done without it is imperfect.\u2019\u201d", 1, "2026-05-21T06:28:16Z", "2026-05-21T06:29:43Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-announces-over-25-million-returned-to-central-floridians-and-8000-cases-solved-via-offices-constituent-services", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces Over $25 Million Returned to Central Floridians and 8,000 Cases Solved Via Office\u2019s Constituent Services", "2026-05-20", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, FL \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced that his office has returned over $25 million in money owed to constituents of Florida's 10th Congressional District from the VA, IRS, Social Security Administration, and other federal agencies.\n\n\u201cEven amid the daily chaos coming out of the Trump Administration, my office remains focused on delivering for Central Florida, and this $25 million milestone shows that regardless of what\u2019s happening in Washington, we\u2019re here working for our community,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost. \u201cThese funds are earned benefits owed to people in our district, with most going to veterans, seniors, and working families. For many constituents who have waited months\u2014or even years\u2014for answers, these returns have been life-changing.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom Washington to Orlando, my team and I are committed to fighting for every Central Floridian, and we\u2019re deeply grateful to the more than 8,000 individuals who have trusted our office to assist them.\u201d\n\nOur office assisted a 19-year-old from Orlo Vista in receiving $6,471 in delayed IRS tax refunds within three weeks, helped a 33-year-old from Pine Hills recover $10,086 in delayed IRS tax refunds, secured $362,776 in overdue Air Force contract payments for a 71-year-old veteran from Orlando and his veteran-owned software company, and helped a 53-year-old from Maitland receive $21,547 in delayed Employee Retention Credit funds after working with the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service to resolve the issue.\n\nConstituents needing help with a federal agency can submit a request online at frost.house.gov or call the Congressman's Orlando office at 321-388-9808.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-30T06:11:53Z", "2026-05-30T06:13:24Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5012", "Protections for Epstein Survivors and Crime Victims Advance in House Appropriations Bill", "2026-05-18", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Frankel joined Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee to advance two key provisions in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill to protect survivors of Epstein sexual abuse and strengthen victims\u2019 rights in the justice system. This follows the recent House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Democrats' field hearing on the Epstein case held in Palm Beach County. Rep. Frankel will be available for interviews from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, May 19, to discuss her work to secure these critical protections for survivors. Interested press should contact Elle Walters (904-624-2523) for the specific location.\n\nWith bipartisan support, the House Appropriations Committee advanced provisions to:\n\nRequire the Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove and prohibit the public release of personally identifying information of Epstein survivors on DOJ websites and in public materials.\n\nDirect the DOJ Inspector General to review DOJ compliance with the Crime Victims\u2019 Rights Act (CVRA) and examine reforms needed to ensure all survivors are guaranteed their rights under the law, including timely notification of plea agreements before they are finalized \u2014 addressing the very loophole exploited in Epstein\u2019s secret 2008 non-prosecution agreement.\n\nAt the recent House Oversight and Government Reform Democratic field hearing in Palm Beach County, survivors recounted how prosecutors failed to notify them of Epstein\u2019s secret non-prosecution agreement, shutting survivors out of the justice process. Survivors were recently retraumatized by the Trump DOJ publicly releasing their personal information.\n\n\u201cThese bipartisan provisions will help protect survivors\u2019 dignity and privacy while strengthening the rights of crime victims to be informed, heard, and treated fairly under the law.\u201d\n\nThe FY27 CJS funding bill awaits consideration by the full House and the Senate. As it moves forward, Rep. Frankel will continue to push for the inclusion of these two provisions.", 1, "2026-05-20T06:27:31Z", "2026-05-20T06:28:54Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3499", "Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month", "2026-05-15", "2026", "2026-05", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, led by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Nikema Williams (D-GA) proudly celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, and released the following statement:\n\n\"As we mark Jewish American Heritage Month this May, we honor generations of Jewish Americans whose faith, resilience, and leadership in all facets of American life have contributed to our nation's strength.\n\n\"We also recognize the historic bonds between Black and Jewish people in the United States, forged through our shared struggle for justice, civil rights, and equality under the law. The achievements of Black Jewish Americans like Rabbi Alysa Stanton, the first Black woman rabbi, are a point of pride for both communities.\n\n\"At a time of rising antisemitic and racist attacks, political violence, and cynical efforts to reverse decades of progress and undermine our democracy, this solidarity has never been more essential.\n\n\u201cThis May, as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, we recommit to our mission of building cross-community collaboration, defeating hate in all forms, and fending off attacks on our fundamental rights as Americans.\"\n\n####", 1, "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 9267, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], 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