{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Republican\" and state = \"FL\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-lee-washington-examiner-america-doesnt-have-energy-shortage-we-have", "ICYMI: Rep. Lee in the Washington Examiner: America doesn\u2019t have an energy shortage. We have a lawsuit problem.", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - In case you missed it, the Washington Examiner published an op-ed by Representative Laurel Lee outlining the case for her new bill, the Unleash American Pipelines Act.\n\nRead the op-ed here and below:\n\nAmerica doesn\u2019t have an energy shortage. We have a lawsuit problem.\n\nBy Representative Laurel Lee\n\nAmerica does not have an energy shortage. We have an infrastructure problem. The United States is the world\u2019s largest producer of natural gas, with abundant reserves, American workers ready to build, and the technology to power our homes, businesses, and industries for generations. But producing energy does little good if we cannot build the infrastructure necessary to move it where it is needed. Increasingly, the obstacle is a legal system that can turn federal approval into the beginning of years of litigation.\n\nWhen the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues a certificate of public convenience and necessity for an interstate natural-gas pipeline, the project has already undergone extensive federal review, environmental analysis, public comment, and expert agency consideration. Judicial review should remain available to people genuinely harmed by an agency decision. But it should not become a mechanism for opponents to delay an approved project until it becomes too expensive to build.\n\nThe Mountain Valley Pipeline demonstrates the consequences. The project was originally expected to enter service in 2018 at an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. After years of litigation, regulatory setbacks, and construction delays, its cost reached approximately $7.85 billion. Congress ultimately had to intervene in 2023 to expedite completion of a project that had already received federal approval.\n\nOther projects never made it that far. The roughly $8 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline was canceled even after its developers prevailed in a 7-2 Supreme Court decision in a major permitting dispute. Dominion Energy cited growing costs and an increasingly uncertain permitting and litigation environment, while Duke Energy was left with more than $1.6 billion in costs associated with the canceled project. The Constitution Pipeline was similarly abandoned after years of regulatory and legal battles when its developers concluded that the project was no longer economically viable.\n\nThese cases reveal a larger structural problem. Investors considering new infrastructure must account for the possibility that a valid federal authorization will still be followed by years of litigation. That uncertainty raises financing costs, discourages investment, and means some viable projects are never built. A federal permit should not guarantee that a project succeeds, but neither should it become an invitation to another decade of litigation.\n\nAmericans ultimately pay the price when infrastructure fails to keep pace with demand. Winter Storm Fern provided a stark example. During the January 2026 storm, natural-gas supplies tightened across the Northeast, and spot gas prices in New York and New England approached $300 per million BTU, roughly 90 times the national average. New England\u2019s vulnerability did not develop overnight. Pipeline projects intended to expand natural-gas capacity into the region have repeatedly faced regulatory opposition and litigation, leaving consumers more exposed when extreme weather sends demand soaring.\n\nThe reliability challenge is becoming more urgent. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation found that 13 of 23 North American assessment areas face resource-adequacy challenges over the next decade. Electricity demand is growing as manufacturing facilities, data centers, and other large loads connect to the grid. Natural gas remains essential to meeting demand when intermittent resources cannot provide sufficient power, but gas-fired generation cannot keep the lights on without pipelines to deliver its fuel.\n\nMeanwhile, China is building. Its pipeline network exceeded 120,000 kilometers in 2025, while its state-owned pipeline operator accelerated construction on nearly 40 major infrastructure projects totaling more than 9,000 kilometers. China invested $500 billion in major energy projects in 2025 while the United States continues debating whether federally approved infrastructure can survive another round of litigation. We should not imitate China\u2019s political system or abandon meaningful environmental review, but we should recognize the strategic consequences when our foremost economic competitor can build critical infrastructure while ours is litigated into paralysis.\n\nThat is why I introduced the Unleash American Pipelines Act. The legislation makes three targeted reforms to judicial challenges involving FERC Section 7 pipeline certificates, drawing from provisions that passed the House as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill before being removed in the Senate on procedural grounds.\n\nThe legislation requires petitioners to demonstrate direct and irreparable economic harm arising from the certificate they are challenging, including requirements for organizational petitioners. It establishes a clear-and-convincing-evidence standard for challenges to FERC\u2019s determination, recognizing the agency\u2019s technical expertise and extensive administrative record. Finally, it consolidates challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, creating a single, predictable judicial forum rather than allowing litigation across multiple circuits to multiply uncertainty, delay, and expense.\n\nThese reforms do not eliminate judicial review. They ensure those bringing a challenge have a genuine stake in the outcome, courts appropriately recognize the extensive administrative process preceding FERC\u2019s decision, and litigation cannot be used indefinitely to accomplish what opponents could not achieve during the permitting process.\n\nFor Florida, the stakes are particularly high. Natural gas generates nearly three-quarters of our electricity, while our state produces very little of the natural gas it consumes. Florida families and businesses depend heavily on interstate pipelines to deliver the fuel that keeps our electric grid running. A system that prevents needed pipeline capacity from being built is not an abstract Washington policy dispute. It directly affects affordability, reliability, and economic growth for the people I represent.\n\nThe same is true for our country. America is entering an era of rapidly growing electricity demand while competing with China for advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and the industries that will define the next century. We cannot pursue American energy dominance, reshore manufacturing, build new data centers, and strengthen our electric grid while maintaining a legal framework that allows essential infrastructure to spend years trapped between a federal permit and a courtroom.\n\nAmerica has built the interstate highway system, the transcontinental railroad, and pipelines across some of the most difficult terrain on the continent. We remain capable of building great things. Our laws should ensure rigorous review and protect Americans genuinely harmed by government decisions, but they should not allow delay itself to become the objective. America has the energy, workers, and technology to meet the next generation of demand. We need a legal system that allows us to build.", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-secures-continued-housing-homeless-veterans-ocala", "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Secures Continued Housing for Homeless Veterans in Ocala and Gainesville", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today announced that veterans experiencing homelessness in Ocala and Gainesville will keep their housing after she worked directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to secure a new contract for Volunteers of America. Beginning October 1, the VA's Contract Emergency Residential Services (CERS) program will fund 36 beds at the Ritz Veterans Village in Ocala and 18 beds in Gainesville, part of 102 beds across North Florida. The facilities' previous VA funding was set to expire September 30.\n\nWhen Volunteers of America contacted Congresswoman Cammack's office for help, she immediately called VA Secretary Doug Collins. Her district team then worked with VA leadership to confirm the new contract ahead of the October 1 transition.\n\n\"No veteran who wore this country's uniform should have to wonder where they'll sleep next month. The moment we heard these men were at risk, our team went to work, and we didn't let up until this was done,\" said Congresswoman Cammack. \"They deserve a roof over their heads and a system that has their back. I'm grateful to the VA for working with us and to Volunteers of America for the work they do every day.\"\n\n\"The office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack was critical for the success of obtaining alternative new funding. Thanks to her strong advocacy and commitment to serve our homeless veterans, we are now able to offer our veterans a safe place to rest and heal,\" said Janet Stringfellow, President and CEO ofVolunteers of America of Florida.\n\n\u201cIn Marion County, honoring our veterans means showing up for them when they need us most. Keeping Ritz Veterans Village open means a veteran has a safe place to sleep, people to lean on and a chance to move forward with dignity,\u201d said Carl Zalak III, Chairman, Marion County Board of County Commissioners. \u201cWe\u2019re deeply grateful to Volunteers of America, Congresswoman Kat Cammack and everyone who worked to keep that hope alive. Our veterans stood for us, and this community will continue standing for them.\u201d\n\n\u201cI would like to personally thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack and her staff for taking the lead in helping secure funding for Volunteers of America,\u201d said Jim Hilty, Ocala City Councilman. \u201cThe funding had been lost due to an administrative error. This was no small feat and as chairman of the local Vets Helping Vets we now have places to place some vulnerable Veterans. This not only restored funding in Ocala but Gainesville and Tallahassee as well.\u201d\n\nVeterans who need assistance can contact Congresswoman Cammack's office at 352-505-0838.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-host-house-energy-commerce-chairman-brett-guthrie-tampa-bay-health", "BILIRAKIS TO HOST HOUSE ENERGY & COMMERCE CHAIRMAN BRETT GUTHRIE FOR TAMPA BAY HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY ROUNDTABLE", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "TAMPA, FL - On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) will host House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) for a regional roundtable with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) focused on expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care and ensuring vulnerable patients do not fall through the cracks. The discussion will bring together leaders from community health centers throughout the Tampa Bay region to showcase the innovative work they are doing to deliver high-quality care while keeping services affordable and accessible for the patients and families who need them most. Importantly, the roundtable will give local health care providers and patients an opportunity to bring their real-life experiences directly to one of our nation\u2019s leading health policy makers. Patient stories will help illustrate the challenges families face accessing affordable care and inform a broader discussion about how Congress can strengthen community-based care, address barriers to access, and ensure federal health policy works for patients on the ground. The event will also highlight an innovative partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay that recognizes the important connection between nutrition and health. Through this model, health care and community partners are working together to address patients\u2019 dietary needs and combat food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the discussion.\n\nWHAT: Regional Federally Qualified Health Center Roundtable on Health Care Affordability and Access\n\nWHO: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Federally Qualified Health Center leaders from throughout the Tampa Bay region, Local patients and community partners\n\nWHEN:Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-joins-mount-sinai-new-emergency-center-opening-highlights-healthcare", "SALAZAR JOINS MOUNT SINAI FOR NEW EMERGENCY CENTER OPENING, HIGHLIGHTS HEALTHCARE RECORD", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, Fla. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Mount Sinai Medical Center leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the South Florida community for the ribbon cutting of Mount Sinai\u2019s new Emergency Center in Westchester, located in Florida\u2019s 27th Congressional District.\n\nThe new four-story facility will expand access to emergency treatment, advanced diagnostic imaging, and behavioral health services for families in Westchester and surrounding communities. It is scheduled to open to patients in October.\n\n\u201cQuality healthcare has to be both accessible and affordable,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cThat means having excellent care close to home, enough doctors to see patients, access to the treatments people need, and costs families can actually afford. I am proud to join Mount Sinai for this important expansion and will continue working across the aisle to strengthen healthcare for South Florida.\u201d\n\n\"When we broke ground here, we made a commitment to the Westchester community that nationally recognized care was coming. Today, it is here,\u201d said Gino R. Santorio, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. \u201cFamilies in this community now have emergency care close to home, with advanced imaging on site so patients get answers during their visit rather than a referral and a second trip. And this is only the beginning. We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for standing with us today and for her continued support of Mount Sinai and the patients we serve across South Florida.\"\n\nThe Emergency Center marks the first phase of Mount Sinai\u2019s broader expansion at the site. Future phases are expected to add inpatient and observation beds, surgical services, cardiac care, and additional specialty services.\n\nSALAZAR\u2019S RECORD ON HEALTHCARE\n\nIn Congress, Rep. Salazar has built a bipartisan healthcare record focused on lowering costs, expanding access, strengthening the medical workforce, and bringing federal healthcare investments home to South Florida.\n\nShe has secured nearly $15 million in direct federal investments for healthcare and medical research in South Florida, including:\n\n$7.65 million for resilience improvements at Mount Sinai Medical Center to help protect critical hospital operations during hurricanes and other emergencies.\n\n$2.5 million for Banyan Community Health Center to expand access to care in underserved communities.\n\n$1 million for Nicklaus Children\u2019s Hospital to expand pediatric mental-health care, plus $450,000 for genetic testing to help doctors identify safer and more effective medicines for children.\n\n$3.13 million for Florida International University to advance cancer research and precision medicine.\n\nSalazar has also worked across the aisle to make healthcare more affordable for working families, supporting efforts to lower insurance premiums, prescription-drug costs, and out-of-pocket expenses while expanding access to Health Savings Accounts.\n\nShe has made addressing healthcare-worker shortages another priority, working across the aisle to strengthen South Florida\u2019s healthcare workforce and pushing for continued funding for programs that train doctors in community-based and underserved settings.\n\nHer healthcare work also includes efforts to improve cancer screening and early detection, expand care for patients with rare diseases, strengthen pediatric genomic testing, and support mental-health and addiction-treatment services.\n\nThe $7.65 million Salazar previously secured for Mount Sinai supported resilience improvements at its Miami Beach medical center and is separate from the new Emergency Center.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-flafo-act-to-rein-in-warrantless-flock-safety-surveillance/", "Rep. Steube Introduces\u00a0FLAFO\u00a0Act to Rein In Warrantless \u2018Flock Safety\u2019 Surveillance", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Facilitating Liberty and Accountability for Flock Observations (FLAFO) Act, legislation prohibiting federal agencies from purchasing, leasing, operating, accessing, or sharing data with networked Automated License Plate Reader surveillance systems without a judicial warrant. The bill also conditions Department of Justice federal grant funding for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies on the adoption of substantially similar privacy regulations.\n\n\u201cThe Fourth Amendment is not optional. Americans should not be tracked everywhere they drive without a warrant,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cFlock Safety\u2019s surveillance network is expansive, and we have seen several instances across the country where this technology is too easily abused. The FLAFO Act limits warrantless surveillance by ALPR systems because the government has no business tracking law-abiding Americans.\u201d\n\nAutomated license plate reader systems, or ALPR systems, utilize cameras, sensors, or associated hardware or software systems to automatically capture, record, analyze, process, aggregate, or store a motor vehicle license plate, image, location, date, time, or other identifying vehicle information or characteristic. Flock Safety is the industry leader, accounting for more than 80 percent of ALPR systems operating in the U.S., but the FLAFO Act would also cover any other company utilizing ALPR systems.\n\nAutomated license plate reader technology has expanded from localized tools for identifying criminal activity into large-scale surveillance mechanisms capable of aggregating sensitive location information across jurisdictions. By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, covered ALPR systems aggregate vehicle data into centralized databases, enabling detailed tracking of individuals\u2019 movements, associations, and daily routines without individualized suspicion.\n\nThe need for strict safeguards and federal oversight has been underscored by widespread reports of law enforcement officers abusing Flock camera networks to spy on personal acquaintances and conduct unauthorized searches. Recent investigations in Florida, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, have exposed officers using ALPR databases improperly, leading to administrative suspensions, resignations, and criminal reviews. Investigations across multiple law enforcement agencies have documented alleged misuse of Flock Safety technology, highlighting the severe gaps in centralized surveillance databases.\n\nCommercial operators and government entities have deployed networked ALPR systems across multi-jurisdictional databases with limited safeguards, allowing users to conduct historical searches across jurisdictions and track vehicles based on visual characteristics beyond license plate numbers. Federal agencies should not provide support or authorization for surveillance practices that infringe upon constitutionally protected civil liberties.\n\nThe FLAFO Act closes that gap by prohibiting federal agencies from purchasing, leasing, operating, accessing, or supplying data to covered ALPR systems without a judicial warrant, while preserving limited exceptions for immediate threats to life, safety, and national security.\n\nThe full text of the FLAFO Act is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-statement-2026-south-atlantic-red-snapper-season", "Rutherford Statement on the 2026 South Atlantic Red Snapper Season", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "John H. Rutherford", "R000609", "rutherford.house.gov", "rutherford", "https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries\u2019 announcement of the 2026 recreational red snapper fishing season in the South Atlantic in which the agency issued new Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) requested by Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.\n\nFlorida\u2019s red snapper recreational fishing season in the South Atlantic will open for fourteen days this year from October 9th through October 22nd.\n\n\u201cFinally, the long-awaited South Atlantic red snapper season is here, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of Florida\u2019s beautiful waters and go fishing,\u201d saidRutherford. \u201cWhile it is fewer days than we hoped for, this season is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the red snapper fishery, collect high-quality data, and lay the groundwork for a longer and more predictable recreational season in 2027 and the years to come.\n\n\u201cAs a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I remain committed to advocating for proven methods of collecting reliable data, expanding sustainable harvests, and supporting our coastal economies that depend on this fishery. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump, Secretary Lutnick, Governor DeSantis, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to fight for recreational anglers in our community and across the Great State of Florida. Together, we can Make Fishing Great Again.\"", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-legislation-to-lower-diesel-prices-and-boost-american-refining-capacity/", "Rep. Steube Introduces Legislation to Lower Diesel Prices and Boost American Refining Capacity", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the American Fuel Affordability Act, legislation to lower diesel prices immediately and expand American refining capacity to bring down fuel costs for the long term.\n\n\u201cAmericans are paying far too much for diesel, and that cost gets passed down to families on just about everything they buy,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cMy bill gets rid of the federal diesel tax to bring prices down now and makes it easier to build new refineries here at home. We have the energy and the resources, and we should be producing and refining more of it.\u201d\n\nThe American Fuel Affordability Act repeals the federal excise tax on diesel fuel that is currently 24.3 cents per gallon. This legislation keeps the Highway Trust Fund and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund whole through general fund transfers.\n\nTo expand American refining capacity, the bill creates a 35 percent tax credit for investment in the construction of new U.S. refineries and a 5-cent-per-gallon production credit for gasoline and diesel produced at qualifying new facilities during their first 10 years of operation. Property used in qualifying new refinery construction would be 100 percent expensable under the American Fuel Affordability Act.\n\nThe American Fuel Affordability Act takes a supply-side approach to fuel affordability by incentivizing additional domestic refining capacity without imposing export restrictions that could discourage refinery utilization and production.\n\nThe full text of the American Fuel Affordability Act is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-introduces-bipartisan-time-act-modernize", "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Introduces Bipartisan TIME Act to Modernize International Movement of Competition Horses", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) introduced H.R. 10611, the Temporary International Movement of Equines (TIME) Act of 2026. The bipartisan bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modernize the rules governing the temporary entry of international competition horses and racehorses. It would establish a science-based framework aligned with internationally recognized standards while keeping strong safeguards in place for the domestic equine population.\n\n\"Marion County is the Horse Capital of the World, and the best horses on the planet should be able to come here and compete without getting tangled up in red tape,\u201d said Congresswoman Cammack. \"The TIME Act brings our rules in line with proven international standards and keeps strong protections in place for the horses already here. I'm proud to partner with Congressman Tonko on this bill and to keep working with the American Horse Council to get it across the finish line.\"\n\n\"Aligning with international safety standards benefits fans, athletes, economies, and the sport as a whole, which is what drove me to introduce the TIME Act,\" said Congressman Tonko. \"This bill prioritizes equine health and safety while pushing venues like my district's own Saratoga Racetrack and its athletes further onto the international stage. I thank Congresswoman Cammack for joining me to champion this bill and urge my colleagues to join us in this effort.\"\n\nAs the United States prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and a growing slate of international equestrian and racing events, current import requirements can create obstacles for horses traveling here temporarily to compete. Today's top equine athletes already travel under rigorous health, identification, and biosecurity protocols. Florida is a leading hub for global equestrian sport and Thoroughbred activity, and Marion County's thoroughbred breeding and training industry is a major economic driver for North Central Florida.\n\nThe TIME Act is based on the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) High Health, High Performance (HHP) framework for the temporary international movement of elite competition horses. The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) has formally urged USDA to recognize HHP horses as a distinct subpopulation and to use the WOAH framework to implement the concept in the United States. The House Appropriations Committee also included report language in its FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill encouraging USDA to explore approaches consistent with the HHP framework.\n\nSpecifically, the TIME Act would:\n\nDirect USDA to establish regulations governing the temporary international movement of high-health, high-performance horses.\n\nImplement a risk-based system incorporating identification, traceability, and biosecurity measures.\n\nProvide expedited entry procedures and modified quarantine protocols consistent with international best practices.\n\nImprove the efficiency of USDA animal health oversight by reducing duplicative requirements and allowing agency personnel to focus resources on higher-risk disease concerns.\n\nThe TIME Act is supported by the American Horse Council, which represents more than 1.6 million horse owners across all 50 states, as well as the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, The Jockey Club, and the Breeders' Cup.\n\n\"We applaud Representatives Tonko and Cammack for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the TIME Act. Their willingness to listen to the equine community and champion this issue marks an important step toward ensuring the United States remains a leading destination for international equine competition for years to come,\" said Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council.\n\n\"The Breeders' Cup World Championships are built on bringing together the best horses and their connections from around the globe, and efficient international movement is essential to making that possible. The world's elite horses are also among the most rigorously tested, health-certified, and examined equine athletes, with extensive veterinary oversight surrounding their international movement and participation. We support the TIME Act's effort to modernize the process for high-performance horses while maintaining rigorous protections for equine health and biosecurity. A science-based framework that reflects the realities of international competition will help strengthen the United States' position as a destination for world-class racing and other equestrian sports,\" said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited.\n\n\"The US Equestrian Federation looks forward to working collaboratively with the USDA to improve policies for international movement of high-performance horses. In our capacity as a national governing body via the Ted Stevens Act, we recognize the complexities that come with temporary international travel overseas and similar challenges for competitors from other countries. The United States has become one of the largest international competition hosts in the world. Our goal is to keep all horse populations safe and healthy, and the proposed joint partnership between government and private resources is a big step in the right direction,\" said David O'Connor, Olympic medalist and US Equestrian Chief of Sport.\n\n\"Modernizing these requirements means a reduction in quarantine time and post-arrival restrictions for the temporary entry of competition and racehorses that are already among the healthiest and most closely monitored in the world. That's a win for equine welfare and for the health of horses,\" said Dr. Sarah Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.\n\n\"The TIME Act recognizes that modern identification, traceability, and biosecurity tools can support both horse welfare and international competition. By creating a framework for the temporary movement of high health, high performance horses, this legislation would reduce unnecessary barriers to international participation in U.S. racing while maintaining rigorous animal health safeguards. As the United States prepares to host some of the world's premier racing and equestrian events, a science-based approach to equine movement helps ensure our entire equine industry remains competitive on the global stage while protecting the health and welfare of horses,\" said Kristin Werner, Vice President of Thoroughbred Strategy & Industry Initiatives at The Jockey Club.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/09/24/buchanan-marks-final-100-days-in-office-pledges-to-keep-fighting-for-florida/", "Buchanan Marks Final 100 Days in\u00a0Office,\u00a0Pledges\u00a0to Keep Fighting for Florida", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "Enters Final Months Building on Two Decades of Delivering Results for Florida\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today marks the start of Congressman Vern Buchanan\u2019s final 100 days in office. Buchanan, who announced his retirement in January after 20 years representing Florida, is highlighting his signature legislation that passed the House this Congress while focusing on the work that lies ahead this fall.\n\n\u201cFighting for Florida over the last 20 years has been the honor of my life, and I\u2019m continuing in that fight over my last 100 days in office,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cI didn\u2019t come to Washington to let down the people who sent me here: our seniors, veterans, small business owners, and hardworking families. I came here to ensure the American Dream that was possible for me is still possible for them, and for our children and our grandchildren. There are still bills to pass and problems to solve, and I\u2019m not leaving any of that on the table. Until my very last day, I\u2019ll keep championing legislation for the people of Florida\u2019s 16th Congressional District like I\u2019ve done every day since first elected to serve.\u201d\n\nBuchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, enters his final 100 days with a record of results this Congress. His bipartisan Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act passed the House unanimously in March 2025, allowing employers that offer high-deductible health plans to cover certain services for common chronic illnesses before the deductible kicks in. In December 2025, the House unanimously passed his bipartisan Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act, which extends the successful Hospital at Home program through 2030. That was followed in June 2026 by unanimous House passage of his Healthcare Efficiency Through Flexibility Act, which gives Accountable Care Organizations more options for reporting on quality of care. In July 2026, the House passed his Sunshine Protection Act in a bipartisan vote to make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-yearly clock change.\n\nMore of Buchanan\u2019s bills are advancing. The Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced his bipartisan Alzheimer\u2019s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act last week, which would expand Medicare coverage for early Alzheimer\u2019s detection and now has 219 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also advanced an amended version of his SAFE Act, which would ban the transportation of horses for slaughter for human consumption, and is headed to the House floor as part of the bipartisan five-year surface transportation reauthorization. Buchanan also secured 10 amendments in the House-passed FY27 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nOver the coming months, Buchanan will build on that momentum as he helps Congress finish strong on the work still ahead and continues to author legislation for the people of Florida\u2019s 16th Congressional District. Buchanan leaves office as the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives, with 51 of his bills and initiatives signed into law under four presidents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/no-more-blank-checks-appropriators-white-house-direct-un-accountability", "No More Blank Checks: Appropriators, White House Direct UN Accountability", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "September 23, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 From Congress to the White House, the Republican agenda has been clear: disrupting the broken status quo.\n\nFrom FY26 appropriations signed into law by President Trump to the FY27 bills advanced out of the full committee, with multiple passed across the House floor, there have been fundamental shifts in how Washington does business:\n\nBlank checks have been replaced by accountability.\n\nWasteful programs have been replaced by disciplined, results-driven investments.\n\nWeakness and soft rhetoric have been replaced by decisive leadership.\n\nProgressive mandates and excess have been replaced by America First priorities.\n\nForeign wish lists have been replaced by U.S. interests and security.\n\nThis realignment extends across the whole of government, and this week\u2019s United Nations General Assembly brings it into focus. American foreign policy should put U.S. interests first, account for geopolitical and security realities, and distinguish genuine threats from strategic opportunities.\n\nThose priorities are reflected in the FY26 and FY27 bills of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee that I chair. The FY26 NSRP bill \u2013 which is enacted law \u2013 cut UN funding by double digits, conditioned funds based on accountability measures, prohibited funds to UNRWA, and required UN voting records be assessed in deciding assistance to countries. The House-passed FY27 NSRP bill built on these measures with the following:\n\nEnding the UN Blank Check: Provides no funding for the UN regular budget. Further assessed contributions are not justified without additional reforms.\n\nNo Resources Without Reform: The FY27 bill withholds UN and international organization funding unless entities meet transparency and accountability requirements, including public audits, U.S. access to audits, whistleblower protections, restrictions on premium travel, action against anti-Israel bias and antisemitism, disclosure of diversion, and terrorist-affiliation vetting.\n\nReal U.S. Oversight: American investments demand accountability. Prohibits funding to international organizations that refuse to commit in writing to giving U.S. Inspectors General and the GAO access to information relevant to American contributions.\n\nPeacekeeping Discipline: Sharply constrains peacekeeping funding, requires advance justification of new or expanded missions, requires mission-by-mission accountability certifications, and specifically directs the State Department and the UN to evaluate missions and consider drawdowns when their goals have been substantially achieved.\n\nUNRWA: Prohibits assessed and voluntary U.S. contributions to UNRWA and includes additional measures designed to discourage funding from outside donors. In addition, conditions other UN resources until the Secretary-General provides assurances against invoking immunity in terrorism, material support, and serious human-rights cases involving UN personnel.\n\nUN Human Rights Council and OHCHR: Prohibits funding to the UNHRC, its Israel Commission of Inquiry, and OHCHR \u2013 directly reinforcing the Trump Administration\u2019s withdrawal and accountability policy.\n\nICC and ICJ: Expressly backs the Trump Administration\u2019s ICC sanctions and prohibits funding for the international courts.\n\nWHO: Prohibits funds to the World Health Organization (WHO) and blocks funding for the pandemic accord absent Senate approval.\n\nCurbing Liberal Climate: Directs the State Department to defend U.S. energy and commercial interests in international maritime negotiations and ensures international fuel rules do not put American producers at a disadvantage. Prohibits funds to the Green Climate Fund and Clean Technology Fund. Provides no funding for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Provisions align with the Trump Administration\u2019s opposition to the International Maritime Organization\u2019s (IMO) carbon-tax approach and broader withdrawal from international climate structures.\n\nStopping Anti-Israel Bias and Antisemitism: Resources are conditioned on credible action to combat anti-Israel bias, with detailed reporting required on antisemitism and systemic bias across UN entities, personnel, experts, and procedures.\n\nUN Voting and Burden Sharing: Directs the State Department to weigh countries\u2019 UN voting records and support for Taiwan when making assistance decisions. The Department is further encouraged to take into account migration cooperation, opposition to U.S. adversaries, and allied burden sharing. Countries seeking American assistance should be expected to stand with American interests and shoulder their share of the responsibility.\n\nCutting Off U.S. Dollars to Adversaries: American taxpayer dollars should never bankroll our adversaries. Prohibits UN and multilateral procurement of Russian goods and services and restricts funding to international organizations chaired by Chinese Communist Party-endorsed Chinese nationals. The broader FY27 bill also prohibits funding for the PRC and Chinese Communist Party and requires opposition to multilateral development bank lending to China.\n\nStrengthening American Influence, Demanding Accountability: U.S. leadership at the UN should be measured by influence, not dollars spent. Calls for placing more Americans in international organizations and UN leadership positions while imposing stricter accountability and oversight requirements on institutions receiving U.S. taxpayer dollars.\n\nPresident Trump has made clear his focus of making the United Nations Great Again and putting America First at the UN, and House Republican Appropriators are supporting that agenda through reinforcing investments to advance U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and strategic interests. We accomplish more while also spending less. My FY27 NSRP bill cuts $2.7 billion in unnecessary spending, building on FY26's historic 16 percent reduction while directing resources to the highest-impact priorities that strengthen America.\n\nThrough enacted NSRP measures, advancing FY27 bills, a field hearing with U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and renewed leadership through President Trump and the Executive Branch, all levers are being used to restore discipline, enforce consequences, and promote freedom. The President has expressed that the United Nations has great potential and that one day it will eventually live up to that promise. It's long overdue, and House Republicans are driving that reset into motion.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T10:30:22Z", "2026-09-24T10:31:42Z"], ["https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2638", "Donalds Introduces the STARS Act", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Byron Donalds", "D000032", "donalds.house.gov", "donalds", "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) is leading the effort in the House to secure Florida as the permanent home for the newly established United States Space Academy through the introduction of the \"Securing the Advancement of Rising Spacefarers (STARS) Act\".\n\nThe \"STARS Act\" is the 28th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds in the 119th Congress and is co-led by Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) in the Senate. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) is an original co-sponsor in the House.\n\nThis piece of legislation directly answers President Trump's August 28 Executive Order, establishing a federal commission tasked with planning a dedicated, NASA-led academy to train the nation's military, civilian, and commercial space workforce.\n\n\"Florida is the birthplace of American space exploration and has led the world in spaceflight for decades. The Sunshine State has built an unmatched, fully integrated space ecosystem that bridges operational launch infrastructure, military space command assets, and tier-one research universities. Establishing the Space Academy on Florida's Space Coast forges an immediate talent pipeline and creates an unmatched competitive advantage, offering cadets daily exposure to NASA personnel, Space Force leaders, and private industry innovators,\" said Congressman Byron Donalds. \"To ensure American space superiority in an increasingly competitive domain, our future leaders must be educated at the very nexus of global space operations. I am proud to stand alongside Senator Moody in this effort to further strengthen and elevate Florida\u2019s ever-emerging space landscape and solidify our nation\u2019s strength and security beyond Earth\u2019s orbit for generations to come.\"\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWHAT THIS BILL DOES:\n\nThis bill recommends the Space Commission to locate the Space Academy in Florida. Specifically, it suggests that the location be within reasonable distance to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.\n\nAdditionally, this bill outlines that the selection and implementation of the Space Academy be done in coordination with the Governor of Florida and include academic and operational partnerships with Space Launch Delta 45 and Patrick Space Force Base.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EA940509-BA0F-41D5-A0B9-F99484C28AEA", "Mast Recognizes National Estuaries Week", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Brian J. Mast", "M001199", "mast.house.gov", "mast", "https://mast.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of September 19 through September 25, 2026 as \u201cNational Estuaries Week.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlorida is truly blessed with one of the most unique ecosystems in the entire world. The Everglades and the coastal estuaries provide Florida with both environmental and economic benefits,\u201d said Rep. Brian Mast. \"The problems facing the Indian River Lagoon, St. Lucie, Caloosahatchee and Lake Worth Lagoon is a reminder of the importance of these critical habitats. Our work to protect and restore our waterways and environment is not over, the public health and our economies depend on it.\"\n\nFirst recognized in 1988 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Estuaries Week raises awareness on the critical habitats for wildlife, as well as the economic and environmental benefit they bring to our communities.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/09/21/buchanan-urges-trump-administration-to-take-action-on-sulfur-shortage-threatening-american-fertilizer-production/", "Buchanan Urges Trump Administration to\u00a0Take\u00a0Action\u00a0on Sulfur Shortage Threatening American Fertilizer Production", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "\u201cWhat Hurts American Phosphate Hurts the American Farmer and Costs American Families\u201d\n\nSulfur Prices Have Surged Nearly 600 Percent as Domestic Fertilizer Producers Cut Production and Jobs\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urging immediate action to address the severe disruption in sulfur supply putting American phosphate fertilizer production at risk.\n\n\u201cSulfur is the backbone of domestic phosphate fertilizer production, and right now American producers cannot afford it,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cWhat hurts American phosphate hurts the American farmer and costs American families. More than 200 workers have already lost their jobs, and every day the interagency process drags on puts more of them at risk. The Administration has the tools to act, and I am urging them to use them now to support and protect our farmers. This isn\u2019t one company\u2019s problem or one state\u2019s problem. It\u2019s whether America can feed itself without depending on foreign suppliers. I\u2019m not willing to leave that to chance for our children and grandchildren.\u201d\n\nSulfur is a critical raw material for domestic phosphate fertilizer production. The letter warns that the shortage has already forced significant production curtailments and that the more than 200 workers who lost their jobs a few weeks ago may be the first of many.\n\nRecent geopolitical and shipping disruptions have constrained global sulfur supplies and driven prices to historic levels. The ten-year average price for sulfur in Tampa is $172 per long ton. Since May, prices have surged more than $1,000 per long ton and are currently approximately $1,100 to $1,200, a nearly 600 percent increase.\n\nThe disruption affects thousands of contractors, suppliers and communities that depend on these operations every day. This is not a challenge that can be fixed by one company, state or industry. Losing domestic fertilizer production would increase America\u2019s reliance on foreign sources for an essential agricultural input.\n\nThe letter calls on the Administration to act quickly to support American farmers and the domestic fertilizer industry they depend on.\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear President Trump and Secretary Lutnick,\n\nI write requesting immediate, high-level action to address the severe disruption in sulfur supply and affordability. Sulfur is a critical raw material in phosphate fertilizer production in the United States. Without sulfur, there is no domestic phosphate fertilizer production. Without phosphate-based fertilizers, American agriculture, food security and supply chains are at risk.\n\nThousands of American workers rely on the American fertilizer industry, and this challenge is already forcing production curtailments. A few weeks ago, hundreds of those workers lost their jobs, threatening the domestic fertilizer supply farmers rely on. Elemental sulfur is essential to converting phosphate rock into crop nutrients. No affordable sulfur means less fertilizer and lower crop yields, resulting in an impacted food supply.\n\nWhat hurts American phosphate, hurts the American farmer, and costs American families.\n\nRecent geopolitical and shipping disruptions have constrained global sulfur supplies and driven prices to historic levels. The ten-year average price for sulfur in Tampa is $172 per long ton. Since May, prices have surged to $1,000 per long ton and are currently approximately $1,100 to $1,200, a nearly 600 percent increase.\n\nThese disruptions also affect the thousands of contractors, suppliers, and communities depending on these operations. It\u2019s important to note once production capacity is lost, it cannot be quickly restored. Every day America produces less fertilizer amounts to lost volumes for future planting seasons. This is a direct impact to American agriculture.\n\nMore broadly, this is not a challenge fixed by one company, state or industry. It is a critical national supply chain and food security issue. Losing domestic fertilizer production would increase our reliance on foreign sources for an essential agricultural input at a time when Congressional Republicans are working with your Administration to bolster domestic manufacturing and strengthen American supply chains.\n\nThe interagency process, while appreciated, falls short of moving at a speed commensurate with the urgency of the situation. Immediate engagement at the highest levels is needed. Your Administration has a range of lawful tools to increase the near-term availability of competitively priced sulfur, including authorities under the Defense Production Act; voluntary coordination with domestic refiners and sulfur marketers; transportation, storage, and logistics solutions; trade or financing tools; and engagement with allied suppliers. Any action should be targeted and account for potential impacts on energy markets and other domestic sulfur users.\n\nMarket forces alone cannot resolve this challenge quickly enough. Every day of disruption threatens more jobs, fertilizer production, and U.S. agricultural resilience. Prompt action can help protect a critical domestic industry and the farmers who depend on it. We stand ready to partner with your Administration in pursuing practical solutions and respectfully request to be kept informed of next steps.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-diaz-balart-hosts-19th-annual-service-academy-day", "Congressman D\u00edaz-Balart Hosts 19th Annual Service Academy Day", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, and member of the Defense Subcommittee, hosted his 19th Annual Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at U.S. Southern Command.\n\nAcademy Day offers high school students and their parents the opportunity to learn more about pursuing a military career. Attendees have the opportunity to speak with representatives from the U.S. Service Academies and learn more about the application, nomination, selection, and appointment processes. This year's event welcomed more than 100 students and their families.\n\nD\u00edaz-Balart said, \"It is always a source of pride for me to host young men and women from Florida's 26th District interested in serving their country. Preparing future Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Guardians to become dedicated, disciplined leaders with a strong understanding of core military values and institutional knowledge ensures a steady supply of capable officers for one of our country's most important missions: protecting our national defense.\n\nI am especially grateful to General Francis L. Donovan for hosting us, and to the representatives from the United States Service Academies for sharing valuable insights with those eager to serve our great nation.\n\nI look forward to nominating outstanding candidates for appointments and to following their continued success.\"\n\nAdditional Information:\n\nA service academy is a four-year, tuition-free college that admits a select number of qualified candidates and provides them with a world-class education, rigorous leadership training, and physical training, resulting in a commission as an officer in a specific branch of the U.S. military.\n\nThe honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information, please click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-backed-change-act-improve-early-alzheimers-detection-advances-out", "Bilirakis-Backed CHANGE Act to Improve Early Alzheimer\u2019s Detection Advances Out of Committee", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) applauded the House Ways and Means Committee\u2019s unanimous advancement of bipartisan legislation containing provisions of the Concentrating on High-Value Alzheimer\u2019s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act, which Bilirakis introduced with Representatives Linda T. S\u00e1nchez (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA). The CHANGE Act is designed to promote earlier detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s disease and related dementias by directing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify cognitive impairment detection tools that can help clinicians more effectively detect cognitive decline and connect patients with appropriate follow-up care. Earlier this week, the CHANGE Act was amended into H.R. 6130, the bipartisan Alzheimer\u2019s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, which the Ways and Means Committee approved by a unanimous 40-0 vote. The broader package seeks to improve early detection and treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. More than seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and for many patients, a diagnosis comes only after the disease has already taken a significant toll. Advances in testing and treatment have increased the importance of identifying Alzheimer\u2019s and related dementias at earlier stages.\n\n\u201cAlzheimer\u2019s is a devastating disease that has touched my family personally, so I understand the tremendous toll it takes not only on patients, but also on the loved ones who care for them,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cAs promising new treatments continue to emerge, early detection and diagnosis are more important than ever. The bipartisan CHANGE Act will help ensure patients and their doctors have better tools to identify cognitive decline earlier, when interventions may have the greatest impact. I am pleased to see this important legislation advance out of Committee as part of a broader package, bringing us another step closer to improving care, preserving quality of life, and ultimately finding a cure for this terrible disease.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlzheimer\u2019s touches millions of families, and identifying the disease early can make a meaningful difference for patients and their loved ones,\u201d said Congresswoman Matsui. \u201cThe CHANGE Act brings us closer to giving healthcare providers the tools to recognize the warning signs sooner and connect families with the care and support they need. I\u2019m proud this bipartisan legislation is moving forward so more families can have more time, better care, and greater hope.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is deeply personal for me. I lost both of my parents to Alzheimer\u2019s, and I know firsthand how much earlier detection could have meant for our family,\u201d said Congresswoman S\u00e1nchez. \u201cAdvancing this bill out of committee brings us one step closer to giving other families that chance. I\u2019m grateful to my Ways and Means colleagues for passing our bipartisan bill and will keep fighting to get it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlzheimer\u2019s impacts millions of Americans, and we must do everything we can to support the search for a cure. This bipartisan bill provides help to patients and clinicians through expanded early detection support and improved data collection,\u201d said Congressman LaHood. \u201cThe CHANGE Act, coupled with the ASAP Act, will strengthen existing tools to help streamline and broaden the ability for earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.\u201d\n\nThe CHANGE Act is supported by a broad coalition of patient, provider and aging organizations, including UsAgainstAlzheimer\u2019s, the American Academy of Neurology, Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Alzheimer\u2019s Foundation of America, Alliance for Aging Research, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, Gerontological Society of America, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, Latinos Against Alzheimer\u2019s and USAging.\n\nSenators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Mark Warner (D-VA) have also introduced companion legislation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1934", "Franklin Statement On House Passage Of Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia And Iran Act", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement after supporting House passage of H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026:\n\n\u201cRussia continues to finance its war in Ukraine through energy exports while relying on countries that help Moscow evade sanctions. That money allows Russia to strengthen its military and continue waging hostilities.\n\n\u201cUsing America\u2019s economic strength to cut off that funding is commonsense national security. This bill increases pressure on Russia\u2019s energy and financial sectors and imposes consequences on countries that continue major purchases of Russian energy or help Moscow get around U.S. sanctions. It also maintains important sanctions against Iran.\n\n\u201cA stronger Russia has more resources to challenge the United States and our allies, while Iran continues to fund terrorism and threaten American interests. Making it harder for our adversaries to finance those activities reduces their ability to threaten Americans, our service members and our allies.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see this bill pass both the House and Senate and head to President Trump\u2019s desk for his signature.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-host-20th-annual-veterans-resource-fair-senators-scott-and-moody", "Bilirakis to Host 20th Annual Veterans Resource Fair with Senators Scott and Moody", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PASCO COUNTY, - Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) will host his 20th Annual Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, September 26, 2026. This year\u2019s event will be jointly hosted by U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody. For two decades, this annual Veterans Resource Fair has brought together organizations and agencies from throughout the community to help Veterans and their families connect directly with the benefits, services, and support they have earned. This year\u2019s fair will feature resources related to Veterans claims assistance and education benefits, healthcare, job placement and employment services, housing assistance, social services, and more.\n\n\u201cServing those who have served our nation is one of my highest priorities, and I\u2019m incredibly proud that we are celebrating the 20th year of bringing this important event directly to our local Veterans and their families,\u201d said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \u201cOur Veterans have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms, and we have a responsibility to ensure they can access the benefits, healthcare, opportunities, and support they have earned. Too often, Veterans simply don\u2019t know about all of the resources available to them or where to turn for help. That\u2019s exactly why we bring these organizations together under one roof - to make it easier for Veterans and their families to get answers, make connections, and access the assistance they deserve. I\u2019m grateful to Senators Scott and Moody for joining me this year as we continue working together to serve those who have served us.\u201d\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAs a Navy veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the service and sacrifice our veterans and their families make \u2013 and the toll those sacrifices can take long-term. As Florida\u2019s U.S. Senator, it is crucial to me that our federal government stands with them and that every veteran can access the benefits he or she has earned. That starts with ensuring our veterans and their families have the information, resources, and help they need to make the process as easy as possible. That starts with ensuring our veterans and their families have the information, resources, and help they need to make the process as easy as possible, which is why I am grateful for Congressman Gus Bilirakis\u2019 leadership and I am glad to join him and Senator Ashley Moody in hosting the 20th Annual Veterans Resource Fair. I encourage veterans and their families in Florida\u2019s 12th Congressional District to come learn more about your benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we have a responsibility to stand with them when they return home. I\u2019m happy to cohost Congressman Bilirakis\u2019s 20th Annual Veterans Resource Fairs to help connect those who served with the benefits, resources, and support they\u2019ve earned. I\u2019ll always fight to ensure Florida\u2019s veterans and their families are supported and never forgotten,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nThe event is free and open to Veterans and their families. Attendees will have an opportunity to speak directly with participating organizations, ask questions, learn more about available programs, and receive assistance identifying resources that may meet their individual needs. Veterans are encouraged to RSVP by calling 727-232-2921.\n\nEVENT DETAILS\n\nWHAT: Veterans Resource Fair Jointly Hosted by Representative Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody\n\nWHEN: Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 10:00 a.m. \u2013 12:00 p.m.\n\nWHERE: Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O\u2019 Lakes, FL 34638", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-secures-major-tampa-bay-and-nature-coast-water-infrastructure", "Bilirakis Secures Major Tampa Bay and Nature Coast Water Infrastructure Priorities in House-Passed WRDA", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which includes several priorities he requested to strengthen water infrastructure, improve storm resiliency, protect natural resources, and support communities throughout Florida\u2019s 12th Congressional District and the greater Tampa Bay region.\n\nWRDA is Congress\u2019s biennial legislation authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and studies related to water infrastructure, ports and harbors, flood and storm risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and other critical water-resource needs.\n\n\u201cFlorida is growing rapidly, and we have to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace while protecting the natural resources that make our communities such special places to live, work and raise a family,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cI worked closely with our local partners to identify their most pressing water infrastructure and resiliency needs, and I\u2019m pleased that the House-passed WRDA includes each of the priorities we submitted. These provisions will help address water and wastewater needs, strengthen our defenses against hurricanes and flooding, protect and restore important ecosystems, and lay the groundwork for future investments throughout our region. I\u2019ll keep working to get these priorities across the finish line.\u201d\n\nAt Bilirakis\u2019s request, the House-passed legislation includes:\n\nPasco County Ecosystem Restoration and Water Supply: Authorizes a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study examining opportunities for ecosystem restoration and water supply improvements in Pasco County.\n\nLower Withlacoochee River Watershed Restoration: Authorizes a feasibility study focused on ecosystem restoration of the Lower Withlacoochee River Watershed, an important natural resource for the Nature Coast.\n\n$29.6 Million Authorization for Hernando County Water Infrastructure: Authorizes a new environmental infrastructure project of up to $29.6 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Hernando County, including stormwater management and environmental restoration.\n\n$400,000 Authorization for Pasco County Water Infrastructure: Authorizes a new environmental infrastructure project for water and wastewater infrastructure, including distribution systems, in Pasco County.\n\n$100 Million Regional Water Infrastructure Authorization: Authorizes up to $100 million for water infrastructure, including water-supply projects, serving Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.\n\nPort Tampa Bay and McKay Bay Storm Protection: Directs the expedited completion of a feasibility study for hurricane and storm-damage risk reduction at Port Tampa Bay, including McKay Bay. The study is intended to help identify potential measures to better protect critical infrastructure and surrounding communities from hurricanes, storm surge, and flooding.\n\nThe legislation also contains an additional provision benefiting the Tampa Bay region by directing the expedited completion of a feasibility study for hurricane and storm-damage risk reduction and ecosystem restoration in the vicinity of MacDill Air Force Base.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1933", "Franklin Statement On House Passage Of Water Resources Development Act", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026:\n\n\u201cWater management isn\u2019t an abstract issue in Florida. Decisions involving Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, flood control and our coasts directly affect our communities, agriculture, environment and economy. WRDA is one of the most important tools Congress has to set priorities for the Army Corps and keep critical water infrastructure projects moving.\n\n\u201cThis bill advances several major Florida priorities. It moves the Central Everglades Planning Project and Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir forward, supports continued work on Lake Okeechobee and strengthens federal support for beach renourishment and flood-risk reduction. It also includes reforms to Corps project delivery and coordination so important projects aren\u2019t held up by unnecessary delays.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I\u2019m focused on making sure these priorities have the resources and direction needed to move from authorization to construction. Congress can authorize important projects, but we must also ensure the Corps can execute them efficiently and keep long-term work on schedule.\n\n\u201cFlorida\u2019s water challenges require sustained attention. Restoring the Everglades, managing Lake Okeechobee, protecting communities from flooding and maintaining our coasts are long-term commitments. The House has done its work, and I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can move WRDA forward and get these critical Florida water priorities across the finish line.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lee-introduces-unleash-american-pipelines-act-reform-natural-gas", "Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces the Unleash American Pipelines Act to Reform Natural Gas Pipeline Judicial Review", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the Unleash American Pipelines Act, legislation to reform the judicial review process for natural gas pipeline certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).\n\nThe legislation would provide greater certainty for federally approved pipeline projects by limiting legal challenges to parties that can dictate direct and irreparable economic harm, establishing a clear and convincing evidence standard for overturning FERC\u2019s expert determinations, and consolidating challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.\n\n\u201cFlorida families and businesses depend on affordable, reliable energy, and natural gas powers nearly three-quarters of our state\u2019s electricity,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cWhen a pipeline has undergone extensive federal review and received approval from FERC, outside groups should not be able to use endless litigation to delay critical energy infrastructure indefinitely. The Unleash American Pipelines Act will bring greater certainty to the permitting process while preserving judicial review for those directly affected. This is a commonsense step to strengthen American energy infrastructure, lower costs, and ensure Florida has the reliable energy supply we need to continue growing.\u201d\n\n\"Florida relies on interstate pipelines for nearly all of the natural gas that powers homes and businesses across the state,\u201d said CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, Scott Bores. \u201cReliable pipeline infrastructure is essential to providing affordable, reliable electric service for our customers and supporting Florida's continued growth. We appreciate Congresswoman Lee's leadership on this important issue.\"\n\n\u201cTECO Energy applauds Congresswoman Lee for focusing on the right things: making government more efficient and effective to protect consumers and save customers' money. In Florida, natural gas is the backbone of the electric generation system, and smart policy that unleashes these investments promotes reliability and economic benefits,\u201d said TECO. \u201cWe look forward to working with her on this legislation to improve the bureaucratic process to get much needed infrastructure built that supports growth in Florida.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring customer affordability and reliability has been and remains at the heart of everything Duke Energy does - from our operations to investments to our public policy engagement\u201d said Louis Renjel, Chief Executive Officer of Duke Energy Florida and Midwest. \u201cTo that end, this legislation will help increase access to lower-cost gas supplies, strengthen energy reliability for Floridians and keep customer costs as low as possible.\u201d\n\nFlorida\u2019s dependence on natural gas makes reliable pipeline infrastructure especially important. The state produces less than one percent of the natural gas it consumes, meaning nearly all of the fuel used to power Florida homes and businesses must reach the state through interstate pipelines. When approved projects are tied up in years of litigation, the resulting uncertainty can increase financing and construction costs, discourage investment, and make it more difficult to build the infrastructure needed to meet growing energy demand.\n\nBackground:\n\nNatural gas accounts for nearly 73 percent of Florida\u2019s electricity generation. Yet Florida produces less than one percent of the natural gas it uses, leaving the state heavily dependent on interstate pipelines to deliver its supply.\n\nBefore an interstate natural gas pipeline can be built, developers must receive a certificate of public convenience and necessity from FERC. That approval comes after an extensive federal review process.\n\nUnder current law, however, receiving a FERC certificate does not necessarily provide certainty that an approved project will be completed. Third-party organizations that are not landowners or otherwise directly economically affected by a project can challenge a certificate in federal court, potentially adding years of litigation after the federal review process has already concluded.\n\nThose delays have consequences beyond individual pipeline projects. Pipeline construction is capital intensive, and years of potential litigation create additional financial risk for developers and investors. That uncertainty can result in more expensive financing, higher required returns, and projects that become too costly to build. For projects that do move forward, additional costs incurred during years of litigation can ultimately affect the utilities that rely on pipeline capacity and the families and businesses paying their energy bills.\n\nThe Mountain Valley Pipeline illustrates the consequences of prolonged litigation. The 303-mile pipeline was approved by FERC and originally scheduled for completion in 2018 at an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. After years of litigation and delays, the project\u2019s cost grew to approximately $7.85 billion\u2014more than double its original estimate. Congress ultimately had to intervene to allow construction to be completed.\n\nWith electricity demand and utility costs increasing across the country, the Unleash American Pipelines Act would provide greater certainty after FERC completes its review and approves critical pipeline infrastructure.\n\nThe Unleash American Pipelines Act enacts three targeted reforms.\n\nStanding Reform: Limits legal challenges to parties who have suffered direct and irreparable economic harm from the specific pipeline certificate at issue. Organizations may only bring claims if every individual member independently satisfies that standard, ensuring judicial review is available to those who are genuinely affected.\n\nHeightened Standard of Review: Requires courts to apply a clear and convincing evidence standard before overturning FERC's expert determinations, reflecting the depth and rigor of the Commission's review process and preserving the appropriate role of agency expertise.\n\nExclusive D.C. Circuit Jurisdiction: Consolidates all pipeline certificate challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, eliminating forum shopping and creating a single, predictable appellate forum for all parties.\n\nThis legislation is supported by Duke Energy, TECO, and Florida Power and Light.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-patronis-votes-to-advance-legislation-to-protect-consumers-from-rising-utility-costs-driven-by-ai-data-centers", "Congressman Patronis Votes to Advance Legislation to Protect Consumers from Rising Utility Costs Driven by AI Data Centers", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Jimmy Patronis", "P000622", "patronis.house.gov", "patronis", "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Late Wednesday evening, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) voted to advance H.R. 9340 the Ratepayer Protection Act to ensure hardworking Americans aren\u2019t footing the bill for AI data centers.\n\nCongressman Patronis said, \u201cIf Big Tech wants to build a massive data center and use massive amounts of electricity, they should pay for the power and infrastructure they need, not hardworking families and small businesses. I don\u2019t want families in Northwest Florida footing the bill for someone else\u2019s investment opportunity.\u201d\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act would:\n\nGive states the tools to protect ratepayers.\n\nCreate a federal standard for large-load customers, like data centers, to pay for the power and grid upgrades they need.\n\nCreate a framework to protect families from the bill if a data center leaves.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act passed the House by a vote of 417-3 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.\n\nTo view the Ratepayer Protection Act, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steubes-bill-to-strengthen-taxpayer-rights-passes-house-heads-to-u-s-senate/", "Rep. Steube\u2019s Bill to Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Passes House, Heads to U.S. Senate", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Greg Steube\u2019s H.R. 9498, the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (TAPA), under suspension of the rules. Introduced by Rep. Steube (R-Fla.) alongside Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the bipartisan legislation authorizes the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to appear as amicus curiae in federal tax cases on issues that may broadly affect taxpayer rights.\n\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers deserve someone in their corner when their rights are at stake in federal court,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThe National Taxpayer Advocate already fights for taxpayers across the country, but current law does not authorize the Advocate to weigh in on court cases that could impact millions of Americans. My bill closes that gap and makes sure the taxpayer\u2019s voice is heard. I\u2019m pleased to see the House pass TAPA, and I urge the Senate to get it to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Taxpayer Advocate plays an important role in championing the interests of American taxpayers,\u201d said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). \u201cHowever, current law prohibits the Advocate from doing so when taxpayer rights are at stake in litigation before a court of law. This is a serious weakness in the office\u2019s ability to carry out its mission. With the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act, Representative Steube has identified a targeted solution and one that is reflective of his ongoing, successful work to advance the interests of American taxpayers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers deserve to have an independent voice represent them in court, especially in cases that could impact them and their tax bill. This bipartisan bill will allow the National Taxpayer Advocate to weigh in on behalf of millions of Americans in these vital cases,\u201d said Rep. DelBene. \u201cI thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their efforts to get this through the Ways and Means Committee and now the House so we can better advocate for taxpayers.\u201d\n\nUnder current law, the NTA is barred from submitting amicus briefs in federal tax litigation, even in major precedent-setting cases. TAPA closes this statutory gap by amending Section 7803(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, granting the Advocate targeted amicus authority modeled after recommendations in the NTA\u2019s 2026 Purple Book.\n\nThe bill does not authorize the NTA to represent individual taxpayers, but ensures the Advocate\u2019s systemic expertise can inform judicial proceedings. TAPA is backed by key organizations, including the National Taxpayers Union, Small Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) Council, Intuit, 60 Plus Association, and National Association of Consumer Advocates.\n\nThe bill unanimously passed the House Committee on Ways and Means on July 1, 2026. Following this week\u2019s passage in the House, TAPA now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\nWatch Rep. Steube\u2019s remarks on the House floor here.\n\nBackground: Protecting taxpayers and strengthening taxpayer rights has been a consistent focus of Rep. Steube\u2019s work on the Ways and Means Committee. In the nearly forty years since the landmark Tax Reform Act of 1986, Rep. Steube is one of only two Members of Congress who did not chair the committee to have sponsored tax legislation signed into law by presidents of both parties. The House passage of TAPA is another example of what Congress can accomplish when taxpayers are put first.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/media-advisory-congressman-diaz-balart-host-service-academy-day-us", "Media Advisory: Congressman D\u00edaz-Balart to Host Service Academy Day at U.S. Southern Command", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, will host his annual Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at U.S. Southern Command:\n\nOn this day, representatives from the U.S. Naval, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine, and U.S. Coast Guard Academies will meet with and inform prospective students about educational and career opportunities at the service academies.\n\nEvent Details:\n\nRSVP is required due to security restrictions. A valid government ID and media credentials must be presented at the checkpoint for admittance. Please RSVP to Dietwin Smoli.\n\nWHAT:\n\nService Academy Day\n\nWHO:\n\nCongressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26)\n\nRepresentatives from the United States Service Academies\n\nWHEN:\n\nSaturday, September 19, 2026\n\n8:30 a.m. ET\n\nWHERE:\n\nU.S. Southern Command\n\n9301 NW 33rd Street\n\nDoral, FL 33172", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/once-again-diaz-balart-delivers-big-905-m", "Once Again, Diaz-Balart Delivers BIG $90.5 M", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026:\n\n\"My record is clear. I consistently deliver for South Florida, and WRDA 26 builds on it. I am grateful to Chairman Sam Graves, for working with me to secure a critical provision that makes PortMiami eligible to compete for federal reimbursement of approximately $90.5 million for the Miami Harbor Deep Dredge project.\n\nSince my time in the Florida Legislature, and now as a member of Congress, I have long fought for our state's seaports. As the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations in 2019, I created the first-ever dedicated pot of money specifically for seaport infrastructure development. Despite Miami-Dade County\u2019s many challenges at the Port, I have always understood the need to provide our ports with adequate resources to fit the needs of our growing economy, and the Miami Harbor Deep Dredge project did just that. This project created and continues to support thousands of jobs, has furthered the Port\u2019s cargo growth, surpassed one million TEUs for 11 consecutive years, and made its mark as the 11th largest container port in the United States of America.\n\nChairman Graves understands the vital importance of strengthening our nation\u2019s water infrastructure, supporting our ports and waterways, and advancing projects that benefit both our economy and our environment. Working alongside my Florida colleagues, Rep. Daniel Webster and Rep. Brian Mast, Chairman Graves leadership in navigating Florida\u2019s waters and delivering restoration for America\u2019s Everglades does not go unnoticed.\n\nWRDA 26 directs the U.S. Army Corps to expedite completion of various studies and projects for Everglades restoration efforts in South Florida, as well as new authorization for feasibility studies in the region:\n\nCentral & South Florida Project\n\nComprehensive Everglades Restoration Program\n\nLake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration\n\nCentral & South Florida Resiliency Study \u2013 Broward Basins for the project for flood risk management\n\nFlood Risk Management, Coastal Storm Risk Management, and Ecosystem Restoration in the back bay system of Broward County, Florida\n\nThese efforts are vital to restoring the Everglades and protecting South Florida\u2019s water supply, communities, and economy.\n\nA summary of the bill is available here.\n\nBill Text is available here.\n\nBackground:\n\nDiaz-Balart secures Miami Harbor Deep Dredge project authorization in WRDA 2007.\n\nDiaz-Balart applauds then-Governor Rick Scott for commitment to job creation and economic growth for the region. (March 2011)\n\nDiaz-Balart champions modification authorization for the Deep Dredge Project at PortMiami in WRDA 13 (July 2013; / October 2013)\n\nDiaz-Balart, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, secures amendments to the authorized limit for the PortMiami Deep Dredge Project in the final FY2014 E&W Appropriations Bill. (January 2014)\n\nPortMiami Deep Dredge Project was completed in 2015 \u2013 ahead of schedule, and positioned PortMiami as the first U.S. port in the Southeast with a -50/52 foot controlling draft.\n\nSince completion, cargo activity has risen by 25.3% overall, and by as much as 43% in FY2011, the busiest year in the Port\u2019s history. PortMiami has surpassed one million TEUs for eleven consecutive years and welcomed more than 2,120 Neo-Panamax vessels. These vessels previously could not dock at the Port because of draft limitations.\n\nToday, PortMiami is the nation\u2019s 11th largest container port and a major economic driver for South Florida, supporting 340,000 jobs and contributing $61 billion annually to the regional economy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/watch-chairman-diaz-balart-delivers-opening-remarks-subcommittee", "WATCH: Chairman D\u00edaz-Balart Delivers Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing with U.S. Trade and Investment Agencies to Empower Economic Growth and Strategic Partnerships", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, delivers opening remarks at Subcommittee hearing with U.S. Trade and Investment Agencies to Empower Economic Growth and Strategic Partnerships:\n\nChairman D\u00edaz-Balart's opening remarks as prepared here\n\n\"Acting Director Hardy, Acting Chief of Staff Petrie, and Head of Investments, Mr. Coleman, thank you for appearing today to testify on the President\u2019s 2027 budget request.\n\nYour agencies are important instruments of American economic statecraft and commercial diplomacy that advance our national security.\n\nI would note that this is also an important year for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. While we invited the agency to testify today, they unfortunately could not accommodate our schedule.\n\nWith a $30 trillion economy accounting for 26% of global GDP -- up from 24% in 2021 -- the United States remains the largest, most innovative, and resilient country in the world.\n\nAdvancing the security and prosperity of Americans is fundamental to United States foreign policy and drives the funding priorities of this Subcommittee.\n\nPresident Trump and Secretary Rubio have made strengthening the economic security of Americans and advancing U.S. commercial interests overseas a top foreign policy priority.\n\nIn that regard, this Subcommittee strongly supports the important efforts by your agencies to further strengthen the economic and strategic position of the United States around the world, such as in the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific.\n\nThis includes financing and technical assistance to\u2014\n\ncombat the influence of the PRC and Chinese Communist Party;\n\nsecure access to critical minerals;\n\nnearshore strategically important manufacturing supply chains; and\n\nidentify commercial opportunities for our vibrant private sector;\n\nall while supporting partners that champion freedom.\n\nThis was showcased with great success last week in the Philippines at the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.\n\nEach of your agencies, along with the Department of State and in partnership with the Philippines, demonstrated what a well-coordinated, focused foreign policy initiative in support of U.S. national security looks like. I look forward to discussing this initiative more when we get to questions.\n\nCongress supported the creation and recent reauthorization of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in part to help counter the PRC\u2019s aggressive use of infrastructure finance to advance Beijing\u2019s strategic goals and to partner with the private sector to expand U.S. economic opportunities abroad.\n\nMr. Coleman, I hope you can address the DFC\u2019s budget request in the context of available program balances, as well as prioritization of critical minerals, nuclear energy technology and artificial intelligence, and the recent legislative requests for the FY27 appropriations process.\n\nThe Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) plays a unique role among U.S. trade and investment agencies by providing competitive, eligibility-based funding to accelerate economic growth, including through infrastructure and other high-priority investments in countries that take demonstrable steps to support personal and economic freedom.\n\nMr. Petrie, I hope you can address how the FY27 request will enable MCC to work effectively with partner countries to achieve strong economic growth in ways that align with the America First strategy, as well as help create new opportunities for the United States economy.\n\nThe U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has the mission of helping U.S. companies create American jobs by connecting the private sector with infrastructure and development projects in emerging economies.\n\nThis includes the use of feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects in significant sectors and countries of strategic importance to the United States.\n\nDirector Hardy, I trust you will inform the Subcommittee on how the FY27 budget request supports the mission of USTDA, including by helping to strengthen the foundation of American economic power and leadership abroad.\n\nBefore I conclude, let me thank you for your service to our country, and note how much we appreciate the dedication of the men and women in your agencies.\n\nI\u2019ll turn now to the ranking Member for her opening remarks.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-celebrates-house-passage-am-radio-every-vehicle-act", "Bilirakis Celebrates House Passage of AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) applauded House passage of the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, legislation he supports to ensure Americans continue to have access to AM radio in new vehicles. AM radio remains an important source of news, weather, emergency information, and community programming for millions of Americans. It is particularly critical during hurricanes and other natural disasters when power, cellular networks, and internet service may be disrupted. The legislation would require automakers to maintain access to AM broadcast radio in new vehicles without an additional charge to consumers.\n\n\u201cHere in Florida, we know firsthand how important it is to have reliable access to emergency information before, during, and after a hurricane,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cWhen the power goes out, cell towers are overwhelmed, or internet service is disrupted, AM radio can be a lifeline. It also remains an important source of news and information for seniors, rural communities, and millions of Americans traveling our roads each day. As technology continues to evolve, we should not eliminate a proven, reliable communications tool that helps keep people informed and safe. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation and pleased to see it pass the House.\u201d\n\nAM radio also plays an important role in the nation\u2019s emergency communications infrastructure. Because AM signals can travel long distances and reach broad geographic areas, local broadcasters can provide critical information to residents throughout a region during an emergency.\n\nThe AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to include AM radio in new passenger vehicles as standard equipment and ensure consumers are not charged an additional fee for access.\n\n\u201cPublic safety should never take a back seat to technological trends,\u201d Bilirakis continued. \u201cFloridians deserve access to every reliable tool available when disaster strikes. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can send this commonsense legislation to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bilirakis has consistently supported efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, protect consumers, and ensure communities have access to reliable communications during disasters.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/09/16/house-ways-and-means-committee-advances-buchanan-bill-to-expand-medicare-coverage-for-early-alzheimers-detection/", "House\u00a0Ways and Means Committee Advances Buchanan Bill to Expand Medicare Coverage for Early Alzheimer\u2019s Detection", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "\u201cEarly Detection of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease is Key to Giving Families More Time, Options and Hope\u201d\n\nThe ASAP Act Would Provide Medicare Coverage for Preventive Alzheimer\u2019s Detection\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, announced that his bipartisanAlzheimer\u2019s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act (H.R. 6130) advanced out of the committee in a unanimous vote. Buchanan\u2019s bill is co-led by Congressman Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.).\n\n\u201cEarly detection of Alzheimer\u2019s is key to giving families more time, options and hope,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cHaving served as a caregiver to an elderly parent with Alzheimer\u2019s and with nearly 200,000 seniors in my district, this issue is deeply personal to me. Expanding access to early detection will give millions of Americans the opportunity to plan ahead and seek preventative care. I\u2019m grateful to the committee for advancing my Alzheimer\u2019s Screening and Prevention Act and call on my colleagues in the House to pass it and ensure every American can benefit from these lifesaving innovations.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer\u2019s, and for too many families, a diagnosis comes only after the disease has already taken a serious toll,\u201d said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). \u201cToday, we have blood-based tests that can help detect Alzheimer\u2019s before symptoms even appear, but outdated Medicare rules stand between seniors and access to these tools. As Chairman of our Health Subcommittee, Representative Buchanan has prioritized policies that improve health outcomes for Americans, informed in part by his own experience caring for his parent. His ASAP Act will help make sure seniors and their families can benefit from earlier detection and have more information as they navigate this devastating disease.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany promising and potentially lifechanging advancements are being made in Alzheimer\u2019s diagnoses, treatment, and care; but they will mean little unless patients are able to access and afford them,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThis is where Congress can and must act. I was proud to join Congressman Buchanan to introduce the ASAP Act, which builds a pathway for Medicare coverage of FDA approved blood biomarker screening tests that help diagnose Alzheimer\u2019s disease. I urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this bipartisan legislation that keeps Congress at pace with these exciting new innovations and ensures they are accessible to those who need them.\u201d\n\nThe ASAP Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide a pathway for Medicare coverage for FDA-approved or cleared blood-based biomarker tests for the early detection of Alzheimer\u2019s and related dementias. Under current law, Medicare can only cover preventive services that Congress has specifically authorized or that are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. That can delay coverage for years after a screening test receives FDA approval.\n\nWith 7.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer\u2019s nationwide and more than 580,000 Floridians facing the disease, the ASAP Act aims to give families more time to plan ahead, seek care sooner and preserve their quality of life as blood-based screening technology continues to advance.\n\nBuchanan\u2019s bill is supported by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association and the Alzheimer\u2019s Impact Movement and has secured 215 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. Senators Susan Collins(R-Maine) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate which has already secured 50 bipartisan cosponsors.\n\nBuchanan is a leader in advancing legislation to support Alzheimer\u2019s patients, caregivers and families. In June 2026, he introduced a bipartisan resolution alongside Reps. Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-Calif.), recognizing June 2026 as Alzheimer\u2019s and Brain Awareness Month.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lees-safe-cloud-storage-act-passes-house", "Rep. Laurel Lee\u2019s Safe Cloud Storage Act Passes the House", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Laurel Lee\u2019s bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act, legislation to modernize how law enforcement securely stores and processes digital evidence in child sexual exploitation investigations.\n\nRep. Lee introduced the House legislation alongside bipartisan co-leads Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Brad Knott (R-NC). Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led the Senate legislation, which passed the Senate in May.\n\nThe legislation addresses a growing challenge facing law enforcement as the volume of digital evidence in child sexual exploitation investigations continues to increase. Many agencies still rely on physical storage systems such as thumb drives, external hard drives, and local servers to manage highly sensitive evidence. The Safe Cloud Storage Act removes a legal barrier that has limited law enforcement\u2019s ability to work with trusted cloud service providers while maintaining strict security and accountability requirements.\n\n\u201cEvery minute matters when law enforcement is working to identify a child being exploited and bring the predator responsible to justice,\u201d said Rep. Laurel Lee. \u201cOur investigators should have access to modern, secure technology that helps them do that work as quickly and effectively as possible. The Safe Cloud Storage Act removes an unnecessary legal barrier that has prevented law enforcement from fully utilizing trusted cloud technology while maintaining strong safeguards for this incredibly sensitive evidence. I am proud that this bipartisan legislation has now passed both chambers of Congress, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must do everything in our power to protect children from abuse and prosecute those who commit such despicable crimes \u2014 that requires modernizing how law enforcement stores sensitive information so that they can bring more abusers to justice,\u201d Rep. Dean said. \u201cMany police departments still rely on older technology like thumb drives to store materials for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations, which slows down investigations and lets criminals stay one or two steps ahead. Our bipartisan bill is a commonsense measure enabling law enforcement to use secure cloud-based storage, helping them to track, stop, and prosecute more of these heinous crimes. I am thrilled that the Safe Cloud Storage Act will become law, and I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their efforts in its passage.\u201d\n\n\u201cI'm proud to work with Congresswoman Lee on this critical legislation, and I'm pleased to see it pass the House today with strong, bipartisan support,\u201d said Congressman Brad Knott. \u201cAs a former federal prosecutor who worked investigations and in courtrooms, I know how essential it is to modernize evidence handling and production in these cases. This bill will help ensure that heinously criminal offenders are brought to justice more efficiently, that victims see accountability, and that strict standards govern the storage and use of this evidence. I look forward to seeing it move through the Senate.\u201d\n\nThe Safe Cloud Storage Act provides limited civil and criminal liability protections to approved cloud service providers contracted by federal, state, and local law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies to securely store and process digital evidence related to child sexual exploitation investigations. The legislation requires covered providers to comply with cybersecurity requirements and establishes exceptions to its liability protections for certain misconduct.\n\nThe legislation builds on the framework established by the bipartisan REPORT Act, which was signed into law in 2024 and provided limited liability protections for vendors contracted by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to store and transfer child sexual abuse material for investigative purposes.\n\nThe Safe Cloud Storage Act is supported by law enforcement, child protection, and victim advocacy organizations, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Fraternal Order of Police, Thorn, Raven, the Child Rescue Coalition, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and International Justice Mission.\n\nKey Provisions of the Safe Cloud Storage Act:\n\nModernizes Evidence Storage: Enables law enforcement-approved cloud service providers to securely store and process digital evidence used in child sexual exploitation investigations.\n\nProvides Limited Liability Protections: Protects approved vendors from certain civil and criminal liability when handling qualifying evidence on behalf of law enforcement.\n\nMaintains Accountability: Preserves liability in circumstances excluded by the legislation and ensures protections are limited to qualifying vendors acting within the scope of their work with law enforcement.\n\nStrengthens Cybersecurity: Requires approved vendors to comply with stringent cybersecurity requirements to protect highly sensitive evidence.\n\nBy allowing investigators to securely use modern cloud-based technology, the Safe Cloud Storage Act will help law enforcement more efficiently manage growing volumes of digital evidence and support investigations aimed at identifying victims and holding offenders accountable.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-maria-elvira-salazar-delivers-24-million-key-biscayne-flood-protection-and", "REP. MAR\u00cdA ELVIRA SALAZAR DELIVERS $2.4 MILLION FOR KEY BISCAYNE FLOOD PROTECTION AND COASTAL RESILIENCE", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) visited Key Biscayne to deliver more than $2.4 million in federal funding she secured for two projects that will help address flooding around Key Biscayne K-8 Community School and explore a long-term solution to shoreline erosion.\n\nJoined by Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco and Village leaders, Rep. Salazar presented $2 million for stormwater improvements around Key Biscayne K-8 and $412,500 for an offshore barrier reef study in collaboration with the University of Miami.\n\n\u201cLeadership means seeing a problem before it becomes a crisis and doing the work to solve it,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cWhen our streets flood and our coastline is threatened, families feel the consequences. In Congress, my job is to turn those challenges into action: secure the resources, hold federal agencies accountable, and deliver results on the ground. That is the standard I have set across South Florida, and I will keep raising it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese investments give Key Biscayne the opportunity to address the flooding challenges we face today while planning responsibly for the future of our shoreline,\u201d said Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco. \u201cWe are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for securing these federal resources and to the University of Miami for bringing its expertise to this effort. Strong partnerships like these are essential to keeping Key Biscayne safe and resilient for generations to come.\u201d\n\nFlooding around the school can reach two to three feet during severe rain events, disrupting access for families, school buses, first responders, and the more than 1,000 students who attend Key Biscayne K-8. The $2 million secured by Rep. Salazar will help install a new pump-based drainage system designed to move water out more effectively, reduce flooding, and improve safety in the surrounding neighborhood.\n\nRep. Salazar also delivered $412,500 for the Village\u2019s Offshore Barrier Reef for Shoreline Stabilization Study, a collaboration between Key Biscayne and the University of Miami. The study will examine whether a hybrid offshore reef could help reduce beach erosion while limiting unintended environmental impacts and reducing the need for repeated beach renourishment.\n\nThe $2,412,500 in Community Project Funding was secured by Rep. Salazar through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, signed into law in February 2026.\n\nWatch Rep. Salazar\u2019s visit to Key Biscayne and learn more about the projects HERE.\n\nMire la visita de la representante Salazar a Key Biscayne y conoce m\u00e1s sobre estos proyectos AQU\u00cd\n\nREP. SALAZAR\u2019S RECORD ON FLOOD PROTECTION\n\nRep. Salazar has secured more than $20 million for flood mitigation and stormwater projects across South Florida, including:\n\n$14 million for the City of Miami\n\n$2.3 million for Pinecrest\n\n$2 million for Cutler Bay\n\n$2.9 million for Key Biscayne\n\n$1.4 million for Miami-Dade County\n\nTogether, these investments reflect Rep. Salazar\u2019s broader focus on strengthening South Florida\u2019s infrastructure before the next major storm. From drainage and flood mitigation to coastal resilience, she has prioritized projects that protect neighborhoods, improve public safety, and help communities prepare for the challenges ahead.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairwoman-salazar-leads-house-hearing-nicaragua-warns-growing-us-national", "Chairwoman Salazar Leads House Hearing on Nicaragua, Warns of Growing U.S. National Security Threat", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, convened a hearing titled \u201cConfronting the Totalitarian Ortega-Murillo Regime,\u201d examining the dictatorship\u2019s repression of the Nicaraguan people, its growing cooperation with America\u2019s adversaries, and the threat it poses to U.S. national security.\n\n\u201cNicaragua is not forgotten. Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo have spent years dismantling democracy, persecuting the Church, crushing political opposition, and acting as if the country were their private property. Now they are opening Nicaragua wider to China and Russia, giving America\u2019s adversaries a dangerous foothold in our own hemisphere. That is not only a tragedy for the Nicaraguan people; it is a national security concern for the United States. Congress is watching, the Administration is paying attention, and Ortega and Murillo should consider themselves warned,\u201d said Chairwoman Salazar.\n\nIn her opening remarks, Salazar pointed to a major shift in U.S. policy toward Latin America under President Trump and made clear that Nicaragua must remain part of America\u2019s renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere.\n\nShe highlighted the Administration\u2019s posture toward Venezuela and Cuba before turning to Nicaragua, where Ortega and Murillo have dismantled democratic institutions, jailed political opponents, driven hundreds into exile, targeted the Catholic Church, destroyed civil society organizations and universities, and moved to eliminate meaningful elections.\n\nDuring the hearing, Chairwoman Salazar questioned Ana Quintana-Lovett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central America and Migration Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, about China\u2019s growing strategic and economic presence in Nicaragua and the consequences for American security.\n\nSalazar raised particular concern over China\u2019s involvement in the $500 million expansion of Punta Huete, an airfield originally built to accommodate strategic bombers. She questioned the national security implications of Beijing gaining access to strategically significant infrastructure so close to the United States.\n\nShe also highlighted China\u2019s expanding economic footprint in Nicaragua, including mining concessions granted to Chinese interests and Beijing\u2019s involvement in critical infrastructure projects such as the modernization of Puerto de Corinto.\n\nChairwoman Salazar questioned what more the United States can do to prevent the Ortega-Murillo regime from handing increasingly important pieces of Nicaragua\u2019s economy and strategic infrastructure to China.\n\nSalazar also examined the growing level of cooperation between the Ortega-Murillo regime and Russia, raising concerns about Moscow\u2019s expanding presence and freedom of movement in Nicaragua and what that relationship could mean for U.S. national security.\n\nThe hearing underscored that Nicaragua can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of political repression and human rights. As the Ortega-Murillo regime deepens its relationships with China and Russia, Nicaragua is increasingly becoming a strategic concern for the United States and the security of the Western Hemisphere.\n\nTo watch Chairwoman Salazar\u2019s opening statement click here.\n\nCHAIRWOMAN SALAZAR'S RECORD ON NICARAGUA\n\nChairwoman Salazar has been one of Congress's leading voicesfor democracy, religious freedom, and human rights in Nicaragua. Since coming to Congress, she has consistently worked to expose the abuses of the Ortega-Murillo regime and increase pressure on the dictatorship through sanctions, congressional oversight, and legislation.\n\nRep. Salazar was an original House leader of the bipartisan RENACER Act, landmark legislation enacted in 2021 to strengthen sanctions against the Ortega regime, increase scrutiny of international lending to Nicaragua, and expand U.S. tools to respond to electoral fraud, corruption, and human rights abuses. The legislation also required greater reporting on Russian influence and security cooperation in Nicaragua.\n\nIn January 2026, she introduced the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act alongside Rep. Chris Smith. The legislation would strengthen sanctions on the Ortega-Murillo regime, prohibit U.S. investment that benefits the dictatorship, oppose international financing that strengthens the regime, support political prisoners and people of faith targeted by the government, and increase assistance for democracy and human rights programs in Nicaragua.\n\nChairwoman Salazar has been a vocal defender of Nicaragua's political prisoners, exiled dissidents, journalists, and religious leaders. She has repeatedly condemned the regime's persecution of the Catholic Church and warned that Ortega's growing partnerships with China, Russia, and Iran pose a threat not only to the Nicaraguan people but also to U.S. interests and democratic stability throughout the hemisphere.\n\nAs Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Rep. Salazar has made Nicaragua a central focus of the Subcommittee's oversight efforts, highlighting the regime's democratic backsliding, attacks on civil society, growing foreign influence, and ongoing human rights abuses. She has consistently called for free and fair elections, accountability for regime officials, and stronger U.S. support for those fighting for freedom in Nicaragua.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-secures-50-million-water-infrastructure", "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Secures $50 Million in Water Infrastructure Authorizations and Horseshoe Beach Storm Protection Study in House-Passed WRDA", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) secured $50 million in new and expanded federal water and wastewater infrastructure authorizations for Columbia, Suwannee, Marion, and Gilchrist Counties, along with a coastal storm risk study for Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County, in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 9497), which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 415 to 9.\n\nThe House-passed bill:\n\nAuthorizes up to $39.3 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Columbia and Suwannee Counties.\n\nMore than doubles Marion County's existing authorization, from $10 million to $20.5 million, providing an additional $10.5 million in authorized capacity.\n\nAuthorizes up to $200,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in Gilchrist County.\n\nDirects the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study coastal storm risk management for the town of Horseshoe Beach, including shoreline damage prevention and mitigation.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-barragan-cammack-auchincloss-kean-mullin-introduce-bipartisan-bill", "Bilirakis, Barrag\u00e1n, Cammack, Auchincloss, Kean & Mullin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Protect Rare Pediatric Disease Drug Development Program -Legislation Provides Long-Term Certainty to Encourage Investment in Lifesaving Treatments for Childr", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bilirakis, Barrag\u00e1n, Cammack, Auchincloss, Kean & Mullin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Protect Rare Pediatric Disease Drug Development Program\n\n-Legislation Provides Long-Term Certainty to Encourage Investment in Lifesaving Treatments for Children with Rare Diseases-\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Earlier today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize the U.S. Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) Program, an important incentive for developing treatments for children with rare and devastating diseases. Since its creation in 2012, the program has helped bring treatments to market across 47 rare pediatric diseases - only four of which had an FDA-approved treatment before the program existed. The program, currently scheduled to sunset in 2029, awards a transferable priority review voucher to companies that successfully develop and receive FDA approval for qualifying treatments. Because rare-disease drug development can take as long as 15 years, permanent authorization would provide the long-term certainty needed to encourage continued investment in treatments for small patient populations that might otherwise struggle to attract research and development resources.\n\n\u201cParents of children battling rare diseases should never have to hear that promising research was abandoned because there wasn\u2019t enough incentive to pursue a treatment,\u201dsaid Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \u201cMedical innovation is advancing at an incredible pace, but no child should be left behind simply because their disease affects too few patients to attract traditional investment. Drug development takes years, and innovators need certainty when making research decisions today. By making this successful program permanent, our bipartisan bill will encourage continued investment in lifesaving treatments and give hope to families who are desperately waiting for the next breakthrough.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe should not let a rare disease become a death sentence simply because the market is too small,\u201dsaid Rep. Nanette Barrag\u00e1n. \"The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program has helped bring treatments to children who face devastating diseases that previously had few or no options. That is why I am joining Congressman Bilirakis in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize this program and create certainty for researchers and investors who need to make decisions today for families and children who cannot afford to wait.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves a chance at life, no matter how rare their disease,\u201d said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. \u201cA rare diagnosis should never mean that a child is left behind in the search for a treatment or cure. The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program encourages America\u2019s innovators to take on these devastating diseases and pursue breakthroughs that can give children and their families hope. I\u2019m proud to join this bipartisan effort to make this important program permanent.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves a shot at a healthy future,\u201d said Congressman Mullin. \u201cThe Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program is bringing lifesaving treatments to kids who desperately need them, and we can\u2019t let that progress stall. I\u2019m proud to join this bipartisan effort to make the program permanent and give families hope that more rare pediatric treatments will be developed. When a child\u2019s life is on the line, we can\u2019t afford to wait.\u201d\n\n\"Children with rare cancers need cures just as much as everyone else. Yet, many companies who want to develop those cures can\u2019t find the necessary financing for such a small group of patients. The Rare Pediatric Disease PRV program provides these companies a vital incentive to invest millions of dollars to find cures for only a handful of children. Congress must permanently reauthorize this program to help these kids and give families hope that treatments and therapies will continue to advance for these devastating conditions,\u201dsaid Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.\n\n\u201cThe medical science to cure pediatric diseases has never been more promising. The vouchers have been an important tool to turn that science into therapies. Congress must not abandon what's working \u2013 we should make the vouchers permanent,\u201d said Congressman Jake Auchincloss.\n\nAlthough the program does not sunset until 2029, investment decisions are being made now. During the program\u2019s lapse from December 2024 to February 2026, the Rare Disease Company Coalition identified roughly 200 therapies at risk of losing eligibility and reported that investors were pulling back from the space. Permanent authorization would provide greater certainty for continued investment in rare pediatric disease research. The legislation is supported by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Rare Foundation (formerly EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), and Rare Disease Company Coalition (RDCC).\n\n\u201cThe Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher program is a proven, budget-neutral incentive that spurs innovation and supports the development of new therapies for children living with rare diseases,\u201dsaid Chris Porter, Chair of the Rare Disease Company Coalition. \u201cDuring the program's lapse from December 2024 to February 2026, over 200 pipeline assets were at risk of not receiving a priority review voucher, representing more than $4 billion in potential lost reinvestment capacity. Permanently reauthorizing the program will provide the certainty and predictability rare disease innovators need to continue investing into rare disease research and development for patients with few or no existing options. The Rare Disease Company Coalition applauds Representatives Bilirakis, Auchincloss, Barrag\u00e1n, Cammack, Mullin and Kean for their leadership and for taking action to make the PPRV program a permanent part of our nation\u2019s rare disease innovation ecosystem.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor families facing a rare pediatric disease, time isn't a luxury. The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program has proven to be one of the most effective tools we have for enabling companies to translate promising science into new treatments. Developing a treatment for a devastating pediatric disease takes years, sometimes decades. Making the PRV permanent gives drug developers and the patient communities counting on them the certainty to make that long-term bet. The RARE Foundation, formerly known as the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, is grateful to Representatives Bilirakis, Barrag\u00e1n, Cammack, Auchincloss, Kean, and Mullin for introducing the Priority for Pediatric Cures Act so that we can build on the incredible momentum of the first 14 years of the PRV Program, which has enabled over 70 new treatments for pediatric rare diseases,\u201d Annie Kennedy, Chief Mission Officer, Rare Foundation.\n\n\u201cThe Rare Pediatric Disease PRV program provides critical incentives for rare disease research and development at no cost to taxpayers. Permanent reauthorization of this vital program would bring hope to children and families touched by rare disease who have no more time to wait, and stability and confidence for biotech innovators who are leading the way in the discovery of breakthrough treatments,\u201d said BIO President & CEO John F. Crowley. \u201cPrevious lapses in the PPRV program have devastated families who have run out of treatment options. We are grateful to Representatives Bilirakis, Barragan, and the bipartisan leadership of all the bill\u2019s cosponsors for making the PRV permanent on behalf of pediatric patients and their families.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nRoughly one in ten Americans lives with a rare disease. Of the more than 10,000 known rare diseases, approximately 95 percent still have no FDA-approved treatment, and half of all patients diagnosed with a rare disease are children. Because rare diseases affect relatively small patient populations, promising treatments can struggle to attract the investment necessary to support years of costly research and development.\n\nThe Rare Pediatric Disease PRV Program helps address that challenge by awarding a priority review voucher following FDA approval of a qualifying treatment. The voucher may be used for another eligible application or transferred to another company. FDA has awarded 63 vouchers to date, with more than 90 percent going to therapies for indications that previously had no approved treatment. Making the program permanent would provide greater certainty for continued investment in treatments and cures for children with rare diseases.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/09/14/icymi-buchanan-reflects-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-september-11/", "ICYMI: Buchanan\u00a0Reflects on\u00a0the 25th\u00a0Anniversary of September 11", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "\u201cEveryone Remembers Where They Were on September 11, 2001\u201d\n\nOp-Ed Remembers 9/11 and the Importance of Continued Action to Protect our Nation\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan recently penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reflecting on his firsthand experience on 9/11 and warning that Congress cannot let its guard down on funding the agencies and first responders who protect the country from the next attack.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s darkest day was September 11,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cIts brightest was September 12, when the country stood together. We honor that unity best not with speeches alone, but by making sure the people and agencies standing between us and the next attack have what they need, every year, not just this one.\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE or below:\n\nTwenty-five years after 9/11, remembering is not enough\n\nCongressman Vern Buchanan\n\nEveryone remembers where they were on September 11, 2001. Twenty-five years later, I still remember every detail of that morning. I was at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, in the district I would one day represent, waiting to greet President George W. Bush after his visit to Emma E. Booker Elementary School just a few miles away. It was supposed to be an ordinary morning, a handshake and a photo with the president.\n\nInstead, a Secret Service agent pulled me into a back room. He told me a small plane may have gotten off course and struck one of the towers at the World Trade Center in New York. He said the President would be with me shortly. At that point, everybody still thought it was an accident. A terrible accident, but an accident.\n\nMinutes later he came back. A second plane had hit. We were under attack.\n\nAir Force One was sitting on the tarmac right in front of me. The president was abruptly rushed into his motorcade and loaded aboard. I watched as the plane climbed almost vertically off the runway. I had never seen an aircraft climb like that. I stood there and watched it go, and I did not know where he was going or when any of us would know anything again. You cannot imagine, standing on a runway in Sarasota on a Tuesday morning, that someone would fly an airplane into a building full of people. Nearly 3,000 of them never made it home. Twenty-five years later, I still remember every detail of that morning as if it happened yesterday.\n\nThe children President Bush was reading with at Booker Elementary School that morning were seven years old. They are in their thirties now. Some of them have children of their own who have never known what our nation was like before.\n\nI have thought a lot about how different this country was the day before. On September 10, there was no Department of Homeland Security. There was no TSA. People boarded airplanes without giving it a second thought, because we did not live like a country that expected to be attacked at home. All of it was built afterward, at a terrible price. In the years right after 2001, this country spent whatever it took to safeguard our nation, but then time passed and the funding fights got harder.\n\nThat day taught me a hard lesson. The men and women who protect us, our first responders, our intelligence professionals, the agencies that stand watch over our airports, borders and infrastructure, cannot do their critical job without sustained support from Congress. Homeland security is not a line item we fund once and set aside. It is a continuing obligation.\n\nThat obligation does not stop at a speech for me. It shows up in how I vote. In 2019, I voted for the Never Forget the Heroes Act, which was signed into law by President Trump and permanently funded the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund so that responders and survivors who got sick from their work at Ground Zero would never have to worry about their care being cut off or delayed by Washington.\n\nThat same principle has to guide how we fund homeland security today. The threats have changed since 2001, from hijacked airliners to cyberattacks on our power grids, hospitals and water systems, but the need for round-the-clock vigilance has not. TSA screeners, Coast Guard crews, cybersecurity personnel and local fire and EMS departments are the modern front line of the fight that began on 9/11. That day deserves more than a tribute. It deserves sustained funding for the agencies and first responders who carry that mission forward today.\n\nThis year, I once again cosponsored the 9-1-1 SAVES Act, which would finally classify 911 dispatchers as first responders. They are the first voice you hear on the worst day of your life. We ought to call them what they are. Every year in this district, I host a ceremony to honor our fire, rescue and EMS crews, because the people who run toward the emergency deserve more than one day.\n\nAmerica\u2019s darkest day was September 11. Its brightest was September 12, when the country stood together. We honor that unity best not with speeches alone, but by making sure the people and agencies standing between us and the next attack have what they need, every year, not just this one.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/president-trump-signs-rep-steubes-disaster-tax-relief-bill-into-law/", "President Trump Signs Rep. Steube\u2019s Disaster Tax Relief Bill Into Law", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that President Donald Trump signed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act into law, delivering critical tax relief and certainty to Americans recovering from federally declared natural disasters. The legislation extends federal disaster tax relief for Americans impacted by federally declared disasters between July 4, 2025, and December 31, 2026.\n\n\u201cThis delivers long-overdue certainty to Americans rebuilding after natural disasters. Disaster victims should be focused on rebuilding their homes, businesses, and communities, not worrying about an unexpected tax burden on the assistance they receive,\u201d said Rep. Greg Steube. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to President Trump for signing this important legislation into law and ensuring families across the country receive the relief they deserve. Congressman LaMalfa worked tirelessly to get this legislation across the finish line, and it is fitting that his legacy of service will live on for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to bipartisan leadership in Congress and President Trump, disaster victims now have the certainty they need to rebuild their lives. Families who lose their homes to a wildfire or a hurricane should not also lose a sizable piece of their recovery resources to the IRS. I commend Congressman Steube for his tireless efforts to see this bill across the finish line, and I want to recognize our late colleague Doug LaMalfa, whose years of advocacy for disaster victims in California made this law possible,\u201d said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith.\n\n\u201cAfter disaster strikes, impacted Americans should be focused on rebuilding their lives and their communities \u2013 not surprise changes to their tax bills. After speaking with so many Americans in Florida and across the country impacted by natural disasters, including meeting Spencer Pratt at his burned-down home and touring the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, I knew we had to do something. Now that President Trump has signed this bill into law, I\u2019m grateful to have worked with Spencer, Rep. Steube, and Sen. Schiff to ensure those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters continue to receive the real tax relief \u2013 and the peace of mind \u2013 they deserve,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott.\n\n\u201cThe last thing families and communities recovering from natural disasters should have to worry about is an additional tax burden when they\u2019re trying to get back on their feet,\u201d said Rep. Panetta. \u201cI\u2019m proud that our bipartisan legislation has been signed into law to ensure that wildfire relief payments and hurricane losses continue to qualify for fair tax treatment. This new law will provide disaster-impacted Americans with the certainty, time, and tools they need to rebuild and move forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurviving a natural disaster can place an enormous financial burden on families. It is critical that we support victims of devastating disasters like the wildfires in California and across the country. That\u2019s why I was proud to team up with Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Greg Steube, Mike Thompson and Jimmy Panetta to provide tax relief to the victims of natural disasters and why I am so grateful to see our bipartisan bill signed into law. We must ensure that those hit the hardest when disaster strikes receive the support and the tax relief they need to recover. And in seeing our bill become law, we affirm a vital part of the late Doug LaMalfa\u2019s legacy,\u201d said Senator Adam Schiff.\n\nTheDoug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act allows Americans impacted by federally declared disasters to deduct qualified casualty losses without having to itemize deductions. The legislation also ensures certain disaster relief payments are not treated as taxable income.\n\nThe legislation was led in the upper chamber by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), with Representatives Steube, the late Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) leading in the House. The legislation was originally introduced as the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025, but was later renamed in honor of the late Congressman LaMalfa, who spent years championing disaster tax relief for Americans recovering from catastrophic events and passed unanimously.\n\nThe Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act builds on Rep. Steube\u2019s Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which delivered billions in tax relief to Americans recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and other federally declared disasters. By extending these tax provisions through December 31, 2026, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act provides continued certainty for disaster victims as they rebuild and recover.\n\nWith multiple pieces of standalone tax legislation now signed into law by both Presidents Trump and Biden, Congressman Steube has continued to demonstrate his ability to overcome Washington gridlock and deliver meaningful results for the American taxpayer.\n\nCongressman Steube is one of five House Republicans not on the Ways and Means Committee Leadership to bring two taxpayer bills into law in over fifty years.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-sen-moody-urge-army-corps-to-preserve-charlotte-county-septic-to-sewer-authorization/", "Rep. Steube, Sen. Moody Urge Army Corps to Preserve Charlotte County Septic-to-Sewer Authorization", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) today sent a joint letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to preserve Charlotte County\u2019s eligibility to seek federal funding for septic-to-sewer conversion projects.\n\nRep. Steube worked to increase the amount in federal funding that Charlotte County could seek from $3 million to $33 million in 2022 to address nearly 2,600 failing septic systems harming water quality in the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary and the Gulf of America. Federal funds have yet to be dispersed for the project, but the lawmakers say that reflects bureaucratic delay, not a lapse in need. Charlotte County has since completed the Manasota Key Shoreline Protection Study and is now positioned to pursue a roughly $400 million wastewater conversion program, with the county planning to request Congressional support for septic-to-sewer conversions in the upcoming funding cycle.\n\nRep. Steube and Sen. Moody warn that removing Charlotte County\u2019s eligibility for federal support now would strip the county of its ability to seek funding for this work going forward, undoing years of Congressional effort to address failing septic systems and improve water quality throughout Southwest Florida.\n\nThe full letter is attached here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/09/09/icymi-buchanan-warns-of-looming-national-debt-crisis-in-sarasota-herald-tribune-op-ed/", "ICYMI: Buchanan Warns of\u00a0Looming\u00a0National Debt Crisis\u00a0in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "\u201cFlorida families balance their budgets every month. It is about time Washington does the same.\u201d\n\nOp-Ed Details the $40 Trillion National Debt and Buchanan\u2019s Balanced Budget Amendment\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan recently penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune warning that the national debt, now surpassing $40 trillion, is on pace to leave the next generation with a bill they never agreed to and cannot afford.\n\n\u201cI spent more than 30 years running businesses before I ever set foot on the House floor,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cIn the business world, there is a simple rule that never changes: you cannot spend more than you take in year after year and expect to stay open. Every entrepreneur and small business owner in Florida knows this. So does every family balancing a checkbook. It\u2019s time Washington learned it too.\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE or below:\n\nThe Next Generation Shouldn\u2019t Inherit Washington\u2019s Spending Problem\n\nCongressman Vern Buchanan\n\nI spent more than 30 years running businesses before I ever set foot on the House floor. In the business world, there is a simple rule that never changes: you cannot spend more than you take in year after year and expect to stay open. Every entrepreneur and small business owner in Florida knows this. So does every family balancing a checkbook. It\u2019s time Washington learned it too.\n\nThe national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, a number so large it\u2019s difficult to picture. To put it in perspective, that\u2019s more than $300,000 owed for every household in America, a bill no family ever agreed to, and no family should have to afford. The debt now stands at more than 100 percent of the size of our entire economy, a level that warrants extreme concern. Additionally, interest on the debt is growing out of control as it surpasses defense to become the federal governments second largest expense. We\u2019ve borrowed against the future before, but always to win a war or survive a depression, never simply to avoid making a hard choice.\n\nIf Washington continues on its current course, with no more wars, no recession and no major new programs, the debt is projected to hit a staggering $64 trillion within the next decade. Add more than $80 trillion in unfunded promises to Social Security and Medicare and the picture becomes even more sobering. These are promises we\u2019ve made to seniors who spent their whole lives paying in, and to young people who haven\u2019t even cast their first vote yet. As representatives of the American people, we are here to serve their best interest, and there is nothing in their interest about handing the next generation a bill this country can\u2019t afford.\n\nIn January 2007, the national debt stood at just under $9 trillion. In less than two decades, it has more than quadrupled. Think about that. It took this country more than 230 years, through two world wars, the Great Depression and the Cold War, to reach $9 trillion in debt. It has taken us less than 20 years to add more than $31 trillion more on top of it.\n\nThis did not happen under one party or one president. Both sides of the aisle share the blame, and both sides need to be part of the solution. That is why I authored H.J. Res. 3, a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget, as both my first piece of legislation when I arrived in Congress and my first bill to introduce in each Congress since. I believe nothing else we can do in Washington matters much if we do not get our fiscal house in order first.\n\nA balanced budget amendment simply says what every Florida family and every small business already lives by: Congress cannot spend money it does not have without a real plan to pay it back. It would force Washington to set priorities, cut what does not work and stop kicking the hardest decisions down the road to our kids and grandkids. This is not a Republican idea or a Democratic idea. It is widely understood, and it deserves support from members on both sides of the aisle who care about the country the next generation will inherit.\n\nI\u2019ve heard the argument that we can simply tax our way out of this problem. But I don\u2019t believe the answer is to reach deeper into the pockets of the people who are already carrying this country. The math does not support it either. Even the most aggressive tax increases on the wealthiest Americans would not come close to closing deficits of this size, let alone pay for the new spending some in Washington keep proposing. Working families and small businesses didn\u2019t run up this debt, and they shouldn\u2019t be the ones to foot the bill for it. The only honest path forward is to control spending, grow the economy and stop treating the congressional credit card as if it has no limit.\n\nI did not come to Washington to leave behind a bigger problem than the one I found. I came here to run government the way I ran my businesses, with discipline, accountability and an eye on long-term success. Nearly 20 years later, that mission is more urgent than it has ever been.\n\nThe debt crisis we are approaching will not announce itself with a single dramatic headline. It will show up in higher interest rates, a weaker dollar, less money for the priorities that matter and fewer opportunities for the next generation. It will reach into the everyday lives of Americans nationwide. We still have time to change course, but that window is closing quickly.\n\nI\u2019m asking my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in getting the national debt under control. Florida families balance their budgets every month. It is about time Washington does the same.\n\nRep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla) is the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the chairman of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for over 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1932", "Franklin Leads Members Of Florida Delegation In Effort To Protect Domestic Fertilizer Production", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) led members of Florida\u2019s congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Lutnick urging continued action to address the supply and rising cost of sulfur, a critical input used to produce phosphate fertilizer.\n\n\u201cFlorida is at the heart of America\u2019s phosphate fertilizer production, and the current sulfur shortage threatens an industry our farmers and food supply depend on,\u201d said Congressman Scott Franklin. \u201cA reliable, affordable supply of sulfur is critical to producing fertilizer American farmers depend on. I appreciate the Trump Administration\u2019s work on this issue, and we want to build on those efforts to protect American fertilizer production, support our farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign sources.\u201d\n\nGeopolitical and shipping disruptions have constrained global sulfur supplies and driven prices to historic levels. Tampa sulfur prices have risen sharply from a previous average of $172 per long ton. Since May, prices have exceeded $1,100 per metric ton. This increase has put significant pressure on domestic phosphate fertilizer production.\n\nDomestic phosphate producers have already reduced operating rates and idled facilities as sulfur costs and supply constraints have intensified. Further disruptions could threaten American jobs, tighten fertilizer supplies, increase costs for farmers and leave the United States more dependent on foreign fertilizer.\n\nThe Trump Administration has convened an interagency process to examine the issue. Franklin and his colleagues encouraged continued engagement and outlined potential options to increase access to competitively priced sulfur, including coordination with domestic refiners and sulfur marketers, addressing transportation and logistics constraints, using appropriate trade and financing tools and engaging allied suppliers.\n\nThe lawmakers also encourage the Administration to designate a senior official to coordinate the federal response and work with Congress on any additional authorities or resources that may be needed.\n\nCosigners include: Reps. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Greg Steube (FL-17) and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-pushes-his-myakka-river-bill-before-house-natural-resources-committee/", "Rep. Steube Pushes His Myakka River Bill Before House Natural Resources Committee", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013\u2013Last week, Rep. Steube testified before the House Natural Resources subcommittee on Federal Lands in support of his bill H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025. His legislation would add the 34-mile Sarasota County segment of the Myakka River to the Partnership Wild and Scenic River program, a collaborative federal framework jointly protecting free-flowing rivers that mostly run though private or non-federal land.\n\n\u201cAs a Floridian who grew up working cattle along the Myakka River, I know firsthand how important the river is to Southwest Florida,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cMy legislation would recognize the 34-mile segment of the Myakka River in Sarasota County through the Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers program and help preserve this Florida treasure for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cSarasota County appreciates the continued attention to the Myakka River and its importance to our community, environment and quality of life,\u201d said Ron Cutsinger, Chair of the Sarasota County Commission. \u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Steube and our federal delegation for recognizing the importance of this treasured natural resource, and we value the ongoing work to support stewardship of the river for future generations.\u201d\n\nThe Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act has the support of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Sarasota County Commission, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Trust for Public Lands, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, City of Venice, Suncoast Builders Association, Hawkins Ranch, Big Waters Land Trust, Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, League of Women Voters of Sarasota County, and the Myakka River Management Coordination Council.\n\nBackground: Rep. Steube\u2019s bill has rapidly grown statewide support since its introduction, with Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody leading this effort in the Senate. Rep. Steube\u2019s bill has also gained the bipartisan support of Representatives Vern Buchanan, Daniel Webster, Darren Soto, Jimmy Patronis, Kat Cammack, John Rutherford, Laurel Lee and Gus Bilirakis.\n\nClearing a major legislative benchmark, last week\u2019s hearing before the House Natural Resources committees brings Rep. Steube\u2019s bill one step closer to consideration before the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-joins-bipartisan-effort-expand-access-child-tax-credit-working", "Salazar Joins Bipartisan Effort to Expand Access to Child Tax Credit for Working Families", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Chris Pappas (D-NH) in introducing the bipartisan Stronger Start for Working Families Act, legislation that would lower the earned-income threshold for the refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,500 to $1.\n\nUnder current law, the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit does not begin phasing in until a family earns more than $2,500. The Stronger Start for Working Families Act would allow eligible working families to begin earning the refundable credit with their first dollar of earned income. According to the Tax Policy Center, the change would provide a tax cut to nearly 3.5 million families with children in 2026.\n\n\u201cRaising a family is expensive, and too many parents in South Florida are doing everything right and still feeling squeezed by the cost of everyday life,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cThe Stronger Start for Working Families Act makes a simple, commonsense change: working families should be able to start benefiting from the refundable Child Tax Credit from the very first dollar they earn, instead of waiting until they reach $2,500 in earnings. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to put more of that help within reach for families paying for groceries, child care, rent, and all the everyday costs that come with raising children.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Stronger Start for Working Families Act is a common-sense piece of legislation designed to help our families across the country who are struggling with the rising costs of raising a child. By lowering the earned income limit, we can ensure parents start receiving much-needed Child Tax Credit benefits from the very first dollar they earn, providing tax relief and improved peace of mind to those needing it most,\u201d said Congresswoman Carol Miller.\n\n\u201cThe Stronger Start for Working Families Act is a bipartisan solution for working families who have watched relief stay just out of reach. Lowering the qualifying threshold from $2,500 to just $1 means that so many families below the poverty line who were previously prevented from qualifying now have access to the assistance they deserve. That can be the difference between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. There is still more work to be done for families who need support, but this is a positive first step. I'm proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle on this much needed relief, and I will continue to ensure working families can get ahead, not just get by,\" said Rep. Horsford.\n\n\"Families in New Hampshire are working hard and still coming up short. Child care for a family with two kids costs close to $32,000 a year here, more than a quarter of our state's median family income. It makes no sense that parents who need the Child Tax Credit most are the ones missing out. This bill is a simple and straightforward fix: let families start earning the credit with their first dollar of work so we can put money back in their pockets,\" said Congressman Chris Pappas.\n\nThe Stronger Start for Working Families Act would:\n\nLower the earned-income threshold for the refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,500 to $1, allowing eligible families to begin earning the credit with their first dollar of earned income;\n\nExpand access to the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit for lower-income working families;\n\nMaintain the credit\u2019s connection to earned income while allowing the refundable benefit to begin phasing in sooner; and\n\nApply the change beginning with the 2026 tax year.\n\nThe legislation is the House companion to the bipartisan Stronger Start for Working Families Act introduced in the Senate by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN).\n\n\u201cParents are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, with majorities of low-income parents saying they have increased spending on groceries and utilities this year. The Stronger Start for Working Families Act will help families access a larger Child Tax Credit sooner, which helps them afford basic necessities that help children thrive and incentivizes parents to join or stay in the workforce. BPC Action commends Reps. Miller (R-WV) and Horsford (D-NV) for leading this bill in the House,\u201d says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).\n\nThe Stronger Start for Working Families Act is supported by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Third Way, Bread for the World, America Forward, Save the Children, Niskanen Center, Family Matters, and RESULTS.\n\nRep. Salazar has made affordability a priority in Congress, advancing policies to address housing costs, strengthen homeownership, and help South Florida families keep more of what they earn. She will continue working to ease the financial pressure facing parents and make it more affordable to raise a family in FL-27.", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-salazar-bera-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-combat-tuberculosis-worldwide", "Reps. Salazar, Bera Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Tuberculosis Worldwide", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) co-chairs of the House Tuberculosis Elimination Caucus, introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen U.S. efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately eliminate tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. A group of seven bipartisan Representatives joined as original cosponsors.\n\n\u201cTuberculosis has challenged humanity for centuries. It should not define the centuries ahead,\u201d said Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar. \u201cTB is preventable, treatable, and curable, yet too many people still die because they cannot get a timely diagnosis or the care they need. I\u2019m proud to co-lead the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 to keep America leading this fight, equip our partners with better tools, and stop a preventable disease from claiming more lives. The goal is simple: find it, treat it, and end it.\u201d\n\n\u201cTuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable, yet it continues to take far too many lives around the world,\u201d said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. \u201cThe End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 ensures the United States remains a leader in this fight by focusing on proven approaches: investing in better diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines and making sure our global health programs are accountable for results. I\u2019m especially grateful to John Green, RESULTS, and TB advocates across the country for their tireless work to raise awareness, build support, and move us closer to ending TB once and for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cRESULTS is deeply grateful to Rep. Bera and Rep. Salazar for their unwavering commitment to the fight against TB, and for championing this legislation,\u201d said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of Raise Your Voice to End Poverty (RESULTS). \u201cCommunities around the world are leading the fight against TB, and we now have a range of powerful new tools ready to deploy. The U.S. government has already set bold targets for ending TB globally, and this bill provides the framework for how we actually get there. Our volunteers across the country are ready to support Congress to get this bill enacted into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so grateful to Rep. Bera and Rep. Salazar for advancing the fight against tuberculosis. This disease, curable since the 1950s, has been allowed to ravage the world for far too long,\u201d said John Green, TB advocate and author of the New York Times best-selling book Everything is Tuberculosis. \u201cThe End TB Now Act will help reduce the burden of a terrible global scourge.\u201d\n\nThe End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 modernizes U.S. global TB programs to focus resources on finding, treating, and preventing tuberculosis, particularly in countries and communities with the highest burden of the disease.\n\nThe legislation would:\n\nExpand access to TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, including active case finding, rapid diagnostics, treatment for drug-resistant TB, and preventive treatment for people at high risk of infection;\n\nAccelerate research and development of better tools to fight TB, including new diagnostics, drug therapies, vaccines, and other technologies, while strengthening health systems and laboratory capacity;\n\nSet clear goals and strengthen accountability for U.S. programs, including working by 2030 to reduce TB incidence by 80 percent and TB deaths by 90 percent from 2015 levels, diagnose and begin treatment for 90 percent of TB and drug-resistant TB cases, achieve a 90 percent treatment success rate, and provide preventive treatment to 30 million people; and\n\nRequire annual reporting on U.S. global TB programs and investments in research and development to track progress and strengthen accountability.\n\nSince 2022, Representative Salazar has led bipartisan efforts in the House of Representatives to eliminate tuberculosis. Alongside Representative Bera, Salazar introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2022, which advanced through the House Foreign Affairs Committee that year. He reintroduced the legislation in 2023, when it again passed the Committee unanimously.\n\nAs a member of congress, Salazar has consistently made the case that investing in prevention, detection, and eradication efforts abroad is also an investment in the health and security of Americans at home.\n\nCompanion legislation in the Senate was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lee-introduces-ballots-election-day-act-establish-clear-deadline", "Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces Ballots by Election Day Act to Establish Clear Deadline for Federal Elections", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15), Chairwoman of the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and former Florida Secretary of State, introduced the Ballots by Election Day Act, legislation establishing a clear, uniform standard that ballots cast in federal elections must be received by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted.\n\nThe legislation is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL). It would require absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections to be received by the close of polls on Election Day, while preserving existing protections for military and overseas voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). The requirement would take effect beginning with federal elections held in 2027.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s former Secretary of State, Rep. Lee served as the state\u2019s chief election officer and oversaw the administration of Florida\u2019s elections. Florida already requires most vote-by-mail ballots to be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. The Ballots by Election Day Act would bring that same basic principle to federal elections nationwide: voters should know the deadline, election officials should know the rules, and Election Day should mark the end of voting.\n\n\u201cHaving served as Florida\u2019s Secretary of State and overseen elections across our state, I have seen firsthand that clear rules, firm deadlines, and consistent election administration work,\u201dsaid Rep. Laurel Lee.\u201cFlorida has shown that we can provide voters with accessible ways to cast their ballots while maintaining a clear deadline for when those ballots must be received. Election Day should mean election results. When the polls close, voters should have confidence that the voting is over and election officials can move forward with determining the results. The Ballots by Election Day Act applies that commonsense standard to federal elections across the country and provides greater certainty for voters, election officials, and the American people.\u201d\n\nThe Ballots by Election Day Act is a simple fix to rebuild trust in elections. The fact that some states allow ballots to pour in for days after an election is absurd. Passing our Ballots by Election Day Act would deliver results before bed,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody. \u201cI\u2019m happy to see my friend and colleague, Representative Laurel Lee, join me in this fight to bring Florida\u2019s blueprint for elections nationwide.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Ballots by Election Day Act follows the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee, which determined that current federal law does not establish a nationwide deadline for receiving mail ballots and left the issue for Congress to address.\n\nThis bill establishes a clear deadline for when ballots cast for federal office must be received. It provides voters with consistent rules and certainty about when their ballots are due, regardless of where they live. The approach is modeled after Florida, where most vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day.\n\nThe Ballots by Election Day Act would:", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-issues-statement-censure-rep-chuck-edwards", "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Issues Statement on the Censure of Rep. Chuck Edwards", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Yesterday, I voted to censure Congressman Chuck Edwards.\n\nI read the Ethics Committee's report, and I read his letter and his lawyers' response with the seriousness they deserve. He had every right to defend himself. It did not change my vote.\n\nThe Committee found a persistent pattern of unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young women on his staff, and he did not deny much of the underlying conduct. In fact, defends it. He defends the gifts and the poetry, and he defends traveling with a young woman who had only just left his office. His argument is that none of it broke a rule, and that is precisely the problem.\n\nI was a congressional staffer myself before becoming a Member. I understand the responsibility Members have to the people who work for us. Members of Congress hold enormous power over the people who work for us. 'Technically permitted' is a low bar. Judgment is the standard.\n\nI co-founded the Republican Women's Caucus to raise the standard in this institution, and that starts with how we treat the people who serve alongside us. Two young women left his office, and the Committee said the House lost them because of his conduct.\n\nCongress cannot ask the American people to trust this body if we refuse to hold ourselves accountable. Yesterday's vote was accountability after the fact. My work with Chairwoman Leger Fern\u00e1ndez and the Democratic Women's Caucus is about making sure the next staffer never has to get that far. We will have more to share on that work soon.\"", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1930", "Franklin Secures $2.9 Million For Public Safety Innovation Lab At Florida Poly", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today announced he secured $2.9 million for Florida Polytechnic University to establish a new Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL).\n\n\u201cFlorida Poly is doing important work to prepare the next generation of American innovators and tackle real-world challenges in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and public safety,\u201d said Congressman Scott Franklin. \u201cAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I\u2019m pleased we were able to secure $2.9 million to help build on that work. This investment will give students valuable hands-on experience, strengthen our public safety capabilities and help develop the skilled workforce America needs to remain competitive and secure.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Franklin\u2019s leadership and support are helping Florida Poly take a major step forward in developing technologies increasingly critical to our state and nation,\u201d said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University. \u201cThis $2.9 million investment will give our faculty and students extraordinary opportunities to work at the forefront of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. It will help build a workforce ready to meet our evolving technology needs and expand Florida Poly\u2019s capacity to address real-world challenges that impact our economy and national security. We are tremendously grateful to Congressman Franklin for his confidence in Florida Poly and his commitment to championing this important work.\u201d\n\nThe Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory will:\n\nEstablish an Artificial Intelligence Solutions Lab for applied AI research and partnerships;\n\nCreate a Network Operations and Security Center focused on protecting network and information technology systems;\n\nBuild secure laboratory and data spaces, including an AI prototype room and cyber range;\n\nProvide equipment and hands-on opportunities for student interns working in each lab; and\n\nSupport collaboration with public service and public safety organizations on challenges including emergency management.\n\nThe funding, secured by Franklin through the annual appropriations process, will equip existing space on the second floor of Florida Poly\u2019s Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building for applied research, hands-on learning and collaboration. The investment will support equipment for student interns in each lab, two secure and dedicated data spaces, an Artificial Intelligence Solutions Prototype Room and Cyber Range, an AIS Management Cockpit and a Network Operations and Security Operations Center Command Center. Together, these capabilities will give students and faculty the tools to test emerging technologies and work alongside public safety partners to develop solutions to real-world challenges.\n\nThe $2.9 million award will be administered through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and advances NIST\u2019s federal mission under Section 272 of Title 15 of the U.S. Code to support research, education and partnerships that strengthen American innovation and workforce readiness. The project will help develop skilled talent in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other technologies increasingly important to America\u2019s economic and national security.", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/09/01/icymi-buchanan-calls-for-usmca-reforms-to-protect-seasonal-produce-growers-in-the-hill-op-ed/", "ICYMI: Buchanan\u00a0Calls\u00a0for USMCA Reforms to Protect Seasonal Produce Growers in\u00a0The Hill\u00a0Op-Ed", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "\u201cThis USMCA review gives our country a real opportunity to restore fairness for our seasonal produce growers, strengthen our food security and build a food system Americans can rely on and trust.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in The Hill highlighting the necessity of protections for seasonal producers within the ongoing United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review.\n\n\u201cThe strength of our food supply is imperative to our nation\u2019s strength,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cDuring this review, the United States faces a clear choice: protect our ability to grow our own food or continue down a path of greater dependence on foreign food supplies, at the expense of our food security, our supply chains and Americans confidence in what\u2019s on their plate.\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE or below:\n\nFairness for Growers Is Food Security for America\n\nCongressman Vern Buchanan\n\nFood security begins at home. That\u2019s why the ongoing review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is such an important moment for American agriculture, and for our country. During this review, the United States faces a clear choice: protect our ability to grow our own food or continue down a path of greater dependence on foreign food supplies, at the expense of our food security, our supply chains and Americans\u2019 confidence in what\u2019s on their plate.\n\nAs Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, I helped negotiate USMCA back in 2019 as the top Republican on the Trade Subcommittee, and even then, I pushed for accommodations for our seasonal growers. Today, the stakes for Florida are higher than ever. Agriculture is a cornerstone of our state\u2019s economy, and the outcome of this review will help determine whether our Florida growers can keep producing the fruits and vegetables our country depends on.\n\nFor more than two decades, Mexican shippers have squeezed Florida farmers out of their own market by flooding it with low-priced produce during Florida\u2019s own growing season. According to an October 2025 report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services report, Florida\u2019s share of the fruit and vegetable market has fallen by nearly 50 percent over the past two decades, while Mexico\u2019s share has surged by more than 200 percent. Bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, blueberries: entire sectors of Florida agriculture have taken steep losses in market share and revenue, even as consumer demand keeps growing. Multi-generational Florida farms, family operations that have fed this country for generations, are being forced to shut their doors.\n\nSince USMCA took effect, the volume of these disruptive imports has only accelerated, jumping from $14 billion in 2020 to roughly $19 billion today. That surge has widened our already large agricultural trade deficit with Mexico and pushed more Florida growers to the breaking point.\n\nThe Trump administration recognizes this problem. Unchecked seasonal import volumes from Mexico are putting Florida agriculture at risk, and the administration is right to make finding a solution a priority in this USMCA review.\n\nThe solution Florida\u2019s industry has put forward is pragmatic, measured and long overdue: seasonal, product-specific tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on Mexican produce during Florida\u2019s marketing season. TRQs are a well-established, targeted trade tool already used across American agriculture. They strike the right balance, keeping trade flowing while preventing the seasonal surges that undercut a stable domestic supply. Any new agreement with Mexico should include this approach so we don\u2019t further compromise Florida\u2019s ability to grow food at home.\n\nFlorida isn\u2019t alone. Fruit and vegetable growers well beyond our state are facing the same pressures as import volumes surge, and they\u2019ve joined Florida in calling for a real solution. We agree: our trade agreements should never come at the expense of American agriculture\u2019s survival.\n\nEarlier this year, I authored a bipartisan letter to President Trump, alongside Senator Ashley Moody and members of the Florida Delegation, urging his administration to address the harm caused by these unchecked seasonal import surges. That call is even more urgent today.\n\nAt current rates, we risk permanently losing production capacity in key fruit and vegetable sectors. Once our farms, our infrastructure and generations of agricultural know-how are gone in favor of foreign production, they may never come back.\n\nThis USMCA review gives our country a real opportunity to restore fairness for our seasonal produce growers, strengthen our food security and build a food system Americans can rely on and trust. For the sake of Florida\u2019s growers and for a food supply this country can always count on, now is the time to act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1929", "Franklin Statement On Passage Of Continuing Appropriations Act To Avert Government Shutdown", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today issued the following statement after House passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027:\n\n\u201cToday, the House took the final step to prevent another unnecessary government shutdown weeks ahead of the funding deadline. We have a responsibility to keep the government open and do our job on behalf of the American people.\n\n\u201cAs an appropriator, I\u2019ve been working to advance responsible spending bills through regular order, rein in wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. The House Appropriations Committee completed its work on all 12 bills, and the House has already passed three of them individually. Meanwhile, the Senate has failed to make meaningful progress on its appropriations bills or begun to seriously engage in the process.\n\n\u201cThat failure has left the House with two less-than-desirable options: kick the can down the road by passing a temporary continuing resolution or allow the government to shut down. A shutdown would disrupt critical services, hurt service members and federal employees and create needless uncertainty for the American people. I will not support putting them through that simply because the Senate isn\u2019t willing to fulfill its Constitutional duty.\n\n\u201cThis continuing resolution is necessary, but it is not the finish line. Congress still has work to do to complete the full-year appropriations process before temporary funding expires in December. I\u2019ll continue working to cut wasteful spending, restore regular order and deliver the accountability taxpayers deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresista-diaz-balart-celebra-la-aprobacion-de-una-resolucion", "Congresista D\u00edaz-Balart celebra la aprobaci\u00f3n de una resoluci\u00f3n condenando y denunciando al socialismo en todas sus formas", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 El congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente del Comit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes y presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados celebra la aprobaci\u00f3n de una resoluci\u00f3n condenando y denunciando al socialismo en todas sus formas:\n\n\u201cEl socialismo y el control del gobierno sobre nuestras vidas no tienen cabida en los Estados Unidos. Va en contra de nuestra forma de vida y del sue\u00f1o americano.\n\nMe enorgullece haber apoyado esta importante resoluci\u00f3n que condena el socialismo y salvaguarda la integridad de nuestra naci\u00f3n. El socialismo ha causado estragos en todo nuestro Hemisferio, prueba de ello es el innegable impacto catastr\u00f3fico del socialism y Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua son claros ejemplos de las consecuencias destructivas que un gobierno socialista puede tener sobre las sociedades y las naciones con d\u00e9cadas de dictadura y represi\u00f3n, destrucci\u00f3n de naciones otrora pr\u00f3speras y el \u00e9xodo forzado de millones de ciudadanos de sus pa\u00edses de origen.\n\nEstados Unidos se fundado sobre los principios de la libertad individual, un gobierno representativo y los derechos otorgados por Dios a su pueblo. Nunca debemos dar estas libertades por sentadas ni permitir que una ideolog\u00eda con un historial tan devastador se arraigue sin oposici\u00f3n.\n\nDebemos mantenernos firmes en la defensa de estos principios y asegurarnos de que Estados Unidos nunca siga el camino destructivo que ha llevado a la represi\u00f3n y la ruina a innumerables pueblos y naciones.\n\nMe indigna ver que 192 dem\u00f3cratas decidieron oponerse a esta resoluci\u00f3n y se negaron a condenar esta ideolog\u00eda antiamericana responsable de tanto sufrimiento y opresi\u00f3n. Estados Unidos debe aprender de la historia y rechazar el socialismo en todas sus formas.\n\nSiempre defender\u00e9 la libertad, las oportunidades econ\u00f3micas y los derechos constitucionales que hacen de nuestro pais una gran nacion.\u201d\n\nEl texto de la resolucion se puede encontrar aqui.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-diaz-balart-celebrates-passage-resolution-condemning-and", "Congressman Diaz-Balart Celebrates the Passage of Resolution Condemning and Denouncing Socialism in all its Forms", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, celebrates the Passage of H. Res. 1490, Providing for the Condemnation and Denouncement of Socialism in all its Forms:\n\n\u201cSocialism and the government takeover of our lives have no place in America. It is anathema to our way of life and the American Dream.\n\nI am proud to have supported this important resolution denouncing socialism and safeguarding our nation's integrity. Socialism has wreaked havoc across our hemisphere. The catastrophic impact of socialism is undeniable. Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are vivid reminders of the destructive consequences that socialist governance can have on societies and nations: decades of dictatorship and repression, the destruction of once-thriving nations, and forcing millions to flee their homeland.\n\nAmerica was founded upon the principles of individual liberty, representative government, and the God-given rights of its people. We must never take these freedoms for granted or allow an ideology with such a devastating historical record to gain an unchallenged foothold.\n\nWe must remain steadfast in defending those principles, and ensuring that the United States never follows the destructive path that has brought repression and ruin to countless others.\n\nI am appalled to see that 192 Democrats chose to oppose this resolution and refused to condemn this anti-American ideology responsible for so much suffering and oppression. America must learn from history and reject socialism in all its forms.\n\nI will always stand for freedom, economic opportunity, and the constitutional rights that make our nation exceptional.\u201d\n\nResolution text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-diaz-balart-commends-passage-hr-6500-continuing", "Congressman Diaz-Balart Commends the Passage of H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, commends the passage of H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act:\n\n\u201cI am proud to have voted in favor of keeping the American government open and ensuring that our troops, law enforcement officers, and air traffic controllers continue to receive their pay.\n\nThe passage of H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, provides important stability by extending federal funding at Fiscal Year 2026 levels through December 11, 2026, while also extending several expiring federal programs.\n\nThis unprecedented and responsible step puts the needs of the American people ahead of shutdown politics. Families, small businesses, federal employees, and communities across the country deserve a government that continues to function and deliver essential services.\n\nWhile I support keeping the government open, a continuing resolution is not a permanent solution. Back in July, the House took an important step toward responsible governance by passing all 12 Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bills. It is now incumbent upon the Senate and Democrats to work in good faith to advance and complete the appropriations process and provide the federal government with a responsible operating budget.\n\nThere will always be debates over how Washington spends taxpayer dollars and what our long-term priorities should be. Those debates are important and should continue. But they should not come at the expense of keeping the government open and serving the American people.\n\nI will continue working to advance responsible spending, protect taxpayers, and make sure the federal government remains focused on the people it serves.\u201d\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/prison-staff-safety-enhancement-act-heads-presidents-desk", "Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act Heads to the President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Laurel Lee's legislation, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, passed through the House. The legislation is a bipartisan and bicameral measure to strengthen safety and accountability in federal correctional facilities. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jon Osoff (D-GA) led the passage of the Senate version of the bill.\n\nThis legislation takes very important and necessary steps to improve the conditions for correctional officers, staff, and inmates by enhancing oversight, promoting safer facility operations, and addressing issues with sexual abuse and misconduct within these prisons. This bill will help to ensure all allegations are properly investigated and strengthen protections for the prison employees when the situation of an inmate assaulting an officer occurs.\n\n\u201cI am incredibly proud to see the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act head to the President\u2019s desk and become one step closer to being a law,\u201d said Rep. Laurel Lee. \u201cFor far too long, too many Bureau of Prisons employees have faced sexual harassment and assault by inmates while they are just trying to do their job. This bill is a very important step toward strengthening oversight, protecting our hardworking correctional officers, and ensuring the inmates who commit these horrific crimes are held accountable to the fullest extent. I remain committed to advancing reforms that strengthen public safety, support law enforcement, and improve the justice system.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo law enforcement officer should have to fear for their safety when they show up to work,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act would help us end the sexual abuse of prison staff who are simply trying to do their jobs.\u201d\n\nThe Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act was passed under suspension of the House rules and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-seniors-should-get-relief-not-insurance-companies", "Bilirakis: Seniors Should Get the Relief - Not Insurance Companies", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the Part D Premium Protection Act of 2026, legislation designed around a simple principle: when Washington provides relief from rising prescription drug premiums, the benefit should go to seniors - not insurance companies. The Biden Administration created the temporary Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration after changes made under the Inflation Reduction Act threatened to drive premiums sharply higher for seniors enrolled in stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans. The demonstration lowered premiums for beneficiaries, but it also provided participating insurance companies with additional taxpayer-backed protection against losses. That additional protection for insurance companies has been eliminated, effective 2026. Insurance companies have had two years to adjust and do not need additional taxpayer protection. However, the remaining premium assistance that is helping seniors with their monthly prescription drug costs is also scheduled to disappear after 2026. Bilirakis believes seniors should not lose that relief. The Part D Premium Protection Act of 2026 would preserve the average premium relief seniors received under the demonstration for one final year in 2027, without restoring or extending the additional federal loss protections that the Biden Administration previously provided to insurance companies.\n\n\u201cInsurance companies have had two years to adjust and do not need additional taxpayer protection. But seniors living on fixed incomes shouldn\u2019t be left holding the bag,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cMy bill puts the relief where it belongs - with seniors. If Washington has a choice between protecting an insurance company\u2019s bottom line and lowering a senior\u2019s monthly prescription drug bill, I\u2019m going to choose the senior every single time.\u201d\n\nUnder Bilirakis\u2019s legislation, seniors enrolled in stand-alone Medicare Part D plans would receive a uniform credit directly on their 2027 premium bills, based on the average premium relief beneficiaries received during 2025 and 2026. Every dollar of the credit must go toward lowering the senior\u2019s premium. Insurance companies would have no discretion over the amount and would be reimbursed only for the amount actually credited to beneficiaries. Importantly, the legislation does not reinstate the Biden-era protections against insurance company losses that the Trump Administration eliminated for 2026. Instead, it preserves the portion of the temporary program that directly benefits seniors while keeping those insurer protections off the books.\n\n\u201cEverywhere I go, seniors tell me that every dollar matters. Groceries cost more. Utilities cost more. Insurance costs more. Healthcare costs more,\u201d Bilirakis continued. \u201cThey worked their entire lives, paid into Medicare and Social Security, and played by the rules. They shouldn\u2019t have to choose between filling a prescription, buying groceries or keeping the lights on. I\u2019ll keep fighting to make Washington work for them instead of protecting the profits of big insurance companies.\u201d\n\nThe legislation applies to beneficiaries enrolled in stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and provides the premium credit for 2027, preserving relief for seniors for the final year originally envisioned under the temporary premium stabilization effort without bringing back additional taxpayer protections for insurance companies.", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-patronis-introduces-legislation-to-rename-lake-ontario-lake-america", "Congressman Patronis Introduces Legislation to Rename Lake Ontario \u2018Lake America\u2019", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Jimmy Patronis", "P000622", "patronis.house.gov", "patronis", "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) introduced the Lake America Act, legislation to officially rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. The legislation follows President Trump\u2019s official renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a change that was met with strong support across Northwest Florida.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump put America back on the map. Now we\u2019re putting America on Lake Ontario,\u201d said Congressman Patronis. \u201cCanada can call it whatever they want, but here in America, I say we call it Lake America. I\u2019m a proud American, and I\u2019ve always believed there\u2019s nothing wrong with a little more American pride. So I figured, why stop at the Gulf? Lake America sounds a whole lot better.\u201d\n\nThe Lake America Act would:\n\nRename Lake Ontario as \u201cLake America.\u201d\n\nReplace references to Lake Ontario with \u201cLake America\u201d across federal laws, maps, regulations, and official records.\n\nDirect the Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Board on Geographic Names to oversee implementation.\n\nRequire federal agencies to update their maps and documents within 180 days.\n\nCongressman Patronis continued, \u201cRepresenting Florida\u2019s First Congressional District, including Destin and Pensacola, I saw firsthand the pride and patriotism that came with the Gulf of America. I love that energy, and I think this is another opportunity to build on it. This is another tool in President Trump\u2019s toolbox to put America First and restore pride in our great country.\u201d\n\nTo view the Lake America Act click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-shield-act-to-protect-parental-rights-in-schools/", "Rep. Steube Introduces SHIELD Act to Protect Parental Rights in Schools", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Introduces SHIELD Act to Protect Parental Rights in Schools\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the School Health and Instructional Environment Limits and Disclosure (SHIELD) Act, legislation requiring local educational agencies to notify parents before distributing or disseminating information about abortion or abortion-related services to students. The bill also prohibits abortion providers and their subsidiaries from distributing or disseminating such information to students on school grounds or through a school\u2019s virtual platforms, including social media. The SHIELD Act is endorsed by Students for Life Action, a leading national organization fighting to protect the unborn and defend the right to life.\n\n\u201cI believe every child, born and unborn, is made in the image of God and deserves to be protected, not managed behind their parents\u2019 backs. No school employee should ever schedule an abortion for someone else\u2019s daughter and tell her to keep it a secret from her own mother and father,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cI\u2019m fighting for the unborn and I\u2019m fighting for parents, because those two fights are the same fight. The SHIELD Act keeps abortion providers out of our classrooms and puts parents back in charge of these conversations with their kids.\u201d\n\n\u201c\u2018School Health and Instructional Environment Limits and Disclosure Act,\u2019 better known as the SHIELD Act, provides long-overdue protections for students from a predatory abortion industry infiltrating classrooms to push deadly abortions \u2013 without any parental involvement. Rep. Greg Steube\u2019s bill has SFLAction\u2019s full support as he works to ensure that when it comes to talking with kids about life-ending abortions, parents are engaged. Planned Parenthood\u2019s own annual report makes it clear that they start marketing early, infiltrating schools to build a customer base for life. Parents need to know what schools are teaching their children and need to be sure that when they send a child to school, their grandchildren are not being targeted by school officials who cut those who care most from a life-and-death decision. We all saw the chaos in Fairfax County, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., where Students for Life rallied against secret school abortions. We will fight to ensure that schools do not become another place for Planned Parenthood to push for abortion deaths for profit and that parents are fully informed about what their children are learning,\u201d said Kristan Hawkins, President, Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action.\n\nThis legislation is also co-sponsored by Reps. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.), and Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.).\n\nThe need for greater parental transparency has been underscored by incidents such as one in Fairfax County, Virginia, where a public high school social worker reportedly scheduled an abortion appointment for a 17-year-old student, paid the associated clinic fees, and instructed the student to conceal the matter from her parents. The U.S. Department of Education has since opened an enforcement action against Fairfax County Public Schools.\n\nFederal law already gives parents the right to inspect instructional materials used in their child\u2019s curriculum and requires parental notice for certain nonemergency, invasive physical examinations or screenings administered by schools. However, no comparable requirement specifically exists when schools distribute or disseminate information about abortion or abortion-related services to students.\n\nOrganizations such as Planned Parenthood have used sex education programs, educator training, and classroom instruction to reach K-12 students on abortion-related issues, often with limited parental awareness of the content being presented. Taxpayer-funded schools should not serve as a venue for abortion providers or their affiliates to promote abortion-related information to minors without parents being informed.\n\nThe SHIELD Act closes that gap by amending the General Education Provisions Act to require parental notification before abortion-related information is distributed or disseminated to students. The legislation also prohibits abortion providers and their subsidiaries from using K-12 schools or school-operated virtual platforms to distribute abortion-related information to students. The bill defines an \u201cabortion-related service\u201d as any medical, surgical, or support care directly related to terminating a pregnancy.\n\nThe full text of the SHIELD Act is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/08/25/buchanan-named-most-bipartisan-member-in-florida-in-national-congressional-scorecard/", "Buchanan\u00a0Named\u00a0Most Bipartisan Member in Florida in National\u00a0Congressional Scorecard", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "Earns an \u201cA\u201d Grade in Bridge Grades Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan has earned an \u201cA\u201d grade with a score of 96.9 out of 100 from Bridge Grades, a nonpartisan scorecard that rates members of Congress on their record of bipartisan collaboration. Buchanan\u2019s score is more than double the House average of 44.9 and earns him the title of the most bipartisan member in the Florida congressional delegation.\n\n\u201cFloridians didn\u2019t send me to Washington to fight for the sake of fighting,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cThey sent me to get things done and deliver results for all Americans. For nearly 20 years, I have worked across the aisle for Southwest Florida and this score reflects that approach. I believe in leading bills that bring people together, build coalitions and avoid the personal attacks that get in the way of real progress for our communities.\u201d\n\nBridge Grades evaluates members of Congress based on their record of introducing and cosponsoring cross-partisan legislation, their public rhetoric around bipartisanship and whether they avoid personal attacks on colleagues, with bonus consideration for political courage and coalition building. Buchanan\u2019s \u201cA\u201d grade places him among the highest-rated members of the House on the scorecard. This grading also earns Buchanan the title of the most bipartisan member of the Florida congressional delegation.\n\nBuchanan has represented Florida in Congress since 2007 with nearly two decades of service marked by a consistent focus on creating real results for all Americans. This work includes bills such as the ASAP Act (H.R. 6130) on Alzheimer\u2019s screening, the SAFE Act (H.R. 1661) on animal welfare, the bipartisan Stop Insider Trading Act (H.R. 7008) and continued work on the Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139).\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://luna.house.gov/posts/rep-anna-paulina-luna-introduces-bipartisan-bill-requiring-influencers-to-disclose-payments-by-foreign-governments", "Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Introduces Bipartisan Bill Requiring Influencers to Disclose Payments by Foreign Governments", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Anna Paulina Luna", "L000596", "luna.house.gov", "luna", "https://luna.house.gov/press", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), joined by co-leads Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act, legislation to strengthen transparency surrounding foreign influence online by expressly including social media influencers under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.\n\nThe bill would amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to expressly include social media influencers within the definition of a \u201cpublicity agent.\u201d The legislation defines a social media influencer as any person with a monetized social media account and incorporates the existing federal definition of a social media platform.\n\n\u201cThere is a big difference between having an organic opinion and secretly acting on behalf of foreign interests to push propaganda to Americans,\u201d said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. \u201cForeign adversaries have been actively using disinformation and psychological operations to divide America, erode our national security, and undermine U.S. foreign policy. Americans deserve to know when the voices shaping what they see online are working on behalf of foreign interests.\u201d\n\nSocial media has become one of the most powerful tools for shaping public opinion, political debate, and public trust. As foreign adversaries look for new ways to influence Americans online, Rep. Luna\u2019s legislation would close a transparency gap by ensuring social media influencers are expressly included within FARA\u2019s existing disclosure framework.\n\n\u201cFederal law must adapt to an ever-changing digital media landscape, especially as more Americans turn to social media for news consumption and public discourse. Our bill increases public transparency around paid partnerships between social media influencers and foreign governments to prevent deceptive practices that may hinder audiences from building a fully informed opinion,\u201d said Congressman Gonzalez.\n\nKey Provisions of the Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act\n\nBrings Social Media Influencers Under FARA: Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act to expressly include \u201csocial media influencers\u201d within the definition of a \u201cpublicity agent.\u201d\n\nDefines Social Media Influencers: Defines a \u201csocial media influencer\u201d as any person who has a monetized social media account on a social media platform.\n\nDefines Social Media Platforms: Incorporates the existing federal definition of a \u201csocial media platform\u201d established under federal law.\n\nRep. Luna emphasized that the legislation is designed to strengthen transparency surrounding foreign influence operations and ensure that social media influencers acting on behalf of foreign interests are not able to conceal those relationships from the American public.\n\n\u201cAmericans should be able to know when the people shaping conversations online are acting on behalf of foreign interests,\u201d Rep. Luna continued. \u201cThe Foreign Propaganda Disclosure Act brings foreign-backed influence operations into the light and sends a clear message that America\u2019s public square is not for sale.\u201d\n\nView the full bill text here\n\n###\n\nContact:\n\nOffice of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna\n\n(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov\n\nFollow updates at luna.house.gov", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-joins-acting-labor-secretary-sonderling-highlight-no-tax-tips-address", "Salazar Joins Acting Labor Secretary Sonderling to Highlight No Tax on Tips, Address Restaurant Workforce Crisis", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and South Florida restaurant leaders for a roundtable focused on No Tax on Tips, the pressures facing locally owned restaurants, and the industry\u2019s need for a stable, legal workforce.\n\n\u201cMiami gathers around its restaurants, from the morning cafecito to the last table of the night. Behind every one of those tables is someone working hard for every tip they earn,\u201d said Congresswoman Salazar.\u201cThat is why I helped turn No Tax on Tips into law. It allows servers, bartenders, and other restaurant workers to keep more of their earnings for the bills waiting at home, without asking small restaurant owners, already operating on tight margins, to absorb another cost.\u201d\n\nUnder the new law, eligible workers may deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income from their federal taxable income. The law also provides a deduction for eligible overtime compensation.\n\nThe roundtable then turned from immediate tax relief to a longer-term challenge raised by restaurant owners: maintaining a stable and legal workforce.\n\nAccording to the National Restaurant Association, nearly one in four restaurant and food-service employees (23 percent) was born outside the United States. Restaurant operators struggled to fill nearly 900,000 open positions each month in 2025, and the industry is expected to add approximately 1.7 million jobs over the next decade.\n\nThe National Restaurant Association has endorsed Salazar\u2019s bipartisan Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), and restaurant owners participating in the roundtable expressed support for the legislation as a practical answer to the workforce uncertainty affecting their businesses.\n\n\u201cRestaurant owners told us directly that they have positions they cannot fill and no reliable legal workforce to fill them. At the same time, experienced workers who have lived here for years remain unable to work legally,\u201d Salazar said. \u201cThe Dignity Act brings those realities together under strict rules. That is why the National Restaurant Association and restaurant owners support it: it replaces uncertainty with a permanent workforce solution that restaurants nationwide can use and trust.\u201d\n\nThe Dignity Act would allow eligible, longtime undocumented immigrants to earn renewable legal status and work authorization after meeting strict requirements. Combined with nationwide E-Verify, it would help restaurants build a stable, verified workforce while protecting businesses that follow the rules. The Dignity Program provides no federal benefits or pathway to citizenship.\n\nDuring the roundtable, local operators described how rising costs, narrow margins, and staffing shortages shape decisions about hours, service, and expansion. Salazar underscored her message: No Tax on Tips delivers immediate relief to restaurant employees, while the Dignity Act addresses the staffing instability holding their employers back.\n\nSalazar thanked Acting Secretary Sonderling for bringing the conversation directly to Miami and hearing firsthand from the restaurant leaders affected by federal labor and workforce policies.\n\nParticipants included representatives from the National Restaurant Association, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Rusty Pelican, Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, Grove Bay Hospitality, VE Hospitality, SuViche, Novecento, Outback Steakhouse, Anna Management, Meat N\u2019 Bone, and Wagyu Bar.", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-nonprofits-tax-exempt-status/", "Rep. Steube Introduces Bipartisan\u00a0Bill to Protect Nonprofits\u2019 Tax-Exempt Status", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Nonprofits\u2019 Tax-Exempt Status\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Representative Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) today introduced the Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act, legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code and clarify that a nonprofit\u2019s federal tax-exempt status does not constitute federal financial assistance.\n\n\u201cNonprofits across the country depend on their tax-exempt status to carry out their work. That status should never be treated as a form of government assistance,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThe Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act puts a clear, permanent rule in statute so nonprofits do not have to worry about their tax exemption being reinterpreted as a government handout.\u201d\n\n\u201cNonprofits across the country rely on clear, consistent federal rules to continue serving their communities effectively. In recent years, conflicting court decisions have created uncertainty by suggesting that nonprofits could be subject to regulations that Congress never intended for them. This bipartisan legislation would clarify that an organization\u2019s tax-exempt status is not federal financial assistance. It would protect charities, philanthropies, community\u2011based organizations, and religious institutions from unnecessary regulations so they can stay focused on delivering critical services,\u201d said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene.\n\n\u201cNonprofit organizations are the heart of our communities. They play an essential role in supporting families and hardworking Americans, advancing research, educating students, and providing countless other public benefits, often stepping in where government and business can\u2019t or shouldn\u2019t. Their strength lies in their independence. The Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act protects tax-exempt organizations independent from the federal government from unnecessary and burdensome risks of litigation or bureaucratic overreach. We appreciate Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) and Congresswoman DelBene for their bipartisan leadership so nonprofits can continue to focus on their missions,\u201d said Community Impact Coalition Co-Chairs: Tommy Goodwin and Mary Wheatley.\n\n\u201cAssociations are among the most trusted institutions in American life,\u201d said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO, American Society of Association Executives. \u201cThey set the standards that keep products safe and professions credible, train and credential the workforce, and convene the people who solve problems no single company or agency can solve alone. That work depends on their independence. The Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act makes clear what has always been true: tax exemption is not federal financial assistance, and it should never become a lever for government control over organizations that accept no federal dollars. ASAE thanks Congressman Steube and Congresswoman DelBene for introducing this important legislation and urges members of Congress to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresenting family forestry businesses across Rural America, the Forest Landowners Association understands firsthand the important role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening communities and advancing the interests of the people and industries they serve,\u201d said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association. \u201cTax-exempt status is not a government grant or subsidy, and it should not be treated as federal financial assistance. The Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act provides important clarity and protects organizations like FLA from unnecessary regulatory burdens that could hinder our ability to carry out our missions. FLA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunity Associations Institute (CAI) is proud to support the Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act,\u201d said Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, CEO of CAI. \u201cNonprofit organizations like CAI play an essential role in providing important resources to support the integrity and strength of America\u2019s communities. This legislation helps ensure CAI can continue to prioritize our members and provide the education, advocacy, and resources they need to support thriving community associations. We thank Congressman Steube and Senator Lankford for their leadership on this important legislation.\u201d\n\nThe bill amends Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code to state that a federal income tax exemption does not count as federal financial assistance for organizations described under sections 501(c), 501(d), or 401(a).\n\nThere are roughly 2 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Many operate without any direct government assistance, thereby avoiding the compliance burdens that federal subsidies often impose. When the tax code was written, Congress intended for a clear distinction between nonprofits that do and do not accept government assistance. This bill affirms Congress\u2019 intent and limits legal uncertainty.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of nonprofit organizations, including the Community Impact Coalition, Career Education Colleges and Universities, American Society of Association Executives, National Scleroderma Foundation, Women in Trucking, Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Community Associations Institute, The Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild, Inc., Household and Commercial Products Association, American Rental Association, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, Bostrom, National Association for Regulatory Administration, Association Management Services, Inc., Association CEO, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and the National Emergency Number Association.\n\nThe full text of the Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/08/21/icymi-alzheimers-association-highlights-urgent-need-for-asap-act-on-fox-news/", "ICYMI: Alzheimer\u2019s Association Highlights Urgent Need for ASAP Act on Fox News", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "Advocates Call for Passage of ASAP Act with nearly 200 Bipartisan Cosponsors\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, highlights the growing bipartisan support behind the Alzheimer\u2019s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act (H.R. 6130), which currently has nearly 200 cosponsors and continues to gain record-breaking momentum heading into the end of the year.\n\nThe ASAP Act would provide a pathway for Medicare coverage of blood-based biomarker screening tests for Alzheimer\u2019s disease and related dementias, expanding access to early detection and diagnosis for patients and families.\n\nThis past week, Rachel Conant, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Alzheimer\u2019s Association and Executive Director of the Alzheimer\u2019s Impact Movement (AIM), joined Fox News to discuss the policy hurdles blocking access to breakthrough Alzheimer\u2019s treatments and the urgent need to pass Congressman Vern Buchanan\u2019s ASAP Act. During the segment, Conant explained that while new Alzheimer\u2019s treatments are emerging faster than ever, outdated policy barriers are keeping many patients from being able to access them in reasonable time. She pointed out early detection as the key to changing that trajectory, noting that blood-based biomarker tests now make it possible to diagnose Alzheimer\u2019s far sooner than in the past through preventative measures. But Medicare\u2019s current coverage restrictions prevent many seniors from getting screened before it\u2019s too late to benefit from critical treatment.\n\nConant underscored that closing this gap is exactly what the ASAP Act, introduced by Congressman Buchanan, is designed to do. She called on Congress to build on its bipartisan momentum and get the bill across the finish line once and for all.\n\nBuchanan\u2019s ASAP Act has secured nearly 200 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. In addition to being Vice Chairman and the most senior Republican on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad leadership over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage, providing quality health resources to Americans nationwide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-soto-velazquez-reschenthaler-kelly-and-hernandez-file-bill-honor", "Bilirakis, Soto, Vel\u00e1zquez, Reschenthaler, Kelly and Hern\u00e1ndez File Bill to Honor Baseball Legend Roberto Clemente at U.S. Capitol", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Earlier today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Resident Commissioner Pablo Jos\u00e9 Hern\u00e1ndez (D-PR) introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize the creation and presentation of a statue honoring the life and enduring legacy of baseball legend and humanitarian Roberto Clemente at the United States Capitol.\n\nBorn in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on August 18, 1934, Clemente became one of the most accomplished and admired players in Major League Baseball history. During his 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente recorded exactly 3,000 hits, won four National League batting titles, earned 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, was named the National League\u2019s Most Valuable Player in 1966, and helped lead the Pirates to two World Series championships. He also made history as the first Latin American and Caribbean player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.\n\nClemente\u2019s impact, however, extended far beyond the baseball diamond. Throughout his career, he courageously spoke out against discrimination and dedicated himself to humanitarian causes, particularly efforts to improve the lives of children and families throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Clemente tragically died on December 31, 1972, when a plane carrying humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico.\n\n\u201cRoberto Clemente embodied the very best of the American spirit. He was a trailblazer whose extraordinary talent changed the game of baseball, but his greatest legacy was the compassion, courage, and selflessness he demonstrated in service to others,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cAs a proud Floridian who represents a vibrant Hispanic community and a lifelong Pirates fan, I know how deeply Clemente\u2019s example continues to resonate with generations of Americans. It is fitting that we announce this bipartisan legislation on his birthday to ensure his remarkable story and enduring legacy are permanently honored at our Nation\u2019s Capitol. I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to recognize a true American hero whose life reminds us that greatness is measured not simply by what we achieve, but by what we do for others.\u201d\n\nClemente was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1973 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003, among the Nation\u2019s highest honors. Major League Baseball also annually presents the Roberto Clemente Award to the player who best exemplifies extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions both on and off the field.\n\nThe effort to honor Clemente with a statue at the U.S. Capitol builds upon legislation previously introduced by Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n during her tenure as Puerto Rico\u2019s Resident Commissioner in Congress. Today\u2019s bipartisan effort continues that work to ensure Clemente\u2019s extraordinary contributions to our Nation and his enduring legacy of service receive permanent recognition at the U.S. Capitol.\n\nUnder the legislation, a statue of Clemente would be created and presented for permanent display at the U.S. Capitol, giving millions of Americans who visit each year an opportunity to learn about a man whose contributions transcended sports and whose example of courage, service, and compassion continues to inspire generations.\n\nClemente famously said, \u201cIf you have an opportunity to make things better and you don\u2019t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.\u201d His life embodied that principle. More than five decades after his passing, Clemente\u2019s commitment to service, equality, and helping those in need continues to inspire people throughout Puerto Rico, across the United States, and around the world.", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/roberto-clementes-birthday-bilirakis-soto-and-valazquez-announce-bipartisan", "On Roberto Clemente\u2019s Birthday, Bilirakis, Soto and Valazquez Announce Bipartisan Bill to Honor Baseball Legend at U.S. Capitol", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On what would have been Roberto Clemente\u2019s 92nd birthday, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) announced bipartisan legislation that would authorize the creation and presentation of a statue honoring the life and enduring legacy of baseball legend and humanitarian Roberto Clemente at the United States Capitol. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on August 18, 1934, Clemente became one of the most accomplished and admired players in Major League Baseball history. During his 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente recorded exactly 3,000 hits, won four National League batting titles, earned 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, was named the National League\u2019s Most Valuable Player in 1966, and helped lead the Pirates to two World Series championships. He also made history as the first Latin American and Caribbean player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Clemente\u2019s impact, however, extended far beyond the baseball diamond. Throughout his career, he courageously spoke out against discrimination and dedicated himself to humanitarian causes, particularly efforts to improve the lives of children and families throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Clemente tragically died on December 31, 1972, when a plane carrying humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico.\n\n\u201cRoberto Clemente embodied the very best of the American spirit. He was a trailblazer whose extraordinary talent changed the game of baseball, but his greatest legacy was the compassion, courage, and selflessness he demonstrated in service to others,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cAs a proud Floridian who represents a vibrant Hispanic community and a lifelong Pirates fan, I know how deeply Clemente\u2019s example continues to resonate with generations of Americans. It is fitting that we announce this bipartisan legislation on his birthday to ensure his remarkable story and enduring legacy are permanently honored at our Nation\u2019s Capitol. I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to recognize a true American hero whose life reminds us that greatness is measured not simply by what we achieve, but by what we do for others.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Rep. Bilirakis in this effort to authorize the placement of a statue honoring Roberto Clemente on Capitol Grounds. In Central Florida, Clemente's legacy lives on in our renamed streets and schools, in little league field murals, as well as in the morals we teach our children to follow,\u201d said Rep. Soto. \u201cFrom his efforts to reform American baseball to his humanitarian work, Clemente demonstrated that he practiced what he preached and dedicated his life to helping others overcome adversity. Though his life was tragically cut short, we will keep fighting to keep his spirit alive in this U.S. Capitol. \u00a1Wepa!\u201d\n\nClemente was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1973 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003, among the Nation\u2019s highest honors. Major League Baseball also annually presents the Roberto Clemente Award to the player who best exemplifies extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions both on and off the field. The effort to honor Clemente with a statue at the U.S. Capitol builds upon legislation previously introduced by Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n during her tenure as Puerto Rico\u2019s Resident Commissioner in Congress. Bilirakis, Soto, and Vel\u00e1zquez are continuing that bipartisan effort to ensure Clemente\u2019s extraordinary contributions to our Nation and his enduring legacy of service receive permanent recognition at the U.S. Capitol. The lawmakers\u2019 legislation would authorize the creation and presentation of a statue of Clemente for display at the U.S. Capitol. The tribute would ensure that the millions of Americans who visit the Capitol each year have an opportunity to learn about a man whose contributions to our Nation transcended sports and whose example of service continues to inspire generations.\n\nClemente famously said, \u201cIf you have an opportunity to make things better and you don\u2019t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.\u201d His life embodied that principle. More than five decades after his passing, Clemente\u2019s commitment to service, equality, and helping those in need continues to inspire people throughout Puerto Rico, across the United States, and around the world.", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/08/18/buchanan-joins-torres-fitzpatrick-in-cosponsoring-bipartisan-9-1-1-saves-act/", "Buchanan Joins Torres, Fitzpatrick in Cosponsoring Bipartisan 9-1-1 SAVES Act", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "Legislation Would Recognize 9-1-1 Dispatchers as First Responders\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced he is cosponsoring the 9-1-1 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (SAVES) Act, bipartisan legislation reintroduced by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35). The bill reclassifies 9-1-1 dispatchers as first responders and recognizes America\u2019s over 100,000 9-1-1 professionals for their work to save lives.\n\n\u201cEvery day, 9-1-1 dispatchers are the calm, steady voice on the other end of the line when Americans are facing the worst moments of their lives,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cThey deserve a classification that reflects the seriousness of that responsibility. I\u2019m proud to join Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Fitzpatrick in the effort to recognize these heroes, and I\u2019ll keep pushing to get it across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former 9-1-1 dispatcher for over 17 years, I know firsthand the critical role dispatchers play in our public safety system,\u201d said Congresswoman Torres. \u201cIt\u2019s time we officially recognize their contributions. This small change will have a meaningful impact on the lives of over 100,000 dedicated dispatchers across the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnyone who has dialed 9-1-1 in an emergency understands the critical role of the operator on the other end of the line,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick. \u201cThese unsung heroes are vital to the safety and security of our communities, and it is long overdue that we honor their extraordinary service.\u201d\n\nDespite serving as the first point of contact in nearly every emergency, 9-1-1 dispatchers are currently classified as clerical staff. Professions, such as school crossing guards, carry the first responder designation, yet these critical roles don\u2019t. The 9-1-1 SAVES Act corrects that at zero cost to taxpayers, recognizing the more than 100,000 dispatchers nationwide who talk callers through medical emergencies, coordinate law enforcement and fire response and are frequently the first, and only, lifeline for someone in crisis.\n\nThe bill has the backing of fire, police, 9-1-1 and public safety associations across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mario-diaz-balart-attends-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-aars-new", "Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Attends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of AAR\u2019s New Airframe MRO Facility Expansion", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL - Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, attends ribbon cutting ceremony of AAR\u2019s new airframe MRO facility expansion.\n\n\u201cIt is a privilege to join the community and AAR today to celebrate the expansion of this Airframe MRO facility at Miami International Airport. This new hangar represents a significant investment in Miami and strengthens our region\u2019s position as a global leader in aviation, while helping ensure that South Florida remains at the forefront of this vital industry.\n\nThis expansion will create 200 full-time jobs for Miami-Dade residents and bring additional economic activity to our community. These are the kinds of investments that make a real difference for working families and help build a stronger local economy. With more than 1,300 AAR employees already based across Florida, this project also underscores the company\u2019s continued commitment to our state and to the skilled workforce that makes Florida a great place to do business.\n\nAviation is a cornerstone of our economy, and Miami International Airport is an essential gateway connecting our community to the nation and the world. Investments like this one help strengthen that gateway and position South Florida for continued success in the years ahead.\n\nI want to congratulate AAR on this important milestone and thank Miami International Airport, as well as our federal, state, and local partners, for their collaboration in making this project possible. Projects of this scale take partnership and commitment, and I am proud to see everyone come together to deliver results for our community.\n\nCongratulations to everyone involved in this exciting milestone and thank you for continuing to invest in the people and future of our community.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-gator-act-after-fatal-central-florida-alligator-attack/", "Rep. Steube Introduces GATOR Act After Fatal Central Florida Alligator Attack", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Introduces GATOR Act After Fatal Central Florida Alligator Attack\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Gathering Alligator Treatment, Oversight, and Response Act of 2026, or the GATOR Act, legislation that requires the Comptroller General and the Department of the Interior to study how a decades-old federal species listing affects the ability of state wildlife agencies to remove nuisance alligators from residential and commercial waterways.\n\nThe bill follows the death of a 31-year-old Oviedo woman, who was killed by a 13-foot alligator near her home. The attack renewed public attention on how alligators are managed in neighborhoods where growing development has pushed people and gators into closer contact.\n\n\u201cFlorida families deserve to protect their children and pets in their own backyards,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThe American alligator is an apex predator, and it\u2019s been fully recovered since 1987. Federal look-alike rules meant to stop trafficking remain in place, but they may be discouraging Floridians from using our state\u2019s nuisance alligator program. The GATOR Act simply studies whether these federal trade enforcements have influenced the way states manage nuisance gators or the way residents report them.\u201d\n\nThe American alligator is not listed as endangered or threatened. It carries a \u201cthreatened due to similarity of appearance\u201d classification because it closely resembles the American crocodile, a status meant to prevent traffickers from passing off protected crocodile hides as alligator hides in interstate commerce. The GATOR Act would examine whether that trade-focused listing has unintentionally slowed the removal of nuisance alligators and invasive caimans from areas where they pose a risk to people, pets, and property.\n\nThe legislation directs the Comptroller General, working with the Secretary of the Interior and relevant state wildlife agencies, to determine the effect of the federal listing on state management programs for the American alligator, common caiman, and brown caiman; whether the listing has contributed to more than a full recovery of the American alligator population; whether it has contributed to the common or brown caiman becoming invasive species in Florida; and whether it has made it more difficult to remove nuisance alligators or invasive caimans from waterways in or around residential and commercial areas.\n\nThe GATOR Act does not change how any state currently manages its alligator population. It directs a federal study to determine whether the current framework has led states and communities to treat alligators as a threatened population.\n\nThe full text of the GATOR Act is available here.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-host-affordable-housing-fair-pasco-county", "Bilirakis to Host Affordable Housing Fair in Pasco County", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "-Event will connect residents with resources and information to help make housing more affordable-\n\nPASCO COUNTY, FL \u2013 Congressman Gus Bilirakis will host an Affordable Housing Fair on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to connect Pasco County residents with resources, programs, and information aimed at helping families navigate the rising cost of housing and homeownership.\n\n\u201cWhether you are looking to purchase your first home, struggling with rising housing, electric or insurance costs, or simply trying to find an affordable place to live, I want to make sure you know about the resources that may be available to help,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cHousing affordability continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing families in our community. I am committed to pursuing solutions at the federal level while also bringing resources directly to the people I represent.\u201d\n\nBilirakis has worked alongside local leaders to secure federal investments that expand affordable housing opportunities and support some of the community\u2019s most vulnerable residents. These investments include:\n\n$7.2 million for affordable senior housing in West Pasco, helping expand housing options for seniors, many of whom are living on fixed incomes.\n\n$4 million for Magnolia Oaks, a new affordable housing community designed to serve at-risk Veterans.\n\n$4 million for Vincent House\u2019s innovative housing initiatives, which support adults living with serious mental illness and help provide greater stability and independence.\n\nBeyond these local investments, Bilirakis has championed bipartisan legislation to address the housing affordability crisis on a national level. He has supported measures including the Saving the American Dream Act, the More Homes on the Market Act, and, most recently, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which has become law. Together, these commonsense reforms seek to address some of the underlying factors driving housing costs by increasing the supply of affordable housing, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers that make construction more expensive, lowering barriers to renting and purchasing a home, and expanding opportunities for homeownership.\n\n\u201cHousing affordability affects every generation,\u201d Bilirakis said. \u201cWhether you are a senior on a fixed income, a Veteran returning home, a first-time homebuyer, or a family struggling with rising insurance costs, we have to pursue practical solutions that address both the immediate pressures families are facing and the long-term factors driving housing costs higher.\u201d\n\nRecognizing that Florida\u2019s property insurance crisis is placing additional pressure on homeowners, Bilirakis has also introduced legislation that would provide a $10,000 federal tax credit for Florida homeowners to help offset the skyrocketing cost of property insurance.\n\nAdditionally, Bilirakis supported $585 million in federal disaster assistance for Pasco County to help families and communities recover from recent devastating hurricanes. These resources are helping homeowners rebuild, repair damaged properties, and strengthen homes and communities against future disasters. Bilirakis is also a proud co-sponsor of the HELPER Act, legislation designed to help teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other critical community workers overcome one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: the cost of a down payment. The measure would help these essential workers afford to live in the communities they serve.\n\n\u201cFamilies should not have to choose between paying their insurance premium, putting food on the table, or keeping a roof over their heads,\u201dBilirakis continued. \u201cThere is no single solution to the housing affordability crisis, which is why we need to attack the problem from every angle. We need to build more housing, remove unnecessary barriers that increase costs, help more existing homes come onto the market, address Florida\u2019s property insurance crisis, and make it easier for hardworking families and essential workers to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. This Affordable Housing Fair is another important part of that effort. It is about making sure our neighbors have access to practical information and resources that can help them right now, while I continue fighting for long-term solutions in Congress.\u201d\n\nResidents interested in learning more about affordable housing initiatives and programs that may be available to assist them are encouraged to attend.", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/08/13/buchanan-joins-salazar-on-letter-urging-secretary-rubio-to-designate-ecuador-as-a-major-non-nato-ally/", "Buchanan Joins Salazar\u00a0On\u00a0Letter Urging Secretary Rubio to\u00a0Designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "Calls to Recognize Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally to Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership with the United States\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) joined a letter led by Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27), alongside Congressman Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01) and Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Department of State to designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).\n\n\u201cThe United States must continue to strengthen partnerships with trusted allies in our own hemisphere,\u201d said Rep. Buchanan. \u201cAs Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, I have seen firsthand Ecuador\u2019s commitment to combating organized crime, countering narcotics trafficking and advancing democratic institutions. Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen our strategic partnership, and I am proud to support this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe battle against the cartels does not stop at Ecuador\u2019s borders,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cThe United States has a strategic interest in helping democratic allies confront the criminal organizations that threaten our hemisphere. Designating Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen one of our closest security partners in the Western Hemisphere.\u201d\n\nThe letter describes Ecuador as one of the front lines in the fight against transnational drug trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the country\u2019s Pacific coast as a major corridor for cocaine shipments bound for the United States and Europe. It also highlights the record levels of violence driven by these groups and the enormous security challenges confronting the country.\n\nThe lawmakers explain that Major Non-NATO Ally status would expand Ecuador\u2019s access to key security benefits, including military financing opportunities, increased training, excess U.S. defense equipment and advanced counterterrorism technology. These tools would strengthen Ecuador\u2019s ability to confront organized crime, protect innocent lives and stop illegal drugs before they reach the United States. Ensuring the greater protection of our citizens.\n\nMajor Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status provides enhanced opportunities for defense and security cooperation with the United States, including:\n\nEligibility for certain U.S. military financing and defense loans\n\nExpanded military training and education opportunities with the United States\n\nPriority access to Excess Defense Articles, including certain U.S. defense equipment\n\nEligibility to participate in cooperative defense research and development projects\n\nIncreased access to counterterrorism cooperation and technology\n\nOpportunities for U.S. defense industry partnerships and defense procurement cooperation\n\nThe letter concludes by urging Secretary Rubio to grant the designation and reaffirm the United States commitment to supporting Ecuador as it continues its fight against transnational organized crime.\n\nCurrently, 19 countries are designated as Major Non-NATO Allies: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/cammack-delivers-more-42-million-rural-health-investments-north-central", "Cammack Delivers: More Than $42 Million in Rural Health Investments for North Central Florida", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today announced more than $42.2 million in Rural Health Transformation Program investments benefiting health care providers and communities across North Central Florida, following her work in Congress to help craft and advance the legislation that created the program.\n\nAs a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Health Subcommittee, Cammack helped shape the rural health provisions and shepherd them through the committee process as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts law. The resulting Rural Health Transformation Program secured $209 million for Florida in its first year alone, with funding now reaching rural hospitals, physicians, health systems, and communities across the state.\n\nAt least $13.4 million is directly tied to providers with locations in Florida\u2019s Third Congressional District, while additional regional investments will strengthen health care infrastructure serving rural communities throughout North Central Florida.\n\nCommunityHealth IT received more than $26.7 million across Florida\u2019s Northeast and Northwest regions to strengthen health information technology systems supporting rural providers, including those serving FL-03.\n\n\u201cThis is exactly why I fought to make rural health care a priority in this legislation. I helped craft these provisions and shepherd them through Energy and Commerce because North Central Florida needed more than another study or another promise \u2014 we needed resources,\u201d said Congresswoman Cammack. \u201cWe secured more than $200 million for Florida, and now more than $42 million is being put to work benefiting the communities I represent. That means stronger hospitals, better technology, more access to specialists, and more care delivered closer to home. We fought for these dollars, we secured them, and now we\u2019re bringing them home.\u201d\n\nDirect Investments in FL-03\n\nProviders headquartered in Florida\u2019s Third Congressional District receiving directly attributable awards include:\n\n\u2022 Medlink Management Services (Lake Butler Hospital), Union County \u2014 $6,989,484.92 across two awards.\n\n\u2022 North Florida Pediatrics Associates, Lake City, Columbia County \u2014 $5,999,924.26 across two awards.\n\n\u2022 Trenton Medical Center (Palms Medical Group), Gilchrist County \u2014 $439,775.40.\n\nLake Butler Hospital\u2019s larger award supports preventive and at-home care, including mobile health, community paramedicine, remote patient monitoring, on-site pharmacy services, and retail clinic care.\n\nNorth Florida Pediatrics Associates\u2019 larger Lake City award supports specialty and acute care through diagnostic technology and telehealth.\n\nThese investments directly address one of the most persistent challenges facing rural North Central Florida: distance. For seniors, working families, and patients managing chronic conditions, access to more services locally can mean fewer hours on the road and faster access to the care they need.\n\nOn Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188 million in the latest round of Year 1 awards, supporting more than 80 projects across Florida\u2019s 31 rural counties. The Northeast Region, which includes portions of FL-03 and surrounding North Central Florida communities, accounted for approximately $50.7 million of the awards.\n\n\u201cWashington doesn\u2019t know Lake Butler, Lake City, or Trenton better than the people who live and work there. That\u2019s why we built flexibility into this program and fought to get Florida the resources to put solutions on the ground,\u201d Cammack added. \u201cI helped secure more than $200 million for our state, and Governor DeSantis, Secretary Harris, and our local providers are turning that investment into care. This is what legislating is supposed to look like: identify the problem, build the solution, fight for the resources, and deliver results back home.\u201d\n\nA full list of Rural Health Transformation Program award recipients, award amounts, and project details is available here.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresista-mario-diaz-balart-asiste-la-ceremonia-de-nombramiento-de", "Congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart asiste a la ceremonia de nombramiento de una calle en honor de su hermano, el congresista Lincoln D\u00edaz-Balart", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL - El congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente del Comit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes y presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados, asisti\u00f3 a la ceremonia de nombramiento de una calle en honor de su hermano, el congresista Lincoln D\u00edaz-Balart.\n\n\u201cHoy es un d\u00eda muy significativo para m\u00ed y mi familia al reunirnos en el que habr\u00eda sido el cumplea\u00f1os de mi hermano Lincoln, para honrar su vida y su legado de servicio, as\u00ed como el v\u00ednculo tan profundo que mantuvo con nuestra comunidad.\n\nEn nombre de toda nuestra familia quiero expresar mi m\u00e1s profundo agradecimiento a todos los que hicieron posible este homenaje. Estamos especialmente agradecidos con la senadora Ileana Garc\u00eda y con el comisionado de la Ciudad de Miami, Ralph Rosado. Nos conmueve saber que el nombre de Lincoln quedar\u00e1 para siempre a la vista a lo largo de una de las v\u00edas m\u00e1s hist\u00f3ricas de nuestra comunidad, y estamos profundamente agradecidos por el cari\u00f1o y el respeto que le han demostrado a Lincoln y a nuestra familia.\n\nLincoln D\u00edaz-Balart dedic\u00f3 su vida al servicio p\u00fablico, sirvi\u00f3 con integridad, convicci\u00f3n y un inquebrantable compromiso con todos a los que represent\u00f3. Su legado perdura en las vidas de aquellos a quienes sirvi\u00f3 y en las causas dignas que defendi\u00f3.\n\nSu mayor satisfacci\u00f3n proven\u00eda de ser la voz de quienes le confiaron el honor de representarlos y de ser una voz para los silenciados y los oprimidos.\n\nGracias por continuar honrando el legado de Lincoln de una forma tan significativa y duradera.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mario-diaz-balart-attends-street-naming-ceremony-honoring", "Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Attends Street Naming Ceremony Honoring His Late Brother, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL - Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, attends a street naming ceremony honoring his late brother, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.\n\n\u201cToday is a meaningful day for me and my family as we gather on what would have been my brother Lincoln\u2019s birthday to honor his life and legacy of service and his enduring connection to our community.\n\nOn behalf of our entire family, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this tribute possible. We are especially thankful to Senator Ileana Garcia and City of Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado. We are moved that Lincoln\u2019s name will forever be seen along one of the most historic roadways in our community, and are profoundly grateful for the affection and respect you have shown him and our family.\n\nLincoln Diaz-Balart devoted his life to public service. He served with conviction, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people he represented. His legacy lives on in the people he served and the dignified causes he championed.\n\nHis greatest satisfaction came from being a voice for those who entrusted him with the honor of representing them, and for being a voice for the silenced and the oppressed.\n\nThank you for continuing to honor Lincoln\u2019s legacy in such an enduring way.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7956722-DC86-4413-8558-D662AC104DE3", "Mast Introduces Freedom Haulers Act", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Brian J. Mast", "M001199", "mast.house.gov", "mast", "https://mast.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) today introduced legislation to codify the Freedom Haulers initiative, permanently securing the fast-track pathway for America\u2019s Veterans to earn commercial driver\u2019s licenses (CDLs) and take the wheel of America\u2019s trucking industry.\n\n\"Veterans have already proven they have the discipline, the training, and the grit to handle the world\u2019s most demanding jobs in the world\u2019s most dangerous places. Hauling America's freight should be next,\" said Congressman Brian Mast. \"President Trump opened the fast lane for veterans to get behind the wheel and my bill make sure it stays that way.\"\n\nLast month at the White House by President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, VA Secretary Doug Collins, and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, unveiled the Freedom Haulers initiative as a way to connect veterans with good-paying trucking careers. Under President Trump, trucker earnings have surged 7.42 percent and traffic fatalities are at a historic low.\n\nToday, the initiative exists as a directive from the administration. Mast's bill writes the guidance into federal law:\n\nDoubling the Military Skills Test Waiver window from 12 months to 24 months after service, letting veterans with heavy vehicle military experience transfer their skills without taking redundant road tests. More than 40,000 veterans have already used this waiver.\n\nMaking the Even Exchange Program permanent, allowing qualified veterans to bypass CDL knowledge exams and receive licenses faster. Thirty-four states, including Florida, participate.\n\nThe bill builds on Rep. Mast's work to secure America's roadways after an illegal foreign trucker killed three Americans on Florida's Turnpike just minutes from his home in 2025. The bill carries out his mission to replace dangerous, unqualified drivers off the road with the veterans who earned our trust in the driver's seat.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-patronis-applauds-9-million-investment-in-pensacola-shipbuilding-industry", "Congressman Patronis Applauds $9 Million Investment in Pensacola Shipbuilding Industry", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Jimmy Patronis", "P000622", "patronis.house.gov", "patronis", "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) applauded a $9 million investment from the State of Florida through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to strengthen shipbuilding infrastructure at the Port of Pensacola and create approximately 2,000 manufacturing and related jobs.\n\nThe $9 million investment will help expand shipbuilding at the Port of Pensacola, allowing the Port to construct a facility where parts for Navy submarines and warships up to 400 feet long will be constructed. The project will strengthen America\u2019s shipbuilding industry while bringing more jobs and economic opportunities to Pensacola.\n\n\u201cPensacola has always answered the call to support our military, and this investment will help carry that proud tradition into the future,\u201d said Congressman Patronis. \u201cAs a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to address the Australian Embassy in July with officials from Birdon to help promote this relationship and continue the work of growing jobs and opportunities for the Pensacola area. Northwest Florida has a longstanding history of protecting our nation, and I\u2019m grateful to President Trump and Governor DeSantis for their work to defend America\u2019s shores.\u201d\n\nThe investment comes as the United States works to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity and strengthen the maritime industrial base to meet growing national security demands. In July, Congressman Patronis fought to include key provisions in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to study deepening and widening Pensacola Harbor. A deeper channel would allow larger ships to access Pensacola, creating new opportunities for commercial activity while strengthening the port\u2019s ability to support the Navy and national security missions at NAS Pensacola.\n\nTo view information on the Water Resources Development Act click here.\n\nTo view information on the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-maria-elvira-salazar-speaks-pope-leo-xiv-vatican-about", "CONGRESSWOMAN MAR\u00cdA ELVIRA SALAZAR SPEAKS WITH POPE LEO XIV AT THE VATICAN ABOUT IMMIGRATION, PRESENTS DIGNITY ACT", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "VATICAN CITY \u2014 U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) spoke today with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where she raised the issue of immigration in the United States and personally presented the Holy Father with information about the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), her bipartisan immigration reform legislation.\n\nDuring the exchange, the Congresswoman spoke about the importance of finding a lasting solution to America\u2019s immigration challenge and shared the DIGNITY Act as the work she is leading in Congress on the issue.\n\n\u201cIt was a profound honor to speak with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV about immigration at such a consequential moment for our country,\u201d said Congresswoman Salazar. \u201cFor decades, Washington has debated this issue while millions of families have continued to live with uncertainty. I was grateful for the opportunity to place the DIGNITY Act in the Holy Father\u2019s hands and to share the work we are doing to find a lasting way forward.\u201d\n\nPope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, has made migration an important part of his public teaching, addressing both the responsibility of nations to govern their borders and the need to respect the dignity of migrants and families.\n\nThe DIGNITY Act is the only major bipartisan immigration reform proposal currently before Congress. It combines border security, mandatory E-Verify, and accountability measures with an earned legal status for qualifying long-term immigrants who meet strict requirements.\n\nImmigration also has deep relevance for the Church in the United States. More than four in ten U.S. Catholics are immigrants or the children of immigrants, according to Pew Research Center. A 2025 report issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and evangelical partners found that roughly one in twelve American Christians is vulnerable to deportation or lives with someone who is.\n\nThe people at the center of America\u2019s immigration debate are also, in significant numbers, the people sitting in its pews.\n\n\u201cA nation can defend its borders without closing its heart, Congresswoman Salazar said. \u201cWe can uphold the rule of law, demand responsibility, and protect our country while recognizing the inherent dignity of every person and the reality of families who have lived, worked, worshiped, and built their lives here for years. That is the principle at the heart of the DIGNITY Act.\u201d\n\nFor the Congresswoman, the exchange also carried personal significance. As the daughter of Cuban exiles representing South Florida, immigration is both a national policy issue and part of the history of the community she serves.\n\nThe Vatican exchange brought the Congresswoman\u2019s immigration reform effort into one of the world\u2019s most consequential moral and faith-based conversations on migration, while underscoring her continued push for Congress to reach a durable solution.\n\nWatch the video from Congresswoman Salazar\u2019s visit to the Vatican in English HERE.\n\nVea el video de la visita de la congresista Salazar al Vaticano en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\nGrowing Support for the DIGNITY Act\n\nThe DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393) has continued to gain momentum in Congress and across the country, with support from 40 Members of Congress and more than 100 organizations and stakeholders representing business, agriculture, faith communities, veterans, employers, families, and immigration advocates.\n\nRecent support includes the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, National Association of Manufacturers, National Restaurant Association, and leading scientific and research organizations, adding to a broad coalition backing congressional action on immigration reform.\n\nThe effort has also expanded beyond Capitol Hill through the National DIGNITY Coalition, nationwide events, policy forums, roundtables, and direct engagement with workers, employers, faith leaders, Dreamers, mixed-status families, and community organizations.\n\nThe DIGNITY Act has generated more than 250 national, state, and local media stories and mentions, as the proposal continues to gain visibility in the national immigration debate.\n\nWith its congressional coalition and national support continuing to grow, the effort is increasingly focused on translating that momentum into legislative action.\n\nCongresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar represents Florida\u2019s 27th Congressional District and serves as Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-red-fuel-act-to-eliminate-penalties-on-dyed-diesel-fuel/", "Rep. Steube Introduces RED Fuel Act to Eliminate Penalties on Dyed Diesel Fuel", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Introduces RED Fuel Act to Eliminate Penalties on Dyed Diesel Fuel\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Restoring Economic Diesel (RED) Fuel Act, legislation that would eliminate federal penalties for the sale and use of dyed diesel fuel in traditionally taxable applications, including use on public roads and highways.\n\n\u201cFarmers, ranchers, and small business owners who rely on off-road diesel should not be treated like criminals over a fuel dye,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThe RED Fuel Act removes an outdated penalty structure and lets Americans use the fuel they need to do their jobs.\u201d\n\nDyed diesel fuel is sold at some gas stations and is primarily intended for agricultural and off-road use. The fuel is dyed to signify that it is tax-free, since standard diesel carries a federal tax of 24.3 cents per gallon. Current law penalizes the use of dyed diesel in taxable applications at $1,000, or $10 per gallon used, whichever is greater. The RED Fuel Act would eliminate these penalties.\n\nThe full text of the RED Fuel Act is available here.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresista-mario-diaz-balart-asiste-la-ceremonia-de-renombramiento-de", "Congresista Mario Diaz-Balart asiste a la ceremonia de renombramiento de la escuela primaria de Hialeah en memoria de su hermano, el Congresista Lincoln Diaz-Balart", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HIALEAH, FL - El congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente del Comit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes y presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados, asisti\u00f3 al renombramiento de la escuela primaria de Hialeah en memoria de su Hermano, el Congresista Lincoln Diaz-Balart.\n\n\u201cTengo el coraz\u00f3n lleno de profunda gratitud al unirme a la celebraci\u00f3n del renombramiento de la Escuela Primaria de Hialeah en memoria de mi hermano, Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Lincoln vivi\u00f3 con un compromiso inquebrantable con el servicio p\u00fablico y la convicci\u00f3n de que cada ni\u00f1o merece la oportunidad de aprender y prosperar.\n\nCada estudiante que cruce estas puertas ver\u00e1 su nombre, y espero que se sienta inspirado por los valores con los que \u00e9l vivi\u00f3: compasi\u00f3n, integridad y una dedicaci\u00f3n a hacer el bien p\u00fablico ayudando a muchas personas. Estoy agradecido de que la Escuela Primaria Lincoln Diaz-Balart de Hialeah permanezca como un tributo duradero a su legado, record\u00e1ndonos a todos el poder que cada uno de nosotros tiene para hacer la diferencia en la vida de los dem\u00e1s.\n\nLa gran ciudad de Hialeah y sus residentes siempre ocuparon un lugar especial en el coraz\u00f3n de Lincoln. \u00c9l compart\u00eda un v\u00ednculo especial con esta comunidad que le eligi\u00f3 9 veces al Congreso. \u00c9l comprend\u00eda las esperanzas, los desaf\u00edos y los sue\u00f1os de Hialeah de una manera profundamente personal y apreciaba a su gente. Uno de los mayores honores de la vida de Lincoln fue haber sido la voz de los residentes de Hialeah en Washington durante 18 a\u00f1os.\n\nEn nombre de toda nuestra familia quiero expresar mi m\u00e1s sincero agradecimiento a todos los que hicieron posible este honor, en especial quiero agradecer al miembro de la Junta Escolar Dan Espino por su arduo trabajo en este esfuerzo. Estamos profundamente agradecidos por la forma en que nos han acogido mientras honran el legado de Lincoln\u201d.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mario-diaz-balart-attends-ceremony-renaming-school-after", "Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Attends Ceremony Renaming School After His Late Brother, Former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HIALEAH, FL - Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, attends the renaming of Hialeah Elementary School after his late brother, former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.\n\n\u201cIt fills my heart with profound gratitude to join the celebration of the renaming of Hialeah Elementary School in memory of my late brother, Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Lincoln lived with an unwavering commitment to public service and the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive.\n\nAs each student steps through these doors, they will see his name and, I hope, feel inspired by the values he lived\u2014compassion, integrity, and a dedication to doing the public good by helping many. I am grateful that the Lincoln Diaz-Balart Hialeah Elementary School will stand as a lasting tribute to his legacy, reminding us all of the power that each one of us has to make a difference in the lives of others.\n\nThe great city of Hialeah and its residents always held a special place in Lincoln\u2019s heart. He shared a special bond with this community, who 9 times elected him to Congress. He understood the hopes, challenges, and dreams of Hialeah in a deeply personal way, and he cherished its people. It was one of the great honors of Lincoln\u2019s life to be the voice of the residents of Hialeah in Washington for 18 years.\n\nOn behalf of our entire family, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this honor possible. I especially want to thank School Board Member Dan Espino for his hard work on this effort. We are profoundly grateful for the way you have embraced us while honoring Lincoln\u2019s legacy.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-patronis-fights-to-defend-the-second-amendment", "Congressman Patronis Fights to Defend the Second Amendment", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Jimmy Patronis", "P000622", "patronis.house.gov", "patronis", "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) joined nearly 50 of his Republican colleagues in Congress in signing a bicameral letter led by Congressman Andrew Clyde and Senator Steve Daines urging Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to defend a landmark victory for the Second Amendment.\n\nThe lawmakers are calling on the Department of Justice to stand with the Constitution and not appeal a major Second Amendment victory. On August 5, a federal court in Texas ruled that the federal government can no longer require registration of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other firearms after Congress eliminated the related National Firearms Act taxes. The lawmakers are urging the DOJ to let the ruling stand nationwide, end unnecessary federal red tape, and protect the constitutional rights of gun owners.\n\n\u201cLaw-abiding Americans shouldn\u2019t have to beg the federal government for permission to exercise a constitutional right,\u201d said Congressman Patronis. \u201cThis is consistent with everything I\u2019ve fought for in Congress, from national reciprocity for concealed carry to repealing the Hughes Amendment. The Second Amendment \u2018shall not be infringed,\u2019 and I\u2019ll continue fighting every day to stop Washington from putting unnecessary restrictions on our rights. The DOJ should respect the Constitution and let this historic ruling stand.\u201d\n\nCongressman Patronis remains committed to fighting federal overreach and to ensuring the constitutional rights of Americans are protected.\n\nTo read the letter in full click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/08/11/buchanan-huffman-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-global-extinction-crisis/", "Buchanan, Huffman Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Global Extinction Crisis", "2026-08-11", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "\u201cAllowing a Species to Become Extinct Is a Tragedy, and We Should Do Everything in Our Power to Prevent It From Happening.\u201d\n\nBill Would Support Vital Conservation Projects and the Protection of Endangered Animals\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, joined Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) to re-introduce the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act, a bipartisan bill to support conservation efforts for the world\u2019s most endangered species.\n\n\u201cAllowing a species to become extinct is a tragedy, and we should do everything in our power to prevent it from happening,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cThis important bill would support vital conservation projects around the world and help save some of the world\u2019s most vulnerable animals. The competitive grant program created by this bill will ensure that every dollar goes towards worthwhile projects that protect endangered wildlife.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe alarming acceleration in species extinction has serious consequences not only for ecosystems and wildlife, but for our economies, communities, and the future generations that will be robbed of the rich biodiversity and species we depend on today,\u201d said Huffman. \u201cOur bill will bring the U.S. back as a partner on the global stage to reverse the extinction crisis and support conservation projects for the world\u2019s most vulnerable species. This is a moral and economic imperative that we cannot ignore.\u201d\n\nThe bill establishes the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the agency\u2019s Multinational Species Conservation Funds. Specifically, it authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2032 and focuses on IUCN Red List species not already covered by existing multinational funds, including snow leopards, Andean cats, African penguins and the white-backed vulture.\n\nThe Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act is supported by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Bonobo Conservation Initiative, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Environmental Investigation Agency, Humane World Action Fund, Humane World for Animals, International Elephant Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, International Rhino Foundation, National Resources Defense Council, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Turtle Conservancy, Wild Earth Allies, Wildlife Conservation Society and World Wildlife Fund.\n\nBuchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty, introducing and co-sponsoring dozens of important animal measures over his nearly 20 years of congressional service. He is also a two-time recipient of the Humane Society\u2019s \u201cLegislator of the Year\u201d award, winning the award in 2015 and 2020.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-12T06:18:38Z", "2026-08-12T06:20:33Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-dollar-for-dollar-deficit-reduction-act-to-force-congress-to-cut-spending-before-raising-the-debt-limit/", "Rep. Steube Introduces Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act to Force Congress to Cut Spending Before Raising the Debt Limit", "2026-08-11", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Introduces Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act to Force Congress to Cut Spending Before Raising the Debt Limit\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act, legislation requiring any increase or suspension of the debt limit to be matched by equal or greater spending reductions over the current year and the following 10 years. The bill is led by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in the Senate and is endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union.\n\n\u201cCongress cannot keep raising the credit limit on the American people without cutting up the credit card. Every time we raise the debt limit without cutting spending, we hand our children and grandchildren the bill for our own recklessness,\u201d said Rep. Greg Steube. \u201cThis bill puts a simple rule in place. If Congress wants to raise the credit limit, Congress must cut spending by the same amount. That is basic fiscal responsibility, and it is long past time we practiced it.\u201d\n\n\u201cDemocrats have used their reckless tax and spend process to add more money to our nation\u2019s debt,\u201d said Sen. Barrasso. \u201cGoverning responsibly begins with budgeting responsibly. This legislation will help stop the Democrats\u2019 out-of-control spending spree and put us back onto the path of financial stability.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, Washington\u2019s budgeting practices have followed the same tired script: borrow more now, promise fiscal discipline later, and leave taxpayers with a larger tab. The Dollar-For-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act is a much-needed, commonsense reform that will allow debt limit increases only when coupled with equivalent spending reductions. NTU applauds Rep. Steube for his leadership in promoting fiscal responsibility in Congress.\u201d \u2014Alexander Ciccone, Policy and Government Affairs Manager\n\nThe Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act requires any debt limit increase or suspension to be matched by equal or greater spending cuts over the current year and the following 10 years. It creates a point of order in the House and Senate against considering any debt limit legislation that does not include matching spending reductions. The bill requires that a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate be publicly available for at least 24 hours before a vote on covered debt-limit legislation.\n\nThis legislation requires the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee when the United States is nearing the debt limit and when extraordinary measures may be necessary. It also prohibits budget gimmicks, including counting net interest savings toward required cuts or shifting costs outside the 10-year window.\n\nThe full text of the Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-12T06:18:38Z", "2026-08-12T06:20:33Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-taiwan-caucus-co-chairs-urge-lithuanian-leaders-continue", "Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Urge Lithuanian Leaders to Continue Bold Support for Taiwan in Joint Letter", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ami Bera (D-CA), Andy Barr (R-KY), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus sent a joint letter to the Honorable Mindaugas Sinkevi\u010dius, Prime Minister of Lithuania; Honorable Gitanas Naus\u0117da, President of Lithuania; Honorable Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas; Honorable K\u0119stutis Budrys, Foreign Minister; and Honorable Robertas Kaunas, Defense Minister, requesting that Lithuania continues its courageous path of maintaining relations with Taiwan.\n\nA PDF of the letter can be found here, or read the full text below:\n\nHonorable Leaders of Lithuania,\n\nAs co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, we highly value Lithuania\u2019s friendship and steadfast support for freedom across the globe.\n\nSince Lithuania overturned communist rule, our countries have stood together to defend freedom and democracy in Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and the Indo-Pacific. In fact, in the face of the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s (PRC) bullying and coercion, our countries have stood together to support a free and democratic Taiwan.\n\nWe welcomed Lithuania\u2019s decision in 2022 to withdraw from 17+1 format, an organization which was created by the PRC to divide the transatlantic alliance. Lithuania also demonstrated remarkable leadership in convincing other Baltic states to do the same. We appreciate that Lithuania has always been a strong leader among the European Union countries in opposing autocratic influences, inviting Taiwan to open its office under the name of Taiwanese Representative Office in 2021.\n\nWhile we understand that the PRC continues to bully countries for maintaining any relationship with Taiwan, we respectfully urge you to consider the importance of maintaining relationships with those that share our democratic values. the PRC also continues to enable Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine, contrary to European interests.\n\nFor these reasons, we respectfully urge you to continue the courageous path of maintaining your substantive relationship with Taiwan, which has been a trusted and reliable partner of our respective countries for decades.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMario Diaz-Balart\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAmi Bera\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAndy Barr\n\nMember of Congress\n\nGreg Stanton\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresista-mario-diaz-balart-asiste-la-inauguracion-presidencial-de-su", "Congresista Mario Diaz-Balart asiste a la inauguraci\u00f3n Presidencial de su  Excelencia Abelardo de la Espriella", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CALI, COLOMBIA - El congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente del Comit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes y presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados, integr\u00f3 la Delegaci\u00f3n Presidencial de Estados Unidos que asisti\u00f3 a la toma de posesi\u00f3n de Abelardo de la Espriella como presidente de la Rep\u00fablica de Colombia. La presencia de esta distinguida delegaci\u00f3n en esta ceremonia reafirm\u00f3 la s\u00f3lida y duradera alianza entre Estados Unidos y Colombia a tiempo de manifestar el firme compromiso entre ambos pa\u00edses con el impulso de los valores democr\u00e1ticos mutuos, el fortalecimiento de la cooperaci\u00f3n estrat\u00e9gica y el afianzamiento de la seguridad regional.\n\n\u201cHoy comienza un nuevo cap\u00edtulo para Colombia y su pueblo y representa una oportunidad decisiva para restaurar y fortalecer la relaci\u00f3n con Estados Unidos. Este momento no solo simboliza una renovada esperanza para el futuro de Colombia, sino que tambi\u00e9n reafirma la alianza duradera y los valores compartidos que unen a nuestras naciones.\n\nExtiendo mis m\u00e1s sinceras felicitaciones al presidente Abelardo de la Espriella por su toma de posesi\u00f3n y deseo para \u00e9l, su Administraci\u00f3n y sobre todo al pueblo colombiano, el mayor de los \u00e9xitos, junto a paz y prosperidad. Espero trabajar muy de cerca con el presidente de la Espriella y con nuestros socios colombianos para fortalecer la seguridad regional y avanzar en nuestras prioridades mutuas.\n\nConf\u00edo en que la estrecha relaci\u00f3n entre Estados Unidos y Colombia volver\u00e1 a florecer bajo la nueva Administraci\u00f3n, reconstruyendo la s\u00f3lida alianza que durante tanto tiempo ha beneficiado a nuestras dos naciones y ha contribuido a una mayor estabilidad en la regi\u00f3n.\u201d\n\nInformaci\u00f3n adicional:\n\nEl congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart es presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes sobre Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados (NSRP, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s). El Subcomit\u00e9 es responsable del financiamiento de las iniciativas de pol\u00edtica exterior de Estados Unidos, los esfuerzos de seguridad internacional y las operaciones diplom\u00e1ticas y por lo tanto ejerce jurisdicci\u00f3n sobre la asistencia exterior destinada a Colombia, respaldando \u00e1reas como la lucha contra el narcotr\u00e1fico, la cooperaci\u00f3n en materia de seguridad, el desarrollo econ\u00f3mico y la inmigraci\u00f3n.\n\nDurante la administraci\u00f3n del presidente Petro, el financiamiento de Estados Unidos destinado a Colombia experiment\u00f3 reducciones significativas y estuvo sujeto a condiciones m\u00e1s estrictas. Estos cambios reflejaron preocupaciones bipartidistas respecto a las decisiones pol\u00edticas del presidente Petro.\n\nAdem\u00e1s de su liderazgo en el Subcomit\u00e9, el presidente D\u00edaz-Balart es cofundador y copresidente del Comit\u00e9 Parlamentario a favor de Colombia, que fue establecido en 2009 y re\u00fane a miembros del Congreso comprometidos con el fortalecimiento de la alianza entre los Estados Unidos y Colombia. Este Grupo Parlamentario desempe\u00f1\u00f3 un papel fundamental para impulsar la votaci\u00f3n para Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Estados Unidos y Colombia en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes del Congreso de Estados Unidos.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mario-diaz-balart-attends-presidential-inauguration-his", "Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart Attends the Presidential Inauguration of His Excellency Abelardo de la Espriella", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CALI, COLOMBIA - Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, was a member of the United States Presidential Delegation at the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella as President of the Republic of Colombia. The distinguished Delegation\u2019s presence at the ceremony served to reaffirm the enduring alliance between the United States and Colombia, while signaling an unwavering commitment to advancing shared democratic values, deepening strategic cooperation, and fortifying regional security.\n\n\"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Colombia and its people, presenting a pivotal opportunity to restore and strengthen the relationship with the United States. This moment not only signifies renewed hope for Colombia\u2019s future, but also reaffirms the enduring partnership and shared values that unite our nations.\n\nI extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Abelardo de la Espriella on his inauguration and wish him, his Administration, and most importantly, the Colombian people, great success, peace, and prosperity. I look forward to working alongside President de la Espriella and our Colombian partners to strengthen regional security and advance our shared priorities.\n\nI am confident that the close relationship between the United States and Colombia will flourish once again under the new administration, rebuilding the strong partnership that has long benefited both our nations while contributing to greater stability in the region.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nChairman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart leads the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP). This subcommittee is responsible for funding U.S. foreign policy initiatives, international security efforts, and diplomatic operations. NSRP maintains jurisdiction over foreign assistance to Colombia, supporting areas such as counternarcotics, security cooperation, economic development, and migration.\n\nDuring the Petro Administration, U.S. funding to Colombia experienced notable reductions and was subject to stricter conditions. These changes reflected bipartisan concerns regarding President Petro\u2019s policy decisions.\n\nIn addition to his subcommittee leadership, Chairman D\u00edaz-Balart is the founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Colombia. Established in 2009, this caucus brings together Members of Congress who are committed to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Colombia. The caucus played a pivotal role in advancing a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement in the House of Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-patronis-honors-heroes-at-veterans-memorial-park-for-national-purple-heart-day", "Congressman Patronis Honors Heroes at Veterans Memorial Park for National Purple Heart Day", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Jimmy Patronis", "P000622", "patronis.house.gov", "patronis", "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PENSACOLA, FL- Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) joined local leaders, veterans, and veterans organizations at Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida to honor the brave men and women who earned the Purple Heart and recognize their extraordinary service to our nation. National Purple Heart Day is a solemn reminder of the heroes who put our country before themselves and defended the freedoms we cherish.\n\nTo view photos from the National Purple Heart Day ceremony, click here.\n\n\u201cThose who earned the Purple Heart made sacrifices most of us will never fully understand,\u201d said Congressman Patronis. \u201cHere in Northwest Florida, we are surrounded by heroes who answered the call to serve and families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every day. Standing alongside our veterans and their families was a powerful reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to those who defended our freedoms. We will never forget their courage, and we will always stand with the men and women who sacrificed so much for our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, we pause to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. Every Purple Heart carries with it a story of courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy. We owe our Purple Heart recipients, and the families who have supported them, a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid. Their service and sacrifice will forever be remembered, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations of Americans,\u201d said State Representative Michelle Salzman.\n\nNorthwest Florida is home to one of the largest military and veteran communities in the nation. Congressman Patronis remains committed to fighting for the men and women who served, ensuring their sacrifices are honored and they receive the support and recognition they have earned.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-urges-army-corps-of-engineers-to-fund-venice-jetty-repairs-in-fy27-work-plan/", "Rep. Steube Urges Army Corps of Engineers to Fund Venice Jetty Repairs in FY27 Work Plan", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Urges Army Corps of Engineers to Fund Venice Jetty Repairs in FY27 Work Plan\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013Today, Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allocate sufficient federal funding in the FY27 Work Plan to repair and restore the south jetty in Venice, Florida. The jetty sustained catastrophic damage during the 2024 hurricane season and serves as one of the only access points to the Gulf of America for several miles in each direction, making its repair critical to navigation, public safety, and the regional economy.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://fine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=281", "Congressman Fine Applauds Federal Appeals Court Decision Upholding His Florida Law Protecting Children from Perverted Drag Shows", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Randy Fine", "F000484", "fine.house.gov", "fine", "https://fine.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Randy Fine today applauded a federal appeals court decision upholding Florida's Protection of Children Act (HB 1423), landmark legislation he sponsored in the Florida Legislature to prevent children from being exposed to sexually explicit drag performances.\n\nThe ruling is a major victory for parents, families, and common sense. HB 1423 was one of Congressman Fine's signature legislative achievements before entering Congress and reaffirmed Florida's commitment to putting children first.\n\n\"I was proud to lead the fight in Florida to stop children from being exposed to perverted drag shows masquerading as family entertainment,\" said Congressman Randy Fine. \"This week's decision is a huge victory for parents and every Floridian who believes children deserve to be protected, not groomed. The court confirmed what we've known all along: states have every right to protect kids from these freakshows. I will never stop fighting to defend our children and our values and look forward to bringing this legislation nationwide.\n\nAs a member of Congress, Fine has continued championing legislation that protects children, defends parental rights, and pushes back against the radical Left's efforts to normalize demented gender ideology for minors.", 1, "2026-08-24T05:37:30Z", "2026-08-24T05:38:35Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-diaz-balart-joins-united-states-presidential-delegation", "Chairman Diaz-Balart joins the United States Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Abelardo de la Espriella", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, announced he will join the United States Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella:\n\n\u201cIt is an honor to join the United States Presidential Delegation to the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella. This ceremony represents the beginning of a new chapter for Colombia and an opportunity to strengthen our important partnership. I am optimistic that the incoming De La Espriella Administration will pursue a constructive relationship with the United States based on our shared democratic values and longstanding commitment to regional security and stability.\n\nI look forward to working closely with Colombia's new leadership to revitalize U.S.-Colombia relations. A strong partnership between our nations serves the interests of both of our peoples. After four years during which the outgoing administration undermined cooperation on critical security priorities, and distanced Colombia from one of its closest allies, this transition offers a long-awaited opportunity to restore trust and renew our partnership.\n\nThe United States and Colombia must return to working side-by-side to combat transnational organized crime, narcoterrorism, illegal trafficking networks, corruption, and other criminal endeavors that threaten the security of both our nations. We have accomplished great things together over the years, and I believe the next chapter of our relationship can be even stronger.\n\nI congratulate President De La Espriella and the people of Colombia on this historic occasion, and I thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for allowing me to join the United States Presidential Delegation.\"\n\nMembers of the delegation:\n\n\u2022 Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche\n\n\u2022 Mr. Hugo Guevara, Charge d\u2019Affaires, U.S. Embassy Bogota\n\n\u2022 The Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives\n\n\u2022 The Honorable Sara Carter, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy\n\n\u2022 The Honorable Terrance C. Cole, Administrator, United States Drug Enforcement Administration\n\n\u2022 Mr. Cliff Sims, National Security Advisor to the Vice President\n\n\u2022 Mrs. Viviana Bovo, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, United States Department of State\n\n\u2022 Mr. Joseph M. Humire, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Americas Security Affairs, United States Department of War\n\n\u2022 Mr. Kris Jarvis, Chief of International Operations, Joint Task Force Vulcan, United States Department of Justice\n\nBackground:\n\nChairman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart leads the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP). This subcommittee is responsible for funding U.S. foreign policy initiatives, international security efforts, and diplomatic operations. NSRP maintains jurisdiction over foreign assistance to Colombia, supporting areas such as counternarcotics, security cooperation, economic development, and migration.\n\nDuring the Petro Administration, U.S. funding to Colombia experienced notable reductions and was subject to stricter conditions. These changes reflected bipartisan concerns regarding President Petro\u2019s policy decisions.\n\nIn addition to his subcommittee leadership, Chairman D\u00edaz-Balart is the founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Colombia. Established in 2009, this caucus brings together Members of Congress who are committed to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Colombia. The caucus played a pivotal role in advancing a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement in the House of Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresista-diaz-balart-integrara-la-delegacion-presidencial-de-estados", "Congresista Diaz-Balart integrara la Delegaci\u00f3n Presidencial de Estados Unidos a la Rep\u00fablica de Colombia para asistir a la ceremonia de toma de posesi\u00f3n presidencial de su Excelencia Abelardo de la Espriella", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 El congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente del Comit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes y presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados, anunci\u00f3 hoy que integrar\u00e1 la Delegaci\u00f3n Presidencial de Estados Unidos a la Rep\u00fablica de Colombia para asistir a la ceremonia de toma de posesi\u00f3n del presidente electo, Abelardo de la Espriella:\n\n\u201cEs un honor ser parte de la Delegaci\u00f3n Presidencial de Estados Unidos que asistir\u00e1 a la ceremonia de toma de posesi\u00f3n del presidente electo de Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella. Esta ceremonia marca el inicio de un nuevo cap\u00edtulo para Colombia y representa una oportunidad para fortalecer nuestra importante alianza. Estoy optimista de que la nueva administraci\u00f3n del presidente De la Espriella impulsar\u00e1 una relaci\u00f3n constructiva con los Estados Unidos, basada en nuestros mutuos valores democr\u00e1ticos y nuestro compromiso hist\u00f3rico con la seguridad y la estabilidad regional.\n\nEspero trabajar estrechamente con el nuevo liderazgo de Colombia para revitalizar las relaciones entre nuestros pa\u00edses, enuna s\u00f3lida alianza que beneficie a ambos pueblos. Luego de cuatro a\u00f1os en los que la Administraci\u00f3n saliente debilit\u00f3 la cooperaci\u00f3n en prioridades cr\u00edticas de seguridad y alej\u00f3 a Colombia de uno de sus aliados m\u00e1s cercanos, esta transici\u00f3n representa una oportunidad sumamente esperada para restaurar la confianza y renovar nuestra asociaci\u00f3n.\n\nEstados Unidos y Colombia deben volver a trabajar conjuntamente para combatir el crimen organizado transnacional, el narcoterrorismo, las redes de tr\u00e1fico il\u00edcito, la corrupci\u00f3n y otras actividades delictivas que amenazan la seguridad de nuestras naciones. A lo largo de los a\u00f1os juntos hemos logrado grandes avances y creo que el pr\u00f3ximo cap\u00edtulo de nuestra relaci\u00f3n ser\u00e1 a\u00fan m\u00e1s s\u00f3lida.\n\nExpreso mi sinceras felicitaciones al presidente De la Espriella y al pueblo colombiano por este momento en su historia y agradezco al presidente Trump y al secretario Rubio por permitirme ser parte de la Delegaci\u00f3n Presidencial de Estados Unidos\".\n\nMiembros de la delegaci\u00f3n:\n\n\u2022 Fiscal General Interino Todd Blanche\n\n\u2022 Sr. Hugo Guevara, Encargado de Negocios, Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Bogot\u00e1\n\n\u2022 El Honorable Mario D\u00edaz-Balart, presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes de Estados Unidos\n\n\u2022 La Honorable Sara Carter, directora de la Oficina de la Pol\u00edtica Nacional para el Control de Drogas (DEA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s)\n\n\u2022 El Honorable Terrance C. Cole, administrador de la Administraci\u00f3n para el Control de Drogas de Estados Unidos (DEA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s)\n\n\u2022 Sr. Cliff Sims, asesor de Seguridad Nacional del vicepresidente JD Vance\n\n\u2022 Sra. Viviana Bovo, subsecretaria interina para Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos\n\n\u2022 Sr. Joseph M. Humire, subsecretario adjunto de Guerra para Asuntos de Seguridad de las Am\u00e9ricas, Departamento de Guerra de los Estados Unidos.\n\n\u2022 Sr. Kristopher D. Jarvis, jefe de Operaciones Internacionales de la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Vulcan del Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos\n\nInformaci\u00f3n adicional:\n\nEl congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart es presidente del Subcomit\u00e9 de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes sobre Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados (NSRP, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s). El Subcomit\u00e9 es responsable del financiamiento de las iniciativas de pol\u00edtica exterior de Estados Unidos, los esfuerzos de seguridad internacional y las operaciones diplom\u00e1ticas y por lo tanto ejerce jurisdicci\u00f3n sobre la asistencia exterior destinada a Colombia, respaldando \u00e1reas como la lucha contra el narcotr\u00e1fico, la cooperaci\u00f3n en materia de seguridad, el desarrollo econ\u00f3mico y la inmigraci\u00f3n.\n\nDurante la administraci\u00f3n del presidente Petro, el financiamiento de Estados Unidos destinado a Colombia experiment\u00f3 reducciones significativas y estuvo sujeto a condiciones m\u00e1s estrictas. Estos cambios reflejaron preocupaciones bipartidistas respecto a las decisiones pol\u00edticas del presidente Petro.\n\nAdem\u00e1s de su liderazgo en el Subcomit\u00e9, el presidente D\u00edaz-Balart es cofundador y copresidente del Comit\u00e9 Parlamentario a favor de Colombia, que fue establecido en 2009 y re\u00fane a miembros del Congreso comprometidos con el fortalecimiento de la alianza entre los Estados Unidos y Colombia. Este Grupo Parlamentario desempe\u00f1\u00f3 un papel fundamental para impulsar la votaci\u00f3n para Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Estados Unidos y Colombia en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes del Congreso de Estados Unidos.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lee-announces-2026-us-service-academy-nomination-process", "Rep. Laurel Lee Announces 2026 U.S. Service Academy Nomination Process", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Tampa, FL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee announced the opening of the 2026 U.S. Service Academy nomination application process for students interested in attending one of the nation's prestigious military service academies.\n\nEach year, Members of Congress have the honor of nominating outstanding young men and women to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These institutions prepare future military leaders committed to serving our nation with honor and distinction.\n\n\u201cAs a Member of Congress, one of my greatest privileges is nominating exceptional young people from Florida's 15th Congressional District to attend our nation's service academies,\u201dsaid Rep. Laurel Lee.\u201cThese students represent the very best of our community through their leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to serving others. I encourage every eligible student who is interested in serving our country to apply.\u201d\n\nTo help students and families learn more about the nomination process and opportunities available at the service academies, Rep. Lee will host Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9 am to 12 pm at the University of South Florida\u2019s CW Bill Young JMLC Building, located at 12303 USF Genshaft Drive, Tampa, FL 33620. Representatives from each service academy, military officials, and congressional staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the application process. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP here. If you have any issues registering, please reach out to jeanine.ramirez@mail.house.gov.\n\nApplications for a congressional nomination are open and must be submitted by September 26, 2026, at midnight.\n\nSelected applicants will be invited to interview with Rep. Lee's team on November 7, 2026.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-maria-elvira-salazar-visits-west-miami-multigenerational-center-see-1", "REP. MAR\u00cdA ELVIRA SALAZAR VISITS WEST MIAMI MULTIGENERATIONAL CENTER TO SEE $1 MILLION FEDERAL INVESTMENT AT WORK", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, Fla. \u2014 Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) visited the West Miami Multigenerational Center alongside West Miami Mayor Eric D\u00edaz-Padr\u00f3n, Vice Mayor Iv\u00e1n Ch\u00e1vez, and city leaders to see firsthand how the $1 million in federal funding she secured is improving the lives of children, families, seniors, and residents across the community.\n\nThe center began as a request from the City of West Miami, which brought the project to Rep. Salazar's office looking for federal help to finish it. The $1 million she secured supported construction, alongside funding from state, county, and local partners.\n\n\"This is a small city with a big heart, and for too long West Miami families didn't have a place like this to call their own,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"Today, they do. Walking through this center and seeing seniors staying active while children learn and play just down the hall is exactly why I fought to secure this funding. My job is to make sure the tax dollars South Florida sends to Washington come back home to our communities, and this center providing both healthcare and education is proof of what we can accomplish when we do.\"\n\nDuring the visit, Rep. Salazar toured the center's fitness center, outdoor gathering spaces, classrooms used for after-school and summer programming, community rooms, and multipurpose spaces designed to bring generations together under one roof. She met with city staff who run the center's daily programming and spoke with residents using the facility.\n\n\"Projects like this are only possible when leaders at every level of government work together,\" said Mayor Eric D\u00edaz-Padr\u00f3n. \"We are grateful to Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar for securing the federal funding that helped make this project possible. Her leadership in bringing critical federal resources back to West Miami, together with the commitment of our state and local partners, helped transform this vision into a place that will serve children, families, seniors, and future generations for years to come.\"\n\nAbout the Center\n\nThe West Miami Multigenerational Center opened in January 2026 following years of planning by the City of West Miami. The facility was designed to serve residents at every stage of life in a community whose families previously traveled outside West Miami to reach comparable recreational and wellness facilities.\n\nThe center offers wellness and fitness programming, after-school programming for school-age children during the academic year, summer camp and enrichment programming, educational classes in dedicated classroom space, community rooms available for neighborhood meetings and events, and outdoor gathering areas and multipurpose space.\n\nThe design places programming for children, working parents, and older adults in a single building, allowing families to use the facility together and giving seniors a place to remain active and connected within their own neighborhood.\n\nRep. Salazar's visit reflects her continued commitment to delivering federal investments that help make South Florida more affordable, more connected, and a better place to raise a family. From expanding affordable housing for seniors to creating spaces where children can learn, parents can connect, and older adults can stay active, Rep. Salazar is focused on bringing federal resources home to strengthen the communities of Florida's 27th District and improve quality of life for the people she serves.\n\nWatch Rep. Salazar's visit to the West Miami Multigenerational CenterHERE", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-backs-north-port-police-departments-application-for-federal-public-safety-grant/", "Rep. Steube Backs North Port Police Department\u2019s Application for Federal Public Safety Grant", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Backs North Port Police Department\u2019s Application for Federal Public Safety Grant\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) sent a letter of support to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche backing the North Port Police Department\u2019s application for a grant through the Department of Justice\u2019s Bridging Immigration-related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Program. The grant would fund the North Port Police Department\u2019s drone as a first responder initiative, providing officers with real-time aerial intelligence within seconds of an emergency call.\n\n\u201cThe Sunshine State has welcomed new residents at a record rate, straining our local public safety infrastructure and creating unique operational challenges,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThis aerial technology will help North Port officers track illegal activity along regional transit corridors, respond to calls with greater situational awareness, and deploy personnel more safely and efficiently.\u201d\n\nThe BIDEN Program was established through the One Big Beautiful Bill and provides grants to state and local law enforcement agencies for locating and apprehending criminal illegal aliens, investigating and prosecuting crimes committed by aliens and drug and human trafficking crimes, court operations related to those prosecutions, temporary criminal detention of aliens, transportation of aliens related to apprehension and detention, and associated logistics and support. Funds may be used to hire law enforcement officers and support personnel and to purchase technology and equipment.\n\nTo be eligible, law enforcement agencies must participate in the ICE 287(g) program or commit to doing so. The North Port Police Department is currently enrolled in the 287(g) program. Last year, Rep. Steube sent a letter to district police chiefs and sheriffs urging them to enroll in the program.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-leads-congressional-letter-sec-rubio-urging-major-non-nato-ally", "Salazar Leads Congressional Letter to Sec. Rubio Urging Major Non-NATO Ally Designation for Ecuador", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Chairwoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27), joined by Congressman Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01), Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Department of State to designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). The lawmakers write that the designation would strengthen Ecuador's efforts against transnational drug cartels while advancing U.S. national security interests.\n\n\"The battle against the cartels does not stop at Ecuador's borders,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"The United States has a strategic interest in helping democratic allies confront the criminal organizations that threaten our hemisphere. Designating Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen one of our closest security partners in the Western Hemisphere.\"\n\n\u201cThe fight against cartels requires strong partnerships,\u201d said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. \u201cRecognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally will strengthen one of America\u2019s most important democratic partners in the region and enhance our ability to confront the transnational criminal organizations that threaten the security, stability, and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States must continue to strengthen partnerships with trusted allies in our own hemisphere,\u201d said Rep. Buchanan. \u201cAs Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, I have seen firsthand Ecuador's commitment to combating organized crime, countering narcotics trafficking and advancing democratic institutions. Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen our strategic partnership, and I am proud to support this effort.\u201d\n\nThe letter describes Ecuador as one of the front lines in the fight against transnational drug trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the country's Pacific coast as a major corridor for cocaine shipments bound for the United States and Europe. It also highlights the record levels of violence driven by these groups and the enormous security challenges confronting the country.\n\nThe lawmakers explain that Major Non-NATO Ally status would expand Ecuador's access to key security benefits, including military financing opportunities, increased training, excess U.S. defense equipment, and advanced counterterrorism technology. These tools would strengthen Ecuador's ability to confront organized crime, protect innocent lives, and stop illegal drugs before they reach the United States.\n\nThe letter concludes by urging Secretary Rubio to grant the designation and reaffirm the United States' commitment to supporting Ecuador as it continues its fight against transnational organized crime.\n\nMajor Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status provides enhanced opportunities for defense and security cooperation with the United States, including:\n\nEligibility for certain U.S. military financing and defense loans.\n\nExpanded military training and education opportunities with the United States.\n\nPriority access to Excess Defense Articles, including certain U.S. defense equipment.\n\nEligibility to participate in cooperative defense research and development projects.\n\nIncreased access to counterterrorism cooperation and technology.\n\nOpportunities for U.S. defense industry partnerships and defense procurement cooperation.\n\nCurrently, 19 countries are designated as Major Non-NATO Allies:\n\nArgentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.\n\nThis letter builds on Rep. Salazar's longstanding advocacy for a stronger U.S.-Ecuador security partnership. In 2025, she led a bipartisan effort urging the Administration to provide additional security assistance to help Ecuador defeat the cartels.\n\nAs Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar oversees congressional efforts to strengthen U.S. engagement across the region, counter transnational criminal organizations, and confront the authoritarian regimes and security threats that undermine democratic stability.", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mario-diaz-balart-reflects-passing-former-house-committee", "Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart Reflects on the Passing of Former House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman, Congresswoman Kay Granger", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement reflecting on the passing of former House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman, Congresswoman Kay Granger.\n\n\u201cI am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and former colleague Kay Granger.\n\nKay was a giant among her peers\u2014a mentor, a leader, and a loyal friend.\n\nShe broke barrier after barrier as the first woman elected Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman from Texas elected to Congress, the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and the first Republican woman to chair the full Appropriations Committee.\n\nKay's legacy of service, leadership, and determination left an indelible mark on both our nation and on me and my family.\n\nThank you, Kay. You will be deeply missed!\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/in-case-you-missed-it-congressman-patronis-anthony-fauci-is-a-coward", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Congressman Patronis: Anthony Fauci is a Coward", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Jimmy Patronis", "P000622", "patronis.house.gov", "patronis", "https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Fox News Live\n\nAugust 2, 2026\n\nFULL LINK HERE\n\nImage\n\nTo view the clip click here.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cLook, there were definitely financial impacts to the states based on the bad policies that Fauci put out. I think the guy was a coward when it came to shutting down businesses. He had plenty to say when it came to separating loved ones. He was on MSNBC all the time.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cSo, when it finally came time to defend his statements and his decisions, he put his head in the sand. He's a coward. He pleaded the Fifth 111 times, and this is how history will remember him.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://luna.house.gov/posts/rep-luna-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-require-clear-gluten-labeling", "Rep. Luna Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Clear Gluten Labeling", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Anna Paulina Luna", "L000596", "luna.house.gov", "luna", "https://luna.house.gov/press", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 On Thursday, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) introduced the bipartisan Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026, legislation that would amend the FDA\u2019s major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat, closing a gap in federal law that leaves millions of Americans with celiac disease and gluten intolerance exposed to hidden sources of gluten.\n\n\u201cI actually have a gluten intolerance myself, and it\u2019s terrifying when labels aren\u2019t clear because that can have serious medical consequences,\u201d said Congresswoman Luna. \u201cMillions of Americans are affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance; it\u2019s a real and serious issue, and it\u2019s time the food industry respected that. We need transparent labeling so Americans can make informed decisions and safeguard their health.\u201d\n\nThe bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by replacing \u201cwheat\u201d in the definition of a major food allergen with \u201cgluten-containing grain,\u201d defined to include wheat, barley, rye, oats, and crossbred hybrids such as triticale. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on celiac disease surveillance, diagnostics, prevention, risk reduction, and the development of new treatments.\n\n\u201cPeople with celiac disease and gluten intolerance should be able to look at a food label and immediately see whether it contains barley, rye, or oats,\u201d said Congressman Van Drew. \u201cThis bill makes those ingredients easier to identify instead of relying only on the ingredient list. It is a simple, common-sense change that will help prevent mistakes and keep people safe, and I am proud to join Congresswoman Luna in this effort.\u201d\n\nThis action comes amid growing concern over the health risks posed by accidental gluten exposure. An estimated 25.7 million Americans have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an IgE-mediated wheat allergy with potential cross-reactivity to barley, rye, and oats. For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause intestinal damage, anemia, malnutrition, immunological scarring, heart disease, cancer, and other serious health complications.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve to know what\u2019s in the food they buy,\u201d said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). \u201cMore than 3.3 million Americans living with celiac disease rely on accurate labeling to protect their health, and this bill is a first step toward greater transparency for consumers.\u201d\n\nThere is no cure or rescue medication for accidental ingestion, and even among those who follow a strict gluten-free diet, 44 percent still report being \u201cglutened\u201d at least once a month.\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves to know what\u2019s in their food, especially when it may contain allergens,\u201d said Congressman Suozzi. \u201cBy requiring all packaged foods to clearly label even small traces of rye, oats, and barley, the FASTER Act ensures that Americans with celiac can feel confident that their food is safe to eat. I\u2019m proud to sponsor this common-sense, life-saving legislation.\u201d\n\nSince 2006, federal law has required wheat to be identified as a major food allergen, while barley, rye, and oats have remained outside the mandatory labeling requirement. These grains can be hidden in seasonings, flavorings, and fine print, leaving consumers without the clear information they need to avoid gluten. Meanwhile, 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and countries across the European Union.\n\nCeliac advocates and affected families have urged the United States to adopt the same protections, an effort that has drawn support from both sides of the aisle and led to the FASTER ACT receiving bipartisan support.\n\n\u201cNo one should have to risk their health because of confusing food labels,\u201d said Congressman Rulli. \u201cThis legislation strengthens transparency and gives Americans with celiac disease the information they need to confidently choose safe foods.\u201d\n\nThe legislation has also been championed by 13-year-old Jax Bari, known as the \u201cMAHA Kid\u201d and co-founder of Celiac Journey, whose advocacy has helped bring national attention to the gaps in federal gluten-labeling requirements.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful to Congresswoman Luna and the original co-sponsors for introducing the bipartisan FASTER Act of 2026 which will require the labeling of barley, rye and oats as Major Food Allergens. My goal is to eat without fear because Celiac is every bite, every day \u2013 constant questioning, constant worrying. Just a crumb of gluten is like kryptonite to me. 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye and oats, including in Canada, in the United Kingdom and across the European Union. We\u2019re really behind in the United States, and the FASTER Act will help close the gap and better protect 729,000 kids like me with Celiac,\u201d said Jax Bari.\n\nAfter meeting with Congresswoman Luna in June, Jax discussed the ambiguity surrounding gluten-containing grains during a June 16 meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also has celiac disease. Blanche agreed that clearer standards are needed and expressed support for Jax\u2019s efforts to require barley, rye, and oats to be labeled as major food allergens. Blanche\u2019s wife, Dr. Kristine Blanche, and their daughter Sydney, who has celiac disease, have also supported his advocacy.\n\nThe FASTER Act was introduced with original cosponsors Reps. Randy K. Weber Sr. (TX-14), Paul A. Gosar (AZ-09), Daniel Meuser (PA-09), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and Michael Rulli (OH-06).\n\nView the full bill text here.\n\nContact:\n\nOffice of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna\n\n(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov\n\nFollow updates at luna.house.gov", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lee-hosts-va-secretary-doug-collins-highlight-historic-investments", "Rep. Laurel Lee Hosts VA Secretary Doug Collins to Highlight Historic Investments and Reforms for America's Veterans", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Laurel M. Lee", "L000597", "laurellee.house.gov", "laurellee", "https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Zephyrhills, FL \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Laurel Lee welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to Florida's 15th Congressional District for a discussion with veterans and community leaders at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History.\n\nThe visit highlighted the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare, modernize facilities, streamline benefits, and ensure American veterans receive the care and services they have earned through their service.\n\n\"As a community that is home to thousands of Veterans and military families, Florida's 15th Congressional District understands the importance of ensuring those who served our nation receive the highest quality care and support,\" said Rep. Laurel Lee. \"I was honored to welcome Secretary Collins to our district to discuss the tremendous progress being made to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under President Trump and Secretary Collins' leadership, the Department is cutting bureaucracy, improving access to care, modernizing facilities, and delivering results for the men and women who wore our nation's uniform. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every Veteran receives the care, benefits, and respect they have earned.\"\n\n\u201cUnder President Trump and with the support of strong leaders like Rep. Laurel Lee, we are making VA benefits better, faster and easier to use than ever before,\u201d said VA Secretary Doug Collins. \u201cSince the start of the second Trump Administration, the department has cut the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits by more than 70%, provided more direct health care and community care than ever before, and housed historic numbers of homeless Veterans. More than 200,000 new Veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare in 2026 alone \u2013 proof our reforms are working.\u201d\n\nDuring the visit, Rep. Lee and Secretary Collins discussed the significant progress the Department has made over the past year, including:\n\nEnrolling more than 200,000 new veterans in VA health care in 2026.\n\nOpening 38 new VA health care facilities nationwide since January 2025 to expand access to care.\n\nReducing the VA disability claims backlog by 74 percent, bringing it below 70,000 claims for the first time since 2020.\n\nInvesting a record $4.8 billion this fiscal year to modernize VA hospitals, clinics, and medical infrastructure, including $1.2 billion in newly approved third-quarter infrastructure improvements.\n\nExpanding access to appointments by offering more than 3 million appointments outside normal business hours.\n\nPermanently housing more than 51,000 homeless Veterans in FY2025, the highest total in seven years.\n\nImproving disability claims processing accuracy to more than 94 percent while processing record numbers of claims.\n\nThe discussion also focused on the importance of continued investment in VA facilities across Florida. This year, the Department announced record infrastructure funding nationwide to improve medical centers and clinics, upgrade aging facilities, strengthen electronic health record systems, and expand access to high-quality care for Veterans throughout the state, including those served by the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and the rapidly growing veteran population across the Tampa Bay region.", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salazar-cosponsors-bipartisan-resolution-demanding-justice-victims-amia", "Rep. Salazar Cosponsors Bipartisan Resolution Demanding Justice for Victims of the AMIA Terrorist Bombing", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, joined Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Michael Rulli (OH-06) in introducing a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 terrorist bombing of the Asociaci\u00f3n Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires and demanding justice and accountability for those responsible.\n\nOn July 18, 1994, the AMIA bombing killed 85 people and injured more than 300, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in Argentina's history. Argentine authorities have long concluded that the attack was planned by the Iranian regime and carried out by its terrorist proxy, Hezbollah. More than three decades later, those responsible have yet to face justice.\n\nThe resolution honors the victims of the AMIA bombing, expresses solidarity with Argentina's Jewish community, condemns the role of Iran and Hezbollah in the attack, and reaffirms the United States' commitment to pursuing justice and accountability.\n\n\"The AMIA bombing was not only an attack on Argentina's Jewish community. It was an attack on a democratic nation by the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxy, Hezbollah. Thirty-two years later, one lesson remains as urgent as ever: when the world fails to hold state sponsors of terrorism accountable, they become emboldened to strike again,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"Through this resolution, we reaffirm that the United States stands with Argentina and the Jewish people worldwide in demanding justice for the victims and in making clear that Iran and Hezbollah will never escape accountability.\u201d\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\nAs Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar has consistently worked to confront the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies as they seek to expand their influence across the Americas while strengthening U.S. partnerships with democratic allies throughout the region.\n\nRep. Salazar has also led congressional efforts to honor the victims of Iran-backed terrorism in Argentina. In 2022, she led more than 100 bipartisan Members of Congress in introducing a resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the 1992 terrorist bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, calling for justice for the victims, accountability for the perpetrators, and continued U.S. cooperation with allies in the Western Hemisphere to counter Hezbollah and Iran's terrorist network.", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-reintroduces-bipartisan-bicameral-ncars-bill-strengthen-americas", "Salazar Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral NCARS Bill to Strengthen America's Disaster Preparedness", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) reintroduced, alongside Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the bipartisan, bicameral National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act, legislation to strengthen America's preparedness for hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and other natural hazards that threaten communities, critical infrastructure, public safety, and national security.\n\nFor South Florida, where hurricanes, flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme heat increasingly threaten families, businesses, and critical infrastructure, the legislation would help communities better prepare before disaster strikes by improving coordination across the federal government and making resilience resources more accessible to state and local leaders.\n\n\"Miami is ground zero for rising waters, and our neighborhoods cannot afford more delay. Every year we wait to plan for natural disasters, the costs go up and the damage gets worse,\" said Rep. Salazar. \"That's why I'm proud to co-lead the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act of 2026. This legislation will help us build stronger infrastructure, improve coordination across the federal government, and keep our people safe for generations to come.\"\n\n\u201cSan Diegans know first-hand the consequences of climate change, from destructive wildfires and prolonged drought to dangerous heat waves and rising seas that threaten our coastline. My constituents can't afford more delays,\u201d Rep. Peters said. \u201cThe NCARS Act would streamline resources, improve coordination, and hold agencies accountable so we can better prepare for and respond to the growing climate threats our communities face. I'm glad to once again have bicameral, bipartisan support as we move this commonsense legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\"Alaskan communities continue to face an increasing number of damaging natural disasters, including catastrophic flooding, coastal erosion, severe storms, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and permafrost thaw. Over the past year alone, communities across our state have endured multiple disasters that damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put lives at risk,\" said Senator Murkowski. \"I'm glad to once again partner on bipartisan, bi-cameral legislation to develop and implement a unified National Resilience Strategy, with input from federal, state, Tribal, local, and private-sector partners. Alaska's unique geography and exposure to every type of natural hazard underscore the need for a coordinated federal approach that helps communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from disasters more effectively.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t leave Americans to face extreme weather events \u2013 from winter storms to weeks of record high heat \u2013 alone,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cAs the lowest lying state in the nation, Delaware is no stranger to how climate change can impact homes and businesses. This bill will create a national, coordinated strategy to bring together government and the private sector to protect communities, our economy, and our national security from the potentially devastating effects of climate change.\u201d\n\nThe NCARS Act would:\n\nEstablish a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and implementation plan in coordination with federal, state, local, Tribal, private-sector, and nonprofit partners.\n\nEstablish a Chief Resilience Officer within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate and implement the national strategy.\n\nCreate interagency working groups to improve coordination across federal agencies and strengthen accountability.\n\nCreate a federal resilience information hub to make federal resilience resources, data, and planning tools more accessible to state and local communities.\n\nInvesting in resilience before disasters occur can significantly reduce future costs. According to FEMA, every $1 invested in resilience can save approximately $6 in future disaster recovery costs. In 2024 alone, natural disasters caused an estimated $217.8 billion in damages nationwide, underscoring the growing importance of preparing communities before disaster strikes.\n\nThe legislation also addresses long-term hazards, including sea-level rise and coastal erosion, helping communities better protect roads, utilities, homes, businesses, and other critical infrastructure.\n\nOriginally introduced in 2022, the NCARS Act has been reintroduced with bipartisan, bicameral support and continues to receive backing from a broad coalition of infrastructure, engineering, business, local government, insurance, scientific, and conservation organizations, including American Flood Coalition Action, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Association of Counties, the American Public Works Association, The Nature Conservancy, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Environmental Defense Fund, the International Code Council, and Taxpayers for Common Sense.\n\nRead the one-pager on the NCARS Act here.\n\nA section-by-section summary here.", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/reps-steube-thompson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-redevelopment-of-former-military-installations/", "Reps. Steube, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Redevelopment of Former Military Installations", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Reps. Steube, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Redevelopment of Former Military Installations\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) today introduced the Increasing Opportunity for Reindustrialization Act, bipartisan legislation that would help communities redevelop former military installations. The bill expands Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) designation to include Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites. It allows states to nominate these areas for QOZ eligibility without counting them against the current cap on eligible Opportunity Zone tracts. The bill is carried in the Senate by Sens. Dave McCormick (R-Penn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).\n\n\u201cAs the only active-duty veteran in the House Republican Conference serving on Ways and Means, I\u2019ve seen firsthand what these communities give to our national defense, and I know what it takes to help them rebuild when a base closes,\u201d said Rep. Greg Steube. \u201cThis bill gives states a tool to attract private investment into these communities without taking opportunity away from any other zone already on the map.\u201d\n\nSince 1988, the Department of War has conducted five rounds of BRAC, closing or realigning hundreds of military installations nationwide. Many of these communities continue to face economic challenges including job losses, declining tax revenues, and the cost of redeveloping aging infrastructure.\n\nBRAC sites often include substantial existing infrastructure, transportation access, and developable land well-suited to advance manufacturing, logistics, energy production, and other economic activity. Expanding Opportunity Zone eligibility to these areas is intended to encourage long-term private investment and accelerate redevelopment in communities affected by base closures.\n\nThe Increasing Opportunity for Reindustrialization Act retains the requirement that states nominate BRAC locations for designation, while ensuring these tracts do not count against the total number of QOZs currently allowed under law.\n\nThe full text of the Increasing Opportunity for Reindustrialization Act is available here.", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-urges-army-corps-of-engineers-to-expedite-permit-application-review-for-fort-myers-yacht-basin-redevelopment/", "Rep. Steube Urges Army Corps of Engineers to Expedite Permit Application Review for Fort Myers Yacht Basin Redevelopment", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Urges Army Corps of Engineers to Expedite Permit Application Review for Fort Myers Yacht Basin Redevelopment\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013Today, Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expeditiously review the permit application for the reconstruction of the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin. The application was submitted in May 2024 following catastrophic damage from Hurricane Ian (2022), but the critical public waterfront facility remains shuttered. The letter requests a status update and a meeting with representatives of the Department of the Army, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the City of Fort Myers, and Suntex Marinas to identify any remaining issues necessary to completion.\n\nThis letter follows a damage assessment tour with City of Fort Myers leadership and Congressman Steube on July 7, 2026, where Mayor Kevin Anderson explained the issues the community has faced in getting this project off the ground.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-hero-act-bilirakis-and-ruiz-help-schools-prevent-opioid-overdoses", "Bipartisan HERO Act by Bilirakis and Ruiz to Help Schools Prevent Opioid Overdoses Advances", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced the Helping Educators Respond to Overdoses (HERO) Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R FL) and Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D CA), sending the measure to the House floor for consideration. The HERO Act would help save lives by expanding access to opioid overdose reversal medications, such as Narcan, in schools while providing educators with critical training and equipping students and communities with educational resources to combat the opioid and fentanyl epidemic. The legislation comes as the nation continues to face an alarming rise in youth overdose deaths. Studies show that an average of 22 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 died each week in the United States in 2022 from drug overdoses, the equivalent of losing an entire high school classroom every week. That equates to a death rate of 5.2 per 100,000 adolescents. Expanding access to naloxone and providing schools with the tools to respond to overdose emergencies can help dramatically reduce these preventable deaths.\n\n\u201cThe HERO Act gives educators the tools they need to recognize an overdose, respond quickly, and save lives,\u201d said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this commonsense, bipartisan legislation alongside my friend and colleague, Dr. Ruiz. By equipping schools with the training and resources they need to respond in an emergency, we can empower communities, protect students and staff, and help prevent needless tragedies\u201d\n\n\u201cAs an emergency physician, I have cared for many patients overdosing on opioids and comforted family members of patients who were not able to receive lifesaving Narcan in time. The opioid crisis is worsening in our country and impacting children and teens,\u201dsaid Dr. Ruiz. \u201cOur children are at risk of drug overdoses, and our schools are not properly equipped to handle these situations. That is why I introduced and advocated for the Helping Educators Respond to Overdoses (HERO) Act, which will provide critical training for schools, Narcan, essential supplies, and educational resources to combat the opioid epidemic. We must continue to fight for families across the country who have been affected by this crisis and prevent the further loss of children\u2019s lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mills-supports-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act", "Congressman Mills Supports FY27 National Defense Authorization Act", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Cory Mills", "M001216", "mills.house.gov", "mills", "https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Peace through strength requires more than words, it requires action. The House passed the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act to ensure our military remains the most capable fighting force in the world.\n\nAmerica faces the most dangerous security environment in generations. From China\u2019s military expansion to the growing threats posed by Russia, Iran, and North Korea, we cannot afford complacency. That\u2019s why House Republicans passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that rebuilds America\u2019s military, supports our servicemembers, revitalizes our defense industrial base, and restores the principle of Peace Through Strength.\n\nAs a combat veteran, I know firsthand that our military\u2019s greatest advantage is the men and women who volunteer to serve. They deserve the resources, equipment, and support necessary to accomplish the mission and return home safely. The FY27 NDAA delivers on that commitment.\n\nSupporting Our Servicemembers\n\nThe bill provides a 5\u20137% pay raise for every servicemember while strengthening military housing, childcare, education, and quality-of-life programs for military families. It also invests $1.8 billion to improve barracks and family housing because those who defend our nation deserve safe, modern living conditions.\n\nRebuilding American Military Strength\n\nWeakness does not prevent war, it invites further aggression. The FY27 NDAA restores America\u2019s military readiness by rebuilding depleted weapons stockpiles, accelerating production of critical munitions, and investing in next-generation technologies including hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, and autonomous systems. It also strengthens our missile defense, modernizes our nuclear deterrent, and ensures our Armed Forces remain prepared to counter threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.\n\nRevitalizing America\u2019s Defense Industrial Base\n\nA nation that cannot build its own military cannot guarantee its own security.\n\nThis legislation expands American defense manufacturing, modernizes shipyards and maintenance depots, reduces unnecessary regulations, and encourages greater competition by opening opportunities for innovative companies and small businesses. These investments will create thousands of skilled American jobs while strengthening the industrial base that underpins our national defense.\n\nDelivering Accountability for Taxpayers\n\nThe FY27 NDAA also demands greater accountability from the Department of Defense by eliminating nearly $30 billion in wasteful programs, establishing new authorities to combat fraud, and requiring progress toward achieving a full and clean Pentagon audit within 24 months.\n\nEvery taxpayer dollar dedicated to national defense should strengthen our military, not unnecessary bureaucracy.\n\nKeeping America Safe\n\nThe FY27 NDAA advances more than 65 priorities that support President Trump\u2019s Peace Through Strength agenda and ensures our military remains the strongest, most capable force in the world.\n\nAmerica has always led because we were willing to out-build, out-innovate, and out-produce every adversary. House Republicans are rebuilding that foundation once again by investing in our servicemembers, restoring military readiness, strengthening American manufacturing, and ensuring our nation remains prepared to meet the challenges of the next generation.", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-joins-stop-eu-overreach-act-as-a-co-lead-to-protect-american-businesses-from-eu-regulatory-mandates/", "Rep. Steube Joins Stop EU Overreach Act as a Co-Lead to Protect American Businesses from EU Regulatory Mandates", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Rep. Steube Joins Stop EU Overreach Act as a Co-Lead to Protect American Businesses from EU Regulatory Mandates\n\nWASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today joined Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Texas) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) to introduce the Stop EU Overreach Act, legislation that directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to launch a Section 301 investigation into European Union (EU) sustainability mandates with extraterritorial reach that could impose more than $1 trillion in compliance costs on American businesses. The bill\u2019s current cosponsors include Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), and Buddy Carter (R-Ga.). The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council endorsed the legislation.\n\n\u201cAmerican companies should answer to American law, not to bureaucrats in Brussels,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThe EU is trying to export its regulatory agenda onto our farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses through the back door, and it\u2019s going to cost them billions of dollars they don\u2019t have to spend. I\u2019m leading this fight to put American businesses first.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EU\u2019s extreme, green energy mandates don\u2019t just threaten to impose over a trillion dollars in compliance costs on American businesses; they\u2019re also a clear challenge to America\u2019s sovereignty,\u201d said Rep. Goldman. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly appreciative of Congressman Steube\u2019s leadership on this issue and his support for the Stop EU Overreach Act. Together, we\u2019ll work to defend American businesses and workers from the EU\u2019s costly regulations.\u201d\n\nThe Stop EU Overreach Act would direct the USTR to determine whether the EU\u2019s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory trade practice burdening U.S. commerce. If the USTR makes an affirmative determination, the bill requires the USTR to consider appropriate Section 301 remedies and report its findings to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees.\n\nA Hudson Institute study found that the CS3D alone could impose between $637 billion and $1.093 trillion in initial compliance costs on U.S. businesses, with recurring annual costs of up to $43 billion when implicit costs are included, a burden comparable to what U.S. firms currently pay across all domestic environmental and financial regulation combined. House Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Judiciary Committee chairmen cited the study in a June 25, 2026, letter opposing the EU\u2019s regulatory crackdown on American companies.\n\nThe full text of the Stop EU Overreach Act is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-lee-and-foushee-introduce-bipartisan-stealth-bot-prohibition-act", "Bilirakis, Lee, and Foushee Introduce Bipartisan Stealth Bot Prohibition Act to Increase Transparency and Combat Deceptive AI Web Crawlers", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04) introduced the bipartisan Stealth Bot Prohibition Act, legislation to establish transparency standards for automated web crawlers and crack down on deceptive bots that conceal their identity while scraping online content.\n\nAs artificial intelligence continues to transform the digital landscape, automated bots now account for more than half of all global web traffic, with malicious bot activity increasing at an alarming rate. Many AI-powered web crawlers ignore existing industry standards, disguise themselves as human users, or conceal their identities altogether, making it increasingly difficult for website operators to determine who is accessing their systems and how their content is being used. These deceptive practices increase cybersecurity risks, impose significant infrastructure costs, and make it more difficult to distinguish legitimate automated activity from malicious actors.\n\nThe Stealth Bot Prohibition Act requires automated web crawlers to accurately identify themselves and disclose their purpose when accessing websites. It also prohibits deceptive \"stealth bots\" that intentionally misrepresent their identity or impersonate human users while collecting data for use in connection with generative AI services. The legislation authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce these requirements through civil penalties against violators.\n\n\u201cThe rise of artificial intelligence presents incredible opportunities, but innovation must never come at the expense of those who create original content. News organizations invest significant time and resources to produce accurate, reliable journalism that keeps our communities informed. It is simply wrong for AI bots to scrape that content, repurpose it, and profit from it without permission or compensation,\u201d said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \u201cAs a proud co-lead of the BOTS Act, I am committed to protecting intellectual property, supporting local journalism, and ensuring that emerging technologies are developed responsibly. This bipartisan legislation establishes commonsense guardrails that encourage innovation while safeguarding the rights of content creators and preserving access to trusted news sources for the American people.\"\n\nThe legislation has earned the support of leading news organizations and media companies that have experienced firsthand the growing challenges posed by deceptive AI-powered web crawlers.\n\n\"As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, we must ensure innovation is accompanied by transparency and accountability. Today, website operators are too often left in the dark about who is accessing their systems and whether automated tools are collecting their content under false pretenses,\u201d said Rep. Laurel Lee. \u201cThe Stealth Bot Prohibition Act establishes commonsense transparency standards that help businesses protect their networks, safeguard proprietary information, and better understand how AI systems interact with online content.\"\n\n\u201cStealth \u2018crawler\u2019 bots are being deployed in deceptive ways by data scrapers to access digital platforms and websites without consent, harming creative work by scraping large amounts of unauthorized web data and content. As these bots become more advanced, some bad actors are using them to intentionally misrepresent their nature and appear as human traffic, undermining the standards used to responsibly govern web use and protect consumers,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cCongress needs legislation that responds to these risks and protects creative and online content from misuse by requiring bot transparency and authorizing the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to intervene and pursue civil penalties against bad actors. I\u2019m proud to join Congresswoman Laurel Lee on this important bipartisan effort that puts hardworking Americans and creative work over exploitative automated bots and unauthorized use.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill gives needed protection to American companies like ours against bad actors. Malicious scraping by stealth bots hurts all content creators and, ultimately, consumers,\u201d said Conan Gallaty, CEO of Tampa Bay Times.", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 18768, "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"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"state\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "Republican", "p2": "FL"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": 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