{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8B7562DD-8121-46C9-908D-FCA0694BC793", "DeSantis Seeks Answers on Israel, Congressional Spying", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ron DeSantis", "D000621", "desantis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "St. Augustine, FL \u2013 Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, has signed onto a letter to Admiral Michael S. Rogers, Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), concerning recent allegations that the NSA intercepted and provided to the Executive Branch communications between member of Congress and the Israeli government. The letter can be read here. DeSantis issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cWhile the Obama Administration was negotiating a nuclear deal with the world\u2013s leading state sponsor of terrorism, they were simultaneously spying on and trying to undermine our closest ally in the region, Israel. That this spying may very well have swept up the communications of members of Congress, which represents an affront to the separation of powers. Congress needs to investigate how the Obama administration used this information and determine whether it shared information gleaned from this spying with Iran.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/fighting-for-florida?ContentRecord_id=368eafdd-9445-46c1-94e4-8378b8c157d6", "Looking Back on 2015, Excited about 2016", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we look ahead to what promises to be an exciting and eventful 2016, my wife, Jeanette, and I would like to pause for a moment to reflect and give thanks for the year we are leaving behind.\r\nAlthough Washington continues to be a dysfunctional place that is out of touch and lacks the presidential leadership to confront the big challenges facing our country, I'm proud of the work my office and I did to make a real difference.With a chance to finally serve in a Republican Senate majority, 2015 proved to be our most impactful year in serving the people of Florida in the U.S. Senate.\r\nWe learned that our successful effort to stop the taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies that lose money under ObamaCare ended upsaving taxpayers $2.5 billionover the past year. And when the health insurers came back this year to get bailed out,we stopped themonce again.\r\nA bill I introduced to sanction the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollahbecame law, providing the U.S. with an important tool to deprive these savages of money to rain rockets down on Israel and carry out terror attacks against U.S. assets, allies and interests throughout the Middle East.\r\nTo combat the growing global crisis of children who never receive birth certificates - and its long-term consequences - I introduced and helped enact into law theGirls Count Act, which directs U.S. foreign assistance to aid countries in setting up birth registries. This new law will help ensure that millions of kids, the majority of them young girls, are not subjected to exploitation, human trafficking and social exclusion because they lack birth certificates to prove their identity.\r\nI was able to play a leading role inre-authorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which literally does the Lord's work in defending people around the world whose right to freely practice their faith is under assault.\r\nAs part of my foreign policy work, it has also been a great honor serving as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Womens issues. The events unfolding every day in the Western Hemisphere have a significant impact on the state of Florida and our entire nation. As chairman, I convened hearings and conducted oversight on the Obama Administration's policies on important issues facing the region, including U.S.-Cuba relations, Venezuela and Haiti's elections, among others.\r\nI was also pleased that the budget passed by the Senate this past year included my provision in support of moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.\r\nAnd we've also continued our efforts to defend human rights around the world, championing the advocates of freedom in places like China through my work as co-chairman of the Congressional Executive Commission onChina. I've also continued advocating for those oppressed inCuba, Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, among other nations. And as part of our work in this area, we also began a regular social media campaign called#expressionNOToppressionto highlight political prisoners, dissidents and pro-democracy leaders whose freedom and very lives are threatened daily.\r\nCloser to home, after introducing legislation to de-authorize the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Project in Southeastern Florida - which has faced numerous problems and thus has been non-operational for too long - it became law as part of the end of year spending bill.\r\nAlso on the domestic policy front, I proposed a pro-growth, pro-family tax reform plan that is designed to keep theAmerican Dream within reach of our people by resolving the major problems in our dysfunctional tax code.\r\nThroughout the year, I voted to equip our intelligence community with the tools they need to defend the homeland,protect innocent unborn life, defund Planned Parenthood, repeal ObamaCare, end sanctuary cities and put an end to the Export-Import Bank, among other issues. Unfortunately, until President Obama is replaced with a conservative president, real and lasting success on these and many other issues will continue to be elusive.\r\nIn addition, we kept holding the Obama Administration's feet to the fire in implementing laws we helped lead toward passage in 2014, including Veterans Affairs (VA) accountability measures and sanctions against human rights violators in Venezuela.\r\nAnd last but not least, our biggest priority remained helping our constituents in navigating through the federal bureaucracy. This year, we produced the second volume of ourconstituent service report, which highlighted notable cases we've worked on that have helped improve the lives of Florida constituents in need of assistance. From January 2011 to December 2, 2015, our office received 31,024 requests for assistance, and over 29,429 of those requests were completed or closed.\r\nAs I enter my final year in the U.S. Senate, it remains the greatest honor of my life to serve the entire state of Florida. Even as I continue to seek the office of the presidency, I renew my commitment to you and your family in assisting with any federal issues you are confronting.\r\nHappy New Year!\r\nSincerely,\r\nMarco Rubio\r\nFor more ways to stay connected with our office, be sure to like ourFacebookpage, follow the officeTwitter account, follow the office onFlipboard, check out our mobile apps, and subscribe to ourYouTube channel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-calls-for-medical-care-and-immediate-release-of-vladimir", "Diaz-Balart Calls for Medical Care and Immediate Release of Vladimir Morera Bacallao", "2015-12-29", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement regarding incarcerated Cuban pro-democracy activist Vladimir Morera Bacallao. \"Vladimir Morera Bacallao is in intensive care after being transferred from his prison cell where he has been on hunger strike since October 9, 2015. Reports indicate that he is gravely ill. \"Morera Bacallao was released as part of the Obama-Castro deal announced on December 17, 2014. However, he was re-arrested in April 2015 for placing a sign outside his home during the Castro regime's sham 'elections' that said, 'I vote for my freedom and not in an election where I cannot choose my president.' Last month, the Castro regime gave Morera Bacallao a new four-year prison sentence for the 'crime' of expressing his political opinion. \"During the Obama administration, activists Orlando Zapata Tamayo and Wilman Villar Mendoza died under uncannily similar circumstances. Activists Laura Pollan and Oswaldo Paya also perished at the hands of Castros' thugs during this administration. \"Morera Bacallao has risked everything for the basic right to have a voice in his government. His unjustifiable imprisonment and mistreatment are further indictments of the brutal malevolence of the Castro regime, and the utter failure of Obama's appeasement of Cuba's dictators. I urge human rights organizations and the Obama administration to bring attention to the urgent case of Vladimir Morera Bacallao, and to demand that he receive immediate medical attention. We must not remain silent while another courageous activist hovers on the brink of death.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-fights-save-florida-panther", "Buchanan Fights to Save Florida Panther", "2015-12-28", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Endangered Animal Needs a \"Safe Habitat\" To Survive  WASHINGTON U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan, R-FL, noting yet another panther death in southwest Florida, today called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to designate a critical habitat for the endangered animal. Wildlife officials said last week a 1-year-old Florida panther was killed by a vehicle, raising to 30 the number of automobile-related deaths in 2015. The Florida panther remains one of the most endangered mammals on earth, with fewer than 180 big cats alive today. The breeding population of Florida panthers is found only in the southern tip of the state. Each year, the Florida panther population continues to shrink in size as more big cats are hit and killed by cars because they lack a safe habitat, Buchanan said. Although these panthers are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, they face extinction because they have no protected area to live and repopulate.  Earlier this month Buchanan and several other Florida congressmen sent a letter to President Obama requesting a safe habitat for the Florida panther. The letter highlighted the need for a safe environment that would preserve valuable environmental resources, such as wetlands, aquifer-recharge areas, drinking water supplies. We should not stand by and do nothing as yet another endangered species is wiped off the earth, Buchanan said. We dont get a second chance once a species becomes extinct. The panther was one of the original 14 mammals named to the endangered species list in 1967, but a critical habitat has never been established, even though one is required by the Endangered Species Act. Buchanan is a longtime advocate of the Endangered Species Act and has been recognized as a legislative leader by the U.S. Humane Society for his record on animal welfare issues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/letter-urging-closing-plo-dc-office", "Letter Urging Closing of PLO DC Office", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami Office  \n      4960 SW 72 Ave, Suite 208        Miami, FL 33155        Phone: (305) 668-2285        Fax: (305) 668-5970        Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00AM-1:00PM & 2:00PM-6:00PM", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-task-force-anti-semitism-issues-statement-cancellation-monument-hungarian", "Bipartisan Task Force on Anti-Semitism Issues Statement on Cancellation of Monument to Hungarian Nazi Collaborator", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Task Force on Anti-Semitism Issues Statement on Cancellation of Monument toHungarian Nazi Collaborator\n(Washington, DC)Today, the co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism released a statement after the announcement of the cancellation of construction of a statue in Szkesfehrvr, Hungary memorializing Blint Hman, a known anti-Semite and Nazi-collaborator. On December 4th, 2015, the co-Chairs sent a joint letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to intercede and cease construction of the Hman statue. The Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Kay Granger (TX-12), Steve Israel (NY-03), Peter Roskam (IL-06), and Ted Deutch (FL-21).\n\t\t\t\t\tWe have learned through Hungarys Embassy in Washington that the civil-society organization responsible for the Hman statue has canceled the project. We applaud this decision and hope it serves as a reminder that the history of the Holocaust must be neither revised nor forgotten and the memory of the millions of victims must never be disrespected. We are also pleased by the advocacy of the U.S. government, as well as many U.S. civil-society organizations, in conveying Americas principled and unambiguous stand against anti-Semitism and objecting to the plans for constructing the statue.\n\t\t\t\t\tBackground:     \n\t\t\t\t\tHungarys government provided the majority of funds for a local statue honoring Blint Hman, a wartime political leader whose actions led to the near destruction of Hungarys Jewish population during the Holocaust. On December 4, 2015, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism sent a letter to Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to publicly condemn Hmans role in the persecution and deportation of innocent Hungarians and to withdraw government funding for the construction of the statue.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe full text of the letter to Prime Minister Orbn can be foundhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398539", "Bipartisan Task Force on Anti-Semitism Issues Statement on Cancellation of Hungarian Monument to Nazi Collaborator", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism released a statement after the announcement of the cancelation of construction of a statue in Szkesfehrvr, Hungary memorializing Blint Hman, a known anti-Semite and Nazi-collaborator. On December 4th, 2015, the co-Chairs sent a joint letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to intercede and cease construction of the Hman statue. The Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Kay Granger (TX-12), Steve Israel (NY-03), Peter Roskam (IL-06), and Ted Deutch (FL-21).\nWe have learned through Hungarys Embassy in Washington that the civil-society organization responsible for the Hman statue has canceled the project. We applaud this decision and hope it serves as a reminder that the history of the Holocaust must be neither revised nor forgotten and the memory of the millions of victims must never be disrespected. We are also pleased by the advocacy of the U.S. government, as well as many U.S. civil-society organizations, in conveying Americas principled and unambiguous stand against anti-Semitism and objecting to the plans for constructing the statue.\nBackground: \nHungarys government provided the majority of funds for a local statue honoring Blint Hman, a wartime political leader whose actions led to the near destruction of Hungarys Jewish population during the Holocaust. On December 4, 2015, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism sent a letter to Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to publicly condemn Hmans role in the persecution and deportation of innocent Hungarians and to withdraw government funding for the construction of the statue.\nThe full text of the letter to Prime Minister Orbn can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=556", "Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz, Dingell Wager Hometown Foods on UF-Michigan Bowl Game", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Florida Gators and coach Jim McElwain gave Gator Nation a lot to be proud of this season, including an SEC East title, 10 regular season wins and an appearance in the SEC Championship Game! I'm confident the Gators will send the Wolverines home from Florida with their tails between their legs and I look forward to enjoying some delicious, if not necessarily clean cooked, Zingerman's Deli food, courtesy of Congresswoman Dingel.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement today in anticipation of the University of Florida and University of Michigan playing in the Citrus Bowlon January 1, 2016, in Orlando, Florida. They announced the wager on Twitter and Instagram: The Florida Gators and coach Jim McElwain gave Gator Nation a lot to be proud of this season, including an SEC East title, 10 regular season wins and an appearance in the SEC Championship Game! I'm confident the Gators will send the Wolverines home from Florida with their tails between their legs and I look forward to enjoying some delicious, if not necessarily clean cooked, Zingerman's Deli food, courtesy of Congresswoman Dingell, saidRep. Wasserman Schultz. The Gators may be playing close to home, but Michigan has Coach Jim Harbaugh and fans with energy who are ready to see a repeat of the last bowl game matchup in 2008, said Rep. Dingell. We're looking forward to celebrating another Michigan victory. Rep. Wasserman Schultz will be wagering key lime pies from Bob Roth's New River Groves in Davie, FL. Rep. Dingell will be wagering a selection of items from Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, MI. ###  Wasserman Schultz Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931  Dingell Contact: Hannah Smith, Hannah.Smith@mail.house.gov, 202.225.4071", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-leads-congressional-delegation-letter-urging-president-obama-to", "Yoho Leads Congressional Delegation Letter Urging President Obama to Hold Iran Accountable", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  In light of Irans repeated violation of the agreed upon Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) , Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) sent a letter to President Obama urging him to stop any further implementation of the Iran-Nuclear Agreement until the United Nations investigates Irans recent illegal missile launches. A group of 100 plus Members of Congress have joined Congressman Yoho in signing the letter. Rep. Yoho released the following statement:\nIf President Obama will not take the necessary steps to hold Iran accountable, I, along with the support of my colleagues in the House and on the Foreign Affairs Committee, will make sure he does.\nThe defiant actions by the Iranian regime, of test firing a new medium range ballistic missile, further support my feeling that the P5 +1 deal is a bad deal for America and the world. The Iranians test firing of ballistic missiles has nothing to do with establishing a peaceful nuclear program. On not one but two occasions, Iran blatantly violated a United Nations passed resolution which says Iran cannot work on any ballistic missiles for eight years. They have in effect thumbed their nose at the world.\nPresident Obama and John Kerry brokered this deal in June of 2015 without the consent of Congress. It was clearly stated in the agreement that if Iran broke any of the conditions, all sanctions would be re-enforced. Iran has shown they have no intention of following this agreement and therefore no further sanction relief should be considered. In fact, the snap back provision should be implemented if America wants to regain lost credibility.\nWe should have never lifted the sanctions on this regime that is hell bent on getting a nuclear weapon. President Obama must show leadership and stop the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action until Iran complies with the agreement they have signed with the world. The fact that our letter has garnered support from so many of my colleagues highlights the importance of this issue and shows just how bad this deal really is.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-bill-screens-social-media-foreigners", "Buchanan Bill Screens Social Media of Foreigners", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today introduced legislation requiring the government to screen the social media accounts of foreigners seeking entry into the United States. Buchanan, noting that ISIS reportedly has more than 40,000 Twitter accounts, said We have to use every tool at our disposal to protect Americans.\nThe Social Media Screening For Terrorists Act directs the secretary of Homeland Security to vet all public records, including Facebook and other forms of social media, before admitting foreign travelers and visa applicants into the country. Buchanans bill mirrors legislation introduced Tuesday by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ. Text of the bill can be viewed here.\nBuchanan earlier this week called for the White House to begin immediately vetting social media after reports surfaced that the terrorists behind the San Bernardino killings had pledged support to Islamic jihad on their Facebook accounts. The White House has since indicated an interest in doing so.\nWe need to do everything in our power to provide for a safe and secure homeland, Buchanan said. We are at war.\nBuchanan said he was optimistic that Congress would take up the issue when it returns in January for the 2016 session.\nThe war on terror is evolving as radical Islamic jihadists use the Internet and social media sites to communicate, fundraise, and recruit, the congressman said. Its time to fight fire with fire. My bill ensures that our government takes every conceivable action to keep terrorists out of the country.\nThe Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts.\nPolitical correctness is no longer an option, Buchanan said. We must unleash 21st Century resources to penetrate and destroy the online activity of ISIS.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398071", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on passage of year-end omnibus appropriations bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress today came together to pass an important omnibus appropriations bill that funds medical research, education and clean energy initiatives that will boost jobs across the Tampa Bay area and America. Democrats successfully beat back scores of harmful Republican policy riders on Planned Parenthood, Cuba, environmental protection and other topics.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congress today came together to pass an important omnibus appropriations bill that funds medical research, education and clean energy initiatives that will boost jobs across the Tampa Bay area and America. Democrats successfully beat back scores of harmful Republican policy riders on Planned Parenthood, Cuba, environmental protection and other topics.\nI am especially pleased that we have secured a $2 billion boost for the National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer's and cancer research that will lift research efforts at the University of South Florida and the Moffitt Cancer Center, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor's (D-Tampa Bay, FL) said. Patients, families and researchers have been pressing for greater investments over the past few years and it has been one of my top priorities. Decades of investment in NIH research and scientific grants across the country have established America as the world leader in treatments and cures, but that was at risk due to mindless tea party cuts over past years.\nI will keep fighting to shield investments in medical research from congressional budget battles, but the $2 billion increase for NIH over last year will restore Americas commitment to the health science research mission. This will create high-paying jobs in my community and across the country.\nSeveral increases in education are also part of todays omnibus bill, including $2.8 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants, which is $326 million more than last year, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. In addition, Head Start will receive $9.2 billion, which is $570 million more than last year. Early childhood education continues to be an invaluable community investment to ensure children succeed in school and later in life. I also applaud the $500-million boost to Title I grants and continued support for Pell Grants that my community has staunchly championed.\nHighlights of funding increases and investments that will impact Tampa Bay:\n \n    $94M for MacDill/Special Operations construction.\n    1.3% pay increase for military personnel, including airmen at MacDill AFB.\n    $117.1M for KC-46 procurement.\n    $8.2B for military construction, which is an increase of $1.6B compared to FY15 and could help the VA move forward with the bedtower, which will provide more private rooms for veterans.\n    $2.7B for disability claims process and a $173M increase compared to FY15. This will go towards eliminating the backlog of pending veterans claims. \n    $109.9M to handle appeals of VA claim rulings and an increase of $11M compared to FY15.\n    At least a dozen solar companies located in Tampa Bay will benefit from the Solar Investment Tax Credit extension (2017-2021). \n    $6B for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is an increase of $535M compared to FY15 and includes $1.7B to support flood and storm damage activities.\n    9/11 First Responders: Includes the reauthorization of the critically important James Zadroga 9/11Health and Compensation Act, making the World Trade Center Health Program permanent and reauthorizing the Victims Compensation Fund for five years. If Congress did not act, the benefits would have run out for the 70,000 9/11first responders and survivors.\n \nJust as importantly, U.S. Rep. Castor supported staving off reckless riders in todays omnibus bill that would have rolled back progress on restoring U.S./Cuba relations, blocked President Obamas Clean Power Plan and blocked U.S. Department of Justice defense of immigration executive actions, which are currently being challenged in the federal court system. \nMore of the GOP ideological riders that Democrats got removed from the omnibus appropriations bill. \n\"While todays omnibus bill includes significant wins for my neighbors in Tampa Bay, I am extremely disappointed that Republicans rammed through a holiday gift to Big Oil and failed to provide help for Puerto Rico as these neighbors face a dire economic crisis, U.S. Rep. Castor said. While I am disappointed in the actions by the Republican leaders in Congress concerning these two outrageous policies, but I am at least somewhat encouraged by the addition of clean energy provisions and to see that our efforts are forcing Speaker Ryan to acknowledge and address the serious situation in Puerto Rico.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398423", "Ross Votes for Omnibus to Fund Military and Counterterrorism Programs to Defeat ISIS", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2015  U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass the FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill: \r\nAs a Member of Congress, providing for our national defense and the safety of our citizens is my highest priority. Today, I voted in favor of the Omnibus funding measure that increases funding for our military and our homeland security because we are at war with radical Islamic extremists both at home and abroad. This legislation increases funding for our military to ensure our troops can swiftly confront todays challenges, aggressively combat and defeat ISIS, and carry out crucial counterterrorism programs. This bill also fully funds the pay for our brave men and women in uniform and increases funding for our honorable Veterans by nearly 10 percent.\r\n\r\nThis bill further strengthens our national security by tightening requirements under our Visa Waiver Program to combat potential threats to our homeland, as well as prohibits the transfer of terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. This bill also increases funding by $11 billion to secure our borders. \r\nAdditionally, this Omnibus funding package contains a number of important conservative priorities, including lifting the governments 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. This will create jobs here at home and shift energy dependence of emerging democracies away from bad actors like Russia and Iran. \r\nFurthermore, the citrus industry, which is vital to the economy and heritage of the State of Florida, will receive $7.5 million to address and combat the damaging effects of citrus greening. This bill also repeals the excessively burdensome Country of Origin Labeling requirements to prevent billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. and Florida goods and crops. \r\nThis year-long appropriations bill, while not perfect, provides for the defense of our nation and implements important conservative policies that enhance our national security and help grow our economy.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=442", "Frankel, Weber Provision to Protect Americans Abroad Passes Congress", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bipartisan provision authored by Reps. Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Randy Weber (TX-14) that would allow the best possible protection for our embassies passed Congress today as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill.\nCurrently, when choosing security firms to protect U.S. embassies, the State Department is required to hire the firm offering the lowest price, regardless of its past performance or quality of service. Reps. Frankel and Webers provision corrects this unreasonable limitation by allowing the State Department to choose the best firm to protect our diplomatic posts abroad.\nWe have a moral obligation and national security imperative to safeguard our diplomats serving this nation overseas, said Rep. Frankel. During these troubling times, its more important than ever that Americans representing us abroad are well-protected.\nProviding the necessary protections for the civilian men and women representing our country abroad is one of our more sacred duties, said Rep. Weber. The world in which we live today has changed dramatically. This provision allows the State Department to adapt to these changes.\nAt a time when the United States faces threats from around the world, the jobs of keeping our diplomats safe shouldnt just go to the lowest bidder, said Ranking Member Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Its a no-brainer that we should hire local guards based on the quality of the protection they provide, but current law requires that we default to the lowest price. This provision will make our diplomats serving around the world safer by eliminating this requirement. I thank Ms. Frankel and Mr. Weber for authoring this common-sense and much-needed measure.\nThis measure has the support of the American Foreign Service Association and is similar to one Rep. Frankel previously introduced, which passed the House of Representatives last Congress.\nThe provision passed the House of Representatives and the Senate today as part of the government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2016. The full measure now goes to President Obamas desk to be signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=443", "Frankel Votes to Invest in Americas Working Families and Enhance Americas Security", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), voted for the $1.1 trillion omnibus funding bill that will fund the government through Fiscal Year 2016, provide relief for middle-class families, and boost Americas security at home and abroad.\r\nThis bipartisan funding agreement invests in America, moves our economy forward, and keeps us safer. Frankel said. I was proud to join the majority of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting it.\r\nHighlights of the bill, which passed the House of Representatives 316-113, include:\r\nKey Democratic Priorities\r\n Protecting millions of womens right to access safe and legal abortion by preserving funding for Planned Parenthood and Title X family planning\r\n Investing an additional $2 billion for medical research at the National Institutes of Health\r\n Ensuring our 9/11 first responders retain the health benefits their valor has earned them \r\n Removing harmful ideological riders that would have hurt families and the environment\r\nInvestments in Floridas Families and Economy \r\n Nearly $900 million in additional funds for Americas early education initiatives, including Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant\r\n Allows employers to continue offering high-quality healthcare plans without incurring a penalty\r\n Ten percent increase in funding for programs to prevent violence against women \r\n $40 million for shore protection projects\r\n $4.2 million for South Florida port and Intracoastal Waterway operation and maintenance\r\n $7 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration\r\nProtections of Americans Abroad, Consumers, and the Environment\r\n Includes a provision I authored that will give the State Department tools to protect and save the lives of American diplomats representing us overseas\r\n Holds Wall Street banks that were responsible for the 2008 financial crisis accountable\r\n Safeguards funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\r\n Approves of the Administrations proposed fiduciary rule, which requires financial advisors to give advice that is in their clients best interest\r\n Ensures implementation of the Clean Power Plan to limit carbon emissions \r\n Preserves the ban on horse slaughter \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/omnibus-protects-our-national-security-funds-crucial-programs-to-keep", "Omnibus Protects Our National Security, Funds Crucial Programs to Keep Our Country Running", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the passage of the omnibus appropriations bill. \nToday, I joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle to prioritize crucial programs that keep our country running. With this bill, we are able to provide robust resources to protect and enhance our national security, provide housing assistance to our nation's most vulnerable, and permanently reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. I want to commend Speaker Ryan and Chairman Rogers for their leadership in negotiating and finalizing this legislation. I look forward to beginning the 2016 appropriations process in the new year.\nCongressman Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, was successful in including the following items in the appropriations omnibus:\n $130 million for ongoing Everglades restoration efforts\n\t$64.1 million for continued improvements to the Herbert Hoover Dike\n\t$7.5 million to combat the damaging effects of citrus greening disease\n\tAn increase in resources for SOUTHCOM to support intelligence and surveillance activities and counter-narcotics\n\tPermanent reauthorization of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund\n\tHousing assistance to our nation's most vulnerable\n\t\tFully fund Section 8 vouchers and public housing assistance\n\t\t\t$433 million for housing for the elderly\n\t\t\t$151 million for housing for persons with disabilities\n\t\t\t$60 million for housing for homeless veterans\n\t\t\n\tIncrease to rail safety programs\n\t$4.9 billion for TSA, including funding to improve passenger screening operations, equipment, training, and other protocols, as well as enhancements to intelligence and vetting programs\n\t$3.1 billion to keep our commitment to Israel\n\t$30 million towards spinal cord injury (SCI) research for competitive grant funding for institutions such as The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis\n\t$32.1 billion for the NIH, with specific increases to Alzheimers research, brain research, and antibiotic research\n\t1.3% pay raise for members of the armed forces\n\tProhibiting the IRS from targeting groups based on ideological beliefs\n\tProhibiting the IRS from targeting individuals based on their First Amendment Rights\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394275", "Rep. Posey's Statement on the Omnibus Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Bill Posey", "P000599", "posey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Posey's Statement on the Omnibus Bill\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                            Washington,\r\n                            December 18, 2015-\r\n                        Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) released the following statement regarding passage ofthe omnibus spending bill:With our national debt about to reach $19 trillion, it is past time for Washington to get serious about fixing our broken budget process, said Congressman Bill Posey. Despite the steady funding levels for our space program, the omnibus bill continues the irresponsible trend of rushing to pass another too big to read spending bill at the eleventh hour. This must change.\r\nFurthermore, our borders remain unsecured and the administration has no plan to take on ISIS. I find it troubling that taxpayer funding was approved for the controversial refugee program without any common sense safeguards to protect Americans from credible threats, even though such reforms received strong bipartisan support in the House. The bill also allows the President to make the first payment on the climate deal, an agreement which was crafted so Members of Congress will have no opportunity to review it, and it continues to allow tax dollars to flow to Planned Parenthood despite recent allegations of serious wrongdoing.\r\n\r\n                \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n    \r\n        Print version of this document", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-is-sen-nelsons-statement-on-passing-of-congressional-budget-deal", "Following is Sen. Nelson's statement on passing of Congressional budget deal", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While no deal is perfect, this year's budget bill does include a number of projects important to Florida. For example, it gives NASA's overall budget a much-needed boost, which is good news for Floridas space coast. And it fully funds NASA's commercial crew program that will enable us to once again launch American astronauts on American-made rockets in less than two years, instead of having to rely on the Russians for rides to the space station.\nThe bill also gives an extra $7.5 million to scientists and researchers seeking a cure for the deadly citrus-greening disease threatening to wipeout Florida's nearly $11 billion citrus industry, and $195 million to help restore the Everglades.\nAnd for the more than 1.7 million Floridians who rely on the state sales tax deduction to help make ends meet, theres a provision in the bill that will make that popular tax break permanent and help Florida families keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-opposes-bloated-11-trillion-spending-bill", "Yoho Opposes Bloated $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) released the following statement on the Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY2016:\nThere is no such thing as a perfect bill on Capitol Hill. If there is, it seems to be a rare occurrence. Unfortunately, this pieced together spending bill is a left over from the Boehner era and I could not in good conscience support it. Like past omnibus bills, this 2,002 page bill was introduced at the last minute and we were not allowed to fully make amendments to curb unnecessary spending.\nThere are portions of this bill that are worthy of support but the bad far outweighed the good. It does lift a 40-year-old ban on our ability to export U.S. crude oil, which will be a boost to our economy, help increase our domestic oil production, and create jobs. There were also provisions to get rid of regulatory red tape that directly affects our nations farmers, provides new resources to combat human trafficking, and strengthens our visa waiver program. These are just a few.\nHowever, this spending bill does not address, nor defunds, President Obamas illegal executive amnesty from last year, it does not stop taxpayer funding for abortions, it doesnt go far enough in protecting the country from refugees coming over from the middle east, and more importantly, it doesnt do more to tackle our out of control $18.5 trillion national debt  rapidly approaching $20 trillion.\nI understand Speaker Ryan tried to do the best he could with what Boehner left behind, but this was a missed opportunity. I was one of 95 republicans who wanted something better for the people I represent and for the country. We must stop this out of control President and his misguided policies, fix our broken immigration system, and make bringing down our national debt more of a priority. This legislative year is over and we will start anew in 2016. I will remain strong and look forward to invoking the changes needed to reach Americas potential.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-statement-year-end-legislative-package", "Bilirakis Statement on Year-End Legislative Package", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Thursday, the House advanced H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. This legislation makes permanent over 20 tax relief provisions and extends a number of other tax relief provisions that expired in 2014.\nThis legislation delivers certainty to taxpayers in my district and across the country, said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). This bill prevents tax increases which would have been harmful to our economy and will help strengthen the integrity of tax credit programs to prevent fraud and abuse. This bill is a win for taxpayers.\nToday, the House also advanced a funding bill that will strengthen national security, rein in EPA spending and overreach, protect the unborn, help our Veterans, provide relief to first responders, and prevent increased tax burdens on hardworking Americans.\nWhile this legislation is not perfect, it works to address some of the biggest concerns facing our nation right now, said Congressman Bilirakis. When it comes to our national security, there is no time to waste. This bill strengthens our efforts to protect our nation both here and abroad by tightening the Visa Waiver program and funding our men and women in the military. As I've said before, if we are not safe, nothing else matters.\nThis legislation will:\n \nstrengthen national security by tightening requirements under our visa waiver program\n\tincrease funds so that our troops have the resources they need to confront our enemies\n\taddress issues at the VA such as system backlogs and outdated record keeping processes\n\thelp our nation's first responders by reauthorizing the World Trade Center Health Fund to help those who fell ill while bravely working to save others during the horrible 9/11 attacks\n\tprevent a taxpayer bailout for insurance companies by Obamacare's risk corridors program and reduces Obamacare tax burdens on hardworking Americans\n\thelp patients and families who are struggling with disease and illness by providing additional funding for research efforts, including increased money for Alzheimer's research\n\tbuild on our values of family and life with new provisions to protect the unborn, while keeping existing protections\n\tallow for more research to address mental health issues, traumatic brain injuries, etc.\n \nWe owe it to these first responders, our Veterans, patients, and families to bring about these necessary reforms and help our nation thrive, Bilirakis added.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rooney-secures-75-million-for-citrus-in-funding-bill", "Rooney Secures $7.5 Million for Citrus in Funding Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Tom Rooney", "R000583", "rooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Tom Rooney has secured $7.5 million in funding to fight citrus greening disease in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Bill that was passed by the House of Representatives today.\nRooney has fought long and hard for the citrus industry since he was elected in 2008. Rooney, one of the only members of the Florida delegation to sit on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee, is the sole Florida member on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. In that capacity, he worked to include specific directives and funding supporting citrus disease research in the 2016 funding bill. This includes the $7.5 million that was incorporated into the final bill to sustain the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Groups (HLB-MAC) recent research gains in early detection, greening management strategies, and therapies to treat infected trees.\nChairman of the Appropriations Committee Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) applauded Rooney for his work on the issue. Congressman Rooney worked diligently to help ensure this funding was included in the final bill, Rogers said. He has been a strong voice in Congress, specifically on the Appropriations Committee, on behalf of Floridas citrus industry, and I am pleased we could address this critical issue in this spending bill.\nChairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) joined in commending Rooney for his work. I appreciate Congressman Rooneys tireless dedication to the citrus industry and being such a good advocate for Floridas citrus in Congress, Aderholt said. Ultimately finding a cure for citrus greening is critical for maintaining an abundant and affordable food supply for the entire nation, and securing this funding is an important step to finding a cure.\nI have always stressed how important it is for us to invest the necessary funds to finding a cure for citrus greening before the American citrus industry becomes a thing of the past, Rooney said. This $7.5 million is more than we could have hoped for. I am pleased that the negotiators recognized how essential this funding is and included it in the final bill. I am hopeful that this money will increase the likelihood of finding a cure for citrus greening.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1001", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Omnibus Legislation", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 23 years as a legislator I've never seen a perfect bill, but progress sometimes requires compromise. In an era of divided government, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Despite deep reservations about certain provisions of the Omnibus bill, I ultimately voted to support it because of funding for key Democratic priorities such as permanent health care treatment for 9/11 first responders and survivors and clean energy investments, while preserving the Affordable Care Act and maintaining support for Planned Parenthood.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the House voted on H.R. 2029, the Omnibus legislation to fund the Federal government through September 2016: In 23 years as a legislator I've never seen a perfect bill, but progress sometimes requires compromise. In an era of divided government, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Despite deep reservations about certain provisions of the Omnibus bill, I ultimately voted to support it because of funding for key Democratic priorities such as permanent health care treatment for 9/11 first responders and survivors and clean energy investments, while preserving the Affordable Care Act and maintaining support for Planned Parenthood. The Omnibus also funds several of my legislative priorities, including $2.5 million for the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act to help rape victims terminate the parental rights of their rapists, and $1 million for the HERO program which trains our veterans to combat online child sexual exploitation. Importantly, the bill also provides for a two-year moratorium on new breast cancer screening recommendations to allow time for proper research, which I fought for with my Republican colleague, Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, and includes language directing the Veterans Administration to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to create a pipeline for veteran medics to become physician assistants. Nevertheless, I have strong concerns over this bill's lack of support for Puerto Rico and it's lifting of our 40-year ban on exporting crude oil. For months, Puerto Rico has faced a deep fiscal crisis impacting millions of families while Congress has failed to act. There are some good provisions supporting Puerto Rico, including better Medicare reimbursement rates and allowing the Treasury Department to provide technical assistance, but this bill simply does not go far enough. We cannot treat Puerto Ricans like second-class citizens and refuse them the right to declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy like our states can. Taxpayers would not be responsible for this decision and Puerto Rico deserves the same financial choices as our states. Largely because of the crisis, Puerto Ricans are migrating to the mainland in unprecedented numbers. We always welcome our neighbors seeking a better way of life but as legislators we must also meaningfully address the crises driving this influx. We have a moral obligation to help Puerto Rico, and this bill fails to do so. I refuse to turn my back on the tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans in my district, and the thousands more coming to Florida every day. I am encouraged Speaker Ryan has promised to take up restructuring legislation by March 31st, and I am hopeful we will have the opportunity to vote on and pass such a bill shortly. Additionally, lifting the 40-year ban on exporting crude oil is a giant step backwards for promoting clean and sustainable energy sourcing, particularly for coastal states like Florida. Our shores are already feeling the devastating effects of climate change, and I cannot cast a vote that would potentially open our waters to more drilling and that would put more oil in the global market. In fact I joined many of my colleagues in voting only months ago to continue the ban. With spending levels for the next fiscal year already set, I am hopeful we can avoid these tiring, unnecessary political games, keep the government funded and running, and get on with the people's business. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=622235c4-39dc-4862-8252-393ee4d8ee9b", "Senate Unanimously Passes Electrify Africa Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Corker (R-TN), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Coons (D-DE), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised Senate passage of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015 (S.2152), legislation that will leverage private sector resources through loan guarantees to help 50 million Africans access electricity for the first-time and add 20,000 megawatts of electricity to the grid by 2020. Providing access to electricity will stimulate economic growth while also improving access to education and public health. The bill also was cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).U.S. foreign assistance works best when it is targeted toward the most pressing needs and can be leveraged to help recipientsfurtherdevelop their economies, said Rubio. The Electrify Africa Act will enhance our current assistance programs in Africa and help expand access to electricity, which is essential to support poverty reduction and promote economic development.With limited foreign aid resources, we need to focus on innovative ways to tackle big challenges that can be self-sustaining and have a transformative impact on millions of lives, said Corker. Leveraging private investment to bring reliable, affordable electricity to millions of people in Africa for the first time will be a real game changer in development throughout the region. By establishing an-all-of-the-above approach for expanding power generation in Africa through private capital, we can help reduce poverty and fuel economic growth.Access to electricity remains one of the fundamental development challenges in Africa, with direct impacts on public health, education, and economic growth, said Cardin. Thats why this bipartisan legislation passed today draws upon American leadership and ingenuity to provide first-time access to clean, affordable, sustainable energy, and consultation with local African communities. By working with African governments to attract private sector investment and partnering with American firms that are on the cutting edge of the power solutions Africa seeks, we can make great strides in addressing African energy poverty and promote inclusive economic growth for communities in Africa and at home.I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a strong, bipartisan way to help the people of sub-Saharan Africa gain greater access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to reduce poverty and drive economic growth,said Coons. I have seen some of these Power Africa projects firsthand, from solar farms in Rwanda to off-the-grid power solutions in Ethiopia. These projects are unlocking opportunities in medicine and education and removing a binding constraint to economic development and growth in Africa. Id like to thank my fellow members of the committee, especially Chairman Corker and Ranking Member Cardin, for their work on this bill.The legislation requires the president to create a comprehensive strategy for United States engagement with sub-Saharan Africa in developing a broad mix of power solutions to increase electricity access and reliability. It encourages the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), USAID, the U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, World Bank, and African Development Bank to prioritize loans, grants, and technical support that promote private investment in projects designed to increase electricity access and reliability.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9939a677-5db2-4dae-8925-ca220d0fefad", "Rubio Helps Lead Coast Guard Legislation One Step Closer To Law", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. Senate approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, a bipartisan effort led by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and chairman of its Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard; John Thune (R-SD), the committee chairman; Bill Nelson (D-FL), the committee ranking member; and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), the subcommittee ranking member.\r\nThis bill supports and strengthens the U.S. Coast Guard by providing it with the resources and assets needed to carry out its daily mission of safeguarding our shores and enforcing maritime safety. Rubio has been a key leader in fighting to sever the chain of illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, and improve the effectiveness of the Coast Guards interdiction efforts.\r\nThe House is expected to pass this bill when it returns to session in January 2016.\r\nThe Coast Guard is a vital branch of our military that protects the laws of the sea and the security of our nation, Rubio said. These reforms will enhance the Coast Guards ability to enforce vital maritime operations that counter illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people. I am pleased that today, the Senate showed the men and women of the Coast Guard this much deserved support, as they continuously put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of the waters surrounding Florida and of this great nation.\r\nThis bill also addresses a provision of law impacting small businesses who are mandated to operate with out-of-water survival craft, added Rubio. Boating safety is of paramount concern. However, a one-size-fits-all model is not only unrealistic, but it can unnecessarily place financial hardships on small businesses. Florida is a great example of where this provision would cause that financial hardship, as our waters are warm and often in protected areas.\r\nThe legislation includes the following components:\r\n \r\nMaritime Drug Law Enforcement  Sec. 314 criminalizes bulk cash smuggling of $100,000 or more of currency in international waters in a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, putting an end to illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling. Another component of this section extends the power of the Coast Guard to detain those who attempt to destroy evidence of a controlled substance.\r\n \r\n \r\nSurvival Craft  Sec. 301 amends the current law that places financial burdens on small businesses who operate passenger boats. In states like Florida, where the waters are warm and often in protected areas, the current measure requiring an out-of-water safety craft on vessels is burdensome on small businesses. However, the Secretary has the power to review cases in which risks could be posed to individuals with disabilities, or children, and revise regulations as needed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9edc2934-7b13-46b3-9f02-f4903e5255ee", "Rubio: Spending Bill Grows Debt, Furthers President Obamas Big Government Spending Priorities", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after todays approval of a $1.1 trillion spending bill:\r\nWashington's leadership has created another massive spending bill in secret and rammed it through Congress, hoping that the American people don't notice or have become numb to this kind of business as usual. This is what a broken Washington looks like under President Obama and what Congress reverts to without conservative presidential leadership. While stopping ObamaCare's taxpayer-funded bailout of insurance companies is an important win, I strongly oppose this bill because it keeps spending money that we don't have, grows our debt, and concedes far too many of President Obama's and liberal Democrats' big government spending priorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-introduce-bill-social-media-screening-visas", "Buchanan to Introduce Bill on Social Media Screening of Visas", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, said today he will introduce legislation adding social media to the screening process of all foreigners who request visas to enter the United States. Buchanans bill will mirror legislation introduced Tuesday by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ.\nThe legislation requires the secretary of Homeland Security to vet all public records, including Facebook and other forms of social media, before allowing foreign travelers into the United States.\nBuchanan on Tuesday called for the White House to begin immediately screening social media after reports surfaced that the terrorists behind the San Bernardino killings had pledged support to Islamic jihad on their Facebook accounts. Since Buchanans call, the White House has indicated an interest in doing so.\nAs terrorist threats continue to evolve, so too must our policies to safeguard our country, Buchanan said. We need every tool to protect Americans  and a key component is vetting all avenues of communication, Buchanan said. My bill will ensure that our government reviews all social media accounts before allowing foreign visa applicants into the United States.\nThe Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts.\nThis country cannot afford to turn another blind eye, Buchanan said. It is time we put the safety of Americans ahead of the privacy of foreigners and political correctness.\nLast week the congressman voted for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the SAFE Act, with Buchanans support, last month requiring the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398422", "Ross Votes to Prevent Tax Hikes on Americans and Job Creators", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON,\r\nD.C., Dec. 17, 2015  U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority\r\nWhip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 2029, the Protecting\r\nAmericans from Tax Hikes Act, which makes permanent more than 20 tax relief\r\nprovisions, extends a number of other tax relief provisions for multiple years,\r\nfosters research and development, and includes a number of additional tax\r\npolicy changes:\r\n\r\nI\r\nwas very happy to vote for the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act because\r\nthis bill will grow our economy and help American taxpayers keep more of their\r\nhard-earned dollars. By making a number of temporary tax provisions permanent,\r\nthis legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for\r\nindividuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry\r\neach December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief\r\npolicies.\r\n\r\nThe\r\nprovisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on\r\nmillions of Americans by allowing state sales tax deductions, providing small\r\nbusiness tax relief, and offering incentives for innovation. By delivering\r\npermanent tax relief to Americas job creators, this legislation will make it\r\neasier for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses,\r\nand invest in their communities.\r\n\r\nThis\r\nlegislation also includes a number of provisions designed to help prevent high\r\nrates of improper payments, fraud, and abuse in our tax credit programs. This bill\r\nfurther includes a series of reforms designed to rein in the power of the IRS\r\nand better protect taxpayers, including firing IRS employees who take\r\npolitically motivated actions against taxpayers, requiring IRS employees to\r\nrespect the taxpayer bill of rights, and prohibiting IRS employees from using\r\npersonal e-mail accounts for official business.\r\n\r\nAmericans\r\ndeserve a simpler, fairer and flatter tax code that is built for growth and\r\nstability, and this bill will help make that possible with many conservative\r\nprovisions.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hr-2029-stimulates-job-creation-stops-potus-tax-increases", "H.R. 2029 Stimulates Job Creation, Stops POTUS Tax Increases", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act.\n\"This afternoon, the House of Representatives voted in support of H.R. 2029, which would make numerous tax extenders permanent and protect Americans from further tax hikes. These extenders promote research and innovation, delay some of the damage from the President's disastrous healthcare law, and expand the Child Tax Credit. From small business owners and active duty military, to teachers and families, this bill is a victory for all taxpayers. I am glad to have supported this bill that stimulates job creation, stops a number of President Obama's tax increases, and takes concrete steps to rein in the out of control IRS.\"  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/one-year-later-the-results-of-obama-s-concessions-to-the-castros", "One Year Later: The Results of Obamas Concessions to the Castros", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in reaction to the anniversary of President Obamas failed appeasement and concession policy towards the Castro regime.\nOne year ago today, President Obama announced his plan to provide further concessions to the Castro regime in exchange for precious little in return. The regime swapped an innocent humanitarian aid worker that it unjustly imprisoned for five years, and promised to release 53 political prisoners. In exchange, President Obama granted diplomatic recognition to the Castro dictatorship, removed it from the state sponsors of terrorism list, released convicted spies including one serving a life sentence for conspiracy to murder, and eased sanctions on financial transactions and trade with a dictatorship that holds the worst human rights record in our hemisphere.\nAnd what have the U.S., and the Cuban people, gained from President Obama's policy? Just take a look at the facts. Political arrests totaled 1,447 in November, the highest monthly tally this year, and there have been 7,686 political arrests this year to date. More than half of the Obama-Castro so-called list of 53 political prisoners have been re-arrested in the past year. Desperate Cuban refugees are fleeing the regime in ever greater numbers. Meanwhile, the Castro regime is sending members of its military to prop up fellow dictator Assad in Syria and smuggling military weapons to rogue international actors.\nSadly, the President's decision to coddle brutal dictators rather than embrace the people they oppress has had dismal consequences. From Tehran to Damascus to Havana, a President once given the Nobel Peace Prize has done nothing but allow tyranny to entrench itself. His policies have not helped the oppressed around the world, but have been a boon to repressive regimes across the globe.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-lauds-resolve-congress-uphold-us-law-continue-prohibit-funding-unesco", "Ros-Lehtinen Lauds Resolve Of Congress to Uphold U.S. Law, Continue to Prohibit Funding of UNESCO With Taxpayer Money", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Lauds Resolve Of Congress to Uphold U.S. Law, Continue to Prohibit Funding of UNESCO With Taxpayer Money\nThe administration continues to seek ways to undermine or circumvent U.S. laws and this was an important stand this notion that we can force change from within has proven to be false and only leveraging our contributions is an effective reform method\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding the continued prohibition of funds for the United Nations or any of its specialized agencies that accords the Palestine Liberation Organization the same standing as member states in the FY16 Omnibus bill. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nIm proud that Congressional appropriators and leadership stood in defense of U.S. law and Congress prerogative of the purse and opted to rebuff the administrations late efforts to win waiver authority on the prohibition of U.S. contributions to UNESCO. The administration continues to seek ways to undermine or circumvent U.S. laws and this was an important stand.\nSecretary Kerry and Ambassador Power continue to argue that the United States needs to have a presence within UNESCO in order to defend our interests and work to promote reforms from within. Its the same argument the administration uses to defend our continued cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council. But in the six years since the Obama administration reversed previous U.S. policy and opted to join the UNHRC, that body is as dysfunctional as ever. This notion that we can force change from within has proven to be false and only leveraging our contributions is an effective reform method. We know this law serves as a deterrence at the UN because weve seen other agencies turn the Palestinians away when they cannot afford to lose U.S. contributions.\n\"We cannot cede leverage by allowing any waiver to this current law, or well run the risk of losing not only the deterrence factor, but our credibility as well. Id like to thank Senators Cruz, Kirk, and Rubio for joining me in this important effort. I have been fighting this issue ever since 2011 and will continue to fight any effort to undermine this law. Ill continue to push to leverage U.S. contributions at the UN to win much needed and fundamental reforms at that broken system.\nNOTE: In 2011, the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted to admit the non-existent State of Palestine to its membership, triggering a provision of P.L. 101-246 that prohibits U.S. contributions. Since the law was triggered, the Obama administration has been actively seeking waiver authority to ignore standing U.S. law and continue sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to UNESCO but has been unsuccessful due to Congressional action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-to-provide-certainty-to-american-taxpayers", "Yoho Votes to Provide Certainty to American Taxpayers", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. This bill makes permanent a number of temporary provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which are renewed every year on short-term or a retroactive basis. The bill also includes a number of reforms to the Internal Revenue Service, the treatment of tax-exempt organizations, processes in United States Tax Court, as well as makes changes to certain tariff policies.\nToday I voted to give certainty and stability to hard working American taxpayers and the nations job creators. The tax extensions we made permanent today are the same ones that come up for renewal each and every year. This process is not only a waste of time, but it also hinders our economy from reaching its full potential.\n\"Todays vote was also the beginning of the much needed change to of our bloated tax code. Simplifying the nations tax code must be a priority in the 2016. This sort of reform will unleash our economy and everyone will benefit. Making America stronger is my main motivation and todays vote is going to do just that.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=942", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 17, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Yesterday, I joined my Democratic and Republican colleagues in overwhelmingly supporting a bill that will further curtail financing channels for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. These murderous actors are responsible for killing Americans, our allies and innocent civilians. They continue to play a destabilizing role throughout the region, including ongoing rocket attacks against our most important ally in the region, Israel. As we well know, Hezbollah's main backers are the leaders of Iran, one of the worst state sponsors of terror in the world. We must continue to actively combat Iranian-backed terrorism, and I was proud to vote for this bill.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2297, the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act: Yesterday, I joined my Democratic and Republican colleagues in overwhelmingly supporting a bill that will further curtail financing channels for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. These murderous actors are responsible for killing Americans, our allies and innocent civilians. They continue to play a destabilizing role throughout the region, including ongoing rocket attacks against our most important ally in the region, Israel. As we well know, Hezbollah's main backers are the leaders of Iran, one of the worst state sponsors of terror in the world. We must continue to actively combat Iranian-backed terrorism, and I was proud to vote for this bill. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7754a32e-d596-4b9c-855f-728ae46dfab6", "Rubio, Kirk Lead Successful Effort To Stop U.S. Funding For Anti-Israel Unesco", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) issued the following statement after Senate and House negotiators rejected the Obama Administrations request to create a back-door mechanism in the 2016 omnibus spending bill to fund the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On December 11, 2015, Rubio and Kirk urged Senate and House Republican leadership to reject the administrations request.\r\nWe thank Republican leaders in Congress for working with us to uphold longstanding U.S. laws that forbid funding to UNESCO, the U.N. organization whose anti-Israel member states granted membership to the non-state actor of Palestine in 2011 and more recently tried to designate the Western Wall in Jerusalem as a Muslim holy site, Rubio and Kirk said.\r\nUNESCO lost U.S. funding after the U.N. bodys member states voted to grant membership to the non-state actor of Palestine in October 2011. U.S. laws passed in 1990 and 1994 require the U.S. to withhold funding to any U.N. organization that grants membership to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below.\r\nDecember 11, 2015\r\nDear Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan:\r\nWe write to oppose the inclusion of language in the fiscal year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill to restore U.S. funding for the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The proposed language would undermine over two decades of U.S. policy against funding U.N. organizations that admit the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or other non-state actors as members. The Department of State formally requested inclusion of the proposed language in a letter dated December 7, 2015.\r\nUnder U.S. laws passed in 1990 and 1994, the United States is required to withhold funding to any U.N. organization that grants membership to the Palestine Liberation Organization or any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood. After UNESCO admitted Palestine as a member in October 2011, the United States accordingly withheld funding from UNESCO.\r\nWe note on several occasions, most recently in the February 2015 jury decision for Sokolow v. PLO in a New York Federal District Court, U.S. courts have found the PLO to be liable for hundreds of millions in damages for supporting terrorist attacks that killed and injured Americans.\r\nThe proposed language also creates a deeply troubling precedent. U.N. organizations, which seek to follow UNESCOs example and grant membership to non-state actors, may be encouraged to do so believing that the United States would eventually create another exception for them and restore withheld U.S. funding.\r\nNeither the House Committee-passed nor Senate Committee-passed appropriations bills included this proposed language. We oppose inclusion of this language in the FY2016 omnibus appropriations bill.\r\nSincerely,\r\nU.S. Senator Mark Kirk\r\nU.S. Senator Marco Rubio\r\nCC: The Honorable Thad Cochran, The Honorable Hal Rogers", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b662c85d-4094-4be1-9567-3ccc259a4415", "Rubio: Arms Sales An Overdue Step Toward Strengthening Taiwan's Defenses", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding the Administrations announcement on the first arms sale to Taiwan in four years:\r\nThe U.S.-Taiwan relationship is based on our shared values and our common interest in peace and stability in Asia. That is why the congressional notification of an arms package for Taiwan is a welcome, albeit belated step forward in upholding America's moral and legal responsibility to help Taipei determine its own political future free from coercion.\r\nWhen the Taiwanese people head to the polls next month to exercise their right to peacefully choose a new government, there should be no doubt that America will continue to provide all necessary military and diplomatic support to help them preserve their vibrant democratic system that has achieved so much success.\r\nWhile this latest package is a welcome development, I am concerned that it has now been over four years - the longest period since the Taiwan Relations Act was passed in 1979 - since the last notification was made to Congress. In contrast with President Obama, who has shown excessive deference to Beijing, our next President needs to ensure that China is not allowed to hold the process hostage by threatening to link its cooperation on other matters to America's support for Taiwan. U.S. decisions about what arms to sell Taiwan should be based first and foremost on the island's legitimate defense needs.\r\nThis package helps to increase and replace or modernize Taiwans existing capabilities, but it falls short of truly enhancing Taiwan's defenses in a way that will give Beijing, which continues to threaten Taiwan with thousands of missiles, pause. Our next President needs to develop a comprehensive plan for helping to strengthen Taiwans Armed Forces, including expediting its acquisition of modern air and undersea warfare capabilities, enhancing its asymmetric capabilities, expanding high-level training, and allowing for more joint military planning between the Flag and General Officers of our two countries.\r\nTaiwan is one of America's oldest and most dependable security partners in Asia. We need to start investing again in that partnership as our two peoples together pursue a region that is peaceful, prosperous, and free.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ca48e9a9-6f69-4ca4-b962-9b939857330c", "Havana Playbook: Obamas Cuba Policy Year in Review, Presented by the Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tA not so good Thursday morning, especially for the 53 Cuban dissidents whose releases were announced a year ago as part of the Obama-Castro normalization deal, some of whom have been rearrested and arbitrarily detained again since, some several times.HEADLINE HISTORY: One year ago today, President Obama announced his intention to normalize diplomatic relations with the communist regime. Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past so as to reach for a better future - for the Cuban people, for the American people, for our entire hemisphere, and for the world, Obama said.WHEN YOU SHOW UP TO A HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE WITH SOMEONE WHO DOESNT HAVE ONE FOR YOU -- While that better future for the Cuban people has not materialized, Obama has announced a steady stream of concessions to the regime in the past year and now says he even wants to visit his non-ideologue friend Raul Castro in Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuba has made no progress on political reforms or human rights. Perhaps if Obama visits Cuba in 2016, he can bring a check back for the nearly $8 billion in uncompensated property claims and $4 billion (plus interest) in U.S. court judgments against the Castro regime? Or maybe hell bring back some of the more than 70 fugitives who continue to be harbored by Castro in Havana, some of whom the FBI has described as domestic terrorists, to face justice?PLAYBOOK EXCLUSIVE  STATEMENT BY U.S. SENATOR MARCO RUBIO: The first year of President Obamas Cuba policy has been like the rest of his foreign policy: a disaster that prioritizes legacy-shaping headlines over freedom and results, treats our enemies far better than our allies, and negotiates deals from a position of weakness  as if we are ashamed of our moral obligations as the worlds most powerful nation. Because of President Obama's Cuba policy, the U.S. has never been closer to the tyrants that rule the island or more alienated from the Cuban people working tirelessly to build a free and democratic future. Because of President Obamas weakness in negotiating with the Castro regime, cop killers, terrorists and other fugitives from U.S. justice continue to enjoy greater freedoms in Cuba than average Cubans who are experiencing a historically relentless wave of repression and political arrests this year.-- American businesses have placed a risky bet to enrich themselves and, in the process, enrich the Cuban military that actually controls the economy. The next U.S. president should end the many concessions this one has made to the regime, and send a clear message that betting against the Cuban peoples free and democratic future is a losing bet. With a year to go, President Obama can still inflict a lot of damage that further sets back the cause of a free and democratic Cuba, but those who care about freedom and the fate of the Cuban people will continue to fight him at every turn.WRONG PRIORITIES  From the Associated Press, 11/18/2015: Environmental cooperation has been one of the most visible areas of progress in the relationship as the United States and Cuba negotiate and discuss a number of issues. They include much thornier matters on which the two countries remain far apart http://apne.ws/1QyF3qnAs for one of those thornier matters Between December 17, 2014 and October of this year, politically motivated arrests increased by over 500%, jumping from 178 arrests in the former month to 1,093 in the latter. According to the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation (CCDHRN), an internationally-recognized human rights watchdog, the total number of political arrests during the first ten months of this year was 6,239. In just ten months, the number of political arrests surpassed the yearlong tallies recorded for 2010 (2,074 political arrests) and 2011 (4,123 political arrests). CCDHRN publishes monthly reports of every reported case of abuse or persecution in Cuba. Check it out: http://bit.ly/1TDOcNNPREDICTIONS FULFILLED  Rubio in The New York Times in July 2015: Yet Mr. Obama insists that building economic and diplomatic ties is likely to bring freedom and democracy to the island. However, our extensive experience with transitions from Communism has shown that economic opening and diplomatic engagement do not automatically lead to political freedom. http://nyti.ms/1NvorLQ --Rubio in The Wall Street Journal in December 2014: The entire policy shift is based on the illusion  in fact, on the lie  that more commerce and access to money and goods will translate to political freedom for the Cuban people. http://on.wsj.com/1Rnabe7BLOODY SUNDAY (x34) -- For 34 Sundays in a row, Cuban dissidents, including the Ladies in White, have tried to peacefully demonstrate after Catholic Mass under the slogan #TodosMarchamos (#WeAllMarch) Every Sunday, regime thugs violently beat and often arrest them. One Cuban dissident leader, Antonio Rodiles once had to be operated on overnight to repair his nose after receiving a beating at the hands of state security agents during one of those peaceful Sunday marches.-- Berta Soler, president of the Ladies in White in Cuba, testified before Rubios Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee during a February hearing regarding U.S. policy toward Cuba, where she and several other human rights activists described the repressive life on the island. http://bit.ly/1YiEBNWRED CARPET TREATMENT FOR REGIME PROPAGANDISTS: Cuban reporter asks Josh Earnest a question (or 6) by USA Todays Gregory Korte: That reporter was Cristina Escobar of Cubas national television network, who got the last question for White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. She immediately fit right in alongside her American counterparts, asking a four-part question on a wide range of Cuban issues  with a two-part follow-up At least a dozen Cuban journalists attended [the May 2015] briefing. http://usat.ly/1Y2z1o2PRISON CELL TREATMENT FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS: From Reporters Without Borders: Conditions for journalists in Cuba have worsened in recent months. They are still subjected to harassment, which typically takes the form of arbitrary arrest. Dozens of independent journalists covering the marches through the streets of Havana that the Ladies in White opposition movement stages every Sunday have been arrested, held for several hours and then released. http://bit.ly/1QAUVZG Despite Obama Administrations pledges one year ago, international human rights experts have yet to be granted access to Cuban prisons.REAL POLITICO PLAYBOOK - VIA MIKE ALLEN ON 8/15/2015 -- CNNs JAKE TAPPER showed up the broadcast networks yesterday  and did U.S. journalism proud -- with tough coverage from Cuba that included opposition views and ballsy questions. See a Storify, Tapper live tweets his trip to Havana. http://cnn.it/1KnttI8OUT AND ABOUT: The August 15, 2015 flag-raising ceremony at the newly re-opened U.S. Embassy in Havana was quite the affair SPOTTED: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, State Department officials, Castro regime thugs, American business interest leaders and anti-embargo lobbyists NOT SPOTTED: A single Cuban dissident, pro-democracy leader or activist. Apparently they were left off the invite list due to a lack of space and protocol. How then to explain the tens of empty seats during Kerrys speech?EMBARRASSMENT FROM WHITE HOUSE PODIUM (12/17/2014): Press Secretary Josh Earnest talking like this is a White House Spring Break trip  On President Obamas possible visit to Cuba: I assume like many Americans he has seen that Cuba is a place where they have a beautiful climate and a lot of fun things to do. So if theres an opportunity for the president to visit Im sure he wouldnt turn it down. http://bzfd.it/1C2DmJbINFELIZ (UNHAPPY) NAVIDAD?: Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel is getting ready for a Cuban Christmas, You had a private conversation with me and now you decide to make that public. I really dont appreciate that, for one, I really dont And yes, this year, if my wife doesnt kill me now because of what you just did, we will take our kids to Cuba to be exposed to that culture  Video here: http://politi.co/1RILCHNCYBERCRIMES AGAINST THE CUBAN PEOPLE: New York Times editorial11/30/2015: The only thing keeping the island in the digital Dark Ages is a lack of political will. The Cuban government has shut down the island's only official email service provider and it's not clear when it'll come back As is often the case in Cuba, the communist government hasn't given an official reason for the shutdown. Via Motherboard: http://bit.ly/1I1jpKmNOT THE ONION: US, Cuba talk cybercrime cooperation by The Hills Cory Bennet: Law enforcement is a key area in the bilateral relationship as the United States continues on the path toward normalized relations with Cuba, the State Department said in a statement. Law enforcement cooperation - except when it comes to the extradition of more than 70 fugitives from American justice walking freely on the island, including cop killers. Former Attorney General Holder didnt seem interested in pushing cooperation on behalf of their victims when pressed earlier this year.SHOT: Last year, These 5 Facts Explain the Economic Upsides of an Opened Cuba by TIMEs Ian Bremmer: The Caribbean country could be the next frontier of global businessCHASER: MOVE OVER SMALL BUSINESS, MAKE ROOM FOR THE OBAMA CRUISE: Earlier this month, Nearly 60 Cuba cuentapropistas (self-employed licensees) were arrested in the historic Old Havana district These cuentapropistas had their personal effects confiscated, along with their work equipment and money. To add insult to injury, upon arrest, their bail was set at 5,000 pesos. http://bit.ly/1RevY7G-- All of the areas surrounding the Port have been taken over by Raul Castros son-in-law so the military corporation can open retail stores to re-fill their coffers. http://bit.ly/1NKRD5kCASTROS LOSE PROXY VOTE IN VENEZUELA (12/6/15): Castro-worshipper Nicolas Maduros socialist party suffers electoral defeat in overwhelming rebuke of Venezuelas Cuba-style policies  Venezuelas opposition party wins parliament in a blow to Maduro by CNN: http://cnn.it/1TFSp3HTRANSITIONS?  Following her bureaus request for the State Department to manipulate Cubas ranking in its annual trafficking in persons report, Roberta Jacobson was nominated for U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, despite no follow through on her sworn congressional testimony that the U.S. would continue to prioritize human rights as part of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba http://1.usa.gov/1My87gl-- According to The Grey Lady, actually insisting nominees answer questions is beyond the palehttp://nyti.ms/1TOlyd1LAW? WHAT LAW? Top U.S. diplomat comes up short on conditions for lifting Cuba embargo by The Washington Examiners Susan Crabtree: Late in the [February 2015] hearing, Jacobson had trouble answering a basic question about the conditions current law requires Cuba to meet for the trade embargo to be lifted.-- Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., a Cuban-American who has long fought for human rights changes in Cuba, pressed Jacobson on the topic. She said Obama had requested that Congress lift the embargo and wanted to know which conditions under the Helms-Burton Act of 1996 the Cuban government had met to make that possible.-- Im sorry, I dont have that in front of me, Jacobson said.-- Clearly annoyed, Ros-Lehtinen quickly responded: I hope that when youre negotiating with the Castro government you know the current laws Please go and check that out, she added, because that is U.S. law, and we are hoping you will abide by that. http://washex.am/1Ri3bPQCOMING ATTRACTIONS  Cubans are streaming north in large numbers by the Washington Posts Nick Miroff: A year after President Obama and Cuban President Ral Castro announced with great fanfare their plans to normalize relations, an old source of tension has stubbornly returned, with a rush of Cubans trying to get to the United States.The number of unauthorized Cubans arriving in the United States nearly doubled in fiscal 2015, rising to 43,159 from 24,278 the previous year, according to U.S. border officials, and the surge appears to be accelerating. The vast majority are coming not in rickety boats or rafts but right through U.S. ports of entry at the border with Mexico. Combined with the more than 20,000 who are issued immigration visas annually under existing accords, it amounts to the largest influx of Cubans into the United States in decades. http://wapo.st/1SQRGfMFOR YOUR RADAR: Rubio on the Cuban Adjustment Act: It is outrageous that Americas generosity toward Cuban nationals is being taken advantage of by those who abuse the law. Furthermore, the Obama Administrations normalization policy has created a series of inconsistencies, which have led to widespread abuse of the benefits in a law meant to assist those fleeing repression. While its important to preserve the protections the Cuban Adjustment Act affords to Cubans fleeing persecution, we need to eliminate the loopholes being exploited by those who abuse U.S. law, travel back to Cuba frequently and take advantage of American taxpayers. The federal government also needs to follow through in securing a data agreement between the Social Security Administration and DHS to make sure no one is illegally collecting benefits outside the U.S.-- The Cuban Adjustment Act was designed to protect Cubans fleeing the repression of Castros dictatorship. The need to help those fleeing repression in Cuba has not changed given that, since the Obama Administration announced its counterproductive policy of normalization with Castros dictatorship, political arrests and repression have increased. But if you keep returning to the country you are supposedly fleeing, its hard to argue that you are a refugee and deserve the assistance that comes with it. The law should be reexamined to reflect this. http://bit.ly/1M7HXfDREMEMBERING --Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, Jr., Mario de la Pea, and Pablo MoralesThe Brothers to the Rescue pilots that were shot down in 1996 by the Cuban military after a Cuban Five spy infiltrated the group Reminder: Ringleader Gerardo Hernandezs double life sentence was commuted by Obama as part of normalization deal As the Brothers to the Rescue pilots families mourn the loss of their loved ones, Hernandezs frozen sperm was shipped to Panama for secret fertility treatments for Adriana [his wife], all facilitated by the Obama administration  at the urging of Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy  as part of its backdoor diplomacy with the Cuban government. http://yhoo.it/1NlhUmQ-- New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster Murdered during a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973 by Joanne Chesimard Chesimard escaped from prison in 1979 and eventually ended up in Cuba, where she was granted asylum by Fidel Castro and has been living under the name Assata Shakur. http://7ny.tv/1SQTyFs-- Frank Connor Husband and father of two killed in a 1975 lunchtime bombing orchestrated by Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional Puertorriquena (FALN) bomb maker, Morales who was implicated in a string of bombings in the United States in the late 1970s that resulted in the deaths of four Americans... Morales escaped U.S. custody after his initial imprisonment and has apparently been provided safe harbor by the government of Cuba since the 1980s. http://1.usa.gov/1lSH2KBTO COVER CUBA, YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE DISSIDENTS ON TWITTER: The Ladies in White: @DamasdBlanco  Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White: @bertasolerf -- Jorge Luis Garcia Perez \"Antunez,\"Afro-Cuban opposition leader: @antunezcuba -- Antonio Rodiles, head of the independent think tank, Estado de Says: @AGRodiles -- Guillermo Farinas, former prisoner of conscience and Sakharov Prize winner: @cocofarinas -- Lia Villares, youth leader and blogger: @liavillares -- Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, former prisoner of conscience and US Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient: @OscarBiscet -- Ivan Hernandez Carrillo, independent labor leader: @ivanlibre -- Damaris Moya Portieles, female Afro-Cuban democracy leader: @DamarisMoyaP -- Leticia Herreria, regional leader of The Ladies in White: @leticiarhcuba -- Felix Navarro, independent farmer, teacher and former prisoner of conscience: @felixncuba --Rosa Maria Pay, Cuban political dissident, human rights activist andjournalist: @RosaMariaPaya -- Cuban blogger @yoanisanchez-- Danilo Maldonado aka El Sexto, Cuban artist and dissident recently released from prison: @dmmelsextoBIRTHDAYS: Fidel Castro is...ageless (h/t Vladimir, Nicolas, Bashar, Kim Jong Un)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398538", "Hastings Introduces Avontes Law Act of 2015", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 4253, the Avontes Law Act of 2015 (Avontes Law), which authorizes the creation of a grant program to provide local law enforcement agencies with resources, education, and training to better respond to situations related to children with autism and other disabilities who wander. (Please find attached a copy of the legislation): \r\nAvontes Law was inspired by the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Avonte Oquendo of Queens, New York. Avonte was an autistic child who disappeared after wandering away from his school. Sadly, more than a month passed before his lifeless body was found.\r\nWandering is very common in children with autism and other disabilities, and sometimes children who wander are non-verbal or cannot communicate well with others. This can lead to dangerous interactions with strangers and evenlaw enforcement officers.\r\nAvontes Law authorizes $10 million in grants through the Department of Justice to provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to better prepare first responders, schools, and families for situations like Avontes, with the hope that we can prevent tragedies like this from happening again. \r\nFurthermore, this legislation requires the Attorney General to establish standards and best practices for the administration on voluntary tracking systems used by law enforcement agencies awarded funding through this program. Tracking devices are one of the many ways we can help prevent another tragic situation like Avontes, and by taking a holistic approach to this issue, we can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) live safe and happy lives all around the country.\r\nA March 2014 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1 in 68 American children are born with a form of ASD, representing a 30% increase from just two years ago.\r\nJoining Hastings as original co-sponsors of the resolution were (5): Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Patrick E. Murphy (D-FL), Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).  This bill is a companion to Senate Bill (S.163), introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer and co sponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).\r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-votes-infiltrate-terrorists-social-media", "Buchanan Votes to Infiltrate Terrorists Social Media", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, supported legislation requiring the administration to develop a social media strategy to disrupt the recruitment and communication by terrorist groups. The Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act passed by the U.S. House today now goes to the Senate for consideration.\nEarlier this week Buchanan called on the administration to begin immediately screening the social media of anyone who wants to enter the United States through a visa program. One of the San Bernardino terrorists pledged their support to Islamic jihad on Facebook two years before the attack, according to media reports.\nWe have heard repeatedly how terrorists abuse social media to recruit, fundraise and communicate with others to carry out their murderous attacks, Buchanan said. The White House should be doing this already without being instructed by Congress.\nThe Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts.\nIts time to stop the political correctness and put the safety of Americans ahead of the privacy of foreigners, Buchanan said.\nLast week the congressman voted for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the SAFE Act, with Buchanans support, last month requiring the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398066", "U.S. Rep. Castor marks one-year anniversary of historic announcement of new course for U.S./Cuba relations, announces House bipartisan Cuba Working Group", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On the eve of the one-year anniversary of President Obamas historic announcement to re-establish U.S./Cuba diplomatic relations, today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14-Tampa Bay) announced that she will help breathe life into a bipartisan task force to press for congressional action that will build on the progress. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      On the eve of the one-year anniversary of President Obamas historic announcement to re-establish U.S./Cuba diplomatic relations, today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14-Tampa Bay) announced that she will help breathe life into a bipartisan task force to press for congressional action that will build on the progress. \nOur bipartisan effort will encourage greater U.S. engagement with Cuba and begin work towards lifting the embargo, U.S. Rep. Castor said. The Tampa Bay area has been a leader in promoting a pro-engagement policy. I intend to continue to help lead the nation in modernizing our diplomatic policies to create jobs, improve human rights and foster better economic opportunities on the island and in America.\nThe bi-partisan Cuba Working Group steering committee members are: Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rosa Delauro (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Reid Ribble (R-WI). A letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was sent by these 10 members announcing the groups formation. The Cuba Working Group has not been formally active over the past number of years.\nOne year ago, the President followed through on so much of what my community had advocated for years: Turning the page on the Cold War policies of the past. However, congressional action is required to remove the further restrictions on commerce and travel that continue to be barriers to progress, said U.S. Rep. Castor, who along with U.S. Rep. Emmer earlier this year filed the Cuba Trade Act of 2015, which would lift the Cuban embargo and allow for businesses in the private sector to trade freely with Cuba, while prohibiting taxpayer funds to be used on promotion or development of these new markets. \nThe establishment of a bipartisan Cuba Working Group in this Congress is a game-changer, said Marc Hanson, senior associate at the Washington, D.C. Office on Latin America. The House Cuba Working Group will be instrumental in translating the overwhelming public support for ending the embargo on Cuba into legislative initiatives that can pass in Congress.\nIn Tampa Bay, business leaders reiterated that the region is poised to be the gateway to Cuba: We commend U.S. Rep. Castor for leading the efforts of re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, said Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has been engaged in exploring opportunities in Cuba for years and U.S. Rep. Castor has worked alongside us each step of the way  including co-hosting a forum on Cuba with the Chamber and Tampa International Airport. As we recognize the one-year mark, we know there is more to do and we will continue our efforts on behalf of the business community in support of pursuing increased opportunities with Cuba. \nFor years, the Tampa Bay community has pushed for engagement with Cuba by improving diplomatic relations and promoting economic reforms. U.S. Rep. Castor wrote to then President-Elect Obama about travel to Cuba, calling for him to lift the restrictions that limit family travel to the island nation. She also advocated for increasing travel through broadening general licenses and successfully pushed the Administration to designate Tampa International Airport as an entry/exit point for charter flights to the island nation. Multiple weekly charter flights now connect directly to Havana, Cuba, and have been a boost to Tampa Bays economy. In 2013, upon her return from Cuba, U.S. Rep. Castor sent a letter to President Obama and Secretary Kerry outlining the changes, challenges, and opportunities she saw for modernizing relations with the island. In 2014, U.S. Rep. Castor brought Cuban Ambassador Jose Cabaas to Tampa to discuss greater engagement and economic reforms. In March, U.S. Rep. Castor hosted a well-attended Tampa/Cuba forum with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to educate the regions families and businesses on the evolving landscape. In July, she attended the opening of the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C. and plans to soon visit Cuba again. \nOn Dec. 17, 2014, President Obama announced that the United States and Cuba would begin normalizing relations. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=439", "Frankel Leads Florida Democrats in Urging State Legislature to Keep Guns off College Campuses", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Floridas Congressional Democrats sent a letter to the Florida State Legislature urging it to block a measure that would allow individuals with concealed carry permits to bring guns onto Floridas college campuses.\nFloridas colleges should be safe for our students, not remakes of the Wild West, Frankel said. The State Legislature should take seriously the concerns of university administrators, police, parents, and students and stop these reckless bills.\nWe agree that campus violence is a serious problem. Sadly, there have been at least 23 shootings on college campuses just in 2015, the letter states. Increasing the number of guns on college campuses is simply not the answer.\nThe bills are H.B. 4001 and S.B. 68, Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons or Firearms. The Florida Democratic delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives joins the State University System of Florida, campus police chiefs, several Florida sheriffs, student groups, faculty, and parents in opposing this legislation.\nThe letter, addressed to Hon. Andy Gardiner, President of the Florida Senate, and Hon. Steve Crisafulli, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, is also signed by Representatives Corinne Brown, Alcee L. Hastings, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor, Theodore E. Deutch, Frederica S. Wilson, Patrick E. Murphy, Alan Grayson, and Gwen Graham.\nThe full text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/egypt-should-be-treated-friend-and-ally-we-look-strengthen-our-important-security", "Egypt Should Be Treated As a Friend and Ally as We Look to Strengthen Our Important Security Partnership and Improve Human Rights, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Egypt Should Be Treated As a Friend and Ally as We Look to Strengthen Our Important Security Partnership and Improve Human Rights, Says Ros-Lehtinen\nThe Egyptian people should know that they do have a friend in the United States. A friend who is ready to be a better partner, a stronger ally, and one who is ready to assist when asked in order to achieve the stable, prosperous, open, and inclusive nation that Egyptians all deserve\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement at a subcommittee hearing entitled, Egypt Two Years After Morsi (Part II). Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nI would first like to express my deepest condolences to my dear friend and the Ranking Member of our Subcommittee, Ted Deutch. Teds mother, Jean, passed away last week and I know that the hearts of every member of this committee go out to Ted and his family during this time.\n*  *  *  * *\nThis is the second part of a hearing that we began in May, looking at Egypts transition since Mohamed Morsi was removed from power. In the hearing earlier this year, we heard some differences of opinion about the best way to move forward with our policy on Egypt, including exactly how much leverage the United States has or should attempt to wield over Egypts domestic affairs.\nEgypt is an important ally and security partner for the United States. Egypts strategic location, its assurance of safe passage through the Suez Canal, its peace treaty with Israel, and its demographics and cultural influence all mean that Egypt will continue to play a positive crucial role in the Middle East in the years ahead. Egypt is in a struggle with terrorism and Islamic jihadist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda  a struggle that will not be over, sadly, anytime soon. It is essential that we maintain alliances like the one that we have with Egypt, not only as a partner in providing logistical support in the region, but also as a participant in our shared fight against a twisted, radical Islamic ideology. Egypts strong relationship with Israel, particularly with regard to their anti-terrorism cooperation in the Sinai, is also a strategic benefit to us in the United States  especially in a region that so often appears bent on Israels destruction.\nYes, we have significant human rights concerns with Egypt, including inexcusable restrictions on freedom of the press, assembly, association, and expression. Yes, reports of deplorable prison conditions, torture, and inhumane treatment and discrimination of women and minorities should not and must not be swept under the rug. These issues must be addressed and I continue to call on Egypt to improve its human rights practices and to allow more political space for Egyptian civil society.\nThe Egyptians are increasingly looking elsewhere for friends and allies outside of the United States, and it doesnt help when the Obama administration keeps sending mixed messages. We can work with Egypt to improve our security relationship; to push for the human rights changes we want to see; and to help it toward a long-term stability, economic growth, and progress on the democracy front that President Sisi himself has advocated. Because make no mistake, long-term stability will only come with the kind of prosperity, respect for human rights, and self-determination that allows all Egyptians to feel they have a say in the future of their beloved country.\nEgypt just finished the last runoff in its long-delayed parliamentary elections and while initial observation reports do not indicate significant progress, I am hopeful that the new legislature will be able to make greater strides in the months ahead. As we all know, democracy is more than just elections and both the Sisi government and the new legislature should use this time to set the stage for a full democratic transition in the future.\nOne sign of goodwill that President Sisi could make immediately is pardoning the 43 pro-democracy NGO workers who were wrongly convicted in 2013 under Morsi. Correcting Morsis mistakes this way would go a long way in demonstrating President Sisis commitment to a democratic future, and in repairing the damage that both Morsi and the Obama Administration did to the U.S.-Egypt relationship. Despite the Obama Administrations missteps, the Egyptian people should know that they do have a friend in the United States. A friend who is ready to be a better partner, a stronger ally, and one who is ready to assist when asked in order to achieve the stable, prosperous, open, and inclusive nation that Egyptians all deserve.\nLastly, I would like to once again thank my good friend from Virginia, our Ranking Member  acting today in this capacity. I know that Mr. Connolly has followed these issues for years ever since he was a Senate staffer on the Foreign Relations Committee. In June of 2013, Mr. Connolly and I, as a matter of fact, asked GAO for a study  a report on U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt  and in a couple of days, we will receive the third installment of our report. And I know we are looking forward to that.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/one-year-later-obama%E2%80%99s-cuba-policy-has-proven-be-sham-and-cubans-are-no-closer-freedom", "One Year Later, Obamas Cuba Policy Has Proven To Be A Sham and Cubans Are No Closer To Freedom and Democracy, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One Year Later, Obamas Cuba Policy Has Proven To Be A Sham and Cubans Are No Closer To Freedom and Democracy, Says Ros-Lehtinen\nSimply put, the Obama administrations Cuba policy has only enriched the Castro regime and its enablers. One year later, we are further away from democracy in Cuba and drifting ever closer to accepting oppressors as legitimate leaders.\nMiami, Florida  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement on the one year anniversary of President Obamas change to many facets of U.S. policy toward the Castro regime.Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nOne year after President Obamas unilateral concessions to communist Cuba, we have seen an increase in detentions on the island and more Cubans are seeking to flee Castros dictatorial rule. So, are the Cuban people any closer to a real democracy? Brave pro-democracy leaders like Las Damas de Blancos Berta Soler, El Sexto, Antonio Rodiles, Jorge Luis Garcia Perez Antunez, and others are still routinely harassed, beaten, and arrested, for denouncing the regimes human rights abuses. The White Houses open hand has been met with a proverbial iron fist. Simply put, the Obama administrations Cuba policy has only enriched the Castro regime and its enablers.\nNotwithstanding Obamas disastrous Cuba policy, a side deal was agreed to in secret and led President Obama to pardon three convicted Cuban spies who undermined our national security and one whose actions led to the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, where three American citizens and one U.S. resident were murdered by Castro regime fighter jets. One year after these concessions, the Obama administration only has a few small-ball agreements that don't threaten the dictator's grip on power and won't change the sad status quo on the island. No progress has been made on human rights, confiscated American properties, or the return of U.S. fugitives because the Castro dictatorship will not change and only feels emboldened by Obamas misguided policies.\nPresident Obama is attempting to paint progress in Cuba with a broad brush, so much so that seemingly any new round of talks that produce no change on the tyranny's part is hailed as a success. However, the reality is that there is no cause and effect relationship between Obamas Cuba policies and any improvement in the quality of life for the Cuban people.\nThe White Houses policy is one of accommodation to dictators like the Castros and Irans Rouhani and of ignoring pro-democracy leaders who are attempting to promote fundamental American values in their own countries. My colleagues and I will continue to work arduously to ensure that the embargo is maintained and that we shine a light on the dark corners of regime repression. One year later, we are further away from democracy in Cuba and drifting ever closer to accepting oppressors as legitimate leaders.\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-supports-house-passage-combat-terrorist-use-social-media-act", "Ros-Lehtinen Supports House Passage of the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Supports House Passage of the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act\nThese jihadists have become more and more tech savvythey are more adept at manipulating the tools of social media and yet we, in the United States, lack any comprehensive strategy to counter their perverted ideology via social media\n(Washington, DC)  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) made the following statement after House passage of the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act. This act would compel the president to report to Congress how members of radical ideologies are using social media platforms and what federal efforts are being undertaken to counter this. Additionally, it requires that the president develop a strategy to combat jihadist efforts. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nI rise in strong support of Judge Poes bill  the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act  and I urge all of my colleagues to support this measure.\nExtremist groups like ISIS are well known for their extensive use of social media, spreading their hateful ideology, inciting violence, and attempting to recruit susceptible individuals to their hateful and twisted cause.\nWhen we hear reports and statistics that we have heard today, like ISIS having over 40,000 Twitter accounts, or that there is an estimated 200,000 pro-ISIS social media posts per day, clearly more needs to be done.\nThese jihadists have become more and more tech savvy.\nThey are more adept at manipulating the tools of social media and yet we, in the United States, lack any comprehensive strategy to counter their perverted ideology via social media.\nAs Judge Poe has very ably argued, the Administration could be stopping pro-extremist social media in much the same way it stops online child pornography  ISIS and other Foreign Terrorist Organizations do not have free speech rights under American law.\nNow we were all shocked, as you heard today, that our very own Homeland Security Department maintained a policy that prevented the screening of visa applicants social media because we worried about bad public relations; we worried about intrusions into their privacy.\nEven though social media posts, by their very definition, posts are exactly that: reaching out to the public through social manners, meaning through public ways.\nEvery pro-ISIS post, or any post by any other foreign terrorist organization that uses Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter  every one that we are able to take down before action is able to be taken is one less chance for these extremists to recruit and spread their vicious propaganda, and the administration needs to start getting serious about stopping it.\nThis bill will require the administration to provide Congress, and therefore, the American public, with a strategy to fight Islamic extremists use of social media, as well as require that the administration gives us a policy that enhances the collaboration between the federal government and social media companies so that we can counter this troubling and dangerous threat.\nI applaud Judge Poe for introducing this bill.\nI thank our esteemed Chairman and Ranking Member for bringing it to the floor in such a speedy manner.\nI offer my full support, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/un-a%C3%B1o-despu%C3%A9s-las-pol%C3%ADticas-de-obama-han-demostrado-ser-una-farsa-y-los-cubanos-no", "Un Ao Despus, Las Polticas de Obama Han Demostrado Ser Una Farsa y los Cubanos No Estn Ms Cerca de Alcanzar La Libertad, Dice Ros-Lehtinen", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Un Ao Despus, Las Polticas de Obama Han Demostrado Ser Una Farsa y los Cubanos No Estn Ms Cerca de Alcanzar La Libertad, Dice Ros-Lehtinen\nSimplemente dicho, las polticas de la Administracin Obama slo han enriquecido al rgimen de Castro y sus seguidores. Un ao despus, estamos ms lejos de la democracia en Cuba y ms cerca de aceptar a los opresores como lderes legtimos.\nMiami, Florida  La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin tras el primer aniversario de los cambios del Presidente Obama a mltiples facetas de las polticas de los Estados Unidos haca el rgimen de los Castro: Destac Ros-Lehtinen:\nUn ao despus de las concesiones unilaterales del Presidente Obama a la Cuba comunista, hemos visto un incremento en las detenciones en la isla y ms cubanos luchan por escapar la dictadura de los Castro. Est el pueblo cubano ms cerca de la democracia? Valientes lideres pro-democrticos como Berta Soler de las Damas de Blanco, El Sexto, Antonio Rodiles, Jorge Lus Garca Prez Antnez y otros siguen siendo acosados, golpeados y arrestados rutinariamente por denunciar los abusos a los derechos humanos perpetrados por el rgimen. La mano abierta de la Casa Blanca ha sido recibida por un puo de hierro. Simplemente dicho, las polticas de la Administracin Obama slo han enriquecido al rgimen de Castro y sus seguidores.\nA pesar de la desastrosa poltica de Obama haca Cuba, un convenio paralelo fue acordado en secreto llevando al Presidente Obama a amnistiar a tres espas cubanos que socavaron nuestra seguridad nacional y cuyas acciones causaron el derribo de los Hermanos al Rescate, donde tres ciudadanos americanos y un residente permanente de los Estados Unidos fueron asesinados por los aviones de guerra del rgimen de Castro. Un ao despus de estas concesiones, la Administracin Obama slo ha hecho pequeos acuerdos que no amenazan el control del poder de la dictadura, ni cambian el estatus quo en la isla. No se ha hecho progreso en los derechos humanos, las propiedades confiscadas, o el regreso de los fugitivos de la justicia de E.U. debido a que la dictadura de los Castro se niega a cambiar y slo se siente envalentonada por las polticas insensatas de Obama.\nEl Presidente Obama intenta ilustrar el progreso en Cuba de una pincelada, de tal manera que cualquier nueva ronda de conversaciones que no produzca cambio por parte de la tirana sea vista como un xito. Desafortunadamente, la realidad es que no hay causa y efecto en la relacin entre las polticas de Obama y cualquier mejora en la calidad de vida del pueblo cubano.\nLa poltica de la Casa Blanca es de satisfacer a dictadores como los Castro y Rouhani de Irn, ignorando a los lderes pro-democrticos que intentan promover valores democrticos en sus propios pases. Mis colegas y yo continuamos trabajando arduamente para asegurar que el embargo sea mantenido y buscaremos esperanza para lugares oscuros bajo la represin del rgimen. Un ao despus, estamos ms lejos de la democracia en Cuba y ms cerca a aceptar a los opresores como lderes legtimos.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressional-budget-deal-includes-75-million-to-combat-citrus-greening", "Congressional budget deal includes $7.5 million to combat citrus greening", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The budget deal congressional leaders reached last night includes $7.5 million for research into a cure for the deadly citrus greening disease threatening Floridas nearly $11 billion citrus industry.\nThe money, which U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) pushed to have included in the $1.1 trillion budget unveiled last night, will go to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Group and Citrus Health Response Program to find both short and long-term solutions to keep the states citrus trees in production while a cure is being sought.\nWe have to do everything we can to keep this industry alive while we search for a cure, Nelson said.\nCitrus greening has been blamed for killing crops across the country including more than 130,000 acres in Florida since 2005. Just this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered their forecast for the seasons total orange crop to just 69 million boxes, which would be the smallest harvest in half a century.\nLast week, the Florida lawmaker wrote to the Environmental Protection Agency to push for an emergency exemption for growers to use two additional bactericides to combat citrus greening. And earlier this month, he introduced a bill to make it easier for growers to immediately deduct the cost of replanting trees lost to citrus greening.\nNelson sent a letter to Senate appropriators last month urging that the funds be included in the just-released budget deal. A copy of that letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nasa-gets-boost-in-congressional-budget-deal", "NASA gets boost in Congressional budget deal", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The nations space agency is set to get a significant boost in funding next year thanks to the massive spending bill congressional leaders unveiled last night, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). \nNelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees NASA, is a long-time proponent of the nations space program and one of the leading architects of NASAs plan to build a new monster rocket and crew capsule for deep space exploration.The $1.1 trillion budget includes roughly $4 billion for space exploration which Nelson says is enough to keep the new space launch system on track for its first crewed mission set to launch as early as 2021.\n\"We are going back into space with Americans on American rockets, and we are going to Mars, Nelson said on the Senate floor Wednesday.\nOverall, the space agency would get $19.3 billion, a significantly higher amount than the roughly $18 billion NASA received last year. Included in this years total is $3.27 billion for the agency to continue work on its new space launch system and Orion crew capsule, nearly $400 million more than these programs received last year.\nThe bill also includes $1.24 billion for the continued development of NASAs commercial crew program which will enable the agency to once again launch American astronauts on American-made rockets, instead of relying on the Russians for rides to the space station.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=d5bbd15c-d985-4763-b8ac-331f3bfba841", "Spending bill includes Rubio ban on ObamaCare 'bailout'", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tThe government funding bill unveiled late Tuesday night includes a provision touted by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) that would prevent what Republicans call a bailout of health insurers under ObamaCare.The provision restricts an ObamaCare program, known as risk corridors, that is meant to shield insurers from heavy losses in the early years of the law. The program takes money from insurers doing well and gives it to insurers faring poorly.However, the program has taken in only enough money to pay out a fraction of the amount requested. The Republican-backed provision would prevent the administration from shifting other funds into the program to make up the difference.Why should American taxpayers be bailing out insurance companies, many of whom cooperated with, conspired with alongside the Obama administration to get Obamacare passed? Rubio said in an interview with Breitbart last month.The provision was included in last years spending bill, and it had been expected that it would be included again this year.Democrats did push for help for insurers under the risk corridor program earlier in the negotiations, possibly including a new tax credit for insurers, sources said.But Republicans held firm and rejected the efforts.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=d73fafe8-7b70-47f1-9ef3-b0dcbfed8d71", "House clears bill imposing sanctions on Hezbollah", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tThe House cleared legislation on Wednesday to enhance sanctions against Hezbollah and its supporters.In a 425-0 vote, the House approved slapping mandatory sanctions on banks found to be knowingly handling transactions with Hezbollah. The Senate passed a companion bill authored by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) by unanimous consent last month.The measure would direct the Obama administration to report on the Lebanon-based terror groups drug trafficking and organized crime activities, as well as outline its global support networks.It would also require the administration to determine any telecommunications companies that contract with Al-Manar, a TV station affiliated with Hezbollah.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5ca36a4d-7cdd-468a-b2df-7d2926d34c0c", "Senators Introduce Legislation to Honor Amb. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith - Heroes Killed in Libyan Consulate Attack", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the nation. Stevens, Doherty, Woods and Smith were killed in the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012.Stevens was serving as United States Ambassador to Libya during the attack. Doherty, a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL, was a native of Winchester, Massachusetts. Woods, a native of Portland, Oregon was also a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL. Smith had served in the Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.A copy of the legislation can be found here.These four courageous men are true American heroes, as they fought to serve and protect our nation until the very last moment, said Rubio. I am proud and honored to co- sponsor bipartisan legislation to pay tribute to their sacrifices with the Congressional Gold Medal. We must never forget the September 11 terrorist attacks on our facilities in Benghazi or the champions who lost their lives in the service of our country.These distinguished public servants and warriors made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and their memories will live on as an inspiration to everyone for their bravery and commitment, said Markey. I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to honor their courage with the Congressional Gold Medal. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget their last full measure of devotion to our nation.Four brave Americans died serving our country in Benghazi, and they deserve the recognition of a grateful nation, said Warren. The Congressional Gold Medal  the most prestigious award that the American people's elected representatives can bestow  is a fitting honor. I am especially proud that this legislation honors a son of Massachusetts, Glen A. Doherty, for his sacrifice. His memory will always remain in the hearts of everyone in our Commonwealth.These four courageous heroes made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and security, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay, said Ayotte. This medal represents the deep appreciation of a nation that will never forget their brave service and profound sacrifice.The attacks against American facilities in Benghazi received an enormous amount of attention over the past three years. This legislation redirects the focus where it should beon the four men who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving the national security and foreign interests of our nation, said Feinstein. We owe them our gratitude and recognition.J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith leave a proud legacy of service and sacrifice that our country must never forget, said Wyden. Its my honor to recognize these four brave Americans through bipartisan legislation that pays deserved tribute to their memories and to the inspirational lives they led.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=88d6f983-2917-452b-9ef7-8de1c969fe6e", "Rubio-Shaheen Hezbollah Sanctions Bill Passes House, Will Now Become Law", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015, a bill sponsored by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to block the terrorist organizations financing and limit the groups access to logistical support.\r\nThe bill authorizes sanctions on international financial institutions that knowingly engage in business with Hezbollah and its enablers. It also identifies the organizations satellite and internet providers that facilitate its messages to the al-Manar Hezbollah television station.\r\nThe president would also be required to report to Congress on Hezbollahs involvement in narcotics trafficking and transnational crime as well as its global logistics networks and fundraising, financing and money laundering activities, then ensure that adequate steps are being taken to root them out.\r\nFollowing Senate passage in November, Hezbollah officially condemned this legislation.\r\nAmerica and our allies in the Middle East will be safer when we take these steps to weaken Hezbollah and, by extension, their Iranian masters. We know these sanctions will work because Hezbollah has already condemned them, Rubio said. It's critical that the administration get to work right away in implementing these sanctions that targets financing that Hezbollah ultimately uses to rain rockets down on Israeli civilians and carry out Irans orders in wreaking havoc and mayhem across the Middle East. Hezbollah and its sponsor Iran should know that America will not back down in the face of terrorism, and we will continue to stand up for our allies.\r\nHizballah has American blood on its hands and remains an ever-present threat to our national security and that of our allies, especially Israel,\" said Shaheen. \"This legislation will ensure that our government is comprehensively targeting Hizballahs networks of support and holding its backers accountable. I urge the President toput these measures into effect as soon as possible.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a71dc31a-d121-4539-8550-78b2412be023", "Rubio Touts Measure In Omnibus To Stop ObamaCare Taxpayer-Funded Bailout Of Health Insurance Companies", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding todays release of an omnibus appropriations bill that includes a measure advocated by him to once again prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies incurring a financial loss under ObamaCare. In December 2014, Rubios efforts resulted in getting the same ObamaCare bailout prevention provision into the appropriations bill that passed at the time.ObamaCare must be repealed and replaced under the next president, but stopping the taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies now is a big win for taxpayers and all Americans who are fed up with crony capitalism that Washington wants them to pay for, said Rubio. There is simply no way to justify taxpayers bailing out health insurance companies.ObamaCares bailout provision has nothing to do with helping people access health insurance, but it has everything to do with how big businesses in this country game big government to increase their profits, and how big government games big businesses to increase governments reach into our lives, continued Rubio. If the only way ObamaCare can survive is by bailing out insurance companies, then guess what: it should not survive.I will continue reviewing the larger omnibus bill before deciding whether to support or oppose it, but Im pleased it at least stops the ObamaCare bailout for another year, added Rubio. I realize that the Obama Administration, health insurance companies and their lobbyists will be back next September clamoring for Congress to provide billions of taxpayer dollars to bail them out for losing more money because of ObamaCare, but Im pleased to know the Republican congressional leadership stands with me in stopping that from happening.On page 947, Section 225 of the bill released today, it makes clear that the risk corridors program in ObamaCare can only cover health insurers losses using fees paid by the companies, not taxpayer dollars. Last year, this provision saved taxpayers $2.5 billion.BACKGROUND: HOW RUBIO HAS ALREADY SAVED TAXPAYERS OVER $2.5 BILLION IN OBAMACARE BAILOUT FUNDS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES\r\n\r\nUnder ObamaCare, health insurance companies that lose money can seek taxpayer funds to cover their losses.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPalm Beach Post: If an insurance companys medical claims exceed anticipated costs, a federal risk-corridor program reimburses a share of those costs. Its a lesser-known piece of Obamacare intended to cushion risks for insurers between now and 2016 as companies adapt to sweeping healthcare changes. (Florida Blue chief: GOP attacks on insurance bailout unfair, Palm Beach Post, 8/14/2014)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEarlier this year, the Obama Administration announced it will disburse just $362 million to health insurance companies to help cover losses under ObamaCare  well short of the $2.9 billion requested by health insurance companies that incurred a loss by participating in Obamacare\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPolitico Pro: Insurers will be paid $362 million from Obamacares risk corridors program for 2014 - or just 12.6 percent of the $2.9 billion in payments they requested. HHS officials, who announced the figures Thursdayevening, maintained that insurers will eventually receive the requested payments during the next two years of the temporary program. (Risk corridor payments far below insurers requests, Politico Pro, 10/1/2015)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHealth insurance companies immediately criticized the shortfall in bailout funding.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPolitico Pro: Insurers are criticizing todays announcement by the Obama administration that theyll receive just $362 million out of $2.9 billion in requested risk corridors payments for 2014 The health law requires that insurers will eventually receive their requested payments. But its unclear where the funds will come from to fully pay for it. A budget deal reached last year requires the program to be budget neutral. The risk corridor program was designed to protect insurers entering the Obamacare exchanges. (Insurers criticize HHS decision to pay out a fraction of requested risk corridor payments, Politico Pro, 10/1/2015)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Obama Administration was unable to pay the remaining $2.5 billion because of a provision which Rubio fought to include in the December 2014 omnibus spending bill passed by Congress, which forced the risk corridor program to be revenue neutral  in other words, not funded by taxpayers.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRubio: For over a year, Ive fought to protect Americans from having to fund massive bailouts to protect the profits of the insurance companies that helped write Obamacare. While there is much in this massive spending measure that is simply bad for America, at least the provisions protecting against a taxpayer-funded bailout of insurance companies are a step in the right direction. While the Obama administration can still administer the risk-corridor program, for one year at least, they wont be able to use taxpayer funds to bail out insurance companies. When Congress returns next year, I will fight to permanently repeal the risk corridor provisions to protect taxpayers after the current legislation expires. (Rubio Comments On Obamacare Bailout Provisions, Press Release, 12/10/2014)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn October 2014, Rubio had directly urged then-House Speaker John Boehner to use the budget process to prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies under ObamaCare.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRubio: As you know, the current CR will expire on December 11, 2014 Though Congress will determine the expiration date of the next CR later this year, it is likely the next CR will extend to a date in 2015 when risk corridor payments are reconciled The President intends to ignore Congresss explicit and exclusive authority by spending money on the risk corridor program without an appropriation from Congress. The American people expect us, as Members of Congress, to fulfill our Oath of Office and defend the Constitution. Therefore, we must act to protect Congress power of the purse and prohibit the Obama administration from dispersing unlawful risk corridor payments providing for an Obamacare taxpayer bailout. (Rubio, Colleagues To Boehner: We Must Protect Congressional Authority, Prohibit Obamacare Bailout, Press Release, 10/8/2014)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRubio was the first to identify the likelihood of a taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies under ObamaCare in November 2013, when he introduced legislation to repeal it. (Rubio Introduces Bill Preventing Taxpayer-Funded Bailouts Of Insurance Companies Under ObamaCare, Press Release, 11/19/2014)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHe later introduced additional legislation in April 2014 specifying that ObamaCares risk corridor program must remain budget neutral, thus preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to bail out health insurance companies. (Rubio Introduces Legislation To Hold Administration Accountable, Protect Taxpayers From ObamaCare Bailout, Press Release, 4/1/2014)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn February 2014, Rubio testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about the danger of taxpayers having to bail out health insurance companies under ObamaCare.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the current Congress, Rubios first bill introduced would eliminate taxpayer-funded bailouts of ObamaCare for good. (Rubio Introduces Bill Preventing Taxpayer-Funded Bailouts Of Insurance Companies Under ObamaCare, Press Release, 1/8/2015)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-target-terrorists-social-media", "Buchanan: Target Terrorists Social Media", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today called for the government to begin immediately screening the social media of anyone who wants to enter the United States through a visa program.\nBuchanan said reports that one of the San Bernardino terrorists pledged support to Islamic jihad on Facebook two years ago reflects staggering incompetence on the part of the governments screening process.\nAccording to the Los Angeles Times, one of the shooters in the San Bernardino massacre, Tashfeen Malik, sent at least two private messages on Facebook to a small group of Pakistani friends in 2012 and 2014, pledging her support for Islamic jihad and saying she hoped to join the fight one day. The messages were posted before Malik, 29, entered the United States on a K-1 fiance visa in July 2014, citing two top federal law enforcement officials.\nThe House is scheduled to vote today on a bill requiring the administration to develop a social media strategy to combat terrorists, but Buchanan said the administration shouldnt wait for Congress to tell it to do the obvious. We have heard repeatedly that terrorists use social media as a recruitment and communication tool and yet we dont bother to screen their on-line activity before allowing them into America? Buchanan asked.\nWe should have been tracking their social media all along, but apparently our government was too concerned about political correctness and violating the privacy rights of foreigners, Buchanan said. This woman never should have been allowed into our country after pledging Islamic jihad on Facebook.\nThe Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts\nBuchanan said the administration needs to reverse that policy and put the safety of Americans ahead of the privacy of foreigners.\nLast week the congressman voted for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the SAFE Act, with Buchanans support, last month requiring the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394274", "Posey to Host Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Bill Posey", "P000599", "posey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Posey to Host Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking \r\n                      \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                            Melbourne, FL,\r\n                            December 15, 2015-\r\n                        On Monday, January 11, 2016, Congressman Bill Posey will host a Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking from 7:30AM to 12Noon at the Bernard Simpkins Fine Arts Center at Eastern Florida State College in Cocoa in observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The event will bring together local experts in the field to discuss Floridas efforts in the fight against trafficking to gain local insight on effective strategies to prevent human trafficking and to inform the public on how to engage in combating this growing problem. Greg Pallone from Channel 13 News will moderate the main discussion panel.\n Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that enables criminals who both traffic and exploit individuals, including many young girls, to make a huge profit. Few things are crueler in our society and we have a moral obligation to end it, said Congressman Bill Posey. There are many in our community who are actively engaged in fighting human trafficking and meeting the needs of victims. This symposium is an opportunity for residents in our community to gain a better understanding of human trafficking issues and how we can work together to put an end to these heinous crimes.\n Zonta International has been fighting human trafficking for at least twelve years. The Zonta Club of Melbourne has been very active in the fight by making our own community and beyond aware of human trafficking and how rampant this horrific crime has become, said Claire Ellis, Anti-Human Trafficking Chair and Membership Chair of the Zonta Club of Melbourne. By educating ourselves and others, there is hope for identifying and reporting the signs.\n Modern day slavery may never be eradicated in my lifetime, but I can do my part to eradicate slavery from as many lives as possible. To that victim, it will feel like slavery was eradicated in their lifetime, said Bill Stanley, co-founder of the Nomad Community Church in Melbourne and the East Coast Human Trafficking Task Force.\n Human Trafficking is not a White, Asian, Hispanic, or Black problem, it's a people problem. And when the people come together and stand up for victims, the traffickers won't stand a chance, said Dr. Anthony Davis, Chairman of the East Coast Human Trafficking Task Force and Vice-Chair of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force.\n  \nI attended Representative Poseys last Human Trafficking Symposium and it was an eye opener. I had known about the basics of human trafficking, but I lacked the information that was provided by law enforcement, victim advocates, and others who are there to support victims and stop these perpetrators. I look forward to attending the upcoming symposium, said Deacon Jack Rhine, representative of the Catholic Diocese of Orlando to the East Coast Human Trafficking Task Force.\n  \nWhat:   \t \tRep. Posey Hosts a Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking\n When:\t  \t Monday, January 11, 2016 from 7:30AM  12:00Noon\n Where:            Bernard Simpkins Fine Arts Center\n  \nEastern Florida State College\n  \n1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32922\n  \n  \nThe Event is open to the public. Constituents interested in attending can RSVP online at /RSVP/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4A6BE8F4-D1E6-4559-9597-964F3A2A035C", "DeSantis Vows to Continue Investigation of DHS", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ron DeSantis", "D000621", "desantis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Following last week\u2013s National Security Subcommittee hearing held by Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) that raised serious concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and their management of the visa waiver program, recent media reports have further highlighted vulnerabilities at DHS that could impact their ability to screen for potential terrorists. These include the department\u2013s failure to examine social media posts from San Bernardino terrorist Tashfeen Malik indicating her desire to partake in the jihad and a whistleblower\u2013s allegation that his investigation of radical Islamic networks was shut down because it was \u201cproblematic.\u201d?\n\n\u201cThe duty of DHS is to protect our homeland from those who wish to do us harm, and the agency is failing to address potential national security threats,\u201d? DeSantis said. \u201cLast week, DHS continually evaded questioning before the National Security Subcommittee, and now reports indicate that DHS has been lax regarding security threats posed by those entering our country. These lapses are unacceptable and I will continue to investigate whether or not DHS is adequately performing their duties.\u201d?\n\nDeSantis, along with Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), has sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson asking for any documents relating to Tashfeen Malik, in order to continue the committee\u2013s investigation into weaknesses within our nation\u2013s visa programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/rooney-standing-up-for-floridas-citrus", "Rooney: Standing up for Florida's Citrus", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Tom Rooney", "R000583", "rooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Tom Rooney\nYou will be hard-pressed to find an American breakfast menu without orange juice on it. On the menus of establishments ranging from small family-owned diners to upscale room service at fancy hotels, orange juice is a staple item that has squeezed its way into American mornings for decades. \nAs a representative from Floridas 17th Congressional District, Im proud to say that most of our nations orange juice supply is grown in my own backyard. \nFlorida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States, accounting for about 70 percent of the nations total production. The state of Florida produces more oranges than any other region of the world, with the exception of Brazil. \nThere are more than 8,000 citrus growers cultivating more than 500,000 acres of Floridas land solely devoted to citrus. The industry also supports more than 75,000 jobs that are either directly or indirectly related to citrus. Whether in the groves or on the breakfast table, the citrus industry affects the lives of nearly every Floridian across the state. \nUnfortunately, for over a decade, Americas citrus industry has been endangered. We are now at the cusp of seeing it disappear entirely unless serious measures are taken to ensure its survival. \nHuanglongbing (HLB), commonly referred to as citrus greening disease, is a bacterial plant disease that Florida has been battling for many years. In recent years, HLB has spread to Texas and parts of California, which are the other significant citrus producing states in the country. HLB is fatal for citrus trees, destroying their production, appearance and economic value. \nTogether, the citrus industries of Florida, Texas and California comprise over $11 billion in economic activity annually. However, unless a cure for HLB is found in the near future, this impressive economic footprint is increasingly at risk. The United States cannot afford to lose $11 billion in economic activity, nor can it afford to lose the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the citrus industry. \nSince I was elected to Congress in 2008, my mission has been to do everything I possibly can to help Floridas citrus growers combat greening disease, and ultimately find a cure. \nI am one of the only members of Floridas congressional delegation to sit on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee, and am the sole Florida member on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. In that capacity, I worked to include specific directives and funding supporting citrus disease research in our 2016 funding bill. Because of the existential threat it poses to Floridas citrus industry, I was able to ensure that an additional $2 million in funding was incorporated into the final House bill to sustain the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Groups (HLB-MAC) recent research gains in early detection, greening management strategies, and therapies to treat infected trees. \nUnfortunately, the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee did not include any funding for this program in their 2016 funding bill.\nTherefore, I wrote a letter, with signatures from 22 of my House colleagues, to the chairman and chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging their support of funding for the HLB-MAC. Soon, the House and the Senate will be finalizing their appropriations bills for 2016. We requested that, at a minimum, Senate Appropriations Committee leaders support including the House-recommended funding level of $2 million for the HLB-MAC in any final, compromise appropriations bill. \nIt is my sincere hope that the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will include the funding necessary to help keep the citrus industry alive.\nWe need to invest the necessary funds to finding a cure for HLB before the American citrus industry becomes a thing of the past. Florida orange juice has been around long before any of us ever were, and the work we do today will ensure that Florida orange juice will be around long after we are all gone.\nU.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Okeechobee, represents Florida's 17th Congressional District, which includes Fort Meade, Frostproof, Lake Wales and other parts of southern Polk County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1016", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr.", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr. \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 15, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        The arc of his life  from serving our nation in uniform, to taking the Florida Bar Exam in a then-segregated Miami hotel and eventually becoming Florida's first black Chief Justice  mirrored our nation's ongoing march for equality. He was also the chief author of a 1989 ruling that protected the privacy of minors when seeking an abortion. Justice Shaw was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and it is fitting he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with so many of our nation's heroes.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today after the passing of Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Leander J. Shaw, Jr.: I was saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Shaw this morning. He was a pillar of the justice and civil rights communities in Florida, and lived a life of public distinction that few will equal. I am sending my thoughts to his family and friends today. The arc of his life  from serving our nation in uniform, to taking the Florida Bar Exam in a then-segregated Miami hotel and eventually becoming Florida's first black Chief Justice  mirrored our nation's ongoing march for equality. He was also the chief author of a 1989 ruling that protected the privacy of minors when seeking an abortion. Justice Shaw was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and it is fitting he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with so many of our nation's heroes. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-cites-urgent-need-help-citrus-industry", "Buchanan Cites Urgent Need to Help Citrus Industry", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, said today a new report forecasting unprecedented damage to Floridas orange harvest highlights the need for Congress to pass his emergency legislation aimed at helping farmers plant new trees.\nBuchanan, co-chairman of the Florida congressional delegation, warned that losses to the Sunshine States citrus industry could impact Southwest Floridas economy. The latest forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the orange crop for the upcoming season will be the worst since 1963-64.Buchanan said that the forecast underscores the urgent need for Congress to pass my Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act. In addition to ravaging millions of trees, citrus greening continues to threaten thousands of jobs for hard-working Floridians. The time is now for Congress to take action on this common-sense legislation.\nThe Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act (H.R. 3957) would provide tax incentives for farmers who cannot afford to replace trees affected by citrus greening.Under current law, growers are allowed an immediate deduction for the cost of replanting diseased trees, but the farmer must bear the full cost.Buchanans proposal would allow struggling farmers to use this deduction even if they bring in investors to raise capital for replanting costs, as long as the grower continues to own a major stake in the grove.It also extends this incentive to purchasers of land with diseased trees. The bipartisan bill, which currently has 15 cosponsors, has been endorsed by Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the American Farm Bureau Federation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7515d5ca-2ab2-4c83-a5b4-62402bc71900", "Rubio Presses Federal Government For Better Fisheries Data Collection", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, today sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker in response to the recently released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Fisheries Data Collection. The report is the product of a 2013 bipartisan congressional request asking the GAO to study the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) marine recreational fisheries data collection program. The report concluded that NMFS lacks a comprehensive strategy and recommends that the agency develop such a plan with programmatic goals and time frames, and clearly communicate that information to stakeholders. In the letter, Rubio urges the secretary to fully support implementation of the GAOs recommendations.\r\nNMFS must work diligently to rebuild trust with key stakeholders for more effective management of our nations fisheries, Rubio wrote. The importance of having these stakeholders as data collection partners cannot be overstated. Our fisheries support millions of jobs and are economically vital to coastal communities throughout the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. However, without effective and trustworthy data collection, these benefits will not be realized. A transparent, structured plan with established time frames is essential for a successful data program.\r\nBackground: As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, Rubio has detailed the need for improved quality and timeliness of data collection to ensure sound fisheries management. On May 20, 2015, he reintroduced the Florida Fisheries Improvement Act, which was reported out of the Senates commerce committee on June 25, 2015. If enacted, S. 1403 would:\r\n \r\n\r\nRepeal Section 407(d) of MSA;\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire both the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to review the allocation of fishing privileges;\r\n \r\n \r\nIncrease public involvement in the scientific and statistical processes that inform fishery management;\r\n \r\n \r\nAllow fishery facilities to make use of capital construction funds;\r\n \r\n \r\nAllow for more than 10 years of rebuilding for fish stocks managed under an international agreement;\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire a plan to conduct stock assessments for all stocks currently managed;\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire a report on better use of fisheries data; and\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeed up the timeline for fishery disaster declaration.\r\n \r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear Secretary Pritzker:\r\nAs the Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, I write to encourage you to direct the National Marine Fisheries Service to quickly implement the Government Accountability Offices recent recommendations, as outlined in the report, GAO-16-131, Recreational Fisheries Management: The National Marine Fisheries Service Should Develop a Comprehensive Strategy to Guide its Data Collection Efforts.\r\nThe report stems from a 2013 bipartisan congressional request to examine current data collection practices used in determining stock assessments. Although the GAO report notes that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has taken steps to improve data collection for recreational fisheries, the report also states, NMFS does not have a comprehensive strategy to guide the implementation of its various efforts Moreover, without clearly communicating the strategy to its stakeholders, NMFS may find it difficult to build trust, potentially limiting its ability to effectively implement MRIP improvement initiatives that rely on data collection partners.\r\nAs noted above, NMFS must work diligently to rebuild trust with key stakeholders for more effective management of our nations fisheries. The importance of having these stakeholders as data collection partners cannot be overstated. Our fisheries support millions of jobs and are economically vital to coastal communities throughout the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. However, without effective and trustworthy data collection, these benefits will not be realized. A transparent, structured plan with established time frames is essential for a successful data program.\r\nAs NMFS acknowledges the need to develop this important strategy, I urge you to use the necessary resources within the Department and NMFS to implement the recommended data collection efforts as soon as possible.\r\nRespectfully,\r\nMarco Rubio\r\nU.S. Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-backs-new-travel-restrictions-fight-terrorism", "Buchanan Backs New Travel Restrictions to Fight Terrorism", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, voted today for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years.\nWe cannot allow terrorists to slip into the United States through a porous visa program, Buchanan said after the House approved the legislation by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The safety of Americans must come first.\nBuchanan noted that more than 30,000 foreign fighters from over 100 countries have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside terrorist groups like ISIS. He said at least 5,000 of these individuals are from European countries and could easily enter America through visa waivers unless the program is changed.\nThe visa waiver program wasoriginally establishedin the 1980s to facilitate travel to the U.S. and increase tourism. Currently, citizens with passports from 38 countries  30 of them in Europe  are eligible to participate in the reduced-screening program that allows them to visit the United States for 90 days without a visa. About 20 million visitors come to the U.S. each year on the visa waiver program.\nThe legislation passed today by the House would ban waivers for anyone who has traveled to Syria, Iraq, Sudan or Iran since March 1, 2011, which is when Syrian civil war started.\nBuchanan also said Congress should look at reforming the K-1 fiance visa that was used by Tashfeen Malik, the shooter in the San Bernardino terrorist attack. The congressman also supports legislation passed by the House to freeze the influx of Syrian refugees. The SAFE Act, which passed the U.S. House 289-137 last month, requires the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398421", "Ross Announces Service Academy Nominees", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lakeland, Fla., Dec. 11, 2015  U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, has proudly announced his nominations for students seeking appointment to a U.S. Service Academy for the 2016 school year.\r\nRoss makes nominations for the five different U.S. Service Academies, up to ten candidates for each vacancy at each Academy, and the Academies make the final appointment decisions. Each congressional member may not have more than five midshipmen or cadets at each Academy at one time. Therefore, new applicants are considered only when a vacancy occurs in the quota through graduation or other causes. The 14 students nominated from the 15th Congressional District have been through an arduous application process, and will soon be notified whether they will receive an appointment to their desired Academies. Acceptance of an appointment commits an applicant to a 10-year obligation to the Service (four years at the Academy and six years on active duty). It is one of the highest honors I have as a Member of Congress to assist deserving constituents in seeking appointment to a U.S. Service Academy, said Ross. I want to congratulate these exceptional students for their hard work and dedication, and thank them for their willingness to serve our nation. I have no doubt every one of them will represent the 15th District of Florida well.\r\n  \r\nBelow is a list of the students who received nominations to a Service Academy: Lakeland\r\nChase Madden (Lakeland High School)  U.S. Military Academy (West Point)  \r\nGeorge Madden (Lakeland High School)  U.S. Military Academy (West Point)\r\nTampa  \r\nIlenia Armstrong (Wharton High School)  U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy  \r\nConnor Aspray (C. Leon King High School)  U.S. Naval Academy  \r\nMadeline Holzmann (C. Leon King High School/Florida State University)  U.S. Naval Academy  \r\nDean LaGattuta (Freedom High School)  U.S. Military Academy (West Point)  \r\nJohn Miller (Jesuit High School)  U.S. Naval Academy  \r\nBrendan Philbin (Jesuit High School)  U.S. Naval Academy  \r\nBradley Stempniak (University of South Florida)  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy  \r\nSamuel Stone (C. Leon King High School)  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Valrico  \r\nJacob Miller (Bloomingdale High School)  U.S. Military Academy (West Point)  \r\nKendall Rate (Bloomingdale High School)  U.S. Military Academy (West Point); U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy  \r\nChris Thatcher (Bloomingdale High School)  U.S. Military Academy (West Point); U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy  \r\nSean Torres (Bloomingdale High School)  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/castro-regime-recognizes-human-rights-day-arresting-pro-democracy-advocates-says-ros", "Castro Regime Recognizes Human Rights Day By Arresting Pro-Democracy Advocates, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Castro Regime Recognizes Human Rights Day By Arresting Pro-Democracy Advocates, Says Ros-Lehtinen\nObamas concessions have only motivated the Castro brothers and their enablers to work to secure their despotic rule.\nMiami, Florida  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding reports that more than 150 Cuban pro-democracy activists were arrested on December 10, Human Rights Day.Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nIn Cuba under Castro, Human Rights Day is a reminder on the abusive tactics of the regime when Cuban state security arrested more than 150 pro-democracy leaders. The Obama administration held talks with the communist regime this week and the regime responded to Obamas misguided gestures by imprisoning Cubans on Human Rights Day.\nWhile the Obama administration lauds its own policies of unilateral concessions to the regime, those who espouse the ideals we hold so dear  freedom and democracy  are rounded up like criminals. A bevy of unilateral financial and political incentives has not caused these authoritarians to unclench their grip on power. Rather, Obamas concessions have only motivated the Castro brothers and their enablers to work to secure their despotic rule.\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/r%C3%A9gimen-castrista-reconoce-d%C3%ADa-de-los-derechos-humanos-arrestando-activistas-pro", "Rgimen Castrista Reconoce Da de los Derechos Humanos Arrestando Activistas Pro-Democracia, Dice Ros-Lehtinen", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rgimen Castrista Reconoce Da de Derechos Humanos Arrestando Activistas Pro-Democracia, Dice Ros-Lehtinen\nLas concesiones de Obama solo han motivado a los hermanos Castro y sus secuaces a trabajar para asegurar su gobierno dspota.\nMiami, Florida  La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y Africa del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin despus de reportes de que ms de 150 activistas cubanos pro-democracia fueron arrestados el 10 de diciembre, Da de los Derechos Humanos. Destac Ros-Lehtinen:\nEn Cuba bajo los Castro, el Da de los Derechos Humanos es un recordatorio de las tcticas abusivas del rgimen cuando la seguridad de estado arrest ms de 150 lderes pro-democracia. La Administracin se reuni con el rgimen comunista esta semana y el rgimen respondi a los gestos inapropiados de Obama encarcelando cubanos en el Da de los Derechos Humanos.\nMientras la Administracin Obama celebra sus mismas polticas de concesiones unilaterales al rgimen, quienes defienden las ideas que respetamos  libertad y democracia  son arrestados como criminales. Un sinnmero de incentivos polticos y econmicos no han causado que estos autoritarios paren de aferrarse al poder. En vez, las concesiones de Obama solo han motivado a los hermanos Castro y sus secuaces a trabajar para asegurar su gobierno dspota.\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-aplaude-esfuerzo-del-presidente-macri-al-investigar-muerte-de-alberto", "Ros-Lehtinen Aplaude Esfuerzo del Presidente Macri al Investigar Muerte de Alberto Nisman de Forma Transparente y Sin Obstrucciones", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Aplaude Esfuerzo del Presidente Macri al Investigar Muerte de Alberto Nisman de Forma Transparente y Sin Obstrucciones\nDebemos honrar el legado de Alberto exponiendo la verdad sobre su muerte y sobre el atentado de la AMIA, trayendo a la justicia a los responsables. Esto slo ser posible a travs de una investigacin completa, transparente, y sin obstrucciones.\n(Washington, DC)  La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin tras la decisin del Presidente Macri de crear un fiscal especial para investigar la muerte del Fiscal Alberto Nisman. Destac Ros-Lehtinen:\nFelicito al Presidente Macri por su decisin de crear un fiscal especial para investigar la muerte sospechosa de Alberto Nisman. Alberto era un arduo defensor del estado de derecho, un lder en la lucha contra la corrupcin y el terrorismo que estaba determinado a descubrir la verdad detrs del atentado de la Asociacin Mutual Israelita (AMIA) en Buenos Aires, lo que pudo llevar a su muerte prematura.\nLa investigacin de Nisman sobre el atentado de la AMIA  En la que 85 personas perdieron sus vidas y cientos ms fueron heridas ayudo a sacar a la luz la amenaza de Irn y su grupo asociado Hezbol sobre nuestro hemisferio.\nDebemos honrar el legado de Alberto exponiendo la verdad sobre su muerte y sobre el atentado de la AMIA, trayendo a la justicia a los responsables. Esto slo ser posible a travs de una investigacin completa, transparente, y sin obstrucciones. Es necesario que el Presidente Macri contine esta investigacin hasta su fin, sin importar donde termine y espero que se descubran los perpetradores del ataque de la AMIA de 1994 y la muerte de Alberto.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-applauds-effort-president-macri-investigate-alberto-nisman%E2%80%99s-death", "Ros-Lehtinen Applauds Effort by President Macri to Investigate Alberto Nismans Death In a Transparent and Unobstructed Manner", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Applauds Effort by President Macri to Investigate Alberto Nismans Death In a Transparent and Unobstructed Manner\nWe must honor Albertos legacy by exposing the truth surrounding his death and the AMIA bombing and by bringing those accountable to justice, but the only way we can do that is through a complete, transparent and unobstructed investigation.\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding President Macris decision to create a special prosecutor to investigate the death of Prosecutor Alberto Nisman. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nI commend President Macris decision to create a special prosecutor to investigate the suspicious nature of Alberto Nismans death. Alberto was an ardent defender of the rule of law and a leader in the fight against corruption and terrorism and it was his dogged determination to uncover the truth behind the 1994 AMIA Jewish Community Center bombing in Buenos Aires that may have led ultimately to his untimely death.\nNismans investigation into the AMIA bombing  which killed 85 and injured hundreds more  helped shine a light on the threat that Iran and its terror proxy group, Hezbollah, pose within our own hemisphere.\nWe must honor Albertos legacy by exposing the truth surrounding his death and the AMIA bombing and by bringing those accountable to justice, but the only way we can do that is through a complete, transparent and unobstructed investigation. I hope President Macri follows this investigation through until the end, no matter where it leads, and I look forward to finally discovering who is responsible for the 1994 AMIA bombing and Albertos death.\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-bill-to-child-proof-liquid-nicotine-bottles", "Senate approves bill to child-proof liquid nicotine bottles", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. The Senate last night approved a measure to require manufacturers to put child-proof caps on the small bottles of liquid nicotine available for purchase in stores across the country.\nIts the first time the Senate has taken up and passed a bill aimed at regulating liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.\nJust a small amount of this stuff canseriouslyinjure or even kill a small child, said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), who authored the legislation. Making these bottles child-proof is just common sense.\nNelsons legislation would require child-resistant packaging for any liquid nicotine vial sold in the United States. Nelson first introduced the bill last year after increased reports of children falling ill, and in at least one case, dying from liquid nicotine poisoning. It was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, but never made it to the full Senate for a vote. So the Florida lawmaker introduced it again this year, vowing to push even harder for its passage.\nLiquid nicotine, sold in concentrated form for use in e-cigarettes, often comes in brightly-colored, easy-to-open vials with enticing flavors such as Fruity Loops, Peppermint Patty, and Gummi Bear. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a single teaspoon of this product could kill a small child.\nCalls to poison control centers for liquid nicotine exposure have spiked in recent years, according to the AAPCC,going up from just one call per month in September 2010 to 318calls per month in Marchof thisyear. Many of thesecalls involved children five years old or younger\nThe Senate approved Nelsons legislation by unanimous consent late yesterday.It now goes to the House for final passage.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/honoring-the-13th-amendment-on-its-150th-anniversary", "Honoring the 13th Amendment on its 150th Anniversary", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One hundred and fifty years ago, in the midst of a bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln led a courageous Congress to ratify the 13th Amendment and abolish slavery in America. Today, Congress commemorated this significant moment in our nations history with a moving ceremony in Emancipation Hall.\nBefore he was president, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided speech. In it, he pointedly stated, A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved  I do not expect the house to fall  but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.\nThis speech, given before the Civil War started, laid the foundation for what I believe was Lincolns eventual push to end slavery. And from this, our country continues to learn, evolve, move forward, and grow stronger.\nThe 13th Amendment set in motion a long, painful struggle for equality that continues to this day. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement to the scourge of todays human trafficking, the fight for equality continues. It is unconscionable that the exploitation and indentured servitude of individuals still exist in our world today  it must be stopped.\nI encourage everyone to take time to focus on this moment in our history, to reflect upon the meaning of freedom, liberty, and the value of human life. We must all remain vigilant in protecting the rights of our citizens and the most vulnerable among us - regardless of race, color or creed. By doing so, we do our part in creating a stronger union and a better world.\nU.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., was first elected to Congress in 2012.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jones-bill-strips-former-speakers-of-perks", "Jones bill strips former speakers of perks", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Posted Dec. 10, 2015 at 12:01 AM  \n\t\nNov. 2, Paul Ryan gaveled in the U.S. House of Representatives on his first day as speaker.\nWednesday, three congressmen filed a bill to make sure former House Speaker John Boehner doesnt get the same five years of perks afforded the past eight speakers, back to former Massachusetts Rep. John McCormack, who left the office in 1971.\nThird District Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., introduced the measure at a news conference outside the Capitol on Wednesday morning, joined by Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie. Florida Republican Ted Yoho also signed on as an original co-sponsor of the bill.\nMy father was sworn into the U.S. Congress in 1966  I was fortunate enough to be here because of a special election he won, Jones said in a video of the news conference that was posted by his office to YouTube. I was in the office of a wonderful American named John McCormack. Mr. McCormack served for 42 years (and) as speaker of the House.\nMcCormacks the lesser-known Democratic speaker who came between Texan Sam Rayburn  who served 1955-61 and while the House switched between partisan majorities, 1940-47 and 1949-53  and Oklahoman Carl Albert.\nWhen he left is when this became a reality, Jones said. Meaning, they gave him the opportunity to have an office to finish his service . Well, John McCormack wasnt obligated to special interests, like our speakers today are obligated to special interests. John McCormack was not going to leave Washington and go write a book. John McCormack was not going to Florida and play golf. John McCormack, quite frankly, was a wonderful man who cared more about the people than making special interests happy.\nSo today, Thomas Massie and Ted Yoho and I are putting this bill in because we believe that the taxpayers should not be paying for an office, for a speaker of the House, whether they be Republican or Democrat.\nIf the bill doesnt gain traction with the House GOP leadership  something that Jones called questionable  Jones said he, Massie and Yoho may attempt to bypass the committee process and attach the legislation to another bill in the spring as an amendment, as a way to bring the proposal before the full House.\nIm confident that when we get this legislation to the floor, every member of Congress will vote with us to eliminate this waste of taxpayer dollars, Massie said in a statement. This weeks omnibus presents an immediate opportunity to defund the ex-speakers office, but the most probable vehicle is an amendment containing Mr. Jones legislation, that we can offer next summer during the appropriations debate.\nJones alleged former Speaker Dennis Hastert spent $1.9 million over his five years, and couldve run up the bill to $4 million. At the time, Hastert received a substantial income as a lobbyist.\nHes since made a plea deal regarding illegal bank transactions he made to cover up and pay off a man who blackmailed the Illinois Republican, threatening to make public allegations that Hastert molested him while the former speaker was a teacher and coach at Yorkville High School in the 1960s. Hasterts scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 29.\nReading off prepared notes, Jones said during those years, former speakers have available to them office space in the Longworth House Office Building, three administrative assistants each with six-figure salaries, complete furnishings, mail franking privileges, regular office operations and other staff assistance.\nI guess theyre going to pay for his toilet tissue, too, Jones said.\nThe he, in this matter, is Boehner, for whom there was no love lost as the Ohio Republican ended his term, sparked by an internal GOP revolt from members of the House Freedom Caucus and their allies.\nThe relationship soured to such a point following the 2012 elections Boehner kicked Jones out of a top assignment with the House Financial Services Committee amid other retributive measures directed at House Republicans who bucked the party leadership.\nJones faces Taylor Griffin, former Treasury Department staffer during the George W. Bush administration and political consultant, and former Marine Phil Law for the 3rd District Republican nomination in March.\nWes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @WesWolfeKFP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/two-clay-students-awarded-service-academy-appointments", "Two Clay students awarded service academy appointments", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ORANGE PARK  U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R3) of Gainesville visited two area schools on Monday to congratulate students on their appointments to different U.S. service academies.\nYoho is shown here with Ridgeview High senior Vanessa Rodriguez, a cadet with the schools Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Yoho congratulated Rodriguez on her appointment to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School.\nYoho began the day Monday by attending the flag-raising ceremony at St. Johns Country Day School where he congratulated senior Madeline \"Maddie\" Schultz  shown below with her mother Heather Schultz  to her appointment to the U. S. Air Force Academy. Yoho also said it is a privilege to be able to nominate some of the best and brightest students in the 3rd Congressional district to serve the nations service academies. The competitive selection process is based on scholastic achievements, involvement in school and community activities, leadership achievements and athletic accomplishments.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-continues-work-help-veterans-hold-va-accountable", "Bilirakis Continues Work to Help Veterans, Hold VA Accountable", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee continued work to help our nation's Veterans and hold the VA accountable.\nOn Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review legislation to improve the Veterans' Benefits Programs, increase transparency at the VA, and support Veterans and their families.\nThese important bills will help us to address the shortcomings in the VA and hold this agency accountable, said Vice Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). It is our duty to ensure our Veterans receive the care and support they deserve.\nOn Wednesday, the full committee reviewed the continued lack of accountability at the VA. Members continued their work to identify the many deficiencies and steps to address the ongoing issues at the VA.\nNBC Washington recently reported many misconducts at the VA that were highlighted in an investigation. Employees who behaved inappropriately have not yet been fired or reprimanded properly for their actions. This news follows many similar reports on employee abuse, scandal, and lack of transparency and accountability within the VA.\nMembers pressed VA employees on this irresponsible behavior. Congressman Gus Bilirakis questioned VA Deputy Secretary Gibson on what the VA is doing to address these issues.\nClick to watch \nThe reports we've seen throughout the years regarding the countless VA scandals are concerning to say the least, said Congressman Bilirakis. We must work towards a more transparent, accountable VA. The VA must discipline inappropriate behavior justly and ensure that our Veterans and their needs come first.\nFinally, today, the full committee held a briefing on VA and DOD information exchange. Members gained a better understanding of the process and discussed ways to improve transparency and communication.\nOur Veterans have fought for our freedoms, they deserve quality care and services in a transparent and efficient manner, add Bilirakis. I will continue to do everything I can to improve the lives of our true American heroes.\nFor more information on the eventsthis week, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-works-improve-health-care-and-treatment", "Bilirakis Works to Improve Health Care and Treatment", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health continued efforts to improve health care and treatment. Members discussed bipartisan legislation to address shortcomings in the current health care system to better serve our patients, athletes, families, and communities.\nThese bills will bring about necessary reforms to our health care system, said Congressman Gus Biliriaks (R-FL). Thanks to the input of experts, stakeholders, and patients, we have created bipartisan legislation to truly help people across the country.\nCongressman Bilirakis is a co-sponsor of H.R. 4153, the Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act that would establish a pilot program to test the impact of early intervention on the prevention, management, and course of eating disorders. Bilirakis questioned Dr. Bermudez on this important topic:\n\nClick to watch\nAs part of my ongoing commitment to raise awareness and find solutions for mental health issues, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to help those suffering from this devastating mental illness, said Bilirakis. About 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder. This issue is very important to so many of my constituents and it is crucial we do what we can to help all those affected.\nCongressman Bilirakis is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 921, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, legislation to clarify medical liability rules for athletic trainers and medical professionals to ensure they are properly covered by their malpractice insurance while traveling with athletic teams in another state.\nWhen our sports teams travel to take on opponents, their medical staff does too, said Bilirakis. This legislation will ensure our local teams will still have access to the team physicians when they cross state lines.\nThe Subcommittee also discussed bipartisan bills to help athletic trainers, medical professionals, expectant mothers, nurses, patients, and families across the nation.\nTo read text of the legislation and to watch the hearing, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1465E316-72EF-4311-BA5F-CDCA3AAA1CB9", "DeSantis: DHS Clueless About Security Threats", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ron DeSantis", "D000621", "desantis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, in conjunction with the Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules, held a hearing today examining terrorism and the Visa Waiver Program.\n\nKelli Ann Burriesci, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Screening Coordination for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was unable to provide to the committee basic information and continually evaded questioning.\n\n\"Islamic jihadists are on the march and 13 people were massacred in San Bernardino, yet DHS seems clueless about what is going on with potential threats to our security,\" DeSantis said. \"Congress needs to plug holes in immigration programs ranging from the visa waiver program to the refugee program. The testimony by DHS today gave Americans serious cause for concern about whether our government has a handle on the threats we face.\"\n\n[[{\"fid\":\"350\",\"view_mode\":\"full\",\"fields\":{\"format\":\"full\",\"field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]\":\"\",\"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]\":\"\"},\"type\":\"media\",\"attributes\":{\"class\":\"media-element file-full\"}}]]\n\nWatch DeSantis Question Burriesci on DHS Data", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rooney-introduces-the-congressional-citrus-caucus", "Rooney Introduces the Congressional Citrus Caucus", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Tom Rooney", "R000583", "rooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Tom Rooney today introduced the Congressional Citrus Caucus for the 114th Congress.\nThe Congressional Citrus Caucus will provide a forum for Members of Congress and their staff to discuss current challenges and avenues to pursue potential areas of positive federal support for our nations citrus industry.\nRooneys home state of Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States  accounting for about 70 percent of the nations total production. The state of Florida produces more oranges than any other region of the world, with the exception of Brazil. In the state there are more than 8,000 citrus growers cultivating over half a million acres of Floridas land solely devoted to citrus. The industry also supports over 75,000 jobs that are either directly or indirectly related to citrus.\nIm proud to introduce the Congressional Citrus Caucus for this session of Congress, Rooney said. Floridas citrus industry provides billions of dollars to our economy and tens of thousands of jobs to Floridians. This years USDA crop estimates for Florida are the lowest since the 1964 and they are still declining. Im hopeful that the Congressional Citrus Caucus will provide a forum for Members from across the country to come together to help our nations citrus industry flourish. Now more than ever, it is critical that we open up lines of communication, before Florida orange juice becomes a thing of the past.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-defends-labor-department-rules-that-protect-workers-at", "Wilson Defends Labor Department Rules That Protect Workers", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- At a December 9 Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing on how Department of Labor regulations impact workers and employers, Ranking Member Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) extolled DOL's efforts to ensure that more American workers have the protections they need to build better lives for themselves and their families.\nUsing its court-affirmed statutory authority, the department has proposed rules to promote fair wages, safe workplaces, and equal employment opportunities, Rep. Wilson said in her opening statement.\nReminding her colleagues of the mission they share with DOL, she added, We are the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. We must protect the workforce.\nChristine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project, in her prepared remarks cited OSHA as a prime example of why regulations are needed, citing the simple and compelling fact that its standards have saved lives, prevented serious injuries and illnesses and, not inconsequentially, also saved money for employers.\nRep. Wilson also disputed claims that the Labor Department's regulatory agenda causes job loss given the fact that the U.S. is experiencing record job growth and the lowest unemployment rate since April 2008. She also argued that attempts to derail proposed DOL rules, such as a rule to extend overtime protections to 5 million working Americans, will do little to promote the welfare of working people.\nIf there is genuine concern for workers, as well as businesses, then support a Working Families Agenda that boosts wages, so more Americans are economically secure and have the increased spending power that supports job-creating consumer demand, the congresswoman said. Take up a vote on a Working Families Agenda that promotes the strong work/family balance needed for productive workers. Pass a Working Families Agenda that promotes the equal employment opportunity that is linked to increased profitability and ensures all workers have a fair shot at success.\n###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-the-signing-of-the-every-student-succeeds-act-1", "Wilson Statement on the Signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act:\nToday I witnessed with great pride and pleasure President Obama signing into law the Every Student Succeeds Act. As a former educator, I applaud any legislation that aims to ensure that our nation's public schools prepare every student to succeed after earning their high school diplomas, whether they pursue post-secondary education opportunities or enter the workforce. It also was an honor to serve on the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee for the final bill, which includes my amendment to allow states to use Title IV funds to establish and improve dropout prevention and re-entry programs. As a result, more schools will be able to provide students with the support and resources they need to stay invested and engaged in their education.\nIn addition, as the president noted in his remarks, this landmark legislation enables states and school districts to reduce unnecessary standardized tests so that teachers can spend more time helping students develop critical thinking and complex skills and excitement about learning.\nESSA is by no means perfect, but it is an important and overdue step toward delivering on the promise of a quality education that every child in this nation deserves. I am thankful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agreed.\nThe text of the Every Student Succeeds Act can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=21c77a77-2b9d-40d4-ac99-5c7130d7a6b5", "Marco Rubios claim that no recent mass shootings would have been prevented by gun laws", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tNone of the major shootings that have occurred in this country over the last few months or years that have outraged us, would gun laws have prevented them. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). interview on CBSs This Morning, Dec. 4, 2015A colleague pointed out this statement by Marco Rubio as a possible fact check, suggesting that it was almost certainly incorrect. It posed an interesting challenge, given the reams of data to examine.The Fact Checker obviously takes no position on proposed gun-control laws. But given the attention of recent mass public shootings, is Rubio correct that none of the major shootings in recent years would have been prevented by new gun laws?Rubio was not specific in his time frame  and a spokesman declined to elaborate  but for the purposes of this fact check we will go back as far as the Newtown shooting in 2012, which touched off the current gun debate.The Pinocchio TestThis is certainly a depressing chronicle of death and tragedy. But Rubios statement stands up to scrutiny  at least for the recent past, as he framed it. Notably, three of the mass shootings took place in California, which already has strong gun laws including a ban on certain weapons and high-capacity magazines.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=c6ea8c76-88e7-4ec5-a231-31d11428bdfe", "Cuba Begins to Re-Imprison Political Dissidents Freed Under Obama Deal", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tThe Cuban government has re-arrested almost all of the 53 political prisoners released in January as part of its normalization with President Obama, according to Senator Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).The news comes as Cuban police assault and detain dozens of dissidents in anticipation of International Human Rights Day, December 10.Sen. Rubios social media message Wednesday alerted the media to the case of Vladimir Morera Bacallao y Jorge Ramrez Caldern, who are both currently in prison after being released as part of the Cuban governments publicity stunt. Bacallao, according to the dissident group the Cuban Democratic Directorate, is currently undergoing a hunger strike after being arrested and sentenced to four years in prison for hanging an anti-Castro sign out of his window. Ramrez Caldern is currently serving two and a half years in prison for having marched in silence as part of a protest against the Cuban government.While both men were sentenced last month and are serving long sentences, the more common method the Cuban government uses to repress dissidents is to repeatedly temporarily detain them, allow them to claim they have fewer political prisoners in their jail cells while also limiting the activities of these dissidents consistently. During Pope Francis visit to Cuba in September, for example, more than 250 Cuban dissidents were detained and freed shortly after Pope Francis left, so as to prevent them from organizing any protest against the government. Dissident groups such as the Ladies in White  a group consisting of the female relatives of political prisoners  suffer weekly or even more often temporary detention. The Ladies in White, a mostly Catholic group, are typically arrested after attending Sunday Mass.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9c269e2a-7c22-444c-a646-cc0503c90e11", "On International Human Rights Day, Rubio Calls For A U.S. Foreign Policy That Lends A Voice To Voiceless", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Womens Issues, issued the following statement marking International Human Rights Day and highlighting some of the cases featured in his #expressionNOToppression social media campaign:    Today we commemorate International Human Rights Day. Its an occasion to be thankful for our God-given rights but also to remember that there are millions of people around the world who are denied their most basic human rights every day. In order to bring more attention to human rights abuses across the world, I have begun highlighting them through my #expressionNOToppression social media campaign. Sadly, there are far too many cases to feature and only a few have been resolved.    In Saudi Arabia, blogger Raif Badawi sits in jail waiting to find out if he is going to be flogged for encouraging political and religious debate. In Iran, the fates of Jason Rezaian, Pastor Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Robert Levinson remain uncertain. In China Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a distinguished writer, professor and human rights activist, languishes in prison unable to claim the prize that is rightfully his five years later. Just yesterday, Azerbaijan released Leyla Yunus a prominent human rights activist due to her deteriorating health, but she is still charged with treason. In Cuba, dissident leaders Vladimir Morera Bacallao and Jorge Ramirez Calderon, two of the 53 political prisoners released as part of President Obamas Cuba deal, were both re-arrested last month. Vladimir is serving a four-and-a-half year sentence for hanging a sign outside his home and Jorge was sentenced to two and a half years for joining a peaceful protest asking for improved sanitary conditions and water in his community.    Time and again political prisoners and dissidents the world over have expressed that consistent public pressure on their behalf, at the highest levels of government, resulted in better treatment in prison, reduced sentences and in some cases freedom. Shamefully the Obama Administration has all but abandoned this time-honored, bipartisan tradition which has been a hallmark of American foreign policy for decades. And so today we honor all prisoners of conscience who are struggling to exercise their most basic human rights and those citizens who fight to create a better future for their countries. The United States needs to continue to be a beacon of hope for these heroes by lending a voice to the voiceless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398534", "Hastings Reintroduces Legislation to Restore Federal-Local Partnership for County Health Care Costs", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) reintroduced the Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2015, which would prohibit the federal government from stripping individuals of their Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and SSI benefits, before an inmate has been convicted of a crime. (Please find attached a copy of the legislation): \r\nThe U.S. Supreme Courts interpretation of the 8th Amendment requires government entities to provide medical care to all inmates. As a result, local governments are burdened with the expense of providing health care to thousands of men, women, and juveniles currently awaiting trial.\r\nAlthough these inmates are incarcerated, they are innocent until proven guilty. As such, they should still be entitled to their medical benefits, and not at the expense of local governments, which are already trying to manage widespread budget deficits and cuts to safety net programs and other essential services.  \"Some of the inmates are incarcerated for a year and a half, while they await trial, meaning local governments have to shoulder the burden of providing their health care.Terminating their benefits also violates the presumption of innocence, which is the cornerstone principle of our justice system. This also disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations, who are often unable to post bond, which would enable them to continue receiving benefits.\r\nJoining Hastings as original co-sponsors of the resolution were (7): Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Hank Johnston (D-GA), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398536", "Florida Members Urge President Obama to Establish a Critical Habitat Designation for the Florida Panther", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) sent the below letter to President Obama urging the establishment of a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world, andless than 180 of them survive today. Joining Hastings in sending the letter were Representatives Patrick Murphy (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Curt Clawson (R-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Cathy Castor (D-FL). Please find below and attached a copy of the letter: \r\nDecember 9, 2015\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Barack H. Obama  \r\nPresident of the United States  \r\nThe White House   \r\nWashington, D.C. 20500\r\nDear President Obama:\r\nThe Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world as less than 180 of them survive today. As you know, the two greatest threats to the Florida panther are the loss of habitat and automobile-related deaths, both of which are caused by increased development in environmentally sensitive areas. The best available science suggests that current lands in conservation do not provide enough suitable habitat area to support even the limited number of existing panthers. Further, on November 28th, two more panthers were killed by cars. As members of the Florida delegation, we are writing to request your support in establishing a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther was listed as an endangered species in 1973, but critical habitat has never been established, even though the Endangered Species Act includes a requirement for the designation of critical habitat for endangered species. In other words, the Florida panther is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, unfortunately its home is not.  It is of great importance to designate a critical habitat not only because it would preserve and encourage the growth of the current population of Florida panthers, but also because it would help to protect other valuable environmental resources, such as wetlands, aquifer-recharge areas, drinking water supplies and the habitat of other endangered species. At the top of the food chain, Florida panthers help keep feral hog numbers in check and deer, raccoon and other prey populations balanced and healthy. Moreover, a designation of critical habitat does not mean that no further development is allowed in an area, it simply requires additional review when projects requiring federal permits would impact habitats considered essential to preventing the Florida panther from going extinct. We urge you to ensure the continued existence of the Florida panther and the preservation of Southwest Floridas natural resources and unique character by supporting the designation of critical habitat for the endangered Florida panther. Thank you for your time and consideration. The decision to take action now will provide a historic opportunity for protecting the Earths most endangered umbrella species  the Florida panther.\r\nSincerely, Alcee L. Hastings  \r\nMember of Congress Patrick E. Murphy  \r\nMember of Congress Theodore E. Deutch  \r\nMember of Congress Lois Frankel  \r\nMember of Congress Vern Buchanan  \r\nMember of Congress Curt Clawson  \r\nMember of Congress Frederica S. Wilson  \r\nMember of Congress Cathy Castor  \r\nMember of Congress Debbie Wasserman Schultz  \r\nMember of Congress\r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398056", "Bipartisan education reform bill passes Congress, on its way to President's desk", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The long-overdue, bipartisan education reform bill, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), received final passage today in Congress and is now headed to President Obamas desk for signature. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The long-overdue, bipartisan education reform bill, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), received final passage today in Congress and is now headed to President Obamas desk for signature. \r\nFortunately, we were able to fight off attempts to eliminate support for struggling schools and students.Students deserve a high-quality education no matter their neighborhood or zip code, and everyone must remain focused on eliminating the achievement gap,\" said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14).\r\nESSA significantly reforms the controversialNo Child Left Behindlaw, preserves Title I funds for students and schools, increases teacher support, broadens accountability and targets struggling schools, and incentivizes increased transparency of publicly-funded charter schools.\r\nU.S. Rep. Castor has been working to ensure that Title I funds remain intact and are properly supplementing - - not supplanting - - education resources, especially for at-risk schools in South St. Petersburg that were highlighted in the Tampa Bay Times investigation as well as schools across Hillsborough County.Under ESSA, Title I funds will continue to augment state and local education dollars, and will not include portability provisions that would have permitted funds to follow students if they transfer between public and charter schools.\r\nU.S. Rep. Castor also raised the crisis situation among South St. Petersburg schools to U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, who then visited Pinellas County in October to speak directly to parents and education advocates. \r\nQuality teaching matters to student learning, and this bills emphasis on bolstering resources to invest in quality educators as well as early childhood education can also offer hope for improvement in schools across the Tampa Bay Area, U.S. Rep. Castor added. \r\nESSA provides resources to states and school districts to implement various activities to support educators through services for new teachers, professional development for current teachers and opportunities to recruit more educators to the profession. Historic support for early childhood education is critical for states to recognize as an important component in closing achievement gaps between low-income students and their peers.\r\nIn addition, ESSA replaces the high-stakes testing and punitive policies of No Child Left Behind with a comprehensive state-designed system that better identifies and supports struggling schools. ESSA incentivizes increased transparency, community engagement and accountability for all education resources, especially publicly funded charter schools, which has been another longstanding concern of U.S. Rep. Castor. \r\nTampa Bay schools are facing substantial challenges. Too many of our St. Pete schools are low-performing and require immediate, targeted attention. In addition, a Harvard study earlier this year ranked Hillsborough County third worst place for poor children to be able to climb the ladder of success and escape poverty. Our public schools are central to lifting students and preparing them for future success in life, U.S. Rep. Castor said. Primary responsibility for student achievement remains with students, parents, local schools, districts and states, but I am pleased to report that federal policies will be more encouraging. \r\nU.S. Rep. Castor rejected any previous education reform plan that weakened public schools. Rather, she has worked with neighbors, parents and education advocates to ensure todays final legislation included meaningful reforms and upheld Americas 50-year commitment to equity and quality in public education. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=435", "Frankel Denounces Trumps Anti-Muslim Rhetoric", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States.\r\nDonald Trumps call to bar Muslims from entering the United States is dangerous and inflammatory. His remarks reinforce the narrative that pits the United States against Muslims and fuels terrorist recruitment efforts. Trumps message promotes scapegoating and stereotyping that alienates our friends and bolsters our adversaries. History has taught us the dangers of singling out the other for unequal treatment. Trumps cruel rhetoric defies American principles of equal protection and nondiscrimination and, if gone unchecked, threatens to trample our most cherished values.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398538", "Reps. Deutch & Kennedy Urge Accountability for Iran After Missile Tests", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman Joe Kennedy III (MA-4) wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to hold Iran accountable for violating United Nations Security Council Resolutions that prohibit ballistic missile testing. Following separate launches on October 11th and November 21st, the lawmakers wrote a letter to the President stating that Iran violated UNSC Resolution 1929, which remains in effect until the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is implemented, as well as UNSC Resolution 2331, which takes effect after Implementation Day. Irans recent long-range ballistic missile launches amount to clear and indisputable violations of existing U.N. Security Council resolutions, said Congressman Ted Deutch. Failure to hold Iran accountable for these violations sends a dangerous message to the regime that it can abandon its obligations under international law and threaten the security of the United States, Israel, and our allies without consequence. Given that the entire framework of the JCPOA rests on strict verification and rigorous enforcement, the United States must make clear to Iran and to the world that such behavior will not be tolerated. Any agreement with Iran is not built on trust, but strict and vigilant enforcement, said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. These two missile launches are in clear violation of existing UNSC resolutions, and if the Security Council refuses to hold the Iranian government accountable, the United States must take action unilaterally. As we move towards implementation of the JCPOA, ignoring violations of the agreement will send a troubling signal to not only Iran, but to our allies in the region about our commitment to vigorously enforcing its restrictions.  \r\n  \r\nTo read the full letter,please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/key-senate-committee-approves-bill-to-tighten-airport-security", "Key Senate committee approves bill to tighten airport security", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Bill Nelsons legislation to tighten airport security is one step closer to becoming law today as a major Senate committee gave it bipartisan, unanimous approval.\nThe Senate Commerce Committee today voted on and approved the legislation filed late Monday by Nelson, the committees top Democrat, and Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the committees chairman. It would, among other things, require the Transportation Security Administration to tighten internal security at airports across the nation.\nThe need for this legislation is clear, Nelson said. We must continue to do everything we can to protect the traveling public.\nEmployee security procedures at airports in the U.S. have come under increased scrutiny since reports that an Egyptian airport worker may have planted a bomb that recently caused the crash of a Russian aircraft.\nNelson says the measure would, among other things, limit the potential threat posed by airport employees by enhancing background checks and requiring the TSA to increase screening of aviation workers at the 450 U.S. airports at which they are responsible for security.\nIn addition to increased screening, the bill would also require TSA to:\n Improve its vetting of airport employees with access to secured areas by:\n\t\tAllowing TSA to access additional terrorism-related databases maintained by the intelligence community; and\n\t\t\tAllowing TSA to conduct real-time, continuous criminal records checks through the FBI;\n\t\t\n\tIncrease its oversight of employees secure access badges;\n\tConduct a review of the insider threat posed by airport employees and report back to Congress with recommendations for improving security; and\n\tIncrease the use of its undercover red-teams to test the security of secured areas at airports across the country.\n The committee approved the bill on a voice vote. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.\nThe text of Nelsons legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/meet-the-11-republicans-vying-for-the-steering-committee", "Meet the 11 Republicans Vying for the Steering Committee", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Eleven House Republicans are pitching their colleagues for a seat at the GOPs influential Steering Committee, which determines who gets what plum, or not so plum, committee assignments.\nElections are scheduled forThursday to determine the six at-large members who will be installed on the committee, a situation set in motion when new Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., kept a promise to conservatives and changed the makeup of the panel, diluting some of leaderships influence.\nThe sixlawmakers will only serve on the Steering Committee for the remainder of the 114th Congress, placeholders until leadership can reconsider the allocation of regional representatives on the board. The stated goal in reconfiguring the committee is to diversify the ranks for the 115th Congress, starting in 2017.\nBut a short tenureisnt deterring the 11 candidates who made their cases to colleagues on Wednesday.\nHere are the members vying for the available seats:\nRep. Susan W. Brooks, R-Ind. The sophomore lawmaker has quickly established herself as a leadership loyalist and team player whose profile was catapulted in 2014 when she was named to the Select Committee on Benghazi. Brooks is also the only woman running for an at-large seat.\nRep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.Cole had a seat on the Steering Committee in his capacity as a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, but the shift in membership that took place in November called for him to forfeit his slot. Cole, a senior appropriator, is well-liked in the conference and looked upon by many colleagues as a voice of reason.\nRep. John Culberson, R-Texas. Texas has the largest Republican delegation by a long shot, but only two of their own, Reps. Pete Sessions and Lamar Smith, are on the panel. That doesnt strike Lone Star State members as good enough to represent their 25-Republican strong crew. Culberson, an eight-term House member and appropriator, is one of their own and wields influence with Congress purse strings.\nRep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan. Huelskamp is one of four members of the House Freedom Caucus vying for a slot. A member of the 2010 class and key leadership agitator, he lost his prestige assignments for going against leadership one time too many. The HFC and other House conservatives want their own members represented, and Huelskamp is one of their own.\nRep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Because of term limits, Issa handed in his chairmans gavel at Oversight and Government Reform in January. He expressed interest in the speakership before Ryan said he would run to replace John A. Boehner. A spot on Steering would keep him in an influential spot.\nRep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.Another member of the Freedom Caucus, Pearce was part of the special working group to produce legislative solutions when the child migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border came along in the summer of 2014.\nRep. Mike D. Rogers, R-Ala.Rogers came within a hair of beating Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, for chairman of the Homeland Security committee in 2012. If the Alabama lawmaker can tap those connections, it could be helpful for his bid.\nRep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz. The third member of the Freedom Caucus in the running, Schweikert keeps a lower profile than other conservatives but continues to push hard against leadership. He was among those who tried todefeat the procedural rule to bring up Trade Promotion Authority legislation.\nRep. Jason Smith, R-Mo.At just 35 years old, Smith is the youngest member running for a seat on Steering, something he could capitalize on at a time when the GOP wants to promote diverse voices within the conference.\nRep. Fred Upton, R-Mich.Upton, like Cole, formerly enjoyed a seat at the Steering paneltable until the reconfiguration booted most committee chairmen. Conservatives who wanted a sea change in Steering Committee membership might not take kindly to a chairman trying to return to the fold, but Upton is term-limited as chairman of Energy and Commerce at the end of 2016, so his candidacy mightlook like less of a threat. Plus, Upton offers colleagues a chance to make sure the Steering Committee maintains important institutional knowledge.\nRep. Ted Yoho,R-Fla.The fourth HFC member in the running. The former large-animal veterinarian is a consistent ally of conservatives; he was one of 12 House Republicans to vote against Ryan for speaker.\nCorrection 4:49 p.m.\nA previous version of this article misstated Rep. Jason Smiths age. He is 35 years old.\nRelated:\nSee photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Calls new video site.\nNEW! Download the Roll Call app for the best coverage of people, politics and personalities of Capitol Hill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-statement-on-commemoration-of-the-150th-anniversary-of-the-13th", "Yoho Statement on Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.- Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) commemorated the 150thanniversary of the ratification of the 13thAmendment to the U.S. Constitution. This significant moment in history freed nearly 4 million slaves - formally abolishing slavery in America. Congressman Yoho released the following statement:\n150 years ago, in the midst of a bloody civil war, President Abraham Lincoln led a courageous Congress to ratify the 13thAmendment and abolish slavery in America. Today, Congress commemorated this significate moment in our nations history with a moving ceremony in Emancipation Hall.\nBefore he was president, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided speech. In it, he pointedly stated,A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect theUnionto be dissolved  I do not expect the house to fall  but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.\nThis speech, given before The Civil War started, laid the foundation for what I believe was Lincolns eventual push to end slavery. And from this, our country continuesto learn, evolve, move forward, and grow stronger.\nThe 13th Amendment set in motion a long, painful struggle for equality that continues to this day. From The Civil War, to the Civil Rights movement, to the scourge of todays human trafficking, the fight for equality continues. It is uncontainable that the exploitation and indentured servitude of individuals still exist in our world today  it must be stopped.\nI encourage everyone to take time to focus on this moment in our history, to reflect upon the meaning of freedom, liberty, and the value of human life. We must all remain vigilant in protecting the rights of our citizens and the most vulnerable among us - regardless of race, color or creed. By doing so, we do our part in creating astrongerunion and a better world.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=daab7da1-18d9-4f46-9b04-9a8496575e92", "Marco Rubio Quietly Undermines Affordable Care Act", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON  A little-noticed health care provision that Senator Marco Rubio of Florida slipped into a giant spending law last year has tangled up the Obama administration, sent tremors through health insurance markets and rattled confidence in the durability of President Obamas signature health law.So for all the Republican talk about dismantling the Affordable Care Act, one Republican has actually done something toward achieving that goal.The risk corridors were intended to help some insurance companies if they ended up with too many new sick people on their rolls and too little cash from premiums to cover their medical bills in the first three years under the health law. But because of Mr. Rubios efforts, the administration says it will pay only 13 percent of what insurance companies were expecting to receive this year. The payments were supposed to help insurers cope with the risks they assumed when they decided to participate in the laws new insurance marketplaces.Mr. Rubios talking point is bumper-sticker ready. The payments, he says, are a taxpayer-funded bailout for insurance companies. But without them, insurers say, many consumers will face higher premiums and may have to scramble for other coverage. Already, some insurers have shut down over the unexpected shortfall.Risk corridors have become a political football, said Dawn H. Bonder, the president and chief executive of Health Republic of Oregon, an insurance co-op that announced in October it would close its doors after learning that it would receive only $995,000 of the $7.9 million it had expected from the government. We were stable, had a growing membership and could have been successful if we had received those payments. We relied on the payments in pricing our plans, but the government reneged on its promise. I am disgusted.Blue Cross and Blue Shield executives have warned the administration and Congress that eliminating the federal payments could have a devastating impact on insurance markets.Twelve of the 23 nonprofit insurance cooperatives created under the law have failed, disrupting coverage for more than 700,000 people, and co-op executives like Ms. Bonder have angrily cited the sharp reduction in federal payments as a factor in their demise.But Mr. Rubio is pressing forward, demanding a provision in the final spending bill now under negotiation that continues the current risk corridor restrictions, or even eliminates the program altogether. That enormous spending bill is being worked out as Congress slides toward a deadline of Friday, when much of the federal governments funding runs out.If you want to be involved in the exchanges and you lose money, the American taxpayer should not have to bail you out, Mr. Rubio said on the Senate floor on Thursday.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=ff24cf13-8795-463f-8609-2eb4daf7d407", "Why Marco Rubio Is Worried About the IRS Targeting Churches", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tSen. Marco Rubio said he believes pastors must be both cautious and bold against an intrusive IRS that may be looking more carefully at their words from the pulpit after the Supreme Court ruled that there is a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.I think, long-term, its something we should be vigilant about, Rubio, R-Fla., told The Daily Signal, adding:We have an IRS thats already targeted people for their political views. We have an IRS thats targeted conservative groups for auditing, and special scrutiny, and so its not a stretch to say the next step would be that. We know that there are areas around the world already where Christianity is often defined as hate speech, and therefore [Christians] become target of government sanction.Rubio has been a vocal critic of the Internal Revenue Service. During the 2013 scandal, where the agency admitted to targeting conservative groups for more stringent review, Rubio called its actions reprehensible and deplorable.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398420", "Ross Votes to Pass Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 8, 2015  U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Improvement Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include terrorism risk as a factor the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consider under the electronic system for travel authorization in determining the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States:\r\nI am very happy the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act because we must prevent foreign individuals who pose a potential terrorist threat from entering our country. This legislation provides an important additional layer of security to protect our homeland and the lives of Americans in our communities from radical Islamic terrorism.\r\nThis legislation further addresses the inexcusable vulnerabilities of the Visa Waiver Program by requiring participating countries to provide counterterrorism information and issue their citizens fraud-resistant e-passports, as well as denying Visa Waiver Program status to those who have traveled to terrorist hotspots, like Iraq and Syria, since 2011. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend a country from the Visa Waiver Program without prior notice if the country fails to comply with an agreement to share information regarding whether its citizens and nationals traveling to America pose a U.S. security threat.\r\nIt is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, much of whom are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are not a threat to our nation. While my colleagues and I are doing what we can to protect our country from terrorists, the recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, should be an alarming wakeup call that the President must stop putting his personal political agenda before the nation's safety and immediately implement a strategy to defeat ISIS.\" \r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/desde-el-congreso-ros-lehtinen-felicita-venezuela-por-su-victoria-democr%C3%A1tica", "Desde el Congreso Ros-Lehtinen Felicita a Venezuela Por Su Victoria Democrtica", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Desde el Congreso Ros-Lehtinen Felicita a Venezuela Por Su Victoria Democrtica\nAn quedan algunos escaos en los que no se han anunciado ganadores y son de gran importancia para el resultado final de la eleccin.\n\n(Washington, DC)  La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin desde el pleno de la Cmara de Representantes felicitando al pueblo de Venezuela por su victoria democrtica. Destac Ros-Lehtinen:\nSeor Presidente, hoy tomo la palabra para felicitar al pueblo de Venezuela en su victoria democrtica.\nLos votantes enviaron, desde los centros de votacin, un mensaje claro al rgimen de Maduro: rechazamos sus polticas y apoyamos un regreso a la democracia y el fin de un sistema econmico que ha puesto a la nacin en bancarrota.\nA pesar de condiciones electorales desequilibradas, censura impuesta por el estado y tcticas de intimidacin, la oposicin democrtica super muchos obstculos para ganar una mayora en la Asamblea Nacional.\nAn queda mucho trabajo por hacer.\nTodos los prisioneros polticos deben ser liberados  incluyendo al lder democrtico Leopoldo Lpez.\nAn quedan algunos escaos en los que no se han anunciado ganadores y son de gran importancia para el resultado final de la eleccin.\nInsto a que se haga una declaracin rpida y transparente de los ganadores y que se lleve a cabo un proceso de adjudicacin plena de algunas contiendas que pueden ocurrir en ciertas elecciones.\nNOTA: Para ver las declaraciones de la Congresista, haga click aqu.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lawmakers-seek-to-cut-number-of-h-1b-visas-available-each-year", "Lawmakers seek to cut number of H-1B visas available each year", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today that would cut the number of H-1B visas available each year.\nCongress created the H-1B visa program in 1990 to allow a limited number of highly specialized workers to enter the U.S. to fill jobs where there was said to be a shortage of U.S. workers. Under current law, the Department of Homeland Security may grant up to 85,000 H-1B visas to highly-specialized foreign workers each year.\nNelsons bill, filed today with Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), would reduce the number of visas available by 15,000. And it would also require the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize the allocation of these 70,000 H-1B visas to foreign workers based on their salary.\nBy cutting the number of visas available each year and requiring those visas be given to the highest-wage earners first, this bill directly targets outsourcing companies that rely on lower-wage foreign workers to replace equally-qualified U.S. workers, Nelson said.\nNelson says the measure will help ensure that the H-1B visa program is once again being used as it was originally intended: to attract foreign workers with highly specialized skills not found among the available U.S. workforce.\nLast month, Nelson and a handful of his Senate colleagues filed a separate piece of legislation to reform the H-1B visa program. Specifically, it would prohibit any employer from replacing a U.S. worker with an H-1B visa holder. It would also require employers to prove that they first tried to recruit American workers prior to hiring an H-1B visa holder and bar companies that employ more than 50 people from hiring any additional H-1B employees if more than half of their employees are already H-1B visa holders.\nThe text of the bill Nelson filed today is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/paul-ryan-joins-chorus-opposing-trump-s-muslim-ban", "Paul Ryan joins chorus opposing Trumps Muslim ban", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Speaker Paul D. Ryan on Tuesday joined the chorus of Republican voices decrying presidential candidate Donald Trumps call to block all Muslims from entering the United States  but stopped short of saying he would reject Trump were he to become the GOP nominee.\nRyan said he typically does not comment on the Republican presidential race but felt compelled to make an exception, then proceeded to denounce Trumps comments in some of the strongest terms yet heard from a top Republican leader.\nFreedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional principle. Its a founding principle of this country, Ryan told reporters following aclosed-door morning meeting at the Republican National Committee. This is not conservatism. What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for. And more importantly, its not what this country stands for.\n[Sign up for The Daily 202, The Washington Posts new political tipsheet]\nRyan (R-Wis.)said it is incumbent on Republican leaders to stand up and defend what conservatism is and what the Republican party stands for.\nIm not concerned about lasting damage to the party; Im concerned about standing up for our countrys principles, he said.\nBut Ryan would not rule out backing Trump if hebecomes the Republican presidential nominee: Im going to support whoever the Republican nominee is, and Im going to stand up for what I believe in as I do that.\nRyan addressed Trumps remarks during the conference meeting as well, according to a person present at the gathering, Rep. Matt Salmon of Arizona.\nThat is not who we are as a party; that is not who we are as a country, Salmon quoted Ryan as saying to his colleagues.\nRepublicans leaving the conference meeting were mostly critical of Trumps proposal.\nRep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, said the comments were not helpful but declined to say that they might help the Islamic State recruit adherents. I dont think ISIS needs any help recruiting, he said.\nRep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), one of the Houses more conservative members, was even more critical, calling the proposal unconstitutional.\nWe cant put that kind of a test on anybody, he said. Its not about anti-Muslim, its about anti-terrorism, period.\nBut Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), perhaps the Houses fiercest advocate of tighter border policies, would not dismiss Trumps proposal out of hand.\nWe have to respect the rights of citizenship here in America, he said. Thats a constitutional principle that I wouldnt compromise on. Other than that, Mr. Trump has given some of us a little more room to operate.\nHe added: We have a constitutional right to determine who comes to America and we can set out any criteria we want from a constitutional perspective, so lets have a debate on how we protect America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-on-house-passage-of-bill-to-strengthen-visa-waiver-program", "Yoho on House Passage of Bill to Strengthen Visa Waiver Program", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 158, theVisa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bill implements recommendations made by the House Task Force on Combatting Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel and strengthens the Visa Waiver Program - to help prevent foreign terrorists from entering the United States. Congressman Yoho released the following statement after his vote:\nThe first order of business for the federal government is to provide for the common defense and keep the American people safe. In addition to my sworn duties as a Member of Congress, this is a personal priority of mine as an American. This bipartisan bill we passed today takes a substantial step forward in Americas effort to stop foreign terrorists from reaching our shores and our neighborhoods. \nWe are addressing key vulnerabilities with our Visa Waiver Program by implementing more rigorous background checks for foreign travelers and increased audits of the programs effectiveness. This will also require individuals who recently visited a country of concern to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. \nThe world we live in is a dangerous place and we must take the necessary steps, large and small, to ensure the safety of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rooney-language-included-in-tax-extenders-bill", "Rooney Language Included In Tax Extenders Bill", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Tom Rooney", "R000583", "rooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Tom Rooney issued the following statement after last nights filing of the Tax Increase Prevention and Real Estate Investment Act of 2015 by Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady, commonly referred to as tax extenders.\nChairman Brady filed a bill last night which would extend tax provisions for the upcoming year. Included in this bill is language that Rooney has pushed regarding bonus depreciation; Rooneys concern on this issue is how bonus depreciation pertains to citrus farmers.\nFloridas citrus industry has been plagued with citrus greening disease for more than a decade. Bradys bill includes provisions to help any farmers who tend to fruit and nut bearing trees, which includes citrus trees. The proposed bill would allow farmers to immediately depreciate their costs of planting new trees and substantially reduce the financial risk that comes with the investment. Current law prevents cost depreciation until the grove produces income, which can take years.\nThe state of Florida has over 130,000 acres of abandoned commercial citrus groves, according to officials. Rooney has long supported this language in the hopes that this will help citrus growers invest in their own groves and help the citrus industry in Florida flourish. \nI am very pleased and encouraged to see that the language I, and other Florida delegation members, requested to be included in the end of the year tax extenders package was included in the draft filed last night, Rooney said. This is a big step in the right direction and I am hopeful that this language is retained in any final tax bill we vote on before the end of the year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1045", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Retirement of House CAO Ed Cassidy", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Retirement of House CAO Ed Cassidy \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 8, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        I extend my congratulations to Ed Cassidy and his family on his well-deserved retirement from service to the House of Representatives. Ed has served this institution with integrity for several decades, and he has played an important role in working with Members on both sides of the aisle.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Retirement of House CAO Ed Cassidy U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives Ed Cassidy announced his retirement: I extend my congratulations to Ed Cassidy and his family on his well-deserved retirement from service to the House of Representatives. Ed has served this institution with integrity for several decades, and he has played an important role in working with Members on both sides of the aisle. I appreciated his willingness to work with me on removing Styrofoam containers from the House cafeterias, as he strove to find places for compromise and did what was best for the people who work in the House. I once again wish him and his family the best on his retirement. ###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1094", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Venezuelan Election", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Going forward, both the opposition parties and the Maduro government must work together to fully implement the rule of law, enforce democratic principles and respect democratic institutions. A strong first step would be releasing political prisoners including Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos. All Venezuelans deserve to live in a free and just society.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after Venezuela's parliamentary election on Sunday: I congratulate the people of Venezuela on their historic election this past Sunday. Despite threats and intimidations, brave Venezuelans turned out to the polls to cast their votes overwhelmingly in favor of democratic reform, freedom and liberty. As the National Election Council certifies the results and the final vote tallies, I stand with my colleagues in strongly urging those responsible to ensure a complete and transparent accounting. Although the Maduro government has tried to silence dissent, going so far as jailing opposition candidates and physically threatening and intimidating peaceful protesters, those voices spoke clearly in last weekend's election. Venezuelans voted decisively against the Maduro government's mishandling of the economy and suppression of basic human rights. Going forward, both the opposition parties and the Maduro government must work together to fully implement the rule of law, enforce democratic principles and respect democratic institutions. A strong first step would be releasing political prisoners including Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos. All Venezuelans deserve to live in a free and just society. ###  Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=712", "Spanish: Wasserman Schultz Statement on Venezuelan Election", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "En el futuro, tanto los partidos de oposicin como el gobierno de Maduro debern trabajar juntos para verdaderamente implementar el estado de derecho, hacer cumplir los principios democrticos y respetar las instituciones democrticas. El primer paso debera de ser la liberacin de los presos polticos, entre ellos Leopoldo Lpez y Daniel Ceballos. Todo venezolano merece vivir en una sociedad libre y justa.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      La Congresista Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), emiti la siguiente declaracin despus de las elecciones parlamentarias de Venezuela el domingo pasado: \"Felicito al pueblo venezolano por su participacin el da de la eleccin histrica del domingo pasado. A pesar de las amenazas e intimidaciones, venezolanos valientes se presentaron a las urnas para emitir su voto arrollador a favor de la reforma democrtica y la libertad. \"A medida de que el Consejo Nacional Electoral certifica los resultados y los conteos finales, me mantengo firme con mis colegas al instar firmemente a los responsables que garanticen un conteo completo y transparente. A pesar de que el gobierno de Maduro ha tratado de silenciar la disidencia hasta el punto de llegar a encarcelar a candidatos de la oposicin y amenazando fsicamente e intimidando a manifestantes pacficos, esas voces hablaron claramente en las elecciones del pasado fin de semana. Los venezolanos votaron decididamente contra el mal manejo de la economa y la supresin de los derechos humanos bsicos del gobierno de Maduro. \"En el futuro, tanto los partidos de oposicin como el gobierno de Maduro debern trabajar juntos para verdaderamente implementar el estado de derecho, hacer cumplir los principios democrticos y respetar las instituciones democrticas. El primer paso debera de ser la liberacin de los presos polticos, entre ellos Leopoldo Lpez y Daniel Ceballos. Todo venezolano merece vivir en una sociedad libre y justa.\" ### Contacto: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-we-must-do-all-that-we-can-to-ensure-election-results-are", "Diaz-Balart: We Must Do All That We Can to Ensure Election Results Are Respected", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement regarding yesterdays Venezuelan elections.\nYesterday, Venezuelans went to the polls en masse to soundly reject the oppression, corruption and mounting failures of the Maduro regime. Today, hopes are high that the people of Venezuela have an opportunity to chart a new course toward prosperity and freedom. Following reports of election irregularities, intimidation, arrests of opposition leaders, and vast media censorship, the Obama administration must increase pressure on the Maduro regime and impose sanctions on those involved in human rights abuses. Although the leadership of the National Assembly is changing, the Maduro regime is still in power. Those who were involved in the assassination of Luis Manuel Diaz, and those who attempted to silence and intimidate opposition leaders must be held accountable. We must do all that we can to ensure that the results of yesterday's elections are respected, and that the Maduro regime does not undermine the legislature's authority. Despite obstacles imposed by the Maduro regime and his thugs, the Venezuelan people courageously mandated change. I commend the people of Venezuela for rejecting the Chavez-Maduro legacy that has plagued them for far too long. I look forward to standing with them as they begin the process of building a brighter future for themselves and their children.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-commenta-sobre-elecciones-legislativas-en-venezuela", "Ros-Lehtinen Commenta Sobre Elecciones Legislativas en Venezuela", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Commenta Sobre Elecciones Legislativas en Venezuela\n(Washington, DC) - La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin sobre las elecciones legislativas de Venezuela. Destac Ros-Lehtinen:\nA pesar de muchos retos, la oposicin venezolana ha logrado una mayora en la Asamblea Nacional. Debemos entender que la oposicin debi luchar contra un arbitro electoral parcializado durante las elecciones al rechazar una misin de monitoreo internacional acreditada, prevenir las candidaturas de figuras polticas de la oposicin  tal como Mara Corina Machado y Leopoldo Lpez  y no permitir acceso justo a los medios de comunicacin por parte de candidatos opositores, el CNE y el rgimen de Maduro utilizo su poder para controlar el resultado de las elecciones.\nDurante el da reportaron irregularidades tales como la presin y la intimidacin de votantes por parte de grupos armados y se revocaron de los credenciales de algunos ex Presidentes latinoamericanos por parte de Maduro y sus secuaces.\nLa Administracin Obama puede ver estos resultados como una excusa para demorar las sanciones al rgimen de Maduro. Para defender la democracia y la libertad de expresin en Venezuela, hago un llamado a la Administracin a denunciar el ambiente electoral previo al voto y la imposicin de sanciones a los individuos que causaron irregularidades el da de las elecciones. El continuo asalto a la democracia por el rgimen de Maduro, tal como la sentencia de Leopoldo y el asesinato de Lus Manuel Daz durante la campaa deben ser el catalizador para imponer mayores sanciones a los funcionarios del rgimen que perpetraron estos abusos en contra de los derechos humanos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-comments-legislative-elections-venezuela", "Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Legislative Elections In Venezuela", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Legislative Elections In Venezuela\n(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding Venezuela's legislative elections. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\nIn spite of many challenges, the Venezuelan opposition has been able to gain control of the National Assembly. However, we must understand what the opposition was up against due to the electoral arbiters behavior in the lead up to the elections. By refusing a reputable international accredited monitoring mission, limiting the playing field by refusing candidates - such as Maria Corina Machado and Leopoldo Lopez - to stand for election, and not allowing opposition candidates fair access to mass media, the CNE and the Maduro regime used their control to impact the outcome of the elections.\nThroughout election day, reports surfaced of voting irregularities such as pressuring voters at precincts, armed groups intimidating voters, and Maduro with the help of his cronies revoking the credentials of former Latin America presidents.\nThe Obama administration may see these results as an excuse to further delay the application of pressure on the Maduro regime. In order to defend democracy and freedom of expression in Venezuela, I call on the Administration to denounce the environment leading up to the elections and impose sanctions on those individuals that caused voting irregularities on election day, a dangerous atmosphere for opposition political parties, and a lopsided playing field. The continued assaults on democracy by the Maduro regime, such as the sentencing of Leopoldo and the assassination of Luis Manuel Diaz during the campaign, must be a catalyst to impose further sanctions on the regime officials who perpetrate these human rights abuses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-focuses-on-islamic-state-threat-from-europe", "Congress focuses on Islamic State threat from Europe", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After efforts to freeze refugee admissions from Syria and Iraq caused a backlash from the Obama administration and the foreign policy establishment, lawmakers in the House and Senate are now revisiting the visa waiver program with 38 mostly European countries. The House is slated to vote Dec. 8 on legislation from Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., chairwoman of the Homeland Security border security panel, that would suspend uncooperative countries and exclude people who have traveled to Iraq or Syria over the past five years.\n\"As Americans, we live in a free and open society, and terrorists are looking for any and every opportunity to exploit those freedoms and use them against us, so we need to think clearly,\" Miller said in this week's Republican address. \"And clearly, we have a major weakness in our visa-waiver program  a glaring hole that we have to close.\"\nThe following day, the Senate Homeland Security panel will host a roundtable on ways to strengthen the program with officials from the State and Homeland Security departments.\nMeanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to vote Dec. 10 on legislation from presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to strip US terrorism supporters of their citizenship. Similar legislation died five years ago when it was first introduced by then-Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Scott Brown, R-Mass., amid concerns that it violated the constitution and did little to protect the country.\nThe strategy to combat IS gets its day in the Senate Armed Services as Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Gen. Paul Selva, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief Arizona Republican John McCain's panel on US policy toward Iraq and Syria on Dec. 9. The hearing comes one week after Carter made international headlines when he told the House panel that he was sending a special operations strike force to conduct raids against IS targets in those two countries and threatened to arm Sunni tribes directly if Baghdad doesn't do more to integrate them into its armed forces.\nThe House Foreign Affairs panel, meanwhile, is slated to vote Dec. 9 on legislation to directly arm the Iraqi Kurds battling IS. The bill, from Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., goes further than the annual defense bill signed into law by President Barack Obama last month by making it US policy to \"directly provide the Kurdistan Regional Government with advanced conventional weapons, training and defense services on an emergency and temporary basis.\"\nThe panel is also expected to pass a nonbinding resolution from Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., calling on the United States and the international community to prosecute parties who have used chemical weapons in Syria. Later that afternoon, the committee's human rights panel will look into why international humanitarian aid pledges for victims of IS have been lagging.\nIn the Senate, the Foreign Relations panel on Dec. 9 will examine peacekeeping reforms with Samantha Power, the US envoy to the United Nations.\nFinally, the House is expected to vote as early as Dec. 8on Senate-passed Hezbollah sanctions legislation. The bill has been bouncing around Congress for more than a year and a half.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-prompt-notification-of-short-sale-act-introduced", "Bipartisan Prompt Notification of Short Sale Act Introduced", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Tom Rooney", "R000583", "rooney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Last week, Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) and Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) introduced the Prompt Notification of Short Sale Act, bipartisan legislation which will streamline the short sale process, helping families avoid foreclosure while protecting the housing market.\nA robust housing market is critical to growing our economy and creating jobs in Florida, Rep. Rooney said. Although weve progressed since the trying times of the 2008 housing collapse, we are far from clearing out our nations backlog of short-sale homes. By streamlining short sales, we can help keep homes out of foreclosure, fuel growth in the housing market, and deliver a needed boost to Floridas economy.\nAs a former mayor, I know the importance of homeownership to keep neighborhoods safe clean and stable, Rep. Frankel said. This legislation will help prevent properties from deteriorating and put them in the hands of caring families.\nThe current short sale process can be time consuming and inefficient for both buyers and sellers. The Prompt Notification of Short Sale Act addresses the inefficiencies of the current short sale process by requiring the lender to acknowledge the request for a short sale within three-days of receipt from the borrower. The mortgage servicer is then required to provide notice of any missing or incomplete information within five-days of receipt of a short sale request, and must decide whether to accept an offer of a short sale within 30-days of the request.\nThe bill allows for the 30 day response time to be extended to 60 days in exceptional situations, but the lender must notify the borrower that the application is still under review and provide the borrower weekly updates on the reasons for the delay. Violators of the imposed timeline will be faced with a fine of $1,000 plus attorneys fees per violation.\nThis legislation is supported by the National Association of Realtors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=968ebd18-23c6-44fa-b057-d57367628fe0", "In Washington, warnings not to ease up on Venezuela", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Articles \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Articles\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON -The oppositions historic victory Sunday in Venezuela could help thaw long-chilly relations between the United States and the oil-rich country. But U.S. leaders in Washington such as Sen. Marco Rubio and Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart, all Florida Republicans, caution this is not the time to ease pressure.They cited President Nicols Maduros administration, which they charged had stifled political dissent, intimidated voters and jailed opposition leaders, as a reason for a stronger approach.Maduro and his followers should accept the will of the Venezuelan people and accept accountability for mismanaging the economy, destroying the rule of law and violating the fundamental rights of countless Venezuelans, Rubio said.Keep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1902, "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 \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "FL", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1384, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 518, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1902, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 1902, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 1902, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-12-07,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Erubio~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews-articles~3FContentRecord_id~3D968ebd18-23c6-44fa-b057-d57367628fe0", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=FL&year=2015&_next=2015-12-07%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Erubio~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews-articles~3FContentRecord_id~3D968ebd18-23c6-44fa-b057-d57367628fe0&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 496.00228294730186, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}