{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/fourth-deadly-and-unprovoked-attack-camp-liberty-residents-underscorres-need", "Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-28", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen\nMiami, Florida \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement today following the latest deadly, unprovoked attack against Camp Liberty yesterday that killed two and left a number more in critical condition. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cThis latest attack is the fourth of its kind on Camp Liberty this year, and those responsible must be swiftly brought to justice. For over a year now, I have urged the Administration to take immediate action to ensure that the residents of the camp are provided the safety and the security they were guaranteed in a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Iraq and the UN. Sadly, neither party has been willing to live up to its obligations and the vicious and unprovoked attacks continue, both on Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf.\nBoth the UN and the Iraqi government must take the steps necessary to protect the residents of Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf until they can be safely relocated. This includes the installation of t-walls and other measures that can be done to make the Camps more secure. Last month I pressed Secretary Kerry to use the full leverage of the State Department and the Administration to press the Iraqi government's swift action on this installation, and will continue to do so until these residents are sufficiently protected.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366428", "The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross", "2013-12-25", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross \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        Florida,\r\n        December 25, 2013\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 Laker'Lutz News  \r\nMOBILE OFFICE HOURS FOR REP. ROSS  \r\nDecember 25, 2013   \r\nBy Mary RathmanU.S. Rep. Dennis Ross\u2019s staff will host mobile office hours across Florida\u2019s 15th Congressional District with a stop at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road on Jan. 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The staff will be on hand to assist with questions on seniors\u2019 Social Security and disability, veterans\u2019 VA claims and military service problems, students\u2019 financial aid, small business loan applications, and taxpayers\u2019 tax problems. For information, call (813) 752-4790.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-introduces-bill-to-repeal-aca-if-enrollment-numbers-are-not-met", "YOHO INTRODUCES BILL TO REPEAL ACA IF ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE NOT MET", "2013-12-24", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Yoho has introduced legislation to hold the Obama Administration accountable to the enrollment goals they set for the Affordable Care Act. According to estimates put out by the Congressional Budget Office, seven million people need to be enrolled in the healthcare exchanges\u00a0 by the end of the 2014 open enrollment period. The costs of insurance plans can be expected to increase if this figure is not hit, further burdening the American taxpayer. In order to hold the Administration accountable to these enrollment numbers, Congressman Yoho has introduced H.R. 3784, the Nullifying the Unconstitutional Mandate By Evaluating Results (NUMBER) Act. This legislation fully repeals the healthcare law if seven million people are not enrolled in the exchanges by March 31st. Congressman Yoho was joined by Reps. Bridenstine (OK), Duncan (SC), Franks (AZ), Graves (GA), Hall (TX), Hudson (NC), Hultgren (IL), Jones (NC), LaMalfa (CA), Massie (KY), Messer (IN), Pittenger (NC), Rice (SC), Salmon (AZ), Scott (GA), Stockman (TX), Weber (TX), Westmoreland (GA), and Wilson (SC). Upon introduction Congressman Yoho said, \u201cThe Obama Administration likes to claim that this healthcare law is hugely popular and is wanted by the American people. I disagree. If the Administration can\u2019t even make their own target numbers then the American taxpayer should not be further burdened by this terrible law. This commonsense bill simply holds the Administration accountable to those numbers, and if they are not met the Affordable Care Act is fully repealed.\u201d Congressman Yoho is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2300 and H.R. 3121, two alternative proposals to the Affordable Care Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/la-decisi%C3%B3n-de-la-administraci%C3%B3n-de-no-a%C3%B1adir-nuevos-nombres-de-violadores-de-derechos", "La Decisi\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n de no A\u00f1adir Nuevos Nombres de Violadores de Derechos Humanos Rusos es un Grave Error y una Concesi\u00f3n Para Vladimir Putin", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "La Decisi\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n de no A\u00f1adir Nuevos Nombres de Violadores de Derechos Humanos Rusos es un Grave Error y una Concesi\u00f3n Para Vladimir Putin\n\u201cInsto a la Administraci\u00f3n a priorizar los derechos humanos no solamente en Rusia, sino en cualquier lugar donde el estado priva a sus ciudadanos de sus libertades b\u00e1sicas y sus derechos humanos.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Medio Oriente y \u00c1frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n sobre reportes que la Administraci\u00f3n de Obama no a\u00f1adir\u00e1 nuevos nombres a la lista de funcionarios rusos culpables de violar derechos humanos quienes pueden ser sancionados bajo la Ley de Responsabilidad y Estado de Derecho Sergei Magnitsky. Destac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cEstoy decepcionada y confundida con la decisi\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n, de acuerdo a informes, de no incluir nuevos nombres a la lista de funcionarios rusos culpables de violar derechos humanos quienes pueden ser sancionados bajo la ley norteamericana. Esto es un error grave que representa una concesi\u00f3n para Putin y un golpe decepcionante para los defensores de los derechos humanos en Rusia cuyas libertades democr\u00e1ticas cada vez son m\u00e1s limitadas por el estado polic\u00edaco de Putin.\n\u201cDebemos hacer todo lo posible para proteger los derechos humanos bajo la \u2018Ley de Responsabilidad y Estado de Derecho Sergei Magnitsky,\u2019 nombrada por el abogado ruso cuyas valientes investigaciones sobre la corrupci\u00f3n en el gobierno le llevaron a la c\u00e1rcel donde muri\u00f3 despu\u00e9s de haber sido torturado. Debemos urnirnos en solidaridad y apoyar a quienes quiere silenciar el gobierno de Putin. Insto a la Administraci\u00f3n a priorizar los derechos humanos no solamente en Rusia, sino en cualquier lugar donde el estado priva a sus ciudadanos de sus libertades b\u00e1sicas y sus derechos humanos.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234305/http://southerland.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6E9A911A-C461-4D91-BCA1-0E09AEDEFF27", "A Christmas Message from Steve Southerland", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Steve Southerland", "S001186", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "As we gather with our loved ones and reflect upon our personal blessings this Christmas holiday season, let us be mindful of those who are less fortunate. In reflection of the true Christmas spirit, please join me in reaffirming our commitment to those who are in need in our community and offering a special prayer for them this Christmas. Also as we celebrate and move into the New Year, we must not forget the American heroes who have been separated from their own families as they protect our freedoms overseas.\nI pray God blesses you with a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.\nSincerely,\nSteve Southerland, II", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364938", "Bipartisan Budget Agreement", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many of you have contacted me through email, letters, Facebook, or by calling my office regarding the bipartisan budget agreement.  On December 12, 2013, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan budget agreement reached between Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray by a vote of 332-94.  I joined the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee in helping to pass this legislation because it will provide the Department of Defense with more than $30 billion in sequester relief over the next two-year period \u2013 allowing them to enhance our defense readiness.   However, like any major bill, there were provisions I opposed.  Specifically, I opposed the changes in this bill made to the retirement benefits of working-age Military retirees (younger than 62 years old). Unfortunately, amendments to the budget agreement were restricted which is why my colleagues and I immediately joined together following its passage to introduce legislation that would prevent any reductions to COLAs attached to all military retirement payments brought about by the bipartisan budget agreement.  I also cosponsored legislation that would exempt all veterans who medically retire, those who receive Combat Related Specialty Compensation (CRSC), and those who receive Concurrent Receipt Pay (CRDP) from any changes brought about by the bipartisan budget agreement.   Although I will urge my colleagues to help me pass these measures immediately, the changes included in the bipartisan budget agreement are still delayed from taking effect until January of 2016.  That means before these changes are ever implemented, Congress will have significant opportunities to find the savings generated by this provision in other areas of the budget.   For instance, there is a Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (http://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/about) required to report by May 1, 2014. Congress will have an opportunity to use recommendations from this report, or consider policy options of our own, to address the rising costs of Military compensation in alternative ways \u2013 over the course of the following two years - before the changes contained in the budget compromise are ever implemented. However, in the end I supported the budget agreement because it was our last chance to prevent the full impact of the national security threatening sequester cuts that would harm our safety and the well-being of our men and women serving in areas of conflict across the globe.  It would also reduce the deficit by $23 billion, did not raise taxes, and will help prevent a government shutdown in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-cbp-pilot-program-is-innovative-will-help-grow-south-florida", "Diaz-Balart: CBP Pilot Program is Innovative, Will Help Grow South Florida Economy", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MIAMI, FL \u2014 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the launch of the Reimbursable Services Program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport.\n\u201cI am pleased to be part of the launch of CBP\u2019s Reimbursable Services Program. Miami International Airport has a serious understaffing problem, and the airport\u2019s participation in this pilot program will be a step towards helping to fix that. My colleagues and I have been working with Miami-Dade County to support MIA and express the dire need for more staff at the airport.\n\u201cThis partnership will help alleviate the long wait times at MIA. The quicker we can get our international travelers through passport control, the quicker they can get to our hotels, eat at our restaurants, see our attractions, and help pump money and jobs into our local economy. Although it doesn\u2019t solve the entire problem, it is a significant step towards addressing it. I commend CBP and the County for coming together to find a solution that is not only innovative, but will also help grow South Florida\u2019s economy.\u201d\nThis pilot program, the CBP Reimbursable Services Program, was authorized as part of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, which passed Congress in March. Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) Federica Wilson (D-FL) and Congressmen Diaz-Balart and Joe Garcia (D-FL) sent a letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano in May supporting the County\u2019s request to participate in this program. See the letter here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/administration%E2%80%99s-failure-add-new-names-russian-human-rights-violators-grave-mistake", "Administration\u2019s Failure to Add New Names of Russian Human Rights Violators is a Grave Mistake and a Concession for Vladimir Putin", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Administration\u2019s Failure to Add New Names of Russian Human Rights Violators is a Grave Mistake and a Concession for Vladimir Putin\nI urge the Administration to make human rights a priority not only in Russia, but also any place where the state deprives its citizens of their basic freedoms and human rights.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding reports that the Obama Administration will not add new names to a list of Russian government officials responsible for human rights violations who can be sanctioned under the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cI\u2019m appalled and confounded by the Obama Administration\u2019s refusal, according to media reports, to add new names to the list of Russian government officials responsible for human rights violations and subject to sanctions under U.S. law. This is a grave mistake that represents a concession to Putin and a disappointing blow for human rights advocates in Russia whose democratic freedoms are increasingly undermined by Putin\u2019s police state.\n\u201cWe must do all we can to protect human rights under the \u2018Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act,\u2019 named after the Russian lawyer whose brave investigations into government corruption landed him in a Russian prison where he died after being tortured. We must stand with and support those who would be silenced by Putin\u2019s apparatchik. I urge the Administration to make human rights a priority not only in Russia, but also any place where the state deprives its citizens of their basic freedoms and human rights.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-opposed-ugandan-parliament%E2%80%99s-recent-passage-discriminatory-law", "Ros-Lehtinen Opposed to Ugandan Parliament\u2019s Recent Passage of Discriminatory Law", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Opposed to Ugandan Parliament\u2019s Recent Passage of Discriminatory Law                                           \n              Dec 20, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Ros-Lehtinen Opposed to Ugandan Parliament\u2019s Recent Passage of Discriminatory Law\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen made the following statement following the passage of the Ugandan parliament\u2019s discriminatory law that unfairly targets Ugandans based on their sexual orientation.\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen: \u201cThis is a sad day for human rights around the world. While most nations are moving toward compassion, tolerance, and non-discrimination, Uganda is unfortunately moving backward. All people deserve to live free of harassment and discrimination and should be able to express themselves without fear of persecution. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect across every country and continent.\u201d\n#######", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-obama-administrations-hypocrisy-knows-no-bounds", "Bilirakis: Obama Administration's Hypocrisy Knows No Bounds", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The hypocrisy of the Obama Administration knows no bounds, said Bilirakis. By delaying the Individual Mandate under Obamacare for some individuals and not others, the President has once again shown favoritism and unfairness under the law. This is a purely political move that echoes earlier decisions to grant political allies, unions and businesses, but not individuals, a reprieve under the President's own law.  This latest delay also reinforces the fundamental problems with Obamacare  it is both broken and unworkable, continued Bilirakis. I will continue to advocate for a delay of the Individual Mandatefor all Americans,not just those who have already felt the devastating effects of the President's signature legislation. I will also work with my colleagues to replace Obamacare with commonsense, market-based healthcare reforms that empower families and physicians, not bureaucrats in Washington.  On July 2, 2013, the Obama Administration announced it would delay the Obamacare Employer Mandate's reporting requirements and fines until 2015. However, it chose to leave the Individual Mandate  a tax requiring all individuals to purchase government-approved healthcare from government-run healthcare exchanges  in place. By January 2014, more individuals are expected to have lost their health insurance coverage than have gained it under Obamacare. Yesterday's decision reinforces the reality that, under Obamacare, individuals cannot keep their plans or their doctors, as repeatedly promised.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234320/http://southerland.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=7A228D8D-4D92-460F-912B-CCED0509BBC0", "Steve Southerland says he's reaching across party lines", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Steve Southerland", "S001186", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Written by Bill Cotterell (Tallahassee Democrat)\nPresident Obama\u2019s sputtering national health care plan \u201clooms large\u201d in the 2014 congressional races, U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland said Thursday.\nSoutherland, a Panama City Republican targeted by the Democratic Party in his Big Bend district, also said the bad public image of Congress hurts him personally as well as politically. In a wide-ranging interview with the Tallahassee Democrat editorial board on Thursday, Southerland said he has avoided labeling in Washington \u2014 even turning down national TV interviews when asked to represent the Tea Party point of view \u2014 and has lately started reaching out to liberal Democrats in Congress.\n\u201cThis is a city that\u2019s a mile wide and an inch deep,\u201d Southerland mused. \u201cWe run so fast, we run right past each other.\u201d\nAs the GOP point person on food-stamp legislation, Southerland said he failed to even consult Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., the leading House Democrat on the issue. When his daughter pointed out that he and McGovern had not had so much as a phone call, Southerland said he made a point of looking him up on the House floor and arranging a dinner meeting in which they talked mainly about their families and careers \u2014 not politics.\nSimilarly, he said, he recently hosted a reception at his Washington apartment for members of the Congressional black caucus \u2014 \u201cno staff, no media\u201d \u2014 along with a dozen Republicans, just to get acquainted.\n\u201cIn Congress, you will have a government of 535 individuals and probably 15,000 different sets of values,\u201d he said. \u201cThe trouble is that all 535 were class presidents. They\u2019ve all been told how smart they are, so they are not good at listening.\u201d\nSoutherland\u2019s bid for a third term in the House has been challenged by Gwen Graham, the daughter of U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, who has been aggressively depicting Southerland as part of the problem with congressional gridlock.\nHe said the low public esteem for Congress is discouraging, but something incumbents just have to run with.\n\u201cWho doesn\u2019t want to be approved? That\u2019s natural,\u201d said Southerland.\nThe Bay County funeral home owner beat former Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, in 2010 in the Tea Party \u201cwave\u201d election. Boyd had voted against the national health care plan initially in the House, then supported the revised version that came back from the Senate. Southerland has consistently voted with the Republicans who control the House, against the health care plan.\nThe botched rollout of the sign-up system, along with controversy over delays in coverage mandates and some exemptions, has made the health care plan politically painful for Democrats. Obama\u2019s failed promise that citizens could keep their old insurance, and see their current doctors, has driven his approval numbers to record lows in some polls \u2014 causing some congressional Democrats to distance themselves.\n\u201cIt looms large,\u201d Southerland said of his race with Graham. \u201cThe party that ushered the bill in and the party that fought against it are the parties we belong to.\u201d\nAfter the system kicks in next year, he predicted \u201cyou\u2019re going start seeing restricted access\u201d to doctors and hospitals, so \u201cI just don\u2019t think that\u2019s going to bode well for those who are speaking for it.\u201d\nSoutherland said 53 percent of Americans in one recent poll favored total repeal of the system. He said Obama has \u201clost the under-30 voters\u201d who were crucial to his 2008 election.\nBut Republicans have to counter with their own plan, he said. Southerland said health care replacement legislation will be a topic at the GOP congressional retreat next month.\n\u201cWe can\u2019t just fight and say no,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to provide a solution, a positive solution that provides access and is fair.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/fighting-for-florida?ContentRecord_id=5fbd6ac4-601f-4bf2-8c82-8de37d7ee22c", "Statement On My Vote For The National Defense Authorizaton Act", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cI supported and voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) because it\u2019s critical that Congress clearly lay out our national security priorities for the coming year and that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our nation. I am annoyed that several issues affecting our military and national security interests were left unresolved in this legislation, but I will continue working to address them in 2014.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c3a79f81-2083-4edb-a8f9-a1ff1297a371", "Rubio Introduces Bill Prohibiting Aid To Burma If Human Rights Conditions Fail To Improve", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), joined by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), today introduced The Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2013, a bipartisan measure that would prohibit \u00a0U.S. military aid to Burma, except in cases of basic training on human rights and civilian control of the military. The bill offers no waivers and would lift the prohibition only if Burma takes concrete actions to measurably improve human rights conditions, including: establishing civilian oversight of the armed forces, addressing human rights violations by their military and terminating military relations with North Korea. The amendment would also request an annual report on the Administration\u2019s strategy to engage the Burmese military.\r\n\u201cFor over twenty years, the United States has supported the democratic struggle of the people of Burma, and I believe we should do everything we can to support and strengthen the reform process underway in that country,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cBut while the Obama administration has continued to normalize relations, I am concerned about long overdue political and military reforms that are yet to be taken. With this bill, we can ensure that U.S. military assistance is not provided to the Burmese government until meaningful accountability reforms are taken, including the fair and equal treatment of all ethnic groups, addressing human rights abuses committed by the military, and cutting off military relations with North Korea. Until then, this bill would ensure that U.S. military engagement with Burma is strictly limited to promoting respect for human rights and civilian control of the military. With clear expectations and consequences, we can better succeed in our efforts to help the people of Burma in their struggle for political and economic freedom.\u201d\r\nThe bill\u2019s co-sponsors include Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Bob Corker (R-TN).\r\nA PDF of the draft legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364937", "Tampa Bay Times: Florida Republicans face Obamacare conundrum: Take the subsidy or not", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tampa Bay Times By Alex Leary Thursday, December 19, 2013 5:58pm WASHINGTON \u2014 Rep. Dennis Ross is putting his money where his talk is on Obamacare. The Lakeland Republican has shopped for private insurance rather than participate in the federal health care marketplace, surrendering a generous taxpayer-funded subsidy. His decision underscores the uncomfortable politics that Florida Republican lawmakers, who have steadfastly opposed the law, faced this month. Rep. Steve Southerland, a conservative from Panama City, decided to enroll in the District of Columbia insurance exchange and took the subsidy. Still, he said in a statement, \"my focus remains on replacing this law for all Americans,\" citing a \"disastrous online rollout\" and other problems. Rep. Ted Yoho, a tea party favorite from Gainesville, also enrolled and took the subsidy despite co-sponsoring legislation to eliminate it. Ross and other Republicans argued the subsidy \u2014 worth up to 75 percent of monthly premiums \u2014 gave members of Congress a special privilege. \"Not accepting the contribution will cost me significantly more money,\" Ross said. \"While a lot of people receive employer contributions, I don't believe that the law was written in a way that included government contributions for members of Congress. If my constituents must suffer through the perils and unintended consequences of the horrible law, then I will be standing there with them doing the same.\" The subsidy was long a perk under the previous congressional health care program. But it had become a target in the fight over Obamacare. As the law was being written, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa offered an amendment that pushed lawmakers off their existing plan and into Obamacare. Most lawmakers are electing coverage in the D.C. exchange, which allows them to keep the subsidy. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, is covered through the exchange and taking the subsidy, as is Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Okeechobee, though Rooney's spokesman said he is paying $2,500 more than before. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville, enrolled in the exchange and took the subsidy. So did Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, one of Congress' richest members. Rep. Rich Nugent, R-Spring Hill, turned down federal health care benefits when he was elected in 2010 and has kept an unsubsidized plan he had with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden, also declined federal health care when he was elected in 2010, purchasing a plan without a taxpayer subsidy. \"I didn't come to Washington for the benefits,\" Webster said. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Ponte Vedra Beach, who also sponsored legislation to eliminate the subsidy, declined to take one. A spokeswoman, Elizabeth Dillon, did not answer repeated inquiries whether he joined the exchange. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, \"is joining the health exchange, as required by the statue in the Affordable Care Act,\" a spokeswoman said. \"He is taking the same employer contribution that has been provided to him since he was first elected to Congress in 2002. Florida's best-known politician in Washington, Sen. Marco Rubio, enrolled in the federal exchange and took the subsidy. Rubio, a father of four, has taken some heat from all sides but says he was following the law like everyone else. He said he would support legislation to eliminate the subsidy. Some Democrats are dealing with the politics as well. Rep. Patrick Murphy of Jupiter, who barely won election in 2012, enrolled in the federal exchange (he signed up as a Florida resident) but will not get a subsidy. \"He's always been very adamant that Congress should not have any special privileges,\" spokeswoman Erin Moffet Hale said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-feliz-con-la-decisi%C3%B3n-de-la-secci%C3%B3n-de-intereses-de-eeuu-en-la-habana-por", "Ros-Lehtinen Feliz con la Decisi\u00f3n de la Secci\u00f3n de Intereses de EEUU en La Habana por Otorgar Visa que Ayudar\u00e1 a Salvar la Vida de Damay", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Feliz con la Decisi\u00f3n de la Secci\u00f3n de Intereses de EEUU en La Habana por Otorgar Visa que Ayudar\u00e1 a Salvar la Vida de Damay                                           \n              Dec 19, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Ros-Lehtinen Feliz con la Decisi\u00f3n de la Secci\u00f3n de Intereses de EEUU en La Habana por Otorgar Visa que Ayudar\u00e1 a Salvar la Vida de Damay\nMiami, Florida - La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen hizo la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n con respecto a la emisi\u00f3n de una visa de no-inmigrante para Alina Ortega.\u00a0 Ella viajar\u00e1 a los Estados Unidos para donar c\u00e9lulas madre que salvar\u00e1n la vida de su hermana , Damay Ortega, residente del distrito congresional 27.\nDestac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\u00a0 \" Es una alegr\u00eda la noticia de la aprobaci\u00f3n de la visa de no-inmigrante de Alina Ortega . La oportunidad de poder viajar a los Estados Unidos asegurar\u00e1 que Alina podr\u00e1 donarle a su hermana, Damay Ortega, sus c\u00e9lulas madre para salvarle la vida. Esta familia tendr\u00e1 ahora m\u00e1s esperanza en el futuro de poder ver como una esposa, madre y hermana ve a sus hijos crecer y envejecer junto a su esposo.\u00a0 Mi oficina y yo estamos contentos de haber asistido en la obtenci\u00f3n de la visa. Como resultado podr\u00e1 darle a\u00a0Damay la habilidad de continuar su camino hacia la recuperaci\u00f3n \" .\nNOTA : La oficina de Ros-Lehtinen contact\u00f3 la Secci\u00f3n de Intereses de EEUU en La Habana, despu\u00e9s de que esta secci\u00f3n le neg\u00f3 la visa no-inmigrante a Alina Ortega.\u00a0 Esta decisi\u00f3n de la oficina consular fue anulada y se le concedi\u00f3 la visa de no-inmigrante.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234322/http://southerland.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9A98C1E9-CE9A-4984-A93A-12A6935E8FB2", "Southerland Fights to Exempt Military Retirees from COLA Cuts", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Steve Southerland", "S001186", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, II today joined House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) in introducing legislation to eliminate cuts in the cost-of-living adjustments for military retirees. Southerland supported the Bipartisan Budget Act last week, which reduced the federal deficit by $23 billion and limited the crushing impact of sequestration on our military, but he remained committed to removing the military retiree COLA adjustments included in the legislation before they took effect in 2015.\n\u201cI voted against sequestration in 2011 because I knew it was wrong for North and Northwest Florida\u2019s military,\u201d Southerland said. \u201cI voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act last week because it lessened the crushing impact of these untargeted, across-the-board cuts on America\u2019s military readiness. That being said, I knew I could not support keeping in place COLA cuts for our military retirees. That\u2019s why I am proud to have joined with Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Chairman Miller to ensure the federal government keeps its promises to the veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedoms.\u201d\nMiller and Southerland introduced two measures: one to eliminate COLA adjustments for all military retirees, and one that focuses specifically on veterans who are medically retired, receiving Combat Related Special Compensation and/or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1ae00fe5-0aa8-47ca-b0c0-3a3c3db67b63", "Rubio, Colleagues Introduce The Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators call for a final agreement that verifiably results in the termination of Iran\u2019s nuclear weapons program and prevents Iran from achieving a nuclear weapon capability.\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Joined by 25 Senators, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today introduced the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act, bipartisan legislation proposing prospective sanctions on Iran should the regime violate the interim Joint Plan of Action agreed to in Geneva or should Iran fail to reach a final agreement.\r\nThe legislation was co-sponsored by 26 senators, including: Senators Rubio, Ayotte, Begich, Blumenthal, Blunt, Cardin, Casey, Collins, Coons, Corker, Cornyn, Cruz, Donnelly, Gillibrand, Graham, Hagan, Johanns, Kirk, Landrieu, McCain, Menendez, Moran, Pryor, Roberts, Schumer and Warner.\r\nThe prospective sanctions legislation requires further reductions in purchases of Iranian petroleum and applies additional penalties to strategic elements of the Iranian economy, to include the engineering, mining and construction sectors. Simultaneously, it gives the Administration continued flexibility and up to one year from the conclusion of an implementing agreement to pursue a diplomatic track resulting in the complete and verifiable termination of Iran\u2019s illicit nuclear weapons program.\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve said before, I believe that the administration\u2019s agreement with Iran makes a nuclear Iran more, not less likely.\u00a0 However, this bipartisan bill is a first step towards ensuring that there will be serious repercussions for Iran if it violates the agreement made in Geneva or it becomes clear that, as many of us fear, Iran is not serious about fully abandoning its nuclear weapons program,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cEven as I support this bill focused on Iran\u2019s nuclear program, I plan to continue to work with colleagues in Congress next year to find additional ways to ensure that Iran\u2019s continued human rights violations and its sponsorship of terrorism are highlighted and the elements of the Iranian regime responsible are penalized.\u201d\r\n\u201cCurrent sanctions brought Iran to the negotiating table and a credible threat of future sanctions will require Iran to cooperate and act in good faith at the negotiating table,\u201d said Senator Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cThe Iranians last week blamed the Administration for enforcing sanctions; now, they criticize Congress. The burden rests with Iran to negotiate in good faith and verifiably terminate its nuclear weapons program. Prospective sanctions will influence Iran\u2019s calculus and accelerate that process toward achieving a meaningful diplomatic resolution.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=fbad578d-c7b2-47b1-9af9-6fd1f17d865b", "Rubio Comments On New ObamaCare Fire Sale", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding reports about the Obama administration\u2019s announcement that it will offer hardship exemptions for Americans whose health care plans have been cancelled under ObamaCare:\r\n   \r\n\u201cThe Administration is recognizing the grim reality that more Americans have lost health insurance than gained it under ObamaCare. Holding a fire sale of cheap insurance is not a responsible fix for a broken program. This is a slap in the face to the thousands of Americans who have already purchased expensive insurance through the ObamaCare exchanges. ObamaCare as originally conceived is a flawed policy and must be repealed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364781", "Ross Presented Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge to Bartow Constituent", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) presented the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge to Douglas Ackerman this morning. Ackerman served in the Florida Army National Guard and was stationed in Afghanistan as an Embedded Tactical Trainer for the Afghan National Police. Ackerman currently resides in Bartow, Fla. \u201cOne of my greatest honors is to help constituents, like Douglas, receive their medals for their service to our country,\u201d said Ross. \u201cWe are so thankful for his willingness to serve and are forever indebted to him for his sacrifice.\u201d Background on Bronze Star Medal, per the Department of Defense Manual: The BSM is governed by E.O. 11046 (Reference (n)), which authorizes the Secretary of a Military Department to award the BSM to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364848", "WTSP: Retired Florida Army National Guard member receives bronze star", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here to watch the videoWTSP -   \n\nSubmitted by Stefanie Fogel, Online Producer\nWednesday, December 18th, 2013, 7:52pm\n\n  \nBartow, Florida -- U.S. Representative Dennis Ross awarded retired Florida Army National Guard member Douglas Ackerman the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge today in Bartow.Ackerman was stationed in Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008, where he trained the Afghan National Police. \"The award is nice. It's a nice recognition. And having a thank you from a U.S. Congressman is a big deal,\" Ackerman said. \"But, at the end of the day, you know, when you're doing what you're doing, you're fighting for the guys that are alongside you and have the same beliefs that you have ... that's really what it means.\"  \nThe award was a long time coming for Ackerman. Five years ago, when he was supposed to be given the badge, he was given a different one instead.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0cd2e601-572c-405c-a521-4efd4797897d", "Rubio Discusses How Trade Benefits American Workers", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Marco Rubio     Senate Foreign Relations Committee \u2013 Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs Hearing: \u201cRebalance to Asia IV: Economic Engagement in the Asia-Pacific Region\u201d     Washington, D.C.     December 18, 2013     VIDEO: http://youtu.be/utihyhZ76P0  \r\n\u2026\r\n \r\nSenator Marco Rubio: \u201cI wanted to explore, first with you Doctor Scissors, this notion of free trade, and in particular, imports. So, I get resistance from people who believe that free trade is a destroyer of American jobs. Now obviously free trade has to be fair. And there are rules that are important because, as you\u2019ve just described, one scenario, not exactly on point, but you described a scenario that\u2019s a one-way street. Our values of openness have allowed the Chinese to invest here. But when we try to reciprocate, there are all kinds of impediments to that. And that\u2019s always been a challenge for us on multiple fronts, including on the trade front. But in specific, on the issue of imports, there\u2019s this idea that imports into the U.S., in and of themselves, destroy American jobs. But in your written statement, you have outlined why, in fact, that is not potentially the case.\u00a0 That, in fact, there are also jobs created through imports from offloading. Can you just elaborate on that more? Because that\u2019s an issue I get a lot when I go out and talk about the need to expand trade opportunities, not just with Asia, but with the entire world. Can you elaborate a little bit more on the benefits that imports, obviously we want to be able to export too, but the benefits that imports have for American jobs, particularly stable, middle class jobs.\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u2026\r\n \r\nRubio: \u201cSo just to describe the supply chain for this phone for a second. It says here it was innovated, designed in California, but assembled in China. Somebody built this phone over there, and then they had to ship it here. They had to off-load it at a port of entry. Those are American jobs. Then they had to be transported from the port of entry to a distribution center. Again, another set of American jobs. And then from that distribution center, there were jobs there, they were shipped out to the retailers\u2014another group of American jobs. And then at the retail level there\u2019s somebody selling it\u2014another set of American jobs, at the retail level. And then, whoever buys these things is paying less than they normally would, which means whatever money you\u2019re saving on this \u2014 the difference between how much it would have cost to do it somewhere else and do it where it\u2019s happening now, and what you actually pay \u2014 that difference, is now available to spend somewhere else because you didn\u2019t spend it on this. Is that an accurate description of how it plays out?\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u2026\r\n \r\nRubio: \u201cMy guess is that all those jobs down that supply network, that I just described, probably pay better than some of the people that were building this [iPhone].\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u2026\r\n \r\nRubio: \u201cMr. Goodman, in your testimony, you talked about something that I thought was interesting. And that is you said it was until recently popular in Beijing that TPP is part of an effort by Washington to contain China. But in fact, if they decide not to participate in free enterprise, in free commerce, in free navigation, and the benefits of this sort of barrier reductions, that\u2019s a decision they\u2019ve made to contain themselves. Right? My understanding of the region is that most \u2013 if not all \u2013 of the countries would like stronger integration with China, but on a set of rules based on freedom: freedom of commerce and freedom of navigation, and mutual reciprocity on rules, etc. Not on the set of rules that China would like to impose. So really, to the extent that there is anybody excluding anyone, it\u2019s Chinese policymakers that have decided to potentially exclude themselves from this and other arrangements, because they don\u2019t like the rules. The rules they want are actually much more one-sided to the benefit of China, and the detriment of their neighbors and perhaps the rest of the world.\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u2026", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b77af9bd-508b-4c6c-9d64-c7b1cd5cd3f3", "Rubio Hails Senate Progress On Conditioning Aid To Egypt Absent Economic And Democratic Reforms", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today hailed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee\u2019s passage of legislation to condition aid to Egypt unless that country complies with various conditions to uphold its existing security agreements and protect human rights.\r\n   \r\n\u201cOur foreign policy programs have to advance America\u2019s values as well as our interests, and this action brings us one step closer to ensuring that Egypt does not get a free pass,\u201d said Rubio.\u00a0 \u201cEncouraging a stable Egypt at peace with its neighbors remains in our national interest, but we cannot look away when we see cases of persecution of religious minorities and women or democratic backsliding.\u00a0 This bill will help ensure that the assistance we provide to Egypt encourages democratic reforms and that Egypt takes action to address these issues of concern.\u201d\u00a0\r\n   \r\nIn March, Rubio introduced legislation to block two key forms of U.S. assistance to Egypt unless economic reforms and human rights safeguards are adopted, while also initiating a more thorough, longer term reevaluation of U.S. military and economic assistance to Egypt.\u00a0\r\n   \r\nSeveral measures originally proposed by Rubio were included in the bill that was approved in committee today, including one that would block the disbursement of additional assistance until Egypt begins to enact economic reforms and the Obama administration certifies that Egypt is protecting basic freedoms and human rights, including those of religious minorities and women, who have come under significant pressure during Egypt\u2019s recent political turmoil.\r\n   \r\nADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON TODAY\u2019S COMMITTEE- APPROVED LEGISLATION\r\n \r\nU.S. assistance to Egypt plays an important role in supporting peace in the region and furthering U.S. strategic objectives.\u00a0 However, since the revolution in February 2011 that led to the fall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and even after the July 2013 military takeover, U.S. assistance has not been modified or adapted to the new strategic environment.\u00a0\r\n   \r\nToday\u2019s committee-approved legislation will require the administration to submit a strategy to reform U.S. military assistance to Egypt, as well as a comprehensive foreign assistance strategy, with the goal of ensuring that all U.S. assistance to Egypt is being used effectively and is advancing U.S. interests and values.\r\n \r\nSpecifically, it will condition U.S. military assistance to Egypt to ensure that Egypt is:\r\n   \r\n \r\nImplementing the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTaking necessary and appropriate measures to counter terrorism as well as smuggling into the Gaza strip;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAllowing the U.S. armed forces to transit the territory of Egypt;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSupporting a transition to civilian government by demonstrating a commitment to, and making progress toward, free, fair and credible elections;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nRespecting and protecting the political and economic freedoms of all residents of Egypt, including taking measures to address violence against women and religious minorities;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nRespecting freedom of expression and due process of law, including respecting the rights of women and religious minorities;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAbiding by its nuclear non-proliferation commitments as a signatory of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).\r\n \r\n \r\nU.S. economic assistance to Egypt will also be conditioned on Egypt:\r\n   \r\n \r\nPermitting nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups to operate freely;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDemonstrating a commitment to implementing economic reforms.\r\n \r\n   \r\nThe bill also ensures that as long as Egypt is unable to meet the conditions above, no less than $75 million of previously appropriated U.S. economic support funds will be allocated to democracy and governance programs in Egypt.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364658", "Ross Office to Host Mobile Office Hours Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross\u2019s (FL-15) staff host mobile office hours across Florida\u2019s 15th Congressional District. These mobile office hours with Rep. Ross\u2019s staff are scheduled to serve as a convenience to constituents in order to assist with federal agencies. Please contact the district office (863-644-8215; 813-752-4790) with any questions.  Some of the ways that Ross\u2019s district office can be of assistance:  \r\n\u2022\tSenior Citizens: Social Security and disability  \r\n\u2022\tVeterans: VA claims and military service problems  \r\n\u2022\tStudents: financial aid, entrance to U.S. Service Academies  \r\n\u2022\tSmall Business: SBA loan applications, technical assistance and interpretation of federal regulations  \r\n\u2022\tLocal Governments: disaster assistance, regulation compliance, and federal grant application problems  \r\n\u2022\tTaxpayers: IRS tax problems The times and locations are as follows:  \r\nPlant City - 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.  \r\nCity Hall   \r\n302 W. Reynolds Street  \r\nPlant City, FL 33563   Brandon - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  \r\nBrandon Library   \r\n619 Vonderburg Drive  \r\nBrandon, FL 33511 Temple Terrace \u2013 1\u2013 2 p.m.  \r\nTemple Terrace City Hall   \r\n11250 N. 56th Street  \r\nTampa, FL 33617 Lutz - 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.  \r\nLutz Library  \r\n101 W Lutz Lake Fern Road  \r\nLutz, FL 33548  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364709", "Ross to Present Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge to Bartow Constituent", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) will present the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge to Douglas Ackerman. Ackerman served in the Florida Army National Guard and was stationed in Afghanistan as an Embedded Tactical Trainer for the Afghan National Police. Ackerman currently resides in Bartow, Fla.It is one of the congressman\u2019s greatest honors to help constituents receive their medals for their service to our country.  Background on Bronze Star Medal, per Department of Defense Manual: The BSM is governed by E.O. 11046 (Reference (n)), which authorizes the Secretary of a Military Department to award the BSM to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/al-qaeda-iraq-aqi-was-strengthened-our-troop-withdrawal-and-it-now-severely-threatens", "Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) was Strengthened by Our Troop Withdrawal and It Now Severely Threatens U.S. National Security Interests, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) was Strengthened by Our Troop Withdrawal and It Now Severely Threatens U.S. National Security Interests, Says Ros-Lehtinen \u00a0\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s failure to find a mutually agreeable resolution to extend our presence in Iraq has severely weakened our influence in the country, and left a vacuum that is currently being filled by forces who seek to harm us and our allies.\u201d\nWASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a joint Subcommittee hearing entitled: \u201cThe Resurgence of al-Qaeda in Iraq.\u201d Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cThank you so much, Mr. Chairman. Well as we know, so much as been going on with the resurgence of al-Qaeda in Iraq.\nJust last month, our Subcommittee on the Middle East on North Africa held a hearing on U.S. policy toward Iraq, as we tried to establish what the Administration\u2019s strategic goals and objectives are in Iraq. And the most common theme, and cause for concern, that came up throughout our hearing was the threat posed by the resurgence of al-Qaeda in Iraq.\nUnfortunately, we have seen in many of our other hearings this year, al-Qaeda is resurgent throughout the Middle East and North Africa, not just in Iraq. The grim reality is that al-Qaeda is on the rise and continues to be a grave threat to U.S. national security \u2013 despite the Administration\u2019s assessment that it is on the run.\nIt has now been two years since we withdrew all U.S. forces from Iraq, leaving behind a fragile Iraq that perhaps was not ready to become stable. Since our departure, we have seen a drastic increase in sectarian violence at levels not seen since 2008 \u2013 with over 7,000 civilian deaths so far this year. Leaving Iraq with so much uncertainty caused irreparable repercussions to our regional and national security interests \u2013 not to mention all of the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform.\nThe Administration\u2019s failure to find a mutually agreeable resolution to extend our presence in Iraq has severely weakened our influence in the country, and left a vacuum that is currently being filled by forces who seek to harm us and our allies.\nOn one side, we see a growing Iranian influence in Iraq, as the regime in Tehran strengthens its ties with the Maliki government. Nowhere is this more evident than with the unwillingness of the Iraqi government to halt the Iranians from using Iraqi airspace to ship Assad and his regime weapons, supplies and even Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, members to fight along Hezbollah and Assad\u2019s forces.\nOn the other hand, we have seen a dangerous rise in extremism as we witness a clear resurgence of al-Qaeda in Iraq, AQI, \u2013 also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, ISIS, \u2013 and other groups, due to the fact that the Iraqi security forces are struggling to combat these extremists and their government is not willing to be tough on the Iranian regime. \u00a0\nAQI took advantage of the uncertain security situation created by U.S. disengagement in Iraq, and re-emerged stronger and more popular than before the surge. Viewed as a theater of jihad, Iraq, along with Syria, has been among one of the top destinations for foreign fighters who seek to engage in jihad. These foreign fighters pose a serious threat to our national security, that of our regional allies, and beyond, and may soon be able to create a large safe haven that spans from Syria to Iraq due to the instability and lack of security in both countries.\nNot only do these fighters threaten our European partners \u2013 where many of these foreign fighters come to train, to wage jihad and then take what they learn back to their home countries \u2013 they also threaten our friends and allies in the region like Israel, Jordan and the UAE; who all fear that the extremists will soon turn their attention toward them.\nIt\u2019s important for the Administration to not lose sight on what is going on in Iraq and the region. Instead, it must strategically implement clear, constructive and goal-oriented policies that are geared toward advancing U.S. national interests in the long run.\nThank you Mr. Chairman for the time.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/reps-ros-lehtinen-and-sherman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-congressional", "Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Sherman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Congressional Oversight Over Nuclear Agreements with Foreign Nations and Add Much Needed Protections Against Nuclear Proliferation", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Sherman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Congressional Oversight Over Nuclear Agreements with Foreign Nations and Add Much Needed Protections Against Nuclear Proliferation\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, introduced H.R. 3766, which reforms the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide greater Congressional oversight of nuclear agreements with foreign countries and protect against the threat of nuclear proliferation.\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen: \u201cWith the current Administration agreeing to an Iranian nuclear deal that is fraught with problems that undermine years of painstaking efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capacity, it\u2019s more important than ever for Congress to have more oversight over nuclear cooperation agreements with other countries. This is why we are re-introducing legislation to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide greater Congressional oversight of agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation with foreign countries. The continuing instability in the Middle East and the rising influence of Iran along with its collaboration with other regimes in proliferation activities represent a serious challenge to U.S. national security and the security of allies. Congress must be empowered in its oversight responsibility and this bipartisan bill will help ensure such agreements not only protect our interests, but help guard against the rising threat of nuclear proliferation.\u201d\nStatement by Sherman: \u201cThis legislation will encourage the adoption of strong nonproliferation provisions in our nuclear cooperation agreements and encourage governments to forgo the most dangerous technologies. At the same time, this bill will also encourage the adoption of the liability protections necessary for US companies to compete.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7b442b34-a2eb-43aa-a0f5-dea28e0aac69", "Rubio, Hagan Introduce Legislation To Combat Human Trafficking In Child Welfare Systems", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kay Hagan (D-NC) today introduced The Strengthening the Child Welfare Response to Human Trafficking Act, a bill to combat sex and labor trafficking in child welfare systems across the country by providing their employees with tools to identify, document, educate and counsel child victims.\u00a0 A companion bill, HR 1732, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Thomas Marino (R-PA) and Karen Bass (D-CA).\r\n \r\nResearch suggests that the majority of trafficked youth in the U.S. have been in and out of the child welfare system, specifically foster care. In Florida, the Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that 70 percent of victims are youth in the foster care system.\r\n   \r\n\u201cEarlier this year, Congress took an important step to combat human trafficking by reauthorizing landmark legislation, but significant gaps remain regarding human trafficking that targets innocents in our child welfare systems,\u201d said Rubio. \u201cWhile the vast majority of prospective foster and adoptive parents are well intentioned and eager to love these children, sadly, there are those who seek to exploit our children.\u00a0 For children, adoptions and foster care should be a lifeline to a better future, not a path to hell as trafficking victims.\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u201cNorth Carolina consistently ranks among the top 10 states for human trafficking, and sadly, many of the victims are children,\u201d said Hagan. \u201cThis bill attacks the issue at its core \u2013 helping children who are often most at risk by providing child welfare employees with the tools they need to identify and support victims. I am hopeful that by passing this legislation, we can give more children a shot at the safe and healthy childhood they deserve.\u201d\r\n   \r\nThis legislation also requires states to report to the Department of Health and Human Services the number of trafficking victims in their child welfare systems as well their current procedures and policies to combat this problem. The bill includes sample protocols and recommended strategies in order to identify trafficking victims and allows for the collection, documentation and data sharing in existing statewide automated child welfare information systems.\r\n   \r\nThis bill is supported by the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST), the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), Polaris Project and Shared Hope International.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364244", "Lakeland Pastor Gave the Opening Prayer in the  U.S. House of Representatives Today", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) welcomed Rev. Dr. John B. (Mike) Loudon of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland to the U.S. House of Representatives to give the opening prayer today. \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\nRep. Ross\u2019s remarks:  \u201cThank you, Mr. Speaker.  \u201cI rise today in gratitude that my good friend, Pastor Mike Loudon from my home church in Lakeland, Florida could give the opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives. \u201cPastor Mike, as he is known back home, and his wife Joyce, have lived a life of dedication to their faith and their family. Pastor Mike\u2019s ministry serves as an inspiration to everyone. Truly, he is a great man with a legacy of what counts in life and the life hereafter.  \u201cPastor Mike is a pillar in the Lakeland and Polk County communities. He is active in Rotary Club, and is a strong leader, a man of God, and has a fantastic sense of humor.   \u201cPastor Mike has served churches across the country prior to coming to First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland in 1999. His messages are uplifting, encouraging, and always resonate with me. I am honored to have him as my pastor and as my friend. \u201cI join countless others in expressing a deep thankfulness for his willing spirit to serve and the privilege of having him give the opening prayer today.  \u201cWith that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.\u201d ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364339", "Ross Hosted Telephone Town Hall Last Night", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) hosted a telephone town hall meeting last night. Almost 5,000 constituents from across Florida\u2019s 15th Congressional District joined the phone conversation.If you have a question or comment for Rep. Ross or are interested in joining a future telephone town hall meeting, please email him at /contact/ or call his district office (863-644-8215; 813-752-4790).  \u201cConnecting with Floridians across the 15th District and hearing their concerns and ideas is of utmost importance to me,\u201d said Ross. \u201cThanks to everyone who participated in last night\u2019s telephone town hall.\u201d ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364344", "Ross Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) issued the following statement in support of H.J. Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: \u201cWhile this deal does not include everything I would like it to, it is a step in the right direction and reduces the deficit and does not raise taxes. It helps provide relief for MacDill AFB and other domestic priorities in Central Florida facing across-the-board sequester cuts. \u201cWe haven\u2019t passed a budget in five years. We need to stop the destructive cycle of governing crisis-to-crisis and we need to provide certainty to families and businesses across Florida and the country. \u201cUltimately, we need to make serious changes to the way we spend the taxpayer\u2019s money. This budget is a step toward that goal. I hope that in the coming months the government will adopt a zero-based budgeting system that looks at every department and agency to identify effectiveness and efficiency of all spending items so that we never have to be back at this crisis point.\"  Background:   \n\u2022\tH.J. Res. 59 cuts the deficit by $23 billion more than under the current sequester.  \n\u2022\tThe House/Senate Budget agreement reached a compromise halfway between previously proposed House and Senate budget spending levels, setting Fiscal Year 2014 at $1.012 trillion and Fiscal Year 2015 at $1.014 trillion.  \n\u2022\tHouse and Senate negotiators were able to provide the $63 billion in spending cut alternatives to sequester, split evenly between defense and non-defense cuts, over the course of two years.  \n\u2022\tRep. Ross introduced H.R. 239, the Zero-based Budgeting Ensures Responsible Oversight Act January 2013. This bill requires agency and department managers to justify and approve every line item on their budget each year, rather than just make slight changes to the previous year\u2019s budget. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364349", "Ross Statement on Short-Term Extension of Farm Bill", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) issued the below statement on the passage of the short-term extension of H.R. 3695, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill):\u201cThis short-term extension of the current farm bill will allow for the negotiations to continue,\u201d said Ross. \u201cIt is critical that the conferees come up with a long-term solution to give our farmers, ranchers, and growers certainty.\u201d ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364370", "Ross Expresses Concerns to Treasury Secretary Lew on Effects of Overbearing Insurance Regulations", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ross Expresses Concerns to Treasury Secretary Lew on Effects of Overbearing Insurance Regulations \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,\r\n        December 12, 2013\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      U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) questioned Treasury Secretary Jack Lew in the House Financial Services Committee hearing today. Below is his statement on the hearing:\u201cThe state of Florida already has a vigorous proven insurance regulatory framework. Today, I was able to discuss with Secretary Lew the necessity of appropriately structuring federal regulations to ensure that additional compliance costs do not result in higher premiums. Policyholders in Florida are already burdened by insurance costs. The full effects of Obamacare will only add to this burden on Floridians. We need to eliminate unnecessary government intrusion in our lives.\u201d ###\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://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364371", "Lakeland Ledger: Lakeland Pastor Prays Before U.S. House Session", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lakeland Ledger  \r\nThursday, December 12, 2013 at 2:35 p.m.The Rev. Dr. John B. \u201cMike\u201d Loudon of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland gave the opening prayer today before the U.S. House of Representatives session in Washington, D.C. Loudon was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland. Members of Congress are allowed to sponsor a guest chaplain from their district once every two-year term. He has been pastor of First Presbyterian, which is located on Lake Hollingsworth Drive, since 1999. Loudon is a native of western Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Westminster College (PA), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and McCormick Theological Seminary. He prayed for guidance to empower the Congress and the nation to live in balance and conviction and quoted from a prayer by President Harry S. Truman: \u201cEverlasting God help me to be and do what is right\u2026\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-budget-saves-taxpayers-85-billion", "Diaz-Balart: Budget Saves Taxpayers $85 Billion", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the House passed the bipartisan budget-conference agreement presented by House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Budget Committee chairman Patty Murray (D-WA).\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to have voted for this two-year budget agreement that will help to put our country back on a path to fiscal responsibility. By taking steps to reduce waste and enacting commonsense reforms to entitlement programs, H.J. Res. 59 saves our hardworking taxpayers $85 billion. While it doesn\u2019t completely solve Washington\u2019s out of control spending, this bill reduces the deficit, while sparing Americans from massive tax hikes.\n\u201cI congratulate Chairman Ryan for once again putting our country first and setting aside political gimmicks to break Washington gridlock.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-calls-on-administration-to-prevent-human-rights-abusers-from", "Diaz-Balart Calls on Administration to Prevent  Human Rights Abusers from Entering the U.S.", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after reports that the pro-Castro band \u201cArnaldo y su Talism\u00e1n\u201d would be participating in a \u201ccultural exchange\u201d in the United States.\n\"According to recent press reports, members of the pro-Castro band \u2018Arnaldo y su Talism\u00e1n\u2019 participated in acts of repression against pro-democracy activists in Cuba on December 10, 2013, International Human Rights Day.\u00a0 Reports also indicate that these human rights abusers claim they will travel to the United States as part of a \u2018cultural exchange.\u2019\n\u201cThe Obama Administration must not allow these abettors of the murderous Castro dictatorship to enter the United States.\u00a0 President Obama's own Presidential Proclamation \u2018Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Participate in Serious Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Violations and Other Abuses\u2019 of August 4, 2011 prohibits aliens who have committed or assisted in human rights abuses from entering the United States.\u00a0 I call on President Obama and Secretary Kerry to adhere to their stated principles and refuse to reward regime thugs with the special privilege of U.S. entry.\"\nSee the letter here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/photo-gallery/hearing-us-citizen-pastor-saeed", "Hearing on U.S. Citizen Pastor Saeed", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "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/photo-gallery/jay%E2%80%99s-goodbye-lunch", "Jay\u2019s Goodbye Lunch", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "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/american-citizen-pastor-saeed%E2%80%99s-unjust-imprisonment-emblematic-abysmal-human-rights", "American Citizen Pastor Saeed\u2019s Unjust Imprisonment is Emblematic of Abysmal Human Rights Record in Iran; The Administration Must Do More to Ensure His Immediate Release, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "American Citizen Pastor Saeed\u2019s Unjust Imprisonment is Emblematic of Abysmal Human Rights Record in Iran; The Administration Must Do More to Ensure His Immediate Release, Says Ros-Lehtinen \u00a0\n\u201cAlthough we are here to discuss in particular the plight of Pastor Saeed, we must also highlight that there are other Americans languishing in Iran\u2019s prisons or being held captive by the regime, like South Florida resident and constituent of Congressman Ted Deutch \u2013 Bob Levinson.\u201d\u00a0\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a Joint subcommittee hearing with Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee, entitled: \u201cIran\u2019s Persecution of American Pastor Abedini Worsens.\u201d Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Mrs. Abedini for joining us today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your husband, and we commend you for your determination and perseverance to obtain his release.\nLast month our Middle East and North Africa subcommittee, and then the full Foreign Affairs committee, unanimously passed H. Res. 147, calling on the Iranian regime to immediately release Pastor Saeed and condemning the regime\u2019s ongoing persecution of religious minorities. This resolution sends a strong message on behalf of Pastor Saeed, his family, and the Iranian people whose human rights suffer under this brutal and this bill states that we stand with them in solidarity and will continue to press for his release, and calls upon the government of Iran to respect the rights of its citizens.\nAlthough we are here to discuss in particular the plight of Pastor Saeed, we must also highlight that there are other Americans languishing in Iran\u2019s prisons or being held captive by the regime, like South Florida resident and constituent of Congressman Ted Deutch \u2013 Bob Levinson. Last month Bob became the longest-held American hostage in history, now in captivity in Iran for over six years. Earlier this week, I joined as cosponsor of H. Res. 435, introduced by Ranking Member Deutch, which calls for Iran\u2019s cooperation and immediate return of Bob Levinson.\nSo we\u2019re here today because Rouhani\u2019s empty promises aren\u2019t only about Iran\u2019s nuclear program, but about the reforms that he promised which have gone unfulfilled as the regime continues its policy of systematic and widespread suppression of human rights. On the campaign, Rouhani\u2019s charming words indicated that the regime will ease its repression of social freedoms and human rights. However, we must judge this regime not by its words, but by its actions, and in this regard, it has utterly failed.\nSince Rouhani took office, the rate of executions in Iran has sharply accelerated, with more than 300 executions carried out since August alone. And on September 2012, Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen, was convicted on bogus charges and imprisoned after being accused by the regime of undermining national security.\nBut what were his so-called crimes? Working to establish an orphanage and practicing his Christian faith. He was supporting and ministering to churches in private homes \u2013 one of the only places in Iran where Christians and other religious minorities can practice their faith despite the fear of state persecution. In August, Pastor Saeed\u2019s unjust eight-year sentence was upheld, and last month, as we know, he was transferred to a brutal prison reserved for Iran\u2019s most violent criminals, where his life is in constant danger.\nSadly, the plight of Pastor Saeed is not an isolated incident, but it\u2019s symptomatic of the Iranian regime\u2019s hostility toward religious minorities. In October, four Iranian Christians were sentenced to 80 lashes for drinking sacramental wine during communion, and this past summer an Iranian Christian convert was sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing Bibles.\nAnd it\u2019s not just Christians who are persecuted, but others \u2013 including Muslim minorities and reformers \u2013 who also suffer for their beliefs. For example, the Baha\u2019i community is systematically targeted and persecuted by the regime, and more than 100 members of this community and its leadership are imprisoned. In fact, under Iranian law, Baha\u2019i members can be killed with impunity. For these flagrant violations, the U.S. has designated Iran as Country of Particular Concern since 1999.\nA regime that does not respect the fundamental human right of religious freedom \u2013 for many persons this is a central aspect of their identity and of their life \u2013 is a country that won\u2019t respect other freedoms. We saw this when the regime crushed the freedoms of speech and assembly during the Green Revolution of 2009, when the Administration missed a critical opportunity to express support for the Iranian people.\nI was a lead sponsor of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act that was signed into law last August, which expanded sanctions related to human rights abuses in Iran, and though the Administration has selectively applied some of these sanctions, more needs to be done.\nWe must enforce all of the sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes on regime officials responsible for committing human rights abuses. If the international community doesn\u2019t hold this regime accountable, no one will.\nI look forward to hearing from our witnesses how we can help bring Pastor Saeed home, reunite him with his wife and his children, where he belongs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ayudando-nuestros-ni%C3%B1os-ros-lehtinen-vota-para-aumentar-investigaciones-de-cuidado", "Ayudando a Nuestros Ni\u00f1os, Ros-Lehtinen Vota Para Aumentar Investigaciones de Cuidado M\u00e9dico Pedi\u00e1trico", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ayudando a Nuestros Ni\u00f1os, Ros-Lehtinen Vota Para Aumentar Investigaciones de Cuidado M\u00e9dico Pedi\u00e1trico\n\u201cNuestros ni\u00f1os deben tener acceso a investigaciones m\u00e9dicas de vanguardia. Estoy optimista que este proyecto de ley nos ayudar\u00e1 a tomar pasos para completar investigaciones m\u00e9dicas importantes y obtener tratamientos eficaces para los pacientes.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen vot\u00f3 para dar fondos federales usados para convenciones de partidos pol\u00edticos a las investigaciones de cuidado m\u00e9dico pedi\u00e1trico. El voto de Ros-Lehtinen a favor del proyecto de ley \u201cGabriella Miller Kids First Research\u201d asegurar\u00e1 que el Instituto Nacional de Salud (conocido por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s \u201cNIH\u201d) recibir\u00e1 $126 millones de d\u00f3lares para investigaciones beneficiando ni\u00f1os con varias enfermedades y establecer\u00e1 el Fondo de Iniciativas de Investigaciones Pedi\u00e1tricas. La investigaci\u00f3n de cualquier padecimiento pedi\u00e1trico es elegible para estos fondos despu\u00e9s de la aprobaci\u00f3n de un panel del NIH. Organizaciones como Nacersano (conocido por su nombre en ingl\u00e9s, \u201cMarch of Dimes\u201d), la Fundaci\u00f3n de Leucemia y Linfoma, Habla Autismo, la Coalici\u00f3n para Investigaciones M\u00e9dicas Pedi\u00e1tricas, y otras organizaciones dedicadas al cuidado m\u00e9dico pedi\u00e1trico han apoyado este proyecto de ley.\u00a0\nDestac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cProveer fondos adicionales a investigaciones m\u00e9dicas ayudar\u00e1 a poner a los ni\u00f1os afectados con enfermedades en prioridad para tratamiento m\u00e1s eficiente, o, ojala, eventualmente una cura. Debemos continuar trabajando para que nuestros ni\u00f1os puedan tener un futuro lleno de promesas.\u00a0 Nuestros ni\u00f1os deben tener acceso a investigaciones m\u00e9dicas de vanguardia. Estoy optimista que este proyecto de ley nos ayudar\u00e1 a tomar pasos para completar investigaciones m\u00e9dicas importantes y obtener tratamientos eficaces para los pacientes.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/helping-children-ros-lehtinen-votes-expand-research-pediatric-care", "Helping Children, Ros-Lehtinen Votes to Expand Research for Pediatric Care", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Helping Children, Ros-Lehtinen Votes to Expand Research for Pediatric Care                                           \n              Dec 12, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Helping Children, Ros-Lehtinen Votes to Expand Research for Pediatric Care\n\u201cOur kids should have access to cutting-edge medical research. I am hopeful that this bill will help us take steps toward completing important medical research and getting effective treatments in the hands of patients.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen voted to divert federal money used for political party conventions to instead increase pediatric medical research. Ros-Lehtinen\u2019s vote for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act ensures that the National Institute of Health (NIH) will receive $126 million for research benefitting children with a variety of diseases and will establish a Pediatric Research Initiative Fund. The study of any pediatric disease is eligible for funding after clearance by an appropriate NIH panel. Organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, Autism Speaks, the Coalition for Pediatric Medical Research, and other organizations focused on pediatric care have endorsed this bill.\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cProviding additional funds to medical researchers will help get children affected with diseases on the fast track to more efficient treatment or, hopefully, an eventual cure. We must continue to work so our children can look forward to a future full of promise. Our kids should have access to cutting-edge medical research. I am hopeful that this bill will help us take steps toward completing important medical research and getting effective treatments in the hands of patients.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-for-bi-partisan-budget", "YOHO VOTES FOR BI-PARTISAN BUDGET", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted S. Yoho voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget-Conference Agreement that would avoid a government shutdown and provide a stable budgeting process. The agreement would also provide certainty to businesses, families, and the economy. The agreement passed 332-94.\nAfter the vote Congressman Yoho said, \u201cThe American people are tired of Washington dysfunction. Legislating from crisis to crisis has caused a trillion dollar debt and an acceptance of the status quo. This budget resolution offers a path to reduce the deficit and cut spending in a responsible way. Getting back to a regular budgeting process allows us the opportunity to cut spending and root out wasteful programs. I look forward to breaking through the partisan log-jam and doing what the American people sent us up here to do---bring back the greatness of America. While not a perfect bill, this is an important first step in bringing our nation back from fiscal calamity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-introduces-legislation-modernize-army-corps-engineers-permitting", "Bilirakis Introduces Legislation to Modernize Army Corps of Engineers' Permitting Process", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Clean Water Act (CWA) guide the Corps' actions to protect our nation's waterways, but the permitting process has led to unnecessary and costly delays that do not balance public safety needs against appropriate environmental protections, said Bilirakis. Under current law, lawsuits against critical infrastructure projects can be filed for the cost of a postage stamp. With local governments struggling to allocate scarce taxpayer dollars for badly needed public safety projects, we must ensure the federal government properly balances public safety and environmental concerns.\n\n\tThe Public Infrastructure Modernization Act would streamline the application process for CWA permits submitted by local governments for flood control projects and evacuation routes by creating a firm timeframe under which the Corps must complete review of these projects. It would also implement an appeals process when the Agency fails to complete consideration of these projects under the provided timeframe. In addition, it caps mitigation costs to no more than 20 percent of the project's total cost to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Finally, this legislation does not waive NEPA and protects practical environmental review.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bilirakis-hold-google-hangout-constituents-obamacare", "Congressman Bilirakis to Hold Google Hangout with Constituents on Obamacare", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media and others interested in watching the Congressman's Google Hangout live, can do so by clicking here. Please contact Sarah Criser, (202) 225-5755, for more information.\n\n\tDetails for the event include the following:\n\n\tWHO: Congressman Gus Bilirakis\n\n\tWHAT: Obamacare Google Hangout\n\n\tWHEN: Friday, December 13, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.\n\n\tWHERE:Online\n\n\tMEDIA:For more information, contact Sarah Criser, (202) 225-5755.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234327/http://southerland.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=24B14D9E-2452-45D0-A31E-4C164538EDC0", "Southerland Votes for Budget Agreement that Restores Certainty, Averts Shutdown", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Steve Southerland", "S001186", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, II voted today for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, a two-year budget agreement that averts another government shutdown, restores certainty for hardworking families, and reduces the deficit by $23 billion \u2013 all without raising taxes. The legislation, which passed the House by a bipartisan 332 \u2013 94 margin, now awaits consideration in the Senate.\n\u201cThe House acted today in a bipartisan fashion to restore the long-term certainty that hardworking families deserve,\u201d said Southerland. \u201cThis common sense agreement cuts the federal deficit by $23 billion and strengthens the readiness of our military without increasing taxes. As far as I\u2019m concerned, that\u2019s a win for the American people. And by eliminating the possibility of another government shutdown in January, we are now able to keep our focus where it belongs: on improving conditions for job growth and addressing the crippling impact of the disastrous Obamacare rollout.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221143531/http://webster.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364367", "Webster Opposes Trillion Dollar Budget", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Webster Opposes Trillion Dollar Budget \n   \n    \n       \n      \n  \n    \n      f \n      t \n      #\n      e\n      \n      \n    \n    \n      \n        Washington,\n        Dec 12, 2013\n      \n       \n    \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n    \n      \n      \n      (Washington, DC) \u2013 Representative Daniel Webster (FL-10) issued this statement today following passage of a budget that would set spending levels over $1 trillion for each of the next two years:\n\u201cThe bipartisan effort put into this budget is admirable, but all of the savings come way down the line \u2013 in some cases more than 10 years from now \u2013 when they are less likely to be fully realized. While imperfect, the agreement signed into law two years ago called \u2018sequestration\u2019 is a tool that has held our spending under control as we were supposed to be working towards a larger solution to get us out of the fiscal ditch we have dug for the next generation.\n \u201cThe simple fact is that our government spends too much. Our country remains in a crisis of excessive spending, and we cannot return to this path of trillion dollar budgets.\u201d\n ###\n    \n  \n  \n  \n    \n      f \n      t \n      #\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=23da544a-0f94-4ce2-81b7-7a59fbf75163", "ICYMI: Rubio Opposes Budget Deal On \u201cThe Kelly File\"", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rubio: \u201cThe fundamental problem that we have here is that we have a government that continues to spend more money than it takes in.\u201d\r\nSenator Marco Rubio   FOX News\u2019 \u201cThe Kelly File\u201d     December 11, 2013     http://youtu.be/6AA-kaUMywo \u2026\r\nSenator Marco Rubio: Unfortunately the budget, what it does is it increases spending by about $60 billion over the next two years. Going above this cap, that by the way Congress imposed on itself, meaning these caps now that they passed in Washington, are meaningless because they come back a year later and go over them. But here\u2019s the problem: It raises it by $60 billion, the spending, but it pays it over ten years. Well, you know how that works. Over the next couple years they\u2019ll forget it, and they will keep borrowing more. The fundamental problem that we have here is that we have a government that continues to spend more money than it takes in. It\u2019s doing so at an alarming pace and our children are going to have to pay for this. Not just our children, many of the people that are around today are going to have to pay. We are going to have a debt crisis in this country. It is going to continue to destroy jobs. It\u2019s going to disrupt the function of our government. It\u2019s going to threaten our national security. When are we going to get serious about dealing with this once and for all?         \u2026", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5fbd5c4b-e0f8-42e6-9f3a-5b63e871002d", "ICYMI: Rubio: Budget Deal Fails To Stop Washington Spending Problems", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Budget Deal Fails To Stop Washington Spending Problems     By Senator Marco Rubio     Breitbart     December 11, 2013     http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/12/11/Budget-Deal-Fails-to-Stop-Washington-Spending-Problems  \r\nThroughout our history, America has been a place where if you work hard and play by the rules, you can go as far as your God-given talents will take you. Those sacrifices help pave the way for your children and grandchildren to go even further.\r\n   \r\nThis is the American Dream as we know it. It\u2019s not an abstract goal, but an achievable way of life that is ours to protect and pass on to future generations.\r\n   \r\nMany Americans today are deeply worried that all this is changing for good \u2013 but not in a good way. This concern stems from the belief that the American Dream is slipping away and, with it, the chance to give our children and grandchildren a shot at an even better life.\r\n   \r\nEspecially over the last five years, we have been told that a bigger and more powerful federal government is the way to fix this. But it has not. Instead, it has left us with a $17 trillion national debt and 20 million people out of work. It has left us with taxes that are too high and regulations that are too complicated. And it has left us with a government too broken to function and families that are falling apart because our government undermines the values of hard work, discipline, honesty and self-control.\r\n   \r\nWe should never accept this as the new normal. We can reverse the insecurity, the lack of opportunity and the anxiety about the future. We can restore the American Dream.\r\n   \r\nOf course, these worries won\u2019t disappear overnight, with one speech or with one budget. But every day is filled with new opportunities to take some steps in the right direction.\r\n   \r\nUnfortunately, the House-Senate budget deal announced this week fails to take any meaningful steps to achieve a government with less debt and an economy with more good paying jobs. Not achieving these goals means it will continue to be harder for more Americans to achieve the American Dream.\r\n   \r\nThis budget continues Washington\u2019s irresponsible budgeting decisions by spending more money than the government takes in and placing additional financial burdens on everyday Americans. These burdens primarily come in the form of higher taxes disguised as fee increases, particularly on air travelers. Although user fees must sometimes be reevaluated to help pay for the rising costs of providing a government service, this budget deal\u2019s fee increases are simply designed to generate more revenues for government and to pay for unrelated increased spending on government programs.\r\n \r\nIn the short run, this budget also cancels earlier spending reductions that came about through the so-called sequester of 2011 in exchange for future promises of other spending reductions many years from now. In other words, we have a government that\u2019s $17 trillion in debt, which had to borrow an additional $680 billion this year to fund its annual deficit, yet this budget deal actually increases spending by $63 billion over the next two years, supposedly for spending cuts to be named later.\r\n \r\n\u2026\r\n   \r\nKeep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/est%C3%A9s-en-la-lista-buena-o-mala-papa-noel-no-te-traer%C3%A1-ayuda-con-problemas-federales", "Est\u00e9s En La Lista Buena o Mala, Papa Noel No Te Traer\u00e1 Ayuda Con Problemas Federales. Visita a La Asistenta Congresional De Ileana Para Resolver Cualquier Pregunta Federal Que Tengas Antes Del Apuro De Los D\u00edas De Fiesta!", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Est\u00e9s En La Lista Buena o Mala, Papa Noel No Te Traer\u00e1 Ayuda Con Problemas Federales. Visita a La Asistenta Congresional De Ileana Para Resolver Cualquier Pregunta Federal Que Tengas Antes Del Apuro De Los D\u00edas De Fiesta!\n\u201cNo importa en cual de las listas de Papa Noel te encuentres, \u00e9l no te traer\u00e1 ayuda con problemas federales este a\u00f1o. Por favor visita a mi asistenta, Lourdes, antes del apuro de los dias de fiesta!\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Si eres un residente del distrito Congresional 27 y resides en el area de Miami Springs o Cutler Bay, por favor pasa por el ayuntamiento y permite que la asistente Congresional de Ileana, Lourdes Ruiz, te ayude con cualquier problema relacionado a una agencia federal. Lourdes estar\u00e1 en el ayuntamiento de Miami Springs, 201 Westward Drive en Miami Springs el martes, 17 de diciembre de 10am a 3pm y en el ayuntamiento de Cutler Bay, 10720 Caribbean Blvd en Cutler Bay el jueves, 19 de diciembre. Cualquier residente del distrito Congresional 27 con problemas como inmigraci\u00f3n, asuntos de veteranos, Seguro Social, Medicare, vivienda, nominaciones a las Academias Militares, visitas al Capitolio en DC, y cualquier otro tema federal puede ir a ver a Lourdes para ayuda.  \n\t\u00a0\nMartes 17 de diciembre:  El Ayuntamiento de Miami Springs  201 Westward Drive  Miami Springs, FL 33166  (Okeechobee Road y Westward Dive)  De las 10am hasta las 3pm\nJueves 19 de diciembre:  El Ayuntamiento de Cutler Bay  10720 Caribbean Blvd  Cutler Bay, FL 33189  (US 1 and Caribbean Boulevard)  De las 10am hasta las 1pm\nPuede contactar a Lourdes Ruiz a su celular al (305) 934-9441, v\u00eda su correo electr\u00f3nico a Lourdes.Ruiz@mail.house.gov o llamando a la oficina Congresional al (305) 668-2285.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/karzai%E2%80%99s-playing-dangerous-game-threatens-undermine-stability-afghanistan-ahead-us", "Karzai\u2019s Playing a Dangerous Game, Threatens to Undermine Stability of Afghanistan Ahead of U.S. Drawdown, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a Full Committee hearing entitled: \u201cAfghanistan 2014: Year of Transition.\u201d Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cAs Chair of the subcommittee of jurisdiction over Afghanistan, and together with Chairman Chabot and the Asia and Pacific subcommittee, we held two hearings this year that examined this very issue: the transition in Afghanistan and the way forward for the U.S., Afghanistan and Pakistan.\nI also led a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Kabul this past Memorial Day weekend with my wonderful colleagues Mr. Kennedy and Dr. Bera, and we had the honor to meet with our brave men and women who serve our country in Afghanistan \u2013 both as Armed Services and State Department personnel \u2013 and they do a tremendous job day in and day out.\nWhile in Afghanistan we had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Karzai, and you never know what you\u2019re going get. From our conversation, it seemed like he was pretty optimistic about the final bilateral security agreement and was looking forward to its completion.\nNow, however, Karzai is balking at signing the bilateral security agreement\u00a0 - which his grand council endorsed - and, as recently as this past weekend,\u00a0 lashed out at the U.S. and accused us of threatening him. I\u2019m extremely concerned that these latest developments will damage our national security interests in the region, further destabilize the region, and Karzai\u2019s flirting with Iran is quite dangerous for our national security interests so we remain perplexed and concerned.\n***\nIn our delegation we raised concerns about his neighbor the Iranian regime and the threat that poses to our interests in the region. \nMr. Kennedy and Dr. Bera will probably agree with me that he dismissed the threat that Iran poses, but Pakistan, that\u2019s the real threat to stability for Afghanistan, he said. So it shouldn\u2019t come as a big surprise that this past weekend, Karzai and the leader of Iran, Rouhani, announced the agreement of a long-term strategic pact that ranges from political cooperation to economic and security partnerships, once again undermining and jeopardizing the U.S.-Afghanistan relationship.\n What is Karzai\u2019s calculus here \u2013 is he trying to hedge his bets by cozying up to Iran and being outwardly defiant to the U.S.? What is his thinking?\n While in Afghanistan, and during our hearings, I also expressed my concerns about the status of our counternarcotics operations in a post drawdown Afghanistan. We were told that due to the lack of personnel, these U.S.-led counternarcotics operations will be severely limited in scope, and the latest numbers indicate that this was a record year for poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.\nI believe this issue of counter narcotics operations is not getting the attention it rightly deserves considering that terrorist activities are typically funded through narcotics. \n If we can\u2019t conduct the kind of operations needed to reduce the poppy production and we don\u2019t have enough manpower now to combat this issue, what are we going to do next year and post-2014 to stop the illicit drug trade that generates over 100 million dollars a year for terrorist groups?\n I\u2019ve been concerned that we are allowing the post-2014 residual force size to be decided politically and that it is purely numbers driven, rather than focused on the task and what is needed, what is the mission that still needs to be done in Afghanistan.\nMr. Dumont, you testify that it is a significant accomplishment that, since taking the lead, the Afghans have been increasingly able to maintain the gains made by U.S. and coalition forces:\n That may be true now, but what about in the post withdrawal Afghanistan when they won\u2019t have quite a robust international force in support, or possibly with no U.S. presence at all if the President goes with the zero option \u2013 when the extremists no longer see us as an impediment to their goals and come at the Afghan forces in full force \u2013 will they be able to sustain those gains?\nWhen do you predict that the White House in coordination with the State Department will decide on the troop level number?\u201d\n NOTE: This is an edited version that combines Chairman Ros-Lehtinen\u2019s statement and questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/whether-you%E2%80%99re-nice-or-naughty-list-santa-won%E2%80%99t-bring-you-help-federal-issues-visit", "Whether You\u2019re on the Nice or Naughty List, Santa Won\u2019t Bring You Help with Federal Issues. Visit Ileana\u2019s Congressional Aide to Resolve Any Federal Questions You May Have Before the Holiday Rush!", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Whether You\u2019re on the Nice or Naughty List, Santa Won\u2019t Bring You Help with Federal Issues. Visit Ileana\u2019s Congressional Aide to Resolve Any Federal Questions You May Have Before the Holiday Rush!\n\u201cNo matter which one of Santa\u2019s lists you\u2019re on, he won\u2019t be bringing help with federal issues this year. Please visit my aide, Lourdes, before the holiday rush!\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 If you are a resident of the 27th Congressional District and happen to be around the areas of Miami Springs or Cutler Bay, please stop by city hall and allow Ileana's Congressional Aide, Lourdes Ruiz, to help you with any problem related to a federal agency. Lourdes will be at Miami Springs City Hall, 201 Westward Drive in Miami Springs on Tuesday, December 17th from 10am \u2013 3pm and at Cutler Bay Town Hall, 10720 Caribbean Blvd in Cutler Bay on Thursday, December 19th from 10am \u2013 3pm.\u00a0 Any resident of the 27th Congressional District with issues concerning Social Security, immigration, Medicare, housing, Veteran\u2019s Administration, U.S. Academy nominations, tours of the U.S. Capitol, or any other federal agency or topic should come see Lourdes as she visits their neighborhood for guidance on these topics.\nTuesday, December 17th, Lourdes will be at:  Miami Springs City Hall  201 Westward Drive  Miami Springs, FL 33166  (Okeechobee Road and Westward Dive)  From 10am to 3pm\nThursday, December 19th, Lourdes will be at:  Cutler Bay Town Hall  10720 Caribbean Blvd  Cutler Bay, FL 33189  (US 1 and Caribbean Boulevard)  From 10am to 1pm\nLourdes Ruiz can be reached via her cell at (305) 934-9441, via email at lourdes.ruiz@mail.house.gov or by calling the Miami Congressional office at (305) 668-2285.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-simpson-and-weatherford-help-families-put-food-table-during-holidays", "Bilirakis, Simpson and Weatherford to Help Families Put Food on the Table During the Holidays", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During the holidays, there are many families throughout the Tampa Bay area who may need a little extra help getting food on the table, said Bilirakis. Florida is blessed to have an abundant agricultural industry, and I am honored to be able to work with Farm Share to get this nutritious, healthy food into the hands of families who need it most.\n\n\tAll needy families are welcome to attend. Media should contact Sarah Criser, (202) 225-5755, to RSVP and for more information.\n\n\tDetails for the event include the following:\n\n\tWHO:  Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Senator Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Will Weatherford\n\n\tWHAT:  Farm Share Holiday Giveaway\n\n\tWHEN:  Saturday, December 14\n\n\t                  9 a.m. to 12 p.m.\n\n\t\n\n\tWHERE: Dade City Business Center\n\n\t                  15000 Citrus Country Drive\n\n\t                  Dade City, FL 33523\n\n\t                  Directions\n\n\n\t\n\n\tMEDIA:  Media should RSVP to Sarah Criser, (202) 225-5755\n\n\t\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/sebelius-unable-provide-cost-estimate-obamacares-risk-corridors", "Sebelius Unable to Provide Cost Estimate for Obamacare's Risk Corridors", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The tab for Obamacare's risk corridors will ultimately be passed down to U.S. taxpayers, Bilirakis said. It is unacceptable for the Administration to promulgate a rule without knowing the cost that will result. Furthermore, it's irresponsible to put taxpayers on the hook for insurance company losses in the Exchange.  To view the Congressman's exchange with Secretary Sebelius, watch the video below.   ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B22490BB-04C7-4A3E-8C2B-4F6AA203637D", "DeSantis and Salmon on President Obama's Handshake with Castro", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ron DeSantis", "D000621", "desantis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u201d\u201dChairman Matt Salmon (AZ-05) of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, issued the following statements regarding President Obama\u2013s and President Castro\u2013s public handshake in South Africa:\n\n\u201cThe excitement exhibited in some liberal quarters regarding the embrace of Raul Castro by President Obama ignores the millions of victims of the totalitarian Castro regime. I urge the President to secure the release of American Alan Gross from Castro\u2013s prisons. The Cuban people have been denied liberty for more than 50 years and U.S. policy must be geared toward the establishment of a free and democratic Cuba.\u201d?\u201d\u201dRep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere\n\n\u201cPresident Obama's handshake with Cuban dictator, Raul Castro, represents the first time in over 13 years a U.S. President has publically greeted a dictator of Cuba. It was an insult to the people of Cuba who are denied liberty and oppressed daily by the Cuban dictator. The White House claiming that the handshake was not planned further demonstrates the Administration's lack of a coherent and focused foreign policy. America has always been the beacon of hope for people who live under oppressive regimes, and the oppressed have always looked to the President of the United States to advocate for their freedom around the world. President Obama failed the people of Cuba with this very public handshake.\u201d?\u201d\u201dRep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3124ed1c-779b-46a2-9c64-0519587d354d", "Obama Administration Official: Iran Wants Sanctions Relief In Exchange For No Irreversible Measures To Its Nuclear Program", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 During today\u2019s Senate Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) questioned Obama Administration official Puneet Talwar on the secret negotiations conducted between the U.S. and the Iranian regime earlier this year. Mr. Talwar has been nominated to be Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs. Prior to his nomination, he has served the past four years on the National Security Staff as one of President Obama\u2019s key Iran advisors.\r\n   \r\nDuring the course of the exchange, Talwar validated Rubio\u2019s belief that the Iranian regime is solely driven by its desire for sanctions relief in exchange for making no irreversible changes to its nuclear weapons program. In addition, Talwar admitted that the Iranian regime\u2019s abysmal human rights and ongoing support for terrorism were completely ignored during the course of secret negotiations between the Obama Administration and the Iranian regime. He also confirmed that the cases of American citizens being unjustly jailed by the regime, including Floridian Robert Levinson and Pastor Saeed Abedini, have been raised during the administration\u2019s interactions with Iran.\r\n   \r\nThe exchange is available on YouTube here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3fc8a373-135d-41f7-902c-ebbc89b44e3a", "Rubio: Budget Deal Threatens To Open Spending Floodgates", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rubio: \u201cWe need a government that creates less debt. We need an economy that\u2019s creating more stable, middle-class jobs. And there are government policies that will further that. This budget does not do that.\u201d  \r\nU.S. Senator Marco Rubio  \u201cThe Mike Huckabee Show\u201d  December 11, 2013  Interview: http://youtu.be/Mbqxw1JREQM\r\n\u2026    \r\nSenator Marco Rubio: \u201cThis country has a very fundamental problem, where a growing number of Americans do not feel like they\u2019re getting a chance to get ahead. And even the people who have gotten ahead and are living the American Dream are worried that their children will not get that chance. We need to respond to that. We need a government that creates less debt. We need an economy that\u2019s creating more stable, middle-class jobs. And there are government policies that will further that. This budget does not do that. It has no long-term plan in place to deal with the very serious debt problem that threatens our future. And that\u2019s my problem. It\u2019s not just this budget \u2013 it\u2019s this lack of long-term thinking around here. There are no long-term solutions apparently possible in Washington, and we are running out of time. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve become opposed to the deal they\u2019ve come up with.\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u2026\r\n   \r\nRubio: \u201cI don\u2019t think the sequester was the best way to reduce spending, but it\u2019s certainly a lot better than continuing to let the debt grow or raise taxes. That was part of a budget agreement that was reached two years ago. We\u2019re basically now walking away from that as a result of this. So I think we could have created more flexibility for the military to spend the money that it has. I think we could have looked for ways to perhaps replace the sequester on the military with some other cuts somewhere else because I think national security is important. But I think to walk away from the already agreed upon reductions in spending that were so difficult to achieve, I think opens the floodgates that really threaten to put us right back in these spending habits and really, we\u2019re going to continue to have a government that spends more money than it takes in.\u201d\r\n   \r\n\u2026", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/al-reconocer-el-d%C3%ADa-internacional-de-los-derechos-humanos-no-debemos-olvidar-que-11", "Al Reconocer el D\u00eda Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, No Debemos Olvidar Que 11 Millones de Cubanos No Tienen Sus Derechos o Libertades Bajo El R\u00e9gimen Castrista Dice Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Al Reconocer el D\u00eda Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, No Debemos Olvidar Que 11 Millones de Cubanos No Tienen Sus Derechos o Libertades Bajo El R\u00e9gimen Castrista Dice Ros-Lehtinen\n\u201cEs nuestra obligaci\u00f3n moral condenar a los violadores de los derechos humanos y defender los principios que protegen y garantizan la igualdad de oportunidades y las libertades fundamentales b\u00e1sicas para todos.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 Reconociendo el D\u00eda Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, la Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Medio Oriente y \u00c1frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n mientas que activistas pacifistas a favor de la democracia como Las Damas de Blanco contin\u00faan enfrentando la represi\u00f3n brutal del r\u00e9gimen castrista. Destac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\"Al conmemorar el D\u00eda Internacional de los Derechos Humanos y la aprobaci\u00f3n de la Declaraci\u00f3n Universal de los Derechos Humanos, debemos recordar que a millones de personas alrededor del mundo los reg\u00edmenes represivos les siguen negando sus derechos humanos fundamentales. Es nuestra obligaci\u00f3n moral condenar a los violadores de los derechos humanos y defender los principios que protegen y garantizan la igualdad de oportunidades y las libertades fundamentales b\u00e1sicas para todos. Adem\u00e1s, debemos ser la voz de los que viven bajo reg\u00edmenes represivos y no dar por sentado las libertades que apreciamos en los Estados Unidos.\n\"En mi tierra natal de Cuba, no hay derechos humanos. El domingo pasado marc\u00f3 otro d\u00eda que las pac\u00edficas Damas de Blanco - madres, hermanas y t\u00edas de prisioneros detenidos injustamente - fueron puestos bajo arresto domiciliario y detenidas simplemente por marchar a la iglesia para orar por sus seres queridos. Hoy de nuevo caminaron y trataron de celebrar una ceremonia para conmemorar este d\u00eda tan importante y para convocar por una Cuba libre, y ellas contin\u00faan de inspirar a otros que anhelan la libertad y la democracia.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ayudando-nuestros-veteranos-ros-lehtinen-apoya-proyectos-de-ley-que-mejorar%C3%A1n-la", "Ayudando a Nuestros Veteranos, Ros-Lehtinen Apoya Proyectos de Ley Que Mejorar\u00e1n La Calidad de Vida de Nuestros Patriotas", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ayudando a Nuestros Veteranos, Ros-Lehtinen Apoya Proyectos de Ley Que Mejorar\u00e1n La Calidad de Vida de Nuestros Patriotas\n\u201cEstos hombres y mujeres lo han dado todo luchando por nuestro pa\u00eds y merecen nuestra eterna gratitud. Nuestros veteranos ameritan acceso a un cuidado de salud de calidad y la habilidad de una vida productiva despu\u00e9s de su servicio a nuestra naci\u00f3n.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen anunci\u00f3 su apoyo a dos proyectos de ley que ayudar\u00e1n a mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestros veteranos:\n \u00a0el proyecto de ley \u201cDepartment of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013\u201d permitir\u00e1 alquileres de facilidades m\u00e9dicas en m\u00e1s lugares por todos los Estados Unidos para que nuestros veteranos tengan un mayor acceso al cuidado de salud; y\n  el proyecto de ley \u201cVA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013\u201d que dar\u00e1 asistencia mensual a veteranos entrenando para el equipo Paral\u00edmpico.\n Estos proyectos de ley asegurar\u00e1n que nuestros veteranos, quienes merecen nuestro mayor respeto por sus sacrificios, puedan tener una vida productiva y tener acceso a facilidades m\u00e9dicas.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dexter, el esposo de Ros-Lehtinen,\u00a0es un veterano de combate en Vietnam quien voluntariamente sirvi\u00f3; tambi\u00e9n su hijastro, Doug, y su nuera, Lindsay, sirvieron nuestro pa\u00eds como oficiales en la Marina de los Estados Unidos en Irak. Lindsay tambi\u00e9n sirvi\u00f3 en Afganist\u00e1n.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\nDestac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cCuando se trata de nuestros veteranos, quienes han dado tanto para preservar nuestra libertad, expandiendo oportunidades para su cuidado \u00a0m\u00e9dico y su participaci\u00f3n en nuestra comunidad deben ser prioridades continuas para nosotros. Estos hombres y mujeres lo han dado todo luchando por nuestro pa\u00eds y merecen nuestra eterna gratitud. Nuestros veteranos ameritan acceso a un cuidado de salud de calidad y la habilidad de una vida productiva despu\u00e9s de su servicio a nuestra naci\u00f3n.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/championing-our-veterans-ros-lehtinen-supports-bills-will-help-improve-patriots%E2%80%99", "Championing Our Veterans, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Bills That Will Help Improve Patriots\u2019 Quality of Life", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Championing Our Veterans, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Bills That Will Help Improve Patriots\u2019 Quality of Life\n\u201cThese men and women have given their all to fight for our country and merit our enduring gratitude. Our veterans deserve access to quality care and the ability to live a full life after their service to our nation.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced her support of two bills that work to help improve our veterans\u2019 quality of life:\n the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013 would allow leases of medical facilities in more locations throughout the United States so veterans can have expanded access to care; and\nthe VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013 which would give monthly assistance to veterans training for the Paralympic Team.\n These bills aim to ensure our veterans, who deserve our respect for their sacrifices, are able to live their lives to the fullest and have access to medical facilities.\nRos-Lehtinen\u2019s husband, Dexter, is a Vietnam combat veteran who volunteered to serve, and her step-son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Lindsay, served our country as officers in the US Marine Corps in Iraq. Lindsay also served in Afghanistan.\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cWhen it concerns our veterans, who have given so much to preserve our freedom, expanding opportunities for medical care and involvement with the community should be continuous priorities for us all. These men and women have given their all to fight for our country and merit our enduring gratitude. Our veterans deserve access to quality care and the ability to live a full life after their service to our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-secretary-kerry-iran-nuclear-deal-bad-deal-will-be-death-knell-sanctions", "Ros-Lehtinen to Secretary Kerry: This Iran Nuclear Deal is a Bad Deal; Will be the Death Knell of Sanctions Program and Threatens our Friends and Closest Ally, the Democratic Jewish State of Israel", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen to Secretary Kerry: This Iran Nuclear Deal is a Bad Deal; Will be the Death Knell of Sanctions Program and Threatens our Friends and Closest Ally, the Democratic Jewish State of Israel\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a Full Committee hearing where Secretary of State John Kerry testified on the Iran nuclear deal. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cMr. Secretary, you stated on 60 Minutes that on a nuclear deal with Iran, a bad deal is worse than no deal. Well, this deal is a bad deal. I believe that the concessions offered to Iran will be the death knell on the sanctions program as we know it.\nThis threatens our allies, it threatens our closest ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel. Isn\u2019t it true that the fissile material is just one aspect, but then there is the weaponization to consider and also ballistic missiles?\nThis Iran deal does not address these and Iran has announced a significant advancement on its ballistic missile program. Why was it decided to leave these aspects of Iran\u2019s nuclear weapons program unaddressed in the agreement?\nI oppose the Administration\u2019s acceptance of Iran\u2019s illegitimate claim to a right to enrich uranium \u2013 Iran says that this deal does give it that right.\u00a0I expect the Iranian regime to welcome in the entire international community to show that it has not violated its terms of the deal and both the Administration and the media will be effusive in their praise of Iran\u2019s fulfillment of the deal.\nBut we set the bar so low that Iran will probably comply, and we must not be fooled by that approach as Iran can start up the centrifuges and it will be too late to stop them. How long would it take for Iran to enrich uranium from 3.5% to 90% with its current nuclear infrastructure with the advanced centrifuges?\nI\u2019ve worked, as you know, over the years to help create the Iran sanctions program that we have in place, I was the author of several Iran sanctions bills that have become law, including the toughest set of sanctions currently on the books. And it\u2019s discouraging that many countries are now eager to do business with Iran, to get Iranian gas, and we will not be able to stop this cash infusion and get sanctions back to their current levels.\nNow, Jay Carney suggested that if pursuing a diplomatic resolution in Iran is disallowed or ruled out, then we\u2019d be faced with no other option than war to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. This is a false binary choice \u2013 it\u2019s one or the other; we\u2019ve been increasing sanctions on the Iranian regime for a decade.\nDo you agree with this characterization, and do you believe that those of us in Congress who oppose this deal and seek an increase in sanctions to force Iran to give up its enrichment program \u2013 it\u2019s not to force Iran to negotiate, it\u2019s to force Iran to give up its enrichment program \u2013 that we are warmongers?\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-secretary-kerry-when-leader-free-world-shakes-bloody-hand-ruthless", "Ros-Lehtinen to Secretary Kerry: When the Leader of the Free World Shakes the Bloody Hand of a Ruthless Dictator Like Raul Castro, it Becomes a Propaganda Coup for the Tyrant", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen to Secretary Kerry: When the Leader of the Free World Shakes the Bloody Hand of a Ruthless Dictator Like Raul Castro, it Becomes a Propaganda Coup for the Tyrant\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a Full Committee hearing where Secretary of State John Kerry testified. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cAnd Mr. Secretary, sometimes a handshake is just a handshake. But when the leader of the free world shakes the bloody hand of a ruthless dictator like Raul Castro, it becomes a propaganda coup for the tyrant.\nRaul Castro uses that hand to sign the orders to repress and jail democracy advocates. In fact, right now, as we speak, Cuban opposition leaders are being detained and they\u2019re beaten while trying to commemorate today, which is International Human Rights Day. They will feel disheartened when they see these photos.\u00a0\nCould you please tell the Cuban people living under that repressive regime that, a handshake notwithstanding, the U.S. policy toward the cruel and sadistic Cuban dictatorship has not weakened?\nThank you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/success-egypt%E2%80%99s-democratic-transition-depends-respect-human-rights-upholding-rule-law", "The Success of Egypt\u2019s Democratic Transition Depends on Respect for Human Rights, Upholding Rule of Law, and Protecting Civil Society, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Success of Egypt\u2019s Democratic Transition Depends on Respect for Human Rights, Upholding Rule of Law, and Protecting Civil Society, Says Ros-Lehtinen\n\u201cThe path to democracy is a difficult one, but it would be a tremendous accomplishment if the people of Egypt can implement the democratic reforms they have called for and realize a free and functioning civil society.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a Joint Subcommittee hearing entitled: \u201cHuman Rights Abuses in Egypt.\u201d Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cThank you very much Mr. Smith, thank you for your leadership throughout the years on any issue related to human rights and thank you for shedding some light on this terrible human rights abuse that is going on in Egypt. It is an honor to hold this hearing with you, thank you sir.\nDuring the Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood-led era, we witnessed a steady increase in human rights abuses perpetrated by the Islamist government as Morsi began to solidify his power and crack down on fundamental freedoms of Egyptians. There was a precipitous increase in the arrests of journalists, a widespread crackdown on opposition demonstrators, wanton disrespect for the rule of law, and an overall deteriorating state of human rights throughout Egypt.\nThen, this past July, the people of Egypt grew tired of Morsi\u2019s oppressive regime and its blatant disregard for human rights and again took to the streets en masse. Since Morsi\u2019s removal from power, Muslim Brotherhood supporters have terrorized the Egyptian people with violent protests, and the end result has left hundreds killed and many more injured. The Egyptian military has responded in kind, and the interim authorities have moved to initiate restrictive assembly laws.\nAnd though the military has taken some steps to keep Egypt safe and secure \u2013 such as conducting operations against al-Qaeda in the lawless Sinai \u2013 the general security situation, restrictions on civil society and a lack of the rule of law and respect for human rights demonstrate that Egypt still has a long way to go toward creating a truly democratic society.\nWhile Egypt\u2019s interim government has said that it is protecting religious minorities, we still see attacks against Coptic Christian community all the time. Though the government may not outwardly incite these attacks, it fails to provide the adequate protections to prevent them from happening. Christians have seen a drastic increase of attacks against them as they have been scapegoated by Morsi supporters.\nHorrifying reports of attacks against Christian communities, and of young Christian girls being abducted and forced into marriage with radical Islamists, depict the grim reality that Christians are currently facing in Egypt. But Christians aren\u2019t the only groups that continue to suffer; Other religious minorities, such as Jews, Baha'is, Sufi Muslims, Shiites, and others have been targeted by extremists, and women\u2019s rights are woefully inadequate.\nWhile the latest draft constitution in theory has provided more rights, in practice it is so left open to interpretation, thus not necessarily affording any more rights to those groups who need protection the most. The committee tasked with drawing up this new constitution was not truly representative of the interests of all Egyptians \u2013 of the fifty members, only five were women and only four were Coptic Christians. It is the duty of the interim government to help shepherd Egypt toward a new dawn of democracy.\nIn order for Egypt to return to the path toward democracy, the new constitution must protect the rights of women and religious and ethnic minorities, everyone\u2019s human rights must be recognized, and the political party process must be allowed to take root with free, fair and transparent elections. I hope that the new draft constitution will be implemented in a way that adequately addresses these concerns and is not just simply a document that can be thrown out at a moment\u2019s notice \u2013 the ideals enshrined in this document must be the bedrock foundation that can inspire a country that is in danger of losing its way.\nA successful democratic transition in Egypt can only occur once those protections are respected, are solidified and enforced. In addition, Egyptian authorities must pardon the 43 NGO workers - many of whom are American citizens - who were unjustly convicted and sentenced earlier this year, and allow the NGOs to operate without fear of government reprisals as they help to support civil society.\nThe path to democracy is a difficult one, but it would be a tremendous accomplishment if the people of Egypt can implement the democratic reforms they have called for and realize a free and functioning civil society. Without a strong basis in democracy, any elections will fail to achieve the democratic results we all hope and pray to see in Egypt. And I thank the Chairman, again, for the joint hearing.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/we-recognize-international-human-rights-day-we-must-not-forget-11-million-cubans-have", "As We Recognize International Human Rights Day, We Must Not Forget That 11 Million Cubans Have No Rights or Freedoms Under the Castro Regime, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As We Recognize International Human Rights Day, We Must Not Forget That 11 Million Cubans Have No Rights or Freedoms Under the Castro Regime, Says Ros-Lehtinen\n\u201cIt\u2019s our moral obligation to condemn violators of human rights and defend principles that protect and ensure equal opportunity and basic fundamental freedoms for all.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 In recognition of International Human Rights Day, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement as peaceful pro-democracy advocates including the Ladies in White continue to face brutal repression by the Castro regime. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cAs we mark International Human Rights Day and commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we must remember that millions around the world continue to be denied freedom and liberty by repressive regimes. It\u2019s our moral obligation to condemn violators of human rights and defend principles that protect and ensure equal opportunity and basic fundamental freedoms for all. In addition, we must be a voice for those living under repressive regimes and not take for granted the freedoms that we cherish in the United States.\n\u201cIn my native land of Cuba, there are no human rights. This past Sunday marked another day that the peaceful Ladies in White \u2013 mothers, sisters and aunts of unjustly held prisoners \u2013 were put under house arrest and detained simply for marching to church to pray for their loved ones. Today they again walked and tried to hold a ceremony to mark this important day and to call for a free Cuba, and they continue to inspire others who yearn for freedom and democracy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-applauds-houses-passage-legislation-consolidating-va-clinics-pasco", "Bilirakis Applauds House's Passage of Legislation Consolidating VA Clinics in Pasco County", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today's vote is a win for all veterans, especially those living in and around the Tampa Bay area, said Bilirakis. This legislation will not only increase veterans' access to quality care, but also make it more convenient for veterans to receive the care they need. In Pasco County alone, this bill will enable the five existing clinics that are strained and spread out across the Tampa Bay area to consolidate into a convenient, one-stop facility that will serve all veterans' medical needs. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take swift action in passing H.R. 3521 and for the President to sign this legislation into law, so the VA can continue to provide quality care to our veterans.  H.R. 3521 provides the necessary technical authorization the VA lacked to carry out certain medical facility leases and consolidations. To watch the Congressman's statement in support of the legislation on the House Floor, watch the video below.   ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-discusses-importance-protecting-coptic-christians-persecution-egypt", "Bilirakis Discusses Importance of Protecting Coptic Christians from Persecution in Egypt", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bilirakis, who is a member of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, has been a strong advocate of religious freedom for all faiths throughout his tenure in Congress. In recent years, he has led multiple efforts to prevent the Egyptian military from using U.S. taxpayer dollars to persecute and attack thousands of Coptic Christians and other religious minorities.\n\n\tTo view his opening statement and questions for the panelists, including Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, Vice Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, watch the video below.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-discusses-importance-protecting-coptic-christians-persecution-egypt-0", "Bilirakis Discusses Importance of Protecting Coptic Christians from Persecution in Egypt", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bilirakis, who is a member of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, has been a strong advocate of religious freedom for all faiths throughout his tenure in Congress. In recent years, he has led multiple efforts to prevent the Egyptian military from using U.S. taxpayer dollars to persecute and attack thousands of Coptic Christians and other religious minorities.\n\n\tTo view his opening statement and questions for the panelists, including Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, Vice Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, watch the video below.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1648d927-4a35-4fbd-9e9e-89d3e2d67631", "Rubio Opposes House-Senate Budget Deal", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today announcing his opposition to the House-Senate budget deal:\r\n\u201cWe need a government with less debt and an economy with more good paying jobs, and this budget fails to accomplish both goals, making it harder for more Americans to achieve the American Dream.\u00a0Instead, this budget continues Washington\u2019s irresponsible budgeting decisions by spending more money than the government takes in and placing additional financial burdens on everyday Americans.\r\n\u201cIn the short run, this budget also cancels earlier spending reductions, instead of making some tough decisions about how to tackle our long-term fiscal challenges caused by runaway Washington spending. I\u00a0voted against sequestration because of its effect on key programs, including the defense budget, but higher spending and more revenue are not the appropriate ways to address that problem.\r\n\u201cThe American people should not be asked to choose between a strong military and responsible budgets that encourage job creation and reduce debt. They deserve better than this.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b42f5f33-5c4d-41a9-a621-91ed4db7e10a", "Rubio Comments On Reauthorization Of The Undetectable Firearms Act", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding The Undetectable Firearms Act, which cleared the U.S. Senate tonight and was passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives:\r\n\u201cI supported reauthorizing the existing common sense law banning undetectable firearms, which are intended to avoid metal detectors and jeopardize public safety. I am glad gun control groups failed in their attempts to use this vote as an opportunity to further regulate the lawful ownership of firearms, a right protected by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.\r\n\u201cI continue to believe that the answer to gun-related violence is vigorous enforcement of existing criminal laws and enhanced efforts to address mental health problems.\u00a0This is not the first time we\u2019ve seen gun control advocates seize any opportunity to advance federal regulations, but I will continue to fight for the rights of law-abiding Americans to bear arms.\u201d\r\nAdditional Background: The Undetectable Firearms Act bans the manufacture, possession and sale of firearms that can't be detected by metal detectors and requires handguns to be manufactured in the shape of a gun so they can be screened on X-ray machines.\u00a0It was originally enacted in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan and has been reauthorized under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The law was set to expire on December 9.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e598fdc8-bc4b-4eb5-a420-bbf5b2a7ec2a", "Rubio Statement On WTO Trade Agreement", "2013-12-07", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the agreement at the World Trade Organization\u2019s trade negotiations in Bali:\r\n \r\n\u201cThe successful WTO negotiations in Bali mark an important first step towards reducing global trade barriers in the 21st century. American entrepreneurs and workers can compete with anyone on a level economic playing field. Expanding free and fair trade is a national imperative that will create job opportunities for our own people and help others around the world rely less on foreign assistance and benefit more from the free enterprise system.\r\n   \r\n\u201cWhile this successful global trade deal is a step in the right direction, we should also continue pursuing regional and bilateral trade agreements \u2013 such as the TPP with Asia and Latin America and the TTIP with Europe \u2013 that hold enormous economic promise and where overcoming some of the tougher trade obstacles are more realistic in the shorter term.\r\n   \r\n\u201cWhile overall the WTO agreement is welcome news, I am concerned that U.S. officials reportedly met with Cuban representatives in Bali to discuss the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. There should be no question that the U.S. will not end the trade embargo until the Castro regime releases its political prisoners and holds free and fair elections.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2a0c3174-7288-4a51-9f4f-c84cfddc277a", "Rubio Welcomes USS New York To Mayport", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today welcomed the arrival of the USS New York to Naval Station Mayport.\r\n   \r\nThis marks the first ship to be relocated to Mayport as part of the new Amphibious Ready Group being stationed in Florida under the direction of the U.S. Navy.\r\n   \r\nIn heralding the ship\u2019s arrival, Rubio issued the following statement:\r\n   \r\n\u201cIn Florida, we are blessed to have several military communities throughout our state. I am excited about the USS New York\u2019s arrival and welcome its crew members and their families to Jacksonville\u2019s military family.\r\n   \r\n\u201cOur state and nation are grateful for their service and sacrifices, and now we are proud to call them our neighbors. We are also humbled to now be the home port of a ship built after 9/11 with remnants of the World Trade Center.\r\n   \r\n\u201cMayport is a crown jewel of our Navy and a key part of our national security infrastructure. The on-time relocation of the USS New York from Norfolk is a critical step toward the strategic dispersal of our naval fleet, and I will continue working to ensure the two remaining ships that will comprise the Amphibious Ready Group eventually arrive on schedule as well.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=64db33df-5f52-452c-ad97-1f55c81698f7", "ICYMI: Rubio: D.C. Dysfunction Hurting Military, Veterans", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "D.C. dysfunction hurting military, veterans     By Senator Marco Rubio     The Tampa Tribune     December 6, 2013     http://tbo.com/list/news-opinion-commentary/marco-rubio-washington-dysfunction-getting-in-way-of-military-veterans-20131206/  \r\nWhen the Senate reconvenes next week, its dysfunction will again be on display as it considers the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), major legislation that spells out our priorities for most national security and military matters. \r\n   \r\nGiven the complexity of our military and the myriad security challenges we face, this should be an opportunity to have robust debates on a wide range of issues. In the past, this has normally been the case, but there is nothing normal about today\u2019s dysfunctional Senate. \r\n   \r\nIn this case, the Senate\u2019s Democratic majority leadership is drastically limiting debate and amendment opportunities on the NDAA, except for a few hand-picked issues. In the real world, this means that many worthy ideas with bipartisan \u2014 in some cases almost universal \u2014 support won\u2019t ever see the light of day. \r\n   \r\nFor example, I\u2019ve joined one Democratic colleague, Jon Tester from Montana, in an effort to raise the salaries of active duty military personnel by 1.8 percent. In its current form, the NDAA includes President Obama\u2019s original budget request for a 1.0 percent increase \u2014 even though a 2004 law requires that this year\u2019s increase be 1.8 percent. During this time of record debt, we believe doing right by our service members, their families and existing law is our duty to them; therefore, we\u2019ve offered a spending offset that prioritizes this pay increase. \r\n   \r\nUnfortunately, even with broad bipartisan support, the Senate\u2019s Democratic leadership has decided to block any consideration of this measure, short changing our troops in the process. \r\n   \r\nAnother example of how Washington\u2019s dysfunction stands in the way of helping our military and veterans is evident in a measure I\u2019m pursuing with Elizabeth Warren, one of my Democratic colleagues from Massachusetts. \r\n   \r\nWe\u2019ve proposed stronger financial protections for veterans being targeted by scams in the Department of Veterans Administration\u2019s Aid and Assistance Benefit, which helps pay for assisted living or in-home personal care for eligible veterans. Our legislation directs the VA to work with other federal agencies and states to crack down on scam artists who are exploiting our elderly veterans by charging unnecessary fees for this benefit and sometimes taking control of veterans\u2019 assets. \r\n   \r\n\u2026\r\n   \r\nKeep reading here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363600", "Lakeland Pastor to Give Opening Prayer in U.S. House of Representatives Next Week", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) announced that the Rev. Dr. John B. (Mike) Loudon of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland will give the opening prayer in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. \u201cPastor Mike is a great man,\u201d said Ross. \u201cHis life and dedication to his faith, his family, and his community serve as an inspiration to everyone. I\u2019m looking forward to him giving the opening prayer in the House next week.\u201d Background:  \r\nHere is an archive of past opening prayers: http://chaplain.house.gov/archive/ ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/photo-gallery/meeting-miami-chamber-commerce-0", "Meeting with the Miami Chamber of Commerce", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "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/ros-lehtinen-decepcionada-de-que-santos-inste-los-estados-unidos-dar-concesiones-al", "Ros-Lehtinen Decepcionada de Que Santos Inste a los Estados Unidos a Dar Concesiones al R\u00e9gimen Brutal Castrista", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Decepcionada de Que Santos Inste a los Estados Unidos a Dar Concesiones al R\u00e9gimen Brutal Castrista\n\u201cEn vez de que los E.E.U.U. suavice nuestra pol\u00edtica hacia Cuba, deben ser los Castro quienes tienen que dejar de oprimir al pueblo cubano.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Medio Oriente y \u00c1frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n referente a la recomendaci\u00f3n del Presidente Colombiano Juan Manuel Santos que los E.E.U.U. cambie la pol\u00edtica hacia el r\u00e9gimen castrista. Destac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cSiempre he sido una amiga del pueblo colombiano y encabec\u00e9 el esfuerzo para aprobar el Acuerdo de Libre Comercio entre los Estados Unidos y Colombia y el Plan Colombia para ayudar a este aliado importante a combatir el terrorismo y luchar contra el narcotr\u00e1fico. Sin embargo, estoy decepcionada que ahora el Presidente Santos est\u00e1 sugiriendo a nuestra naci\u00f3n a cambiar su pol\u00edtica hacia el r\u00e9gimen castrista, diciendo que debemos ser \u2018m\u00e1s comprensivos\u2019 y hacer \u2018alg\u00fan tipo de concesi\u00f3n.\u2019 Es equivocado creer que Cuba, un estado designado patrocinador del terrorismo y firme apoyador de las FARC, ser\u00e1 un intermediario honesto para estas supuestas charlas de paz. \n\u201cEn vez de que los E.E.U.U. suavice nuestra pol\u00edtica hacia Cuba, deben ser los Castro quienes tienen que dejar de oprimir al pueblo cubano. El r\u00e9gimen es una dictadura de sangre fr\u00eda que est\u00e1 comprometida a mantener control total contra los deseos democr\u00e1ticos de 11 millones de cubanos e intenta distraer a la comunidad internacional del hecho de que el acoso, los golpes, y las detenciones injustas contra defensores democr\u00e1ticos han intensificado en los \u00faltimos a\u00f1os.\n\u201cEl Presidente Santos debe condenar las t\u00e1cticas abusivas del r\u00e9gimen castrista, unirse en solidaridad con la oposici\u00f3n valiente cubana que anhela libertad, y no apoyar a la dictadura castrista en sus intentos de sacar m\u00e1s concesiones de la Administraci\u00f3n de Obama.\u201d\n\u00a0\n#######", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-disappointed-santos-calling-us-concessions-brutal-castro-regime", "Ros-Lehtinen Disappointed that Santos is Calling for U.S. Concessions to the Brutal Castro Regime", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Disappointed that Santos is Calling for U.S. Concessions to the Brutal Castro Regime\n\u201cInstead of the U.S. softening its policy toward Cuba, it should be the Castro brothers who must end their oppression of the Cuban people.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 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 recommendation made by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to have the U.S. change its policy toward the Castro regime. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cI\u2019ve always been a friend of the people of Colombia and led the effort to pass the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and Plan Colombia to help this important ally combat terrorism and fight narco-trafficking. However, I\u2019m disappointed that now President Santos is suggesting that the U.S. change its policy toward the Castro regime, saying that the U.S. needs to be \u2018more understanding\u2019 and that it should make \u2018some type of concession.\u2019 It\u2019s foolish to believe that Cuba, a U.S.-designated State Sponsor of Terrorism and a staunch supporter of the FARC, will be an honest broker for these so-called peace negotiations between Colombia and the FARC. \u00a0\n\u201cInstead of the U.S. softening its policy toward Cuba, it should be the Castro brothers who must end their oppression of the Cuban people. The Castro regime is a cold-blooded dictatorship committed to maintaining absolute control against the democratic aspirations of 11 million Cubans and it seeks to distract the international community from the fact that harassment, beatings and unjust detentions against pro-democracy advocates have intensified in recent years.\n\u201cPresident Santos should condemn the abusive tactics of the Castro regime, stand in solidarity with the brave Cuban opposition yearning for freedom, and not support the Castro dictatorship in its attempt to obtain even more concessions from the Obama Administration.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/trabajando-favor-de-peque%C3%B1os-negocios-ros-lehtinen-apoya-proyectos-de-ley-para", "Trabajando a Favor De Peque\u00f1os Negocios, Ros-Lehtinen Apoya Proyectos de Ley Para Promover Nuestra Econom\u00eda M\u00e1s Competitiva", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trabajando a Favor De Peque\u00f1os Negocios, Ros-Lehtinen Apoya Proyectos de Ley Para Promover Nuestra Econom\u00eda M\u00e1s Competitiva                                           \n              Dec 5, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Trabajando a Favor De Peque\u00f1os Negocios, Ros-Lehtinen Apoya Proyectos de Ley Para Promover Nuestra Econom\u00eda M\u00e1s Competitiva\n\u201cLa econom\u00eda del Sur de la Florida es din\u00e1mica y est\u00e1 inclinada hacia el futuro. Estoy orgullosa de apoyar legislaci\u00f3n que ayudar\u00e1 a crear empleos y facilitar para nuestra comunidad la innovaci\u00f3n.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen anunci\u00f3 su apoyo a dos proyectos de ley que trabajar\u00e1n para ayudar los peque\u00f1os negocios:\n el proyecto de ley \u201cSmall Business Capital Access and Job Preservation\u201d que quitar\u00e1 regulaciones sobre ciertas firmas financieras para dar acceso a capital para peque\u00f1os negocios; y\nel proyecto de ley de Innovacion que har\u00e1 reformas de sentido com\u00fan a reglas legales referentes al litigio sobre patentes y la habilidad de demandar para un reclamo de infringir la patente y prevenir litigios fr\u00edvolos.\n \u00a0\nLos dos proyectos de ley har\u00e1n menos costoso y m\u00e1s eficiente efectuar negocio en el mundo globalizado de hoy.\nDeclaraci\u00f3n de Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cMientras trabajamos para recuperarnos del descenso econ\u00f3mico, un sector privado \u00e1gil est\u00e1 siendo m\u00e1s y m\u00e1s necesario para nuestra salud financiera. La econom\u00eda del Sur de la Florida es din\u00e1mica y est\u00e1 inclinada hacia el futuro.\u00a0 Estoy orgullosa de apoyar esta legislaci\u00f3n que ayudar\u00e1 a crear empleos y facilitar\u00e1 para nuestra comunidad la innovaci\u00f3n.\u201d\n#######", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/working-help-south-florida-small-businesses-ros-lehtinen-supports-bills-make-our", "Working to Help South Florida Small Businesses, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Bills To Make Our Economy More Competitive", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Working to Help South Florida Small Businesses, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Bills To Make Our Economy More Competitive \n\u00a0\u201cSouth Florida\u2019s economy is dynamic and forward-looking. I\u2019m proud to support legislation that will help create jobs and make it easier for our community to innovate.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced her support of two bills that work to help small businesses:\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act would cut regulations on certain financial firms in order to streamline small business\u2019 access to capital; and\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the Innovation Act that makes commonsense reforms to the legal standards concerning patent litigation and the ability to sue for patent infringement in order to prevent frivolous lawsuits.\n\u00a0\nBoth bills aim to make it less costly and more efficient to do business in today\u2019s globalized world.\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cAs we work to recover from the economic downturn, a nimble private sector is becoming more and more necessary to our overall financial well-being. South Florida\u2019s economy is dynamic and forward-looking. I\u2019m proud to support legislation that will help create jobs and make it easier for our community to innovate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-statement-on-the-passing-of-nelson-mandela", "YOHO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF NELSON MANDELA", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted S. Yoho issued the following statement on the death of Nelson Mandela.\n\"I join the rest of the world in offering my condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela. He fought against apartheid and strove for liberty, which cost him 27 years of his freedom and life. He spent 27 years in prison fighting for justice. May his soul rest in peace as he is truly free now. The world is a better place for having him in it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-against-overly-broad-patent-legislation", "YOHO VOTES AGAINST OVERLY BROAD PATENT LEGISLATION", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ted Yoho", "Y000065", "yoho.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Yoho voted against H.R. 3309, patent legislation that would have harmful effects on universities and make it harder for entrepreneurs to compete.\u00a0 \u00a0\nAfter the vote Congressman Yoho said, \u201cI\u2019ve heard from constituents from all over the District who are not in favor of this legislation. Getting rid of patent trolls is a noble goal and absolutely needed, however, this legislation is overly broad and would make it harder for independent inventors, universities, and entrepreneurs to compete. We need to unleash innovation in this country, not stifle it. The Constitution very clearly tasks the Federal government with the duty of protecting inventors and ensuring they have the exclusive right to their discoveries. Unfortunately, this legislation would harm the very inventors it intends to protect. \u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=416c36e6-b611-4fe7-a64c-2e184dee0a77", "Rubio Comments On Passing Of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today issued the following statement regarding the death of Nelson Mandela:\r\n   \r\n\u201cThe world has lost one of history\u2019s most important figures, though Nelson Mandela\u2019s example will live on for generations to come. Men and women striving for justice and fairness around the world have drawn inspiration from Nelson Mandela, and he showed South Africans and the entire world what the power of forgiveness truly means and can accomplish. My wife Jeanette and I send our condolences to the Mandela family and to the people of South Africa.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c86281a0-f8de-4512-beb3-9311fa699953", "Rubio Joins Colleagues In Opposing Chinese Actions In East China Sea", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Bob Corker (R-TN) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) today united in opposition to China\u2019s recent establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over areas of the East China Sea.\r\n   \r\nIn a letter to China\u2019s ambassador to the U.S., the senators condemned the move for violating the sovereignty of territories claimed by Japan and South Korea, while also threatening to destabilize the entire region.\r\n   \r\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned about your government\u2019s recent unilateral announcement of the establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ),\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe view this unilateral action as an ill-conceived attempt to alter the status quo, increasing the possibility of misunderstanding or miscalculation.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n   \r\n\u201cWe urge your government not to implement this ADIZ as announced, and to refrain from taking similar provocative actions elsewhere in the region,\u201d they added.\u00a0\u201dThere is nothing for China to gain by undermining regional stability and threatening the peace and prosperity that is the shared objective of all Asia-Pacific nations.\u201d\r\n   \r\nA PDF of the letter can be accessed here, and the full text of the letter is below:\r\n      December 5, 2013   The Honorable Cui Tiankai     Embassy of the People\u2019s Republic of China     3505 International Place NW     Washington, D.C. 20008  \r\nDear Ambassador Cui:\r\n   \r\nWe are deeply concerned about your government\u2019s recent unilateral announcement of the establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). \u00a0The declaration of this ADIZ is provocative both because it extends over East China Sea territories recognized by the United States as under the administrative control of Japan and overlaps with both the Japanese and Republic of Korea\u2019s ADIZs, and also because the procedures for enforcement of the ADIZ, as announced, are potentially dangerous and undermine regional peace and stability.\r\n \r\nWe view this unilateral action as an ill-conceived attempt to alter the status quo, increasing the possibility of misunderstanding or miscalculation.\u00a0Moreover, this declaration reinforces the perception that China prefers coercion over rule of law mechanisms to address territorial, sovereignty or jurisdictional issues in the Asia-Pacific.\u00a0 It also follows a disturbing trend of increasingly hostile Chinese maritime activities, including repeated incursions by Chinese vessels into the waters and airspace of Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others in the East and South China Seas.\u00a0 These actions threaten freedom of air and maritime navigation, which are vital national interests of the United States.\r\n   \r\nIn addition, we want to stress that China\u2019s declaration of an ADIZ over areas of the East China Sea does not alter the U.S. acknowledgement of Japan\u2019s administrative control over the Senkaku Islands or affect U.S. security commitments to Japan, Korea, and other allies in the Asia-Pacific.\r\n \r\nWe urge your government not to implement this ADIZ as announced, and to refrain from taking similar provocative actions elsewhere in the region.\u00a0 There is nothing for China to gain by undermining regional stability and threatening the peace and prosperity that is the shared objective of all Asia-Pacific nations.\u00a0 We also strongly encourage your government to engage in diplomatic dialogue to address any territorial, sovereignty or jurisdictional issues in the South and East China Seas.\r\n   \r\nSincerely,\r\n   \r\nRobert Menendez\r\n   \r\nBob Corker\r\n   \r\nBenjamin L. Cardin\r\n   \r\nMarco Rubio", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/don%E2%80%99t-let-your-federal-issues-get-cold-frosty-snowman-visit-ileana%E2%80%99s-congressional", "Don\u2019t Let Your Federal Issues Get Cold Like Frosty the Snowman, Visit Ileana\u2019s Congressional Aide to Resolve Any Federal Questions You May Have Before the Holiday Crunch", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Don\u2019t Let Your Federal Issues Get Cold Like Frosty the Snowman, Visit Ileana\u2019s Congressional Aide to Resolve Any Federal Questions You May Have Before the Holiday Crunch\n\u201cLetting your pending federal issues freeze over won\u2019t help you enjoy the holidays. Go see Lourdes to ensure you don\u2019t worry about federal questions in these hectic weeks.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 If you are a resident of the 27th Congressional District and happen to be around the areas of Miami Springs, Hialeah, or Cutler Bay, please stop by city hall and allow Ileana's Congressional Aide, Lourdes Ruiz, to help you with any problem related to a federal agency. Lourdes will be at Miami Springs City Hall, 201 Westward Drive in Miami Springs on Tuesday, December 10th from 10am \u2013 3pm, at Hialeah City Hall, 501 Palm Avenue from 10am \u2013 3pm on Wednesday, December 11th and at Cutler Bay Town Hall, 10720 Caribbean Blvd in Cutler Bay on Thursday, December 12th from 10am \u2013 3pm.\u00a0 Any resident of the 27th Congressional District with issues concerning Social Security, immigration, Medicare, housing, Veteran\u2019s Administration, U.S. Academy nominations, tours of the U.S. Capitol, or any other federal agency or topic should come see Lourdes as she visits their neighborhood for guidance on these topics.\nTuesday, December 10th, Lourdes will be at:  Miami Springs City Hall  201 Westward Drive  Miami Springs, FL 33166  (Okeechobee Road and Westward Dive)  From 10am to 3pm\nWednesday, December 11th, Lourdes will be at:  Hialeah City Hall  501 Palm Avenue  Hialeah, FL 33010  From 10am to 3pm\nThursday, December 12th, Lourdes will be at:  Cutler Bay Town Hall  10720 Caribbean Blvd  Cutler Bay, FL 33189  (US 1 and Caribbean Boulevard)  From 10am to 3pm\nLourdes Ruiz can be reached via her cell at (305) 934-9441, via email at lourdes.ruiz@mail.house.gov or by calling the Miami Congressional office at (305) 668-2285.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/no-dejes-que-tus-problemas-federales-se-enfr%C3%ADen-como-un-hombre-de-nieve-visita-la", "No Dejes Que Tus Problemas Federales Se Enfr\u00eden Como Un Hombre De Nieve. Visita a La Asistente De Ileana Para Resolver Cualquier Pregunta Federal Antes De Los D\u00edas Feriados", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "No Dejes Que Tus Problemas Federales Se Enfr\u00eden Como Un Hombre De Nieve. Visita a La Asistente De Ileana Para Resolver Cualquier Pregunta Federal Antes De Los D\u00edas Feriados\n\u201cDejar que sus pendientes preguntas federales se congelen no te deja disfrutar los d\u00edas feriados. Visita a Lourdes para evitar que te preocupes por problemas federales en estas semanas ocupadas.\u201d\u00a0\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Si eres un residente del distrito Congresional 27 y resides en el area de Miami Springs, Hialeah, o Cutler Bay, por favor pasa por el ayuntamiento y permite que la asistente Congresional de Ileana, Lourdes Ruiz, te ayude con cualquier problema relacionado a una agencia federal. Lourdes estar\u00e1 en el ayuntamiento de Miami Springs, 201 Westward Drive en Miami Springs el martes, 10 de diciembre de 10am a 3pm, en el ayuntamiento de Hialeah, 501 Palm Avenue de 10am a 3pm el mi\u00e9rcoles, 11 de diciembre y en el ayuntamiento de Cutler Bay, 10720 Caribbean Blvd en Cutler Bay el jueves, 12 de diciembre. Cualquier residente del distrito Congresional 27 con problemas como inmigraci\u00f3n, asuntos de veteranos, Seguro Social, Medicare, vivienda, nominaciones a las Academias Militares, visitas al Capitolio en DC, y cualquier otro tema federal puede ir a ver a Lourdes para ayuda.\nMartes 10 de diciembre:  El Ayuntamiento de Miami Springs  201 Westward Drive  Miami Springs, FL 33166  (Okeechobee Road y Westward Dive)  De las 10am hasta las 3pm\nMiercoles 11 de diciembre:  El Ayuntamiento de Hialeah  501 Palm Avenue  Hialeah, FL 33010  De las 10am hasta las 3pm\nJueves 12 de diciembre:  El Ayuntamiento de Cutler Bay  10720 Caribbean Blvd  Cutler Bay, FL 33189  (US 1 and Caribbean Boulevard)  De las 10am hasta las 3pm\nPuede contactar a Lourdes Ruiz a su celular al (305) 934-9441, v\u00eda su correo electr\u00f3nico a Lourdes.Ruiz@mail.house.gov o llamando a la oficina Congresional al (305) 668-2285.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-le-recuerda-los-surfloridanos-que-s%C3%B3lo-quedan-unos-d%C3%ADas-m%C3%A1s-para-aplicar", "Ros-Lehtinen Le Recuerda a Los Surfloridanos Que S\u00f3lo Quedan Unos D\u00edas M\u00e1s Para Aplicar a Cambiar Su Estado Migratorio Bajo La Ley \u201cHELP Haiti\u201d", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Le Recuerda a Los Surfloridanos Que S\u00f3lo Quedan Unos D\u00edas M\u00e1s Para Aplicar a Cambiar Su Estado Migratorio Bajo La Ley \u201cHELP Haiti\u201d                                           \n              Dec 4, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Ros-Lehtinen Le Recuerda a Los Surfloridanos Que S\u00f3lo Quedan Unos D\u00edas M\u00e1s Para Aplicar a Cambiar Su Estado Migratorio Bajo La Ley \u201cHELP Haiti\u201d\n\u201cCualquier residente del sur de la Florida que tiene dudas debe preguntar inmediatamente porque s\u00f3lo faltan d\u00edas para el cierre de este beneficio.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen le recuerda a los residentes del sur de la Florida que cualquier persona de origen haitiano que lleg\u00f3 a los Estados Unidos como hu\u00e9rfano bajo el programa especial de estad\u00eda humanitaria despu\u00e9s del terremoto en Hait\u00ed de 2010 debe contactar al Servicio de Ciudadan\u00eda e Inmigraci\u00f3n de los Estados Unidos antes o en este lunes que viene, 9 de diciembre de 2013 para asegurar que tiene el estado legal correcto. Personas que permanecen f\u00edsicamente presentes pueden presentar una aplicaci\u00f3n para cambiar su estado legal contactando al Centro Nacional de Beneficios al 877-424-8374 y hablando con un oficial.\nDeclaraci\u00f3n de Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cEste es un tiempo crucial para cualquier persona en los Estados Unidos bajo la ley \u2018HELP Haiti.\u2019 Aunque algunos piensan que su beneficio es permanente, la ley s\u00f3lo dura por un tiempo limitado. Cualquier residente del sur de la Florida que tiene dudas debe preguntar inmediatamente porque s\u00f3lo faltan d\u00edas para el cierre de este beneficio.\u201d\nNOTA: Para m\u00e1s informaci\u00f3n sobre elegibilidad bajo la ley \u201cHELP Haiti,\u201d por favor visite a\u00a0 https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card/green-card-through-help-haiti-act-2010.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-reminds-south-floridians-there-are-only-few-days-left-apply-change-their", "Ros-Lehtinen Reminds South Floridians That There Are Only a Few Days Left to Apply to Change Their Immigration Status Under the HELP Haiti Act", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ros-Lehtinen Reminds South Floridians That There Are Only a Few Days Left to Apply to Change Their Immigration Status Under the HELP Haiti Act                                            \n              Dec 4, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Ros-Lehtinen Reminds South Floridians That There Are Only a Few Days Left to Apply to Change Their Immigration Status Under the HELP Haiti Act \n\u201cAny South Floridian who has questions should inquire immediately as this benefit\u2019s deadline is only a few days away.\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is reminding South Floridians that any person of Haitian origin who arrived in the United States as an orphan under the special humanitarian parole program following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti should contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on or before this coming Monday, December 9, 2013 to ensure they have the correct legal status. Individuals who remain physically present may file an application to change their status by contacting the National Benefits Center at 877-424-8374 and speaking to a case officer.\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cThis is a crucial time for anyone in the United States who arrived as an orphan under the HELP Haiti Act. While some assume their benefit is permanent, the law is of a limited duration only. Any South Floridian who has questions should inquire immediately as this benefit\u2019s deadline is only a few days away.\u201d\nNOTE: For more information on eligibility under the HELP Haiti Act, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card/green-card-through-help-haiti-act-2010.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/us-must-remain-engaged-tunisia-and-support-its-transition-toward-democracy-stable", "The U.S. Must Remain Engaged in Tunisia and Support its Transition Toward Democracy; A Stable, Secure and Democratic Tunisia is in the Best Interests of U.S. National Security, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement at a Subcommittee hearing entitled: \u201cTransition at a Crossroads: Tunisia Three Years After the Revolution.\u201d Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cThree years ago this month, the self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor would set in motion a series of events that would fundamentally change the political landscape of the entire Middle East and North Africa region \u2013 a period we now call the Arab Spring. Finally fed up with autocratic rule, with corruption, with a lack of basic freedoms, thousands of Tunisians took to the streets calling for democratic and social reforms and an end to the maligned twenty-three year rule of their leader.\nBut though there has been some significant progress made since his ouster, there is still much that needs to be done to meet the goals and aspirations of the Tunisian people who began this process, as I said, three years ago. By most accounts, the Tunisians had a successful National Constituent Assembly election in October 2011, which brought a party into power together with the Tunisian two leading secularist parties.\u00a0 \nHowever, the newly formed government quickly ran into obstacles that it could not overcome and Tunisia\u2019s transition came to a grinding halt this summer when a prominent secular party member was assassinated. The assassination eventually led to the formation of a National Dialogue process to jump start the reconciliation process, to select a caretaker government, and get Tunisia back on track for a new round of elections. But the National Dialogue has been met with its own set of obstacles and the negotiations over who will be the caretaker Prime Minister has caused an impasse.\nNow, as the political process has paused and the future of the constitution and elections are in question, Tunisia finds itself at a crossroads as frustrations begin to set in and the rift between the secular and the Islamist ideologues continues to grow as both sides battle for legitimacy. Compounding these political problems are the economic and security challenges facing Tunisia as all three are undeniably linked and all three face an uphill battle.\nHowever, one of the most pressing issues from a U.S. perspective is the threat of Islamic extremism in Tunisia. Foreign fighters and home grown extremists have challenged the stability of Tunisia, and while the Tunisian security forces have thus far been able to combat al Qaeda (AQIM) and its affiliates, these terrorist networks continue to pose a threat to Tunisia and to the region.\nTunisia\u2019s border with Algeria is known to be a training area for the terrorist groups, and the insecure border with Libya is a major area for concern as it is vulnerable to smugglers and others who wish to cross into Tunisia undetected. Terrorist attacks like the one on the U.S. embassy in September 2012 as well as the assassination of two prominent secular politicians threaten to derail the political process.\nWith Tunisia being the birthplace of the Arab Spring, we must continue to support the democratic aspirations in the hope that it can come through this transition successfully. For better or worse, the fate of Tunisia is tied to the reform movements throughout the rest of the region as it is viewed as the test-case for the democratic transitions in the Arab world.\nIt is in the vital national security interests of the United States to see a secure, a stable and a democratic Tunisia, and I hope the Administration does not overlook the importance of this strategic country. We must remain engaged throughout the National Dialogue process and beyond to ensure a successful transition to democracy in Tunisia and we must not allow the terrorist groups to derail the political transition nor gain any more influence in an already susceptible region. And we must work to find effective ways to assist Tunisia as it struggles to fight this rising threat of terrorism.\nThis is a critical juncture for Tunisia, for the region and for United States strategic interests. We must support the people of Tunisia as they struggle to achieve real reforms and we must also support the groups like the IRI, the NDI, IFES who are on the ground day after day promoting democracy in this vitally important region and working to find a consensus among all parties on a new constitution and new electoral process.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/icyml-bilirakis-hears-testimony-veterans-complex-claims-va-backlog", "ICYMl: Bilirakis Hears Testimony From Veterans With Complex Claims In VA Backlog", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "38500 U.S. Hwy 19 North\nRm BB-038 of St. Petersburg College\n\n\nTarpon Springs, FL 34689\n\n  This office cannot accept mail. All mail should be sent to 7132 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3efff11e-3cfe-4205-b636-541b34a92864", "ICYMI: Rubio Discusses Transatlantic Alliance and Conservative Movement on SKY News", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SKY News\u2019 \u201cBoulton and Co\u201d   U.S. Senator Marco Rubio   December 4, 2013   http://youtu.be/XK7TLcPfnVc\r\n\u2026\r\nSenator Marco Rubio: \u201cI think for those of us who believe that to be engaged actively is important, one of the fundamental arguments I always make is that: for nations like ours, foreign policy is domestic policy \u2014 especially in a global economy. And I think our alliance, the partnership between the U.S. and the U.K., is perhaps the most productive and most important alliance in the world.\u201d\r\nSky News\u2019 Adam Boulton: \u201cWhy is that? Because, you know, as you said, we\u2019ve got other partners. We\u2019re in with Europe. You\u2019re supposedly tilting toward Asia. Why is that?\u201d\r\nRubio: \u201cI think it\u2019s that the two most effective and most powerful voices who support liberty, democracy, freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, free enterprise, and a free enterprise economy. These are important principles that we share, and since the end of World War II, have had extraordinary success in defending and, quite frankly, spreading around the world.\u201d\r\nBoulton: \u201cAnd what about as a conservative? You\u2019ve been here, you\u2019ve met people like Michael Gove, George Osborne, Philip Hammond, other foreign officers. How important do you see that relationship between the Conservative Party and the Republican Party?\u201d\r\nRubio: \u201cWell it\u2019s interesting. As I\u2019ve been here and travelled, what\u2019s most struck me is how similar some of your domestic debates are with ours. Including the effort by conservatives to figure out how we can apply our principles to the modern era, the 21st century. We\u2019re having the same debate in the U.S.\u00a0 In the U.S., I can tell you that the nature of our challenge is that there are many people in our country who are trying to make it and trying to get ahead, and feel like the Republican Party doesn\u2019t stand for, or speak for, people like them. And we have to change that perception because it\u2019s not accurate.\u201d\r\n\u2026", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ed099b67-e6be-4c52-9f47-048b60ffad15", "PHOTO RELEASE: Rubio Concludes Official Visit to London", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence, today concluded a three day official visit to London.\r\n \r\nIn addition to Monday\u2019s activities and Tuesday\u2019s foreign policy speech, below are additional photos from Rubio\u2019s meetings with British government officials to discuss the future of the transatlantic alliance (the pictures can be viewed in higher quality here):\r\n   \r\nRubio meets with British Home Secretary Theresa May:\r\n\r\n     \r\nRubio meets with Hugh Robertson, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office:\r\n\r\n   \r\nRubio attends a breakfast meeting with Members of Parliament:\r\n\r\n   \r\nRubio visits the House of Commons chamber, escorted by Member of Parliament Priti Patel:\r\n\r\n     \r\nRubio visits the House of Lords chamber, escorted by Member of Parliament Priti Patel:\r\n\r\n     \r\nDuring his visit, Rubio also met with Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove.\r\n   \r\nNote: all photos can be credited to the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363270", "Insurance Journal: Florida Congressman Proposes Disaster Savings Accounts", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Insurance JournalBy Michael Adams | December 3, 2013 A Florida congressman is calling for the creation of a new federal tax-free savings account that will allow homeowners to set aside up to $5,000 to help strengthen their homes against hurricanes and other natural disasters. Rep. Dennis Ross, a Republican from Lakeland who represents Florida\u2019s 15th Congressional District, recently introduced the Disaster Savings Account Act, which is designed to reduce catastrophic losses by encouraging homeowners to take steps to mitigate the effect of storms on their homes. Ross, a former Florida state representative, said the bill is a \u201cwin-win\u201d for both homeowners and the federal government. Ross said the disaster accounts could help homeowners reduce the damage to their homes in the event of a natural disaster while also potentially lowering their insurance costs by making them eligible for insurance mitigation credits. He also said the accounts could reduce the need for federal government spending following hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and wildfires. \u201cNatural disasters affect Floridians and Americans across the county,\u201d said Ross in a statement. \u201cThis legislation will incentivize people to plan ahead for their safety and reduce the need for taxpayer-funded government intervention in the wake of a natural disaster.\u201d Under the proposed legislation, homeowners could save up to $5,000 in a tax-deferred account to be used for disaster mitigation expenses. The accounts would have to be managed by a \u201ctrustee,\u201d such as a bank or insurance company to ensure the monies are spent on mitigation. A 20 percent penalty would be applied to any funds withdrawn from the account and used for any other purpose. Any money not used in the account during one year could be added to the following year\u2019s savings. Eli Lehrer, president, R Street Institute, a free market think tank, supports the Ross bill. \u201cThere\u2019s only so much that the federal government can do about disasters,\u201d said Lehrer. \u201cMost of the responsibility of retrofitting and insuring individual homes must be taken by the communities and the private sector.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363282", "Ross Office to Host Monthly Mobile Office Hours Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Dennis Ross", "R000593", "dennisross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross\u2019s (FL-15) staff host mobile office hours the second Tuesday of every month across Florida\u2019s 15th Congressional District. These mobile office hours with Rep. Ross\u2019s staff are scheduled to serve as a convenience to constituents in order to assist with federal agencies. Please contact the district office (863-644-8215; 813-752-4790) with any questions. Some of the ways that Ross\u2019s district office can be of assistance:  \r\n\u2022\tSenior Citizens: Social Security and disability  \r\n\u2022\tVeterans: VA claims and military service problems  \r\n\u2022\tStudents: financial aid, entrance to U.S. Service Academies  \r\n\u2022\tSmall Business: SBA loan applications, technical assistance and interpretation of federal regulations  \r\n\u2022\tLocal Governments: disaster assistance, regulation compliance, and federal grant application problems  \r\n\u2022\tTaxpayers: IRS tax problems The times and locations are as follows:  \r\nPlant City - 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.  \r\nCity Hall   \r\n302 W. Reynolds Street  \r\nPlant City, FL 33563   Brandon - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  \r\nBrandon Library   \r\n619 Vonderburg Drive  \r\nBrandon, FL 33511 Temple Terrace \u2013 1\u2013 2 p.m.  \r\nTemple Terrace City Hall   \r\n11250 N. 56th Street  \r\nTampa, FL 33617 Lutz - 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.  \r\nLutz Library  \r\n101 W Lutz Lake Fern Road  \r\nLutz, FL 33548  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-condemns-the-unjust-imprisonment-of-alan-gross-on-the-fourth", "Diaz-Balart Condemns the Unjust Imprisonment of Alan Gross on the Fourth Anniversary of His Imprisonment", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement on the 4th anniversary of American humanitarian aid worker Alan Gross\u2019 imprisonment by the Cuban regime:\n\u201cToday marks four years since U.S. humanitarian aid worker Alan Gross was arrested and imprisoned for the \u2018crime\u2019 of helping Cuba\u2019s small Jewish community access the internet.\u00a0 Mr. Gross\u2019 unjust imprisonment and draconian 15-year sentence is a grim reminder that the most innocuous, and even noble acts, are crimes in totalitarian Cuba.\n\u201cThe brutal and malicious nature of the Castro dictatorship has not changed.\u00a0 It ruthlessly oppresses its own people, aids terrorist states and organizations, channels arms to other rogue anti-American regimes, and opposes U.S. interests at every opportunity. \u00a0\n\u201cUnfortunately, the Obama Administration continues\u00a0to reward unilateral concessions to the Castro dictatorship in the form of weakened sanctions, migration and mail \u2018talks,\u2019 and U.S. visas and special travel privileges to high-level Castro operatives. \u00a0Since the beginning of the Obama Administration, the Castro dictatorship has imprisoned Alan Gross, increased its brutal oppression against pro-democracy activists leading to the deaths of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Laura Pollan, Juan Wilfredo Soto Garcia, Harold Cepero, and Oswaldo Paya, had two Cuban spies in the State Department\u00a0convicted in U.S. federal court, and was caught red-handed transferring military weapons to North Korea.\u00a0 The Obama Administration\u2019s embarrassing attempts to appease the Castro dictatorship have been an utter failure which have\u00a0damaged U.S. interests and channeled millions of dollars to the Cuban people\u2019s oppressors.\n\u201cThe Obama Administration should focus on securing Alan Gross\u2019 freedom and helping the Cuban people realize their democratic aspirations. It\u00a0cannot effectively do so\u00a0while\u00a0excusing, legitimizing, and\u00a0abetting\u00a0their jailers. It\u2019s clear that President Obama\u2019s policy of appeasement and unilateral sanctions has done nothing but embolden the Castros\u2019 terrorist regime.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/apoyando-mejor%C3%ADa-nuestro-sistema-de-transportaci%C3%B3n-ros-lehtinen-respalda-dos-claves", "Apoyando Mejor\u00eda a Nuestro Sistema de Transportaci\u00f3n, Ros-Lehtinen Respalda Dos Claves Proyectos de Ley", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Apoyando Mejor\u00eda a Nuestro Sistema de Transportaci\u00f3n, Ros-Lehtinen Respalda Dos Claves Proyectos de Ley                                           \n              Dec 3, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Apoyando Mejor\u00eda a Nuestro Sistema de Transportaci\u00f3n, Ros-Lehtinen Respalda Dos Claves Proyectos de Ley\n\"Hacer nuestro sistema de transportaci\u00f3n m\u00e1s eficiente y accesible al p\u00fablico es algo que siempre debemos tratar de lograr.\"\nMiami, Florida - La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen anunci\u00f3 su apoyo por los proyectos de ley:\n \"TSA Loose Change,\" que conceder\u00e1 el dinero no reclamado en los aeropuertos a obras de caridad que proveen un lugar de descanso en los centros de transportaci\u00f3n para nuestras familias militares, quienes han sacrificado tanto por nuestro pa\u00eds y\nel proyecto de ley \"Transportation Acquisition Security Reform,\" que mejorar\u00e1 la transparencia en la adquisici\u00f3n de tecnolog\u00eda e implementar\u00e1 las mejores pr\u00e1cticas para mejorar nuestros aeropuertos.\u00a0\n Destac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\"Hacer nuestro sistema de transportaci\u00f3n m\u00e1s eficiente y accesible al p\u00fablico es algo que siempre debemos tratar de lograr. Adicionalmente, trabajar para la mayor comodidad de las familias militares en el aeropuerto, que no es un lugar tranquilo, es un peque\u00f1o paso en que podemos agradecerles por su sacrifico. Los viajeros merecen nuestro mejor esfuerzo para mejorar nuestros aeropuertos y sistemas de transportaci\u00f3n.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/cuatro-a%C3%B1os-despu%C3%A9s-alan-gross-languidece-bajo-el-r%C3%A9gimen-brutal-castrista-instamos", "Cuatro A\u00f1os Despu\u00e9s, Alan Gross Languidece Bajo el R\u00e9gimen Brutal Castrista; Instamos Por Su Liberaci\u00f3n Inmediata, Dice Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cuatro A\u00f1os Despu\u00e9s, Alan Gross Languidece Bajo el R\u00e9gimen Brutal Castrista; Instamos Por Su Liberaci\u00f3n Inmediata, Dice Ros-Lehtinen\n\u201cDesafortunadamente, Alan y su familia enfrentan a un r\u00e9gimen que no tiene piedad y que sigue brutalizando a 11 millones de su propio pueblo en violaci\u00f3n de est\u00e1ndares de derechos humanos internacionales y de expectativas de libertades y dignidad b\u00e1sicas.\u201d\n(WASHINGTON) \u2013 La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Medio Oriente y \u00c1frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n en el cuarto aniversario de la detenci\u00f3n injusta del ciudadano estadounidense Alan Gross en Cuba. Destac\u00f3 Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cDespu\u00e9s de cuatro a\u00f1os, es decepcionante e inaceptable que Alan Gross contin\u00faa encarcelado en una de las Gulags de Castro. En este tiempo de detenci\u00f3n injusta, Alan ha perdido casi 100 libras y solamente puede ver de lejos mientras su familia lucha para creer que esta pesadilla se acabar\u00e1 y se reunir\u00e1n pronto. Desafortunadamente, Alan y su familia enfrentan a un r\u00e9gimen que no tiene piedad y que sigue brutalizando a 11 millones de su propia gente en violaci\u00f3n de est\u00e1ndares de derechos humanos internacionales y de expectativas de libertades y dignidad b\u00e1sicas.\n\u201cEl r\u00e9gimen castrista debe liberar inmediatamente a Alan. Insto a la Administraci\u00f3n de Obama y a todas las naciones responsables a no seguir dando apoyo al r\u00e9gimen a trav\u00e9s de concesiones y a trabajar r\u00e1pidamente por la liberaci\u00f3n no solamente de Alan Gross, sino de todos los cubanos sufriendo bajo ese r\u00e9gimen tir\u00e1nico.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/four-years-alan-gross-still-languishes-under-brutal-castro-regime-we-call-his", "Four Years On, Alan Gross Still Languishes Under the Brutal Castro Regime; We Call for His Unconditional Release, Says Ros-Lehtinen", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Four Years On, Alan Gross Still Languishes Under the Brutal Castro Regime; We Call for His Unconditional Release, Says Ros-Lehtinen                     \u201cUnfortunately, Alan and his family are up against a heartless regime that continues to brutalize 11 million of its own people in violation of international human rights standards and all expectations of basic freedoms and dignity"                      \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    (WASHINGTON) \u2013 U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement on the fourth anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of U.S. citizen Alan Gross in Cuba. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cAfter four years, it\u2019s disappointing and unacceptable that Alan Gross continues to sit in one of Castro's gulags. While unjustly held in Cuba, Alan has lost nearly 100 pounds and could only watch from afar as his family struggles to hang onto the hope that this nightmare will be resolved and they\u2019ll be able to see him soon. Unfortunately, Alan and his family are up against a heartless regime that continues to brutalize 11 million of its own people in violation of international human rights standards and all expectations of basic freedoms and dignity.\n\u201cThe Castro regime must release Alan unconditionally. I urge the Obama Administration and all responsible nations to stop bolstering this regime through concession after concession and work speedily for the immediate release of not only Alan Gross, but also for all Cubans suffering under this tyrannical regime.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/supporting-improvements-our-transportation-system-ros-lehtinen-supports-two-key-bills", "Supporting Improvements to Our Transportation System, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Two Key Bills", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Supporting Improvements to Our Transportation System, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Two Key Bills                                           \n              Dec 3, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Supporting Improvements to Our Transportation System, Ros-Lehtinen Supports Two Key Bills\n\u201cMaking our transportation system more efficient and more accessible to the public is something we should always strive to attain.\nMiami, Florida \u2013 Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced her support for:\n the TSA Loose Change Act, which would award unclaimed monies left at airports to charities providing places at various transportation hubs where military families, who have sacrificed so much for our country, can rest and wait during their travels; and\u00a0\nthe Transportation Acquisition Security Reform Act, which would improve transparency in technology\u00a0procurement and provide for \u201cbest practices\u201d to be put into effect in order to streamline our airports.\n These bills aim to make transportation services more efficient and to make airport waits or potential stays more pleasant for military families who many times face the most stressful situation of any traveler. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cMaking our transportation system more efficient and more accessible to the public is something we should always strive to attain. Additionally, working to provide the maximum amount of comfort at the airport, a place not known for its calm and serenity, to military families, who have sacrificed so much, is one small step we can take to repay them for their dedication to our nation. The traveling public deserves nothing less than our best efforts to improve our airports and transportation systems.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5ef5d01c-7d60-4c65-a6ee-8c4f75039673", "Rubio Calls For Alan Gross\u2019 Unconditional Release", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding today\u2019s fourth anniversary of the unjust incarceration of Alan Gross, an American being held hostage by the Castro regime in Cuba:\r\n\u201cAlan Gross is a hostage being held captive by a state sponsor of terrorism, and his liberation is long overdue. Instead of considering more unilateral concessions to the Castro regime that enrich and help fund its repressive machine, the U.S. should pursue meaningful measures to secure Mr. Gross\u2019 immediate, unconditional release.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e8a07f21-6cc8-4fec-b319-9e8095717485", "Rubio Delivers Major Speech In London On The Transatlantic Alliance", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Marco Rubio  \u201cAmerican Leadership and the Future of the Transatlantic Alliance\u201d  Remarks As Prepared For Delivery  Chatham House  London, England  December 3, 2013  Speech: http://youtu.be/tNGXOwz-Dig\r\nI am honored by this opportunity to address you here today.\r\nI want to thank the Legatum Institute for helping to arrange this event and Chatham House for hosting. This is one of the leading think tanks in the world and I\u2019m excited to have an exchange with you about the common challenges we face.\r\nOne of my favorite parts of serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is having the opportunity to travel to different countries and meet people around the world. Most of the nations I\u2019ve visited are strikingly different from my home country. They have different types of government, different cultures, different ways of life.\r\nBut I am always struck by how people everywhere want for their families what Americans want for theirs: things like peace, security, prosperity and, perhaps most importantly, liberty.\r\nThough strides have been made in spreading these values in recent decades, sadly they remain a dream in many nations around the world.\r\nBut in others, I see a long tradition of support and adherence to these ideals. The United Kingdom is one such country. And though our two nations may differ in some important regards, the partnership we have enjoyed has not developed by accident. It has developed due to our shared set of values and goals.\r\nI recently read about a Sunday morning service that Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt attended together aboard a British warship in 1941. Churchill was moved by the fundamental similarities between Americans and Britons. He said that among the Americans he observed, quote, \u201cThe same language, the same hymns and, more or less, the same ideals.\u201d\r\nThese shared ideals go back through centuries of British tradition, dating back to the Magna Carta. In fact, at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., an original copy of the Magna Carta sits just steps away from our Constitution.\r\nAmericans and Britons have stood side by side for the last century because our shared convictions have united us around a common cause. That cause is the defense of liberty and the spread of freedom around the globe.\r\nThe partnership we\u2019ve shared has been one of extraordinary consequence. It has liberated nations. It has relieved the suffering of millions. It has sparked the spread of liberty to new regions. No partnership in history has seen such influence, certainly not such beneficent influence.\r\nThis partnership is what brings me here today. I\u2019d like to discuss what the United States and the United Kingdom have achieved together in the past, but also where our special relationship should go in the future, especially given recent developments in my country.\r\nOur achievements in the past were marked by our partnership\u2019s unique beginning. The colonies that would later become America were, of course, born largely out of the enterprise of the British. Despite these roots, we fought two wars against the Crown in a span of forty years.\r\nBut eventually, the animosity of our forbears grew into friendship. It quickly became clear to our respective countrymen, particularly as they entered the 20th century, that the fates of our nations were tied to the defense of liberty, and that standing together to defend this liberty was not only strategically important but also morally prudent.\r\nOver the last century, our people stood together on multiple occasions to oppose the advancement of evil, perhaps most famously on the beaches of Normandy. In doing so, we protected not just ourselves but the very survival of liberty itself.\r\nTogether, we served, in the famous phrase, as watchmen on the walls of world freedom.\u00a0 Together, we won the Cold War and brought peace and prosperity to Europe, a project that continues to this day.\r\nTogether, we drove those that plotted the attacks of September 11, 2001 from Afghanistan and - in the years that followed \u2013 toppled a murderous dictator in Iraq. Together, even as we pursued victory on the battlefield, we built schools and created opportunities that did not exist before.\u00a0 Together, we partnered to save millions of adults and children from the affliction of AIDS through innovative partnerships such as The Global Fund.\r\nBut despite all of these vitally important achievements, many have begun to wonder whether things are changing. Many on both sides of the Atlantic have begun to question the future of our partnership in an increasingly complex world.\r\nIn recent years, this skepticism has come in the form of growing doubt about whether America can still be counted on to contribute to our mutual security and to uphold an international order that reflects our interests and ideals.\r\nMany look to the dysfunction of Washington and wonder how America could ever expect to lead the world when it can\u2019t seem to get its own affairs in order.\r\nAmericans are indeed deeply and passionately divided on many public policy issues. From abroad, and even from within, the current state of my country\u2019s politics often looks chaotic and uncertain. And on matters such as our nation\u2019s role around the world, Democrats and Republicans appear equally uncertain about the best path forward.\r\nMany factors have led to the current tenor of debate in the United States.\r\nAmericans are emerging from the most dramatic economic crisis in a generation and many feel financially insecure. As the cost of living continues to rise, some feel trapped in jobs that do not pay enough to maintain a middle class life. Many others fear that the cornerstone of what we call the American Dream \u2013 the knowledge that your children will have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and live a better life than your own \u2013 may be slipping out of reach.\r\nIn the midst of this economic insecurity, our people \u2013 like many of yours as well \u2013 are also weary from decades of global engagement. Many who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq watch as those nations suffer setbacks, and they wonder if those sacrifices have been worth it.\r\nWe send billions of dollars in aid to people around the world, and in turn we watch as they celebrate our tragedies and burn our flag. And we mourn the murder of four of our diplomats in Benghazi, the very city in which we intervened to prevent mass murder.\r\nWhile we face all these challenges, our federal government is in the grip of gridlock, seemingly unwilling and unable to move forward to solve the problems before us.\r\nIn the face of these struggles, I understand why so many at home and around the world fear that America\u2019s best days may lie in her past.\u00a0 And yet I am here to assure you that, while the road before us will be long and difficult, our finest hour as a nation \u2013 and as an alliance \u2013 is yet to come.\r\nI\u2019m optimistic because my country, like yours, is more than just its government. Both of our peoples express their differences loudly and passionately because they live in free societies. And political conflict is not the only product of our individual liberty. From this freedom also emerge movements that empower, ideas that inspire, and innovations that change the world.\r\nWe\u2019ve had debates about looming American decline for more than six decades. During the Cold War, some thought the Soviet Union was destined to be the preeminent global power. In the 1980s, it was Japan. And now we hear the same about China.\r\nThis has led to declinist predictions about not just the United States, but also Europe, or even more broadly, our system of democratic capitalism.\r\nMany question whether industrialized democracies are past their prime.\u00a0 We hear a lot about the rise of the so-called \u201cBRICS\u201d or the supposed success of \u201cmanaged capitalism,\u201d and wonder whether our system is too messy and dysfunctional to continue creating opportunity and spreading prosperity for our people.\r\nBut to paraphrase the American writer Mark Twain: reports of our demise are greatly exaggerated. Despite the prophets of decline, our fundamentals as democracies remain strong.\r\nYou see our strength in the way the rise of prosperity across the globe is creating demand for the innovations of our people. Our countries remain engines of the global economy and this entrepreneurial spirit will continue to make us competitive, even as China\u2019s economy grows.\r\nYou see the strength of America in the fact that, despite our fiscal debates back home, the U.S. dollar remains the world\u2019s premier reserve currency. And despite those in China who talk about a \u201cde-Americanized world,\u201d foreign investors know that America is still the safest financial bet. Those in the United Kingdom understand this as well given that Britain remains our largest foreign investor.\r\nYou see it in the innovations that have recently transformed America into the world\u2019s greatest producer of oil and natural gas, creating new hubs of regional prosperity along the way.\r\nThe United States is on track to become the world\u2019s largest oil producer by 2016 and energy self-sufficient by 2035. And as Europe begins to explore its own shale gas revolution, there is potential for similar developments here.\r\nYou see the strength of our nations in the resilience and might of our militaries. Despite the budget cuts that have been imposed in America, we respond more swiftly and effectively to crises than any other nation, as we have recently witnessed in the Philippines.\r\nWhen problems arise that require global attention, we do not circle the wagons and take cover. We roll up our sleeves and get to work to find solutions. And when necessary, our brave men and women in uniform remain willing to sacrifice their safety \u2013 and even their lives \u2013 for the cause of freedom.\r\nSo given all of this, you may be asking yourself, \u201cIf neither America nor Britain are fading from the scene anytime soon, what does this mean for the world?\u00a0 What is the agenda for our work together in the years to come?\u201d\r\nSome may question, given that Europe is largely free and at peace, whether there is more we need to do together.\r\nBut work will always remain for the cause of freedom. We need to be clear-eyed and realistic about the threats that we face as an alliance. Threats that are in some ways just as profound as those of the last century.\r\nWe are witnessing an attack on our shared values.\u00a0 Rivals question whether our economies and our systems of government remain viable in this competitive world. We still confront a serious challenge from radical Islam and its tool of global terror. We face continued instability in the Middle East and Africa, as well as increasing uncertainty in Asia.\r\nTo meet these challenges, we need to first build on the success of our transatlantic alliance. We should continue adapting NATO to meet new threats from rogue states and Jihadists. And we must leverage our partnership to confront uncertainty in the Middle East and Asia, as well as promote the promise of our values in Africa and Latin America.\r\nWe\u2019ve achieved quite a bit since the end of the Cold War, but we need to continue to extend the influence that European institutions have had on Europe\u2019s periphery. Part of this involves being blunt about our differences with Vladimir Putin\u2019s government and reassuring our allies in the region that we support their ambitions to move forward toward liberty rather than backwards toward the days of Soviet domination.\r\nMany of these allies face ongoing threats to their territorial integrity, including in new realms such as cyberspace.\r\nWe also need to ensure that those on Europe\u2019s periphery who still desire to join the Western community of democracies retain the option if they meet the entry requirements.\r\nIn particular, the United States needs to continue to work closely with the EU to bring Ukraine into the Western fold.\u00a0 We should all be concerned about the Ukrainian government\u2019s recent decision to bow to Russian pressure and not sign an association agreement or free trade pact with the EU. Our thoughts are with the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have taken to the streets to express concern about the future of their country.\r\nI share the views of Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt who recently said of Ukraine that, \u201cThey are not going West, I don\u2019t think they are going East. I feel they are going down.\u201d\r\nThe United States needs a strong European Union that continues to be a stabilizing force on the continent but also an effective partner on key international issues. As for Britain\u2019s role in Europe, that should be a matter for the British people to decide and your American partners should respect whatever decision you make. Our alliance, our partnership, and our affection for your nation will continue regardless of the road you choose.\r\nOne of the key components of our unshakeable alliance is NATO. It remains relevant to the changing strategic landscape. The alliance has played an enormously important role in extending our shared values and solidifying peace and security in Europe.\r\nBut in the last fifteen years, we have also gone to war together three times \u2013 in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya \u2013 a development likely never envisioned by NATO\u2019s founders in 1949 when Soviet aggression posed the biggest threat to our mutual security.\r\nNot all allies look back on these operations through the same lens, but we need to recognize that these conflicts serve as illustrations of the fact that threats to our mutual security still exist more than two decades after the end of the Cold War.\r\nEven as our joint mission in Afghanistan transitions to a new phase, we must focus on confronting new and emerging threats. Cooperation on challenges such as missile defense and threats emanating from the cyber realm are important, but not sufficient to ensure the long-term viability of our alliance.\r\nWe need to explore ways that NATO can prepare for its future missions.\u00a0 For instance, despite the sacrifices borne by many allies in Afghanistan, our militaries gained valuable experience in coalition warfare. We should determine how these capabilities can continue to be relevant in the future.\r\nWe also must be frank about where we can improve our efforts. Most can agree that the operation in Libya, for example, shouldn\u2019t have turned into such a difficult effort for the alliance. We should determine the best ways to apply the lessons we learned during this operation to future efforts. We also must examine how our failure to provide support to the pro-Western government that followed Qaddafi\u2019s ouster contributed to the current instability in that country.\r\nEach of our nations must also rethink our approach to defense spending. We both face significant budgetary issues. But we must ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes that followed both the First World War and the Cold War, when we assumed we could cut back on our security in hope of a peace that never materialized.\r\nIn addition to our work through institutions such as NATO and the EU, we need to capitalize on the already deep economic ties between our two countries.\r\nAn important first step is the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Both of our countries should give this agreement the special attention that it deserves. If successful, TTIP will create one of the largest regional economies in the world. It will also help bring new prosperity to both the United States and Europe, providing tangible benefits of our partnership to our citizens.\r\nEven as we work on TTIP, we should redouble our efforts to reduce global trade barriers. I\u2019m hopeful that at the conference beginning in Bali today, we can overcome differences and move toward the first global trade agreement of the twenty-first century.\r\nWe should not limit our efforts to just these trade agreements. For example, right now the United States is experiencing a shale revolution in oil and natural gas that has made our country a net energy exporter for the first time in 60 years. We must work together to ensure that this geopolitical opportunity is used to the advantage of our longstanding allies by expediting reviews of our export permits.\r\nAdditionally, recent accusations regarding intelligence programs must not be allowed to poison our ability to work together. Cooperation between our two countries in this realm has been a pillar of our postwar alliance.\r\nAs I said recently during a speech in Washington, our citizens\u2019 rights to privacy should be respected, but those who wish to harm us do not use carrier pigeons to communicate. They use cell phones and the Internet. We need to be able to understand what those who threaten us are planning, while still operating within the confines of our respective legal systems.\r\nBut we can\u2019t deal with these threats by focusing solely within our borders. We must understand that in this globalized world, whether it is the disillusioned homegrown terrorist or someone propagating hate from overseas, these problems will eventually threaten us if left unaddressed. Tragically, this is a reality you have experienced in this city on several occasions.\r\nOur cooperation is especially important in a Middle East that\u2019s currently going through a fundamental transformation. It presents us with great opportunities, but also with the potential for great peril.\u00a0 Europe and the United States should work more closely together on tasks such as shepherding Egypt\u2019s transition to democracy or helping Tunisia and Libya provide benefits of their newfound freedom to their citizens.\r\nWe must find ways to alleviate the human suffering of the Syrian people and work to build up elements of the moderate opposition. It should be a priority to ensure that the ongoing civil war does not create further regional instability or provide a new safe haven for al Qaeda affiliates that would one day turn their attention toward us.\r\nSimilarly, the growing threat from Iran threatens regional stability and global security. It is vitally important that we work together to alleviate the concerns of our partners in the region, many of whom remain unconvinced that we should trust the commitments of a regime that sponsors terrorism, represses its people, and aims its verbal and political firepower at Israel, America and Europe.\r\nI am personally skeptical of the interim agreement that the P5+1 have concluded with Iran. I am convinced that Iran\u2019s ultimate goal for these negotiations has been to achieve relief from the pressure of international sanctions, while retaining the option of developing a nuclear weapon. This model has been used by others in the past, such as North Korea, to successfully exploit talks to create the time and space to go nuclear.\r\nIn Asia, the world\u2019s most populous region, so much depends on our efforts to ensure that China\u2019s rise remains peaceful. There are increasing signs that this may be easier said than done, including China\u2019s recent declaration of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea.\r\nThis recent action by Beijing is an example of an issue on which it would be ideal to have America and Europe in lock step, making clear to Beijing that freedom of flight in the region should not be held hostage to political agendas.\r\nAmerica is currently engaged, at least rhetorically, in a \u201crebalance\u201d to Asia.\u00a0 Despite this, a renewed U.S. focus on this strategically vital region cannot and should not come at the expense of our transatlantic commitments.\r\nGiven the values that we share and our history of facing new challenges together, I believe there is little we can do effectively in Asia without Britain and our European allies by our side. After all, your future will be just as dependent on what happens in that region as ours will be.\r\nIn Asia and beyond, we must continue our cooperation in speaking out on behalf of those who cannot.\u00a0 Both of our nations have long histories as supporters and defenders of human rights.\r\nMargaret Thatcher was a voice for those in the Soviet Union who were repressed by the Kremlin. She noted that we in the West should not only be concerned about such actions as a humanitarian issue, but also as a global security issue. As she put it, \u201ca nation that denies those freedoms to its own people will have few scruples in denying them to others.\u201d\r\nThis remains as true today as it was thirty years ago. Unfortunately, one need not look far to see gross human rights violations, whether in Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, or North Korea, just to name a few. This includes the rising persecution of religious minorities, especially Christians, for doing little more than practicing their faith.\u00a0\r\nWhen the United States and Britain speak out together about these acts, our message is amplified and our case is stronger than when either stands alone.\r\nI am convinced that the people of our nations understand this. And so, whether it is strengthening the transatlantic alliance, confronting challenges in the Middle East, engaging in Asia, or standing up for the values that our countries hold dear, I am confident that the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to work hand in hand as we did in the last century.\r\nThe fact is, we must.\r\nIf we do not stand together for liberty and freedom, and instead allow our historic partnership to fade into history, an enormous vacuum will open up. And imagine the forces of darkness and evil that would gladly move in to fill this void.\r\nOur two nations still have a common challenge and a common destiny.\r\nIt\u2019s also true that in America, we have some work to do.\r\nMany of our political leaders are still hoping that our budget balances itself. Many hope they can force their political opponents to adopt their agenda in its totality. They hope that America can simply look inward and ignore the global challenges of our time.\r\nIt is human nature to wish for the challenges before you to resolve themselves. Or to wish they could be handled easily with minimal sacrifice.\r\nBut earlier generations have left us with a common charge. In this city, in Grosvenor Square in front of our embassy, there is a statue of Ronald Reagan, with a quote from his first Inaugural Address.\u00a0 It says, \u201cNo arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.\u201d\r\nWe - Americans and Britons - are descendants of men and women who took great risk and faced great challenges in their pursuit of liberty.\u00a0 And that is why each time our alliance has been confronted with a test, we have risen to meet it.\r\nTogether, we can continue to meet the world\u2019s challenges. We cannot rest, because those who oppose liberty will not rest.\r\nWe will always have critics who predict that the end of this truly special relationship is near. That Britain and the United States have both had their days in the sun and that the world\u2019s attention is shifting elsewhere.\r\nBut they underestimate the power of our nations and our shared values. They underestimate what we can achieve together. And more importantly, they underestimate the will and moral courage of free men and women.\r\nIn the end, freedom will triumph in this world. I am sure of that, just as I am sure that it will be the United States and the United Kingdom leading the way.\r\nThat is why I stand before you optimistic today.\u00a0 Optimistic about where America is headed and where we \u2013 working together with our European allies \u2013 will be able to take the ideals of freedom, economic opportunity, and human rights.\u00a0 Together, we will be able to respond to the challenges of the twenty-first century, just as our forbears faced those of the last. And when we do, our children will inherit a world better than the one that was left to us.\r\nThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=945c30c0-d412-42b3-8bfa-264ca461f45d", "PHOTO RELEASE: Rubio Visits London on Official Trip", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence, arrived in London today for a three day official visit.\r\nDuring his stay, Rubio will meet with British government officials to discuss the future of the transatlantic alliance. On Tuesday, he will also deliver a major speech co-hosted by Chatham House and the Legatum Institute at 1 p.m. local time (8 a.m. EST).The speech will be live streamed here.\r\nIn addition to following trip updates at @MarcoRubio, Rubio\u2019s personal Twitter account, below are photos from today\u2019s activities (The pictures can be viewed in higher quality here):\r\nRubio visits Number 11 Downing Street to meet with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne:\r\n\r\nRubio visits the UK Ministry of Defence to meet with Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond:\r\n\r\nRubio meets with The Honorable Richard Ottaway, Member of Parliament (MP) and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Sir Malcolm Rifkind, MP and Chair of Intelligence and Security Committee; James Arbuthnot, MP and Chair of Defence Committee:\r\n\r\nRubio outside the British Parliament\u2019s \u201cBig Ben\u201d tower:\r\n\r\nPhoto credit for the picture with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is given to the Office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. All other photos were taken by the Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=cf5d3f2d-2b4e-4ff4-bc21-ce9af99cbb9b", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Rubio To Deliver Major Speech In London On The Transatlantic Alliance", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Tomorrow, December 3, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will deliver a major speech at an event co-hosted by Chatham House and the Legatum Institute in London, England. The speech will be titled \u201cAmerican Leadership and the Future of the Transatlantic Alliance.\u201d\r\nA live stream for the following event will be available here.\r\nTuesday, December 3, 2013   8:00 A.M. EST/ 1:00 P.M. GMT   Senator Rubio Delivers Speech On The Future Of The Transatlantic Alliance   Chatham House   10 St James\u2019s Square   London, SW1Y 4LE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/don%E2%80%99t-let-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-distract-you-seek-help-federal-tuesday-and", "Don\u2019t Let Black Friday and Cyber Monday Distract You, Seek Help On Federal Tuesday and Thursday!", "2013-11-27", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen", "R000435", "ros-lehtinen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Don\u2019t Let Black Friday and Cyber Monday Distract You, Seek Help On Federal Tuesday and Thursday!\n\u201cIn the days following Thanksgiving, we have many shopping days on the calendar. However, don\u2019t forget about your pending federal issues!\u201d\nMiami, Florida \u2013 If you are a resident of the 27th Congressional District and are around or live in the areas of Miami Springs or Cutler Bay, please stop by city hall and allow Ileana's Congressional Aide, Lourdes Ruiz, to help you with any problem related to a federal agency. Lourdes will be at Miami Springs City Hall, 201 Westward Drive in Miami Springs on Tuesday, December 3rd from 10am \u2013 3pm and at Cutler Bay Town Hall, 10720 Caribbean Blvd in Cutler Bay on Thursday, December 5th from 10am \u2013 3pm.\u00a0 Any resident of the 27th Congressional District with issues concerning Social Security, immigration, Medicare, housing, Veteran\u2019s Administration, U.S. Academy nominations, tours of the U.S. Capitol, or any other federal agency or topic should come see Lourdes as she visits their neighborhood for guidance on these topics.\nTuesday, December 3rd, Lourdes will be at:\nMiami Springs City Hall\n201 Westward Drive\nMiami Springs, FL 33166\n(Okeechobee Road and Westward Dive)\nFrom 10am to 3pm\nThursday, December 5th, Lourdes will be at:\nCutler Bay Town Hall\n10720 Caribbean Blvd\nCutler Bay, FL 33189\n(US 1 and Caribbean Boulevard)\nFrom 10am to 3pm\nLourdes Ruiz can be reached via her cell at (305) 934-9441, via email at lourdes.ruiz@mail.house.gov or by calling the Miami Congressional office at (305) 668-2285.\n\u00a0\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1122, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "FL", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1122, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1122, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 1122, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 1122, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-11-27,http~3A~2F~2Fros-lehtinen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fdon~25E2~2580~2599t-let-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-distract-you-seek-help-federal-tuesday-and", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2013&_next=2013-11-27%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fros-lehtinen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fdon~25E2~2580~2599t-let-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-distract-you-seek-help-federal-tuesday-and&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 529.8584252595901, "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"}