{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/el-senador-rick-scott-aplaude-la-distribucion-de-casi-20-millones-de-dosis-de-vacunas-los-estados", "El Senador Rick Scott aplaude la distribuci\u00f3n de casi 20 millones de dosis de vacunas a los estados", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  El Senador Rick Scott hizo hoy la siguiente declaracin aplaudiendo el esfuerzo del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de distribuir casi 20 millones de dosis de vacunas a los estados en solo cuatro semanas. A la Florida se le habrn asignado 1.28 millones de dosis de vacunas para la prxima semana. 175,000 floridanos recibieron la primera dosis de la vacuna al 30 de diciembre, segn inform el Departamento de Salud de la Florida.\nEn noviembre, el Senador Scott escribi una carta al secretario del HHS, Alex Azar, solicitando informacin sobre los planes de los estados para asegurar una distribucin de vacunas rpida, confiable y equitativa. Una planificacin y coordinacin detallada en todos los niveles de gobierno es necesaria para asegurar que los estadounidenses reciban la vacuna de manera segura, eficiente y sin demoras.\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: Estoy orgulloso del arduo trabajo de tantos en la Administracin para desarrollar y distribuir rpidamente esta vacuna a los estados. El HHS le ha enviado a nuestros estados millones de dosis de vacunas este mes. La prioridad ahora debe ser asegurarnos de que las personas mayores y las poblaciones en riesgo, as como nuestros trabajadores de la salud, tengan acceso a la vacuna primero. Es por eso que mi equipo y yo tomamos la decisin de esperar para recibir la vacuna en el momento apropiado, y he pedido que la asignacin de mi oficina se d a las poblaciones vulnerables que ms necesitan la vacuna. No tendremos xito hasta que todos los que quieran una vacuna puedan recibirla. Todos los estados necesitan un proceso ordenado y transparente para sacar estas vacunas, y deben hacerlo ya. No hay excusas. \"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-urges-ftc-investigation-zooms-relationship-communist-china", "Sen. Rick Scott Urges FTC Investigation into Zoom\u2019s Relationship with Communist China", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to further investigate Zoom's relationship to Communist China and the risks it poses to Americans' security. This letter follows the Department of Justice's recent announcement that a former Zoom executive had been charged for coordinating with the Communist Party of China to target U.S.-based dissidents and disrupt video meetings commemorating the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre.\nRead the Senator's letter HERE or below. \nDecember 30, 2020\nJoseph J. Simons\nChairman\nFederal Trade Commission\n600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\nWashington, DC 20580\nDear Chairman Simons:\nAs a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I write today to urgently request a full investigation into Communist China's growing influence and interference in social telecommunications technology, including companies like Zoom, and what more can be done to protect Americans' personal identifying information.\nEarlier this month, the United States Department of Justice revealed that a former Zoom executive, Xinjiang Jin, had been charged for coordinating with the Communist Party of China (CCP) to target U.S.-based dissidents and disrupt video meetings commemorating the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. This is just the latest example of how Communist China uses personal identifying data collected by tech companies with a significant presence in China against American citizens. Communist China's efforts to silence anyone who dares to oppose the CCP is shameful, and it's even more alarming that it happened right here in the United States. This cannot be tolerated. \nFor years, the CCP has done everything possible to become the dominant world power. Communist China has long been accused of forced technology transfers, data localization, and spying on U.S. citizens using Chinese-based companies like TikTok and WeChat, which are obligated by law to hand over data to the CCP. The American people deserve to know exactly how an employee of Zoom, an American video service our citizens use daily, would have the ability to spy on behalf of the CCP. \nI commend the action earlier this year by the FTC to hold Zoom accountable for misleading users and failing to secure their platform. But more must be done. Today, I urge you to further investigate Zoom's relationship with Communist China, and the risks it poses to Americans' security. We cannot ignore the threat of Communist China and its latest attempt to surveil American citizens and steal our data. I look forward to hearing from you as we continue to work together on this important issue. \n Sincerely,\nRick Scott\nUnited States Senator \nCC:\nCommissioner Noah Joshua Phillips\nCommissioner Rohit Chopra\nCommissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter\nCommissioner Christine S. Wilson\nEric S. Yuan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zoom Video Communications, Inc.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/senator-rick-scott-applauds-distribution-nearly-20-million-vaccine-doses-states", "Senator Rick Scott Applauds the Distribution of Nearly 20 Million Vaccine Doses to States", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement applauding the effort by Health and Human Services to get nearly 20 million doses of vaccines to states in four weeks. Florida will have been allocated 1.28 million doses of the vaccines by the end of next week. 175,000 Floridians received the first dose of the vaccine as of December 30, as reported by the Florida Department of Health.\n\nIn November, Senator Scott wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar requesting information on the states' plans for fast, reliable and equitable vaccine distribution. Detailed planning and coordination at every level of government will be required to get the vaccine to Americans safely and efficiently without unnecessary delays.\n\nSenator Rick Scottsaid, I'm proud of the hard work by so many in the Administration to develop and quickly distribute this vaccine to the states. HHS has sent our states millions of doses of vaccines this month. The priority now must be to make sure the elderly and at-risk populations, as well as our healthcare workers, have access to thevaccinefirst. That's why my staff and I made the decision to wait to get thevaccineat the appropriate time, and I've asked that my office's allotment be given to vulnerable populations that need thevaccinemost. We aren't successful until everyone who wants a vaccine can get one. Everystate needs an orderly, transparent process for getting these vaccines out, and they need to do it now. There is no excuse.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=64671013-E220-4E46-B573-5F1D2E0668C4", "Rubio: Apoyo Los Pagos de $2000 Dlares a Los Necesitados", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sala de Prensa \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInicio\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL  El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre su apoyo de aumentar el monto del Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) a los estadounidenses de $600 dlares a $2,000 dlares:\"Estoy de acuerdo con el presidente en que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora necesitan urgentemente ayuda adicional, razn por la cual apoyo el monto de $2,000 dlares en pagos directos a los estadounidenses que luchan durante la pandemia, Rubio dijo. Por meses, los republicanos intentaron aprobar un alivio adicional para los trabajadores, las familias y los pequeos comercios, solo para ser rechazados por los demcratas en todo momento. No podemos olvidar que hace meses la presidenta Pelosi y los demcratas rechazaron la oferta anterior de la Administracin Trump de $1,200 dlares por adulto y $1,000 dlares por nio. Afortunadamente, por fin, Pelosi deja de retener a las familias trabajadoras como sus rehenes\".Comparto la preocupacin de muchos de mis colegas sobre los efectos a largo plazo del gasto adicional, pero no podemos ignorar el hecho que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora en todo EE.UU. todava necesitan ayuda con urgencia, continu Rubio. \"El Congreso debera aprobar rpidamente una legislacin para aumentar los pagos directos a los estadounidenses a $2,000 dlares\".\"Tambin estoy listo para trabajar con mis colegas para realizar cambios muy necesarios a la Seccin 230 y tomar medidas para asegurarnos que el pueblo estadounidense pueda volver a tener confianza en nuestras elecciones\", concluy Rubio.Rubio introducir una legislacin para mantener las protecciones de la Seccin 230 para las pequeas empresas y las empresas que protegen la libertad de expresin, pero eliminar esa inmunidad general para las empresas de Big Tech que participan en ciertas actividades de moderacin, distribucin selectiva, o desarrollo de contenido.En junio del 2020, Rubio, junto a la senadora Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) y los senadores Kevin Cramer (R-ND) y Josh Hawley (R-MO) solicitaron que la Comisin Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC, por sus siglas en ingls) revisar la Seccin 230 de la Ley de Decencia en las Comunicaciones y defina claramente los criterios por los cuales las empresas pueden recibir protecciones en virtud de ese estatuto.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2ED5EDD7-1C6B-4041-B86B-96348A28D221", "Rubio Urges Department of the Interior to Address Supply Chain Reliance on Rare Earth Minerals From China", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to take action addressing China's domination of the rare earth element supply chain in response to President Trump's September 30, 2020 Executive Order, Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries.In addition to Rubio, Representatives Jason Smith (R-MO), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), David McKinley (R-WV), Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Pete Stauber (R-MN) signed the letter.The President's Executive Order rightly recognizes that the United States now imports more than 80 percent of our rare earth elements (REE) from China, a marked shift from an earlier era in which the United States produced more REE than any other nation in the world, the lawmakers wrote. The United States has some of the highest quality and abundant rare earth element deposits in the world. However, China has intentionally underpriced usable REE metals to extinguish global competition in the REE metallurgy sector. China's strategy ensures that any REE ores mined and processed in the United States, or elsewhere, must be sent to China to be made into usable metals and materials. The President's Order recognizes this dynamic, and the great harm that this dependence on China for processing capacity does to American national security and economic resilience.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Secretary Bernhardt:We write to express our shared concern about America's dangerous reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. We welcome the President's September 30, 2020, Executive Order Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries. In particular, we welcome that Order's recognition that it is essential to address our nation's lack of capacity to turn processed rare earth oxides into usable metals and materials.The President's Executive Order rightly recognizes that the United States now imports more than 80 percent of our rare earth elements (REE) from China, a marked shift from an earlier era in which the United States produced more REE than any other nation in the world. The United States has some of the highest quality and abundant rare earth element deposits in the world. However, China has intentionally underpriced usable REE metals to extinguish global competition in the REE metallurgy sector. China's strategy ensures that any REE ores mined and processed in the United States, or elsewhere, must be sent to China to be made into usable metals and materials. The President's Order recognizes this dynamic, and the great harm that this dependence on China for processing capacity does to American national security and economic resilience.This Executive Order requires executive agencies to consider what additional strategies they may recommend to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign nations for sourcing and processing critical minerals, including REE. As you seek to comply with this requirement, we urge you to consider the benefits of providing a federal charter for a domestic Rare Earth Metallurgy Cooperative. A privately funded and managed utility could allow technology and manufacturing companies to share the burden of establishing the full spectrum of light and heavy rare earth metallurgy. As a cooperative, it could allow competing industries to work together. Moreover, it could operate on a cost-basis, thus being shielded from price manipulations by China. The cooperative could function as a utility which is available for use by non-member companies upstream and downstream the value chain.China's REE metals strategy maximizes its power and influence across the globe in several important ways: First, China can keep its own REE ore deposits in reserve while letting other nations invest in mining and processing to feed China's metals monopoly. China can also control the downstream and upstream REE supply chain. By controlling REE parts, China can force advanced manufacturing into its borders, and hijack the intellectual property of said manufacturing. Finally, China has the option of holding the world's defense and other advanced technologies hostage through its control of the REE parts supply chain.Without metallurgical capacity in the United States, other worthy and vital American-led efforts to promote mining and processing of REE may run the risk of being vulnerable to these dynamics. The combined resources of multiple, well-funded technology and manufacturing companies working together within a cooperative could provide an uninterruptible, global supply of the full spectrum of usable REE metals and materials. This is why this concept has growing legislative support in Congress.As you consider how to take meaningful action in response to the President's Executive Order, we urge you to consider the benefits and feasibility of government support for a privately funded REE metallurgical cooperative in the United States.Thank you for your attention to this important matter.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2E570A9-9BF7-445E-B859-C2D3EF4EFD82", "English/ Espaol: Rubio: I Support $2000 Payments to Americans in Need", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement regarding his support for increasing the amount of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to Americans in need from $600 to $2,000:I agree with the President that millions of working class families are in dire need of additional relief, which is why I support $2,000 in direct payments to Americans struggling due to the pandemic, Rubio said. For months, Republicans tried to pass additional relief for workers, families, and small businesses  only to be rejected by Democrats at every turn. Remember, months ago Speaker Pelosi and Democrats rejected the Administration's previous offer of $1,200 per adult and $1,000 per child. Thankfully, she's finally stopped holding working families hostage.I share many of my colleagues' concern about the long-term effects of additional spending, but we cannot ignore the fact that millions of working class families across the nation are still in dire need of relief, Rubio continued. Congress should quickly pass legislation to increase direct payments to Americans to $2,000.I also stand ready to work with my colleagues to make much-needed changes to Section 230 and take steps to ensure the American people can once again have confidence in our elections, Rubio concluded.Rubio will introduce legislation to maintain Section 230 protections for small businesses and companies that protect free speech, but remove that blanket immunity for Big Tech companies that engage in certain moderation, selective distribution, or content development activities.In June 2020, Rubio, along with Senators Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) requested that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) take a fresh look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and clearly define the criteria for which companies can receive protections under the statute.Later that month, Rubio and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), along with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) introduced the Limiting Section 230 Immunity to Good Samaritans Act, which would prohibit Big Tech companies from receiving Section 230 immunity unless they update their terms of service to operate under a clear good faith standard and pay a $5,000 fine if they violate those terms.RUBIO: APOYO LOS PAGOS DE $2000 DLARES A LOS NECESITADOSMiami, FL  El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre su apoyo de aumentar el monto del Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) a los estadounidenses de $600 dlares a $2,000 dlares:\"Estoy de acuerdo con el presidente en que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora necesitan urgentemente ayuda adicional, razn por la cual apoyo el monto de $2,000 dlares en pagos directos a los estadounidenses que luchan durante la pandemia, Rubio dijo. Por meses, los republicanos intentaron aprobar un alivio adicional para los trabajadores, las familias y los pequeos comercios, solo para ser rechazados por los demcratas en todo momento. No podemos olvidar que hace meses la presidenta Pelosi y los demcratas rechazaron la oferta anterior de la Administracin Trump de $1,200 dlares por adulto y $1,000 dlares por nio. Afortunadamente, por fin, Pelosi deja de retener a las familias trabajadoras como sus rehenes\".Comparto la preocupacin de muchos de mis colegas sobre los efectos a largo plazo del gasto adicional, pero no podemos ignorar el hecho que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora en todo EE.UU. todava necesitan ayuda con urgencia, continu Rubio. \"El Congreso debera aprobar rpidamente una legislacin para aumentar los pagos directos a los estadounidenses a $2,000 dlares\".\"Tambin estoy listo para trabajar con mis colegas para realizar cambios muy necesarios a la Seccin 230 y tomar medidas para asegurarnos que el pueblo estadounidense pueda volver a tener confianza en nuestras elecciones\", concluy Rubio.Rubio introducir una legislacin para mantener las protecciones de la Seccin 230 para las pequeas empresas y las empresas que protegen la libertad de expresin, pero eliminar esa inmunidad general para las empresas de Big Tech que participan en ciertas actividades de moderacin, distribucin selectiva, o desarrollo de contenido.En junio del 2020, Rubio, junto a la senadora Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) y los senadores Kevin Cramer (R-ND) y Josh Hawley (R-MO) solicitaron que la Comisin Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC, por sus siglas en ingls) revisar la Seccin 230 de la Ley de Decencia en las Comunicaciones y defina claramente los criterios por los cuales las empresas pueden recibir protecciones en virtud de ese estatuto.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/media/press-releases/steube-opposes-unnecessary-redistribution-wealth-covid-relief-legislation", "Steube Opposes Unnecessary Redistribution of Wealth in COVID Relief Legislation", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Greg Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today voted against H.R. 9051, the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020.\nWe understand the economic hardship inflicted by COVID-19, but Americans don't need inadequate stimulus checks and forced government dependency to get them back on their feet, Steube said. Rather than prolonging economic suffering with failing, irresponsible legislation, our country needs to follow the lead of states like Florida and give Americans incentives and the opportunity to return to their jobs and normal lives.\nThis legislation would raise the direct stimulus payments previously passed in COVID-19 relief legislation from $600 to $2,000. However, throughout the pandemic, Congress has already authorized $4.1 trillion in aid to offset the costly and non-scientific lockdown measures.\nThis is coupled with the new debt all Americans have incurred due to historic fiscal irresponsibility. At current spending levels, Congress has already created $2.2 trillion in new debt, which means $18,000 in government debt per household.\nStimulus checks have wastefully spent hard earned taxpayer dollars on nearly 150 million Americans who have been employed despite the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who are unemployed or have been forced to shut down their businesses, recent stimulus checks have been insufficient for living wages.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-opposes-unnecessary-redistribution-of-wealth-in-covid-relief-legislation/", "Steube Opposes Unnecessary Redistribution of Wealth in COVID Relief Legislation", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Steube Opposes Unnecessary Redistribution of Wealth in COVID Relief Legislation\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today voted against H.R. 9051, the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020.\n\n\u201cWe understand the economic hardship inflicted by COVID-19, but Americans don\u2019t need inadequate stimulus checks and forced government dependency to get them back on their feet,\u201d Steube said. \u201cRather than prolonging economic suffering with failing, irresponsible legislation, our country needs to follow the lead of states like Florida and give Americans incentives and the opportunity to return to their jobs and normal lives.\u201d\n\nThis legislation would raise the direct stimulus payments previously passed in COVID-19 relief legislation from $600 to $2,000. However, throughout the pandemic, Congress has already authorized $4.1 trillion in aid to offset the costly and non-scientific lockdown measures.\n\nThis is coupled with the new debt all Americans have incurred due to historic fiscal irresponsibility. At current spending levels, Congress has already created $2.2 trillion in new debt, which means $18,000 in government debt per household.\n\nStimulus checks have wastefully spent hard earned taxpayer dollars on nearly 150 million Americans who have been employed despite the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who are unemployed or have been forced to shut down their businesses, recent stimulus checks have been insufficient for living wages.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/2020/12/congressman-dunn-supports-the-military-with-veto-override", "Congressman Dunn Supports the Military with Veto Override", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Neal Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PANAMA CITY, FL Today, Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) issued the following statement ahead of a House vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nOn Monday, the House will vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Following doctors' advice, who are currently treating me for issues related to my existing asthma and a case of pneumonia, I will not be traveling to Washington for that vote as my recovery continues.\r\nI fully support the NDAA bill. It is one of the most critical pieces of legislation that Congress must pass each year, supporting our men and women in uniform and the defense of our nation. This year's bill further cements the rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base and secures its missions for decades to come while supporting the future growth of Naval Support Activity Panama City. For these reasons, I would vote to override the veto if conditions allowed me to be present.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=277", "Congressman Dunn Supports the Military with Veto Override", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Neal P. Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", "dunn", "https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "PANAMA CITY, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) issued the following statement ahead of a House vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\u201cOn Monday, the House will vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Following doctors\u2019 advice, who are currently treating me for issues related to my existing asthma and a case of pneumonia, I will not be traveling to Washington for that vote as my recovery continues.\n\nI fully support the NDAA bill. It is one of the most critical pieces of legislation that Congress must pass each year, supporting our men and women in uniform and the defense of our nation. This year\u2019s bill further cements the rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base and secures its missions for decades to come while supporting the future growth of Naval Support Activity Panama City. For these reasons, I would vote to override the veto if conditions allowed me to be present.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=12394498-DAA7-4B0B-98F1-1B31C5F1B0DB", "Rubio Secures Key Provisions Related to China in Year-End Funding Package", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) continued to build upon his legislative record securing critical provisions and funding related to China in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus appropriations bill. Among the provisions were language from Rubio's bipartisan and bicameral Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (S.3744) that requires the Secretary of State to determine, within 90 days after enactment, whether the persecution of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) constitutes atrocities. Additionally, the package included Rubio's Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 (S.2539), telecommunications security funding to counter China's state-directed Huawei, and funding to counter malign Chinese influence.The 21st century will be defined by the U.S.-China relationship, and we must take action to address the imbalances in the relationship, as well as the systematic human rights abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Party, Rubio said. I am proud of the important work we've accomplished with both my Democrat and Republican colleagues, including the critical provisions that were included in the year-end funding bill, to hold the Chinese government and Communist Party accountable. Bringing reciprocity to our dealings with China and ending the crimes of the CCP is the geopolitical challenge of this century and is the responsibility of democracies worldwide. I look forward to building upon my record of enacting laws that do just that.As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Rubio secured a provision to prohibit any entity or owner of an entity in China, companies with PRC residents on the board, and FARA registrants from being eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.The FY 2021 omnibus appropriations bill also includes the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. As Acting Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Rubio secured provisions to deter and uncover core threats from China and Russia, by identifying their corruption, influence operations, and information suppression.A detailed list of some China-related provisions is below:\r\n\r\nTibet: Includes Rubio's Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 (S.2539), seeks to update and strengthen the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 to address emerging human rights, religious freedom, and other challenges faced by the Tibetan people. The package also includes $18 million and language regarding the establishment of a U.S. consulate in Lhasa.\r\nTelecommunications Security: Fully funds the implementation of the Secure and Trusted Communications Network Act (P.L. 116-124), which provides assistance to small, rural telecommunications operators to rip and replace Huawei and ZTE components from their networks.\r\n\r\nOn October 2, Rubio led a bipartisan group of Senators in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to encourage the adoption of OpenRAN and other open and interoperable standards solutions by affected carriers as it works to implement the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.\r\n\r\n\r\nCountering Chinese Influence Fund: Includes $300 million to combat malign Chinese influence and promote transparency and accountability in projects associated with the People's Republic of China's debt-trap diplomacy and the Belt and Road Initiative.\r\nRegional China Officers: Includes funds to support public diplomacy activities of Regional China Officers posted at United States missions overseas, following consultation with the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations.\r\nIllegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing: Creates a full-time position at the State Department to coordinate interagency action on IUU fishing, an activity of which China is the biggest offender.\r\nConfucius Institutes: Requires Department of Education disclosure of foreign gifts and contracts related to Confucius Institutes.\r\nTaiwan: Includes the Taiwan Reassurance Act, a bill that Rubio is an original cosponsor of that strengthens our relationship with Taiwan by requiring the Department of Defense to work to include Taiwan in bilateral and multilateral military exercises. It also requires a review of the Department of State's guidance on diplomatic practices with Taiwan.\r\nHigh-Risk Chinese Drones: Includes key report language on small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) security and directs the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to regularly notify Congress on any security risks or challenges identified from any small UAS or UAS components.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A02DB9FF-881F-42B9-8F34-89F33084A109", "WTAS: Key Rubio Provisions in COVID-19 Small Business Package Garner Praise", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tThe U.S. Chamber applauds the work of Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Chairman Marco Rubio and Ranking Member Ben Cardin to ensure struggling small business owners obtain the funds necessary to keep their teams employed and survive the pandemic, said Tom Sullivan, Vice President for Small Business Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The small business provisions in stimulus legislation awaiting the President's signature represent a truly bipartisan effort by Senate and House small business committees. The ability to break through partisan gridlock and provide aid to America's Main Street employers bodes well for an economic recovery in the new year.Small business owners and entrepreneurs desperately need capital and certainty right now, and the funding provisions in the relief package will help many of them tap into a pool of capital that will help to maintain jobs and bolster local economies, said Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO, SBE Council. We are grateful that PPP will resume with needed changes to provide small businesses with flexibility and support, additional capital for businesses that need it, and remove some of the uncertainties around PPP like deductibility of forgiven expenses.The action taken by Congress today will keep tens of thousands of restaurants from closing in the coming months, said Tom Ben, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. A second round of PPP, combined with unique enhancements for the restaurant sector, will provide critical access to capital.The legislation contains many of the provisions AHLA has advocated for, including a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans, increasing the size of PPP loans to 3.5 times payroll, and making PPP loan expenses tax-deductible, said Chip Rogers, President and CEO, American Hotel and Lodging Association. This will provide a critical lifeline for hotels and other businesses that have been decimated by the pandemic.\"For hoteliers, the most significant components in this package include a second round of PPP funding to help keep employees on payroll during the most difficult time of year, said Cecil P. Stanton, President & CEO, Asian American Hotel Owners Association. We also particularly appreciate that congressional leaders understood the unique challenges faced by hoteliers and provided an increase in the PPP loan amounts to our industry. In addition to addressing payroll challenges, this bill also includes critical banking relief to enable hoteliers to defer mortgage payments for the near term.U.S. movie theater owners today applauded the bipartisan COVID relief agreement that includes a $15 billion lifeline of grants to movie theaters, live entertainment venues, live theaters, and museums, said John Fithian, President and CEO, National Association of Theatre Owners. Theater owners are also gratified by the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program. The vast majority of small and mid-size U.S. movie theaters and their employees will have the resources to make it through to the end of that tunnel.This relief package provides important and much-needed help for America's franchise small businesses and their employees, said Robert Cresanti, President and CEO, International Franchise Association. The proposal makes additional funding available for small businesses in the hugely successful Paycheck Protection Program, while ensuring tax deductibility of PPP expenses and streamlining forgiveness for some businesses  all hugely important for franchises struggling to stay afloat.The Paycheck Protection Program will help companies [...] continue to protect the health and wellbeing of their workers as they support U.S. national security and the pandemic response, said Eric Fanning, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association.Most important, the measure reaffirms the original Congressional intent that employers that used Paycheck Protection Program loans to save jobs will not be forced to pay more taxes next year as a result, said Stephen E. Sandherr, Chief Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of America.We applaud Congress for restoring vital tax treatment that family farms and other small businesses relied upon in using the Paycheck Protection Program to protect their workers' jobs, said RJ Andrus, Vice President for Legislative and Government Affairs, National Potato Council.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-diaz-balart-chabot-reschenthaler-spearhead-resolution-supporting", "Reps. Diaz-Balart, Chabot, Reschenthaler Spearhead Resolution Supporting Free Trade with Taiwan", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013 Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart, Steve Chabot (OH-1), and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) introduced H. Res. 1268, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should initiate negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan. This legislation is a critical step toward building a stronger diplomatic partnership with Taiwan, expanding economic growth and job creation through increased access to markets in the Indo-Pacific region, and countering the Chinese Communist Party's hostilities towards Taiwan. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), the author of the legislation, and 25 Senate Republicans introduced this resolution in the Senate.\n\n\"Taiwan is a strong friend and democratic ally of the United States, and I support efforts to further strengthen that relationship with deepened economic ties,\"said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.\"While the PRC continues to bully and threaten its neighbors, Taiwan has nonetheless thrived as an economic powerhouse and responsible partner on a variety of key priorities including public health, democracy promotion, and trade. Working toward a free trade agreement with Taiwan will strengthen this crucial relationship and enable Taiwan to better withstand the barrage of threats and hostility from the PRC.\"\n\n\"As a longtime proponent of a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement, I am pleased to support this important legislation put forward by Congressman Reschenthaler,\"said Congressman Chabot.\"Taiwan is one of our top trading partners, and consolidating our economic partnership will bring both economic and strategic benefits to both of our countries. Earlier this fall, President Tsai took bold action to address longstanding barriers to U.S. agricultural imports. It is critical that the United States Trade Representatives build on this gesture of goodwill before momentum is lost.\"\n\n\"As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I am proud to introduce this critical legislation that supports expanding economic ties between the United States and Taiwan by lowering trade barriers,\"said Congressman Reschenthaler.\"As an important trading partner for the United States and Pennsylvania, a free trade agreement with Taiwan will enhance our economic, diplomatic, and security partnership in the Indo-Pacific while also countering the Chinese Communist Party's aggression in the region. After visiting Taiwan in 2019, I saw firsthand Taiwan's shared economic values and commitment to freedom and democracy. It is past time our nation takes advantage of this opportunity to deepen trade ties with our friend and ally Taiwan. I thank Senator Toomey and Reps. Diaz-Balart and Chabot for joining me to strengthen this enduring partnership.\"\n\n\"Building closer trade ties between the United States and Taiwan is a win-win for both countries,\"said Senator Toomey. \"American workers and manufacturers would have more customers, American consumers would have access to more affordable goods, both economies would grow faster, and America would strengthen its relationship with a key regional ally and increase our economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The Senate should pass this resolution and the incoming Biden administration should make a trade agreement with Taiwan a priority.\"\n\n\"TECRO sincerely appreciates Senator Toomey and Congressman Reschenthaler for introducing this important resolution,\"said Ambassador Bi-Khim Hsiao. \"As both Taiwan and the United States are making every endeavor to ensure supply chain security and trading relationships that will provide us with more resilience and restore our economic growth in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, a bilateral trade agreement would be a sensible and necessary move to achieve those goals. Taiwan is ready to start the negotiations towards a high-standard trade agreement. We look forward to working with US Congress and the administration to deepen Taiwan-US trade and economic ties.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-first-priority-get-vaccine-vulnerable-populations-healthcare-workers", "Sen. Rick Scott: First Priority is to Get Vaccine to Vulnerable Populations, Healthcare Workers", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after declining the offer by the Capitol Attending Physician to receive the vaccine for himself and select members of his staff.\nSenator Rick Scott said, I'm incredibly proud of the hard work by so many Americans that led to the development and distribution of the coronavirus vaccines this month. As we turn the corner on this pandemic, the priority must be to make sure the elderly and at-risk populations, as well as our healthcare workers, have access to the vaccine first. My staff and I will wait to get the vaccine at the appropriate time determined by our personal physicians. I've asked that my office's allotment be given to vulnerable populations that need the vaccine most. I served in the Navy and I learned that it's always important for leaders to put the troops first.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-introduces-stop-covid-19-act", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces STOP COVID-19 Act", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced the Set Testing and Objectives Plan (STOP) COVID-19 Act to create a program for cities and counties to increase testing, contact tracing and transparency efforts in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.\nSenator Rick Scott said, The distribution of the coronavirus vaccine is great news, but we still haven't beaten the coronavirus and we can't let our guard down. As infections continue across the nation, all levels of government must work together on transparent, efficient and measurable ways to contain the spread. The STOP COVID-19 Act creates a program for cities and counties, using metrics-based incentives, to ensure communities are doing everything possible to keep residents safe. The program will be data-focused, so communities know what they are doing well and what they need to work on. We must keep working to end the coronavirus and give Americans as much information as possible, so we can get back to our new normal.\n\nThe STOP COVID-19 Act would:\n \n\tCreate a voluntary, data-driven COVID testing and contact tracing program for cities and counties to reduce the spread of COVID-19.\n\tEstablish metrics, including positivity rate, contract tracing and test results, to measure the effectiveness of the program.\n\tAuthorize an 100% federal share for the first two months, using unspent money in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. That will continue after two months unless the city or county fails to attain the success metrics, then a 25% cost-share would apply. \n\tIncrease transparency by requiring cities and counties to report testing metrics and community spread, as well as publish easily accessible information about testing locations and availability. \n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0004ECB0-5468-4E16-9924-6803543C6F59", "Rubio and McCaul Call for Strengthening of Entity List Rules for SMIC", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) urged Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to strengthen rules regarding the Entity Listing for Semiconductor Manufacturing International Company (SMIC)a company with strong ties to the military of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The lawmakers expressed concern that the current rules will not effectively cut SMIC off from U.S. technology and innovation, risking our national security.SMIC is a clear threat to U.S. national security, because of its integration into the defense establishment of the PRC and its national strategy for military-civil fusion, the lawmakers wrote. We are deeply concerned that SMIC's placement on the Entity List by the Bureau of Industry and Security was done for show and parochial commercial interests at the expense of U.S. national security The SMIC Entity List rule must be rewritten immediately to close these dangerous loopholes that would allow nearly all sales to SMIC to continue without restriction and support the CCP's stated goal of military preeminence.Rubio is Cochair of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee that oversees human rights, and a member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. Representative McCaul is the Lead Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the China Task Force.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Secretary Ross:We appreciate the Department of Commerce's designation of 77 companies, including 60 from the People's Republic of China (PRC), to its Entity List to restrict access of U.S. technology to entities that threaten our national security and foreign policy interests. However, we are deeply concerned that the rules pursuant to the Entity Listing for the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Company (SMIC) will be utterly ineffective in addressing this growing national security threat.SMIC is a clear threat to U.S. national security, because of its integration into the defense establishment of the PRC and its national strategy for military-civil fusion. These linkages are well-documented by both the Department of Defense, which identified SMIC as a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military company earlier this month, and private sector researchers at SOS International LLC. It is in the U.S. national security interest to prohibit the transfer of goods that might support SMIC's production of semiconductors, because of the company's role in helping the CCP military's pursuit of [displacing] the United States to achieve global preeminence in the future.As written, the SMIC Entity Listing does not effectively mitigate that national security risk. By limiting the presumption of denial only to those items that are uniquely required to produce semiconductors at 10 nanometers and below, the Department of Commerce seems to be allowing SMIC access to nearly all semiconductor manufacturing equipmentundercutting the effectiveness of its nominal intent. Based on public commentary by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, nearly 95 percent of the tools SMIC needs to make advanced semiconductor chips below 10 nanometers can be reused from older generations. In effect, SMIC will not face serious restrictions, because very few tools are uniquely capable of producing a certain chip size. Indeed, SMIC publicly stated that its designation has no material adverse effect on the company's short-term operations. Consequently, we are deeply concerned that SMIC's placement on the Entity List by the Bureau of Industry and Security was done for show and parochial commercial interests at the expense of U.S. national security.Moreover, we fully expect companies to alter their supply chains to exploit shortcomings in the de minimis and Foreign-produced Direct Product Rule (FDPR) to continue sales to SMIC despite the Entity Listing. Your department must apply the same lessons from the Huawei Entity Listing and expand the FDPR for SMIC to cover any semiconductor manufacturing equipment that is built with or incorporates any U.S.-origin technology. We must ensure that SMIC is unable to access semiconductor manufacturing equipment from any location in the world. In addition, we are confused why the Department of Commerce did not apply recent lessons in how to use these controls.Commercial considerations cannot outweigh national security obligations. The SMIC Entity List rule must be rewritten immediately to close these dangerous loopholes that would allow nearly all sales to SMIC to continue without restriction and support the CCP's stated goal of military preeminence. Specifically, Commerce must mitigate these risks by immediately amending the SMIC rule to set the threshold at 16 nanometers and replace the phrase uniquely required with capable of producing. Any subsequent undersecretary overseeing Bureau of Industry and Security will need to explain how they intend to write policy with real consequences for CCP companies.We look forward to working with you promptly to correct the problems in SMIC's placement on the Entity List to best ensure U.S. national security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=26C31FF2-5B50-4B3A-ADC5-2AD537D04813", "Rubio Applauds Passage of Legislation to Combat Invasive Species in Conjunction With Everglades Restoration", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded the passage of the Suppressing Looming Invasive Threats Harming Everglades Restoration (SLITHER) Act (S.3603), which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus appropriations bill. The SLITHER Act authorizes and directs the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to develop innovative technologies and approaches to identify, target, and eliminate invasive animal and plant species that threaten Everglades restoration. Native bird and mammal populations are indicators of whether Everglades restoration is effective. Invasive species, such as the Burmese python, are decimating native animal populations, obfuscating efforts to assess the success of restoration.Everglades restoration has an extraordinary impact on the State of Florida, Rubio said. Not only is the SLITHER Act a positive step forward in combating harmful species that threaten the ecological health of South Florida's ecosystem, but it will also make it easier to measure the progress of state and federal investment in Everglades restoration. I am proud that Congress has passed this legislation, and I remain committed to fighting for policies that protect, improve, and restore Florida's water quality and environment.Background on Rubio's efforts to fix Florida's water quality issues and restore the Everglades can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=33703E49-1A13-488C-8350-0B8EB8AF9281", "Rubio, Menendez, Leahy, Coons, Shaheen, Praise Passage of Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in releasing the following statements after the passage of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (S.712), which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus appropriations bill.Named in honor of former FBI agent and Floridian Robert Levinson, whose unlawful detention by the Iranian regime left him the longest held hostage in American history, the bipartisan legislation bolsters U.S. government resources to bring back Americans held hostage or unlawfully detained abroad. Levinson is presumed to have died in Iranian custody earlier this year.This bipartisan bill, named in honor of Floridian Bob Levinson, the longest held American hostage who is believed to have died while detained by the brutal regime in Tehran, strengthens our nation's resources to bring back American hostages, Rubio said. We must ensure that no American family will ever endure what the Levinson family went through. I am proud to have co-led this legislation and I look forward to it becoming law.Earlier this year, we learned that Bob Levinson, the longest-held hostage in American history, died while in Iranian custody, far from his loving family, friends and colleagues. In March 2007, after decades of service to the United States, Bob Levinson was cruelly and mysteriously taken from his family, who have spent the past 13 years tirelessly fighting for his safe return home. Their indefatigable dedication to Bob has inspired me and my colleagues over the years to pursue various legislative efforts, leading to the passage of this bill to ensure that the United States has the resources to safeguard American lives abroad and reunite hostages with their loved ones, Menendez said. I commend my colleagues for helping enact this bill, and I continue to stand with the Levinson family in the long march towards achieving justice for Bob.This bill is a fitting tribute to Bob Levinson, who gave his life for this country, and to his family who did everything humanly possible to try to save his life. Americans wrongfully imprisoned overseas deserve whatever support and assistance our government can give them. This bill, which I am very proud to have taken part in drafting, will help ensure that future victims and their families receive that help, Leahy said.The passage of this bipartisan bill is an important step in seeking justice for the unlawful detention and death of Bob Levinson, an American who was taken hostage by Iran over a decade ago and died in Iranian custody, Coons said. The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act honors Bob by strengthening our ability to bring Americans detained abroad home safely and hold their captors accountable.Any time an American citizen is unjustly held against their will, the U.S. government must do everything in its power to bring them home. Too many lives have been taken and too many Americans remain unjustly imprisoned around the globe today, which is why our legislation is so urgently needed, Shaheen said. Our bipartisan effort reaffirms U.S. commitment to secure the freedom of Americans detained abroad and enhances diplomatic authority for the President and administration to force their release. I'm glad Congress is clearing this legislation and delivering it to the President's desk to be signed into law. This bill is a fitting tribute to Robert Levinson, an FBI agent who was detained by the Iranian regime and died in their custody. He will not be forgotten and through this legislation, we will help ensure Americans who are still unjustly held are not forgotten either. Every tool must be at our disposal to bring Americans home.The full text of the resolution is here.Timeline of Rubio's Actions in Support of Bob Levinson:\r\n\r\nJune 16, 2020: Senate approves Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act\r\nJanuary 22, 2020: Rubio leads Call for More action on American hostages in Iran\r\nMarch 12, 2019: Rubio introduces resolution marking the 12th anniversary of Bob Levinson's disappearance.\r\nMarch 7, 2019: On the 12th anniversary of Bob Levinson's disappearance in Iran, Rubio and Colleagues introduce bill to assist Americans held hostage or unlawfully detained abroad.\r\nNovember 18, 2019: Rubio renews call for Bob Levinson's immediate release\r\nMarch 9, 2018: Rubio commented on the 11th anniversary of Bob Levinson's disappearance.\r\nMarch 12, 2018: Rubio, Senator Bill Nelson, and U.S. Congressman Deutch call out Iran for denying commitment to assist with Bob Levinson's case.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3CF1C3DC-FD1D-4ABC-AB42-10BE3E61485A", "Florida Wins Big in Year-End Spending Measure", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a list of provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus appropriations bill that will be critical to the State of Florida in the months and years to come.Floridians are rightly frustrated by the gridlock, chaos, and partisanship in Washington, Rubio said. It took far too long for Congress to pass much-needed coronavirus relief and spending bills. But even with the dysfunction, we were able to secure dozens of critically important provisions for the State of Florida and our nation on issues ranging from small business relief and environmental protection to funding our military and combatting China.In addition to another $285 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which former Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Holtz-Eakin called the single most effective fiscal policy ever undertaken by the United States Government, the FY 2021 omnibus appropriations bill contained dozens of Rubio-led provisions related to China, the Western Hemisphere, our intelligence community, Florida water resources, and beyond.Critical provisions for the State of Florida in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill include:Military Readiness, Training, and Security\r\n\r\n$1.62 billion for P-8A Poseidon procurement\r\n$1.129 billion for F-35A aircraft and report language\r\n$525 million for F-35B\r\n$10 million in funding for Rapid Advanced Deposition (RAD)\r\n$73 million for Iron Dome missile defense funding\r\n$18 million for SOUTHCOM MMSV operations costs from their UFR\r\n$8.5 million for SOUTHCOM Overland Airborne ISR from their UFR\r\n$45 million for a SOF Special Tactics Ops Facility at Hurlburt Field\r\n$38 million for a SOF Combat Aircraft Parking Apron at Hurlburt Field\r\n$36 million for a ECS TEMF/Warehouse in Gainesville\r\n\r\nEnvironmental Protection and Restoration\r\n\r\n$250 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (Everglades)\r\nExpedites progress on PPA North, PPA New Water, and PPA South\r\nClarifies that the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir is an element of CEPP\r\nModified report language and funding increase of $1.16 million included for the South Florida Geographic Program\r\nModified report language and a funding increase of $100,000 are included for Coral Disease Health\r\nFunding increase of $1.99 million is included for the National Estuary Program\r\n$33 million for Coral Reef Conservation; including $8.5 million for Mission: Iconic Reefs\r\n\r\nSchool Safety\r\n\r\n$132 million for STOP School Violence\r\n\r\nSpace\r\n\r\n$590 million for Exploration Ground Systems, $74 million of which is for a second mobile launch platform\r\n$2.586 billion for the Space Launch System\r\n$28 million for FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation\r\n\r\nCoast Guard\r\n\r\nAgriculture\r\n\r\n$69.5 million for APHIS's citrus health programs, including projects for Huanglongbing and support for the HLB Multi-Agency Coordination Group\r\nIncludes Rubio report language for Citrus Disease Research Program\r\nMaintains funding for ARS's Marine Aquaculture Seedstock research\r\nIncludes requested report language for Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Treatment Monitoring Fees\r\nReport language is included for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow\r\nAllows for $200 million in payments to timber harvesting and hauling\r\n$100 million for Specialty Crop Block Grants\r\nProvides $1.5 billion for the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase food and agriculture products, including seafood.\r\nEstablishes a livestock dealer trust to benefit unpaid sellers of livestock\r\n\r\nTransportation\r\n\r\nProvides $16 billion in additional assistance through March 31, 2021. This includes $15 billion for passenger air carrier workers and $1 billion for the employees of contractors that provide ground services directly to air carriers, such as catering services or on-airport functions\r\nProvides $2 billion for passenger transportation services, such as the bus, motor coach, and passenger vessel industries\r\nProvides $2 billion for airport operations, personnel, and debt service to keep facilities open and staff on payroll through the pandemic\r\n\r\nBroadband\r\n\r\nProvides over $7 billion for connectivity-related initiatives, including broadband access for unserved Americans, telehealth programs, and telecommunication network security\r\n\r\nVirus Research\r\n\r\nIncreased funding to CDC vector-borne disease programs by $4 million\r\nZika surveillance report language included to continue the CDC's study on the long-term effects of Zika\r\nEpidemiology and Lab Capacity program funding increased $7.5 million, in line with Rubio's SMASH Act to reduce mosquito-borne diseases", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4777B151-1919-4BDC-B6BC-BB9A464190AD", "Rubio, Schatz, Scott, Hirono Applaud Passage of Restoring Resilient Reefs Act", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement after the Senate passed his bipartisan Restoring Resilient Reefs Act (S. 2429). First introduced in August 2019 with Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL) and Jenniffer Gonzlez-Coln (R-PR), the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act would reauthorize and modernize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, strengthen NOAA's Coral Reef program, and give innovative new tools and resources to the non-federal partners who are closest to the crisis in American coral reefs: states, territories, and local communities.The Coral Reef Conservation Act, which expired more than 15 years ago, was designed to promote the conservation of our nation's reefs. In recent years, the decline in the nation's coral reefs has only become more severe. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act directs federal funding and technical assistance to states for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems, while incentivizing increased state and local investment in coral reef management capacity. The bill encourages innovative public-private Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships among agencies, research centers, and community stakeholders; codifies and updates the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force; ensures that our national coral strategy is informed by a robust local stakeholder engagement process; and allows for emergency grants for coral disasters, among other measures.I saw the devastated condition of our coral reefs firsthand when touring the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and I promised a comprehensive response, Rubio said. I am grateful the U.S. Senate came together to pass this important and bipartisan bill that will ensure federal agencies are partnering effectively with state and local governments, as well as the communities who rely on the vitality of these critical natural treasures in Florida.I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill, Rubio continued. We must protect and restore this integral component of the economic and ecological character of Florida, and ensure future generations will be able to enjoy this natural wonder.\"Ocean warming and acidification have pushed our corals to the brink of extinction, Schatz said. Time is running out, but we can save them if we act now. Our bill deploys federal resources to the local governments and community organizations that are in the water right now working to restore our reefs.During my eight years as Governor, Florida's annual investments to preserve the environment increased by $1 billion, Scott said. As Senator, I was proud to build on our efforts to protect our environment by joining Senator Rubio and my colleagues to introduce and pass the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act. People from across the world come to Florida because of the state's natural beauty, and I will keep working to preserve Florida's environment for generations to come.In Hawaii, healthy oceans and coral reefs are critical to our way of life, Hirono said. This bipartisan bill provides much needed resources to help our communities preserve and improve coral ecosystem health, and includes my coral reef prize competition, a provision I have introduced over the last three Congresses. I am proud that the Senate has passed our bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing this become law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7AB71E63-0F70-4203-801A-340CF77D818D", "Rubio and Merkley Applaud Inclusion of Their Provision to Require Administration to Determine Whether Crimes Against Uyghurs Constitute Atrocities", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) welcomed the inclusion of a critical provision in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill that requires the Secretary of State to determine, within 90 days after enactment, whether the persecution of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) constitutes atrocities. Similar language is also included in their bipartisan and bicameral Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (S.3744, H.R.6210).\r\nEvidence is mounting of the horrific and systematic human rights abuses and crimes against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities by the CCP in Xinjiang, Rubio said. It is time for the U.S. government to clearly assess the evidence and issue a formal determination of the atrocities. Yesterday, the U.S. Senate took a stand in support of justice, and I hope the Trump Administration and any future administrations will be clear about the nature of these crimes and hold those responsible accountable. I also urge free nations to do the same and recognize these atrocities for what they are.\r\nThe Chinese Communist Party is committing crimes against humanity in Xinjiangand we can't stay silent in the face of those atrocities, Merkley said. You can't fix a problem without naming it, and it's a positive step that this legislation will require the U.S. government to assess this behavior for what it is. Now we must continue the fight, and do all that we can to hold the CCP accountable for its horrific actions. Forced labor, arbitrary detention, intrusive surveillance and policing, political indoctrination, and forced cultural assimilation of ethnic minorities should have no place anywhere in the world.\r\nRubio is Co-Chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations' Subcommittee that oversees human rights, and is a member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.\r\nMerkley is a member of the CECC, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations' Subcommittee that oversees multilateral institutions, and a member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.\r\n\r\nRelated:\r\n \r\n\r\nOctober 27, 2020: Rubio Joins Cornyn, Risch, Menendez and Bipartisan Colleagues In Introducing Resolution to Designate Uyghur Atrocities as Genocide\r\n\r\n\r\nOctober 17, 2019: Rubio Co-Chairs CECC Hearing Highlighting Chinese Government Atrocities in Xinjiang\r\n\r\n\r\nJuly 2, 2020: Rubio, Menendez, McGovern, Smith Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter on Chinese Government Atrocities in Xinjiang\r\n\r\n\r\nMarch 12, 2020: Rubio, McGovern Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Introducing Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act\r\n\r\n\r\nDecember 3, 2019: Rubio, Menendez Applaud House Passage of Senate Uyghur Bill\r\n\r\n\r\nSeptember 11, 2019: Rubio, Menendez Applaud Senate Passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act\r\n\r\n\r\nMay 22, 2019: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Rubio-Menendez Uyghur Human Rights Bill\r\n\r\n\r\nJanuary 17, 2019: Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues re-introduce Legislation In Response To China's Human Rights Abuses Of Uyghurs\r\n\r\n\r\nNovember 14, 2018: Rubio, Menendez, first introduce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E1537A5-F952-4814-98F0-B98FC6C27E32", "Rubio Applauds Inclusion of Western Hemisphere Initiatives in Year-End Spending Measure", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) welcomed the inclusion of multiple Western Hemisphere initiatives in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus appropriations bill. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations' Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere and as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Rubio has helped secure key funding to advance economic and rural development initiatives in Latin America, as well as secured funding for the support of democracy in Cuba and Venezuela, as well as for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB). It also included Rubio's required report language on Cuba's use of foreign medical missions, which constitute a form of modern day slavery.The United States remains a reliable partner to countries facing severe challenges in our hemisphere, Rubio said. Whether by providing security assistance and training, to funding initiatives that deter violence against women and children in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, or continuing to support the efforts of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting and democracy programs for Venezuela and Cuba, I remain committed to leading efforts and working with my colleagues in support of a safer and more democratic region.Critical Western Hemisphere provisions, supported by Rubio, included in the Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus appropriations bill:\r\n\r\nCompact language from the Central American Women and Children Protection Act of 2019.\r\nLatin America and the Caribbean: Requires the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to expand engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean that spurs private sector investment in initiatives to increase distributed energy generation systems and expands economic opportunities with partners in the region, including with minority and women-owned businesses.\r\nUnited States-Colombia Growth Initiative: Requires the DFC CEO shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees describing and assessing the implementation and impact of the United States-Colombia Growth Initiative, including the amounts provided by the DFC and the Government of the Republic of Colombia.\r\nCuba Democracy Programs: $20 million\r\nVenezuela Democracy Programs: Provides $33 million for democracy programs for Venezuela\r\nOffice of Cuba Broadcasting: Provides $12 million for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), and continues the authority to transfer up to $7,000,000 from USAGM's Buying Power Maintenance Account (BPMA) to help manage the cost of OCB reform.\r\n$506 million for assistance for Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, including through the Central America Regional Security Initiative.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=92E0E927-505B-4269-BB4B-09CEBD5A4D0D", "Rubio Releases Critical Provisions for Florida in Additional COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a list of provisions in the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that will be critical to the State of Florida during the coronavirus pandemic. These important provisions include relief to workers, families, and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and state and local lockdowns, including Rubio's $325 billion small business relief package that includes nearly $285 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help the hardest-hit small businesses.This past year, Americans all across the country have had their lives, jobs, and communities upended by a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of far too many, Rubio said. While I am confident that there are brighter days ahead and that Americans will persevere, it's clear that people need help right now. Although I believe Congress could have acted much sooner to provide additional relief to the American people, I am grateful that Congress was once again able to act in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner to help workers, families, and small businesses.The package also extends a number of unemployment provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act until March 14, 2021, that would otherwise expire at the end of the year. Additionally, the COVID-19 relief package includes Rubio and Senator Thom Tillis's (R-NC) American Citizen Coronavirus Relief Act (S.4071) to ensure that a U.S. citizen is eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) if he or she is married to a foreign national who is not currently a citizen of the United States.Critical provisions for the State of Florida in the COVID-19 relief package include:Small Businesses:\r\n\r\nPPP Second Draw:\r\n\r\nAuthorizes a second draw of PPP loans.\r\nDefines eligibility for the PPP second draw as small businesses that have no more than 300 employees and demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross revenues between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.\r\nEstablishes a maximum loan size of 2.5X average monthly payroll costs, up to $2 million.\r\n\r\nAllows small businesses assigned to the industry NAICS code 72 (Accommodation and Food Services) to receive PPP second draw loans equal to 3.5X average monthly payroll costs in order to help these businesses combat onerous State and local restrictions.\r\nMaintains existing expansions in eligibility for businesses assigned to the industry NAICS code 72 (Accommodation and Food Services).\r\n\r\n\r\nBorrowers receive full loan forgiveness if they spend at least 60 percent of their PPP second draw loan on payroll costs over a time period of their choosing between 8 weeks and 24 weeks.\r\nAffirms the eligibility of churches and religious organizations and prohibits a future administration from making them ineligible.\r\n\r\nPreserves the application of affiliation rules to nonprofits, which makes Planned Parenthood ineligible.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEIDL:\r\n\r\nMitigates fraud by requiring new measures for the SBA to verify eligibility for EIDL Advance grants.\r\nAppropriates $20 million to the SBA Inspector General to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the Targeted EIDL Advance grant program\r\n\r\n\r\nLive Venues:\r\n\r\nCreates a $15 billion grant facility for shuttered venues, theaters, museums, and zoos.\r\nProvides enhanced verification and requires increased transparency of SBA's oversight plans to ensure funds are directly benefiting eligible entities.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEconomic Impact Payments: Includes language from the American Citizen Coronavirus Relief Act both for eligibility of mixed-status families for the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) worth $600 per person, as well as a retroactive tax rebate for the original CARES Act of $1,200 for adults and $600 per person. Furthermore, the second round of EIPs will be the same for both adults and children, which is consistent with Rubio's Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act.Unemployment Relief: Extends a number of unemployment provisions in the CARES Act until March 14, 2021. This includes restoring Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments at $300 per week on top of normal benefits; extending and phasing out Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which covers those not eligible for normal UI benefits like the self-employed and gig workers; and extending the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of assistance when state unemployment runs out, as well as other extensions of CARES Act and Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) measures as detailed below.\r\n\r\nExtension and Phaseout for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)\r\n\r\nExtends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to March 14, 2021 and allows individuals receiving benefits as of March 14, 2021 to continue through April 5, 2021, as long as the individual has not reached the maximum number of weeks.\r\nIncreases the number of weeks of benefits an individual may claim from 39 to 50.\r\nProvides for appeals to be at the state level.\r\nIncludes a Rubio provision that provides states authority to waive overpayments made without fault on the part of the individual or when such repayment would violate equity and good conscience.\r\n\r\n\r\nExtension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)\r\n\r\nRestores the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement to all state and federal unemployment benefits at $300 per week, starting after December 26 and ending March 14, 2021.\r\n\r\n\r\nExtension and Phaseout for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)\r\n\r\nExtends Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) to March 14, 2021 and allows individuals receiving benefits as of March 14, 2021 to continue through April 5, 2021, as long as the individual has not reached the maximum number of weeks.\r\nIncreases the number of weeks of benefits an individual may claim through the PEUC program from 13 to 24.\r\nProvides rules for states about sequencing these benefits with other unemployment benefits.\r\n\r\n\r\nExtension of Temporary Financing of Short-Time Compensation Payments\r\n\r\nExtends through March 14, 2021 the CARES Act provision which provided temporary federal financing for state Short-Time Compensation (worksharing) programs\r\n\r\n\r\nExtension of Temporary Assistance for States with Advances\r\n\r\nExtends through March 14, 2021 accumulation of interest on federal loans states have taken in order to pay state unemployment benefits. The loans allow states with low balances in their unemployment trust funds to delay employer tax increases or other employer surcharges while the economy is struggling.\r\n\r\n\r\nExtension of Full Federal Funding of Extended Unemployment Compensation\r\n\r\nExtends through March 14, 2021 the provision in FFCRA which provided temporary full federal financing of Extended Benefits (EB) for high-unemployment states. States are normally required to pay 50 percent of the cost of EB, which is a program in permanent law.\r\n\r\n\r\nRequirement to Substantiate Employment or Self-Employment Confirm Eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)\r\n\r\nEffective January 31, 2021, requires new applicants for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to submit documentation to substantiate employment or self-employment within 21 days, and current recipients within 90 days (instead of the current requirement to merely self-certify). Provides for such deadline to be extended when an individual has shown good cause.\r\n\r\n\r\nRequirement for States to Verify Identity of Applicants for PUA\r\n\r\nRequires states to have procedures in place to verify or validate the identity of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applicants, and for timely payment of benefits.\r\n\r\n\r\nReturn to Work Reporting for CARES Act Agreements\r\n\r\nRequires states to have methods in place to address situations when claimants of unemployment compensation refuse to return to work or refuse to accept an offer of suitable work without good cause.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNutrition:\r\n\r\nIncreases SNAP's monthly benefits for 6-months and requires a report on redemption rates during the period of increased benefits.\r\nTemporarily suspends work requirements for SNAP-eligible college students while work-study programs may not be operating during the COVID emergency.\r\nProvides $100 million in FY21 for state SNAP agency administrative costs to process increased SNAP applications and implement COVID emergency measures.\r\nProvides $614 million for nutrition assistance grants to Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.\r\nProvides additional $400 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).\r\nProvides additional $13 million for Commodity Supplemental Food Program.\r\nClarifies Pandemic EBT covers each child under 6-years old in SNAP households where a local school or covered daycare has been closed or has reduced hours.\r\nPartially (55%) reimburses school food authorities and covered daycare centers for costs incurred during sudden COVID-19 emergency school closures in spring 2020.\r\nProvides additional $175 million for Older Americans Act Meals on Wheels Nutrition Services and extends certain nutrition flexibilities.\r\n\r\nHealthcare:\r\n\r\nThe relief package includes $22.5 billion for testing and contact tracing for states, localities, territories, and tribes, including a $2.5 billion set aside to improve testing in high-risk and underserved communities.\r\nProvides $19.7 billion for the Biomedical Advancement Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to produce and purchase vaccines, and $3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).\r\nThe CDC will receive $8.75 billion for vaccine distribution, including $4.5 billion for states, localities, territories, and tribes to carry out their vaccination plans.\r\nProvides $4.25 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).\r\nAllocates an additional $3 billion for healthcare providers under the Provider Relief Fund.\r\nThe NIH also gets an additional $1.25 billion for COVID research.\r\nThe package extends the suspension of the 2 percent annual Medicare payment cuts to hospitals and doctors through March 31, 2021.\r\nExtends mandatory funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program, and the Special Diabetes Programs through FY23. The National Health Service Corps will receive $310 million each year for FY21-FY23. Rubio worked to secure this funding, which is an effort he led with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) as part of the Strengthening America's Health Care Readiness Act.\r\nProvides an additional delay of the Radiation Oncology (RO) model under the Medicare program to January 1, 2022, ensuring cancer patients continue to have access to critical innovative cancer treatments such as Proton Beam Therapy. \r\nExtends Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs prescribed to kidney transplant patients who solely qualified for Medicare due to End Stage Renal Disease, and it extends eligibility for these drugs beyond the 36-month coverage limit under Medicare for post-kidney transplant recipients who do not have other insurance coverage. Rubio is a cosponsor of this bill: Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2020 (S.3353).\r\nDelays cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate-Share Hospital (DSH) payments through FY23, which intended to help offset uncompensated care costs for hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of low-income and uninsured patients. ObamaCare mandated that DSH payments be cut by about $36 billion between FY21-FY25.\r\n\r\nContractor Relief Extension:\r\n\r\nExtends until March 31, 2021, section 3610 of the CARES Act, which provides relief to certain federal contractors who cannot perform work at their duty-station or telework because of the nature of their jobs due to COVID-19.\r\n\r\nThis provision has major impacts on the workforce at NASA Kennedy Space Center.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCoronavirus Relief Fund: Extends the deadline to December 31, 2021 for spending already appropriated money. No additional flexibility or funding.Education:\r\n\r\nSchools:\r\n\r\nIncluded in the $82 billion for colleges and universities is more than $4 billion for a governors' relief fund, $54.3 billion for public K-12 schools, $2.5 billion for Emergency Assistance to nonpublic schools, and nearly $23 billion for a higher education fund.\r\n\r\nSeparately, the child care sector will receive about $10 billion in emergency cash.\r\n$250 million has been allocated to Head Start programs to address additional costs related to COVID-19.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHigher education: The legislation includes a bipartisan agreement to forgive nearly $1.3 billion in federal loans to historically Black colleges and universities, deliver Pell grants to incarcerated students after a 26-year ban, and simplify financial aid forms.\r\n\r\nTransportation:\r\n\r\nProvides $16 billion in additional assistance through March 31, 2021.\r\n\r\nThis includes $15 billion for passenger air carrier workers and $1 billion for the employees of contractors that provide ground services directly to air carriers, such as catering services or on-airport functions.\r\n\r\n\r\n$2 billion for passenger transportation services, such as the bus, motor coach, and passenger vessel industries.\r\n$2 billion for airport operations, personnel, and debt service to keep facilities open and staff on payroll through the pandemic.\r\n$10 billion for highways including $9.8 billion for Surface Transportation Block Grants.\r\n$14 billion for Transit Infrastructure Grants to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, including $13.3 billion for grants to urbanized areas and $679 million for grants to non-urbanized areas.\r\n\r\nAgriculture:\r\n\r\nProvides $11.18 billion for COVID-related assistance to support agricultural producers, growers, processors, specialty crops, non-specialty crops, dairy, livestock, poultry, and contract livestock and poultry producers and other purposes. Within this amount notable items include:\r\nProvides supplemental assistance to price trigger crops and flat rate crops of $20 per acre.\r\nDirects the Secretary to make payments to producers for losses incurred due to the depopulation of livestock and poultry due to insufficient processing access.\r\nProvides support for cattle producers.\r\nProvides $1 billion for contract growers of livestock and poultry to cover losses.\r\nProvides $20 million for animal disease prevention and response capacity.\r\nAssists domestic users of upland cotton and extra-long staple cotton and allows for support to processors for losses of crops due to insufficient processing access.\r\nProvides $1.5 billion for the Secretary to purchase food and agriculture products, including seafood, and to purchase and distribute agriculture products including fresh dairy, produce and meat products through NGOs\r\nProvides for grants and loans to small or mid-sized food processors or distributors, seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, farmers markets, producers, or other organizations to respond to COVID-19 and protect workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A66A0A1A-C6EF-46AA-8270-C7C6EED45A5E", "Rubio Secures Record Everglades Funding, Critical Water Projects in Spending Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement after Congress agreed to appropriate $250 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration, which funds a suite of Everglades projects, including the Central Everglades Planning Project, in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus appropriations bill. Rubio, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, previously secured $200 million in FY 2020 federal appropriations for Everglades restoration, a three-fold increase from the previous fiscal year.    After decades of delays and underfunding, it is clear there is now an overwhelming bipartisan commitment to restoring our nation's Everglades, Rubio said. I am grateful to the President, the Governor, and all my colleagues in the House and Senate for their tireless efforts, and I look forward to working to further advance restoration efforts in the months and years to come so we can finally deliver on these long overdue promises of a healthy, thriving ecosystem in Florida.    The FY 2021 omnibus appropriations bill also includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Rubio secured numerous key provisions in WRDA 2020, including authorization and funding for critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects related to Everglades restoration, beach renourishment, flood control, and environmental protection.    Not only does this bill authorize a number of projects that will benefit Florida, but it includes language to fix the bureaucratic mess that has caused unnecessary delays to the construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir, Rubio continued. The EAA reservoir is a critical piece of infrastructure that will move Everglades restoration forward and reduce the threat that harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee pose to our coastal communities. Overall, the Water Resources Development Act takes significant steps to improve Florida's ecosystems, ports, flood-prevention infrastructure, reservoirs, and water systems.    A detailed list of Florida-related WRDA 2020 authorization is below:  \r\nProject Modifications\r\n \r\nEAA Reservoir  Clarifies that the EAA Reservoir is part of Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and authorizes the Secretary to carry out the project at the full amount of $4,362,091,000.\r\nCharlotte County, Florida  Authorizes the Secretary to review Charlotte County's proposed modification of the wastewater infrastructure.\r\n \r\nProject Authorizations\r\n \r\nCERP, Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project, Martin and Palm Beach Counties  ecosystem restoration\r\nCaloosahatchee River West Basin Storage Reservoir (C-43 WBSR)  ecosystem restoration\r\nC-111 South Dade  flood risk management and ecosystem restoration\r\nFort Pierce, St. Lucie County  hurricane and storm damage reduction\r\nHarmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program  Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a $25 million demonstration program to determine causes and develop effective monitoring, prevention, and response actions related to HABs associated with Corps projects in eight regions, including Lake Okeechobee.\r\nShingle Creek and Kissimmee River, Osceola County  Authorizes a feasibility study for a project for ecosystem restoration and water storage.\r\nSt. Johns River and Lake Jesup  Authorizes a feasibility study for a project for ecosystem restoration.\r\nLake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule  Directs the Corps to evaluate the implications of prohibiting releases to the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon on the operation of the Lake.\r\nMiami River  Deauthorizes 1,000 linear feet at the upstream end of the project for navigation.\r\nJulian Keen, Jr. Lock and Dam, Moore Haven  Renames the lock and dam at Moore Haven, Florida, as the Julian Keen, Jr. Lock and Dam in honor of a fallen FWC officer.\r\n \r\nPolicy Improvements\r\n \r\nSouth Atlantic Coastal Study  Requires annual state-by-state reporting on the South Atlantic Coastal Study to Congress. Senator Rubio authored this study in 2016, with full funding in 2018, which requires the Army Corps of Engineers to study Florida's coast and offer recommendations to better protect our coasts.\r\nCERP Project Deauthorization Exclusion  Excludes eligibility of CERP projects from inclusion on the Secretary's proposed deauthorization list to protect them from premature deauthorization.\r\nNon-Federal Project Implementation Pilot Program  Reauthorizes the pilot program for non-Federal project implementation and clarifies the eligibility of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan projects for the pilot program, which is an important step toward allowing Florida's outstanding local sponsors of projects to assume responsibility for a wider range of work.\r\nHarbor Maintenance Trust Fund  Unlocks the appropriation of additional funds for harbor maintenance needs from the current $10 billion balance in Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), as well as makes changes to better meet the needs of donor and energy-transfer ports like Port Miami and Port Everglades.\r\n \r\nProject Deauthorizations\r\n \r\nBig Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation  Deauthorizes the Big Cypress Critical Project.\r\nTaylor Creek Reservoir and Levee L-73 (Section 1), Upper St. Johns River Basin  Deauthorizes the Taylor Creek Reservoir and Section 1 of the L-73 Levee within the Upper St. Johns River Basin, Florida.\r\n \r\nExpedited Project Documents  Congress urges the expedited completion of ongoing feasibility studies for:\r\n \r\nLake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project (LOWRP)\r\nWestern Everglades Restoration Project (WERP)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C349109B-9EFF-4964-AA42-FD2F6DEA05FC", "Rubio Applauds House Passage of Bill to Extend Bankruptcy Judgeships", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded the House passage of legislation to extend 25 temporary bankruptcy judgeships across the country  including two in Florida  for five years. Rubio joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the bill earlier this month. The bill previously passed in the Senate on December 9, 2020, and it will now head to the President for signature.In addition to Rubio, Coons, and Graham, Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) cosponsored the legislation.As America's businesses struggle with the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability for businesses to efficiently reorganize in bankruptcy is critical, Rubio said. Any obstacle to resolving these cases is an undue burden for both our judicial system and businesses. This legislation ensures that our courts have the resources necessary to manage these critical caseloads.This legislation will better equip our bankruptcy system, helping courts, businesses and consumers by allowing these cases to be addressed in a timely manner, Graham said. I'm glad to see these important changes passed into law.Businesses and individuals are facing profound financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bipartisan bill will ensure they can go through bankruptcy efficiently, Coons said. When they can't, jobs and revenue are lost. Delaware has earned its reputation for having one of the most highly regarded bankruptcy courts in the country, and this law ensures that our court has the resources it will need to manage pressing caseloads and provide relief to businesses and employees.In these challenging times, our legal system shouldn't be another source of uncertainty for businesses and workers, Carper said. This common-sense bill will ensure our courts including those in Delaware, have the adequate resources to fairly and expeditiously process bankruptcy cases. Specifically, this bill will maintain the number of judgeships in Delaware's bankruptcy courts, which remain some of the busiest and handle some of the important cases in our country. I thank Senator Coons for his leadership in bringing Republicans and Democrats together to pass this important piece of legislation.This legislation will ensure that Marylanders have continuing access to our bankruptcy courts during the ongoing pandemic, Cardin said. Congress must provide our courts with the judges and resources they need to serve Maryland companies, employees, and individuals who have been impacted by severe economic challenges.The COVID-19 pandemic has put an enormous strain on American businesses and the economy, Blackburn said. As we fight to preserve lives, we must also take steps to protect our livelihoods. This legislation will ensure that our bankruptcy courts can provide relief to American businesses and employees to get them back on their feet.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E72EBBDC-9F6F-46AA-9427-63AD6A679C51", "Rubio, Cardin, Risch, Feinstein Welcome Passage of Their Bipartisan Bill in Support of Tibet", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), welcomed the passage of their bipartisan Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 (S.2539). The legislation, included in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill, seeks to update and strengthen the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 to address emerging human rights, religious freedom, and other challenges faced by the Tibetan people. Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives (H.R. 4331).\r\nRubio is Co-Chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations' Subcommittee that oversees human rights, and is a member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.\r\nPassage of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act sends an important message that the United States stands with the Tibetan people and against any effort by the Chinese Communist Party to interfere with the religious process of identifying Tibetan Buddhist leaders, such as the Dalai Lama, Rubio said. We must continue to shine a light on the grave assaults against the Tibetan people's religion, culture, and language by the Chinese Communist government, both inside Tibet and outside the PRC. I applaud the passage of this bipartisan legislation and urge the State Department to use the tools it provides to address escalating human rights abuses in Tibet.\r\nBipartisan passage of the Tibet Policy and Support Act sends a strong message to Chinese officials that the U.S. will not stay silent in the face of inference in the Tibetan Buddhist practices, including the deeply spiritual process of selecting the next Dalai Lama. Such actions will be met with consequences, such as the possibility of targeted Global Magnitsky sanctions, Cardin said. Congress stands united in its support for the human rights, religious freedom and genuine autonomy of the Tibetan people.\r\nWe have come together with one voice by passing the Tibetan Policy and Support Act, Risch said. I have long supported the rights and freedoms of the people of Tibet. I am particularly proud that this legislation reaffirms U.S. efforts to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist faith community without interference from the Chinese Communist Party.\r\nI'm very pleased that our bill to update the Tibet Policy Act will soon become law, Feinstein said. It addresses the worsening human rights conditions and limitations on religious freedom in Tibet as well as China's efforts to intrude on matters best left to the Tibetan people. I thank Senator Rubio for his partnership on this bill and hope it brings about positive change for the Tibetan people.\r\nRelated:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6B62A775-52AD-4DA2-934E-D813C775DFE4", "At Mast\u2019s Urging, Congress Delivers Historic Funding For Everglades Restoration", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Brian Mast", "M001199", "mast.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the FY2021 budget, which includes $250 million in funding for Everglades restoration:\r\nThis is a historic vote for Everglades restoration and stopping harmful discharges, Rep. Mast said. This record-setting funding is exactly what we need to accelerate restoration projects and send more water south where Mother Nature intended it to go!\r\nIn 2019, Rep. Mast convinced the White House and Congress to pass an appropriations package with $200 million in funding for Everglades restoration. Earlier this year, Rep. Mast sent a letter to President Trump urging his Administration to request $250 million for Everglades funding in his budget. This year's budget, which includes the additional $50 million, builds on Rep. Mast's track record of success and brings the total to a record-setting $250 million. A full timeline of Rep. Mast's efforts to secure Everglades funding during the 116th Congress is available here.\r\nThis appropriations bill has also passed the Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump in the coming days.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/media/press-releases/steube-demands-investigation-swalwell-s-ties-chinese-spy", "Steube Demands Investigation into Swalwell\u2019s Ties with Chinese Spy", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Greg Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, inquiring if the Bureau has made any efforts to investigate the relationship between Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang, or Christine Fang.\nWe know that the threat from Communist China is dire as they attempt to infiltrate our universities, intelligence communities, and even our highest levels of government, Steube said. At a minimum, we need to remove Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee and demand a thorough and immediate investigation into his ties with Fang Fang. Anything less would be a threat to our national security and complete failure on behalf of the American people.\nSwalwell currently serves on the House Intelligence Committee, and despite House Republicans'efforts, there have been no actions to suspend or remove him from the committee at this time.\nTies between Swalwell and Fang date back to 2012, and she has a history of fundraising for his campaign. There are evenreportsof Fang having an intern hired to Swalwell's Congressional office after receiving her recommendation. The FBI alerted Swalwell of their investigation into Fang in 2015, shortly after she left the country.\nStrengthening our national security and countering the threat from Communist China has been a top priority for Steube. Earlier this Congress, he introduced theChinese Communist Party (CCP) Visa Disclosure Act of 2020,which would require aliens applying for certain United States visas to disclose if they receive funds from the Government of the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party.\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-demands-investigation-into-swalwell-s-ties-with-chinese-spy/", "Steube Demands Investigation into Swalwell\u2019s Ties with Chinese Spy", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Steube Demands Investigation into Swalwell\u2019s Ties with Chinese Spy\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, inquiring if the Bureau has made any efforts to investigate the relationship between Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang, or Christine Fang.\n\n\u201cWe know that the threat from Communist China is dire as they attempt to infiltrate our universities, intelligence communities, and even our highest levels of government,\u201d Steube said. \u201cAt a minimum, we need to remove Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee and demand a thorough and immediate investigation into his ties with Fang Fang. Anything less would be a threat to our national security and complete failure on behalf of the American people.\u201d\n\nSwalwell currently serves on the House Intelligence Committee, and despite House Republicans\u2019 efforts, there have been no actions to suspend or remove him from the committee at this time.\n\nTies between Swalwell and Fang date back to 2012, and she has a history of fundraising for his campaign. There are even reports of Fang having an intern hired to Swalwell\u2019s Congressional office after receiving her recommendation. The FBI alerted Swalwell of their investigation into Fang in 2015, shortly after she left the country.\n\nStrengthening our national security and countering the threat from Communist China has been a top priority for Steube. Earlier this Congress, he introduced the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Visa Disclosure Act of 2020, which would require aliens applying for certain United States visas to disclose if they receive funds from the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-votes-against-trillion-dollar-politicized-spending-bill/", "Steube Votes Against Trillion Dollar Politicized Spending Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Steube Votes Against Trillion Dollar Politicized Spending Bill\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube today released the following statement after voting against this year\u2019s Consolidated Appropriations Act:\n\n\u201cThis so-called relief bill fails to target the needs of citizens in our District and fails to bring much-needed relief to our fellow countrymen. Instead of addressing the economic suffering of Americans, Democrats have run the clock down so debate and meaningful compromise is impossible. Their solution is to manipulate this process to include their radical agenda of defunding ICE, elements of the Green New Deal and to skyrocket unnecessary federal spending. We are left with a choice \u2013 give in again or reject this misguided legislation as a signal that we demand targeted aid for our citizens.\u201d\n\nInstead of providing relief to those in need, this legislation would defund critical agencies like ICE, continue to incentivize keeping people home from work and students home from school, and would raise the deficit to the highest levels in history.\n\nThe legislation included a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package, along with an additional $900 billion COVID relief package, totaling as much as $2.3 trillion of taxpayer money.\n\nWith the United States already facing $27.4 trillion of debt, this legislation would add to the problem, all while:\n\nEncouraging Americans to rely on unemployment insurance instead of returning to the workforce;\n\nIncreasing dependency on SNAP monthly benefits;\n\nDefunding critical security agencies, like ICE;\n\nAllowing schools to receive extra funding while they remain closed and hamper the development of America\u2019s children;\n\nBailing out the failing U.S. Postal Service and allowing them to not repay the prior $10 billion loan from the CARES Act;\n\nLacking any liability protections for businesses, schools, universities and churches, thus further encouraging ongoing COVID-19 closures;\n\nGiving concessions to the radical progressive climate change agenda;\n\nExtending tax credits solely designed to benefit the wealthy;\n\nFurther burdening future generations of taxpayers with reckless and irrelevant spending.\n\nThe text of the bill reached 5,593 pages and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives only had roughly 7 hours to analyze the legislation, making it nearly impossible for each Member to be able to read the bill.\n\nRather than supporting last minute, multi-thousand page legislation which fails to properly address the needs of the American people, Steube has taken a number of steps throughout the year to support Florida\u2019s small businesses, families, farmers, and veterans. He has stood up for long-term care facilities and their residents by urging the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate unused Provider Relief Funds. He has fought for the inclusion of 501(c)(6)s in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). He has cosponsored legislation to cap unemployment insurance and encourage businesses to reopen and people to go back to work. He has worked alongside U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to support farmers in Florida and across the country.\n\nThese are only several of Steube\u2019s initiatives to put Floridians on the road to recovery from COVID-19. He has been a vocal supporter of Governor Ron DeSantis\u2019 (R-Fla.) efforts to reopen businesses and schools and has participated in a swath of initiatives to hold China and the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their role in the pandemic.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-applauds-senate-passage-his-buy-american-resolution", "Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Senate Passage of His \u201cBuy American\u201d Resolution", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott applauded the Senate passage of his and Senator Tammy Baldwin's bipartisanresolution calling on Americans to buy products made in the U.S. whenever possible in order to support American jobs and manufacturing, and help build up the U.S. supply chain.\nSenator Rick Scott said, I'm glad my colleagues joined together to pass this resolution, which encourages all Americans to buy products made in the U.S. whenever possible. This outbreak has shown that we cannot continue to rely on our adversaries, like Communist China, who lied about the coronavirus and refused to be a partner in solving the crisis, for our critical supplies. I know it's not always easy, but buying American is an important step we can all take at home to support American jobs, American producers and American manufacturers, while helping build up the U.S. supply chain. I'm committed to supporting American businesses and jobs, and ensuring America remains strong as the undisputed leader of the global economy.\nSenator Tammy Baldwin said, I strongly believe that when we're using U.S. taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting American workers and American-made products. As our nation addresses supply chain shortages and works to keep our economy moving forward during this pandemic, we must boost our Made in America economy by prioritizing American manufacturers, workers and products over foreign workers and foreign-made goods.\nSee more in Senator Scott's speech on the Senate floor HERE or below. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396854", "Rep. Poseys Statement on His Vote Against the $2.3 Trillion Omnibus Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Bill Posey", "P000599", "posey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Posey's Statement on the $2.3 Trillion Omnibus Bill\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                    \n\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                        \r\n                            Washington,\r\n                            December 21, 2020-\r\n                        Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) released the following statement regarding his vote against the 5,500-page, $2.3 trillion omnibus bill:\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nTonight, the House considered two bills comprising over 5,500 pages of spending totaling $2.3 trillion, all of which was made public just four hours before the 1.1 million word bill was put to a vote on the House floor with little time to read the legislation. Congressional leaders put off what could have been done months earlier, instead waiting until the eleventh hour to bring forward important legislation to fund our government and provide economic relief that was saddled with thousands of pages in unrelated legislation. I'm pleased that there are some very good provisions in the bills  including provisions I have voted for previous COVID relief bills - like the approval of additional relief to those suffering the economic and health effects of COVID, as well as the additional unemployment benefits.\r\n\r\nHowever, the real process of negotiating this legislation should have taken place long ago on the House floor through spirited, transparent debate and votes on amendments from both sides of the aisle, not written behind closed doors by a handful of people. We must end the practice that allows a small number of people in a back room to rewrite the laws of this nation and spend trillions of dollars with no transparency or oversight.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=8EBD495A-31C0-4A9A-99AD-6E3D79D8570D", "Rubio, Tillis Aplauden Correccin del CARES Act Para Permitirle Cheques de Estmulo a Ciudadanos de EE. UU.", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Los senadores estadounidenses Marco Rubio (R-FL) y Thom Tillis (R-NC) aplaudieron la inclusin de su legislacin, La Ley de Alivio al Ciudadano Americano por el Coronavirus (S.4071), en el paquete de ayuda federal por el coronavirus. Esta medida asegurar que un ciudadano de EE.UU. sea elegible para recibir un Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) si l o ella est casado con un extranjero que actualmente no es un ciudadano de EE.UU. Esta inclusin se aplicar retroactivamente como una devolucin de impuestos reembolsable y la elegibilidad tambin se incluye para la prxima ronda de cheques de estmulo econmico. A principios de este ao, durante una entrevista con Telemundo Network, el senador Rubio expres su inters en remediar esta inelegibilidad en la Ley CARES.\r\n\"Arreglar la provisin que le negaba a algunos ciudadanos de EE.UU. elegibles para recibir un cheque de estmulo econmico bajo la Ley CARES era una omisin que tena que ser corregida\", Rubio dijo. \"Ningn americano tuvo que ser bloqueado de recibir asistencia federal durante la pandemia global del COVID. Le agradezco al senador Tillis y a mis otros colegas en el senado por su liderazgo para lograr que esto fuese una realidad\".\r\nRelacionado:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8F002DEB-E4E9-49F3-9BAD-CE8930C384E0", "Rubio, Warner Applaud Passage of Intelligence Authorization Act in COVID-19 Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Acting Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) applauded the upcoming passage of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (IAA) as part of the bipartisan, targeted COVID-19 relief package. The bill, which was approved by the Committee on a bipartisan 14 - 1 vote on June 8, 2020 and passed the Senate on July 23, 2020 as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances Congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community.Recent events make it all too clear that our nation continues to face ever-expanding threats from hostile foreign actors, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, Rubio said. It is vital that our Intelligence Community has the necessary resources, authorities, and personnel to protect America's national security, and the Senate Intelligence Committee's strong, bipartisan legislation does just that. Our bill also increases government efficiency and represents comprehensive Congressional oversight to ensure that these tools are executed responsibly and cost-effectively.I am happy to say that the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 was included in the compromise legislation. The IAA ensures that the women and men of America's Intelligence Community have the tools and resources they need to keep our country safe, and to ensure that decision makers are presented with the best intelligence, regardless of fear or favor. Passage of the IAA also ensures that Congress fulfills its mission of providing robust oversight of the nation's intelligence agencies. This bipartisan bill includes key measures to improve our national security and America's technological edge, Warner said.Background:The IAA for Fiscal Year 2021 ensures that the Intelligence Community can continue its critical work for our country while Congress continues its oversight, including in the following key areas:\r\n\r\nDeterring and uncovering core threats from China and Russia, by identifying their corruption, influence operations, and information suppression;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCountering our adversaries' attempts to compromise telecommunications and cybersecurity technology, and requiring complex, extensive assessments of our current critical technologies and their supply chains;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStrengthening open source intelligence capabilities for improved collection and analysis across the entire Intelligence Community;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnhancing recruitment and hiring for our Intelligence Community, by giving the agencies the resources and tools they need to advance their talented workforce that protects our nation day in and day out; and\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnsuring accountability and integrity from our Intelligence Community agencies, which undertake our most sensitive intelligence programs and activities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CFFE9FDB-3448-4349-8E05-1FC37C1FB367", "English/Espaol: Rubio, Tillis Applaud CARES Act Fix to Allow Stimulus Money for U.S. Citizens", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) applauded the inclusion of their legislation, The American Citizen Coronavirus Relief Act (S.4071), in the coronavirus relief package. This measure will ensure that a U.S. citizen is eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) if he or she is married to a foreign national who is not currently a citizen of the United States. This inclusion will apply retroactively as a refundable tax rebate and eligibility is also included for the next round of EIPs. Earlier this year, during an interview with Telemundo Network, Senator Rubio expressed his interest in remedying this ineligibility under the CARES Act.\r\n\"Fixing the provision that denied some eligible American citizens from receiving a federal stimulus check under the CARES Act was an oversight that needed correction, Rubio said. No American should have been blocked from receiving federal assistance during a global pandemic because of who they married. I thank Senator Tillis and my other Senate colleagues for their leadership in getting this across the finish line.\r\nEvery eligible American citizen should receive the direct economic stimulus payment from the CARES Act and this new COVID-19 relief package as we continue to battle this pandemic, Tillis said. I am proud this bipartisan legislation to fix this oversight will become law so hard-working North Carolinians receive the stimulus payment they deserve.\r\nRelated:\r\n\r\nRUBIO, TILLIS APLAUDEN CORRECCIN DEL CARES ACT PARA PERMITIRLE CHEQUES DE ESTMULO A CIUDADANOS DE EE. UU.\r\nWashington, D.C. Los senadores estadounidenses Marco Rubio (R-FL) y Thom Tillis (R-NC) aplaudieron la inclusin de su legislacin, La Ley de Alivio al Ciudadano Americano por el Coronavirus (S.4071), en el paquete de ayuda federal por el coronavirus. Esta medida asegurar que un ciudadano de EE.UU. sea elegible para recibir un Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) si l o ella est casado con un extranjero que actualmente no es un ciudadano de EE.UU. Esta inclusin se aplicar retroactivamente como una devolucin de impuestos reembolsable y la elegibilidad tambin se incluye para la prxima ronda de cheques de estmulo econmico. A principios de este ao, durante una entrevista con Telemundo Network, el senador Rubio expres su inters en remediar esta inelegibilidad en la Ley CARES.\r\n\"Arreglar la provisin que le negaba a algunos ciudadanos de EE.UU. elegibles para recibir un cheque de estmulo econmico bajo la Ley CARES era una omisin que tena que ser corregida\", Rubio dijo. \"Ningn americano tuvo que ser bloqueado de recibir asistencia federal durante la pandemia global del COVID. Le agradezco al senador Tillis y a mis otros colegas en el senado por su liderazgo para lograr que esto fuese una realidad\".\r\nRelacionado:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DA23B5EB-A1F8-4740-AD86-7896C9B58786", "Chairman Rubio: Help Is Finally on the Way", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, applauded the agreement of a $325 billion small business relief package, which includes nearly $285 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help the hardest-hit small businesses. The package includes a higher PPP forgivable loan calculation for restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in related services, and increased assistance for live venues in order to aid industries that have been severely impacted by state and local restrictions. The legislation also includes enhancements and a direct infusion of working capital in SBA's lending programs, PPP set-asides for the smallest businesses and community lenders, and extension of debt forbearance in order to help minority-owned and underserved borrowers access grants and the working capital they need.Last week, former Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Holtz-Eakin called PPP the single most effective fiscal policy ever undertaken by the United States Government.A summary can be found here. A section by section can be found here.To all of the small business owners who have worked hard to make ends meet and to all the employees left in limbo: help is finally on the way, Chairman Rubio said. The Paycheck Protection Program was the single most effective relief program passed by Congress, and I am proud that this legislation will provide enough funds for a second round of PPP and additional relief measures to help the hardest-hit and underserved small businesses weather the second, and hopefully last, wave.Importantly, this package includes targeted assistance to aid restaurants and live venues who have been devastated by the impacts of the pandemic and state and local lockdowns, Chairman Rubio continued. Even though the days of 2020 are numbered and the vaccine distribution is beginning, we know that the economic devastation of the pandemic is ongoing and will continue into the new year. That is why I have been urging Democratic congressional leadership to pass bipartisan small business relief since the summer. I appreciated working with my colleagues, Ranking Member Cardin, Chairwoman Velzquez, and Ranking Member Chabot on this bipartisan, bicameral effort to save America's small businesses.This $325 billion title would provide additional assistance to the hardest-hit small businesses, nonprofits, and venues that are struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The title would provide funding for a second round of forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and nonprofits experiencing significant revenue loss, make programmatic improvements to PPP, fund grants to shuttered venues, and enact emergency enhancements to other SBA lending programs. It would also simplify the PPP forgiveness process for loans under $150,000, including not requiring extraneous documentation for loan forgiveness when the borrower submits its one-page attestation form. Documents would only be required by the lender or SBA in the event of an audit or investigation. This critical assistance will provide small business owners with the capital they need to survive an impending second wave of the pandemic, including critical resources for the smallest businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-matt-gaetz-issues-statement-following-house-omnibus-legislation", "Congressman Matt Gaetz Issues Statement Following Stimulus Package and Omnibus Bill House Votes", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Matt Gaetz", "G000578", "gaetz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, US Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) issued the following statement in response to the US House of Representatives' passage ofa government funding bill for fiscal year 2021 and a COVID-19 reliefpackage:\n\n\"Democrats quietly acknowledged the outlandish provisions in their omnibus legislation tonight by splitting their original legislation into two separate votes. I voted yes on the half of the bill which funds our military and provides a pay raise for the brave men and women who serve America. I voted no on the second half of the spending bill, which provides windfalls to corporate special interests, while simultaneously shortchanging American citizens .\n\nWhile the Defense/Homeland Security/CJS/FSGG bill is not perfect, it provides crucial support for our servicemembers, and it gives America's armed forces the tools they need to succeed, both now and in the future. It also did not place arbitrary and unfair limits on the President's authority to withdraw troops  and to draw down endless, unconstitutional wars.\n\nThe other half of the Democrats' bill, however, denies a simple truth  no amount of government-sponsored generational theft will do our people better than an open economy. It continues to subsidize the heartless, reactionary lockdown ideology of Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer's political allies.\n\nAmerica's struggling workers should be prioritized over gender-specific programs in Pakistan or anti-narcotics programs in Bruma, or money for Ukraine (all of which are funded in this bill). It doubles down on many failed Democrat policies, giving special interests billions of dollars in perks, while giving our fellow Americans a paltry payment of only $600. America deserves better than this swamp sludge,\"Congressman Gaetz said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/covid-relief-bill-includes-diaz-balart-s-fix-to-a-cares-act-discrepancy", "COVID Relief Bill Includes Diaz-Balarts Fix to a CARES Act Discrepancy", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement regarding his provision included in the new COVID relief bill that allows U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents to receive stimulus checks even if they are married to an undocumented immigrant.\nUnder current law, the CARES Act specifies that taxpayers who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), rather than a Social Security Number (SSN), are ineligible for the Economic Impact Payment. The IRS assigns an ITIN to nonresident and resident aliens who are ineligible to receive Social Security Numbers or are in the process of applying for legal status. This provision in the CARES Act also applies to ITIN holders who file jointly with a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, but in this case, the U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse is also ineligible to receive the Economic Impact Payment for themselves or their children.\nIn June, Congressman Diaz-Balart introduced the Economic Impact Payment Fairness Act to address this discrepancy within the CARES Act by allowing all those with a valid SSN who meet the income requirements to receive the EIP and the child tax credit if their children meet the current criteria.\nAs I have stated before, there is no reason to justify why a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident should be excluded from receiving a benefit meant for Americans simply due to the legal status of a spouse. I am thrilled to see that this provision was taken into consideration in this new COVID relief bill, and I look forward to seeing the great impact this will make in helping the American people.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/covid-relief-bill-includes-diaz-balarts-fix-cares-act-discrepancy", "COVID Relief Bill Includes Diaz-Balart\u2019s Fix to a CARES Act Discrepancy", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement regarding his provision included in the new COVID relief bill that allows U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents to receive stimulus checks even if they are married to an undocumented immigrant.\n\nUnder current law, the CARES Act specifies that taxpayers who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), rather than a Social Security Number (SSN), are ineligible for the Economic Impact Payment. The IRS assigns an ITIN to nonresident and resident aliens who are ineligible to receive Social Security Numbers or are in the process of applying for legal status. This provision in the CARES Act also applies to ITIN holders who file jointly with a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, but in this case, the U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse is also ineligible to receive the Economic Impact Payment for themselves or their children.\n\nIn June, Congressman Diaz-Balart introduced the Economic Impact Payment Fairness Act to address this discrepancy within the CARES Act by allowing all those with a valid SSN who meet the income requirements to receive the EIP and the child tax credit if their children meet the current criteria.\n\n\"As I have stated before, there is no reason to justify why a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident should be excluded from receiving a benefit meant for Americans simply due to the legal status of a spouse. I am thrilled to see that this provision was taken into consideration in this new COVID relief bill, and I look forward to seeing the great impact this will make in helping the American people.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-remarks-house-passage-critical-covid-relief", "Diaz-Balart Remarks on the House Passage of Critical COVID Relief", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement regarding the House passage of approximately $900 billion in critical COVID relief.\n\n\"This bill closely resembles proposals that Republicans tried to pass multiple times in the last few months to no avail or support from House Leadership. It is a shame that during all this time, the livelihoods of the American people were compromised because of Speaker Pelosi's partisan agenda. Every time a bipartisan proposal was shot down, a small business had to close its doors, an American worker was left unemployed, and thousands of families were left struggling.\n\n\"Although this legislation could have been signed into law months ago, I am pleased that we have reached a COVID relief bill thatprovides critical assistance for small businesses, enhances funding for vaccine distribution, and delivers aid for families that need it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-remarks-on-the-house-passage-of-critical-covid-relief", "Diaz-Balart Remarks on the House Passage of Critical COVID Relief", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement regarding the House passage of approximately $900 billion in critical COVID relief.\nThis bill closely resembles proposals that Republicans tried to pass multiple times in the last few months to no avail or support from House Leadership. It is a shame that during all this time, the livelihoods of the American people were compromised because of Speaker Pelosi's partisan agenda. Every time a bipartisan proposal was shot down, a small business had to close its doors, an American worker was left unemployed, and thousands of families were left struggling.\nAlthough this legislation could have been signed into law months ago, I am pleased that we have reached a COVID relief bill thatprovides critical assistance for small businesses, enhances funding for vaccine distribution, and delivers aid for families that need it.\nClick here for additional information on key provisions included in this bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-secures-critical-funding-fy2021-bill", "Diaz-Balart Secures Critical Funding in FY2021 Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the House passage of the FY2021 funding bill.\n\n\"The FY2021 funding bill includes big wins for our nation and for Florida. This bill prioritizes funding to enhance our infrastructure, support our military and law enforcement, and strengthen our national security. In addition, school safety remains a top priority, Everglades Restoration receives a significant influx of funding, and programs that our farmers and growers rely on will continue. It also supports critical housing programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Homeless Assistance Grants.\n\n\"Attached to this bill are several legislative priorities, including an end to surprise billing\u2014 patients will now know the real cost of a scheduled procedure before it takes place. Additionally, this bill includes the final version of WRDA 2020, thereby ensuring the Moore Haven Lock and Dam is renamed in honor of fallen FWC Officer Julian Keen, Jr.\n\n\"We have already seen Florida capitalize on the programs these bills fund, and with its passage today, our state will continue to benefit from them moving forward.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-secures-critical-funding-in-fy2021-bill", "Diaz-Balart Secures Critical Funding in FY2021 Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the House passage of the FY2021 funding bill.\nThe FY2021 funding bill includes big wins for our nation and for Florida. This bill prioritizes funding to enhance our infrastructure, support our military and law enforcement, and strengthen our national security. In addition, school safety remains a top priority, Everglades Restoration receives a significant influx of funding, and programs that our farmers and growers rely on will continue. It also supports critical housing programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Homeless Assistance Grants.\nAttached to this bill are several legislative priorities, including an end to surprise billing patients will now know the real cost of a scheduled procedure before it takes place. Additionally, this bill includes the final version of WRDA 2020, thereby ensuring the Moore Haven Lock and Dam is renamed in honor of fallen FWC Officer Julian Keen, Jr.\nWe have already seen Florida capitalize on the programs these bills fund, and with its passage today, our state will continue to benefit from them moving forward.\nCongressman Diaz-Balart, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, was successful in including the following items in the 2021 appropriations omnibus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/el-proyecto-de-ley-de-alivio-del-covid-19-incluye-la-soluci-n-de-d-az", "El proyecto de ley de alivio del COVID-19 incluye la solucin de Daz-Balart a una discrepancia en la Ley CARES", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.El congresista Mario Daz-Balart (FL-25) emiti la siguiente declaracin con respecto a su provision la cual fue incluida en el nuevo proyecto de ley de alivio del COVID-19 que permite a los ciudadanos estadounidenses y residentes legales permanentes recibir cheques de estmulo incluso si estn casados con un inmigrante indocumentado.\nLa actual Ley CARES especifica que los contribuyentes que presenten un Nmero de Identificacin Personal de Contribuyente (ITIN), en lugar de un Nmero de Seguro Social (SSN), no son elegibles para el Pago de Impacto Econmico. El IRS asigna un ITIN a los extranjeros no residentes y residentes que no son elegibles para recibir Nmeros de Seguro Social o estn en proceso de solicitar estatus legal. Esta disposicin de la Ley CARES tambin se aplica a los titulares de ITIN que presenten sus impuestos conjuntamente con un ciudadano estadounidense o un cnyuge residente permanente legal; pero en este caso el ciudadano estadounidense o un cnyuge residente permanente legal tampoco es elegible para recibir el pago de impacto econmico, para ellos o sus hijos.\nEn junio, el congresista Daz-Balart present laLey de Equidad de Pago por el Impacto Econmicopara abordar esta discrepancia dentro de la Ley CARES al permitir que todos aquellos con un SSN vlido y que cumplan con los requisitos de ingresos reciban el Pago de Impacto Econmico y el crdito tributario por hijos, si sus hijos cumplen con los criterios actuales.\nComo he dicho antes, no hay razn para justificar por qu un ciudadano estadounidense o un residente legal permanente debe ser excluido de recibir un beneficio destinado a los estadounidenses simplemente por el estado legal de un cnyuge. Estoy encantado de ver que esta provision se tom en consideracin en este nuevo proyecto de ley de alivio del COVID-19, y espero ver el gran impacto que esto tendr para ayudar al pueblo estadounidense.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/el-proyecto-de-ley-de-alivio-del-covid-19-incluye-la-solucion-de-diaz", "El proyecto de ley de alivio del COVID-19 incluye la soluci\u00f3n de D\u00edaz-Balart a una discrepancia en la Ley CARES", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013El congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-25) emiti\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n con respecto a su provision la cual fue incluida en el nuevo proyecto de ley de alivio del COVID-19 que permite a los ciudadanos estadounidenses y residentes legales permanentes recibir cheques de est\u00edmulo incluso si est\u00e1n casados con un inmigrante indocumentado.\n\nLa actual Ley CARES especifica que los contribuyentes que presenten un N\u00famero de Identificaci\u00f3n Personal de Contribuyente (ITIN), en lugar de un N\u00famero de Seguro Social (SSN), no son elegibles para el Pago de Impacto Econ\u00f3mico. El IRS asigna un ITIN a los extranjeros no residentes y residentes que no son elegibles para recibir N\u00fameros de Seguro Social o est\u00e1n en proceso de solicitar estatus legal. Esta disposici\u00f3n de la Ley CARES tambi\u00e9n se aplica a los titulares de ITIN que presenten sus impuestos conjuntamente con un ciudadano estadounidense o un c\u00f3nyuge residente permanente legal; pero en este caso el ciudadano estadounidense o un c\u00f3nyuge residente permanente legal tampoco es elegible para recibir el pago de impacto econ\u00f3mico, para ellos o sus hijos.\n\nEn junio, el congresista D\u00edaz-Balart present\u00f3 la Ley de Equidad de Pago por el Impacto Econ\u00f3micopara abordar esta discrepancia dentro de la Ley CARES al permitir que todos aquellos con un SSN v\u00e1lido y que cumplan con los requisitos de ingresos reciban el Pago de Impacto Econ\u00f3mico y el cr\u00e9dito tributario por hijos, si sus hijos cumplen con los criterios actuales.\n\n\"Como he dicho antes, no hay raz\u00f3n para justificar por qu\u00e9 un ciudadano estadounidense o un residente legal permanente debe ser excluido de recibir un beneficio destinado a los estadounidenses simplemente por el estado legal de un c\u00f3nyuge. Estoy encantado de ver que esta provision se tom\u00f3 en consideraci\u00f3n en este nuevo proyecto de ley de alivio del COVID-19, y espero ver el gran impacto que esto tendr\u00e1 para ayudar al pueblo estadounidense\".", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/media/press-releases/steube-votes-against-trillion-dollar-politicized-spending-bill", "Steube Votes Against Trillion Dollar Politicized Spending Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Greg Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Greg Steube today released the following statement after voting against this year's Consolidated Appropriations Act:\n\"This so-called relief bill fails to target the needs of citizens in our District and fails to bring much-needed reliefto our fellow countrymen. Instead of addressing the economic suffering of Americans, Democrats have run the clock down so debate and meaningfulcompromiseis impossible. Their solution is to manipulate this process to include their radical agenda of defunding ICE, elements of the Green New Deal and to skyrocket unnecessary federal spending. We are left with a choice - give in again or reject this misguided legislation as a signal that we demand targeted aid for our citizens.\"\nInstead of providing relief to those in need, this legislation would defund critical agencies like ICE, continue to incentivize keeping people home from work and students home from school, and would raise the deficit to the highest levels in history.\nThe legislation included a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package, along with an additional $900 billion COVID relief package, totaling as much as $2.3 trillion of taxpayer money.\nWith the United States already facing $27.4 trillion of debt, this legislation would add to the problem, all while:\n Encouraging Americans to rely on unemployment insurance instead of returning to the workforce;\n\tIncreasing dependency on SNAP monthly benefits;\n\tDefunding critical security agencies, like ICE;\n\tAllowing schools to receive extra funding while they remain closed and hamper the development of America's children;\n\tBailing out the failing U.S. Postal Service and allowing them to not repay the prior $10 billion loan from the CARES Act;\n\tLacking any liability protections for businesses, schools, universities and churches, thus further encouraging ongoing COVID-19 closures;\n\tGiving concessions to the radical progressive climate change agenda;\n\tExtending tax credits solely designed to benefit the wealthy;\n\tFurther burdening future generations of taxpayers with reckless and irrelevant spending.\n The text of the bill reached 5,593 pages and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives only had roughly 7 hours to analyze the legislation, making it nearly impossible for each Member to be able to read the bill.\nRather than supporting last minute, multi-thousand page legislation which fails to properly address the needs of the American people, Steube has taken a number of steps throughout the year to support Florida's small businesses, families, farmers, and veterans. He has stood up for long-term care facilities and their residents by urging the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate unused Provider Relief Funds. He has fought for the inclusion of 501(c)(6)s in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). He has cosponsored legislation to cap unemployment insurance and encourage businesses to reopen and people to go back to work. He has worked alongside U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to support farmers in Florida and across the country.\nThese are only several of Steube's initiatives to put Floridians on the road to recovery from COVID-19. He has been a vocal supporter of Governor Ron DeSantis' (R-Fla.) efforts to reopen businesses and schools and has participated in a swath of initiatives to hold China and the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their role in the pandemic.\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=023860C8-97E2-4CA9-9EB1-82F45E3D6268", "Webster: Targeted Assistance Is Coming", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, after months of delay, Speaker Pelosi finally agreed to, and allowed a vote on a COVID aid package that has bipartisan support, along with a FY2021 appropriations bill. The COVID Relief package provides about $900 billion in assistance but will cost $325 billion thanks to Republicans insisting that Congress use existing, unused federal funds. This is a huge accomplishment and an all-around win for COVID-19 impacted Americans and all taxpayers.\n\n\u201cAfter spending months playing political games and trying to use the Coronavirus pandemic to push through their socialist agenda, last night Democrats finally caved and agreed to a COVID-19 relief bill that is not much different than proposals Republicans offered starting last summer,\u201d Rep. Webster said.\n\n\u201cWhile I am disappointed by the process and timeline that it took to get to this point, I am pleased it extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and allows small business owners to deduct PPP expenses. PPP has been a lifeline for countless small businesses and under this bill those still experiencing severe revenue reductions can apply for a second loan. It also includes money to get students back into the classroom and to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is available as soon as possible \u2013 to all who want it.\n\n\u201cAs a result of these and many other good provisions, I support this critical legislation. In addition to providing targeted relief to those impacted most severely by COVID-19, the package includes robust funding for the Departments of Defense and Veterans\u2019 Affairs to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to protect and defend our great nation and our Veterans receive the best care possible.\n\n\u201cWhen government blocks an American\u2019s ability to work and earn a living it government has a responsibility to provide assistance to these individuals. This targeted relief aids businesses and hardworking Americans still trying to recover from government required lockdowns. I remain frustrated that Congress continuously embraces the Washington presumption that nothing in the budget can be cut in order to fund priorities or critical assistance without increasing the deficit. I will continue to advocate for and work on behalf of Florida\u2019s hardworking taxpayers and families to advance common-sense reforms and principled policy and budgets that get our fiscal house in order.\u201d\n\nThanks to Republicans in Congress, this bill delivers robust assistance at a much-reduced price tag. This is especially remarkable compared to the $3.3 trillion Heroes 1 Act and $2.4 trillion Heroes 2 Act bills proposed by Nancy Pelosi to pander to voters ahead of the November elections.\n\nAdditional highlights of today\u2019s bipartisan compromise:\n\nIncludes provisions to ensure Democrats can\u2019t leverage taxpayer dollars to bail-out poorly managed states.\n\nProvides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly.\n\nProvides funding for broadband, including $300 million for rural broadband and $250 million for telehealth.\n\n$13 billion to support our farmers and agriculture sector.\n\n$4 billion for substance abuse \u2013 significant progress made over past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of impact of COVID lockdowns\n\n$82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education.\n\n$25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic.\n\nProhibits illegal aliens from receiving $600 checks provided for adults and dependents struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\n$15 billion is also allocated for local entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-washington-broken", "Sen. Rick Scott: Washington is Broken", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement on today's multi-trillion-dollar spending package.\n\nSenator Rick Scottsaid, Early this afternoon, we were finally provided the text of the combined $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill and $900 billion COVID relief bill. It is almost 5,600 pages long and we're expected to vote on it tonight. Who in their right mind thinks that this is a responsible way of governing?\n\nThis crisis has devastated American small businesses and American workers and I support many of the COVID-related provisions to boost small businesses, prevent further layoffs and enhance unemployment assistance  provisions that are necessary because of the recklessness of the Chinese Communist Party and the overzealous shutdowns by politicians here in America who do not know what it is like to struggle for money or for work.I'm also glad this package does not include state bailouts, which I've been fighting for months, and makes reforms to the Federal Reserve,which provides further protections to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted.\n\nBut, in classic Washington style, vital programs are being attached to an omnibus spending bill that mortgages our children and grandchildren's futures without even giving members a chance to read it.We are not spending money we have in the bank or anticipate we will collect in taxes.Washington doesn't seem to understand that new spending todaywill be paid for by increased federal debt and result ina tax increase on families down the road. We have to stop operating this way; there is no excuse for the way Washington treats the American taxpayers.I've repeatedly voted against enormous and wasteful spending bills. The easy route is simply to go along as Congress continues to do harm to future generations of Americans, but I will not be a part of it.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B88F56EC-543D-41C1-97C9-5BC810E4C199", "Rubio Condemns CCPs Broken Promises on Anniversary of Signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement on the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong in Beijing. This United Nations-registered treaty committed the People's Republic of China (PRC) to afford Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, allow local elections, and provide legal protections for the rights and freedoms of all residents.In 1984, Beijing promised that the social, economic, and political conditions that made Hong Kong far freer than mainland China would remain unchanged for 50 years, but after only 23 years, the Chinese Communist Party has crushed Hong Kong's long-cherished freedom and autonomy, Rubio said. On the anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, we should remember the long trail of Beijing's broken promises. The CCP will continue to violate any agreement, treaty, or law necessary to maintain or expand its power. Any future administration should be clear-eyed about the futility of entering into future agreements with the CCP. The U.S. must continue to stand with Hong Kongers and advance policies that counter the CCP's aggression and promote Hong Kong's autonomy.Rubio is the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations' Subcommittee that oversees human rights and is a member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0498277E-353F-44BE-8D60-A617DB3EEAC0", "Rubio on The Ingraham Angle", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined The Ingraham Angle to discuss Chinese espionage, Chinese interference in the presidential election, and the cyber attacks against the U.S. government. See below for highlights and watch the full interview here.\r\n\r\nOn Chinese espionage:    We've been talking about this for a long time. I remember four years ago when I started going after the Confucius Institutes  we now have none left in Florida  we got a lot of pushback because universities would say this is just a group that teaches Chinese language, or these are just people that sponsor trips.    And when you explain to people that the Chinese are the most holistic, whole of society threat this country has ever faced in terms of espionage  they will try to create relationships with a small town mayor who they think may one day grow up to be a governor or senator, a U.S. member of Congress, they will cultivate business relationships. They use businesspeople, they take them to China, they let them make some money, then they unleash them back in the U.S. and use them as lobbyists here in this country for their interests and against our national interest.    They are in academia. You talked about students, especially at the graduate level, a lot of these students that are spying don't consider themselves spies. They're here. They're serving their country. Many are even linked to the military. Their researchers. They steal secrets and take them back. And then you've got American researchers who have openly sold their research, and oftentimes leaving to China with it, other times just selling it to them. And in many cases, it wasn't illegal or wasn't prosecuted. This is a big, big challenge. We have a lot of work ahead of us.    On China's interference in the 2020 presidential election:    \"Months ago we started saying the fact that China wanted to or had intentions to at least be in a position to interfere in elections ... We also know that they had people out there trying to work and inject things in the public discourse or potentially be in a position to do it.    I'm not in a position to talk about all of it, but suffice it to say that the Chinese are capable of doing anything any other country in the world can do, and I would argue that in some cases they have the ability to do far more. The Russians are proficient at cyber warfare, they're proficient at hacking, and they're proficient at information and propaganda. But the Chinese, they can do all of that, plus they actually have reporters. They actually have people in the media and academia and in think tanks that will further their narrative, that will further the Chinese narrative because they are funded by them, because they've been co-opted from years of travel to China, you name it. And so, I think their capabilities are greater than any other country in the world at messing around with us, not just in our elections, but in everything.    On cyber attacks:    Let me just say this, what we know so far, and it's publicly available, a company named SolarWinds, a private company, provides a lot of security  online security in the private sector, a lot of agencies of government, including at the state and local level. And that was the method by which they got into these systems. Even as I speak to you now, we are learning more every single day about the scope of this intrusion. It is massive. It is still, I would argue, probably persistent. It is still ongoing. It probably is unprecedented.    You saw the bulletin tonight, it went out, it's a grave risk to federal, to state, to local governments, to critical infrastructure, to the private sector. And as far as attribution, when you attribute it to somebody, you have got to know it for sure because it's a very  this is almost, I would argue  an act of war, absolutely.    But let me just say, it was a patient effort, it was sophisticated, it was well-funded and well-resourced. And that indicates it was a nation state. This wasn't two guys in a basement in North Korea somewhere looking to steal some cryptocurrency. This is a very serious intrusion, and we are learning a lot more about it. And we need to learn a lot more about it, and we need to take action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0F7E79C9-A5FB-4ED1-B64C-B5631EBD4926", "Rubio Joins Scott, Colleagues in Resolution Defending Right to Freely Exercise Religion", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Rick Scott (R-FL) and Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution defending the right to freely exercise one's religion, as protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.    In addition to Rubio and Scott, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Boozman (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), David Perdue (R-GA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and James Lankford (R-OK) cosponsored the resolution, which is supported by the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom.    The full text of the resolution is below.    Whereas the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States clearly, plainly, and unequivocally states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof'';    Whereas the constitutional protection of this bedrock principle of religious liberty was extended to the actions of the several States through the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;    Whereas, despite the clear prohibition against laws infringing upon the free exercise of religion, houses of worship and religious organizations have been frequent targets of asymmetric restrictions by State and local government officials during the coronavirus pandemic;    Whereas irrespective of compliance with mask mandates, social distancing, and other protective measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus, houses of worship and religious organizations have been subjected to size restrictions or outright bans on in-person gatherings which severely infringe upon the right of their members to freely exercise their religion;    Whereas, while houses of worship and religious organizations are subjected to severe restrictions under the guise of limiting the transmission of the coronavirus, businesses and secular activities enjoy substantially more favorable treatment by some State and local government officials, including  \r\n(1) New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who severely restricted the number of members who could enter a church or synagogue in color-designated zones, but imposed no size restrictions on essential'' businesses, like acupuncture facilities, hardware stores, and liquor stores, and permitted other non-essential'' businesses to define their own size restrictions;\r\n\r\n(2) North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who required worship services involving more than 10 people to be held outdoors unless a church demonstrated doing so would be impossible'', but commercial shopping centers could allow people into the stores without limitation;\r\n\r\n(3) California Governor Gavin Newsom, who prohibited or severely limited in-person worship services in counties with large numbers of coronavirus cases, but secular businesses and activities such as shopping malls,swap meets, and card rooms were permitted higher attendance;\r\n\r\n(4) New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who prohibited or severely restricted indoor services by houses of worship because they were not deemed essential'', but commercial establishments like marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores were permitted to remain open;\r\n\r\n(5) Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, who imposed strict numerical attendance caps on houses of worship because they were not deemed essential'', but allowed casinos and amusement parks to operate at half-capacity without specific numerical limits on people within those facilities; and\r\n\r\n(6) Mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser, who prohibited even outdoor religious services attended by more than 100 people, regardless of compliance with face-covering and social distancing requirements, but actively encouraged and participated in crowded political demonstrations attended by thousands of individuals;\r\n\r\nWhereas the United States Supreme Court recently granted injunctive relief to 2 houses of worship in New York against the discriminatory actions by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and declared even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten''; and    Whereas, for millions of people of the United States, churches, synagogues, and houses of worship are more than just buildings, and the ability to gather together in prayer for people of all faiths, creeds, and beliefs must not be diminished or impeded by the whims of government officials: Now, therefore, be it    Resolved, That the Senate  \r\n(1) affirms its support for the rights, liberties, and protections enshrined in the United States Constitution; and\r\n(2) commits to vigorously defend the right of all people of the United States to engage in the free exercise of religion.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=172A093E-1C92-4A54-993F-01499B335DFF", "Rubio Names Aunt Catfishs on the River of Florida as the Senate Small Business of the Week", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Aunt Catfish's On the River of Port Orange, Florida as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Aunt Catfish's on the Riveras the Senate Small Business of the Week. A broadcast quality version can be found here.Hello, I'm Senator Marco Rubio, the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.And today, it is my honor to recognize Aunt Catfish's On the River of Port Orange, Florida as the Senate Small Business of the Week.Jim Galbreath founded Aunt Catfish's in 1979, following in his mother's footsteps into the restaurant industry.Today, this family-owned small business is run by his son Brandon, who started working there as a teenager.Through his service with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Port Orange COVID-19 Reopening Task Force, Brandon has proven himself to be a tireless advocate for his local small business community.Like many of Florida's small businesses, especially those in the restaurant industry, Aunt Catfish's experienced a drop in revenue due to the coronavirus shutdowns.But the restaurant was approved for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, a small business relief program I was proud to be the author of.And as a result, they were able to keep their employees paid while maintaining the highest health and safety standards for their customers.So congratulations to the entire team at Aunt Catfish's On the RIver on being named the Senate Small Business of the Week! I look forward to your continued success and your community leadership!As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rubio continues the tradition of honoring America's small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America's small businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6C5A9E83-E052-4643-B2D7-540617C92809", "Rubio, Peters, Tillis Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan FACE Act", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded the House passage of S. 979, which he introduced in April 2019 with Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). The Federal Advance Contracts Enhancement (FACE) Act passed the Senate unanimously on November 7, 2019. With today's action by the House of Representatives, where the bill passed 386-1, the legislation now heads to the President for signature.The FACE Act will require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure more effective use and management of its advance contracts for goods and services. The bill requires federal preparedness actions to be coordinated with states and localities to prevent gaps in recovery efforts from occurring. A one-pager of the bill is available here.After the past few hurricane seasons, which produced devastation in Florida, and its neighboring states, I thank my colleagues in the House for passing this important bill that will better assist in responding to future storms, Rubio said. The FACE Act will ensure that federal response will be more effective and efficient, and I urge President Trump to swiftly sign it into law.Planning ahead to respond to natural disasters can help streamline recovery efforts and save taxpayers in Michigan and across the country millions of dollars in the long run, Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said. I was proud to work with my colleagues on these bipartisan and commonsense reforms to help communities be better prepared to respond when disaster strikes and ensure they can quickly access the resources they need for a speedy recovery.North Carolina has faced extensive recovery efforts from destruction left by hurricanes over the last few years, and coordination between FEMA and state governments is key to assist those affected by the storm, Tillis said. I am proud this bipartisan legislation is now headed to the President's desk to improve coordination and ensure future recovery efforts are seamless.Background:The FACE Act will require FEMA to ensure more effective use and management of its advance contracts process by incorporating the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO) recommendations from its report titled,2017 Disaster Contracting: Actions Needed to Better Ensure More Effective Use and Management of Advance Contracts. These recommendations will ensure that federal preparedness actions are coordinated to prevent gaps in recovery efforts from occurring. The bill also requires FEMA to regularly update the appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the agency's implementation of these recommendations.Following Hurricane Katrina, Congress required FEMA to establish advance contracts for goods and services to enable the federal government to quickly mobilize resources to affected areas in the aftermath of a disaster. The 2017 disaster season was historically destructive, and FEMA was forced to rely heavily on advance contracts in its response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as the 2017 California wildfires. GAO was asked to review the federal government's response to the 2017 hurricanes and California wildfires and assess a number of issues.In its report, GAO found a number of issues with FEMA's handling of advance contracts and made nine recommendations. FEMA concurred with all nine of GAO's recommendations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D9CA5B3F-385C-4D41-9F43-4D38E4EEC4AA", "Rubio, Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Fix Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Overpayment Issue", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation that would help fix an error that caused individuals receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to forcibly repay, while potentially unemployed, overpayments they received unknowingly. The Relief for Working Families Act would provide states discretion to waive PUA overpayments for individuals who acted in good faith and played no role in securing surplus benefits. U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House.American families are struggling with lost jobs, home schooling, and more amid a global pandemic, and the last thing they need is to find out they owe money to their state because of a bureaucratic error, Rubio said. This legislation gives states the necessary flexibility to ensure individuals will not be forced to repay unemployment overpayments that are not their fault. It will be one less worry for hardworking families during these uncertain times.Hardworking Americans already struggling during this pandemic shouldn't be forced to pay for a bureaucratic error they had nothing to do with, Duckworth said. I'm proud to introduce this legislation that will ensure working families don't bear this additional burden of financial distress and states have the tools and flexibility they need to remedy this problem for thousands of Americans across the country.No one should have to pay back thousands of dollars they thought they were getting in good faith, Durbin said. Our bill gives States flexibility to provide relief to families that are in need and fixes this error for countless Americans across the country.Under current law, state unemployment offices are not provided hardship waivers for PUA benefits, despite having such authority for the other major unemployment insurance programs included in the CARES Act. The new legislation introduced today would provide states the flexibility they need to handle PUA overpayments within their own state unemployment offices.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E1F1BAE7-C017-445C-B9C8-7E04BD91DADD", "Mast Statement On Congress Receiving The COVID-19 Vaccine Before The American People", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Brian Mast", "M001199", "mast.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after Speaker Pelosi stated that she and the rest of Congress would receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the vast majority of the American people:\r\nLeaders eat last; it's one of the first lessons a soldier learns as early as basic training. Speaker Pelosi apparently never learned this lessonasking Americans to wait to get vaccinated while Congress cuts the line is the opposite of leadership. Congress needs to stop treating itself as a special political class, and the mere suggestion that Members of Congress are in any way more important than the very people who gave us the privilege of serving in Congress is appalling. Being for the people must always mean putting the people before ourselves, which is why every single American should be able to access the coronavirus vaccine before any Member of Congress.\r\nYou can read the full announcement about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for Members of Congress here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/media/press-releases/steube-resume-fl-17-mvp-program-honor-outstanding-service-community", "Steube to Resume FL-17 \u201cMVP\u201d Program to Honor Outstanding Service in the Community", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Greg Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKEECHOBEE, FLA.  U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today announced that he will resume the FL-17 MVP program to recognize and honor outstanding service around the community.\nThe volunteers and community heroes here in the 17th District are what makes our community and the state of Florida so special, Steube said. As we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to bring our neighbors together and recognize the heroes who dedicate themselves to bettering our community.\nThe purpose of this award is to recognize the unsung heroes across our district as they display extraordinary dedication to make a difference in our community. To thank them for their work, MVPs will be presented with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and publicly recognized in Steube's weekly newsletter.\nTo be eligible for the award, the recipient must have engaged in an outstanding act of service and be a resident of the 17th Congressional District.\nThose wishing to submit a nomination can do so at Steube.House.gov/FL17MVP.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-to-resume-fl-17-mvp-program-to-honor-outstanding-service-in-the-community/", "Steube to Resume FL-17 \u201cMVP\u201d Program to Honor Outstanding Service in the Community", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Steube to Resume FL-17 \u201cMVP\u201d Program to Honor Outstanding Service in the Community\n\nOKEECHOBEE, FLA. \u2013 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today announced that he will resume the FL-17 MVP program to recognize and honor outstanding service around the community.\n\n\u201cThe volunteers and community heroes here in the 17th District are what makes our community and the state of Florida so special,\u201d Steube said. \u201cAs we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to bring our neighbors together and recognize the heroes who dedicate themselves to bettering our community.\u201d\n\nThe purpose of this award is to recognize the unsung heroes across our district as they display extraordinary dedication to make a difference in our community. To thank them for their work, MVPs will be presented with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and publicly recognized in Steube\u2019s weekly newsletter.\n\nTo be eligible for the award, the recipient must have engaged in an outstanding act of service and be a resident of the 17th Congressional District.\n\nThose wishing to submit a nomination can do so at Steube.House.gov/FL17MVP.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-menendez-senate-dems-block-sen-rick-scotts-resolution-reaffirming-commitment-first-amendment", "Sen. Menendez, Senate Dems Block Sen. Rick Scott\u2019s Resolution Reaffirming Commitment to the First Amendment and Religious Freedom", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor to ask unanimous consent for hisresolution defending the First Amendment to the United States Constitution  the right to freely exercise one's religion. This resolution, also sponsored by Senators Tillis, Wicker, Boozman, Cramer, Perdue, Rounds, Rubio, Blackburn, Cotton, Hoeven, Braun, Loeffler, Cruz, Hyde-Smith, Lankford, Barrasso, Paul, and Daines, was blocked by Senator Menendez.\n\nSenator Rick Scottsaid, Religious liberty is our first freedom under the Constitution of the United States. Every elected official takes an oath to support and defend our Constitution and the rights enshrined within it. We've seen liberal governors and mayors across the nation go after religious institutions throughout the pandemic, so my resolution simply reaffirms the right to freely practice religion. It is absolutely shameful that Senator Menendez would not only lie about what is happening in his state, but also refuse to stand with houses of worship, who are entitled to the Constitutional right to freely exercise their religion, by blocking my resolution today. I take my oath of office seriously, and I urge each of my colleagues to do the same. We know many Democrats don't respect the religious freedoms of Americans, but this is a new low. We won't let them chip away at our rights, and we will never stop fighting for the liberties of all Americans.\n\nFACT CHECK: Senator Menendez claimed the part of Senator Scott's resolution that states New Jersey prohibited or severely restricted indoor services by houses of worship because they were not deemed essential,' but commercial establishments like marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores were permitted to remain open was inaccurate. \nThat's a lie.\nWatch the exchange HERE or below.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-applauds-commerce-department-decision-add-chinese-drone-company-entity-list", "Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Commerce Department Decision to Add Chinese Drone Company to Entity List", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement applauding the decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to add 77 entities, including Chinese-made drone company DJI, to the Entity List for actions deemed contrary to the national security or foreign policy interest of the United States. These include entities in China involved in military-civil fusion and destabilizing military modernization activities, including entities that supported the militarization and unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea, entities that enable human rights abuses, and entities that engaged in the theft of U.S. trade secrets.\nFor more than a year, Senator Scott has been warning about the threat Chinese-made drones may have on national security. Senator Scott and colleagues introduced the American Security Drone Act to prohibit the U.S. Government from purchasing drones manufactured in countries identified as national security threats, like Iran and China.\nSenator Rick Scott said, For more than a year, I've fought to prevent the U.S. Government from purchasing technology, like drones, with American tax dollars from Chinese companies backed by their government. I've had countless discussions with the Administration and my colleagues on the risks of buying drones from DJI and other Chinese-backed companies, and the threat these drones pose to our national security. I'm glad the Commerce Department made the decision today to include DJI in its Entity List. We can no longer turn a blind eye to Communist China and allow their technology into some of the most critical operations of the U.S. Government. Now more than ever, we must pass my American Security Drone Act to protect our national security.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-australian-prime-minister-us-and-australia-must-work-together-combat-communist", "Sen. Rick Scott to Australian Prime Minister: U.S. and Australia Must Work Together to Combat Communist China\u2019s Aggression", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison thanking him for Australia's efforts to fight against Communist China's quest for world domination, and affirming the United States' support as the two nations continue to stand strong against Communist China. \nRead the Senator's letter HERE or below. \nDecember 18, 2020\nThe Honorable Scott Morrison \nPrime Minister of Australia \nParliament House \nCanberra ACT 2600 \nDear Prime Minister Morrison: \nI want to thank you for your strong, ongoing efforts to stand against Communist China and General Secretary Xi. I support your decision to fight against their unfair and manipulative trade practices, and to condemn the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) vile, online attacks against Australians. \nThe United States stands with Australia as you continue to fight against Communist China's aggression. We must work together to curb the threat Beijing poses regionally and globally. \nWe know the CCP is committing a genocide against the Uyghurs, harvesting organs of the Falun Gong, and forcing hundreds of thousands into mass labor camps in Tibet. They steal technology and refuse to open their markets to foreign goods as required by their agreement with the World Trade Organization. We've seen them imprison peaceful protestors in Hong Kong and label Hong Kongers who advocate for basic civil liberties as national security threats. The CCP continues to militarize the South China Sea and is eager to expand its territorial claims in the region.\nI appreciate your support of an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Beijing must be held accountable for the lies and misinformation that led to the spread of the coronavirus, which devastated the world economy and killed millions of people. I also appreciate your decision to ban the rollout of Huawei's 5G networks into Australia, as well as your continued condemnation of human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and the CCP's threatening behavior toward Taiwan. I hope you consider joining me in urging the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Olympics out of Beijing and to a country that actually respects human rights. \nAs you continue to stand strong against Communist China, I want to offer help in any way I can. The United States will always defend our allies and those standing for freedom.\nSincerely,\nRick Scott\nUnited States Senator \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=1434F550-61A3-4B37-867F-61EDDF22A5A4", "Rubio Habla con Alex Otaola", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sala de Prensa \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInicio\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) habl con Alex Otaola de Cubanos por el Mundo sobre diversos temas de actualidad. Durante su charla, abordaron como la dictadura de Cuba activamente culpa a EE.UU. por la realidad de la isla y sobre cmo una administracin Biden cambiara la poltica del presidente Trump hacia Cuba.Una transcripcin parcial de la entrevista est a continuacin:Con el tema de Cuba y es importante hablar de esto porque yo creo que dentro de Cuba obviamente [hay] un bombardeo constante de parte del rgimen hablando de nosotros. Mira, mi deseo siempre ha sido lo siguiente: poner en manos del pueblo dentro de Cuba, no de la gente en Washington, de ninguna otra parte del mundo, del pueblo dentro de Cuba su propio destino.Y es por eso que el presidente Trump, a nuestra sugerencia, simplemente hizo el siguiente cambio: si eres una compaa controlada por militares cubanos como GAESA-que controla todos los hoteles y todas las grandes empresas que hacen todo el dinero en Cuba, bueno pues no puedes hacer negocios con EE.UU. Si eres alguien independiente, pues entonces s. Y es el gobierno cubano que ha decidido no permitir eso.Y en fin, [el rgimen] no lo quieren permitir obviamente porque la independencia econmica trae independencia poltica, ese es el control..Entonces el pueblo cubano puede decidir qu modelo de gobierno y qu modelo econmico quiere tener. Ese siempre ha sido nuestro inters y siempre lo seguir siendo y estamos buscando la manera de cmo podemos de nuestra parte poder apoyar eso y tratar de llevar eso a cabo.Me alegra mucho ver que se est despertando de nuevo el joven cubano que entiende y que est entendiendo, en mi opinin, que la gran parte del sufrimiento y la falta de oportunidad que existe es culpa de un rgimen que controla todo aspecto de la vida dentro de Cuba. Pero maana mismo eso se puede cambiar, pero es el rgimen que no lo permite.Embargo de EE.UU. a CubaBueno si eres una compaa controlada por el rgimen, es decir, una compaa controlada por GAESA por ejemplo... Se han quitado los trajes de militares y se han puesto un traje italiano pero en fin, es la misma gentuza que quieren mantener el control econmico para poder mantener su control poltico.Pero yo le digo a la gente lo siguiente: Cuba puede hacer negocios con Canad, con Inglaterra, con toda Europa, con Japn, con Corea. Porque Cuba no est llena de inversiones o est llena de carros japoneses? Hay turistas que van y visitan un sitio los llevan a un sitio y lo devuelven al aeropuerto y se van. Pero porque no est llena de actividad econmica de todos estos otros pases? Por la simple razn que el rgimen no permite. El rgimen no quiere que el cubano, por ejemplo, pueda ser dueo de su propio negocio. No entiendo porque cuando un cubano llega a Miami, al ao ha montado un negocio y le va muy bien. El cubano tiene la capacidad, en todas partes del mundo, lo ha hecho donde el cubano va en todas partes del mundo va pa'lante.Cuba es un pas que tiene una [gran capacidad de produccin], lo que pasa es que no lo est haciendo. Cuba es un pas que puede, en gran parte, darle comida a todo su pueblo con su propio territorio y ha tenido pocas en que lo hizo. Tambin le dir, las remesas que mandan las personas a casa: el gobierno cubano se lleva un gran porcentaje de eso para sus propios bolsillos.El rgimen cubano no quiere que el cubano tenga independencia econmica, es decir ellos no quieren que un cubanos pueda decir: a m no me importa lo que dice el gobierno, lo que yo me gano, es mi propia vida, tengo mi propio dinero, mi propio negocio. Ellos lo que quieren poder tener es ese control.Yo lo que les pido, es que vean el ejemplo del cubano que viene al extranjero y cmo estn logrando en el exterior lo que no pueden lograr en su propia patria. Es muy triste. Eso tiene que cambiar.Sobre cambios de la poltica de EE.UU. a Cuba bajo una administracin demcrata Todo lo que tiene el nombre Trump lo van a cambiar. Aunque sea una buena idea, eso es ridculo. Tambin, la prensa se presta mucho a eso. Yo vi aqu el otro da un artculo que deca, ahora se abre la tecnologa en Cuba'. Aqu nunca hubo sanciones sobre la tecnologa. La nica sancin contra la tecnologa entrando a Cuba fue del rgimen que no quiere permitirlo. Ojal que maana ellos digan mira aqu hay internet abierto para todo el mundo.' Ellos no van a permitirlo, ellos no quieren que el cubano se pueda comunicar con otro cubano que pueda leer prensa en el extranjero.De mi parte, nosotros tenemos el papel aqu del nombramiento de ciertas personas y oponernos al nombramiento de individuos que van a tener que seguir la lnea. .Yo te dir que en Caracas, en La Habana, en Managua, estn celebrando la victoria de Biden. No porque yo te diga que Biden es un comunista, porque ellos saben que la lnea y los que los rodean a l es una lnea que va a ser mucho ms flojo sobre todos estos temas.Pero si te puedo decir que en nuestro sistema tenemos opciones y eso empieza con cuestionar a todas estas personas que se han nombrado a diferentes puestos. Qu es lo que van a hacer? Cul va a ser su posicin? que tomen una posicin abierta y pblica sobre cules son sus intenciones si llegan a ese puesto. Yo le dir que muchas de estas personas ya tienen un historial sobre este tema. Aqu no se trata de lo que dicen, ya lo han hecho. Y en muchos casos me voy a oponer fuertemente a su nombramiento porque ya han hecho cosas en el pasado.Aqu hay mucha gente que lo nombran a una posicin y ellos van a una audiencia pblica y dicen todo lo que uno quiera escuchar, te lo dicen todo lindo. Y despus hacen lo que se les da la gana cuando entran a esa posicin. Eso siempre pasa, pero en este caso hay muchas personas que pueden estar pensando nombrar que ya tienen historial que fueron miembros de la administracin Obama y que por cuatro aos han estado hablando y criticando todo lo que haca el presidente. En fin, aqu hay dos cosas: ellos tienen su lnea, que obviamente es distinta a la nuestra. Pero segundo, tambin son personas que le tienen un odio, que no es razonable, al presidente.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F5EAA643-8B81-4C4D-9165-121864FAD119", "Rubio Asks Department of Commerce to Answer Questions About Huawei Business Dealings With U.S. Companies", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross requesting information concerning Huawei's orders of semiconductors from American companies.I strongly support the actions taken by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on August 17, 2020, which closed certain loopholes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) related to Huawei, Rubio wrote. These actions were meant to prevent U.S.-developed technology from being used to undermine our own national security. It has been brought to my attention that Huawei is ordering semiconductors from certain U.S.-based chip companies, or through others stockpiling them, with the intent to ship them in the event that those companies are granted individual export licenses (IVLs), or if Huawei is removed from the Entity List.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Secretary Ross:As you are well versed, due to its ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Huawei continues to pose a significant threat to the U.S. economy, national security, and our critical infrastructure. I strongly support the actions taken by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on August 17, 2020, which closed certain loopholes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) related to Huawei. These actions were meant to prevent U.S.-developed technology from being used to undermine our own national security.It has been brought to my attention that Huawei is ordering semiconductors from certain U.S.-based chip companies, or through others stockpiling them, with the intent to ship them in the event that those companies are granted individual export licenses (IVLs), or if Huawei is removed from the Entity List. Accordingly, I respectfully request responses to the following questions:\r\nSince August 17, 2020, how many IVLs has BIS approved to U.S. semiconductor manufacturers for the purpose of export, re-export or transfer of any item subject to the EAR to Huawei?\r\n\r\nFor each IVL, please explain your policy rationale for approval.\r\n\r\nAbsent an IVL, would it be legal for a U.S. semiconductor company to stockpile items subject to the EAR for ultimate export, reexport or transfer to Huawei after September 14, 2020, or to receive compensation from Huawei for doing so?\r\n\r\nIf so, what is the policy rationale for allowing such stockpiling?\r\n\r\nDoes the Administration have any intent to remove Huawei from the Entity List?\r\nFor purposes of this inquiry, Huawei means Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Huawei Investment and Holding Co. Ltd., or any entity with more than 20 percent of the shares of which are ultimately owned by either of the aforementioned. I would appreciate responses to this before December 31, 2020.Thank you for your attention to this important matter.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-welcomes-florida-s-approval-to-implement-clean-water-act-cwa", "Diaz-Balart Welcomes Floridas Approval to Implement Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 program", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, EPARegion 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein, and members of the Florida delegation as they announced that Florida is the first state in more than 25 years to apply for and receive approval to implement a Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 programformally transferring permitting authority from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to the State of Florida for a broad range of water resources within the State.\nToday's announcement is a tremendous accomplishment for Florida, especially as we continue our Everglades restoration efforts,said U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). Allowing the state to take over the 404 permitting process will significantly streamline restoration projects, while still protecting the greater environment. I thank Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator Walker, as well as all the other key players who worked diligently to make this happen. I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of this decision for years to come.\nA considerable amount of effort has gone into Florida's assumption of the Clean Water Act 404 program,said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.Federal authorities don't delegate this type of permit often, but Florida has, beyond question one of the greatest environmental records of any state, and I couldn't be happier that Florida has shown it can meet the strict national standards EPA sets to protect human health and the environment.\nAfter a rigorous review, analysis and coordination process, EPA is pleased that the state of Florida will assume responsibility of its Clean Water Act Section 404 program,saidEPARegion 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker.This approval is truly a reflection of the high-level scientific and regulatory expertise of the environmental professionals at the state, federal and tribal levels who ensured a legally and technically sound program. This monumental milestone will allow Florida to administer this program to best fit enhanced protection of its natural resources.\nFlorida continues to be a pioneer of environmental protection. This is a historic moment for our agency and our state,said FDEP Secretary NoahValenstein. We appreciate EPA's stringent, public review and approval of DEP's assumption of this program. Our waters and wetlands are critical to our economy and way of life in Florida. As such, it is important for the state to be in charge and take the lead in their protection. We are pleasedthatwith the assumption, Florida scientists and permitters will now be accountable for state and federal wetlands permits. DEP staff know the state's resources best and have the expertise to ensure their protection.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-welcomes-floridas-approval-implement-clean-water-act-cwa", "Diaz-Balart Welcomes Florida\u2019s Approval to Implement Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 program", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013 Today, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, EPARegion 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein, and members of the Florida delegation as theyannounced that Florida is the first state in more than 25 years to apply for and receive approval to implement a Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 program\u2014formally transferring permitting authority from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to the State of Florida for a broad range of water resources within the State.\n\n\"Today's announcement is a tremendous accomplishment for Florida, especially as we continue our Everglades restoration efforts,\"said U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). \"Allowing the state to take over the 404 permitting process will significantly streamline restoration projects, while still protecting the greater environment. I thank Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator Walker, as well as all the other key players who worked diligently to make this happen. I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of this decision for years to come.\"\n\n\"A considerable amount of effort has gone into Florida's assumption of the Clean Water Act 404 program,\"said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.\"Federal authorities don't delegate this type of permit often, but Florida has, beyond question one of the greatest environmental records of any state, and I couldn't be happier that Florida has shown it can meet the strict national standards EPA sets to protect human health and the environment.\"\n\n\"After a rigorous review, analysis and coordination process, EPA is pleased that the state of Florida will assume responsibility of its Clean Water Act Section 404 program,\"saidEPARegion 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker.\"This approval is truly a reflection of the high-level scientific and regulatory expertise of the environmental professionals at the state, federal and tribal levels who ensured a legally and technically sound program. This monumental milestone will allow Florida to administer this program to best fit enhanced protection of its natural resources.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/media/press-releases/steube-celebrates-florida-clean-water-act-404-program-approval-epa", "Steube Celebrates Florida Clean Water Act Section 404 Approval with EPA Administrator Wheeler", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Greg Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today delivered remarks at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) event celebrating the initiation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 program in Florida.\nIt was an honor to celebrate this tremendous victory for Florida's environment and infrastructure, Steube said. As the first state to receive approval to administer the CWA 404 program in over 25 years and only the third state in 43 years, this is a historic accomplishment. With this increased flexibility for permitting, Florida will now have new capabilities to build and maintain our infrastructure while protecting Florida's water quality and environmental interests.\nCurrently, Section 404of the CWA requires a permit before dredged or fill material can be discharged into waters of the United States. However, this has been loosely defined and caused problems for decades which have not only affected Florida's water quality, but also progress on infrastructure projects.\nThis rule change and program will allow projects of all sizes to be approved to begin faster without delays caused by the duplicative permitting processes from federal and state levels. This is a major accomplishment as 85% of review requests already overlap between state and federal requirements. Streamlined permitting processes will promote efficiency and benefit all sectors of Florida's vibrant economy, namely infrastructure and agriculture, all while protecting the state's environmental interests.\nSteube has taken many initiatives to protect Florida's environment in Congress. Recently, Steube's request formechanical harvesting languagewas included in this year's appropriations package. This includes the use of safe alternatives to spraying chemicals into Florida's lakes and waterways and will help Florida control invasive species without sacrificing the water quality of Lake Okeechobee and surrounding watersheds.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-celebrates-florida-clean-water-act-section-404-approval-with-epa-administrator-wheeler/", "Steube Celebrates Florida Clean Water Act Section 404 Approval with EPA Administrator Wheeler", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Steube Celebrates Florida Clean Water Act Section 404 Approval with EPA Administrator Wheeler\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today delivered remarks at the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) event celebrating the initiation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 program in Florida.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to celebrate this tremendous victory for Florida\u2019s environment and infrastructure,\u201d Steube said. \u201cAs the first state to receive approval to administer the CWA 404 program in over 25 years and only the third state in 43 years, this is a historic accomplishment. With this increased flexibility for permitting, Florida will now have new capabilities to build and maintain our infrastructure while protecting Florida\u2019s water quality and environmental interests.\u201d\n\nCurrently, Section 404 of the CWA requires a permit before dredged or fill material can be discharged into waters of the United States. However, this has been loosely defined and caused problems for decades which have not only affected Florida\u2019s water quality, but also progress on infrastructure projects.\n\nThis rule change and program will allow projects of all sizes to be approved to begin faster without delays caused by the duplicative permitting processes from federal and state levels. This is a major accomplishment as 85% of review requests already overlap between state and federal requirements. Streamlined permitting processes will promote efficiency and benefit all sectors of Florida\u2019s vibrant economy, namely infrastructure and agriculture, all while protecting the state\u2019s environmental interests.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C731EDC3-0EDB-4AC5-8587-9ADCABD0FA75", "Webster Applauds EPA Historic Approval of Florida\u2019s Request to Administer the Clean Water Act Section 404 Program", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, U.S. Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Florida Congressional Colleagues, FL DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein and others as EPA announced that Florida would assume administration of the Clean Water Act 404 program.\n\n\u201cToday is a great day for Florida and everyone who cares about protecting our wetlands and clean water and streamlining government regulations. The Sunshine State has a strong track record of protecting our unique environment and Floridians care deeply about their environment and natural resources. Everglades restoration, key infrastructure projects, sustaining protections on wetlands and endangered species, and taxpayer dollars \u2013 are all beneficiaries of today\u2019s announcement. I thank Administrator Wheeler and look forward to continuing to work with him, Secretary Bernhardt and Secretary Valenstein to protect and support Florida\u2019s water, Floridians and our economy,\u201d said Congressman Dan Webster (FL-11).\n\nLast month, Rep. Webster led a Congressional letter in support of Florida\u2019s request to administer the Clean Water Section 404 program. Approximately 85% of current state and federal review requirements are duplicative. These duplicative requirements will be removed under Florida\u2019s administration of the 404 program.\n\nAdditional quotes from state and federal leaders and stakeholders\n\n\u201cA considerable amount of effort has gone into Florida\u2019s assumption of the Clean Water Act 404 program,\u201d said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. \u201cFederal authorities don\u2019t delegate this type of permit often, but Florida has, beyond question one of the greatest environmental records of any state, and I couldn\u2019t be happier that Florida has shown it can meet the strict national standards EPA sets to protect human health and the environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter a rigorous review, analysis and coordination process, EPA is pleased that the state of Florida will assume responsibility of its Clean Water Act Section 404 program,\u201d said EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker. \u201cThis approval is truly a reflection of the high-level scientific and regulatory expertise of the environmental professionals at the state, federal and tribal levels who ensured a legally and technically sound program. This monumental milestone will allow Florida to administer this program to best fit enhanced protection of its natural resources.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlorida continues to be a pioneer of environmental protection. This is a historic moment for our agency and our state,\u201d said FDEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. \u201cWe appreciate EPA\u2019s stringent, public review and approval of DEP\u2019s assumption of this program. Our waters and wetlands are critical to our economy and way of life in Florida. As such, it is important for the state to be in charge and take the lead in their protection. We are pleased that with the assumption, Florida scientists and permitters will now be accountable for state and federal wetlands permits. DEP staff know the state\u2019s resources best and have the expertise to ensure their protection.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s action is a great milestone for cooperative federalism,\u201d said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt. \u201cI commend Administrator Wheeler who led this effort, and all who worked so hard to get to this point.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis designation is great news for the State of Florida \u2013 it gives our state the ability to make the best decisions for our unique environment, with input from the public and environmental stakeholders. The duplicative rules on the state and federal levels were a waste of taxpayer dollars, and created confusion for everyone involved, which is why I fought to streamline this process. I will keep working to cut unnecessary government red tape and improve efficiency on every level of government, while also making sure our environment is protected for generations to come,\u201d said U.S. Senator Rick Scott.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is a tremendous accomplishment for Florida, especially as we continue our Everglades restoration efforts,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). \u201cAllowing the state to take over the 404 permitting process will significantly streamline restoration projects, while still protecting the greater environment. I thank Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator Walker, as well as all the other key players who worked diligently to make this happen. I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of this decision for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Floridians, we understand the important role the environment plays in our economy and our way of life,\u201d said Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04). \u201cToday\u2019s announcement by Secretary Bernhardt and Administrator Wheeler is a big win for Florida, allowing our state to streamline permitting for water projects while continuing to uphold the highest level of environmental standards. This is just another example of President Trump and Governor DeSantis\u2019s dedication to protecting Florida waters while reducing bureaucracy and making government run more efficiently.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis Administration has done more for clean water in Florida than any other in modern history. Water quality has improved in the Everglades, across Florida\u2019s National Estuary Program network, and Harmful Algal Blooms are being targeted in Florida\u2019s springs and salt water ecosystems. Florida will do a better job at efficiently and effectively issuing permits for necessary infrastructure than the federal government has. State assumption of the permitting program will reduce project costs and save taxpayer dollars. As a next step, I\u2019m looking forward to working with EPA on modernizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund allocation which disadvantages states like Florida that have growing water infrastructure needs,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-06).\n\n\u201cI thank Administrator Wheeler for his diligence on this historic accomplishment for Florida\u2019s infrastructure and water quality priorities. Without these unnecessary and duplicative permitting processes, projects of all sizes will be streamlined to maximize efficiency and our state will be given the flexibility to make our own decisions that are best suited for our environmental and economic interests,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17).\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has made it a priority of his Administration to pursue balanced water policies that protect our environment and meet the needs of the American people,\u201d said CEQ Chairman Mary Neumayr. \u201cToday\u2019s historic announcement is a testament to what can be accomplished through efficient coordination across all levels of government, and I applaud EPA, the State of Florida, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on this achievement.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Army is pleased to support the State of Florida in its effort to balance environmental protection with economic development,\u201d said Ryan Fisher, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. \u201cThe citizens of Florida will have continued protections under the Clean Water Act with the benefit of infrastructure permitting decisions being made at the state level.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur staff possesses the technical expertise necessary to run the 404 program effectively, offering increased consistency and efficiency to our stakeholders, and increased protections for Florida\u2019s environment,\u201d said Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs John Truitt. \u201cNone of these efforts were undertaken in a vacuum \u2013 we have weighed public and internal feedback and have worked closely with the EPA and our stakeholders to get us to this point. It has been a team effort from the start.\u201d\n\nTemperince Morgan, executive director of the The Nature Conservancy in Florida, said, \u201cThe expeditious restoration of our natural systems is a top priority for the state and The Nature Conservancy. The state\u2019s assumption of the federal dredge and fill permitting program under section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act is a positive development that we hope will result in more timely decisions by staff with specific expertise in evaluating Florida\u2019s unique wetland systems. Considering most environmental restoration projects require a 404 permit, adoption of the permitting program should provide much needed benefits to Florida\u2019s natural systems and its residents.\u201d\n\n\"This is great news for our state. Florida engineers work closely with the scientists at DEP, and we believe they possess the technical expertise and local knowledge of Florida's water resources and needs. In addition to the benefits of this expertise, a comprehensive state-run program will provide regulatory efficiencies and reduce delays for critical restoration and infrastructure projects while providing stringent protection of Florida\u2019s natural resources,\" said Steven Folsom, PE, chair, Conservation and Environmental Quality Committee, Florida Engineering Society.\n\n\"The state of Florida\u2019s assumption of Section 404 permitting should enable Everglades restoration to proceed with the sense of urgency it deserves while maintaining the high level of review and protection required by the Clean Water Act,\" said Eric Eikenberg, CEO, Everglades Foundation. \"We expect the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to exercise its new authority in a manner that protects Florida\u2019s precious and diminishing wetland resources. Wetlands safeguard Florida communities from the effects of climate change, provide tremendous water quality benefits, support fish and wildlife habitat, and mitigate against flooding.\"\n\nJeff Beal, regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited in Florida said, \u201cThe restoration of our freshwater and brackish wetlands and associated habitats is paramount to continuing Florida\u2019s legacy of promoting good stewardship of these key habitats for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people. Ducks Unlimited works across the nation with state and federal partners to conserve and restore wetlands and is supportive of this effort in Florida because it could help expedite restoration projects by allowing us to work more closely with state agencies such as DEP that have demonstrated the ability to handle streamlined administration for specific purposes.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlorida\u2019s environment, our waterways and our wetlands are what make the state unique. DEP and our partners have worked diligently to develop science-based solutions to key environmental issues, and it\u2019s crucial that these solutions are implemented in a timely and efficient fashion,\u201d said DEP Chief Science Officer Dr. Tom Frazer. \u201cThe State 404 program will ensure the prioritization of critical environmental infrastructure projects and guarantee that local environmental experts with a vested interest in and intimate knowledge of Florida\u2019s natural resources are at the helm.\u201d\n\nBackground from EPA\n\nSection 404 of the CWA requires a permit before dredged or fill material may be discharged into waters of the United States. Section 404(g) of the CWA gives states and tribes the option of assuming, or taking over, the permitting responsibility and administration of the Section 404 permit program for certain waters. Section 404 permits for those assumed waters would be issued by the state or tribe instead of the Corps. The CWA provides that the Corps retains permitting authority in certain tidal waters and other specified waters that are currently used or may be used in the future to transport interstate or foreign commerce. State and tribal Section 404 programs must be at least as stringent as federal permitting.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8141B973-236F-46E1-BDE3-1B38C54F7D82", "Rubio and Markey Applaud Senate Passage of Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medal To American Heroes Killed in 2012 Benghazi Consulate Attack", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill honors selfless sacrifice of Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV) applauded the Senate's passage of their bipartisan bill (S. 2054) to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith in recognition of their service and defense of the United States of America. Stevens, Doherty, Woods, and Smith were killed in the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012.\r\nAmbassador Christopher Stevens, a member of the Career Foreign Service, was serving as U.S. Ambassador to Libya during the attack. Glen Doherty, a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL. Tyrone Woods, was also a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL. Sean Smith, a native of San Diego, had served in the Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.\r\nHonoring our fallen fellow Americans, who were murdered during a terrorist attack in our nation's consulate in Benghazi, commemorates not only their legacy but also their sacrifice, Rubio said. We owe Ambassador Stevens, Navy SEALS Doherty and Woods as well as Airman Smith a great debt of gratitude. I am proud to have joined Senator Markey in introducing this bipartisan bill and urge the members of the House to quickly pass it and send it to the President's desk for signature.\r\nThe bravery of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith and Ambassador Stevens' must be remembered and honored. Our diplomats, armed forces, and all who proudly serve our country overseas deserve our utmost respect, recognition, and gratitude. I am honored to have led the effort that will honor them as the American heroes we know them to be, Markey said. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor the legislative branch can bestow upon any individual, and I look forward to awarding them and their families with this rare distinction that will honor their legacy for generations to come. I urge the House of Representatives to prioritize the bill's swift passage.\r\nPassage in the U.S. Senate of legislation to honor the four brave Americans who lost their lives in the Benghazi terrorist attack with a Congressional Gold Medal is a tremendous honor for our family, the Doherty family said. We will remember these men always as patriots and true heroes who gave their lives for the safety and protection of other Americans. We thank Senator Markey, Senator Rubio, Senator Duckworth and so many other leaders in the U.S. Senate who supported this effort.\r\nRelated:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9A294805-1422-40A6-9D26-36E580C9FB9F", "Rubio Joins Menendez, Cruz, Colleagues for Respect for Nicaraguan Civil Society and Press Freedoms", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators express solidarity with Nicaraguan people and call on the Ortega government to respect democratic ideals and fundamental human rights\r\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Ted Cruz (R-TX) and eight of their Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Kevin K. Sullivan to leverage all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and political leaders in Nicaragua.\r\nIn their letter to Ambassador Sullivan, the Senators expressed concern about recent actions to codify press censorship and further restrict activities of civil society and political opponents ahead of November 2021 presidential elections, including the recent passage of the so-called Foreign Agents Law and the Special Law on Cybercrimes.\r\nThe Senators also raised concerns about the harassment of independent news media in Nicaragua, including the recent court seizure of assets belonging to the owner of Nicavision Canal 12  one of only two independent channels still on open air in the country.\r\nSenators Rubio, Menendez, and Cruz were joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and John Cornyn (R-TX).\r\nThese efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization, wrote the Senators. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to silence voices critical of the Ortega government will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents.\r\nSince April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as 100% Noticias and Nicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies maintain control over the majority of domestic news media, added the Senators.\r\nRubio is the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issue.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear Ambassador Sullivan:    We write to express our concern regarding the Ortega government's harassment of Nicaragua's political opposition, civil society, and independent media. Respect for fundamental freedoms is essential for the preservation of a vibrant democracy, and the exercise of free speech requires that opposition members, activists, and journalists be permitted to operate in a safe environment.    We are particularly troubled that, ahead of November 2021 elections, Nicaraguan legislators have begun to codify press censorship and further restrict activities of civil society and human rights groups. Recently, members of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) in the Nicaraguan Congress passed legislation that mandates civil society, nongovernmental organizations, and citizens who receive funds originating from abroad to register as foreign agents and bars them from engaging in domestic political activities.    The Nicaraguan Congress also approved a Special Law on Cybercrimes, which would allow the Ortega government to prosecute individuals accused of spreading false and/or misrepresented information at its discretion. These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization. We are alarmed by these efforts to provide legal justification to harass and criminalize any entity critical of the Ortega government. Moreover, despite early 2019 commitments to release all political prisoners, at least 113 political opponents remain incarcerated as arbitrary detentions and kidnappings continue. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to silence dissent will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents.    The enactment of these laws is deeply concerning, especially in light of the fact that harassment of the independent news media in Nicaragua has increased dramatically in recent years. Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as 100% Noticias and Nicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies maintain control over the majority of domestic news media.[1] That year, journalists documenting protests throughout the country faced intimidation, theft of personal property, and assault. In one tragic case, journalist ngel Gahona was killed while broadcasting live on the events of April 2018. The Ortega government's violent response to these protests reportedly resulted in upwards of 325 deaths, more than 2,000 injured, and prompted at least 70 journalists to flee Nicaragua.[2] Following a raid of the digital newspaper Confidencial and a series of threats, respected journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro was forced to seek safety in Costa Rica in January 2019 for nearly a year.    More recently, a Managua court ordered the seizure of assets belonging to Mariano Valle Peters, the owner of Nicavision Canal 12which is one of only two independent channels still on open air in Nicaragua.[3] Dating back to 2011, Mr. Valle's outlet has experienced repeated theft of equipment, police intimidation and assault of reporters, as well as frequent tax auditsall of which seems to be targeted intimidation toward the channel.    We urge you to utilize all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and political opponents. In closing, we reaffirm our solidarity with the Nicaraguan people. Press freedom and freedom of expression are integral to the preservation of democracy, and we call on the Ortega government to respect democratic ideals and the fundamental human rights of all Nicaraguans.    Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ACB7A542-6B69-4182-877F-7DCF3FCD1751", "Rubio Statement on MSCI Removing Chinese Military Companies From Its Indexes", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement following MSCI, Inc.'s (MSCI) announcement that it would remove seven Chinese companies connected to the People's Liberation Army from its indexes. In June 2019, Rubio requested information from MSCI regarding the company's controversial decision to add Chinese companies in its equity indexes, including whether MSCI examined the potential for funding Chinese companies involved in the Chinese government and Communist Party's military, espionage, human rights violations, and Made in China 2025 industrial policy when it performed due diligence on the Chinese firms that it includes in its indexes.More than a year ago, I highlighted how index providers like MSCI funnel U.S. dollars, including from American mom and pop investors and Wall Street, to hostile Chinese companies that are involved in the Communist Party's military, espionage, human rights violations, and Made in China 2025 industrial policy, Rubio said. I was proud to work with the Trump Administration on their Executive Order to prohibit investment in Chinese military firms, and MSCI's decision to remove these dangerous companies from their indexes is a result of that good work.It is regrettable but unsurprising that nothing short of an Executive Order would move an American firm to eliminate from its indexes securities of companies classified by the U.S. government as Communist Chinese military companies' and human rights abusers, Rubio continued. MSCI's stated decision not to remove these firms' subsidiaries and affiliates underscores the need for Congress to take further action and further justifies the decision made by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to abandon the use of an MSCI All-World Index. If any future Administration were to reverse course, it would be a clear signal that they are putting the interests of the Chinese Communist Party and Wall Street above the interests of American workers and mom and pop investors.However, there is much more work to be done to address the clear and ongoing risk posed to U.S. economic and national security from the Chinese Communist Party's exploitation of U.S. capital markets, Rubio added. Congress should move swiftly to pass my American Financial Markets Integrity and Security Act, which will ban malicious Chinese companies, as well as their subsidiaries and affiliates, from operating in U.S. capital markets. Passing this bill will make clear to the Communist Party that they will no longer be able to exploit our financial system.Last month, Rubio welcomed an Executive Order by President Trump to prohibit U.S. investments in Chinese firms that are on the U.S. Department of Defense list of Communist Chinese military companies. The move closely resembles legislation that Rubio introduced last month, the American Financial Markets Integrity and Security Act, which would prohibit malign Chinese companies  including the parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or a controlling entity  that are listed on the U.S. Department of Commerce Entity List or the U.S. Department of Defense list of Communist Chinese military companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. A one-pager of the legislation is available here.Earlier this month, Rubio welcomed news that the House will pass an amended version of Senator John Kennedy's (R-LA) Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (S.945), which included key provisions from Rubio and would increase oversight of Chinese and other foreign companies listed on American exchanges and delist and ban over-the-counter trading for firms that are out of compliance with U.S. regulators for a period of three years. The legislation is currently awaiting signature by the President to become law.In May 2020, Rubio and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) welcomed the announcement by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) that it would halt its short-sighted decision to invest billions of dollars from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)  the retirement assets of federal government employees, including members of the U.S. Armed Forces  in opaque Chinese firms engaged in human rights abuses and a wide range of military-related activities.Rubio and Shaheen also led a group of lawmakers in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Taxpayers and Savers Protection (TSP) Act, which would prevent the FRTIB from steering federal retirement savings to China. Specifically, the FRTIB plans to shift the TSP's International Fund Index to the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Investable Market Index that includes Chinese companies under U.S. sanctions and U.S. export bans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DC87A289-28D0-4A1C-BE12-0B01858AB6A4", "Rubio, Gillibrand, Rosen Welcome Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen State Dept Role in Combating Anti-Semitism", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) applauded the Senate passage of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019 (S.238, H.R. 221), a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would enhance the State Department's role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism around the world. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\r\nSenators Rubio and Gillibrand were joined by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as original co-sponsors of the bill. U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.\r\nAnti-Semitism, unfortunately, is on the rise and we must do all we can to combat this ancient evil, Rubio said. I welcome the passage of this important bipartisan bill that will ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism worldwide. I commend my Senate colleagues for passing this legislation, and look forward to the House quickly passing it and sending it to the President to be signed into law.\r\nAs we have seen far too often, anti-Semitism is surging in New York state, our country, and across the world, Gillibrand said. We must do everything in our power to confront, and end, this growing threat. I am proud that we were able to pass this bipartisan bill to elevate the position of special envoy to the rank of ambassador in order to ensure that the State Department can monitor and help combat anti-Semitism across the globe. I will always stand with the Jewish community, and fight against hatred and prejudice in all its forms.\r\nAnti-Semitism continues to rise at an alarming rate across the globe. To equip the State Department to better address rising anti-Semitism, it is critical that we elevate the role of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to Ambassador-at-Large, Rosen said. I am proud to see that this important bipartisan bill has passed the Senate and is one step closer to becoming law, ensuring that the United States remains a leader in combating anti-Semitism internationally and has the tools needed to track and respond to this growing scourge. I will continue working to put a stop to anti-Semitic hatred and bigotry, whether at home or abroad.\r\n\"Congress has taken an important step today to ensure that our government can better fight rising antisemitism around the world, said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. We thank Members of Congress for their leadership in bolstering the Office of the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and for doing so in such a commendable, bipartisan manner.\"\r\nCongress recognized the need for a focused approach to address the resurgence of antisemitism when it created the position of the Special Envoy in 2004. Elevating the position to the rank of Ambassador, which this legislation does, will enable the U.S. to enhance our leadership addressing the scourge of antisemitism across the globe, said Rabbi Andrew Baker, AJC Director of International Jewish Affairs.\r\nThe Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act will:\r\n \r\n\r\nElevate the position of special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism to the rank of ambassador;\r\n\r\n\r\nDirect the special envoy to report directly to the secretary of state;\r\n\r\n\r\nProhibit the special envoy from being double-hatted with another portfolio of issues;\r\n\r\n\r\nEmphasize that the special envoy should be a person of recognized distinction in the field of combating anti-Semitism or religious freedom; and\r\n\r\n\r\nClarify that the special envoy shall be the primary advisor and coordinator for U.S. government efforts to monitor and combat anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incitement in foreign countries.\r\n\r\n \r\nRelated:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-applauds-deal-end-surprise-medical-billing", "Buchanan Applauds Deal to End Surprise Medical Billing", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Vern Buchanan today applauded a bipartisan agreement reached by congressional leaders on legislation to protect patients from receiving surprise medical bills. He called for the measure to be included in an end-of-the-year spending package.\nEvery year millions of Americans are socked with exorbitant bills for services they discover theirinsurancedoesn't cover. This is an all-too-common practice known assurprisemedicalbilling, often stemming from emergency room visits.\nThe bill would prohibit out-of-network providers from billing patients without receiving consent 72 hours prior to any appointments or procedures.\nNo patient should ever walk out of a hospital and get blindsided by medical bills they never authorized, Buchanan said.\nThe bill also sets up a process for doctors and hospitals to go to arbitration to resolve billing disputes, removing patients from the billing process.\nA study conducted earlier this year found that more than 20 percent of patients had received a surprise medical bill averaging $2,000 each.\nThe newly-announced No Surprises Actwould ensure for the first time that patients receive a true and honest cost estimate in advance of any scheduled procedures, strengthen transparency requirements for emergency room procedures and reduce patients'healthcare costs.\nSpecifically, the legislation will protect patients from surprise bills by ensuring they are only responsible for their health insurance plan's in-network costs. This includes preventing patients from being hit with a surprise bill for care from an out-of-network doctor at an in-network hospital, another common cause of surprise medical bills.\nThe Kaiser Family Foundation found that 18 percent of emergency room visits and 16 percent of in-network hospital stays resulted in a surprise bill.\nThe No Surprises Act is similar to the Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act which Buchanan co-sponsored and supported when it passed the House Ways and Means Committee in February of this year.\nThis bipartisan proposal should be included in any must-pass government funding bill by the end of the year, Buchanan said. Patients and their families need to be protected from these unauthorized and unanticipated costs.\nEarlier this Congress, Buchanan's bill to provide greater transparency in drug pricing passed the Ways and Means Committee and awaits action before the full House. TheReporting Accurate Drug Prices Actwould require all drug manufactures to submit information to the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) on the average sales price of drugs administered under Medicare Part B.\nIn 2016, the president signed into law Buchanan's proposal to preserve Medicare Advantage plans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C6112916-1EC8-4298-B593-1836578C3B17", "Mast Provisions To Extend Benefits, Assist Veterans Passed by the House", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Brian Mast", "M001199", "mast.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which included a number of provisions Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) helped write to extend benefits and provide additional assistance for veterans.\r\nThe men and women who put on the uniform to defend our nation made the decision to put country before self. We will never be able to repay them for their sacrifice, but ensuring those who served have access to the benefits they earned is the least we can do, Rep. Mast said. That's what these provisions are all about, and I'm glad we were able to come together and get the job done.\r\nSpecifically, Rep. Mast helped write and secure the following provisions in the bill:\r\n \r\nExtending wartime veterans benefits, including the Veterans Pension and health care, to the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG). The U.S. MAAG included more than 3,000 officers and enlisted individuals who served during the Vietnam War but are currently ineligible for many veterans benefits. This provision would fix this by changing the recognized start of the Vietnam War era from 1961 to 1955, covering the U.S. MAAG as Vietnam War veterans and making them eligible to begin receiving benefits.\r\nHelping veterans rebuild and recover in the wake of natural disasters. Veterans and servicemembers are currently eligible for VA home loans that are backed by the federal government and subject to lower interest rates than traditional mortgages. This provision would reduce loan fees for veterans who have been affected by presidentially-declared natural disasters by enabling them to qualify for a second home loan using the initial VA funding fee, instead of the higher subsequent-use fee.\r\nAssisting with the legal services of homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness. This provision directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to organizations that provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness.\r\nEnsuring that the widows and widowers of Medal of Honor recipients receive the same support that was given to the veteran. This provision will enable the surviving spouses of the Medal of Honor recipients to be eligible to receive the pension that their spouse was awarded.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2020/12/buchanan-applauds-deal-end-surprise-medical-billing", "Buchanan Applauds Deal to End Surprise Medical Billing", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Vern Buchanan today applauded a bipartisan agreement reached by congressional leaders on legislation to protect patients from receiving surprise medical bills. He called for the measure to be included in an end-of-the-year spending package.\n\nEvery year millions of Americans are socked with exorbitant bills for services they discover their insurance doesn\u2019t cover. This is an all-too-common practice known as surprise medical billing, often stemming from emergency room visits.\n\nThe bill would prohibit out-of-network providers from billing patients without receiving consent 72 hours prior to any appointments or procedures.\n\n\u201cNo patient should ever walk out of a hospital and get blindsided by medical bills they never authorized,\u201d Buchanan said.\n\nThe bill also sets up a process for doctors and hospitals to go to arbitration to resolve billing disputes, removing patients from the billing process.\n\nA study conducted earlier this year found that more than 20 percent of patients had received a surprise medical bill averaging $2,000 each.\n\nThe newly-announced No Surprises Act would ensure for the first time that patients receive a true and honest cost estimate in advance of any scheduled procedures, strengthen transparency requirements for emergency room procedures and reduce patients\u2019 health care costs.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation will protect patients from surprise bills by ensuring they are only responsible for their health insurance plan\u2019s in-network costs. This includes preventing patients from being hit with a surprise bill for care from an out-of-network doctor at an in-network hospital, another common cause of surprise medical bills.\n\nThe Kaiser Family Foundation found that 18 percent of emergency room visits and 16 percent of in-network hospital stays resulted in a surprise bill.\n\nThe No Surprises Act is similar to the Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act which Buchanan co-sponsored and supported when it passed the House Ways and Means Committee in February of this year.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan proposal should be included in any must-pass government funding bill by the end of the year,\u201d Buchanan said. \u201cPatients and their families need to be protected from these unauthorized and unanticipated costs.\u201d\n\nEarlier this Congress, Buchanan\u2019s bill to provide greater transparency in drug pricing passed the Ways and Means Committee and awaits action before the full House. The Reporting Accurate Drug Prices Act would require all drug manufactures to submit information to the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) on the average sales price of drugs administered under Medicare Part B.\n\nIn 2016, the president signed into law Buchanan\u2019s proposal to preserve Medicare Advantage plans.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=233D8030-2784-405B-A394-6F10982EC40D", "Rubio Secures Provision in Defense Bill to Better Manage Coast Guard Assets", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) secured a provision in the Senate-passed Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act that will help the U.S. Coast Guard to reduce and better manage the maintenance backlog for its vast and aging shore infrastructure assets. The FY21 NDAA includes and builds upon Senator Rubio's Coast Guard Shore Infrastructure Improvement Act, which he first introduced in July 2019, and which seeks to implement recommendations from a Government Accountability Office report. Improvements are critical to the Coast Guard's operational mission, as shore infrastructure is unfortunately vulnerable due to past weather events, as well as planning for future natural disasters.Florida is proud to host critical Coast Guard personnel and infrastructure, including vital shore infrastructure assets, Rubio said. I am pleased that the FY21 NDAA conference report includes my provision to address the Coast Guard's maintenance backlog. The men and women of the Coast Guard constantly stand ready to protect our nation, and we must ensure the infrastructure they rely on is up to par.Related:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3B794889-B528-4EED-90F0-9FF7E5C1DB68", "Tomorrow: Rubio Staff to Host Virtual Hurricane Sally FEMA Appeals Clinic", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tPensacola, FL  Starting tomorrow, the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will host a virtual Hurricane Sally FEMA Appeals Clinic for those individuals who have been denied by FEMA for Individual Assistance.December 15 and 16, 20209:00 AM to 3:30 PM CSTTo register for the clinic, click here.Individuals can make an appointment to speak with a member of Senator Rubio's staff regarding how to appeal the FEMA denial. Appeals can relate to initial eligibility decisions, the amount or type of assistance provided, late applications, requests to return money, or a denial of continued Temporary Housing Assistance.For questions regarding this event, please contact Senator Rubio's Orlando Regional Office via phone: 1-866-630-7106 or via email at: Recovery@rubio.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EE3C89CA-DAAD-4B5B-A2FA-EC50A1341B07", "ICYMI: Rubio says patriotic, pro-worker Republican Party is emerging", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A Patriotic, Pro-Worker Republican Party Is EmergingBy U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)December 2020The Ripon Forum  Political coalitions have proven to be remarkably dynamic over the past twenty years, and November's historic turnout suggests the political coalitions that constitute our two-party system are once again shifting.  As Republicans, we have many reasons for optimism. To seize the realignment, we cannot simply fall back on decades-old policy white papers. We must instead embrace a pro-American capitalism  one that promotes the common good, as opposed to one that prioritizes Wall Street and Beijing  and become a patriotic, pro-worker party that fights for dignified work, strong families, and vibrant communities.   Over the last four years, the Republican Party has taken the lead in attempting to rebuild that capacity, and we cannot afford to let up. America's future prosperity requires that we recognize when market forces place our nation at a distinct disadvantage with our international competitors. And it will require federal policymakers to step in and create the conditions in which private investment and the vast power of American capitalism flow into critical industries for the good of our entire nation.  Voters rejected the Democrats vision of America  an irredeemably racist country that can only be saved by a revolution led by radical left-wing activists and funded by wealthy elites in the media, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street  and are looking for a home. And these voters weren't just the white-working class Appalachians the media told us would alone shift red. They were my Cuban-American neighbors in my home state of Florida. They were Mexican-Americans in Texas. They were Native Americans in North Carolina and African-Americans all around the nation. The Democratic Party of 2020 has alienated all of them. Republicans need to compete for every voter it has left behind. Going forward, the GOP must be a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of hard-working Americans who love their country. ... Read the rest.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FEF59523-4E00-467F-9601-220F8B41BE74", "ICYMI: Rubio: After Decades of Delay, Everglades Restoration Is Starting to Yield Real Results", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tAfter 20 years, progress on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is starting to yield resultsBy U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) December 11, 2020 Sun SentinelThis month, Floridians mark 20 years since Congress approved a federal-state framework to guide our efforts to restore the Everglades, a framework known as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, or CERP.Unfortunately, in the early years, each CERP project required congressional approval, which meant initial progress was slow. As a result, headlines like the 2008 Sun Sentinel story Red tape, lack of money stall Everglades work regularly appeared on our doorsteps.That changed in 2016, after my good friend and then-chairman of the Senate Committee on Environmental and Public Works, Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), became a proponent of Everglades restoration. In an op-ed supporting a package of CERP projects called the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), Inhofe wrote, [m]y opposition to this important project has since changed, largely in part to my friend and colleague Sen. Marco Rubio.Securing passage of CEPP greenlit new projects in support of restoration goals and allowed us to make real progress over the past several years. Once complete, these components will be critical tools for directing more clean water south to the central Everglades, Everglades National Park, and ultimately, Florida Bay, where it's desperately needed.In 2018, Congress improved the CEPP and approved construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir. Not only will the reservoir assist with the distribution of clean water to Everglades National Park, it will also minimize the threat that harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee pose to our coastal communities.Breakthroughs have also extended to the Tamiami Trail project, where we have succeeded in raising miles of road to allow water to flow freely, reducing disruption to the ecosystem. ...In 2017 and 2018, I worked to expedite and secure full funding for the Herbert Hoover Dike renovation, which is on track to be completed in 2022. Reinforcing the dike will provide additional flexibility to water managers, and help prevent harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers.And the Kissimmee River Restoration Project is nearly complete. This project is designed to restore the flow of the river along its natural path and replenish nearly 20,000 acres of wetlands along the river's floodplain to remove excess nutrients before waters empty into Lake Okeechobee. This will greatly help in healing the greater Everglades system.If we can continue this momentum, we will realize our long-sought goal of restoring, preserving and protecting south Florida's singular ecosystem while equitably and effectively managing our region's water resources.Congress also needs to pass a new Water Resources Development Act to authorize the Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project, allow the completion of the Caloosahatchee Storage Reservoir, support progress on the South Dade project, and fight the threat of invasive species.We also need this bill to correct the errors made by the Army Corps of Engineers, which decided the EAA Reservoir project must pass through additional bureaucratic obstacles before construction can commence. As this year ends, I am fighting to reiterate Congress' intent for this critical project and allow construction to begin without delay.The tasks ahead are substantial, but the goal is too important to stop fighting. Make no mistake: After decades of delay, Everglades restoration is starting to yield real results.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=B555F113-F099-4CD6-9837-B35D3D7F7F5F", "Una Administracin Biden No Debe Repetir Las Concesiones de Obama a Cuba", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Por el senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL)  10 de diciembre del 2020  El Nuevo Herald\r\n  El rgimen cubano vuelve a tomar medidas severas al seguir arrestando a disidentes pacficos. Esta vez, la medida involucr el despliegue de oficiales vestidos con batas mdicas bajo el falso pretexto de las restricciones a raz del COVID-19. Este es un claro recordatorio del cinismo del rgimen y evidencia hasta dnde llegarn para acabar y censurar la protesta pacfica.\r\nLa represin se produce cuando el rgimen de Castro y Daz-Canel enfrenta una mayor presin por parte del pueblo cubano, que exige que se respeten sus derechos a la libertad de expresin y otras libertades bsicas.\r\nA medida que la situacin en Cuba empeora, una administracin de Biden enfrentara una decisin crtica sobre cmo ser su poltica hacia la isla. Ser que Biden apoyar a los disidentes y continuar las reformas claves de la administracin Trump? No olvidemos que estas acciones han paralizado financieramente al rgimen y priorizado las demandas del pueblo cubano. O, volvera Biden a la fallida poltica de la administracin Obama de recompensar a Ral Castro y Miguel Daz-Canel limitando las sanciones y brindndole legitimidad poltica al rgimen por sus dcadas de comportamiento represivo?\r\n  Ya sabemos cmo responde el rgimen cubano cuando cree que la ayuda puede estar en camino.\r\nEn la actualidad, la dictadura se ha movido agresivamente para censurar a los artistas y los medios independientes, incluyendo los ataques continuos contra los miembros del Movimiento San Isidro. Sern ms los cubanos inocentes que pagarn el precio si volvemos a una poltica unilateral hacia Cuba y le brindamos un salvavidas al rgimen dictatorial de Ral Castro.\r\n...\r\nCualquier gobierno de EE.UU., especialmente uno liderado por Joe Biden, debe dejar explcitamente claro que comprende la desastrosa decisin que lider el presidente Obama de haber accedido a la liberacin e indulto del espa condenado por el rgimen por el asesinato de un residente de EE.UU. y a tres ciudadanos americanos, miembros de la organizacin humanitaria Hermanos al Rescate.\r\n\r\nAl contrario, una poltica ms responsable hacia Cuba seguira los pasos del presidente Trump y promovera polticas destinadas a proteger los derechos fundamentales de los cubanos. En los prximos aos, eso significar especialmente trabajar para promover el acceso al internet en la isla, para que los cubanos estn mejor conectados con fuentes de informacin independientes.\r\n  Tambin implicara el compromiso de garantizar la compensacin de los estadounidenses a quienes el rgimen corrupto de los Castro les expropi sus propiedades injustamente. La formulacin responsable de las polticas, tambin ser el asegurarse que los pases que actualmente estn involucrados en actividades que constituyen la trata de personas de profesionales de la salud cubanos contraten directamente y compensen plenamente a estos individuos, as como tambin cumplan con todas las normas y protocolos laborales bajo la ley internacional.\r\n  La autoridad con la que el rgimen cubano sigue aferrado hoy es insostenible a largo plazo. Sus miembros lo saben. La generacin antigua del Partido Comunista est desapareciendo y sus sucesores enfrentarn problemas importantes porque el pueblo cubano no aceptar su actual comportamiento represivo.\r\n  La poltica hacia Cuba de la prxima administracin ser una prueba para demostrar cmo realmente priorizan los \"valores\" hacia la poltica exterior de EE.UU. El destino de Cuba le pertenece nicamente al pueblo cubano, pero el rol de nuestro pas en ayudar a mejorar las vidas del pueblo cubano no puede volver a repetir el comportamiento que exista bajo la administracin Obama.\r\n  Lea ms aqu.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5882943B-B941-4367-8178-7EFC68C1E4BC", "Rubio Secures Provision in Defense Bill to Combat Financial Crime by Ending Anonymous Shell Companies", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) secured a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) conference report that passed the Senate that will help stop criminals, including sophisticated criminal organizations, from using anonymous shell corporations to engage in illicit activities like money laundering, sex trafficking, fraud, and terrorist financing. The anti-money laundering provisions in the FY21 NDAA conference report includes and builds upon the Corporate Transparency Act (S. 1978), bipartisan legislation he reintroduced last year. The Senate's action sends the final conference report to the President.Senator Rubio first introduced the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in August 2017. In August 2018, Rubio, Wyden, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) succeeded in passing bipartisan legislation to lay the groundwork to expand a U.S. Department of the Treasury initiative to curb foreign nationals laundering money through high-end real estate. The Miami Herald also published an in-depth report on Rubio's continued efforts to crackdown on dirty money in real estate.In my home State of Florida, including in Miami, our law enforcement professionals know all too well that criminals readily use shell companies to remain anonymous and hide nefarious activity, Rubio said. I was proud to help secure this important provision in the NDAA that targets criminals hiding behind shell companies to engage in illicit activities like human trafficking, healthcare fraud, transnational corruption, and terrorist financing. It is imperative that law enforcement has the basic information, tools, and authorities at its disposal to identify and disrupt criminal acts that put our communities and our national security at risk.Last December, Rubio chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues hearing titled Illicit Mining: Threats to U.S. National Security and International Human Rights. The hearing examined how anonymous shell corporations are used to engage in illicit activity, including money laundering.Specifically, the Corporate Transparency Act will:\r\n\r\nGenerally require basic information, including name, address, date of birth, and a driver's license number or other identification of the beneficial owner be reported to the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) upon the creation of a company, with some exceptions. No financial information, business details, or proprietary information is required;\r\nEnsure government authorities accessing beneficial ownership information do so only for authorized purposes;\r\nMinimize reporting burdens for companies; and\r\nProvide for civil and criminal penalties for willful violations of the requirements under this law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B9620B5C-716E-44FF-9E98-226A3D161D0A", "Rubio, Warner Secure Critical 5G Provisions in Defense Bill", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mark Warner (D-VA) secured a provision (Sec. 9202) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) conference report that passed the Senate to support the development of a 5G wireless network by establishing the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund and the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund. The Senate's action sends the final conference report to the President.    It is in our national security interests to support American competition in the 5G market and take action to counter efforts by Chinese state-directed telecommunications companies to dominate wireless technology supply chains, Rubio said. I was proud to secure this critical provision in the FY21 NDAA conference report that will support the development of an innovative 5G wireless network that leverages American strengths and creates American jobs in the industries of the future without relying on malign Chinese state-directed actors like Huawei and ZTE.    For too long we've called for our allies and trading partners to reject Huawei digital infrastructure  without providing competitively-priced, innovative alternatives that address their needs. I'm pleased to see my bipartisan, bicameral legislation included in this year's defense funding bill, Warner said. I look forward to working with Senate Appropriators next year to ensure that these programs  which advance major national security priorities  receive full funding in the coming year.    Rubio and Warner's provision builds upon the bipartisan legislation they introduced earlier this year to encourage and support U.S. innovation in the race for 5G by providing more than $1 billion to invest in Western-based alternatives to Chinese equipment providers Huawei and ZTE, malign state-directed telecommunications companies that pose a clear and growing threat to the economic and national security of the U.S. and our allies.    In July, Rubio and Warner supported an amendment that was adopted to the Senate passed FY 2021 NDAA that supports the development of secure 5G networks in open-standards to compete with our adversaries.    In a CNBC op-ed earlier this year, Rubio highlighted the importance of why the United States and its allies must reject China's Huawei and lead on 5G development:    \r\nCountries cutting out Huawei and its cheap, high-risk hardware will have to look for trusted alternatives, such as newer, interoperable open radio access networks (ORANs), which bypass the need for Huawei's end-to-end proprietary gear and thus are more open to market innovation.\r\n\r\nGovernments should support innovative telecom companies that are leading the way when it comes to ORAN solutions. In the United States, I have worked with my colleagues on bipartisan legislation, the USA Telecommunications Act, which would provide $750 million in federal funding for research and development of these open and adaptable technologies.\r\n\r\nDefending against Huawei -- and other Chinese state-directed companies -- will require an aggressive, global effort to support innovative technologies, grow our economies, and increase secure 5G access. To that end, my legislation devotes $500 million specifically to encourage the spread of open-access technologies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D7CC4262-A5C7-4F1A-B71E-149C417265FE", "ICYMI: Rubio: A Biden Administration Must Not Repeat Obamas Concessions to Cubas Regime", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tA Biden Administration must not repeat Obama's concessions to Cuba's regimeBy U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)December 10, 2020The Miami HeraldThe Cuban regime is once again cracking down and arresting peaceful dissidents. This time, the move involved deploying officers dressed in medical gowns under the false pretext of COVID-19 restrictions. It is a stark reminder of the cynical lengths the fledgling regime will go to stamp out and censor nonviolent protest.The ongoing crackdown comes as the Castro-Daz-Canel regime is facing increased pressure from the Cuban people, who are demanding that their rights to free speech and other basic liberties be respected.As the situation in Cuba worsens, a Biden Administration would face a critical decision when it comes to its policy toward the island. Would Biden stand with the dissidents and continue the Trump Administration's key reforms, which have financially crippled the regime and prioritized the demands of the Cuban people? Or would he return to the failed Obama Administration policy of rewarding Ral Castro and Miguel Daz-Canel with sanctions relief and political legitimacy for decades of repressive behavior?...We can already see how the Cuban regime responds when it thinks relief may be on the way.It has aggressively moved to censor artists and independent media, including its ongoing assault against members of the San Isidro movement. More innocent Cubans will pay the price if we return to a one-sided Cuba policy -- and throw a life-line to Ral Castro's dictatorial regime....Any U.S. administration  especially one led by Joe Biden  must make explicitly clear that it understands what a disastrous decision it was for President Obama to accede to the release and pardon of the regime's convicted spy for murdering four Cuban-American nationals, members of the humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue....By contrast, a more responsible policy towards Cuba would follow in the footsteps of President Trump and advance policies meant to protect the fundamental rights of Cubans. In the coming years, that will particularly mean working to promote internet access on the island, so Cubans are better connected with independent sources of information.In addition, it would entail a commitment to securing compensation for Americans who had their property wrongfully stolen by the corrupt Castro regime. Responsible policymaking will also mean ensuring that nations currently engaged in activities that constitute the human trafficking of Cuban medical professionals instead directly contract and fully compensate those individuals, as well as abide by all international labor standards and protocols.The authority to which the Cuban regime continues to cling today is unsustainable in the long run. Its members know that. The Communist Party's older generation of hard-liners is dying out, and their successors will face significant problems because the Cuban people will not accept their current repression and behavior;The next administration's Cuba policy will be a test to prove how they truly prioritize values in U.S. foreign policy. The fate of Cuba belongs to the Cuban people alone, but our nation's role in bettering their lives cannot fall back to what it was under the Obama Administration.Read More Here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E249ED77-E194-4BC7-838E-AFCABAC238AA", "Rubio, Coons Praise Passage Of Their Bipartisan Bill To Strengthen U.S.-Israel Strategic Alliance", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE) applauded the passage of their bipartisan United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act (S.3176), which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan bill will strengthen the U.S.-Israel strategic alliance by authorizing $3.3 billion in annual security assistance consistent with the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding and ensures that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and is able to address both conventional and emerging threats.This bipartisan legislation has now overwhelmingly passed the Senate on a couple of occasions. The Senators previously introduced this legislation in 2018, and it was then included in the Senate-passed Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 (S.1).The inclusion of this important and bipartisan bill in this year's NDAA reaffirms our nation's unwavering support to our strongest ally in the Middle East: the Jewish State of Israel, Rubio said. As Israel faces unprecedented threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other malign actors, we must continue to advance initiatives that protect and support our mutual security interests.A strong U.S.-Israel relationship remains a bipartisan priority, Coons said. The $3.3 billion in annual security assistance codified today was agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding negotiated and signed by President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2016. Tensions in the region continue to threaten Israeli security, and I'm proud that Congress is deepening the strategic U.S.-Israel alliance and bilateral non-security cooperation in the face of these challenges.Related:\r\n\r\nJanuary 9, 2020: Rubio, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Strategic Alliance\r\nFebruary 5, 2019: Rubio, Risch, Gardner, McConnell Welcome Senate Passage of Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act\r\nJanuary 8, 2019: On Senate Floor, Rubio Urges Democratic Colleagues To Support Bill To Strengthen Security In Middle East\r\nJanuary 3, 2019: Rubio, Risch, Gardner, McConnell Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S. Security in Middle East, Bolster Israel Alliance & Sanction Syria's Dictatorship\r\nAugust 2, 2018: Rubio Applauds Senate Passage Of The United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act Of 2018", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/five-more-bilirakis-authored-provisions-pass-house", "Five More Bilirakis-Authored Provisions Pass the House", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Florida's Most Effective Lawmaker keeps adding to his legislative successes, with five more provisions co-authored by Congressman Bilirakis passing the House this week. This now means that Bilirakis has 14 bills that have the passed the House this Congress and await final approval in the Senate. A total of eleven Bilirakis-authored bills have already been signed into law this since 2019, while he served as a Member of the minority party. This is a testament to Bilirakis's ability to work across party lines and is a contributing factor to Bilirakis recently being ranked as Florida's Most Bipartisan Member in the U.S. House of Representatives. \"I look forward to getting these initiatives across the finish line before the end of the year,\" said Bilirakis. \"They will help seniors, our military, their families and Veterans. I urge my Senate colleagues to expedite their passage so they can be signed into law.\"\n\nThe Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Act of 2019 or the BENES Act, which Bilirakis co-authored, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this week. Complex and confusing Medicare enrollment rules combined with a lack of sufficient notification cause tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities to incur lifetime fines, coverage gaps, and other harmful consequences. The BENES Act will provide advance notification to individuals approaching Medicare eligibility about basic enrollment rules while directing HHS to provide guidance to Congress on how best to align Medicare enrollment periods to help seniors avoid adverse consequences.\n\nA second bill co-authored by Bilirakis, the Provide Accurate Information Directly Act or PAID Act, also garnered bipartisan support when passing the House this week. The PAID Act addresses a problem with Medicare billing. Medicare secondary payer laws enacted in the 1980s have failed to stay current with the needs of today's beneficiaries, and the PAID Act requires improved information sharing and coordination by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.\n\nThe three additional Bilirakis co-authored provisions passed the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and are listed below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-measure-headed-president-s-desk", "Buchanan Measure Headed to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate today passed the final version of a sweeping defense bill that includes Congressman Vern Buchanan's measure to reduce training accidentsfollowing the death of a Bradenton soldier\nThe bill cleared the U.S. House Tuesday and is now on its way to President Trump's desk.\nBuchanan filed the measure to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in July as a part of his push for military training reforms after Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto of Bradenton died in a vehicle training accident in South Korea last year. A lack of emergency services on base and delays in medical response was cited in his death.\nThe highest tribute that can be paid to the life of Specialist Panipinto is for the Defense Department to ensure that future military personnel who are injured during training exercises can quickly receive high-quality medical treatment that might help save their lives, Buchanan said. I am deeply humbled that Nick's mother came to me with their tragic story and has allowed me to help. I know that these reforms will save lives and prevent future heartache felt by families like hers across the country.\nBuchanan's amendment requires the Department of Defense to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. military bases around the world and to report toCongress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiringbases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully-stocked military ambulances.\nThe U.S. House initially passed its version of the NDAA in July, with Buchanan's amendment included, and the Senate later followed suit passing its own separate version. The U.S. House and Senate then had to reconcile their competing versions and produce a final conference report. \nSpecialist Panipinto's mother, Kimberly Weaver, praised Buchanan saying, This isn't just a win for our family, but for every military family. We are so thankful to Congressman Buchanan for all of his help in getting these necessary changes one step closer to being signed into law.\nDeaths during training exercises have risen dramatically in recent years. In 2017 alone, nearly four times as many service members died in training accidents than were killed in action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/2020/12/congressman-dunn-credits-operation-warp-speed-with-rapid-vaccine-development", "Congressman Dunn Credits Operation Warp Speed with Rapid Vaccine Development", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Neal Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) made the following statement following the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)'s emergency use authorization approval of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and partner BioNTech SE.\r\nThis is a monumental step in our fight against COVID-19. The Trump Administration's Operation Warp Speed played an instrumental role in supporting the development of this safe and effective vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has a 95% efficacy rate and will entail two doses that are administered 21 days apart. The company plans to distribute about 25 million doses in the U.S. by the end of the year  if you do not receive a vaccine immediately following its release, there are more on the way. I've been in close communication with the Governor's Office regarding distribution and will continue working with the state and my district to ensure my constituents receive the most updated information on the vaccines.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=208", "Congressman Dunn Credits Operation Warp Speed with Rapid Vaccine Development", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Neal P. Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", "dunn", "https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) made the following statement following the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)\u2019s emergency use authorization approval of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and partner BioNTech SE.\n\n\u201cThis is a monumental step in our fight against COVID-19. The Trump Administration\u2019s Operation Warp Speed played an instrumental role in supporting the development of this safe and effective vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech\u2019s COVID-19 vaccine has a 95% efficacy rate and will entail two doses that are administered 21 days apart. The company plans to distribute about 25 million doses in the U.S. by the end of the year \u2013 if you do not receive a vaccine immediately following its release, there are more on the way. I\u2019ve been in close communication with the Governor\u2019s Office regarding distribution and will continue working with the state and my district to ensure my constituents receive the most updated information on the vaccines.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-applauds-pfizer-vaccine-approval", "Diaz-Balart Applauds Pfizer Vaccine Approval", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2013\u2013 Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement approving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.\n\n\"This year, we have witnessed the largest scientific, government, and private sector mobilization in recent history. In just a few months, we have made historic progress with the development of COVID-19 treatments and even developed multiple vaccines with proven effectiveness. The Trump Administration has worked hand in hand with our military,medical experts, and the private sector to develop and manufacture a safe and effectivevaccinein record time, and now, thanks to Operation Warp Speed, we can begin distributing this vaccine as quickly and reliably as possible. I am proud of our nation's unprecedented efforts to treat this virus, and I commend this Administration's diligent work in prioritizing the health and safety of the American people.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=13C87504-E7F1-48A1-8E3D-055285B90AA9", "Mast Bill To Honor Fallen Florida Trooper Joseph Bullock Passes House", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Brian Mast", "M001199", "mast.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18)'s legislation to designate the United States Post Office in Port Salerno, Fla. as the Joseph Bullock Post Office Building passed the House of Representatives today. This legislation would change the name of this facility to honor the life and sacrifice of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Bullock, who was fatally shot in the line of duty on February 5, 2020.\r\nThere are no words or actions that can pay the debt we each owe heroes like Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Bullock, Rep. Mast said. But today, the House of Representatives helped me honor a hero by passing this legislation, preserving his legacy in our community for generations to come.\r\nTrooper Bullock was fatally shot on February 5, 2020 while assisting a disabled vehicle in Martin County, Fla. Trooper Bullock spent his career protecting the people of Florida, serving as a member of the Florida Highway Patrol for 19 years. Prior to serving on the Florida Highway Patrol, Trooper Bullock served our nation in the United States Air Force.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/media/press-releases/steube-joins-colleagues-letter-president-trump-urging-doj-investigation", "Steube Joins Colleagues in Letter to President Trump Urging a DOJ Investigation into Irregularities in the 2020 Election", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Greg Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to direct Attorney General Barr to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate irregularities in the 2020 election.\nEvery single allegation of fraud should be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found unlawfully interfering in our electoral process should be held criminally accountable. Steube said. From potentially thousands of uncounted ballots being found in Georgia, to instances of deceased people voting in New York City, it is clear that the integrity of our elections and even our system of government is at stake.\nDespite dozens of accounts of voter fraud, an investigation has not yet been opened at the Department of Justice. Many instances of suspicious activity have been reported, including almost 2,600 that were not tallied on election night in Floyd County, Georgia, and reports showing that ballots were mailed into the New York City Board of Elections in the name of dead voters.\nYou can read the full text of the letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-joins-colleagues-in-letter-to-president-trump-urging-a-doj-investigation-into-irregularities-in-the-2020-election/", "Steube Joins Colleagues in Letter to President Trump Urging a DOJ Investigation into Irregularities in the 2020 Election", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Steube Joins Colleagues in Letter to President Trump Urging a DOJ Investigation into Irregularities in the 2020 Election\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to direct Attorney General Barr to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate irregularities in the 2020 election.\n\n\u201cEvery single allegation of fraud should be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found unlawfully interfering in our electoral process should be held criminally accountable.\u201d Steube said. \u201cFrom potentially thousands of uncounted ballots being found in Georgia, to instances of deceased people voting in New York City, it is clear that the integrity of our elections and even our system of government is at stake.\u201d\n\nDespite dozens of accounts of voter fraud, an investigation has not yet been opened at the Department of Justice. Many instances of suspicious activity have been reported, including almost 2,600 that were not tallied on election night in Floyd County, Georgia, and reports showing that ballots were mailed into the New York City Board of Elections in the name of dead voters.\n\nYou can read the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=85D330B4-9FBA-4F9A-B484-32B194543D7B", "Rubio Junto a Menndez Presentan Ley en Apoyo al aumento de Capital del BID", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sala de Prensa \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInicio\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, DC - El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) junto a Bob Menendez (D-NJ), el miembro de ms alto rango del Comit de Relaciones Exteriores, presentaron una nueva legislacin que autoriza el dcimo aumento general de capital para el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID, por sus siglas en espaol), la institucin financiera lder en el hemisferio. En un momento en que los pases de la regin han sufrido el impacto econmico causado por la pandemia del COVID-19 y tras los devastadores huracanes en la regin, el histrico proyecto de ley destaca los esfuerzos del Congreso de EE.UU. para priorizar y asegurar un aumento en el capital del BID.La legislacin aumentara los prstamos anuales del BID en $20 mil millones de dlares y fortalecera su capacidad para liderar los esfuerzos financieros en Amrica Latina y el Caribe. Como parte del aumento del capital, el proyecto de ley fomenta el apoyo a la creacin del primer fondo ambiental y servicio crediticio del BID, una iniciativa pionera que posicionara al Banco para ampliar los esfuerzos para mejorar la sostenibilidad ambiental y la preparacin para los desastres naturales en el hemisferio.Rubio es la presidente del Subcomit de Relaciones Exteriores para el Hemisferio Occidental, Delincuencia Transnacional, Seguridad Civil, Democracia, Derechos Humanos y Asuntos Globales de la Mujer.Con las crecientes adversidades econmicas que enfrenta nuestra regin, causadas por la pandemia del COVID-19 o la destruccin tras el paso de los desastres naturales, me enorgullece unirme al senador Menndez en presentar este importante proyecto de ley, Rubio dijo. Al apoyar el avance del aumento del capital del BID, reafirmamos el liderazgo de EE.UU. en nuestro hemisferio a travs de las iniciativas financieras del banco. Debemos hacer todo lo posible para contrarrestar los esquemas depredadores de la China en nuestra regin, mientras ellos continan abusando de las naciones en desarrollo. La alianza de EE.UU. se necesita ahora ms que nunca.\"A medida que continuamos buscando formas de intensificar nuestros esfuerzos para abordar los desafos globales causados por la pandemia del COVID-19, esta importante legislacin renueva el compromiso de EE.UU. con el principal banco multilateral de desarrollo en la regin y profundiza las relaciones econmicas con nuestros socios hemisfricos, Menendez dijo. El BID debe considerar las necesidades de nuestros socios en latinoamrica y el caribe, en particular despus que las perspectivas econmicas del hemisferio se vieron severamente afectadas por el COVID-19 y una devastadora temporada de huracanes. Este proyecto de ley tambin asegurar que el BID est mejor preparado para abordar los crecientes desafos del cambio climtico en las Amricas al pedir el establecimiento de su primer fondo ambiental. Espero trabajar con mis colegas de ambos partidos para aprobar esta legislacin lo antes posible.\"El texto de la Ley de Aumento de Capital del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo en ingls est aqu.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6E456EEA-7CAC-4724-95EC-9661FBA7533D", "Now: Rubio Chairs Hearing on the Paycheck Protection Program and Its Future", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, convened a hearing titled, Small Business in Crisis: The 2020 Paycheck Protection Program and its Future.A live-stream of the hearing can be found on the committee's website here.Chairman Rubio's opening remarks as prepared can be found below.Chairman Rubio: I would like to thank everyone for joining us, both in person and virtually, and welcome our witnesses before the Committee.The coronavirus pandemic has affected virtually every part of our lives; our health, our education, our jobs, our communities, our families, and our economy.The pandemic and nationwide lockdowns were thenand remain nowa crisis for America's small businesses.In March, as the pandemic and mandatory lockdowns began crushing small businesses, the Senate and bipartisan members of this Committee responded by coming together and enacting historic support for small businesses in the CARES Act.One of those lifelines was an entirely new program, built upon the network of community banks that the SBA has worked with for many years, to deliver capital to small businesses.That support was the Paycheck Protection Program. And, in this crisis, we called upon every inch of America's financial infrastructure to deliver the help it brought to small businesses.Now, in retrospective, it is clear that the PPP has been the most effective piece from the bipartisan CARES Act.PPP is arguably the largest singular federal fiscal relief program enacted in recent history, delivering more than $525 billion to small businesses and nonprofits across the country.PPP had two main goals: help workers keep their jobs, and protect small businesses from being forced to permanently close their doors.Under the crisis conditions in which we created the program, to achieve these goals required setting a third goal: to deliver the support PPP would provide with all possible speed.Looking back, I believe it is more than fair to say that PPP accomplished all three of those goals.To the goal of worker retention, businesses receiving PPP report saving up to 55 million jobs.In May 2020, the first jobs report after the full amount of PPP loans was disbursed, showed the biggest month for jobs gained on record since 1939beating economists' expectations by over 10 million jobs.To the goal of helping small businesses, more than 5.2 million small businesses and nonprofits received a PPP loan.By the end of May, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that more than 70 percent of all small businesses in the entire country received PPP loans.To the goal of delivering assistance with haste, the SBA approved nearly $350 billion in PPP loans in just two weeks.That is, by far, and by any measure, the fastest delivery of funds at this scale for a fiscal policy program in modern history.This program was a tremendous success in meeting the goals that we created it to meet.And now, it is time to do it again.The work that the first round of PPP began, though successful, it remains incomplete.The pandemic is still raging. Lockdowns are again being placed on small businesses, and consumer activity is falling.By enacting a second round of PPP, we can build upon the successes of the first round, fix problems identified, and protect small businesses through the winter.As we consider a second round of PPP funding, this hearing provides as a good opportunity to take stock of what we learned in the first round.The priority of speed that we gave the program, however necessary, created some initial problems in implementation.For example, the average loan size approved at the outset of the program was larger, and a number of companies that had access to capital elsewhere, received PPP loans.That problem was resolved. Yet the program's critics persist in saying that the program was skewed toward larger businesses.The facts are that 70 percent of PPP loans went to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees.The average business receiving a PPP loan had 13 employees.And 80 percent of all funds went to businesses with fewer than 200 employees, even though all businesses with 500 or fewer employees were eligible.Another example is issues related to fraud. We have learned a good deal about the need for inspection and oversight by the administering agencies.However, the evidence so far does not suggest a fraud rate in PPP that is higher than that of other CARES Act programs.And the evidence suggests that PPP suffers from a much lower risk of fraud than the SBA's EIDL program.One of the reasons for this success has been the fact that the banks and credit unions delivering PPP are still subject to federal anti-fraud regulations.This public-private partnership, in combination with increased SBA and Treasury program oversight, allowed us to strike an important balance of ensuring fraud protection, while also distributing program funds in a timely manner.Another example is with respect to the equitable distribution of funds to small businesses owned by all races and ethnicities.As we explored in a hearing this past July, we have learned the importance of community financial institutions, like CDFIs, and technical assistance grants through agencies like the Minority Business Development Agency.Though there was certainly a disparity at the program's outset, the heroic work of community financial institutions overcame it.A survey completed by Goldman Sachs found that, by the conclusion of the program, 93 percent of black business owners applied for a PPP loan, and of those who applied, 95 percent received a PPP loan.According to the SBA's demographic survey data, minority-owned small businesses received a higher percentage of PPP loans than their relative share of business ownership in the United States would otherwise suggest.Black and Hispanic-owned small businesses account for 7.8 percent of total small businesses, yet successfully received 10.6 percent of the total PPP loans disbursed.Despite some negative narratives in the media, I have heard loud and clear about the success of PPP from small business owners throughout the country.For instance, Between Pixels in Marietta, Georgia said, we applied for and received the PPP loan, which helped us focus our energy on pivoting our business model. The funds allowed us to reassign staff to these opportunities rather than cut positions, which ended up making up for the revenue we lost from our traditional services.Mike Zaffroni, the owner of Liberty Landscape in Jacksonville, Florida said, if I had to sum up the PPP loan in one word for us, it gave us confidence. We would be in a much different position without it.These represent only a small portion of the comments we have received from small businesses about the program.While there are better days ahead with the promise of a successful vaccine, we have an immediate need that requires action.Businesses need more help to make it through this winter, given a potential second wave looming and impending government lockdowns.Congress has voted unanimously three separate times to fund and enhance PPP and it is far past time for us to come together once again.Today's hearing provides us an opportunity to evaluate the first round of PPP and to discuss the future of the program, with this goal in mind. I look forward to hearing from today's expert panel on their experiences with PPP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8E761307-B38B-482E-B7E6-36DF891442B6", "English/ Espaol: Rubio Joins Menendez in Unveiling Legislation in Support of Capital Increase for IDB", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, in introducing new legislation authorizing the tenth general capital increase for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the hemisphere's leading international financial institution. At a moment when countries in the region have suffered from the widespread economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating hurricanes in the region, the historic bill highlights efforts by the U.S. Congress to prioritize and secure an IDB capital increase.The legislation would increase the IDB's annual lending by $20 billion and strengthen its ability to lead financial efforts across Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the capital increase, the bill encourages support for the creation of the IDB's first environmental fund and lending facilitya groundbreaking initiative that would position the Bank to expand efforts to improve environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness in the hemisphere.Rubio is the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues.With the growing economic adversities our region is confronting, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or the destruction left behind after previous natural disasters, I'm proud to join Senator Menendez in introducing this important bill, Rubio said. By supporting the advancement of the Inter-American Development Bank's capital increase, we are reaffirming America's leadership in our hemisphere through the IDB's financial initiatives. We must do all we can to counter China's predatory schemes in our region, as they continue to prey on developing nations. America's partnership is needed now more than ever.\"As we continue looking for ways to step up our efforts to address global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this important legislation renews the United States' commitment to the region's leading multilateral development bank and to deepening economic relations with our hemispheric partners, Ranking Member Menendez said. The IDB must consider the resource needs of our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly after the hemisphere's economic outlook was severely battered by COVID-19 and a devastating hurricane season. This bill will also ensure the IDB is better prepared to address the growing challenges of climate change in the Americas by calling for the establishment of its first-ever environmental fund. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to approve this legislation as soon as possible.The Inter-American Development Bank General Capital Increase Act includes the following provisions:\r\n\r\nAuthorizes the U.S. Governor for the IDB to vote in favor of an $20 billion increase in the capital stock of the Bank and requires U.S. diplomatic engagement in support of a tenth IDB capital increase;\r\nEncourages U.S. support for the creation of an IDB environmental fund and lending facility to strengthen environmental policies and safeguards, sustainability initiatives, and disaster preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean, and;\r\nRecognizes the significant economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Hemisphere, as well as the impact of the Venezuelan refugee and migration crisis.\r\n\r\nRUBIO JUNTO A MENNDEZ PRESENTAN LEY EN APOYO AL AUMENTO DE CAPITAL DEL BIDWashington, DC - El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) junto a Bob Menendez (D-NJ), el miembro de ms alto rango del Comit de Relaciones Exteriores, presentaron una nueva legislacin que autoriza el dcimo aumento general de capital para el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID, por sus siglas en espaol), la institucin financiera lder en el hemisferio. En un momento en que los pases de la regin han sufrido el impacto econmico causado por la pandemia del COVID-19 y tras los devastadores huracanes en la regin, el histrico proyecto de ley destaca los esfuerzos del Congreso de EE.UU. para priorizar y asegurar un aumento en el capital del BID.La legislacin aumentara los prstamos anuales del BID en $20 mil millones de dlares y fortalecera su capacidad para liderar los esfuerzos financieros en Amrica Latina y el Caribe. Como parte del aumento del capital, el proyecto de ley fomenta el apoyo a la creacin del primer fondo ambiental y servicio crediticio del BID, una iniciativa pionera que posicionara al Banco para ampliar los esfuerzos para mejorar la sostenibilidad ambiental y la preparacin para los desastres naturales en el hemisferio.Rubio es la presidente del Subcomit de Relaciones Exteriores para el Hemisferio Occidental, Delincuencia Transnacional, Seguridad Civil, Democracia, Derechos Humanos y Asuntos Globales de la Mujer.Con las crecientes adversidades econmicas que enfrenta nuestra regin, causadas por la pandemia del COVID-19 o la destruccin tras el paso de los desastres naturales, me enorgullece unirme al senador Menndez en presentar este importante proyecto de ley, Rubio dijo. Al apoyar el avance del aumento del capital del BID, reafirmamos el liderazgo de EE.UU. en nuestro hemisferio a travs de las iniciativas financieras del banco. Debemos hacer todo lo posible para contrarrestar los esquemas depredadores de la China en nuestra regin, mientras ellos continan abusando de las naciones en desarrollo. La alianza de EE.UU. se necesita ahora ms que nunca.\"A medida que continuamos buscando formas de intensificar nuestros esfuerzos para abordar los desafos globales causados por la pandemia del COVID-19, esta importante legislacin renueva el compromiso de EE.UU. con el principal banco multilateral de desarrollo en la regin y profundiza las relaciones econmicas con nuestros socios hemisfricos, Menendez dijo. El BID debe considerar las necesidades de nuestros socios en latinoamrica y el caribe, en particular despus que las perspectivas econmicas del hemisferio se vieron severamente afectadas por el COVID-19 y una devastadora temporada de huracanes. Este proyecto de ley tambin asegurar que el BID est mejor preparado para abordar los crecientes desafos del cambio climtico en las Amricas al pedir el establecimiento de su primer fondo ambiental. Espero trabajar con mis colegas de ambos partidos para aprobar esta legislacin lo antes posible.\"El texto de la Ley de Aumento de Capital del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo en ingls est aqu.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=950CEEAE-9B55-479D-BE2E-0831176E8F95", "Rubio: McKinsey Remains Silent on Its Work for Chinese Communist Party", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) following McKinsey & Company's long overdue apology for its role in fueling America's opioid crisis.McKinsey's weakly worded apology for its work on behalf of the opioid industry is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to issues the American people ought to be concerned about, Rubio said. Many of my concerns stem from the fact that the company has been less than forthcoming  to put it mildly  when it comes to their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party.In fact, despite working on key CCP projects like the Belt and Road Initiative' and consulting for the state-owned client that built artificial reefs the Chinese military uses in the South China Sea, McKinsey continues to maintain that it does not perform work that benefits the CCP, Rubio continued. McKinsey's inability to provide clear, direct answers about its relations with the CCP, any work it may have done for the Central Military Commission of China, its work on areas of critical national interest to the United States, its involvement in the detention of ethnic minorities, the presence of Communist Party branches within the company's very own offices in China, and many other topics should concern to all Americans.On November 13, Rubio sent a follow-up letter to McKinsey & Company's Global Managing Partner Kevin Sneader after receiving inadequate responses  and, in some instances, no response  to the senator's initial July 17, 2020 letter requesting information regarding McKinsey & Company's relationship with the Chinese Government and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including state-owned and state-run companies in China, and what impact those relationships have on McKinsey's relationship with the United States Government.Since my original letter, dated June 17, 2020, I have received two separate responses from  the managing partner for McKinsey's North America operations, Rubio wrote on November 13. Neither letter, despite their length, sufficiently addresses the purpose of my original correspondence: the long-standing and growing concerns surrounding McKinsey's relationships with the CCP and how those relationships may impact McKinsey's paid work for the United States Government.I remain concerned that McKinsey & Company  either wittingly or unwittingly  is aiding the CCP's attempt to supplant the United States and remake the international community in its own image, Rubio continued. We must ensure that firms working on behalf of the United States Government and U.S. companies are putting America's interests first. McKinsey's inability to provide clear, direct answers only exacerbates those concerns and raises serious questions as to whether our government  including the Intelligence Community  should continue to use McKinsey's services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C8FBAAE3-1402-4A20-A270-632141D03294", "Chairman Rubio and Ranking Member Cardin Issue Joint Statement on Human Rights Day", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Foreign Relations' Subcommittee overseeing Human Rights, on the observance of Human Rights Day, issued the following joint statement:\r\nToday, on Human Rights Day, which marks the adoption of the U.N. Universal Declaration on Human Rights, we celebrate the fundamental rights of all people that no government or individual has the authority to take away. Tragically, millions of people around the world are denied their most basic freedoms and dignity daily.\r\nAs authoritarianism is on the rise in many corners of the world, the legitimate demands for freedom have increased. We have witnessed citizens take to the streets to exercise their right to protest and demand accountability and change from corrupt regimes. We have also heard the stories of horrific human rights abuses taking place across the globe. The Chinese Communist Party is rounding up Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities and committing unspeakable crimes, which potentially amount to genocide, repressing the rights of Tibetans, crushing freedom in Hong Kong, and attempting to silence dissent inside of China and increasingly outside of China. In Burma, a campaign of violence unleashed against the Rohingya by military forces continues. In Venezuela, the Maduro regime has pressed on with sham legislative elections that were neither free nor fair and has continued its deadly crackdowns. Cuba's attacks against peaceful protestors and members of the press persists. The terror-sponsoring regime in Iran this year executed an Olympic wrestler, Navid Afkari, solely for exercising his fundamental right to expression. In Russia, critics of Putin are poisoned or arbitrarily detained. The Belarusian people have faced repression, detentions, and violent crackdowns for simply calling for legitimate and free elections. Women remain locked up in Saudi Arabia for advocating the rights of all Saudi women. The list sadly goes on.\r\nThe United States must continue to champion the rights of all people regardless of where they live and be a voice for the voiceless. We cannot look the other way. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations' Subcommittee that oversees human rights, we reiterate our strong, bipartisan commitment to working together to call out brutal regimes and use tools like the Global Magnitsky Act to hold individuals accountable for their violations of human rights and corrupt practices. We must stand in solidarity with those living under oppression. We also come together today to honor those individuals who risk their lives daily for the right to speak their minds, to worship without fear, to choose their leaders, and to be protected from arbitrary arrest and detention.\r\nThe promotion and protection of human rights is not a partisan cause. It is not limited to one people or one nation. It is a human cause, which requires all of us to stand up and take action. The time is now.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D7DA43A3-26A4-452E-A2F1-10E842B1598F", "Rubio Details Historic Success of the Paycheck Protection Program", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, detailed the historic success of the Paycheck Protection Program in a CNBC op-ed and a detailed analysis posted on Medium.\r\nThis morning at 10:00 a.m. EST, he will convene a hearing titled, Small Business in Crisis: The 2020 Paycheck Protection Program and its Future.\r\nWriting in CNBC, Rubio says PPP is the single largest federal fiscal policy program enacted in recent history and the single most effective relief program passed by Congress. He continues:\r\nAcross the United States, the PPP helped support up to 55 million jobs, including up to 4.5 million in manufacturing, with an average firm size of just 20 employees. Even before the pandemic, manufacturing was experiencing a widening skills gap. An inability to retain skilled employees through the downturn would have exacerbated that gap and further degraded American global competitiveness.\r\nThe PPP acted as an emergency brake on further decline. Despite cynical attacks, the program's benefits swept across businesses in every industry and corner of our nation.And while many in the media and cynical politicians have tried to make a claim of massive fraud, the evidence appears to point otherwise. As Democrat Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis Jim Clyburn found this September, the PPP fraud rate of 0.76 percent is actually lower than estimates for the private mortgage market and other CARES Act programs.\r\nAnd thanks to the work of mission-oriented lenders and community development financial institutions, minority-owned small businesses -- long among the most vulnerable to exogenous shocks -- benefited especially. Black and Hispanic-owned firms account for 7.8 percent of all small businesses in America, but they received 10.6 percent of total PPP loans distributed, resulting in 10 percent of the total jobs retained.\r\nIn a separate, 2,900-word Medium piece, Rubio details the program's historic success with data, analysis and charts from a forthcoming report prepared by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.\r\n1. The Paycheck Protection Program delivered the largest amount of support to the U.S. economy at the time when it was most needed.\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program injected over $525 billion into the U.S. economy in less than four months, making it the largest and most rapidly implemented fiscal policy support enacted by the CARES Act.\r\nWhen PPP first began on April 3, 2020, the U.S. economy was in free-fall: unemployment claims were at their highest level in modern history, and nearly half of all small businesses reported they would shut down permanently in less than six months. Before stimulus checks or expanded unemployment benefits were fully available, eligible small and medium-sized businesses were approved for and began to receive nearly $350 billion in PPP loans.\r\nIn May 2020, before any major U.S. state began to re-open, economists predicted the economy would continue to shed labor in massive amounts, projecting the loss of at least another 8 million jobs, which would result in an unemployment rate higher than at any time since the Great Depression. While businesses began to spend their PPP loans, at least $150 billion in PPP loans were disbursed in May. Instead of seeing the expected loss of over 8 million jobs, in May the U.S. economy gained 2.5 million jobs, the largest single month increase since 1939.\r\n\r\nFigure 2. PPP Total Amounts Approved, Imputed Total PPP Amounts Spent by Businesses (billions of dollars), and U.S. Employment Change by Day (percent change from April 7, 2020).\r\n  \r\nRead the full post.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D94DEB9A-9BD4-480D-BB79-8447128C5662", "Rubio Names Bayshore Fit of Florida as the Senate Small Business of the Week", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Bayshore Fit of Tampa, Florida as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Bayshore Fit as the Senate Small Business of the Week. A broadcast quality version can be found here.Hello, I'm Senator Marco Rubio, the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.And today, it's my honor to recognize Bayshore Fit of Tampa, Florida as the Senate Small Business of the Week.When Beth Scanlan and Jeff Fink founded Bayshore Fit in 2012, they set out not only to create a gym, but a community.As they have grown, Bayshore Fit has kept their focus on helping each client attain their unique goals and lead healthier lives.Jeff and Beth are committed to their local business community, and are members of both the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Westshore Alliance.Like many of Florida's small businesses, Bayshore Fit needed to close its gyms due to the public health closures earlier this year.Bayshore Fit was approved for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, a small business relief program that I was proud to be the author of.As a result, they were able to keep their employees paid until gyms across Florida reopened.Thanks to the PPP Program, Bayshore Fit is able to once again open its doors, taking the health precautions necessary to keep their community of clients and employees safe.So Congratulations to Beth, Jeff, and the entire team at Bayshore Fit for being named the Senate Small Business of the Week!I look forward to seeing your continued success.As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rubio continues the tradition of honoring America's small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America's small businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DBAE23ED-059A-4E95-967A-47A3992361E1", "Rubio Welcomes Drug Free Community Grants for Florida", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) welcomed the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP) announcement that communities in Florida will receive a total of $1,875,000 to prevent youth substance abuse through its Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. The DFC Support Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.Ensuring that Florida is a safe and drug-free place to raise a family has long been a priority of mine, Rubio said. I am grateful that the Administration is investing in substance use prevention, and I remain committed to working toward solutions that will lead to better outcomes and brighter futures for our children and communities.Below is a list of the grant recipients and amounts:\r\n\r\nThe Martin County Drug Free Youth Coalition: $125,000\r\nThe Baker Prevention Coalition: $ 625,000\r\nThe Drug Free Punta Gorda Coalition: $125,000\r\nThe Safe and Healthy Duval Coalition, Inc dba Drug Free Duval: $125,000\r\nThe Urban Partnership of Miami-Dade County Coalition: $125,000\r\nThe Drug Free Sarasota Coalition: $125,000\r\nThe Brevard Prevention Coalition: $625,000", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2020/12/buchanan-measure-headed-president-s-desk", "Buchanan Measure Headed to President\u2019s Desk", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Senate today passed the final version of a sweeping defense bill that includes Congressman Vern Buchanan\u2019s measure to reduce training accidents following the death of a Bradenton soldier\n\nThe bill cleared the U.S. House Tuesday and is now on its way to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\nBuchanan filed the measure to this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in July as a part of his push for military training reforms after Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto of Bradenton died in a vehicle training accident in South Korea last year. A lack of emergency services on base and delays in medical response was cited in his death.\n\n\u201cThe highest tribute that can be paid to the life of Specialist Panipinto is for the Defense Department to ensure that future military personnel who are injured during training exercises can quickly receive high-quality medical treatment that might help save their lives,\u201d Buchanan said. \u201cI am deeply humbled that Nick\u2019s mother came to me with their tragic story and has allowed me to help. I know that these reforms will save lives and prevent future heartache felt by families like hers across the country.\u201d\n\nBuchanan\u2019s amendment requires the Department of Defense to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. military bases around the world and to report to Congress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiring bases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully-stocked military ambulances.\n\nThe U.S. House initially passed its version of the NDAA in July, with Buchanan\u2019s amendment included, and the Senate later followed suit passing its own separate version. The U.S. House and Senate then had to reconcile their competing versions and produce a final conference report.\n\nSpecialist Panipinto\u2019s mother, Kimberly Weaver, praised Buchanan saying, \u201cThis isn\u2019t just a win for our family, but for every military family. We are so thankful to Congressman Buchanan for all of his help in getting these necessary changes one step closer to being signed into law.\u201d\n\nDeaths during training exercises have risen dramatically in recent years. In 2017 alone, nearly four times as many service members died in training accidents than were killed in action.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 2228, "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": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 2228, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1917, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 311, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 2228, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 2228, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-12-10,https~3A~2F~2Fbuchanan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2020~2F12~2Fbuchanan-measure-headed-president-s-desk", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=FL&year=2020&_next=2020-12-10%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fbuchanan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2020~2F12~2Fbuchanan-measure-headed-president-s-desk&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 485.27853609994054, "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"}