{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"FL\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-diaz-balart-and-rep-mccaul-new-york-post-bidens-energy-plan", "ICYMI: Rep. D\u00edaz-Balart and Rep. McCaul in the New York Post: Biden\u2019s energy plan means lights out for Africa", "2023-12-28", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Op-ed: Mario D\u00edaz-Balart and Michael McCaul\n\nDecember 25, 2023\n\nRead the full op-edhere:\n\nThe Biden administration\u2019s decision to impose oppressive, burdensome restrictions on developing African countries attempting to advance and lift themselves from destitution and dependence is profoundly concerning.\n\nEnergy poverty is at the heart of Africa\u2019s development challenges.\n\nNo country on Earth became prosperous and self-reliant without access to affordable and plentiful energy.\n\nEnergy security is the prerequisite for industrialization, job creation, advanced health care and effective education systems.\n\nProsperity is only possible with ready access to inexpensive energy.\n\nCongress initiated the successful, bipartisan Power Africa program in 2015, with the underlying legislation mandating a commonsense \u201call-of-the-above\u201d energy strategy with both conventional and renewable sources.\n\nRegrettably, the Biden administration has gutted Power Africa with its onerous restrictions.\n\nInstead of leveraging all available tools to pull Africa out of energy poverty, it only allows so-called \u201cgreen-energy projects\u201d to receive US funding and support.\n\nThis policy is simply energy colonialism.\n\nEven worse, it is hypocritical and a huge waste of money and opportunities.\n\nPresident Biden\u2019s unauthorized climate envoy,John Kerry, is flying around the world in jet planes while abandoning the African people to the impossible task of solving their serious energy crises with ineffective and counterproductive solutions: solar panels filled with parts made by forced labor in Communist China.\n\nMost recently he and other administration officials, including Vice PresidentKamala Harris, attended COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where they pledged billions in taxpayer money to the Green Climate Fund \u2014 a slush fund for special-interest projects with no real oversight that has funded projects in China, the world\u2019s second-largest economy.\n\nThese pledges of billions in taxpayer money invested only in perceived \u201cgreen\u201d projects will do nothing to address the true drivers of pollution \u2014 like China \u2014 or empower the African continent.\n\nWe find it unconscionable the administration is exploiting the continent\u2019s dire needs for investments toward genuine modernization and advancement to appease its special interests and partisan agenda.\n\nIt is wrong to hold still-developing African countries to a standard even the most advanced economies cannot achieve.\n\nThis virtue signaling will have disastrous results for US interests in Africa.\n\nThe burden on Africa is even more absurd when one considers Africa\u2019s current emissions are entirely inconsequential, amounting to less than the margin of error in climate models used to speculate about the effects of climate change.\n\nIn other words, if Africa were to reduce its emissions to zero, the enormous sacrifice that would entail would still have almost no effect on a global scale.\n\nAnd even if African countries tripled their current emissions levels from natural-gas power plants, it would still be negligible compared with China\u2019s continuously growing carbon emissions.\n\nInstead of confronting the world\u2019s second-largest economy, responsible for 27% of global emissions \u2014 more than six times the emissions of the entire continent of Africa \u2014 the Biden administration is holding undeveloped countries to an unfair standard.\n\nChina has shown it\u2019s eager to finance the conventional energy development Team Biden is trying to quash.\n\nBiden\u2019s approach to Power Africa is wasteful, paternalistic and counterproductive.\n\nIt\u2019s wasteful because it devalues critical energy assistance to Africa and diverts it to less useful priorities.\n\nIt\u2019s paternalistic because it dictates oppressive burdens on Africa\u2019s development the United States did not endure during its formative stages.\n\nIt\u2019s counterproductive because it hinders Africa\u2019s advancement while driving countries into the waiting arms of the true problem in climate change: Communist China.\n\nIn the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024, which passed the House in September, there\u2019s a provision to right this wrong.\n\nIf enacted, the bill would simply require the president to return to the balanced approach of allowing countries in Africa to use all tools available to promote energy security and development.\n\nAfter all, the goal of Power Africa is not to mindlessly impose an ineffectual and wasteful climate-change agenda where it does not fit.\n\nMario D\u00edaz-Balart is a US representative for Florida\u2019s 26th Congressional District, a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee. Michael McCaul is a US representative for Texas\u2019 10th Congressional District, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404428", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Highlights \"Meaningful and Record-Setting 2023\u201d for Tampa Bay area as Her Congressional Office Delivers $13.3M to Veterans and Neighbors and Secures $1B in Federal Grant Dollars to Lift Communities", "2023-12-27", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TAMPA, FL \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that her team worked to deliver over $13.3 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2023, including over $1.7 million to veterans and service members. Over $1 billion in federal grants were secured for the community to invest in our schools and infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, lower costs, and foster safer, healthier neighborhoods. Local partners and nonprofits deserve kudos for playing a critical and collaborative role this year.\n\n\u201cThe Tampa and St. Petersburg constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of families, veterans and businesses. In a year with an unprecedented number of passport cases and the implementation of the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, my office has delivered favorable results to our neighbors and veterans across the Tampa Bay area. I am grateful for all that Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil \u2013 as well as the entire Castor Team \u2013 did this year. I couldn\u2019t be prouder of my dedicated casework team that went above and beyond working weekends to save many Tampa Bay families thousands of dollars as they faced disruptions in their overseas travel due to this year\u2019s unprecedented surge of passport issues. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and that Social Security and Medicare benefits are delivered on time.\n\n\u201cAmazingly, 207 federal grants bolstered neighborhoods from West Tampa to South St. Petersburg and more - for a total of $1,030,242,000 including important investments in righting the wrongs of the past with inclusive highway connections, safer streets, and fighting the Black maternal health crisis. I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor by revitalizing neighborhoods through meaningful environmental justice, supporting our youth, combatting extreme heat, and improving health outcomes for Black mothers and babies. There is so much to look forward to in the new year, as I champion investments that improve our lives through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to the Tampa Bay area and into your pockets.\n\n\u201cThis year I was also proud to introduce legislation to protect our children online, create lasting solutions to the changing climate, and create more high-quality, affordable health care options. With over 30 pieces of legislation introduced, I kept your needs and best interests at the forefront of my work so I could continue to deliver for you and your families.\n\n\u201cLooking ahead, in 2024 we will bring home more investments to Tampa Bay families and communities by addressing our neighbors\u2019 most critical needs through the Infrastructure Decade, combatting extreme weather, and strengthening the health and safety of our neighborhoods. The Tampa Bay area is a special community, and I will stand up for my neighbors to deliver solutions and advocate to bring every federal dollar home. I am grateful for the work of my team and the partnership of local leaders, businesses and nonprofits that allow our community to secure grants that will keep Tampa Bay an outstanding place to live.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1382", "Donalds Statement On The 2023 Christmas Holiday", "2023-12-25", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Byron Donalds", "D000032", "donalds.house.gov", "donalds", "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement regarding the 2023 Christmas holiday:\n\n\u201cThe Christmas season is a magical time of faith, family, community, and generosity. While Christmas celebrations and traditions have expanded and evolved over time, it is critical that we pause to highlight the true meaning of the holiday: the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ.\n\n\u201cOur Southwest Florida community is strong, resilient, and most importantly caring. We have come a long way since the historic destruction of Hurricane Ian, but there is still much more to be done. In the spirit of the season, as you and your loved ones gather this Christmas, let us remember to not only Keep Christ in Christmas but help your neighbors who may have fallen upon hard times.\n\n\u201cMerry Christmas! Wishing you a joyous and blessed holiday.\u201d\n\nMore:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/two-more-buchanan-bills-signed-into-law", "Two More Buchanan Bills Signed Into Law!", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that two of his proposals included in the final version of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), have been signed into law. This marks Buchanan\u2019s 31st and 32nd legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007.\n\nBuchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen nine legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far.\n\n\u201cThese two proposals are going to address the well-being and safety of our active-duty service members and their families,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cI\u2019m extremely pleased to see these provisions signed into law and am committed to securing more wins for our country and our community in Southwest Florida.\u201d\n\nThe two Buchanan provisions include:\n\nAn amendment to examine the benefits and feasibility of utilizing black box data recorders in tactical military vehicles to prevent future accidents.\n\nThe Rachael Booth Act (H.R. 975), which aims to fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance.\n\nBuchanan\u2019s first provision will evaluate if equipping tactical vehicles with black box data recorders could prevent future military training accidents, previously introduced as the DRIVE SAFE Act (H.R. 4399). Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for reforming current military training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities in Congress after his constituent, Army Specialist Panipinto, died when the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test in 2019 in South Korea.\n\nNumerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto\u2019s death, including malfunctions of the vehicle\u2019s communication systems, defective or broken equipment, a lack of medical services on base and significant delays in medical response to the scene of the accident.\n\n\"There just isn't an end to this sadness. Our hearts are forever broken. The only thing we can do now is try to prevent this from happening again,\u201d said Kimberly Weaver, mother of Army Specialist Panipinto. \u201cCongressman Buchanan heard us. He has been relentless in the fight to demand accountability and secure a safer future for our service members. Rollovers account for 63% of military vehicle deaths. Data retrieving devices on tactical vehicles will help to collect accident data and diagnose mechanical failures before they become fatalities or blamed upon the victim who no longer has a voice. We are forever grateful to Congressman Buchanan for his devotion to this cause and the procurement of a safer future for our military sons and daughters.\"\n\nBuchanan\u2019s second provision, the Rachael Booth Act, was named after his constituent from Lithia, FL. She found herself unable to access the financial assistance she should have been eligible for when her husband was convicted of domestic abuse in a civilian court and then discharged from the military on an unrelated offense.\n\nThis new law will help dependents of service members more easily access Transitional Compensation to help them transition to financial independence after the service member has been discharged from the military for a domestic abuse offense.\n\n\u201cThe passing of this Act is an emotional triumph for me,\u201d said Rachael Booth. \u201cKnowing victims will have swift access to the help they need, empowering them with the assistance they need to reclaim their lives is a beacon of hope.\u201d\n\nSenator Marco Rubio (R-FL), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said, \u201cThe Rachael Booth Act is a bipartisan, common sense solution to an urgent problem. This law will fix the error that prevented victims whose cases are handled by civilian courts from being eligible for transitional compensation. I am proud to have named this law after a courageous Floridian who shed light on the current system.\u201d\n\nBuchanan had a series of sweeping military training reforms included in the FY22 NDAA that required the Pentagon to implement more realistic training practices, develop stricter enforcement standards and ensure better oversight to prevent future military training accidents and deaths.\n\nIn 2020, Buchanan also offered an amendment to the FY21 NDAA that was successfully signed into law. His amendment required the DoD to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3661", "Florida Democratic Delegation Urges Governor to Enroll in Summer Food Assistance Program", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-25), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Darren Soto (FL-09), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) sent a letter urging Gov. DeSantis to enroll Florida in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program, which would provide food assistance to two million children across the state. Florida would be set to receive $248 million for this program, however the state has yet to take any action to apply for these funds ahead of the January 1st deadline.\n\n\u201cFor many working and low-income families, the only nutritious meal a child receives is at school. Unfortunately, during the summer when school is out, children are missing out on the opportunity of a healthy meal,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cWe urge you to apply for these funds before the deadline to ensure the children of our state don\u2019t go hungry next summer.\u201d\n\nThe full letter may be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-pine-view-students-win-2023-congressional-app-challenge/", "U.S.\u00a0 Rep. Greg Steube Announces Pine View Students Win 2023 Congressional App Challenge", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Pine View Students Win 2023 Congressional App Challenge\n\nThe Team\u2019s SmartVolly App is a \u201cSmart Fire Extinguisher Protecting Your Home 24/7\u201d\n\nLeft to Right: AP Statistics Teacher and Entrepreneur Club Sponsor Dr. Mark Mattia, Kuentsen Dorji, Henry Zhou, Marlowe Meredith, Pine View Principal Dr. Stephen P. Covert", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-surprises-congressional-app-challenge-winners-jacksonville", "Congressman Bean Surprises Congressional App Challenge Winners from Jacksonville", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Aaron Bean", "B001314", "bean.house.gov", "bean", "https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Jacksonville, FL\u2014Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) visited Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville to announce the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Competition (CAC). The Congressman presented the news to Victor Zhang, Arvan Thakur, Prithish Shan, and Alan Alwakeel in a surprise ceremony with school administrators, teachers, and Duval County leadership.\n\nThe students created an app called \u201cGeoBlend,\u201d which allows users to explore various historical sites around Jacksonville and interact with the city\u2019s various points of interest in an immersive augmented reality experience.\n\n\u201cThe Fourth District has so many innovative and talented students, and I am amazed by the ingenuity displayed in this year\u2019s competition. Victor, Arvan, Prithish and Alan channeled their creativity using sophisticated coding software and technology,\u201d said Congressman Bean. \u201cCongratulations to all our applicants, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the next wave of young innovators.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe CAC highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education giving students an opportunity to hone their coding and technology skills. Middle and high school students from the Fourth District are eligible to compete in this annual competition.\n\nThis year\u2019s winners will have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, featured online at the House of Representative\u2019s website, and will be invited to a celebratory reception on Capitol Hill in honor of their achievement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404426", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Leads FL Democrats in Urging Gov. DeSantis End His Grinch-Like Blockade of Transportation $$", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TAMPA, FL \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation are urging Gov. DeSantis to reverse his Grinch-like decision to reject $320 million to reduce carbon pollution and improve Florida\u2019s transportation network under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s (BIL) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). The lawmakers\u2019 letter follows reporting that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) fully intended to implement a plan to improve the state\u2019s infrastructure through public transit, safe rest stop areas and reduced congestion until DeSantis pulled the plug. The DeSantis turnabout landed like a lump of coal in a Christmas stocking, as Florida is the only state in the country to reject the funds.\n\n\u201cThis decision constitutes a stark policy reversal, following months of FDOT planning and the development of the state\u2019s Carbon Reduction Strategy, a prerequisite step for Florida to receive the program\u2019s $320 million in funding. FDOT\u2019s own documents outline the importance of the Carbon Reduction Program \u2014 and the investments it would have provided \u2014 to the state\u2019s transportation goals. Such goals include: providing safe and convenient transportation options, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion and idling, improving energy efficiency, and reducing climate impacts.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cPlainly, your repeated rejection of federal investment opportunities will lead our state to a future with more traffic fatalities, higher energy and transportation costs, and worse air pollution. The people of Florida deserve answers, and they deserve a Governor who will not sacrifice the best interests of our state to further an extreme agenda.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nGov. DeSantis\u2019 rejection of $320 million in carbon reduction infrastructure investments makes Florida the only state in the nation to reject federal CRP funding. The Governor\u2019s decision followed FDOT\u2019s months-long planning and coordination with stakeholders on how to best utilize the funding for Florida\u2019s needs, including a public meeting and presentation on the critical need for this funding and a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of Florida communities \u2013 all of which have been deleted from FDOT\u2019s website following FDOT Secretary Perdue\u2019s letter rejecting the funding.\n\nSigners of the letter to Gov. DeSantis include: Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Darren Soto (FL-09), Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Lois Frankel (FL-22).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/administracion-biden-implementa-la-ley-reclaim-de-la-congresista-salazar", "Administraci\u00f3n Biden implementa la Ley RECLAIM de la congresista Salazar", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden acaba de anunciar que implementar\u00e1 la H.R. 4667, la Ley RECLAIM, de la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), que recientemente fue aprobada por la C\u00e1mara de Representantes.\n\nLa legislaci\u00f3n exige que la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios cree un plan para reclamar pr\u00e9stamos del Programa de Protecci\u00f3n de Cheques de Pago (PPP) no utilizados o fraudulentos emitidos durante la pandemia de COVID-19.\n\n\u201cCuando el Congreso aprob\u00f3 mi Ley RECLAIM el mes pasado, enviamos un fuerte mensaje al presidente Biden de que necesitamos la rendici\u00f3n de cuentas en nuestro Gobierno\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \u201cAplaudo a la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios por implementar mi pol\u00edtica sensata. Los propietarios de peque\u00f1os negocios de Miami dependieron de estos pr\u00e9stamos para mantener las puertas abiertas durante la pandemia, pero los malos actores se aprovecharon del sistema. Le debemos a los contribuyentes estadounidenses garantizar que los fraudes y estafadores devuelvan lo que robaron de nuestras comunidades\u201d.\n\n\u201cAplaudo a la congresista Salazar por su trabajo en la Ley RECLAIM\u201d, dijo el congresista Roger Williams, presidente del Comit\u00e9 de Peque\u00f1os Negocios de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes. \u201cVer a la SBA hacer lo mismo y actuar seg\u00fan la legislaci\u00f3n pragm\u00e1tica de este Comit\u00e9 muestra el impacto y la eficacia de nuestro trabajo en el Congreso\u201d.\n\nLa Ley \u201cReturning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds\u201d requiere que la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) establezca procesos para contabilizar los pr\u00e9stamos fraudulentos y no utilizados del Programa de Protecci\u00f3n de Cheques de Pago (PPP) distribuidos durante el apogeo de la pandemia de COVID-19.\n\nLa Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios anunci\u00f3 su gu\u00eda aqu\u00ed.\n\nEsta legislaci\u00f3n marca la sexta victoria legislativa importante durante los dos mandatos de la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar en el Congreso. Otros proyectos de ley clave patrocinados por la congresista Salazar que fueron aprobados o implementados como Ley incluyen:\n\nLa Ley \u201cCOVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief\u201d para brindar alivio econ\u00f3mico a los floridanos.\n\nImplementada por la Administraci\u00f3n Biden en marzo de 2021.\n\nLa Ley \u201cReinforcing Nicaragua\u2019s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER)\u201d para sancionar al r\u00e9gimen de Ortega en Nicaragua.\n\nPromulgada como ley en noviembre de 2021.\n\nLa Ley PRICE facilitar\u00e1 que los peque\u00f1os negocios obtengan contratos federales.\n\nPromulgada como ley en febrero de 2022.\n\nLa Ley \u201cSummer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery\u201d reautorizar\u00e1 fondos importantes para programas que aborden problemas de salud mental y abuso de sustancias.\n\nPromulgada como ley en diciembre de 2022.\n\nLa Ley REEF incentivar\u00e1 que los barcos retirados de la Armada sean hundidos y utilizados como arrecifes artificiales en ecosistemas marinos en todo Estados Unidos.\n\nPromulgada como ley en diciembre de 2023.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-administration-implements-salazars-reclaim-taxpayer-funds-act", "Biden Administration Implements Salazar\u2019s RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Biden Administration\u2019s Small Business Administration just announced that it will implement H.R. 4667, Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar\u2019s (R-FL) RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives. The legislation requires the Small Business Administration to create a plan to reclaim unused or fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\u201cWhen Congress passed my RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act last month, we sent a strong message to President Biden that we need accountability in our government,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cI applaud the Small Business Administration for implementing my common sense policy. Miami small business owners relied on these loans to keep the doors open during the pandemic \u2013 but bad actors took advantage of the system. We owe it to the American taxpayers to ensure frauds and cheats pay back what they stole from our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI applaud Congresswoman Salazar for her work on the RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act,\u201d said Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams. \u201cSeeing the SBA follow suit and act on this Committee\u2019s pragmatic legislation shows the impact and effectiveness of our work in Congress.\u201d\n\nThe Returning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds Act requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish processes to account for fraudulent and unused Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration noticed the guidance here.\n\nThis legislation marks the sixth major legislative victory during Representative Salazar\u2019s two terms in Congress. Other key bills sponsored by Rep. Salazar that were passed or implemented into law include:\n\nThe COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act to provide economic relief for Floridians.\n\nImplemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.\n\nThe Reinforcing Nicaragua\u2019s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act to sanction the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua.\n\nSigned into law in November 2021.\n\nThe PRICE Act to make it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts.\n\nSigned into law in February 2022.\n\nThe Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to reauthorize critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues.\n\nSigned into law in December 2022.\n\nThe REEF Act to incentivize retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America.\n\nSigned into law in December 2023.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-porter-re-introduce-bills-reduce-carbon-emissions-trucking-maritime", "Bilirakis & Porter Re-Introduce Bills to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Trucking, Maritime Transport", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC- Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) reintroduced a package of two bills that would encourage hydrogen, a cleaner fuel source, in heavy-duty transportation. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act would incentivize heavy-duty vehicle owner-operators to purchase hydrogen trucks and fueling infrastructure, while the Hydrogen for Ports Act would promote the use of hydrogen-fueled equipment at ports and in shipping applications.\n\n\"As we grapple with energy affordability and our responsibilities to the future, we need to encourage energy innovation and pursue an \u2018all-of-the-above' approach,\" said Bilirakis. \"Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a promising solution, and our bipartisan bill will better enable Americans and small businesses to harness the full potential of this reliable resource.\"\n\n\u201cCalifornia leads the nation in clean energy research, so Californians know firsthand how investing in the technology of tomorrow strengthens our economy while safeguarding our environment for future generations,\u201d said Rep. Porter. \u201cHydrogen is a promising, clean fuel source for industries that struggle to find reliable clean-energy alternatives, like trucking and maritime shipping. Our bipartisan bills would advance innovation in hydrogen technologies, making our economy more resilient and globally competitive.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404424", "Reps. Castor, Frankel, Manning Lead 50 House Democrats in Urging Rejection of Dangerous GOP Attacks on Medical Education, Training That Harms Women", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Kathy Manning (NC-06) led 50 House Democrats in urging U.S. House and Senate Appropriators to reject House Republicans\u2019 dangerous medical training policy rider in the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that will worsen maternal health outcomes in our communities.\n\nSince the Supreme Court\u2019s Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization (Dobbs) decision in 2022, physician faculty and trainees across the country have shared the devastating impacts of this ruling \u2013 and subsequent abortion restrictions \u2013 on medical education. In listening to physicians who are training, teaching, and/or practicing in states that have banned or restricted abortion, the lawmakers found that these laws are interfering in the physician-patient relationship, restricting physicians\u2019 ability to offer evidence-based care, limiting educational opportunities for trainees, and putting physicians in legal peril.\n\nDespite the clear dangers of these harmful policies, House Republicans last month tried to use the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to advance extreme policies that further attack women\u2019s access to comprehensive reproductive health care services. Thankfully, Republican leadership was unable to get the votes to even bring this extreme bill to the House Floor. Nevertheless, the GOP seems intent on continuing to push their harmful interference in medical education.\n\n\u201cThe Dobbs decision and subsequent abortion bans and restrictions are already harming graduate medical education and impacting the care that physicians can provide,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cIf Congress pursues an appropriations bill that further restricts medical training, going against the evidence-based standard of care, we will see even fewer residents who are trained to handle the full range of reproductive health care.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cAs you move forward with negotiations on the final Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, we urge you to reject Section 541 of H.R. 5894 and any other similar restrictions on graduate medical education to ensure that our communities can train and retain the caliber of physicians that patients and their families deserve.\u201d\n\nEndorsing Organizations include Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, National Council of Jewish Women Inc., National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Partnership for Women and Families and The Century Foundation's Health Equity and Reform Team.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3658", "Reps. Frankel, Castor, Manning Lead 50 House Democrats in Urging Rejection of  Dangerous GOP Attacks on Medical Education, Training That Harms Women", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Kathy Manning (NC-06) led 50 House Democrats in urging U.S. House and Senate Appropriators to reject House Republicans\u2019 dangerous medical training policy rider in the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that will worsen maternal health outcomes in our communities.\n\nSince the Supreme Court\u2019s Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization (Dobbs) decision in 2022, physician faculty and trainees across the country have shared the devastating impacts of this ruling \u2013 and subsequent abortion restrictions \u2013 on medical education. In listening to physicians who are training, teaching, and/or practicing in states that have banned or restricted abortion, the lawmakers found that these laws are interfering in the physician-patient relationship, restricting physicians\u2019 ability to offer evidence-based care, limiting educational opportunities for trainees, and putting physicians in legal peril.\n\nDespite the clear dangers of these harmful policies, House Republicans last month tried to use the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to advance extreme policies that further attack women\u2019s access to comprehensive reproductive health care services. Thankfully, Republican leadership was unable to get the votes to even bring this extreme bill to the House Floor. Nevertheless, the GOP seems intent on continuing to push their harmful interference in medical education.\n\n\u201cThe Dobbs decision and subsequent abortion bans and restrictions are already harming graduate medical education and impacting the care that physicians can provide,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cIf Congress pursues an appropriations bill that further restricts medical training, going against the evidence-based standard of care, we will see even fewer residents who are trained to handle the full range of reproductive health care.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cAs you move forward with negotiations on the final Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, we urge you to reject Section 541 of H.R. 5894 and any other similar restrictions on graduate medical education to ensure that our communities can train and retain the caliber of physicians that patients and their families deserve.\u201d\n\nThe full letter may be viewed here.\n\nEndorsing Organizations include Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, National Council of Jewish Women Inc., National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Partnership for Women and Families and The Century Foundation's Health Equity and Reform Team.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/disposiciones-de-la-ley-reef-de-la-congresista-salazar-son-promulgadas-en-la", "Disposiciones de la Ley REEF de la congresista Salazar son promulgadas en la Ley de Defensa", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La semana pasada, el Congreso aprob\u00f3 la H.R. 2670, la Ley de Autorizaci\u00f3n de Defensa Nacional (NDAA) para el a\u00f1o fiscal 2024, que incluye lenguaje de la Ley REEF de la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (H.R. 950), que present\u00f3 con los representantes Ed Case (D-HI) y Mike Waltz (R-FL). El proyecto de ley est\u00e1 pendiente de la firma del presidente Biden.\n\nLa Ley de Reutilizaci\u00f3n de Equipos para la Fortificaci\u00f3n Ambiental (REEF, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) posibilita que los buques retirados de la Armada puedan reutilizarse en arrecifes artificiales, lo que mejora los ambientes marinos, crea oportunidades recreativas, promueve el turismo y apoya a nuestros veteranos.\n\n\u201cAl representar a un distrito costero, conozco los incre\u00edbles beneficios ambientales que los arrecifes artificiales pueden aportar a los ecosistemas marinos\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar (FL-27). \"Con estas nuevas pol\u00edticas implementadas, estados como Florida pueden reciclar m\u00e1s barcos desmantelados en una gran victoria para nuestro medio ambiente, nuestros veteranos y nuestra econom\u00eda\".\n\nEl congresista Waltz jug\u00f3 un papel decisivo para asegurar este lenguaje en el proyecto de ley durante su consideraci\u00f3n en el Comit\u00e9 de Servicios Armados de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes.\n\n\"Los floridanos est\u00e1n orgullosos de nuestros arrecifes de coral\", dijo el representante Waltz (FL-06). \u201cUna mejor coordinaci\u00f3n entre la Marina de los EE. UU. y nuestras agencias estatales de vida silvestre para proporcionar h\u00e1bitat para los corales a trav\u00e9s de embarcaciones retiradas hundidas, como el USS Mindanao frente a Daytona Beach, solo ayudar\u00e1 a impulsar nuestras econom\u00edas locales a trav\u00e9s de una mayor pesca recreativa y turismo. Estoy orgulloso de trabajar con la congresista Salazar en esta iniciativa\u201d.\n\nEspec\u00edficamente, el Informe de la Conferencia que acompa\u00f1a al H.R. 2670 inclu\u00eda una secci\u00f3n titulada \u201cNotificaci\u00f3n del Congreso sobre el retiro pendiente de buques navales viables para arrecifes artificiales\u201d. En este informe, el Congreso reconoce la necesidad de mejorar la forma en que la Marina interact\u00faa con los Estados al transferir embarcaciones que son viables para arrecifes artificiales.\n\nTambi\u00e9n identifica un mecanismo anual para enumerar los buques navales listos para su eliminaci\u00f3n y ordena al Secretario de la Marina que informe al Congreso sobre el proceso de arrecifes artificiales de la Marina.\n\n\"La creaci\u00f3n de arrecifes artificiales utilizando el exceso de embarcaciones navales ayudar\u00e1 a restaurar y preservar nuestro fr\u00e1gil ecosistema oce\u00e1nico y crear\u00e1 oportunidades para aquellos que quieran explorar la biodiversidad que rodea una estructura hundida\", dijo el representante Case (HI-01), copatrocinador de la provisi\u00f3n. \u201cHay una serie de estructuras, incluidas peque\u00f1as embarcaciones y aviones, en aguas frente a mi estado natal que restauran nuestro ecosistema marino amenazado y atraen a quienes quieren experimentar nuestra vida marina de cerca y comprender c\u00f3mo se debe preservar. Nuestra oferta ampliar\u00e1 estas oportunidades en todo nuestro pa\u00eds\u201d.\n\n\u201cAgradecemos a la congresista Salazar y al congresista Waltz por sus esfuerzos para asegurar un buque de la Armada fuera de servicio como arrecife artificial frente a la costa de Florida. El lenguaje de la NDAA iniciar\u00e1 una conversaci\u00f3n sobre las mejores embarcaciones que podr\u00edan estar disponibles para arrecifes artificiales, lo que significa m\u00e1s oportunidades incre\u00edbles de pesca recreativa y buceo para los residentes y visitantes de Florida\u201d, dijo Rodney Barreto, presidente de la Comisi\u00f3n de Conservaci\u00f3n de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Florida.\n\nFlorida ha sido l\u00edder en arrecifes artificiales y estas nuevas disposiciones ayudar\u00e1n al estado a asegurar m\u00e1s barcos retirados en el futuro. De lo contrario, estos barcos ser\u00edan desmantelados en un dep\u00f3sito de chatarra.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-reef-act-provisions-signed-law-defense-act-ndaa", "Salazar REEF Act Provisions Signed into Law in Defense Act (NDAA)", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, Congress passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which included language from Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar\u2019s REEF Act (H.R. 950), which she introduced with Reps. Ed Case (D-HI) and Mike Waltz (R-FL). The bill is awaiting signature by President Biden.\n\nThe Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act helps retired Navy ships be repurposed into artificial reefs, which boosts marine environments, creates recreational opportunities, promotes tourism, and supports our veterans.\n\n\u201cRepresenting a coastal district, I know the incredible environmental benefits artificial reefing can bring to marine ecosystems,\u201d said Representative Salazar (FL-27). \u201cWith these new policies in place, states like Florida can recycle more decommissioned ships in a major win for our environment, our veterans, and our economy.\u201d\n\nCongressman Waltz was instrumental in securing this language in the bill during its consideration in the House Armed Services Committee.\n\n\u201cFloridians are proud of our coral reefs,\u201d said Representative Waltz (FL-06). \u201cBetter coordination between the U.S. Navy and our state wildlife agencies to provide habitat for coral via scuttled retired vessels, such as the USS Mindanao off Daytona Beach, will only help bolster our local economies through greater recreational fishing and tourism. I\u2019m proud to work with Congresswoman Salazar on this initiative.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2670 included a section titled \u201cCongressional notification regarding pending retirement of naval vessels viable for artificial reefing.\u201d In this report, Congress recognizes the need to improve how the Navy interacts with States when transferring vessels that are viable for artificial reefing. It also identifies an annual mechanism to list naval vessels set for disposal and directs the Secretary of the Navy to brief Congress on the Navy\u2019s artificial reefing process.\n\n\u201cCreating artificial reefs using excess naval vessels will help restore and preserve our fragile ocean ecosystem and create opportunities for those who want to explore the biodiversity that surround a sunken structure,\u201d said Representative Case (HI-01), the co-introducer of the provision. \u201cThere are a number of structures, including small boats and planes, in waters off my home state that both restore our threatened marine ecosystem and draw those who want to experience our marine life up-close and understand how it must be preserved. Our provision will expand on these opportunities throughout our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe thank Congresswoman Salazar and Congressman Waltz for their efforts to secure a decommissioned Navy vessel as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida. The language in the NDAA will begin a conversation on the best vessels that could be available for artificial reefing, which means more incredible recreational fishing and diving opportunities for Florida\u2019s residents and visitors,\u201d said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.\n\nFlorida has been a leader in artificial reefing and these new provisions will help Florida secure more retired ships moving forward. These ships would otherwise be dismantled at a scrapyard.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-announces-local-teen-kartikeya-rajderkar", "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Announces Local Teen Kartikeya Rajderkar Congressional Award Silver Medal Winner", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GAINESVILLE, FL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced Kartikeya Rajderkar of Gainesville as a Congressional Award Silver Medal recipient.\n\nRajderkar, a local Eagle Scout and Eastside High School student, is one of 3,797 young people to receive the award this year and the only from Florida's Third Congressional District.\n\nThe Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness. Established in 1979 by the United States Congress, the Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans, and is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all youth in the U.S. between the ages of 14 and 24 regardless of ability, circumstance, or economic status.\n\n\"Congratulations to Mr. Rajderkar on his impressive accomplishment,\" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. \"The participants of the Congressional Award make real differences in our communities and Kartikeya truly represents the very best of young students nationwide. His dedication to earn the rank of Eagle Scout while participating in a variety of service projects throughout the community is admirable, and I'm excited to present him with this honor.\"\n\nTo earn the silver medal, Rajderkar completed hundreds of hours of service in the community while pursuing art, track & field, and music. As an Eagle Scout, Rajderkar completed his Eagle Scout project with a local food bank, building railings for the stairs to the loading docks. With the help of 20 other volunteers, he completed his project and earned the highest rank attainable.\n\nRajderkar is also passionate about art and music, entering fine arts competitions across North Central Florida. During his high school career, he earned several 'excellent' and 'superior' ratings for violin, earning first place at the State Violin Convention in 2021 for his fiddling solo. As a member of the Eastside High School Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, Rajderkar helped his team to region and district wins the last three years, making it to the state championship for the 5K race.\n\nHe also earned Lake Forest Volunteer of the Year, participating in a wide variety of volunteering activities with the Alachua County Public Library, Lake Forest Elementary School, India Cultural & Education Center (ICEC) in Gainesville, the Natural History Museum, and the Good News Summer Arts Camp in High Springs.\n\nRajderkar will be honored during a visit with Rep. Cammack in Gainesville later this week.\n\nLearn more about the Congressional Award here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-denounces-cuban-regimes-dangerous-interference-us-elections", "D\u00edaz-Balart Denounces the Cuban Regime's Dangerous Interference in U.S. Elections", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement denouncing the Cuban regime's dangerous interference in U.S. elections:\n\n\"Once again, the Cuban regime's aggressive, anti-American activities underscore the pervasive threat posed to U.S. national security. The intelligence community's report on the Cuban dictatorship's interference in U.S. elections should provide a much-needed wake-up call to the Biden Administration to stop any further appeasement in the form of unilateral concessions. Now is the time to impose tough consequences, including tighter sanctions, on the malevolent dictatorship that seeks to damage our democracy.\"\n\n###\n\nD\u00edaz-Balart Condena la Peligrosa Interferencia del R\u00e9gimen Cubano en las Elecciones\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 El Congresista Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Presidente de la Subcomisi\u00f3n sobre el Departamento de Estado, Operaciones Extranjeras y Programas Relacionados, en la Comisi\u00f3n de Asignaciones de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes emiti\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n condenando la peligrosa interferencia del r\u00e9gimen Cubano en las elecciones de EE.UU.:\n\n\"Nuevamente, las actividades agresivas y antiamericanas del r\u00e9gimen cubano destacan la amenaza generalizada que representa para la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos. El informe de la comunidad de inteligencia sobre la interferencia del r\u00e9gimen cubano en las elecciones EE.UU. deber\u00eda ser una llamada de atenci\u00f3n necesaria para la Administraci\u00f3n Biden, inst\u00e1ndola a detener cualquier apaciguamiento adicional en forma de concesiones unilaterales. Ahora es el momento de imponer consecuencias severas, incluyendo sanciones m\u00e1s estrictas, a la mal\u00e9vola dictadura que busca da\u00f1ar nuestra democracia\".", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-lanza-el-programa-de-desarrollo-de-pequenos-negocios", "Congresista Salazar lanza el Programa de Desarrollo de Peque\u00f1os Negocios \"BizGap\" y le asegura $650,000 en financiamiento", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MIAMI, FL \u2013 Ayer, la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), miembro del Comit\u00e9 de Peque\u00f1os Negocios, lanz\u00f3 el Programa de Aceleraci\u00f3n y Crecimiento Empresarial (BizGap) con la Universidad Internacional de Florida (FIU), despu\u00e9s de obtener $650,000 para crear empleos y hacer crecer las peque\u00f1as empresas en el Distrito 27.\n\nLa congresista Salazar obtuvo fondos para el Proyecto Comunitario de la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios de EE. UU. (SBA) para el Centro de Desarrollo de Peque\u00f1os Negocios de Florida (FSBDC) en FIU Business, como parte de la Ley de Asignaciones Consolidadas del A\u00f1o Fiscal 2023. El programa BizGap brindar\u00e1 consultor\u00eda y capacitaci\u00f3n hiperlocal a mil o m\u00e1s empresas en el Distrito durante 2024.\n\n\u201cComo integrante orgullosa del Comit\u00e9 de Peque\u00f1os Negocios, s\u00e9 que los empresarios y las tiendas familiares son la columna vertebral de Miami\u201d, dijo la congresista Salazar. \u201cEl Distrito 27 de Florida alberga m\u00e1s de 60.000 empresas, la mitad de las cuales son peque\u00f1os negocios. Estoy orgullosa de lanzar este programa, que brindar\u00e1 asesoramiento, capacitaci\u00f3n y conectividad a recursos para peque\u00f1as empresas, para que m\u00e1s personas puedan sentirse seguras al iniciar y expandir sus negocios en Miami\u201d.\n\nEspec\u00edficamente, el programa BizGap proporcionar\u00e1:\n\nProspecci\u00f3n puerta a puerta para llegar a propietarios de empresas en corredores comerciales clave.\n\nEncuestar a los propietarios de empresas locales sobre los desaf\u00edos empresariales y los recursos necesarios para crecer.\n\nConsultor\u00eda empresarial uno a uno en \u00e1reas de startups y crecimiento empresarial.\n\nCapacitaciones, talleres y seminarios web sobre temas como marketing, acceso a capital, estrategia de negocios y asistencia para startups.\n\nConexiones con pr\u00e9stamos/subvenciones para peque\u00f1as empresas, recursos comunitarios y profesionales de la industria.\n\n\u201cFlorida SBDC en FIU agradece el apoyo de la Congresista para asegurar este financiamiento para ampliar el exitoso programa BizGap del centro a FL-27\u201d, dijo Brian Van Hook, Director Regional, FSBDC en FIU. \u201cBizGap se centra en reunirse con propietarios de peque\u00f1os negocios en el lugar donde se encuentran en la comunidad y brindarles la orientaci\u00f3n, los recursos y las asociaciones necesarias para iniciar y hacer crecer sus negocios. Nuestro equipo est\u00e1 entusiasmado de empezar a trabajar en FL-27 y tambi\u00e9n de asociarnos con las comunidades del Distrito a medida que aumentamos BizGap en 2024\u201d.\n\nLa congresista Salazar ha obtenido m\u00e1s de $40 millones en fondos para el Distrito 27 de Florida en los \u00faltimos a\u00f1os. Su defensa directa en el Congreso result\u00f3 en m\u00e1s de $17 millones en fondos para mejorar la atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica y la resiliencia clim\u00e1tica en Miami. La congresista tambi\u00e9n obtuvo casi $24 millones en fondos para proteger y mejorar la infraestructura h\u00eddrica de Miami, ampliar los centros de salud comunitarios y apoyar a las fuerzas del orden y mejorar la seguridad p\u00fablica.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-la-ley-de-asociacion-economica-entre-estados", "Congresista Salazar presenta la Ley de Asociaci\u00f3n Econ\u00f3mica entre Estados Unidos y Uruguay", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Hoy, la presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), y el congresista Andy Kim (D-NJ), presentaron la Ley de Asociaci\u00f3n Econ\u00f3mica entre Estados Unidos y Uruguay en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes. De aprobarse, el proyecto de ley liberar\u00eda el potencial de una estrecha relaci\u00f3n econ\u00f3mica con Uruguay, un socio confiable de Estados Unidos.\n\nEn un momento en que nuestros enemigos en el extranjero est\u00e1n tratando de ampliar su alcance en el Hemisferio Occidental, esta legislaci\u00f3n es fundamental para fortalecer nuestra asociaci\u00f3n con nuestros amigos en la regi\u00f3n como Uruguay.\n\n\"Uruguay es uno de los mejores amigos de Estados Unidos en Am\u00e9rica del Sur y es un ejemplo brillante de c\u00f3mo la libertad econ\u00f3mica promueve la prosperidad\", dijo la congresista Salazar. \"Estoy orgullosa de presentar esta legislaci\u00f3n que ampl\u00eda nuestros v\u00ednculos con Uruguay al aumentar las oportunidades de intercambio econ\u00f3mico y cultural entre nuestras dos naciones\".\n\nLa Ley de Asociaci\u00f3n Econ\u00f3mica entre los Estados Unidos y Uruguay proporciona a Uruguay los beneficios de la Ley de Recuperaci\u00f3n Econ\u00f3mica de la Cuenca del Caribe (entrada libre de impuestos a los Estados Unidos para ciertos productos).\n\nTambi\u00e9n incluye a Uruguay en la lista de pa\u00edses cuyos nacionales son elegibles para la admisi\u00f3n a los Estados Unidos como no inmigrantes E1 y E2, al tiempo que exige un informe sobre la elegibilidad de Uruguay para el programa de exenci\u00f3n de visa (que permite a los nacionales ingresar a los Estados Unidos sin una visa para turismo o negocios por menos de 90 d\u00edas).\n\nSi bien Estados Unidos importa m\u00e1s de 2.900 millones de d\u00f3lares en bienes de Uruguay, todav\u00eda estamos por detr\u00e1s de China y Brasil como sus principales socios exportadores. Estados Unidos depende de importaciones agr\u00edcolas uruguayas clave, como carne vacuna, madera, caviar y productos frutales.\n\nPara mantener los precios estables para los consumidores de Miami, debemos mejorar el acceso a los mercados uruguayos con una pol\u00edtica comercial y de inmigraci\u00f3n que refleje nuestro compromiso con esta asociaci\u00f3n.\n\n\u201cPara el crecimiento econ\u00f3mico y la estabilidad, es esencial que demos prioridad a nuestras asociaciones estrat\u00e9gicas en todo el mundo\u201d, dijo el representante Kim. \u201cEsta legislaci\u00f3n es un paso importante para reforzar nuestra valiosa y estrecha asociaci\u00f3n con Uruguay. Fortalecer los lazos entre nuestras naciones no s\u00f3lo beneficiar\u00e1 la relaci\u00f3n econ\u00f3mica de nuestros pa\u00edses, sino que tambi\u00e9n mejorar\u00e1 los lazos culturales y crear\u00e1 nuevas oportunidades para nuestras comunidades uruguayas en los EE. UU. y las de Uruguay\u201d.\n\nPara leer el texto completo del proyecto de ley, haga clic aqu\u00ed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-united-states-uruguay-economic-partnership-act", "Salazar Introduces the United States\u2013Uruguay Economic Partnership Act", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the United States\u2013Uruguay Economic Partnership Act in the House of Representatives. If passed, the bill would unleash the potential of a close economic relationship with Uruguay, a trusted partner of the United States.\n\nAt a time when our enemies abroad are trying to expand their reach in the Western Hemisphere, this legislation is critical to strengthening our partnership with our friends in the region like Uruguay.\n\n\u201cUruguay is one of America\u2019s best friends in South America and is a shining example of how economic freedom promotes prosperity,\u201d said Chairwoman Salazar. \u201cI am proud to introduce this legislation expanding our ties with Uruguay by increasing opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between our two nations.\u201d\n\nThe United States \u2013 Uruguay Economic Partnership Act provides Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) benefits (duty-free entry to the United States for certain products) to Uruguay. It also includes Uruguay in the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants while requiring a report on the eligibility of Uruguay for the visa waiver program (allowing nationals to enter the United States without a visa for tourism or business for less than 90 days).\n\nWhile the United States imports more than $2.9 billion in goods from Uruguay, we still lag behind China and Brazil as their main exporting partners. The United States relies on key Uruguayan agricultural imports including beef, wood, caviar, and fruit products. To keep prices stable for Miami consumers, we must enhance access to Uruguayan markets with a trade and immigration policy that reflects our commitment to this partnership.\n\n\u201cFor economic growth and stability, it is essential that we prioritize our strategic partnerships across the globe,\u201d said Rep. Kim. \u201cThis legislation is an important step to bolster our valued and close partnership with Uruguay. Strengthening ties between our nations will not only benefit our countries\u2019 economic relationship, but also uplift cultural ties and create new opportunities for our Uruguayan communities in the U.S. and those in Uruguay.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-launches-bizgap-small-business-development-program-after-securing", "Salazar Launches BizGap Small Business Development Program after Securing $650,000 in Funding", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Small Business Committee Member Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) launched the Business Growth and Acceleration Program (BizGap) with Florida International University (FIU) after securing $650,000 to create jobs and grow small businesses in District 27.\n\nSalazar secured U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Project funding for the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at FIU Business as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The BizGap program will provide hyperlocal consulting and training to 1,000 or more businesses in the district during 2024.\n\n\u201cAs a proud member of the Small Business Committee, I know that entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop shops are the backbone of Miami,\u201d said Congresswoman Salazar. \u201cFlorida\u2019s District 27 is home to more than 60,000 businesses \u2014 half of which are small businesses. I am proud to launch this program, which will provide coaching, training, and connectivity to small business resources so that more people can feel confident when starting and expanding their business in Miami.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the BizGap program will provide:\n\nDoor-to-door canvassing to reach business owners in key commercial corridors.\n\nSurveying local business owners on business challenges and resources need to grow.\n\nOne-on-one business consulting in startup and business growth areas.\n\nTraining, workshops and webinars on topics such as marketing, access to capital, business strategy and startup assistance.\n\nConnections to small business loans/grants, community resources, and industry professionals.\n\n\u201cFlorida SBDC at FIU appreciates the Congresswoman\u2019s support to secure this funding to scale up the center\u2019s successful BizGap program to FL-27,\u201d said Brian Van Hook, Regional Director, FSBDC at FIU. \u201cBizGap is focused on meeting small business owners where they are in the community and providing them with the guidance, resources and partnerships needed to start and grow their businesses. Our team is excited to get to work in FL-27 and also to partner with communities in the district as we ramp up BizGap in 2024.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Salazar has secured more than $40 million in funding for Florida\u2019s 27th District in the last few years. Her direct advocacy in Congress resulted in more than $17 million in funding to improve healthcare and climate resiliency in Miami. The Congresswoman also secured nearly $24 million in funding to protect and enhance Miami\u2019s water infrastructure, expand community health centers, and support law enforcement and improve public safety.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-named-veterans-advisor-speaker-johnson", "Bilirakis Named Veterans\u2019 Advisor to Speaker Johnson", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington: Earlier today, House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Representative Gus Bilirakis to serve as Veterans\u2019 Advisor to the Speaker. Bilirakis, who served for 14 years on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, including multiple years as Vice-Chairman and in the same advisory capacity to Speaker McCarthy, has a long history championing legislation to help Veterans and their families. Among his most notable accomplishments, Bilirakis has authored legislation signed into law to improve mental health options, strengthen homeless prevention programs and boost educational benefits for Veterans. He has also worked to improve the transition support Veterans receive when returning to civilian life and to ensure formal recognition of the damage that toxic exposure has caused our nation\u2019s heroes which has subsequently led to these Veterans receiving the benefits to which they are entitled.\n\n\u201cThroughout my tenure in Congress, I have made it my priority to act as the voice of the men and women who serve our nation,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for this newest opportunity to strengthen that voice and will continue pushing to ensure Veterans issues remain at the forefront of the priorities we tackle this Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Bilirakis is widely regarded as one of Congress\u2019 most effective members, and he has been a strong advocate in delivering real results on behalf of America\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Speaker Mike Johnson. \u201cI am proud to have Gus continue serving as Special Advisor to the Speaker on Veterans\u2019 issues.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bilirakis\u2019s latest legislative push on behalf of Veterans is to get the Major Richard Star Act (MRSA) across the finish line this term. MRSA would ensure that the 50,000 combat-wounded Veterans who have been medically retired receive the retirement and disability pay they\u2019ve earned. Right now, only military retirees with at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of 50 percent and higher are able to collect both benefits at the same time. Current law requires a dollar for dollar offset of these two benefits for all other retired veterans, meaning they have to forfeit a portion of the benefits they earned in service. Congressman Bilirakis is committed to rectifying this injustice.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-thompson-introduce-bill-to-remove-pga-tax-exempt-status", "Buchanan, Thompson Introduce Bill to Remove PGA Tax Exempt Status", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressmen Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced legislation to revoke the PGA Tour\u2019s tax-exempt status. Under current law, the PGA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, meaning it pays no federal corporate income taxes. The legislation follows the PGA\u2019s decision to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf into a single for-profit entity.\n\n\u201cWith billions of dollars in annual revenue and record profits streaming in, coupled with their looming partnership with Saudi Arabia\u2019s sovereign wealth fund, why in the world should hardworking American taxpayers subsidize the PGA\u2019s tax-exempt status? We should be supporting local charities on Main Street, not foreign-backed professional sports organizations that are not dedicated to benefitting the American people,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m pleased to introduce this legislation with Congressman Thompson to end this special-interest giveaway and require the PGA to pay taxes, just like every other American business.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe proposed PGA-LIV merger raises serious concerns. Nonprofit tax treatment should be reserved for institutions and charities that help everyday Americans \u2013 not billion-dollar sports leagues backed by Saudi government money,\u201d said Congressman Thompson. \u201cI look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve that goal as the PGA and LIV continue their negotiations.\u201d\n\nIn June of 2023, a deal was announced to merge the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The proposed deal would have the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) contribute \u201cits golf-related commercial business and rights (including LIV Golf), along with a significant financial investment, toward minority equity ownership of a new, collectively held, for-profit LLC.\u201d In the months since, few details of the agreement have been made public.\n\nAccording to Golfweek, \u201cThe PGA Tour reported $1.9 billion in revenue in 2022, up from $1.59 billion in 2021.\u201d The legislation introduced by Buchanan and Thompson specifically applies to sports leagues with annual gross receipts exceeding $1 billion during any of the preceding five tax years.\n\nMost American professional sports organizations have voluntarily given up their tax-exempt status. In fact, Major League Baseball did so in 2007 and the National Football League followed suit in 2015. The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Soccer do not currently claim non-profit status.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=268", "Franklin Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "LAKELAND, FL\u2014At a recognition ceremony held during \u201cComputer Science Recognition Week,\u201d Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The winners include: Cameron Johnson, Valerie Pompee and Joshua Brandt of McKeel Academy of Technology in Lakeland, Florida.\n\nInspired by a personal need, the team\u2019s innovative app, UniGuide, simplifies the college decision process by ranking Florida's State University System 12 institutions across six key areas. Franklin\u2019s office celebrated these exceptional students during a special event in honor of Computer Science Education Week.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition where high school students compete against peers in each congressional district to create a winning software application or app on a platform of their choice. The competition runs through the summer and concludes in November.\n\nThe panel of judges included David Robinson, Managing Partner, Thrive Networks; Dr. Candi Ring, Educational Pathways Specialist, Cyber Florida; Dr. Christian A Roberson, Computer Sciences Professor, Florida Southern College; Shandi Perkins, CEO, Cadence Coalition; Daniel Holland, CEO, Arete Solutions.\n\nWinners are invited to a reception in Washington, DC. Their app is displayed in the U.S. Capitol building and posted online for one year. Notably, winners also receive an ARTS Act Copyright Waiver, which waives their registration fees if they choose to copyright their creation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-veteran-history-project-interview-featuring-military-veteran-stephen-valdes/", "U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veteran History Project Interview Featuring Military Veteran Stephen Valdes", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veteran History Project Interview Featuring Military Veteran Stephen Valdes\n\nView the Video Here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A0989583-C325-4F2C-BDFA-45195C030407", "Webster Seeks Answers Regarding the Alleged Use of Veteran Resources for Illegal Immigrants", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL), and 22 of his House Republican colleagues, are demanding answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following a media report that resources within the VA\u2019s Financial Services Center are being used to aid illegal immigrants.\n\nAccording to the report, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working with the VA\u2019s Financial Services Center to process medical claims that are being submitted by private medical providers representing illegal immigrants in ICE custody. Especially given the long wait times Veterans are experiencing for medical care and disability benefits, this is extremely troubling and unacceptable. Under the Trump Administration, the VA disability claims backlog was consistently under 100,000 claims. However, as of December 2, 2023, that number has tripled to 318,221. Recognizing the failures of the Biden Administration at serving America\u2019s veterans, the VA should be devoting the entirety of its time to those who have risked their lives to protect our country rather than the overwhelming number of migrants entering our country illegally.\n\n\u201cCongress appropriates funds to the VA in order to provide services to our veterans, not illegal immigrants,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cOur veterans served our country, and it is high time that our government start serving them. With this in mind, please provide answers to the following questions by December 27, 2023.\u201d\n\nHow many claims has the VA Financial Services Center processed for ICE on a monthly basis since January 2021?\n\nAre claims submitted for care provided to VA beneficiaries processed before any other claims serviced by the VA?\n\nHow many hours have VA personnel spent processing medical claims on behalf of ICE?\n\nIs the VA providing any other services to federal agencies involving illegal immigrants?\u201d\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Matthew Rosendale, Sr. (R-MT), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Troy E. Nehls (R-TX), Harriet M. Hageman (R-WY), Brian Babin, D.D.S. (R-TX), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), John Rose (R-TN), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Scott Perry (R-PA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Clay Higgins (R-LA).\n\nRead the full letter text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-pushes-back-leftist-agenda", "Congressman Bean Pushes Back on Leftist Agenda", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Aaron Bean", "B001314", "bean.house.gov", "bean", "https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) today issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA).\n\n\u201cA strong military makes a strong nation. Unfortunately, this year\u2019s NDAA conference report continues to fund the Biden administration\u2019s woke agenda at the Pentagon, contradicts House Republicans\u2019 efforts to put American national security first, and fails to counter China.\n\nIn July, I voted in support of the House NDAA bill because it offered an opportunity to fight back, but this final version missed the mark. While this measure contains some good provisions including a 5.2% pay increase for servicemembers and a Parents\u2019 Bill of Rights for parents of children at DoD operated schools, it does not go far enough to keep America safe and support our Armed Forces. I could not support a bill, which puts the interest of Washington bureaucrats and the Far-Left over those of our warfighters,\u201d said Congressman Bean.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFar-Left Policy Initiatives\n\nUnlike the House-passed bill, this conference report does not prevent funds from being used for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory committees, does not eliminate chief diversity officer positions, and does not prohibit race-based admissions at military academies.\n\nIt would force taxpayers to pay for abortion services and even gender reassignment surgeries.\n\nDoes not prohibit the Secretary of Defense from carrying out future mask-mandates nor does it prohibit adverse action against servicemembers who refuse to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.\n\nChina\u2019s Growing Influence\n\nUnlike the House-passed bill, this measure does not include any provisions to limit China\u2019s growing malign economic and military capabilities.\n\nIt does nothing to restrict American investments in CCP companies that are producing artificial intelligence, hypersonic, and quantum computing technologies\u2014all war-fighting technologies that are critical to winning on the 21st century battlefield.\n\nIt removes language in the House-passed bill prohibiting funding from being provided to the EcoHealth Alliance, which funneled money to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the suspected origin of COVID-19.\n\nGovernment Surveillance of Americans\n\nThis bill includes a short-term extension of a critical national security tool, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without any essential reform to end the FBI\u2019s warrantless surveillance of American citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-sewell-introduce-bill-help-rare-kidney-disease-patients", "Bilirakis and Sewell Introduce Bill to Help Rare Kidney Disease Patients", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC: Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the New Era for Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act. This important legislation will help transform the delivery of care to rare kidney disease patients by increasing community and healthcare provider awareness and education. Each year, Medicare spends more than $84 billion providing critical care to patients with chronic kidney disease, including $36 billion on patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Unfortunately, there has been little innovation in treatment options for kidney disease patients since the 1960s when dialysis and immunosuppressants became commonplace. Earlier this year, the FDA approved the first-of-its-kind non-immunosuppressive drug therapy for the rare kidney disease IgA Nephropathy. Yet oftentimes, patients struggle to find a nephrologist well-versed in their rare conditions who can provide an accurate diagnosis and expert treatment. These treatment and diagnostic barriers, coupled with the lack of rare kidney disease awareness and education, often cause a delay in diagnosis that can result in a rapid decline in kidney function and, ultimately, kidney failure. For many rare kidney disease patients, their only options are dialysis, transplant, or death.\n\n\"Our life-saving legislation will help remove diagnostic and treatment barriers for many patients suffering with a rare disease,\" said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \"Through the establishment of Rare Kidney Disease Research Centers of Excellence and increased provider education efforts, we will empower providers to better identify the signs and symptoms of rare kidney disease, which will lead to improved treatment options and better patient outcomes.\"\n\n\u201cFar too many people living with rare kidney disease have trouble finding specialized care providers. Increasing awareness and education is crucial to caring for rare kidney disease patients, which is why I\u2019m so proud to introduce the New Era For Preventing End Stage Kidney Disease Act. This legislation will make critical improvements to the way patients with rare kidney disease, especially those in underserved communities, access and receive care,\u201d said Rep. Sewell.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-emmanuel-bilirakis-and-honorable-jennifer-wexton-national-plan-end", "Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act Passes House", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are celebrating the fact that their landmark Parkinson\u2019s legislation passed the House of Representatives today. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson\u2019s disease once and for all. For Congressman Bilirakis, this fight is extremely personal. Sadly, he has lost two immediate family members to this disease, both in the last 6 months. His brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, passed away in May after a long battle with the disease. He was a wonderful human being and a primary care physician who gave so much back to his community. Congressman Bilirakis is grateful to his friend and Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee, Anna Eshoo, for her suggestion to change the title of the bill in honor of Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis. Congressman Bilirakis further amended the title of the bill to also honor his colleague, Jennifer Wexton, who is courageously battling the rare neurodegenerative disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and whose help has been instrumental in garnering the support needed to pass this priority measure. The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act will also address the financial and health burdens on American families and reduce government spending over time. Parkinson\u2019s disease is the second most common \u2013 and fastest-growing \u2013 neurological disease globally with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States every year. Advancement of this legislation could not come at a more crucial time, since earlier this year researchers were able to newly discover a Parkinson\u2019s biomarker that can reveal a key pathology and lead to a better understanding of this disease. The lawmakers are optimistic that their legislation will help spur new breakthrough developments of innovative treatments and cures.\n\n\u201cI will continue this fight in memory of my dear brother, other family members, and on behalf of all Americans who are still struggling with this debilitating disease,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cIt takes a terrible toll on the physical, emotional and economic well-being of everyone involved. The lack of treatment options leave patients, families, and American taxpayers in a terrible quandary. We must change our approach to get better results, which is exactly what our legislation will do. It builds upon past successes and strives to replicate other national project models that have helped advance health care goals and treatment options. This critical legislation will provide hope to those who are suffering and hopefully lead to better patient outcomes with less expensive disease management.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn Congress, I have made helping those with neurological disorders one of my top priorities for more than a decade. I first learned about Parkinson\u2019s from a friend who suffered with it. So when the opportunity arose to partner with Congressman Bilirakis on this meaningful effort I jumped right in and made it my personal mission to get this done on behalf of the millions of people living with Parkinson\u2019s. It is incumbent on Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time. Our legislation does just that. By moving this bill forward, we will make a positive difference, improve lives and even save lives. And for the millions of Americans living with Parkinson\u2019s, as well as their loved ones, I hope this brings much needed hope, said Congressman Tonko.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that the House has come together today to take a transformative step to fight Parkinson\u2019s and atypical Parkinson\u2019s which would save lives and give families like mine hope,\u201d said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. \u201cThe past year has been a difficult road and an emotional journey for me, not only facing the great health challenges that come with this diagnosis but also coming to terms with the fact that I will have to give up doing what I love. I\u2019ve spent my career uplifting the stories of those in need and fighting to serve my community, and I am proud to continue that fight on behalf of the broader Parkinson's community and deliver this major win. I\u2019m grateful to Reps. Bilirakis and Tonko for leading this bill, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the urgency of advancing this historic legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the 1 million people living with Parkinson\u2019s disease in the United States, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is proud to support the National Plan to End Parkinson\u2019s Act and offers deep gratitude to Representatives Bilirakis and Tonko for their leadership on this bill,\u201d said Ted Thompson, Senior Vice President of Policy for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson\u2019s Research. \u201cWith groundbreaking progress made in Parkinson\u2019s research this year \u2014 including the discovery of a biomarker \u2014 there is no better time to focus our efforts on accelerating science and providing better care to every patient and family impacted by this disease.\u201d\n\nThe Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act sets up an Advisory Council, comprised of experts from across the federal government in every related agency, combined with non-federal appointed members, represented by patient advocates, specialist providers, clinicians, and Parkinson\u2019s researchers. This new entity will focus efforts on an annual report to the Department of Health and Human Services and to Congress with an evaluation of the current efforts to prevent, treat and cure Parkinson\u2019s. It will also provide annual recommendations for ways to reduce the escalating burden of this disease on patients and families, improve health outcomes and quality of care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and Veterans, and better research the underlying causes of this disease. The National Parkinson\u2019s Project will also incorporate and study other Parkinson\u2019s-related neurodegenerative diseases, including PSP, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, and Lewy Body Disease.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/two-buchanan-proposals-pass-congress-slated-to-become-law", "TWO Buchanan Proposals Pass Congress, Slated to Become Law!", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) announced that two of his proposals were included in the final version of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is now on the way to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThese two proposals will address the well-being and safety of our active-duty service members and their families, one of my top priorities in Congress,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cI\u2019m extremely pleased to see these provisions pass Congress this week and look forward to them being signed into law.\u201d\n\nThe two Buchanan provisions include:\n\nThe Rachael Booth Act (H.R. 975), which aims to fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance.\n\nAn amendment to examine the benefits and feasibility of utilizing black box data recorders in tactical vehicles to prevent future accidents.\n\nBuchanan\u2019s first provision, the Rachael Booth Act, was named after his constituent from Lithia, FL. She found herself unable to access the financial assistance she should have been eligible for when her husband was convicted of domestic abuse in a civilian court and then discharged from the military on an unrelated offense.\n\nThis soon-to-be new law will help dependents of service members more easily access Transitional Compensation to help them transition to financial independence after the service member has been discharged from the military for a domestic abuse offense.\n\nBuchanan\u2019s second provision aims to evaluate if equipping tactical vehicles with black box data recorders could prevent future accidents, previously introduced as the DRIVE SAFE Act (H.R. 4399). Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for reforming current training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities in Congress after his constituent, Army Specialist Panipinto, died when the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test in 2019 in South Korea.\n\nNumerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto\u2019s death, including malfunctions of the vehicle\u2019s communication systems, defective or broken equipment, a lack of medical services on base and significant delays in medical response to the scene of the accident.\n\nBuchanan had a series of sweeping military training reforms included in the FY22 NDAA that required the Pentagon to implement more realistic training practices, develop stricter enforcement standards and ensure better oversight to prevent future military training accidents and deaths.\n\nIn 2020, Buchanan also offered an amendment to the FY21 NDAA that was successfully signed into law. His amendment required the DoD to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404414", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor: Democrats Lead Passage of Bipartisan Defense Bill, Now On Its Way to President Biden\u2019s Desk", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan, bicameral FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report.\n\n\u201cOur military service members and their families deserve our support and I am pleased that the FY2024 NDAA will provide a pay raise for our service members, strengthen America\u2019s national security and protect our strategic alliances.\n\n\u201cExtreme MAGA Republicans delayed adoption of the bill for months and used America\u2019s national security as leverage to try to force their radical agenda on America. In the end, more Democrats than Republicans voted to support our country and our military through the NDAA as Congress limped out of town with little to show for the year marked by turmoil among the GOP.\n\n\u201cI am proud to have championed important provisions in the defense bill that will directly support MacDill Air Force Base service members and their families, including a pay raise and improvements to on-base housing, health care and child care. As Co-Chair of the Special Forces Caucus, I strongly pressed for support for our Special Operations Forces global missions through combat development activities, cyberspace operations, and INDOPACOM MISO.\n\n\u201cWe owe it to our service members to continue working to lower the cost of living. That\u2019s why I fought to deliver on President Biden\u2019s request for a 5.2 percent pay raise for our troops, which will give service members and their families a needed boost as inflation slows. The NDAA will help more military families balance their budgets by expanding eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, which helps lower grocery and housing costs.\n\n\u201cImportantly, the NDAA will take significant steps in improving child care for military families, including by investing $301 million in military construction for new child development centers and $60 million in additional funds for planning and design to accelerate child development center replacements.\n\n\u201cU.S. service members and their families at MacDill and around the world deserve housing that is safe and clean and free of mold and shoddy construction. The NDAA includes significant investments to continue improving military housing and strengthens oversight of the conditions of housing units.\n\n\u201cAs overheating, rising sea levels and stronger storms impact operations at MacDill, the NDAA takes steps to tackle the effects of climate change and safeguard our national security and military readiness. This bipartisan bill not only rejects extreme Republican provisions that would have prevented action on climate resilience, but this year\u2019s NDAA will also promote energy efficiency and counter harmful impacts on the environment while protecting the health of our service members, including a record $650 million investment in energy resilience and energy conservation.\n\n\u201cWhile Republicans spent months fighting amongst themselves \u2013 fixating on attempts to restrict health care for women service members and limit the Department of Defense\u2019s ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce \u2013 Democrats stood ready to work in a bipartisan way to better support our service members and their families while addressing pressing national security issues. Once again, Democrats proved we are committed to putting People Over Politics for the good of our country.\u201d\n\nSupporting Military Service Members and their Families:\n\n5.2% pay raise\n\nExpanded eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA)\n\nIncreases investments in child development centers\n\nImproves Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) eligibility\n\nMilitary Housing:\n\nIncreases housing allowances\n\nEstablishes the Military Family Readiness Working Group for Military Housing\n\nImproves privatized military housing units\n\nIncreases oversight of military housing conditions\n\nHealth Care:\n\nIncreases access to mental and physical health care services\n\nReduces out-of-pocket costs and expands delivery of health care benefits\n\nVeterans:\n\nImproves the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to help service members transition to civilian life through the Skillbridge and Troops to Teachers initiatives\n\nImproves the processing of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) disability claims\n\nIncreases the participation of Veteran-owned small businesses in federal contracts\n\nThe FY2024 NDAA Conference Report passed by a margin of 310-118 in the House, with 163 Democrats and 147 Republicans voting \u201cYea\u201d. The bill now heads to President Biden for signing.\n\nU.S. Rep. Castor is a member of the powerful U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee and previously served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and as Chair of the former U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Her district includes MacDill Air Force Base and is home to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), two of the Armed Forces\u2019 most important military commands. MacDill Air Force Base\u2019s 6th Air Refueling Wing is the centerpiece of the U.S. Air Force\u2019s Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power mission with its essential functions of aerial refueling. The base\u2019s mission is vital to keeping America safe and ready for any contingencies we may face as a nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-cherfilus-mccormick-kiggans-introduce-department-veterans-affairs", "Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Kiggans Introduce the Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick", "C001127", "cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov", "cherfilus-mccormick", "https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act.\n\nTherapeutic medical physicists (TMPs) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work with radiation oncologists during radiation treatment planning and delivery. The Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act would eliminate the pay cap for TMPs, delivering higher quality care to veterans, improving TMP recruitment and retention, and lowering total costs for the VA.\n\nOver the past fifteen years, TMP salaries have increased nationwide as radiation therapy has become more sophisticated and more common. However, VA TMPs earn approximately $40,000 less than their private sector counterparts \u2015 forcing the VA to overspend on contracted TMP services, which could be done more reliably in-house and at a much lower cost.\n\n\u201cTherapeutic medical physicists play an instrumental role in supporting veterans receiving cancer care at VA facilities,\u201d said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). \u201cIf action is not taken to reverse the VA TMP workforce shortfall, veterans will not receive the world-class radiation therapy that they earned serving our country. Everyone stands to benefit from this bipartisan legislation \u2015 our veterans, health providers, and the VA.\u201d\n\n\"Our veterans deserve access to the best care possible when they visit VA medical centers,\" said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA). \"Unfortunately, many of our veterans were exposed to harmful substances and toxins during their service and developed diseases and conditions that require radiation testing and treatment. By attracting qualified Therapeutic Medical Physicists to work in our veteran care networks, we can both ensure our former servicemembers are treated by the best and most qualified healthcare professionals while saving taxpayer dollars in the process. As a veteran and a geriatric nurse practitioner, I'm proud to join Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick on this bipartisan bill!\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) strongly endorses this legislation, which will help VA hospitals hire and retain therapeutic medical physicists. VA hospitals across the country have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining therapeutic medical physicists due to statutory limitations on how much they can pay. Therapeutic medical physicists are an integral part of a patient\u2019s cancer care team, ensuring the precision and safety of radiation therapy. If signed into law, this bill will ensure our veterans have access to the highest quality cancer care. We commend Representatives Cherfilus-McCormick and Kiggans for their leadership on this important issue,\u201d said Dr. Ehsan Samei, President of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.\n\n\u201cThe American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) supports eliminating the pay cap for Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicists (TMPs). Radiation oncologists work closely with TMPs to ensure that complex cancer treatments using radiation are properly tailored for each patient. Our nation\u2019s Veterans deserve the safest, most effective cancer care possible, and high-quality TMP support is critical to achieving that goal. ASTRO believes that this legislation will allow the VA to compete for and retain these important members of the radiation oncology treatment team,\u201d said Jeff Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, Chair, ASTRO Board of Directors.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-cherfilus-mccormick-ruiz-sewell-introduce-rpm-cost-sharing-elimination", "Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ruiz, Sewell Introduce RPM Cost Sharing Elimination Study Act of 2023", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick", "C001127", "cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov", "cherfilus-mccormick", "https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the RPM Cost Sharing Elimination Study Act of 2023.\n\nThe RPM Cost Sharing Elimination Study Act of 2023 would eliminate the 20% copay for remote patient monitoring (RPM) for two years under Traditional Medicare and study the effects of the elimination on patient outcomes in home health, as well as potential cost savings to Medicare. The RPM program, which provides reimbursement for using technology to monitor patients between visits, was introduced by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2019.\n\nThe RPM program mandates the use of a biosensor, often in conjunction with a smartphone app, to monitor patients between appointments. It has been used to monitor and treat diabetes, heart failure, cardiac disorders, and high blood pressure.\n\n\u201cAs a former home care executive, I know how valuable remote monitoring can be in equalizing care and giving seniors the tools they need to manage their health from home,\u201d said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). \u201cMy colleagues and I hope to identify what steps are needed to improve remote monitoring services and ensure better health outcomes for Medicare enrollees.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs an emergency physician, my main priority has always been to protect and strengthen Medicare, especially for our seniors in rural and underserved communities where travel to medical facilities is a challenge,\u201d said Dr. Ruiz (D-CA). \u201cThis bill would improve remote patient monitoring and allow us to save more lives by catching emergencies early on.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith an increasing number of Americans relying on telehealth, we must ensure that these services are affordable and accessible to those who need them,\u201d said Congresswoman Sewell (D-AL). \u201cThis legislation would eliminate cost sharing for remote patient monitoring under the Medicare program, allowing older Americans, especially those in rural areas, the ability to utilize RPM services without the concern for costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) applauds Representatives Cherfilus-McCormick, Ruiz, and Sewell for introducing the RPM Cost Sharing Elimination Study Act of 2023,\u201d said NAHC President William Dombi. \u201cRemote physiological monitoring (RPM) is an important innovation that can help optimize care in the home of all kinds while improving patient and family outcomes and satisfaction. Home health agencies have been using RPM for years to support their patients, despite not being reimbursed for it. Unfortunately, RPM is underutilized across the entire Medicare program, partly as a result of outdated payment policies governing its use. By temporarily removing the co-pay for Medicare RPM services, an option open to providers during the COVID PHE, this legislation will remove a key financial barrier to RPM\u2019s wider adoption. NAHC believes the broader implementation of RPM will enable more people to receive care where they want it \u2013 their own homes and communities. We look forward to working with these congressional champions on this and other efforts to bolster the care-in-the-home community.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Rural Health Association applauds Representatives Cherfilus-McCormick, Ruiz, and Sewell for introducing The RPM Cost Sharing Elimination Study Act. Rural Americans must choose between enduring long travel times or paying unnecessary fees for simple and routine monitoring of their health conditions,\u201d said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. \u201cThis legislation may serve as a substantial step toward improving rural health outcomes by encouraging wider use of Remote Patient Monitoring, which could eliminate travel times for rural patients and reduce the burden on healthcare providers.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Rural Health Association, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, and the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=426", "Congressman Dunn: We Must Always Take Care of Our Military.", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Neal P. Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", "dunn", "https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670).\n\n\u201cToday I voted to support our U.S. Military. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to represent a district where thousands have dedicated their lives to protecting our great nation. The Senate has done Americans a disservice by deceptively including a FISA extension in the FY24 NDAA. Allowing the Department of Justice and the FBI to illegally spy on U.S. Citizens is unconstitutional and unfair to Americans!\n\nWe must always take care of our service members, and we must quit passing these large bills at the eleventh hour that are packed full of hidden provisions that trample on our rights. I demand a new FISA in April with guardrails that will prevent bad actors like the DOJ and FBI from persecuting Americans by illegally using this program for corrupt motives.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe House of Representatives passed H.R. 2670 with a 310-118 vote. The package includes multiple wins for the military and Florida\u2019s Second Congressional District, including provisions to support a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, protect current servicemembers and provide a path back to service for the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and fully funds the deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349", "Franklin Supports Final Passage of the FY24 NDAA", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), a retired Naval Aviator and former House Armed Services Committee member, voted for final passage of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed the House by a vote of 310 \u2013 118.\n\n\u201cAs a retired Navy Commander, I know ensuring certainty for our military is critical to our national defense,\u201d Rep. Franklin said. \u201cProviding for our common defense is also the most fundamental of our constitutional duties. While this bill does not include all the conservative wins I fought for in the version previously passed by the House, it is significantly better than the package negotiated with NO Republican input last year. The threats we face demand that we pass an NDAA. In a divided government like we currently have, funding our military requires some degree of compromise. This bill provides needed tools to counter an unchecked China, while defending against threats from other adversaries. It also ensures our troops maintain military dominance and provides the largest pay raise for our troops in over 20 years.\u201d\n\nThe FY24 NDAA includes critical provisions to combat the threat we face from the Chinese Communist Party:\n\nExtends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative\n\nAccelerates the deployment of advanced radars to track high-altitude balloons and other CCP threats to our homeland.\n\nCloses loopholes that enable DoD funds to go to universities operating CCP fronts like Confucius Institutes.\n\nProhibits DoD from sourcing energy, battery technology or chemical munitions from China\n\nProhibits DoD from contracting with any CCP owned or controlled company operating in the U.S.\n\nRejects the Biden Administration\u2019s attempt to shrink the Navy\n\nProhibits DoD from working with the Wuhan Institute of Virology\n\nBlocks former DoD personnel from being employed by China\n\nRequires DOD to identify, mitigate and address CCP land purchases near military installations\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350", "Franklin Supports Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Scott Franklin", "F000472", "franklin.house.gov", "franklin", "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement regarding his vote for a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden:\n\n\"I strongly support an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The House Judiciary and Oversight Committee\u2019s investigations have uncovered official bank records, personal communications and the testimony of credible whistleblowers that prove President Biden lied to the American people about his knowledge and the extent of his involvement in his family\u2019s foreign influence peddling scheme. Despite mounting evidence, the Administration has dismissed these allegations out of hand with a glib \u201cnothing to see here\u201d and refuses to cooperate. Hunter Biden went as far as to defy a lawful subpoena for a deposition today. That\u2019s unacceptable. Noncompliance is not an option. That\u2019s why I voted for H. Res. 918 to formalize the House\u2019s impeachment inquiry. This will further empower Congress to exercise needed oversight and compel the Administration and others to cooperate. The evidence uncovered so far is too disturbing to walk away from. When the severity of allegations rise to this level, Congress is duty bound to find answers. Americans deserve nothing less.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-statement-national-defense-authorization-act-0", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement following the House conference vote on H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\u201cPassage of this NDAA once again signals the American people losing at the hands of the defense lobby.\n\n\u201cWhile Democrats held the line and fought hard to strip out harmful attacks on minority communities and people of color, key fiscal accountability measures have been purposefully left out, leaving taxpayers holding the bag.\n\n\u201cLet's be clear that adequate funding to ensure our national defense is entirely different from writing a blank check at the cost of Florida's taxpayers when, for the sixth year in a row, the Pentagon has failed their annual audit.\n\n\u201cIt is shameful that bipartisan amendments like mine \u2013 which would have helped usher true transparency and accountability as we fight to end wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by defense contractors looking to line their own pockets at our expense \u2013 were rejected in this conference report.\n\n\u201cI am, however, encouraged to see that the final version of the NDAA is moving forward without Republican led attacks on abortion care and reproductive freedom, and without hateful attacks on our LGBTQ+ community which would have included provisions to ban gender-affirming care, drag shows, and books featuring trans representation.\n\n\u201cAnd I am encouraged to see bipartisan support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to strengthen our ally\u2019s defense against Russian aggression.\n\n\u201cFor our military servicemembers and their families, I am also grateful to see a 5.2% pay raise go to our folks in uniform and to support the loved ones who make their service possible.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/rep-carlos-gimenez-votes-for-ndaa", "Rep. Carlos Gimenez Votes for NDAA", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Carlos A. Gimenez", "G000593", "gimenez.house.gov", "gimenez", "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fully fund our military and support our service members through Fiscal Year 2024.\n\nWith the United States facing a host of pressing issues, from Communist China\u2019s increased aggression in the Indo-Pacific to attacks by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists against our dear friend Israel, Rep. Gimenez is proud to support an NDAA that ensures our military is ready and able to meet these challenges head on.\n\n\u201cAs the first Member of Congress representing Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to support this NDAA to guarantee our military remains the strongest in the world,\u201d said Rep. Gimenez. \u201cAs the United States faces increased pressure from our adversaries, I am proud to vote for a NDAA that bolsters military strength and supports the brave men and women in uniform who defend our nation.\u201d\n\nTo see Rep. Gimenez Floor speech, CLICK HERE.\n\nAs the Member of Congress for America\u2019s southernmost district, which includes Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys, Congressman Gim\u00e9nez represents thousands of service members and their families and multiple military facilities, including Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB), Naval Air Station Key West, Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), and the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-SOUTH).\n\n###\n\nCongressman Carlos Gim\u00e9nez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-ndaa-prioritizes-americas-national-security-while-rejecting", "D\u00edaz-Balart: NDAA Prioritizes America's National Security while Rejecting Woke Culture Ideology", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement after the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024:\n\n\u201cThe United States confronts its most perilous and intricate strategic challenges in recent times. We must ensure that our brave men and women in the armed forces have the robust resources they need to defend our country, both at home and abroad, and deter our adversaries. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prioritizes America\u2019s national security by improving U.S. readiness against our enemies, modernizing our forces, and providing staunch allies like Israel and Taiwan with unequivocal American support. Moreover, this bill secures the largest pay raise in 20 years for our men and women in uniform, a Parents\u2019 \u2018Bill of Rights\u2019 for military families at Department of Defense schools, and eliminates absurd elements of the woke ideology infiltrating the Pentagon. I remain unwavering in my commitment to ensuring that the U.S. military is prepared and equipped to safeguard our nation against all threats to national security.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mills-statement-fy24-ndaa", "Rep. Mills\u2019 Statement on the FY24 NDAA", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Cory Mills", "M001216", "mills.house.gov", "mills", "https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "In July, the House passed one of the most conservative and robust National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) in Congress. In this, it supported our servicemembers, improved the quality of life for families, addressed childcare shortages on bases, allocated funding for more housing, eliminated DEI offices, stopped taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries, and put an end to Biden\u2019s abortion travel fund. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and an Army Combat Veteran who has proudly worn the uniform, I always look at how we can improve the lives of all those serving and their families. I was proud to vote in favor of the House-passed bill that included over two dozen of my initiatives to support our servicemembers and prioritize U.S. national security.\n\nUnfortunately, what came back from the Senate weakened and eliminated many of the House-passed goals. In addition, the Senate put in an extension to the weaponized and abused surveillance program (Section 702) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). As a constitutionalist, I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that imperils the constitutional rights of Americans by extending the government\u2019s surveillance power of Americans and continuing the violations of privacy every American deserves. Today, I voted against big government and their surveillance program which has confirmed over 287,000+ violations and abuses by the FBI that would have continued to be used without reforms. I believe in the protection of Americans\u2019 privacy and strengthening our military, which is why I voted NO on the final version of the Senate NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/aprueba-comite-de-relaciones-exteriores-proyecto-de-ley-de-la-congresista", "Aprueba Comit\u00e9 de Relaciones Exteriores proyecto de ley de la congresista Salazar para reducir el tiempo de espera de los pasaportes", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Hoy, la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) anunci\u00f3 que su proyecto de ley H.R. 6610, presentado junto al congresista Darrell Issa (R-CA), la Ley \u201cPassport System Reform and Backlog Prevention\u201d, fue aprobado por el proceso de revisi\u00f3n del Comit\u00e9 de Relaciones Exteriores de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes con apoyo un\u00e1nime.\n\nEsto revolucionar\u00e1 el procesamiento de pasaportes y mejorar\u00e1 los servicios para los estadounidenses cuando necesiten viajar al extranjero.\n\n\u201cLos tiempos de espera para el procesamiento de pasaportes han sido una pesadilla para mis electores. Han pasado casi cuatro a\u00f1os desde el inicio de la pandemia\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \u201cNo hay excusa para obligar al pueblo estadounidense a esperar m\u00e1s de tres meses para obtener un pasaporte. Nuestra legislaci\u00f3n limpia este desastre en el Departamento de Estado y vuelve a encarrilar este importante servicio gubernamental\u201d.\n\nLa H.R. 6610 implementa numerosas herramientas para abordar los problemas que crean retrasos en los pasaportes y al mismo tiempo refuerza las capacidades de procesamiento de la Oficina de Asuntos Consulares del Departamento de Estado para agilizar la solicitud y la experiencia de procesamiento para los viajeros estadounidenses.\n\nEspec\u00edficamente, la Ley \u201cPassport System Reform and Backlog Prevention\u201d:\n\nEstablece un est\u00e1ndar de servicio para procesar solicitudes de pasaporte en 30 d\u00edas despu\u00e9s de la recepci\u00f3n de los documentos y crea una experiencia de uso f\u00e1cil;\n\nPosibilita una mayor contrataci\u00f3n para resolver los retrasos actuales y futuros;\n\nOrdena la ampliaci\u00f3n del sistema de renovaci\u00f3n de pasaportes en l\u00ednea para dar cabida a las solicitudes de pasaportes de adultos por primera vez;\n\nExige un sistema de notificaci\u00f3n por mensaje de texto y correo electr\u00f3nico para el estado de las solicitudes y las solicitudes de pasaporte;\n\nAcelera el proceso de renovaci\u00f3n de pasaportes aumentando el uso de software en la adjudicaci\u00f3n de pasaportes;\n\nExige una revisi\u00f3n de arriba a abajo del sistema de emisi\u00f3n de pasaportes por parte de la Oficina de Responsabilidad Gubernamental;\n\nAcelera la adopci\u00f3n de soluciones tecnol\u00f3gicas disponibles comercialmente aumentando la colaboraci\u00f3n de la Oficina con el sector privado;\n\nIncrementa la supervisi\u00f3n del Congreso sobre los esfuerzos de modernizaci\u00f3n del Departamento de Estado.\n\n\u201cEl colapso del sistema de pasaportes representa un fracaso que trastorn\u00f3 y molest\u00f3 a decenas de millones de estadounidenses que tienen derecho a esperar mucho m\u00e1s de su gobierno\u201d, dijo el representante Issa. \u201cEste enfoque transformador no s\u00f3lo abordar\u00e1 muchos de los problemas que provocaron el retraso, sino que tambi\u00e9n generar\u00e1 modernizaciones que est\u00e1n atrasadas y arreglar\u00e1 el sistema en las pr\u00f3ximas d\u00e9cadas\u201d.\n\nEl texto del proyecto de ley se puede encontrar aqu\u00ed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-la-ley-de-reautorizacion-de-verdad", "Congresista Salazar presenta la Ley de Reautorizaci\u00f3n de VERDAD", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Hoy, la presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), y la representante Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), presentaron la Ley de Reautorizaci\u00f3n de VERDAD, un proyecto de ley que reautorizar\u00eda la Ley de Alivio de Emergencia, Asistencia a la Democracia y Desarrollo de Venezuela (VERDAD, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) contra Maduro, aprobada como Ley en 2019.\n\nLos copatrocinadores originales incluyen a los representantes Michael McCaul (R-TX), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) y Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).\n\nEl r\u00e9gimen de Maduro est\u00e1 empleando todas las t\u00e1cticas ilegales posibles para distraer la fuerza alcanzada por la campa\u00f1a de su principal oponente pol\u00edtica, Mar\u00eda Corina Machado. Es imperativo que Estados Unidos est\u00e9 al lado de la mejor oportunidad del pueblo venezolano para poner fin a m\u00e1s de dos d\u00e9cadas de dictadura socialista.\n\n\"El dictador Maduro y sus lacayos est\u00e1n haciendo todo lo que est\u00e1 a su alcance para asegurar que la oponente primaria del chavismo, Mar\u00eda Corina Machado, nunca llegue a Miraflores\", dijo la representante Salazar. \"Maduro es un tirano que tiene que irse. Mi proyecto de ley reautorizando la Ley VERDAD mostrar\u00e1 al pueblo venezolano que Estados Unidos sigue de su lado en la lucha contra el socialismo\".\n\nAprobada por primera vez en 2019, la Ley VERDAD se present\u00f3 para apoyar los esfuerzos para restaurar la democracia en Venezuela sancionando a funcionarios clave del r\u00e9gimen y salvaguardando al mismo tiempo los derechos y libertades de quienes escapan de la persecuci\u00f3n socialista.\n\nLa reautorizaci\u00f3n de la Ley VERDAD es muy importante ya que Maduro ha intensificado sus ataques contra las instituciones venezolanas y la oposici\u00f3n. El r\u00e9gimen rompi\u00f3 una promesa con Estados Unidos al anular los resultados de las primarias de la oposici\u00f3n despu\u00e9s de que Mar\u00eda Corina Machado \u2013su principal competidora\u2013 obtuviera m\u00e1s del 90% de los votos.\n\nPoco despu\u00e9s de que Maduro estableciera un referendo de distracci\u00f3n para apoderarse de la regi\u00f3n de Esequibo, en Guyana, hizo que su Fiscal General arrestara a varios de los asesores pol\u00edticos m\u00e1s cercanos de Mar\u00eda Corina Machado.\n\nEstos ataques a la candidatura de Mar\u00eda Corina indican que Estados Unidos debe mantener la presi\u00f3n sobre el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro.\n\nLos senadores Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX) y Bill Haggerty (R-TN) han presentado una ley similar en el Senado.\n\nPara leer el texto del proyecto de ley, haga clic aqu\u00ed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-verdad-reauthorization-act", "Salazar Introduces the VERDAD Reauthorization Act", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) introduced the VERDAD Reauthorization Act, a bill that would reauthorize the anti-Maduro Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance, and Development (VERDAD) Act passed into law in 2019. Original cosponsors include Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).\n\nThe Maduro regime is employing every possible illegal tactic to distract from the momentum of his leading political opponent Mar\u00eda Corina Machado\u2019s campaign. It is imperative that the United States stand by the Venezuelan people\u2019s best chance to end more than two decades of socialist dictatorship.\n\n\u201cThe dictator Maduro and his lackeys are doing everything in their power to ensure Chavismo\u2019s primary opponent, Mar\u00eda Corina Machado, never reaches Miraflores,\u201d said Chairwoman Salazar. \u201cMaduro is a tyrant who needs to go. My bill reauthorizing the VERDAD Act will show the Venezuelan people that America is still on their side in the fight against socialism.\u201d\n\nFirst passed in 2019, the VERDAD Act was introduced to support efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela by sanctioning key regime officials while safeguarding the rights and liberties of those escaping socialist persecution.\n\nReauthorization of the VERDAD Act is critically important as Maduro has stepped up his attacks on Venezuelan institutions and the opposition. The regime broke a promise with the United States by nullifying the opposition\u2019s primary results after Mar\u00eda Corina Machado \u2013 his main competitor \u2013 won over 90% of the vote. Not long after Maduro established a distraction referendum to take over the Essequibo region of Guyana, he had his Attorney General arrest several of Mar\u00eda Corina\u2019s closest political advisors.\n\nThese attacks on Mar\u00eda Corina\u2019s candidacy indicate that the United States must keep up the pressure on the Maduro regime.\n\nSenators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Bill Haggerty (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nTo read the text of the bill, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazars-passport-wait-time-reduction-bill-clears-house-foreign-affairs", "Salazar\u2019s Passport Wait Time Reduction Bill Clears House Foreign Affairs Committee", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) announced that her and Congressman Darrell Issa\u2019s (R-CA) bill H.R. 6610, the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act, passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup process with unanimous support. This will revolutionize passport processing and improve services for Americans when they need to travel abroad.\n\n\u201cPassport processing wait times have been a nightmare for my constituents. It has been almost four years since the start of the pandemic,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cThere is no excuse for forcing the American people to wait more than three months for a passport. Our legislation cleans up this mess at the State Department and puts this critical government service back on track.\u201d\n\nH.R. 6610 deploys numerous tools to address the problems that create passport backlogs while bolstering the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs\u2019 processing capabilities to streamline the application and processing experience for American travelers.\n\nSpecifically, the Passport Issuance and Backlog Elimination Act will:\n\nSet a service standard of processing passport applications in 30 days after receipt of documents and creating a user-friendly experience;\n\nProvide surge hiring authorities to solve current and future backlogs;\n\nMandate the expansion of the Online Passport Renewal system to accommodate first-time adult passport applications;\n\nMandate a text and email notification system for application status and passport applications;\n\nAccelerate the passport renewal process by increasing use of software in passport adjudication;\n\nRequire a top-to-bottom review of the passport issuance system by the Government Accountability Office;\n\nAccelerate the adoption of commercially available technology solutions by increasing the Bureau\u2019s collaboration with the private sector; and\n\nIncrease congressional oversight over State Department modernization efforts\n\n\u201cThe collapse of the passport system represents a signature failure that upended and inconvenienced tens of millions of Americans who have the right to expect far more of their government,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cThis transformative approach will not only address many of the problems that led to the backlog but also deliver modernizations that are overdue and will set the system right for decades to come.\u201d\n\nThe bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-on-the-va-reportedly-using-veteran-resources-for-illegal-immigrants/", "U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Leads Colleagues in Demanding\u00a0Answers on the VA Reportedly Using Veteran Resources for Illegal Immigrants", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers on the VA Reportedly Using Veteran Resources for Illegal Immigrants\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led 23 of his colleagues today in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough regarding reports that the VA diverted resources intended for our veterans in order to process medical claims for illegal immigrants.\n\n\u201cIt is our duty to provide veterans with quality care, but the VA has been a total failure for so many of our veterans. Many veterans fight with the VA for years to get help. Some never receive it,\u201d said Rep. Steube. \u201cThat\u2019s why you can imagine how much of an absurdity it is for our veterans to learn that the VA has been involved in processing medical claims for illegal immigrants. The VA should be 100% focused on those who served our country honorably \u2013 not illegal immigrants who break our nation\u2019s laws. I am hopeful Secretary McDonough has answers for Congress regarding this troublesome arrangement.\u201d\n\nThe members wrote in part:\n\n\u201cThe VA exists to serve American veterans who risked their lives to protect our great country. For far too long, the VA has fallen short in its mission \u2018To fulfill President Lincoln\u2019s promise to care for those who have served in our nation\u2019s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.\u2019 Veterans have experienced unacceptable wait times in receiving medical care and disability benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress appropriates funds to the VA in order to provide services to our veterans, not illegal immigrants. Our veterans served our country, and it is high time that our government start serving them.\u201d\n\nThe members asked Secretary McDonough the following questions:\n\nHow many claims has the VA Financial Services Center processed for ICE on a monthly basis since January 2021?\n\nAre claims submitted for care provided to VA beneficiaries processed before any other claims serviced by the VA?\n\nHow many hours have VA personnel spent processing medical claims on behalf of ICE?\n\nIs the VA providing any other services to federal agencies involving illegal immigrants?\n\nThe letter was cosigned by: Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Matthew Rosendale, Sr. (MT-02), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Troy E. Nehls (TX-22), Harriet M. Hageman (WY-At Large), Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36), Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04), John Rose (TN-06), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (TX-14), Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Scott Perry (PA-10), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), and Clay Higgins (LA-03).\n\nCongressman Steube has been a champion for Florida\u2019s veterans and fought to deliver the healthcare they deserve. Despite representing one of the country\u2019s largest veteran populations, the VA hospital serving Florida\u2019s 17th Congressional district ranks in the bottom 5% of veteran hospitals nationally. Congressman Steube continues to advocate for his priority legislation to give veterans true choice when it comes to their healthcare. He believes that no veteran should be stuck in the failing VA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AC2DA09B-EC51-44E4-B220-FA3930A53A13", "Webster: Safeguarding Americans\u2019 Liberty is Paramount", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the FY24 NDAA Conference Report. Earlier this year, Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont voted to pass H.R.2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, calling it \u2018the one of the most conservative and commonsense defense bills Congress has developed in years.\u2019 Many of those conservative policies were not included in the final Conference Report.\n\n\u201cI take seriously my Constitutional duty to provide for our common defense, but I am unable to support this year\u2019s NDAA because I could not vote for legislation that perpetuates undermining Americans\u2019 personal liberties and allows the DoD to continue violating federal law and use our troops to promote a far-left social agenda,\u201d said Rep. Daniel Webster. \u201cI am also incredibly disappointed that our bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act was left out of this year\u2019s NDAA. This is critical legislation to ensure the United States Coast Guard has the resources they need to fulfill their national defense mission to protect our coasts, secure maritime trade by protecting our ports and waterways, respond to emergencies and disasters, and more.\u201d\n\nIn September, Rep. Webster was named to the NDAA Conference Committee, but today\u2019s conference report was developed behind closed doors without the involvement of the conferees. During these negotiations, conservative policies in H.R. 2670 were removed and a clean authorization of the FISA program was added.\n\nWebster further commented, \u201cI support increasing servicemembers pay and am pleased this bill invests in military readiness to counter Communist China\u2019s aggression and authorizes the Maritime Administration while banning Critical Race Theory and Drag Shows in the military. However, the conference report allows the DoD to continue ignoring federal prohibitions against taxpayer dollars covering costs related to abortions. Furthermore, it extends the FISA government surveillance program without any reforms. Safeguarding American citizens\u2019 personal liberty is a priority of mine and I\u2019ve been a consistent voice for Congress to institute strong safeguards when reauthorizing FISA.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/four-more-bilirakis-measures-pass-house", "Four More Bilirakis Measures Pass the House", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC: This week, the House passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which includes a variety of provisions to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment options throughout the country. This package includes four measures authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. These four provisions are designed to improve public health outcomes,advance critical research, and ensure vulnerable children have access to mental health services.\n\nThe Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will help stop the illicit use of the highly dangerous sedative causing fatal overdoses nationwide, xylazine. This animal drug tranquilizer, safe for use in large animals by veterinarians, has never been approved for human use and has shown to produce horrific side effects when laced into fentanyl. The Bilirakis co-authored legislation will permanently place xylazine into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, providing law enforcement with key tools they need to track and prosecute traffickers of this drug. \u201cMy goal is to save lives and to make sure law enforcement has the tools its needs to respond appropriately to those who are making these deadly concoctions killing so many of our neighbors. At the same time, we must ensure that those veterinarians who are using xylazine for legitimate purposes have the ability to continue doing so. Our legislation strikes that right balance,\u201d said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.\n\nThe FIND Fentanyl Act would reauthorize a pilot program to fund state and local agencies to improve coordination between public health laboratories and law enforcement entities for the purposes of detecting and stopping fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. \u201cTo better curb the fentanyl crisis we are seeing in our communities, we must coordinate our efforts between medical experts and law enforcement, and this pilot program will go a long way to ensure we detect fentanyl and remove from our streets,\u201d said Bilirakis.\n\nThe SWIFT Detection Act would update our methods to track fentanyl and other illicit controlled substances by authorizing the CDC to provide grants to conduct wastewater surveillance and other innovative projects. Wastewater surveillance has been proven to track and identify contaminants and better understand public health trends broadly, while fully preserving the privacy rights of individuals and communities. \u201cWe need to use every tool at our disposal to help combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. This non-invasive screening of wastewater will allow local public health officials the chance to make data-informed decisions and enable better targeting of prevention and treatment services,\u201d Bilirakis noted.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-bilirakis-bills-pass-house-part-lower-costs-more-transparency-act", "Two Bilirakis Bills Pass the House as Part of Lower Costs, More Transparency Act", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC: This week, the House passed the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. This robust healthcare package contains 17 bipartisan proposals to lower health care costs and increase price transparency for patients. It will also ensure continuity for critical components of the nation\u2019s healthcare system, such as Community Health Centers and support for hospitals that serve high numbers of indigent patients. All of the provisions in the package are fully offset and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that the package, if signed into law, would reduce the federal deficit by more than $700 million. Additionally, the package contains two measures co-authored by Congressman Bilirakis: the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act and the Providers and Payers COMPETE Act. Additional information about both of these Bilirakis provisions are provided below.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, Congressman Bilirakis is proud to co-author the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 which would continue funding a key federal diabetes research program that\u2019s currently set to expire in January. Extending the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes for an additional two years will ensure scientists can continue their ongoing efforts to find new ways to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure the disease. If the legislation is approved, it would provide the program with an increased funding level of $170 million annually through September 30, 2026. Congress first established the Special Diabetes Program in 1997 to develop new ways to treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes. In the decades since the program was started, it has provided researchers nearly $3 billion to study the disease and has led to several significant breakthroughs that have helped develop some of the newest treatments now available to patients. Among the program\u2019s successes is development of the first fully automated insulin-dosing system that\u2019s now available to patients across the country. The program also discovered how to reverse vision loss in some people living with the disease. Diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In 2018, 37.3 million Americans \u2013 or 11.3% of the population \u2013 had the disease, while another 96 million Americans had prediabetes and were at risk of developing it. Until a cure is found, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts an additional 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease every year. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen that research holds the promise for the development of better treatments and a potential cure for this chronic illness,\u201d said Representative Bilirakis. \u201cWe must continue this essential investment to further advancements in this vital work.\u201d\n\nThe Providers and Payers COMPETE Act requires anannual report on the impact of Medicare regulations, such as the Physician Fee Schedule, on health care consolidation and an analysis of the effects of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation demonstrations on health care consolidation, including provider and insurer consolidation. \u201cIn recent years, we have seen a troubling trend of increased Medicare regulations that have made it more difficult for independent providers to compete in the marketplace. The resulting consolidation leads to fewer options for patients,\u201d noted Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cPatients deserve healthcare options and it is important that we carefully examine the threat that consolidation poses to patient choice. We must also develop a deeper understanding of contributing factors that discourage competition in the marketplace.\u201d\n\nThe Lower Costs, More Transparency Act also includes the following pro-patient provisions that Bilirakis has supported throughout the legislative process:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cammack-leads-letter-energy-commerce-colleagues-fcc-chairwoman", "Rep. Cammack Leads Letter With Energy & Commerce Colleagues To FCC Chairwoman On Congressional Review Act (CRA) Violation", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Kat Cammack led a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel about the adoption of a new Report and Order in the Data Breach Reporting Requirements proceeding that includes rules that would violate the Congressional Review Act (CRA).\n\nThe Congressional Review Act exists as part of Congress's Article I authority to exercise oversight of federal agencies. If Congress passes a Resolution of Disapproval about a rule, the new rule does not take effect and may not be reissued substantially in the same form in a future rule.\n\nThe letter states: \"These rules are substantially the same as those Congress disapproved of in the Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services proceeding (2016 Privacy Order) in 2017. Therefore, it would be unlawful for the FCC to adopt these new rules.\"\n\nIt continues: \"In many ways, the proposed Data Breach Reporting Requirements rules are substantially the same as the rules in the 2016 Privacy Order. For example, requirements for notification, content of customer notification, and recordkeeping largely mirror each other. Given these similarities, we are shocked that the FCC is attempting to revive these rules after Congress explicitly rejected them... [w]hen Congress overrules an agency, that action is final; no agency has the power to ignore the plain meaning of a Congressional statute. Here, Congress has already spoken: rules like those in the 2016 Privacy Order are not to be adopted. Therefore, we urge you not to move forward with the Data Breach Reporting Requirements Report and Order.\"\n\nCongresswoman Cammack spoke about this issue during a subcommittee hearing with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr in November. Watch the clip here.\n\nJoining Congresswoman Cammack on the letter are her colleagues on the Energy & Commerce Committee: Neal Dunn, Gus Bilirakis, Morgan Griffith, Randy Weber, Larry Bucshon, Richard Hudson, Jeff Duncan, Rick Allen, and Greg Pence.\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1366", "Congressman Byron Donalds Announces 2023 U.S. Service Academy Nominations", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Byron Donalds", "D000032", "donalds.house.gov", "donalds", "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Gabriella Alvarez (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.\n\nMatthew Bennett (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nAdam Blais (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\nJulian Bevilard (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\nMason Ceccarelli (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy. \u2013 Robert D'Angelo (USAF Academy, CO) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nKenzo Desiderio (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nBriana Elizondo-Gutierrez (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\nDominic Failla (Cape Coral, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nMichaela Fischer (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nSamuel Harvey (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nJack Janeway (Cape Coral, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.\n\nSloane Janopoulos (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nBraden Johnson (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.\n\nIsabel Liu (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.\n\nJames Spencer (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.\n\nJameson Stauffer (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.\n\nBackground:\n\nStudents from Southwest Florida and across our nation seeking to attend one of America's Service Academies must first apply through their local U.S. Congressman, their U.S. Senator, the Vice President, or the President of the United States.\n\nStudents may apply for nomination to: (1) The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; (2) The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; (3) The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; (4) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY.\n\nEach December, Congressman Donalds works with his Academy Nominations Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from across Florida's 19th Congressional District for an appointment to one of these service academies.\n\nOnce Congressional nominations are confirmed, the service academy will review the nominated candidate to determine admission.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=425", "Congressman Dunn: Condemning Antisemitism is NOT overreach. Its the right thing to do!", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Neal P. Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", "dunn", "https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 927, a resolution condemns antisemitism on university campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.\n\n\u201cThe fact that a simple resolution condemning antisemitism on campuses and the testimony of university presidents DIVIDED Democrats today is frightening. Jewish students are experiencing a spike in antisemitism, and it\u2019s inexcusable for any elected official not to stand with them.\n\nThe House Democrats who voted against the resolution are citing \u2018congressional overreach,\u2019 but they have no problem with congressional overreach when it comes to your children, health care, and Second Amendment rights. Condemning Antisemitism is NOT overreach. It\u2019s the right thing to do!\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe House of Representatives passed H.Res. 927 with a 303-126-3 vote. Some House Democrats opposed the resolution because they felt it was an overreach for Congress to get involved with hiring in higher education.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3656", "Rep. Frankel Votes to Condemn Antisemitism on College Campuses in Wake of Presidents\u2019 Testimonies", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), released the following statement after voting in favor of a resolution to condemn rising antisemitism on college campuses and the December 5th testimonies from university presidents who failed to clearly state that calls for the genocide of Jews constitute harassment and violate their institutions\u2019 codes of conduct.\n\n\u201cThe rapid rise of antisemitism on college campuses across the country is unacceptable\u2014students can\u2019t learn if they don\u2019t feel safe,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe work of fighting back against this hate requires a full throttle effort from every level of society.\u201d\n\nEarlier today, Rep. Frankel joined senior White House officials to discuss the implementation of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, a first of its kind, whole-of-society approach to tackle this hate. The strategy contains 100 specific actions to be taken by two dozen agencies, including the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Civil Rights (OCR). In response to the scourge of antisemitism on college campuses, OCR will offer technical assistance to universities to better respond to antisemitic discrimination, and officials will conduct site visits to hear from students, faculty, and administrators.\n\nFor the full text of the resolution, click here. To watch the testimonies of the presidents from Harvard, MIT, and UPenn before the House Education and Workforce Committee in full, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-announces-500k-federal-grant-connect-tampa-orlando", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces $500K Federal Grant to Connect Tampa, Orlando, and Miami", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, FL \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced a $500,000 grant to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help support the proposed Miami-Orlando-Tampa Sunshine Corridor, which would connect critical parts of South and Central Florida.\n\nThe proposed Sunshine Corridor would include tracks for Brightline and SunRail along I-4 to connect Orlando International Airport to the I-Drive area, with Brightline expanding west with a station in Tampa. This funding would allow FDOT to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan.\n\n\u201cThe I-4 corridor is one of Florida's most congested roadways, and federal funding to help expand rail service to this area would be a game-changer for our residents and visitors who want to enjoy all that Central and South Florida have to offer,\u201d said Rep. Maxwell Frost. \u201cAlleviating daily traffic, connecting our coasts to Central Florida, and investing in the future of transportation for our state is a win-win for Florida. This investment is the catalyst for future investments to make this corridor a reality and change the landscape of our car-centric region.\u201d\n\nThe funding comes to Florida as part of the Federal Railroad Administration\u2019s Corridor ID program to drive future passenger rail expansion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-statement-hres-927", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on H.Res. 927", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement on H.Res. 927.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\u201cI continue to condemn any and all acts of hate and antisemitism on college campuses and in communities across our country and our world. Anti-semitic rhetoric and attacks are rising on college campuses, creating a hostile and unsafe environment for Jewish students. Each and every institution must be dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of their Jewish students, period. Death threats against members of our Jewish community, and calls for the genocide of Jewish people are abhorrent, and I forcefully denounce them.\n\n\u201cI am also disappointed by the way the three college presidents cited in this resolution handled the important hearing held by the Education Committee on antisemitism in college campuses.\n\n\u201cBut let\u2019s be clear, as much as I wish this were not the case, this resolution does nothing to make our Jewish students safer on college campuses.\n\n\u201cWeek after week, I have called for our Republican-led Congress to do more than pass toothless resolutions that point fingers and do nothing to address the rising problem of antisemitism head on. Week after week, I have called for serious bipartisan legislation that will produce real results, instead of non-binding resolutions that only offer politically motivated messaging.\n\n\u201cI voted against this resolution because we cannot allow House Republicans to weaponize the power of this institution to continue to bully and destroy places of higher learning under false claims of fighting antisemitism.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-statement-biden-lmpeachment-inquiry", "D\u00edaz-Balart Statement on the Biden lmpeachment Inquiry", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart released the following statement regarding the passage of H. Res. 918, a resolution directing appropriate committees to continue their ongoing investigations into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its constitutional power to impeach Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America:\n\n\u201cThanks to the meticulous efforts of Chairmen James Comer, Jim Jordan, and Jason Smith, the American people are finally learning the truth about the scandal-plagued Biden family, something the media refuses to investigate and report on. House Republicans are committed to accountability, integrity, and honest government. Investigations by the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden\u2019s connections to his family\u2019s business dealings as well as allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption involving funds from foreign adversaries. While this resolution empowers the House to advance the investigation in accordance with its constitutional authority, it does not eliminate the sacred presumption of innocence that the President \u2014 and all Americans \u2014 enjoy. I believe that we must keep an open mind, follow the evidence, and continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and rooting out corruption. Only after a thorough investigation may we present our findings to the American people and decide on an appropriate remedy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-solicita-al-fmi-un-trato-justo-para-javier-milei-en", "Congresista Salazar solicita al FMI un trato justo para Javier Milei en Argentina", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), envi\u00f3 sendas cartas a la Secretaria del Departamento del Tesoro, Janet Yellen, y a la Directora Gerente del Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI), Kristalina Georgieva, inst\u00e1ndolas a negociar el pago de 900 millones de d\u00f3lares de Argentina al FMI, que debe saldar el 21 de diciembre de 2023.\n\nEl presidente Milei tom\u00f3 posesi\u00f3n de su cargo el 10 de diciembre pasado, lo que le plantea el reto inmediato de encontrar una forma de garantizar de manera cre\u00edble al FMI que Argentina restablecer\u00e1 el orden en sus finanzas p\u00fablicas. Aunque Milei ha tomado medidas inmediatas para hacer frente a los d\u00e9ficits presupuestarios de Argentina, 11 d\u00edas no son suficientes para que sus pol\u00edticas surtan efecto.\n\nEstados Unidos debe reconocer este problema y ayudar al nuevo presidente de nuestro viejo aliado latinoamericano a llevar a cabo el cambio por el que vot\u00f3 el pueblo argentino.\n\n\"El presidente Milei no es s\u00f3lo un economista, sino un buen economista\", escribi\u00f3 la congresista Salazar. \"Milei pagar\u00e1 la deuda de Argentina y traer\u00e1 prosperidad a su pa\u00eds, s\u00f3lo necesita tiempo\".\n\nLa representante Salazar asisti\u00f3 a la toma de posesi\u00f3n del presidente Javier Milei el 10 de diciembre de 2023. Tras reunirse con varios funcionarios de su gabinete, qued\u00f3 claro que la agenda de libre mercado de Milei ser\u00eda el curso de acci\u00f3n necesario para rectificar una naci\u00f3n que ha sido vaciada por la econom\u00eda socialista.\n\nRepresentantes de ambos Partidos en Estados Unidos entienden que, aunque la agenda econ\u00f3mica de Milei aborda con \u00e9xito las ra\u00edces de la crisis econ\u00f3mica, debe haber m\u00e1s tiempo para que estas pol\u00edticas se apliquen.\n\nPara hacer frente a esta preocupaci\u00f3n, la congresista Salazar insta a la Administraci\u00f3n Biden a reconocer el compromiso de larga data de los Estados Unidos con nuestra asociaci\u00f3n con Argentina, abogando para que el FMI llegue a un acuerdo con la Administraci\u00f3n Milei para cumplir con sus obligaciones.\n\nPara leer la carta que la representante Salazar envi\u00f3 al Departamento del Tesoro, haga clic aqu\u00ed.\n\nPara leer la carta que la representante Salazar envi\u00f3 al Fondo Monetario Internacional, haga clic aqu\u00ed.\n\nLa congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar representa a m\u00e1s de 10 mil argentino-americanos en el Distrito 27 del Congreso por Florida.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-requests-fair-treatment-argentinas-milei-imf", "Salazar Requests Fair Treatment for Argentina\u2019s Milei from the IMF", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent letters to Department of the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urging them to negotiate Argentina\u2019s $900 million payment due to the IMF on December 21, 2023.\n\nPresident Milei was inaugurated into office on December 10, presenting him with an immediate challenge to find a way to credibly assure the IMF that Argentina will restore order to its public finances. While Milei has taken immediate measures to address Argentina\u2019s budgetary shortfalls, 11 days is simply not enough time for his policies to take effect. The United States must recognize this problem and help our longstanding Latin American ally\u2019s new president to bring about the change the Argentine people voted for.\n\n\u201cPresident Milei is not only an economist, but a good economist,\u201d wrote Chairwoman Salazar. \u201cMilei will pay down Argentina\u2019s debt and bring prosperity to his country \u2013 he just needs time.\u201d\n\nChairwoman Salazar attended the inauguration of President Javier Milei on December 10, 2023. After meeting with several of his cabinet officials, it was clear that Milei\u2019s free market agenda would be the course of action necessary to rectify a nation that has been hollowed out by socialist economics.\n\nBipartisan representatives from the United States understand that while Milei\u2019s economic agenda successfully addresses the roots of the economic crisis, there must be more time for these policies to be implemented.\n\nTo address this concern, Chairwoman Salazar is urging the Biden Administration to recognize the United States\u2019 longstanding commitment to our partnership with Argentina by advocating for the IMF to reach an agreement with the Milei Administration to meet their obligations.\n\nTo read the letter Rep. Salazar sent to the Treasury Department, click here.\n\nTo read the letter Rep. Salazar sent to the International Monetary Fund, click here.\n\nCongresswoman Salazar represents over ten thousand Argentine Americans in Florida\u2019s 27th congressional district.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C72576CD-E4B3-4EA6-B210-D2DFEE292A04", "Webster Votes to Formalize Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after his vote to pass H.Res. 918, a resolution that formalizes the impeachment inquiry into President Biden.\n\n\u201cSince January, House Republicans have conducted methodical oversight investigations into President Biden\u2019s actions related to his family's foreign business dealings and have uncovered serious allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption. Unlike the Democrats\u2019 soviet style impeachment of President Trump, House Republicans are following the money, evidence, and proper procedures as we investigate President Biden\u2019s influence-peddling scheme. This bill gives empowers investigatory Committees to enforce subpoenas and removes the legal ambiguity the White House has claimed to disregard congressional subpoenas.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans impeachment inquiry has already provided evidence into the corrupt conduct within the President\u2019s family and has shown that Joe Biden and White House officials have repeatedly lied about Joe Biden\u2019s knowledge and extent of involvement in his family\u2019s business dealings. The American people deserve answers, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to hold President Biden accountable.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-introduces-bill-to-increase-access-to-critical-lung-cancer-screenings", "Buchanan Introduces Bill to Increase Access to Critical Lung Cancer Screenings", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, introduced the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act (H.R. 6693) to help ensure timely access to advanced screenings for lung cancer.\n\nLung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., accounting for nearly one out of every five cancer deaths. Tragically, more than 80 percent of people with lung cancer die within five years of diagnosis, and more than half within the first year.\n\nAs with many forms of cancer, lung cancer can be highly treatable if detected at an early stage and before it has spread. In fact, according to the University of Florida Health, \u201ccatching the disease in its earliest stages can have a striking effect.\u201d For example, early detection through screening can increase the 5-year survival rate for stage I lung cancer to nearly 90 percent. Unfortunately, only about five percent of those recommended for screening get tested for lung cancer.\n\nUnder current law, lung cancer screening tests must be approved by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an unelected board of 16 volunteers which adds layers of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape before the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may even consider them for coverage. Unfortunately, the current USPSTF review process is also highly cumbersome and can take up to five years, preventing new and potentially life-saving screenings from expeditiously coming to the market.\n\n\u201cThe federal government should make it easier for seniors to access crucial life-saving lung cancer screenings and not unreasonably hinder these tests from becoming available for use,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cUnfortunately, bureaucratic red tape has too often stifled innovation, unreasonably delaying access to advanced testing.\u201d\n\nBuchanan\u2019s bill has been endorsed by a wide range of leading associations and top cancer hospitals across the country, including the Moffit Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Prevent Cancer Foundation, LUNGevity Foundation, Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and DELFI Diagnostics. A complete list of supporting associations and cancer hospitals is attached.\n\n\u201cLung cancer claims more lives than any other form of cancer. In fact, it claims more lives annually than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined,\u201d said Dr. Jhanelle Gray, Chair of the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. \u201cBut we can change this by improving access to early detection and preventative care. Once the evidence is ready for review, the CMS National Coverage Determination process currently in place is sufficient to ensure that the test is ready for patients to benefit. The Lung Screening and Prevention Act would help ensure that new screening and early detection approaches can become widely accessible without undue delay, once they are proven effective.\u201d\n\nTo help expedite the approval process, Buchanan\u2019s Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act gives CMS the flexibility to cover new tests already approved by the FDA without having to wait for the board to evaluate the tests.\n\nCurrently, only five percent of those who are recommended for testing, (those between the ages of 50-80, have 20 pack-per-year smoking history, AND are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years) actually get screened for lung cancer. By allowing CMS to cover lung cancer screenings without first requiring a lengthy USPSTF review, the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act would help several new tests currently being developed become available and contribute to earlier detection of lung cancer.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of this legislation include Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), and Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA).\n\n\u201cAs a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am proud to co-lead the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, a crucial step in our fight against lung cancer,\u201d said Congressman Kilmer. \u201cThis bill not only enhances screening accessibility for high-risk groups but also represents our commitment to innovative health care solutions. Early detection is key, and this bipartisan legislation ensures that more Americans have access to life-saving screenings. Together, we\u2019re making strides towards a healthier future for all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is more important than ever that Medicare invest in cancer prevention, signaling affirmation that it cares about the well-being of patients,\u201d said Congressman Bucshon. \u201cBy championing preventive measures, the Lung Cancer Screening and Improvement Act would help diagnose lung cancer earlier and pave the way for Medicare coverage of new forms of detection technology. I\u2019m honored to help lead this legislation and remain committed to finding common-sense solutions to support both cancer treatment and cancer prevention.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Rep. Buchanan in introducing this commonsense legislation,\u201d said Congresswoman Steel. \u201cIt is critical that seniors are able to identify lung cancer as quickly as possible and as often as necessary. Government bureaucracy should never stand in the way of saving lives and I\u2019m proud to co-lead a bipartisan bill that will improve access to cancer screening.\u201d\n\nAccording to a recent study by The American Lung Association, lung cancer screening adds 80,000 years of life for people in the U.S. and saves the U.S. economy $40 million. If everyone who was eligible to get screened did so, it would add 500,000 years of life and save the nation $500 million.\n\nLast week, Congressman Buchanan\u2019s legislation to make it easier for Seniors to access groundbreaking treatments passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.\n\nThe House Energy and Commerce Committee also recently passed another bill Buchanan helped introduce, the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388). This legislation would expand flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products beyond what traditional Medicare offers.\n\nIn addition to being the Vice Chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program, and Medicare Advantage.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404412", "U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan Health Bills to Lower Costs and Provide Transparency", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) applauded House passage of bipartisan legislation to lower health care costs, improve transparency and expand access to care.\n\n\u201cAmerican families deserve better information on the actual cost of health services and prescription drugs so they can make informed decisions and keep more money in their wallets,\u201d said Castor. \u201cHigh costs often cause our neighbors to delay or forgo medical care, and nearly all of us have experienced the great uncertainty of waiting for a medical bill to see what we actually owe. Our bipartisan package out of my Energy & Commerce Committee requires hospitals to make public and display all standard charges for services and requires insurers to make public their negotiated in-network and out-of-network provider rates while improving the quality of care for all our neighbors.\u201d\n\nIn addition to greater transparency for the hospital services, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act requires greater price transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) so that employers and health plans can negotiate lower prices for employees. The bill also ensures that our Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers that serve families across the Tampa Bay area can continue their important missions to provide high quality, affordable health care. Local providers like Tampa Family Health Centers and Evara Health can use these resources to help address doctor shortages and deliver care to ensure no one falls through the cracks.\n\nAs our nation continues to battle the opioid epidemic, it is imperative that Congress continues to tackle the ongoing opioid overdose crisis. Nearly 110,000 people died in the U.S. from drug overdoses in 2022, with almost 1 in 6 Americans aged 12 and older reporting having a substance use disorder. The Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act will reauthorize key parts of a landmark 2018 law, continuing existing initiatives (many of which expired in September) and creating new policies to help combat the opioid epidemic. This includes public health initiatives focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients with substance use disorder and the expansion of Medicaid coverage for our neighbors battling with substance use disorder and other mental health conditions", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404413", "U.S. Rep. Castor Statement President Zelenskyy Visit", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy\u2019s meeting with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill:\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s barbaric war in Ukraine has had profound implications for peace and stability across the globe and here at home.\n\n\u201cCritical support from the United States for our Ukrainian allies is pivotal in enabling Ukraine to resist external threats, safeguard its people and defend the principles that underpin democracies around the world.\n\n\u201cAbandoning our allies at this pivotal moment is a win for ruthless dictators and a significant loss for our national security. Republicans are emboldening Xi Jinping of China as well. I urge my Republican colleagues to support freedom-loving people across the globe and unite with Democrats and President Biden in supporting America\u2019s national security, democracy and freedom for all people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-and-espaillat-urge-administration-finalize-us-dr-open-skies-agreement", "Salazar and Espaillat Urge Administration to Finalize U.S. \u2013 DR Open Skies Agreement", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The co-chairs of the Congressional Friends of the Dominican Republic Caucus, Reps. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), sent a letter to the Biden Administration expressing their support for the ongoing negotiations and swift finalization for a modernized United States\u2014Dominican Republic (US-DR) Open Skies Agreement.\n\nIn their letter, Salazar and Espaillat highlighted potential benefits of a modernized agreement that would increase flights and flight routes between the U.S. and Dominican Republic, lower airfare costs for travelers, and increase tourism and economic growth for both nations.\n\n\u201cHigh airfare prices and limited flights are making it difficult for the thousands of Dominican Americans who call Miami home to visit their families in the Dominican Republic,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cAs co-chair of the Friends of the Dominican Republic Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to expand opportunities to increase flights and lower airfare prices by finalizing a modern Open Skies agreement with the Dominican Republic.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe write on behalf of our numerous Dominican American constituents who have been waiting for years for a modernized US-DR Open Skies Agreement that would benefit both countries and enhance our bilateral relationship,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat. \u201cOur constituents have regularly expressed their frustration with the current state of limited flight routes and exorbitant prices on flights from the United States to the Dominican Republic, which often prevent them from traveling to visit their family and loved ones. A modernized Open Skies Agreement would provide new flight options, lower fares, and better service among more airlines in the market, supporting the booming tourism economy and the deserving Dominican American families who wish to travel to and from their nation of origin. In turn, our letter respectfully requests that the administration continue to prioritize this important agreement\u2019s finalization on behalf of our constituents and their families.\u201d\n\nRepresentatives Espaillat and Salazar were joined in the letter by fellow Caucus Members Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-PR), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL).\n\nThe full letter can be read here.\n\nCongresswoman Salazar represents over 20,000 Dominican Americans in Florida\u2019s 27th congressional district.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-y-espaillat-instan-la-administracion-finalizar-el-acuerdo-de-cielos", "Salazar y Espaillat instan a la Administraci\u00f3n a finalizar el \"Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos\" entre Estados Unidos y la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Los copresidentes del caucus Congresistas Amigos de la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana, los representantes Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) y Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), enviaron una carta a la Administraci\u00f3n Biden expresando su apoyo a las negociaciones en curso y a la r\u00e1pida finalizaci\u00f3n de un \u201cAcuerdo de Cielos Abiertos Estados Unidos\u2013Rep\u00fablica Dominicana (US-DR)\" modernizado.\n\nEn su carta, los congresistas Salazar y Espaillat destacaron los beneficios potenciales de un acuerdo modernizado que aumentar\u00eda los vuelos y las rutas a\u00e9reas entre los Estados Unidos y la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana, reducir\u00eda los costos de las tarifas a\u00e9reas para los viajeros y aumentar\u00eda el turismo y el crecimiento econ\u00f3mico para ambas naciones.\n\n\"Los altos precios de las tarifas a\u00e9reas y los vuelos limitados est\u00e1n dificultando que los miles de dominicanos que viven en Miami visiten a sus familias en la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana\", dijo la representante Salazar. \"Como copresidente del Caucus de Amigos de la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana, me enorgullece unirme a mis colegas para instar a la Administraci\u00f3n Biden a ampliar las oportunidades de aumentar los vuelos y reducir los precios de las tarifas a\u00e9reas mediante la finalizaci\u00f3n de un moderno acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos con la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana\".\n\n\"Escribimos en nombre de nuestros numerosos constituyentes dominicano-estadounidenses que han estado esperando durante a\u00f1os un Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos EE. UU. \u2013 Rep\u00fablica Dominicana modernizado, que beneficiar\u00eda a ambos pa\u00edses y mejorar\u00eda nuestra relaci\u00f3n bilateral\", dijo el representante Espaillat. \"Nuestros electores han expresado regularmente su frustraci\u00f3n por el estado actual de las limitadas rutas a\u00e9reas y los precios exorbitantes de los vuelos de Estados Unidos a la Rep\u00fablica Dominicana, que a menudo les impiden viajar para visitar a sus familiares y seres queridos. Un Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos modernizado proporcionar\u00eda nuevas opciones de vuelo, tarifas m\u00e1s bajas y un mejor servicio entre m\u00e1s aerol\u00edneas en el mercado, apoyando la floreciente econom\u00eda tur\u00edstica y a las meritorias familias dominicano-americanas que desean viajar hacia y desde su naci\u00f3n de origen. A su vez, nuestra carta solicita respetuosamente que la Administraci\u00f3n contin\u00fae priorizando la finalizaci\u00f3n de este importante acuerdo en nombre de nuestros constituyentes y sus familias\".\n\nLos representantes Espaillat y Salazar se unieron en la carta a sus colegas del Caucus Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-PR), Grace Meng (D-NY) y Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL).\n\nLa carta completa puede leerse aqu\u00ed.\n\nLa congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar representa a m\u00e1s de 20 mil estadounidenses de origen dominicano en el Distrito 27 del Congreso por Florida.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FD21BD0A-97E9-438C-A30F-B9A442BFAD0F", "Webster Votes to Rein in the Administrative State", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, legislation that prohibits career federal agency staff from issuing new rules, and instead limits that authority to Senate-confirmed senior appointees.\n\n\u201cToday, I voted to pass H.R. 357 which reins in the administrative state, and holds unelected bureaucrats accountable,\u201d said Rep. Webster. \u201cI have long advocated for Congress to take back the Constitutional Authority it\u2019s given away over the years to the Executive Branch, which has had significant consequences on our economy, and the freedoms and liberties of Americans. H.R. 357 upholds our commitment to hold the government accountable, and I will continue fighting to give the American people greater say in the regulatory process, and restore our checks and balances as envisioned in the Constitution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/ec-leaders-hail-unanimous-45-0-bipartisan-committee-passage-ticket-act", "E&C Leaders Hail Unanimous 45-0 Bipartisan Committee Passage of the TICKET Act", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Committee Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone, and, Subcommittee Chair Bilirakis and Subcommittee Ranking Member Schakowsky made the following statement on the passage of H.R. 3950, the \u201cTransparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act\u201d or \u201cTICKET Act\u201d out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce by a vote of 45-0:\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan TICKET Act that unanimously passed 45-0 out of Committee yesterday, as amended with the \u201cSTOP Act\u201d led by Rep. Kelly Armstrong, will transform the experience of buying event tickets online. It ends practices that frustrate people who simply want to enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event and will restore fairness and transparency to the ticketing marketplace.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe would like to thank our colleagues, both on and off Committee, for their collaboration. This bipartisan achievement is the result of months and years of hard work by Members on both sides of the aisle. Our Committee will continue to lead the way on this effort as we further our work to bring this solution to the House floor.\u201d\n\nThe bill passed out of Committee combines H.R. 3950, the \u201cTICKET Act,\u201d and H.R. 6568, the \u201cSpeculative Ticketing Oversight and Prohibition Act\u201d or the \u201cSTOP Act.\u201d The combined bill:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cammack-names-olajuwon-white-2023-veteran-year", "Rep. Cammack Names Olajuwon White 2023 Veteran Of The Year", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GAINESVILLE, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced this year's Veteran of the Year as Mr. Olajuwon White, the Director of Veteran Services for Levy County and a U.S. Navy veteran.\n\nMr. White currently serves as the Director of Veteran Services for Levy County, Florida. In this role he works to help veterans with casework related to compensation, pension, burial benefits, educational assistance, and more. In 2023, Mr. White received the 2023 Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce's Veteran Impact Award, the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, and a Levy County Certificate of Appreciation.\n\nMr. White began his career as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, certified as an independent duty corpsman and surgical technician. Following his military service, Mr. White worked with Alachua County as a Senior Veterans Claims Counselor, working with hundreds of veterans to file claims and leading educational sessions for veterans and their dependents on information from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also has experience working with the VA as a field examiner in Tampa.\n\nOutside of his professional capacity, Mr. White works hard to engage veterans in Levy County and the surrounding area, turning what was once a quiet area for our heroes into a vibrant community where veterans know they'll receive the attention and support they need at the local level.\n\n\"I'm honored to announce Mr. White as the 2023 Veteran of the Year,\" said Congresswoman Cammack. \"He served our nation honorably during his time in the Navy and has since committed his life's work to supporting our nation's heroes. He is well known in the North Central Florida veterans' community and has become a familiar face many know and trust. Florida is home to over 1.3 million veterans, which is why it's so important that we have the services and support our men and women need after their time in the military. Mr. White goes above and beyond each day and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He has an undoubtedly bright future ahead and I look forward to celebrating him and all of his hard work early next year.\"\n\nCongresswoman Cammack has flown a flag over the U.S. Capitol in Mr. White's honor and has entered his service into the Congressional Record. A ceremony formally recognizing this honor will take place in January.\n\n2021's inaugural Veteran of the Year Award honoree was the late Corporal Duane Dewey, a 1953 Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran. Last year, Congresswoman Cammack honored Ansil Lewis, a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Marine Corps and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay County.\n\nCongresswoman Cammack thanks the community for submitting their entries for this year's Veteran of the Year and looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404411", "U.S. Rep. Castor Statement After Attending COP28", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), former Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, released the following statement as the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Dubai, UAE comes to a close:\n\n\u201cIt is crucial that the world move quickly to cleaner, cheaper energy to reduce pollution and help people avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. As I return from the COP28 climate conference, I am buoyed by pledges to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency and boost the ability of communities to deal with extreme heat and weather events. I witnessed America\u2019s leadership in action as Biden Administration representatives rallied countries across the globe to go farther and faster on clean energy. Personally, I conveyed a sense of urgency to act following the hottest summer on record in Florida and as neighbors grapple with the escalating costs of air conditioning and property insurance.\n\n\u201cOur bipartisan House of Representatives delegation met with representatives of other countries and participated in public forums to share our views and collaborate. The trip provided an opportunity to demonstrate to our allies and adversaries that the U.S. is committed to President Biden\u2019s target of slashing climate pollution by 50-52 percent by 2030. This goal aligns with serious risks in the recently released Fifth National Climate Assessment, which states that \u2018the effects of human-caused climate change are already far-reaching and worsening across every region of the United States.\u2019\n\n\u201cIt was clear at COP28 that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) \u2014 America\u2019s historic climate and clean energy law \u2014 has bolstered U.S. climate leadership on the global stage and is now raising the ambition of other nations. Since it was signed by the President in August 2022, the IRA has spurred a wave of new clean energy and manufacturing projects and jobs around the country. In Florida alone, the historic climate law is projected to create more than 85,000 high-quality, good-paying jobs by the end of the decade. Representatives from Australia, Germany and other nations relayed their efforts to pursue similar policies aimed at driving clean energy innovation and economy-wide sustainability.\n\n\u201cWhile I left feeling hopeful, I also saw fossil fuel lobbyists and OPEC nations flex their muscles to slow progress. We cannot allow oil and gas corporations to divert the world from a safer and healthier future. Leaders across government, the private sector, and the activist community \u2014 especially young people \u2014 are energized and doing amazing work to help us secure a livable planet. The work is far from over, especially in Congress. I look forward to advancing policies that expand lower-cost clean energy, cut pollution, protect our communities and improve our health.\u201d\n\nWatch Castor's remarks ahead of COP28 here.\n\nWatch Castor\u2019s remarks at the Atlantic Council\u2019s Event on \u201cRewarding Environmental Performance in Trade\u201d at COP28 here.\n\nPhotos from COP28 can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-warren-pressley-schumer-sanders-urge-dept-of-education-to-use-full-authority-expand-student-debt-cancellation-by-strengthening-proposed-rules-for-relief", "Wilson, Warren, Pressley, Schumer, Sanders Urge Dept. of Education to Use Full Authority, Expand Student Debt Cancellation by Strengthening Proposed Rules for Relief", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica S. Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", "wilson", "https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA.), Ilhan Omar (D-MN.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, urging him to leverage his existing and full authority under the Higher Education Act to provide expanded student debt relief to working and middle-class borrowers.\n\nThe letter comes in response to an initial draft of the proposed rule \u2013 and ahead of the final session of the negotiated rulemaking (\"neg-reg\") process \u2013 that would limit student debt relief to four specific subsets of borrowers: (1) borrowers with outstanding federal student loan balances that exceed their original principal balance (2) borrowers who have paid their loans for over 20 or 25 years; (3) borrowers who are eligible for forgiveness but have not enrolled; and (4) borrowers who took on loans to attend unaccredited or predatory programs.\n\nFollowing the Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling that struck down President Biden's initial student debt relief plan, President Biden swiftly implemented two measures to expedite debt relief for a wide range of borrowers while simultaneously supporting them during the repayment process. The first was the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan that prevents balances from growing because of unpaid interest and lowers borrower monthly payments. The second was the initiation of a negotiated rulemaking procedure to establish an alternative debt forgiveness pathway for a number of working and middle-class borrowers, leveraging the authority granted under the Higher Education Act.\n\n\"This rulemaking process presents a significant opportunity to address pervasive problems within the student loan system by fortifying the authority to waive debt in order to ensure that postsecondary education becomes accessible to all students,\" wrote the lawmakers. \"We urge you to leverage this authority to its fullest extent, maximizing relief for the greatest number of borrowers facing financial hardship.\"\n\nThe Department of Education (the Department or ED) is currently in the midst of three sessions of this student debt neg-reg process. In advance of the second session, the Department issued an initial draft of the rule that would make four subsets of borrowers eligible for student debt relief: (1) borrowers with outstanding federal student loan balances that exceed their original principal balance due to interest; (2) borrowers with loans that have been in repayment for 25 years or more; (3) borrowers who are eligible for forgiveness under an enumerated repayment plan or loan program but have not enrolled; and (4) certain borrowers who took on loans to attend programs that provide insufficient financial value (including career-training programs with unreasonably high debt or low earnings for graduates, and programs at institutions with high loan default rates).\n\n\"While we commend the Biden Administration for taking key steps forward to fix the broken student loan system through the regulatory process, we believe that the regulatory text could be improved to better take advantage of the Department's full authority under the HEA to protect vulnerable borrowers. As we lend our support to your diligent efforts to provide debt relief through regulatory procedures, we urge you to consider several recommendations to strengthen the Department's debt relief rule,\" continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers proposed the following actions to strengthen the proposed student debt relief rule and provide more relief to vulnerable borrowers:\n\nEliminate all debt that exceeds the original principal balance of the loan. Under the current rule, the \"Secretary may waive all or a portion of the amount by which a borrower's total outstanding balance exceeds the original principal balance of the loan.\" The proposed rule should eliminate all debt that exceeds the initial principal due to runaway interest.\n\nProvide full cancellation, not just a waiver of excess interest, for borrowers who have repaid enough to cover their original principal. The current draft rule does not extend relief to borrowers who have diligently repaid enough to cover their original principal. The Department should provide full cancellation, not just a waiver of excess interest, for borrowers who have repaid enough to cover their original principal.\n\nEliminate the sudden cliff that would give full relief to borrowers whose loans first entered repayment at least 25 years ago and no relief to similarly situated borrowers. As written, the proposed rule would only extend relief to borrowers who entered repayment 25 years ago or more by July 1, 2025, would qualify for relief. However, a borrower who hits the 25-year mark on July 2, 2025 would be ineligible for relief. ED should remove the cutoff date for relief for borrowers who have been in repayment for decades, and instead permit borrowers to become eligible for this relief on a rolling basis.\n\nExtend relief to additional categories of borrowers with financial hardship and create a catch-all category for unforeseen forms of hardship. In addition to the categories of hardship listed in ED's issue paper, ED should consider other income-based indicators of financial hardship, such as receipt of Earned Income Tax Credits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Supplemental Security Income \u2014 as well as other non-income-based indicators such as incarceration status or eviction history. The rule should also include a catch-all provision to capture other forms of hardship in the interest of justice and historically restrictive criteria for relief eligibility.\n\nExtend relief to borrowers who have been victims of student loan servicer misconduct or error. The Department should extend relief to borrowers who have been victims of student loan servicer misconduct or error, but the current draft text does not include protections for borrowers who have faced predatory loan servicer practices, such as forbearance steering, overcharging, or failing to enroll borrowers in IDR plans for which they were eligible, upon their request.\n\nEliminate the need for borrowers to submit burdensome applications by basing eligibility for relief on information that ED already has or that it can acquire from other agencies. The rule should extend relief to borrowers automatically, without requiring them to submit applications. ED can largely base relief on information already in its possession through payment history databases, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications, and on information from other federal agencies.\n\n\"We are encouraged by the Department's critical efforts to provide student debt relief through negotiated rulemaking. However, we believe more must be done to improve the draft regulatory text to meet President Biden's objective of 'provide student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible.' The Biden Administration should take every opportunity to use the authority Congress has already given it to deliver on the promises made to student loan borrowers,\" concluded the lawmakers.\n\nCongresswoman Wilson has led the push for student debt relief in the House of Representatives:\n\nIn March 2023, Ranking Members Wilson and Scott reintroduced the LOAN Act which would provide urgent relief for Americans holding student loans.\n\nSince the start of the Biden administration, she has chaired multiple committee hearings on federal student aid policies and student debt relief.\n\nCongresswoman Wilson has raised the issue of student loan debt with the administration and signed numerous letters calling on the President to cancel student debt.\n\nIn April 2022, Congresswoman Wilson introduced the Student Loan Borrower Relief Act, which seeks to cap interest rates, stop unfair lending practices, expand public service loan forgiveness programs, and protect disabled borrowers.\n\nIn previous years, she introduced the Student Loan Borrowers' Bill of Rights Act a bill that helps to extend more protections for borrowers and fight back against predatory lending practices.\n\nIn 2014, Congresswoman Wilson and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) co-introduced the Relief for Underwater Student Borrowers Act.\n\nIn addition to these efforts, Congresswoman Wilson introduced the Student Loan Borrowers' Bill of Rights.\n\nShe has also coauthored the Student Loan Fairness Act and co-sponsored the Student Loan Relief Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404400", "Castor, Trahan Lead House Members Demanding Answers on Meta Profiting from Sexualized Content", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Lori Trahan (MA-03), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, led a request to Meta demanding answers on investigative reports showing the company profiting from Instagram serving sexual and exploitative content to users with interests in content featuring children, including risqu\u00e9 photos and videos.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned by reports indicating that Meta and Instagram steer users toward sexualized videos through associations with children and that the platform runs ads alongside such content without advertisers\u2019 knowledge and in violation of their policies,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThis is highly disturbing and suggests that Meta\u2019s algorithms serve the prurient interests of pedophiles, and that Meta is aware of the practice and chooses to maximize their profits while turning a blind eye to the harm caused by sexualizing children.\u201d\n\nA recent investigation found that Instagram\u2019s Reels feature will show videos promoting adult sexual content and subsequently branded advertisements to adult users that follow youth gymnasts, cheerleaders and influencers. The investigation follows a Wall Street Journal report from June that found Meta algorithms help form large communities of users with interests in pedophilic content, which the company struggles to remove from its services.\n\n\u201cMeta\u2019s inefficiency and selectivity in responding to these concerns has again been demonstrated by the Journal, which found that Meta\u2019s content moderation contractors are not being adequately trained, that enforcement actions against objectionable groups and accounts are often not effective, and that Meta\u2019s own decisions about taking down groups and accounts related to child sexual abuse are \u201croutinely inexplicable,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nTrahan and Castor have consistently pushed for stronger protections for users, particularly children and younger users, on social media platforms. In 2021, they spearheaded the congressional effort to stop Meta\u2019s plans to create an Instagram for Kids and pressed Facebook on research suggesting the company was targeting advertisements to teens based on young users\u2019 browsing history and preferences. In 2022, the lawmakers demanded answers from Meta on reports that the company\u2019s algorithm was pushing eating disorder content to children and teens. The lawmakers have also introduced multiple bills to update the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act and implement comprehensive transparency requirements from social media companies.\n\nThe letter sent today was signed by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Adam B. Schiff (CA-30), Sean Casten (IL-06), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). The lawmakers requested answers from Meta to the following by December 22nd:\n\n1. What safety assessments were performed on the Reels feature of Instagram before it was released?\n\na. Did any of those assessments focus on risks related to CSAM, sexualized content, child safety or brand safety?\n\nb. Were any of those assessments performed by independent third parties?\n\nc. What recommendations were made to increase the safety of the Reels feature, and were those recommendations adopted or accepted by Meta\u2019s leadership? If not, for what reason were those recommendations not accepted?\n\n2. Of the actions detailed in the recent blog post entitled \u201cOur Work to Fight Online Predators,\u201d10:\n\na. Which of them were explored or proposed before the introduction of Reels or before the recent press stories highlighting Instagram\u2019s child safety failures?\n\nb. Why was Reels launched without these child safety measures in place?\n\n3. By Meta\u2019s own estimates in the post, the new enforcement measures have resulted in over 4 million more reels actioned per month, and 16,000 additional groups and 250,000 additional devices actioned against since the summer. In addition, Meta claims that 500,000 additional accounts were disabled in August 2023 for violating child sexual exploitation policies.\n\na. How long were the newly disabled accounts, groups, and devices operating on Instagram until the enforcement actions were taken?\n\nb. By Meta\u2019s own estimates, how many reels should or would have been taken down under the new automated enforcement policies since the introduction of the Reels feature?\n\n4. In the blog post, Meta mentioned that it \u201cfixed technical issues, including an issue that unexpectedly closed user reports.\u201d The Journal\u2019s reporting also mentioned that the issue prevented \u201ca substantial portion of user reports from being processed.\u201d\n\na. How long was the bug in place?\n\nb. When did Meta first detect this bug? How long did Meta take to fix the issue after it was detected?\n\nc. How many reports were closed by this bug? What percentage of total reports were closed by the bug?\n\nd. How many of them related to adult content or child sexual abuse?\n\ne. Has Meta reopened those users' reports, and resumed acting on them?\n\n5. Why do Instagram\u2019s algorithms promote sexualized content to accounts that have not demonstrated an interest in such content, as the Journal\u2019s reporting showed?\n\na. What topics do Instagram\u2019s algorithms associate with sexualized content?\n\nb. Do Instagram\u2019s algorithms associate content related to children with sexualized content or promote sexualized content alongside content related to children, and if so, why did Meta not prevent that from happening?\n\nc. Has Meta considered any technical measures to address the promotion of sexualized content on Instagram, and, if so, which of those measures have been adopted?\n\n6. Does Meta enforce its policy banning adult content in ads on Instagram?\n\na. If so, how many ads on Instagram were rejected or not shown by Meta because of adult content?\n\nb. How many ads were reported on Instagram because they contained adult content?\n\n7. Does Meta respect the restrictions advertisers impose on the placement of their advertising?\n\na. Does Meta track violations of such restrictions?\n\nb. How many times was an ad shown next to, preceding, or following, adult content on Instagram in violation of the advertiser\u2019s restriction?\n\nc. What transparency do advertisers on Meta have regarding the content that their ads are shown alongside? Do advertisers have access to a random sample of content that their ads were used to monetize?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E45AB27F-D8F9-4261-8DDC-2E9519C73C12", "Webster Calls for Action Against Chinese Communist Party\u2019s Control over Critical Minerals", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Daniel Webster", "W000806", "webster.house.gov", "webster", "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), House Committee on Armed Services Vice Chair Rob Wittman (R-VA), and 28 of his House colleagues, recently sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding the development of a plan in response to the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) growing interest and investment in the seabed mining of critical mineral resources.\n\n\u201cWe cannot afford to cede another critical mineral resource to China,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cThe United States, and specifically, the Department of Defense, should be engaging with allies, partners and industry to ensure that China does not seize unfettered control of deep-sea assets.\u201d\n\nThe CCP dominates 85 to 95 percent of the global supply chains for most of the world\u2019s critical mineral resources. Additionally, the CCP controls the majority of the world\u2019s processing capacity that converts these minerals into finished products that are vital to U.S. weapons systems. This summer, Beijing announced that it will be enacting additional restrictions on the exportation of gallium and germanium products, further demonstrating its dominance of these crucial supply chains. Gallium and germanium are metals used in the development of chips, satellite communications, spacecraft power generation, and radar systems. With 60% of the world\u2019s germanium and 80% of the world\u2019s gallium produced in China, this poses as a huge threat to U.S. interests and national security.\n\nThe deep-sea bed is rich in mineral resources, including manganese, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements. The deep-sea mining of these resources is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an institution where the US only holds observer status. Members are calling on the Department of Defense to take action and develop a plan to further our presence in the extraction of these deep-sea mineral resources before China\u2019s already strong presence controls the entire industry.\n\nAdditional signers of the letter include Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Michael Turner (R-OH), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Michael Waltz (R-FL), James Moylan (R-GU), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Maria Elvira Salizar (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), David Rouzer (R-NC), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Rich McCormick, MD (R-GA), Keith Self (R-TX), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Brian Babin (R-TX), and Ronny L. Jackson (R-TX).\n\nRead the full letter text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-pappas-lead-hellenic-caucus-letter-british-prime-minister-urging", "Bilirakis and Pappas Lead Hellenic Caucus Letter to British Prime Minister Urging Continued Progress on Negotiations to Return Parthenon Marbles to Greece", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Chris Pappas, who serve as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, sent a letter today calling on Great Britain to return to the negotiation table in discussions about returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. The Marbles were created in Athens by Pheidias, the greatest sculptor of the classical antiquity. They were part of a frieze that wrapped around the Temple of Athena. More than 200 years ago the Marbles were removed from Greece by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin and transported to Great Britain. In 1816, the British Parliament voted to purchase the Marbles and they now reside in the British Museum. Despite years of efforts by the Greek Government to retain the Marbles, it has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its British counterparts to return the Marbles to Greece. In recent weeks, negotiations between Greece and the United Kingdom on this important cultural matter have deteriorated.\n\nThe lawmakers note, \u201cToday we write to you as members of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, urging British officials to return to earnest discussions with Greece over the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. The return to their historic and natural setting would be lauded and celebrated worldwide, and we call for the resumption of robust negotiations to that end. The Parthenon is considered the high-water mark of world architecture, and its sculptures and reliefs certainly constitute the paramount point of classical art. The Sculptures from the Acropolis of Athens, Greece have been loved and appreciated in their adoptive home in the British Museum for more than two hundred years, inspiring and edifying millions of visitors. However, it is past time that they return home to be reunified with the rest of the sculptures from which they were ripped apart. This will allow visitors to view and appreciate them in totality as part of a greater whole in their natural and rightful environment. The Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art museum, was built for this purpose. It will also contribute to greater historical and cultural understanding of ancient Athens, Classical Greece, and the world wonder that is the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-tonko-celebrate-bipartisan-dr-emmanuel-bilirakis-national-plan", "Bilirakis and Tonko Celebrate Bipartisan Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis National Plan to End Parkinson\u2019s Act  Moving One Step Closer to Becoming Law", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) proudly announce that their National Plan to End Parkinson\u2019s Act passed unanimously out of the Energy and Commerce Committee this week. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson\u2019s disease once and for all. It will address the financial and health burdens on American families and reduce government spending over time. Parkinson\u2019s disease is the second most common \u2013 and fastest-growing \u2013 neurological disease globally with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Getting this measure across the finish line this Congress is a priority for both co-authors of this bill, and they have worked tirelessly over the past few months to build consensus and garner their colleagues\u2019 support. Advancement of the legislation could not come at a more crucial time, since earlier this year researchers were able to discover a new biomarker that can reveal a key pathology and new understanding about this disease. The pair of lawmakers are optimistic that their legislation will help spur new breakthrough developments of innovative treatments and cures.\n\nFor Congressman Bilirakis, this fight is extremely personal. Sadly, he has lost two immediate family members to this disease, both in the last 6 months. His brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, passed away in May after a long battle with the disease. Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis was a wonderful human being and a primary care physician who gave so much back to his community. Congressman Bilirakis is grateful to his friend and Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee, Anna Eshoo, for amending the title of the bill in honor of Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis. More recently, Congressman Bilirakis lost his mother-in-law in October, Theodora Lialios, who also battled this horrific disease for many years. \u201cI will continue this fight in memory of my dear brother, other family members, and on behalf of all my constituents who are still struggling with this debilitating disease,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cIt takes a terrible toll on the physical, emotional and economic well-being of everyone involved. The lack of treatment options leave patients, families and the American taxpayers in a terrible quandary. We must change our approach to get better results, which is exactly what our legislation will do. It builds upon past success and strives to replicate other national project models that have helped advance health care goals. This critical legislation will provide hope to those who are suffering and hopefully lead to better patient outcomes with less expensive disease management.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn Congress, I have made helping those with neurological disorders one of my top priorities for more than a decade. I first learned about Parkinson\u2019s from a friend who suffered with it. So when the opportunity arose to partner with Congressman Bilirakis on this meaningful effort I jumped right in and made it my personal mission to get this done on behalf of the millions of people living with Parkinson\u2019s. It is incumbent on Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time. Our legislation does just that. By moving this bill forward, we will make a positive difference, improve lives and even save lives. And for the millions of Americans living with Parkinson\u2019s, as well as their loved ones, I hope this brings much needed hope, said Congressman Tonko.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the 1 million people living with Parkinson\u2019s disease in the United States, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is proud to support the National Plan to End Parkinson\u2019s Act and offers deep gratitude to Representatives Bilirakis and Tonko for their leadership on this bill,\u201d said Ted Thompson, Senior Vice President of Policy for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson\u2019s Research. \u201cWith groundbreaking progress made in Parkinson\u2019s research this year \u2014 including the discovery of a biomarker \u2014 there is no better time to focus our efforts on accelerating science and providing better care to every patient and family impacted by this disease.\u201d\n\nThe newly named Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis National Plan to End Parkinson\u2019s Act also sets up an Advisory Council, comprised of experts from across the federal government in every related agency, combined with non-federal appointed members, represented by patient advocates, specialist providers, clinicians, and researchers, also ensuring representation of minority communities and other populations disproportionately affected by Parkinson\u2019s. This new entity will focus efforts on an annual report to the Department of Health and Human Services and to Congress with an evaluation of the current efforts to prevent, treat and cure Parkinson\u2019s. It will also provide annual recommendations for ways to reduce the escalating burden of this disease on patients and families, improve health outcomes and quality of care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and Veterans, and better research the underlying causes of this disease. This national project will also incorporate other related neurodegenerative diseases, including the rare disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which has afflicted Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Congresswoman Wexton has been a strong supporter of this important legislation and integral in helping it move through the process.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-bilirakis-demands-full-transparency-fight-protect-integrity-college", "Chairman Bilirakis Demands Full Transparency in Fight to Protect Integrity of College Sports", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC: On Sunday, December 3rd, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee made the unusual decision to exclude an undefeated, Power Five Conference Champion from the College Football Playoff (CFP), instead selecting schools with lesser records to compete in the CFP Playoff Semifinals. The Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles finished the 2023 season with a perfect 13-0 record but were dropped from their previous 4th place ranking to 5th place by the CFP Selection Committee, a decision that prevented them from competition for the CFP National Championship. Chairman Gus Bilirakis of the Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, which has jurisdiction over the regulation of commercial practices, including sports-related matters, issued the statement below in response to the CFP\u2019s decision.\n\n\u201cThis is a huge blow to the student-athletes who have put their hearts and minds into completing a perfect season. While I understand there are many factors the Committee may consider, it\u2019s puzzling why the end results on the field are not their top priority as they are the only objective measurement between teams. The CFP Selection Committee elevated teams with lesser records over an undefeated Power 5 conference champion. When there are millions of dollars hanging in the balance, and with many of these funds slated to support publicly funded schools, there must be more transparency in the process when deciding who is in and who is out. To ensure full transparency, I respectfully request that the CFP Selection Committee and separately the NCAA schedule a briefing with my office,\u201d said Chairman Gus Bilirakis.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/four-more-bilirakis-bills-pass-advance-house-floor", "Four More Bilirakis Bills Pass \u2013 Advance to House Floor", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - In this week\u2019s Energy & Commerce Committee markup, members passed a total of 44 bills. Many of these proposals, including four of those authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, will help improve patient outcomes and provide enhanced consumer protections for all Americans. More information about each Bilirakis-authored measure is provided below. The next step for each of these proposals is consideration by the full House on the Floor.\n\nThe Cutting Copays Act would lower the cost of prescription drugs for the nation\u2019s most vulnerable seniors by removing cost-sharing of generic medications for enrollees in Medicare Part D\u2019s Low Income Subsidy Program. \u201cRecord inflation has caused spikes in the costs of basic goods and services which have hurt those on a fixed income the most,\u201dsaid Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \u201cResearch shows us that we can help improve patient outcomes for our most vulnerable seniors by removing barriers to proper disease management and medication compliance. We can also reduce overall costs by incentivizing beneficiaries to choose cheaper generic, but just as effective, alternatives to expensive brand-name drugs. Seniors should never be forced to choose between buying groceries and buying their medications. By removing these copayments, we can help alleviate that burden.\u201d\n\nThe Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act will improve patient outcomes and help avoid costly complications that often stem from this chronic illness by enhancing access in Medicare to education and diabetes self-management training services that have proven effective for beneficiaries. \u201cBy providing diabetes patients with these self-management resources, seniors will be empowered to take control of their own health and well-being, and we can help mitigate the negative impact this disease has on them and their families,\u201d said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.\n\nThe National Plan to End Parkinson\u2019s Act aims to unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson\u2019s, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and reduce government spending over time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-alzheimer-s-bill-cleared-for-house-consideration", "Buchanan Alzheimer\u2019s Bill Cleared for House Consideration", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Vern Buchanan today announced that his legislation to help ensure coverage of potentially life-saving drugs and new treatments for seniors with Alzheimer\u2019s disease has successfully passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is now cleared for consideration by the full House.\n\nLast month, this legislation passed out of House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.\n\nYesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee also passed another bill Buchanan helped introduce, the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388). This legislation would expand flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products beyond what traditional Medicare offers.\n\nIn an unprecedented move last year, bureaucrats at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) unilaterally restricted coverage for the first new treatment for Alzheimer\u2019s disease (Aduhelm) in nearly two decades, despite prior approval from scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\n\n\u201cThe federal government should make it easier for seniors to access breakthrough treatments, not unreasonably restrict potentially life-changing drugs for our nation\u2019s most vulnerable patients,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cUnfortunately, the Biden administration and unelected bureaucrats in Washington have continuously pursued policies that will stifle innovation and halt progress toward revolutionary cures. That is why I am so pleased to see this important legislation pass out of committee and come one step closer to becoming law.\u201d\n\nBuchanan introduced the MERIT Act (H.R. 133) with Congresswoman Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA), and it has been endorsed by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, UsAgainstAlzheimer\u2019s, Association of Mature American Citizens, Byrd Alzheimer\u2019s Center and Research Institute and the Global Alzheimer\u2019s Platform Foundation.\n\nRobert Egge, Alzheimer\u2019s Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer\u2019s Impact Movement (AIM) executive director celebrated committee action and praised Buchanan\u2019s leadership on the issue, saying \u201cIndividual Alzheimer\u2019s treatments act differently, even if they achieve similar end results. Thank you to Representatives Buchanan and Barrag\u00e1n for their leadership on the bipartisan MERIT Act, which will ensure that CMS evaluates treatments individually and based on their own merits, rather than as a broad class of drugs. As new treatments are approved, the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementia cannot afford delays.\u201d\n\nBuchanan originally introduced the MERIT Act last Congress following the announcement from CMS that they would restrict access to the breakthrough new drug, Aduhelm.\n\nBy requiring CMS to review each drug individually, the MERIT Act will undo the actions taken by CMS that would otherwise unnecessarily limit access to drugs like Aduhelm for seniors. With additional drugs to treat Alzheimer\u2019s coming to the market, this bill will ensure those drugs receive fair and accurate consideration for coverage, rather than requiring onerous additional steps before CMS will make them available to Medicare beneficiaries.\n\nEarlier this year, Congressman Buchanan hosted a press conference with key stakeholders calling for action to help American\u2019s suffering with Alzheimer\u2019s access these FDA approved treatments.\n\nBuchanan has had 30 legislative measures signed into law since taking office with four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen seven legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden.\n\nIn addition to being the vice chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-cherfilus-mccormick-wasserman-schultz-lead-call-desantis-end-florida-book", "Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Wasserman Schultz Lead Call for DeSantis to End Florida Book Bans", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick", "C001127", "cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov", "cherfilus-mccormick", "https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led fellow Florida Democrats in calling on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to end his administration\u2019s campaign of censorship in Florida\u2019s schools, citing evidence that book bans negatively impact LGBTQI+ and Black students. Additionally, this letter requests that Governor DeSantis substantively engage with educators, librarians, and parents to protect students\u2019 rights to an inclusive, and comprehensive education.\n\nThe lead authors were joined by a majority of the Florida Democratic Delegation, including Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Darren Soto (FL-09). This letter has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, PEN America, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the Interfaith Alliance, and the American Civil Liberties Union.\n\nAccording to PENAmerica, Florida became the national leader in banned books in the 2022-2023 school year, with a 40% increase in banned or challenged titles compared to the 2021-2022 school year. This concerning statistic is accompanied by the fact that many of these stories feature LGBTQ+ or Black characters. Unfortunately, this censorship represents a direct attack on these communities that ultimately impacts the well-being of Florida\u2019s underrepresented students.\n\n\u201cThe dangerous practice of banning books and silencing educators is not new and has always been used by those who want to roll back progress, sow fear and division, hide important truths, and foment moral panic. And banning books because they contain LGBTQ+ content or censoring educators and students in the classroom is a shameful attempt to silence LGBTQ+ stories and further isolate LGBTQ+ kids. There is no freedom in banned books, and all students \u2012 no matter their background, sexual orientation, or gender identity \u2012 deserve the freedom to feel safe and welcomed in schools and libraries,\u201d said David Stacy, Human Rights Campaign Vice President for Government Affairs.\n\n\u201cChildren deserve to see themselves in books, and to have access to a diversity of views and expressions. By making knowledge and ideas available via a wide range of books, school libraries serve the educational process. PEN America applauds Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and Wasserman Schultz\u2019s leadership in standing up for the freedom to read in Florida,\" said Katie Blankenship, Director of PEN America Florida.\n\n\"The increasing prevalence of book bans, and the commensurate surge in legislative attempts to limit the teaching of race, gender, American history, and LGBTQI+ identities, is eroding the fundamental freedom for students to read, learn, and think critically,\u201d said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. \u201cThese bans are often implemented without considering the harm they will cause to students, families, and educators. Such actions will only further alienate transgender youth from their peers and send the harmful message that transgender students and students of color don\u2019t exist and don\u2019t belong. In sending this message, we\u2019re continuing to damage the mental health of an already vulnerable group such as transgender youth, who are more likely to experience suicidality, especially because of legislative attacks such as these. Everyone should have the freedom to see their identities and experiences reflected in the stories they read and in the lessons they\u2019re taught in schools, including transgender children. Sweeping censorship will only continue to foster misunderstanding about transgender people among the public. By removing LGBTQI+ content from school curriculum and banning books containing LGBTQI+ identities & experiences, we are depriving future generations of a robust education informed by diverse perspectives and experiences.\"\n\n\u201cAccording to GLSEN\u2019s National School Climate Survey, 82% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling unsafe in school, and book bans are only causing more harm,\u201d said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN. \u201cInclusive school curriculum \u2013 including access to books about LGBTQ+ people \u2013 can act as a window for young people into the diverse world around them, as well as a mirror to reflect their own experiences and identities. As adults, it is our job to model the future for the next generation, and our youth deserve to grow up in a society that celebrates \u2013 not limits \u2013 diversity.\u201d\n\n\u201cBook bans are being used by religious extremists in Florida to erase those who look, believe, or love differently than they do,\u201d said Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-Ewing, steering committee member of the Interfaith Alliance of Southwest Florida. \u201cSchools and libraries are supposed to be spaces where young people are introduced to democratic ideals and the diverse points of view that shape our country. Censoring the stories of people from minority faiths, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities is antithetical to fulfilling America\u2019s promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all. It is time to end this campaign of fear that violates our First Amendment freedoms and weaponizes faith to erase history and diverse viewpoints.\u201d\n\n\u201cGov. DeSantis has unleashed an army of book banners who claim they are protecting freedom and the rights of parents. The reality is that they bully school and library boards to deny the rights of parents who want an honest education for their children, free of ideologically inspired censorship,\u201d said Howard Simon, Interim Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/english-spanish-reps-gimenez-diaz-balart-salazar-introduce-resolution-recognizing-maria-corina-machado-as-the-legitimate-presidential-opposition-candidate-in-venezuela", "(English/Spanish) Reps. Gimenez, Diaz-Balart, Salazar Introduce Resolution Recognizing Maria Corina Machado as the Legitimate Presidential Opposition Candidate in Venezuela", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Carlos A. Gimenez", "G000593", "gimenez.house.gov", "gimenez", "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos Gimenez, along with Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced a House Resolution recognizing Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as the legitimate presidential opposition candidate against Communist Dictator Nicholas Maduro in the upcoming presidential elections.\n\nSenators Rick Scott (FL) and Marco Rubio (FL) introduced a companion Senate Resolution\n\n\u201cThe murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate Mar\u00eda Corina Machado,\" said Rep. Carlos Gim\u00e9nez. \"This blatant attack on democracy shows the regime\u2019s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with Mar\u00eda Corina and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as Venezuela\u2019s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime\u2019s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation,\u201d said Rep. Diaz-Balart. \u201cThe Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate. I strongly opposed the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to relax sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship, while establishing an arbitrary November 30, 2023 deadline, which was done purportedly to encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. That deadline has passed, and the administration has failed to reimpose tough sanctions. The U.S. must stand unequivocally with the Venezuelan people in their brave struggle for freedom, human rights, and democratic government\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose Mar\u00eda Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime in the upcoming elections,\u201d said Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar. \u201cThe United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship.\u201d\n\nTo read the Resolution text, CLICK HERE.\n\n###\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Hoy, los congresistas Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), y Maria Elvira Salazar introdujeron una resoluci\u00f3n en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes reconociendo a Maria Corina Machado como la candidata opositora al dictador comunista Nicolas Maduro en las pr\u00f3ximas elecciones presidenciales.\n\nLos senadores Rick Scott (FL) y Marco Rubio (FL) presentaron una resoluci\u00f3n complementaria en el Senado.\n\n\u201cEl r\u00e9gimen criminal de Maduro est\u00e1 amenazando, intimidando y silenciando a la candidata opositora Mar\u00eda Corina Machado,\u201d dijo el representante Carlos Gim\u00e9nez. \u201cEste ataque a la democracia muestra la desesperaci\u00f3n del r\u00e9gimen ante una derrota inminente. \u00a1El pueblo venezolano est\u00e1 decidido a liberarse del comunismo con Mar\u00eda Corina!\n\n\u201cMe enorgullece presentar una resoluci\u00f3n que respalda firmemente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la leg\u00edtima candidata presidencial de la oposici\u00f3n en Venezuela y condena los intentos del r\u00e9gimen de Maduro de excluir a cualquier oposici\u00f3n leg\u00edtima de la participaci\u00f3n pol\u00edtica,\u201d dijo el representante Mario Diaz-Balart. \u201cEl pueblo venezolano, tanto en Venezuela como en el extranjero, respald\u00f3 abrumadoramente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la principal candidata de la oposici\u00f3n venezolana. Me opuse firmemente a la decisi\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden de relajar las sanciones contra la dictadura de Maduro, al tiempo que establec\u00eda un plazo arbitrario del 30 de noviembre de 2023, supuestamente para fomentar elecciones libres y justas en Venezuela. Ese plazo ha pasado, y la administraci\u00f3n no ha vuelto a imponer sanciones severas. Estados Unidos debe respaldar inequ\u00edvocamente al pueblo venezolano en su valiente lucha por la libertad, los derechos humanos y un gobierno democr\u00e1tico\n\n\"La oposici\u00f3n venezolana eligi\u00f3 abrumadoramente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado para liderar la lucha contra el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro en las pr\u00f3ximas elecciones,\" dijo la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar. \"Estados Unidos debe ofrecer su pleno apoyo a ella y a su campa\u00f1a, ya que millones de venezolanos en todo el mundo se unen a su lucha contra la dictadura\".\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/englishespanol-diaz-balart-gimenez-and-salazar-introduce-house", "English/Espa\u00f1ol: D\u00edaz-Balart, Gim\u00e9nez and Salazar Introduce House Resolution Recognizing Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as Venezuela's Legitimate Presidential Opposition Candidate", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as Venezuela\u2019s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime\u2019s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation. The Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate. I strongly opposed the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to relax sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship, while establishing an arbitrary November 30, 2023 deadline, which was done purportedly to encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. That deadline has passed, and the administration has failed to reimpose tough sanctions. The U.S. must stand unequivocally with the Venezuelan people in their brave struggle for freedom, human rights, and democratic government,\u201d said Rep. Mario D\u00edaz-Balart.\n\n\u201cThe murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate Mar\u00eda Corina Machado,\"said Rep. Carlos Gim\u00e9nez. \"This blatant attack on democracy shows the regime\u2019s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with Mar\u00eda Corina and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose Mar\u00eda Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime in the upcoming elections,\u201d said Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar. \u201cThe United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship.\u201d\n\n###\n\nD\u00edaz-Balart, Gim\u00e9nez, Salazar Presentan Resoluci\u00f3n Reconociendo a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la Candidata Leg\u00edtima de la Oposici\u00f3n Presidencial en Venezuela\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013Los congresistas Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28), y Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) emitieron la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n despu\u00e9s de presentar laResoluci\u00f3nen la C\u00e1mara que reconoce a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la candidata leg\u00edtima de la oposici\u00f3n presidencial de Venezuela para las pr\u00f3ximas elecciones.\n\nEstaresoluci\u00f3nes la version presentada en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes que es la misma que fue introducida en elSenado por los Senadores Rick Scott (R-FL) y Marco Rubio (R-FL).\n\n\"Me enorgullece presentar una resoluci\u00f3n que respalda firmemente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la leg\u00edtima candidata presidencial de la oposici\u00f3n en Venezuela y condena los intentos del r\u00e9gimen de Maduro de excluir a cualquier oposici\u00f3n leg\u00edtima de la participaci\u00f3n pol\u00edtica. El pueblo venezolano, tanto en Venezuela como en el extranjero, respald\u00f3 abrumadoramente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la principal candidata de la oposici\u00f3n venezolana. Me opuse firmemente a la decisi\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden de relajar las sanciones contra la dictadura de Maduro, al tiempo que establec\u00eda un plazo arbitrario del 30 de noviembre de 2023, supuestamente para fomentar elecciones libres y justas en Venezuela. Ese plazo ha pasado, y la administraci\u00f3n no ha vuelto a imponer sanciones severas. Estados Unidos debe respaldar inequ\u00edvocamente al pueblo venezolano en su valiente lucha por la libertad, los derechos humanos y un gobierno democr\u00e1tico,\" dijo el representante Mario D\u00edaz-Balart.\n\n\u201cEl r\u00e9gimen criminal de Maduro est\u00e1 amenazando, intimidando y silenciando a la candidata opositora Mar\u00eda Corina Machado,\u201ddijo el representante Carlos Gim\u00e9nez. \u201cEste ataque a la democracia muestra la desesperaci\u00f3n del r\u00e9gimen ante una derrota inminente. \u00a1El pueblo venezolano est\u00e1 decidido a liberarse del comunismo con Mar\u00eda Corina!\u201d\n\n\"La oposici\u00f3n venezolana eligi\u00f3 abrumadoramente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado para liderar la lucha contra el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro en las pr\u00f3ximas elecciones\", dijo la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar. \"Estados Unidos debe ofrecer su pleno apoyo a ella y a su campa\u00f1a, ya que millones de venezolanos en todo el mundo se unen a su lucha contra la dictadura\".\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mills-congressman-frosts-bipartisan-defense-spending", "Congressman Mills\u2019 & Congressman Frost\u2019s Bipartisan Defense Spending Accountability Legislation Named as the Bill of the Month by Taxpayers Protection Alliance", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Cory Mills", "M001216", "mills.house.gov", "mills", "https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release: December 6, 2023\n\nMedia Contact: MillsPress@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Taxpayers Protection Alliance, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, announced H.R. 6187, the Defense Spending Oversight Act introduced by Congressman Cory Mills (R-FL-07) and Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10) in November has been named the bill of the month.\n\nThe Mills-Frost legislation requires Inspectors General to create reports evaluating the net financial benefit of budget oversight investigations to crack down on the billions of unaccounted-for taxpayer dollars being given to the DoD and military contractors with insufficient accountability.\n\n\u201cThe American people have a right to know their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and effectively,\u201d said Rep. Mills. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the Taxpayers Protection Alliance has highlighted this legislation and its goal to bring transparency to government contracting. Ridding the DoD of waste, fraud, and abuse is not a partisan issue, it\u2019s an American issue. I welcome TPA\u2019s promotion of this important piece of legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWaste, fraud, and abuse in defense spending is too common,\u201d said Rep. Frost. \u201cCongressman Mills and I both know that adequate funding to ensure our national defense is entirely different from writing a blank check at the cost of Florida's taxpayers. Our bipartisan bill is an important part of cracking down on wasteful spending and recouping our tax dollars to hold bad actors accountable in the long run.\u201d\n\nTaxpayers Protection Alliance Executive Director, Patrick Hedger: \u201cTPA strongly commends Reps. Cory Mills and Maxwell Frost for introducing the bipartisan Defense Spending Oversight Act, and we are proud to make it our Bill of the Month for November 2023. Inspectors General at all levels of government must be empowered and equipped to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse. This is particularly the case with the notoriously insulated Pentagon, which has failed five consecutive audits. To understand the scale of operations and provide necessary resources to the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, Congress must be kept up to date with all costs associated with investigations.\"\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mills-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winner-floridas-seventh", "REP. MILLS ANNOUNCES 2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER IN FLORIDA\u2019S SEVENTH", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Cory Mills", "M001216", "mills.house.gov", "mills", "https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release: December 7, 2023\n\nMedia Contact: MillsPress@mail.house.gov\n\nAltamonte Springs, FL \u2013 Today, Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07) announced Clayton Seymour from Lake Brantley High School as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Florida\u2019s Seventh Congressional District. Clayton\u2019s app was centered on multiplication and combined his experiences with other computer games into one mathematical challenge.\n\nEach year, the U.S. House\u2019s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) hosts district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students aimed at inspiring, engaging, and encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Since its inception in 2015, the Challenge has grown to become the largest student computer science competition in the United States.\n\nThis year, Florida\u2019s Seventh Congressional District received 207 submissions from Seminole and Volusia Counties, breaking the CAO\u2019s record of participants for the App Challenge from a single district!\n\n\u201cI want to offer my congratulations to Clayton Seymour from Lake Brantley High School, home of the Patriots, for winning the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Florida\u2019s Seventh Congressional District, said Rep. Mills. \u201cI\u2019d also like to extend my congratulations to the second-place winner, Prisha Narne, and third-place winner, Scott Smoak for their innovative apps. It\u2019s an honor to be a part of the district with the most submissions in App Challenge history! It\u2019s truly remarkable to see the creative, inventive minds of our students here in Central Florida and I hope this annual competition encourages middle and high school students to further explore coding and STEM education in their future studies and careers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen given instructions, I don\u2019t do exactly what we are told to do. I take the instructions and make it something I like to do,\u201d said first-place winner, Clayton Seymour. He acknowledged that the key to his success was having an innovative mindset. His Computer Science teacher, Mr. Seth Reichelson, was instrumental in motivating his students by aligning his curriculum to the individual student\u2019s interests and strengths.\n\nJoseph Alessi, the Program\u2019s National Director, said, \"The overwhelming participation from Members of the House of Representatives demonstrates a collective commitment to fostering technological innovation and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. The exponential increase in student engagement highlights the Congressional App Challenge's growing influence as a beacon for young minds interested in computer science. It's evident that students are not only embracing the Challenge as a competition but also as a platform to express their passion for technology and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation.\"\n\nRead more about the App Challenge here. Start your planning for the 2024 App Challenge, beginning in August! Reach out to the Lake Mary or Port Orange office for more details.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-introduces-legislation-make-schools-safer", "Rutherford Introduces Legislation to Make Schools Safer", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "John H. Rutherford", "R000609", "rutherford.house.gov", "rutherford", "https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 6613, the Preparing Leaders to Assess Needs (PLAN) for School Safety Act. This bill would provide resources to states to establish school safety development centers that will help schools conduct assessments of their safety, identify evidence-based solutions to improve security, and access state and federal grant funding.\n\n\u201cEvery child has a right to be safe in school. I am proud of the significant federal resources Congress has made available to schools to improve security measures; however, many schools struggle to find and apply for these resources,\u201d said Congressman Rutherford. \u201cThe PLAN for School Safety Act will build on our efforts by connecting subject matter experts with school leaders to better facilitate participation in school safety programs and grants. As a former sheriff and lifelong member of law enforcement, I know firsthand the importance of investing in security to prevent violence before it occurs.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, we applaud members of Congress for their leadership in ensuring the safety of our children through the PLAN Act. When it comes to preventing the next school shooting, there are sensible, proactive solutions that educators can help implement. Unfortunately, the reality is that schools lack the necessary resources to access these programs. The PLAN Act unlocks the critical support required for effective planning paramount to keeping our schools and communities safe,\u201d said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.\n\n\u201cOne month after the Parkland school shooting, Rep. Rutherford shepherded his landmark school safety legislation, the STOP School Violence Act through the U.S. House of Representatives. That bill has resulted in $702 million of school safety funding flowing into schools since 2018,\u201d said Max Schachter, father of Parkland shooting victim Alex Schachter and Founder of Safe Schools for Alex. \u201cBy introducing the PLAN for School Safety Act today, Rep. Rutherford along with Rep. Neguse, are giving schools the necessary resources they need to reduce the epidemic of violence our children face every day. John Rutherford understands that school safety must be prioritized over education because we can\u2019t teach dead kids. I look forward to working alongside John to pass another of his crucial school safety bills.\u201d\n\nAdditional cosponsors include: Reps. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Lou Correa (CA-46), John James (MI-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).\n\nRead full bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-resolucion-que-reconoce-maria-corina-machado-como", "Congresista Salazar presenta Resoluci\u00f3n que reconoce a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la \u00fanica candidata presidencial leg\u00edtima de Venezuela", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La presidenta del Subcomit\u00e9 del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27), y los representantes Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26) y Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28), presentaron una Resoluci\u00f3n que reconoce a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la candidata presidencial leg\u00edtima para las pr\u00f3ximas elecci\u00f3nes venezolanas. La versi\u00f3n del Senado fue presentada por los senadores Marco Rubio (R-FL) y Rick Scott (R-FL).\n\nDespu\u00e9s de que Mar\u00eda Corina Machado ganara una mayor\u00eda abrumadora del voto de la oposici\u00f3n, corresponde a Estados Unidos defenderla contra los ataques constantes del r\u00e9gimen de Maduro.\n\n\u201cLa oposici\u00f3n venezolana eligi\u00f3 abrumadoramente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado para liderar la lucha contra el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \u201cEstados Unidos debe ofrecerle todo su apoyo a ella y a su campa\u00f1a mientras millones de venezolanos en todo el mundo se unen en torno a su lucha contra la dictadura\u201d.\n\nA principios de este a\u00f1o, el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro acord\u00f3 permitir que Mar\u00eda Corina Machado se postulara en las elecciones primarias presidenciales de la oposici\u00f3n a cambio de que Estados Unidos flexibilizara las sanciones a las exportaciones de petr\u00f3leo, gas y oro de Venezuela. Inmediatamente despu\u00e9s de la victoria de Mar\u00eda Corina, anul\u00f3 el resultado de las elecciones en violaci\u00f3n de su acuerdo con Estados Unidos.\n\nCon el tiempo, el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro se ha vuelto m\u00e1s desesperado por distraer la atenci\u00f3n del impulso de Mar\u00eda Corina. Maduro celebr\u00f3 un referendo falso sobre la anexi\u00f3n de la regi\u00f3n del Esequibo de Guyana mientras su fiscal general, Tarek William Saab, emit\u00eda una orden de arresto contra varios de los asesores pol\u00edticos m\u00e1s cercanos de Mar\u00eda Corina, por cargos espurios de lavado de dinero.\n\nEstas medidas son parte integral de la agenda socialista: si no puedes ganar de la manera correcta, haz trampa.\n\nEstados Unidos debe apoyar a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado, la mejor oportunidad que tiene Venezuela para deshacerse de m\u00e1s de dos d\u00e9cadas de Socialismo.\n\n\u201cMe enorgullece presentar una resoluci\u00f3n que apoya firmemente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como candidata leg\u00edtima de la oposici\u00f3n presidencial de Venezuela y condena los intentos del r\u00e9gimen de Maduro de excluir a cualquier oposici\u00f3n leg\u00edtima de la participaci\u00f3n pol\u00edtica\u201d, dijo el representante D\u00edaz-Balart. \u201cEl pueblo venezolano, tanto en Venezuela como en el extranjero, respald\u00f3 abrumadoramente a Mar\u00eda Corina Machado como la principal candidata de la oposici\u00f3n venezolana. Me opuse firmemente a la decisi\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden de relajar las sanciones a la dictadura de Maduro, al tiempo que establec\u00eda una fecha l\u00edmite arbitraria del 30 de noviembre de 2023, lo que supuestamente se hizo para fomentar elecciones libres y justas en Venezuela. Ese plazo ya pas\u00f3 y la Administraci\u00f3n no ha vuelto a imponer sanciones duras. Estados Unidos debe apoyar inequ\u00edvocamente al pueblo venezolano en su valiente lucha por la libertad, los derechos humanos y el gobierno democr\u00e1tico\u201d.\n\n\u201cEl r\u00e9gimen asesino de Maduro est\u00e1 amenazando, intimidando y silenciando a la candidata opositora Mar\u00eda Corina Machado\u201d, dijo el representante Gim\u00e9nez. \u201cEste flagrante ataque a la democracia muestra la desesperaci\u00f3n del r\u00e9gimen ante una derrota inminente. El pueblo venezolano est\u00e1 decidido a liberarse del comunismo con Mar\u00eda Corina y Estados Unidos debe apoyar al pueblo de Venezuela amante de la libertad\u201d.\n\nPara leer la Resoluci\u00f3n, haga clic aqu\u00ed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-resolution-recognizing-maria-corina-machado-venezuelas-only", "Salazar Introduces Resolution Recognizing Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as Venezuela\u2019s Only Legitimate Presidential Candidate", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Reps. Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26) and Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28) introduced a resolution recognizing Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as the legitimate presidential candidate for the upcoming Venezuelan elections. The Senate version was introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL).\n\nAfter Mar\u00eda Corina Machado won a commanding majority of the opposition vote, it is up to the United States to defend her against the Maduro regime\u2019s incoming attacks.\n\n\u201cThe Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose Mar\u00eda Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cThe United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, the Maduro regime agreed to allow Mar\u00eda Corina Machado to run in the opposition presidential primary elections in exchange for loosened American sanctions on oil, gas, and gold exports from Venezuela. Immediately following Mar\u00eda Corina\u2019s victory, he nullified the result of the election in violation of his agreement with the United States.\n\nOver time, the Maduro regime has become more desperate to distract from Maria Corina\u2019s momentum. Maduro held a sham referendum on the annexation of the Essequibo region of Guyana while having his Attorney General Tarek William Saab issued an arrest warrant against several members of Mar\u00eda Corina\u2019s closest political advisors on spurious charges of money laundering.\n\nThese moves are part and parcel with the socialist agenda: If you can\u2019t win the right way, cheat.\n\nThe United States must stand with Mar\u00eda Corina Machado, the best chance Venezuela has to rid itself of more than two decades of Socialism.\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as Venezuela\u2019s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime\u2019s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation,\u201d said Rep. D\u00edaz-Balart. \u201cThe Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed Mar\u00eda Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate. I strongly opposed the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to relax sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship, while establishing an arbitrary November 30, 2023 deadline, which was done purportedly to encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. That deadline has passed, and the administration has failed to reimpose tough sanctions. The U.S. must stand unequivocally with the Venezuelan people in their brave struggle for freedom, human rights, and democratic government.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate Mar\u00eda Corina Machado,\u201d said Rep. Gim\u00e9nez. \u201cThis blatant attack on democracy shows the regime\u2019s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with Mar\u00eda Corina and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela.\u201d\n\nTo read the resolution, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3119", "Wasserman Schultz, Cherfilus-McCormick Lead Call for DeSantis to End Florida Book Bans", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) led fellow Florida Democrats in calling on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to end his administration\u2019s campaign of censorship in Florida\u2019s schools, citing evidence that book bans negatively impact LGBTQI+ and Black students. Additionally, this letter requests that Governor DeSantis substantively engage with educators, librarians, and parents to protect students\u2019 rights to an inclusive, and comprehensive education.\n\nAccording to PENAmerica, Florida became the national leader in banned books in the 2022-2023 school year, with a 40% increase in banned or challenged titles compared to the 2021-2022 school year. This concerning statistic is accompanied by the fact that many of these stories feature LGBTQ+ or Black characters. Unfortunately, this censorship represents a direct attack on these communities that ultimately impacts the wellbeing of Florida\u2019s underrepresented students.\n\n\u201cThe dangerous practice of banning books and silencing educators is not new and has always been used by those who want to roll back progress, sow fear and division, hide important truths, and foment moral panic. And banning books because they contain LGBTQ+ content or censoring educators and students in the classroom is a shameful attempt to silence LGBTQ+ stories and further isolate LGBTQ+ kids. There is no freedom in banned books, and all students -- no matter their background, sexual orientation, or gender identity -- deserve the freedom to feel safe and welcomed in schools and libraries,\u201d said David Stacy, Human Rights Campaign Vice President for Government Affairs.\n\nThe lead authors were joined by a majority of the Florida Democratic Delegation, including Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Darren Soto (FL-09).\n\nThis letter has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, PEN America, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the Interfaith Alliance, and the American Civil Liberties Union.\n\n\u201cChildren deserve to see themselves in books, and to have access to a diversity of views and expressions. By making knowledge and ideas available via a wide range of books, school libraries serve the educational process. PEN America applauds Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Cherfilus-McCormick\u2019s leadership in standing up for the freedom to read in Florida,\" said Katie Blankenship, Director of PEN America Florida.\n\n\"The increasing prevalence of book bans, and thecommensurate surge in legislative attempts to limit the teaching of race, gender, American history, and LGBTQI+ identities, is eroding the fundamental freedom for students to read, learn, and think critically,\u201d said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. \u201cThese bans are often implemented without considering the harm they will cause to students, families, and educators. Such actions will only further alienate transgender youth from their peers and send the harmful message that transgender students and students of color don\u2019t exist and don\u2019t belong. In sending this message,we\u2019re continuing to damage the mental health of an already vulnerable group such as transgender youth, who are more likely to experience suicidality, especiallybecause of legislative attacks such as these. Everyone should have the freedom to see their identities and experiences reflected in the stories they read and in the lessons they\u2019re taught in schools, including transgender children. Sweeping censorship will only continue to foster misunderstanding about transgender people among the public. By removing LGBTQI+ content from school curriculum and banning books containing LGBTQI+ identities & experiences, we are depriving future generations of a robust education informed by diverse perspectives and experiences.\"\n\n\u201cAccording to GLSEN\u2019s National School Climate Survey, 82% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling unsafe in school, and book bans are only causing more harm,\u201d said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN. \u201cInclusive school curriculum \u2013 including access to books about LGBTQ+ people \u2013 can act as a window for young people into the diverse world around them, as well as a mirror to reflect their own experiences and identities. As adults, it is our job to model the future for the next generation, and our youth deserve to grow up in a society that celebrates \u2013 not limits \u2013 diversity.\u201d\n\n\u201cBook bans are being used by religious extremists in Florida to erase those who look, believe, or love differently than they do,\u201d said Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-Ewing, steering committee member of the Interfaith Alliance of Southwest Florida. \u201cSchools and libraries are supposed to be spaces where young people are introduced to democratic ideals and the diverse points of view that shape our country. Censoring the stories of people from minority faiths, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities is antithetical to fulfilling America\u2019s promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all. It is time to end this campaign of fear that violates our First Amendment freedoms and weaponizes faith to erase history and diverse viewpoints.\u201d\n\n\u201cGov. DeSantis has unleashed an army of book banners who claim they are protecting freedom and the rights of parents. The reality is that they bully school and library boards to deny the rights of parents who want an honest education for their children, free of ideologically inspired censorship,\u201d said Howard Simon, Interim Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below.\n\nDear Governor DeSantis:\n\nWe write to share our grave concern regarding the sharp uptick of banned and challenged books across the state of Florida, and the alarming hostility of your administration toward schools, libraries and the professionals who operate them for our constituents. These combined actions, if left unchecked, will foment a noxious climate of repression and marginalization that degrades learning, understanding and undermines all Floridians\u2019 basic freedoms.\n\nThe American Library Association recently reported that 2,571 unique titles were banned or challenged last year in the United States, marking a 40 percent increase from 2021.[1] Even more worrisome is the targeted attack on stories written by and about people of color and LGBTQI+ individuals, with 30 percent of book bans last school year featuring stories about race and 26 percent of stories featuring LGBTQI+ themes.[2] As a result of your signing House Bills 1467 and 1069 into law, Florida is now the national leader in banned books.[3] Given that reality, and combined with your administration\u2019s recent decision to cut ties with the American Library Association[4], we strongly urge you to end this campaign of censorship in schools and substantively engage with educators, librarians, and parents to protect our students\u2019 rights to an inclusive, comprehensive education.\n\nThe censorship of books not only poses a threat to our children\u2019s well-rounded quality education, but it also infringes on their First Amendment rights. In Board of Education v. Pico, a case in which New York school board members attempted to strip books such as Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. from the Island Trees Union Free School District, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that \u201cFirst Amendment rights, applied in the light of the special characteristics of the school environment, are available to\u2026 students.\u201d[5] The Court also opined that the First Amendment may \u201cimpose\u2026 limitations upon a local school board\u2019s exercise of its discretion to remove books from high school and junior high school libraries,\u201d[6] and suggested that books may not be removed from school libraries simply because a school board disagrees with its content. Despite these considerations, you have signed legislation and enabled local efforts to censor an unprecedented number of books, leaving schools with fewer resources that are less reflective of our communities.\n\nAs you are likely aware, the banning of books that feature LGBTQI+ characters, themes, and stories deprives students of essential learning opportunities, denies them access to diverse perspectives, and fosters a culture of discrimination and exclusion. Indeed, legislative attacks against this community have proven to be devastating to the educational success and mental health of our LGBTQI+ youth. As part of their 2023 survey, The Trevor Project reported that nearly two in three LGBTQI+ young people said that hearing about potential laws banning discussions of LGBTQI+ individuals at school made their mental health \u201ca lot worse.\u201d[7] In the 2021 GLSEN National School Climate Survey, nearly 70 percent of LGBTQI+ youth felt unsafe in their school environment, with almost one in three LGBTQI+ students missing at least one day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.[8] Just last year, The Trevor Project also found that 45 percent of LGBTQI+ youth in Florida seriously considered suicide in 2022, with 16 percent of individuals actually attempting to take their life.[9] Instead of addressing these concerns, your administration has continued to demonize the LGBTQ+ community by falsely equating stories that uplift LGBTQI+ youth with child predation.\n\nSimilarly harmful impacts can be expected with the erasure of stories that discuss and tackle racism or explore the experiences of various communities of color or under-represented voices. For instance, the alarming dearth of Black voices and images in children\u2019s literature has long been a publishing and academic blemish,[10] and your actions will only compound the educational adversity that these students of color already confront.\n\nIt is our firm belief that the banning of books because they contain LGBTQI+ content, or involve issues of race or ethnicity, is an explicit attempt to silence the stories of communities that already face an onslaught of legislative attacks, especially in Florida. As Governor, it is your responsibility to ensure Florida\u2019s classrooms remain bastions of growth and inclusivity, rather than sanctuaries of division and hatred. Ultimately, it is crucial that you and your administration acknowledge the value of diverse stories in helping forge students who are welcoming and accepting of individuals regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-presses-timely-and-thorough-coast-guard-investigation-potential-oil", "Bilirakis Presses for Timely and Thorough Coast Guard Investigation of Potential Oil Leak off Pasco\u2019s Coast", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis is pressing federal officials to take swift action to investigate the cause of a likely fuel spill near Miller\u2019s Bayou in Port Richey, mitigate any damage, and identify possible remedies to prevent future recurrences of the conditions that caused Port Richey residents to wake up to a strong smell of fuel in the air. Bilirakis, who serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee as well as Co-Chairs the Travel & Tourism Caucus, understands the value of water quality throughout the region.\n\n\u201cCountless people rely on these waters for their livelihoods, sporting, and recreation, which together make Port Richey the vibrant community that many people call home,\u201d said Congressman Bilirakis. \u201cThe local economy is also largely dependent on our ability to maintain our area\u2019s pristine natural resources. For these reasons, I have been championing a variety of initiatives to protect Florida\u2019s waterways. Therefore, it is very concerning that this fuel spill occurred, and I\u2019m determined to make sure that no stone is left unturned in discovering its source as we strengthen precautions to prevent future spills.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404399", "Reps. Castor, DelBene Introduce Bill to Boost Domestic Manufacturers, Tackle Climate Change", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Ami Bera (CA-06), and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Brian Schatz (HI) and Martin Heinrich (NM) introduced legislation to make American companies more competitive in the global marketplace and address major sources of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by creating a carbon border adjustment.\n\nAmerican manufacturers are less carbon-intensive than most foreign competitors. The U.S. economy is almost 50 percent less carbon-intensive than the global average. The Chinese economy is over three times as carbon-intensive as the U.S., and India is nearly four times as carbon-intensive.\n\nThe Clean Competition Act would impose a carbon border adjustment on energy-intensive imports while incentivizing decarbonization of domestic manufacturing. Starting in 2025, the adjustment would apply to energy-intensive industries, including fossil fuels, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, fertilizer, hydrogen, adipic acid, cement, iron and steel, aluminum, glass, pulp and paper, and ethanol. In 2027, it would be expanded to include imported finished goods that meet certain weight or value thresholds, such as cars.\n\nThe fee would be based on the weight of a particular good, beginning at $55 per ton, and increasing over time. 75 percent of revenues raised would fund grants to help domestic industries invest in the new technologies necessary to reduce their carbon footprints. The remaining 25 percent would be used by the State Department to help developing countries decarbonize.\n\n\u201cAs we work to reduce climate pollution and boost American jobs, we need a renewed focus on leveling the playing field for American goods and products that compete against products from countries that pollute and use unfair advantages. The Clean Competition Act is an important complement to the new wave of American manufacturing jobs boosted by the historic Inflation Reduction Act. American industries are leveraging a wide range of technologies to drive down industrial air pollution and achieve greater sustainability,\u201d said Castor. \u201cOur Clean Competition Act will help reward these innovations, strengthen America\u2019s industrial base, and protect us from unfair competition in the global marketplace while ensuring that China and other nations are doing their part to reduce pollution and environmental impacts.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, American industries producing goods in a less carbon-intensive way have been undercut by foreign competitors with dirtier production processes. Washington saw this firsthand with the closure of the Intalco aluminum smelter due to Chinese overproduction, which resulted in the loss of over 700 good-paying union jobs. To address the climate crisis while defending American industries, the Clean Competition Act would level the playing field by imposing a fee on imports from high-carbon producers,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cA carbon fee would incentivize industries from around the world to prioritize decarbonization and create a level playing field for American workers in these sectors.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican manufacturers doing the right thing on climate are often at a disadvantage compared to high-polluting foreign competitors,\u201d said Whitehouse. \u201cOur Clean Competition Act would give domestic companies a step up in the global marketplace while lowering carbon emissions at home and abroad, and ultimately steering the planet toward climate safety. There is bipartisan momentum for a carbon border adjustment in the Senate \u2013 this a solution endorsed by industry and experts across the political spectrum.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Clean Competition Act is a smart use of trade policy that would advance both our climate and economic agenda by incentivizing domestic energy-intensive industries to become more efficient and pushing for manufacturers overseas to do the same,\u201d said Beyer. \u201cI greatly appreciate the work of Rep. DelBene and Sen. Whitehouse on this important bill and look forward to advancing it through the legislative process.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican manufacturers often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to prioritizing environmentally responsible practices in comparison to competitors in other countries with less environmentally friendly approaches,\u201d said Bera. \u201cThe Clean Competition Act will help level the playing field for American companies with our trading partners while addressing the urgent threat of climate change. By introducing a carbon border adjustment that targets imports from the world\u2019s dirtiest polluters, we are incentivizing the transition of heavy industry towards the adoption of cleaner and more energy efficient practices and helping re-invest in American clean manufacturing here at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cManufacturing accounts for nearly one-quarter of U.S. climate pollution and is a rapidly growing sector globally. Reducing climate pollution is vital for a stable climate and healthy, thriving communities. The Clean Competition Act can create a race to the top among global competitors as part of a larger effort to move toward a low-carbon economy, while opening a dialogue about additional efforts needed to address local pollution impacts on frontline communities,\u201d said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-cherfilus-mccormick-castro-torres-goldman-lead-introduction-americas", "Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Castro, Torres, Goldman Lead Introduction of Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act to Curb U.S. Firearms Trafficking to Latin America and Caribbean", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick", "C001127", "cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov", "cherfilus-mccormick", "https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) led more than a dozen of their colleagues to introduce the Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act, legislation that would mobilize resources across the federal government to disrupt firearms trafficking from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean and implement stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight for U.S. arms exports.\n\n\u201cWeapons trafficking by way of the United States is a major contributor to Haiti\u2019s growing gang crisis and the current instability that plagues the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Co-Chair of the Haiti Caucus. \u201cThe implementation of stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight mechanisms for U.S. arms exports would address this regional issue and stop guns from getting into the hands of dangerous criminals.\u201d\n\n\u201cNearly four years ago, the Trump administration worked with the National Rifle Association to loosen gun export regulations and unleash a flood of American-made guns on the Western Hemisphere. As we work with our allies and partners to address shared regional challenges, including forced migration and drug trafficking, Congress needs to address the role of U.S. gun exports in driving violence and instability abroad. The ARMAS Act will reestablish strong oversight of American gun exports, bring federal agencies together to disrupt arms trafficking, and build safer communities for families in the United States and in the Western Hemisphere,\u201d said Ranking Member Joaquin Castro.\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve transparency when it comes to American-made guns being sent abroad. There must be greater Congressional oversight over dangerous firearms exports. I have long pushed for policies to address firearms trafficking and its deadly and often destabilizing impacts on regions like the Northern Triangle. The ARMAS Act \u2013 which includes my legislation to crack down on deadly firearms exports \u2013 provides much-needed transparency and accountability mechanisms. This legislation will disrupt firearms trafficking across the Western Hemisphere and bolster both America's national security and the security of our neighbors.\u201d said Congresswoman Norma Torres.\n\n\"Transnational criminal organizations, especially drug cartels, rely on American-made guns to control their human trafficking and drug smuggling operations by force,\" said Congressman Dan Goldman. \"We must take every avenue possible to ensure that American weapons do not get into the hands of the cartels, who use them to threaten the safety and prosperity of the entire Western Hemisphere. It's incumbent upon American leadership and a strong federal response to keep weapons of war out of the hands of the cartels. The ARMAS Act is a key component of that much-needed response.\"\n\nIn 2020, the Trump administration transferred authority over small arms exports from the State Department to the Commerce Department, weakening export oversight in a move lauded by the National Rifle Association as allowing gun manufacturers to \u201crun more competitively among the global markets.\u201d The transfer has led to skyrocketing arms sales, with a 30 percent annual increase in U.S. arms exports globally and an 82 percent increase in U.S. handgun exports to Latin America and the Caribbean. Across the Western Hemisphere, public reporting has shown that firearms from the United States contribute substantially to political suppression, gang violence, and human rights violations. According to data from the Government Accountability Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S.-sourced firearms accounted for 75 percent of firearms recovered from the Dominican Republic and 70 percent from Mexico. Most recently, U.S. guns were connected to the murder and kidnapping of four American citizens in the border town of Matamoros, Mexico.\n\nThe ARMAS Act will address these challenges by:\n\nTransferring small arms authority from the Commerce Department and back to the State Department to ensure greater accountability and transparency.\n\nRequiring the development of a comprehensive interagency strategy and program, led by the State Department, to disrupt arms trafficking and diversion of exported firearms and create a certification requirement for arm sales end-users.\n\nProviding for congressional notification, review, and oversight of certain small arms exports regulated by the State Department.\n\nRequiring the submission of an annual report by the State Department and relevant agencies that will allow Congress to understand the challenges and successes of current efforts to address illegal arms trafficking and inform future strategies.\n\nProhibiting the Commerce Department from promoting small arm sales globally throughout the transfer of authority period.\n\n\u201cGuns from the U.S. are being used by violent groups in Latin America and the Caribbean to commit atrocities and destabilize the region. The ARMAS Act would increase accountability and transparency in arms exports. It includes several crucial provisions that gun violence advocates and survivors have identified as key to being crucial to reducing the illegal flow of US guns to other countries. I commend Rep. Castro\u2019s leadership on this issue. If passed, the ARMAS Act would undoubtedly save lives.\u201d said Nick Wilson, senior director for Gun Violence Prevention at the Center for American Progress.\n\n\u201cA gun purchased in the United States is as likely to be used to murder someone in Mexico and other nations of Latin America as in the United States itself. The ARMAS Act will finally move the federal government to concretely address the overwhelming impacts of the U.S. gun market south of the border,\" said John Lindsay-Poland, who coordinates Stop US Arms to Mexico, a project of Global Exchange.\n\n\u201cMarch For Our Lives is pleased to support the ARMAS Act, and we\u2019re encouraged by this effort to put safety and human life over gun manufacturers profits,\u201d said Elena Perez, Senior Policy Associate of March For Our Lives. \u201cNearly three-quarters of weapons recovered from Mexico and the Dominican Republic originated from the United States and it\u2019s time we take accountability for our actions and demand higher standards from the gun industry. The trafficking of firearms from the United States is a pervasive problem, and one that demands our attention. We have a responsibility to save lives, not only within our borders but also by addressing how American gun culture and the American gun industry\u2019s loose business practices bleed across our borders. It's time to hold the gun lobby accountable and tighten our laws.\u201d\n\nThe ARMAS Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-25), Dina Titus (NV-01), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garcia (IL-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and endorsed by the Center for American Progress, Newtown Action Alliance, March for Our Lives, Stop U.S. Arms to Mexico (a project of Global Exchange), Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), and Global Action on Gun Violence.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-legislacion-para-abordar-el-antisemitismo-en", "Congresista Salazar presenta legislaci\u00f3n para abordar el antisemitismo en Estados Unidos", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) se uni\u00f3 a los representantes Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Max Miller (R-OH), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) y Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) para presentar la H.R. 6578, la Ley \"Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States\".\n\nEl proyecto de ley establece una Comisi\u00f3n no partidista y apol\u00edtica para estudiar los hechos y las causas que rodean los niveles hist\u00f3ricamente altos de antisemitismo que enfrenta la comunidad jud\u00eda.\n\nDesde la invasi\u00f3n a Israel por parte de Ham\u00e1s el 7 de octubre de 2023, ha habido un peligroso aumento en los informes documentados de ret\u00f3rica antisemita, amenazas y violencia hacia la comunidad jud\u00eda. El director de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones (FBI), Christopher Wray, por su parte, inform\u00f3 que el antisemitismo ha alcanzado niveles hist\u00f3ricamente altos en Estados Unidos. La Liga Antidifamaci\u00f3n tambi\u00e9n inform\u00f3 de un aumento del 388% en la actividad antisemita en respuesta a la invasi\u00f3n de Israel por parte de Ham\u00e1s.\n\n\u201cNo hay lugar para el odio antisemita en Estados Unidos\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \u201cEl Gobierno federal debe responder al inaceptable aumento del antisemitismo que enfrentan nuestras comunidades jud\u00edas. Este proyecto de ley dar\u00e1 a los funcionarios federales, estatales y locales la capacidad de centrarse en las ra\u00edces de este odio y aplastarlo\u201d.\n\nLa Comisi\u00f3n establecida en este proyecto de ley estar\u00eda compuesta por ocho miembros designados por el Congreso y responsables de supervisar una investigaci\u00f3n sobre el antisemitismo en Estados Unidos.\n\nComo miembro del Comit\u00e9 de Relaciones Exteriores y representante del sur de Florida en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes, Salazar es un miembro destacado de la pol\u00edtica entre Estados Unidos e Israel y est\u00e1 preocupada por el creciente antisemitismo en Estados Unidos y en el extranjero. Ha criticado repetidamente a los l\u00edderes mundiales que han abrazado conspiraciones y tropos antisemitas.\n\n\u201cCon el aumento de la violencia antisemita y los ataques descarados contra nuestras comunidades jud\u00edas en los Estados Unidos, es importante, ahora m\u00e1s que nunca, que encontremos la causa de estos alarmantes actos de antisemitismo y trabajemos para proteger a nuestras comunidades e instituciones religiosas\u201d, dijo la representante Miller-Meeks. \"Estoy orgullosa de presentar esta legislaci\u00f3n que establecer\u00eda una comisi\u00f3n para estudiar las circunstancias que rodean el aumento de actos atroces de antisemitismo y trabajar para encontrar soluciones para mantener seguras a nuestras comunidades\".\n\n\u201cAntes del 7 de octubre, el antisemitismo estaba en fuerte aumento, pero ahora lo hemos visto dispararse, especialmente en l\u00ednea\u201d, dijo la representante Wasserman Schultz. \"Esta investigaci\u00f3n bipartidista y bicameral, que cuenta con el apoyo de l\u00edderes y expertos de la sociedad civil jud\u00eda, complementar\u00e1 la implementaci\u00f3n de la primera Estrategia Nacional para Contrarrestar el Antisemitismo del presidente Biden e informar\u00e1 decisiones pol\u00edticas clave para combatir esta inquietante tendencia\".\n\n\u201cDesde el atroz ataque terrorista de Ham\u00e1s contra Israel, ha habido una explosi\u00f3n de antisemitismo, violencia e intimidaci\u00f3n en casa y en todo el mundo, especialmente en nuestros campus universitarios. Como el \u00fanico miembro jud\u00edo de la delegaci\u00f3n del Congreso de Nueva Jersey, estoy lleno de dolor, ira y disgusto tras el d\u00eda m\u00e1s oscuro en la historia jud\u00eda desde el Holocausto\u201d, dijo el representante Gottheimer. \u201cEstoy orgulloso de ayudar a liderar esta legislaci\u00f3n bipartidista y bicameral cr\u00edtica para enfrentar el antisemitismo all\u00ed donde asoma su fea cara. Tenemos la obligaci\u00f3n de ense\u00f1ar a las generaciones futuras sobre este mal y proteger a los estudiantes jud\u00edos de la violencia y el impacto virulento de todo odio\u201d.\n\n\"Desde los ataques del 7 de octubre contra Israel, el mundo ha visto un aumento dr\u00e1stico del antisemitismo que ha tra\u00eddo miedo a las vidas de los jud\u00edos en todo este pa\u00eds\", dijo el representante Miller. \"Debemos hacer todo lo que est\u00e9 a nuestro alcance para combatir este odio\".\n\nEl proyecto de ley tambi\u00e9n est\u00e1 copatrocinado por los representantes Lance Gooden (R-TX), Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Rose (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Rudy Yakym (R-IN) y Brad Schneider (D-IL) .\n\nEl Comit\u00e9 de Asuntos P\u00fablicos Estadounidense-Israel\u00ed (AIPAC) y la Liga Antidifamaci\u00f3n (ADL) apoyan esta legislaci\u00f3n.\n\nHaga clic aqu\u00ed para leer el texto completo del proyecto de ley.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/dignity-act-will-bring-trillions-economic-growth", "Dignity Act Will Bring Trillions in Economic Growth", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 A new report by the Bipartisan Policy Center calculates the economic benefits of clearing the green card backlogs to be in the trillions of dollars. Specifically, the Green Light to Growth report predicts clearing this backlog would increase U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) by $3.9 trillion over 10 years.\n\nH.R. 3599, the Dignity Act, is directly mentioned in this report as one of the primary proposals to address this backlog. This well-sourced report demonstrates the economic need to fix our legal immigration system and pass reforms such as the Dignity Act now.\n\n\u201cIf the U.S. economy does not grow, the American Dream dies,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cWe must ensure the next generation is better off than the current one, and immigration reform is an opportunity to fix our broken system while growing our economy.\u201d\n\nThe Dignity Act will have substantially greater economic benefits than those outlined in the report, as it addresses other broken parts of our immigration system not included in this analysis.\n\nThe Dignity Act, introduced by Congresswoman Salazar and Veronica Escobar (TX), is the only major bipartisan immigration bill in Congress. It is an immigration bill, a national security bill, and an economic bill.\n\nThe bill has gained major momentum recently, with over 25 Members of Congress cosponsoring it and endorsements/support from 50+ stakeholders.\n\nCosponsors (27): *Mar\u00eda Salazar (FL), *Veronica Escobar (TX), *Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez Colon (PR), *Hillary Scholten (MI), *Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR), *Kathy Manning (NC), *Michael Lawler (NY), *Adriano Espaillat (NY), John Duarte (CA), Susan Wild (PA), Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL), Susie Lee (NV), David Valadao (CA), Daren Soto (FL), Dan Newhouse (WA), Colin Allred (TX), Abigail Spanberger (VA), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Mike Levin (CA), Marilyn Strickland (WA), Matt Cartwright (PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Dean Phillips (MI), Chris Pappas (NH), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Pat Ryan (NY), Joe Courtney (CT), and Lori Trahan (MA).\n\nThe following organizations have weighed in with endorsements, statements of support, and/or positive comments about the Dignity Act:\n\nOrganizations (50+): Agriculture Workforce Coalition, Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus (ANIC), American Action Forum, American Business Immigration Coalition, American Families United, American Immigration Lawyers Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, American Senior Housing Association, Americans for Prosperity, BDV Solutions, Behring Co., Bipartisan Policy Center, Brick Industry Association, Business Roundtable, Catholic Charities USA, Chris Coons, U.S. Senator (D-DE), Cleaning Coalition of America, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Exchange, FWD.us, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Ideaspace, Immigration Hub, Improve the Dream, Invest in the USA (IIUSA), Ken Salazar, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America, National Association of Evangelicals, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Retail Federation (NRF), Niskanen Center, Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), Power & Communication Contractors Association, Presidents\u2019 Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, TechNet, TESOL International Association, Texas Border Coalition, Texas Impact, The Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform this Year (LIBERTY) Campaign, UnidosUS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), U.S. Hispanic Business Council, U.S. Travel Association, and World Relief.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/la-ley-dignidad-generara-billones-en-crecimiento-economico", "La Ley Dignidad generar\u00e1 billones en crecimiento econ\u00f3mico", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Un nuevo informe del Centro de Pol\u00edtica Bipartidista calcula que los beneficios econ\u00f3micos de eliminar los retrasos en las \"Tarjetas Verdes\" ascienden a billones de d\u00f3lares. Espec\u00edficamente, el informe \u201cGreen Light to Growth\u201d predice que eliminar este retraso aumentar\u00eda el producto interno bruto (PIB) de Estados Unidos en 3,9 billones de d\u00f3lares en 10 a\u00f1os.\n\nLa H.R. 3599, Ley Dignidad, se menciona directamente en este informe como una de las principales propuestas para abordar este retraso. Este informe bien documentado demuestra la necesidad econ\u00f3mica de arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigraci\u00f3n legal y aprobar reformas como la Ley Dignidad ahora.\n\n\u201cSi la econom\u00eda estadounidense no crece, el sue\u00f1o americano muere\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \"Debemos asegurarnos de que la pr\u00f3xima generaci\u00f3n est\u00e9 mejor que la actual, y que la Reforma Migratoria sea una oportunidad para arreglar nuestro sistema quebrado mientras hacemos crecer nuestra econom\u00eda\".\n\nLa Ley Dignidad tendr\u00e1 beneficios econ\u00f3micos sustancialmente mayores que los descritos en el informe, ya que aborda otras partes fallidas de nuestro Sistema de Inmigraci\u00f3n no incluidas en este an\u00e1lisis.\n\nLa Ley Dignidad, presentada por la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL) y Ver\u00f3nica Escobar (TX), es el \u00fanico proyecto de ley de inmigraci\u00f3n bipartidista importante en el Congreso. Es un proyecto de ley de inmigraci\u00f3n, un proyecto de ley de seguridad nacional y un proyecto de ley econ\u00f3mico.\n\nEl proyecto de ley ha cobrado gran impulso recientemente, con m\u00e1s de 25 miembros del Congreso copatrocin\u00e1ndolo y el respaldo/apoyo de m\u00e1s de 50 partes y organizaciones interesadas.\n\nCopatrocinadores (27): *Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (FL), *Veronica Escobar (TX), *Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez Colon (PR), *Hillary Scholten (MI), *Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR), *Kathy Manning (NC), *Michael Lawler (NY), *Adriano Espaillat (NY), John Duarte (CA), Susan Wild (PA), Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL), Susie Lee (NV), David Valadao (CA), Daren Soto (FL), Dan Newhouse (WA), Colin Allred (TX), Abigail Spanberger (VA), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Mike Levin (CA), Marilyn Strickland (WA), Matt Cartwright (PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Dean Phillips (MI), Chris Pappas (NH), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Pat Ryan (NY), Joe Courtney (CT) y Lori Trahan (MA).\n\nLas siguientes organizaciones han aportado respaldos, declaraciones de apoyo y/o comentarios positivos sobre la Ley Dignidad:\n\nOrganizaciones (50+): Coalici\u00f3n de Fuerza Laboral Agr\u00edcola; Alianza para un Nuevo Consenso de Inmigraci\u00f3n (ANIC); Foro de Acci\u00f3n Estadounidense; Coalici\u00f3n de Inmigraci\u00f3n Empresarial Estadounidense; Familias Estadounidenses Unidas; Asociaci\u00f3n Estadounidense de Abogados de Inmigraci\u00f3n; Asociaci\u00f3n M\u00e9dica Podol\u00f3gica Estadounidense; Asociaci\u00f3n Estadounidense de Vivienda para Personas Mayoresv Estadounidenses para Prosperidad; BDV Solutions; Behring Co.; Centro de Pol\u00edtica Bipartidista; Asociaci\u00f3n de la Industria del Ladrillo; Mesa Redonda de Negocios; Caridades Cat\u00f3licas de EE. UU.; Chris Coons, Senador de los EE. UU. (D-DE); Coalici\u00f3n de Limpieza de Am\u00e9rica; Coalici\u00f3n de Inmigraci\u00f3n de Trabajadores Esenciales; Comisi\u00f3n de \u00c9tica y Libertad Religiosa de la Convenci\u00f3n Bautista del Sur; Federaci\u00f3n de Oficinas Agr\u00edcolas de Florida; Asociaci\u00f3n de Frutas y Verduras de Florida; Florida Tomato Exchange; FWD.us; Fondo de Liderazgo Hispano; Ideaspace; Immigration Hub; Mejorar el Sue\u00f1o; Invertir en EE.UU. (IIUSA); Ken Salazar, Embajador de EE.UU. en M\u00e9xico; Iniciativa LIBRE; Asociaci\u00f3n de Contratistas Mason de Am\u00e9rica; Asociaci\u00f3n Nacional de Evang\u00e9licos; NAFSA: Asociaci\u00f3n de Educadores Internacionales; Asociaci\u00f3n Nacional de Profesionales del Paisaje; Foro Nacional de Inmigraci\u00f3n; Coalici\u00f3n Nacional Evang\u00e9lica Latina; Federaci\u00f3n Nacional de Minoristas (NRF); Centro Niskanen; Asociaci\u00f3n de Negocios de Entretenimiento al Aire Libre (OABA); Asociaci\u00f3n de Contratistas de Energ\u00eda y Comunicaciones; Alianza de Presidentes sobre Educaci\u00f3n Superior e Inmigraci\u00f3n; Alianza de Asuntos P\u00fablicos de Estadounidenses Iran\u00edes; C\u00e1mara de Comercio Puertorrique\u00f1a de Florida Central; TechNet; Asociaci\u00f3n Internacional TESOL; Coalici\u00f3n Fronteriza de Texas; Texas Impacto; Campa\u00f1a de Reforma Legal de Inmigraci\u00f3n y Control Fronterizo este A\u00f1o (LIBERTY); UnidosUS; C\u00e1mara de Comercio de EE.UU.; Conferencia de Obispos Cat\u00f3licos de EE.UU. (USCCB); Consejo Empresarial Hispano de EE.UU.; Asociaci\u00f3n de Viajes de EE.UU. y World Relief.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-legislation-address-antisemitism-united-states", "Salazar Introduces Legislation to Address Antisemitism in the United States", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Max Miller (R-OH), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) in introducing H.R. 6578, the Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act. The bill establishes a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission to study the facts and causes surrounding the historically high levels of antisemitism facing the Jewish community.\n\nSince Hamas\u2019 invasion of Israel on October 7th, 2023, there has been a dangerous uptick in documented reports of antisemitic rhetoric, threats, and violence towards the Jewish community. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, in turn, reported that antisemitism has reached historically high levels in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League also reported a 388% spike in antisemitic activity in response to Hamas\u2019 invasion of Israel.\n\n\u201cThere is no room for antisemitic hatred in the United States,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cThe federal government must respond to the unacceptable rise of antisemitism our Jewish communities face. This bill will give federal, state, and local officials the ability to zero in on the roots of this hatred and crush it.\u201d\n\nThe Commission established in this bill would be made up of eight members appointed by Congress and responsible for overseeing an investigation into antisemitism in the United States.\n\nAs a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and representative for South Florida in the House of Representatives, Salazar is a leading member on U.S.-Israel policy and is concerned about the growing antisemitism in the United States and abroad. She has repeatedly criticized global leaders who have espoused antisemitic tropes and conspiracies.\n\n\u201cWith the rise in antisemitic violence and brazen attacks on our Jewish communities in the United States, it is important, now more than ever, that we find the cause of these alarming acts of antisemitism and work to protect our communities and religious institutions,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cI am proud to introduce this legislation that would establish a commission to study the circumstances surrounding the uptick in heinous acts of antisemitism and work to find solutions to keep our communities safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cBefore Oct. 7th, antisemitism was on a sharp rise, but now we\u2019ve seen it skyrocket, especially online,\u201d said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. \u201cThis bipartisan, bicameral inquiry, which is supported by Jewish civil society leaders and experts, will complement the implementation of President Biden's first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and inform key policy decisions in combatting this disturbing trend.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince Hamas\u2019 heinous terrorist attack on Israel, there has been an explosion of antisemitism, violence, and intimidation at home and around the world \u2014 especially on our college campuses. As the only Jewish member of the New Jersey congressional delegation, I\u2019m full of grief, anger, and disgust following the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust,\u201d said Rep. Gottheimer. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help lead this critical bipartisan, bicameral legislation to confront antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head. We have an obligation to teach future generations about this evil and protect Jewish students from violence and the virulent impact of all hate.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince the October 7th attacks on Israel, the world has seen a drastic increase in antisemitism that has brought fear to the lives of Jews across this country,\u201d said Rep. Miller. \u201cWe must do everything in our power to combat this hatred.\u201d\n\nThe bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Anthony D\u2019Esposito (R-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Rose (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Brad Schneider (D-IL).\n\nThe American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) support this legislation.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/the-evidence-is-clear-joe-biden-knew-about-and-benefitted-from-his-familys-influence-peddling-scheme/", "The Evidence Is Clear: Joe Biden Knew About And Benefitted From His Family\u2019s Influence Peddling Scheme", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "The Evidence Is Clear: Joe Biden Knew About And Benefitted From His Family\u2019s Influence Peddling Scheme\n\n\u201cThere is a treasure trove of evidence to show Joe Biden was involved in his family\u2019s business dealings.\u201d\n\nView Rep. Steube\u2019s Interview on Fox Business\u2019s \u2018Mornings with Maria\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the following statement after the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means convened a hearing to consider additional evidence from two IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler:\n\n\u201cThe evidence presented in the Ways and Means Committee further solidifies four statements to be true: (1) The DOJ stonewalled, delayed, obfuscated and intentionally hindered the investigators from investigating where the facts led to Joe Biden and treated the Hunter Biden investigation different than any other investigation to shield and protect him from prosecution, (2) the Biden Family made millions of dollars from foreign countries, to date the Republican House has uncovered over $24 million in payments from foreign governments and entities to the Biden Family, (3) the Biden Family benefitted financially from official actions taken by Joe Biden, and (4) Joe Biden was involved in the influence peddling, directly benefitted, and lied to the American public.\n\nJoe Biden claimed there was an \u201cabsolute wall\u201d between his official duties and his family influence peddling schemes. That was a lie. There is evidence submitted of Joe Biden using fictitious email addresses to directly email actors in the Biden family business (Exhibit 606). There is also evidence Joe Biden made threats and took official actions to help Hunter while he was on the board of Burisma, Joe Biden is on video bragging about withholding a billion dollars from Ukraine if they didn\u2019t fire the prosecutor investigating Burisma.\n\nJoe Biden claimed his family didn\u2019t receive any money from China. That is a blatant lie. In fact, Joe Biden himself received Chinese money. The payment to Joe Biden was directly from Owasco, Hunter\u2019s business entity that received millions from CEFC China Energy with no services rendered (Exhibit 400, pg. 7-9).\n\nThe evidence released demonstrates to America that the DOJ is politically weaponized to protect their Democrat President and against conservative Republicans. They intentionally slow walked Hunter\u2019s case for years because his last name is Biden. Because of this, the statute of limitations was allowed to expire. The DOJ did this as a political favor to Joe Biden. If they\u2019re willing to do that, what else have they done? I agree with Mr. Ziegler, the evidence presented should scare every American because our justice system is not treating everyone the same.\n\nMy colleagues on the other side of the aisle claimed these facts were \u2018outrageous.\u2019 Their talking points have been that there is no direct evidence that Joe Biden committed any crime or took any of the millions that the Biden family made off Joe Biden\u2019s position and actions. Email traffic and bank records do not lie. It\u2019s sad to see the Democrats of this institution doing the same thing the DOJ has done for years: playing cover for the Bidens.\n\nI thank the two brave whistleblowers who have invested their time in our committee and took great risks in order to expose truth to the American people.\n\nJoe Biden very clearly violated 18 U.S. Code Section 201 (b)(2) which prohibits federal officials from demanding, seeking, receiving, accepting, or agreeing to receive or accept anything of value resulting from an official act.\n\nBased on the evidence presented, and countless past pieces of evidence exposed by House Republicans, it is crystal clear: no President in American history has put his personal enrichment over the country\u2019s national security more than Joe Biden has. Congress must swiftly impeach Joe Biden.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kat-cammack-troy-carter-sr-announce-bipartisan-unified-voices-caucus", "Reps. Kat Cammack, Troy A. Carter, Sr. Announce  Bipartisan Unified Voices Caucus", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On Thursday, November 30, U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced the Congressional Bipartisan Unified Voices Caucus to advocate for individuals facing communication challenges, with a primary focus on stuttering.\n\nJoined by Change & Impact Founder & CEO, and NBA veteran, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the caucus announcement was followed by a panel of guest speakers who share a variety of expertise in the stuttering community. That panel included Academic & Research Program Director at the Center for Childhood Communication at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Joseph Donaher, Ph.D.; Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Oregon, Jessica Fanning, Ph.D., CCC-SLP; Board-Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of the Chmela Communication Center, Kristin Chmela, M.A. CCC-SLP BCS-F; and the parent of a teenage daughter who stutters, Shaneen Quarles.\n\n\"As we embark on this journey, it is essential to underscore the significance of the cause we stand united for. Stuttering, a communication challenge affecting over 70 million people worldwide and approximately 3 million Americans, demands our attention and advocacy. The Caucus that Congressman Troy Carter, Sr., and I are starting is a testament to the bipartisan commitment we share to address the needs of those who stutter,\" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack.\n\n\"Access to effective speech therapy, with specialized interventions, is not just about improving speech; it's about enhancing social and emotional welfare, promoting greater confidence, and fostering more effective communication. It can make the difference in a child's achievement, an adult's success, and a community's understanding. I especially want to thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for partnering with me to make this launch possible,\" said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.\n\n\"It's an honor to be here today to witness the bipartisan support for a cause and community that is so special to me. I give great thanks to Congressman Troy Carter and Congresswoman Kat Cammack for both making a commitment to stuttering advocacy and awareness. I'm excited for the opportunities ahead,\" said Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-cherfilus-mccormick-applauds-us-house-passage-home-act", "Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Applauds U.S. House Passage of the HOME Act", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick", "C001127", "cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov", "cherfilus-mccormick", "https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 passage of the HOME Act, which includes her bill, the Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act.\n\nThe Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act, introduced by Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick in January 2023, would support veterans experiencing homelessness by providing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) permanent flexibility to provide housing, transportation, and communication devices to those in need. These flexibilities \u2014 which allowed VA to permanently house over 40,000 veterans \u2014 ended due to the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage puts us one step closer to ensuring that the phrase 'homeless veteran' is one of the past. My bipartisan legislation will get veterans off the street and help put a roof over their heads,\u201d said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). \u201cWe cannot leave these brave men and women behind on the very soil they volunteered to protect and defend. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and get it to President Biden as soon as possible. Veterans experiencing homelessness cannot wait any longer.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to be an original cosponsor of Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick's Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act and am very glad to see it pass the House with strong bipartisan support,\u201d said Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano. \u201cVA recently announced that it housed over 40,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in 2022, surpassing its goal of housing 38,000 veterans. That tremendous accomplishment can be directly attributed to the authorities Congress put in place during the pandemic. Re-instituting these efforts will continue the work to transition veterans out of homelessness successfully with access to basic resources like food, clothing, and transportation.\u201d\n\nThe Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act has been endorsed by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), and Minority Veterans of America (MVA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-statement-hres-894", "Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on H.Res. 894", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement after House passage of H.Res. 894, a Republican-led resolution condemning and denouncing the drastic rise in antisemitism in the United States and around the world, that falsely equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n\u201cI have and always will continue to strongly condemn antisemitism in all shapes and forms in Florida, across our nation, and across the world, which is why I voted \u201cyes\u201d to support our Jewish brothers, sisters, and siblings who are fearfully watching antisemitism rise in our country.\n\n\u201cBut I disagree with the statement in this resolution that \u201canti-Zionism is antisemitism\u201d and I do not believe that being critical of Israel\u2019s actions is inherently anti-semitic. The intent of moving this resolution forward by the Republican majority was to undermine Democrats, not support the Jewish community, by including an unnecessary and divisive line equating anti-Zionism to antisemitism.\n\n\u201cWhile I voted yes in order to send a clear message to my community that I stand against antisemitism, the intent of the author of the resolution was to attack and silence any criticism of the Israeli government under the guise of condemning antisemitism while taking advantage of the pain and suffering of the Jewish community.\n\n\u201cVoicing criticisms of Zionism, and critiquing the actions of the Israeli government is not inherently antisemitic. By including this unnecessary line in the resolution, the Republican majority is using the pain and suffering of the ongoing war to score points. It's a despicable tactic that only endangers Jewish communities across the country, takes advantage of Palestinian suffering, and only seeks to divide us at a time where we need to be united to achieve peace and end hate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/florida-leads-nation-book-bans-congressman-maxwell-frost-introduces-bill-fight", "As Florida Leads Nation in Book Bans, Congressman Maxwell Frost Introduces Bill to Fight Bans and Support Educators", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Maxwell Frost", "F000476", "frost.house.gov", "frost", "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Watch the Press Conference Here\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), joined by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), introduced the Fight Book Bans Act, legislation aimed at taking a stand against censorship by giving school districts the funding they need to oppose challenges to educational and library materials that has kept over 3,000 books off school bookshelves in the last year.\n\nFrost, who stood alongside Members of Congress from Texas who are fighting off similar attacks on education, as well as leaders from PEN America, the Interfaith Alliance, and Color of Change, underscored that intimidating state laws have forced school districts across the nation to pull thousands of important books from classrooms and libraries, whether districts want to or not, and without regard for the wishes of most parents and students.\n\nThe Fight Book Bans Act, which already has the support of 50 members of Congress, would enable the Department of Education to provide grants to school districts to cover expenses they might have incurred while they are fighting off a bad book ban, including the cost of retaining legal representation, the cost of traveling to hearings on the bans, and the logistics for those hearings, as well as the cost of obtaining expert research and advice while trying to fight off a book ban. The legislation would address the problem facing thousands of school districts that cannot fight book bans because the costs incurred are beyond their budgets. The Department of Ed would be able to provide up to $100,000 for a school district with the total appropriations capped at $15 million over five years.\n\n\u201cBook bans in Florida and in states across the nation are a direct attack on our freedoms and liberties everywhere. As my home state shamefully leads the country in book bans, we cannot let this censorship and dismantling of our education system go unchecked,\u201d said Congressman Maxwell Frost. \u201cWhat we are seeing in Florida and states like Texas, Utah, and Missouri are loud and clear attempts by far-right conservative leaders to silence and erase our Black, brown, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities. The Fight Book Bans Act takes a stand against censorship to firmly stand on the side of history, education, our students, teachers, and schools who don\u2019t deserve to suffer the consequences of radical politics in the classroom. This is about protecting our libraries and protecting truth and history.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is in the middle of an escalating book ban crisis that requires our full attention and a strong response,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cSinister campaigns to remove books from our schools and libraries are a hallmark of authoritarian and fascist regimes. Many books are being targeted for censorship these days simply because they address the historical realities of racism and white supremacy or address LGBTQ+ issues. I\u2019m proud to join Rep. Frost to introduce this critical legislation, which will provide much-needed resources to the freedom-loving teachers, school librarians and school administrators working to keep books on our shelves.\u201d\n\n\u201cBook bans stain the integrity of our educational institutions, contradicting the very principles of freedom our nation upholds. In Florida alone, over 1,000 books have been banned, disproportionately targeting works by Black or LGBTQI+ authors. As a former teacher and principal, I can only imagine the struggle current school teachers and librarians must be facing when trying to educate our children in light of attempts by our state to shove right-wing propaganda down our children\u2019s throats,\u201d said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. \u201cIf true freedom is to prevail in Florida and beyond, we must eradicate the censorship imposed by book bans. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Maxwell Frost to fight back against authoritarian tactics to ban books by empowering our schools to challenge autocratic book bans. This fight transcends politics; it\u2019s about the future of our nation and whether we stand with censorship or champion freedom. I for one, will always champion freedom.\u201d\n\n\u201cBanning books in schools is not only unpopular; it\u2019s expensive. As school districts around the country divert resources to address widespread efforts to curtail students\u2019 freedom to read, it is once again students who ultimately suffer the most. PEN America thanks Congressman Frost, Congressman Raskin, and Congresswoman Wilson for their leadership in introducing the Fight Book Bans Act, which will help school districts as they work to get school library books back on the shelves,\u201d said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs Lead at PEN America.\n\n\u201cBanning books in public schools is a dangerous infringement on students\u2019 First Amendment right to access information,\u201d said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union. \u201cRobust and diverse school libraries are critical to ensuring that all students, regardless of their family\u2019s income, education, race, or geographic location, have free and open access to the vast world of information each book contains. We thank Rep. Frost for working to ensure that schools have the resources they need to fight censorship and preserve the freedom to read.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to diverse books and critical ideas are vital to the nation\u2019s history as a multicultural democracy,\u201d said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. \u201cThe Fight Book Bans Act would help school districts fight back against book ban attempts and defend diversity in literature for students. We thank Congressman Frost for his leadership on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cChristian nationalists have launched a coordinated campaign to censor our classrooms, demonize teachers, and erase diverse perspectives \u2013 all in the name of their extreme religious views,\u201d said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. \u201cPeople of faith across the country hold the freedoms of religion and expression to be sacred and will not tolerate the abuse of faith to justify discrimination and censorship. With the Fight Book Bans Act, Representatives Frost, Raskin, and Wilson are taking a strong stand to protect American schools from censorship and create healthy learning environments for our teachers and children. We are grateful for their leadership.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Fight Book Bans Act is a step towards protecting our nation\u2019s history. Our elected officials owe the children of their state the best education possible. A great education is an inclusive, truthful and well-rounded one that does not exclude Black, hispanic, religious or LGTBQ+ books and courses due to bigotry. LGBTQ communities and young students benefit greatly from the freedom to explore their identities and others through literature,\u201d says Brandon Tucker, Senior Policy Director of Federal Policy, Color Of Change. \u201cBy supporting the Fight Book Bans Act, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access materials that promote acceptance, understanding, and personal growth.\u201d\n\n\u201cBook bans are an affront to students\u2019 rights. We deserve to make decisions regarding our education, not politicians who seek to undermine our liberty to learn,\u201d said Cameron Samuels, Executive Director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). \u201cCensorship dictates our understanding of history and what is acceptable, reinforcing an unjust status quo and impacting our futures. Our nation's youngest generation must maintain the freedom to explore our curiosities, follow our passions, and discover ourselves through the lens of literature. Book bans won\u2019t help students succeed, but empowering students and facilitating constructive collaboration between families and educators will cultivate the future our youth deserve.\u201d\n\nThe Fight Books Bans Act has been endorsed by PEN America, ACLU National, American Library Association, Interfaith Alliance, The Trevor Project, Catholics for Choice, Color of Change, National Urban League, UnidosUS, Equality Florida, Florida Freedom to Read Project, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), and NAACP DC.\n\nThe legislation has been cosponsored by Reps. Adams (NC-12), Aguilar (CA-33), Bera (CA-06), Blumenauer (OR-03), Bowman (NY-16), Brown (OH-11), Carson (IN-07), Casar (TX-35), Casten (IL-06), Castor (FL-14), Castro (TX-20), Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Clarke (NY-09), Crockett (TX-30), Frankel (FL-22), Garcia (CA-42), Goldman (NY-10), Horsford (NV-04), Ivey (MD-04), Jackson Lee (TX-18), Jacobs (CA-51), Johnson (GA-04), Khanna (CA-17), Lee (CA-12), Lee (PA-12), Moskowitz (FL-23), Norton (DC), Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Peters (CA-50), Pettersen (CO-7), Pocan (WI-02), Porter (CA-47), Pressley (MA-07), Ramirez (IL-03), Schakowsky (IL-9), Sewell (AL-07), Soto (FL-9), Stansbury (NM-01), Takano (CA-39), Thanedar (MI-13), Titus (NV-01), Tlaib (MI-12), Tokuda (HI-02), Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Williams (GA-05).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/chairman-carlos-gimenez-questions-witnesses-on-implementation-of-real-id-act", "Chairman Carlos Gimenez Questions Witnesses on Implementation of REAL ID Act", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Carlos A. Gimenez", "G000593", "gimenez.house.gov", "gimenez", "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Carlos A. Gim\u00e9nez (FL-28) chaired a Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security hearing entitled Identity Management Innovation: Looking Beyond Real ID, that examined the status and challenges of identity management, with a focus on the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005.\n\nThe REAL ID Act of 2005 established security standards that driver licenses and identification cards must satisfy in order to be accepted by federal agencies and to board airline flights in the United States. This hearing explored best practices for improving digital identity adoption and strengthening the security and convenience of identity management for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).\n\n\u201cCustomer service and safety should be an absolute priority for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As Chairman of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, I have spearheaded initiatives to provide for a safe, secure, and speedy airport experience for all traveling Americans,\u201d said Chairman Gimenez. \u201cCongress passed REAL ID over 18 years ago and it was imperative to hear from witnesses who could speak to the ongoing challenges the program is facing.\u201d\n\nWITNESSES\n\nIan Grossman\n\nPresident & CEO, The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators\n\nJeremy Grant\n\nCoordinator, Better Identity Coalition\n\nHal Whiediger\n\nSenior Vice President of Client Success, IDEMIA\n\nJay Stanley\n\nSenior Policy Analyst, American Civil Liberties Union\n\nThe hearing was live streamed on Youtube and the Committee\u2019s website.\n\nTo watch Chairman Gimenez\u2019s opening statements CLICK HERE or read the transcript below:\n\nAmerican identity management is fundamentally fractured.\n\nThe REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed in response to September 11th. The goal of the Act was to address the fact that the hijackers were able to fraudulently obtain state drivers\u2019 licenses and thereby enable their heinous act of terrorism.\n\nCongress decided that there needed to be security standards for states when it came to identity documents. 18 years later, approximately 52 percent of the American population possesses a driver\u2019s license that is REAL ID-compliant.\n\nOnly 4 states require REAL ID, which leaves 46 states and 5 American territories that provide non-REAL ID\u2019s as an option.\n\nThe problem comes to a head on May 7, 2025. On this date, if you do not have a REAL ID, you will not be able to fly in the U.S., unless you happen to have a Passport, Global Entry card, or some sort of other government issued ID that is approved for air travel. Suffice to say, on May 7, 2025, we are going to encounter utter mayhem at our airports.\n\nSince 2005, the Department of Homeland Security has awarded over 263 million dollars in grant funding to assist in enhancements to driver\u2019s licenses. While this money has enabled individual States to update their processes, the REAL ID efforts have come in behind schedule and over budget. While all states are now offering REAL ID compliant licenses, there is more work to be done to raise awareness and REAL ID adoption.\n\nYesterday, I had the chance to meet with our Transportation Security Administration, which is now overseeing REAL ID efforts given DHS Headquarters\u2019 mismanagement of this important initiative since the beginning.\n\nIn 2020, TSA took over REAL ID management and Congress passed the REAL ID Modernization Act, providing streamlined and innovative enhancements to REAL ID requirements. Since then, the work has expanded and become more efficient.\n\nFurthermore, the TSA\u2019s identity management team has sought to look beyond physical identity documents and engage the digital realm\u2014bringing together experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, technology companies, and banks to conceptualize the future of digital identity in the United States.\n\nI applaud these efforts but am concerned that this is a bigger effort than just one agency in one department \u2013 it requires a whole-of-government approach and leadership from the highest levels. Sadly, every American knows somebody or has themselves, been a victim of identity theft.\n\nThis year alone, the Identity Theft Resource Center recorded more than 2,800 data breach notices which included over 273 million individuals. Total financial losses for Americans was over 10 billion dollars.\n\nThe average cost for a US driver\u2019s license on the black market is between 150 and 200 dollars. The average cost of a social security number is worth only a few pennies. In other words, social security numbers are easy to forge and not a very secure way to identify yourself.\n\nThere\u2019s also a darker side to identity theft.\n\nThe Identity Theft Resource Center reports that 16 percent of identity crime victims contemplated suicide the past year due to the impact of their stolen identity. Simply put: this issue is about more than simply getting a driver\u2019s license.\n\nI firmly believe our current identity management challenges are solvable and provide us with an opportunity. However, it will require hard work.\n\nWe will need to fix the current problem by devaluing the stolen identity data of Americans that is already out in the open so that criminals cannot so easily leverage American identities for nefarious purposes.\n\nAnd we must take a hard look at how we can protect future American identities by providing new ways to prove that you are\u2014in fact\u2014who you say you are, such as new mobile driver\u2019s license that are a digital counterpart to plastic ID cards and that can be used not only in person but also online.\n\nWhen it comes to the future of identity, Americans are rightly skeptical and concerned about privacy and civil liberties\u2014especially the collection of biometric data.\n\nThis is why in today\u2019s hearing we will draw the important distinction between biometric verification versus biometric recognition.\n\nAs usual, the private sector has had solutions to identity management for decades. Though, because government is the only authoritative issuer of identity, there are limitations on what industry alone can deliver.\n\nWe have with us today a panel of experts in the industry that have been involved in this discussion since the beginning of these discussions.\n\nThe American people deserve a robust discussion about the timeline of events and how it is that we landed here\u201418 years after the passage of the REAL ID Act\u2014with even greater challenges than we had before.\n\nI look forward to the discussion and the solutions that are offered.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Carlos Gim\u00e9nez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/englishespanol-congressional-latino-jewish-caucus-leaders-meet-families", "English/Espa\u00f1ol: Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Leaders Meet with Families of Remaining Hostages held by Hamas", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Today,Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Representatives Mario D\u00edaz-Balart(R-FL),Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-FL),Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), andTony Gonzales (R-TX), issued the following statement after meeting with families and friends of hostages who remain held captive by Hamas:\n\n\u201cToday, as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, we had the solemn opportunity to meet with families and friends of hostages held in Gaza, many who are dual citizens from Argentina, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, and who are still being held by Hamas terrorists,\"said the Members. \"We were appalled by the horrific stories of October 7 that we heard from the group and the mistreatment suffered by those kidnapped. As Members of Congress, we stand in bipartisan and unwavering solidarity with the hostages and call for their immediate release. With the rise of antisemitism and hate crimes globally, terrorism, sexual violence against women, and over a hundred hostages still held in Gaza, the work to combat these evils is even more urgent. We remain resolved in our commitment to continue our collective efforts to work toward the return and reunification of the hostages with their families.\"\n\nBelow is the list of the hostages whose families and friends attended the meeting:\n\nOmri Miran (46), Israeli-Hungarian dual citizen\n\nElkana Bohbot (34), Israeli-Colombian dual citizen\n\nTal Shoham (30), Israeli-Austrian dual citizen\n\nAlexander (Sasha) Troponov (27), Israeli-Russian dual citizen\n\nSagui Dekel-Chen (35), Israeli-American dual citizen\n\nEitan Horan (37) and Yair Horan (45), Israeli Argentinian dual citizens\n\n###\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Hoy los Copresidentes del Comit\u00e9 Parlamentario Latino-Jud\u00edo del CongresoMario D\u00edaz-Balart (R-FL),Debbie Wasserman Schultz(D-FL),Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), yTony Gonzales (R-TX), emitieron la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n despu\u00e9s de reunirse con las familias y amigos de los rehenes que siguen siendo cautivos de Hamas:\n\n\"Hoy, como copresidentes del Caucus Latino-Judio de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes bipartidista, tuvimos la solemne oportunidad de reunirnos con familias y amigos de rehenes detenidos en Gaza, muchos de los cuales son ciudadanos duales de Argentina, Colombia, y otros pa\u00edses latinoamericanos, y que a\u00fan son retenidos por terroristas de Hamas\",dijeron los miembros. \"Nos horrorizaron las historias horrendas de 7 de octubre que escuchamos del grupo y el maltrato sufrido por quienes fueron secuestrados. Como miembros del Congreso, nos mantenemos en solidaridad bipartidista e inquebrantable con los rehenes y exigimos su liberaci\u00f3n inmediata. Con el aumento del antisemitismo y los cr\u00edmenes de odio a nivel mundial, el terrorismo, la violencia sexual contra las mujeres y m\u00e1s de cien rehenes a\u00fan detenidos en Gaza, el trabajo para combatir estos males es a\u00fan mas urgente. Permanecemos firmes en nuestro compromiso de continuar nuestro trabajo colectivo para lograr el retorno y la reunificaci\u00f3n de los rehenes con sus familias.\"\n\nA continuaci\u00f3n se presenta la lista de los rehenes cuyas familias y amigos asistieron a la reuni\u00f3n:\n\nOmri Miran (46), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israel\u00ed-h\u00fangaro\n\nElkana Bohbot (34), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israel\u00ed-colombiano\n\nTal Shoham (30), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israel\u00ed-austriaco\n\nAlexander (Sasha) Troponov (27), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israel\u00ed-russo\n\nSagui Dekel-Chen (35), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israel\u00ed-americano\n\nEitan Horan (37) and Yair Horan (45), ciudadanos de doble ciudadania israel\u00ed-argentinos", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Rutherford Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "John H. Rutherford", "R000609", "rutherford.house.gov", "rutherford", "https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) announced the 2023 Congressional App Challenge winners for Florida's 5th Congressional District.\n\nSarah Park, enrolled at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, earned first place for her app \u201cSpark Care+,\u201d which provides mental wellness services to users by allowing them to select a personalized music piece based on their activity. For example, users can create music to help with relaxation, boost energy, meditate, or improve concentration.\n\nVandana Guru and Meghna Guru, enrolled at Allen D. Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach and Switzerland Point Middle School in Jacksonville, earned second place for their app \u201cToast Buddies.\u201d This app helps users overcome their fear of public speaking by receiving real-time feedback and collaboration on their performance. Users may also provide ratings and feedback to others in real-time.\n\nNikhil Kumar and Joseph Hadad, enrolled in Creekside High School in St. Johns, earned third place for their app \u201cAurora Vision,\u201d which improves accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community by converting audio data into a visual interface. The app also transcribes spoken words, identifies familiar speakers, and alerts users to important environmental events, all while prioritizing user privacy and control over their data.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Florida\u2019s 5th Congressional District, I am proud to host the annual Congressional App Challenge and encourage our students to pursue a future in STEM,\u201d said Congressman Rutherford. \u201cSarah, Vandana, Meghna, Nikhil, and Joseph all show an impressive ability to combine creativity with the mechanics needed to create applications aimed at supporting others. I wish them well as they continue to exercise their talent and strive for excellence.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding. Student participants compete against their peers to create an application or \u201capp\u201d for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. The 2024 Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in Florida\u2019s 5th Congressional District and will be open for submissions now until November 1, 2024. Learn more about the Congressional App Challenge here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresistas-salazar-y-wasserman-schultz-presentan-un-proyecto-de-ley-para", "Congresistas Salazar y Wasserman Schultz presentan un proyecto de ley para ampliar las oportunidades de vivienda de la tribu Miccosukee", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Las representantes Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL) y Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) presentaron la Ley \"Tigertail Historical Tree Island Repatriation\" de 2023, un proyecto de ley bipartidista que mejorar\u00eda las opciones de vivienda para la tribu Miccosukee, los administradores hist\u00f3ricos de los Everglades, un tesoro medioambiental y un recurso h\u00eddrico fundamental.\n\n\u201cLa tribu Miccosukee es una parte integral de la comunidad del sur de Florida\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \"Este proyecto de ley garantizar\u00e1 que los Miccosukee puedan utilizar sus recursos como los necesiten mientras protegen nuestro medio ambiente y preservan la salud de los Everglades\".\n\n\"Nuestros amigos de la tribu Miccosukee son buenos administradores y protectores de los Everglades de Estados Unidos, una joya estadounidense que ayuda a suministrar agua potable a millones de floridanos\", dijo la representante Wasserman Schultz. \"Estoy orgullosa de asociarme con la Tribu y mi colega de Florida en este proyecto de ley para que puedan seguir prosperando en el sur de Florida\".\n\nDesde el siglo XIX, la tribu Miccosukee ha vivido en los Everglades de Florida, primero buscando refugio de las fuerzas colonizadoras y, con el tiempo, formando una conexi\u00f3n profunda con la tierra y el agua all\u00ed.\n\nHoy en d\u00eda, las tradiciones culturales de la Tribu siguen conectadas con la salud del ecosistema de los Everglades, que est\u00e1 intr\u00ednsecamente entrelazado con una vasta red de canales construidos por el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ej\u00e9rcito para gestionar el flujo de agua de Florida Central a trav\u00e9s de los Everglades.\n\nLa Ley \"Tigertail Historical Tree Island Repatriation\" autorizar\u00eda al Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ej\u00e9rcito a realinear una parte del dique ubicado dentro del Campamento Tigertail para dar a los miembros de la tribu Miccosukee opciones para brindar m\u00e1s alojamiento a los miembros de la familia del Campamento Tigertail.\n\nPara leer el proyecto de ley, haga clic aqu\u00ed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1490, "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", 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