url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3538,Wasserman Schultz Conducts Surprise Miramar ICE Facility Inspection Following Whistleblower Report,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"“The conditions we documented during my last surprise inspection got ICE’s attention, so they did their best over the last week to clean things up. Oversight and public pressure work, and we need more of it in our state and across the country,” said Wasserman Schultz. “It’s clear that the push from the Trump administration to round up as many people as possible has caused this facility, and others, to become overwhelmed. They simply don’t have the capacity to hold this many people humanely, and most of them are law-abiding immigrants who just came here for a better life.” Miramar, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced visit to conduct oversight at the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Center in Miramar, FL. This was Wasserman Schultz’s second visit to the facility, after a previous inspection uncovered overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, and illegal detention of individuals for days or weeks on end, prompting Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to open an investigation into the facility’s dangerous and unlawful practices. Click here for video of the press conference and Wasserman Schultz entering the facility. The surprise inspection follows whistleblower disclosures detailing horrific conditions in the Miramar facility, including a pregnant woman being detained for three weeks, detainees brushing their teeth outside with water from a hose attached to a jug, lack of proper access to medication or hygiene products, and other abuses. Detainees have been cuffed and chained overnight, forced to use overflowing porta-potties, and denied access to medical care despite more than two dozen emergency calls, including a detainee throwing up blood. “The conditions we documented during my last surprise inspection got ICE’s attention, so they did their best over the last week to clean things up. Oversight and public pressure work, and we need more of it in our state and across the country,” said Wasserman Schultz. “It’s clear that the push from the Trump administration to round up as many people as possible has caused this facility, and others, to become overwhelmed. They simply don’t have the capacity to hold this many people humanely, and most of them are law-abiding immigrants who just came here for a better life.” Wasserman Schultz described the improvements she saw in the facility’s operations as proof that oversight of ICE detention centers remains crucial. People were being processed quicker compared to her first inspection, leading to less overcrowding in the Miramar facility, approximately 20 people per holding room. But there is still no consistent policy regarding showers or changes of clothes for individuals detained at the facility. Additionally, Wasserman Schultz saw broken sinks, floors covered in filth, and overflowing dumpsters. There is no medical unit, and Wasserman Schultz saw a woman with a leg injury. Wasserman Schultz also reported that two detainees told her in Spanish that they had been there for six days – much longer than the 12 hours permitted after a federal court order barred ICE from holding immigrants for three days or longer in temporary processing facilities. #### Related News",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-introduces-glaucoma-vision-act-to-expand-screenings-and-prevent-vision-loss,Rep. Wilson Introduces Glaucoma Vision Act to Expand Screenings and Prevent Vision Loss,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced the Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026, legislation to expand access to annual glaucoma screenings, bring detection and treatment to underserved communities, and invest in research to protect and restore vision. “Glaucoma can steal a person’s sight before they even know they have it. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may be irreversible,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “A screening could change the course of someone’s life, but too many people face gaps in coverage or cannot afford the care they need. My bill would help families detect glaucoma earlier, get treatment sooner, and hold on to the independence that comes with their sight.” Approximately 4.22 million Americans were living with glaucoma in 2022, and about half of people with the disease are unaware they have it. Although Medicare covers screenings for certain people at high risk, federal law does not uniformly require glaucoma screening coverage across Medicaid, private health plans, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Key Provisions of the Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 Expands screening coverage across major health plans. The bill would require glaucoma screening coverage for eligible people with private insurance, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage. It would also eliminate applicable Medicare Part B cost sharing for screenings furnished to eligible people. The coverage provisions would generally take effect in 2027. Reaches people at higher risk. Eligible individuals include adults age 40 or older who identify as having African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, or who have a clinical risk factor such as diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, myopia, certain blood pressure conditions, or chronic corticosteroid use. Adults age 60 or older would also qualify. Brings screening and treatment into underserved communities. Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vision Health Initiative, the bill would establish competitive grants for free or low-cost screenings and follow-up treatment for uninsured and underinsured people at high risk. Grants could also support community education, mobile screening units, care coordination, and disease surveillance. Projects serving racial and ethnic minority communities and other underserved populations with a high burden of vision loss would receive priority. The bill authorizes $10 million for these activities across fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Advances research on glaucoma and optic nerve damage. The bill would authorize $10 million across fiscal years 2027 and 2028 for National Eye Institute research, including work on optic nerve repair, neuroprotection, gene therapies, and approaches to preserving or restoring vision. “No one should lose their sight because glaucoma went undetected. The Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 would expand screening coverage, invest in community detection programs, and support vital research to improve treatment and prevent vision loss. The Academy applauds Representative Wilson for introducing this important legislation and advancing eye health for all Americans,” said Michael Repka, MD, MBA, Medical Director for Governmental Affairs, American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The impacts of untreated glaucoma extend beyond the individual, leading to emotional and psychological challenges for patients and their families. It can also diminish independence and contribute to substantial economic costs at both local and national levels through decreased productivity and increased health care demands. Given that there is currently no cure, proactive screening and prompt treatment are essential to reduce incidents of preventable blindness. Congresswoman Wilson’s legislation addresses this critical public health issue by increasing access to early glaucoma screening and investing in public health and research. Put together, these initiatives aim to protect vision, maintain independence, and mitigate the long-term personal and economic effects associated with this silent, irreversible disease. Prevent Blindness applauds Rep. Wilson’s efforts to promote early detection, preserve sight, and improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said Karen Allison, MD, MBA, FACS, Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center; Prevent Blindness Board of Directors member; and Prevent Blindness Public Health & Science Committee Co-Chair. “Protecting someone’s vision protects their ability to work, care for their family, and move through the world on their own terms,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “We have the knowledge to catch glaucoma earlier. We must make sure people have the opportunity to act on it.” Cosponsors of this bill are Reps. Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Sanford Bishop (GA-2), Troy Carter (LA-2), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-7), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1), Robin Kelly (IL-2), Lucy McBath (GA-6), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Christian D. Menefee (TX-18), Kweisi Mfume (MD-7), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Terri Sewell (AL-7), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-5), as well as Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). Organizations supporting this bill are the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Alliance for Vision Research, Cornea Society, Macula Society, Foundation Fighting Blindness, and Prevent Blindness.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/oversight-ranking-members-robert-garcia-bennie-thompson-and-maxwell-frost-demand-answers-from-ice-on-dangerous-conditions-in-florida-immigration-facilities,"Oversight Ranking Members Robert Garcia, Bennie Thompson, and Maxwell Frost Demand Answers From ICE on Dangerous Conditions in Florida Immigration Facilities",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Maxwell Frost, Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, wrote to the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General demanding answers after whistleblowers shared with Oversight Democrats information on the Trump Administration’s dangerous conditions and lawless practices at ICE holding facilities in Florida. The reports include overflowing restrooms, air vents with visible black mold, and detainees forced to sleep on the concrete floor or in chains. “Whistleblowers have shared explosive new information with Oversight Democrats about the horrific conditions inside ICE facilities in Florida. The Trump Administration is trying to cover up these disgusting and unsafe conditions and escape accountability, while countless lives are put in danger. ICE must immediately put an end to this inhumane treatment and give us answers on this horrific situation,” said Ranking Member Robert Garcia. “Whistleblower reports detailing inhumane and illegal detention conditions at multiple ICE holding facilities are appalling. These horrors – and the fact that the Trump administration is trying to cover up these abuses – must be fully investigated. These facilities must also be shut down and the individuals responsible need to be held accountable. Immigrants in ICE custody must be treated humanely and given proper medical care,” said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. “Trump’s immigration detention system is as cruel as it is unnecessary, and this administration's deliberate efforts to hide the conditions inside ICE facilities in Miramar and Orlando, Florida are abhorrent. This new whistleblower report reinforces what has long been documented about immigration detention facilities—a system being used to punish people rather than uphold basic human dignity and justice. Alongside my colleagues on the Oversight Committee, I’m demanding accountability and an end to these horrific abuses that are putting lives in danger,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. Images of Miramar Holding Facility provided by the whistleblower can be accessed here. In the letters to Mr. David J. Venturella, the Acting Director of ICE, and Joseph V. Cuffari, the Inspector General of DHS, the Members wrote, “We have received confidential whistleblower disclosures about the Trump Administration’s dangerous and lawless practices and conditions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facilities in Miramar and Orlando, Florida. Acting in clear defiance of court orders and ICE’s own internal policies, the Trump Administration has created crises at these facilities where brutal conditions put staff, detainees, and the public at imminent risk of serious harm or death. Whistleblowers warn that, among other abuses, ICE is detaining people—including men, women, families, and elderly people with chronic medical conditions—for days to weeks in abusive and life-threatening conditions, including overcrowded cells, prolonged shackling, inadequate access to medical care and hygiene, insufficient food, and limited to no legal access. ICE is simultaneously attempting to cover up these horrific practices.” In July 2026, Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal demanded answers from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) regarding the vetting and training of ICE officers in the wake of the killing of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero on July 13, 2026, in Biddeford, Maine. In May, Ranking Member Garcia held an immigration round table in Orlando, and visited an Orlando ICE facility with Congressman Maxwell Frost. In February 2026, Ranking Member Garcia released a report highlighting Oversight Democrats’ key findings regarding the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both victims were killed while bearing witness to the abuses and injustices on their neighbors by the Trump Administration’s aggressive, violent, and unlawful immigration enforcement tactics. In December 2025, Ranking Member Garcia and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal launched a series of bicameral hearings to expose and investigate abuses, excessive force, and constitutional violations by federal immigration enforcement agents. In November 2025, Ranking Member Garcia led Oversight Democrats in launching a public Immigration Enforcement Dashboard to track and document incidents of abuse and potential misconduct by DHS immigration enforcement agents across the country. ###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405288,Reps. Castor & Sewell Introduce the Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act, legislation that would prevent the Trump Administration from prematurely ending the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration and keep monthly premiums down for seniors enrolled in standalone Medicare prescription drug plans. The legislation follows the Trump Administration’s announcement that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would terminate the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration at the end of 2026. “Every trip to the grocery store and every monthly bill is increasingly painful for my older neighbors. The added strain of higher prescription drug costs is the last thing they need, so I will fight to reverse a recent HHS scheme to increase Medicare prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Rep. Castor. “The Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act will reverse the HHS scheme, keep premiums down and provide greater certainty on health care costs. Seniors worked hard for their earned Medicare benefits, and I am fighting to keep those benefits affordable and dependable.” “For seniors living on fixed incomes, every dollar matters. At a time when seniors are already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, housing, health care, and everyday necessities, the Trump Administration should be doing everything it can to lower costs, not ending a program that is helping seniors afford their prescription drugs,” said Rep. Sewell. “Ending the Part D Premium Stabilization Program could mean higher premiums and greater financial strain for millions of seniors. The Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act will help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have the stability and certainty they deserve.” CMS established the demonstration in 2025 after changes to the Medicare Part D benefit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to help stabilize premiums for beneficiaries enrolled in standalone prescription drug plans. The IRA made several changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage, including establishing a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs beginning in 2025. As the redesigned benefit shifted more prescription drug costs to Part D plans, the Premium Stabilization Demonstration was created to help mitigate premium increases and provide greater stability during the transition. According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), the demonstration saved seniors an average of $312 in 2026. Ending the demonstration could expose beneficiaries to higher premiums beginning in 2027. The Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act would require CMS to:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405289,Castor Champions Passage of Bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to Shield Neighbors from Higher Electric Bills Tied to Data Centers,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) celebrated the passage of their bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which protects American families and small businesses from the costs of energy and grid upgrades required for new hyperscale data centers. The Ratepayer Protection Act requires state utility regulators to establish rules ensuring communities do not pay for the costs of building new power plants, transmission lines and other upgrades to serve data centers. Without proper safeguards, families and small businesses in communities where data center development occurs could see their electric bills skyrocket. The Ratepayer Protection Act ensures that wealthy Big Tech companies cover the full energy and infrastructure costs of new data center development and are held accountable for their promises. “Floridians already are dealing with sky-high electric bills. They should not be forced to subsidize the enormous energy demands of the world’s richest corporations,” said Rep. Castor. “If Big Tech builds a massive AI data center, the Big Tech company—not hardworking families, farmers or small businesses—should pay for their power and grid upgrades. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act is an important first step that can help lower costs for our neighbors back home and empower states to set strict guardrails.” “Hardworking families should not have to subsidize the energy demands of data centers. America needs the infrastructure to lead the world in AI and outcompete Communist China, but we cannot have that growth at the expense of hardworking families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses. My bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act ensures large data centers pay for the infrastructure they require while giving states the flexibility to determine what works best for their communities. I’m incredibly proud to lead the charge on this pivotal issue, ensure our ratepayers are protected, and keep American innovation moving forward,” said Rep. Evans. Castor strongly opposes data center development in Hillsborough County due to high electric bills and environmental concerns and pressed the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in a September 10, 2026 letter to “act decisively to protect Hillsborough County residents, resources and long-term sustainability.” The Ratepayer Protection Act builds on Rep. Castor’s leadership on the Stopping Hikes in Electricity from large Load Demands (SHIELD) Act, which she introduced with Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) in January. Background If enacted, the Ratepayer Protection Act would direct state regulators to adopt new guardrails for new data centers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more, including:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5030,ICYMI: FAA Accepting Public Comments on Proposed Permanent Mar-a-Lago Flight Restrictions Through October 2,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"On September 2, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) formally proposed making the current airspace restrictions around Mar-a-Lago permanent. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal through October 2, 2026. HOW TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public can submit comments on the FAA’s proposal by clicking here or by: 1. Going to Regulations.gov. 2. Entering FAA-2026-10827-0001 in the search box. 3. Following the instructions to submit a comment. Comments must be submitted by October 2, 2026. Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) recently joined Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore, and local residents to raise concerns about the FAA’s proposal and explain how members of the public can make their voices heard through the agency’s formal comment process. Following the event, Rep. Frankel sent a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting that the FAA: Delay action on the proposal to make the restrictions permanent; Extend the public comment period by 60 days, through December 1, 2026, if the agency moves forward, so residents have adequate time to review the proposal and respond; Hold a public meeting in Palm Beach County so affected residents can ask questions, provide input, and hear directly from the FAA; and Establish a clear and expedited process to modify or end the restrictions if security circumstances change, rather than locking the community into restrictions that may no longer be necessary. For Rep. Frankel’s full letter to the FAA, click here.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-leads-florida-democrats-urging-speaker-johnson-reinstate-affordable-care,Soto Leads Florida Democrats in Urging Speaker Johnson to Reinstate the Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credit,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter with all Democratic Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation urging Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to reinstate the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC) in any future funding vehicles. ""Around 4.7 million Floridians were enrolled in ACA insurance plans before the tax credits expired. Many of our districts had 30% or more residents enrolled,” wrote the Members. ""However, as a result of the expired funding, about 443,000 Floridians dropped their ACA plans this year so far, more than in any other state, and the system saw a 13% drop in enrollment from one year to the next."" ""These subsidies bridged a vital gap in access to care for hard-working Americans. Over half of adult marketplace enrollees are small business owners or self-employed—the very backbone of our great country. Now, many of these individuals are either uninsured or struggling to afford premiums that have risen by more than 58% since last year, a direct result of the expiration of ACA EPTCs...” continued the Members. ""Congress just voted to pass a Continuing Resolution, keeping the government open through December. As negotiations for the FY27 Appropriations process continue, we must include the reinstatement of the ACA EPTCs in the discussion. With Americans facing rising costs in all aspects of daily life, increases in health premiums could amount to a death blow.” The signers include all seven Democratic Members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24). For the full text of the letter, please click here.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3537,Wasserman Schultz Leads Florida Democrats in Denouncing Florida’s Use of Cages in Everglades Internment Camp,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led all Democratic Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation to call on Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Jared Perdue to provide transparency around holding detainees in outdoor cages only slightly larger than telephone booths at the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE internment camp. The DHS Inspector General recently released a report which found that 79 detainees were held in “small metal enclosures” of roughly 4-by-4, or 16 square feet for up to 2 hours. Facility staff members described them as “calming areas” for “detainees to de-escalate and have time alone.” They also found numerous other concerning conditions, saying the facility “did not comply with standards related to: Environmental Health and Safety; Special Management Units; Medical Care; Food Service; Personal Hygiene; and Recreation.” “This is not how America should treat human beings in our custody, regardless of their immigration status. We can enforce our laws without abandoning basic human dignity,” wrote the Members. “And in a nation of laws, there must be consequences when elected officials and their appointees rob taxpayer funds to inflict environmental damage, violate Constitutional protections, and commit acts of torture in our backyard. Those responsible for these conditions must be held accountable and we must make sure nothing like this happens again in Florida.” The signers comprise all seven Democratic Members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Darren Soto (FL-09), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) and Maxwell Frost (FL-10). Wasserman Schultz conducted a surprise oversight inspection of the facility in April prior to its closure in June. She also introduced the No Cages in the Everglades Act with fellow Florida Democrats to defund the Everglades internment camp, launch an independent investigation of any laws broken in its construction and operation, and ensure more robust Congressional oversight there and in all similar facilities. Read the full letter here and below: As Members of Congress representing the State of Florida, we are sickened by the revelations reported by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security regarding a wide range of human rights abuses at the Everglades camp operated by FDEM that was cruelly nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz”. In particular, the Inspector General’s report found that people were locked in tiny metal enclosures—just 18 square feet—for up to two hours. The federal watchdog found these conditions unprecedented and a significant risk to detainees’ health and safety. People held in this type of cage, nicknamed “the Box,” were isolated and exposed to environmental hazards including extreme heat and insects. This is a clear violation of the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment in our Constitution, and human rights experts describe this practice as a form of torture. Many of us conducted oversight inspections at this facility, which was constructed and operated illegally, using over $1 billion in Florida taxpayer funds designated for responding to emergencies like hurricanes. We witnessed and exposed horrific, inhumane detention conditions that shocked the conscience of our State. During these visits, Members in our delegation were repeatedly denied access to view these punishment cages,and told by DHS and FDEM employees and contractors that detainee reports of their existence and use for punitive or coercive purposes were categorically false. We were deceived. It is now clear that this was intended to mislead public officials at public expense. The Inspector General report not only confirms many allegations of sadistic cruelty that we saw or were reported by detainees, but sheds light on why the Trump Administration and Florida’s state government worked overtime to block transparency and accountability. Shortly after our initial visit, we introduced the No Cages in the Everglades Act to prohibit the use of Federal funds for this appalling project or any other detention facility in the Everglades, require an independent investigation of State and federal laws violated in its construction and management, and permanently codify the rights of Members of Congress to conduct unannounced oversight visits wherever immigrants are detained. This is not how America should treat human beings in our custody, regardless of their immigration status. We can enforce our laws without abandoning basic human dignity. And in a nation of laws, there must be consequences when elected officials and their appointees rob taxpayer funds to inflict environmental damage, violate Constitutional protections, and commit acts of torture in our backyard. Those responsible for these conditions must be held accountable and we must make sure nothing like this happens again in Florida. In service to that goal, we request your response to the following questions as soon as possible: How many individuals were subjected to treatment constituting torture under U.S. or international law at the Everglades internment camp or at other immigrant detention facilities in Florida? Has the Office of the Attorney General conducted an analysis of the State’s potential civil liability for cruel and unusual punishment without due process at this facility? How many other facilities used for immigrant detention in Florida have utilized isolation in small metal cages as a punitive or coercive measure? Who instructed FDEM employees and contractors to deceive Members of Congress conducting lawful oversight with respect to the use of these cages? Will you commit to ceasing this practice and dismantling these cages, wherever they are used? Have the State government and its contractors involved in constructing and operating the Everglades detention camp appropriately retained and preserved photographic evidence, digital communications, documents, and other records that may be relevant in future investigations, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes? If so, please provide a list of all relevant evidence that you have retained. Do you commit to fully cooperating with future law enforcement investigations of Florida's involvement in immigration detention abuses? If not, are you aware of the potential legal consequences associated with obstructing law enforcement investigations, failing to preserve or report evidence of wrongdoing, or violating court orders or Congressional subpoenas? We hope that you will take immediate action to bring these abusive practices to an end and begin repairing the damage you have inflicted on our neighbors, our beloved Everglades, and the State of Florida. ####",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-and-us-commission-on-the-social-status-of-black-men-boys-to-honor-parents-carrying-forward-the-legacies-of-black-children-lost-to-violence,Rep. Wilson and U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men & Boys to Honor Parents Carrying Forward the Legacies of Black Children Lost to Violence,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, will center the voices, courage and advocacy of bereaved parents during the 55th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The centerpiece of Congresswoman Wilson’s final Annual Legislative Conference as a member of Congress will be the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Braintrust, “Our Young Black Boys Are Being Murdered and Nobody Seems to Care,” on Friday, September 18. The braintrust will honor the lives and legacies of King Carter, Jordan Davis, Trayvon Martin and Nolan Wells while paying special tribute to the parents who turned unimaginable loss into a lifelong fight for truth, justice and change. Six-year-old King Carter was killed by gunfire near his Miami-Dade home in 2016. His parents, Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, transformed their heartbreak into advocacy aimed at ending gun violence and protecting other children from the tragedy that took their son. Seventeen-year-old Jordan Davis was shot and killed at a Jacksonville gas station in 2012 following a confrontation over loud music. His mother, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06), carried Jordan’s memory from advocacy into public office, becoming a leading national voice for gun violence prevention. Seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was walking back from a convenience store in Sanford, Florida, when he was followed and fatally shot in 2012. His death awakened the conscience of the nation and helped ignite a new era of civil rights activism. His mother, Sybrina Fulton, has dedicated her life to preserving Trayvon’s legacy and fighting for safer communities, justice and meaningful change. Eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, and was found dead two days later. With critical questions surrounding the circumstances of his death still unanswered, his parents, Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, continue to demand a complete, transparent and accountable investigation into what happened to their son. The discussion will be co-moderated by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Congresswoman McBath, who will also share Jordan’s story and her journey from a grieving mother to a national leader in the fight to protect families from gun violence. Panelists will include Congresswoman Wilson; Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04); Congressman Christian Menefee (TX-18); STARZ actor Nicco Annan; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, mother and father of Nolan Wells; and Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, mother and father of King Carter. Together, the moderators, panelists and parents will share their experiences, honor their children’s lives and confront a nation that has too often failed to protect Black children or deliver justice to their families. “These parents have endured the pain no mother or father should ever have to bear, yet they refused to allow their children’s stories to end with their deaths,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “They turned grief into action, heartbreak into advocacy and their children’s names into movements for justice. We honor King, Jordan, Trayvon and Nolan by honoring the parents who carry their legacies forward and by continuing their fight to protect every Black child in America.” The Commission will also hold its Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Honoring the Martyrs Who Shaped Black History, featuring a special tribute to the parents who continue to carry their children’s legacies forward. The Commission will honor Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, parents of King Carter; Congresswoman Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; and Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, parents of Nolan Wells. The ceremony will recognize these parents not simply as survivors of tragedy, but as leaders whose relentless pursuit of truth, justice and accountability has changed communities, influenced public policy and ensured that their children’s names will never be forgotten. “Behind every young Black life lost is a family left carrying unimaginable grief and a future forever rewritten,” said the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. “Yet these parents have turned their pain into purpose, their heartbreak into action and their children’s names into a national demand for justice. The Commission stands with them to ensure their voices are heard, their children’s legacies endure and their courage drives the change necessary to protect Black men and boys across America.” Congresswoman Wilson has spent her career fighting for Black children and standing beside families whose lives have been forever changed by violence. Her work led to the establishment of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, a bipartisan federal commission charged with examining the conditions affecting Black men and boys and advancing solutions in education, health care, employment, housing, criminal justice and public safety. The Commission’s work continues the mission Congresswoman Wilson began more than three decades ago through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project: protecting Black boys, interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline and surrounding young men with the mentorship, opportunities and support they need to succeed. “For years, these parents cried out for justice while too many people looked away,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “The Commission exists because America must pay attention to what is happening to Black men and boys. We will say their names. We will listen to their families. We will tell their stories. Most importantly, we will continue fighting for a country where no parent has to bury a child because of racism, violence or a system that failed to value his life.” Wilson Scholars and Role Models representing Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Broward County Public Schools, Duval County Public Schools and the Los Angeles Unified School District will also travel to Washington to participate in the conference. The students will attend the Commission’s braintrust, serve as ambassadors and experience the institutions and history their predecessors helped shape. Their presence will create a powerful connection between the children whose lives were taken, the parents protecting their legacies and the young men Congresswoman Wilson has dedicated her life to protecting. The week will also include “From the Classroom to Congress: Celebrating Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson,” recognizing her 35 years of public service as an educator, school board member, state legislator and member of Congress. KEY EVENTS From the Classroom to Congress: Celebrating Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Thursday, September 17, 2026 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Anthem Room Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Braintrust “Our Young Black Boys Are Being Murdered and Nobody Seems to Care” Co-Moderators: Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Panelists and Featured Participants: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) Congressman Christian Menefee (TX-18) Nicco Annan, STARZ Actor Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, mother and father of Nolan Wells Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, mother and father of King Carter Friday, September 18, 2026 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ballroom C Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, D.C. cbcfinc.com/ALC Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Honoring the Martyrs Who Shaped Black History A Tribute to the Parents Who Carry Their Legacies Forward Honoring: Monica Smith and Santonio Carter, parents of King Carter Congresswoman Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin Christine Wells Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, parents of Nolan Wells Friday, September 18, 2026 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ballroom C Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, D.C. cbcfinc.com/ALC About the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/frost-ezell-king-hinds-bill-to-give-disaster-survivors-more-time-to-appeal-fema-denials-clears-committee,"Frost, Ezell, King-Hinds Bill To Give Disaster Survivors More Time To Appeal FEMA Denials Clears Committee",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act, led by Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (MP-AL), passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s markup today, bringing the legislation one step closer to a vote on the House floor. The legislation would extend the deadline for applicants to appeal denials of FEMA disaster assistance from 60 to 90 days, matching the amount of time FEMA has to review an appeal. The extension would apply to individual disaster survivors as well as government applicants, including states, cities, counties, and utilities. “When disaster strikes, people should not have to race against the clock to prove that they need help,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “If FEMA has 90 days to review an appeal, survivors should have 90 days to make their case. This is a simple fix that gives families and communities the time they need to gather documents, correct mistakes, and access the assistance they are entitled to.” “Communities across South Mississippi know firsthand that recovering from a natural disaster is difficult enough without unnecessary hurdles from the federal government. The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a commonsense fix that gives families and local communities more time to navigate FEMA’s appeals process and make their case. If FEMA gets 90 days to review an appeal, disaster survivors deserve the same amount of time to submit one. I’m glad to see this bipartisan bill advance out of committee, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line.” — Congressman Mike Ezell “Disaster survivors and communities are often navigating an overwhelming recovery process while trying to access the federal assistance they need,” said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds. “Having experienced firsthand the challenges of disaster recovery in the Northern Mariana Islands, I understand how difficult it can be to gather documentation, navigate federal requirements, and appeal a decision while rebuilding lives and critical infrastructure. The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a practical step that gives disaster survivors and local governments a fair opportunity to make their case. I am proud to join Representatives Frost and Ezell in advancing this bipartisan legislation and ensuring that communities across our nation have the time and support they need to recover.” “The Post-Disaster Protection Act is an important step toward giving homeowners and community associations more time to appeal FEMA assistance decisions during disaster recovery. CAI is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and commends Rep. Maxwell Frost’s leadership in helping the 78.1 million Americans living in community associations access the federal assistance they need to recover and rebuild.” — Community Associations Institute ""Disaster survivors are often at their most vulnerable when they're forced to navigate FEMA's complex appeals process,"" said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. ""The Post-Disaster Protection Act provides much-needed fairness by giving survivors 90 days to appeal a denial, giving them the time they need to gather documentation and correct errors after a disaster upends their lives. This commonsense change will help more residents successfully access the relief they're entitled to and ease the burden on local governments working to help our communities recover. As this legislation heads to markup, counties urge the T&I Committee to advance this bipartisan legislation."" “One of the biggest challenges of responding to and recovering from a disaster is managing the complexities of federal programs. The Post-Disaster Protection Act will bring applicant deadlines into alignment with federal review periods and help ease the burden on disaster survivors. NEMA thanks the Members willing to co-sponsor and make this bill truly bipartisan.” — A.J. Gary, NEMA President “The National League of Cities supports the Post-Disaster Protection Act, which would give communities additional time to appeal FEMA assistance decisions. We thank Representatives Maxwell Frost, Mike Ezell, and Kimberlyn King-Hinds for championing this important bipartisan legislation.” — Yucel Ors, Legislative Director, Public Safety and Crime Prevention, National League of Cities The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Counties, Community Associations Institute, United States Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and National Emergency Management Association. The Post-Disaster Protection Act is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-VI), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405290,Rep. Castor Leads SEEC Institute’s Release of Thriving Economy Project Report,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Castor today joined the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Institute to release the Thriving Economy Project report, a first-of-its-kind menu of more than 800 policy recommendations for Congress to consider now for long-term economic and job growth and affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy for all American families and businesses. The report is the product of a coalition of members of Congress and a diverse set of energy, environmental, and economic policy subject-matter experts, including private-sector leaders and advocates, and former senior officials and advisors spanning several past presidential administrations and Congressional offices and committees. Rep. Castor is the Chair of the Thriving Economy Project and is one of nine Members of Congress who worked on the report. Rep. Castor also collaborated with Samantha Medlock on the chapter on Thriving, Affordable, and Resilient Communities. “My neighbors are facing rising costs, including from increasingly deadly and costly extreme weather. Geopolitical uncertainty and growing competition from abroad drive difficult decisions at the gas pump and on our farms,” said Rep. Castor. “The Thriving Economy Project provides a menu of practical, common-sense solutions that will lower costs and keep our communities safe. It’s a roadmap to help every family, in every zip code, share in a healthier and more secure future.” The Thriving Economy Project is an effort of SEEC Institute, a nonprofit founded in 2024 to advance climate and clean energy solutions. The report was shaped by nearly two years of public input, including convenings around the country and more than 1,300 policy recommendations and other responses received from communities and business leaders, experts, advocates, and policymakers across the country and economic sectors. The ideas highlighted in the report focus on the challenges affecting American families and businesses today, and cover themes like rising household costs, reliable and affordable energy, economic competitiveness, access to good jobs, ways to make our supply chains more efficient and effective, environmental protection, public lands protections, and government efficiency. Among the policy recommendations included in the chapter Rep. Castor led are: Create an independent FEMA, with a Senate-confirmed administrator and IG. Reestablish FEMA as an independent, cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President, with a Senate-confirmed Administrator and Deputy Administrator and a dedicated Inspector General. Additional policy recommendations included in the report include: Make sure federal energy assistance helps families keep their homes cool as summers get hotter. Ensure LIHEAP adequately addresses home cooling needs. Create an energy reserve that states could draw on to keep energy prices low. Create a Strategic Energy Affordability Reserve drawing from windfall oil and gas profits to give states resources to secure energy price stability for their residents. Create a permanent White House office responsible for protecting U.S. energy security from global disruptions. Establish a permanent Office of Global Energy Security (OGES) with adequate funding and staff as a component of the White House Executive Office of the President (EOP), structured similarly to the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). Create a 30% tax credit for major new transmission lines and upgrades that increase the capacity of existing lines. Establish a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for new high voltage interregional and interstate lines, and for upgrades to existing lines using advanced transmission technologies and reconductoring that increases line capacity. Download a copy of the report from the SEEC Institute website at https://www.seecinstitute.org/thriving-economy-project. Media Contacts: Castor Office Media Contact: Jay Rhoden Communications Director Jay.Rhoden@mail.house.gov SEEC Institute Media Contact: Pearson Croney-Clark Director of External Affairs SEEC Institute pearson@seecinstitute.org",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-frost-federal-watchdog-confirms-reports-of-inhumane-conditions-at-alligator-alcatraz,Rep. Frost: Federal Watchdog Confirms Reports of Inhumane Conditions at “Alligator Alcatraz”,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement after a Department of Homeland Security Inspector General report confirmed that detainees at the now-shuttered “Alligator Alcatraz” were held in outdoor metal cages as small as 16 square feet for extended periods of time: “Today’s report confirms what we already knew: what happened at Alligator Alcatraz was disgusting, inhumane, and a stain on Florida’s history. I saw those conditions with my own eyes. I went to Alligator Alcatraz twice, and before both visits, I was specifically told to see “the cage” in the recreation area — including that there had been blood inside it. Both times, I was assured the cages were no longer being used. Now we know that wasn’t true. The federal government’s own watchdog confirmed that people were being held in outdoor metal cages barely larger than a telephone booth, sometimes for nearly two hours. This does not end with Alligator Alcatraz. People in ICE custody across America are still facing horrific conditions. I will continue conducting oversight at facilities across Florida and demanding answers.” ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/25-years-later-we-remember,"25 Years Later, We Remember",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ORLANDO, FL — In a statement marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Congressman Maxwell Frost said: “Twenty-five years ago, our country experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Nearly 3,000 people never made it home to their families, and countless others have lived with that loss every day since. We remember the people we lost. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger. And we remember how, in the aftermath, Americans showed up for each other. That spirit of looking out for one another is what we should carry forward. Twenty-five years later, we remember, we mourn, and we recommit ourselves to building a country where we take care of each other.” ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405285,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Opposes Data Centers in Hillsborough County,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Castor highlighted the significant strains on pocketbooks and local resources associated with data center development that can drive up electric and water bills for residents, farmers and small businesses. In Hillsborough County, the average electric utility bill has increased by over 40 percent in the past five years. Castor’s bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act would require data centers to pay the full costs of energy demand and protect ratepayers from data center rate hikes. Castor concluded, “Data centers cannot come at a cost to neighbors who are already facing high grocery, gas, utility, health care and housing costs. We need to make sure these projects actually bring good-paying jobs to our community and that workers, families, and neighborhoods aren’t forced to pay the burden of rapid technology growth, while out-of-state tech billionaires get richer.” Read the full letter below: RE: Opposition to Data Center Development in Hillsborough County Dear Commissioner[s]: As the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners considers the future of data centers in our community, I would like to relay my strong opposition to the siting of data centers in Hillsborough County. The potential impacts on the cost of living for our residents and on our community’s essential resources are too significant to ignore. As the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee, I have led the national conversation in Congress as we grapple with high energy bills and rising electricity demand from data centers. I’m proud to lead the Ratepayer Protection Act – a bipartisan bill that requires data centers to pay the full costs of their energy demand. Data centers cannot be allowed to pass on their costs to hardworking Florida families and small businesses. The Ratepayer Protection Act would preserve local control over siting and permitting decisions – because these are decisions that should be made by the people and communities where these facilities are being built. Equally troubling is the immense water usage required for cooling these facilities. In a state where water resources are already under pressure from population growth and climate challenges, diverting millions of gallons for private corporations is neither sustainable nor in the public’s best interest. The county faces moderate to extreme drought conditions, limiting our public water supplies and hurting our farming communities. Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay Water are grappling with huge new water demand requirements and costs. Plant City is already turning to creative water solutions, like reuse for crop freeze protection, and population growth that are threatening local aquifer levels. Community leaders have expressed to me their strong opposition to data centers that could further strain our limited water supplies. I am also deeply concerned about the new state law permitting nondisclosure agreements for data centers. Secret deals are wrong. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and prevents residents from fully understanding the environmental, economic, and infrastructural impact on their lives. Our community deserves immediate open access to information about developments that could affect our daily lives for decades to come. Data centers cannot come at a cost to neighbors who are already facing high grocery, gas, utility, health care and housing costs. We need to make sure these projects actually bring good-paying jobs to our community and that workers, families, and neighborhoods aren’t forced to pay the burden of rapid technology growth, while out-of-state tech billionaires get richer. Please act decisively to protect Hillsborough County’s residents, resources, and long-term sustainability. I respectfully urge you to prioritize the public interest over private profit. Thank you for your time, service, and commitment to our community.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-honors-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-bunch-iii-following-retirement-announcement,Rep. Wilson Honors Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III Following Retirement Announcement,2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement on the retirement of Lonnie G. Bunch III. “Lonnie Bunch III did not simply preserve history. He made it, defended it, and refused to let anyone erase it. “As the first Black Secretary of the Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, he transformed a dream carried across generations into a national treasure. “For 38 years, Secretary Bunch fought to ensure that Black history was protected and told truthfully. When powerful forces sought to censor exhibits, distort the past, and diminish the Black experience, he stood firmly in their way. “Attempts to censor our history cannot erase it, and attempts to silence the truth will only make us tell it louder. “If there is a sword worth falling on, it is this: We will never stop telling the full American story."" ###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/frost-introduces-no-homeless-detention-centers-act-to-ban-forced-labor-and-cruel-homeless-encampments,Frost Introduces No Homeless Detention Centers Act to Ban Forced Labor and Cruel Homeless Encampments,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"*LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE* WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) joined Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03), along with Eric Tars of the National Homeless Law Center, Setareh Gandehari, Advocacy Director, Detention Watch Network, and Wesley Thomas, Guest Advisory Board Member, Miriam’s Kitchen to announce his No Homeless Detention Centers Act, legislation to stop federal housing dollars from being used to force people experiencing homelessness into detention-like facilities or subject them to forced labor. The bill would prevent the federal government from funding programs that force people experiencing homelessness into shelters, camps, or other facilities against their will. It would also ban these facilities from making people work in exchange for a place to stay or punishing people for doing basic things they need to survive, like sleeping, resting, eating, drinking, or protecting themselves from the weather. ""No one should look at a person who is homeless and think the answer is to lock them up or make them work for a place to sleep,” said Congressman Frost. “People need housing, not cages. They need support, not forced labor. At a time when homelessness is growing and housing is becoming more and more unaffordable, we should be investing in getting people into homes—not building cruel encampments and criminalizing people for trying to survive.” “Allowing Americans to live on streets is not a standard our nation should be willing to accept, but forcing unhoused people into detention-style facilities and forcing them to work while corporations rake in profits is a cruel punishment,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “We must make clear that we won’t stand for federal dollars being used to detain people simply for being unhoused. Together, let’s advance policies that will actually help people experiencing homelessness instead of making their lives more difficult.” “Homelessness is not a crime – it is a failure of systems meant to serve the needs of our communities,” said Congressman Carter. “The solution to this failure is not locking people up. It is not forcing them to work in exchange for a place to stay. It is not denying them access to care. The Trump Administration’s reckless policies are causing homelessness to rise by the day. If we truly want to address homelessness we must invest in affordable housing, expand mental health services, and strengthen workforce pathways – not punish people for simply trying to survive.” “Trump and all the authoritarians in the Administration want our lives, our labor, and our freedom to extract every bit of profit they can from us for themselves and their billionaire bosses. Just as they knew that mandatory detention paired with Trump’s mass deportation campaign would be good for business, they know that detention camps for unhoused neighbors will also be a lucrative venture,"" said Congresswoman Ramirez. ""Detention has always been UNSAFE, INAPPROPRIATE, INADEQUATE. We must not continue to fund our death and destruction. That's why I introduced the Melt ICE Act, and why I am proud to join Congressman Frost in introducing the No Homeless Detention Centers Act to demand an end to the detention and punishment of our unhoused neighbors. Together, let’s fight for every single thing our people need to thrive, including HOUSING FOR ALL!"" “We should be operating from the fundamental truth that every person deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep. When rent, grocery, and gas prices are skyrocketing, and Trump has cut healthcare for tens of millions of people, it is absolutely wrong to criminalize the inability to afford a home. That is why I am proud to co-lead the No Homeless Detention Centers Act to prevent a dime of federal funding from being used to put people experiencing homelessness into the for-profit prison industrial complex.” - Congresswoman Jayapal “Trump is carrying out a cruel and multi-layered detention expansion plan as part of his mass deportation agenda, locking up tens of thousands of people in facilities rife with egregiously poor conditions, medical neglect, and a culture of violence that results in system-wide abuses, including death. That’s why we are alarmed by the Trump administration’s efforts to criminalize and detain people without homes. We see this is a clear attempt to vilify homeless people and enrich private prison companies and tech surveillance organizations, just as they have done with our immigrant communities - all while ignoring the real affordability crisis in this country.” - Setareh Ghandehari, Advocacy Director, Detention Watch Network We shouldn’t have to be here today, introducing the No Homeless Detention Centers Act, legislation restricting federal funds from going to detention camps for Americans who can’t afford the rent. But we are here today, because it is necessary to fight back against the Trump Administration that is aggressively erasing decades of data-based progress on solving homelessness and instead promoting jails, labor camps, warehouses, and asylums, not because there is any evidence to support them, but because the right-wing Cicero Institute is spoon-feeding Trump detention policies that will enrich its billionaire-backers financially – and benefit him politically. We know the solution to homelessness is housing, not handcuffs. -Eric Tars, Senior Policy Director, National Homelessness Law Center The bill comes as the far-right Cicero Institute, a conservative think tank backed by wealthy donors and corporate interests, pushes states and the federal government to criminalize homelessness, ban sleeping in public, and move people into temporary shelters or treatment facilities—sometimes against their will. Versions of these policies have already passed in states including Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah, with some proposals also including work requirements or forced labor. The No Homeless Detention Centers Act is endorsed by: National Homelessness Law Center and Detention Watch Network, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Drug Policy Alliance; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; Funders Together for Housing Justice; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Housing Law Project; A Way Home America; Housing Justice Collective; Justice in Aging; National Low Income Housing Coalition; National Association of Social Workers; Poverty & Race Research Action Council; Kids In Crisis; National Organization for Women; The Southern Poverty Law Center; National Network to End Domestic Violence; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); National Partnership for New Americans; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team; The Workers Circle; Muslim Advocates; DemCast USA; Just Detention International; Coalition on Human Needs; Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR); Freedom Network USA; Latino Community Fund of Washington State; Praxis Health Empowerment; National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Street Democracy; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; Lincoln County Indivisible; Western Center on Law & Poverty; Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center; Access Reproductive Justice and Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. Footage of the press conference ###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-leads-letter-opposing-president-trumps-decision-import-300000-tons-tariff,"Soto Leads Letter Opposing President Trump’s Decision to Import 300,000 Tons of Tariff-Free Beef",2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter to President Donald Trump opposing his recent decision to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef. ""American consumers are struggling with the rising cost of groceries and deserve long-term solutions to bring prices under control. Grocery prices as a whole have risen 2.7% in the past year, with strong demand for beef and low inventory leading to price increases for beef products. Flooding the market with beef imports will not solve the long-term issues that led us to this point—it will only harm our nation’s ranchers and jeopardize our long-term goal of building a strong domestic beef industry,” wrote the Members. ""American ranchers have faced strong headwinds in recent years. Soaring input costs, droughts, and extreme weather events have left our ranchers with the lowest cattle supply in 75 years” ""Additionally, the ongoing outbreak of New World Screwworm has imposed additional burdens on ranchers as they work to protect their herds. Since June of this year, 46 cases of New World Screwworm have been detected, posing additional economic risks for our ranchers,” continued the Members. ""Our ranchers are actively working to rebuild America’s domestic beef industry, using strong demand from American consumers to reinvest in their herds. Our policies must reflect our commitment to the ranchers and producers that feed our country.” In addition to Rep. Soto, the letter was signed by Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). For the full text of the bill, please click here. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-votes-yes-to-keep-the-government-funded-protect-critical-programs-and-lower-costs,"Rep. Wilson Votes ‘YES’ to Keep the Government Funded, Protect Critical Programs, and Lower Costs",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11. “Today, I voted ‘YES’ to keep our government open and protect the vital services families across South Florida depend on. With the cost of living already stretching household budgets, hardworking Americans should not suffer because of dysfunction. “This bipartisan bill protects critical housing, nutrition, healthcare, veterans, and infrastructure programs while temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s reckless attempt to politicize federal grants. “Now, Congress must finish the job and pass full-year funding bills that lower costs, protect our communities, and put people first.” ###",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-castor-demand-federal-investigation-accountability-after-grand-jury-finds,"Soto, Castor Demand Federal Investigation, Accountability After Grand Jury Finds Taxpayer Dollars Were Abused for Corrupt Political Purposes",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) are demanding a federal investigation and full transparency following new reporting that $10 million in taxpayer funds from a Medicaid-related settlement were misappropriated and routed through the Hope Florida Foundation, with $8.5 million ultimately flowing to political committees. In their latest letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Reps. Soto and Castor urged federal officials to investigate whether the diversion violated federal Medicaid law and determine who was responsible. Earlier this year, a Florida grand jury concluded that the $10 million was misappropriated “as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The grand jury investigation followed allegations uncovered through a Florida House Republican-led inquiry into the settlement. Reps. Soto and Castor first called for a federal investigation in May 2025 after questions emerged about Florida’s $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene. The settlement directed $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. $8.5 million was then transferred through nonprofit organizations to political action committees controlled by James Uthmeier, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ then-chief of staff and now Florida Attorney General. According to the grand jury report, Uthmeier’s PAC transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC. The new grand jury report also raises questions about the unusual speed and timing of the transactions. Centene was required to transfer $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while being granted more than a year to repay the remaining $57 million to the State of Florida. The grand jury concluded the settlement appeared rushed because the 2024 election was only 45 days away and many Florida families were busy recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Despite concluding that taxpayer money was misappropriated for political purposes, the grand jury found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges because officials would not identify—or said they could not remember—who made the decision to send the $10 million to Hope Florida. Reps. Soto and Castor argue that the inability to pursue state criminal charges does not end the federal government’s responsibility to determine whether Medicaid laws and regulations were violated and taxpayer dollars were misappropriated for political purposes. Read the full letter here and below. RE: Urging Transparency into and Accountability for Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida Dear Inspector General Bell and Administrator Oz: On May 15, 2025, we wrote a letter urging your agencies to investigate whether the $10 million settlement scheme from Centene to the Hope Florida Foundation at the direction of the State of Florida in 2024 violated federal law and complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid, but $8.5 million in funding was quickly redirected to political committees supporting a Governor DeSantis-led campaign against a ballot amendment to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Recent press reports have brought new information to light regarding the settlement that we believe requires further investigation and clarity by federal agencies. Earlier this year, a grand jury in Florida concluded that the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer money to Hope Florida Foundation and that the funds “were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The inquiry followed allegations raised through a Florida House Republican-led investigation. These findings and gross abuse of taxpayer dollars demand immediate federal action. The grand jury concluded that “these funds were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The report provides important context on the timing of these financial transactions during the deadly Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and suggests the State may have taken advantage of the chaos and confusion on the ground for purely political gain while Floridians were reeling from the destruction and devastation of sequential natural disasters. The expedited nature of the movement of unusually large amounts of money moving through various entities, and the quick disbursement to their final destination during the 2024 election appears to be illegal and morally wrong. We learned several new items from the grand jury report, including an alarming money trail that funneled $8.5 million in taxpayer dollars into a political action committee (PAC) controlled by James Uthmeier, then Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ chief of staff and now Florida’s Attorney General. Uthmeier’s PAC then transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC. We also learned that the repayment schedule for the settlement required Centene to wire transfer the $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while allowing Centene a year and 45 days to repay the remaining $57 million to the State. The grand jury report noted that “The Centene settlement itself seems rushed as it materialized rapidly after years of inactivity. Then, once reached, it took a mere 7 days to fund. We believe the rush was due to the impending election which was just 45 days away.” Unfortunately, reports from the grand jury conclude that “Despite our finding that the money was misappropriated, we find insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally…Nobody will take responsibility for deciding the $10 million of taxpayer money would go to Hope Florida…or had any memory of who made it. We recognize that this would be an impediment to criminal prosecution. While we can’t provide who is responsible, we can plainly see that taxpayer money was misused for political purposes and we would like to see changes made to prevent this from happening again” (emphasis added). An inability to pursue state criminal prosecution because public officials profess memory lapses and CMS has recouped the federal share associated with the settlement does not eliminate the federal government’s independent responsibility to protect Medicaid and taxpayer dollars from abuse. Federal interest is not theoretical. In February 2026, Florida Agency for Health Care Administrator Secretary Shevaun Harris confirmed that Florida calculated and returned the federal share using the full $67 million settlement – not $57 million – while characterizing the action as an “abundance of caution.” That accounting undercuts the claim that the $10 million was independent of the Medicaid recovery. Section 1903(d)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act and 42 C.F.R. Part 433 require states to account for Medicaid overpayment recoveries and return the federal share; states report recoveries through Form CMS-64. HHS OIG regularly audits state reporting of Medicaid settlements and judgments. Reimbursement would not by itself cure the diversion of a Medicaid recovery through private entities for partisan political expenditures, identify the responsible officials or make Florida’s taxpayers whole. While we thank you for your previous response and confirmation that CMS has recouped all federal share associated with the full $67 million settlement, we believe further questions remain, particularly given the new information that has come to light. We kindly request the answers to the following questions: Did CMS or HHS OIG take any steps to ensure Medicaid and taxpayer dollars are protected following our May 15, 2025 letter, or was the matter simply considered resolved upon recouping the funds despite what the grand jury described as “a sophisticated scheme to divert taxpayer dollars for political purposes?” For CMS: In the grand jury report, Mr. Weida confirmed that the State decided to reimburse the federal government’s share of the full $67 million settlement. Please detail all conversations between CMS and the State of Florida about this settlement and the recoupment of the federal share. Given the grand jury testimony, identify any false, incomplete or misleading statement made to CMS concerning the settlement, source of funds, federal share or intended use of the $10 million in taxpayer dollars. For HHS OIG: In response to our letter, OIG stated that they had no role in overseeing the terms of the settlement agreed to between the State of Florida and Centene. Given this new information, can you confirm that the State of Florida did not violate federal law and fully complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework? Did the settlement provision directing $10 million to a private foundation – and the subsequent transfers to politically active nonprofits and committees – comply with the Social Security Act, 42 C.F.R. Parts 433 and 438, Form CMS-64 instructions, Florida’s approved Medicaid state plan and all federal award conditions? Will CMS review other Florida Medicaid-related settlements for third-party carveouts, donations or unreported recoveries? Will this be used as precedent for other states when determining how to use recouped settlement funding in the future? Will CMS adopt guidance or controls to prevent the routing of Medicaid-related taxpayer dollars to a private entity without enforceable restrictions, robust public reporting or appropriations through legislation? The grand jury report ends with recommendations to enact legislation to prevent this from happening again, including rules for taxpayer funding, consequences for violating the law, and measures to ensure taxpayer funds are tracked and monitored. They write that “taxpayer money should have been treated as such instead of being allocated for partisan political purposes and without transparency.” We urge CMS and OIG to seriously consider the new information brought to light in this case and to provide full transparency into any federal government involvement with the State. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405273,"Castor, Soto Demand Federal Investigation, Accountability After Grand Jury Finds Taxpayer Dollars Were Abused for Corrupt Political Purposes",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Darren Soto (FL-09) are demanding a federal investigation and full transparency following new reporting that $10 million in taxpayer funds from a Medicaid-related settlement were misappropriated and routed through the Hope Florida Foundation, with $8.5 million ultimately flowing to political committees. In their latest letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Castor and Soto urged federal officials to investigate whether the diversion violated federal Medicaid law and determine who was responsible. Earlier this year, a Florida grand jury concluded that the $10 million was misappropriated “as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The grand jury investigation followed allegations uncovered through a Florida House Republican-led inquiry into the settlement. Castor and Soto first called for a federal investigation in May 2025 after questions emerged about Florida’s $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene. The settlement directed $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. $8.5 million was then transferred through nonprofit organizations to political action committees controlled by James Uthmeier, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ then-chief of staff and now Florida Attorney General. According to the grand jury report, Uthmeier’s PAC transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC. The new grand jury report also raises questions about the unusual speed and timing of the transactions. Centene was required to transfer $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while being granted more than a year to repay the remaining $57 million to the State of Florida. The grand jury concluded the settlement appeared rushed because the 2024 election was only 45 days away and many Florida families were busy recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Despite concluding that taxpayer money was misappropriated for political purposes, the grand jury found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges because officials would not identify—or said they could not remember—who made the decision to send the $10 million to Hope Florida. Castor and Soto argue that the inability to pursue state criminal charges does not end the federal government’s responsibility to determine whether Medicaid laws and regulations were violated and taxpayer dollars were misappropriated for political purposes. Read the full letter here and below. RE: Urging Transparency into and Accountability for Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida Dear Inspector General Bell and Administrator Oz: On May 15, 2025, we wrote a letter urging your agencies to investigate whether the $10 million settlement scheme from Centene to the Hope Florida Foundation at the direction of the State of Florida in 2024 violated federal law and complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid, but $8.5 million in funding was quickly redirected to political committees supporting a Governor DeSantis-led campaign against a ballot amendment to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Recent press reports have brought new information to light regarding the settlement that we believe requires further investigation and clarity by federal agencies. Earlier this year, a grand jury in Florida concluded that the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer money to Hope Florida Foundation and that the funds “were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The inquiry followed allegations raised through a Florida House Republican-led investigation. These findings and gross abuse of taxpayer dollars demand immediate federal action. The grand jury concluded that “these funds were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The report provides important context on the timing of these financial transactions during the deadly Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and suggests the State may have taken advantage of the chaos and confusion on the ground for purely political gain while Floridians were reeling from the destruction and devastation of sequential natural disasters. The expedited nature of the movement of unusually large amounts of money moving through various entities, and the quick disbursement to their final destination during the 2024 election appears to be illegal and morally wrong. We learned several new items from the grand jury report, including an alarming money trail that funneled $8.5 million in taxpayer dollars into a political action committee (PAC) controlled by James Uthmeier, then Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ chief of staff and now Florida’s Attorney General. Uthmeier’s PAC then transferred $7 million directly to the Republican Party of Florida and $1.23 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another Uthmeier-controlled PAC. We also learned that the repayment schedule for the settlement required Centene to wire transfer the $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation within seven days, while allowing Centene a year and 45 days to repay the remaining $57 million to the State. The grand jury report noted that “The Centene settlement itself seems rushed as it materialized rapidly after years of inactivity. Then, once reached, it took a mere 7 days to fund. We believe the rush was due to the impending election which was just 45 days away.” Unfortunately, reports from the grand jury conclude that “Despite our finding that the money was misappropriated, we find insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally…Nobody will take responsibility for deciding the $10 million of taxpayer money would go to Hope Florida…or had any memory of who made it. We recognize that this would be an impediment to criminal prosecution. While we can’t provide who is responsible, we can plainly see that taxpayer money was misused for political purposes and we would like to see changes made to prevent this from happening again” (emphasis added). An inability to pursue state criminal prosecution because public officials profess memory lapses and CMS has recouped the federal share associated with the settlement does not eliminate the federal government’s independent responsibility to protect Medicaid and taxpayer dollars from abuse. Federal interest is not theoretical. In February 2026, Florida Agency for Health Care Administrator Secretary Shevaun Harris confirmed that Florida calculated and returned the federal share using the full $67 million settlement – not $57 million – while characterizing the action as an “abundance of caution.” That accounting undercuts the claim that the $10 million was independent of the Medicaid recovery. Section 1903(d)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act and 42 C.F.R. Part 433 require states to account for Medicaid overpayment recoveries and return the federal share; states report recoveries through Form CMS-64. HHS OIG regularly audits state reporting of Medicaid settlements and judgments. Reimbursement would not by itself cure the diversion of a Medicaid recovery through private entities for partisan political expenditures, identify the responsible officials or make Florida’s taxpayers whole. While we thank you for your previous response and confirmation that CMS has recouped all federal share associated with the full $67 million settlement, we believe further questions remain, particularly given the new information that has come to light. We kindly request the answers to the following questions: Did CMS or HHS OIG take any steps to ensure Medicaid and taxpayer dollars are protected following our May 15, 2025 letter, or was the matter simply considered resolved upon recouping the funds despite what the grand jury described as “a sophisticated scheme to divert taxpayer dollars for political purposes?” For CMS: In the grand jury report, Mr. Weida confirmed that the State decided to reimburse the federal government’s share of the full $67 million settlement. Please detail all conversations between CMS and the State of Florida about this settlement and the recoupment of the federal share. Given the grand jury testimony, identify any false, incomplete or misleading statement made to CMS concerning the settlement, source of funds, federal share or intended use of the $10 million in taxpayer dollars. For HHS OIG: In response to our letter, OIG stated that they had no role in overseeing the terms of the settlement agreed to between the State of Florida and Centene. Given this new information, can you confirm that the State of Florida did not violate federal law and fully complied with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework? Did the settlement provision directing $10 million to a private foundation – and the subsequent transfers to politically active nonprofits and committees – comply with the Social Security Act, 42 C.F.R. Parts 433 and 438, Form CMS-64 instructions, Florida’s approved Medicaid state plan and all federal award conditions? Will CMS review other Florida Medicaid-related settlements for third-party carveouts, donations or unreported recoveries? Will this be used as precedent for other states when determining how to use recouped settlement funding in the future? Will CMS adopt guidance or controls to prevent the routing of Medicaid-related taxpayer dollars to a private entity without enforceable restrictions, robust public reporting or appropriations through legislation? The grand jury report ends with recommendations to enact legislation to prevent this from happening again, including rules for taxpayer funding, consequences for violating the law, and measures to ensure taxpayer funds are tracked and monitored. They write that “taxpayer money should have been treated as such instead of being allocated for partisan political purposes and without transparency.” We urge CMS and OIG to seriously consider the new information brought to light in this case and to provide full transparency into any federal government involvement with the State.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-announces-final-release-of-more-than-1-million-to-florida-international-university-for-environmental-stewardship,Rep. Wilson Announces Final Release of More than $1 Million to Florida International University for Environmental Stewardship,2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) is proud to announce that the final $1,031,000 to be awarded to Florida International University through one of her Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding requests will be released this month. This funding milestone marks the culmination of three projects and over $11.5 million in Congressionally directed funding delivered by Congresswoman Wilson to support critical research, restoration, and educational initiatives that protect South Florida’s Everglades and advance innovative technologies. This release by the National Institute of Standards and Technology of the final grant funding this month will put the full resources behind these projects, enabling the critical work to move forward. “As Congress’s top Democrat on water resources and the environment, protecting our waterways is my critical mission. There is no South Florida if we do not protect the Everglades and Biscayne Bay,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “I will also stand with FIU as it delivers critical research and restoration efforts. As a proud steward of the environment, I am proud that this work will positively impact generations of South Floridians.” Congresswoman Wilson (FL-24) is extremely proud that this funding will create a central data clearinghouse, making complex restoration data readily accessible. This funding also supports training students, engaging our communities, and advancing Everglades research that we will all benefit from. Today’s funding will support FIU’s Everglades Task Force – Research, Development, Remote Sensing/Geographic Information System Support. The project will support whole-system resilience and assess vulnerabilities. The Everglades Task Force will leverage this funding and existing partnerships to upgrade and modernize carbon-flux measurement towers, deploy cutting-edge remote sensing and geographic information systems, develop a climate technologies and community engagement hub facility, create a central data clearinghouse for data and synthesis across the restoration lifecycle, and conduct research and development on nature-based green-gray solutions and novel methods for restoration and mangrove rehabilitation. In March, Congresswoman Wilson (FL-24) had the pleasure of joining FIU’s President Jeanette Nunez in the grand opening of FIU’s Coastal Conservation and Restoration Laboratory and the marine robotics research space at the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus. During the visit, Congresswoman Wilson had the opportunity to see firsthand how the grant funding has been put to work, supporting cutting-edge research and strengthening FIU’s capacity to protect our coastlines. In honor of Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson’s tireless commitment to FIU and the environment, FIU named a research robot after her, RV Wilson. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) is an eighth-term lawmaker from Florida, representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and lifelong educator, she founded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring and dropout prevention program for boys and young men of color. Congresswoman Wilson is also the founder and chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys and the Florida Ports Caucus. This bipartisan task force coordinates federal action to support Florida’s harbors and waterways and is a proud member of the Congressional HBCU Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus. The Florida lawmaker sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Labor Committee. She serves as the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405286,U.S. Rep. Castor takes aim at High Rents and Predatory Housing Practices,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the Housing Price Transparency Act to help make housing more affordable for renters by disincentivizing predatory AI algorithmic and surveillance pricing. Rents rise when landlords implicitly collude through computer software and algorithms to raise prices together. This new predatory price-fixing demands new solutions to keep rents affordable. “The cost of living is already soul-crushing, and rental pricing algorithms make it worse as invisible systems quietly push rents up, putting profits before people who need affordable homes,” said Rep. Castor. “Rental software can look at a lot of data—things like what other landlords charge—and suggests rent prices that maximize profit and push housing even further out of reach. Instead, the data should be kept out in the open, algorithms disclosed and collusion ended to protect renters from corporate greed and unreasonable rent increases.” The Housing Price Transparency Act is a commonsense approach that would require transparency in pricing practices and give renters more power to combat predatory models. Specifically, the bill would: -Require disclosure by companies that use an algorithm to help set monthly rental prices. -Empower the FTC to pursue unfair and deceptive practices in the rental housing market. -Authorize state attorneys general to bring civil enforcement actions. -Establish a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue within two years of an alleged violation, with statutory damages of $10,000 per violation. The bill builds on Rep. Castor’s record of standing up for consumers, including championing the largest piece of Housing legislation in decades, targeting hidden fees in the hotel and timeshare industries, and leading legislation for pricing transparency in government deals with Big Pharma. BACKGROUND: Algorithmic pricing, the use of formulas to automatically set prices to maximize profit, is increasingly common across industries, including residential rentals. When these formulas incorporate personally identifying information, the practice is known as surveillance pricing, which is distinct from ordinary dynamic pricing based on real-time supply and demand. While new AI-driven tools can simplify the process of finding and comparing housing, they also carry risks: discrimination, lack of transparency in decision-making, and misuse of sensitive personal data. Full text of the bill is available HERE.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/for-immediate-releaseaugust-26-2026contactariana-ornearianaornemailhousegovfrost-nadler-demand-antitrust-investigation-into-syscos-291-billion-acquisition-of-restaurant-depot-over-threats-of-higher-costs-for-restaurants,"Frost, Nadler Demand Antitrust Investigation Into Sysco’s $29.1 Billion Acquisition of Restaurant Depot Over Threats of Higher Costs for Restaurants",2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to closely scrutinize Sysco's proposed $29.1 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot and investigate its potential anticompetitive effects. In the letter sent to the DOJ and FTC, the Congressmen warn that the deal could reduce competition, drive up costs for independent restaurants, and ultimately make dining out more expensive for consumers Restaurant Depot currently operates 166 locations across 35 states and serves more than 700,000 restaurants and food service operators. As a direct competitor to Sysco, Restaurant Depot provides independent restaurants with an important alternative when purchasing food and negotiating prices. “Restaurants are already struggling with rising costs, and eliminating competition in food distribution could make the problem worse. If this merger drives up the cost of food for small restaurants, those costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers. Families can’t afford another hit to their wallets, and that’s why the DOJ and FTC need to closely scrutinize this deal,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10). “Soaring food prices are forcing Americans to struggle to put food on the table for their families. The last thing our districts need is another bloated corporation using their unfair market power to raise food prices further. The Department of Justice must take its job seriously by fairly and carefully examining this proposed transaction to ensure that American consumers are protected,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust Committee on the Judiciary. ""Independent restaurants operate on razor-thin margins, and Restaurant Depot gives them an essential alternative to large distributors like Sysco and a critical price benchmark when negotiating with suppliers. If Sysco is allowed to acquire a major competitor, independent restaurants will lose that leverage, face higher food costs, and ultimately have little choice but to pass those costs on to diners. We thank Representatives Frost and Nadler for urging federal regulators to thoroughly investigate this deal before it does lasting harm to independent restaurants and the communities they serve,” said Erika Polmar, Executive Director Independent Restaurant Coalition. The proposed acquisition would eliminate a major competitor to Sysco, the nation’s largest food distributor, and could give the company greater leverage over the prices restaurants pay for ingredients and supplies. For independent restaurants operating on already-thin margins, even modest increases in food costs can have significant consequences, including higher prices for customers. Frost warned that the impact of the merger could extend beyond restaurant owners to consumers and workers. If restaurants face higher costs, they may have little choice but to pass those costs on to customers at a time when families are already cutting back on dining out because of rising prices. The proposed acquisition could also have implications for independent farmers and growers. Sysco has touted the increased purchasing power that would result from the acquisition, raising concerns about how greater market concentration could affect the prices paid to producers. Frost is calling on the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to closely examine the proposed acquisition and launch an antitrust investigation into its potential effects on competition, independent restaurants, farmers, workers, and consumers. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405270,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Administration to Protect American Farmers and Fertilizer Producers Against Rising Costs and Chinese Weaponization,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Zachary Nunn (IA-3), members of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, today led a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging immediate action to protect American farmers and domestic fertilizer producers from a deepening, deliberately engineered supply chain crisis. Global conflicts and market manipulation by the People's Republic of China (PRC) has created a critical vulnerability in America's agricultural supply chain that is hurting American producers, rural communities, and families. ""Hardworking American farmers, workers and families are depending on the Administration to ensure farmers can access the fertilizer they need, at prices they can afford,"" Rep. Castor said. ""The Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated a willingness to exploit global commodity disruptions to advance its strategic interests at the expense of American producers and consumers. We need to act now to protect our supply chain from bad actors who send costs skyrocketing."" ""Iowa farmers shouldn't have to outbid Communist China for American-made inputs in their own backyard,"" said Rep. Nunn. ""Adding fertilizer minerals like phosphate and potash to the U.S. Critical Minerals list was the first step. Now, I'm asking the Administration to work with us on a whole-of-government strategy to secure our fertilizer supply chain and give Iowa producers the certainty to plan for next season.” Rep. Castor is urging USDA and USTR to secure domestic fertilizer production and develop a comprehensive fertilizer supply chain security strategy that accounts for geopolitical risk, adversarial commodity manipulation, and the strategic importance of domestic agricultural inputs before American businesses are irreversibly harmed. Full text of the letter is below and available here: Dear Secretary Rollins and Ambassador Greer: We write as members of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party to urge action to protect American farmers and domestic fertilizer producers from a deepening supply chain crisis. The convergence of geopolitical disruptions, the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) strategic use of export controls, and PRC government intervention in global commodity markets have created a critical vulnerability in America’s agricultural supply chain. This challenge is one that requires a strong interagency response before irreversible harm can be done to American producers, rural communities, and ultimately, American families. Sulfur is an indispensable input for the manufacture of phosphate fertilizer, an essential tool for sustaining American crop yields. [1] Over the past year, a series of geopolitical shocks including Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have severely restricted global sulfur supply. [2] The result has been an acute and artificial price spike. In December 2025, sulfur traded at approximately $450 per ton. Today, spot market prices have surged above $1,000 per ton. [3] The United States Gulf Coast, once a reliable but modest global supplier, has become the primary source of global sulfur supply by default. [4] Yet American manufacturers are being systematically outbid in their own backyard. The crisis facing American fertilizer producers is not simply a function of market forces, it reflects a deliberate strategic posture by the PRC government. Chinese state-affiliated and state-linked companies are actively purchasing American-produced sulfur at elevated prices, outcompeting domestic manufacturers. Mosaic Company, a cornerstone of American phosphate fertilizer production, was recently outbid for a sulfur contract by CMOC, a PRC-linked metals and mining company operating in Brazil. American sulfur is leaving the country while American fertilizer plants are idled. In early May 2026, the PRC enacted a ban on sulfuric acid exports. By purchasing American sulfur at premium prices, converting it into sulfuric acid domestically, and then restricting exports of that processed product, Beijing is effectively weaponizing a critical agricultural input. The move hoards upstream supply while locking downstream output behind export controls. It reflects a sophisticated strategy by the PRC government to acquire American raw materials, process them domestically, and then restrict re-export, achieving supply chain leverage over American agriculture while preserving its own food security and industrial base. The consequences of inaction are no longer theoretical. For example, the Mosaic Company is currently in curtailment at two manufacturing facilities due to its inability to secure affordable sulfur. [5] These disruptions are having impacts on farmers as well. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects the average cost of production for an acre of corn to rise to $917 in 2026, up from $890.[6] This will layer on top of the increased cost of diesel and equipment and cut into the already thin margins that American farmers operate on. [7] The window for preventive action is closing rapidly. Once phosphate manufacturing capacity is idled, restarting it is a slow and costly process. We urge you both to consider measures to resecure American fertilizer production. We urge USDA and USTR to develop a comprehensive fertilizer supply chain security strategy that accounts for geopolitical risk, adversarial commodity manipulation, and the strategic importance of domestic agricultural inputs. American farmers, workers, and families are depending on this Administration to ensure farmers can access the fertilizer they need, at prices they can afford. Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated a willingness to exploit global commodity disruptions to advance its strategic interests at the expense of American producers and consumers. Thank you for your attention to this matter and please advise on how you can help lessen the pain of the current supply chain crisis. [1]https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/113324/ERR-354.pdf?v=42889 [2]https://www.woodmac.com/press-releases/middle-east-conflict-disrupts-major-metals-and-mining-markets-threatening-global-supply-and-prices/ [3]https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/052926-high-sulfur-prices-squeeze-fertilizer-margins-spur-production-cutbacks [4]https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/agriculture/031926-sulfur-nitrogen-markets-under-pressure-as-middle-east-war-persists-analysts [5]https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24654-mosaic-to-scale-back-us-phosphate-production-over-high-input-costs [6] https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/commodity-costs-and-returns [7]https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/rising-fuel-prices-hit-us-farms-iran-war-drags-2026-06-09/",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/more-than-2000-job-seekers-attend-rep-wilson-s-federal-job-fair,"More Than 2,000 Job Seekers Attend Rep. Wilson’s Federal Job Fair",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), in partnership with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Miami Dade College, CareerSource South Florida, and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, welcomed more than 2,000 job seekers and 60 vendors to a Federal Job Fair at Miami Dade College. The extraordinary turnout demonstrated both the urgent need for employment opportunities and the determination of South Floridians to build brighter, more secure futures. Attendees connected directly with employers representing a wide range of industries and sectors, explored full-time and part-time positions, and accessed on-site career and professional development resources. “JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! That has always been my mantra because a good job is about far more than a paycheck. It is about dignity, independence, stability, and the ability to provide for your family,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “Today, more than 2,000 people walked through these doors ready to work, grow, and build a brighter future. That incredible turnout sends a powerful message: South Florida is ready for opportunity.” “When we connect people with meaningful employment, opportunities become careers, careers become stability, and stability strengthens entire families and communities,” Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) continued. “I am proud that we brought 60 vendors together to meet our residents where they are and help open doors that can change lives for generations. This is what progress looks like, and we will continue working until every South Floridian has a real shot at success.” The Federal Job Fair was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miami Dade College’s North Campus. The event reflected Congresswoman Wilson’s longstanding commitment to job creation, workforce development, economic opportunity, and empowering South Florida’s working families. ###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5028,Rep. Frankel Leads Bipartisan Florida Delegation in Urging Surgeon General to Protect Critical HIV Prevention Funding,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) led a bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers in urging Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and the Florida Department of Health to ensure critical federal HIV prevention funding reaches community-based organizations (CBOs), preventing disruptions to essential HIV prevention services across the state. This follows reports last month that White House directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to renew direct HIV prevention grants to CBOs nationwide and instead distribute the funding to state and local health departments. In Florida, 11 organizations collectively receive approximately $5 million each year through the program. The letter was cosigned by Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Darren Soto (D-FL-9), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24). “Florida’s CBOs are trusted providers that deliver lifesaving services, including HIV testing, prevention, care coordination, and outbreak response. Any interruption in funding would jeopardize these services, increase the risk of HIV transmission, and undermine the State’s progress in ending the HIV epidemic. In addition, without either direct federal funding or state pass-through funding, affected CBOs risk losing eligibility for the 340B Drug Pricing Program. That would eliminate a critical source of support for providing free or low-cost PrEP and PEP medications and other essential services to uninsured and underinsured Floridians,” the lawmakers wrote. “We appreciate FL DOH’s commitment to protecting public health. We respectfully request that the Department act promptly to ensure uninterrupted HIV prevention services for Floridians and provide a response outlining FL DOH's plans for establishing cooperative agreements with CBOs to pass through these funds,” the lawmakers continued. Representative Frankel also joined House Democratic colleagues in a separate letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding answers about reports that OMB directed the CDC not to renew approximately $46 million in direct HIV prevention grants supporting 96 community-based organizations. The lawmakers emphasized that Congress appropriated these funds to support evidence-based HIV prevention services, including HIV testing, linkage to care, referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and outbreak response. For the full text of the letter to Surgeon General Ladapo, click here.",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-leads-letter-urging-epa-address-puerto-ricos-drinking-water-emergency,Soto Leads Letter Urging the EPA to Address Puerto Rico's Drinking Water Emergency,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the EPA to address the urgent drinking water emergency affecting Puerto Rico. ""In early June, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) detected a rupture in a 72-inch Superaqueduct transmission line. Despite repairs to this fracture, outdated infrastructure continues to cause significant interruptions in water service, leaving roughly 3 million residents with inconsistent access to drinking water,” wrote the Members. ""This crisis is further intensified by a worsening drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor designating more than half of the island as experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. As a result, hundreds of thousands of residents are forced to ration their water supply and go as long as two days without running water.” ""The island’s water system has carried the weight of an aging infrastructure for decades. Experts estimate that 60 percent of the island’s water supply is lost due to leaks in aging infrastructure…” continued the Members. ""Since this crisis began, residents have been forced to buy potable water, spend money at laundromats, and haul heavy buckets up several flights of stairs to wash dishes, flush toilets, and take showers. The strain falls hardest on those least able to bear it: lower-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities, with community leaders noting that some have been hospitalized as the water shortages persist..."" In addition to Rep. Soto, the letter was signed by Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández and Reps. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15). For the full text of the letter, please click here. Recently, Rep. Soto introduced an amendment to H.R. 9022, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, in support of the following report language for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: ""The Committee directs the Department [of Energy] to offer technical and other programmatic assistance to Puerto Rico for the assessment and implementation of innovative technologies to mitigate power plant emissions, treat and reuse wastewater, produce biofuels, and generate power from solid waste. ""In addition, the Committee directs the Department [of Energy] to offer technical and other programmatic assistance to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in assessing the feasibility of: (1) Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands subsea electric and fiber optic cable interconnection as well as a stronger connection between Puerto Rico and surrounding islands such as Vieques and Culebra; (2) the potential effectiveness of solar and wind power implementation in the territories; plans for power grid repair, improvement, resiliency, and modernization; and (3) microgrid innovation.” Rep. Soto also supported an amendment to H.R. 9022 introduced by Rep. Velázquez to direct the U.S. Secretary of the Army to fund an integrated water management plan for Puerto Rico. Additionally, Rep. Soto co-sponsored H.R. 7397, the Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act, introduced by Resident Commissioner Hernández, to require the U.S. Secretary of the Army to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Puerto Rico's water and wastewater infrastructure modernization needs. ###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3535,"Wasserman Schultz, Cleaver Convene Housing Officials, Advocates to Tackle High Housing Cost Crisis",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Lauderdale Lakes, FL – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) joined local housing advocates and public housing officials who help Floridians facing skyrocketing housing costs to discuss possible solutions and reforms the affordability problem confronting nearly all Floridians when it comes to keeping a roof over their head. “Home insurance, rent, and mortgage costs keep climbing, flooding fears only grow, and we have a Republican Legislature that ignores our problems in Tallahassee, while handcuffing any local solutions at home,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Democrats are working to solve these problems, and that’s why I brought Congressman Cleaver here, so local leaders can work closely with us to help our hard-working families can afford to put a safe, comfortable roof over their head.” “As Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, it comes as no surprise that many of the challenges facing families in South Florida are the same challenges facing families back home in Kansas City. Housing affordability has reached the point of crisis in this country, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents an important step toward addressing some of the barriers that are driving up the cost of housing."" said Cleaver. ""Rep. Wasserman Schultz worked to advance provisions in the legislation important to her constituents, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to build on that progress. Today, I appreciated hearing from housing leaders about the positive impact they expect the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to have in their communities, as well as the challenges that still require the attention of Congress.” The discussion keyed in on federal legislative solutions that can be implemented when House Democrats take back control of the House of Representatives in the next Congress. Cleaver is the lead Democrat of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. Florida ranks among the worst states for affordable rent, and recent polls show as many as half of all residents have considered leaving the state due to rising costs of living. Wasserman Schultz and Cleaver discussed how Congress can help relieve this crisis, and asked advocates and local officials to share other ideas. ###",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5026,Frankel Responds to Trump’s Dangerous Childhood Vaccine Order,2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order overhauling the childhood vaccine schedule and pushing dangerous misinformation about lifesaving vaccines: “Donald Trump’s new executive order changing the childhood vaccine schedule against the advice of pediatric experts is dangerous and makes no sense,” said Rep. Frankel. ""Vaccines have saved millions of children from diseases that once killed, paralyzed, and disabled them. These changes could mean more sick children, more trips to the doctor, and higher health care costs for families. Our grandchildren should not be guinea pigs for political ideology or conspiracy theories. As a grandmother, I am furious. Our kids deserve medical decisions based on science, not politics.”",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405264,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Fights to Protect 700+ TPA Security Officers’ Jobs, Pay & Earned Benefits",2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, Fla. — Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) urged Tampa International Airport (TPA) CEO Michael Stephens and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) Chair Chip Diehl to reverse plans to privatize the airport’s passenger-screening workforce through the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Gold+ initiative. The change would replace more than 700 federal Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at TPA with a private contractor responsible for passenger screening and checkpoint equipment and technology. “Every day, TPA TSOs greet and protect 70,000 passengers—neighbors, friends, and visitors—ensuring that each journey begins and ends with security and care. Their professionalism is not just a job requirement; it is a commitment to the well-being of our community. To replace these federal officers with a private contractor is to risk public safety, place profit above people and jeopardize the livelihoods of those who have served us faithfully,” said Castor in her letter. ""Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, where terrorists exploited lax airport security screeners, TPA should not weaken its safety framework. TSOs are vital to operating safely and smoothly, protecting tens of thousands of passengers every day. TPA TSOs continued reporting for duty through government shutdowns—even when their paychecks did not arrive. During those difficult periods, the vast majority of TPA’s TSOs stood by TPA and the traveling public. Now, TPA leadership must stand by them and reverse the plan to eliminate more than 700 federal officers and put their pay, health coverage and earned retirement benefits at risk in favor of a private for-profit contractor.” If TPA continues on this track, it will be among the first airports in the country to weaken the post 9/11 security framework by entering into TSA Gold+, with the transition expected to be fully implemented by May 2027. Castor warned that privatization would create uncertainty for hundreds of Tampa Bay Veterans and longtime officers who have built careers serving the traveling public. TPA TSOs risk losing federal retirement benefits, health coverage and accrued vacation time they have earned over their years of federal service. Castor challenged the argument that privatization is necessary to accelerate the deployment of modern screening technology, citing increases authorized by Congress for TSA’s technology funding to support the deployment of advanced screening equipment. The potential transfer of control of checkpoint technology to a private, for-profit contractor would put taxpayer dollars and travelers’ sensitive personal data at unnecessary risk, including through data breaches or misuse. Castor’s letter is available here and below. Re: Support for Tampa Airport TSA Security Officers and Opposition to TSA Gold+ Dear Mr. Stephens and Mr. Diehl: I write not just as a representative, but as a member of the Tampa Bay community who deeply values the dedication and integrity of our Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at Tampa International Airport (TPA). The proposal to privatize the workforce of over 700 TSOs and outsource passenger screening under the TSA Gold+ program will profoundly affect the lives of hundreds of families, the safety of millions of travelers and the reputation of the best airport in the country. Every day, TPA TSOs greet and protect 70,000 passengers, neighbors, friends, and visitors, assuring that each journey begins and ends with security and care. Their professionalism is not just a job requirement; it is a commitment to the well-being of our community. To replace these federal officers with a private contractor is to risk public safety, place profit above people and jeopardize the livelihoods of those who have served us faithfully, including the many veterans and long-serving officers in the TSO ranks. I have heard directly from TPA TSOs, who have expressed their deep concern and opposition to privatization. Their sense of duty, pride and belonging cannot be replicated by a private entity. Tampa International Airport deserves world-class security, rooted in experience and dedication, not instability and uncertainty. This proposal arrives as we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks—a painful reminder of what happens when airport security is left to private firms with high turnover and inconsistent training. The Transportation Security Administration and federal TSOs were created by Congress after 9/11 to prevent another terrorist attack and ensure that our airports would never again be vulnerable to such tragedy. To weaken aviation security now is to forget the lessons learned at great cost and the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Privatization threatens not only security but also the economic stability of hundreds of Tampa Bay area families. TSOs face the loss of federal retirement benefits, health coverage and accrued vacation time. Even if offered comparable salaries initially, there is no guarantee of long-term financial security. At a time when inflation and living costs are high, this change would bring hardship to those who have given so much to our community. TPA TSOs have shown unwavering dedication, maintaining low call-out rates during government shutdowns and high service standards. Their commitment has been inspiring. To discharge them now under TSA Gold+ would be a betrayal of trust and gratitude. I understand that TSA proposes to allow TSA Gold+ contractors to ease deployment of screening technology. While modern screening technology is important, Congress already has provided TSA with increased funding to deploy these advancements. There is no need to risk taxpayer dollars or passenger data by handing over control to a private contractor whose primary motivation is profit, not public safety. The risks of data breaches and misuse are simply unacceptable. Private contractors may cut corners on training, wages and benefits, leading to fatigue and reduced vigilance. Unlike federal officers, whose mission is public safety, contractors’ financial incentives may conflict with the imperative to protect lives. TPA TSOs should not be defunded. For all of these reasons, I implore you to reject the change to TSA Gold+. Let us honor the memory of the Americans lost and injured on 9/11 by upholding the commitment to vigilance and security that has kept us safe for a quarter-century. Let’s also stand with our TSOs, local families, and our community. Thank you. Sincerely, Kathy Castor United States Representative Florida – District 14",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-alejandro-frost-and-florida-democrats-press-desantis-administration-for-answers-on-planned-use-of-ai-in-snap-eligibility-determinations,Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Florida Democrats Press DeSantis Administration for Answers on Planned Use of AI in SNAP Eligibility Determinations,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Florida's Rush to Use AI in SNAP Program ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation—Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Darren Soto (FL-9), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) sent a letter to Florida Deputy Secretary Williams and Governor Ron DeSantis demanding answers about the state's plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rate. ""We understand that the state must act urgently to address the impending budgetary crisis created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, we are concerned with one of the state's proposed solutions: the appropriation of $4 million in state funds for the new and relatively unproven technology of AI to identify the SNAP error rate,"" wrote the Members. ""The state is moving on an extraordinarily accelerated timeline to procure an AI vendor by September 1, yet Floridians have received little information about how that vendor will be selected or what safeguards will be in place,"" continued the Members. ""We are seeking answers about the vendor's qualifications, the accuracy of its AI tools, protections against bias, human oversight of AI decision-making, transparency, appeals for affected SNAP recipients, and whether the state has contingency plans if it fails to meet its procurement deadline."" For a copy of the letter, please click here. ###",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3534,Wasserman Schultz Joins Constituent Released from ICE Facility,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined her constituent Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone after she was released from the ICE Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach last night. Click here to watch the full press conference. Click here for video of Claudia and Wasserman Schultz meeting. “I’m so grateful and relieved that Claudia is with her family again. I was proud to help put a spotlight on her case, but there are 300,000 Florida families who had TPS ripped away just like Claudia, and they are just as vulnerable to the kind of cruel arrest and detention that she and her family just went through,” said Wasserman Schultz. “She’s clearly no threat to our community. And the atrocious pain and uncertainty that she and her family were put through, and all the immense, wasteful expense it costs taxpayers, are just appalling. The end of TPS means more and more of our neighbors will be targeted by ICE. I’ll keep fighting to keep families like Claudia’s together, and to put an end to Trump’s racist cruelty. There are still too many Claudias going through this same horror.” “Today, my heart is also with the many people in detention without the same support and visibility, and also the opportunity to have shared their stories and also be heard,” said Claudia. “I hope this moment also shines a light on them, because this journey is just the beginning.” Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone was held at the Pompano Beach facility after being detained for eight days at the ICE Field Office in Miramar, where Wasserman Schultz recently conducted oversight and put a spotlight on inhumane conditions. Claudia lawfully moved from Venezuela to the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa, and within six months applied for asylum. She received Temporary Protected Status in 2023, and her asylum case is pending. Earlier in July, she was arrested by ICE agents at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Last year, she earned her master’s degree from St. Thomas University. When she spoke to Claudia last week, Wasserman Schultz says she described being held for eight days in the Miramar ICE facility, significantly longer than the 72 hours allowed by law. Claudia had no access to a shower or change of clothes for the entirety of her time in Miramar. She also described women sleeping on the floor and limited light.",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-to-host-free-federal-job-fair-for-south-florida-job-seekers,Rep. Wilson to Host Free Federal Job Fair for South Florida Job Seekers,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will host a free Federal Job Fair with Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Miami Dade College, 11380 Northwest 27th Avenue, Building 3. The event comes as recent teacher layoffs and federal workforce reductions have left many experienced workers searching for new employment opportunities. The Department of Government Efficiency’s federal workforce cuts have disproportionately affected Black women and other federal employees, disrupting careers and creating uncertainty for families throughout South Florida. “After DOGE firings disproportionately impacted Black women and other federal workers, we are stepping up to connect our community with new opportunities, resources, and a path forward,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “Recent teacher layoffs have also displaced dedicated educators who have spent their careers serving our children. This job fair will bring employers and job seekers together so qualified workers can explore open positions and take the next step in their careers.” Job seekers attending the fair will have the opportunity to meet directly with recruiters, interview for full-time and part-time positions, explore careers across multiple industries, and access on-site employment and professional development resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring several copies of their résumés and dress professionally, as participating employers will be prepared to meet and recruit qualified candidates. The Federal Job Fair is free and open to the public. Attendees may scan the event QR code to RSVP. WHO U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, Florida’s 24th Congressional District Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III Miami Dade College CareerSource South Florida 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project Participating employers and recruiters WHEN Thursday, August 13, 2026 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. WHERE Miami Dade College, North Campus Conference Center 11380 NW 27th Avenue Building 3, Room 3249 Miami, FL 33167 VISUALS Congresswoman Wilson engaging with job seekers and participating employers; recruiters meeting with prospective applicants; on-site interviews and networking; employment and professional development resources. RSVP Press RSVP required. Members of the media planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Kailyn McBride at kailyn@mail.house.gov. For additional event information, call 305-690-5905. ###",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3533,"Wasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Pompano Beach ICE Facility Oversight Visit, Announces New ICE Reform Legislation",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Pompano Beach, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced oversight inspection of the ICE Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach. Wasserman Schultz also announced two new bills, the No PREJUDICE Act to prohibit ICE from racial profiling, and the Build Homes, Not Hate Act to redirect ICE funds to instead build housing. Click here to watch the full press conference. A Wasserman Schultz constituent, Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone, is being held at the facility after being detained for eight days at the ICE Field Office in Miramar, where Rep. Wasserman Schultz recently conducted oversight and put a spotlight on inhumane conditions. Claudia lawfully moved from Venezuela to the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa, and within six months applied for asylum. She received Temporary Protected Status in 2023 and her asylum case is pending. Earlier in July, she was arrested by ICE agents at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Last year, she earned her master’s degree from St. Thomas University. Wasserman Schultz spoke with Claudia via phone to learn about her treatment at the ICE facilities in Pompano Beach and Miramar. When she spoke to Claudia, Wasserman Schultz says she described being held for eight days in the Miramar ICE facility, significantly longer than the 72 hours allowed by law. Claudia had no access to a shower or change of clothes for the entirety of her time in Miramar. She also described women sleeping on the floor and limited light. Wasserman Schultz was joined by Claudia’s friends and family for the press conference. “Stories like Claudia’s and so many others must lead to action. Because the end of TPS means more and more of our neighbors will be targeted by ICE,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Right now, ICE agents are overrunning airports to catch law-abiding residents like Claudia, upending lives, wasting taxpayer dollars, and betraying America’s values. Every dollar we spend to build mass detention centers is a dollar not spent on making life more affordable for working families.” “[Claudia] is living proof that the reality is much more complicated than any narrative that can be painted,” said Gabriel Dominguez, Claudia’s cousin. “We can’t allow labels to replace humanity.” The No PREJUDICE (No Person’s Race, Ethnicity, Job, or Use of Dialect or Inflection is Cause for Enforcement) Act would ensure that that no DHS funds may be used to target people based on perceived race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. It would bar DHS from targeting people just because they are at a bus stop, car wash, a Home Depot, or any other place associated with temporary work. It would also ensure that speaking Spanish, Haitian Creole, or even English with an accent, is not a legal cause for immigration enforcement. Read the full No PREJUDICE Act here. The Build Homes, Not Hate Act would claw back $70 billion of ICE funds from the Republican Big Ugly Law, and to use that money to solve America’s housing cost crisis and end homelessness, once and for all. By redirecting this money from incarceration to investment in home construction, conversion, and preservation, 200,000 new affordable and market-rate housing units can be generated in the most expensive regions, like South Florida. There would remain enough money left over to provide supportive housing and transitional services to every single homeless person in America. Read the full Build Homes, Not Hate Act here. ###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405255,"ICYMI: Castor Delivers $2.29 Million to Cut Costs, Protect Property and Invest in Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg",2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"ST. PETERSBURG, FL — This week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced $2,290,288 in community project funding for two stormwater projects designed to cut costs and protect St. Petersburg residents, roadways and property from frequent flooding. St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City Council Members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Brandi Gabbard and community leaders cheered the local investments. Castor secured the investments through federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) on behalf of the City of St. Petersburg. The projects will upgrade aging drainage infrastructure in two flood-prone areas, improve emergency access and public safety during storms and strengthen the city’s long-term resilience as heavy rainfall and tidal flooding become more frequent. View photos from the press conference here. “Tampa Bay families should not have to worry that a heavy rainstorm will flood their street, damage their property or cut them off from their neighborhood,” said Castor. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these federal investments because protecting our neighbors from flooding requires reliable, modern infrastructure. These projects will help keep important roadways open, move stormwater more effectively and make our community safer and more resilient for years to come.” Castor community projects include: MLK Street South Flooding Alleviation — $1,145,144: The project will elevate and improve Martin Luther King Jr. Street South between 30th Avenue South and 36th Avenue South, where flooding can make the roadway impassable during heavy rainfall. The funding will also expand stormwater culverts to improve drainage capacity and reduce roadway flooding under current and future conditions. 88th Avenue North and 4th Street North Storm Drainage Improvements — $1,145,144: The project will address recurring street flooding near a tidally influenced stormwater outfall. Planned improvements include replacing and enlarging stormwater conveyance systems, installing new inlets and underground piping, and adding stormwater storage. Green infrastructure will be incorporated where feasible to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Together, the projects will reduce the risk of roadway and structural flooding, protect nearby homes and businesses, improve access for residents and emergency responders during severe weather, and increase the reliability of St. Petersburg’s stormwater system. Castor secured $19,607,288 for 15 community priority projects across Tampa Bay through the FY 2026 federal appropriations. These investments will lower costs, expand affordable housing, strengthen flood mitigation, improve transportation, create workforce training opportunities in trades and expand services for students, young people, veterans and military families.",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5025,"Reps. Frankel, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Korean War Veterans",2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,###,1,2026-07-28T07:37:32Z,2026-07-28T07:38:50Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3530,"Wasserman Schultz, Florida House Democrats Oppose Endangered Species Act Rollbacks, Demand Rule Withdrawal",2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Darren Soto (FL-09), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to immediately withdraw their agencies’ final rule redefining “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. This change makes it easier for the oil, gas, and mining industries and development interests to encroach on wildlife habitat, so long as it does not directly harm threatened or endangered plants and animals themselves. “In yet another handout to polluters, Trump is making it easier for his corporate friends to cash in on our natural resources and simply ignore protections for rare plants and animals,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Anyone who cares about Florida’s treasured Everglades, coral reefs, and the amazing wildlife that call our state home should be angry as hell about this.” Over 100 species found in Florida are listed under the Endangered Species Act, including iconic animals like the manatee, the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the hawksbill sea turtle. Many of these species are found nowhere else on earth. “The rule change directly threatens the unique habitats that support the plants and animals for which our state is renowned,” wrote the Members. “Climate change coupled with unprecedented urban growth in Florida and around the nation has pushed our wildlife to the brink. This rule will significantly weaken the ESA and usher in the often-irreversible loss of habitat, hastening the extinction of plants and animals that are a vital part of our state’s culture and tourism economy.” The rule change was followed by two other Endangered Species Act rollbacks, one which ends automatic protections for newly listed threatened species – those on the brink of endangered status – and one which gives more weight to economic factors when considering critical habitat designation. Read the full letter here. ####",1,2026-07-28T07:37:32Z,2026-07-28T07:38:50Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405252,"Castor, Welch Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Energy Grid, Lower Electric Bills",2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, and Sen. Peter Welch (VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy and Credit, this week reintroduced the Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act, bicameral legislation that aims to make it easier for the United States to advance affordable, clean energy projects and strengthen its electric grid. The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that interstate and offshore transmission infrastructure projects allocate costs to beneficiaries more fairly. The legislation would help lower energy costs for consumers by accelerating the construction of interstate transmission lines that deliver vital affordable, clean energy to communities across the country. “America’s aging electric grid and growing transmission bottlenecks are driving up energy costs for Florida families, slowing the development and deployment of newer, cheaper energy resources and leaving communities more vulnerable to increasingly extreme weather,” said Rep. Castor. “The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act will help address these challenges by making it easier to complete essential transmission projects, reduce costly grid congestion and deliver affordable, reliable electricity where it is needed. This commonsense legislation will help build a cheaper, cleaner, stronger and more resilient energy future for families and businesses across Tampa Bay.” “Strengthening America’s electric grid is essential to ensuring we can meet modern electricity and climate challenges. Finding ways that make it easier to construct and complete transmission projects that boost the resiliency of our grid and lower costs for consumers is a major part of that. We’re working to bolster our grid against extreme weather and help ensure every home across America has access to affordable and reliable electricity,” said Sen. Welch.",1,2026-07-25T07:13:44Z,2026-07-25T07:15:09Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3528,"Wasserman Schultz Joins Mourning, Overtown Youth Center to Announce Broward Expansion",2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Hollywood, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz joined Overtown Youth Centers (OYC) Co-Founder Alonzo Mourning, Broward School District representatives, and local elected officials to announce OYC’s expansion into Broward County. Click here to watch the full press conference. In partnership with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), OYC is further expanding its proven youth development model to communities in South Broward County. Through an official agreement with Broward County Public Schools, OYC expanded its programming to McNicol Middle School in Summer 2026 and will continue through the new school year. The expansion will also offer OYC services at McNicol Middle School to students from four nearby elementary schools. This represents a strategic investment in increasing access to high-quality, outcome-driven programming for more students and families. “I'm ecstatic that the Overtown Youth Center will bring its proven, holistic model for family and child success to Broward County,” said Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly want all our children to travel on a path of success, they must have access to sound nutrition and tutoring, STEM and arts education, and the family support systems that make it all possible. This proven enrichment blueprint is just the type of empowering infrastructure that our Broward communities deserve, and I'll support these efforts any way that I can. I'm also very proud that our Broward County School District leaders and Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy are teaming with community leader and OYC architect Alonzo Mourning, to embrace this amazing expansion opportunity to support our children and families.” “For 25 years, I have been committed to ensuring that children and families have access to the high-quality programs they need to thrive. I know firsthand that there are a lot of champions in our communities; and my goal is to galvanize resources for our families and to nurture the gifts and talents of our young people. Through OYC and Honey Shine, our goal is to provide empowering, enriching and exposure opportunities that positions all those we serve to compete and win in this world, and I am proud to strengthen that mission through our partnership with Broward County Public Schools,” said Mourning. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every child has access to meaningful opportunities that support academic growth, personal development, and long-term success. We are proud to welcome OYC’s proven programming into our schools and to expand the resources available to students and families in South Broward,” said Broward School Board Member Maura McCarthy Bulman. OYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, empower, and enrich the lives of youth, adults, and families by providing a comprehensive and long-term approach to strengthening communities.",1,2026-07-25T07:13:44Z,2026-07-25T07:15:09Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-announces-over-36-million-federal-aviation-administration-funding-orlando,Soto Announces Over $36 Million in Federal Aviation Administration Funding for Orlando International Airport,2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) hosted a press conference at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to announce over $36 million in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds for MCO. He was joined by City of Orlando Commissioner Tom Keen and union representatives. “We are proud to announce another $36 million in federal funding for MCO, which builds upon the $33 million recently awarded from the Airport Terminals Program to modernize public restrooms and enhance family facilities,” said Rep. Soto. ""Since passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’ve worked to secure over $500 million in funding for MCO—more than any other Florida airport. As Congress works on a new Infrastructure Law, we must ensure that it includes airports, ports, water, and electric grid projects in addition to roads, bridges, and road transportation projects.” “It is critical for us to maintain the infrastructure that supports our airport in order for it to continue running efficiently,” said Commissioner Tom Keen. “I thank Congressman Soto for his leadership to ensure the over 58 million people who visit our airport have a smooth travel experience.” “It is important to recognize leaders who understand what a strong airport depends on. Keeping our airport running boosts the local economy and helps thousands of workers maintain their jobs,” said TWU Local 555 Representative Edgar Jimenez. “We thank Congressman Soto for supporting working families and investing in the future of Central Florida.” The U.S. FAA awarded MCO the following funds: $22,140,828 from the Airport Improvement Program for a project to rehabilitate existing 6,700 feet Taxiway E lighting and 6,700 feet of Taxiway F lighting to extend their useful lives. This grant funds phase 2 of the project, which consists of construction of 4,200 feet of Taxiway E and 4,200 feet of Taxiway F. $13,891,922 from the Airport Infrastructure Grants Program for a project to reconstruct 39,311 square feet of existing terminal by reconstructing the restrooms that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of 11,078 square feet of design and construction.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3527,"Wasserman Schultz Leads 50+ Democrats in Bill to Protect TPS Holders, Restore Checks and Balances",2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"“Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes are at risk of being torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will because of the horrible decisions made by the Trump Administration and a MAGA Supreme Court,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This fight is not over. My TPS Review Act will restore checks and balances on the President’s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.” Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) introduced the TPS Review Act, which would reassert judicial and Congressional review of the executive branch’s decisions about TPS. She was joined by 58 original cosponsors, including Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Yvette Clarke, (NY-09), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06). A federal appeals court gave Haitians a temporary reprieve Wednesday from losing their deportation protections from deportation, which had been set to end Friday. That reprieve could end anytime after Monday, July 27. The crux of the Supreme Court’s Trump v. Miot ruling that allows this threat to proceed, is that, regardless of whether the Administration’s TPS termination for Haiti and Syria was lawful, courts have no authority to assess if a decision to revoke TPS is legal. This legislation explicitly allows court reviews of TPS determination reasoning, which in the case of Haiti was clearly fueled by Trump Administration racism. “Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes are at risk of being torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will because of the horrible decisions made by the Trump Administration and a MAGA Supreme Court,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This fight is not over. My TPS Review Act will restore checks and balances on the President’s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.” The TPS Review Act would amend the Temporary Protected Status statute to institute judicial review, establish a cause of action for TPS recipients and their representatives to sue for relief in court, and allow Congress to reverse a TPS termination by simple majority vote under the Congressional Review Act. This legislation will also require a standardized, documented process for the Executive Branch to review country conditions before TPS can be revoked, creating a paper trail for litigation. It places the burden of evidence on the Government to prove that a challenged TPS decision complies with these requirements. Under this bill, TPS recipients would maintain their status and work permits automatically and indefinitely while a termination is litigated in court, eliminating the uncertainty that has harmed Florida businesses and consumers over the last year. Original co-sponsors include: U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Donald Beyer, Shontel Brown, André Carson, Kathy Castor, Joaquin Castro, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Angie Craig, Danny Davis, Suzan DelBene, Maxine Dexter, Adriano Espaillat, Lois Frankel, Maxwell Frost, Jesús García, Jimmy Gomez, Al Green, Adelita Grijalva, Steven Horsford, Jonathan Jackson, Henry Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rick Larsen, John Larson, George Latimer, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, John Mannion, Doris Matsui, Jennifer McClellan, Morgan McGarvey, James McGovern, Gregory Meeks, Jared Moskowitz, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Norton, Nancy Pelosi, Scott Peters, Brittany Pettersen, Stacey Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Marc Veasey, Nydia Velázquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Frederica Wilson. Read the full bill here. #### Related News Wasserman Schultz Calls on FIU to Rescind Punishment of Student ICE Protest July 21, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Wasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Miramar ICE Facility Oversight Visit July 2, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Sun Sentinel: Congresswoman describes ‘inhumane’ conditions at Miramar ICE facility July 2, 2026 | Posted in In the News",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405250,Castor Opposes Blank Check for Iran War in Extreme Defense Spending Bill,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the extreme fiscal year 2027 defense spending bill: “The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) typically is a bipartisan commitment to our armed forces and the men and women who defend our country. Unfortunately, extreme politicians in Washington hijacked this critical legislation with divisive policies that do nothing to fortify our military or improve the quality of life of service members, civilian workers and military families. The bill proposes to spend $1.5 trillion without a strategy for the war in Iran. I cannot support a blank check for an open-ended war with no clear objectives, timeline or exit strategy. “The war has already cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, driven up gas prices and transportation - painfully rippling through the pocketbooks of Tampa Bay families grappling with high-priced groceries and bills. The highest costs are being carried by our service members and their families, who deserve a clearly defined mission—not continued uncertainty. Americans have made clear that they do not want war, yet extreme politicians refuse to listen. “Families and small businesses are struggling with the rising cost of housing, health care, electric bills, groceries and much more. Congress should be laser-focused on lowering costs—not writing a blank check for a war the American people oppose. “I hope that the House and the Senate can come to a bipartisan agreement on the NDAA, removing harmful policy riders and refocusing the bill on supporting our military and service members as intended.”",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-legislation-honoring-vice-mayor-nancy-metayer-heads-to-house-floor-for-vote-after-clearing-key-committee,Moskowitz Legislation Honoring Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Heads to House Floor for Vote After Clearing Key Committee,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) announced that his legislation to rename the United States Postal Service facility located at 3255 NW 94th Avenue in Coral Springs as the “Nancy Metayer Post Office Building” has advanced out of the House Oversight Committee. The committee’s approval marks a key legislative hurdle and sends the bill to the House Floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives. “Nancy Metayer devoted her life to serving Coral Springs and making South Florida a better place,” said Moskowitz. “She was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and, most importantly, a deeply kind person who advocated for everyone. We are now one step closer to ensuring Nancy’s legacy is permanently recognized in the community she loved and served.” Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer was a dedicated public servant and community leader whose work left a lasting impact on Coral Springs and communities across South Florida. She made history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission and later served as Vice Mayor, where she championed environmental stewardship, public health, sustainability, and inclusive community development. Before serving in elected office, Metayer led environmental justice efforts across Florida, working on issues ranging from water quality to disaster response. She also served on numerous local and statewide boards and was widely respected for her commitment to improving the lives of others. Metayer’s tragic passing was a profound loss for Coral Springs and for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Once enacted, the designation would permanently honor Vice Mayor Metayer’s leadership, service, and contributions to the Coral Springs community.",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T08:16:28Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405247,Castor Breast Cancer Awareness Bill Passes House,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) celebrated passage of her bipartisan Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act Reauthorization (H.R. 4541) with Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and 42,000 deaths are expected from breast cancer in 2025. And with incidences rising in younger women each year, the earlier it’s caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating disease. The key to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This is especially true for younger women and those at greater risk of death from more aggressive forms of breast cancer. “Too many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to catch it early and fight back,” said Rep. Castor. “For more than fifteen years, the EARLY Act has supported young women through outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I’m proud to lead the charge for this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease continue.” View Castor’s remarks on the EARLY Act reauthorization here. The EARLY Act authorizes three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women. This includes the Bring Your Brave effort, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages of 18 and 44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients’ survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer. After fifteen years of successful implementation, it is now time to again reauthorize the EARLY Act to ensure that it continues to reach even more young and higher-risk women across the United States. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is vital to continuing to save women’s lives. The EARLY Act is endorsed by:",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3524,Wasserman Schultz Calls on FIU to Rescind Punishment of Student ICE Protest,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) called on Florida International University (FIU) to rescind its disciplinary actions against students who engaged in silent protest against the university’s voluntary collaboration with ICE enforcement on campus. In March, seven students engaged in a silent protest at a school event. Recently, the students were told they had to record videos about FIU policies that they allegedly violated or have a hold placed on their accounts, preventing them from signing up for classes or receiving a diploma. “This push to muzzle silent protest is a gross violation of our Constitution, FIU's own rules and sets a dangerous precedent,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I'm hopeful that by rescinding these forced-confession punishments FIU can restore its reputation for rigorous speech and debate.” Read the full letter here or below: Dear President Nuñez, The recent penalization imposed by Florida International University’s (FIU) administration upon seven of its students for their silent protest staged at a campus event in March of this year is a grave violation of First Amendment free-speech protections. FIU’s actions set up a dangerous precedent and will have a chilling effect on students’ ability to freely express themselves and their ideas—a bedrock tenet of our free and democratic society, as enshrined in our Constitution, particularly in a university environment. FIU’s own regulations, as defined in FIU-110 Expressive Activities in Outdoor Areas on Campus, protect students’ First Amendment activities, including “assemblies, demonstrations, exercises of free speech, protests, parades, marches, and picketing protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1 of the Florida Constitution.” FIU regulations permit such activities so long as they are lawful and do not “[…] materially and substantially disrupt the normal operations of the University or materially and substantially infringe upon the rights of others.” FIU has maintained that the seven students violated a university ban on expressive activities indoors. However, students’ First Amendment rights on campus have been upheld at the federal level at least since the Supreme Court precedent set in 1969 by the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District decision. The majority ruled in Tinker that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” University regulations plainly serve to prevent disruption of the learning environment. It is disingenuous to suggest that the seven students standing up to display the message on their shirts is “materially and substantially” disruptive to normal university operations. Per public reporting, the punishment levied against students includes forcing them to record a two-minute video explaining university expectations around indoor and outdoor areas, which they could be compelled to re-record if it does not meet FIU Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity standards. This punishment itself violates students’ First Amendment rights, given that no governing body can force individuals to support certain expressions— often referred to as the compelled speech doctrine— as upheld by West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette. FIU’s violation of constitutionally guaranteed free-speech rights for students is thus twofold. Responding to the violation of a protected First Amendment expression with a further violation is an unacceptable form of disciplinary action. The university’s actions send a clear message to students that free expression will be silenced if it is convenient for the university, and that they must fall in line or suffer the consequences. This presents a clear disincentive for students to voice controversial, unpopular or divisive opinions, which is both a right and an important part of the education process. As part of the State University System of Florida, FIU adopted its Statement of Free Expression “to support and encourage full and open discourse and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives on our respective campuses.” Punishing students in the aforementioned manner for silent protest is in direct violation of this statement, as well as FIU’s publicly stated values of “freedom of thought and expression.” As a public university supported by federal funding and entrusted with advancing the education of our students, FIU has a responsibility to uphold students’ First Amendment rights. I strongly urge FIU to rescind its disciplinary actions against these students and fully restore First Amendment speech protections for its student body. Sincerely, Debbie Wasserman Schultz Member of Congress",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3525,"Wasserman Schultz Leads Latino-Jewish Caucus, Argentina Caucus in Marking Anniversary of AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, Demanding Accountability",2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), co-chair of the Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, was joined by fellow co-chairs, Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Rep. Maria Salazar (FL-27), and co-chairs of the Argentina Caucus, Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Michael Rulli (OH-06) in sponsoring a resolution to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires and demanding justice and accountability for those responsible for the attack. “More than three decades after the tragic AMIA Jewish Center bombing, and there’s still no justice for the 85 victims, the hundreds of injured, and countless people who were traumatized by this Iran-backed Hezbollah attack,” said Wasserman Schultz. “With antisemitism skyrocketing around the world, this gruesome attack on Argentina’s thriving Jewish community cannot go unanswered. I’m proud to honor the victims of this attack and keep up the vital pursuit of justice for their loved ones.” “With this resolution, we honor the 85 innocent people who lost their lives and the more than 300 who were injured in the bombing of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA). This heinous act of terror, carried out by Iran and its proxy Hezbollah, remains the deadliest antisemitic terrorist attack in Argentina’s history and serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of extremism,” said Diaz-Balart. “This past May, I visited the AMIA memorial in Buenos Aires, where I paid my respects to the victims and reflected on the enduring impact of this tragedy. We must never forget the victims, and we must continue to condemn the alarming rise of antisemitism and hold accountable those who commit terrorism.” “The AMIA attack is a painful reminder of the dangers of antisemitism,” said Soto. “Today and every day, we keep the memories of those we lost alive by continuing to reject the extremism that leads to these violent acts of terror.” “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Argentina Caucus, I strongly support this resolution condemning the 1994 AMIA bombing and demanding full accountability from Iran and Hezbollah,” said Rulli. “After 32 years, the victims’ families deserve justice. The United States stands with Argentina and the Jewish community in their fight against terror and impunity.” “As we mark the 32nd anniversary of the AMIA bombing, we stand in solidarity with Argentina's Jewish community as we remember the 85 people who were killed and the many others who were injured,” said Dina Siegel Vann, Director, The Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs, AJC. “Thank you to Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Michael Rulli (R-OH) for championing this resolution, honoring the victims, and demanding accountability for the Iranian regime and Hezbollah terrorists responsible for this vicious attack.” First established in 2011 with support from the American Jewish Committee, the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus has cemented stronger bonds based on Latino and Jewish communities’ shared histories as immigrants and minorities. It has also been vocal in responding to the growing wave of antisemitism across the globe in the U.S. The 25-member Caucus is now led by Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Díaz-Balart, and Espaillat. In 2024, Rep. Wasserman Schultz joined a Congressional delegation to Buenos Aires to participate in the formal 30th anniversary commemoration of the AMIA attack. The text of the resolution can be found here.",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-seeks-answers-over-alleged-wage-violations-affecting-workers-at-epcot-restaurants,Congressman Maxwell Frost Seeks Answers Over Alleged Wage Violations Affecting Workers at EPCOT Restaurants,2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), sent a letter to the executive leadership of Delaware North requesting answers about allegations that employees at Patina Group restaurants inside Disney's EPCOT Italy Pavilion were not paid for all of the hours they worked over several years. Following concerns raised by Central Florida constituents, Rep. Frost is seeking information about the company's timekeeping, payroll, overtime, and wage-and-hour practices as part of his congressional oversight responsibilities. In the letter, Rep. Frost says: “I am writing regarding wage and hour practices at the Delaware North subsidiary Patina Group restaurants located inside Disney’s Epcot Italy Pavilion. “My office has been contacted by constituents regarding allegations made by four employees who claim that they were not compensated for all the hours they worked over several years. As a member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, who helps advance policies covering these matters, I am seeking additional information to better understand both the circumstances and the policies currently in place. “I am requesting answers to the following questions no later than August 3, 2026. 1. What are your company policies for tracking employee work hours? 2. What processes are in place to ensure employees are compensated for all hours worked, including work performed before or after their scheduled shifts? 3. Are employees ever expected to perform work before or after their scheduled shifts? a. If no, how is that policy communicated? 4. How are overtime hours approved and compensated? 5. What training do managers or supervisors receive regarding wage and hour practices? 6. What procedures are in place for employees to report concerns about pay? How are those concerns addressed? 7. Can you provide my office with any documentation regarding the payroll and timekeeping systems used at Patina Group restaurants located inside Disney’s Epcot Italy Pavilion? Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue.” Click here for the full letter. ###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3521,"Neguse, Wasserman Schultz Lead Entire Democratic Caucus in Demanding CMS Reverse Course on Rule Threatening Medicaid Access for Cancer Patients",2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Joe Neguse and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz led the entire House Democratic Caucus in a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency reverse course on a new rule requiring certain Medicaid applicants and enrollees to meet conditions of eligibility in order to access critical healthcare services. The framework implements work requirements mandated by the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), and has the potential to lock American families facing some of the most dire health conditions out of lifesaving care. Neguse and Wasserman-Schultz, who have each been impacted by cancer as a caregiver and patient, respectively, also called on CMS to establish, at a minimum, automatic exemptions for patients with cancer and other aggressive illnesses. “We write to express our profound concern regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) interim final rule titled ‘Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals.’ This interim rule will create an undue burden for beneficiaries with serious health care needs and put people at risk of losing coverage, while also creating significant implementation challenges for states. Therefore, we urge CMS to revise this rule, and until such changes are made, call on CMS to authorize states to delay implementation,” wrote the lawmakers. More specifically, CMS’s new rule makes it harder for cancer patients and survivors to qualify for Medicaid’s “medical frailty” exemption—stating that a medical condition must significantly impair a person’s ability to comply with the 80-hour per month work requirement. In their letter, the lawmakers argue this framework does not adequately consider the complex nature of illnesses like cancer, which can exhibit periodic or intermittent symptoms often relating to side effects of treatment or the disease itself. The requirement also forces individuals to prove they can’t work, in an exhaustive process that increases barriers between struggling Americans and access to basic healthcare. “Forcing vulnerable patients to exhaustively document their symptoms simply to maintain access to basic healthcare is both imprudent and inconsistent with Federal law. Diagnoses such as an aggressive cancer require patients to receive care as soon as possible, and as you know, any delays to treatment put patients at heightened risk. These and other rapidly progressing conditions become significantly less amenable to treatment in their later stages, meaning a patient's current capacity to work does not reflect the urgency of their medical needs.” The House Democratic Caucus, led by Neguse and Wasserman-Schultz, also called attention to the fact that this rule will create significant administrative and financial burdens for states. It departs from a previous definition and requires a rushed change in implementation plans. They closed by stating that the rule goes even further than Congressional Republicans intended in their disastrous One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which already strips health care coverage from at least 17 million Americans while driving up health care costs for millions more. The letter concluded: “While there is no way to prevent some eligible people from losing coverage due to the flawed nature of the underlying policy, which in and of itself exacts draconian cuts to healthcare programs and strips access to affordable care for millions of Americans, CMS has an obligation to implement the law in question as written. And, as noted, the new rule appears to be inconsistent with the plain language of H.R. 1, adding a new, restrictive standard that will add to the number of people losing coverage. Indeed, the evidence clearly demonstrates that creating more documentation requirements and adding complexity to the enrollment process will have a devastating effect. Therefore, in sum, we urge CMS to reconsider its interim rule to protect people with serious medical needs. CMS should also delay implementation of the new work requirements pending these changes.” Read the full letter HERE. ###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3522,Wasserman Schultz’s EARLY Act Passed by House,2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, legislation led by U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) to reauthorize and continue funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY) Act and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program passed the House of Representatives in a 394 to 6 vote. In the United States, the most common cancer diagnosed among women is breast cancer, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and over 42,000 deaths are expected from breast cancer in 2026. And with cases rising in younger women each year, the earlier it’s caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating health challenge. Key to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This especially is true for younger women, and those at higher risk of death, like ethnic and racial populations who too often face an aggressive form of breast or cervical cancer and are not able to catch it until later. “I know firsthand that early detection is our most powerful tool to beat cancer. It can be the difference between life and death, especially in combatting breast cancer, especially for those with inherited mutations,” said Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene mutation at age 41 and after 15 months of surgery, has been cancer free for 18 years. “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act saves women’s lives, and I’m proud to team up with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Castor, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, and Harshbarger, and Senators Klobuchar and Crapo to make sure those resources are out there.” The EARLY Act became law in 2010. Its success centers around authorizing three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women to better focus their attention on this deadly disease. This includes the Bring Your Brave effort, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages 18-44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to several non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients' survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer. The bill also reauthorizes funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured women. Since its inception, NBCCEDP has served over 6.6 million women, provided more than 17 million breast and cervical cancer screenings, and caught over 88,000 cases of invasive breast and cervical cancer. Click here to read the full bill.",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5023,Frankel Responds to Trump’s Primetime Attack on Voting Rights,2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s Thursday evening election remarks: “President Trump’s address last night was another attempt to distract the American people with falsehoods and long-debunked conspiracy theories about our elections instead of addressing the issues families care about most,” said Rep. Frankel. “While Americans are paying more for groceries, housing, and health care, President Trump and Republicans are focused on spreading election misinformation and advancing legislation that makes it harder for eligible Americans to vote. The facts remain unchanged: the 2020 election was secure—a conclusion confirmed by the Trump Administration’s own review, bipartisan election officials, independent audits, and the courts. “Along with House Democrats I will continue fighting to lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, defend the freedom to vote, and hold accountable anyone who abuses public office for personal gain. We stand with the dedicated state and local election officials who protect the integrity of our elections, and we will continue working to ensure every eligible American can cast a ballot freely and confidently. The strongest answer to fear and misinformation is participation. Make a plan to vote, vote early if you can, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. In our democracy, the most important title is not President or Representative—it is citizen.”",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:31:57Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405244,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency in Rx Pricing, Lower Health Care Costs",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Summer Lee (PA-12) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Drug Deal Disclosure Act, legislation that would require the public disclosure of the White House’s prescription drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and subject those agreements to independent review to determine whether they are actually lowering costs for patients and taxpayers. “Floridians and Americans deserve lower drug costs,” said Rep. Castor. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their lifesaving medications. After making health care out of reach for millions of Americans, the White House claims they are helping our neighbors afford prescription drugs through closed-door deals with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Americans are skeptical and deserve to know if those deals are truly lowering costs, or if they are another false promise. I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Congress to actually lower drug costs through Medicare negotiation, caps on insulin, no-cost vaccines and out-of-pocket limits. Our neighbors have waited long enough for fair prices for important medications, and I am committed to doing that in a transparent manner.” “President Trump has repeatedly claimed that his Administration’s private deals with pharmaceutical companies will lower prescription drug prices for American families. If that’s true, then he should have nothing to hide,” said Rep. Chu. “Democrats didn’t ask Americans to simply trust us when we lowered prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, we passed a law that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capped insulin at $35 a month for seniors, limited annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, and held drug companies accountable for unjustified price hikes. Those reforms are already delivering real savings. If President Trump wants the American people to believe his secret deals with Big Pharma will do the same, then he should release the agreements and let the facts speak for themselves.” “No one in Western Pennsylvania should have to ration medicine or walk away from the pharmacy counter because Big Pharma and the Trump Administration are cutting deals behind closed doors,” said Rep. Lee. “More than one in four Pennsylvanians have already been forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave prescriptions unfilled simply because of cost. People paying the price deserve to know who these agreements are really serving, and this bill would force the Administration to release these secret agreements and require independent analysis of whether they actually lower costs for patients and taxpayers. I’m proud to co-lead this bill and help build a healthcare system that works for the people, not billion-dollar corporations.” “Deals made by the White House are the business of the American people. President Trump claims to have made secret agreements with Big Pharma CEOs under the pretense of lowering prescription drug prices but these savings have yet to appear. The American people deserve answers and this legislation will bring them to light,” said Rep. Pappas. “Granite Staters are paying too much for life-saving prescription drugs and this administration and Republicans in Congress have only made health care access worse and costs higher. I remain committed to doing everything I can to improve care and lower costs, and I will not stand for shady deals and false promises made by the administration.” The Drug Deal Disclosure Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publicly disclose records, communications, agreements, and related materials concerning drug pricing agreements and other arrangements negotiated between the White House and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The bill would also require reporting to Congress and direct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an independent analysis of the agreements’ economic and budgetary impacts. Specifically, the legislation would: Require HHS to publicly disclose agreements, communications, records, and related materials concerning covered agreements between the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical manufacturers; Require disclosure of agreements involving Most-Favored-Nation pricing commitments, tariff exemptions, domestic investment commitments, Strategic National Stockpile agreements, Priority Review Vouchers, and other related arrangements; Require HHS to report to Congress on all documents and information released or withheld, including the basis for any redactions; and Direct CBO and GAO to publish an independent assessment of the agreements’ impacts on patients, taxpayers, prescription drug costs, Medicare, Medicaid, competition, and federal spending.",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5022,Frankel: Trump and Republicans Are Making America Less Secure,2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), released the following statement after voting against House Republicans' Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill. ""This bill should have been our moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership still matters. Done right, it would have made our nation safer, stronger, and more secure—at home and abroad. Instead, it falls painfully short,"" said Rep. Frankel. ""Rather than making smart investments in the tools that prevent conflict and build peace and prosperity, the Trump Administration has embraced bullying, reckless tariffs, and a war that is costing our nation billions of dollars and countless lives, with no end in sight. Real security requires more than military force. It requires diplomacy. It requires development. It requires humanitarian leadership. It means showing up before a crisis becomes a catastrophe, before instability becomes extremism, and before conflict becomes war. That is how we build strong alliances, create trading partners, stop diseases before they reach our shores, and keep America's sons and daughters out of costly wars. ""Instead of repairing the damage caused by dismantling USAID, this bill doubles down. It slashes humanitarian assistance, weakens our diplomatic corps, undermines development programs that advance American interests, and turns its back on the partnerships that have strengthened our nation for generations. Foreign assistance is not charity—it is a strategic investment in our national security. When America steps back, our adversaries—including China—step in. ""As Ranking Member of the NSRP Subcommittee, I will continue fighting for a foreign policy that reflects our values and protects our security. A strong America requires both hard power and soft power. Our greatest strength has never been our military alone—it is our diplomacy, our alliances, our humanitarian leadership, and our enduring commitment to building a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure world. This bill fails to meet that standard, which is why I voted no."" The FY27 NSRP bill would",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-fry-bipartisan-school-background-check-bill-clears-judiciary-committee-heads-to-house-floor,"Moskowitz, Fry Bipartisan School Background Check Bill Clears Judiciary Committee, Heads to House Floor",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"CHILD Act closes gap in nationwide background checks for contractors who work with students WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressmen Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Russell Fry (R-SC-07) cleared the House Judiciary Committee and took a key step toward consideration by the full House of Representatives. The Comprehensive Health & Integrity in Licensing and Documentation (CHILD) Act would amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to ensure that individuals working under contract with schools are covered by nationwide background-check requirements that already apply to other caregivers. The bill represents Moskowitz’s ongoing effort to strengthen safety at Florida schools and ensure that every adult entrusted with the care of students is properly vetted. “Parents should never have to question whether the people working around their children at school have been thoroughly vetted,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “The CHILD Act closes a gap in the law by ensuring that contractors who work with students are subject to nationwide background checks. Clearing the Judiciary Committee is an important step forward and I look forward to bringing this commonsense, bipartisan school-safety measure to the House floor.” “Parents should be able to trust that when their children go to school, they are in safe, trustworthy environments,” said Rep. Fry. “The CHILD ACT gives parents that confidence by ensuring every contracted employee in a school setting can properly pass a background check. Today’s passage of our bipartisan legislation through the House Judiciary Committee is a major step in strengthening school safety, and I look forward to its consideration in the full U.S. House of Representatives.” Moskowitz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee and Florida’s former Director of Emergency Management, has made improving school safety a central focus of his work in Congress. Moskowitz has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to address school safety, including the bipartisan Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act to improve emergency notification systems and strengthen school doors; the bipartisan Single Application for School Safety (SASS) Act to simplify the federal school-safety grant process; and the bipartisan EAGLES Act to establish a national program focused on preventing targeted violence in schools. Moskowitz is also leading the bipartisan ALYSSA Act, which would require silent panic alarms in schools, and the bipartisan Strengthening Our Schools (SOS) Act, which would invest in school resource officers. Together, these bills are designed to help Florida schools prevent threats, respond more effectively during emergencies, and keep students and educators safe. The CHILD Act is endorsed by Students Against Destructive Decisions; Student Transportation & Education Equity Roundtable; Parents Helping Parents, Inc.; National Diversity Coalition; RaisingHOPE, Inc.; National Center on Adoption & Permanency; HopSkipDrive; and Streets Are For Everyone.",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3515,"Wasserman Schultz, Swim Safety Advocates Highlight Drowning Prevention Efforts",2026-07-09,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"“Drowning is a public health crisis – and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we’re on pace to surpass it,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Since I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children’s lives.” North Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened pool safety advocates from Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, Broward Swim Central, Safe Kids Broward, Diversified Swimming Inc., and Every Child A Swimmer to spotlight recent drownings in South Florida and offer solutions to prevent these tragedies. Participants included Cassie McGovern, whose 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, drowned in the family’s backyard pool in 2009. Click here for video of the press conference. Last year, Florida recorded 119 child drowning deaths, the most in state history. Tragically, 120 children died over a 12-month period. In 2026, Florida is already on pace to break last year’s tragic record with 62 drownings, including 13 in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties combined. “Drowning is a public health crisis – and it needs to be treated like one. With 119 tragically losing their lives in 2025, we just had the deadliest year on record for child drownings here in Florida. Sadly, we’re on pace to surpass it,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Since I came to Congress, I secured over $30 million for drowning prevention using my position on the House Appropriations Committee and will continue to fight for swim safety measures to save more children’s lives.” In 2007, Congress passed Wasserman Schultz’s bill, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, to implement layers of protection to prevent childhood drownings. Wasserman Schultz will discuss her bill to reauthorize funding for this program, which has delivered $22.8 million to states and municipalities for drowning prevention programs since it was put in place. Wasserman Schultz was joined by Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Director of Aquatics George Coneo, Broward County Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Katherine Fermenich, Let Us Swim CEO & Diversified Swimming President Shana Lorde, Every Child A Swimmer Executive Director Cassie McGovern, and Safe Kids Broward Injury Prevention Coordinator Rachele Solomon. ####",1,2026-07-10T08:20:04Z,2026-07-10T08:21:18Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3514,Wasserman Schultz Makes Unannounced Miramar ICE Facility Oversight Visit,2026-07-02,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Miramar, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced oversight inspection of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Field Office in Miramar, where advocates recently shared troubling testimony from people released or transferred from the facility about the conditions and treatment taking place there. Click here for video of the press conference. The Miramar facility is supposed to be an administrative check-in facility but is now functioning as a short-term detention site, holding detainees in crowded areas for 72 hours or more without the same humane detention standards that other ICE facilities are required to meet. There were approximately 150 detainees held at the facility when Wasserman Schultz inspected the site. “I’ve been to this facility many times alongside my late colleague Alcee Hastings because of reports of a lack of sun cover, water, and toilets for people waiting to check in. Today, I had to do this surprise inspection to see inside for myself, and what I saw were people packed in like sardines, in conditions I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’ll continue to conduct oversight of South Florida ICE operations and fight to hold them accountable for their brutality.” While in the facility, Wasserman Schultz saw four “holding tanks,” with two for men and two for women, with a single exposed toilet in the corner of each tank. The men’s area was about 15’x15’, with about 70 men crammed in, shoulder-to-shoulder and wall-to-wall, she said. The women’s area was approximately 7’x14’, with about 40 people in the same tight conditions. Individuals were forced to sleep on a hard floor and made to use the toilet in front of others. Detainees are allowed one water bottle a day, along with 7.5 oz meals. ICE officers told Wasserman Schultz that detainees are allowed to shower once every other day. There is no space for in-person attorney access or family visitation at the facility. ####",1,2026-07-03T08:00:00Z,2026-07-03T08:01:30Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3513,"Wasserman Schultz, Salazar Reintroduce Bipartisan Condo Relief Bill to Mark Surfside Collapse Anniversary",2026-07-01,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Maria Salazar (FL-27) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act to provide comprehensive condo relief that expands and ensures access to public and private loans for structural and safety repairs, providing bipartisan preventive assistance for millions of residents grappling with the building integrity realities exposed in the Surfside condominium collapse that took 98 lives. The Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act makes it easier for condo owners to afford special assessments assigned by their HOAs or Condo Associations by expanding access to two loan programs guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The loans are geared to help cover the cost of special assessments for structural and safety related repairs, keeping Florida families safe, healthy, and in their homes. “Five years ago, an unimaginable but entirely preventable tragedy rocked our South Florida community with the collapse of Surfside's Champlain Towers, claiming 98 innocent lives. While the cause was finally identified after years of investigations, action is still needed to stop this from happening again,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My bipartisan Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act ensures condominium associations can afford to make pressing repairs and keep residents safe.” “The Surfside tragedy changed our community forever and reminded us that protecting families must always come first. As we honor those we lost, we must take action to help prevent another disaster,” said Salazar. “This bipartisan bill gives condominium associations and homeowners the tools they need to finance critical safety repairs, protect residents, and preserve safe, affordable housing across South Florida.” Key provisions in the legislation: Amends the 203(k) program to allow loans to be used on special assessments for structural repairs. Expands the Title I Property Improvement Loans program to insure private lenders against losses when lending to individual condo owners or condo associations for special assessments. Additionally, the legislation increases the maximum insured loan amount to $55,000, to be adjusted with inflation. Streamlines the process of applying for these loans so that individual homeowners and condo associations can more easily apply for, and obtain, assistance. Amends Section 234 of the National Housing Act to authorize Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance for condominium association building rehabilitation loans. Condominium association loans are collateralized with pledges of future association assessment income. As FHA’s mortgage insurance programs are collateralized by real property, the legislation authorizes the agency to insure condominium association loans collateralized by assessment income or real property or a combination of the two. Under the legislation, FHA-insured condominium association loans may be used for the rehabilitation, alteration, repair, improvement, or replacement of a condominium project’s common systems, infrastructure, and facilities. To protect FHA and the U.S. government against financial loss, the legislation allows FHA insurance for only 90% of the cost of building rehabilitation work. This restriction operates in other FHA multifamily housing rehabilitation loan insurance programs. This legislation is endorsed by the Community Associations Institute. Read the full bill here. ####",1,2026-07-02T06:20:02Z,2026-07-02T06:21:32Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405235,"ICYMI: Rep. Castor Highlights Hurricane Recovery & Resilience Assistance, Hosts Pop-Up Help Session for Hillsborough Neighbors",2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, Fla.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) was joined by Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, CEO of Boricuas de Corazón and caseworkers with Hillsborough County to highlight the County’s Rebuilding for Tomorrow Hurricane Recovery and Resilience initiatives made possible through $709 million in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Hillsborough County caseworkers were on-site and available to assist residents directly in submitting applications for available hurricane recovery assistance. Photos and videos from today's event can be viewed here. BACKGROUND: Rebuilding for Tomorrow is a CDBG-DR initiative administered by Hillsborough County and funded by the Congress through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), providing funding to help communities recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The initiative supports long-term recovery efforts, including housing rehabilitation, infrastructure restoration, economic revitalization and mitigation projects, with funding prioritized for the most impacted areas and low- and moderate-income households.",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-on-supreme-court-ruling-our-constitution-is-not-up-for-debate,Congressman Maxwell Frost on Supreme Court Ruling: “Our Constitution Is Not Up for Debate”,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement after the Supreme Court rejected efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine birthright citizenship guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In a statement, Rep. Frost says: ""Our constitution is not up for debate. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what the Fourteenth Amendment has guaranteed for generations: if you are born in the United States, you are a citizen of the United States. “Birthright citizenship has been settled law for more than 150 years. It's a guarantee rooted in equal protection, not politics. Attempts to narrow or erase that guarantee were never about constitutional principle, they were about deciding who belongs in America. “Every child born here deserves the same recognition under the law, regardless of their parents' background or where their family came from. That's what the Fourteenth Amendment protects, and that's what the Court upheld. “This decision doesn't end the effort to roll back fundamental rights. It does, however, make clear that presidents cannot discard constitutional protections they disagree with. That's how our system of government works. “We'll keep fighting for an America where everyone is treated equally under the law and where our rights are protected, not selectively applied."" ###",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-frederica-s-wilson-releases-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-reaffirming-birthright-citizenship,Rep. Frederica S. Wilson Releases Statement on Supreme Court Decision Reaffirming Birthright Citizenship,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after the Supreme Court reaffirmed birthright citizenship and rejected President Trump's effort to limit the constitutional guarantee. ""I welcome today's Supreme Court decision reaffirming birthright citizenship, a victory for the Constitution and for families across America. The Court made clear that children born in the United States, including those whose parents are here unlawfully or only temporarily, are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are citizens at birth under the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. “This decision brings relief to countless families who have spent months fearing that one of our nation's most fundamental constitutional protections could be stripped away. Birthright citizenship is not a political favor. It is a constitutional guarantee that has stood for more than 150 years and reflects our nation's enduring commitment to equal protection under the law. “Every child born in the United States deserves the full rights and protections of citizenship, regardless of their parents' immigration status. While today's ruling is an important victory, we must remain vigilant in defending the Constitution and protecting immigrant families from continued attacks on their rights and their dignity. “I will never stop fighting to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up with the security, freedom, and promise that American citizenship provides."" ###",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405234,Castor Leads Long-Overdue Bipartisan Action to Protect Kids Online,2026-06-29,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and longtime leader for stronger online protections for children and teens, released the following statement after the House passed the bipartisan KIDS Act, legislation to strengthen outdated privacy and safety protections for young people online. The KIDS Act passed the House 267-117. “Today’s adoption of the bipartisan KIDS Act is a long-overdue and meaningful step toward protecting America’s children in the digital age,” said Rep. Castor. “For years, parents, young people, pediatricians, psychologists, teachers and advocates have made clear that Big Tech must act to reduce the harms experienced by too many kids online. This bill strengthens privacy protections for children and teens, bans targeted advertising to young people, gives families more control and preserves parents’ ability to seek justice in court. “This is an important step, but it is not the end of our work. I will continue to press to create a safer digital environment for children and teens.” The KIDS Act would strengthen and expand existing online privacy protections for children and teens, limit the collection and use of young people’s personal information, require stronger safeguards and tools for families, support state and federal enforcement, and preserve families’ ability to pursue justice through the courts. Castor has led bipartisan efforts for years to strengthen the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and adopt age-appropriate design requirements for Big Tech corporations. The KIDS Act reflects much of Castor’s work to improve the law. Background: Children and teens face growing risks online, including harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation and manipulative design features that keep young people addicted. Up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, according to a 2023 Surgeon General report. 1 in 5 teens say social media sites hurt their mental health, and a growing share think they harm people their age, according to Pew Research Center. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report found that social media companies failed to adequately protect children and teens In the United States, teens who spend four or more hours online each day are more than twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies show a dramatic rise in online sexual exploitation, including a 26,000% increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material reported globally in 2025. The bipartisan KIDS Act would:",1,2026-06-30T06:29:10Z,2026-06-30T06:30:42Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-urgently-calls-on-secretary-rubio-and-secretary-hegseth-to-deploy-navy-hospital-ship-to-venezuela,Moskowitz Urgently Calls on Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth to Deploy Navy Hospital Ship to Venezuela,2026-06-29,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"After devastating earthquakes killed more than a thousand people and injured thousands more, Moskowitz urges deployment of USNS Comfort or USNS Mercy to immediately help the people of Venezuela Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deploy the USNS Comfort or the USNS Mercy to Venezuela in response to the devastating earthquakes that caused mass destruction, killed more than one thousand people, and injured thousands more. “I’m calling on Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth to deploy a Naval hospital ship to Venezuela,” said Rep. Moskowitz. “The earthquakes have killed over a thousand people and injured thousands more, with thousands more people unaccounted for. The USNS Comfort and Mercy can save lives.”",1,2026-06-30T06:29:10Z,2026-06-30T06:30:42Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3511,"Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, Kelly Recognize Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day",2026-06-29,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Debbie Dingell (MI-6), and Mike Kelly (PA-16), House Cancer Caucus Chairs, introduced a resolution recognizing Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day on June 28. Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day is a celebration of inspiration, companionship, and connection for the communities around the country who come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caretakers, and loved ones. Community is Stronger than Cancer Day is celebrated on June 28th each year to coincide with the birthday of Gilda Radner, the Saturday Night Live star who died of ovarian cancer and whose experience at The Wellness Center in Santa Monica inspired the creation of Gilda’s Club (now Cancer Support Community). “No one should ever have to fight cancer alone. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the importance of having a strong community and support system during this battle,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to stand with my fellow House Cancer Caucus Co-Chairs in recognizing the often-unseen roles of families, friends, and neighbors in this fight.” “When more than 18 million Americans are living with a history of cancer, and millions more step forward as caregivers, it’s clear community is not just part of the fight—it is the fight. Like so many families, including my own, I’ve seen how this disease tests every ounce of strength and resolve,” said Fitzpatrick. “As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am continually inspired by the survivors, caregivers, and advocates I have the honor of working with to expand access, fight for hope, and break down barriers to care. This resolution marks an enduring commitment to the idea that compassion and connection will always be stronger than cancer, and that no one should ever face this journey alone.” “Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer in one way or another – whether you are a survivor, have lost someone, are a caretaker, or a member of a community that has come together to support a patient,” said Dingell. “Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day recognizes and celebrates the powerful role that community has in supporting all those impacted by cancer.” “This resolution stands with the more than 18 million Americans who are living with cancer. In Congress, we must continue working to fund cancer research and to promote legislation that brings new cancer treatments to market,” said Kelly. “As a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus and also of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, I’ve had the honor to meet some of the strongest, most courageous Americans who have battled cancer. Today, may we come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones.” The full text of the resolution can be found here. ####",1,2026-06-30T06:29:10Z,2026-06-30T06:30:42Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3509,Wasserman Schultz Announces New Bill to Save TPS After SCOTUS Decision,2026-06-26,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local immigration advocates to condemn the Supreme Court’s ruling to deny Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in Trump v. Miot, and unveiled her forthcoming bill the TPS Review Act, to reassert judicial and Congressional review of the executive branch’s decisions about TPS. Click here for video of the full press conference. The crux of the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Miot was that regardless of whether the Administration’s termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria was lawful, courts do not have the ability to assess the legality of the decision to revoke TPS. “Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This fight is not over. When I return to Washington next week, I’ll introduce the TPS Review Act to restore checks and balances on the President’s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.” The TPS Review Act would amend the Temporary Protected Status statute to institute judicial review, establish a cause of action for TPS recipients and their representatives to sue for relief in court, and allow Congress to reverse a TPS termination by simple majority vote under the Congressional Review Act. This legislation will also require a standardized, documented process for the Executive Branch to review country conditions before TPS can be revoked, creating a paper trail for litigation, and place the burden of evidence on the Government to prove that a challenged TPS decision complies with these requirements. Under this bill, TPS recipients would maintain their status and work permits automatically and indefinitely while a termination is litigated in court, eliminating the uncertainty that has harmed Florida businesses and consumers over the last year. Wasserman Schultz was joined at the press conference by President and CEO of LifeNet4Families Denise Brown and Americans for Immigrant Justice Detention Attorney Sandra Cherfrere. ####",1,2026-06-27T06:16:17Z,2026-06-27T06:17:30Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-slams-scotus-decision-to-strip-temporary-protected-status-for-haitian-and-syrian-immigrants,Congressman Maxwell Frost Slams SCOTUS Decision to Strip Temporary Protected Status For Haitian and Syrian Immigrants,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Watch: Rep. Frost Speaks at Press Conference Outside SCOTUS on TPS ruling WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement after the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mullin v. Doe case to side with the Trump Administration’s cancellation of temporary protected status (TPS) for thousands of Haitians and Syrians, putting them at risk of deportation. In a statement, Rep. Frost says: ""Today’s Supreme Court decision strips legal protections from 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who have lived and worked legally in the United States under Temporary Protected Status. This ruling not only endangers those directly affected, but also sends a chilling message to millions of immigrants and their families with lawful humanitarian protections that they too, may be next. ""Returning people to countries facing severe humanitarian crises puts lives in danger and reflects this Administration's broader effort to dismantle legal immigration pathways for our neighbors, caretakers, and communities. Donald Trump is a racist who is using the United States Government to treat Black and brown people as less deserving of protection and belonging. ""In Florida, tens of thousands of Haitians have built their lives here—raising families, caring for our community, working in our hospitality industry, and running the small businesses that strengthen our economy. My district is home to one of the largest Haitian diasporas in the country, and I am deeply heartbroken for the countless families now facing uncertainty and fear as to what this means for the future of their family. “For years, I have fought to protect our Haitian community and I will continue fighting like hell for them. And the fight doesn’t end here. This moment requires all of us to step up and wrap our arms around our Haitian brothers, sisters, and siblings. My office will work with local clergy, advocates, and service organizations to ensure families have the support they need in the difficult days ahead.” ###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-delivers-more-than-7-3-million-for-south-florida-securing-major-wins-for-public-safety-infrastructure-and-economic-growth,"Moskowitz Delivers More Than $7.3 Million for South Florida, Securing Major Wins for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth",2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has secured more than $7.3 million in federal funding for critical projects, delivering major investments in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, and community improvements throughout South Florida. While many in Washington talk about results, Moskowitz continues to deliver them. By working directly with local leaders, first responders, educators, and community stakeholders, Moskowitz successfully fought to deliver funding for projects that address some of South Florida’s most pressing needs – from strengthening school safety and modernizing aging infrastructure to preparing students for the jobs of the future. “South Floridians sent me to Washington to deliver results,” said Moskowitz. “That’s exactly what these investments represent. We identified real challenges facing our communities, worked alongside local leaders to develop solutions, and secured federal resources to get those projects moving. From making our schools safer and upgrading critical infrastructure to preparing students for high-paying careers and improving transportation networks, these investments will have a direct impact on families across our region. I’ll continue fighting to bring taxpayer dollars back home and make sure South Florida gets its fair share of federal resources.” Photos of Moskowitz delivering the funds across South Florida are found here. $2,000,000 for Boca Raton Jeffery Street Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Moskowitz secured $2,000,000 to support construction of a new public railroad-highway grade crossing at Jeffery Street in Boca Raton. The project will improve transportation connectivity, strengthen emergency response access, enhance public safety, and unlock economic development opportunities while reconnecting neighborhoods. “This is exactly the kind of infrastructure investment that produces lasting benefits for a community,” said Moskowitz. “The new crossing will improve safety, reduce barriers, support economic growth, and help ensure emergency responders can get where they need to go more quickly.” “Improving infrastructure is essential to maintaining the high quality of life our residents expect. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the transportation network that supports a safe, connected, and thriving community. We are grateful to Congressman Moskowitz for championing this funding and supporting infrastructure investments that deliver lasting benefits for Boca Raton,” said Andy Thomson, Mayor of Boca Raton. $1,092,00 for Coral Springs Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Congressman Moskowitz secured $1,092,000 to modernize Coral Springs’ aging water treatment plant and support critical upgrades necessary to maintain a reliable supply of safe drinking water. The project will improve long-term water system reliability and help meet the needs of a growing community. “Investing in drinking-water infrastructure means investing in public health and long-term community resilience,” said Moskowitz. “This funding helps ensure Coral Springs residents continue to have access to safe, reliable drinking water while preparing the city for future growth.” “We are grateful to Congressman Jared Moskowitz for championing these federal funding requests that help to advance critical infrastructure and quality-of-life projects in Coral Springs. Actively pursuing state and federal appropriations is part of our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. These appropriations allow us to leverage outside resources to enhance public amenities, improve essential services, and reduce the financial burden on our local taxpayers,” said City of Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brooks. $1,031,000 for Coconut Creek Fiber Optic Ring for Resiliency & Redundancy of Fiber Optics Network Moskowitz secured $1,031,000 for the City of Coconut Creek to establish a redundant fiber optic ring architecture that will strengthen critical communications infrastructure and improve reliability for emergency management, public safety, and municipal operations. The project will provide essential network redundancy for police and fire dispatch services while improving resilience during emergencies and system outages. “Reliable communications infrastructure is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for public safety,” said Moskowitz. “This investment will help ensure first responders and city officials have the resilient systems they need to serve residents when every second counts.” “As we continue building a smarter and more technologically resilient Coconut Creek, this funding represents an important step toward protecting our community today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. We thank Congressman Moskowitz for his continued partnership and commitment to delivering meaningful results for the residents of Coconut Creek,” said Mayor Jeffrey Wasserman. $1,031,000 for FAU Chip Design Hub: Advanced Chip Design, Testing and Fabrication Laboratory Equipment Moskowitz secured $1,031,000 for Florida Atlantic University to establish advanced laboratory infrastructure supporting integrated circuit manufacturing and electrical circuit testing. The project will help prepare engineering students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry while strengthening America’s domestic technology workforce. “The competition for the jobs of the future is happening right now, and South Florida should be leading—not following,” said Moskowitz. “This investment gives students access to cutting-edge technology and helps build the workforce needed to keep America competitive in semiconductor manufacturing.” “We truly appreciate Congressman Moskowitz’s support of his Hometown University and our Chip Design Hub, which will help to reestablish American leadership in semiconductor innovation,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “Florida Atlantic is proud to serve as a catalyst for regional collaboration, bringing together education, industry and government to strengthen the semiconductor talent pipeline and position South Florida as a vital contributor to our nation’s technological future.” $1,010,000 for Wilton Manors Transparency in Public Safety Project Congressman Moskowitz secured $1,010,000 for the City of Wilton Manors to develop an integrated surveillance system throughout the city, including along Wilton Drive. The project will enhance public safety, improve transparency and accountability, and help local officials address increasing concerns related to hate crimes. “Wilton Manors is known around the world as a welcoming and inclusive community, and residents deserve to feel safe wherever they live, work, and gather,” said Moskowitz. “This funding provides resources to strengthen public safety and prevent hate crimes.” “Public safety and transparency go hand in hand. This investment will help Wilton Manors enhance safety throughout our community while reinforcing the accountability and trust that residents expect from their local government. We thank Congressman Moskowitz for recognizing the importance of this project and for delivering resources that will have a lasting impact on our city,” said Scott Newton, Mayor of Wilton Manors. $800,000 for Coral Springs Everglades Trail Loop Congressman Moskowitz secured $800,000 for the City of Coral Springs to advance development of the Everglades Memorial Loop, a major recreational and environmental project connecting residents to the Florida Everglades through a multi-use trail system. The project will improve walkability, create safe biking opportunities, and expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education. “This investment improves quality of life while showcasing one of South Florida’s most unique natural resources,” said Moskowitz. “The Everglades Trail Loop will create new opportunities for recreation, learning, and community connection for generations to come.” “We are grateful to Congressman Jared Moskowitz for championing these federal funding requests that help to advance critical infrastructure and quality-of-life projects in Coral Springs. Actively pursuing state and federal appropriations is part of our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. These appropriations allow us to leverage outside resources to enhance public amenities, improve essential services, and reduce the financial burden on our local taxpayers,” said City of Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brooks. $366,000 for Broward Sheriff’s Office School Safety Response Equipment and Training Enhancement Moskowitz secured $366,000 for the Broward Sheriff’s Office to purchase advanced response equipment and provide specialized training for School Resource Deputies serving campuses throughout Broward County. The investment will enhance emergency response capabilities and help protect approximately 90,000 students and 1,000 faculty members. “When it comes to school safety, we have a responsibility to give law enforcement every available tool to protect students and teachers,” said Moskowitz. “This funding strengthens preparedness, improves response capabilities, and helps make our schools safer for thousands of Broward families.” “Excellence in public safety starts with preparation. Our deputies must be ready to respond to any situation with precision, confidence and urgency,” Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said. “We are grateful for this investment, which will expand critical training opportunities and equip our deputies with additional resources to further strengthen the safety and security of Broward County schools.” Delivering for South Florida The more than $7.3 million secured by Congressman Moskowitz reflects a continued focus on delivering tangible results for South Florida communities. The projects included in the House Appropriations Committee mark will strengthen public safety, modernize critical infrastructure, expand educational opportunities, improve transportation networks, and support economic growth throughout Florida’s 23rd Congressional District. As the appropriations process moves forward, Congressman Moskowitz will continue advocating for investments that bring federal resources back home and deliver meaningful results for the families, businesses, and communities he represents.",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-responds-to-devastating-earthquakes-in-venezuela,Moskowitz Responds to Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after a pair of powerful earthquakes stuck Venezuela on June 24th, the strongest to hit the country in more than 125 years, killing over one hundred people and injuring thousands more. The statement can be found below: “Absolutely devastating news coming out of Venezuela. The U.S. Government must stand ready to help the Venezuelan people with rescue, recovery, and humanitarian assistance in any way we can. The people of Venezuela have been dealt terrible hand after terrible hand politically, economically, and now by natural disaster. In this moment of tragedy, America must stand with them.” Jun 25, 2026 Press Moskowitz Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Haitian TPS WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court, in Mullin v. Doe, cleared the way for the Trump Administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants, many of whom live and work in South Florida. The statement can be found below: “Today’s decision is a […] Jun 25, 2026 Press Moskowitz Delivers More Than $7.3 Million for South Florida, Securing Major Wins for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has secured more than $7.3 million in federal funding for critical projects, delivering major investments in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, and community improvements throughout South Florida. While many in Washington talk about results, Moskowitz continues to deliver them. By working directly with local leaders, first responders, educators, […] Jun 24, 2026 Good Governance Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Force Vote on Student Loan Relief Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) is helping lead a bipartisan effort to force Congress to act on the student loan crisis and bring the Affordable Loans for Students Act directly to the House Floor. Earlier today, Moskowitz helped file a discharge petition on the legislation. A discharge petition is a tool Members […]",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-responds-to-supreme-court-decision-on-haitian-tps,Moskowitz Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Haitian TPS,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court, in Mullin v. Doe, cleared the way for the Trump Administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants, many of whom live and work in South Florida. The statement can be found below: “Today’s decision is a failure of judgment that puts roughly 350,000 Haitians at risk of deportation to a country our own State Department says is too dangerous to visit. It’s wrong, and it’s not smart policy. Haitian TPS holders are legal workers who support our health care system, our infrastructure, and our economy in South Florida. Deporting them to a country in a declared state of emergency means fewer caregivers, higher costs, and lives at risk. I urge the Administration to reverse course and work with Congress on a lasting solution.” Jun 25, 2026 Press Moskowitz Responds to Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) issued the following statement after a pair of powerful earthquakes stuck Venezuela on June 24th, the strongest to hit the country in more than 125 years, killing over one hundred people and injuring thousands more. The statement can be found below: “Absolutely devastating news coming out of Venezuela. […] Jun 25, 2026 Press Moskowitz Delivers More Than $7.3 Million for South Florida, Securing Major Wins for Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) has secured more than $7.3 million in federal funding for critical projects, delivering major investments in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, transportation, and community improvements throughout South Florida. While many in Washington talk about results, Moskowitz continues to deliver them. By working directly with local leaders, first responders, educators, […] Jun 24, 2026 Good Governance Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Force Vote on Student Loan Relief Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) is helping lead a bipartisan effort to force Congress to act on the student loan crisis and bring the Affordable Loans for Students Act directly to the House Floor. Earlier today, Moskowitz helped file a discharge petition on the legislation. A discharge petition is a tool Members […]",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3508,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Supreme Court TPS Decision,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on United States Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Miot: “I am heartbroken and infuriated by the Supreme Court's despicable decision on TPS for Haitians and Syrians. “This callous ruling will have devastating implications for 1.3 million TPS recipients who have been targeted by Trump despite abiding by the law and contributing to Florida's economy. The Court selectively ignored Trump's open racism against Haitians to imply that race was not a factor in this case. We all know better. “Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will. Haitian-American children—U.S. citizens—will be orphaned, detained in horrific conditions, or deported alongside their parents to imminent danger. Americans will pay even higher prices for groceries, healthcare, housing, and childcare. “I have proudly led the fight to protect Venezuelan, Haitian, and Cuban immigrant communities from Trump's collective punishment. I led nearly 200 Congressional Democrats in an amicus brief defending TPS in this Supreme Court case, and I fought alongside Rep. Ayanna Pressley to successfully force a House vote on legislation extending TPS for Haiti. “And this fight is not over. The mission to protect our law-abiding neighbors from ICE brutality and provide a lawful pathway to permanent status has never been more urgent, and I will continue working tirelessly to achieve those goals.” ####",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-introduces-haitian-refugee-immigration-fairness-act-following-supreme-court-tps-decision,Rep. Wilson Introduces Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act Following Supreme Court TPS Decision,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following today's U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for Haitians, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) today introduced the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026, legislation that would provide eligible Haitian nationals and their families with a pathway to lawful permanent resident status after years of living and working in the United States under temporary protections. ""Today's Supreme Court decision is heartbreaking, but it will not be the final chapter,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “For more than forty years, I have stood with the Haitian community, and I will not stop now. The Court may have cleared the way for this administration to end TPS protections, but Congress still has the power to protect these families."" ""The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act moves Haitian families from uncertainty to stability,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “Instead of forcing people who have lived, worked, paid taxes, and raised their children here to depend on temporary protections that can disappear with the stroke of a pen, this bill provides eligible Haitians with a pathway to lawful permanent resident status and, ultimately, American citizenship. It rewards those who followed the law, keeps families together, and provides the lasting security that Temporary Protected Status was never intended to provide."" ""TPS was never meant to become a lifetime of uncertainty,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “Haitian families have done everything this country asked of them. They registered, paid the required fees, worked, paid taxes, raised their children, and strengthened our communities. My Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act creates a responsible pathway to lawful permanent resident status while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public safety. It is a fair, long-overdue solution that replaces years of temporary uncertainty with lasting security for long-settled Haitian families."" ""My constituents are already receiving emails telling them to self-deport or face arrest, deportation, and permanent exile,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “For Haitian families, this is not immigration policy. It is cruelty. It is inhumane. It is a death sentence. Haiti remains in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, and families who have lived, worked, and contributed to this country for years deserve certainty, stability, and the opportunity to become permanent members of the country they already call home. I will never stop fighting to keep families united."" ""At a moment when Haitian families face the loss of lawful protections despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 provides a responsible and lasting solution rooted in fairness and the rule of law,” said Sui Chung, Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice. “Americans for Immigrant Justice proudly supports Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson's legislation because individuals who have established their lives, supported their families, and contributed to our communities deserve the opportunity to remain in the country they call home. We thank Congresswoman Wilson for her leadership and urge Congress to advance this critical legislation without delay.” The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 would: Create a pathway to lawful permanent resident (green card) status for eligible Haitian nationals and their qualifying spouses and children. Apply to Haitians who have continuously lived in the United States since June 26, 2024, with limited exceptions for authorized travel and brief absences. Original cosponsors of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 include Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Maxine Waters (CA-43). The legislation is supported by Americans for Immigrant Justice, the National Immigration Law Center, Catholic Legal Services, Family Action Network Movement (FANM), Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, and the Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405232,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Calls on the President to Sign the Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to Lower the Cost of Housing for Floridians,2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement after Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: “This week, the Congress passed meaningful, bipartisan legislation that will help make home ownership more attainable for hard-working neighbors across the Tampa Bay area who have seen the dream of homeownership move farther out of reach due to high costs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes several policies I championed, including limiting the ability of hedge funds to buy a large number of homes while driving costs through the roof. The bipartisan bill also incentivizes the permitting and construction of new homes and residences. Homes are for people, not for hedge fund managers. I am particularly pleased that, through this legislation, we will improve Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), which has delivered billions of dollars in disaster recovery funding to Tampa Bay communities and neighbors impacted by recent hurricanes. I’m proud of the bipartisan work accomplished through this legislation to address a real, significant challenge in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. “The President’s last-minute decision today to cancel the signing of the critical 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to push a bill to limit access to the ballot box ignored the real needs of American families and young people trying to buy a home in an increasingly unaffordable economy. I urge President Trump to reverse course and sign the bill to rein in the cost of housing for American families.” The bipartisan and bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents the most comprehensive housing reform legislation in decades to jumpstart the construction of homes people can actually afford. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would: Remove barriers to expedite the building of new homes Codify the CDBG-Disaster Relief initiative, which will expedite funds to my neighbors rebuilding from storms Responsibly rein in corporate landlords, banning large institutional investors from purchasing up single-family homes Improve transparency for Veteran homebuyers View a one-page summary of the legislation .",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5021,"Frankel, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Esther Coopersmith Award Act to Honor Champions of Women, Peace, and Security",2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,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), co-chair of the Women, Peace, and Security Caucus, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-27) introduced the Esther Coopersmith Award Act, legislation to create a State Department award honoring public servants who advance Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) around the world. Named for Esther Coopersmith — a trailblazing diplomat, philanthropist, and lifelong champion of women’s leadership — the award would recognize members of the Civil and Foreign Service whose work strengthens peace, security, and stability by elevating the role of women in preventing conflict, resolving crises, and rebuilding communities. “Women are the backbone of families and communities — and when they have a voice in decisions about peace and security, the world is safer and stronger,” said Rep. Frankel, “Esther Coopersmith spent her life bringing people together and opening doors for women leaders. This award honors her remarkable legacy and the dedicated diplomats and public servants carrying that mission forward.” “Throughout her remarkable career as a diplomat, host, and philanthropist, Esther Coopersmith not only blazed a trail for herself, but brought countless other women to the table too,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. ""At a time when world leaders too often choose force over diplomacy, Esther’s legacy reminds us of the importance of human connection and the inclusion of women when tackling global issues. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation that both honors Esther’s life’s work and reaffirms the U.S.’s commitment to Women, Peace, and Security.” Esther Coopersmith dedicated more than 70 years to diplomacy, public service, and building bridges across cultures and communities. She served on the U.S. delegation to the United Nations (UN) under President Jimmy Carter, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as an advisor to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, became only the second woman to receive the UN Peace Medal, and was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Known for bringing people together across political and international divides, Mrs. Coopersmith regularly convened women leaders, Members of Congress, diplomats, and advocates to promote cooperation, peace, and opportunity. The Esther Coopersmith Award Act builds on bipartisan efforts to recognize the important role women play in creating lasting peace and advancing U.S. security interests. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-helps-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-force-vote-on-student-loan-relief,Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Force Vote on Student Loan Relief,2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) is helping lead a bipartisan effort to force Congress to act on the student loan crisis and bring the Affordable Loans for Students Act directly to the House Floor. Earlier today, Moskowitz helped file a discharge petition on the legislation. A discharge petition is a tool Members of Congress use to bypass leadership delays and procedural roadblocks. If enough Members sign on, it forces a vote on a bill, whether House leadership wants to bring it up or not. Through this effort, Moskowitz is pushing Congress to stop stalling and take direct action to lower costs for millions of student loan borrowers. Video of Moskowitz highlighting his efforts to address the student loan crisis and deliver relief for borrowers across Florida is found here. The bipartisan Affordable Loans for Students Act would cap federal student loan interest rates at 2%, giving borrowers real relief and helping ensure their payments go toward paying down the actual loan — not years of compounding interest. The legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY-17) and co-led by Rep. Moskowitz and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13). “There is broad bipartisan agreement that student loan debt is holding Americans back, yet Congress has failed to act,” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz. “Our bill would cap federal student loan interest rates at 2%, helping borrowers get ahead while preserving access to higher education. The more money Americans can save on interest for their loans, the more money they can put into the economy. This is commonsense reform that does not rely on blanket loan cancellation and does not spend taxpayer money. If Members believe we need to address the student loan crisis, they should sign this discharge petition and let the House vote.” Current federal student loan interest rates have climbed as high as 6.39% for undergraduate Direct Loans, 7.94% for graduate and professional Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and 8.94% for Direct PLUS Loans. For many borrowers, these rates make it harder to repay what they owe and can turn student loans into long-term financial burdens that delay buying a home, starting a family, saving for retirement, or building a future. In addition to lowering the interest rate on certain federal student loans, the Affordable Loans for Students Act would require loan terms, for eligible loans held by the Secretary of Education, to be modified automatically without any action from the borrower. For eligible federal loans not held by the Secretary, the bill would create a refinancing process while allowing borrowers to opt out. The legislation would also prohibit origination fees on refinanced loans under the program, preserve a borrower’s original repayment term unless the borrower chooses otherwise, and apply the 2% rate to future Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Direct Consolidation Loans covered under the bill. On CNN, Moskowitz highlighted his push to force a vote on commonsense reform to the student loan crisis, making clear that Congress should not continue to ignore an issue that is crushing borrowers across the country.",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/congressman-jared-moskowitz-to-host-4th-annual-sneaker-day-on-the-hill,Congressman Jared Moskowitz to Host 4th Annual Sneaker Day on the Hill,2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, will host the fourth annual Sneaker Day on the Hill alongside Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and other participating Members of Congress. Sneaker Day on the Hill brings together Members, staff, students, designers, collectors, and leaders in the footwear industry to celebrate sneaker culture, design, entrepreneurship, and the role sneakers play in bringing people together. This year’s event will feature a panel discussion with Sean Williams, co-founder of SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy, andDr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy and Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design. The conversation will focus on sneaker culture, design, entrepreneurship, and career pathways across the footwear industry. The event will also include a cleat and sneaker display highlighting gear connected to the World Cup, celebrating the intersection of sports, culture, design, and the global community. WHO: Congressman Jared Moskowitz Congresswoman Sharice Davids Participating Members of Congress Sean Williams, co-founder of SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy and Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design WHAT: 4th Annual Sneaker Day on the Hill WHEN: Thursday, June 25 from 2:30pm to 4:00pm",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405231,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Introduces Bipartisan Bill Protecting Americans from Paying for Data Center Development,2026-06-19,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) introduced the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to protect American families from the costs of energy and grid upgrades required for new data centers, while advancing American innovation in industries like artificial intelligence. The Ratepayer Protection Act requires state utility regulators to establish rules to ensure that community members do not pay for the costs of building new power generation, transmission lines, and other upgrades to serve large-load customers, such as data centers. Without proper safeguards, families and small businesses in communities where data center development occurs could see higher electricity bills at the end of every month. At a time when Americans are increasingly struggling with rising energy costs and an aging electric grid, the Ratepayer Protection Act ensures that major technology companies that have committed to covering the full energy and infrastructure costs associated with new data center development are held accountable for their promises. As states consider new data center development, this bill provides states with responsible solutions to ensure that community members can benefit from those investments. “My neighbors across Florida are grappling with skyrocketing electric bills. Ratepayers should not have to subsidize wealthy corporations’ growing energy demands, especially from AI data centers,” said Rep. Castor. “The Ratepayer Protection Act safeguards consumers by ensuring these data centers pay for the energy and grid upgrades they need so hardworking families and local businesses are not stuck paying more.” “As America races to lead the world in AI, we must build the energy infrastructure needed to support this innovation and stay ahead of competitors like Communist China,” said Rep. Evans. “But Colorado families, farmers, and small businesses should not be forced to cover the costs of new power generation driven by these developments. The Ratepayer Protection Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that protects everyday Americans and ensures our nation can continue to win the AI race.” The Ratepayer Protection Act builds on Rep. Castor’s leadership on the Stopping Hikes In Electricity from large Load Demands (SHIELD) Act, which she introduced with Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) in January. Background If enacted, the legislation would propose standards that state regulators could enforce when considering the integration of new large-load customers with a demand of 100 megawatts or more onto the grid. Those recommendations include:",1,2026-06-20T06:35:38Z,2026-06-20T06:37:01Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405230,U.S. Reps. Castor and Suozzi Introduce Resolution to Lower Costs for Families by Repealing Rule that Increases Premiums for Health Care Coverage,2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced a bicameral resolution to repeal the Trump Administration’s rule that will increase the cost of health care for hardworking Americans, sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, kick up to two million Americans off their health coverage, and make it easier for insurance companies to cover fewer services. “Families need affordable health coverage, not more economic pain by ripping health care away. The recent rule change to the ACA would make life more expensive by increasing out-of-pocket costs, ripping two million Americans’ health coverage away, and creating more obstacles to coverage and care,” said Rep. Castor. “This resolution will ensure that this predatory rule change does not go into effect. Everyone deserves affordable health care coverage —not just the wealthy and well-connected.” “Healthcare costs are already too high, and millions have already lost their health insurance due to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of last year,” said Rep. Suozzi. “The latest ACA rule would only make things worse, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and decreasing the quality of their coverage. This rule risks even more Americans losing their health insurance, and we cannot let that happen."" The rule promotes the use of catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, loosens physician network requirements for plans, and proposes that insurers be allowed to offer “non-network” plans that may not cover the cost of care. This would make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase working families’ deductibles, cover fewer services and kick more providers out of network. At a time when Americans are already struggling to afford health care thanks to the deeply unpopular policies of President Trump and congressional Republicans, this rule will make it even harder for consumers to get the coverage and find the doctors they need. The result would be worse coverage at higher costs, including: Terminate Coverage for 2M: According to CMS estimates, the rule would reduce enrollment in ACA plans by up to 2 million. Raise Costs: Insurance would become more unaffordable. For example, some bronze plans would have maximum out-of-pocket costs of $15,600 for an individual per year or $31,200 for a working family per year in 2027. Reduce Benefits: Benefits may be reduced in many states – meaning Americans could lose access to coverage for substance use disorder treatment, hearing aids, or other critical services, as well as adult dental. Increase Red Tape: Paperwork burden would increase on 4.7 million Americans, making it more difficult for them to get the coverage they deserve and kicking millions off their insurance. Cut off Americans from their Doctors: Access to providers would decrease as insurance companies sell non-network health plans – with unlimited costs to consumers – and reduce the number of providers in their networks. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also introduced this resolution in the U.S. Senate today.",1,2026-06-18T06:41:00Z,2026-06-18T06:43:25Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3507,"Wasserman Schultz Joins Children's Services Council, Law Enforcement to Announce New Safety Initiative",2026-06-15,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Lauderhill, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined advocates, law enforcement, and local elected officials to announce the launch of a major regional child safety initiative to distribute 400,000 free National Child Identification Program (NCIDP) kits to families throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Collier counties. Watch the livestream here. “If a child goes missing, information obtained by this kit can make all the difference in bringing them home. No one should experience that harrowing dread to see a police officer at your door or feel the real pain behind the missing child poster on a wall,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I look forward to working with the dedicated teams here today to end the missing child crisis. We owe it to every young person and parent to be fully committed to this fight.” The ID kit allows parents to collect specific information by easily recording the physical characteristics, fingerprints and DNA of their children on identification cards that are then kept at home by the parent or guardian. If ever needed, this ID kit gives authorities vital information to assist their efforts to locate a missing child.",1,2026-06-16T06:53:21Z,2026-06-16T06:55:02Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-thompson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-bolster-wic-families-access,"Soto, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster WIC Families’ Access to Nutritious Juice",2026-06-14,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“I am proud to work with Chairman Thompson on these two important bills to ensure that families in Florida and across the nation have access to delicious and nutritious juice,” said Rep. Soto. ""As juice consumption for families who receive WIC benefits is down due to recent policy changes, the Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act will allow families the opportunity to increase their consumption."" “Families participating in WIC deserve access to nutritious foods and beverages that best meet their needs,” said Chairman Thompson. ""The Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act will restore access to the key nutrients juices provide and preserve flexibility for families working hard to put healthy options on the table.""",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5019,Frankel Calls on House Oversight Committee to Advance Long Overdue Epstein Hearing in Palm Beach County,2026-06-12,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) sent a letter to House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY-01) and Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) requesting the Committee issue long-overdue subpoenas for key witnesses in the Epstein case and put the local Palm Beach County prosecutors and officials responsible for Jeffrey Epstein’s failed prosecution under oath. “I again respectfully request that the full House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform come to Palm Beach County and subpoena key witnesses to testify under oath,” wrote Rep. Frankel. “Their testimony could provide critical insight into how Epstein secured such a lenient agreement, why survivors were denied the justice they deserved, and how we can prevent such failures in the future.” Rep. Frankel has called for a hearing in Palm Beach County for years. Previous hearings were postponed at the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the ongoing prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell. Rep. Frankel believes it is past time that the Committee moves forward with this hearing—a belief strengthened after hearing directly from survivors last month at the Oversight Democrats field hearing in Palm Beach County. Last month, through her role on the House Appropriations Committee, she also helped advance two provisions to: Require the DOJ to remove and prohibit the further release of personally identifying information of Epstein survivors on DOJ websites and in public materials. Direct the DOJ Inspector General to review compliance with the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and examine reforms needed to ensure all survivors are guaranteed their rights under the law, including timely notification of plea agreements before they are finalized — addressing the very loophole exploited in Epstein’s secret 2008 non-prosecution agreement.",1,2026-06-13T06:32:19Z,2026-06-13T06:34:27Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405226,"Castor, Thompson Introduce Bill to Safeguard Consumers Against Predatory Timeshare Practices",2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps.Kathy Castor (D-FL) andGlenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act. This legislation increases accountability and transparency in the timeshare industry, protecting consumers from misleading contracts, hidden fees, and vague exit options. “The dream of a vacation ownership — a timeshare — too often comes with hidden fees, confusing terms and few options when costs spiral out of control for hardworking families,” Rep. Castor said. “In Florida, where tourism is the foundation of our economy, families deserve clear prices and honest information, not fine print and expensive surprises, so that they can plan and budget with confidence. Instead, millions of Americans have found themselves locked into agreements with escalating costs and few ways to get out. The bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act will establish commonsense safeguards so families can make informed decisions, avoid predatory practices and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.” “Bad actors in the timeshare industry have made a business model out of confusing consumers with misleading contracts, while leaving unsuspecting families with little recourse,” Rep. Thompson said. “Americans deserve clear and honest information when making significant financial decisions, rather than predatory and manipulative sales tactics. This bipartisan bill protects hardworking families, so they can safely invest in vacation experiences.” “Timeshare members and owners, including young families, seniors, veterans, and active-duty service members, have long waited for their voices to be heard. The Timeshare Transparency Act is the path forward that we and our volunteers and I have hoped for. This bill directly addresses the concerns we hear every day: no more hidden fees, no more confusing contracts, clear exit options and a 14-day penalty free cooling off period for every buyer. Better communication between consumers and developers is the foundation of a healthy industry. This bipartisan legislation puts that principle into action, and I applaud Congressman GT Thompson and Congresswoman Kathy Castor for championing transparency in the timeshare industry,” said Irene Parker, Co-Founder of Timeshare Advocacy & Reform Disclosure Alliance, Inc. (TARDA) Specifically, this legislation requires all timeshare agreements to: Include a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs; Mandate disclosure of modifiable fees and the notice requirements for such changes; Provide clear, documented options to exit ownership; Grant buyers a 14-day, penalty-free cancellation period; Allow buyers time to review the timeshare agreement privately. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) lead the Senate companion bill. Read the full bill text here.",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5016,"Rep. Frankel Joins Legislation to Protect Jewish Community, Counter Antisemitism",2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined 29 of her colleagues in the House of Representatives in introducing the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act to strengthen Federal efforts to counter antisemitism in the United States and protect the Jewish community. “As antisemitism continues to rise and threats against our community become more frequent, Congress and the Executive Branch must do more to protect Jewish communities, students, and institutions from violence and discrimination,” said. Rep. Frankel. “No one should have to fear for their safety while practicing their faith or gathering to celebrate Jewish life. The Jewish American Security Act is an important bipartisan bill that will enhance and strengthen federal protections for the Jewish community and counter antisemitism. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort.” The bill would: Authorize the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) at $1 billion and improve the program by allowing the use of grant funding to hire security personnel, improve the application process, and ensure clearer access to grant opportunities; Mandate the Department of Justice award grants to state and local law enforcement to increase security around religious sites; Require civil rights training and public awareness campaigns in schools, create an Antisemitism Coordinator at the Department of Education, and require increased transparency from social media platforms on how they are handling antisemitic content on their sites. For full text of the bill, click here. Related News Rep. Frankel Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses December 18, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Frankel Celebrates the Release of the Hostages from Gaza October 13, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Frankel Statement on Reported Peace Agreement Between Israel and Hamas October 9, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Frankel Marks Two Years Since October 7 Hamas Terrorist Attacks October 7, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-helps-lead-bipartisan-jewish-american-security-act,Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Jewish American Security Act,2026-06-10,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) helped lead the introduction of the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act, legislation to strengthen federal efforts to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish students, secure Jewish institutions, and address the spread of antisemitic content online. The legislation is sponsored by 30 Members of Congress from both parties. Video of Moskowitz discussing the new legislation is found HERE. The Jewish American Security Act would establish new protections for Jewish students on college campuses, strengthen security programs for synagogues and nonprofit organizations, improve federal tracking of antisemitic incidents, and increase transparency surrounding antisemitic content on large online platforms. “Antisemitism is on the rise across our country, and the federal government has a responsibility to help protect Jewish communities,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “When a man in my district made a plot against my life, I got lucky when authorities prevented it. But unfortunately, not everyone’s story ends the same way. The Jewish American Security Act will strengthen critical security programs for synagogues and nonprofit organizations while also improving how we address antisemitism online. As more Jewish Americans continue to experience the effects of antisemitic hatred, Congress must act swiftly to pass this bipartisan legislation.” Florida is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, and Congressman Moskowitz has long understood the stakes firsthand. As Florida’s Director of Emergency Management, he oversaw security grant requests from places of worship across the state; and saw repeatedly that there was never enough funding to meet the needs of every institution that applied. The Jewish American Security Act is aimed at closing that gap, helping ensure more houses of worship have the resources they need to stay safe. Among other provisions, the Jewish American Security Act would: Strengthen protections for Jewish students by requiring enhanced Title VI compliance efforts on college campuses and creating dedicated antisemitism coordinators to address incidents of discrimination. Expand and reform the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, authorizing $1 billion annually to help protect synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other at-risk nonprofit organizations. Create new grant opportunities to support local law enforcement efforts protecting houses of worship and vulnerable religious institutions. Improve transparency and accountability surrounding antisemitic content online while strengthening federal efforts to understand the connection between online hate and real-world violence.",1,2026-06-11T06:38:38Z,2026-06-11T06:41:07Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3506,Democratic Caucus Votes to Place Wasserman Schultz on Influential House Foreign Affairs Committee,2026-06-09,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington DC – This morning, the House Democratic Caucus unanimously supported appointing U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) to serve on the influential House Foreign Affairs Committee, a post that allows her to directly tackle issues impacting her diverse constituents and challenge the Trump Administration’s cruel, transactional policies, which harm our national interests and threaten South Florida’s strategic position as an economic hub linking the U.S. with Latin America and the Caribbean. ""South Florida is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and for our people, foreign policy is domestic policy for so many,"" said Wasserman Schultz. ""I’m proud to have long represented one of the nation’s most diverse Caribbean and Latin American diasporas, whose stories and struggles shape my commitment to democracy and justice abroad and at home. I will seize this opportunity to continue to champion human rights, lift the voices of those suffering under violent repression, and fight Trump's self-serving, America-last foreign policy. And I'm deeply grateful to Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and all my House Democratic colleagues for this vote of confidence."" Wasserman Schultz brings two decades of diplomatic and national security policy experience to this post. She has fought to restore Temporary Protected Status for Haitians as a member of the Haiti Caucus and advocated for Cuban political prisoners as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. She currently co-chairs the Congressional Venezuelan Democracy Caucus, Cuba Democracy Caucus, the Abraham Accords Caucus, and co-founded the Victims of Communism Caucus. Wasserman Schultz will retain her post as a Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on the Appropriations Committee. The Democratic Caucus added her to the Foreign Affairs Committee along with U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Wesley Bell (MO-01). ####",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405222,Castor Urges Quick Delivery of Home Energy Rebates to Lower Costs for Florida Families After Months of Delays,2026-06-08,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today called on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Gov. DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to move quickly to deliver $346 million in long-delayed savings she championed for Florida families. The rebates are designed to help families lower their monthly utility bills through home energy-efficiency improvements, weatherization upgrades and more efficient appliances. “Floridians are paying too much for nearly everything right now—from housing and insurance to groceries and utility bills. Energy costs remain a significant burden for many families, especially during Florida’s long, hot summers when air conditioning is a necessity,” said Rep. Castor. DOE finally released updated guidance last week for the Home Energy Rebates Program that should allow states to distribute rebate savings to Floridians. The updated guidance is an important step in getting long-overdue savings to Florida families as they grapple with an intense affordability squeeze.” DOE’s updated guidance explicitly contradicts U.S. law by imposing new restrictions that limit consumer choice and create barriers to adoption. DOE’s decision to issue guidance that conflicts with the law is another attempt to thwart energy efficiency savings for consumers. At every turn, the Trump Administration has sided with polluters and special interests to the detriment of hardworking Americans. Nevertheless, the home rebates still provide a significant opportunity to help families reduce costly energy waste, improve home comfort and lower monthly utility bills. Florida is slated to receive approximately $346 million through the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) initiatives. The funding was secured through legislation championed by Rep. Castor and included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Florida’s funding was approved in January 2025, but implementation has been delayed by the Trump Administration since then. Rep. Castor is encouraging both federal and state officials to quickly complete any remaining steps so Floridians can begin accessing the savings as Congress intended.",1,2026-06-09T06:27:37Z,2026-06-09T06:30:10Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-and-senator-richard-blumenthal-introduce-the-right-to-record-act,"Congressman Maxwell Frost and Senator Richard Blumenthal Introduce The Right to Record Act, Allowing Citizens to Sue Federal Officials Who Violate Their Rights as They Attempt to Legally Record",2026-06-08,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Right To Record Act, legislation that would protect individuals’ First Amendment Rights while engaging with ICE agents and federal law enforcement officers – giving citizens an opportunity for civil compensation if these rights are infringed upon. As protests and public demonstrations continue outside New Jersey’s Delaney Hall detention facility, there are reports of agents harassing journalists, advocates, and community members who are trying to document the conditions of the facility. This is just the latest example of federal immigration officials denying the public the transparency they deserve. Moreover, citizens currently face significant obstacles when trying to hold individual officials accountable for violations of constitutional rights. The Right to Record Act is needed to promote transparency, prevent federal agencies from concealing their unlawful behavior, and ensure that they are held accountable in a court of law if they do. “The First Amendment defends the right to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public. That right has never been more important. In cases like the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, officials and their allies tried to paint the victims as threats despite evidence showing otherwise,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “Without firsthand recordings, those false narratives might have become the official story, which is why the Right to Record Act is so important. It would protect the public’s ability to expose the truth without fear, giving individuals a legal path forward if an officer does violate their constitutional rights.” “Over the last year, I’ve investigated dozens of cases of Americans brutalized by agents of their own government, and across the board, video footage corroborated their testimony – showing the world what they experienced and making sure that justice was served. Without recordings, we wouldn’t know the truth of what happened to Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, Marimar Martinez, George Retes, and so, so many others. The right to bear witness has never been more important. I’m proud to work with Congressman Frost on bicameral legislation that will strengthen the right to record, observe, and peacefully protest – creating real enforcement tools for the protections of the First Amendment that lay the foundation for our democracy.” - Senator Richard Blumenthal ""The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy,"" said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel with the ACLU. ""We can't hold our government accountable if we can't see for ourselves what they're doing in our communities. Observing and filming allows people to create an independent record, share information with their communities, and demand better from our government. Protesting for what we believe in is a core American value, and observing and filming government activity can drive the protest movements that spark change. All of these rights are squarely protected by the First Amendment, and we're hopeful that Congress will codify them into law by enacting the Right to Record Act."" For more information on the Right to Record Act, click here. The Right to Record Act has been endorsed by: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC) ###",1,2026-06-09T06:27:37Z,2026-06-09T06:30:10Z https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-and-donalds-release-bipartisan-hurricane-preparedness-psa-for-florida-families,Moskowitz and Donalds Release Bipartisan Hurricane Preparedness PSA for Florida Families,2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Jared Moskowitz,M001217,moskowitz.house.gov,moskowitz,https://moskowitz.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) released a bipartisan public service announcement urging Floridians to prepare now as hurricane season gets underway. The PSA covers critical preparedness steps every Floridian should take before a storm strikes, including assembling a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, and knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. “Hurricanes don’t care whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican; they hit everyone,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “That’s why I’m proud to join Byron Donalds to deliver this message together. Floridians should not wait until a storm is on the radar to start preparing. Get your kit ready, have seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the FEMA app today.” “Protecting Florida communities is a shared duty that transcends any political divide. The safety and security of all Floridians is paramount, especially as we enter this hurricane season. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Moskowitz, in urging all Floridians to take proactive steps today. Don’t wait for a storm. Prepare today: get seven days of supplies, know your evacuation route, and stay ready,” said Congressman Donalds.The PSA urges Floridians to take the following steps before a storm arrives: Assemble a disaster supply kit that can last you seven days, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents. Know your evacuation zone and follow instructions from local emergency management officials. Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they are expected within 36 hours. Have a plan for pets. Know where you can take them, pack food and supplies, and make them part of your evacuation plan. Not all shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have planned where you’ll bring your pets ahead of time. Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred kennels and facilities and make a plan to ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. Download the FEMA app for real-time weather alerts and nearby shelter locations. Businesses should plan ahead to protect employees, maintain communications, and secure property before a storm hits. Floridians are encouraged to stay informed through their local emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. As the only former Director of Emergency Management in Congress, Moskowitz served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management from 2019-2021, where he oversaw the state’s response to major disasters, including Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued that work in Congress, focusing on strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring communities have the resources they need when disaster strikes.",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3505,"Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease",2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Carol Miller (WV-1), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care. Over 500,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD. “PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.” “Kidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Miller. “Despite more than 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,” said Cleaver. “There are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.” “Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,” said Bacon. “The PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.” “The introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation,"" said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “This bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country's leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.” “The majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure — not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. “The PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.” “The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. ""Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.” ""The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation's kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD,"" said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. ""It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community's recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.” The PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology. The bill text can be found here.",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-introduces-protect-our-homes-act-improve-disaster-relief-and-lower,Soto Introduces Protect Our Homes Act to Improve Disaster Relief and Lower Housing Costs,2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) introduced H.R. 9159, the Protect Our Homes Act—legislation to establish a loan program within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help communities repair residential common areas after natural disasters and/or protect property from future disasters. This includes low-cost loans to Condominium, Townhome, and Homeowners Associations. This bill may also reduce costly special assessments for homeowners over the long term. “In Florida, we are no strangers to hurricanes. We’ve seen wind and flooding damage to planned communities in BVL, Meadow Woods, St. Cloud, Belle Isle, and other areas across our district. It is critical that we continue finding ways to help these communities recover common areas like roofs, walls, sidewalks, clubhouses, and other common areas after storms,” said Rep. Soto. “Today, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Protect Our Homes Act to establish a loan program within the SBA to help Floridians restore their communities and reduce costly special assessments after storms.” The Protect Our Homes Act establishes a loan program within the SBA for entities responsible for managing residential common areas (e.g., homeowner associations, apartment complex property managers): These loans would be used to repair residential common areas damaged by natural disasters The loan funds can also be used as mitigation efforts to protect property from possible future disasters The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL-01). Upon introduction, it was referred to the House Committee on Small Business.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3503,"Wasserman Schultz Shares Broward County Residents’ High-Cost Utility Struggles, Offers Legislative Solutions",2026-06-01,2026,2026-06,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened Broward County residents to share how utility prices continue to squeeze families across South Florida, as electric, water, gas and other bills continue to climb, and she offered a raft of common-sense legislative solutions to bring these costs down. “Congress can lower utility bills by passing legislation that caps excessive corporate profits and overcharges, and speeds up the deployment of low-cost clean energy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “We live in Florida, where sun, wind and water sources for clean, cheap energy are abundant. We did this kind of work in the Inflation Reduction Act. And we need to revive that, because Trump and this Republican Congress simply do not care about Americans’ monthly utility bills.” During the press conference, Wasserman Schultz discussed her co-sponsorship of the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which cracks down on for-profit utility companies that make consumers pay for wasteful spending, huge profits margins, and unnecessary projects that raise residents’ bills. She also demanded stronger investments into clean energy, like wind and solar, and moving away from oil and gas reliance, priorities Democrats championed in the recent Inflation Reduction Act. In recent months, Wasserman Schultz convened from local officials and Broward County residents who know first-hand about the high cost of housing, gas, and healthcare costs, while also proposing solutions to these issues. Wasserman Schultz was joined by Hollywood Commissioner Idelma Quintana, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, newlywed father of three Philmon Brown, and domestic violence survivor and mother of an adult son with disabilities Joy Seymour. ####",1,2026-06-02T06:40:38Z,2026-06-02T06:42:17Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-announces-43-million-federal-aviation-administration-funding-orlando,Soto Announces $43 Million in Federal Aviation Administration Funding for Orlando International Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport,2026-05-29,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) hosted a press conference at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to announce $43 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funding for MCO and Kissimmee Gateway Airport. MCO received $33 million from the Airport Terminals Program and Kissimmee Gateway Airport received$10 million from the Contract Tower (FCT) Competitive Grant Program. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, we have secured millions of federal dollars over the years to modernize our local airports—helping meet the growing tourism demand and supporting local travelers,” said Rep. Soto. ""We are proud of our collaborations with MCO and Kissimmee Gateway Airport to enhance experiences for families and ensure safety remains a top priority.” “Today’s announcement of $43 million in federal funding for Orlando International Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport represents an important investment in Central Florida’s transportation infrastructure and future growth,” said State Senator Kristen Arrington. ""Special thanks to Congressman Soto for his leadership in securing these federal funds and for continuing to advocate for critical investments in our region. These improvements will help strengthen connectivity, support economic development, enhance airport infrastructure, and accommodate the continued growth of Central Florida’s communities and tourism industry.” “For more than 10 years, I have proudly worked alongside Congressman Darren Soto and many dedicated community partners to help make the new control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport a reality. Seeing this project come to fruition today is truly exciting and a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration and persistence,” said State Representative Jose Alvarez. ""During my tenure as a Kissimmee City Commissioner, I proposed naming the tower in honor of former Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan, whose leadership and commitment to our community left a lasting impact on our city. I am especially thrilled that a plaque bearing his name will be placed on the tower in recognition of his legacy. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Soto and everyone who worked alongside us over the years to help bring this vision to life. This milestone represents continued growth and opportunity for our region, and I look forward to what the future holds for Kissimmee and Central Florida.” MCO will use the $33 million awarded from the Airport Terminals Program to modernize approximately five public restrooms in Terminals 1 and 3 to enhance the existing family facilities. As the program reaches its final year of funding, we celebrate a total of $157 million awarded to MCO in Airport Terminals Program grants. The program has allocated $5 billion ($1 billion annually from 2022-2026) to provide competitive grants for airport terminal development projects across the country that address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports. “This federal infrastructure investment reflects the kind of partnership that keeps Orlando International Airport competitive on a national and global stage,” said CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Lance Lyttle. “Infrastructure is one of the four pillars of our strategic vision, and the $33 million award through the Airport Terminal Program advances that commitment in a meaningful way.’’ Thanks to the FCT Program, Kissimmee Gateway Airport will use the $10 million awarded to fund a portion of the construction of their new air traffic control tower. The FCT Program allocates up to $600 million over 10 years for the modernization of airport traffic control towers. ""The City of Kissimmee is very grateful to receive grant funding for the new Kissimmee Gateway Air Traffic Control Tower. The funds will allow us to replace the aging tower with a modern, more efficient facility, ensuring our controllers can continue delivering critical airspace safety for the region,” said City of Kissimmee/Kissimmee Gateway Airport Director of Aviation Shaun J. Germolus, A.A.E. ""This has been a lengthy process for the City and Congressman Soto’s efforts to assist us is very appreciated."" Both FAA programs were created thanks to the Infrastructure Law, passed in the 117th Congress.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-statement-following-visit-to-alligator-alcatraz,Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement Following Visit to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’,2026-05-26,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Watch the full press conference here SOUTH FLORIDA — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement after a state-approved visit to ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ amid recent reports that the facility is expected to close. In a statement, Rep. Frost says: “Today, I visited ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ to conduct oversight and seek answers about the future of this facility, the conditions people are currently being held in, and where detainees may be transferred if the facility closes. “During the visit I noticed it is very apparent operations are winding down. Staff even used terms like “decompressing” and “winding down” and they are currently not accepting any new detainees. I even saw flights taking off to transfer detainees to other detention facilities. But what stuck out to the most to me, is on my past visits the processing center was full of staff and detainees and this time it was completely empty—which clearly shows this facility is no longer operating at the capacity it once did. “But Governor DeSantis and the Trump Administration have sent conflicting messages about [‘Alligator Alcatraz’s’] closure because they don’t want to admit the truth: this facility should have never opened in the first place and it will forever be a stain on Florida’s history. “While the closure of this facility would be an important step, shutting the doors alone is not enough. We must ensure that people are not simply transferred from one abusive or unsafe situation to another. Most importantly, there must be accountability for the civil and human rights violations, accountability for the environmental destruction inflicted on one of the most sacred ecosystems in the world, and accountability for the misuse of taxpayer dollars to subject our immigrant neighbors to this failed experiment in suffering.” ###",1,2026-05-30T06:11:53Z,2026-05-30T06:13:24Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-advances-central-florida-priorities-in-surface-transportation-reauthorization-effort,Congressman Maxwell Frost Advances Central Florida Priorities in Surface Transportation Reauthorization Effort,2026-05-22,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Maxwell Frost announced today that several key transportation and infrastructure priorities for Central Florida were advanced as part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s ongoing surface transportation reauthorization process. During the committee markup, Congressman Frost successfully advanced his bipartisan Safer Rail Crossing Act, legislation aimed at improving safety at railway crossings and reducing preventable accidents in communities impacted by freight and passenger rail traffic. Several additional priorities submitted by Congressman Frost were also included as part of the committee process. The managers’ amendment, a bundled set of agreed-upon changes to a bill, offered by the bill’s sponsor or committee manager to streamline and refine the legislation during debate includes bipartisan language co-led by Congressman Frost and Congressman Rob Bresnahan to help ensure fair distribution of federal funding for local infrastructure needs. “Today is a big win for Central Florida,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “Our communities deserve transportation systems that are safe, reliable, and built to meet the needs of working families. Through the surface transportation reauthorization process, we’re fighting for investments that improve railway safety, modernize infrastructure, strengthen transit options, and keep our communities connected.” The legislation and related transportation priorities now move forward following committee approval. Click here for more info on the Safer Rail Crossing Act. ###",1,2026-05-30T06:11:53Z,2026-05-30T06:13:24Z https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wilson-reaffirms-commitment-to-rail-safety-following-tragic-death-of-miami-artist-eric-eson-hirt,Rep. Wilson Reaffirms Commitment to Rail Safety Following Tragic Death of Miami Artist Eric “Eson” Hirt,2026-05-22,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica S. Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,wilson,https://wilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement following the tragic death of Miami street artist Eric “Eson” Hirt. “South Florida is mourning the loss of Eric ‘Eson’ Hirt, a Miami street artist whose work and legacy became part of our community’s cultural fabric. His creativity left a mark on Miami, and my prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all those grieving this heartbreaking loss. “As this investigation continues, I remain committed to taking action to strengthen rail safety measures so we do not see another tragedy like this happen in our community again. “Just yesterday, I was proud to continue supporting rail safety efforts in Congress by helping advance the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act within the Surface Transportation Reauthorization, Build America 250 Act. I also continue pushing for increased funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program and the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant programs, which support critical safety upgrades including grade crossing improvements, grade separations, quad gate installations, and other measures designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities. “As one of five cosponsors of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I was proud to help deliver billions of dollars for rail safety investments, including more than $3 billion currently available through existing funding opportunities. We must continue investing in solutions that save lives and strengthen safety across our communities.” ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405215,Rep. Castor Introduces Resolution Supporting SOF Week and Supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18–21, 2026, as “SOF Week.” Rep. Castor led the resolution with fellow Congressional SOF Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). The Co-Chairs are also joined by Representative Jason Crow (CO-06) in leading this resolution. Tampa Bay is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which hosts 33 mission partners including U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters. Rep. Castor’s district is proud to host Special Operations leaders, industry partners and military advocates each year for SOF Week. Their expertise and partnerships are critical to the defense community and U.S. national security. ""America’s Special Operations Forces deserve support and investment in innovation to keep them at ‘the tip of the spear’ of our military operations. I am especially proud to offer this bipartisan resolution alongside my SOF Caucus Co-chairs as thousands of special operators, military leaders and defense industry partners convene in my hometown of Tampa for SOF Week 2026 to share insights and inform mission and advocacy priorities for SOF,” said Rep. Castor. “The professionals who serve at U.S. SOCOM Headquarters from across the Tampa Bay area and those stationed across the globe are central to America’s national security. They and their families deserve top-tier trainings, resources and care, and the SOF Caucus is committed to ensuring that through our strong bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to work with Rep. Jackson, Peters and Hudson to lead this important bipartisan resolution."" “America’s Special Operations Forces represent the very best of our military. They are highly trained, deeply committed, and consistently called upon in the most dangerous and complex missions around the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the SOF Caucus, I am proud to lead this resolution recognizing the service of our special operators and reaffirming our commitment to support them and their families.” “The men and women of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) play an indispensable role in our national security,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I am proud to represent these heroes and honor them for their service to our country.” ""San Diego is a proud military town that is home to Naval Special Warfare's headquarters in my district,"" said Rep. Peters. ""Our Special Operations Forces (SOF) community conducts some of the most dangerous and challenging missions confronting our country unknown to the American public. Their quiet professionalism too often goes uncelebrated. I support the designation of SOF Week to honor the great skill and sacrifice of these courageous servicemembers and their families who live in San Diego and throughout the country."" “I served in special ops. I know how hard this job is,” said Rep. Crow. “I’ll always support the men, women, and families in the Special Operations Forces community who make many sacrifices for our nation. They always get the job done to keep the American people safe.” The resolution coincides with SOF Week 2026, the premier annual gathering of the global special operations community hosted in Tampa, Florida, by the United States Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation. The event brings together military leaders, operators, policymakers, allied partners, innovators, and defense industry leaders to collaborate on emerging threats, evolving operational requirements, and next generation capabilities supporting the SOF mission. The resolution highlights the significant contributions of the SOF community across a wide range of missions essential to national defense, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action operations that deter adversaries and protect American interests. Additionally, it recognizes the unique burdens carried by SOF personnel and their families, including frequent deployments, operational secrecy, and sustained high-risk assignments, and reaffirms Congress’ commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support they need.",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5013,Frankel Moves to Halt Trump’s $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Settlement,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) joined Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to stop President Trump’s $1.8 billion “weaponization” slush fund settlement from taking effect. At the center of the controversy is a newly announced agreement between President Trump and his own Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ announced that Trump agreed to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the leak of his tax returns in exchange for the creation of a $1.776 billion fund for people claiming they were unfairly targeted by the Biden Administration — including individuals charged for their actions attacking the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The agreement also shields Trump, his family, and his companies from certain unpaid tax claims by the IRS. Rep. Frankel joined Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring two pieces of legislation to prevent presidents from using the power of the federal government for personal or political gain. The No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act would expressly prohibit the use of federal funds to create or finance the slush fund established under Trump’s IRS settlement, and prohibit any payments from the Treasury Department’s Judgment Fund - which pays settlements and court judgments involving federal agencies - to go to the President, Vice President, their immediate family members, entities they control, and political appointees. For the full text of the bill, click here. The SLUSH FUND Act would require the Treasury Department to publicly disclose recipients of payments from the slush fund and tax any payments received from the fund at 100 percent. For full text of the bill, click here.",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3501,"Wasserman Schultz, Hinson Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Infant Formula and Donor Breast Milk",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act, bipartisan legislation that provides parents who are unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition with financial assistance to purchase infant formula and donor breast milk. This legislation is named for Constance C. McDaniel, a mother, army veteran, and advocate who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer in 2025. While pregnant, Constance underwent chemotherapy, and after her child was born, she was unable to breastfeed because of her cancer treatment. Constance also learned her insurance did not cover the cost of infant formula, requiring her to pay out-of-pocket. She became involved with the Breasties and Bobbie for Changes to raise awareness and advocate for parents who cannot breastfeed due to a medical condition. “For so many moms, the decision to breastfeed is one that is deeply personal, but too often, diseases like cancer take this choice away from them. It’s more important than ever that parents who need these nutritious products for their newborns out of medical necessity can get them,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I applaud Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, and the McDaniel family for their relentless advocacy on an issue that has gone overlooked for too long. I look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act becomes law.” “As a mom, I can’t imagine the heartbreak of wanting to provide for your baby but being physically unable to breastfeed because of cancer, chronic illness, or another serious medical challenge,” said Hinson. “Yet, it is still too common - parents in those situations should be focused on caring for their child, not worrying about whether they can afford medically necessary formula or donor milk. This bipartisan bill is about supporting families during some of the hardest moments of their lives and making sure babies get the nutrition they need to thrive. I’m proud to work with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the moms and dads who brought this need to our attention.” “Before we even had a product on the shelf, we said we’d fight like hell to fix this glaring gap, and today, we are bringing that fight to the halls of Congress,” said Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie and mom of four. “We always knew that sponsoring feeding journeys for these families was a temporary bridge. By taking this fight to Capitol Hill, we are moving beyond giveback and toward justice. We are proving that when private innovation and non-profit advocacy unite, we can create the kind of lasting, structural change that ensures no parent ever has to choose between their health and their baby’s nutrition again.” “By collaborating with the members of Congress to draft this bill together, we’re taking our advocacy to the next level” said Allie Brumel, COO and Co-Founder of the Breasties and mom of two. “This is what long-lasting change looks like in practice: it’s the evolution of an urgent question into a piece of federal legislation that will hopefully outlast us all. We’re proving that when you build a community around a shared mission, you can create something far bigger than we ever could have imagined.” “It borders impossible to put into words what transpired; the events, the timeline, the feelings, and what the consequences of all of that would be,” said Matt McDaniel, Connie’s husband and father of two. “Connie was on a mission and I’m so proud this bill will continue to honor her incredible legacy. I’m grateful for Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Hinson for hearing Connie’s story and turning it into action."" The full text of the bill can be found here. This legislation is endorsed by Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, Brightspot Network, Chick Mission, Kasem, 4KiraforMoms, and Hope for PDCD Foundation. ####",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405213,"Reps. Castor & Buchanan Reintroduce Bill to Expand Hospital at Home, Lower Health Care Costs",2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) reintroduced the bipartisan At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation (HOME) Services Act to expand access to innovative health care models for Medicare patients under observation status. Hospital-at-home is helping hospitals deliver high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their own homes while easing pressure on crowded facilities and improving patient experiences. The At HOME Services Act would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a two-year pilot program that allows hospitals to provide hospital-level care at home for eligible patients while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards. The legislation is designed to improve care coordination, reduce unnecessary hospital stays and give providers more flexibility to meet patients where they are. “Tampa Bay hospitals have been leading the way in delivering innovative, high-quality care that saves time and money, and puts patients first,” said Rep. Castor. “The bipartisan At HOME Services Act will help expand safe, cost-effective hospital-at-home care so more neighbors can receive treatment comfortably at home while freeing up hospital capacity for patients with more urgent and intensive needs. This approach will lower costs, improve patient experiences and strengthen care for families across our community. I’m grateful to our local health care providers for continuing to lead with innovation and to Congressman Buchanan for partnering with me on this bipartisan effort.” “This commonsense legislation builds upon the incredible success individuals have seen in hospital-at-home programs and is a much-needed solution to the healthcare challenges facing our country,” said Congressman Buchanan. “The At HOME Services Act is an important step in ensuring patients receive the level of care they need and deserve in the comfort of their own homes.” “Rapid advancements in technology are creating new opportunities to expand access to high-quality health care, and hospital-at-home care is a proven model that should be advanced and supported. Leveraging sophisticated, around-the-clock remote monitoring alongside in-home visits from clinical professionals enables patients to safely receive hospital-level care where they are most comfortable—at home. We are incredibly grateful to Representatives Kathy Castor and Vern Buchanan for sponsoring legislation that allows health care providers to build upon the success of hospital-at-home models by supporting more patients, such as those who may not need to be admitted to a hospital inpatient bed but still require hospital observation status that can be supported in their home,” said Mary Mayhew, President & CEO of the Florida Hospital Association. “The extension of the Hospital-at-Home waiver gives health systems the stability needed to truly innovate,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “With a five-year runway now in place, it’s time to build on that foundation and expand the patient population eligible for hospital-at-home care. Doing so allows us to better meet patients where they are, improve comfort and outcomes, and ensure hospital resources are available for the sickest patients. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Castor and Rep. Buchanan in advancing solutions that strengthen community-based care.” “Tampa General Hospital has been operating a CMS-approved Hospital at Home program since 2022 and has seen firsthand the remarkable evidence via enhanced patient experiences and improved patient outcomes. This is a true model of innovation that integrates remote patient monitoring, telehealth visits, and in-person comprehensive care by trained medical providers,” said Tampa General Hospital CEO John Couris.",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405214,U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Indictment of Former Cuban President Raúl Castro,2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro: “The indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro marks a critical moment for the Cuban people. The corrupt communist regime has inflicted economic pain and violated human rights for decades. The Cuban people deserve freedom,” said Rep. Castor. “As Cuban freedom fighter José Martí said, ‘Like bones to the human body, the axle to the wheel, the wing to the bird, and air to the wing, so is Liberty the essence of life. Whatever is done without it is imperfect.’”",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-announces-over-25-million-returned-to-central-floridians-and-8000-cases-solved-via-offices-constituent-services,"Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces Over $25 Million Returned to Central Floridians and 8,000 Cases Solved Via Office’s Constituent Services",2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Maxwell Frost,F000476,frost.house.gov,frost,https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced that his office has returned over $25 million in money owed to constituents of Florida's 10th Congressional District from the VA, IRS, Social Security Administration, and other federal agencies. “Even amid the daily chaos coming out of the Trump Administration, my office remains focused on delivering for Central Florida, and this $25 million milestone shows that regardless of what’s happening in Washington, we’re here working for our community,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “These funds are earned benefits owed to people in our district, with most going to veterans, seniors, and working families. For many constituents who have waited months—or even years—for answers, these returns have been life-changing.” “From Washington to Orlando, my team and I are committed to fighting for every Central Floridian, and we’re deeply grateful to the more than 8,000 individuals who have trusted our office to assist them.” Our office assisted a 19-year-old from Orlo Vista in receiving $6,471 in delayed IRS tax refunds within three weeks, helped a 33-year-old from Pine Hills recover $10,086 in delayed IRS tax refunds, secured $362,776 in overdue Air Force contract payments for a 71-year-old veteran from Orlando and his veteran-owned software company, and helped a 53-year-old from Maitland receive $21,547 in delayed Employee Retention Credit funds after working with the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service to resolve the issue. Constituents needing help with a federal agency can submit a request online at frost.house.gov or call the Congressman's Orlando office at 321-388-9808. ###",1,2026-05-30T06:11:53Z,2026-05-30T06:13:24Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5012,Protections for Epstein Survivors and Crime Victims Advance in House Appropriations Bill,2026-05-18,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Frankel joined Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee to advance two key provisions in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill to protect survivors of Epstein sexual abuse and strengthen victims’ rights in the justice system. This follows the recent House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Democrats' field hearing on the Epstein case held in Palm Beach County. Rep. Frankel will be available for interviews from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, May 19, to discuss her work to secure these critical protections for survivors. Interested press should contact Elle Walters (904-624-2523) for the specific location. With bipartisan support, the House Appropriations Committee advanced provisions to: Require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove and prohibit the public release of personally identifying information of Epstein survivors on DOJ websites and in public materials. Direct the DOJ Inspector General to review DOJ compliance with the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and examine reforms needed to ensure all survivors are guaranteed their rights under the law, including timely notification of plea agreements before they are finalized — addressing the very loophole exploited in Epstein’s secret 2008 non-prosecution agreement. At the recent House Oversight and Government Reform Democratic field hearing in Palm Beach County, survivors recounted how prosecutors failed to notify them of Epstein’s secret non-prosecution agreement, shutting survivors out of the justice process. Survivors were recently retraumatized by the Trump DOJ publicly releasing their personal information. “These bipartisan provisions will help protect survivors’ dignity and privacy while strengthening the rights of crime victims to be informed, heard, and treated fairly under the law.” The FY27 CJS funding bill awaits consideration by the full House and the Senate. As it moves forward, Rep. Frankel will continue to push for the inclusion of these two provisions.",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3499,Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month,2026-05-15,2026,2026-05,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,wassermanschultz,https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington D.C. – In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, led by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Nikema Williams (D-GA) proudly celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, and released the following statement: ""As we mark Jewish American Heritage Month this May, we honor generations of Jewish Americans whose faith, resilience, and leadership in all facets of American life have contributed to our nation's strength. ""We also recognize the historic bonds between Black and Jewish people in the United States, forged through our shared struggle for justice, civil rights, and equality under the law. The achievements of Black Jewish Americans like Rabbi Alysa Stanton, the first Black woman rabbi, are a point of pride for both communities. ""At a time of rising antisemitic and racist attacks, political violence, and cynical efforts to reverse decades of progress and undermine our democracy, this solidarity has never been more essential. “This May, as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, we recommit to our mission of building cross-community collaboration, defeating hate in all forms, and fending off attacks on our fundamental rights as Americans."" ####",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z