url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402283,Hastings Statement on West Palm Beach VA Shared Congressional Space Closure,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made the following statement on the closing of the shared Congressional space at the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC-WPB), effective December 31, 2019(Please find attached the letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs): I am truly honored and privileged to represent the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC-WPB) in my Congressional district.Thus, I find it most regrettable that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made an extremely short-sighted decision to terminate the shared-space agreement at the VAMC-WPB, effective December 31, 2019.This was the the first-of-its-kind agreement, which enabled the entire Palm Beach Congressional delegation to hold office hours at the VAMC-WPB, helping to improve constituent access to our Congressional offices.While appeals have been made to the VA to reconsider this decision, it is extremely unfortunate that veterans in our region will be hurt by this decision.I remain committed to serving our veterans and their families with the dignity and respect they rightly deserve, said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20). Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402284,Hastings Condemns Violent Anti-Semitic Attack on Jewish Community in New York,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings Condemns Violent Anti-Semitic Attack on Jewish Community in New York f t # e Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 30, 2019 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) issued the following statement on the attack in Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg's home in Monsey, New York: I was heartbroken to learn of the heinous anti-Semitic attack during a Hanukkah celebration in Rabbi Rottenberg's home. I condemn in the strongest possible terms this horrific act of violence and the many recent anti-Semitic attacks in the New York metro area, during this holiday season. There is no doubt that the forces of anti-Semitism are not only affecting our nation, but also are on the rise across the globe, and must be unequivocally denounced.People of all faiths deserve to feel safe in their place of worship.We must condemn all forms of hatred and strengthen our resolve to make it clear that bigotry and hate have no place in our society. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2226,Congresswoman Donna E. Shalala Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners,2019-12-26,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL Today, Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement to announce the winners of her district's 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a yearly competition for middle and high school students encouraging them to learn to code and pursue careers in computer science and STEM fields: This year we had an overwhelming amount of submissions from across South Florida. As a lifelong educator, the ingenuity and hard work of our students is truly inspiring. This year's winner is AED Locator, an application by Kamal Kay-Ramos, Joshua Delgado, Jake Charron and Jordan Schmidt of Gulliver Schools. This application assists those who are near a victim of cardiac arrest to find the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) device available. Tied for second place are Volunteerio and Shleep Helper. Volunteerio, an app by Mike Hickey and Paloma Hickey of Miami Beach Senior High School, seeks to streamline the volunteering process by allowing students and teachers to log and verify volunteer hours within the same application. Meanwhile, Shleep Helper, by Anthony Pena of Miami Senior High School, seeks to help those who have difficulty falling asleep through music and interactive games. The talent of our South Florida students is truly remarkable. Their creativity and dedication is clear in the many submissions that our office received. I would like to thank our judges, Professor Geoff Sutcliffe of the University of Miami and Sarah Jacob, Senior Director of Product Management at CareCloud for their time and effort to reviewing each individual application. Thank you to all the dedicated students who entered this year's competition. I look forward to seeing what great ideas our students have in the years to come. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403162,"Castor Announces $1.2 Million Returned to Tampa Area Families and Veterans in 2019, $1.3 Billion in Federal Grants",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that Tampa area families, veterans and seniors received over $1.2 million though the work of her constituent service team in 2019. Castor also worked to secure more than $1.3 billion in federal grants in 2019, including $958 million for medical research that demonstrates that Tampa Bay continues to grow as a national hub in health care innovation. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that Tampa area families, veterans and seniors received over$1.2 millionthough the work of her constituent service team in 2019. Castor also worked to secure more than$1.3 billionin federal grants in 2019, including $958 millionfor medical research that demonstrates that Tampa Bay continues to grow as a national hub in health care innovation. The federal dollars returned to our neighbors and invested in our community are creating jobs, boosting education and infrastructure, and supporting the important work of local partners. Under the leadership of my District Director, Marcia Mejia, my Tampa constituent services team, Tery Sanchez, Dee Gonzalez, Tania Fernandez, and Steven Angotti work to cut bureaucratic red tape and to ensure citizens receive the benefits they have earned, U.S. Rep. Castor said. Team Castor tackles complex cases like that ofMs. Mamie Walkerthat garnered attention earlier this year. Our talented caseworkers advocate for our neighbors day in and day out - whether it's for our veterans, our seniors who rely on Social Security and Medicare, or individuals with disabilities. In 2019, U.S. Rep. Castor's office handled over 1,200 individual cases for Tampa area neighbors to ensure they received the assistance they earned and deserve. About half of the$1.2 millionin federal benefits recovered by Team Castor were for veterans and current service members and their families. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Hillsborough County has the highest veteran population in Florida with more than 98,000 veterans. Every year, U.S. Rep. Castor assists Tampa veterans with cases related to benefit adjustments, disability claims and appeals, debt waivers, as well as expedited benefits decisions and record requests. Grants $1.3 billion Thanks to USF, Moffitt Cancer Center, local nonprofits and the many expanding businesses, our region remains a fast-growing center of economic growth. I am proud to advocate to bring our tax dollars back to Tampa to create higher-wage jobs and invest in the skills training that lift our community, U.S. Rep. Castor said. In addition to significant investments in medical research and health care, the University of South Florida (USF) received a$7.5 milliongrant to establish a National University Transportation Center (UTC) to advance research that will address our nation's most critical transportation challenges. U.S. Rep. Castor also championed $200,000 to the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa) and $300,000 to the University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) to create a skilled workforce in communities where EPA brownfields assessment and cleanup activities are taking place. Additionally, her work continues to restore the Gulf of Mexico after the BP disaster in 2010 when she announced a $1.95 million grant for the Florida Institute of Oceanography at USF. The investments made for Tampa Bay keep our region on the cutting edge of health care innovation, keep our economy growing, ensure environmental justice and modernize our transportation infrastructure. I will continue to oppose radical cuts proposed by President Trump to health, education, transit and housing, U.S. Rep. Castor said. I'm committed to doing more in 2020 to bring transit dollars home, boost innovation and fight for higher wages in Tampa Bay. Residents in Florida Congressional District 14 can call U.S. Rep. Castor's Tampa office at 813-871-2817or visitwww.castor.house.govfor assistance. Happy Holidays!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2225,Rep. Shalalas Venezuela Legislation is Signed into Law as Part of Government Funding Package,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after President Trump signed the federal government's 2020 Fiscal Year funding bills into law: Today is a momentous day in the Venezuelan people's struggle for freedom. The government spending bills that were just signed into law includes the landmark Menendez/Rubio VERDAD Act, vital provisions to address the crisis in Venezuela and to aid the resistance to Maduro's illegitimate band of thugs. I am proud of having introduced the Venezuela Arms Restriction Act, which bans the export of defense and crowd control materials to the Maduro regime's forces, that was included in the VERDAD Act. This and other provisions aiding the Venezuelan patriots was the direct result of tireless, bipartisan efforts by Reps. Diaz-Balart, Mucarsel-Powell, and Wasserman-Schultz to help secure peace, prosperity, and the return of democracy to Venezuela. Though we should applaud this victory, we cannot rest until liberty is restored to the people of that once great but now humbled country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1828,"CRIST, BILIRAKIS LEAD LETTER TO DESANTIS ON VETERAN SUICIDE",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) sent aletterto Governor Ron DeSantis requesting the State of Florida's assistance to improve the accuracy of data on veterans mortality and life expectancy. Specifically, Congressmen Crist and Bilirakis ask that the state of Florida establish a policy requiring medical examiners and investigators to indicate whether a victim of suicide is a veteran on their death certificates. In cases where there are missing or incomplete service records, medical examiners and investigators can partner with Veteran Service Organizations to improve accuracy. The letter to Governor DeSantis comes after a joint meeting of Congressmen Crist's and Bilirakis' Veteran Advisory Boards raised concerns that veteran suicide data may not be as accurate as it should be. Congressmen Crist and Bilirakis are proud to represent the more than 110,000 veterans.The full letter to Governor Ron DeSantis can be foundhere, the text of which appearing below. December 18, 2019 Office of Governor Ron DeSantis State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399 Dear Governor DeSantis, We write to request your help in obtaining a true and accurate count of the annual number of veteran suicides in Florida. As Members of Congress from Florida's 12thand 13thCongressional Districts, we are honored to represent more than 110,000 of the 1,500,000 veterans who call the Sunshine State home. At a joint meeting of our Veterans Advisory Boards, local veteran leaders raised concerns that veterans suicide data may not be as up-to-date or accurate as it could be. We need the most accurate data possible to effectively tackle this epidemic facing our veteran community. As you know, Congress tasks the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report annual veterans suicide data, along with general data on mortality and life expectancy. However, because not all veterans use the VA, they also rely on a combination of U.S. Department of Defense service records and state death certificates. Unfortunately, state death certificates do not always tell the full picture. After a death, veteran status is indicated on a form filled out by a funeral home; however, when local medical examiners take over death investigations in cases of suspected suicide, they do not necessarily investigate whether the deceased is a veteran. We are concerned that this dynamic is leading to an undercount of veteran suicides. As you know, the Governor's office works with the Medical Examiners Commission and District Medical Examiners on best practices and standards. We ask your assistance to improve the accuracy of data on veteran mortality and life expectancy by establishing a policy in which every medical examiner must determine and indicate the deceased's veteran status on the death certificate. For those with missing or incomplete service records, medical examiners and investigators can partner with Veteran Service Organizations to improve the accuracy of the record. Through our roles on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, we are committed to fighting for those who fought for our freedom and are still fighting today. Ensuring the accuracy of the count of veterans who die from suicide is a small but impactful way the state of Florida can help in this fight. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to working together to help Florida's veterans. Sincerely, Charlie Crist Gus M. Bilirakis MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=339,Mucarsel-Powell Urges Army Corps of Engineers to Increase Environmental Infrastructure Funding to Key West,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC On December 20,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26),Vice Chair of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, led a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer requesting additional reimbursements for the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program, which has helped transition the Keys from a septic system to a proper sewage system. The letter was signed byReps. Donna Shalala, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ted Deutch, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Federica Wilson. Text of the letter can be found below: December 20, 2019 The Honorable Rickey Dale ""RD"" James Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 108 Army Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20310-0108 Dear Assistant Secretary James: We write in strong support of the City of Marathon, Village of Islamorada, and the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District, Florida in their efforts to obtain Fiscal Year 2020 Environmental Infrastructure funding for the ongoing Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (FKWQIP). FKWQIP is replacing sewage treatment systems with state-of-the-art central sewer collection and wastewater treatment systems in the ecologically sensitive area of the Florida Keys. The project benefits both residents and visitors to South Florida and the National Marine Sanctuary ecosystem. To date, FKWQIP local sponsors have received $63.467 million in federal funding for this project. This funding, coupled with substantial local funding, has helped to meet the required water quality standards designed to protect and restore the near shore waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. All three local sponsors have the demonstrated ability to obligate Fiscal Year 2020 funds within the fiscal year and to complete separable elements with the funds allocated. Established in 1990, the Sanctuary is a flag-ship marine space in the federal sanctuary program and is the world's third largest coral reef system, protecting the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States. Mitigating the effects of land-based pollutants, primarily wastewater discharge from storm water runoff, will help ensure this national treasure in South Florida is protected for years to come. In order to meet the environmental protections for the Sanctuary and coastal areas overwhelmingly owned by Federal and State governments, Keys residents will pay for water treatment standards that are four times more stringent than most any other location in the nation. The FKWQIP helps alleviate some of these costs. The fiscal year 2020 appropriations package provides $100 million for the Environmental Infrastructure account within the Army Corps Civil Works Division. As the Army Corps of Engineers reviews projects for the FY 2020 Work Plan, we ask that you give full and fair consideration to our efforts to obtain Environmental Infrastructure funding. With additional funding, the local sponsors can continue to protect a vital national resource. Sincerely, **PLEASE NOTE: an earlier version of this letter incorrectly stated that local sponsors have received $61.467 million. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402714,Deutch Statement on House Passage of USMCA with Improvements by House Democrats,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Deutch Statement on House Passage of USMCA with Improvements by House Democrats f t # e Washington, December 19, 2019 Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) voted in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which included significant improvements negotiated by House Democrats to strengthen the deal for American workers.Upon passage of the USMCA trade agreement, Congressman Deutch issued this statement: ""The American people voted for a Democratic majority in the House to fight for their best interests. Democrats negotiated a stronger USMCA trade agreement by securing labor protections for American workers, ensuring environmental protections by establishing environment-focused monitors, and eliminating provisions that would unfairly lock in high prescription drug costs for American families. ""While the USMCA is far from perfect, the goal of any trade agreement should be to create good-paying American jobs with strong protections for American workers, lower prices for American consumers, and contribute to local communities and our national economy. International trade is a particularly important part of our local economy in South Florida due to our major ports, three international airports, and a vibrant business community engaged every day with the world. ""Because of the improvements negotiated by House Democrats, I voted for the USMCA trade deal for the benefits it can have for consumers, workers, and businesses in our South Florida community."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1821,CRIST INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO CLOSE PENSACOLA LOOPHOLE,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced introduction of theForeign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act. The bill, co-led by Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL) and Val Demings (D-FL) would close the Pensacola loophole', an exception in federal law that allows foreign nationals to purchase guns if they first acquire a valid state hunting license. The Pensacola loophole is what allowed a Saudi foreign national to purchase a gun and open fire at the Naval Air Base Pensacola on December 6th, injuring eight and killing three people. As communities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama mourn the loss of three of our best and brightest young airmen, Congress has a responsibility to step in and close the loophole that made this tragedy possible, saidRep. Crist. Foreign nationals should not be able to buy a firearm through the purchase of a hunting license. We need tougher vetting than that, and requiring them to petition the Attorney General directly would provide greater scrutiny and security for the American people. Following the tragedy at Naval Air Station Pensacola, it is clear that Congress must act to close a loophole in federal gun laws that allowed a foreign visitor to legally purchase a firearm and kill three Americans,said Rep. Rutherford.As the former Sheriff of Duval County and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe thatall foreigners seeking to purchase a firearm must be vetted both here in the U.S. and in their country of origin. This bipartisan bill is crucial to strengthening our national security and keeping communities safe. Thank you to Representatives Crist and Demings for their bipartisan work on this legislation. Guns in the wrong hands lead to tragedy, like the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola this month. It's simply common sense that people shouldn't be able to get a gun anywhere, anytime. Nearly every American agrees with this basic principle, yet the gun lobby has left federal gun laws riddled with loopholes,said Rep. Demings. This legislation, like other bills already passed by the House and awaiting a vote in the Senate, will close a loophole and bring our laws back in line with common sense. Background onthe Foreign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act: Under Title 18 of the US Code there are four mechanisms that allow a foreign national to purchase and/or possess a firearm in the United States. 1. If the individual is an official representative of a foreign government 2. If the individual is a member of foreign law enforcement entering the United States on official law enforcement business 3. If the individual is in possession of a hunting license. 4. Additionally, foreign nationals may petition the Attorney General to purchase and/or possess a firearm if they have been residing in the US for more than 180 consecutive days. If enacted, the legislation would require all foreign nationals that fall into any of the above four categories to petition the U.S. Attorney General for the right to purchase a firearm, providing a more rigorous and intensive background check and ongoing oversight.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1826,CRIST TO SUPPORT USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"CRIST TO SUPPORT USMCA f t # e Washington, December 19, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (USMCA). The agreement will modernize and replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It includes stronger protections for American workers and enforceable labor standards, as well as environmental protections. It eliminates the Trump Administration's threat that the United States could walk away entirely from the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, which would devastate U.S. jobs and our economy. In Florida alone, trade with Canada and Mexico supports 750,400 jobs and $12.2 billion in exports.Thanks to the hard work of our negotiators in the People's House, USMCA has vastly improved since the beginning of this process,said Rep. CristThe renegotiated agreement will bring generic drugs to market sooner and includes strong new enforcement standards to hold our trading partners accountable. These hard won provisions will help level the unfair playing field created by the original NAFTA agreement. That's important because we know that in a fair fight, Florida workers will always win. This victory sets a critical new standard for fairness in our trade agreements. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/demings-introduces-bipartisan-bill-close-pensacola-loophole,Demings Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Close Pensacola Loophole,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) joined Reps. Charlie Crist (D-FL) and John Rutherford (R-FL) to introduce the Foreign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act. The bill would close the Pensacola loophole,' an exception in federal law that allows foreign nationals to purchase guns if they first acquire a valid state hunting license. The Pensacola loophole allowed a Saudi foreign national to purchase a gun and open fire at the Naval Air Base Pensacola on December 6th, injuring eight and killing three people. Said Rep. Demings, Guns in the wrong hands lead to tragedy, like the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola this month. It's simply common sense that people shouldn't be able to get a gun anywhere, anytime. Nearly every American agrees with this basic principle, yet the gun lobby has left federal gun laws riddled with loopholes. This legislation, like other bills already passed by the House and awaiting a vote in the Senate, will close a loophole and bring our laws back in line with common sense. As communities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama mourn the loss of three of our best and brightest young airmen, Congress has a responsibility to step in and close the loophole that made this tragedy possible, said Rep. Crist. Foreign nationals should not be able to buy a firearm through the purchase of a hunting license. We need tougher vetting than that, and requiring them to petition the Attorney General directly would provide greater scrutiny and security for the American people. Following the tragedy at Naval Air Station Pensacola, it is clear that Congress must act to close a loophole in federal gun laws that allowed a foreign visitor to legally purchase a firearm and kill three Americans, said Rep. Rutherford. As the former Sheriff of Duval County and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that all foreigners seeking to purchase a firearm must be vetted both here in the U.S. and in their country of origin. This bipartisan bill is crucial to strengthening our national security and keeping communities safe. Thank you to Representatives Crist and Demings for their bipartisan work on this legislation. Background Under Title 18 of the US Code there are four mechanisms that allow a foreign national to purchase and/or possess a firearm in the United States. If the individual is an official representative of a foreign government If the individual is a member of foreign law enforcement entering the United States on official law enforcement business If the individual is in possession of a hunting license. Additionally, foreign nationals may petition the Attorney General to purchase and/or possess a firearm if they have been residing in the US for more than 180 consecutive days. If enacted, the legislation would require foreign nationals who fall into any of the above four categories to petition the U.S. Attorney General for the right to purchase a firearm, providing a more rigorous and intensive background check and ongoing oversight ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/demings-introduces-bipartisan-bill-close-pensacola-loophole-0,Demings Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Close Pensacola Loophole,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) joined Reps. Charlie Crist (D-FL) and John Rutherford (R-FL) to introduce the Foreign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act. The bill would close the Pensacola loophole,' an exception in federal law that allows foreign nationals to purchase guns if they first acquire a valid state hunting license. The Pensacola loophole allowed a Saudi foreign national to purchase a gun and open fire at the Naval Air Base Pensacola on December 6th, injuring eight and killing three people. Said Rep. Demings, Guns in the wrong hands lead to tragedy, like the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola this month. It's simply common sense that people shouldn't be able to get a gun anywhere, anytime. Nearly every American agrees with this basic principle, yet the gun lobby has left federal gun laws riddled with loopholes. This legislation, like other bills already passed by the House and awaiting a vote in the Senate, will close a loophole and bring our laws back in line with common sense. As communities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama mourn the loss of three of our best and brightest young airmen, Congress has a responsibility to step in and close the loophole that made this tragedy possible, said Rep. Crist. Foreign nationals should not be able to buy a firearm through the purchase of a hunting license. We need tougher vetting than that, and requiring them to petition the Attorney General directly would provide greater scrutiny and security for the American people. Following the tragedy at Naval Air Station Pensacola, it is clear that Congress must act to close a loophole in federal gun laws that allowed a foreign visitor to legally purchase a firearm and kill three Americans, said Rep. Rutherford. As the former Sheriff of Duval County and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that all foreigners seeking to purchase a firearm must be vetted both here in the U.S. and in their country of origin. This bipartisan bill is crucial to strengthening our national security and keeping communities safe. Thank you to Representatives Crist and Demings for their bipartisan work on this legislation. Background Under Title 18 of the US Code there are four mechanisms that allow a foreign national to purchase and/or possess a firearm in the United States. If the individual is an official representative of a foreign government If the individual is a member of foreign law enforcement entering the United States on official law enforcement business If the individual is in possession of a hunting license. Additionally, foreign nationals may petition the Attorney General to purchase and/or possess a firearm if they have been residing in the US for more than 180 consecutive days. If enacted, the legislation would require foreign nationals who fall into any of the above four categories to petition the U.S. Attorney General for the right to purchase a firearm, providing a more rigorous and intensive background check and ongoing oversight ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-votes-usmca,Rep. Demings Votes for USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) voted in favor of the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). Said Rep. Demings, This deal is not perfect, but after Democrats in Congress negotiated numerous substantial changes to the unacceptable initial draft, I will support it. America's workers and businesses can create endless opportunities when they are able to complete on an even playing field. However, increased economic output must translate to real quality of life gains for Americans. USMCA includes important new mechanisms to lower the cost of prescription drugs, defend the environment, and strengthen worker rights. Going forward, I remain concerned about defending American workers, as well as the high cost of prescription drugs for American families, and do not believe that this should be a model for future deals. Additionally, I have concerns regarding copyright protections for American companies and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which gives internet platforms overly-broad immunity from liability, enabling a swath of illegal and destructive online behavior. While I look forward to future reforms around these issues, the USMCA overall is a constructive agreement which will open a door to future opportunities for Central Florida while protecting American workers from unfair competition. Background The original USMCA, as proposed by the White House, included major giveaways to the pharmaceutical industry and failed to protect American workers. It was rejected by trade negotiators in the House of Representatives, who negotiated over the course of several months for significant reforms. The deal's main components are: Creates certainty in the North American market and between the United States and its two largest trading partners in the wake of destabilizing trade action by this administration Closes enforcement loopholes and streamlines the dispute settlement system, bolstering the strength of the underlying rules in each chapter Significantly increases labor standards and makes them more enforceable by establishing an enhanced, rapid-response labor enforcement system to ensure partners live up to the agreement Creates a digital trade chapter to allow more American goods and services to reach Mexican and Canadian markets, building a roadmap for future agreements Expands agricultural market access, particularly in dairy markets, and improves sanitary and phytosanitary standards Includes strong environmental standards and protections that are fully enforceable Democratic changes to the deal include: Crafting effective and meaningful labor standards and protecting worker rights; Constructing an enforcement mechanism for the U.S. and Mexico (given their labor law reform); Raising, strengthening, protecting, and enforcing environmental standards; Protecting access to affordable medicines Before and After Comparison: ENFORCEMENT Original USMCA Draft USMCA with Democrats' Changes Allowed Panel Blocking: Any country could block the formation of a dispute settlement panel, stopping an enforcement complaint from ever being heard. Prevents Panel Blocking: Democrats removed this language allowing a responding party to block the formation of a dispute settlement panel. Weak Enforcement Hearing Process: Enforcement proceedings would have been hampered by unclear procedures regarding evidence and treatment of witnesses. Rules of Evidence: Democrats added rules to help the United States more successfully litigate labor, environmental, and other fact-intensive disputes. PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS Original USMCA Draft USMCA with Democrats' Changes Sustained or Recurring Threshold for Anti-Worker Violence: would have required U.S. to prove that anti-worker violence was sustained or recurring before enforcement measures could be taken. Removes Sustained or Recurring Requirement so that acts of anti-worker violence can be more easily confronted and violations enforced. Stacked The Deck Against Labor Violation Claims: included a requirement that to prove a labor violation, the complaining party had to prove that it was in a manner affecting trade or investment. Creates a new presumption that a labor violation affects trade and investment and will require the other government to prove otherwise. Self-Policing Forced Labor: allowed the parties to determine for themselves what measures were appropriate, hampering enforcement. Removes Self-Policing Loophole on forced labor. Weak Labor Monitoring: did not provide enough resources or guidelines to adequately monitor that our trading partners are providing labor rights and living up to their obligations. Establishes Labor Attachs that will be based in Mexico and will provide on-the-ground information about Mexico's labor practices. Establishes key benchmarks for Mexico's labor reform implementation process. Failure to comply with these benchmarks will lead to enforcement action under the agreement Creates an interagency committee that will monitor Mexico's labor reform implementation and compliance with labor obligations. Creates ongoing reporting requirements to Congress. Weak Labor Enforcement: Did not contain strong enough provisions to ensure that our trading partners live up to strong labor standards. Established a New & Enhanced Labor-Specific Enforcement Mechanism: Takes immediate effect upon entry into force of the agreement; Provides for facility-based enforcement of labor obligations in the agreement within a rapid timeframe; Covers all manufactured goods and all services traded between the United States and Mexico; Requires verification of compliance by independent labor experts; and Leads to penalties on goods and services that are not produced in compliance with the freedom of association and collective bargaining obligations ENVIRONMENT Original USMCA Draft USMCA with Democrats' Changes Stacked Deck Against Environmental Violation Claims: Included a requirement that to prove an environment violation, the complaining party had to prove that it was in a manner affecting trade or investment Creates a presumption that an environmental violation affects trade and investment and will require the other government to prove otherwise. Weak environmental rules: Failed to meet the standard set by House Democrats in 2007 that Parties had to adopt, implement and maintain seven multilateral environment agreements (MEAs). Eliminated safeguard from NAFTA that prioritized MEA commitments when implementing MEA and trade agreement obligations. Added commitment that all Parties will adopt, implement, and maintain the seven MEA and additional language that allows all Parties to agree to add to the list of covered MEAs. Restores protections that prioritize MEA commitments when implementing MEA and trade agreement obligations. Weak Environment Monitoring: Did not provide enough resources or infrastructure to adequately monitor that our trading partners are living up to their environmental obligations. Establishes Environment-Focused Attachs in Mexico City that will regularly monitor Mexico's environment laws, regulations, and practices. Creates an interagency committee that will Conduct an assessment of the current environment landscape of Canada and Mexico; Monitor implementation of the environment obligations and recommend enforcement actions; Help coordination, utilization & funding of U.S. efforts to strengthen environment practices amongst parties. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Original USMCA Draft USMCA with Democrats' Changes Locked in at least 10 years of market exclusivity for biologics, some of the most expensive drugs on the market. Provision removed Locked in Patent Evergreening: required the Parties to confirm that patents would be available for new uses of known products. This provision would have locked in the practice of patent evergreening, in which pharmaceutical companies obtain hundreds of patents related to a product to block generic competition and price reductions. Provision removed Required three additional years of exclusivity for clinical information submitted in connection with new uses of previously-approved pharmaceutical products. This is another way that pharmaceutical companies delay competition and access to affordable medicines. Provision removed Failed to encourage competition in the drug markets. Bolsters Generics & Biosimilars: Revised regulatory review provision to clarify the circumstances in which generic and biosimilar companies may use a patented invention so that they can obtain marketing approval on day one of patent expiration. Revised data protection provision to incorporate limitations in U.S. law that foster generic competition. Abandoned key principles to improve access to medicines that House Democrats included in previous U.S. trade agreements with Peru, Panama, and Colombia. Revised patent linkage provision to remove the hard linkage of regulatory approval and patent status. Under an annex to the agreement, Mexico must ensure that all interested parties receive notice and an opportunity to be heard. The revision also includes language that permits incentives for generic competition and improves transparency. Revised patent term adjustment provision to provide non-exhaustive examples of limitations on the adjustment of patent terms for regulatory delays. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2214,Rep. Shalala Statement on Voting in Favor of the Impeachment of President Donald Trump,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Shalala Statement on Voting in Favor of the Impeachment of President Donald Trump Washington, December 19, 2019 | Carlos Condarco (2022253931) WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement: My vote for impeachment is not a matter of politics; it is a matter of protecting the integrity of our democracy for future generations. Despite unprecedented obstruction from the president, the evidence in this case is so powerful that voting against impeachment would risk the permanent erosion of our system of checks and balances. We in Congress take an oath to defend the Constitution because the framers knew that democracy is precious, but fragile. They understood that its survival depends on the strength, courage, and commitment of the people to maintain it. For over 200 years, honesty and vigilance have won out as generations of public servants have adhered to their oaths of office and met the standards of service that our democracy necessitates. Today, my colleagues and I rose to meet that standard to preserve our democracy and the future of our republic. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2218,Reps. Shalala and Spano Introduce NCAA Commission Bill to Fully Examine the State of Intercollegiate Athletics,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Donna Shalala (D-FL) and Ross Spano (R-FL) introduced the Congressional Advisory Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics (CACIA) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a Blue-ribbon Congressional Commission to identify and examine issues of national concern related to the conduct of intercollegiate athletics and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). College sports, as overseen by the NCAA, have undergone a massive transformation in recent years. As profits, compensation for coaches, and spending on luxurious athletic facilities have ballooned, the association has repeatedly failed to address systemic problems with respect to the health and well-being of student athletes. The demands of year-round training, sacrificing study time and sleep to clock more hours at the gym, and pushing through exhaustion have taken a toll athletes' physical and mental health, said Rep. Shalala. Our higher education institutions receive a substantial amount of federal student support funding. There is little oversight, and as a result, we have little insight into how the funding is being spent and if the students' best interests are being prioritized. This commission would fill that gap. College students deserve to have the best possible education, especially considering the cost. I'm excited to join Rep. Shalala in her effort to ensure that our students are being put first, said Rep. Spano. A Congressional commission is needed to examine the complicated relationship of higher education and intercollegiate athletics in the 21st century. It is past time for an outside entity to do a top to bottom review of intercollegiate athletics to assess academic integrity, athlete safety, budgeting and spending, athletes' rights and anti-trust issues just to name a few points a commission will consider and potentially issue recommendations and future legislation, said David Ridpath, President of the Drake Group. The CACIA Act will empower an independent commission to fully review, analyze and report back to Congress on the state of the NCAA and the athletic programs participating in intercollegiate sports. This legislation examines the interaction between athletics and academics, the financing of college sports, recruitment policies and retention practices for student athletes. Additionally, the bill further examines the NCAA's policies on institutional oversight and governance, compensation, the health and safety protections for college athletes, due process and equal enforcement of rules. Shalala continued, We must address the extent to which higher education institutions, which are currently receiving over $130 billion in federal student support, are subsidizing athletic programs with little or no financial controls. It is time for Congress to intercede in order to protect college athletes and maintain the integrity of college sports once and for all. Intercollegiate athletics is an iconic American enterprise that has become overly bureaucratized by over a century of whack-a-mole management. Since inception, we've legislated Band-Aid-fixes for chronic ailments with an organizational focus on optics rather than opportunity, legislation rather than education. It is time for data-driven decision makingfor researchers, practitioners, and lawmakers to come together to address mounting legal and ethical issues of the past and present and fortify a path for the future, said Erianne A. Weight, Director of the Center for Research in Intercollegiate Athletics. Intercollegiate athletics have been run by universities for too long, ignoring the interests of athletes. As an example, the NCAA formerly required universities to show they were moving towards Title IX compliance, but Mark Emmert ceased these modest efforts on behalf of female student athletes shortly after he was hired. A sports Commission could result in checks and balances in America's college sport system, for a more equitable system for all,said Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Founder of ChampionWomen. Donna Shalala is a former three-time university president, having served as president of Hunter College, the University of Miami and as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she oversaw dozens of intercollegiate athletic programs. Read the full text of the CACIA Act HERE. ### ICYMI: NCAA board of governors seeking to change policies on athletes with a history of sexual violence Proposed federal law seeks to limit skyrocketing salaries of college coaches Litan: Don't penalize college athletes for being injured",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2223,Shalala Statement on the Passage of USMCA Trade Deal,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after U.S. House of Representatives voted to the pass the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA): South Florida has long been recognized as the crossroads of Americas. The USMCA trade deal will strengthen the foreign trade that drives our community's economic engine by leveling the playing field, providing necessary protections, and laying the foundation for the expansion of our prosperity. That said, we must be mindful that we not sacrifice our country's long-term health for short-term economic profit. We must continue to expand environmental protections and make investments in green technologies to limit the effects of climate change. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1193,Murphy on House Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) on a bipartisan 385-41 vote: I was proud to vote for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a bipartisan trade deal that will create more good-paying jobs and help more Florida businesses and farmers sell their goods abroad. USMCA was the product of thoughtful, bipartisan negotiations between the White House and Congress, and, as a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade, I'm proud of the work we did to help get it done. Today's strong bipartisan vote is a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we put people over politics to deliver results. USMCA will strengthen America's relationship with our two closest neighbors, bolstering our national security through increased trade cooperation. In my congressional district alone, trade with Canada and Mexico supports over 45,000 jobs, and businesses export over $530 million a year in goods and services to those two countries. While not perfect, this trade deal is good for Florida and good for America, and I'm pleased to support it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-slams-court-ruling-in-gop-lawsuit-attacking-americans-health-care,Wilson Slams Court Ruling in GOP Lawsuit Attacking Americans Health Care,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson responded to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling against the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and asking of the district court, which had previously struck down the entirety of the ACA, to determine next steps. Rep. Wilson highlighted the devastating impact that this ruling could have on the 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, including 7,810,300 Floridians. Today's ruling in support of the Trump Administration's all-out assault on health care in the courts is a grave blow to the health and financial security of Florida families who rely on the Affordable Care Act's life-saving protections, said Rep. Wilson. On day one of this Congress, our House Democratic Majority voted to throw the full legal weight of the House of Representatives into the fight against this lawsuit, and we will continue to fight in the courts and the Congress to protect and strengthen Americans' health care. The ruling could have disastrous consequences on the health and financial well-being of Florida families: 7,810,300 Number of Florida men, women and children who have pre-existing conditions and will lose their protections. 1,600,000 Number of Floridians who will lose all health care coverage. 132,000 Young Floridians under age 26 who will lose the ability to remain on their parents' insurance. $4,007 Amount of a new Age Tax that insurance companies could charge Floridians over the age of 50. 5,587,000 Number of Floridians who face reinstated lifetime and annual limits on coverage. 1,432,332 Number of Floridians who will pay more for coverage without access to health insurance affordability tax credits. 334,343 Number of Floridian seniors who will have to pay more for their prescription drugs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403153,Castor Statement on Articles of Impeachment Votes,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Castor Statement on Articles of Impeachment Votes f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement ahead of today's votes in the House of Representatives on articles of impeachment share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement ahead of today's votes in the House of Representatives on articles of impeachment: The president abused his power. He violated his oath of office. He sought to elevate himself as a dictator or a king, but we are not a monarchy. We are the United States of America. We are a republic, a democracy where the executive doesn't have absolute power. America was founded on a system of checks and balances. When the president withheld military aid to vulnerable Ukraine and pressed for a personal favor to manufacture dirt against a political opponent, he went too far. He undermined America's national security. He sought to sabotage our elections. He elevated his personal interests over the interests of America. Then he tried to cover up his scandalous behavior and he obstructed the investigation. The president violated his oath of office, but I intend to uphold mine to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. I will vote to impeach President Trump. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402713,Deutch Bill Supporting Iranian People's Right to Protest Regime Passes Foreign Affairs Committee,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Deutch Bill Supporting Iranian People's Right to Protest Regime Passes Foreign Affairs Committee f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 This morning, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously approved Chairman Ted Deutch's (FL-22) resolution supporting the people of Iran's peaceful and legitimate protests against the oppressive and corrupt regime in Tehran.This resolution was jointly introduced with Ranking Member Joe Wilson (SC-02). ""Congress has long expressed bipartisan support for the human rights of the Iranian people, including the rights to peaceably assemble and protest,"" Congressman Deutch said. ""In the face of popular protests across the country against the regime, Iranian authorities shut down the Internet and security forces used lethal force to kill hundreds of people and arrest at least 7,000. This resolution condemns the Iranian regime's serious human rights abuses and reaffirms our support for the Iranian people and their right to live in a free society.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402715,Deutch Statement on Passage of Articles of Impeachment against President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"After Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) voted in favor of the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, he issued this statement:""I have an obligation to uphold my oath of office to the Constitution. I've sat through hours of testimony from fact witnesses, read through hundreds of pages of evidence and legal analysis, and consulted with constitutional scholars to determine whether President Trump's abuses of power amount to impeachable offenses. I have also heard from thousands of constituents. ""I do not take my vote lightly; this vote on impeachment is one of the most serious votes I will ever cast. But when the President abused his power to solicit foreign interference in our election, when he put his personal and political interests above our national interest, he was cheating the American voters before they even had a chance to vote in the 2020 election. And the President's obstruction of the United States Congress is unprecedented in our nation's history. ""American presidential power comes from the people through elections. The Constitution requires that Congress protect those elections. ""Impeachment is the remedy provided by our Constitution for grave moments like today. I voted to impeach President Trump because his abuse of power and obstruction of Congress forced this action to protect our elections, our democracy, and our Constitution.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-impeached,President Trump Impeached,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (FL-10), a member of the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees, voted as a Member of the whole House for two Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump. Said Rep. Demings, the United States is one nation, under God, and our President takes a sacred oath to hold our national security and our elections as a public trust, not exploit them for his own gain. This president abused his power, jeopardizing our national security in an extortion scheme to cheat in the 2020 election. He continues to be an active and ongoing threat to our democracy. Today we exercised our constitutional duty to protect the constitution, uphold the rule of law, and hold the President accountable. In a government of the people, no one is above the law. Article I: Abuse Of Power President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In so doing, President Trump used the powers of the Presidency in a manner that compromised the national security of the United States and undermined the integrity of the United States democratic process. President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law. Article II: Obstruction Of Congress The House of Representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump's corrupt solicitation of the Government of Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In the history of the Republic, no President has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the House of Representatives to investigate high Crimes and Misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the President's own repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Demings gave an opening statement, remarks throughout, and was the final speaker of the debate. On the Floor of the whole House, Rep. Demings gave final remarks this evening. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3022,ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Supports Bipartisan Funding Bills on the House Floor,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC On Tuesday, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to support the bipartisan collection of funding bills which will provide $200 million for restoring the Evergladesthe largest federal investment in the project to date. The bill passed the house by a vote of 297 to 120 and now goes to the Senate. Below are Rep. Frankel's remarks as delivered: Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you to our illustrious chair for your great work. Madam Speaker, later today in the Energy and Water Resources bill, it will include significant funding for a critical, bipartisan environment issue for my home state of Florida. Known as the River of Grass, the Everglades is a 100-mile-long natural region of tropical wetlands that is the main source of water for millions of Floridians and visitors. It contains one of Florida's, and America's, most popular national parks, it is home to hundreds of animal species. The state of Florida and the federal government are engaged in a long-term undertaking to restore its natural flow and improve water quality. This bill, Madam Speaker, includes $200 million to Everglades restoration, the largest allocation ever, by the federal government for this project. It will help protect South Florida's magnificent ecosystem, keep our water safe, and drive our economy. Thank you, and I yield back. For video of the speech, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3023,ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Speaks on House Floor Ahead of Impeachment Vote,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC On Wednesday, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to support the articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump for his abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Below are Rep. Frankel's remarks as delivered: In 1787 at the conclusion of the constitutional convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked, do we have a republic or a monarchy? He responded: a Republic, if you can keep it.' Madam Speaker, a republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a public matter not the private concern or property of the rulers. In a republic no person is above the law. In a republic the president may not abuse his power by withholding critical foreign assistance for his own personal, political gain. Nor may he stop witnesses from talking. I did not come to Congress to impeach a president, but I did take an oath to keep the republic. For our children and grandchildren, we should do nothing less. One day I will tell my grandson that I stood up for our democracy. I will vote yes to impeach the President. For video of the speech, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3024,Rep. Frankel Statement on Voting to Impeach President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Frankel Statement on Voting to Impeach President Trump f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 Washington, DC Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after voting to impeach President Trump on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress: The President of the United States abused his power by withholding critical foreign assistance for his own personal political benefit and then stoppingwitnesses from talking to Congress during a lawful investigation. His actions threatened our national security and undermined our elections. In a republic, no person is above the law. One day I will tell my grandson that I stood up for our democracy. Both articles of impeachment passed the House. Article I on abuse of power passed by a vote of 230 to 197; Article II on obstruction of Congress by a vote of 229 to 198. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congress-passes-future-act-to-help-fund-hbcus-msis,"Congress Passes FUTURE Act to Help Fund HBCUs, MSIs",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2019 Congress Passes FUTURE Act to Help Fund HBCUs, MSIs WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (Fl-05) recently joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress for the enrollment signing of H.R. 2486, the Fostering Undergraduate Talent Using Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act. The bipartisan proposal would make permanent $255 million in annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by eliminating up to 22 questions and allowing the Internal Revenue Service to share applicants' tax information directly with the U.S. Department of Education. It would also eliminate paperwork for federal student loan borrowers who use income-based repayment plans. Millions of our nation's best and brightest students rely on FUTURE Act funding to create pathways of opportunity for millions of Americans, many of whom are first generation college students, said Rep. Lawson.In Florida's 5th District, these funds will help to propel students at Florida A&M University and Edward Waters College for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future. The FUTRE Act would provide the following: $85 million annually to HBCUs; and $15 million to PBIs, respectively HSIs would continue to receive $100 million in competitive grants American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) would receive $30 million. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs) would receive $15 million. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) would receive $15 million. Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) would receive $5 million. MSIs serve nearly 4 million students, accounting for more than one-quarter of all undergraduates. These institutions enroll a significant share of all students of color. For example, Hispanic Serving Institutions account for 13 percent of all non-profit colleges and universities, and yet enroll 60 percent of all Hispanic students. Similarly, these schools disproportionately enroll low-income students two-thirds of students at HBCUs and more than half of students at Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs) receive Pell Grants, compared to only 38 percent of all students. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, federal funding for these schools is more important than ever, Rep. Lawson said. As an graduate of FAMU, I understand first-hand the power of these institutions. The FUTURE Act will help to extend that privilege for generations to come. ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-al-lawson-statement-on-impeachment,U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Statement on Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2019 U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Statement on Impeachment WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Al Lawson released the following statement regarding the impeachment of President Trump: It is with no small measure of regret that Congress was forced to impeach the President of the United States. His continued abuse of power compelled us to take action and hold him accountable. The Senate should approach this with the seriousness it deserves and consistent with their oath. We have faced difficult times in the past, and today is no different.While this is a somber moment in our nation's history, I am hopeful that all of us -- Democrats and Republicans -- can begin to heal the divide across our country. ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=287,Mucarsel-Powells Statement on the Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powellvoted in favor of H.Res 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors. The Congresswoman issued the following statement on the House floor during the debate of the resolution: I did not have the privilege of being born into this country. My mother brought me here from Ecuador for freedom and opportunity. This is not just my story. It is the story of so many people in Florida's 26th congressional district and across the country. As immigrants, we have experienced corruption in our countries of birth, where brutal dictatorships have choked their potential to benefit those in power. But this President elected by the American people violated his oath of office and the rule of law. The evidence is overwhelming that he withheld military aid approved by Congress and leveraged a White House meeting to extract a political favor from a foreign government, only releasing the aid when he was caught. The President actively sought election interference to benefit himself. It's undeniable that he has abused his power and obstructed Congress. He presents a clear and present danger to the future of our democracy. We, in Congress, must abide by our oath to defend our Constitution. That is my duty as a member of this body and that is my duty as a mother. It is because of these reasons that today I voted in favor of both articles of impeachment. For House floor speech clickHERE ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2212,Rep. Shalala Statement on President Trumps Proposal to Allow States to Import Drugs from Canada,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Shalala Statement on President Trump's Proposal to Allow States to Import Drugs from Canada Washington, December 18, 2019 | Carlos Condarco (2022253931) WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the Trump administration released a proposed rule on drug importation: President Trump is again asking a foreign country for assistancethis time on drug prices. The House of Representatives passed a bill to allow the federal government to negotiate for lower drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies that is safer and better for the American people than this plan, but apparently the President doesn't have the courage to negotiate on his own as he promised during his campaign. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2213,Rep. Shalala Statement on the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court Ruling in Texas v. United States,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the U.S.Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling declaring the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate unconstitutional: I am deeply disappointed with the ruling handed down by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. More than 100,000 people in my district, alone, rely on this law for access to quality, affordable health insurance. From the moment the Affordable Care Act was passed into law, the Republican party has led a continuous assault on its lifesaving provisions that impact millions of Americans. Those with preexisting conditions, whether they get their health insurance through the marketplaces or from their employers, are especially at risk. We must keep fighting to protect the ACA for our fellow citizens whose health care and lives depend on it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1191,House Approves Government Funding Bills that Include Key Murphy Priorities,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Approves Government Funding Bills that Include Key Murphy Priorities Legislation is likely to become law in the coming days f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTONThe U.S. House of Representatives this week approved two bipartisan bills to fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2020, which contain numerous measures spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla. These include Murphy-led measures to fund gun violence research, to help states secure their election infrastructure, to combat harmful algae blooms, to empower the people of Venezuela as they seek to reclaim their country from the regime of Nicols Maduro, to prevent youth suicide, to protect seniors and other consumers from fraud, to crack down on drug trafficking in Florida and Puerto Rico, to support English-language learners in Florida schools, to support Orlando's modeling and simulation community, and to help workers save for retirement. The funding bills also included a historic pay raise for service members, something Murphy has long supported.The U.S. House of Representatives passed the two spending bills with bipartisan support, which will now be considered by the U.S. Senate. Current funding for the federal government expires at midnight on Friday.Keeping the government open and investing in our defense and domestic priorities is our most basic responsibility as Members of Congress,said Murphy.I'm proud to have secured these critical federal investments that will help make our communities safer, our environment cleaner, our elections more secure, and our local economy more prosperous for all. This is why bipartisan cooperation is so important; it's the only way to get results for the people I represent. From pay raises for our troops to bringing home federal dollars, I will never stop fighting for central Florida families.The following are some of the Murphy-led measures that were included in the final bills: Gun Violence Prevention:the bills include $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to sponsor independent research into ways to reduce gun violence. In her first term in office, Murphy led thesuccessful effortto repeal the longstanding ban on federally-sponsored research in this area, and now she has helped secure the funding necessary to conduct this research. Election Security:the bills include $425 million for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to provide grants to states to help them secure their election infrastructure, the most ever provided for this purpose. The Murphy-led Blue Dog Coalitionled the chargein urging congressional leaders to provide enhanced election security funding. Harmful Algae Blooms:the bills includetwo Murphy-led measuresdesigned to address harmful algae blooms (HABs), which are particularly problematic in Florida and can be detrimental to human health, water quality, recreation and tourism, and the broader economy. The first measure increases funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to research ways to reduce HABs, while the second measure provides NOAA with $1 million to sponsor a much-needed study on the economic impacts of HABs, both nationally and in hard-hit states like Florida. Promoting Democracy in Venezuela:the bills include an unprecedented $30 million to fund U.S. efforts to bolster democracy, support independent media, promote human rights and the rule of law, and reveal the failings of the Maduro regime in Venezuela, all of which advance U.S. national security interests. This accomplishment comes on the heels of Murphy and other members of the Florida congressional delegationsecuring a $3 million increasein funding for this same purpose in the House version of the bill and thenurging congressional leadersto provide the highest level of funding feasible in the final version of the bill. Youth Suicide Prevention:the bills include critical funding for states, communities, and schools to prevent youth suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Earlier this year, the Murphy-ledFuture Forum secureda $2 million increase for the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention grant program, which funds education and support services for vulnerable students in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, foster care systems, and juvenile justice systems. Protecting Seniors and Other Consumers from Fraud:the bills include a Murphy-led provision that increases funding for the U.S. Secret Service to combat credit card skimming, which involves the installation of electronic devices, typically at gas station pumps or ATM machines, that steal encoded information from debit and credit cards. Orlando is one the cities where credit card skimming is most prevalent. Combatting Drug Trafficking in Florida and Puerto Rico:the bills include languageauthored by Murphy and Puerto Rico Rep. Jenniffer Gonzlez-Colonto combat drug trafficking and related violence in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Florida.The language directs the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to prepare and publish an updated Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy, which will help crack down on drug traffickers and criminal networks that use Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an illicit transit route into Florida and other states along the eastern seaboard. Supporting Programs to Help Students Learn English: the bills include an unprecedented level of funding for the U.S. Department of Education to provide grants to states and school districts to improve English-language programs,as Murphy requested. This funding increase could help pave the way for passage ofa bill that Murphy introducedwith Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to amend the current grant formula so that it fully takes into account Spanish-speaking students who relocate from Puerto Rico to Florida or another U.S. state. Strengthening the Modeling and Simulation Community in Orlando:the bills robustly fund three important Department of Defense accounts that make investments in simulation technology to help service members train for their missions. As co-chair of the Modeling & Simulation Caucus in Congress, Murphy led the effort to preserve funding for these accounts, which the Administration and the Senate had proposed to cut. Helping Workers Save for Retirement: the bills include the full text of Murphy's legislation, H.R. 1874, which requires employers to allow long-term, part-time employees to participate in a company 401(k) plan, subject to certain qualifications. Under current law, employers may generally exclude part-time employees when providing a defined contribution plansuch as a 401(k) planto their employees. This harms many workers, especially women, because women are more likely than men to work part-time. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-vote-to-impeach-trump,Wilson Statement on Vote to Impeach Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement after the House voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump: President Trump had to be impeached. He does not deserve to occupy the highest office in this land. He is a disgrace to our Founding Fathers, our constituents and our children. The elephant (pun intended) in the room is Russia. My regret is that we do not yet know what Russia and Putin have on Trump to cause him to serve as a puppet for the communist nation. I eagerly await the answer to that question. But whatever this foreign adversary has on Trump, he is now the third president in U.S. history to be impeached by the House. And, I believe that when Trump ultimately leaves office, he will be indicted in federal court and we will get our answers. He will face trial for financial crimes and collusion with Russia and will ultimately be found guilty and sentenced to prison. I await that day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403152,Castor Statement on House Passage of 2020 Appropriations Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on the passage the FY2020 appropriations bills. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on the passage the FY2020 appropriations bills: Hardworking families, service members, seniors, students and veterans in Tampa Bay stand to benefit from investments in their lives reflected in the federal appropriations package. Our major economic engines like Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Port Tampa Bay, and Tampa International Airport are poised to grow with good-paying jobs, medical research funding, environmental protection and a strong commitment to public education. Importantly, Congress rejected President Trump's misguided cuts to schools, health care, infrastructure, and environmental protection and clean energy programs - and thankfully he did not shut down the government over policy disagreements this year. The Democratic-led House secured priorities to ensure our national and domestic security and support our neighbors, including: appropriating gun violence prevention research funding for the first time in more than 20 years, prioritizing the Environmental Protection Agency with a record-level budget, providing election security grants for states including Florida, fully funding the 2020 census, providing record-level funding for the National Institutes of Health, which will bolster cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center, and increasing funding for initiatives that support the next generation, including Head Start, Child Care and Development Block Grants. My hometown, Tampa, is a patriotic community, and this spending package secures critical funding for MacDill Air Force Base, the two combatant commands headquartered there, veterans, service members and their families. I am pleased that my language to provide relief to military families, including those at MacDill, who have been harmed by mold in base housing due to shoddy construction by contractors was included in this package.Importantly, we fought for a 3.1% pay increase the biggest hike in a decade - for military personnel. Highlights of funding increases and investments that will impact Tampa Bay: 3.1% pay increase for military personnel, including service members at MacDill AFB. $9.7 billion to fund SOCOM's operation and maintenance requirements. Provides relief to military families, including MacDill families. The Department of Defense is directed to ensure that families who have suffered as a result of negligent maintenance, mold, asbestos, radon, faulty electrical wiring, and other safety and health threats are made whole. $41.7 billion for NIH, an increase of $2.6 billion from FY19. $125 million above the budget request for the Veterans Benefits Administration for hiring additional claims and appellate staff, and overtime pay in order to continue reducing the disability claims backlog. A record-setting $9 billion Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget. Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2020. $80.2 billion for VA Medical Care, including $222 million in suicide prevention outreach. Extends and increases Medicaid funding to our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the territories for two years. $2.8 billion for Energy Efficiency & Renewables initiatives, a $411 million increase over FY19. Extends Brand USA authorization through 2027. $40 million for Explosive Detection System Reimbursements for airports including $12.7 million for Tampa Airport. $8 billion for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) $636 million above the 2019 enacted level. $12.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, including $510 million for Transit Infrastructure Grants, $75 million for low- and no-emission buses, and $8.5 million for areas of persistent poverty. $3.79 billion for Army Corps of Engineers operation and maintenance - including $8.53 million for Tampa. $944 million, an increase of $17 million, for programs to improve maternal and child health, including an additional $5 million to reduce maternal mortality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402712,Deutch Statement on Passage of Bipartisan FY20 Spending Agreement,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following passage of the bipartisan spending agreement for fiscal year 2020, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) issued this statement:""The American people elected a new majority in the House, one that would work with Republicans while standing firm on Democratic values to make our country healthier and stronger. With this bipartisan spending bill, Congress is investing in initiatives to prevent gun violence, protect our environment, expand access to healthcare, and care for our veterans at risk of homelessness and suicide. ""Our gun safety majority secured historic wins to keep communities safe from gun violence. After more than 20 years of being blocked from basic research, Congress will fund $25 million for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health. We are devoting $125 million to STOP School Violence Act grants, a bipartisan bill I introduced that first passed Congress one month after the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, Congress is providing the Department of Justice $78.3 million to improve the NICS firearms background check system. ""This spending bill affects us directly in Florida. Congress is extending the National Flood Insurance Program, which helps stabilize flood insurance premiums for Floridians. It also provides $1.8 billion for disaster relief for natural disasters, including hurricanes that devastated our state. We emphasize the growing threats of climate change by increasing the budgets for NOAA's National Ocean Service, National Weather Service, and climate research initiatives. And continuing our commitment to strengthen our democracy, we directed $425 million for election security grants. ""Congress is making investments to improve the health, education, and well-being of Americans. For example, we are raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco to 21. In addition, we are making important investments in medical research to continue progress toward the next generation of treatments and cures for diseases like Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and others. We are making higher education more accessible to lower-income students by increasing the maximum Pell Grant to $6,345. This legislation also brings stability to the SNAP program to ensure that Americans who are struggling with food insecurity receive the help they need to feed their families. ""We are directing $75 million to implement the First Step Act, a major bipartisan law to reform our criminal justice system. To help more lower-income Americans access legal representation, we are increasing the budget of the Federal Defender Services to $1.23 billion and the Legal Services Corporation to $440 million. ""We are funding the Legal Orientation Programs to help people navigating the immigration court process. We fought against Republican efforts to increase ICE's detention bed mandate and fought to secure $319 million for Alternatives to Detention, an increase of $44.6 million. ""Congress is reaffirming American priorities in our foreign policy. The spending bill funds full security assistance for Israel pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the Obama Administration, including vital funding for Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow. The bill strengthens security in Israel and the West Bank by restoring humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. It also includes my Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act, a bipartisan bill to highlight and support the growing partnership in the eastern Mediterranean between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. ""In our own hemisphere, the bill provides crucial funding for improving security and stability in Colombia, Mexico, and Central American countries, and support for democracy as Venezuelans suffer under the Maduro regime. We also fund important efforts to counter Russian and Chinese influence globally. ""Amid a deeply troubling rise in violent and deadly anti-Semitic attacks across our country, Congress directs $90 million for Homeland Security non-profit security grants for institutions like synagogues and Jewish Community Centers to strengthen security measures. ""How Congress allocates federal funds is a reflection of our values and priorities. I'm proud of this spending bill that shows the American people how Democrats and Republicans can work together to make our nation safer, healthier, and stronger.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1824,CRIST HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL WINS IN APPROPRIATIONS BILLS,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on House passage of the 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2020. The bipartisan, bicameral bills, represent a commonsense compromise and consist of two packages. The first package, the domestic priorities and international assistance minibus, consists of the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills. It passed 297-120. The second package, the national security minibus, consists of the Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security appropriations bills, which passed 280-138. Today, the People's House completed the fiscal work of the people. Congress came together, set partisan differences aside, and passed commonsense legislation to keep government funded and operational,said Rep. Crist. These 12 appropriations bills reflect nearly a year's worth of oversight, outreach, and compromise. No legislation is perfect, but I'm proud of the incredible work that went into completing this package. In these bills we put Pinellas first doubling funding to $10 million to fight red tide, providing over $140 million to clean up mold in military housing, and investing in America's Veterans by providing the largest VA budget ever. I am proud to support passage of this critical legislation and look forward to it being signed into law. As a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Crist secured a wide range of funding for critical local programs, projects, and oversight efforts impacting the greater Pinellas community and the families that call our area home: $10 million within NOAA for research to combat red tide and other harmful algae blooms $23 million to expand and support Veterans Treatment Court programs $140.8 million to address mold and other health hazards in military housing, including MacDill AFB $12.5 million to Tampa International Airport, to reimburse them for explosive detection systems put in place following 9/11 $5 million to support new partnerships between VA hospitals and National Cancer Institute-designated facilities, like Moffitt Cancer Center, giving veterans to access cancer clinical trials $216 billion in funding for the Veterans Affairs, a record investment for those who fought for our freedom $125 million for STOP School Violence Act to harden schools against gun violence $200 million for Everglades restoration $262 million for Community Development Financial Institutions, providing credit and financial services to underserved communities $30 million for C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program $17 million for National Cord Blood Inventory $98 million for Ex-Offenders Reintegration Programs $10 billion for Head Start, providing children from low income families access to education $252 million for the libraries and museums Increased oversight of detention facilities, including requiring ICE to sever contracts with inadequate detention facilities like Homestead",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1825,CRIST STATEMENT ON IMPEACHMENT,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"CRIST STATEMENT ON IMPEACHMENT f t # e Washington, December 17, 2019 Washington, DC - Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL) released the following statement regarding tomorrow's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on whether to impeach President Donald Trump. ""I take no joy in my decision to vote to impeach President Trump. ""But given the facts presented, I've come to the grave conclusion that the President abused his position of power to such a degree that we have no choice but to act. ""No President, Republican or Democratic, is above the law. No President should be allowed to leverage our national security for their personal political benefit. No President should ask foreign governments to interfere in our elections. No President should obstruct Congress' constitutionally mandated duty to provide oversight of the Executive Branch. ""I want to thank the brave men and women from the State Department and National Security Council who were willing to put their careers and reputations on the line to bear witness to the misdeeds of this President and his administration. Without their courage none of this information would have come to light. ""This is a sad, painful, and divisive situation for our nation. But impeachment is the direct result of the President's own words and actions. And we have a duty to our Oath of Office and the Constitution to not stand silent."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/2020-appropriations-victories,2020 Appropriations Victories,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed an appropriations package with federal funding for 2020. Said Rep. Demings, Today, we passed a comprehensive spending bill to prevent a government shutdown. We are proving that with responsible leadership, Congress can conduct oversight and demand accountability while continuing to fund and reform vital government programs. I am proud that this legislation includes full funding for many of my priorities, including enhancing security at our airports, protecting the integrity of our elections, increasing Alzheimer's research, childcare, and education programs for young children. I will continue to work for a government that serves all of us and for expanded economic fairness, affordable health care, good education, and effective public safety. Included in today's package are multiple initiatives led or supported by Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) during the negotiation process. These include: Airport Security Programs (Led by Rep. Demings) The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will receive $4.9 billion ($53.1 million above the FY2019 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President's budget request). This includes: Full funding for Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams (VIPR) Full funding for K9 teams at airports Full funding for exit lane staffing Full funding for the Law Enforcement Officer reimbursement program $40,000,000 for TSA to continue reimbursement of airports that installed in-line baggage explosives detection systems before August 3, 2007. This includes MCO and multiple other Florida airports. Airport Security Programs (Supported by Rep. Demings) $68,600,000 for deployment of computer tomography (CT) machines for checkpoints, covering 320 new units. $2 million for R&D on a smaller CT unit to support airports with space limitations (essentially any pre-9/11 airport that has not completely rebuilt their concourse). Early Childhood Programs (Supported by Rep. Demings) An overall increase of $1.1 billion, bringing the programs to historically high funding. $5.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grantan increase of $550 million. The program provides block grants to states, territories, and tribal governments to assist families with paying for child care and prepare children to succeed in school. $10.6 billion for Head Startan increase of $550 million. Head Start has prepared more than 36 million low-income children for school through early childhood education and nutritional, health, and social services. $275 million for Preschool Development Grantsan increase of $25 million. This program will expand preschool programs in targeted communities, and serve as a model for other low- and moderate-income communities Alzheimer's Research (Supported by Rep. Demings) $2.8 billion for Alzheimer's disease research $500 million for the Brain Research through Application of Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative. Election Security (Supported by Rep. Demings) $425 million for a new round of election security grants to improve the security and integrity of elections for federal office. $15.2 million for Election Assistance Commission (EAC) operating expensesan increase of $6 million. This will restore staffing and other resources to enable the EAC to improve their support to states in advance of the 2020 elections and beyond. Also included in the 2020 Appropriations Package supported by Rep. Demings: For the good health of families: Permanently repealed health care taxes including the so-called Cadillac Tax on employer-sponsored health plans; Blocks Trump's ACA sabotage nuclear options, by preventing him from ending silver loading and auto re-enrollment; Secured record funding for life-saving medical research at the NIH including $2.8 billion for Alzheimer's disease research; Ensured strong support for initiatives to lower the price of prescription drugs by increasing competition for generics. Continuing the historic $1.5 billion in funding for state grants to combat the opioid epidemic; Extended & increased Medicaid funding to our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the territories for two years; Laid the groundwork for progress in the spring to lower prescription drug costs and extend robust funding for key health initiatives. For Americans' economic & financial security: Gave federal civilian employees a 3.1 percent pay raise; Reauthorized the jobs-creating Export-Import Bank; Protected the pensions of 100,000 coal miners; Invested billions in smart job training initiatives; Extended the National Flood Insurance Program; Secured a long-term reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program a major priority for hospitals, commercial real estate buildings, educational facilities, sports facilities, NASCAR and theme parks, and any location (including Orlando) where commercial facilities host large numbers of people; Extended key tax provisions through 2020: encouraging investments in clean energy priorities like wind and energy efficiency, providing relief for families recovering from recent disasters, supporting investments in low-income communities, and protecting families facing high medical costs or the loss of a home to foreclosure. For our national security & safety at home: Secured $25 million for gun violence research at the CDC and NIH, which is being funded for the first time in more than 20 years; Secured $425 million for election security grants to protect our elections from foreign attack, which Republicans refused to fund last year. For our children: Raised the tobacco age to 21; Strengthened the Families First Prevention Services Act; Achieved record funding levels for Head Start, Child Care and Development Block Grants, and Title I schools; Extended funding for essential services in thousands of schools serving millions of children in rural communities across 41 states For our values: Secured billions to fund a fair, accurate 2020 Decennial Census to ensure all Americans are counted & have a voice; Invests billions in science and research for NASA, the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation; Secures strong funding for environmental protection including the highest funding level for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 15 years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3021,Rep. Frankel Votes for Funding Bills That Invest in Families,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after voting for a collection of funding bills for FY 2020: This bipartisan funding deal makes many For The People investments, including robust funding for hard-working families through early learning programs, medical research, and veteran's education, and makes smart investments in our country's infrastructure, including restoration of Florida's Everglades to keep the drinking water for over eight million residents and millions of visitors clean and safe. It includes reimbursements for local law enforcement for overtime costs of protecting President Trump in South Florida and for businesses at Lantana Airport, which lose business when the President is in town due to airport closure for security reasons. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Frankel advocated for an array of programs, many of which will positively impact South Florida, including: Labor-Health and Human Services-Education $7million in new funding for Veterans Student Service Centers, which provide resources and give a boost to student veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. $41.7billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a more than $2.6billion increase over FY19 to this agency that provides life-saving research and care, including: o $2.8billionfor Alzheimer's disease research, o $195 million for the Cancer Moonshot project. $25million for firearm injury and mortality prevention research, divided evenly between the NIH and the Center for Disease Control. This is new funding, not included in last year's budget. $5.8billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an increase of $550 million from FY19 that will help low-income families afford quality child care. $10.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $550 million from FY19 to provide comprehensive early childhood education for low-income families. $12 million for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. $4.1 million for the Violence Against Women health initiative, state partnerships. Energy and Water $200 million for Everglades Restoration, a $133 million increase from FY19 levels. $50 million for Beach Restoration, maintaining funding from FY19 levels. Language ensuring the best available science is used when determining Lake Okeechobee water levels. Six new starts for Army Corps projects, in which Port Everglades may compete for their expansion project. Transportation, HUD Extended funding to reimburse businesses at Lantana Airport, which lose business when the President is in town due to security restrictions. $1 billion for infrastructure grants. $2.2 billion for highway projects. $23.9 billion for affordable housing assistance. $2.78 billion for homelessness assistance grants. Homeland Security Continued funding to reimburse local law enforcement for overtime when protecting the President. $50 million for physical security enhancements to churches, synagogues, and other non-profit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. $83.5 million for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for airport exit lane staffing. Financial, Services and General Government $425 million for Election Assistance Grants, to help states protect elections. Military Construction, Veterans Affairs $380 million to supportive service programs for veterans' families. $880 million for medical and prosthetics support. $1 billion for homeless veterans assistance. State-Foreign Operations $3.3 billion commitment for security assistance to Israel. $165 million to combat gender-based violence, a $15 million increase from FY19. $15 million for combatting child marriage, a $4 million increase above FY19. $265 million to help implement the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that benefit the poor, especially women. Defense $500 million for Israeli missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome. $7 million for implementation of the Women Peace and Security Act. Agriculture $8.5 million to fight citrus disease. Commerce, Justice, Science $502 million for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs administered by the Department of Justice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-lawson-announces-2018-19-recipients-of-the-gilman-international-scholarship,U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces 2018-19 Recipients of the Gilman International Scholarship,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2019 U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces 2018-19 Recipients of the Gilman International Scholarship U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces 2018-19 Recipients of the Gilman International Scholarship WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) today announced that ten outstanding students from the Florida's Fifth Congressional District have been awarded the highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad during the 2018-2019 academic year. More than 13,000 students nationwide applied for the Gilman scholarship, and 10 students from Rep. Lawson's district were among the those awarded scholarships. This scholarship provides a valuable opportunity for learning and growth through cultural exchange, Rep. Lawson said. These scholars have the chance to engage with their world and academic disciplines through this experience, and I look forward to the new global perspectives and conversations they will bring back to our community. The scholarship program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education. In the academic year 2018-19, over 3,000 U.S. students benefited from the Gilman Program, 56 percent gaining language skills in languages deemed critical by U.S. national security. Since the scholarship's inception, 31,000 American students from more than 1,335 colleges and universities, and diverse backgrounds have studied or interned abroad in 151 countries. The recipients are: Kenia Alcy of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Host location: Ghana Freadrika Curry of Jacksonville School: University of South Florida Host location: Italy Myah Freeman of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Host location: Senegal Colleah Gilbert of Jacksonville School: Florida A&M University Host location: Ecuador Rain Kwan of Jacksonville School: New College of Florida Host location: Japan Dyvonier Larcheveaux of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Host location: United Kingdom Emmarica Lassin of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Host location: Ghana Jalicia Lewis of Jacksonville School: Florida State University Host location: Peru Allyn Roa of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Location: Czech Republic Aniah Williams of Jacksonville School: University of South Florida Host: Costa Rica ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=286,Mucarsel-Powell Delivers on Local Priorities in Latest Appropriations Legislation,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell(FL-26) applauded the passage of the two funding packages for Fiscal Year 2020, H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158. The legislation provides $200 million for Everglades Restoration, extends and increases funding for Community Health Centers, and funds gun violence research for the first time in over two decades. Earlier this year, Mucarsel-Powell joined her South Florida colleagues in pushing forfull funding for Everglades Restoration. She alsochampionedincreased funding forthe Army Corps Environmental Infrastructure, which received $100 million in today's legislation. Additionally, this funding supports the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (FKWQIP), a crucial program that reimburses Monroe County as the Keys transition away from septic tanks. Also important to South Florida is the $3.1 billion funding for HIV/AIDS research. Furthermore, the legislation includes Mucarsel-Powell'sHumanitarian Assistance for the Venezuelan People Act of 2019, which provides for much-needed assistance for Venezuelans suffering from the worst humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. Every week I come to Washington, D.C. and work with my constituents in mind, and the latest appropriations bills approved by the House of Representatives reflect the local priorities I have advocated for all year, saidMucarsel-Powell. From fighting for Everglades Restoration, to improving water infrastructure, to making our communities safer with gun violence research, I am proud of the work we have done to make sure the priorities of South Florida's residents are top of mind for our country's leaders. Someadditionalprovisionsinclude: $10.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $550 million $29.5 million for NOAA's Coral Reef Program, a $1.9 million increase A new, dedicated carve out of $10 million for research to combat harmful algal blooms Raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 $7.56 billion for the Census Bureau, an increase of more than $3.7 billion Fact sheets for H.R. 1865 can be foundHEREand for H.R. 1158 can be foundHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2210,Rep. Shalala Scores Major Victories for South Florida in the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY)2020 Appropriations bills: The provisions of the government funding bills are a victory for the present and future well-being of our community. My colleagues and I fought hard to make sure these bills would address many of the most pressing challenges facing South Florida: rising inequality, expanding access to affordable housing, curbing gun violence, protecting our environment, and making investments in stronger, more resilient infrastructure. When I ran for Congress, I promised I would deliver results for our community on day one. The funding priorities in these bills are a testament to my commitment to fulfilling that promise. The FY 2020 Appropriations bills will fund the government's priorities for the 2020 fiscal year. Highlights of this year's funding priorities for South Florida are: South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (Everglades Restoration) - $200 million in funding for Everglades restoration; National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER/BUILD) $1 billion for infrastructure investments; Pell Grants A $150 increase in the maximum award for federal Pell Grants, compared to the 2019 enacted level. The maximum award will now be $6,345. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance - $23.9 billion for Tenant-based Rental Assistance and for all tenant-based Section 8 activities; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research For the first time in twenty years, funding - $12.5 million - to conduct research on gun violence, firearm injury, and mortality prevention; Head Start $11.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $1.5 billion from last year, to provide comprehensive early childhood education for low-income families in Miami-Dade County. SNAP $67.8 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); WIC $6 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; Summer EBT $23.6 billion for Child Nutrition Programs, including $526 million for the Summer Food Service Program to ensure low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months. Ryan White Domestic HIV Initiative A total funding amount of $2.4 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, including $70 million for the first year of an initiative to reduce HIV transmission by 90 percent in 10 years. Funds will be distributed to high need jurisdictions, like Miami-Dade, to increase linkage, engagement, and retention in care with the goal of increasing viral suppression among people living with HIV; National Institutes of Health (NIH)A record $41.7 billion investment in NIH with specific funding for Alzheimer's research. Hispanic Serving Institutions An increase in fundingfor Hispanic Serving Institutionslike Miami- Dade College and Florida International Universitya total amount of $143 million. Raising Age to Purchase All Tobacco Products to 21Congresswoman Shalala has pushed for this provision to tackle the increased use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, by young people. This provision is a part of Congresswoman Shalala's bill, H.R. 2339: Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019. Foreign AidCongresswoman Shalala's Venezuela Arms Restriction Act is included in the bill, as well as $30 million for democracy building assistance in Venezuela and continued strong support for our ally Israel. For more information on the provisions in the FY2020 Appropriations bills, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-votes-keep-government-open-secures-37-legislative-wins-spending-bill,"Rep. Soto Votes to Keep Government Open, Secures 37 Legislative Wins in Spending Bill",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image December 17, 2019 Rep. Soto Votes to Keep Government Open, Secures 37 Legislative Wins in Spending Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) voted to keep the federal government open and fund key priorities for the fiscal year 2020. The spending bill includes the following 37 funding provisions which were led by Congressman Soto: Department of Defense Secured $110 million for Peer-Review Prostate Cancer Research Secured $22 million for Peer-Reviewed Gulf War Illness Research Secured $30 million within the Defense Wide Manufacturing Science and Technology Program for BRIDG Secured $10 million within the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support Program for BRIDG Secured $10 million within the High Performance Computing Modernization Program for UCF Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Secured $592.8 million for the NASA ground crawler that transports the SLS rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad. Secured $592.6 million for the Jupiter Europa NASA Mission. Financial Services and General Government Secured $11 million for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program within the IRS. Secured $12 million for the low-income taxpayer clinic grants program within the IRS. Secured $25 million for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA clinic) program within the IRS. Secured $5.5 million for Identity Theft and Refund Fraud casework within the IRS. Department of Homeland Security Secured $850 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under section 2003 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6. U.S.C. 604) Secured $511,265,000 for Research and Development within Science and Technology Directorate, and $40.5 million for University Programs Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Secured $4.0 million for Early Child Care Collaboratives – lead a multimember letter on this Secured $622,372,000 for the Center for Disease Control's Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Program Secured $38,603,000 for the Vector-borne Disease Program Secured $40 million for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program Secured $70 million for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Secured $20,083,000 for the Special Olympics - worked closely with Rep. Murphy to increase funds for the Special Olympics days following Secretary DeVos's attempt to defund the Special Olympics. Secured $2 million for the CDC's Harmful Algal Bloom Research program Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Secured $15 million for value-added agricultural product market development grants Secured $3 million for Agricultural Innovation Centers Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Secured $60 million for Concentrating Solar power research Secured $5 million for advanced thermal desalination technologies Secured $72 million for Photovoltaic Research and Development Secured $35 million for Balance of System Soft Cost Reductions Secured $1 million joint Solar Ready Vets program Secured $5 million National Community Solar Partnership Program Secured $49.5 million for Solar System Integration Secured $60 million for Manufacturing Competitiveness Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Secured $10.2 million for multiple Everglades Restoration programs. State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Venezuela floor amendment – Worked closely with Rep. Murphy and Rep. Shalala to increased funds to $30 million to promoted democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. Secured $16 million for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Secured $7 million for waste recycling Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Secured $350,000 for the creation and promotion of Fair Housing translated materials and other programs that support the assistance of persons with limited English proficiency. Secured $793 million for Housing for the Elderly Secured $338 million for the Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program ""Today, the House came together to put the American people first and make strong, bipartisan investments in public health, national security and the well-being of our communities,"" said Rep. Soto. ""I take pride in knowing that 37 of my priorities were passed, including critical funding for Central Florida to expand access to healthcare, protect our seniors and veterans, preserve our environment and renewable energy research, foster high tech jobs and spaceflight, boost affordable housing, increase public transportation and support local agriculture. Now that this agreement has passed the House, I am calling on the Senate and President to move quickly to enact spending bills reflect our fundamental values and put the needs of my constituents first. The American people are counting on us to fund their government for yet another year."" Congressman Darren Soto represents Florida's 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties. Twitter/Instagram: @RepDarrenSoto | Facebook: CongressmanDarrenSoto | Website: https://soto.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1186,"Murphy, LaHood Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Financing Tools for Farmers and Manufacturers",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Reps. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., and Darin LaHood, R-Ill., introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize decades old financing tools used by farmers and manufacturers to grow and create more jobs. TheModernizing Agriculture and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA), H.R. 5422, would streamline private activity bonds to help small manufacturers and first-time farmers grow their businesses, invest in new equipment, and hire more workers. These bonds are a key economic tool for state and local development agencies to help finance small- to mid-sized manufacturers. Florida farmers and manufacturers deserve to have innovative and updated financing tools to invest in their local community and hire more workers,said Murphy.I'm proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Rep. LaHood that will modernize the way farmers and manufacturers across the country acquire capital, providing them with the resources they need to grow, create more jobs, and bring their businesses into the 21stcentury. Farming and manufacturing are critical to economic success of the constituents I represent in central and west-central Illinois,said LaHood.Our legislation will help entrepreneurs and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create good-paying jobs, and bolster our economy in the Midwest. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague Rep. Stephanie Murphy in this bipartisan effort, and I'll continue to work in Congress to ensure farmers and manufacturers have the necessary tools to be successful in our 21st-centruy economy. The legislation is endorsed by development finance agencies, private sector entities, and key industry stakeholders including the Florida Development Finance Corporation, Illinois Finance Authority, the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), and the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs. These proposed changes will make a big difference to businesses in Florida. These provisions would help many American small manufacturers and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create more jobs for Floridians, and build a strong local economy. The Florida Development Finance Corporation supports these proposed amendments and hopes for bi-partisan support to pass these much-needed improvements,said Bill Spivey, Executive Director, Florida Development Finance Corporation. America needs low-cost and efficient twenty-first century financing tools to help our small manufacturers and small farmers compete in world markets as well as to grow the number of quality American middle-class jobs that these employers support, said Illinois Finance Authority Executive Director Chris Meister. In Illinois, we know, first-hand, the power of federally tax-exempt manufacturing and farmer bonds proven and effective private-public tools to spur essential capital investment and to create jobs. The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA) reinvigorates these tools by substantially updating federal manufacturing and farmer finance law for the first time in decades in order to reflect the American economy of 2020, not the 1970s. We thank United States Representatives Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) for their bipartisan work to bring manufacturing and farm finance into the twenty-first century through the introduction of MAMBA in the 116th Congress,said Chris Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority. We're thrilled that MAMBA has been reintroduced. It's a vital piece of legislation that will help lower the barriers for small manufacturers and first-time farmers to access affordable capital,said CDFA President and CEO Toby Rittner.Representatives Murphy and LaHood have been great champions of private activity bonds and the development finance industry as a whole, and I'm thankful for their commitment to manufacturing and farming, pillars of the American economy. More information on MAMBA can be foundhere. The text of the bill can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-the-future-act-signing-ceremony,Wilson Statement the FUTURE Act Signing Ceremony,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement after a signing ceremony for the bipartisan, bicameral FUTURE Act, which permanently funds HBCUs and MSIs: I was honored today to participate in the bill signing ceremony for the FUTURE Act, a measure that permanently guarantees more than $250 million in mandatory funding per year for the nation's historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. The legislation, which has been approved by the Senate, also simplifies the federal student aid applications process, which means more students will be able to pursue a college education and repay their loans. The FUTURE Act will enable HBCUs and MSIs to build on their storied legacies of providing and expanding opportunities for students of color and low-income students who might otherwise find higher education beyond their reach. In addition to offering top-notch educations that prepare students to successfully compete with the best in their chosen fields, these institutions also provide nurturing environments in which self-confidence is boosted and lifelong friendships are formed. This legislation, which will soon head to the White House to be signed into law, is an all-too-rare example of the immeasurable good that lawmakers on Capitol Hill can achieve when members of both chambers and both parties work together. As a proud HBCU graduate, I am grateful that we were able to find common ground on such a monumental issue and hopeful that we can do so again.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1819,CRIST REQUESTS CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON UNSAFE MILITARY HOUSING,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) sent aletterto Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of the Appropriations subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, requesting a congressional hearing on family housing in military installations. Congressman Crist voiced his continued concern for the health and safety of military families, include those residing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, as they suffer from unsafe living conditions in poorly maintained family housing. Congressman Crist has been a champion of military housing reform after reporting by theTampa Bay Timesuncovered serious issues with privately managed on-base housing, including mold and other health hazards, that are putting military families at risk. The full letter to Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz can be foundhere, the text of which appearing below. December 12, 2019 The Honorable Debbie Wasserman Schultz Chairwoman Appropriations Committee Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee HT-2 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz, I request a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on family housing on military installations. Military families around the country, including at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, continue to suffer from mold and other health hazards in poorly maintained and neglected family housing. I understand the military has taken actions to improve oversight and accountability of privatized housing. However, I remain concerned and more must be done. Under your steadfast leadership, the MilCon-VA Subcommittee conducted its first hearing of the 116thCongress on this topic, and I support your continued attention to this critical issue. As we approach the FY2021 budget cycle, I believe our Committee's oversight responsibilities would be bolstered by another hearing, with witnesses appropriate for conducting proper oversight. Thank you so much for your leadership fighting for safe housing for servicemembers and their families. I look forward to continuing to work together on this issue. Sincerely, Charlie Crist UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1822,"CRIST CHAMPIONS SENIORS, INTRODUCES BILL PREVENTING FRAUDSTER GUARDIANS FROM STEALING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced theSenior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act(H.R. 5380). The bill would direct state courts to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) when a court-appointed guardian is removed for cause, so they can be blocked from collecting Social Security benefits on behalf of the seniors under their care.The legislation comes on the heels ofreportsrevealing unscrupulous guardians who drained the assets of seniors in their care. In Pinellas County, aleaderin the guardian community is facing criminal charges for stealing more than $500,000 from one of the 31 seniors under her care. Along with Reps. Soto and Bilirakis, H.R. 5380 is the second piece of legislation Rep. Crist has led aimed at tacklingguardianship abuse. Abuses within the professional guardianship system are finally coming to light, and it's abundantly clear that the system, and oversight of it, is broken,said Rep. Crist. This legislation is another way we can help crack down on abusive practices and better protect our seniors from bad actors in the guardianship system. This important bill provides one more layer of protection to ensure our most vulnerable citizens do not become victims of exploitation,said Rep. Bilirakis. I am proud to co-lead the Senior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act. This is the first step in ensuring the reduction of the increasing cases against those elderly and vulnerable from abuse and fraud,said Rep. Soto. It is imperative that there is open communication between Social Security Administration and state government in order disable those with negative intentions. There must be accountability for guardians deemed unfit but continue to abuse the system because of the lack of communication between SSA and state governments. Background onSenior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act: As a general practice, state courts appoint a guardian for individuals when a judge or other court official have determined that an individual lacks the capacity to make important decisions regarding their life and property. When state courts appoint guardians, older adults often forfeit some or all of their decision-making powers including the right to sign contracts, vote, marry or divorce, buy or sell real estate, decide where to live, or make decisions about their healthcare. As part of this arrangement, guardians are often given control of the ward's assets including bank accounts, property, and pensions. Separately, the Social Security Administration can appoint representative payees to manage federal benefits received by individuals who are unable to do so for themselves. SSA is responsible for oversight of the representative payees, while state and local courts are responsible for oversight of the guardians. There are instances, however, when a state has deemed a guardian unfit and removed the ward from the guardian's care with cause but said guardian still remains on as the ward's SSA representative payee. In these cases, SSA is often unaware that the state found the guardian unfit. The Senior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act would increase communication between state courts who appoint/remove guardians and SSA's representative payee program. The bill would direct state courts to notify SSA upon removal of a ward from a guardian so that SSA might reassess the appropriateness of the former guardian remaining on as that ward's Social Security representative payee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=285,Venezuela Legislation Introduced by Rep Mucarsel-Powell and South Florida Democrats Included in Appropriations Bill,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congress released the negotiated fiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill that includes three pieces of legislation to support the Venezuelan people introduced by South Florida Reps.Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26),Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27),Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23). The bill includesMucarsel-Powell'sHumanitarian Assistance for the Venezuelan People Act of 2019, which provides for much needed assistance for Venezuelans suffering from the worst humanitarian crisis in the western hemisphere. The bill authorizes $400 million in aid directly to the Venezuelan people both in Venezuela and in neighboring countries that are impacted by the refugee emergency the situation has created. The Venezuelan people need our help. The crisis in that country is now the most underfunded refugee crisis in modern history,said Mucarsel-Powell.I am pleased that our legislation to aid the Venezuelan people will be included in FY 2020 appropriations bill that will not only help the people in Venezuela but also their neighbors that have been taking in hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees. We must not turn a blind eye to human suffering at the hands of a corrupt regime. When I ran for office, I made a promise to the Venezuelan community in South Florida to stand up to the tyranny of the Maduro regime,said Shalala. From the moment I was sworn in, my Democratic colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to help the Venezuelan people. The legislation being included in this year's government funding bill is the culmination of months of hard work and it will hopefully help bring about the end of a regime that has long overstayed its welcome. I am grateful to Representatives Shalala, Wasserman Schultz and Mucarsel-Powell for their impressive leadership in authoring innovative legislation that increases U.S. pressure on Nicols Maduro. Venezuela is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. By increasing humanitarian aid, holding the Russian government more accountable and stopping the transfer of defense and crime control items to Venezuela, my colleagues are ensuring that we put our country's best foot forward in supporting the long-suffering Venezuelan people,said Chairman Engel, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The people of my district know all too well the dire humanitarian needs of Venezuela. The Maduro regime's repeated failures to address the suffering of its own people is only exacerbated by the military sway exerted by Russia throughout the entire region,Wasserman Schultz said.The inclusion of this legislation in the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Bill paired with legislation that offers humanitarian assistance and bans the export of crime control materials, authored by my esteemed House colleagues will provide badly-needed tools and aid to Venezuelans who want to see democracy restored. Earlier this year, Reps. Mucarsel-Powell, Wasserman Schultz, and Shalala, introduced legislation aimed at alleviating the crisis in Venezuela by increasing humanitarian assistance, banning the export of defense articles and crime control materials to the regime's security forces and providing for a threat assessment to better understand Russia's growing military sway in Venezuela. The Congresswomen's legislation passed the House and was later included as amendments to the VERDAD (Venezuelan Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance, and Development Act) Act, Senate legislation introduced by Senators Robert Menendez (NJ) and Marco Rubio (FL), targeting the Maduro Regime and aiding the people of Venezuela. The VERDAD Act as a whole, including the three Democratic House bills, was included in the FY2020 funding bill. The bills are: H.R. 920 Venezuela Arms Restriction Act H.R.1102 Russia-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act H.R. 854 theHumanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2208,Venezuela Legislation Introduced by South Florida Democrats Included in Appropriations Bill,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives began considering a fiscal year (FY) 2020 Appropriations bill that includes three pieces of legislation to support the Venezuelan people introduced by South Florida Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26). When I ran for office, I made a promise to the Venezuelan community in South Florida to stand up to the tyranny of the Maduro regime, said Shalala. From the moment I was sworn in, my Democratic colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to help the Venezuelan people. The legislation being included in this year's government funding bill is the culmination of months of hard work and it will hopefully help bring about the end of a regime that has long overstayed its welcome. I am grateful to Representatives Shalala, Wasserman Schultz and Mucarsel-Powell for their impressive leadership in authoring innovative legislation that increases U.S. pressure on Nicols Maduro. Venezuela is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. By increasing humanitarian aid, holding the Russian government more accountable and stopping the transfer of defense and crime control items to Venezuela, my colleagues are ensuring that we put our country's best foot forward in supporting the long-suffering Venezuelan people, said Chairman Engel, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Venezuelan people need our help. The crisis in that country is now the most underfunded refugee crisis in modern history, said Mucarsel-Powell. I am pleased that our legislation to aid the Venezuelan people will be included in FY 2020 appropriations bill that will not only help the people in Venezuela but also their neighbors that have been taking in hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees. We must not turn a blind eye to human suffering at the hands of a corrupt regime. The people of my district know all too well the dire humanitarian needs of Venezuela. The Maduro regime's repeated failures to address the suffering of its own people is only exacerbated by the military sway exerted by Russia throughout the entire region, Wasserman Schultz said. The inclusion of this legislation in the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Bill paired with legislation that offers humanitarian assistance and bans the export of crime control materials, authored by my esteemed House colleagues will provide badly-needed tools and aid to Venezuelans who want to see democracy restored. Earlier this year, Reps. Shalala, Wasserman Schultz, and Mucarsel-Powell, introduced legislation aimed at alleviating the crisis in Venezuela by increasing humanitarian assistance, banning the export of defense articles and crime control materials to the regime's security forces and providing for a threat assessment to better understand Russia's growing military sway in Venezuela. The Congresswomen's legislation passed the House and was later included as amendments to the VERDAD (Venezuelan Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance, and Development Act) Act, Senate legislation introduced by Senators Robert Menendez (NJ) and Marco Rubio (FL), targeting the Maduro Regime and aiding the people of Venezuela. The VERDAD Act as a whole, including the three Democratic House bills, was included in the FY2020 funding bill. The bills are: H.R. 920 Venezuela Arms Restriction Act H.R.1102 Russia-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act H.R. 854 theHumanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1183,House Passes Future Forum-Backed Measure to Support the Next Generation of Public Servants,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to increase the number of young Americans entering public service championed by Future Forum, an influential group of young Democratic Members of Congress who advocate for issues and opportunities important to younger Americans. The measure, spearheaded by Future Forum Chair StephanieMurphy, D-Fla.,and Representative Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., addresses a potentially debilitating shortage of government workers in the coming decades by authorizing federal agencies to expedite the hiring of college graduates and post-secondary students.The amendment was included in theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, whichwaspassedbythe House and is likely to soon be approved by the Senate and sent to the President to be signed into law. Murphy worked on this provision with Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who has been a leader on this issue. Our federal workforce is desperately in need of young talent to drive innovation and lead our country towards a brighter future,said Murphy.I'm proud that Future Forum successfully worked to include this commonsense measure that will increase access to public service jobs for young Americans who wish to serve their country. The federal government's ability to attract and retain talented young workers has steadily declined,said Kilmer.Forty years ago, more than a fifth of the federal workforce was under 30 years old. Today, that figure hovers between five and seven percent. We need to do a better job of making sure that young people with new, innovative ideas and perspectives who will ultimately form the backbone of the federal service are welcomed into civilian service to our country. Successful American companies routinely recruit and hire employees under 30, and would find themselves greatly disadvantaged if they had to operate with the federal government's weak pipeline of young talent,saidMax Stier, President of the Partnership for Public Service. Now, thanks to a bipartisan, bicameral effort, Congress has given agencies a new tool to recruit and hire the next generation of public servants. According to the most recent U.S. Office of Personnel Management analysis of federal employment, only six percent of the approximately two million federal civilian workers are under the age of 30, far below the 21 percent that this demographic group constitutes in the private sector.Additionally, research from the Partnership for Public Service indicates that the underrepresentation of young people in government can be explained in part by a complex and burdensome process that discourages them from pursuing opportunities in federal service. Future Forum is a generational caucus of 50 young House Democrats72 percent of whom have prior experience in public service. Since its inception, Future Forum has held events in more than 50 cities in an effort to engage with millennial and Gen Z Americans where they live, work, and go to school on issues important to them. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401283,Hastings Statement on Introducing the FAA Family and Medical Leave Act,2019-12-14,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after introducing H.R.5431, the FAA Family and Medical Leave Act, legislation that will ensure employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are extended the same paid parental leave benefits afforded to other government employees under the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (Please find a copy of the bill attached): The conference report to the NDAA, which passed in the House of Representatives earlier this week, secured a critical provision for federal employees that will provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering. The provision will help the federal government retain talent and remain competitive with private industry. Unfortunately, the paid parental leave provisions apply to employees under Title 5 only, which has resulted in FAA employees being left out of this very important benefit. More than 35,000 federal employees across our nation are responsible for managing air traffic control, aircraft, and airport safety. I believe we must move quickly to address this oversight and ensure that FAA employees receive the paid parental leave benefits they rightly deserve under the NDAA agreement,"" said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Every federal employee deserves paid parental leave period, said Congressman Jim McGovern. I'm proud to join Congressman Hastings in this important step toward making that a reality for all federal workers. It's the right thing to do, and I urge all my colleagues in the House to support this important bill. Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors include: Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA), Adam Smith (D-WA), and Tom Cole (R-OK). Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1817,"CRIST INTRODUCES REGIONAL OCEAN PARTNERSHIP BILL, ADDRESSES OCEAN AND COASTAL CONCERNS",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCU.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), along with Representatives Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), and Chris Smith (R-NJ), introduced the Regional Ocean Partnership Act (H.R. 5390). The bill would formally authorize Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROP) as partners with the federal government to address ocean and coastal concerns. This will provide ROPs with more consistent funding to help them perform their critical mission of supporting ocean and coastal health, sustainability, and resiliency. ROPs have been operating for years as regional organizations voluntarily convened by state governors. They foster collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as other stakeholders, to address ocean and coastal issues unique to each region. ROPs currently receive funding through an assortment of grants and in-kind donations, making their funding levels unstable.As Floridians, we know it is our duty to preserve our way of life by keeping our oceans and coasts clean and thriving. The work of Regional Ocean Partnerships, such as the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, is critical in achieving that goal,said Rep. Crist. These partnerships need more consistent and predictable funding, and by formalizing this arrangement, we help ensure our oceans and coasts are better supported for generations to come. When the coastal communities in my district face an issue in the Mississippi Sound, it is often times not exclusive to Mississippi and impacts large portions of the Gulf Coast region,said Rep. Palazzo. Our legislation fosters collaboration between coastal states through information and data sharing related to the oceans. We are introducing this bill today to better understand our oceans while working together to protect our resources for years to come. Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) have a long history of success at dealing with issues revolving around managing and restoring our ocean and coastal regions. This bill would allow us to continue to build on the tremendous accomplishments that have been achieved through ROPs across the nation by providing these programs with secure and predictable funding,said Rep. Lowenthal. I am proud to join Rep. Crist in putting forward this bill to further the critical research, conservation, and restoration efforts ROPs provide. Regional Ocean Partnerships are essential for the numerous private and public entities that help support and understand our clean oceans, bays and tributaries, and of course the shore-based tourism economies,said Rep. Chris Smith(NJ-04), whose district includes large coastal areas in Monmouth and Ocean counties along the Jersey Shore. ROPs across the nation are hubs for research, data, and programs that help protect our oceans and waterways for future generations. I am pleased to join Rep. Crist and other Members who also represent coastal communities in supporting this bill to foster sensible conservation of our natural resources. The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is excited about what the Regional Ocean Partnership Act will mean for coordination and collaboration within the regions. Allowing for expanded actions that cross programmatic and geographic boundaries, is imperative for meaningful regional accomplishments in coastal restoration and resilience,said Laura Bowie, Executive Director of GOMA. In the Northeast, we have been sharing information and experiences related to coastal resilience and ocean planning with our neighboring states, federal agencies, and other regional partners for decades. I think it is great that these efforts are being recognized as critical elements in the long-term health of both the ocean and the maritime economy that depends on it.said Ted Diers, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Northeast Regional Ocean Council. The Regional Ocean Partnership Act represents an important step in the evolution of regional partnerships like the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), who, for years, has led and fostered collaboration among federal, state, tribal and other stakeholders to meaningfully address ocean management challenges and opportunities. As the Mid-Atlantic ROP, MARCO expresses strong support for this bill, which would enhance its capacity to conduct collaborative activities at the regional level that are critical for conserving ocean health, and increasing the resilience of ocean and coastal areas that support a growing and vital ocean-based economy in the Mid-Atlantic,said Kisha Santiago-Martinez, MARCO Management Board Chair. On behalf of my fellow regional partners in Oregon, California and Washington the West Coast Ocean Alliance is extremely pleased to see support for Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) grow through the introduction of this legislation. On the West Coast, our regional efforts have allowed us to more effectively bring tribal, state and federal partners together into a new forum that addresses existing and emerging ocean uses, while identifying the ocean data and science needs for decision-making at many scales. Formal federal support for ROPs will continue to solidify more effective co-management that results in stronger coastal communities and healthier oceans for all Americans,said Patty Snow, Oregon Coastal Program Manager. California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis said, The Regional Ocean Partnership Act will strengthen California's longstanding collaboration with west coast states, federal agencies, and tribal governments. Healthy and resilient oceans, the cornerstone of this act, are critical to maintaining California's thriving $45 billion ocean economy and addressing the perils of climate change. Ocean Conservancy welcomes the introduction of the Regional Ocean Partnership Act and we fully support the partnerships that have developed across the country and grown over the last fifteen years as they work to address pressing ocean conservation and management challenges,said Janis Searles Jones, CEO of Ocean Conservancy. This bill will give communities the support they need to tackle ocean issues unique to each region. It will also promote ocean conservation and sustainability through science, coastal resilience and making ocean data more accessible. Background on Regional Ocean Partnership Act: Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) are regional organizations voluntarily convened by state governors in collaboration with other governments and stakeholders to address ocean and coastal issues of concern in that region. The four existing ROPs include the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), and West Coast Ocean Alliance (WCOA). Meanwhile, Executive Order 13840, Ocean Policy to Advance Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States, recognizes the importance of ROPs in supporting interagency engagement and collaboration on cross-jurisdictional ocean and coastal matters. In addition to providing more secure and predictable funding, authorization under this bill will give ROPs the ability to leverage funds from multiple federal agencies against state and private funding sources, further boosting their ability to address coastal and ocean issues of regional concern. The bill also establishes an application process for the designation of additional ROPs. A Senate companion to the bill, S.2166, was voted out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in July and is awaiting consideration by the full chamber.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-votes-articles-impeachment,Rep. Demings Votes for Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, voted for two Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump. Short Summaries: Article I: Abuse Of Power President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In so doing, President Trump used the powers of the Presidency in a manner that compromised the national security of the United States and undermined the integrity of the United States democratic process. President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law Article II: Obstruction Of Congress The House of Representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump's corrupt solicitation of the Government of Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In the history of the Republic, no President has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the House of Representatives to investigate high Crimes and Misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the President's own repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard. Both articles passed the House Judiciary Committee. They will be considered by the House of Representatives. Rep. Demings gave multiple remarks during the debate, including an opening statement, remarks throughout, and as the final speaker of the debate. Here is Rep. Demings' Opening Statement, delivered Wednesday evening: This is a defining moment in our history and a challenging time for the nation. But America has been through tough times before. And I am sure that we will go through tough times again. So, I do not fear this moment, or this time. I grew up in Florida. I am the youngest of seven children. My mother cleaned houses for a living and my father was a janitor. But he also mowed lawns and picked oranges. I remember my dad used to go to work seven days a week to make ends meet for our family. I grew up poor, but my parents were good, decent, honest people who taught me to be decent and respectful. They taught me to work hard, and play by the rules, and treat others the way that I want to be treated. You see, I was the first in my family to go to college, and after graduation I joined the Orlando Police Department, and started out as a patrol officer working the midnight shift. But the story does not end there. I had the awesome opportunity of working my way up through the ranks to become Orlando's first woman chief of police, and now I am privileged to serve in Congress. But hear me clearly:I believe that only in America can a little Black girl, the daughter of a maid and a janitor, growing up in the south in the 60s, have such an amazing opportunity. So, regardless of the spirited, sometimes painful political debates, no one can make me give up on America. You see, I believe in the promise of Americabecause I have seen the promise of America. I come before you tonight as an American Dreamrealized. Because America is great and decent, and our democracy complete, because we live in a government of the people. I've taken four oaths in my lifetime, two as a law enforcement officer and two now as a Member of Congress. Different oaths, different times and different places, but each oath stated that I will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. My oath was not to an individual, it wasn't to a political party or institution. My oath was to the United States Constitution. And I come before you tonight as an African American female. I come before you tonight as a descendent of slaves. Slaves who knew they would not make it, but dreamed and prayed that one day, that I would make it. I come before you tonight proclaiming that in spite of America's complicated history, my faith is in the Constitution. And I say that today with perfect peace. I've enforced the laws and now I write the laws, and I know that nobody is above the law. But the law means nothing if the accused, whether the man who breaks into your house or the president, can destroy evidence, stop witnesses from testifying and blatantly refuse to cooperate in the investigation. I ask you to name somebody in your family or in your community who can do that. The president is the commander-in-chief, and his responsibility is great. However, our president put his personal interests above the interests of the nationcorrupting and cheating our democracyand he shall be held accountable. The framers were so concerned about a president abusing his power that they gave us the power of impeachment. George Washington was particularly concerned about unprincipled men' finding their way into the White House. Well, those times have found us. And we only have one option, and that's to hold this president accountable. Because you know what? Nobody is above the law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/senator-mcconnell-must-recuse,Senator McConnell Must Recuse,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed two Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump. Said Rep. Demings, The President has abused his power and obstructed Congress' ability to hold him accountable for his actions. His use of military assistance to pressure another country to interfere in our election put our national security and our democracy at risk. The Constitution requires that after articles of impeachment pass the House of Representatives, the president must be given a fair trial in the Senate. Senator McConnell has promised to sabotage that trial and he must recuse himself. No court in the country would allow a member of the jury to also serve as the accused's defense attorney. The moment Senator McConnell takes the oath of impartiality required by the Constitution, he will be in violation of that oath. He has effectively promised to let President Trump manage his own impeachment trial. The Senator must withdraw. Background Yesterday, in a televised interview, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell a member of the same political party as President Trump said, Everything I do during this, I'm coordinating with the White House counsel. There will be no difference between the president's position and our position as to how to handle this to the extent that we can. The United States Constitution, Article 1, Section 3, says, The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. The Senate Rules provide the oath to be sworn by each Senator: I solemnly swear (or affirm) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of President Donald John Trump, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-lawson-announces-2019-district-wide-congressional-app-competition-winners,Rep. Lawson Announces 2019 District-Wide Congressional App Competition Winners,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 13, 2019 Rep. Lawson Announces 2019 District-Wide Congressional App Competition Winners WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (Fl-05) is proud to announce Florida's 5th Congressional District App Challenge winners are Tallahassee School of Math and Science students Liam Tolia, Issa Allison, Atianda Broadnax and Zoie Gray. The Congressional App Challenge's mission is to inspire, include and innovate efforts around STEM and computer science education. The app, Future Beans, was created to help enlighten children on the skill of coding while providing an interactive experience in the form of a 2-D tactical game. Each winning student will also be awarded $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and their work is eligible to be featured for one year on the permanent display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the House.gov website. The Congressional App is a great chance for our students to work together on challenging and creative coding projects, Rep. Lawson said. I am excited to recognize Liam, Issa, Atinda and Zoie for their work on creating this fun and engaging app. I look forward to seeing where their hard work takes them in the future. In spring 2020, Tolia, Allison, Broadnax and Gray will showcase their apps to members of Congress and members of the tech community at #HouseOfCode, a reception in Washington, DC. Their work is eligible to be featured for one year on permanent display in the U.S. Capitol and on the House.gov website. More than 5,000 students coded original apps as part of the district-wide competitions hosted by their members of Congress. Since 2015, more than 4,000 functional apps have been created by over 14,000 students. The Congressional App Challenge spans 48 states and aims to engage students in computer science. Winners: 1st place: Future Beans; by Liam Tolia, Issa Allison, Atianda Broadnax, and Zoie Gray 2nd place: Meteor Smash; by Blake Rehbein, Joshua French, and Kylie Newcombe 3rd place: Math Invasion; by Jackson Flowers and Jayda Malcolm ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=284,Rep. Mucarsel-Powell & Rep. Katie Porter Introduce Bill to Tackle Unconscious Bias in the Medical Field,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), will introduce theMedical Education for a Diverse America Act.This bill will give medical school residents the opportunity to take courses in cultural competency to better serve patients from communities of color.U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (CA-45)is a co-lead of this legislation. This important bill is supported by multicultural healthcare organizations and advocacy groups working to empower doctors to provide care in a manner that is linguistically appropriate and sensitive to the culture of their patients. These groups include the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and MANA - A Latina Organization. In spite of significant advances in medicine and technology in the past 30 years, health disparities remain for patients from communities of color,said Mucarsel-Powell. From maternal mortality rates, to inaccurate drug prescriptions, to cardiovascular procedures, minority groups experience worse health outcomes when seeking care. These disparities are exacerbated by the unconscious bias of even the most well-intentioned healthcare professionals. In order to reach true health equity, we must give our physicians opportunities to pursue culturally appropriate care. Healthcare decisions for families are deeply personalthat's why it's essential that medical providers are trained to give the best possible care to patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, or primary language, saidCongresswoman Porter, a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. I'm proud to partner with my colleague Congresswoman Murcasel-Powell on this legislation that will ensure providers receive training in language literacy and cultural competency. This could not be more important in Orange County, which is home to a vibrant multitude of communities of color. The National Hispanic Medical Association supports the bill introduced by Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell and Congresswoman Porter for expanding Graduate Medical Education (GME) training for residents to learn about cultural competency and language services that will help decrease implicit bias for Latino patients, saidDr. Elena Rios, Executive Director of the National Hispanic Medical Association. ""The hallmark of quality care is that which is patient-centered, and that means being culturally and linguistically appropriate. Ensuring that the next generation of health care workers have those skills is more critical now thanever before,"" saidKathyKoChin, President and CEO, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. Research shows that cultural and linguistic competence education and training enhances a resident's communication skills and awareness of biases and health disparities, saidKaren Fisher, JD, chief public policy officer of the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). The AAMC endorses the Medical Education for a Diverse America Act, which would reinforce the impact of this graduate medical education training to enable physicians to provide better care to patients throughout their careers. ""Placing value on culturally and linguistically appropriate care from the outset of medical students' training will not only benefit their careers but will help them better serve a broader range of patients, who have historically faced difficulties communicating with and understanding medical professionals. Lives can be saved with this simple focus on human connection and understanding. We applaud Congresswomen Mucarsel-Powell and Porter for their leadership in making our health care system more accessible and accommodating,"" saidAmy Hinojosa, President and CEO, MANA, A National Latina Organization. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403141,U.S. Rep. Castor: National Defense Authorization Act Contains Priorities for MacDill AFB and Tampa Bay,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the passage of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report by a vote of 377 to 48 yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the passage of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report by a vote of 377 to 48 yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives: The needs of our military service members and their families are paramount and I am delighted that the Democratic-led House delivered for service members and their families: a 3.1 percent pay raise which is the largest in a decade, improvements to base housing, and a new 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. For months, I have worked with military families who reside on MacDill Air Base in housing that contains mold and who have pressed for accountability from derelict contractors. The NDAA establishes a bill of rights for military families in base housing and ensures that contractors are held accountable for housing issues that are not addressed quickly. These resources will help empower military families and address mold and shoddy construction in privatized base housing at MacDill and across the country. I will continue to work with MacDill families to ensure they have high quality homes on base. In addition to the salary increase, the NDAA goes further than providing for our service members and their families, it also secures 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for all workers across the federal government and ends the unjust widow's tax'. As the climate crisis increases costs for military installations and exacerbates threats to our nation's security, I am pleased that meaningful resiliency measures are included in the NDAA. Wins include increasing funds for military construction projects that improve energy resiliency, requiring water conservation targets for the DOD, and ensuring DOD can assess, adapt and plan for climate risk. The provisions that help DOD deploy more clean energy and increase energy efficiency are also crucial. As Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, I am committed to addressing the impacts on all aspects of our way of life and economy, including our nation's military. MacDill AFB is home to SOCOM and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), two of the nation's most important military commands. MacDill AFB's 6th Air Refueling Wing is the centerpiece of the U.S. Air Force's Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power mission with its essential function of aerial refueling. The scale of MacDill AFB's missions have rapidly increased with the expansion of eight new KC-135 tankers and related service members. MacDill AFB's mission is vital to keeping America safe and ready for any contingencies we may face as a nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403143,U.S. Rep. Castor announces her 2019 nominations to U.S. military academies,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 20 high school students received nominations for admission into our nation's military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA). share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 20 high school students received nominations for admission into our nation's military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA). Every year I am proud to nominate high school seniors to attend our nation's prestigious service academies, Castor said. I am impressed by their high caliber and keen interest in serving America. These inspiring students are tomorrow's leaders. Receiving a nomination to one of our nation's military academies is an essential step towards receiving an appointment to the academies. Nominations are earned based upon each student's interview with Castor's Nomination Committee, their academic record, participation in extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership qualities. Because of the stringent application requirements, many students begin working on what it takes to apply as early as their first year of high school. Based upon the process established by federal law, all U.S. military academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, require a nomination from their member of Congress , U.S. Senator or the Vice President of the United States. Parents and students interested in the nomination process can work with their school guidance counselors and find more information athttps://castor.house.gov/constituentservices/serviceacademynominations.htm. I am always very thankful of the time and effort my Nomination Committee puts in every year to thoroughly reviewed each application and meet with each student individually, Castor continued. Tampa Bay is a patriotic community and my neighbors and I are proud of our role to develop strong and impressive young leaders that will shape the future of our armed forces and our nation. Castor will announce official appointmentsat a later date after being notified of appointments by the academies. Today's announcement is the conclusion of Castor's 2019 competitive nomination process. The nominees who receive an appointment from a U.S. military academy will attend their respective academies in the 2020-2021 school year. U.S. Rep. Castor granted her nomination to the following students for one or more of the U.S. military academies: Alexis Betances, Sickles High School USNA Anna Grace Brackin, Blake High School USNA, USAFA Chi Vu, Chamberlain High School USNA Christopher Sullivan, Plant High School USMA Cooper Palasti, Gaither High School USNA, USMA Estevan Fonseca, Hillsborough High School USAFA Everett Smalley, Plant High School USAFA Hope Marie Hotchkiss, Plant High School USNA Ian McGary, Plant High School USNA, USMA Jona Christensen, Tampa Catholic USAFA Jonathan Joyner, Robinson High School USNA, USAFA Josef Stooks, Steinbrenner High School USNA Justin Hileman, Steinbrenner High School USNA, USAFA Lucien Parker, Broadneck High School USMMA Marshall Hess, Oasis High School USNA Nicklaus King, Jesuit High School USMA Olivia Perez, Academy of the Holy Names USMMA Reagan Overton, King High School USMA, USNA Reyna Hernandez, Hillsborough High School USMA Robert A. Morris III, Berkeley Preparatory School USMA",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1816,CRIST HAILS PASSAGE OF LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill, which passed 230-192, provides the authority, mandate, and tools to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices, and caps annual out-of-pocket costs for people in Medicare Part D. The savings generated from lowering drug costs in H.R. 3 will be reinvested into a new Medicare vision, dental, and hearing benefit, and for critical innovative new treatments at NIH. Finally, the savings will create a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs. In the 13thCongressional District alone, 134,876 seniors enrolled in Medicare and 456,082 people with private insurance will pay significantly less under H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. For too long, Americans have been squeezed by high drug prices, while drug companies make record profits,said Rep. Crist. For too long, too many Americans have had to ration their medications, risking illness, injury, and death because their life saving drugs cost too much. But with passage of the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, a new day is dawning, one in which the playing field is leveled, and the buying power of the American people is brought to bear on the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in lower prices for all. Summary of Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: Establishes a fair price drug negotiation program to reduce the cost of certain high-priced drugs without competition; Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs under Medicare; Reverses years of price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare; Adds Medicare Part B comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing benefits; Increases the number of seniors who qualify for financial support in order to afford their prescription drugs and other health expenses through improvements to Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program and Medicare Savings Program (MSP); Makes a number of additional investments in Medicare that will lower beneficiary out-of-pocket costs; Builds on the successful Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) demonstration project to address health worker shortages and help Americans start careers that will lift their families out of poverty; Doubles investment in the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV), a proven tool to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity; Bolsters funding for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) investing over $10 billion with the goal accelerating the search for cures; Directs an additional $2 billion to invest in innovation and scientific expansion and other activities at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including; Invests $10 billion of direct funds toward the national opioid epidemic over the next five years; Invests $10 billion of direct funds in Community Health Centers, which serve 29 million Americans in communities across the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-legislation-lower-medical-costs,New Legislation to Lower Medical Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) voted for H.R. 3, a bill to lower prescription drug costs for American families, and to cover dental, vision, and hearing services under Medicare for the first time. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives and will now go to the Senate, was named in honor of U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings, who passed away earlier this year. One Ocoee mother, Victoria Sullivan Eaton, said As a family personally impacted by type one diabetes (T1D)a chronic, autoimmune disease not caused by lifestyle or dietwe feel the significant impacts of the rising cost of insulin daily. Having an affordable and predictable out-of-pocket cost for insulin is critical for families like mine, and we are grateful that Congress is looking carefully into this issue to support their constituents who live with, or love those with T1D. Said Rep. Demings, When America elected Democrats to the majority in the House of Representatives, we promised transformative legislation to bring down health care costs for the American people. Today we are continuing to keep that promise, passing groundbreaking legislation to allow Medicare to use its massive influence to negotiate with drug companies and force them to bring down costs for all Americans. This bill will also finally expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services, which are vital to our health and quality of life. No American should ever be priced out of lifesaving medical treatment, yet one third of Americans report that they or a loved one has had to skip doses, leave prescriptions unfilled, or simply forgo treatment entirely. Other countries do not have these same struggles, and I believe that in the greatest country on Earth, we shouldn't either. While our Congress has been one of the most productive in history, many of the bipartisan bills we have passed have been locked up in the Senate. I urge Senator McConnell, for the sake of our families and our communities, to allow a vote on this legislation. Background A full summary can be found here. H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, would expand health care coverage and would empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices. By forcing companies to bring down costs, Americans who rely on private insurance will also benefit from lower prices. Rep. Demings previously commissioned a special report on insulin prices in the 10th District. The report shows that because Medicare is not allowed to negotiate drug prices, the costs to Medicare are nearly four times higher than in the United Kingdom, five times higher than in Australia, and three times higher than in Canada. For uninsured patients, the costs can be as much as 21 times higher. H.R. 3 will do the following: Authorize the government to negotiate with drug manufacturers for lower drug costs. Cap annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare. Reinvest the savings in lowering out-of-pocket costs, closing coverage gaps, investing in R&D, and fighting the opioid crisis. Add new dental, vision, and hearing coverage to Medicare for the first time. 96% of beneficiaries in Florida's 10th District (105,200 people) would gain dental benefits. 71% of beneficiaries in Florida's 10th District (77,300 people) would gain vision benefits. 73% of beneficiaries in Florida's 10th District (70,200 people) would gain hearing benefits. Drug price negotiations would affect the 250 most expensive drugs in the country. These drugs are half of all Medicare Part D spending. They are needed by tens of millions of patients. Out of pocket costs for patients would be capped at $2,000. One-third of Americas say that they or a family member have skipped medication because they could not afford it. According to AARP, the average annual cost of prescription drugs rose nearly 58 percent between 2012 and 2017. H.R. 3 would require drug companies to pay rebates to patients if they increase prices faster than the rate of inflation. In Florida, 9.8% of residents 1,944,189 people live with diabetes. Over the past decade, the price of insulin has increased 197 percent, and Medicare Part D spending on insulin has increased 840 percent. For the most commonly used insulin medications, Florida residents spend anywhere from $1,200 to $20,000 annually. Under H.R. 3, Florida residents could spend 3.5 times less on insulin. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen by 76% from $19,800 to $4,800 per year. Under H.R. 3, some commonly used insulins can cost as little as $400 per year. In 2019, an estimated 19,130 women in Florida will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance by 65% from $69,000 to $23,900 per year. In 2019, an estimated 4,980 people in Florida will be diagnosed with leukemia. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna by 71% from $93,700 to $27,400 per year. In 2019, an estimated 11,860 people in Florida will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga by 66% from $109,500 to $37,400 per year. 21.5% of Florida residents have arthritis, 38% of whom experience severe joint pain because of it. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most arthritis drugs from$40,000 to $10,000 per year. About 7.5% or 1,258,262 Florida residents live with asthma. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from $1,400 to $270 per year. In 2015, 4,783 Florida residents were diagnosed with HIV. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most HIV drugs from $15,000 to $6,000 per year. One million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most MS drugs from $40,000 to $13,000 per year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3020,Tri-Caucus Chairs Announce New Initiative to Promote Diversity of House Committee Witnesses,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus which represents over half of the Democratic Caucus and includes the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced a new diversity initiative to track outside witnesses and experts invited to testify before House Committees beginning in January 2020. This initiative aims to ensure that a diversity of voices and perspectives are considered by committees as we work toward inclusive policies and legislation for the American people. The letter, which was sent to all committees and subcommittees in the House, was led by Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and co-signed by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Judy Chu (CA-27) and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37). Right now, we have our most diverse Congress in history and as Chairs of the Tri-Caucus, it is our responsibility to ensure that this House is doing everything possible to represent the full diversity of the American people. That is why we are calling on our own Committees, our own colleagues, to join us by inviting witnesses that reflect all the communities we represent: urban and rural, from every socioeconomic class, of every racial background, and evenly include experts of every gender, stated the Tri-Caucus Chairs. People of color and women are experts in their fields, but are not always called as witnesses before Congress. We hope that the Committees of the House will join us and keep diversity in the forefront of their work beginning in 2020. As Speaker of the House, I am proud of the historic diversity and dynamism of our Members and their staffs, which enrich our institution and strengthen our Majority's ability for fight For The People said Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12). We are grateful to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for taking this critical step to build on House Democrats' diversity initiative by ensuring that the work of our committees reflects that same priority of diversity. We must ensure that the Congress is listening to the full range of voices and values in our communities, so that the People's House continues to be a reflection of the American people whom it is our great honor to serve. I'm proud to be Majority Leader for a House Democratic Caucus that is the most diverse in American history, with a record number of women, LGBT Americans, and people of color. As we continue to promote a more diverse, transparent, and open Congress for the people, it is fitting that we ought to make sure that those who testify before the House on matters of great importance to the nation and our policymaking represent the full diversity of our country, said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-5). I wholeheartedly support this effort by the Tri-Caucus to track the diversity of committee witnesses and recommend ways to ensure a fuller representation of views and experiences among those testifying before Congress. As our country becomes more diverse, our Democratic caucus has gotten more diverse along with our staffs. We must ensure that the same diversity that lies within our caucus and nation is reflected in the witnesses that come before the Committees in the U.S. House of Representatives, said Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC-6). I strongly support this initiative and know that we will benefit tremendously from having more diverse individuals provide their expert testimony before our Committees. Through record engagement and activism, the women of this country helped deliver the Democratic majority and the most diverse Congress in history, including the 90 women in our caucus. Women excel in all areas, and it's important to have women's perspectives and experiences represented on every single issue, said Democratic Women's Caucus Co-Chairs Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Vice Chairs Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01). This initiative will make sure those voices are heard and help us more effectively work For The People. I know how difficult it was for me to imagine a Native American woman in Congress because it was something I had never seen before. In the same way that representation in our elected leaders is, it is equally important that Congress hears from these diverse voices at every turn whether it be at a briefing or in the committee room. That's why we're pushing for a radical shift in the way we approach hearings, so folks from all backgrounds have a seat at the table to share their expertise and experience. I'm grateful for the hard work it took to get to this place, and am proud to join the Tri-Caucus in their fight, added Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01). I'm proud to serve in the most diverse Congress in our nation's history, and to be one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress, said Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3). As a co-chair of the largest Equality Caucus in history, I'm proud help ensure LGBTQ+ voices are heard as we work towards equality for every person in this country. However, having diverse members is just one step towards bringing meaningful representation to these great halls. We must also bring a broader diversity of voices to our Congressional hearings, and in order to do so, we need to collect information about the current the diversity of the outside witnesses and experts in our Committees. Full text of the letter can be found here. Dear House Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, As Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus composed of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) we write to inform you about a Tri-Caucus diversity initiative we are planning to roll out starting January 2, 2020 to track the diversity of the outside witnesses and experts testifying before House committees and subcommittees. The policy making process will only benefit from ensuring diverse voices are part of Committee and subcommittee hearings. This will help ensure that our policies and legislation are inclusive and work for Americans of all backgrounds. The 116th Congress is the most diverse in our Nation's history. In the next few decades, the majority of the country will be composed of people of color. With an increasingly diverse population, a truly representative government must reflect the country's changing demographics to ensure fairness and legitimacy. This is especially critical for the U.S. House of Representatives, a chamber that was specifically designed to reflect the most direct will of the American people. Unfortunately, for many years, diverse communities have been marginalized or ignored during important policy making processes. This 116th Congress, it is imperative that we work to embrace, promote, and advance diversity in our halls and Committee panels. Starting January 2, 2020, the Tri-Caucus will launch a witness diversity survey that all Committees will be able to share with expert witnesses they invite to testify at Committee hearings. The initial survey will only count outside experts and advocates invited by Committees to provide testimony and will not count Administration or agency officials.On December 12, 2019, we will send a sample of the survey to all Committee staff directors and arrange meetings to brief staff about the survey and how we will be using the data collected. Between now and January 2, 2020 we welcome any feedback or comments you may have about this diversity initiative. If you have any questions about this process or the survey, please contact Stephanie Palencia at stephanie.palencia@mail.house.gov. Sincerely, Joaquin Castro Karen Bass Judy Chu CHC Chair CBC Chair CAPAC Chair # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-lawson-votes-to-pass-the-lower-drug-costs-now-act,Rep. Lawson Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2019 Rep. Lawson Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act WASHINGTON DC Today, U.S. Rep. Lawson (FL-05) voted to pass landmark legislation that would help to lower prescription drug cost for millions of Americans ---the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (HR 3). The skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs remain a real crisis for too many hard-working Americans who every day are forced to make the unthinkable choice between filling a prescription and paying their bills, Rep. Lawson said. This bill makes critical investments in both the largest expansion of Medicare benefits since its creation, as well as an expansion of lifesaving research for the groundbreaking cures of the future. This bill would deliver substantial savings to the 87,041people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, in Florida's Fifth District, and the 405,334 people individuals enrolled in private health insurance. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies, and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies from ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs, limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price in countries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs and admit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits and turbocharging the search for new cures. ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=283,"Rep. Mucarsel-Powell Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, For The People",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON TODAY,U.S.Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26)voted to pass H.R. 3, theElijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act bold, transformative legislation to strengthen the health and financial security of America's seniors and families. This legislation finally stops brand name pharmaceutical companies from forcing Americans to pay significantly more than those in other countries pay for the same drugs. The number one concern I hear from my constituents in Florida's 26thcongressional district is the high cost of healthcare, especially the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs. From Kendall to Key West, I've heard stories of patients forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving drugs. Meanwhile, Big Pharma has raked in billions in profits each year. This cannot continue, saidMucarsel-Powell. In addition to curbing the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs, theElijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Actwould cut Medicare spending by up to four hundred billion dollars. These savings would be used to strengthen life-saving health services, including Community Health Centers like Community Health of South Florida, or CHI, which plays a vital role in providing care to the uninsured and underinsured. The Lower Drug Costs Now Actfinally levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers. The bill: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companiesand creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs andadmit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries,and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental, and hearing benefits and turbocharging the search for new cures. For the 106,007 Florida 26thdistrict seniors enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and the 427,771 individuals enrolled in private health insurance, H.R. 3 will deliver substantial savings that will make a real difference in their lives. H.R. 3 will reduce drug costs for millions of Americans in FL-26 and across the state: Breast Cancer: Florida patients could save $45,100 off the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance per year; Leukemia: Florida patients could save $66,300 off the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna per year; Prostate Cancer: Florida patients could save $72,100 off the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga per year; Arthritis: Florida patients could save $30,000 off their total costs on most arthritis drugs per year; Asthma: Florida patients could save $1,130 off their total costs on most Asthma drugs per year; HIV/AIDS: Florida patients could save $9,000 off their total costs on most HIV/AIDS drugs per year; Multiple Sclerosis: Florida patientscouldsave $27,000 off their total costs on most MS drugs per year; Diabetes: Floridapatients could save$15,000off the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen per year. Additionally, H.R. 3's expansion of Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services represents a significant out-of-pocket savings for Florida's seniors, with: 97% of Medicare beneficiaries in Florida 26thDistrict are estimated to gaindental benefits; 51% of Medicare beneficiaries in Florida 26thDistrict are estimated to obtainvision benefits; 62% of Medicare beneficiaries in Florida 26thDistrict are estimated to securehearing benefits. On behalf of the people of South Florida and all Americans, I am proud to join my colleagues to passThe Lower Drug Costs Now Actto deliver significant savings for patients, employers, and taxpayers and make critical investments in both the largest expansion of Medicare benefits since Medicare's creation, as well as an expansion of lifesaving research for the groundbreaking cures of the future, continuedMucarsel-Powell. With this historic step, House Democrats reaffirm our continued commitment to advancing real progress that makes a difference for hard-working families. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2205,Rep. Shalala Statement on the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Shalala Statement on the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act Washington, December 12, 2019 | Carlos Condarco (2022253931) WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): I am proud to have voted to pass a bipartisan defense bill that will strengthen America's national security. I'm particularly proud that the House and Senate conferees agreed to include several of my amendments in the final conference report. This NDAA will ensure that DOD tuition assistance for active duty service members is protected, that stronger accountability measures are implemented towards predatory for-profit colleges, and that requirements in the U.S. Air Force contracting process are expanded so that small businesses in South Florida can compete on a level playing field with our nation's largest defense contractors. For more information on the provisions included in the NDAA, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2207,"Rep. Shalala Statement on the Passage of the H.R. 3, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: H.R. 3 is a historic bill that will lower the cost of prescription drugs by empowering the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices directly with the drug companies. It takes a monumental step to improve Medicare benefits by adding dental, hearing, and vision benefits and cap the out-of-pocket cost for drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Hubert Humphrey once said that the moral test of a government is how we treat children, seniors, the sick, the needy, and the disabled. Today, we met that moral test by passing H.R. 3. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment-against-trump,Wilson Statement on Articles of Impeachment Against Trump,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump: I was initially one of the holdouts on impeachment, preferring instead to see the committees that have jurisdiction over this issue make a strong, defensible case that would compel the American public to endorse such a serious step. When the whistleblower came forward with information about how President Trump abused the power of his office by trying to extort information from the Ukraine government about a political rival and withheld nearly $400 million that Congress had appropriated to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia, it became clear that our only choice was to move forward on impeachment. That information was a gift that opened people's eyes and set us on the right path. Mr. Trump also has consistently obstructed Congress by prohibiting current and former White House officials from testifying at hearings on the Ukraine issue, which begs the question of why. If he's as innocent as he proclaims, what is he afraid they will say? Abusing the power of office and obstructing Congress are crimes. These actions threaten our national security and our democracy. The president's fealty to Russian President Vladimir Putin is frightening and who knows what other foreign governments he might be trying to make deals with? We cannot allow him to believe that he is above the law because if we do, there's no telling what Mr. Trump will try to do during a second termand that's the scariest thought of all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-votes-to-pass-the-lower-drug-costs-now-act,Wilson Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, bold, transformative legislation to strengthen the health and financial security of America's seniors and families by finally stopping Americans from having to pay more for their medicines than what Big Pharma charges for the same drugs in other countries. For hard-working Americans in Florida and across the country, the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs remain a real crisis that threatens their health and financial security, said Rep. Wilson. While Big Pharma pads its profits with drug prices in the United States that are three, four, or even ten times higher than what they charge for the same drugs in other countries, too many American seniors and families are being forced to make the unthinkable choice between filling a prescription and paying their bills. This status quo is unsustainable, which is why House Democrats ran and won on our promise For The People, to lower health care costs by lowering the price of prescription drugs. By passing H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, that is exactly what we are doing. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act finally levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companiesand creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs andadmit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries,and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits and turbocharging the search for new cures. For 104,608 District 24 seniors enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and the 352,786 individuals enrolled in private health insurance, H.R. 3 will deliver substantial savings that will make a real difference in their lives. H.R. 3 will reduce drug costs for millions of Americans in District 24 and across Florida. Breast Cancer: Florida patients could save $45,100 off the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance per year; Leukemia: Florida patients could save $66,300 off the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna per year; Prostate Cancer: Florida patients could save $72,100 off the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga per year; Arthritis: Florida patients could save $30,000 off their total costs on most arthritis drugs per year; Asthma: Florida patients could save $1,130 off their total costs on most Asthma drugs per year; HIV/AIDS: Florida patients could save $9,000 off their total costs on most HIV/AIDS drugs per year; Multiple Sclerosis: Florida patients could save $27,000 off their total costs on most MS drugs per year; Diabetes: Florida patients could save $15,000 off the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen per year. Additionally, H.R. 3's expansion of Medicare coverage for dental, vision and hearing services represents a significant out-of-pocket savings for Florida seniors.. On behalf of the people of Florida and all Americans, I am proud to join my colleagues to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to deliver significant savings for patients, employers and taxpayers and make critical investments in both the largest expansion of Medicare benefits since Medicare's creation, as well as an expansion of lifesaving research for the groundbreaking cures of the future, continued Congresswoman Wilson.With this historic step, House Democrats reaffirm our continued commitment to advance real progress that makes a difference for hard-working families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401282,Hastings Statement on Passage of H.R.729,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the passage of H.R.729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, a package of ten bipartisan bills reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee which aims to protect vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities impacted by the climate crisis. H.R.729 included several amendments Hastings offered to ensure the inclusion of projects to address the immediate and long-term degradation or loss of coral and coral reefs and to address harmful algal blooms. (Please find attached a copy of Hastings Amendment #30, Hastings Amendment #31, and Crist/Rooney/Bonamici/Kaptur/Hastings Amendment #4) As a Representative of the State of Florida, which has almost 8,500 miles of coastline, I am proud to have voted in favor of H.R.729. This bipartisan legislative package is the start of a comprehensive effort to make our vulnerable coastal communities and economies responsive and resilient to the devastating effects of climate change. As we stand on the precipice of irreparable damage to our ecosystems, it is incumbent on us to respond aggressively and immediately to the threats of climate change. As one of our coastal safeguards of biodiversity and against severe oceanic events, coral reefs are currently under severe stress due to numerous threats such as pollution and warming waters. We must empower stakeholders to work to understand and combat the causes of the degradation and loss of coral. These habitats provide a site for biodiversity to flourish and an opportunity for communities to be directly involved in restoration and conservation projects that will bolster economic activity. My amendments ensure a clear message of Congressional intent to encourage partnerships to respond to the deterioration of coral reefs along our coasts. Additionally, I was pleased to join my colleagues, Representatives Charlie Crist (D-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) in offering Amendment #4 relating to the prevention of and response to algal blooms. These blooms are harmful to humans, wildlife, and impact South Florida's economy, as multiple sectors rely on a healthy natural environment to flourish. Thousands of jobs and livelihoods are supported in Florida by tourism, fishing, and other aspects of the coastal economy. In Florida alone, coral reefs support 70,000 jobs and create six billion dollars every year in local sales. Passage of this bill is a critical step in combatting climate change, and protecting the environment and economies of coastal communities in Florida and across our nation for generations to come. BACKGROUND: Hastings Amendment #30 expands the list of eligible activities for the award of Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Project Implementation Grants to include projects to address the immediate and long-term degradation or loss of coral and coral reefs. Hastings Amendment #31 includes coral reefs as eligible under the National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships program. Crist/Rooney/Bonamici/Kaptur/Hastings Amendment #4 clarifies that Section 323, the Climate Change Adaptation Preparedness and Response Program, includes projects to address harmful algal blooms. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1807,NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT INCLUDES CRIST AMENDMENT ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT INCLUDES CRIST AMENDMENT ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE f t # e Washington, DC, December 11, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on inclusion of his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act directing the Secretary of Defense to make fortifying our military installations against the threat of flooding and sea level rise a top priority. The Crist Amendment, approved by the House earlier this year, and protected in the final conference agreement coming to the floor today, would require the military to work with agencies that track climate change, like NOAA and NASA, to incorporate flooding and sea level rise projections into their plans for building new military installations and fortifying current ones. The NDAA conference agreement is slated to be voted on by the House today and is expected to be signed into law before the new year.Inclusion of this requirement will make America safer by fortifying bases like MacDill Air Force Base against rising sea levels and other impacts from climate change,said Rep. Crist. If we are not planning for sea level rise, we're putting national security and military readiness at risk. My amendment will strengthen American security assets from the threat of climate change, making bases and Pinellas families safer.We appreciate Congressman Crist's leadership on this important issue and applaud his commitment to protecting Florida's military communities from flooding and sea level rise, said Melissa Roberts, President & Executive Director of American Flood Coalition Action. With six of the ten AirForce installations most vulnerable to severe weather located in Florida, including Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base,it is critical that the Department of Defense takes into account sea level rise projections when building and strengthening our military installations. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1815,NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE PASSES HOUSE,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE PASSES HOUSE f t # e Washington, DC, December 11, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on House passage of the Conference Report for the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This comprehensive bill to protect our country, our servicemembers, and military families raises military pay by 3.1 percent the largest in history and provides 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers. The bill also allows servicemembers to receive compensation in cases of medical malpractice for the first time in history; repeals the Widow's Tax, which prevents surviving spouses from receiving the full benefits they are entitled to; creates a nationwide U.S. Coast Guard JROTC program that will kickstart a program at Pinellas Park High School; and reforms privatized military housing, like those at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, to include a Military Family Tenant's Bill of Rights. The NDAA House-Senate agreement was passed by a vote of 377-48 and is expected to be signed into law before the new year. With passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress has secured major victories for those in uniform and their families, said Rep. Crist. For Pinellas and MacDill Air Force Base families, the NDAA also marks a major victory as the federal government steps in to reform unsafe, poorly maintained privatized military housing like those plagued by mold. Additionally, the NDAA provides our community with the incredible opportunity to groom the next generation of Coast Guard leaders in our own backyard. This NDAA puts our servicemembers, their families, and my constituents first. The National Defense Authorization Act includes the follow provisions: Raises military pay by 3.1 percent; Provides 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers; Partial repeal of the Feres Doctrine, allowing members of the military for the first time to receive compensation for suffering from medical malpractice; Repeals the Widow's Tax, providing surviving spouses the full benefits they are entitled to; Creates a nationwide Coast Guard JROTC program, allowing local high schools to apply for their own USCG JROTC programs; and Reforms privatized military housing to protect our servicemembers and their families who live on base. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3018,"Frankel Measures Preventing Arms Race, Advancing Womens Contributions to Peace Security Included in Strong Democratic NDAA",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, two measures introduced by Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) to strengthen national security passed in the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The first provision prevents President Trump from plunging the United States and Russia into a new nuclear arms race. It prohibits funding to produce or deploy missiles that were banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and requires the Administration to demonstrate that it is pursuing diplomatic and strategic options to lessen the risks following Trump's withdrawal from the treaty. The world already has enough nuclear weapons to destroy civilization. With this provision, we're opting for diplomacy instead of nuclear proliferation, said Congresswoman Frankel. The bill also includes a section from the Women and Countering Violent Extremism Act, which Representative Frankel co-introduced. This piece of the legislation authorizes research on the intersection of gender and violent extremism and terrorism, including the relationship between terrorism and gender-based violence, women's empowerment at the household level, and adolescent girls' empowerment. This proposal will improve U.S. counterterrorism and peacebuilding efforts by focusing on women's roles as victims, perpetrators, and preventers of violent extremism, said Frankel. Frankel continued, This NDAA works For The People to strengthen our national and economic security. It ensures 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for workers across the federal government and keeps us safe by empowering women around the world, reducing wasteful spending, and advancing our leadership on the global stage. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 337 to 48. It will now go to the Senate for final passage. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3019,DEMOCRATIC WOMENS CAUCUS AND THE DEMOCRATIC POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE LEAD 84 CONGRESSWOMEN IN DEMANDING SENATE ACTION ON KEY LEGISLATION IMPACTING WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Co-Chairs of the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21) and Jackie Speier (CA-14), Vice Chairs Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01), and House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-12) led 84 Congresswomen in a letter demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to act on bipartisan legislation that benefits American women and their families. Several Congresswomen marched with the DWC and DPCC from the House Floor to Senator McConnell's office today and hand-delivered the letter, including: Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark (MA-5) and Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-3). House Democratic Women are not only fighting for the economic opportunity and the health of individuals, but we are also fighting for legislation that would empower women globally, combat the climate crisis, support women servicemembers and veterans, provide equality for all, and ensure women and families are able to live free from violence. For too long, women and their families have been held back. House Democrats recognize that when women and girls have equal access to the tools needed to succeed, communities across our country are more prosperous. It is time for Senate Republicans to stop obstructing and expeditiously take action on House-passed legislation that would strengthen the well-being of more than half of all Americans. Women and girls deserve better, the Congresswomen wrote. WATCH Complete text of the letter to Senator McConnell is attached and below. December 11, 2019 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader S-230 United States Capitol Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator McConnell, We write to urge swift Senate action on House of Representatives-passed legislation that would directly benefit women and their families across this country. In 2018, a record number of women, including a historic number of women of color, were elected to Congress. In the first year of the 116th Congress, the 90 women in the Democratic Women's Caucus have spearheaded a legislative agenda to strengthen the health, economic security, and the well-being of our communities. The House has passed more than 275 bipartisan pieces of legislation that continue to languish in the Senate. For example, in a bipartisan vote, the House passed H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Act, landmark legislation that responds to our nation's crisis of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In March, the House passed H.R. 7, The Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to ensure equal pay and promote economic security for families by breaking patterns of discrimination and strengthening the Equal Pay Act. Despite being breadwinners in most families with children, women who work full-time and year-round still only make 80 cents on the dollar for men's earnings. This disparity is even greater for women of color. H.R.582, the Raise the Wage Act, which passed out of the House with bipartisan support, would increase the federal minimum wage. By raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, the legislation would give 33.5 million Americans a pay increase, including one in four women workers. In addition, the House has passed legislation that strengthens healthcare by protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions and lowering prescription drug costs. However, Senate Republicans have refused to act. H.R. 986 and H.R 987, two bills that strengthen health care and reverse the Trump Administration's sabotage of the Affordable Care Act, passed out of the House in May of 2019. Women and families deserve action to address the maternal mortality crisis, lower health care costs, and expand access to care, including reproductive health care. House Democratic Women are not only fighting for the economic opportunity and the health of individuals, but we are also fighting for legislation that would empower women globally, combat the climate crisis, support women servicemembers and veterans, provide equality for all, and ensure women and families are able to live free from violence. For too long, women and their families have been held back. House Democrats recognize that when women and girls have equal access to the tools needed to succeed, communities across our country are more prosperous. It is time for Senate Republicans to stop obstructing and expeditiously take action on House-passed legislation that would strengthen the well-being of more than half of all Americans. Women and girls deserve better.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1182,House Approves Defense Bill that Includes Four Murphy-Led Measures to Strengthen National Security,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Approves Defense Bill that Includes Four Murphy-Led Measures to Strengthen National Security In total, over 20 Murphy-authored measures have already passed the House in 2019 f t # e Washington, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTONThe U.S. House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation that authorizes funding for the U.S. military and intelligence community and includes four provisions spearheaded by U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., to strengthen national security. In addition, theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020(NDAA) provides the largest pay increase for military service members in a decade. It is likely to be approved by the Senate soon and then sent to the President to be signed into law. The Murphy-led provisions will require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to develop a strategy to combat the use of deep fake technology by foreign adversaries to undermine American security and democracy, which will be the first deep fakes federal legislation ever to become law; require the DNI to craft a plan to prevent Iran from establishing an enduring presence in Syria that could threaten U.S. and Israeli interests; establish a notification process to Congress that will deter executive branch officials, including the President, from sharing highly-sensitive information with foreign adversaries like Russia; and make it easier for younger Americans to get jobs in public service working for the federal government. I proudly voted for the House-passed bipartisan legislation to provide a well-deserved pay increase to our service members and support the quiet heroes in the intelligence community who help keep our nation safe and free,said Murphy, a former national security specialist at the Pentagon.I am especially pleased this critical defense bill includes four measures I authored to safeguard our country from threats, protect classified information, support our allies like Israel, and streamline the process for young Americans to work in public service. The 2020 NDAA includes: An amendment Murphy offered with Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., on deep fake technology, which is the digital falsification of images, video, and audio to portray an individual as having done or said something he or she didn't do or say.By sowing confusion, deep fake technology can be used by foreign nations to undermine U.S. security interests.The Murphy measure will require the DNI to provide Congress with a comprehensive strategy to deter and respond to the use of deep fake technology by foreign adversaries intended to harm the United States. A Murphy amendment that addresses the threat posed to the U.S. and Israel by Iran's presence in Syria.Syria borders Israel to the northeast and American troops operate in the country.Murphy's provision requires the DNI to craft a comprehensive strategy to prevent Iran and its terrorist proxy Hezbollah from using Syria as a platform to attack Israel, threaten American forces, and further destabilize the region. The language of H.R. 3476, thePOISE Act, which Murphy introduced with Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. Murphy and Himes filed thePOISE Actin response to a 2017 incident in which President Trump disclosed highly-sensitive information to senior Russian officials during a White House meeting. This information had evidently been entrusted to the United States by its ally Israel. ThePOISE Actspecifies that Congress must be notified when a member of the executive branch, including the President, disclosessensitiveinformation to aforeign adversary outside of established intelligence channels, namely the governments of North Korea, Iran, China, Russia, and Cuba.The purpose of the provision is to deter careless disclosure of classified information and to enable Congress to take steps to mitigate the harm if such disclosures do occur. An amendment that Murphy authored, working with Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., to authorize federal agencies to use expedited procedures to hire younger Americans to avoid a potentially debilitating worker shortage in the coming decades.As Chair of Future Forum, Murphy has focused attention on encouraging younger Americans to choose careers in public service and fought to reduce barriers that too often discourage younger Americans from serving their country. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402710,"Deutch, Wilson Introduce Resolution Supporting Iranian People's Right to Protest Regime",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), respectively the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism, introduced a resolution (H.Res. 752) supporting the people of Iran's peaceful and legitimate protests against the oppressive and corrupt regime in Tehran.The resolution can be accessed here. ""As Iranians from across the country take to the streets to protest their oppressive government, they are met with violence and live fire by Iranian authorities leading to the deaths of hundreds of innocent people,"" Chairman Deutch said. ""The Iranian regime has an infamous reputation for egregious human rights abuses against its own people, including by censoring the internet, restricting both religious freedom and political participation, imprisoning journalists, and torturing political dissidents. Congress stands with the Iranian people. The Iranian government must end its violent suppression of the protests and respect the Iranian people's right to live in a free society."" With this resolution, Congress is sending the strong, bipartisan message to the people of Iran that we support their democratic aspirations and will do everything in our power to hold this regime accountable for its deliberate human rights violations, said Congressman Joe Wilson. I am grateful to my colleague Chairman Ted Deutch for introducing this important measure and working together on behalf of freedom and democracy for the people of Iran. The United States must always stand with the people of Iran in their struggle for liberty.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402711,"Reps. Deutch, Luria Call on White House to Condemn Anti-Semitic Website TruNews",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) sent a letter to White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney asking him to condemn the anti-Semitic comments by TruNews founder and host Rick Wiles and deny TruNews any future access to the White House.In a video posted to the TruNews website on November 22, 2019, founder and host Rick Wiles denigrates Jews and repeats vicious anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, saying, ""That's the way the Jews work. They are deceivers. They plot, they lie, they do whatever they have to do to accomplish their political agenda. This impeach Trump movement is a Jew coup. And the American people better wake up to it really fast. As the Members state in the letter, ""An extremist website that frequently attacks Jews and other minorities has no place in the White House. President Trump and other officials in this Administration should publicly condemn these anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and make clear that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated by this White House, including from its supporters."" Click here to access the signed letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1806,"CRIST AMENDMENT SECURES RED TIDE FUNDING IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH BILL, PASSES HOUSE",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"CRIST AMENDMENT SECURES RED TIDE FUNDING IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH BILL, PASSES HOUSE f t # e Washington, DC, December 10, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist released the following statement on inclusion of his amendment to H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, which passed the House this afternoon by a vote of 262-151. The Crist amendment, which passed by a vote of 297-121, would clarify that projects to address harmful algae blooms, such as red tide, are eligible for, and more likely to receive, funding from the new grant program created by the underlying bill. This grant program awards funds to states to promote coastal resiliency and address climate change.Last year, Pinellas County was hit hard by red tide harming our beaches, our wildlife, and our economy. As Floridians, we must pursue all avenues to combat this threat head-on,said Rep. Crist. This amendment prioritizes red tide mitigation and eradication projects as we redouble our efforts in The People's House to fight climate change and its impact on our coastal communities. H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, is a bipartisan package of bills protecting vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. The bill creates programs to support Tribal, state, and community projects that protect, restore, and preserve coastal zones and working waterfronts; as well as helping communities prepare for and respond to climate change. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=282,House Passes Mucarsel-Powell Amendment Providing Grants for Coral Reefs,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,M001207,mucarsel-powell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell(FL-26)applauded bipartisan House passage of her amendment toH.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act.H.R. 729 creates a federal grant program under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assist states, local governments, and non-governmental organizations in the construction of living shorelines. Rep. Mucarsel-Powell's amendment ensures that coral reefs are eligible for these grants. Coral reefs have a tremendous amount of biodiversity that is unparalleled under the surface. They are the rainforest of the ocean and they are essential for our tourism industry and for our fishing industry both recreational and commercial,said Mucarsel-Powell. With this amendment, we will be taking an important step forward in our efforts to protect and restore our reefs. H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, is a package of ten bipartisan bills passed by the House of Representatives today, December 10, 2019. Floor Speech can be foundHERE. Bill text can be foundHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2204,Shalala Statement on House Reaching an Agreement on USMCA,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement on Speaker Pelosi's announcement that the House of Representatives has reached an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) with United States Trade Representative Lighthizer: I am happy to hear that Congressional leadership and Ambassador Lighthizer have reached a deal on the USMCA. For months now, I've been hearing from businesses and workers in my district about the importance of improving our trade relationship with our largest trading partners. I plan to carefully review the provisions of this agreement, but if it levels the playing field, provides necessary protections, and lays the foundation for expansion of American prosperity, I will support it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/miami-constituent-and-haitian-activist-leonie-m-hermantintestifies,Miami Constituent and Haitian Activist Leonie M. HermantinTestifies Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson welcomed Haitian activist and community leader Leonie M. Hermantin to the nation's capital where she testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs today. She was one of several experts invited to speak at a hearing on Haiti on the Brink: Assessing U.S. Policy Toward a Country in Crisis. Haiti has for the past year been embroiled in a political crisis that is creating a humanitarian one. Ongoing protests have blocked roads, businesses are going bankrupt, thousands of children have for months been unable to attend school, and more than three million Haitians are struggling to meet their daily food requirements. Today's hearing was the first time a House committee has focused issues related to the island nation, even though it has been struggling to recover from various natural and man-made disasters for nearly a decade. Although Congresswoman Wilson does not sit on the Foreign Affairs Committee, she represents one of the nation's largest Haitian communities and was invited to recommend a witness and to also speak at the hearing. In October, Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined the Florida lawmaker in Miami for a roundtable discussion on Haiti. As a nation of values and the rule of law, we cannot remain silent when there are credible allegations of corruption, human rights abuses and other atrocities in Haiti, Congresswoman Wilson said. We must speak up. But first we must listen. That's why today's hearing is so important and timely. I hope it is the first of many congressional hearings on Haiti. Hermantin, who is the director of development, communication and strategic planning for Miami's Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, urged U.S. policymakers to increase support for cross-border anticorruption programs, which she said will have an immediate effect on local governance and yield positive impacts on social and economic policies. She also recommended that the Unites States partner Haitians and diaspora experts on programs to aid Haiti instead of large development organizations. USAID has just launched a project in partnership with the Haitian government, which itself is a party to the ongoing crisis. We need to be more creative and stop using unsuccessful strategies with the same actors who propose the same programs under different titles to get the same results, Hermantin said. The Haitian people and the diaspora demand accountability and transparency, neither of which are always forthcoming under current USAID practices. Hermantin also implored the committee to not treat Haiti's humanitarian crisis, which threatens to grow worse, with the urgency it deserves and desperately needs. We cannot close our ears, minds, nor our hearts, she said. We cannot absolve ourselves from what is to come. To view the hearing, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3017,ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Defends Voting Rights on the House Floor,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC On Friday, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to support H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation to restore the strength of the Voting Rights Act to combat voter discrimination. The bill passed the house by a vote of 228 to 187 and now goes to the Senate. The House has passed more than 275 bipartisan bills this Congress that are now stuck in the Senate, where Mitch McConnell refuses to bring them to the floor for a vote. Below are Rep. Frankel's remarks as delivered: Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. It has been a hard-fought right, because we must ensure that every American that is eligible to vote can make their voice heard. And this right has been trampled on after the Shelby County v. Holder court decision which has unleashed a flood of state and local voter suppression laws and silencing targeted voters, particularly communities of color. And in my home state of Florida, laws and policies have cut back early voting, established English-only ballots, and are now trying to thwart efforts to restore voting rights to ex-felons, hurting the access to the ballot box for Floridians. H.R. 4 will push back against suppressive voting laws, restoring the great equalizer for democracy, and for our people. For video of the speech, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2203,"Media Advisory: Reps. Shalala, Frankel, Mucarsel-Powell, and Wilson to Hold Press Call Ahead of this Weeks Vote to Lower Drugs Costs",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Tomorrow, Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) along with Reps. Lois Frankel(FL-21), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) will host a press call for Florida reporters Tuesday, December 10, at 4 PM EST ahead of a Thursday vote in the U.S House of Representatives to pass the landmark Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drugs Costs Now Act. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies to bring down prices and make those savings available to Floridians with private insurance too, not just those on Medicare. The Members will highlight data on how the bills will help Florida patients. WHO: Representatives Donna Shalala (FL-27), Lois Frankel(FL-21), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) WHAT: Call with Florida media ahead of historic passage of Lower Drug Costs Now Act. WHEN: Tuesday, December 10, at 4 PM EST Dial-in number: 425-436-6200 Access Code: 546782 THE LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT WOULD LOWER DRUG COSTS AND EXPAND BENEFITS: The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would: Give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies to bring down prices and create powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions; Make the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance too, not just those on Medicare; Stop drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs by limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug; Create a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for people on Medicare; Save taxpayers approximately $500 billion over the next ten years and reinvest that savings into: Expanding Medicare benefits to cover things like dental, vision and hearing, Combatting the addiction crisis, and Researching new cures and treatments. THE LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT WOULD SAVE MONEY: Independent experts found the Lower Drug Costs Now Act would: Save American households $120 billion. Save private businesses more than $40 billion. Save taxpayers approximately $500 billion and reinvests that savings to expand benefits. Additional Background on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402707,Rep. Deutch Op-Ed: The US should adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism,2019-12-07,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Op-Ed: The US should adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism The Times of Israel December 7, 2019Click here to access the op-ed on the Times of Israel website. After more than 100 Jewish graves were desecrated in the French city of Westhoffen this week, French leaders condemned the anti-Semitic graffiti and vowed to take action. Anti-Semitism is a crime and we will fight it in Westhoffen as everywhere until our dead can sleep in peace, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Strong words by national leaders can help delegitimize bigotry and send messages of support to at-risk communities. But strong actions can help prevent the violence and punish the perpetrators. In the United States, we are by no means exempt from the growing and troubling trend of anti-Semitic incidents, from graffiti to vile language to physical attacks. It was just over one year ago that the deadliest attack on American Jews occurred when a gunman killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. It was earlier this year that Lori Gilbert-Kaye was killed as she attended Shabbat services at the Chabad of Poway, California. Jews have been targeted, harassed, and even attacked while walking in their neighborhoods and heading to school in New York City. According to the FBI's 2018 Hate Crime Statistics Act report, 57.8% of hate crimes motivated by religious bias were against Jews. Conspiracy theories that Jews control the government, the media, and global finance have found their way into daily discourse and political advertisements and are spread far and wide on the internet. In Congress, we have not been silent. Four years ago, we launched the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism as a forum for understanding the threats against Jews at home and abroad and developing legislative ways to address them. After hearing firsthand accounts of the worsening climate for Jewish students on college campuses, I introduced the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act to strengthen the US Department of Education's ability to respond to anti-Semitic incidents. I also helped pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen the US Department of State's envoy for combating anti-Semitism, a position Elan Carr holds with great distinction. It is now time for a broader approach that raises the level of our federal government's strategy for combating anti-Semitism in our communities. Only hours after the desecration of the cemeteries in Westhoffen, the French National Assembly voted to adopt an internationally-recognized definition of anti-Semitism, joining dozens of other countries who have already done the same. This working definition was established in 2016 by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), an organization made up of 34 member countries, including the United States, focused on international coordination in combating anti-Semitism and rejecting Holocaust denial. The goal was to create a tool to help educate people about this form of bigotry, make it easier to identify anti-Semitism in everyday situations, and aid governments in developing effective responses to it. Since 2016, over a dozen countries have adopted or endorsed the definition, as have the European Parliament and the Secretary-General of the Organization for American States. The United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres acknowledged the IHRA Definition, saying that such a definition can serve as a basis for law enforcement, as well as preventive policies. In the recently released first-ever United Nations report focused exclusively on anti-Semitism, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Ahmed Shaheed recommends that all countries adopt the IHRA definition. Opponents of this definition argue that it would encroach on Americans' right to freedom of speech. But this definition was drafted not to regulate free speech or punish people for expressing their beliefs, however hateful they may be. It would not suddenly make it illegal to tweet denial of the Holocaust or go on television accusing Jews of being more loyal to Israel than the United States. But it would identify those views as anti-Semitic. This definition can serve as an important tool to guide our government's response to anti-Semitism. Here at home, the definition is already used by the Departments of State and Education. It is time for the United States to tackle the scourge of anti-Semitism by identifying, condemning, and combating it wherever it rears its ugly head. It is time to adopt the IHRA definition in the United States, and Congress has a critical role to play. This will not only send a clear message of support to the American Jewish community that feels under increasing threat by the rise in anti-Semitic attacks, but it would lay the groundwork for a whole-of-government strategy to combat anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is a global problem. It cuts across racial, religious, political and ethnic lines. It's time for our federal government to lead by example and use the IHRA definition as a guide for protecting the American Jewish community. About the Author Ted Deutch is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Florida's 22nd congressional district.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403122,U.S. House Passes the Voting Rights Advancement Act,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement on the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), H.R. 4, that would restore the protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act: share: f t U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement on the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), H.R. 4, that would restore the protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act: The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. Many brave men and women marched, bled and died to secure this fundamental right. Today, the House acted to restore the vital protections of Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act and improve access to the ballot box, said Castor. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted voting protections in Shelby County v. Holder and paved the way for states - including Florida - to interfere with the right to vote. Voter suppression campaigns, voter roll purges and insidious barriers to the voting booth, including elimination of preclearance' requirements in Florida, swept the country. The Voting Rights Advancement Act passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives today will help ensure that Floridians and all Americans are not subjected to harmful and unreasonable voting restrictions. The right to register, vote, and be assured that our vote counted equally to all other Americans' vote, for more than 110 years, been crucial to the national NAACP, the state of Florida, and the people of Hillsborough County, said Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP. Because of our sad history of racism and discrimination, when it came to who could register and vote in our area, Hillsborough County has, since the mid- 1970's, been required to obtain preclearance before making any changes to the time, place, or manner of casting a vote. Those who proposed the changes in the voting process had to demonstrate that there would be no racial or ethnic discrimination or disenfranchisement if their proposal were to be implemented. Congresswoman Castor is to be commended by all of us for her hard work and support of H.R. 4, which restores and strengthens the vitality of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, allowing every Floridian and every American to have their voices heard in our great democracy. Hillsborough County met the requirements of the Voting Rights Act before it was challenged, and we continue to go to great lengths to make voting in Hillsborough County accessible to everyone. I see this as a way to not only ensure the fairness of the voting process, but to increase confidence that we're doing the right thing, said Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. Since the Shelby County decision, at least 23 states have enacted newly restrictive statewide voting laws, which have been shown to have a disproportionate impact on communities of color and language-minority communities. The VRAA establishes practice-based preclearance to focus administrative or judicial review narrowly on suspect practices that are most likely to be tainted by discriminatory intent or to have discriminatory effects, as demonstrated by historical record. The bill expands preclearance practices including: changes that reduce the days or hours of in-person voting on Sundays during early voting periods and new procedures for voter purges where a jurisdiction includes racial or language minority populations above a certain percent threshold. Under Governor Rick Scott, Florida saw unprecedented attacks on both voting rights and even routine election procedures, Castor continued. Scott blocked requests to use university campuses as voting sites, cut the number of early-voting days and halted the use of remote sites for voters to submit mail ballots. Scott even went so far as to refuse to extend the voter registration deadline, after ordering evacuations due to a hurricane. With passage of the VRAA, my neighbors can look forward to reestablishing protections we have missed during this lapse of the Voting Rights Act. H.R. 4 is supported by more than 60 national organizations, including the NAACP, League of Women Voters of the United States, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Native American Rights Fund, AAUW, ACLU, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, SEIU, UAW, Sierra Club, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2201,"Congresswoman Shalala Introduces Legislation to Increase Number of Green Cards Available, Eliminate the Backlog, and Keep Families Together",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) introduced the Resolving Extended Limbo for Immigrant Employees and Families (RELIEF) Act, a bill that would eliminate the family and employment green card backlog by increasing the number of green cards available for those purposes. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) is an original cosponsor of the bill. The Relief Act is the House companion to S.2603, a bill filed earlier this year in the Senate by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Leahy (D-VT). For years now, businesses in my district and across America have been hamstrung when trying to attract the world's best talent because of our outdated family and employment-based green card policies said Shalala. This bill is a commonsense solution that will keep families together, streamline our immigration processes, and make America more competitive in our increasingly globalized world. In Florida, the green card backlog breaks up too many families, sidetracks too many careers and constrains too many businesses to leave unaddressed. These outdated policies benefit no one, and this bill would modernize this flawed system, Wasserman Schultz said. The RELIEF Act would make America more competitive and help keep the families of our friends and co-workers together. The RELEIF Act would eliminate the family and employment-based green card backlog within five years. Additionally, it would help keep American families together by reclassifying spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (LPR) to be exempt from annual green card limits, protect aging out children who qualify for LPR status based on a parent's immigration petition, and lift country caps on the number of available green cards. Nearly four million future Americans are on the immigrant visa waiting list, in addition to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the United States who are also waiting for green cards. However, under current law only 226,000 family green cards and 140,000 employment green cards are available annually. You can find the full text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-joins-house-democrats-pass-voting-rights-advancement-act,Rep. Soto Joins House Democrats to Pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Soto Votes to Pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) joined House Democrats in passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), legislation that restores voting protections in states with a recent history of discrimination. Five years after the Supreme Court's Shelby County v. Holder decision that gutted the Voting Rights Act, the VRAA creates a modern-day formula to determine which jurisdictions have had a recent history of voter discrimination. The VRAA addresses a wave of voter ID laws, racial gerrymandering and other voter suppression tactics enacted at the state level. The VRAA restores preclearance enforcement of jurisdictions that have had repeated voting rights violations within the last 25 years. ""The fight for voting rights is as urgent today as it was over 50 years ago when the VRA was first enacted,"" said Rep. Soto. ""The passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act is just one step further in our work to prevent discrimination, protect the rights of all voters and restore the promise of voter equality for all Floridians."" The VRAA seeks to restore full protections to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by reinstating the legislative enforcement arm. Specifically, the bill will take into account the Shelby ruling and update the VRA pre-clearance provision to focus on states with a recent history of discrimination. There are three ways to become a covered jurisdiction: States with a history of 15 or more violation at any level in the previous 25 years; States with a history of 10 or more violation, if one violation occurs at the state level in the previous 25 years; Subdivisions with 3 or more violations in the subdivision in the previous 25 years. Should the VRAA become law, 11 current states are expected to require the Justice Department to pre-clear changes to state voting laws: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1803,CRIST LEADS FLORIDA DEMOCRATS TO STOP SOLAR SUNSET,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) led alettersigned by all 13 Democratic members of the Florida Congressional delegation urging an extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) before the end of the year. In the letter, the Members cite the solar credit's unique and critical role in the health of Florida's environment, economy, and future. In addition to being extremely vulnerable to climate change, Florida is #2 in the nation for solar jobs and projected solar deployment over the next five years. The Solar ITC is scheduled to begin to sunset from 30 percent to 26 percent at the end of this year just 27 days from now.Allowing this phase-down to begin would stunt the continued growth of the solar industry something that will be particularly harmful in Florida,the Members wrote. Failure to extend the ITC will also make it more difficult to reach net zero emissions by 2050. According to Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, extending the ITC would drive $87 billion in economic activity, create 113,000 jobs, and offset 363 million metric tons of carbon emissions over the next ten years or roughly 21% of all U.S. electric emissions. The Members continue, It's no secret that Florida is already feeling the impacts of climate change. Rising seas, severe weather events, and harmful algae blooms have become daily realities for our constituents. A 2018 report from the International Panel on Climate Change found that rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented policy reforms are needed in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This includes reaching net zero emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050. One of the fastest and simplest ways to do this is to incentivize a transition to a clean energy economy and the ITC is a powerful federal tool available to help us meet that goal. The Members' full letter can be viewedhere, the text of which appearing below. December 4, 2019 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Steny Hoyer Speaker Majority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer, As representatives from the Sunshine State, we write today to urge you to support an extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar energy within end-of-year, must-pass legislation. We are specifically requesting your support during negotiations with the Senate for the five-year extension included in Chairman Thompson's GREEN Act discussion draft.[1]While there are a number of critical clean energy tax incentives also included in the discussion draft, we are particularly excited about the benefits that an extended solar ITC will provide. It's no secret that Florida is already feeling the impacts of climate change. Rising seas, severe weather events, and harmful algae blooms have become daily realities for our constituents. A 2018 report from the International Panel on Climate Change found that rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented policy reforms are needed in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This includes reaching net zero emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050.[2]One of the fastest and simplest ways to do this is to incentivize a transition to a clean energy economy and the ITC is a powerful federal tool available to help us meet that goal. The ITC, which was enacted in 2006, is an environmental and economic success story. Thanks to the ITC, the solar industry has grown more than 10,000% since its inception, with an average growth of 52% per year.[3]The resulting increase in solar deployment helps to reduce emissions and combat climate change critical to the health of Florida's environment, economy, and future. In addition to the environmental benefits, the ITC has far-reaching economic impacts. The ITC has helped create more than 200,000 jobs nationwide and added $140 billion to the economy.[4]While Florida's solar deployment had previously lagged behind other states, it currently ranks second in the nation for number of solar jobs and, most significantly, ranks second for projected solar deployment over the next five years.[5] Unfortunately, despite the progress that has been made, solar deployment remains limited at 2.3% of generation nationwide, and the ITC is set to begin phasing-down at the end of this year. Allowing this phase-down to begin would stunt the continued growth of the solar industry something that will be particularly harmful in Florida. Failure to extend the ITC will also make it more difficult to reach net zero emissions by 2050. According to Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, extending the ITC would drive $87 billion in economic activity, create 113,000 jobs, and offset 363 million metric tons of carbon emissions over the next ten years or roughly 21% of all U.S. electric emissions.[6] It is clear that solar energy is a critical tool in our fight against climate change and in our move toward a clean energy economy. For these reasons, we urge you to support a five-year extension of the solar energy ITC within end-of-year, must-pass legislation. Sincerely, ___________________________ ___________________________ Charlie Crist (FL-13) Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20) MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS ___________________________ ___________________________ Darren Soto (FL-9) Donna E. Shalala (FL-27) MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS ___________________________ ___________________________ Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) Kathy Castor (FL-14) MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS ___________________________ ___________________________ Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) Lois Frankel (FL-21) MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS ___________________________ ___________________________ Al Lawson (FL-5) Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS ___________________________ ___________________________ Ted Deutch (FL-22) Val Demings (FL-10) MEMBER OF CONGRESS MEMBER OF CONGRESS ___________________________ Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) MEMBER OF CONGRESS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-soto-pushes-national-memorial-pulse-nightclub-shooting-victims,Rep. Soto Pushes National Memorial for Pulse Nightclub Shooting Victims,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,,,legacy,"12/4/2019 647 S.151 Yea 12/4/2019 646 H.RES.739 Yea 12/4/2019 645 H.RES.739 Yea 12/3/2019 644 S.178 Yea 12/3/2019 643 H.RES.546 Yea",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-speaks-out-against-hud-illegal-withholding-puerto-rico-aid,Rep. Soto Speaks Out Against HUD Illegal Withholding of Puerto Rico Aid,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) joined other Members of Congress for a press conference to mark 90 days since the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) broke the law. The Department ignored a statutory deadline to issue a Federal Register notice detailing how Puerto Rico can use $8.2 billion in disaster relief aid appropriated by Congress through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and continues to withhold $1.9 billion for electric grid upgrades. Puerto Ricans continue to suffer from major hurricanes that made landfall more than two years ago while HUD illegally withholds this aid. Rep. Soto delivered the following remarks at the press conference: ""Puerto Rico suffered the disaster that was Hurricane Irma. They suffered the disaster that was Hurricane Maria, and now they suffer from the disaster of the lawless Presidency of Donald J. Trump. We know the games they're playing. They're requiring local governments with no money to try and put up funding when they have no ability to do that. They're slow-rolling contracts, asking for additional details, beyond additional details, beyond additional details, that states like Texas and Florida have already been able to rebuild with. When you land in San Juan like I've done many times, much of the city looks back to normal, other than a few buildings, but when you go out to the suburbs and the countryside, it's unmistakable. It looks like the hurricane just happened last week. When you go to places like Canóvanas, or Lares, or Utuado, where more than half the homes there are in disrepair and people are waiting for funds to rebuild. You go to Vieques, they got a hospital that hasn't been open in years and cancer patients and diabetes patients need to go on a boat just to get back to the island for healthcare. When you look at schools that have been closed and mold has set a hold on these places where they can't even be opened right now, you truly understand the devastation that is withholding these funds,"" said Rep. Soto. ""We allocated $42 billion in February 2018. It's unfathomable that most of this money hasn't gotten there yet,"" said Rep. Soto. ""So, the question is, President Trump are you going to end your personal vendetta against Puerto Rico and finally do the right thing? These are Americans down on the island. Over 3.1, 3.2 million people who every day face the same indignation from your inaction, your anger against the island. It's time to finally be Presidential and do the right thing for my brothers and sisters on the island.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-soto-demings-and-murphys-pulse-memorial-bill-gets-heard-natural-resources,"Reps. Soto, Demings and Murphy's Pulse Memorial Bill Gets Heard at the Natural Resources Committee",2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) spoke at the Natural Resources Committee's legislative hearing on H.R. 3094 that calls for the designation of Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized National Memorial Site. This bill was introduced in June of this year on the two-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting which directly targeted members of the LGBTQ and Hispanic community. ""This memorial will be critical for our nation to remember those 49 angels we lost, providing a place for reflection and to pay respects, and educate future generations on combatting hate against our LGBTQ and LatinX communities,"" said Rep. Soto. Rep. Val Demings said, ""This important legislation is one step closer to law. The victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting deserve to be remembered in a special way. We lost so much on June 12, 2016, but we must continue to stand united as we work to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community for all people."" ""I'm proud to be part of this joint effort to designate Pulse as a National Memorial Site,"" said Rep. Stephanie Murphy. ""We owe it to the families and loved ones of the 49 victims to honor their memories by dedicating a national memorial that reflects the same love, hope, and respect that showed the world why we are Orlando Strong. I will keep working with Reps. Soto and Demings to ensure that this bill moves forward in the House and can soon be passed into law."" On June 12, 2016, 49 lives were tragically taken and 68 others were injured at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Following the tragedy, the site of the Pulse Nightclub has become a permanent symbol in the Central Florida community. The creation of this memorial will ensure that not only the city of Orlando, but the Nation never forgets the need for love, acceptance and hope. Rep. Soto's remarks at the hearing are here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402705,Deutch Statement on Judiciary Committee Impeachment Inquiry Hearing,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Deutch Statement on Judiciary Committee Impeachment Inquiry Hearing f t # e Washington, December 4, 2019 Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued this statement following the impeachment inquiry hearing on ""Constitutional Grounds for Presidential Impeachment"":""Over the last few weeks, the American people heard directly from witnesses of the President's misconduct, including longtime civil servants, respected diplomats, and a Purple Heart veteran. The impeachment inquiry report details the scope of this misconduct, including the President's abuse of power for his own political gain and his unprecedented obstruction of the investigation. Now, the House Judiciary Committee has the profoundly solemn responsibility of determining whether the offenses amount to impeachable offenses. ""I took an oath of office to put the interests of the nation above my own, just as my late father did 75 years ago when he fought for our nation in the Battle of the Bulge. Our Constitution lays out the remedy for violations of this oath and abuses of power, including bribery, and prescribes this authority to Congress. Today, we continued our work as a co-equal branch of government to weigh the evidence and decide whether President Trump's actions, which have undermined our national security and obstructed our investigations, are impeachable offenses."" Click the image below to view Congressman Deutch's statement. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1801,CRIST BILL FIGHTING SPAM CALLS WILL SOON HEAD TO PRESIDENTS DESK,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"CRIST BILL FIGHTING SPAM CALLS WILL SOON HEAD TO PRESIDENT'S DESK f t # e Washington, DC, December 4, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on passage of his Spam Calls Task Force Act (H.R. 721) by both chambers of the United States Congress. The legislation, which was included in the TRACED Act (S. 151), introduced by Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Senator John Thune (R-SD), passed the House this afternoon by a vote of 417-3 and is expected to soon head to the President's desk. In 2018 alone, Floridians experienced close to 4 billion spam calls invading their privacy and putting their personal information at risk. Today we say, enough is enough', putting the full weight of the federal government behind ending this scourge on the American people,said Rep. Crist. I am proud of this bipartisan, bicameral effort, and look forward to seeing the Spam Calls Task Force Act signed into law."" Background on the Spam Calls Task Force Act: The legislation directs the Attorney General to work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convene an interagency working group with other federal and state agencies to address the following issues relating to spam calls: Determine if any Federal laws, regulations, or policies inhibit the enforcement of section of the Telephone Consumer Protections Act that prohibits spam/scam calls; Identify existing and potential policies and programs that encourage and improve coordination among departments, agencies, and states; Identify existing and potential international policies and programs; Consider if additional resources would be helpful; Consider if formal agreements between states and the federal government and/or foreign governments would be helpful; and Consider if increased criminal penalties or fines would serve as an increased deterrent. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2199,Congresswoman Donna Shalala to Lead Hearing on Human Trafficking,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Donna Shalala,S001206,shalala.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) announced today that Congressman Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Chairman of the Rules Committee's Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, has invited her to lead a subcommittee hearing on human trafficking Wednesday, December 11th at 10:30 AM EDT in H-313, the Capitol. Solving an Epidemic: Addressing human trafficking around major events like the Super Bowl and the need for cross-jurisdictional solutions will focus on the complexities of combatting human trafficking, ways the federal government is assisting local law enforcement, and the additional resources needed to increase prevention. Sadly, human trafficking affects communities all across our nation, but the Super Bowl is a day that could help shine a light on something that persists largely in the shadows. The United States has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the world and it only increases in local communities that are home to major events and heavy tourism. I am painfully aware that my home state of Florida is not alone in facing this epidemic, which is why I have introduced several bills to address this urgent issue, including H.R.4388, a bipartisan bill to prevent youth human trafficking and exploitation, which would provide prevention training in our high-need school communities. As preparations for Super Bowl LIV continue in Miami, I welcome my esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Donna Shalala's leadership on this important hearing, which will examine how the federal government can better fight this heinous form of modern-day slavery, said Chairman Hastings. I want to thank Chairman Hastings for the opportunity to lead this hearing. Human trafficking is a challenge that countless communities across America - including my own - are struggling with every day, said Congresswoman Shalala. Congress has the power to provide real solutions to this problem, but we need to understand how to best address the challenges that human trafficking presents. I look forward to hearing the testimony of our expert witnesses so my staff and I may be better equipped to craft policy to effectively curb this terrible practice. WHAT: Subcommittee Hearing on Human Trafficking WHEN: Wednesday, December 11 at 10:30 AM EDT WHERE: H-313, The Capitol The hearing will be streamed online at Rules.House.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402706,House Passes Deutch Bill to Allow Nonviolent Elderly Prisoners to Serve Remaining Sentence at Home,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Ted Deutch's (FL-22) legislation (H.R. 4018) that would allow nonviolent elderly prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentence in a home detention program.H.R. 4018 was co-sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Doug Collins (GA-09), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Chairwoman Karen Bass (CA-37), and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). The Elderly and Family Reunification for Certain Non-Violent Offenders Pilot Program, which was reauthorized by the FIRST STEP Act of 2018, permits the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to transfereligible nonviolent elderly prisoners into a home detention pilot program based on the prisoner serving two-thirds of their sentence. However, as the statute is currently interpreted, the two-thirds sentence does not include good time credit. This bill would clarify the law to allow eligible nonviolent elderly prisoners to include good time credit as part of their two-thirds sentence requirement. Prisoners in the federal system can earn up to 54 days per year in good time credits that subtract from their total sentence. ""I'm grateful for the support of Ranking Member Collins, Congressman Jeffries, Chairwoman Bass, and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers on this bill,"" Congressman Deutch said. ""With its passage, we are making an important clarification to the pilot program that allows elderly prisoners to transition to home confinement for the remainder of their sentence. As elderly prisoners are among the most vulnerable populations in prisons, this fix to include good time credit will allow more of them to benefit from this program. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it will also reduce federal costs in our prison system."" When the FIRST STEP Act was signed into law last year, it represented monumental bipartisan reform to our prison system. Today's bill builds upon that momentum because it promotes fairness in the implementation of Good Conduct Time. My bipartisan bill will ensure our prisons do not become nursing homes, it will save taxpayer dollars and it will reward inmates who serve their time with good behavior. I look forward to seeing the Senate pass this bill and the president sign it into law, said Ranking Member Collins. ""The FIRST STEP Act was just that a first step, said Chairwoman Bass. ""Today, my colleagues and I are building on this work by taking yet another step towards a more just and fair criminal justice system. Allowing nonviolent elderly prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentence in a home detention program is the right thing to do and it will save money as well. I'm proud to support my colleagues on this important piece of legislation and look forward to continuing our work to reform the criminal justice system. As we continue looking for ways to reform our criminal justice system, my goal will always be to keep our communities safe and secure. Thoughtful changes to improve our prison system require accountability and fairness. This bipartisan legislation meets those goals by providing elderly offenders, who demonstrate good behavior, the opportunity to transition to home confinement to serve out their sentence, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers said. This legislation is supported by 34 organizations, including the Aleph Institute, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, the Center for American Progress, FreedomWorks, Heritage Action for America, and the NAACP. The letter of support can be accessed here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-announces-more-15-million-repair-hurricane-irma-damage-osceola,Rep. Soto Announces More Than $1.5 Million to Repair Hurricane Irma Damage to Osceola Government Buildings,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding to defray costs to Osceola County to restore damage sustained in Hurricane Irma. The funding is being granted under FEMA's Public Assistance Program and will be used to reimburse the county for expenses made to repair the administration building, parking structure and courthouse building. ""Two years after Hurricane Irma made landfall, Central Florida is still recovering from long-term damages,"" said Rep. Soto. ""With this funding, official sites will be able to function at their best capacity by first and foremost ensuring safety for its visitors and residents. This is a major step forward in our effort to restore our community!"" In response to the damage, the county utilized Force Account Labor (FAL), Force Account Equipment (FAE), purchased materials, and contracts to repair / replace roof systems, ceiling tiles, drywall, carpet, lighting, signs, books and baseboards within the county owned and maintained buildings. All repairs will be made utilizing the same type of materials that were damaged. Funding for this Public Assistance (PA) project is authorized under Sections 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act for Florida to cover Hurricane Irma-related expenses, reimbursing eligible applicants for the cost of debris removal; life-saving emergency protective measures; and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities like buildings, roads and utilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-to-host-forum-featuring-author-isha-sesay-and-a,Congresswoman Wilson to Host Forum Featuring Author Isha Sesay and a Former Chibok Girl,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. There is an African proverb that says, If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family and a whole nation. More than five years after the horrifying kidnapping of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls captured the world's attention, 112 of the young women are still unaccounted for. And, as Boko Haram's ten-year reign of terror continues to wreak havoc in Nigeria and its neighboring nations, countless girls and women are being robbed of the educational and other opportunities that would enable them to invest in themselves, their families and their communities. On Thursday, December 5, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will host a forum titled Educate a Girl, Empower a Nation, featuring Isha Sesay, award-winning former journalist and author of Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram; Patience Bulus, a former Chibok girl who has not allowed the traumatic ordeal to diminish her determination to go as far as her desire to learn will take her; Dr. Jacob Udo Udo Jacob, visiting international scholar at Dickinson College and director of the institution's college bridge program; and Oge Onubogu, senior program officer for Africa Programs at the United States Institute of Peace. Reps. Lois Frankel, Brenda Lawrence; Karen Bass, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Carolyn Maloney have been invited to participate. This event is an unparalleled opportunity to hear from a group of people with unique experiences and perspectives that center around issues they collectively care about. Attendees will learn why, more than five years later, the Chibok girls kidnapping still matters and the challenges and rewards of providing educational, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to girls and women across the African continent. We may soon mark six years since the kidnapping and while the headlines have died down, my commitment to the #BringBackOurGirls movement burns as brightly today as it did in 2014, says Congresswoman Wilson. I am excited to hear from this extraordinary group of people and colleagues who share that commitment. The forum will take place in the Members Room at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St., SE, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Joyce Jones by email at joyce.jones@mail.house.gov or call 202.225.4506/202.578.0634. Media can begin set up at 1:00. Note: Requests for interviews with Patience Bulus must be pre-approved.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-against-implementation-safe-third-country-agreement-guatemala,Rep. Soto Against the Implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala,2019-11-27,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC— This week, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) joined Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and several of their colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf that condemns the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement between the United States and Guatemala. The agreement allows the U.S. government to deport asylum seekers to Guatemala if they have passed through the country on their way to the U.S. border. This agreement falsely claims that Guatemala is a safe country. Nevertheless, Guatemala does not have the resources to accept migrants who are sent to the country and have several conditions that pose a risk to the safety and well-being of asylum seekers. Reports of violence are still high in Guatemala and sending migrants there would put them at extreme risk. Guatemala holds one of the highest female homicide rates at 2 homicides per 100,000 females, and evidence shows that conditions in the country are still unsafe. This agreement is not only wrong, but it violates protocols that the U.S. has signed that bans the deportation of migrants to areas where there is a high chance they could be harmed. ""The ‘Safe Third Country' agreement is yet another ploy by the administration to undermine our asylum laws while closing the door on migrants fleeing violence and persecution,"" said Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). ""In the face of a humanitarian crisis, we should be welcoming migrants with open arms, not sending them back to the very conditions they're trying to escape. This complete lack of leadership could have devastating consequences."" ""This agreement is just another racist attempt by this administration to refuse migrants access to asylum. We must fight for those applying for asylum, many who are women and children, and protect them from the dangerous conditions this administration is forcing upon them,"" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). ""This agreement will not help migrants and will instead send them to dangerous and violent conditions. We must stand up for asylum seekers and against this agreement."" ""The implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala is pushing vulnerable refugees back into the same countries they are fleeing – countries with some of the highest murder rates in the world and no asylum systems to fairly process their claims and protect them,"" said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). ""These agreements are deliberately intended to erode asylum. I'm proud to join with my colleague, Rep. Sylvia Garcia to call for the elimination of this reprehensible and dangerous policy."" ""Trump is making a mockery of our asylum process and international obligations in his illegal pursuit of the ""Safe Third Country"" agreement with Guatemala,"" said Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03). Sending vulnerable individuals to a country that is plagued with violence, especially against women and without the proper infrastructure or resources to absorb the influx is a short-sighted plan with significant long-term ramifications to the region. This is a complete lack of compassion, rationality and leadership from this Administration."" ""The ‘Safe Third Country' agreement ignores the dire conditions driving migration from Guatemala to the United States, and places asylum seekers at great risk,"" said Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35). ""The Department of Homeland Security should immediately rescind this deeply misguided agreement and focus its efforts on strengthening the region's refugee protection capacity and expanding legal, safe pathways for asylum seekers in the United States."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:43:09Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402701,Deutch Statement on Animal Cruelty Bill Signed into Law,2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Deutch Statement on Animal Cruelty Bill Signed into Law f t # e Washington, November 25, 2019 This afternoon, Congressman Ted Deutch's (FL-22) legislation to make animal cruelty a federal crime was signed into law. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 724), introduced with Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), criminalizes certain acts of animal cruelty.The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the PACT Act on October 22. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the legislation on November 5. Congressman Deutch: ""With President Trump signing the PACT Act, animal cruelty is no longer just unacceptable, it is now illegal. We can now finally say that animal abuse is a federal crime in the United States. Americans have long stood in support of animal welfare protections, and now our national laws reflect these values. This bipartisan achievement has been years in the making, and I am proud to have been a part of this great effort alongside Congressman Buchanan and so many advocates and passionate citizens who made this possible."" In 2010, Congress passed the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which made the creation and distribution of animal crushing videos illegal. However, the underlying acts of cruelty against animals were not included. The PACT Act closes this loophole by prohibiting certain cases of animal abuse. A fact sheet for the PACT Act can befound here. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1174,"Murphy, Fitzpatrick, Kuster Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Addiction Treatment Options",2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Reps. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), have re-introduced theRoad to Recovery Act bipartisan legislation that would improve addiction treatment options under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and help combat the growing opioid epidemic. This bill would repeal a federal lawcalled the IMD exclusionand authorize Medicaid and CHIP to cover treatment at licensed, accredited residential facilities for individuals addicted to opioids and other drugs. The IMD exclusion is a long-standing policy that prohibits federal Medicaid matching funds to states for services rendered to Medicaid-eligible individuals who are patients for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Some states have used an in lieu of services provision allowing for inpatient treatment, but with limitations on patient population, facility size, and length of stay. These limitations disproportionately affect Medicaid beneficiaries. Opioids have destroyed lives, families and communities throughout central Florida and this country,said Murphy.Congress must pursue bipartisan solutions to end the opioid epidemic, which is why I'm proud to partner with Reps. Fitzpatrick and Kuster to introduce legislation that will help ensure that men and women addicted to opioids can obtain the high-quality treatment they need and deserve. I am proud to re-introduce the Road to Recovery Act with Reps. Kuster and Murphy. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation would remove the IMD exclusion for substance use disorder and help states expand access to inpatient addiction services for Medicaid enrollees in a fiscally responsible manner while not intruding on a state's flexibility to implement care. The IMD exclusion' blocks access for the most vulnerable in our society, saidFitzpatrick.Pennsylvania has been overwhelmed by the opioid epidemic, and an important part of combatting this epidemic is by ensuring that more Americans can receive life-saving care. Our constituents need treatment for addiction, and they need it now. It is unacceptable that some of our most vulnerable Americans including children, people with disabilities and those with limited incomes who are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP are not able to access the substance use disorder treatment they need,said Kuster.This legislation aims to remove the barriers that are in place and help ensure those who are struggling with addiction have access to the care they need, benefiting the health of our communities and the economic wellbeing of our state. I'm pleased to introduce this much-needed, bipartisan measure alongside my colleagues and I'll continue my efforts to combat the substance use epidemic plaguing communities across the country. The opioid crisis was responsible for 67,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2018. According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, substance abuse costs the country more than $600 billion annually and, based on conservative estimates, each dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of $4 to $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When the return on investment is applied to healthcare costs, the total savings can exceed a ratio of 12:1. Last year, Murphypassed into law a measureto ensure that states have effective plans in place to protect infants who are innocent victims of theopioidepidemic. The bill established a grant program to help Florida and other states develop evidence-based policies and procedures so drug-dependent babies receive proper care at the hospital and the necessary family, community, and medical support once they are discharged. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401277,Hastings and Wilson Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging the Establishment of a Regional FDA Office in Israel,2019-11-22,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) led the following letter to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, urging the establishment of a regional office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the State of Israel. Joining Hastings and Wilson in sending the letter include: Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Grace Meng (D-NY), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Darren Soto (D-FL), W. Gregory Steube (R-FL), David Trone (D-MD), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Ron Wright (R-TX), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), and Charlie Crist (D-FL). (Please find below and attached a copy of the letter): November 22, 2019 The Honorable Alex Azar Secretary United States Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20201 Dear Secretary Azar: As Members of the House of Representatives who are committed to the U.S.-Israel relationship, we write to urge you to use your authorities under 21 USC 2242 to establish a regional office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the State of Israel. As a global leader in innovation, Israel's world class medical research programs have spurred breakthrough developments in medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and other advancements in medicine that have positively impacted the global health system. We believe establishing an FDA office in Israel would facilitate collaboration in life-saving research and is a natural step for strengthening the special relationship between our countries. As you know, products regulated by the FDA come from more than 300,000 facilities in more than 150 countries. As the FDA continues its important work of ensuring product integrity to protect U.S. consumers, the ever-increasing volume of imported products continues to pose new challenges for regulators. The FDA has sought to overcome these challenges by establishing and operating foreign posts across the globe, which, facilitate proactive and consistent engagement with stakeholders and help officials make the best-informed decisions when determining if products may enter the United States. The FDA already operates 13 regional offices across the globe, in China, India, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico, Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Jordan, prioritizing relationship building, information sharing, technical cooperation and capacity-building, and interagency cooperation. As a strategic ally, Israel is already one of the United States' larger trading partners, with more than $35 billion in goods exchanged last year alone. Some of Israel's largest exports to the United States are pharmaceuticals and medical instruments, which accounted for approximately $5.3 billion in 2018. Agricultural exports total an additional $400 million annually. We believe placing a regional FDA office in Israel would build on this mutually beneficial cooperation by improving avenues for communication between researchers and regulators and shortening the application process for Israeli companies interested in exporting these goods to the United States. The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R.1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act in July 2019, which included language supporting collaboration with Israel through the FDA's Office of International Programs. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced several initiatives and research findings that further underscore the benefits of facilitating new cooperation under the FDA. In October, the Weizmann Institute of Science, a leading institution for interdisciplinary research, announced that its researchers had found a new method for preventing the spread of Ewing sarcoma Bone Cancer in children, while the Ministry of Agriculture announced in August that it would invest approximately $17 million in a new National Genome Editing Center to research and develop more resilient agricultural food products. In 2017, Israeli researchers identified a synthetic compound capable of preventing cancer cells from metastasizing, performed the world's first bone implants utilizing lab-grown bones, and developed an artificial cornea implant that may one day allow millions of people living with visual impairments the ability to see. As this valuable research continues, the presence of an FDA office in Israel will undoubtedly facilitate closer cooperation between Israel's Ministry of Health and the FDA. As cooperation between Israel and the United States continues to reach historic levels, we believe that establishing a regional office of the FDA in Israel would be highly beneficial for both Americans and Israelis alike. We respectfully request that you give our request full and fair consideration, consistent with applicable rules and regulations, and ask to be kept apprised of any decisions in this regard. With warm regards, we remain, Sincerely, Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress Joe Wilson Member of Congress Ted Deutch Member of Congress Vern Buchanan Member of Congress Yvette D. Clarke Member of Congress Grace Meng Member of Congress Cathy McMorris Rodgers Member of Congress Lois Frankel Member of Congress Stephanie Murphy Member of Congress Guy Reschenthaler Member of Congress Darren Soto Member of Congress Ann Wagner Member of Congress David Trone Member of Congress Mike Waltz Member of Congress Frederica S. Wilson Member of Congress Ron Wright Member of Congress Lee Zeldin Member of Congress Ted S. Yoho, DVM Member of Congress Debbie Wasserman Schultz Member of Congress W. Gregory Steube Member of Congress Charlie Crist Member of Congress Cc: Hon. ADM Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs Hon. Steven Mnuchin, Secretary, United States Department of the Treasury Hon. Mike Pompeo, Secretary, United States Department of State Robert Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative H.E. David M. Friedman, United States Ambassador to the State of Israel H.E. Ron Dermer, Ambassador of Israel to the United States Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403103,"Castor: This $200k EPA grant ensures pathways to opportunity, success, good-paying jobs for East Tampa neighbors",2019-11-22,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) was joined by Ernest Coney, CEO and President of Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc (CDC of Tampa), Wanda Jennings of EPA Region 4 and other leaders to announce a $200,000 grant for the CDC through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant. share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) was joined by Ernest Coney, CEO and President of Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc (CDC of Tampa), Wanda Jennings of EPA Region 4 and other leaders to announce a $200,000 grant for the CDC through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant. Castor championed the grant for critical environmental workforce training to bring our East Tampa neighbors into higher-paying jobs. The grant aims to create a skilled workforce in communities where EPA brownfields assessment and cleanup activities are taking place. Video is available here. Photos are available here. We need a shot in the arm in this community to make sure that everyone has a path to opportunity, success and a good paying job- that's what this grant is all about. The EPA has been a very good partner for us here in Tampa to create partnerships that allow properties to be redeveloped and cleaned up. But when we clean up and develop our neighborhoods, we want to hire from our neighborhoods, said Castor. We want to make sure that our neighbors right here in Tampa are getting the good-paying jobs grants like this provide. One of the reasons that I love this partnership so much is because we bring in University of South Florida to help train these young people everyone is playing a role in making our community safer and more prosperous. Good things are happening right here in East Tampa if you think back to over 10 years ago, we were really hurting. People were losing their jobs, their homes, we were in the worst recession of our lifetime. Initiatives like this help us get back on our feet, and I'm committed to continuing the momentum. I am grateful for the EPA's confidence in this community and for the commitment of my partners Ernest Coney and Wanda Jennings in securing this grant for Tampa. CDC of Tampa plans to train 60 students and place at least 54 graduates in environmental jobs. The University of South Florida will run a five-week training program and participants who complete the training will earn multiple state and federal certifications. ""Our mission is to equip our students with the skills they need to obtain good-paying, career path positions. When we can do that in a way that helps the area in which they live, we double the impact. When we can do that with partners like Rep. Castor, the EPA, the University of South Florida and our employment partner companies, we triple the bottom line. What it all comes down to is stabilizing individuals, their families and the community, so they are able to build a future for themselves and bolster economic prosperity for the Tampa Bay area, said Ernest Coney, CEO and President, Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. Congratulations to the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa for receiving one of two EPA grants awarded in Region 4, a feat that is not easy to accomplish due to the competitive nature of our grants. This grant provides communities across the country a chance to transform contaminated sites into community resources while increasing tax revenue and local property tax value, said Wanda Jennings of EPA Region 4. How did CDC of Tampa win this grant? Their proposal ranked high because of the need for environmental jobs in the local community and highlighted strong partnerships with the community and local organizations that is the reason why this proposal won. The funds will help East Tampa residents achieve economic and financial stability, training 60 individuals within 24 months. Since the Environmental Workforce Development program began in 1998, more than 288 grants have been awarded. More than 18,000 individuals have completed training and more than 13,679 individuals have been placed in full-time employment earning an average starting wage of over $14 an hour. EPA created its environmental job training program to offer residents of communities historically affected by environmental pollution, economic disinvestment, and Brownfields an opportunity to gain the skills and certifications needed to secure local environmental work in their communities. U.S. Rep. Castor has championed the following grants secured by the CDC of Tampa: 2013: $234,281 grant through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Innovative Transit Workforce Development Program. This grant was in cooperation with HART to implement a recruitment and training partnership. 2014: $200,000 grant through the Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant to target unemployed and underemployed residents of Tampa, with a focus on recruiting young adults, ex-offenders, and other hard-to-serve individuals. 2017: $759,000 grant/loan through Health & Human Services Office of Community Services as part of a Healthy Foods Initiative to increase access to healthy foods and create higher-paying jobs. In fiscal year 2019, which ended Sept. 30, Castor's congressional district has been awarded nearly $1.3 billion through 659 federal grant awards to create jobs and invest in education and infrastructure.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-introduces-digital-evidence-bill,Rep. Demings Introduces Digital Evidence Bill,2019-11-22,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) today introduced new bipartisan legislation to enable law enforcement to adapt to a rapidly-digitizing world. Her bill is cosponsored by Conor Lamb (D-PA), Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), and John Rutherford (R-FL). The Technology in Criminal Justice Act of 2019 would help state and local law enforcement modernize their digital evidence procedures and equip them with the resources, knowledge, and support to access, decipher, and use data when they have legal authority to do so. Rep. Demings said, as a former law enforcement officer, I have seen first-hand the importance of digital evidence as we work to keep our communities safe and hold people accountable. Digital evidence has been crucial in cases ranging from financial crimes to child endangerment. Only with proper training can we ensure that communities are being kept safe and that officers know both the techniques and the most up-to-date practices to protect both the safety and the privacy of the communities they serve. It is critical that law enforcement agencies ranging from the federal level to local cities and towns have the tools and training needed to follow the evidence, physical or digital, wherever it leads. Jennifer Daskal, Professor and Faculty Director of the Tech, Law, Security Program at American University Washington College of Law, said, This bipartisan, common-sense solution is exactly what is needed to modernize law enforcement. It will ensure that there is adequate resourcing, training and dissemination of knowledge to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. And it will help to ensure the effective and appropriate use of digital evidence in law enforcement cases, consistent with respect for civil liberties and the authorities that exist. It is exactly the kind of much needed reform that I and others have urged in the follow-up to this CSIS report, Low-Hanging Fruit: Evidence Based Solutions to the Digital Evidence Challenge. It is time that our state and local law enforcement finally receive the training and resources necessary to adapt to the ever-evolving digital technologies to help ensure public safety in a 21st century America, said Rep. Babin. I am proud to support the bipartisan Technology in Criminal Justice Act and encourage swift passage of this important bill that will better equip the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. As a former sheriff with 41 years of law enforcement experience, I know firsthand how rapidly evidence collection methods evolve over the years, said Rep. Rutherford. With more crimes involving digital technology, many law enforcement agencies lack the tools they need to collect digital evidence. I'm proud join my friend and fellow former law enforcement officer, Rep. Demings, to introduce this bipartisan legislation, which will make sure that law enforcement officers have the capability and resources they need to collect, store, and analyze the evidence of today and the future. Background The Technology in Criminal Justice Act of 2019 would provide law enforcement with the resources necessary to effectively use legally-available resources in investigations. Specifically, the bill would establish: A new Office of Digital Law Enforcement' at the Department of Justice to help law enforcement agencies train and support personnel on how to handle digital evidence. A new Center of Excellence for Digital Forensics' to centralize training programs, technical expertise, and legal assistance related to digital evidence. A new Law Enforcement Technology Support to State and Local Law Enforcement' program to help guide DOJ grants to help law enforcement handle digital evidence. A new Technology Policy Advisory Board' to coordinate between the technology and law enforcement communities and advise the Attorney General on best practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z