url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8B7562DD-8121-46C9-908D-FCA0694BC793,"DeSantis Seeks Answers on Israel, Congressional Spying",2015-12-31,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"St. Augustine, FL – Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, has signed onto a letter to Admiral Michael S. Rogers, Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), concerning recent allegations that the NSA intercepted and provided to the Executive Branch communications between member of Congress and the Israeli government. The letter can be read here. DeSantis issued the following statement: “While the Obama Administration was negotiating a nuclear deal with the world–s leading state sponsor of terrorism, they were simultaneously spying on and trying to undermine our closest ally in the region, Israel. That this spying may very well have swept up the communications of members of Congress, which represents an affront to the separation of powers. Congress needs to investigate how the Obama administration used this information and determine whether it shared information gleaned from this spying with Iran.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/fighting-for-florida?ContentRecord_id=368eafdd-9445-46c1-94e4-8378b8c157d6,"Looking Back on 2015, Excited about 2016",2015-12-31,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As we look ahead to what promises to be an exciting and eventful 2016, my wife, Jeanette, and I would like to pause for a moment to reflect and give thanks for the year we are leaving behind. Although Washington continues to be a dysfunctional place that is out of touch and lacks the presidential leadership to confront the big challenges facing our country, I'm proud of the work my office and I did to make a real difference.With a chance to finally serve in a Republican Senate majority, 2015 proved to be our most impactful year in serving the people of Florida in the U.S. Senate. We learned that our successful effort to stop the taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies that lose money under ObamaCare ended upsaving taxpayers $2.5 billionover the past year. And when the health insurers came back this year to get bailed out,we stopped themonce again. A bill I introduced to sanction the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollahbecame law, providing the U.S. with an important tool to deprive these savages of money to rain rockets down on Israel and carry out terror attacks against U.S. assets, allies and interests throughout the Middle East. To combat the growing global crisis of children who never receive birth certificates - and its long-term consequences - I introduced and helped enact into law theGirls Count Act, which directs U.S. foreign assistance to aid countries in setting up birth registries. This new law will help ensure that millions of kids, the majority of them young girls, are not subjected to exploitation, human trafficking and social exclusion because they lack birth certificates to prove their identity. I was able to play a leading role inre-authorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which literally does the Lord's work in defending people around the world whose right to freely practice their faith is under assault. As part of my foreign policy work, it has also been a great honor serving as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Womens issues. The events unfolding every day in the Western Hemisphere have a significant impact on the state of Florida and our entire nation. As chairman, I convened hearings and conducted oversight on the Obama Administration's policies on important issues facing the region, including U.S.-Cuba relations, Venezuela and Haiti's elections, among others. I was also pleased that the budget passed by the Senate this past year included my provision in support of moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. And we've also continued our efforts to defend human rights around the world, championing the advocates of freedom in places like China through my work as co-chairman of the Congressional Executive Commission onChina. I've also continued advocating for those oppressed inCuba, Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, among other nations. And as part of our work in this area, we also began a regular social media campaign called#expressionNOToppressionto highlight political prisoners, dissidents and pro-democracy leaders whose freedom and very lives are threatened daily. Closer to home, after introducing legislation to de-authorize the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Project in Southeastern Florida - which has faced numerous problems and thus has been non-operational for too long - it became law as part of the end of year spending bill. Also on the domestic policy front, I proposed a pro-growth, pro-family tax reform plan that is designed to keep theAmerican Dream within reach of our people by resolving the major problems in our dysfunctional tax code. Throughout the year, I voted to equip our intelligence community with the tools they need to defend the homeland,protect innocent unborn life, defund Planned Parenthood, repeal ObamaCare, end sanctuary cities and put an end to the Export-Import Bank, among other issues. Unfortunately, until President Obama is replaced with a conservative president, real and lasting success on these and many other issues will continue to be elusive. In addition, we kept holding the Obama Administration's feet to the fire in implementing laws we helped lead toward passage in 2014, including Veterans Affairs (VA) accountability measures and sanctions against human rights violators in Venezuela. And last but not least, our biggest priority remained helping our constituents in navigating through the federal bureaucracy. This year, we produced the second volume of ourconstituent service report, which highlighted notable cases we've worked on that have helped improve the lives of Florida constituents in need of assistance. From January 2011 to December 2, 2015, our office received 31,024 requests for assistance, and over 29,429 of those requests were completed or closed. As I enter my final year in the U.S. Senate, it remains the greatest honor of my life to serve the entire state of Florida. Even as I continue to seek the office of the presidency, I renew my commitment to you and your family in assisting with any federal issues you are confronting. Happy New Year! Sincerely, Marco Rubio For more ways to stay connected with our office, be sure to like ourFacebookpage, follow the officeTwitter account, follow the office onFlipboard, check out our mobile apps, and subscribe to ourYouTube channel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-calls-for-medical-care-and-immediate-release-of-vladimir,Diaz-Balart Calls for Medical Care and Immediate Release of Vladimir Morera Bacallao,2015-12-29,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement regarding incarcerated Cuban pro-democracy activist Vladimir Morera Bacallao. ""Vladimir Morera Bacallao is in intensive care after being transferred from his prison cell where he has been on hunger strike since October 9, 2015. Reports indicate that he is gravely ill. ""Morera Bacallao was released as part of the Obama-Castro deal announced on December 17, 2014. However, he was re-arrested in April 2015 for placing a sign outside his home during the Castro regime's sham 'elections' that said, 'I vote for my freedom and not in an election where I cannot choose my president.' Last month, the Castro regime gave Morera Bacallao a new four-year prison sentence for the 'crime' of expressing his political opinion. ""During the Obama administration, activists Orlando Zapata Tamayo and Wilman Villar Mendoza died under uncannily similar circumstances. Activists Laura Pollan and Oswaldo Paya also perished at the hands of Castros' thugs during this administration. ""Morera Bacallao has risked everything for the basic right to have a voice in his government. His unjustifiable imprisonment and mistreatment are further indictments of the brutal malevolence of the Castro regime, and the utter failure of Obama's appeasement of Cuba's dictators. I urge human rights organizations and the Obama administration to bring attention to the urgent case of Vladimir Morera Bacallao, and to demand that he receive immediate medical attention. We must not remain silent while another courageous activist hovers on the brink of death."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-fights-save-florida-panther,Buchanan Fights to Save Florida Panther,2015-12-28,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Endangered Animal Needs a ""Safe Habitat"" To Survive WASHINGTON U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan, R-FL, noting yet another panther death in southwest Florida, today called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to designate a critical habitat for the endangered animal. Wildlife officials said last week a 1-year-old Florida panther was killed by a vehicle, raising to 30 the number of automobile-related deaths in 2015. The Florida panther remains one of the most endangered mammals on earth, with fewer than 180 big cats alive today. The breeding population of Florida panthers is found only in the southern tip of the state. Each year, the Florida panther population continues to shrink in size as more big cats are hit and killed by cars because they lack a safe habitat, Buchanan said. Although these panthers are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, they face extinction because they have no protected area to live and repopulate. Earlier this month Buchanan and several other Florida congressmen sent a letter to President Obama requesting a safe habitat for the Florida panther. The letter highlighted the need for a safe environment that would preserve valuable environmental resources, such as wetlands, aquifer-recharge areas, drinking water supplies. We should not stand by and do nothing as yet another endangered species is wiped off the earth, Buchanan said. We dont get a second chance once a species becomes extinct. The panther was one of the original 14 mammals named to the endangered species list in 1967, but a critical habitat has never been established, even though one is required by the Endangered Species Act. Buchanan is a longtime advocate of the Endangered Species Act and has been recognized as a legislative leader by the U.S. Humane Society for his record on animal welfare issues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/letter-urging-closing-plo-dc-office,Letter Urging Closing of PLO DC Office,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Miami Office 4960 SW 72 Ave, Suite 208 Miami, FL 33155 Phone: (305) 668-2285 Fax: (305) 668-5970 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00AM-1:00PM & 2:00PM-6:00PM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-task-force-anti-semitism-issues-statement-cancellation-monument-hungarian,Bipartisan Task Force on Anti-Semitism Issues Statement on Cancellation of Monument to Hungarian Nazi Collaborator,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Task Force on Anti-Semitism Issues Statement on Cancellation of Monument toHungarian Nazi Collaborator (Washington, DC)Today, the co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism released a statement after the announcement of the cancellation of construction of a statue in Szkesfehrvr, Hungary memorializing Blint Hman, a known anti-Semite and Nazi-collaborator. On December 4th, 2015, the co-Chairs sent a joint letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to intercede and cease construction of the Hman statue. The Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Kay Granger (TX-12), Steve Israel (NY-03), Peter Roskam (IL-06), and Ted Deutch (FL-21). We have learned through Hungarys Embassy in Washington that the civil-society organization responsible for the Hman statue has canceled the project. We applaud this decision and hope it serves as a reminder that the history of the Holocaust must be neither revised nor forgotten and the memory of the millions of victims must never be disrespected. We are also pleased by the advocacy of the U.S. government, as well as many U.S. civil-society organizations, in conveying Americas principled and unambiguous stand against anti-Semitism and objecting to the plans for constructing the statue. Background: Hungarys government provided the majority of funds for a local statue honoring Blint Hman, a wartime political leader whose actions led to the near destruction of Hungarys Jewish population during the Holocaust. On December 4, 2015, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism sent a letter to Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to publicly condemn Hmans role in the persecution and deportation of innocent Hungarians and to withdraw government funding for the construction of the statue. The full text of the letter to Prime Minister Orbn can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-leads-congressional-delegation-letter-urging-president-obama-to,Yoho Leads Congressional Delegation Letter Urging President Obama to Hold Iran Accountable,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. In light of Irans repeated violation of the agreed upon Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) , Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) sent a letter to President Obama urging him to stop any further implementation of the Iran-Nuclear Agreement until the United Nations investigates Irans recent illegal missile launches. A group of 100 plus Members of Congress have joined Congressman Yoho in signing the letter. Rep. Yoho released the following statement: If President Obama will not take the necessary steps to hold Iran accountable, I, along with the support of my colleagues in the House and on the Foreign Affairs Committee, will make sure he does. The defiant actions by the Iranian regime, of test firing a new medium range ballistic missile, further support my feeling that the P5 +1 deal is a bad deal for America and the world. The Iranians test firing of ballistic missiles has nothing to do with establishing a peaceful nuclear program. On not one but two occasions, Iran blatantly violated a United Nations passed resolution which says Iran cannot work on any ballistic missiles for eight years. They have in effect thumbed their nose at the world. President Obama and John Kerry brokered this deal in June of 2015 without the consent of Congress. It was clearly stated in the agreement that if Iran broke any of the conditions, all sanctions would be re-enforced. Iran has shown they have no intention of following this agreement and therefore no further sanction relief should be considered. In fact, the snap back provision should be implemented if America wants to regain lost credibility. We should have never lifted the sanctions on this regime that is hell bent on getting a nuclear weapon. President Obama must show leadership and stop the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action until Iran complies with the agreement they have signed with the world. The fact that our letter has garnered support from so many of my colleagues highlights the importance of this issue and shows just how bad this deal really is.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-bill-screens-social-media-foreigners,Buchanan Bill Screens Social Media of Foreigners,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today introduced legislation requiring the government to screen the social media accounts of foreigners seeking entry into the United States. Buchanan, noting that ISIS reportedly has more than 40,000 Twitter accounts, said We have to use every tool at our disposal to protect Americans. The Social Media Screening For Terrorists Act directs the secretary of Homeland Security to vet all public records, including Facebook and other forms of social media, before admitting foreign travelers and visa applicants into the country. Buchanans bill mirrors legislation introduced Tuesday by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ. Text of the bill can be viewed here. Buchanan earlier this week called for the White House to begin immediately vetting social media after reports surfaced that the terrorists behind the San Bernardino killings had pledged support to Islamic jihad on their Facebook accounts. The White House has since indicated an interest in doing so. We need to do everything in our power to provide for a safe and secure homeland, Buchanan said. We are at war. Buchanan said he was optimistic that Congress would take up the issue when it returns in January for the 2016 session. The war on terror is evolving as radical Islamic jihadists use the Internet and social media sites to communicate, fundraise, and recruit, the congressman said. Its time to fight fire with fire. My bill ensures that our government takes every conceivable action to keep terrorists out of the country. The Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts. Political correctness is no longer an option, Buchanan said. We must unleash 21st Century resources to penetrate and destroy the online activity of ISIS.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398423,Ross Votes for Omnibus to Fund Military and Counterterrorism Programs to Defeat ISIS,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2015 U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass the FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill: As a Member of Congress, providing for our national defense and the safety of our citizens is my highest priority. Today, I voted in favor of the Omnibus funding measure that increases funding for our military and our homeland security because we are at war with radical Islamic extremists both at home and abroad. This legislation increases funding for our military to ensure our troops can swiftly confront todays challenges, aggressively combat and defeat ISIS, and carry out crucial counterterrorism programs. This bill also fully funds the pay for our brave men and women in uniform and increases funding for our honorable Veterans by nearly 10 percent. This bill further strengthens our national security by tightening requirements under our Visa Waiver Program to combat potential threats to our homeland, as well as prohibits the transfer of terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. This bill also increases funding by $11 billion to secure our borders. Additionally, this Omnibus funding package contains a number of important conservative priorities, including lifting the governments 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. This will create jobs here at home and shift energy dependence of emerging democracies away from bad actors like Russia and Iran. Furthermore, the citrus industry, which is vital to the economy and heritage of the State of Florida, will receive $7.5 million to address and combat the damaging effects of citrus greening. This bill also repeals the excessively burdensome Country of Origin Labeling requirements to prevent billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. and Florida goods and crops. This year-long appropriations bill, while not perfect, provides for the defense of our nation and implements important conservative policies that enhance our national security and help grow our economy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/omnibus-protects-our-national-security-funds-crucial-programs-to-keep,"Omnibus Protects Our National Security, Funds Crucial Programs to Keep Our Country Running",2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the passage of the omnibus appropriations bill. Today, I joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle to prioritize crucial programs that keep our country running. With this bill, we are able to provide robust resources to protect and enhance our national security, provide housing assistance to our nation's most vulnerable, and permanently reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. I want to commend Speaker Ryan and Chairman Rogers for their leadership in negotiating and finalizing this legislation. I look forward to beginning the 2016 appropriations process in the new year. Congressman Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, was successful in including the following items in the appropriations omnibus: $130 million for ongoing Everglades restoration efforts $64.1 million for continued improvements to the Herbert Hoover Dike $7.5 million to combat the damaging effects of citrus greening disease An increase in resources for SOUTHCOM to support intelligence and surveillance activities and counter-narcotics Permanent reauthorization of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Housing assistance to our nation's most vulnerable Fully fund Section 8 vouchers and public housing assistance $433 million for housing for the elderly $151 million for housing for persons with disabilities $60 million for housing for homeless veterans Increase to rail safety programs $4.9 billion for TSA, including funding to improve passenger screening operations, equipment, training, and other protocols, as well as enhancements to intelligence and vetting programs $3.1 billion to keep our commitment to Israel $30 million towards spinal cord injury (SCI) research for competitive grant funding for institutions such as The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis $32.1 billion for the NIH, with specific increases to Alzheimers research, brain research, and antibiotic research 1.3% pay raise for members of the armed forces Prohibiting the IRS from targeting groups based on ideological beliefs Prohibiting the IRS from targeting individuals based on their First Amendment Rights ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394275,Rep. Posey's Statement on the Omnibus Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Bill Posey,P000599,posey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Posey's Statement on the Omnibus Bill Washington, December 18, 2015- Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) released the following statement regarding passage ofthe omnibus spending bill:With our national debt about to reach $19 trillion, it is past time for Washington to get serious about fixing our broken budget process, said Congressman Bill Posey. Despite the steady funding levels for our space program, the omnibus bill continues the irresponsible trend of rushing to pass another too big to read spending bill at the eleventh hour. This must change. Furthermore, our borders remain unsecured and the administration has no plan to take on ISIS. I find it troubling that taxpayer funding was approved for the controversial refugee program without any common sense safeguards to protect Americans from credible threats, even though such reforms received strong bipartisan support in the House. The bill also allows the President to make the first payment on the climate deal, an agreement which was crafted so Members of Congress will have no opportunity to review it, and it continues to allow tax dollars to flow to Planned Parenthood despite recent allegations of serious wrongdoing. Print version of this document",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-opposes-bloated-11-trillion-spending-bill,Yoho Opposes Bloated $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) released the following statement on the Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY2016: There is no such thing as a perfect bill on Capitol Hill. If there is, it seems to be a rare occurrence. Unfortunately, this pieced together spending bill is a left over from the Boehner era and I could not in good conscience support it. Like past omnibus bills, this 2,002 page bill was introduced at the last minute and we were not allowed to fully make amendments to curb unnecessary spending. There are portions of this bill that are worthy of support but the bad far outweighed the good. It does lift a 40-year-old ban on our ability to export U.S. crude oil, which will be a boost to our economy, help increase our domestic oil production, and create jobs. There were also provisions to get rid of regulatory red tape that directly affects our nations farmers, provides new resources to combat human trafficking, and strengthens our visa waiver program. These are just a few. However, this spending bill does not address, nor defunds, President Obamas illegal executive amnesty from last year, it does not stop taxpayer funding for abortions, it doesnt go far enough in protecting the country from refugees coming over from the middle east, and more importantly, it doesnt do more to tackle our out of control $18.5 trillion national debt rapidly approaching $20 trillion. I understand Speaker Ryan tried to do the best he could with what Boehner left behind, but this was a missed opportunity. I was one of 95 republicans who wanted something better for the people I represent and for the country. We must stop this out of control President and his misguided policies, fix our broken immigration system, and make bringing down our national debt more of a priority. This legislative year is over and we will start anew in 2016. I will remain strong and look forward to invoking the changes needed to reach Americas potential.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-statement-year-end-legislative-package,Bilirakis Statement on Year-End Legislative Package,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, the House advanced H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. This legislation makes permanent over 20 tax relief provisions and extends a number of other tax relief provisions that expired in 2014. This legislation delivers certainty to taxpayers in my district and across the country, said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). This bill prevents tax increases which would have been harmful to our economy and will help strengthen the integrity of tax credit programs to prevent fraud and abuse. This bill is a win for taxpayers. Today, the House also advanced a funding bill that will strengthen national security, rein in EPA spending and overreach, protect the unborn, help our Veterans, provide relief to first responders, and prevent increased tax burdens on hardworking Americans. While this legislation is not perfect, it works to address some of the biggest concerns facing our nation right now, said Congressman Bilirakis. When it comes to our national security, there is no time to waste. This bill strengthens our efforts to protect our nation both here and abroad by tightening the Visa Waiver program and funding our men and women in the military. As I've said before, if we are not safe, nothing else matters. This legislation will: strengthen national security by tightening requirements under our visa waiver program increase funds so that our troops have the resources they need to confront our enemies address issues at the VA such as system backlogs and outdated record keeping processes help our nation's first responders by reauthorizing the World Trade Center Health Fund to help those who fell ill while bravely working to save others during the horrible 9/11 attacks prevent a taxpayer bailout for insurance companies by Obamacare's risk corridors program and reduces Obamacare tax burdens on hardworking Americans help patients and families who are struggling with disease and illness by providing additional funding for research efforts, including increased money for Alzheimer's research build on our values of family and life with new provisions to protect the unborn, while keeping existing protections allow for more research to address mental health issues, traumatic brain injuries, etc. We owe it to these first responders, our Veterans, patients, and families to bring about these necessary reforms and help our nation thrive, Bilirakis added.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rooney-secures-75-million-for-citrus-in-funding-bill,Rooney Secures $7.5 Million for Citrus in Funding Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tom Rooney has secured $7.5 million in funding to fight citrus greening disease in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Bill that was passed by the House of Representatives today. Rooney has fought long and hard for the citrus industry since he was elected in 2008. Rooney, one of the only members of the Florida delegation to sit on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee, is the sole Florida member on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. In that capacity, he worked to include specific directives and funding supporting citrus disease research in the 2016 funding bill. This includes the $7.5 million that was incorporated into the final bill to sustain the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Groups (HLB-MAC) recent research gains in early detection, greening management strategies, and therapies to treat infected trees. Chairman of the Appropriations Committee Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) applauded Rooney for his work on the issue. Congressman Rooney worked diligently to help ensure this funding was included in the final bill, Rogers said. He has been a strong voice in Congress, specifically on the Appropriations Committee, on behalf of Floridas citrus industry, and I am pleased we could address this critical issue in this spending bill. Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) joined in commending Rooney for his work. I appreciate Congressman Rooneys tireless dedication to the citrus industry and being such a good advocate for Floridas citrus in Congress, Aderholt said. Ultimately finding a cure for citrus greening is critical for maintaining an abundant and affordable food supply for the entire nation, and securing this funding is an important step to finding a cure. I have always stressed how important it is for us to invest the necessary funds to finding a cure for citrus greening before the American citrus industry becomes a thing of the past, Rooney said. This $7.5 million is more than we could have hoped for. I am pleased that the negotiators recognized how essential this funding is and included it in the final bill. I am hopeful that this money will increase the likelihood of finding a cure for citrus greening.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=622235c4-39dc-4862-8252-393ee4d8ee9b,Senate Unanimously Passes Electrify Africa Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Corker (R-TN), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Coons (D-DE), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised Senate passage of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015 (S.2152), legislation that will leverage private sector resources through loan guarantees to help 50 million Africans access electricity for the first-time and add 20,000 megawatts of electricity to the grid by 2020. Providing access to electricity will stimulate economic growth while also improving access to education and public health. The bill also was cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).U.S. foreign assistance works best when it is targeted toward the most pressing needs and can be leveraged to help recipientsfurtherdevelop their economies, said Rubio. The Electrify Africa Act will enhance our current assistance programs in Africa and help expand access to electricity, which is essential to support poverty reduction and promote economic development.With limited foreign aid resources, we need to focus on innovative ways to tackle big challenges that can be self-sustaining and have a transformative impact on millions of lives, said Corker. Leveraging private investment to bring reliable, affordable electricity to millions of people in Africa for the first time will be a real game changer in development throughout the region. By establishing an-all-of-the-above approach for expanding power generation in Africa through private capital, we can help reduce poverty and fuel economic growth.Access to electricity remains one of the fundamental development challenges in Africa, with direct impacts on public health, education, and economic growth, said Cardin. Thats why this bipartisan legislation passed today draws upon American leadership and ingenuity to provide first-time access to clean, affordable, sustainable energy, and consultation with local African communities. By working with African governments to attract private sector investment and partnering with American firms that are on the cutting edge of the power solutions Africa seeks, we can make great strides in addressing African energy poverty and promote inclusive economic growth for communities in Africa and at home.I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a strong, bipartisan way to help the people of sub-Saharan Africa gain greater access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to reduce poverty and drive economic growth,said Coons. I have seen some of these Power Africa projects firsthand, from solar farms in Rwanda to off-the-grid power solutions in Ethiopia. These projects are unlocking opportunities in medicine and education and removing a binding constraint to economic development and growth in Africa. Id like to thank my fellow members of the committee, especially Chairman Corker and Ranking Member Cardin, for their work on this bill.The legislation requires the president to create a comprehensive strategy for United States engagement with sub-Saharan Africa in developing a broad mix of power solutions to increase electricity access and reliability. It encourages the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), USAID, the U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, World Bank, and African Development Bank to prioritize loans, grants, and technical support that promote private investment in projects designed to increase electricity access and reliability.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9939a677-5db2-4dae-8925-ca220d0fefad,Rubio Helps Lead Coast Guard Legislation One Step Closer To Law,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, a bipartisan effort led by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and chairman of its Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard; John Thune (R-SD), the committee chairman; Bill Nelson (D-FL), the committee ranking member; and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), the subcommittee ranking member. This bill supports and strengthens the U.S. Coast Guard by providing it with the resources and assets needed to carry out its daily mission of safeguarding our shores and enforcing maritime safety. Rubio has been a key leader in fighting to sever the chain of illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, and improve the effectiveness of the Coast Guards interdiction efforts. The House is expected to pass this bill when it returns to session in January 2016. The Coast Guard is a vital branch of our military that protects the laws of the sea and the security of our nation, Rubio said. These reforms will enhance the Coast Guards ability to enforce vital maritime operations that counter illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people. I am pleased that today, the Senate showed the men and women of the Coast Guard this much deserved support, as they continuously put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of the waters surrounding Florida and of this great nation. This bill also addresses a provision of law impacting small businesses who are mandated to operate with out-of-water survival craft, added Rubio. Boating safety is of paramount concern. However, a one-size-fits-all model is not only unrealistic, but it can unnecessarily place financial hardships on small businesses. Florida is a great example of where this provision would cause that financial hardship, as our waters are warm and often in protected areas. The legislation includes the following components: Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Sec. 314 criminalizes bulk cash smuggling of $100,000 or more of currency in international waters in a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, putting an end to illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling. Another component of this section extends the power of the Coast Guard to detain those who attempt to destroy evidence of a controlled substance. Survival Craft Sec. 301 amends the current law that places financial burdens on small businesses who operate passenger boats. In states like Florida, where the waters are warm and often in protected areas, the current measure requiring an out-of-water safety craft on vessels is burdensome on small businesses. However, the Secretary has the power to review cases in which risks could be posed to individuals with disabilities, or children, and revise regulations as needed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9edc2934-7b13-46b3-9f02-f4903e5255ee,"Rubio: Spending Bill Grows Debt, Furthers President Obamas Big Government Spending Priorities",2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after todays approval of a $1.1 trillion spending bill: Washington's leadership has created another massive spending bill in secret and rammed it through Congress, hoping that the American people don't notice or have become numb to this kind of business as usual. This is what a broken Washington looks like under President Obama and what Congress reverts to without conservative presidential leadership. While stopping ObamaCare's taxpayer-funded bailout of insurance companies is an important win, I strongly oppose this bill because it keeps spending money that we don't have, grows our debt, and concedes far too many of President Obama's and liberal Democrats' big government spending priorities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-introduce-bill-social-media-screening-visas,Buchanan to Introduce Bill on Social Media Screening of Visas,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, said today he will introduce legislation adding social media to the screening process of all foreigners who request visas to enter the United States. Buchanans bill will mirror legislation introduced Tuesday by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ. The legislation requires the secretary of Homeland Security to vet all public records, including Facebook and other forms of social media, before allowing foreign travelers into the United States. Buchanan on Tuesday called for the White House to begin immediately screening social media after reports surfaced that the terrorists behind the San Bernardino killings had pledged support to Islamic jihad on their Facebook accounts. Since Buchanans call, the White House has indicated an interest in doing so. As terrorist threats continue to evolve, so too must our policies to safeguard our country, Buchanan said. We need every tool to protect Americans and a key component is vetting all avenues of communication, Buchanan said. My bill will ensure that our government reviews all social media accounts before allowing foreign visa applicants into the United States. The Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts. This country cannot afford to turn another blind eye, Buchanan said. It is time we put the safety of Americans ahead of the privacy of foreigners and political correctness. Last week the congressman voted for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the SAFE Act, with Buchanans support, last month requiring the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398422,Ross Votes to Prevent Tax Hikes on Americans and Job Creators,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 17, 2015 U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, which makes permanent more than 20 tax relief provisions, extends a number of other tax relief provisions for multiple years, fosters research and development, and includes a number of additional tax policy changes: I was very happy to vote for the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act because this bill will grow our economy and help American taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars. By making a number of temporary tax provisions permanent, this legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for individuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry each December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief policies. The provisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on millions of Americans by allowing state sales tax deductions, providing small business tax relief, and offering incentives for innovation. By delivering permanent tax relief to Americas job creators, this legislation will make it easier for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communities. This legislation also includes a number of provisions designed to help prevent high rates of improper payments, fraud, and abuse in our tax credit programs. This bill further includes a series of reforms designed to rein in the power of the IRS and better protect taxpayers, including firing IRS employees who take politically motivated actions against taxpayers, requiring IRS employees to respect the taxpayer bill of rights, and prohibiting IRS employees from using personal e-mail accounts for official business. Americans deserve a simpler, fairer and flatter tax code that is built for growth and stability, and this bill will help make that possible with many conservative provisions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hr-2029-stimulates-job-creation-stops-potus-tax-increases,"H.R. 2029 Stimulates Job Creation, Stops POTUS Tax Increases",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. ""This afternoon, the House of Representatives voted in support of H.R. 2029, which would make numerous tax extenders permanent and protect Americans from further tax hikes. These extenders promote research and innovation, delay some of the damage from the President's disastrous healthcare law, and expand the Child Tax Credit. From small business owners and active duty military, to teachers and families, this bill is a victory for all taxpayers. I am glad to have supported this bill that stimulates job creation, stops a number of President Obama's tax increases, and takes concrete steps to rein in the out of control IRS."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/one-year-later-the-results-of-obama-s-concessions-to-the-castros,One Year Later: The Results of Obamas Concessions to the Castros,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in reaction to the anniversary of President Obamas failed appeasement and concession policy towards the Castro regime. One year ago today, President Obama announced his plan to provide further concessions to the Castro regime in exchange for precious little in return. The regime swapped an innocent humanitarian aid worker that it unjustly imprisoned for five years, and promised to release 53 political prisoners. In exchange, President Obama granted diplomatic recognition to the Castro dictatorship, removed it from the state sponsors of terrorism list, released convicted spies including one serving a life sentence for conspiracy to murder, and eased sanctions on financial transactions and trade with a dictatorship that holds the worst human rights record in our hemisphere. And what have the U.S., and the Cuban people, gained from President Obama's policy? Just take a look at the facts. Political arrests totaled 1,447 in November, the highest monthly tally this year, and there have been 7,686 political arrests this year to date. More than half of the Obama-Castro so-called list of 53 political prisoners have been re-arrested in the past year. Desperate Cuban refugees are fleeing the regime in ever greater numbers. Meanwhile, the Castro regime is sending members of its military to prop up fellow dictator Assad in Syria and smuggling military weapons to rogue international actors. Sadly, the President's decision to coddle brutal dictators rather than embrace the people they oppress has had dismal consequences. From Tehran to Damascus to Havana, a President once given the Nobel Peace Prize has done nothing but allow tyranny to entrench itself. His policies have not helped the oppressed around the world, but have been a boon to repressive regimes across the globe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-lauds-resolve-congress-uphold-us-law-continue-prohibit-funding-unesco,"Ros-Lehtinen Lauds Resolve Of Congress to Uphold U.S. Law, Continue to Prohibit Funding of UNESCO With Taxpayer Money",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Lauds Resolve Of Congress to Uphold U.S. Law, Continue to Prohibit Funding of UNESCO With Taxpayer Money The administration continues to seek ways to undermine or circumvent U.S. laws and this was an important stand this notion that we can force change from within has proven to be false and only leveraging our contributions is an effective reform method (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding the continued prohibition of funds for the United Nations or any of its specialized agencies that accords the Palestine Liberation Organization the same standing as member states in the FY16 Omnibus bill. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Im proud that Congressional appropriators and leadership stood in defense of U.S. law and Congress prerogative of the purse and opted to rebuff the administrations late efforts to win waiver authority on the prohibition of U.S. contributions to UNESCO. The administration continues to seek ways to undermine or circumvent U.S. laws and this was an important stand. Secretary Kerry and Ambassador Power continue to argue that the United States needs to have a presence within UNESCO in order to defend our interests and work to promote reforms from within. Its the same argument the administration uses to defend our continued cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council. But in the six years since the Obama administration reversed previous U.S. policy and opted to join the UNHRC, that body is as dysfunctional as ever. This notion that we can force change from within has proven to be false and only leveraging our contributions is an effective reform method. We know this law serves as a deterrence at the UN because weve seen other agencies turn the Palestinians away when they cannot afford to lose U.S. contributions. ""We cannot cede leverage by allowing any waiver to this current law, or well run the risk of losing not only the deterrence factor, but our credibility as well. Id like to thank Senators Cruz, Kirk, and Rubio for joining me in this important effort. I have been fighting this issue ever since 2011 and will continue to fight any effort to undermine this law. Ill continue to push to leverage U.S. contributions at the UN to win much needed and fundamental reforms at that broken system. NOTE: In 2011, the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted to admit the non-existent State of Palestine to its membership, triggering a provision of P.L. 101-246 that prohibits U.S. contributions. Since the law was triggered, the Obama administration has been actively seeking waiver authority to ignore standing U.S. law and continue sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to UNESCO but has been unsuccessful due to Congressional action.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-to-provide-certainty-to-american-taxpayers,Yoho Votes to Provide Certainty to American Taxpayers,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. This bill makes permanent a number of temporary provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which are renewed every year on short-term or a retroactive basis. The bill also includes a number of reforms to the Internal Revenue Service, the treatment of tax-exempt organizations, processes in United States Tax Court, as well as makes changes to certain tariff policies. Today I voted to give certainty and stability to hard working American taxpayers and the nations job creators. The tax extensions we made permanent today are the same ones that come up for renewal each and every year. This process is not only a waste of time, but it also hinders our economy from reaching its full potential. ""Todays vote was also the beginning of the much needed change to of our bloated tax code. Simplifying the nations tax code must be a priority in the 2016. This sort of reform will unleash our economy and everyone will benefit. Making America stronger is my main motivation and todays vote is going to do just that.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7754a32e-d596-4b9c-855f-728ae46dfab6,"Rubio, Kirk Lead Successful Effort To Stop U.S. Funding For Anti-Israel Unesco",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) issued the following statement after Senate and House negotiators rejected the Obama Administrations request to create a back-door mechanism in the 2016 omnibus spending bill to fund the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On December 11, 2015, Rubio and Kirk urged Senate and House Republican leadership to reject the administrations request. We thank Republican leaders in Congress for working with us to uphold longstanding U.S. laws that forbid funding to UNESCO, the U.N. organization whose anti-Israel member states granted membership to the non-state actor of Palestine in 2011 and more recently tried to designate the Western Wall in Jerusalem as a Muslim holy site, Rubio and Kirk said. UNESCO lost U.S. funding after the U.N. bodys member states voted to grant membership to the non-state actor of Palestine in October 2011. U.S. laws passed in 1990 and 1994 require the U.S. to withhold funding to any U.N. organization that grants membership to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood. The full text of the letter is available below. December 11, 2015 Dear Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan: We write to oppose the inclusion of language in the fiscal year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill to restore U.S. funding for the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The proposed language would undermine over two decades of U.S. policy against funding U.N. organizations that admit the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or other non-state actors as members. The Department of State formally requested inclusion of the proposed language in a letter dated December 7, 2015. Under U.S. laws passed in 1990 and 1994, the United States is required to withhold funding to any U.N. organization that grants membership to the Palestine Liberation Organization or any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood. After UNESCO admitted Palestine as a member in October 2011, the United States accordingly withheld funding from UNESCO. We note on several occasions, most recently in the February 2015 jury decision for Sokolow v. PLO in a New York Federal District Court, U.S. courts have found the PLO to be liable for hundreds of millions in damages for supporting terrorist attacks that killed and injured Americans. The proposed language also creates a deeply troubling precedent. U.N. organizations, which seek to follow UNESCOs example and grant membership to non-state actors, may be encouraged to do so believing that the United States would eventually create another exception for them and restore withheld U.S. funding. Neither the House Committee-passed nor Senate Committee-passed appropriations bills included this proposed language. We oppose inclusion of this language in the FY2016 omnibus appropriations bill. Sincerely, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk U.S. Senator Marco Rubio CC: The Honorable Thad Cochran, The Honorable Hal Rogers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b662c85d-4094-4be1-9567-3ccc259a4415,Rubio: Arms Sales An Overdue Step Toward Strengthening Taiwan's Defenses,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding the Administrations announcement on the first arms sale to Taiwan in four years: The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is based on our shared values and our common interest in peace and stability in Asia. That is why the congressional notification of an arms package for Taiwan is a welcome, albeit belated step forward in upholding America's moral and legal responsibility to help Taipei determine its own political future free from coercion. When the Taiwanese people head to the polls next month to exercise their right to peacefully choose a new government, there should be no doubt that America will continue to provide all necessary military and diplomatic support to help them preserve their vibrant democratic system that has achieved so much success. While this latest package is a welcome development, I am concerned that it has now been over four years - the longest period since the Taiwan Relations Act was passed in 1979 - since the last notification was made to Congress. In contrast with President Obama, who has shown excessive deference to Beijing, our next President needs to ensure that China is not allowed to hold the process hostage by threatening to link its cooperation on other matters to America's support for Taiwan. U.S. decisions about what arms to sell Taiwan should be based first and foremost on the island's legitimate defense needs. This package helps to increase and replace or modernize Taiwans existing capabilities, but it falls short of truly enhancing Taiwan's defenses in a way that will give Beijing, which continues to threaten Taiwan with thousands of missiles, pause. Our next President needs to develop a comprehensive plan for helping to strengthen Taiwans Armed Forces, including expediting its acquisition of modern air and undersea warfare capabilities, enhancing its asymmetric capabilities, expanding high-level training, and allowing for more joint military planning between the Flag and General Officers of our two countries. Taiwan is one of America's oldest and most dependable security partners in Asia. We need to start investing again in that partnership as our two peoples together pursue a region that is peaceful, prosperous, and free.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ca48e9a9-6f69-4ca4-b962-9b939857330c,"Havana Playbook: Obamas Cuba Policy Year in Review, Presented by the Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases A not so good Thursday morning, especially for the 53 Cuban dissidents whose releases were announced a year ago as part of the Obama-Castro normalization deal, some of whom have been rearrested and arbitrarily detained again since, some several times.HEADLINE HISTORY: One year ago today, President Obama announced his intention to normalize diplomatic relations with the communist regime. Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past so as to reach for a better future - for the Cuban people, for the American people, for our entire hemisphere, and for the world, Obama said.WHEN YOU SHOW UP TO A HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE WITH SOMEONE WHO DOESNT HAVE ONE FOR YOU -- While that better future for the Cuban people has not materialized, Obama has announced a steady stream of concessions to the regime in the past year and now says he even wants to visit his non-ideologue friend Raul Castro in Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuba has made no progress on political reforms or human rights. Perhaps if Obama visits Cuba in 2016, he can bring a check back for the nearly $8 billion in uncompensated property claims and $4 billion (plus interest) in U.S. court judgments against the Castro regime? Or maybe hell bring back some of the more than 70 fugitives who continue to be harbored by Castro in Havana, some of whom the FBI has described as domestic terrorists, to face justice?PLAYBOOK EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT BY U.S. SENATOR MARCO RUBIO: The first year of President Obamas Cuba policy has been like the rest of his foreign policy: a disaster that prioritizes legacy-shaping headlines over freedom and results, treats our enemies far better than our allies, and negotiates deals from a position of weakness as if we are ashamed of our moral obligations as the worlds most powerful nation. Because of President Obama's Cuba policy, the U.S. has never been closer to the tyrants that rule the island or more alienated from the Cuban people working tirelessly to build a free and democratic future. Because of President Obamas weakness in negotiating with the Castro regime, cop killers, terrorists and other fugitives from U.S. justice continue to enjoy greater freedoms in Cuba than average Cubans who are experiencing a historically relentless wave of repression and political arrests this year.-- American businesses have placed a risky bet to enrich themselves and, in the process, enrich the Cuban military that actually controls the economy. The next U.S. president should end the many concessions this one has made to the regime, and send a clear message that betting against the Cuban peoples free and democratic future is a losing bet. With a year to go, President Obama can still inflict a lot of damage that further sets back the cause of a free and democratic Cuba, but those who care about freedom and the fate of the Cuban people will continue to fight him at every turn.WRONG PRIORITIES From the Associated Press, 11/18/2015: Environmental cooperation has been one of the most visible areas of progress in the relationship as the United States and Cuba negotiate and discuss a number of issues. They include much thornier matters on which the two countries remain far apart http://apne.ws/1QyF3qnAs for one of those thornier matters Between December 17, 2014 and October of this year, politically motivated arrests increased by over 500%, jumping from 178 arrests in the former month to 1,093 in the latter. According to the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation (CCDHRN), an internationally-recognized human rights watchdog, the total number of political arrests during the first ten months of this year was 6,239. In just ten months, the number of political arrests surpassed the yearlong tallies recorded for 2010 (2,074 political arrests) and 2011 (4,123 political arrests). CCDHRN publishes monthly reports of every reported case of abuse or persecution in Cuba. Check it out: http://bit.ly/1TDOcNNPREDICTIONS FULFILLED Rubio in The New York Times in July 2015: Yet Mr. Obama insists that building economic and diplomatic ties is likely to bring freedom and democracy to the island. However, our extensive experience with transitions from Communism has shown that economic opening and diplomatic engagement do not automatically lead to political freedom. http://nyti.ms/1NvorLQ --Rubio in The Wall Street Journal in December 2014: The entire policy shift is based on the illusion in fact, on the lie that more commerce and access to money and goods will translate to political freedom for the Cuban people. http://on.wsj.com/1Rnabe7BLOODY SUNDAY (x34) -- For 34 Sundays in a row, Cuban dissidents, including the Ladies in White, have tried to peacefully demonstrate after Catholic Mass under the slogan #TodosMarchamos (#WeAllMarch) Every Sunday, regime thugs violently beat and often arrest them. One Cuban dissident leader, Antonio Rodiles once had to be operated on overnight to repair his nose after receiving a beating at the hands of state security agents during one of those peaceful Sunday marches.-- Berta Soler, president of the Ladies in White in Cuba, testified before Rubios Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee during a February hearing regarding U.S. policy toward Cuba, where she and several other human rights activists described the repressive life on the island. http://bit.ly/1YiEBNWRED CARPET TREATMENT FOR REGIME PROPAGANDISTS: Cuban reporter asks Josh Earnest a question (or 6) by USA Todays Gregory Korte: That reporter was Cristina Escobar of Cubas national television network, who got the last question for White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. She immediately fit right in alongside her American counterparts, asking a four-part question on a wide range of Cuban issues with a two-part follow-up At least a dozen Cuban journalists attended [the May 2015] briefing. http://usat.ly/1Y2z1o2PRISON CELL TREATMENT FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS: From Reporters Without Borders: Conditions for journalists in Cuba have worsened in recent months. They are still subjected to harassment, which typically takes the form of arbitrary arrest. Dozens of independent journalists covering the marches through the streets of Havana that the Ladies in White opposition movement stages every Sunday have been arrested, held for several hours and then released. http://bit.ly/1QAUVZG Despite Obama Administrations pledges one year ago, international human rights experts have yet to be granted access to Cuban prisons.REAL POLITICO PLAYBOOK - VIA MIKE ALLEN ON 8/15/2015 -- CNNs JAKE TAPPER showed up the broadcast networks yesterday and did U.S. journalism proud -- with tough coverage from Cuba that included opposition views and ballsy questions. See a Storify, Tapper live tweets his trip to Havana. http://cnn.it/1KnttI8OUT AND ABOUT: The August 15, 2015 flag-raising ceremony at the newly re-opened U.S. Embassy in Havana was quite the affair SPOTTED: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, State Department officials, Castro regime thugs, American business interest leaders and anti-embargo lobbyists NOT SPOTTED: A single Cuban dissident, pro-democracy leader or activist. Apparently they were left off the invite list due to a lack of space and protocol. How then to explain the tens of empty seats during Kerrys speech?EMBARRASSMENT FROM WHITE HOUSE PODIUM (12/17/2014): Press Secretary Josh Earnest talking like this is a White House Spring Break trip On President Obamas possible visit to Cuba: I assume like many Americans he has seen that Cuba is a place where they have a beautiful climate and a lot of fun things to do. So if theres an opportunity for the president to visit Im sure he wouldnt turn it down. http://bzfd.it/1C2DmJbINFELIZ (UNHAPPY) NAVIDAD?: Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel is getting ready for a Cuban Christmas, You had a private conversation with me and now you decide to make that public. I really dont appreciate that, for one, I really dont And yes, this year, if my wife doesnt kill me now because of what you just did, we will take our kids to Cuba to be exposed to that culture Video here: http://politi.co/1RILCHNCYBERCRIMES AGAINST THE CUBAN PEOPLE: New York Times editorial11/30/2015: The only thing keeping the island in the digital Dark Ages is a lack of political will. The Cuban government has shut down the island's only official email service provider and it's not clear when it'll come back As is often the case in Cuba, the communist government hasn't given an official reason for the shutdown. Via Motherboard: http://bit.ly/1I1jpKmNOT THE ONION: US, Cuba talk cybercrime cooperation by The Hills Cory Bennet: Law enforcement is a key area in the bilateral relationship as the United States continues on the path toward normalized relations with Cuba, the State Department said in a statement. Law enforcement cooperation - except when it comes to the extradition of more than 70 fugitives from American justice walking freely on the island, including cop killers. Former Attorney General Holder didnt seem interested in pushing cooperation on behalf of their victims when pressed earlier this year.SHOT: Last year, These 5 Facts Explain the Economic Upsides of an Opened Cuba by TIMEs Ian Bremmer: The Caribbean country could be the next frontier of global businessCHASER: MOVE OVER SMALL BUSINESS, MAKE ROOM FOR THE OBAMA CRUISE: Earlier this month, Nearly 60 Cuba cuentapropistas (self-employed licensees) were arrested in the historic Old Havana district These cuentapropistas had their personal effects confiscated, along with their work equipment and money. To add insult to injury, upon arrest, their bail was set at 5,000 pesos. http://bit.ly/1RevY7G-- All of the areas surrounding the Port have been taken over by Raul Castros son-in-law so the military corporation can open retail stores to re-fill their coffers. http://bit.ly/1NKRD5kCASTROS LOSE PROXY VOTE IN VENEZUELA (12/6/15): Castro-worshipper Nicolas Maduros socialist party suffers electoral defeat in overwhelming rebuke of Venezuelas Cuba-style policies Venezuelas opposition party wins parliament in a blow to Maduro by CNN: http://cnn.it/1TFSp3HTRANSITIONS? Following her bureaus request for the State Department to manipulate Cubas ranking in its annual trafficking in persons report, Roberta Jacobson was nominated for U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, despite no follow through on her sworn congressional testimony that the U.S. would continue to prioritize human rights as part of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba http://1.usa.gov/1My87gl-- According to The Grey Lady, actually insisting nominees answer questions is beyond the palehttp://nyti.ms/1TOlyd1LAW? WHAT LAW? Top U.S. diplomat comes up short on conditions for lifting Cuba embargo by The Washington Examiners Susan Crabtree: Late in the [February 2015] hearing, Jacobson had trouble answering a basic question about the conditions current law requires Cuba to meet for the trade embargo to be lifted.-- Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., a Cuban-American who has long fought for human rights changes in Cuba, pressed Jacobson on the topic. She said Obama had requested that Congress lift the embargo and wanted to know which conditions under the Helms-Burton Act of 1996 the Cuban government had met to make that possible.-- Im sorry, I dont have that in front of me, Jacobson said.-- Clearly annoyed, Ros-Lehtinen quickly responded: I hope that when youre negotiating with the Castro government you know the current laws Please go and check that out, she added, because that is U.S. law, and we are hoping you will abide by that. http://washex.am/1Ri3bPQCOMING ATTRACTIONS Cubans are streaming north in large numbers by the Washington Posts Nick Miroff: A year after President Obama and Cuban President Ral Castro announced with great fanfare their plans to normalize relations, an old source of tension has stubbornly returned, with a rush of Cubans trying to get to the United States.The number of unauthorized Cubans arriving in the United States nearly doubled in fiscal 2015, rising to 43,159 from 24,278 the previous year, according to U.S. border officials, and the surge appears to be accelerating. The vast majority are coming not in rickety boats or rafts but right through U.S. ports of entry at the border with Mexico. Combined with the more than 20,000 who are issued immigration visas annually under existing accords, it amounts to the largest influx of Cubans into the United States in decades. http://wapo.st/1SQRGfMFOR YOUR RADAR: Rubio on the Cuban Adjustment Act: It is outrageous that Americas generosity toward Cuban nationals is being taken advantage of by those who abuse the law. Furthermore, the Obama Administrations normalization policy has created a series of inconsistencies, which have led to widespread abuse of the benefits in a law meant to assist those fleeing repression. While its important to preserve the protections the Cuban Adjustment Act affords to Cubans fleeing persecution, we need to eliminate the loopholes being exploited by those who abuse U.S. law, travel back to Cuba frequently and take advantage of American taxpayers. The federal government also needs to follow through in securing a data agreement between the Social Security Administration and DHS to make sure no one is illegally collecting benefits outside the U.S.-- The Cuban Adjustment Act was designed to protect Cubans fleeing the repression of Castros dictatorship. The need to help those fleeing repression in Cuba has not changed given that, since the Obama Administration announced its counterproductive policy of normalization with Castros dictatorship, political arrests and repression have increased. But if you keep returning to the country you are supposedly fleeing, its hard to argue that you are a refugee and deserve the assistance that comes with it. The law should be reexamined to reflect this. http://bit.ly/1M7HXfDREMEMBERING --Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, Jr., Mario de la Pea, and Pablo MoralesThe Brothers to the Rescue pilots that were shot down in 1996 by the Cuban military after a Cuban Five spy infiltrated the group Reminder: Ringleader Gerardo Hernandezs double life sentence was commuted by Obama as part of normalization deal As the Brothers to the Rescue pilots families mourn the loss of their loved ones, Hernandezs frozen sperm was shipped to Panama for secret fertility treatments for Adriana [his wife], all facilitated by the Obama administration at the urging of Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy as part of its backdoor diplomacy with the Cuban government. http://yhoo.it/1NlhUmQ-- New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster Murdered during a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973 by Joanne Chesimard Chesimard escaped from prison in 1979 and eventually ended up in Cuba, where she was granted asylum by Fidel Castro and has been living under the name Assata Shakur. http://7ny.tv/1SQTyFs-- Frank Connor Husband and father of two killed in a 1975 lunchtime bombing orchestrated by Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional Puertorriquena (FALN) bomb maker, Morales who was implicated in a string of bombings in the United States in the late 1970s that resulted in the deaths of four Americans... Morales escaped U.S. custody after his initial imprisonment and has apparently been provided safe harbor by the government of Cuba since the 1980s. http://1.usa.gov/1lSH2KBTO COVER CUBA, YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE DISSIDENTS ON TWITTER: The Ladies in White: @DamasdBlanco Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White: @bertasolerf -- Jorge Luis Garcia Perez ""Antunez,""Afro-Cuban opposition leader: @antunezcuba -- Antonio Rodiles, head of the independent think tank, Estado de Says: @AGRodiles -- Guillermo Farinas, former prisoner of conscience and Sakharov Prize winner: @cocofarinas -- Lia Villares, youth leader and blogger: @liavillares -- Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, former prisoner of conscience and US Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient: @OscarBiscet -- Ivan Hernandez Carrillo, independent labor leader: @ivanlibre -- Damaris Moya Portieles, female Afro-Cuban democracy leader: @DamarisMoyaP -- Leticia Herreria, regional leader of The Ladies in White: @leticiarhcuba -- Felix Navarro, independent farmer, teacher and former prisoner of conscience: @felixncuba --Rosa Maria Pay, Cuban political dissident, human rights activist andjournalist: @RosaMariaPaya -- Cuban blogger @yoanisanchez-- Danilo Maldonado aka El Sexto, Cuban artist and dissident recently released from prison: @dmmelsextoBIRTHDAYS: Fidel Castro is...ageless (h/t Vladimir, Nicolas, Bashar, Kim Jong Un)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-votes-infiltrate-terrorists-social-media,Buchanan Votes to Infiltrate Terrorists Social Media,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, supported legislation requiring the administration to develop a social media strategy to disrupt the recruitment and communication by terrorist groups. The Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act passed by the U.S. House today now goes to the Senate for consideration. Earlier this week Buchanan called on the administration to begin immediately screening the social media of anyone who wants to enter the United States through a visa program. One of the San Bernardino terrorists pledged their support to Islamic jihad on Facebook two years before the attack, according to media reports. We have heard repeatedly how terrorists abuse social media to recruit, fundraise and communicate with others to carry out their murderous attacks, Buchanan said. The White House should be doing this already without being instructed by Congress. The Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts. Its time to stop the political correctness and put the safety of Americans ahead of the privacy of foreigners, Buchanan said. Last week the congressman voted for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the SAFE Act, with Buchanans support, last month requiring the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/egypt-should-be-treated-friend-and-ally-we-look-strengthen-our-important-security,"Egypt Should Be Treated As a Friend and Ally as We Look to Strengthen Our Important Security Partnership and Improve Human Rights, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Egypt Should Be Treated As a Friend and Ally as We Look to Strengthen Our Important Security Partnership and Improve Human Rights, Says Ros-Lehtinen The Egyptian people should know that they do have a friend in the United States. A friend who is ready to be a better partner, a stronger ally, and one who is ready to assist when asked in order to achieve the stable, prosperous, open, and inclusive nation that Egyptians all deserve (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement at a subcommittee hearing entitled, Egypt Two Years After Morsi (Part II). Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: I would first like to express my deepest condolences to my dear friend and the Ranking Member of our Subcommittee, Ted Deutch. Teds mother, Jean, passed away last week and I know that the hearts of every member of this committee go out to Ted and his family during this time. * * * * * This is the second part of a hearing that we began in May, looking at Egypts transition since Mohamed Morsi was removed from power. In the hearing earlier this year, we heard some differences of opinion about the best way to move forward with our policy on Egypt, including exactly how much leverage the United States has or should attempt to wield over Egypts domestic affairs. Egypt is an important ally and security partner for the United States. Egypts strategic location, its assurance of safe passage through the Suez Canal, its peace treaty with Israel, and its demographics and cultural influence all mean that Egypt will continue to play a positive crucial role in the Middle East in the years ahead. Egypt is in a struggle with terrorism and Islamic jihadist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda a struggle that will not be over, sadly, anytime soon. It is essential that we maintain alliances like the one that we have with Egypt, not only as a partner in providing logistical support in the region, but also as a participant in our shared fight against a twisted, radical Islamic ideology. Egypts strong relationship with Israel, particularly with regard to their anti-terrorism cooperation in the Sinai, is also a strategic benefit to us in the United States especially in a region that so often appears bent on Israels destruction. Yes, we have significant human rights concerns with Egypt, including inexcusable restrictions on freedom of the press, assembly, association, and expression. Yes, reports of deplorable prison conditions, torture, and inhumane treatment and discrimination of women and minorities should not and must not be swept under the rug. These issues must be addressed and I continue to call on Egypt to improve its human rights practices and to allow more political space for Egyptian civil society. The Egyptians are increasingly looking elsewhere for friends and allies outside of the United States, and it doesnt help when the Obama administration keeps sending mixed messages. We can work with Egypt to improve our security relationship; to push for the human rights changes we want to see; and to help it toward a long-term stability, economic growth, and progress on the democracy front that President Sisi himself has advocated. Because make no mistake, long-term stability will only come with the kind of prosperity, respect for human rights, and self-determination that allows all Egyptians to feel they have a say in the future of their beloved country. Egypt just finished the last runoff in its long-delayed parliamentary elections and while initial observation reports do not indicate significant progress, I am hopeful that the new legislature will be able to make greater strides in the months ahead. As we all know, democracy is more than just elections and both the Sisi government and the new legislature should use this time to set the stage for a full democratic transition in the future. One sign of goodwill that President Sisi could make immediately is pardoning the 43 pro-democracy NGO workers who were wrongly convicted in 2013 under Morsi. Correcting Morsis mistakes this way would go a long way in demonstrating President Sisis commitment to a democratic future, and in repairing the damage that both Morsi and the Obama Administration did to the U.S.-Egypt relationship. Despite the Obama Administrations missteps, the Egyptian people should know that they do have a friend in the United States. A friend who is ready to be a better partner, a stronger ally, and one who is ready to assist when asked in order to achieve the stable, prosperous, open, and inclusive nation that Egyptians all deserve. Lastly, I would like to once again thank my good friend from Virginia, our Ranking Member acting today in this capacity. I know that Mr. Connolly has followed these issues for years ever since he was a Senate staffer on the Foreign Relations Committee. In June of 2013, Mr. Connolly and I, as a matter of fact, asked GAO for a study a report on U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt and in a couple of days, we will receive the third installment of our report. And I know we are looking forward to that.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/one-year-later-obama%E2%80%99s-cuba-policy-has-proven-be-sham-and-cubans-are-no-closer-freedom,"One Year Later, Obamas Cuba Policy Has Proven To Be A Sham and Cubans Are No Closer To Freedom and Democracy, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"One Year Later, Obamas Cuba Policy Has Proven To Be A Sham and Cubans Are No Closer To Freedom and Democracy, Says Ros-Lehtinen Simply put, the Obama administrations Cuba policy has only enriched the Castro regime and its enablers. One year later, we are further away from democracy in Cuba and drifting ever closer to accepting oppressors as legitimate leaders. Miami, Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement on the one year anniversary of President Obamas change to many facets of U.S. policy toward the Castro regime.Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: One year after President Obamas unilateral concessions to communist Cuba, we have seen an increase in detentions on the island and more Cubans are seeking to flee Castros dictatorial rule. So, are the Cuban people any closer to a real democracy? Brave pro-democracy leaders like Las Damas de Blancos Berta Soler, El Sexto, Antonio Rodiles, Jorge Luis Garcia Perez Antunez, and others are still routinely harassed, beaten, and arrested, for denouncing the regimes human rights abuses. The White Houses open hand has been met with a proverbial iron fist. Simply put, the Obama administrations Cuba policy has only enriched the Castro regime and its enablers. Notwithstanding Obamas disastrous Cuba policy, a side deal was agreed to in secret and led President Obama to pardon three convicted Cuban spies who undermined our national security and one whose actions led to the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, where three American citizens and one U.S. resident were murdered by Castro regime fighter jets. One year after these concessions, the Obama administration only has a few small-ball agreements that don't threaten the dictator's grip on power and won't change the sad status quo on the island. No progress has been made on human rights, confiscated American properties, or the return of U.S. fugitives because the Castro dictatorship will not change and only feels emboldened by Obamas misguided policies. President Obama is attempting to paint progress in Cuba with a broad brush, so much so that seemingly any new round of talks that produce no change on the tyranny's part is hailed as a success. However, the reality is that there is no cause and effect relationship between Obamas Cuba policies and any improvement in the quality of life for the Cuban people. The White Houses policy is one of accommodation to dictators like the Castros and Irans Rouhani and of ignoring pro-democracy leaders who are attempting to promote fundamental American values in their own countries. My colleagues and I will continue to work arduously to ensure that the embargo is maintained and that we shine a light on the dark corners of regime repression. One year later, we are further away from democracy in Cuba and drifting ever closer to accepting oppressors as legitimate leaders. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-supports-house-passage-combat-terrorist-use-social-media-act,Ros-Lehtinen Supports House Passage of the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Supports House Passage of the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act These jihadists have become more and more tech savvythey are more adept at manipulating the tools of social media and yet we, in the United States, lack any comprehensive strategy to counter their perverted ideology via social media (Washington, DC) Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) made the following statement after House passage of the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act. This act would compel the president to report to Congress how members of radical ideologies are using social media platforms and what federal efforts are being undertaken to counter this. Additionally, it requires that the president develop a strategy to combat jihadist efforts. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: I rise in strong support of Judge Poes bill the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act and I urge all of my colleagues to support this measure. Extremist groups like ISIS are well known for their extensive use of social media, spreading their hateful ideology, inciting violence, and attempting to recruit susceptible individuals to their hateful and twisted cause. When we hear reports and statistics that we have heard today, like ISIS having over 40,000 Twitter accounts, or that there is an estimated 200,000 pro-ISIS social media posts per day, clearly more needs to be done. These jihadists have become more and more tech savvy. They are more adept at manipulating the tools of social media and yet we, in the United States, lack any comprehensive strategy to counter their perverted ideology via social media. As Judge Poe has very ably argued, the Administration could be stopping pro-extremist social media in much the same way it stops online child pornography ISIS and other Foreign Terrorist Organizations do not have free speech rights under American law. Now we were all shocked, as you heard today, that our very own Homeland Security Department maintained a policy that prevented the screening of visa applicants social media because we worried about bad public relations; we worried about intrusions into their privacy. Even though social media posts, by their very definition, posts are exactly that: reaching out to the public through social manners, meaning through public ways. Every pro-ISIS post, or any post by any other foreign terrorist organization that uses Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter every one that we are able to take down before action is able to be taken is one less chance for these extremists to recruit and spread their vicious propaganda, and the administration needs to start getting serious about stopping it. This bill will require the administration to provide Congress, and therefore, the American public, with a strategy to fight Islamic extremists use of social media, as well as require that the administration gives us a policy that enhances the collaboration between the federal government and social media companies so that we can counter this troubling and dangerous threat. I applaud Judge Poe for introducing this bill. I thank our esteemed Chairman and Ranking Member for bringing it to the floor in such a speedy manner. I offer my full support, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/un-a%C3%B1o-despu%C3%A9s-las-pol%C3%ADticas-de-obama-han-demostrado-ser-una-farsa-y-los-cubanos-no,"Un Ao Despus, Las Polticas de Obama Han Demostrado Ser Una Farsa y los Cubanos No Estn Ms Cerca de Alcanzar La Libertad, Dice Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Un Ao Despus, Las Polticas de Obama Han Demostrado Ser Una Farsa y los Cubanos No Estn Ms Cerca de Alcanzar La Libertad, Dice Ros-Lehtinen Simplemente dicho, las polticas de la Administracin Obama slo han enriquecido al rgimen de Castro y sus seguidores. Un ao despus, estamos ms lejos de la democracia en Cuba y ms cerca de aceptar a los opresores como lderes legtimos. Miami, Florida La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin tras el primer aniversario de los cambios del Presidente Obama a mltiples facetas de las polticas de los Estados Unidos haca el rgimen de los Castro: Destac Ros-Lehtinen: Un ao despus de las concesiones unilaterales del Presidente Obama a la Cuba comunista, hemos visto un incremento en las detenciones en la isla y ms cubanos luchan por escapar la dictadura de los Castro. Est el pueblo cubano ms cerca de la democracia? Valientes lideres pro-democrticos como Berta Soler de las Damas de Blanco, El Sexto, Antonio Rodiles, Jorge Lus Garca Prez Antnez y otros siguen siendo acosados, golpeados y arrestados rutinariamente por denunciar los abusos a los derechos humanos perpetrados por el rgimen. La mano abierta de la Casa Blanca ha sido recibida por un puo de hierro. Simplemente dicho, las polticas de la Administracin Obama slo han enriquecido al rgimen de Castro y sus seguidores. A pesar de la desastrosa poltica de Obama haca Cuba, un convenio paralelo fue acordado en secreto llevando al Presidente Obama a amnistiar a tres espas cubanos que socavaron nuestra seguridad nacional y cuyas acciones causaron el derribo de los Hermanos al Rescate, donde tres ciudadanos americanos y un residente permanente de los Estados Unidos fueron asesinados por los aviones de guerra del rgimen de Castro. Un ao despus de estas concesiones, la Administracin Obama slo ha hecho pequeos acuerdos que no amenazan el control del poder de la dictadura, ni cambian el estatus quo en la isla. No se ha hecho progreso en los derechos humanos, las propiedades confiscadas, o el regreso de los fugitivos de la justicia de E.U. debido a que la dictadura de los Castro se niega a cambiar y slo se siente envalentonada por las polticas insensatas de Obama. El Presidente Obama intenta ilustrar el progreso en Cuba de una pincelada, de tal manera que cualquier nueva ronda de conversaciones que no produzca cambio por parte de la tirana sea vista como un xito. Desafortunadamente, la realidad es que no hay causa y efecto en la relacin entre las polticas de Obama y cualquier mejora en la calidad de vida del pueblo cubano. La poltica de la Casa Blanca es de satisfacer a dictadores como los Castro y Rouhani de Irn, ignorando a los lderes pro-democrticos que intentan promover valores democrticos en sus propios pases. Mis colegas y yo continuamos trabajando arduamente para asegurar que el embargo sea mantenido y buscaremos esperanza para lugares oscuros bajo la represin del rgimen. Un ao despus, estamos ms lejos de la democracia en Cuba y ms cerca a aceptar a los opresores como lderes legtimos.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=d5bbd15c-d985-4763-b8ac-331f3bfba841,Spending bill includes Rubio ban on ObamaCare 'bailout',2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles The government funding bill unveiled late Tuesday night includes a provision touted by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) that would prevent what Republicans call a bailout of health insurers under ObamaCare.The provision restricts an ObamaCare program, known as risk corridors, that is meant to shield insurers from heavy losses in the early years of the law. The program takes money from insurers doing well and gives it to insurers faring poorly.However, the program has taken in only enough money to pay out a fraction of the amount requested. The Republican-backed provision would prevent the administration from shifting other funds into the program to make up the difference.Why should American taxpayers be bailing out insurance companies, many of whom cooperated with, conspired with alongside the Obama administration to get Obamacare passed? Rubio said in an interview with Breitbart last month.The provision was included in last years spending bill, and it had been expected that it would be included again this year.Democrats did push for help for insurers under the risk corridor program earlier in the negotiations, possibly including a new tax credit for insurers, sources said.But Republicans held firm and rejected the efforts.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=d73fafe8-7b70-47f1-9ef3-b0dcbfed8d71,House clears bill imposing sanctions on Hezbollah,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles The House cleared legislation on Wednesday to enhance sanctions against Hezbollah and its supporters.In a 425-0 vote, the House approved slapping mandatory sanctions on banks found to be knowingly handling transactions with Hezbollah. The Senate passed a companion bill authored by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) by unanimous consent last month.The measure would direct the Obama administration to report on the Lebanon-based terror groups drug trafficking and organized crime activities, as well as outline its global support networks.It would also require the administration to determine any telecommunications companies that contract with Al-Manar, a TV station affiliated with Hezbollah.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5ca36a4d-7cdd-468a-b2df-7d2926d34c0c,"Senators Introduce Legislation to Honor Amb. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith - Heroes Killed in Libyan Consulate Attack",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the nation. Stevens, Doherty, Woods and Smith were killed in the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012.Stevens was serving as United States Ambassador to Libya during the attack. Doherty, a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL, was a native of Winchester, Massachusetts. Woods, a native of Portland, Oregon was also a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL. Smith had served in the Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.A copy of the legislation can be found here.These four courageous men are true American heroes, as they fought to serve and protect our nation until the very last moment, said Rubio. I am proud and honored to co- sponsor bipartisan legislation to pay tribute to their sacrifices with the Congressional Gold Medal. We must never forget the September 11 terrorist attacks on our facilities in Benghazi or the champions who lost their lives in the service of our country.These distinguished public servants and warriors made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and their memories will live on as an inspiration to everyone for their bravery and commitment, said Markey. I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to honor their courage with the Congressional Gold Medal. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget their last full measure of devotion to our nation.Four brave Americans died serving our country in Benghazi, and they deserve the recognition of a grateful nation, said Warren. The Congressional Gold Medal the most prestigious award that the American people's elected representatives can bestow is a fitting honor. I am especially proud that this legislation honors a son of Massachusetts, Glen A. Doherty, for his sacrifice. His memory will always remain in the hearts of everyone in our Commonwealth.These four courageous heroes made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and security, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay, said Ayotte. This medal represents the deep appreciation of a nation that will never forget their brave service and profound sacrifice.The attacks against American facilities in Benghazi received an enormous amount of attention over the past three years. This legislation redirects the focus where it should beon the four men who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving the national security and foreign interests of our nation, said Feinstein. We owe them our gratitude and recognition.J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith leave a proud legacy of service and sacrifice that our country must never forget, said Wyden. Its my honor to recognize these four brave Americans through bipartisan legislation that pays deserved tribute to their memories and to the inspirational lives they led.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=88d6f983-2917-452b-9ef7-8de1c969fe6e,"Rubio-Shaheen Hezbollah Sanctions Bill Passes House, Will Now Become Law",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015, a bill sponsored by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to block the terrorist organizations financing and limit the groups access to logistical support. The bill authorizes sanctions on international financial institutions that knowingly engage in business with Hezbollah and its enablers. It also identifies the organizations satellite and internet providers that facilitate its messages to the al-Manar Hezbollah television station. The president would also be required to report to Congress on Hezbollahs involvement in narcotics trafficking and transnational crime as well as its global logistics networks and fundraising, financing and money laundering activities, then ensure that adequate steps are being taken to root them out. Following Senate passage in November, Hezbollah officially condemned this legislation. America and our allies in the Middle East will be safer when we take these steps to weaken Hezbollah and, by extension, their Iranian masters. We know these sanctions will work because Hezbollah has already condemned them, Rubio said. It's critical that the administration get to work right away in implementing these sanctions that targets financing that Hezbollah ultimately uses to rain rockets down on Israeli civilians and carry out Irans orders in wreaking havoc and mayhem across the Middle East. Hezbollah and its sponsor Iran should know that America will not back down in the face of terrorism, and we will continue to stand up for our allies. Hizballah has American blood on its hands and remains an ever-present threat to our national security and that of our allies, especially Israel,"" said Shaheen. ""This legislation will ensure that our government is comprehensively targeting Hizballahs networks of support and holding its backers accountable. I urge the President toput these measures into effect as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=a71dc31a-d121-4539-8550-78b2412be023,Rubio Touts Measure In Omnibus To Stop ObamaCare Taxpayer-Funded Bailout Of Health Insurance Companies,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding todays release of an omnibus appropriations bill that includes a measure advocated by him to once again prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies incurring a financial loss under ObamaCare. In December 2014, Rubios efforts resulted in getting the same ObamaCare bailout prevention provision into the appropriations bill that passed at the time.ObamaCare must be repealed and replaced under the next president, but stopping the taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies now is a big win for taxpayers and all Americans who are fed up with crony capitalism that Washington wants them to pay for, said Rubio. There is simply no way to justify taxpayers bailing out health insurance companies.ObamaCares bailout provision has nothing to do with helping people access health insurance, but it has everything to do with how big businesses in this country game big government to increase their profits, and how big government games big businesses to increase governments reach into our lives, continued Rubio. If the only way ObamaCare can survive is by bailing out insurance companies, then guess what: it should not survive.I will continue reviewing the larger omnibus bill before deciding whether to support or oppose it, but Im pleased it at least stops the ObamaCare bailout for another year, added Rubio. I realize that the Obama Administration, health insurance companies and their lobbyists will be back next September clamoring for Congress to provide billions of taxpayer dollars to bail them out for losing more money because of ObamaCare, but Im pleased to know the Republican congressional leadership stands with me in stopping that from happening.On page 947, Section 225 of the bill released today, it makes clear that the risk corridors program in ObamaCare can only cover health insurers losses using fees paid by the companies, not taxpayer dollars. Last year, this provision saved taxpayers $2.5 billion.BACKGROUND: HOW RUBIO HAS ALREADY SAVED TAXPAYERS OVER $2.5 BILLION IN OBAMACARE BAILOUT FUNDS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES Under ObamaCare, health insurance companies that lose money can seek taxpayer funds to cover their losses. Palm Beach Post: If an insurance companys medical claims exceed anticipated costs, a federal risk-corridor program reimburses a share of those costs. Its a lesser-known piece of Obamacare intended to cushion risks for insurers between now and 2016 as companies adapt to sweeping healthcare changes. (Florida Blue chief: GOP attacks on insurance bailout unfair, Palm Beach Post, 8/14/2014) Earlier this year, the Obama Administration announced it will disburse just $362 million to health insurance companies to help cover losses under ObamaCare well short of the $2.9 billion requested by health insurance companies that incurred a loss by participating in Obamacare Politico Pro: Insurers will be paid $362 million from Obamacares risk corridors program for 2014 - or just 12.6 percent of the $2.9 billion in payments they requested. HHS officials, who announced the figures Thursdayevening, maintained that insurers will eventually receive the requested payments during the next two years of the temporary program. (Risk corridor payments far below insurers requests, Politico Pro, 10/1/2015) Health insurance companies immediately criticized the shortfall in bailout funding. Politico Pro: Insurers are criticizing todays announcement by the Obama administration that theyll receive just $362 million out of $2.9 billion in requested risk corridors payments for 2014 The health law requires that insurers will eventually receive their requested payments. But its unclear where the funds will come from to fully pay for it. A budget deal reached last year requires the program to be budget neutral. The risk corridor program was designed to protect insurers entering the Obamacare exchanges. (Insurers criticize HHS decision to pay out a fraction of requested risk corridor payments, Politico Pro, 10/1/2015) The Obama Administration was unable to pay the remaining $2.5 billion because of a provision which Rubio fought to include in the December 2014 omnibus spending bill passed by Congress, which forced the risk corridor program to be revenue neutral in other words, not funded by taxpayers. Rubio: For over a year, Ive fought to protect Americans from having to fund massive bailouts to protect the profits of the insurance companies that helped write Obamacare. While there is much in this massive spending measure that is simply bad for America, at least the provisions protecting against a taxpayer-funded bailout of insurance companies are a step in the right direction. While the Obama administration can still administer the risk-corridor program, for one year at least, they wont be able to use taxpayer funds to bail out insurance companies. When Congress returns next year, I will fight to permanently repeal the risk corridor provisions to protect taxpayers after the current legislation expires. (Rubio Comments On Obamacare Bailout Provisions, Press Release, 12/10/2014) In October 2014, Rubio had directly urged then-House Speaker John Boehner to use the budget process to prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies under ObamaCare. Rubio: As you know, the current CR will expire on December 11, 2014 Though Congress will determine the expiration date of the next CR later this year, it is likely the next CR will extend to a date in 2015 when risk corridor payments are reconciled The President intends to ignore Congresss explicit and exclusive authority by spending money on the risk corridor program without an appropriation from Congress. The American people expect us, as Members of Congress, to fulfill our Oath of Office and defend the Constitution. Therefore, we must act to protect Congress power of the purse and prohibit the Obama administration from dispersing unlawful risk corridor payments providing for an Obamacare taxpayer bailout. (Rubio, Colleagues To Boehner: We Must Protect Congressional Authority, Prohibit Obamacare Bailout, Press Release, 10/8/2014) Rubio was the first to identify the likelihood of a taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies under ObamaCare in November 2013, when he introduced legislation to repeal it. (Rubio Introduces Bill Preventing Taxpayer-Funded Bailouts Of Insurance Companies Under ObamaCare, Press Release, 11/19/2014) He later introduced additional legislation in April 2014 specifying that ObamaCares risk corridor program must remain budget neutral, thus preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to bail out health insurance companies. (Rubio Introduces Legislation To Hold Administration Accountable, Protect Taxpayers From ObamaCare Bailout, Press Release, 4/1/2014) In February 2014, Rubio testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about the danger of taxpayers having to bail out health insurance companies under ObamaCare. In the current Congress, Rubios first bill introduced would eliminate taxpayer-funded bailouts of ObamaCare for good. (Rubio Introduces Bill Preventing Taxpayer-Funded Bailouts Of Insurance Companies Under ObamaCare, Press Release, 1/8/2015)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-target-terrorists-social-media,Buchanan: Target Terrorists Social Media,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today called for the government to begin immediately screening the social media of anyone who wants to enter the United States through a visa program. Buchanan said reports that one of the San Bernardino terrorists pledged support to Islamic jihad on Facebook two years ago reflects staggering incompetence on the part of the governments screening process. According to the Los Angeles Times, one of the shooters in the San Bernardino massacre, Tashfeen Malik, sent at least two private messages on Facebook to a small group of Pakistani friends in 2012 and 2014, pledging her support for Islamic jihad and saying she hoped to join the fight one day. The messages were posted before Malik, 29, entered the United States on a K-1 fiance visa in July 2014, citing two top federal law enforcement officials. The House is scheduled to vote today on a bill requiring the administration to develop a social media strategy to combat terrorists, but Buchanan said the administration shouldnt wait for Congress to tell it to do the obvious. We have heard repeatedly that terrorists use social media as a recruitment and communication tool and yet we dont bother to screen their on-line activity before allowing them into America? Buchanan asked. We should have been tracking their social media all along, but apparently our government was too concerned about political correctness and violating the privacy rights of foreigners, Buchanan said. This woman never should have been allowed into our country after pledging Islamic jihad on Facebook. The Los Angeles Times reported that a former acting chief of Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence bureau said civil liberties and privacy concerns have given some DHS officials reservations about scrutinizing visa applicants' social media posts Buchanan said the administration needs to reverse that policy and put the safety of Americans ahead of the privacy of foreigners. Last week the congressman voted for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the SAFE Act, with Buchanans support, last month requiring the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394274,Posey to Host Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Bill Posey,P000599,posey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Posey to Host Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking Melbourne, FL, December 15, 2015- On Monday, January 11, 2016, Congressman Bill Posey will host a Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking from 7:30AM to 12Noon at the Bernard Simpkins Fine Arts Center at Eastern Florida State College in Cocoa in observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The event will bring together local experts in the field to discuss Floridas efforts in the fight against trafficking to gain local insight on effective strategies to prevent human trafficking and to inform the public on how to engage in combating this growing problem. Greg Pallone from Channel 13 News will moderate the main discussion panel. Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that enables criminals who both traffic and exploit individuals, including many young girls, to make a huge profit. Few things are crueler in our society and we have a moral obligation to end it, said Congressman Bill Posey. There are many in our community who are actively engaged in fighting human trafficking and meeting the needs of victims. This symposium is an opportunity for residents in our community to gain a better understanding of human trafficking issues and how we can work together to put an end to these heinous crimes. Zonta International has been fighting human trafficking for at least twelve years. The Zonta Club of Melbourne has been very active in the fight by making our own community and beyond aware of human trafficking and how rampant this horrific crime has become, said Claire Ellis, Anti-Human Trafficking Chair and Membership Chair of the Zonta Club of Melbourne. By educating ourselves and others, there is hope for identifying and reporting the signs. Modern day slavery may never be eradicated in my lifetime, but I can do my part to eradicate slavery from as many lives as possible. To that victim, it will feel like slavery was eradicated in their lifetime, said Bill Stanley, co-founder of the Nomad Community Church in Melbourne and the East Coast Human Trafficking Task Force. Human Trafficking is not a White, Asian, Hispanic, or Black problem, it's a people problem. And when the people come together and stand up for victims, the traffickers won't stand a chance, said Dr. Anthony Davis, Chairman of the East Coast Human Trafficking Task Force and Vice-Chair of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force. I attended Representative Poseys last Human Trafficking Symposium and it was an eye opener. I had known about the basics of human trafficking, but I lacked the information that was provided by law enforcement, victim advocates, and others who are there to support victims and stop these perpetrators. I look forward to attending the upcoming symposium, said Deacon Jack Rhine, representative of the Catholic Diocese of Orlando to the East Coast Human Trafficking Task Force. What: Rep. Posey Hosts a Symposium on Combating Human Trafficking When: Monday, January 11, 2016 from 7:30AM 12:00Noon Where: Bernard Simpkins Fine Arts Center Eastern Florida State College 1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32922 The Event is open to the public. Constituents interested in attending can RSVP online at /RSVP/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4A6BE8F4-D1E6-4559-9597-964F3A2A035C,DeSantis Vows to Continue Investigation of DHS,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Following last week–s National Security Subcommittee hearing held by Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) that raised serious concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and their management of the visa waiver program, recent media reports have further highlighted vulnerabilities at DHS that could impact their ability to screen for potential terrorists. These include the department–s failure to examine social media posts from San Bernardino terrorist Tashfeen Malik indicating her desire to partake in the jihad and a whistleblower–s allegation that his investigation of radical Islamic networks was shut down because it was “problematic.”? “The duty of DHS is to protect our homeland from those who wish to do us harm, and the agency is failing to address potential national security threats,”? DeSantis said. “Last week, DHS continually evaded questioning before the National Security Subcommittee, and now reports indicate that DHS has been lax regarding security threats posed by those entering our country. These lapses are unacceptable and I will continue to investigate whether or not DHS is adequately performing their duties.”? DeSantis, along with Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), has sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson asking for any documents relating to Tashfeen Malik, in order to continue the committee–s investigation into weaknesses within our nation–s visa programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/rooney-standing-up-for-floridas-citrus,Rooney: Standing up for Florida's Citrus,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Tom Rooney You will be hard-pressed to find an American breakfast menu without orange juice on it. On the menus of establishments ranging from small family-owned diners to upscale room service at fancy hotels, orange juice is a staple item that has squeezed its way into American mornings for decades. As a representative from Floridas 17th Congressional District, Im proud to say that most of our nations orange juice supply is grown in my own backyard. Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States, accounting for about 70 percent of the nations total production. The state of Florida produces more oranges than any other region of the world, with the exception of Brazil. There are more than 8,000 citrus growers cultivating more than 500,000 acres of Floridas land solely devoted to citrus. The industry also supports more than 75,000 jobs that are either directly or indirectly related to citrus. Whether in the groves or on the breakfast table, the citrus industry affects the lives of nearly every Floridian across the state. Unfortunately, for over a decade, Americas citrus industry has been endangered. We are now at the cusp of seeing it disappear entirely unless serious measures are taken to ensure its survival. Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly referred to as citrus greening disease, is a bacterial plant disease that Florida has been battling for many years. In recent years, HLB has spread to Texas and parts of California, which are the other significant citrus producing states in the country. HLB is fatal for citrus trees, destroying their production, appearance and economic value. Together, the citrus industries of Florida, Texas and California comprise over $11 billion in economic activity annually. However, unless a cure for HLB is found in the near future, this impressive economic footprint is increasingly at risk. The United States cannot afford to lose $11 billion in economic activity, nor can it afford to lose the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the citrus industry. Since I was elected to Congress in 2008, my mission has been to do everything I possibly can to help Floridas citrus growers combat greening disease, and ultimately find a cure. I am one of the only members of Floridas congressional delegation to sit on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee, and am the sole Florida member on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. In that capacity, I worked to include specific directives and funding supporting citrus disease research in our 2016 funding bill. Because of the existential threat it poses to Floridas citrus industry, I was able to ensure that an additional $2 million in funding was incorporated into the final House bill to sustain the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Groups (HLB-MAC) recent research gains in early detection, greening management strategies, and therapies to treat infected trees. Unfortunately, the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee did not include any funding for this program in their 2016 funding bill. Therefore, I wrote a letter, with signatures from 22 of my House colleagues, to the chairman and chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging their support of funding for the HLB-MAC. Soon, the House and the Senate will be finalizing their appropriations bills for 2016. We requested that, at a minimum, Senate Appropriations Committee leaders support including the House-recommended funding level of $2 million for the HLB-MAC in any final, compromise appropriations bill. It is my sincere hope that the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will include the funding necessary to help keep the citrus industry alive. We need to invest the necessary funds to finding a cure for HLB before the American citrus industry becomes a thing of the past. Florida orange juice has been around long before any of us ever were, and the work we do today will ensure that Florida orange juice will be around long after we are all gone. U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Okeechobee, represents Florida's 17th Congressional District, which includes Fort Meade, Frostproof, Lake Wales and other parts of southern Polk County.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-cites-urgent-need-help-citrus-industry,Buchanan Cites Urgent Need to Help Citrus Industry,2015-12-14,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, said today a new report forecasting unprecedented damage to Floridas orange harvest highlights the need for Congress to pass his emergency legislation aimed at helping farmers plant new trees. Buchanan, co-chairman of the Florida congressional delegation, warned that losses to the Sunshine States citrus industry could impact Southwest Floridas economy. The latest forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the orange crop for the upcoming season will be the worst since 1963-64.Buchanan said that the forecast underscores the urgent need for Congress to pass my Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act. In addition to ravaging millions of trees, citrus greening continues to threaten thousands of jobs for hard-working Floridians. The time is now for Congress to take action on this common-sense legislation. The Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act (H.R. 3957) would provide tax incentives for farmers who cannot afford to replace trees affected by citrus greening.Under current law, growers are allowed an immediate deduction for the cost of replanting diseased trees, but the farmer must bear the full cost.Buchanans proposal would allow struggling farmers to use this deduction even if they bring in investors to raise capital for replanting costs, as long as the grower continues to own a major stake in the grove.It also extends this incentive to purchasers of land with diseased trees. The bipartisan bill, which currently has 15 cosponsors, has been endorsed by Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the American Farm Bureau Federation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7515d5ca-2ab2-4c83-a5b4-62402bc71900,Rubio Presses Federal Government For Better Fisheries Data Collection,2015-12-14,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, today sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker in response to the recently released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Fisheries Data Collection. The report is the product of a 2013 bipartisan congressional request asking the GAO to study the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) marine recreational fisheries data collection program. The report concluded that NMFS lacks a comprehensive strategy and recommends that the agency develop such a plan with programmatic goals and time frames, and clearly communicate that information to stakeholders. In the letter, Rubio urges the secretary to fully support implementation of the GAOs recommendations. NMFS must work diligently to rebuild trust with key stakeholders for more effective management of our nations fisheries, Rubio wrote. The importance of having these stakeholders as data collection partners cannot be overstated. Our fisheries support millions of jobs and are economically vital to coastal communities throughout the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. However, without effective and trustworthy data collection, these benefits will not be realized. A transparent, structured plan with established time frames is essential for a successful data program. Background: As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, Rubio has detailed the need for improved quality and timeliness of data collection to ensure sound fisheries management. On May 20, 2015, he reintroduced the Florida Fisheries Improvement Act, which was reported out of the Senates commerce committee on June 25, 2015. If enacted, S. 1403 would: Repeal Section 407(d) of MSA; Require both the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to review the allocation of fishing privileges; Increase public involvement in the scientific and statistical processes that inform fishery management; Allow fishery facilities to make use of capital construction funds; Allow for more than 10 years of rebuilding for fish stocks managed under an international agreement; Require a plan to conduct stock assessments for all stocks currently managed; Require a report on better use of fisheries data; and Speed up the timeline for fishery disaster declaration. The full text of the letter is below. Dear Secretary Pritzker: As the Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, I write to encourage you to direct the National Marine Fisheries Service to quickly implement the Government Accountability Offices recent recommendations, as outlined in the report, GAO-16-131, Recreational Fisheries Management: The National Marine Fisheries Service Should Develop a Comprehensive Strategy to Guide its Data Collection Efforts. The report stems from a 2013 bipartisan congressional request to examine current data collection practices used in determining stock assessments. Although the GAO report notes that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has taken steps to improve data collection for recreational fisheries, the report also states, NMFS does not have a comprehensive strategy to guide the implementation of its various efforts Moreover, without clearly communicating the strategy to its stakeholders, NMFS may find it difficult to build trust, potentially limiting its ability to effectively implement MRIP improvement initiatives that rely on data collection partners. As noted above, NMFS must work diligently to rebuild trust with key stakeholders for more effective management of our nations fisheries. The importance of having these stakeholders as data collection partners cannot be overstated. Our fisheries support millions of jobs and are economically vital to coastal communities throughout the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. However, without effective and trustworthy data collection, these benefits will not be realized. A transparent, structured plan with established time frames is essential for a successful data program. As NMFS acknowledges the need to develop this important strategy, I urge you to use the necessary resources within the Department and NMFS to implement the recommended data collection efforts as soon as possible. Respectfully, Marco Rubio U.S. Senator",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-backs-new-travel-restrictions-fight-terrorism,Buchanan Backs New Travel Restrictions to Fight Terrorism,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, voted today for legislation to deny visa waivers to people who have traveled to Syria, Iraq and other high-risk nations during the previous five years. We cannot allow terrorists to slip into the United States through a porous visa program, Buchanan said after the House approved the legislation by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The safety of Americans must come first. Buchanan noted that more than 30,000 foreign fighters from over 100 countries have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside terrorist groups like ISIS. He said at least 5,000 of these individuals are from European countries and could easily enter America through visa waivers unless the program is changed. The visa waiver program wasoriginally establishedin the 1980s to facilitate travel to the U.S. and increase tourism. Currently, citizens with passports from 38 countries 30 of them in Europe are eligible to participate in the reduced-screening program that allows them to visit the United States for 90 days without a visa. About 20 million visitors come to the U.S. each year on the visa waiver program. The legislation passed today by the House would ban waivers for anyone who has traveled to Syria, Iraq, Sudan or Iran since March 1, 2011, which is when Syrian civil war started. Buchanan also said Congress should look at reforming the K-1 fiance visa that was used by Tashfeen Malik, the shooter in the San Bernardino terrorist attack. The congressman also supports legislation passed by the House to freeze the influx of Syrian refugees. The SAFE Act, which passed the U.S. House 289-137 last month, requires the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security and the director of National Intelligence topersonally certify that each and every refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398421,Ross Announces Service Academy Nominees,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lakeland, Fla., Dec. 11, 2015 U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, has proudly announced his nominations for students seeking appointment to a U.S. Service Academy for the 2016 school year. Ross makes nominations for the five different U.S. Service Academies, up to ten candidates for each vacancy at each Academy, and the Academies make the final appointment decisions. Each congressional member may not have more than five midshipmen or cadets at each Academy at one time. Therefore, new applicants are considered only when a vacancy occurs in the quota through graduation or other causes. The 14 students nominated from the 15th Congressional District have been through an arduous application process, and will soon be notified whether they will receive an appointment to their desired Academies. Acceptance of an appointment commits an applicant to a 10-year obligation to the Service (four years at the Academy and six years on active duty). It is one of the highest honors I have as a Member of Congress to assist deserving constituents in seeking appointment to a U.S. Service Academy, said Ross. I want to congratulate these exceptional students for their hard work and dedication, and thank them for their willingness to serve our nation. I have no doubt every one of them will represent the 15th District of Florida well. Below is a list of the students who received nominations to a Service Academy: Lakeland Chase Madden (Lakeland High School) U.S. Military Academy (West Point) George Madden (Lakeland High School) U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Tampa Ilenia Armstrong (Wharton High School) U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Connor Aspray (C. Leon King High School) U.S. Naval Academy Madeline Holzmann (C. Leon King High School/Florida State University) U.S. Naval Academy Dean LaGattuta (Freedom High School) U.S. Military Academy (West Point) John Miller (Jesuit High School) U.S. Naval Academy Brendan Philbin (Jesuit High School) U.S. Naval Academy Bradley Stempniak (University of South Florida) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Samuel Stone (C. Leon King High School) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Valrico Jacob Miller (Bloomingdale High School) U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Kendall Rate (Bloomingdale High School) U.S. Military Academy (West Point); U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy Chris Thatcher (Bloomingdale High School) U.S. Military Academy (West Point); U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy Sean Torres (Bloomingdale High School) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/castro-regime-recognizes-human-rights-day-arresting-pro-democracy-advocates-says-ros,"Castro Regime Recognizes Human Rights Day By Arresting Pro-Democracy Advocates, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Castro Regime Recognizes Human Rights Day By Arresting Pro-Democracy Advocates, Says Ros-Lehtinen Obamas concessions have only motivated the Castro brothers and their enablers to work to secure their despotic rule. Miami, Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding reports that more than 150 Cuban pro-democracy activists were arrested on December 10, Human Rights Day.Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: In Cuba under Castro, Human Rights Day is a reminder on the abusive tactics of the regime when Cuban state security arrested more than 150 pro-democracy leaders. The Obama administration held talks with the communist regime this week and the regime responded to Obamas misguided gestures by imprisoning Cubans on Human Rights Day. While the Obama administration lauds its own policies of unilateral concessions to the regime, those who espouse the ideals we hold so dear freedom and democracy are rounded up like criminals. A bevy of unilateral financial and political incentives has not caused these authoritarians to unclench their grip on power. Rather, Obamas concessions have only motivated the Castro brothers and their enablers to work to secure their despotic rule. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/r%C3%A9gimen-castrista-reconoce-d%C3%ADa-de-los-derechos-humanos-arrestando-activistas-pro,"Rgimen Castrista Reconoce Da de los Derechos Humanos Arrestando Activistas Pro-Democracia, Dice Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rgimen Castrista Reconoce Da de Derechos Humanos Arrestando Activistas Pro-Democracia, Dice Ros-Lehtinen Las concesiones de Obama solo han motivado a los hermanos Castro y sus secuaces a trabajar para asegurar su gobierno dspota. Miami, Florida La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y Africa del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin despus de reportes de que ms de 150 activistas cubanos pro-democracia fueron arrestados el 10 de diciembre, Da de los Derechos Humanos. Destac Ros-Lehtinen: En Cuba bajo los Castro, el Da de los Derechos Humanos es un recordatorio de las tcticas abusivas del rgimen cuando la seguridad de estado arrest ms de 150 lderes pro-democracia. La Administracin se reuni con el rgimen comunista esta semana y el rgimen respondi a los gestos inapropiados de Obama encarcelando cubanos en el Da de los Derechos Humanos. Mientras la Administracin Obama celebra sus mismas polticas de concesiones unilaterales al rgimen, quienes defienden las ideas que respetamos libertad y democracia son arrestados como criminales. Un sinnmero de incentivos polticos y econmicos no han causado que estos autoritarios paren de aferrarse al poder. En vez, las concesiones de Obama solo han motivado a los hermanos Castro y sus secuaces a trabajar para asegurar su gobierno dspota. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-aplaude-esfuerzo-del-presidente-macri-al-investigar-muerte-de-alberto,Ros-Lehtinen Aplaude Esfuerzo del Presidente Macri al Investigar Muerte de Alberto Nisman de Forma Transparente y Sin Obstrucciones,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Aplaude Esfuerzo del Presidente Macri al Investigar Muerte de Alberto Nisman de Forma Transparente y Sin Obstrucciones Debemos honrar el legado de Alberto exponiendo la verdad sobre su muerte y sobre el atentado de la AMIA, trayendo a la justicia a los responsables. Esto slo ser posible a travs de una investigacin completa, transparente, y sin obstrucciones. (Washington, DC) La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin tras la decisin del Presidente Macri de crear un fiscal especial para investigar la muerte del Fiscal Alberto Nisman. Destac Ros-Lehtinen: Felicito al Presidente Macri por su decisin de crear un fiscal especial para investigar la muerte sospechosa de Alberto Nisman. Alberto era un arduo defensor del estado de derecho, un lder en la lucha contra la corrupcin y el terrorismo que estaba determinado a descubrir la verdad detrs del atentado de la Asociacin Mutual Israelita (AMIA) en Buenos Aires, lo que pudo llevar a su muerte prematura. La investigacin de Nisman sobre el atentado de la AMIA En la que 85 personas perdieron sus vidas y cientos ms fueron heridas ayudo a sacar a la luz la amenaza de Irn y su grupo asociado Hezbol sobre nuestro hemisferio. Debemos honrar el legado de Alberto exponiendo la verdad sobre su muerte y sobre el atentado de la AMIA, trayendo a la justicia a los responsables. Esto slo ser posible a travs de una investigacin completa, transparente, y sin obstrucciones. Es necesario que el Presidente Macri contine esta investigacin hasta su fin, sin importar donde termine y espero que se descubran los perpetradores del ataque de la AMIA de 1994 y la muerte de Alberto.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-applauds-effort-president-macri-investigate-alberto-nisman%E2%80%99s-death,Ros-Lehtinen Applauds Effort by President Macri to Investigate Alberto Nismans Death In a Transparent and Unobstructed Manner,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Applauds Effort by President Macri to Investigate Alberto Nismans Death In a Transparent and Unobstructed Manner We must honor Albertos legacy by exposing the truth surrounding his death and the AMIA bombing and by bringing those accountable to justice, but the only way we can do that is through a complete, transparent and unobstructed investigation. (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding President Macris decision to create a special prosecutor to investigate the death of Prosecutor Alberto Nisman. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: I commend President Macris decision to create a special prosecutor to investigate the suspicious nature of Alberto Nismans death. Alberto was an ardent defender of the rule of law and a leader in the fight against corruption and terrorism and it was his dogged determination to uncover the truth behind the 1994 AMIA Jewish Community Center bombing in Buenos Aires that may have led ultimately to his untimely death. Nismans investigation into the AMIA bombing which killed 85 and injured hundreds more helped shine a light on the threat that Iran and its terror proxy group, Hezbollah, pose within our own hemisphere. We must honor Albertos legacy by exposing the truth surrounding his death and the AMIA bombing and by bringing those accountable to justice, but the only way we can do that is through a complete, transparent and unobstructed investigation. I hope President Macri follows this investigation through until the end, no matter where it leads, and I look forward to finally discovering who is responsible for the 1994 AMIA bombing and Albertos death. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/honoring-the-13th-amendment-on-its-150th-anniversary,Honoring the 13th Amendment on its 150th Anniversary,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"One hundred and fifty years ago, in the midst of a bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln led a courageous Congress to ratify the 13th Amendment and abolish slavery in America. Today, Congress commemorated this significant moment in our nations history with a moving ceremony in Emancipation Hall. Before he was president, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided speech. In it, he pointedly stated, A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved I do not expect the house to fall but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. This speech, given before the Civil War started, laid the foundation for what I believe was Lincolns eventual push to end slavery. And from this, our country continues to learn, evolve, move forward, and grow stronger. The 13th Amendment set in motion a long, painful struggle for equality that continues to this day. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement to the scourge of todays human trafficking, the fight for equality continues. It is unconscionable that the exploitation and indentured servitude of individuals still exist in our world today it must be stopped. I encourage everyone to take time to focus on this moment in our history, to reflect upon the meaning of freedom, liberty, and the value of human life. We must all remain vigilant in protecting the rights of our citizens and the most vulnerable among us - regardless of race, color or creed. By doing so, we do our part in creating a stronger union and a better world. U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., was first elected to Congress in 2012.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jones-bill-strips-former-speakers-of-perks,Jones bill strips former speakers of perks,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Posted Dec. 10, 2015 at 12:01 AM Nov. 2, Paul Ryan gaveled in the U.S. House of Representatives on his first day as speaker. Wednesday, three congressmen filed a bill to make sure former House Speaker John Boehner doesnt get the same five years of perks afforded the past eight speakers, back to former Massachusetts Rep. John McCormack, who left the office in 1971. Third District Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., introduced the measure at a news conference outside the Capitol on Wednesday morning, joined by Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie. Florida Republican Ted Yoho also signed on as an original co-sponsor of the bill. My father was sworn into the U.S. Congress in 1966 I was fortunate enough to be here because of a special election he won, Jones said in a video of the news conference that was posted by his office to YouTube. I was in the office of a wonderful American named John McCormack. Mr. McCormack served for 42 years (and) as speaker of the House. McCormacks the lesser-known Democratic speaker who came between Texan Sam Rayburn who served 1955-61 and while the House switched between partisan majorities, 1940-47 and 1949-53 and Oklahoman Carl Albert. When he left is when this became a reality, Jones said. Meaning, they gave him the opportunity to have an office to finish his service . Well, John McCormack wasnt obligated to special interests, like our speakers today are obligated to special interests. John McCormack was not going to leave Washington and go write a book. John McCormack was not going to Florida and play golf. John McCormack, quite frankly, was a wonderful man who cared more about the people than making special interests happy. So today, Thomas Massie and Ted Yoho and I are putting this bill in because we believe that the taxpayers should not be paying for an office, for a speaker of the House, whether they be Republican or Democrat. If the bill doesnt gain traction with the House GOP leadership something that Jones called questionable Jones said he, Massie and Yoho may attempt to bypass the committee process and attach the legislation to another bill in the spring as an amendment, as a way to bring the proposal before the full House. Im confident that when we get this legislation to the floor, every member of Congress will vote with us to eliminate this waste of taxpayer dollars, Massie said in a statement. This weeks omnibus presents an immediate opportunity to defund the ex-speakers office, but the most probable vehicle is an amendment containing Mr. Jones legislation, that we can offer next summer during the appropriations debate. Jones alleged former Speaker Dennis Hastert spent $1.9 million over his five years, and couldve run up the bill to $4 million. At the time, Hastert received a substantial income as a lobbyist. Hes since made a plea deal regarding illegal bank transactions he made to cover up and pay off a man who blackmailed the Illinois Republican, threatening to make public allegations that Hastert molested him while the former speaker was a teacher and coach at Yorkville High School in the 1960s. Hasterts scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 29. Reading off prepared notes, Jones said during those years, former speakers have available to them office space in the Longworth House Office Building, three administrative assistants each with six-figure salaries, complete furnishings, mail franking privileges, regular office operations and other staff assistance. I guess theyre going to pay for his toilet tissue, too, Jones said. The he, in this matter, is Boehner, for whom there was no love lost as the Ohio Republican ended his term, sparked by an internal GOP revolt from members of the House Freedom Caucus and their allies. The relationship soured to such a point following the 2012 elections Boehner kicked Jones out of a top assignment with the House Financial Services Committee amid other retributive measures directed at House Republicans who bucked the party leadership. Jones faces Taylor Griffin, former Treasury Department staffer during the George W. Bush administration and political consultant, and former Marine Phil Law for the 3rd District Republican nomination in March. Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @WesWolfeKFP.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/two-clay-students-awarded-service-academy-appointments,Two Clay students awarded service academy appointments,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"ORANGE PARK U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R3) of Gainesville visited two area schools on Monday to congratulate students on their appointments to different U.S. service academies. Yoho is shown here with Ridgeview High senior Vanessa Rodriguez, a cadet with the schools Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Yoho congratulated Rodriguez on her appointment to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School. Yoho began the day Monday by attending the flag-raising ceremony at St. Johns Country Day School where he congratulated senior Madeline ""Maddie"" Schultz shown below with her mother Heather Schultz to her appointment to the U. S. Air Force Academy. Yoho also said it is a privilege to be able to nominate some of the best and brightest students in the 3rd Congressional district to serve the nations service academies. The competitive selection process is based on scholastic achievements, involvement in school and community activities, leadership achievements and athletic accomplishments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-continues-work-help-veterans-hold-va-accountable,"Bilirakis Continues Work to Help Veterans, Hold VA Accountable",2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee continued work to help our nation's Veterans and hold the VA accountable. On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review legislation to improve the Veterans' Benefits Programs, increase transparency at the VA, and support Veterans and their families. These important bills will help us to address the shortcomings in the VA and hold this agency accountable, said Vice Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). It is our duty to ensure our Veterans receive the care and support they deserve. On Wednesday, the full committee reviewed the continued lack of accountability at the VA. Members continued their work to identify the many deficiencies and steps to address the ongoing issues at the VA. NBC Washington recently reported many misconducts at the VA that were highlighted in an investigation. Employees who behaved inappropriately have not yet been fired or reprimanded properly for their actions. This news follows many similar reports on employee abuse, scandal, and lack of transparency and accountability within the VA. Members pressed VA employees on this irresponsible behavior. Congressman Gus Bilirakis questioned VA Deputy Secretary Gibson on what the VA is doing to address these issues. Click to watch The reports we've seen throughout the years regarding the countless VA scandals are concerning to say the least, said Congressman Bilirakis. We must work towards a more transparent, accountable VA. The VA must discipline inappropriate behavior justly and ensure that our Veterans and their needs come first. Finally, today, the full committee held a briefing on VA and DOD information exchange. Members gained a better understanding of the process and discussed ways to improve transparency and communication. Our Veterans have fought for our freedoms, they deserve quality care and services in a transparent and efficient manner, add Bilirakis. I will continue to do everything I can to improve the lives of our true American heroes. For more information on the eventsthis week, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-works-improve-health-care-and-treatment,Bilirakis Works to Improve Health Care and Treatment,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health continued efforts to improve health care and treatment. Members discussed bipartisan legislation to address shortcomings in the current health care system to better serve our patients, athletes, families, and communities. These bills will bring about necessary reforms to our health care system, said Congressman Gus Biliriaks (R-FL). Thanks to the input of experts, stakeholders, and patients, we have created bipartisan legislation to truly help people across the country. Congressman Bilirakis is a co-sponsor of H.R. 4153, the Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act that would establish a pilot program to test the impact of early intervention on the prevention, management, and course of eating disorders. Bilirakis questioned Dr. Bermudez on this important topic: Click to watch As part of my ongoing commitment to raise awareness and find solutions for mental health issues, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to help those suffering from this devastating mental illness, said Bilirakis. About 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder. This issue is very important to so many of my constituents and it is crucial we do what we can to help all those affected. Congressman Bilirakis is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 921, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, legislation to clarify medical liability rules for athletic trainers and medical professionals to ensure they are properly covered by their malpractice insurance while traveling with athletic teams in another state. When our sports teams travel to take on opponents, their medical staff does too, said Bilirakis. This legislation will ensure our local teams will still have access to the team physicians when they cross state lines. The Subcommittee also discussed bipartisan bills to help athletic trainers, medical professionals, expectant mothers, nurses, patients, and families across the nation. To read text of the legislation and to watch the hearing, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1465E316-72EF-4311-BA5F-CDCA3AAA1CB9,DeSantis: DHS Clueless About Security Threats,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, in conjunction with the Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules, held a hearing today examining terrorism and the Visa Waiver Program. Kelli Ann Burriesci, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Screening Coordination for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was unable to provide to the committee basic information and continually evaded questioning. ""Islamic jihadists are on the march and 13 people were massacred in San Bernardino, yet DHS seems clueless about what is going on with potential threats to our security,"" DeSantis said. ""Congress needs to plug holes in immigration programs ranging from the visa waiver program to the refugee program. The testimony by DHS today gave Americans serious cause for concern about whether our government has a handle on the threats we face."" [[{""fid"":""350"",""view_mode"":""full"",""fields"":{""format"":""full"",""field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]"":"""",""field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]"":""""},""type"":""media"",""attributes"":{""class"":""media-element file-full""}}]] Watch DeSantis Question Burriesci on DHS Data",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rooney-introduces-the-congressional-citrus-caucus,Rooney Introduces the Congressional Citrus Caucus,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tom Rooney today introduced the Congressional Citrus Caucus for the 114th Congress. The Congressional Citrus Caucus will provide a forum for Members of Congress and their staff to discuss current challenges and avenues to pursue potential areas of positive federal support for our nations citrus industry. Rooneys home state of Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States accounting for about 70 percent of the nations total production. The state of Florida produces more oranges than any other region of the world, with the exception of Brazil. In the state there are more than 8,000 citrus growers cultivating over half a million acres of Floridas land solely devoted to citrus. The industry also supports over 75,000 jobs that are either directly or indirectly related to citrus. Im proud to introduce the Congressional Citrus Caucus for this session of Congress, Rooney said. Floridas citrus industry provides billions of dollars to our economy and tens of thousands of jobs to Floridians. This years USDA crop estimates for Florida are the lowest since the 1964 and they are still declining. Im hopeful that the Congressional Citrus Caucus will provide a forum for Members from across the country to come together to help our nations citrus industry flourish. Now more than ever, it is critical that we open up lines of communication, before Florida orange juice becomes a thing of the past.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=21c77a77-2b9d-40d4-ac99-5c7130d7a6b5,Marco Rubios claim that no recent mass shootings would have been prevented by gun laws,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles None of the major shootings that have occurred in this country over the last few months or years that have outraged us, would gun laws have prevented them. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). interview on CBSs This Morning, Dec. 4, 2015A colleague pointed out this statement by Marco Rubio as a possible fact check, suggesting that it was almost certainly incorrect. It posed an interesting challenge, given the reams of data to examine.The Fact Checker obviously takes no position on proposed gun-control laws. But given the attention of recent mass public shootings, is Rubio correct that none of the major shootings in recent years would have been prevented by new gun laws?Rubio was not specific in his time frame and a spokesman declined to elaborate but for the purposes of this fact check we will go back as far as the Newtown shooting in 2012, which touched off the current gun debate.The Pinocchio TestThis is certainly a depressing chronicle of death and tragedy. But Rubios statement stands up to scrutiny at least for the recent past, as he framed it. Notably, three of the mass shootings took place in California, which already has strong gun laws including a ban on certain weapons and high-capacity magazines.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=c6ea8c76-88e7-4ec5-a231-31d11428bdfe,Cuba Begins to Re-Imprison Political Dissidents Freed Under Obama Deal,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles The Cuban government has re-arrested almost all of the 53 political prisoners released in January as part of its normalization with President Obama, according to Senator Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).The news comes as Cuban police assault and detain dozens of dissidents in anticipation of International Human Rights Day, December 10.Sen. Rubios social media message Wednesday alerted the media to the case of Vladimir Morera Bacallao y Jorge Ramrez Caldern, who are both currently in prison after being released as part of the Cuban governments publicity stunt. Bacallao, according to the dissident group the Cuban Democratic Directorate, is currently undergoing a hunger strike after being arrested and sentenced to four years in prison for hanging an anti-Castro sign out of his window. Ramrez Caldern is currently serving two and a half years in prison for having marched in silence as part of a protest against the Cuban government.While both men were sentenced last month and are serving long sentences, the more common method the Cuban government uses to repress dissidents is to repeatedly temporarily detain them, allow them to claim they have fewer political prisoners in their jail cells while also limiting the activities of these dissidents consistently. During Pope Francis visit to Cuba in September, for example, more than 250 Cuban dissidents were detained and freed shortly after Pope Francis left, so as to prevent them from organizing any protest against the government. Dissident groups such as the Ladies in White a group consisting of the female relatives of political prisoners suffer weekly or even more often temporary detention. The Ladies in White, a mostly Catholic group, are typically arrested after attending Sunday Mass.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9c269e2a-7c22-444c-a646-cc0503c90e11,"On International Human Rights Day, Rubio Calls For A U.S. Foreign Policy That Lends A Voice To Voiceless",2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Womens Issues, issued the following statement marking International Human Rights Day and highlighting some of the cases featured in his #expressionNOToppression social media campaign: Today we commemorate International Human Rights Day. Its an occasion to be thankful for our God-given rights but also to remember that there are millions of people around the world who are denied their most basic human rights every day. In order to bring more attention to human rights abuses across the world, I have begun highlighting them through my #expressionNOToppression social media campaign. Sadly, there are far too many cases to feature and only a few have been resolved. In Saudi Arabia, blogger Raif Badawi sits in jail waiting to find out if he is going to be flogged for encouraging political and religious debate. In Iran, the fates of Jason Rezaian, Pastor Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Robert Levinson remain uncertain. In China Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a distinguished writer, professor and human rights activist, languishes in prison unable to claim the prize that is rightfully his five years later. Just yesterday, Azerbaijan released Leyla Yunus a prominent human rights activist due to her deteriorating health, but she is still charged with treason. In Cuba, dissident leaders Vladimir Morera Bacallao and Jorge Ramirez Calderon, two of the 53 political prisoners released as part of President Obamas Cuba deal, were both re-arrested last month. Vladimir is serving a four-and-a-half year sentence for hanging a sign outside his home and Jorge was sentenced to two and a half years for joining a peaceful protest asking for improved sanitary conditions and water in his community. Time and again political prisoners and dissidents the world over have expressed that consistent public pressure on their behalf, at the highest levels of government, resulted in better treatment in prison, reduced sentences and in some cases freedom. Shamefully the Obama Administration has all but abandoned this time-honored, bipartisan tradition which has been a hallmark of American foreign policy for decades. And so today we honor all prisoners of conscience who are struggling to exercise their most basic human rights and those citizens who fight to create a better future for their countries. The United States needs to continue to be a beacon of hope for these heroes by lending a voice to the voiceless.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/meet-the-11-republicans-vying-for-the-steering-committee,Meet the 11 Republicans Vying for the Steering Committee,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Eleven House Republicans are pitching their colleagues for a seat at the GOPs influential Steering Committee, which determines who gets what plum, or not so plum, committee assignments. Elections are scheduled forThursday to determine the six at-large members who will be installed on the committee, a situation set in motion when new Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., kept a promise to conservatives and changed the makeup of the panel, diluting some of leaderships influence. The sixlawmakers will only serve on the Steering Committee for the remainder of the 114th Congress, placeholders until leadership can reconsider the allocation of regional representatives on the board. The stated goal in reconfiguring the committee is to diversify the ranks for the 115th Congress, starting in 2017. But a short tenureisnt deterring the 11 candidates who made their cases to colleagues on Wednesday. Here are the members vying for the available seats: Rep. Susan W. Brooks, R-Ind. The sophomore lawmaker has quickly established herself as a leadership loyalist and team player whose profile was catapulted in 2014 when she was named to the Select Committee on Benghazi. Brooks is also the only woman running for an at-large seat. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.Cole had a seat on the Steering Committee in his capacity as a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, but the shift in membership that took place in November called for him to forfeit his slot. Cole, a senior appropriator, is well-liked in the conference and looked upon by many colleagues as a voice of reason. Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas. Texas has the largest Republican delegation by a long shot, but only two of their own, Reps. Pete Sessions and Lamar Smith, are on the panel. That doesnt strike Lone Star State members as good enough to represent their 25-Republican strong crew. Culberson, an eight-term House member and appropriator, is one of their own and wields influence with Congress purse strings. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan. Huelskamp is one of four members of the House Freedom Caucus vying for a slot. A member of the 2010 class and key leadership agitator, he lost his prestige assignments for going against leadership one time too many. The HFC and other House conservatives want their own members represented, and Huelskamp is one of their own. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Because of term limits, Issa handed in his chairmans gavel at Oversight and Government Reform in January. He expressed interest in the speakership before Ryan said he would run to replace John A. Boehner. A spot on Steering would keep him in an influential spot. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.Another member of the Freedom Caucus, Pearce was part of the special working group to produce legislative solutions when the child migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border came along in the summer of 2014. Rep. Mike D. Rogers, R-Ala.Rogers came within a hair of beating Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, for chairman of the Homeland Security committee in 2012. If the Alabama lawmaker can tap those connections, it could be helpful for his bid. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz. The third member of the Freedom Caucus in the running, Schweikert keeps a lower profile than other conservatives but continues to push hard against leadership. He was among those who tried todefeat the procedural rule to bring up Trade Promotion Authority legislation. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo.At just 35 years old, Smith is the youngest member running for a seat on Steering, something he could capitalize on at a time when the GOP wants to promote diverse voices within the conference. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich.Upton, like Cole, formerly enjoyed a seat at the Steering paneltable until the reconfiguration booted most committee chairmen. Conservatives who wanted a sea change in Steering Committee membership might not take kindly to a chairman trying to return to the fold, but Upton is term-limited as chairman of Energy and Commerce at the end of 2016, so his candidacy mightlook like less of a threat. Plus, Upton offers colleagues a chance to make sure the Steering Committee maintains important institutional knowledge. Rep. Ted Yoho,R-Fla.The fourth HFC member in the running. The former large-animal veterinarian is a consistent ally of conservatives; he was one of 12 House Republicans to vote against Ryan for speaker. Correction 4:49 p.m. A previous version of this article misstated Rep. Jason Smiths age. He is 35 years old. Related: See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Calls new video site. NEW! Download the Roll Call app for the best coverage of people, politics and personalities of Capitol Hill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-statement-on-commemoration-of-the-150th-anniversary-of-the-13th,Yoho Statement on Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.- Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) commemorated the 150thanniversary of the ratification of the 13thAmendment to the U.S. Constitution. This significant moment in history freed nearly 4 million slaves - formally abolishing slavery in America. Congressman Yoho released the following statement: 150 years ago, in the midst of a bloody civil war, President Abraham Lincoln led a courageous Congress to ratify the 13thAmendment and abolish slavery in America. Today, Congress commemorated this significate moment in our nations history with a moving ceremony in Emancipation Hall. Before he was president, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided speech. In it, he pointedly stated,A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect theUnionto be dissolved I do not expect the house to fall but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. This speech, given before The Civil War started, laid the foundation for what I believe was Lincolns eventual push to end slavery. And from this, our country continuesto learn, evolve, move forward, and grow stronger. The 13th Amendment set in motion a long, painful struggle for equality that continues to this day. From The Civil War, to the Civil Rights movement, to the scourge of todays human trafficking, the fight for equality continues. It is uncontainable that the exploitation and indentured servitude of individuals still exist in our world today it must be stopped. I encourage everyone to take time to focus on this moment in our history, to reflect upon the meaning of freedom, liberty, and the value of human life. We must all remain vigilant in protecting the rights of our citizens and the most vulnerable among us - regardless of race, color or creed. By doing so, we do our part in creating astrongerunion and a better world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=daab7da1-18d9-4f46-9b04-9a8496575e92,Marco Rubio Quietly Undermines Affordable Care Act,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles WASHINGTON A little-noticed health care provision that Senator Marco Rubio of Florida slipped into a giant spending law last year has tangled up the Obama administration, sent tremors through health insurance markets and rattled confidence in the durability of President Obamas signature health law.So for all the Republican talk about dismantling the Affordable Care Act, one Republican has actually done something toward achieving that goal.The risk corridors were intended to help some insurance companies if they ended up with too many new sick people on their rolls and too little cash from premiums to cover their medical bills in the first three years under the health law. But because of Mr. Rubios efforts, the administration says it will pay only 13 percent of what insurance companies were expecting to receive this year. The payments were supposed to help insurers cope with the risks they assumed when they decided to participate in the laws new insurance marketplaces.Mr. Rubios talking point is bumper-sticker ready. The payments, he says, are a taxpayer-funded bailout for insurance companies. But without them, insurers say, many consumers will face higher premiums and may have to scramble for other coverage. Already, some insurers have shut down over the unexpected shortfall.Risk corridors have become a political football, said Dawn H. Bonder, the president and chief executive of Health Republic of Oregon, an insurance co-op that announced in October it would close its doors after learning that it would receive only $995,000 of the $7.9 million it had expected from the government. We were stable, had a growing membership and could have been successful if we had received those payments. We relied on the payments in pricing our plans, but the government reneged on its promise. I am disgusted.Blue Cross and Blue Shield executives have warned the administration and Congress that eliminating the federal payments could have a devastating impact on insurance markets.Twelve of the 23 nonprofit insurance cooperatives created under the law have failed, disrupting coverage for more than 700,000 people, and co-op executives like Ms. Bonder have angrily cited the sharp reduction in federal payments as a factor in their demise.But Mr. Rubio is pressing forward, demanding a provision in the final spending bill now under negotiation that continues the current risk corridor restrictions, or even eliminates the program altogether. That enormous spending bill is being worked out as Congress slides toward a deadline of Friday, when much of the federal governments funding runs out.If you want to be involved in the exchanges and you lose money, the American taxpayer should not have to bail you out, Mr. Rubio said on the Senate floor on Thursday.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=ff24cf13-8795-463f-8609-2eb4daf7d407,Why Marco Rubio Is Worried About the IRS Targeting Churches,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles Sen. Marco Rubio said he believes pastors must be both cautious and bold against an intrusive IRS that may be looking more carefully at their words from the pulpit after the Supreme Court ruled that there is a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.I think, long-term, its something we should be vigilant about, Rubio, R-Fla., told The Daily Signal, adding:We have an IRS thats already targeted people for their political views. We have an IRS thats targeted conservative groups for auditing, and special scrutiny, and so its not a stretch to say the next step would be that. We know that there are areas around the world already where Christianity is often defined as hate speech, and therefore [Christians] become target of government sanction.Rubio has been a vocal critic of the Internal Revenue Service. During the 2013 scandal, where the agency admitted to targeting conservative groups for more stringent review, Rubio called its actions reprehensible and deplorable.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398420,Ross Votes to Pass Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 8, 2015 U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Improvement Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include terrorism risk as a factor the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consider under the electronic system for travel authorization in determining the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States: I am very happy the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act because we must prevent foreign individuals who pose a potential terrorist threat from entering our country. This legislation provides an important additional layer of security to protect our homeland and the lives of Americans in our communities from radical Islamic terrorism. This legislation further addresses the inexcusable vulnerabilities of the Visa Waiver Program by requiring participating countries to provide counterterrorism information and issue their citizens fraud-resistant e-passports, as well as denying Visa Waiver Program status to those who have traveled to terrorist hotspots, like Iraq and Syria, since 2011. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend a country from the Visa Waiver Program without prior notice if the country fails to comply with an agreement to share information regarding whether its citizens and nationals traveling to America pose a U.S. security threat. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, much of whom are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are not a threat to our nation. While my colleagues and I are doing what we can to protect our country from terrorists, the recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, should be an alarming wakeup call that the President must stop putting his personal political agenda before the nation's safety and immediately implement a strategy to defeat ISIS."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/desde-el-congreso-ros-lehtinen-felicita-venezuela-por-su-victoria-democr%C3%A1tica,Desde el Congreso Ros-Lehtinen Felicita a Venezuela Por Su Victoria Democrtica,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Desde el Congreso Ros-Lehtinen Felicita a Venezuela Por Su Victoria Democrtica An quedan algunos escaos en los que no se han anunciado ganadores y son de gran importancia para el resultado final de la eleccin. (Washington, DC) La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin desde el pleno de la Cmara de Representantes felicitando al pueblo de Venezuela por su victoria democrtica. Destac Ros-Lehtinen: Seor Presidente, hoy tomo la palabra para felicitar al pueblo de Venezuela en su victoria democrtica. Los votantes enviaron, desde los centros de votacin, un mensaje claro al rgimen de Maduro: rechazamos sus polticas y apoyamos un regreso a la democracia y el fin de un sistema econmico que ha puesto a la nacin en bancarrota. A pesar de condiciones electorales desequilibradas, censura impuesta por el estado y tcticas de intimidacin, la oposicin democrtica super muchos obstculos para ganar una mayora en la Asamblea Nacional. An queda mucho trabajo por hacer. Todos los prisioneros polticos deben ser liberados incluyendo al lder democrtico Leopoldo Lpez. An quedan algunos escaos en los que no se han anunciado ganadores y son de gran importancia para el resultado final de la eleccin. Insto a que se haga una declaracin rpida y transparente de los ganadores y que se lleve a cabo un proceso de adjudicacin plena de algunas contiendas que pueden ocurrir en ciertas elecciones. NOTA: Para ver las declaraciones de la Congresista, haga click aqu.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/paul-ryan-joins-chorus-opposing-trump-s-muslim-ban,Paul Ryan joins chorus opposing Trumps Muslim ban,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Speaker Paul D. Ryan on Tuesday joined the chorus of Republican voices decrying presidential candidate Donald Trumps call to block all Muslims from entering the United States but stopped short of saying he would reject Trump were he to become the GOP nominee. Ryan said he typically does not comment on the Republican presidential race but felt compelled to make an exception, then proceeded to denounce Trumps comments in some of the strongest terms yet heard from a top Republican leader. Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional principle. Its a founding principle of this country, Ryan told reporters following aclosed-door morning meeting at the Republican National Committee. This is not conservatism. What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for. And more importantly, its not what this country stands for. [Sign up for The Daily 202, The Washington Posts new political tipsheet] Ryan (R-Wis.)said it is incumbent on Republican leaders to stand up and defend what conservatism is and what the Republican party stands for. Im not concerned about lasting damage to the party; Im concerned about standing up for our countrys principles, he said. But Ryan would not rule out backing Trump if hebecomes the Republican presidential nominee: Im going to support whoever the Republican nominee is, and Im going to stand up for what I believe in as I do that. Ryan addressed Trumps remarks during the conference meeting as well, according to a person present at the gathering, Rep. Matt Salmon of Arizona. That is not who we are as a party; that is not who we are as a country, Salmon quoted Ryan as saying to his colleagues. Republicans leaving the conference meeting were mostly critical of Trumps proposal. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, said the comments were not helpful but declined to say that they might help the Islamic State recruit adherents. I dont think ISIS needs any help recruiting, he said. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), one of the Houses more conservative members, was even more critical, calling the proposal unconstitutional. We cant put that kind of a test on anybody, he said. Its not about anti-Muslim, its about anti-terrorism, period. But Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), perhaps the Houses fiercest advocate of tighter border policies, would not dismiss Trumps proposal out of hand. We have to respect the rights of citizenship here in America, he said. Thats a constitutional principle that I wouldnt compromise on. Other than that, Mr. Trump has given some of us a little more room to operate. He added: We have a constitutional right to determine who comes to America and we can set out any criteria we want from a constitutional perspective, so lets have a debate on how we protect America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-on-house-passage-of-bill-to-strengthen-visa-waiver-program,Yoho on House Passage of Bill to Strengthen Visa Waiver Program,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 158, theVisa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bill implements recommendations made by the House Task Force on Combatting Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel and strengthens the Visa Waiver Program - to help prevent foreign terrorists from entering the United States. Congressman Yoho released the following statement after his vote: The first order of business for the federal government is to provide for the common defense and keep the American people safe. In addition to my sworn duties as a Member of Congress, this is a personal priority of mine as an American. This bipartisan bill we passed today takes a substantial step forward in Americas effort to stop foreign terrorists from reaching our shores and our neighborhoods. We are addressing key vulnerabilities with our Visa Waiver Program by implementing more rigorous background checks for foreign travelers and increased audits of the programs effectiveness. This will also require individuals who recently visited a country of concern to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. The world we live in is a dangerous place and we must take the necessary steps, large and small, to ensure the safety of the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rooney-language-included-in-tax-extenders-bill,Rooney Language Included In Tax Extenders Bill,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tom Rooney issued the following statement after last nights filing of the Tax Increase Prevention and Real Estate Investment Act of 2015 by Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady, commonly referred to as tax extenders. Chairman Brady filed a bill last night which would extend tax provisions for the upcoming year. Included in this bill is language that Rooney has pushed regarding bonus depreciation; Rooneys concern on this issue is how bonus depreciation pertains to citrus farmers. Floridas citrus industry has been plagued with citrus greening disease for more than a decade. Bradys bill includes provisions to help any farmers who tend to fruit and nut bearing trees, which includes citrus trees. The proposed bill would allow farmers to immediately depreciate their costs of planting new trees and substantially reduce the financial risk that comes with the investment. Current law prevents cost depreciation until the grove produces income, which can take years. The state of Florida has over 130,000 acres of abandoned commercial citrus groves, according to officials. Rooney has long supported this language in the hopes that this will help citrus growers invest in their own groves and help the citrus industry in Florida flourish. I am very pleased and encouraged to see that the language I, and other Florida delegation members, requested to be included in the end of the year tax extenders package was included in the draft filed last night, Rooney said. This is a big step in the right direction and I am hopeful that this language is retained in any final tax bill we vote on before the end of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-we-must-do-all-that-we-can-to-ensure-election-results-are,Diaz-Balart: We Must Do All That We Can to Ensure Election Results Are Respected,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement regarding yesterdays Venezuelan elections. Yesterday, Venezuelans went to the polls en masse to soundly reject the oppression, corruption and mounting failures of the Maduro regime. Today, hopes are high that the people of Venezuela have an opportunity to chart a new course toward prosperity and freedom. Following reports of election irregularities, intimidation, arrests of opposition leaders, and vast media censorship, the Obama administration must increase pressure on the Maduro regime and impose sanctions on those involved in human rights abuses. Although the leadership of the National Assembly is changing, the Maduro regime is still in power. Those who were involved in the assassination of Luis Manuel Diaz, and those who attempted to silence and intimidate opposition leaders must be held accountable. We must do all that we can to ensure that the results of yesterday's elections are respected, and that the Maduro regime does not undermine the legislature's authority. Despite obstacles imposed by the Maduro regime and his thugs, the Venezuelan people courageously mandated change. I commend the people of Venezuela for rejecting the Chavez-Maduro legacy that has plagued them for far too long. I look forward to standing with them as they begin the process of building a brighter future for themselves and their children. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-commenta-sobre-elecciones-legislativas-en-venezuela,Ros-Lehtinen Commenta Sobre Elecciones Legislativas en Venezuela,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Commenta Sobre Elecciones Legislativas en Venezuela (Washington, DC) - La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin sobre las elecciones legislativas de Venezuela. Destac Ros-Lehtinen: A pesar de muchos retos, la oposicin venezolana ha logrado una mayora en la Asamblea Nacional. Debemos entender que la oposicin debi luchar contra un arbitro electoral parcializado durante las elecciones al rechazar una misin de monitoreo internacional acreditada, prevenir las candidaturas de figuras polticas de la oposicin tal como Mara Corina Machado y Leopoldo Lpez y no permitir acceso justo a los medios de comunicacin por parte de candidatos opositores, el CNE y el rgimen de Maduro utilizo su poder para controlar el resultado de las elecciones. Durante el da reportaron irregularidades tales como la presin y la intimidacin de votantes por parte de grupos armados y se revocaron de los credenciales de algunos ex Presidentes latinoamericanos por parte de Maduro y sus secuaces. La Administracin Obama puede ver estos resultados como una excusa para demorar las sanciones al rgimen de Maduro. Para defender la democracia y la libertad de expresin en Venezuela, hago un llamado a la Administracin a denunciar el ambiente electoral previo al voto y la imposicin de sanciones a los individuos que causaron irregularidades el da de las elecciones. El continuo asalto a la democracia por el rgimen de Maduro, tal como la sentencia de Leopoldo y el asesinato de Lus Manuel Daz durante la campaa deben ser el catalizador para imponer mayores sanciones a los funcionarios del rgimen que perpetraron estos abusos en contra de los derechos humanos",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-comments-legislative-elections-venezuela,Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Legislative Elections In Venezuela,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Legislative Elections In Venezuela (Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding Venezuela's legislative elections. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: In spite of many challenges, the Venezuelan opposition has been able to gain control of the National Assembly. However, we must understand what the opposition was up against due to the electoral arbiters behavior in the lead up to the elections. By refusing a reputable international accredited monitoring mission, limiting the playing field by refusing candidates - such as Maria Corina Machado and Leopoldo Lopez - to stand for election, and not allowing opposition candidates fair access to mass media, the CNE and the Maduro regime used their control to impact the outcome of the elections. Throughout election day, reports surfaced of voting irregularities such as pressuring voters at precincts, armed groups intimidating voters, and Maduro with the help of his cronies revoking the credentials of former Latin America presidents. The Obama administration may see these results as an excuse to further delay the application of pressure on the Maduro regime. In order to defend democracy and freedom of expression in Venezuela, I call on the Administration to denounce the environment leading up to the elections and impose sanctions on those individuals that caused voting irregularities on election day, a dangerous atmosphere for opposition political parties, and a lopsided playing field. The continued assaults on democracy by the Maduro regime, such as the sentencing of Leopoldo and the assassination of Luis Manuel Diaz during the campaign, must be a catalyst to impose further sanctions on the regime officials who perpetrate these human rights abuses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-focuses-on-islamic-state-threat-from-europe,Congress focuses on Islamic State threat from Europe,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"After efforts to freeze refugee admissions from Syria and Iraq caused a backlash from the Obama administration and the foreign policy establishment, lawmakers in the House and Senate are now revisiting the visa waiver program with 38 mostly European countries. The House is slated to vote Dec. 8 on legislation from Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., chairwoman of the Homeland Security border security panel, that would suspend uncooperative countries and exclude people who have traveled to Iraq or Syria over the past five years. ""As Americans, we live in a free and open society, and terrorists are looking for any and every opportunity to exploit those freedoms and use them against us, so we need to think clearly,"" Miller said in this week's Republican address. ""And clearly, we have a major weakness in our visa-waiver program a glaring hole that we have to close."" The following day, the Senate Homeland Security panel will host a roundtable on ways to strengthen the program with officials from the State and Homeland Security departments. Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to vote Dec. 10 on legislation from presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to strip US terrorism supporters of their citizenship. Similar legislation died five years ago when it was first introduced by then-Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Scott Brown, R-Mass., amid concerns that it violated the constitution and did little to protect the country. The strategy to combat IS gets its day in the Senate Armed Services as Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Gen. Paul Selva, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief Arizona Republican John McCain's panel on US policy toward Iraq and Syria on Dec. 9. The hearing comes one week after Carter made international headlines when he told the House panel that he was sending a special operations strike force to conduct raids against IS targets in those two countries and threatened to arm Sunni tribes directly if Baghdad doesn't do more to integrate them into its armed forces. The House Foreign Affairs panel, meanwhile, is slated to vote Dec. 9 on legislation to directly arm the Iraqi Kurds battling IS. The bill, from Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., goes further than the annual defense bill signed into law by President Barack Obama last month by making it US policy to ""directly provide the Kurdistan Regional Government with advanced conventional weapons, training and defense services on an emergency and temporary basis."" The panel is also expected to pass a nonbinding resolution from Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., calling on the United States and the international community to prosecute parties who have used chemical weapons in Syria. Later that afternoon, the committee's human rights panel will look into why international humanitarian aid pledges for victims of IS have been lagging. In the Senate, the Foreign Relations panel on Dec. 9 will examine peacekeeping reforms with Samantha Power, the US envoy to the United Nations. Finally, the House is expected to vote as early as Dec. 8on Senate-passed Hezbollah sanctions legislation. The bill has been bouncing around Congress for more than a year and a half.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-prompt-notification-of-short-sale-act-introduced,Bipartisan Prompt Notification of Short Sale Act Introduced,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Last week, Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) and Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) introduced the Prompt Notification of Short Sale Act, bipartisan legislation which will streamline the short sale process, helping families avoid foreclosure while protecting the housing market. A robust housing market is critical to growing our economy and creating jobs in Florida, Rep. Rooney said. Although weve progressed since the trying times of the 2008 housing collapse, we are far from clearing out our nations backlog of short-sale homes. By streamlining short sales, we can help keep homes out of foreclosure, fuel growth in the housing market, and deliver a needed boost to Floridas economy. As a former mayor, I know the importance of homeownership to keep neighborhoods safe clean and stable, Rep. Frankel said. This legislation will help prevent properties from deteriorating and put them in the hands of caring families. The current short sale process can be time consuming and inefficient for both buyers and sellers. The Prompt Notification of Short Sale Act addresses the inefficiencies of the current short sale process by requiring the lender to acknowledge the request for a short sale within three-days of receipt from the borrower. The mortgage servicer is then required to provide notice of any missing or incomplete information within five-days of receipt of a short sale request, and must decide whether to accept an offer of a short sale within 30-days of the request. The bill allows for the 30 day response time to be extended to 60 days in exceptional situations, but the lender must notify the borrower that the application is still under review and provide the borrower weekly updates on the reasons for the delay. Violators of the imposed timeline will be faced with a fine of $1,000 plus attorneys fees per violation. This legislation is supported by the National Association of Realtors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=968ebd18-23c6-44fa-b057-d57367628fe0,"In Washington, warnings not to ease up on Venezuela",2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles WASHINGTON -The oppositions historic victory Sunday in Venezuela could help thaw long-chilly relations between the United States and the oil-rich country. But U.S. leaders in Washington such as Sen. Marco Rubio and Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart, all Florida Republicans, caution this is not the time to ease pressure.They cited President Nicols Maduros administration, which they charged had stifled political dissent, intimidated voters and jailed opposition leaders, as a reason for a stronger approach.Maduro and his followers should accept the will of the Venezuelan people and accept accountability for mismanaging the economy, destroying the rule of law and violating the fundamental rights of countless Venezuelans, Rubio said.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f51d816e-3462-496b-9df9-2259751620e6,"Rubio: After Historic Venezuelan Elections, Political Prisoners Should Be Immediately Released",2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committees Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Womens Issues, issued the following statement today regarding Venezuelas historic elections:The people of Venezuela have courageously stood up demanding a better future and rejected not just the Maduro regime and all the misery it has brought to Venezuela, but also the axis of repression and tyranny that it represents in the Western Hemisphere.Maduro and his followers should accept the will of the Venezuelan people, and accept accountability for mismanaging the economy, destroying the rule of law and violating the fundamental rights of countless Venezuelans. Acknowledging the will of the Venezuelan people by releasing all political prisoners, including Leopoldo Lopez, Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma and San Cristbal Mayor Daniel Ceballos, would be a positive start and should happen immediately.These election results are even more remarkable considering the Obama Administrations neglectful, and at times counterproductive, approach to the Western Hemisphere. This outcome in Venezuela comes at a time when the Obama Administration is propping up Maduros allies in Havana, and despite the fact that mounting serious human rights abuses and repression have been met largely with indifference from the White House and a failure to fully implement a sanctions law I helped pass last year to crack down on human rights violators. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/fighting-for-florida?ContentRecord_id=1c6577a1-60d7-4382-8e70-1f709e494c86,Happy Hanukkah,2015-12-06,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As our Jewish friends, neighbors, and loved ones in Florida and around the world prepare to light the menorah at sundown today, I would like to send warm greetings and best wishes for a joyful Hanukkah. During this eight-day celebration of the miraculous triumph of freedom over oppression, I hope the burning candles of this Festival of Lights will serve as a symbol of hope to all those around the world without the freedom to worship freely and openly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/the-people-of-venezuela-must-have-the-opportunity-to-chart-a-new-course,The People of Venezuela Must Have the Opportunity to Chart a New Course,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement regarding Venezuelas upcoming elections this Sunday. On the eve of Sunday's elections, the people of Venezuela must have the opportunity to chart a new course with elections that are free of corruption, intimidation or interference. The Chavez-Maduro legacy of shortages, skyrocketing inflation, corruption, oppression and violence has devastated Venezuela's economy, curtailed liberties, and repressed civil society. The imprisoned members of Venezuela's opposition are a testament to the courage of Venezuela's independent leaders, and to the repression that they endure. I stand with the people of Venezuela as they demand a government that responds to their needs, respects basic liberties of expression, media, and association, and promotes democratic institutions such as an independent judiciary.We can only hope that this election will not end like past elections that have been stolen by Venezuelan dictators.When the Maduro regime has finally come to an end, Venezuela can launch a new course toward prosperity, liberty, and honest government.Ifully support the brave opposition leaders and praythat Sunday will mark the start of Venezuela's brighter future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-proud-judge-%E2%80%9Cwe-people%E2%80%9D-simulated-congressional-hearing-mast-academy,Ros-Lehtinen Proud to Judge We the People Simulated Congressional Hearing at MAST Academy,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Proud to Judge We the People Simulated Congressional Hearing at MAST Academy Dec 4, 2015 Ros-Lehtinen Proud to Judge We the People Simulated Congressional Hearing at MAST Academy As a former Florida certified teacher, I know that one of the best ways to preserve liberty is to instill its spirit in future generations. Miami, Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) was proud to judge the We the People simulated Congressional hearing at Key Biscaynes MAST Academy. The simulated hearing encourages students to learn about our Constitution, its history, and its precepts and students are asked questions that test their mastery of these issues. Ros-Lehtinen, a former Florida certified teacher, relished a chance to work directly with students and ask about our nations history. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Im proud of these wonderful MAST Academy students who have worked so hard to learn about our republics founding document and the history behind it. The Constitution is truly a work of art that has stood the test of time. As a former Florida certified teacher, I know that one of the best ways to preserve liberty is to instill its spirit in future generations. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yoho-drops-in-at-ehs-to-give-student-naval-academy-news,Yoho drops in at EHS to give student Naval Academy news,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"An Eastside High School senior got a surprise from a congressman and some good news Friday. U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho showed up at Eastside on Friday afternoon to notify Emily Louie-Meador that shed been accepted into the United States Naval Academy. Part of the rigorous application process for military academies is securing a congressional nomination. Emily, 17, applied for a nomination through Yohos office and was interviewed by a panel of officials. Yohos staff said when he learned of Emilys acceptance into the Naval Academy, he wanted to notify her of the prestigious achievement himself. Were very proud of Emily. Shes an amazing student, a great leader and a great athlete, Eastside Principal Jeff Charbonnet said. We think shes just going to thrive at the Academy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-stop-trafficking-in-fentanyl-act-introduced,Bipartisan Stop Trafficking in Fentanyl Act Introduced,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) and Tim Ryan (D-OH) introduced the Stop Trafficking in Fentanyl Act of 2015, a bill that amends the Controlled Substances Act to ensure the law appropriately reflects the potency of the opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous synthetic opioid drug that has recently been attributed to an increase of fatal overdoses. The Drug Enforcement Agencys (DEAs) assessment is that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is typically prescribed for pharmaceutical purposes, usually to ease extreme pain for patients in finals stages of diseases like cancer. The drug is similar to morphine but can be up to 100 times more powerful. The Stop Trafficking of Fentanyl Act would reduce the amount of fentanyl needed to invoke the most serious trafficking penalties for an individual trafficking and manufacturing the drug. The bill would lower the threshold that triggers federal penalties from 400 grams to 20 grams to ensure that the law appropriately reflects the extreme strength of the drug, which can be fatal in doses as small as 0.25 mg. The DEA has also issued warnings to law enforcement as fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin and accidental inhalation of airborne powder can also occur. The state of Florida has seen a significant increase in fentanyl related deaths in the past few years. In 2014, Manatee County had the highest amount of fentanyl related deaths in the state of Florida and one of the highest in the country. My concern is that without action, these overdose figures are only going to get worse, Rooney said. Under the current law, the threshold amount to invoke penalties is not appropriate with the strength of the drug. Individuals who are trafficking and profiting off fentanyl need to be adequately prosecuted in the hopes of stopping the alarming rising rate of fatal overdoses. We need to update our laws to get this incredibly dangerous synthetic drug off of the streets. In 2014, Ohio ranked number one in the number of fentanyl seizures correlating directly to an increase in fentanyl-related deaths. Ohio reported 514 fentanyl-related overdoses in 2014 compared to 93 in 2013. Ohio has seen yet another record-breaking year for overdose-related deaths, many due to fentanyl. We are losing too many of our friends, neighbors, and relatives to this destructive drug epidemic. I am proud to join Congressman Rooney in introducing this important legislation that will help get these drugs off the street. We must respond to this crisis from all sides by improving coordination to reduce the number of drugs available, while also increasing and expanding access to treatment for those who are suffering, said Ryan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=73676c42-87da-47be-b2e9-72aa9c804050,Why the GOP Is Looking to the Omnibus Spending Bill to Limit Obamacares Insurer Bailout,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles Senate Democrats blocked GOP efforts Thursday to repeal Obamacares risk corridor program, which Republicans have referred to as a taxpayer-funded bailout of insurers. Now, conservatives are looking to the $1.1-trillion omnibus spending bill to continue restricting the use of taxpayer dollars for the program.As Congress begins to debate this years omnibus spending bill, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is urging GOP congressional leaders to use the must-pass legislation as the vehicle to further restrict the programs access to taxpayer dollars.If the only way Obamacare can continue is for taxpayers to bail out health insurers that lose money because of it, thats as good an indication as any that the whole law should be repealed and replaced, the Florida senator wrote in aletterto Republican leadership last week. Rubio continued:It is our responsibility to completely shield the U.S. taxpayer from a deal in the omnibus that might reimburse health insurers retroactively for these losses or any other future losses. The best way to do this is to include the language in the omnibus that we have already used twice to prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=52833052-1ee7-41fa-8540-4f758a67c1bf,"Rubio: Venezuela Deserves Free & Fair Elections, A Better Future",2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the Republican sponsor of the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 that became law, today issued the following statement regarding this Sundays legislative elections in Venezuela:Venezuela is in crisis. Because of the Chavezand Maduro regimes, Venezuela has deteriorated from a prosperous country to a failed economy, broken society and repressive police state run by narco-traffickers. Its no surprise that many polls suggest the opposition will win this Sundays legislative elections, and even less surprising that Nicolas Maduros regime is already threatening to ignore the wishes of the Venezuelan people.If Venezuelas opposition manages to succeed, it will be in spite of all the regime has done to make this election far from being free and fair. Just last week, an opposition candidate was assassinated while campaigning. Pro-democracy opposition leaders like Leopoldo Lopez, Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma and San Cristbal Mayor Daniel Ceballos have all been arbitrarily arrested, while others have been disqualified without legitimate cause by an election system and kangaroo courts controlled by the regime. In their desperation to cling to power by any means necessary, the Maduro regime has unleashed an unprecedented wave of repression in Venezuela that has left scores dead, thousands injured and thousands more condemned to being political prisoners. Theyve expelled international media organizations and reporters, blocked credible international election observers, expropriated or shut down the countrys independent news outlets, and illegally wasted Venezuelas government resources in state-run media campaigns trying to convince people that all is going well, nevermind the poverty, rampant crime and repression that have led to desperation.The U.S. and others around the world should watch this election closely because, judging from Maduros record and statements, I fear we are on the cusp of another wave of repression and human rights abuses. The Obama Administration has tragically dragged its feet in sanctioning human rights abusers in accordance with the law I pushed for, but there are still many officials throughout the Venezuelan regime that should have their visas denied and financial assets frozen. This should happen immediately. We must stop toying with the notion that this criminal gang that runs Venezuela can be a viable partner in improving Venezuelas future.The Venezuelan people deserve better than what theyve gotten so far in this 21st century. I am hopeful that they will soon get it, and I look forward to the day when the U.S. and Venezuela are again strong allies bound together by the principles of freedom, democracy and respect for the rule of law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c00728cb-2d90-4264-a836-c63a71f3bf2e,"Rubio Highlights More Than 30,000 Constituents Helped In New Constituent Service Report",2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. If youre a Floridian having problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), proving your identity to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after having it stolen, or having trouble with Medicare or Social Security issues, youre not alone. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today released a new report detailing some of the more than 30,000 constituent service cases his office has worked on since 2011 involving these federal agencies and many others. He hopespeople facing similar challengeswill turn to him and other congressional members for assistance. For example, Rubios constituent service team has helped a young woman stranded in an international airport with an expired passport get a new one in time for her rescheduled flight, a wounded veteran get his disability payments reinstated and a retroactive payment for the benefits he was owed by the VA, and a husband and wife who were victims of tax fraud recover their income tax refund. Since I was elected five years ago, my top priority has been making sure Floridians in need of assistance receive the help they need, and Im proud that we have the best team in the country helping our neighbors and making this goal a reality every day, said Rubio. Constituent service can sometimes be as routine as getting a passport expedited immediately in order to make a family vacation possible. But sometimes it makes the difference between paying your bills on time, falling into debt, or even life and death, and we want to make sure people receive the assistance they need from us. Rubios new constituent service report highlights stories that exemplify the work his constituent service team has done to assist Floridians over the past year and a half. A similar report was released in July 2014 which highlighted the first three and a half years of Rubio's constituent service program. Among the reports noteworthy facts and figures: The office has received over 30,000 requests for assistance since Rubio was sworn into office. About 95 percent of the cases have been completed or closed thus far. Since the first report was released in July 2014,over 8,000 new cases were opened. Over 500 Mobile Office Hour events were held, totaling more than 1,000 overall since Rubio was sworn into office. More than16,000 people visited a Mobile Office Hour event during the past five years. The top issue areas requested for help by Florida constituents are: immigration and international issues, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Social Security and Medicare, as well as taxes. Earlier this week, Rubios office surpassed an important milestone by hosting its 1,000th Mobile Office Hour event.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398418,Ross Votes to Give States and Parents More Control Over Education,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 2, 2015 U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaces No Child Left Behind and protects state and local autonomy over decisions in the classroom by preventing the Secretary of Education from coercing states into adopting Common Core or any other common federal standards or assessments, as well as reins in the secretarys regulatory authority: It is my firm belief education prepares individuals to provide for themselves, their families, and those in need. It is an investment that brings great rewards and opens the doors of opportunity. However, one size does not fit all when it comes to education, and overregulation by the federal government stifles students abilities to thrive in school. As the father of two sons, I know firsthand the important role education plays in today's society, as well as a parents right to make decisions about his or her childs education. The legislation we passed today prevents the Secretary of Education from coercing states into adopting Common Core or any other common federal standards or assessments. While it is true this country is in need of education reform, real reform is needed, not just more money and more federal programs and crippling regulations. What education needs is choice, competition, discipline and an elimination of federal mandates and high-stakes testing. States should be allowed to tailor education systems to the needs of their students and should not have to check in with bureaucrats in Washington before they do what is best for their students. I joined my colleagues today in passing this important legislation so we can start taking the much needed steps toward restoring state, local and parental control over education policies and decisions that enhance school performance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398419,Ross Votes to Strengthen Our Nations Transportation Infrastructure,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 3, 2015 U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. Included in this comprehensive transportation package are important provisions such as language restoring funds previously cut from the Crop Insurance program and H.R. 2997, the Private Investment in Housing Act of 2015, which was introduced by Rep. Ross to provide the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the authority to establish a demonstration program and enter into budget-neutral, performance-based agreements that result in the reduction of energy and water costs for multifamily housing. Today, I voted in favor of a surface transportation reauthorization package that will strengthen our economy and provide states long-term certainty and flexibility for much-needed infrastructure projects. The bill reforms transportation programs, refocuses on national priorities, streamlines project approval processes, and maintains a strong commitment to safety. This package is fully paid for and ensures fiscal responsibility without raising taxes. The bill also raises more than $70 billion in offsets, which in combination with interest accrued on the balance within the Highway Trust Fund is enough to keep the Fund solvent through the end of Fiscal Year 2020. Eleven percent of Floridas major urban roads are in poor condition, and 17 percent of Floridas bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Driving on roads in need of repair costs Florida motorists $4.5 billion per year in extra vehicle repairs and operating costs. Additionally, 47 percent of Floridas major urban highways are congested, with traffic congestion costing American motorists $121 billion per year in wasted time and fuel costs. Florida also has a traffic fatality rate higher than the national average. Highway improvements and infrastructure projects reformed under this bill will help reduce traffic fatalities and accidents, help relieve congestion, and create jobs in Florida. I am also pleased this package included the Private Investment in Housing Act of 2015 that I introduced to encourage the private sector to retrofit and modernize a limited number of HUD multifamily affordable housing units at absolutely no cost or risk to taxpayers. Furthermore, I was happy to vote for the FAST Act because the bill included additional language that reverses detrimental cuts previously made to the crop insurance program through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which I voted against this past October. Floridas agriculture industry is vital to our state and local communities. The crop insurance program is the most valuable tool farmers have in their risk management plans, and I will continue doing all I can to protect Floridas farmers and citrus growers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/iaea-report-possible-military-dimension-iran%E2%80%99s-nuclear-program-proves-iran-has-long,"IAEA Report on Possible Military Dimension of Irans Nuclear Program Proves Iran Has Long Record of Deceit; Responsible Nations Must Hold Tehran Accountable, Not Appease It, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"IAEA Report on Possible Military Dimension of Irans Nuclear Program Proves Iran Has Long Record of Deceit; Responsible Nations Must Hold Tehran Accountable, Not Appease It, Says Ros-Lehtinen If anything, this report should trigger increased scrutiny on Irans nuclear program and the U.S. and responsible nations must reinstate and fully implement all sanctions against the regime for its failure to honor any of its obligations, its repeated lying regarding its past nuclear work, and its continued work on an illicit nuclear program. (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding the International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) Final Assessment on Past and Present Outstanding Issues Regarding Irans Nuclear Programme. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: If the administration is willing to go forward with sanctions relief after receiving the IAEAs latest report noting unresolved queries, then it is abundantly clear that it has no intention of holding Iran accountable and wont have the political will to report Iranian violations of the JCPOA. The IAEA report regarding the possible military dimension of Irans nuclear program proves Iran lied in the past about the nature of its nuclear program. From day one, Iran has insisted its program has always been peaceful in nature but this report proves without a doubt that Iran has been lying to the world and the IAEA. This report also proves that Iran, even after the JCPOA was agreed, continues to stonewall and mislead the IAEA regarding questions of the possible military dimension of its past nuclear work. Are we to believe that the regime will be more forthcoming with the IAEA, P5+1 and the international community after it gets the sanctions relief it desperately needs, or is this just a harbinger of things to come? We clearly still dont have the full picture of Irans previous nuclear work and Iran has not demonstrated nearly enough to warrant any easing of sanctions. If anything, this report should trigger increased scrutiny on Irans nuclear program and the U.S. and responsible nations must reinstate and fully implement all sanctions against the regime for its failure to honor any of its obligations, its repeated lying regarding its past nuclear work, and its continued work on an illicit nuclear program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/new-nicaraguan-security-law-could-be-used-ortega-increase-repression-nicaragua-says,"New Nicaraguan Security Law Could Be Used By Ortega To Increase Repression In Nicaragua, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"New Nicaraguan Security Law Could Be Used By Ortega To Increase Repression In Nicaragua, Says Ros-Lehtinen The Obama administration must loudly and unequivocally condemn Ortega and his regimes latest tactics, stand up for human rights, and make clear that this and any further repression of the Nicaraguan people must have consequences. (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement regarding the passage of the Sovereign Security Act in Nicaragua. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Ortega could use this new security law to further repress the Nicaraguan people. Recently, the Ortega regime has used elements within the police and the military to brutally beat and harass pro-democracy leaders and I fear that this so-called Sovereign Security Act could be used to continue to clamp down on civil society and restrict the media as we approach next years presidential elections. As the Castro and Maduro dictatorships have done to those in Cuba and Venezuela, this law could be used to unjustly silence, arrest, and convict protestors and all those who speak out against the Nicaraguan regime. Ortega and his corrupt cronies have used fraud and fear tactics to manipulate elections, ignore the rule of law to run for an unconstitutional third term, and appear prepared to once again trample on the human rights of the Nicaraguan people in order to maintain power. The Obama administration must loudly and unequivocally condemn Ortega and his regimes latest tactics, stand up for human rights, and make clear that this and any further repression of the Nicaraguan people must have consequences. NOTE: Ros-Lehtinen is the lead Republican cosponsor of H.Res. 536, a resolution introduced by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, which condemns violations of press freedom and violence against those exercising free speech in Latin America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/nueva-ley-de-seguridad-en-nicaragua-puede-ser-usada-para-incrementar-la-represi%C3%B3n-dice,"Nueva Ley de Seguridad en Nicaragua Puede Ser Usada Para Incrementar la Represin, Dice Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Nueva Ley de Seguridad en Nicaragua Puede Ser Usada Para Incrementar la Represin, Dice Ros-Lehtinen La administracin Obama debe dura e inequvocamente condenar las tcticas del rgimen de Ortega, defender los derechos humanos y hacer claro que esta y cualquier tipo de represin al pueblo de Nicaragua debe tener consecuencias (Washington, DC) La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidente del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaracin sobre la promulgacin de la Ley de Seguridad Soberana en Nicaragua. Destac Ros-Lehtinen: Ortega puede usar esta nueva ley de seguridad para aumentar la represin del pueblo de Nicaragua. Recientemente, el rgimen de Ortega ha utilizado elementos dentro de la polica y el ejrcito para brutalmente golpear y acosar lderes pro-democrticos. Temo que este llamada Ley Soberana de Seguridad podra ser utilizada para atormentar a la sociedad civil y restringir a los medios al acercarnos a la eleccin presidencial del ao siguiente. Como han hecho las dictaduras de Castro y Maduro a los pueblos de Cuba y Venezuela, esta ley podra ser utilizada para injustamente silenciar, arrestar y sentenciar manifestantes y todos aquellos que critiquen al rgimen Nicaraguense. Ortega y sus esbirros corruptos han utilizado el fraude y empleado tcticas de intimidacin para manipular elecciones ignorando el estado de derecho para postularse a un tercer periodo inconstitucional para mantenerse en el poder. La administracin Obama debe dura e inequvocamente condenar las tcticas del rgimen de Ortega, defender los derechos humanos y hacer claro que esta y cualquier tipo de represin al pueblo de Nicaragua debe tener consecuencias. NOTA: Ros-Lehtinen ha sido la lder republicana copatrocinadora de la H.Res 536, una resolucin presentada por el Congresista Albio Sires (D-NJ), el Miembro de Alto Rango del Subcomit del Hemisferio Occidental que condena las violaciones a la libertad de prensa y la violencia contra quienes ejercitan la libertad de expresin en Latinoamrica. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-to-strengthen-america-s-energy-security,Yoho Votes to Strengthen Americas Energy Security,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted yes on H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. H.R. 8 will help make sure America remains the leader in energy production; modernizing our energy infrastructure, protect our electricity system, strengthen our energy security, and improve the nations energy efficiency and government accountability. Congressman Yoho released the following statement after his vote: We need to do what is necessary to secure Americas energy independence and keep our nation strong. The energy bill I voted for today will do just that and help set the nations energy sector up for success in the 21 century. I want to commend House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton for putting America first and bringing a strong energy bill to the floor this week. By making much needed improvements to our energy infrastructure and modernizing our antiquated energy laws we not only ensure that all Americans will have access to affordable and reliable energy, but we improve the national security of America and bring stability to the world. The Obama Administration has engaged in building regulatory roadblocks that stifle the innovative spirit of the nations energy producers. This in turn slows economic growth and keeps the economic engines of America idle. This must end and today we took a step in the right direction to do just that. * Within H.R. 8, the House passedCongressman Yohosamendment that limits frivolous environmental lawsuits. Yohos amendment not only limits frivolous lawsuits but limits excessive payouts to lawyers that challenge energy projects which have already gone through the environmental process and have been issued permits.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-applauds-passage-broad-energy-bill-maximize-america-s-energy,Bilirakis Applauds Passage of Broad Energy Bill to Maximize Americas Energy Potential,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"The United States House of Representatives today advanced legislation to improve our nation's energy policies, maximize our energy potential, and protect consumers and families across the nation. The House passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act and resolutions to counteract EPA overreach. This legislation will help bring us into the 21st century with modern policies to reflect our energy abundance, said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). By updating our laws to reflect the advances in our energy sector, we will help create jobs, make America more independent, strengthen our energy security and diplomacy, and improve energy efficiency. H.R. 8 will directly impact consumers and families across the country, making energy more affordable for all. The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act is a product of the Energy and Commerce Committee's continued work to modernize energy infrastructure and remove unnecessary barriers for energy producers, businesses, consumers, and families. Additionally, the judicial resolutions advanced today provide for congressional disapproval of EPA overreaching regulation, added Bilirakis. These resolutions will have a lasting impact on my constituents and our rural communities, and will protect new and existing power plants from the EPA's burdensome regulations outlined in the Clean Power Plan. This plan could raise electric rates in my home state of Florida annually between 11-15% for over ten years and could close down power plants in rural areas that provide jobs and economic activity. With these resolutions, we can protect my constituents from rate increases and keep energy affordable for all. Learn more about the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-continues-work-update-communications-laws,Bilirakis Continues Work to Update Communications Laws,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology continued efforts to bring our laws up to speed with advances in technology and the evolving market. On Tuesday, the Subcommittee advanced H.R. 1641, the Federal Spectrum Incentive Act and a legislative package to improve broadband infrastructure. These bipartisan bills will help boost broadband deployment and increase spectrum availability for communities across the nation. On Thursday, members held a hearing to discuss media ownership in the 21st century. The current laws regulating broadcast ownership have not been modernized for decades. Members and witnesses discussed ways to update these regulations and allow for a more competitive, innovative, and efficient industry. Technology has been moving at a rapid pace, said Congressman Bilirakis. We have quickly evolved from a media industry dominated by big broadcast companies, to an industry where local broadcast stations and newspapers are now in direct competition with a wide variety of outlets and social media sites. Outdated laws put significant restrictions on, local broadcasters, newspapers, and their ability to efficiently reach their local communities. We need to make sure our laws reflect the ever changing market. Witnesses expressed their optimism and the many benefits of a more diverse and locally owned broadcast industry if rules were updated at the FCC level. They explained that updated regulations would more adequately serve the needs of all communities. In my district, the local radio, television, and newspapers significantly help to connect our communities and keep them in the know. By working with stakeholders we can determine the best ways to improve regulations and promote localism and competition for a more vibrant industry.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-highlights-policy-priorities-ahead-secretary-kerry-visit-cyprus,"Bilirakis Highlights Policy Priorities Ahead of Secretary Kerry Visit to Cyprus, Greece",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Secretary of State John Kerry prepares for his trip to Cyprus and Greece this week, Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Carolyn Maloney and Gus M. Bilirakis sent a letter highlighting pertinent policy priorities for the visit: Secretary Kerry's visit comes at a critical time in the Eastern Mediterranean, as the refugee and migration crisis continues to present practical intake and security challenges, economic challenges persist, and Cypriot leaders continue to work towards reunification. Secretary Kerry should promote ways that our countries can work together to efficiently handle these challenges while also focusing on emerging issues like energy security and diversification. A copy of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rooney.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/head-games-the-push-to-protect-football-players-from-brain-injury,Head games: The push to protect football players from brain injury,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Tom Rooney,R000583,rooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Editors Note: Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Florida, has served in the House of Representatives since 2008. He is co-chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, a bipartisan group that advocates for increased brain injury awareness, research and prevention efforts. Rooney is also the grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers Founder Art Rooney. While Rooney's extended family still owns the organization, Rooney is not personally a shareholder in the Steelers. He and his wife, Tara, have three school-age boys who all play sports. The views expressed are his own. (CNN) Early this football season, while I was watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play the St. Louis Rams, I saw something happen during the game that I have never seen before. The Rams' running back, Tre Mason, broke out for a seven-yard run and our defensive back, Antwon Blake, went to tackle him. Mason attempted to leap over Blake, and Blake wound up taking a knee to the helmet. I wouldn't exactly call it a cringe-worthy hit. But what happened next was remarkable. The game was stopped. An independent medical observer, who viewed the hit from a booth, called a medical timeout and officials escorted Blake to the sidelines. After a brief trip to the locker room, Blake was ultimately cleared as symptom-free and re-entered the game. That was the first time a medical timeout had been called in a National Football League game. I played football growing up, starting in high school and into college. During that time, I suffered a concussion during a game. I was told I just got my ""bell rung"" and I kept playing. Fast forward to today, and the oldest of my three sons is 13, and he just started playing full-pad contact football this season. Wanting to protect him as long as I could, I tried to persuade my son to play flag football until high school. He insisted on playing contact football, we had a huge fight, and, as usual, I lost. I want my son to have the same experiences that I had, and I know it's impossible to eliminate all the risks of playing sports, contact or noncontact. Still, although we cannot banish risk completely, we can ensure that helmets and other equipment, as well as medical assessment protocols, meet the highest safety standards for our kids as well as for professional athletes in the NFL. The NFL has a huge responsibility to lead by example -- my kids look up to those guys. Most college and high school football teams follow the standards the NFL sets for handling injuries, and if our children see more professional players being taken out of the game after potential head injuries, it will go a long way in mitigating the risks of a young player trying to act like everything is OK. Changing this mindset is a huge part of educating players of all ages about the dangers of injury and teaching them that they don't have to try to play through it. As a co-chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives, I advocate for more research around medicine and technology that will increase knowledge around head injuries and improve prevention and treatment efforts. Sports leagues, government, military and the private sector are actively partnering to support and share the results of medical and technological research, so that all who suffer brain injury can benefit. The NFL has made a $30 million unrestricted grant to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health to advance basic medical research on brain injuries, focusing on athletes and veterans. In addition, the league, along with General Electric and Under Armour, launched the Head Health Initiative, a four-year, $60 million collaboration to accelerate diagnosis and improve treatment for traumatic brain injury. On the field, investments in new technology are allowing better baseline testing and sideline evaluation. At every NFL game, there is a staff of 27 medical professionals on the field, including an unaffiliated neurological consultant who must independently approve any return-to-play decision. Moreover, the league has also instituted nearly 40 rule changes in the last 10 years to eliminate dangerous plays and to reduce the risk of injuries and reduce head impact -- from moving the kickoff line to requiring a player who shows concussion symptoms to be removed from the game. With these important changes -- as well as improved equipment and better training -- theNFL reportsthat there has been a 34% decrease in concussions in regular season games since the 2012 season and a 37% decrease in concussions caused by helmet-to-helmet hits. Plus, new to this season, independent certified athletic trainers have the authority to call a medical timeout to ensure all potential injuries are assessed and treated immediately, which is what we saw being used for the first time this season during the Steelers-Rams game. And while we've seen the benefits of these changes throughout the season, the recentincident with Rams' quarterback Case Keenum demonstrates there's still more to do to ensure safety protocols have the greatest impact and are executed as intended. Beyond changes to the game, education is a critical tool for prevention, particularly for young athletes. The reality is that most football leagues and teams, especially youth leagues, do not have near the amount of resources the NFL has to incorporate and adopt new safety protocols. Professional sports leagues have made progress in setting the standard for the safest techniques and training guidelines at all levels of the sport, from the youth to college ranks. Through programs like the NFL and USA Football's Heads Up Football, coaches are trained and certified, and players and parents are educated on safer tackling and blocking techniques, appropriate contact practice schedules, proper equipment fitting and how to recognize and treat concussions. The NFL, meanwhile, is also helping put athletic trainers in underserved high schools and to fund equipment and helmet replacement in underserved communities. We are making progress toward the goal of better information and the publication of accurate information -- on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of head injuries and concussions. And the more people who are paying attention to this issue, the better off the sport will be. Football is the greatest game ever played, and it needs to evolve at every stage so my three sons will be able to play on a safer field than the one I competed on. Ultimately, the NFL has no choice but to address this issue. Not just because of liability issues, but because without changes, we will continue to endanger the health of all those who play the game and risk losing football altogether. Here you can read the article on CNN.com.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=42a98998-dcd7-422c-b60b-87b7852c3999,American lawmakers seek state sanctions against Iran,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles A bipartisan group of American lawmakers wants the Senate to endorse continued sanctions by state and local governments against Iran, The Hill reported on Wednesday.Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) have introduced a resolution that would ""strongly support"" their sanctions against Iran for any terrorism-related activities, human rights violations or other illegal actions, the website said.The resolution also argues that the Iran nuclear deal, reached earlier this year, doesn't prevent a state or local government's ability to enact sanctions against Iran.Dozens of states already passed Iran-related sanctions targeting specific parts of the Iranian economy or companies that do business with the country.The legislation came as the Foreign Relations Committee received a closed-door briefing on the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report of a potential military dimension to Tehran's nuclear program.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-articles?ContentRecord_id=889cb353-5eb8-46a5-8293-376f1cb08c50,Marco Rubio: Chinas One-Child Policy Has Become a Forced Abortion of Child #3 Policy,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News Articles Home Newsroom News Articles For over three decades, Chinas barbaric One-Child Policy condemned millions of unwanted or surplus Chinese girls to abortion, infanticide, abandonment and human trafficking.Following Chinas recent announcement that it is adopting a universal two-child policy, media reports profiled individual Chinese families and the trauma theyve experienced at the hands of their own government: women still grieving the child they were robbed of, parents adrift after losing the only child the government allowed them to have, families who are too old to take advantage of this policy change. Sadly, these types of stories will continue under the new policy.Ultimately, Chinas new two-child policy is as indefensible and inhumane as the one-child policy it replaces. In fact, Chinas new policy should be known as the forced abortion of child #3 policy. China needs to recognize that its problem isnt that it has too many innocent children; its that they have too many repressive communist adults with blood all over their clenched iron fists.It would be a mistake to assume this change in any way reflects a newfound respect for human rights by Beijing. It is still a population control policy and still, at its heart, repressive. When couples conceive a third child, the Chinese government will force them to eliminate him or her, by any means necessary. There are also doubts about those second children conceived in the months between the policy announcement and its ultimate implementation at the provincial level. Chinas vast population control apparatus will continue to exist. Birth permits will still be required. And second children, already born in violation of the previous policy will continue to face tremendous challengesdenied the most basic rights of Chinese citizenship.A government that possesses such little regard for its own people parents and children alike cannot be relied upon to adhere to other international norms.This is Chinas shameful legacy. According to the latest census, men outnumber women by at least 33 million. Estimates suggest that there will be a surplus of 40-50 million bachelors in China through the mid-to late 21st century.Couples who have violated the one-child policy have historically faced a variety of punishments, from fines and the loss of employment to forced abortions and sterilizations. The Annual Report of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which I co-chair, noted that last year local governments directed officials to punish non-compliance with the one-child policy with heavy fines termed social compensation fees, which compel many couples to choose between undergoing an unwanted abortion and incurring a fine much greater than the average annual income of the locality. This is a choice no parent should have to make.Today, I joined with CECC Chairman, Representative Chris Smith in urging Secretary of State John Kerry to provide an update on the administrations implementation of the Girls Count Act, which was signed into law on June 12. As this laws chief sponsor in the Senate, I was motivated by the fact that every year approximately 51 million children under the age of five are not registered at birth, most of whom are girls, leaving them susceptible to marginalization and exploitation. This law directs current U.S. foreign assistance programming to support the rights of women and girls in developing countries by working to establish birth registries in their countries. There is a massive problem regarding children for whom no official records exist because they were not registered at birththis is, of course, especially true in China. The legislation also prioritizes a variety of rule of law programs intended to raise the legal and financial status of girls in order to help address the cultural and financial rationale for sex-selective abortions. Again, this component has particular relevance to China.Keep reading here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=292c27b0-3322-408a-aecc-9e8ab3b24b83,Rubio Opposes Transportation Bill That Spends Too Much & Revives Crony Capitalist Ex-Im Bank,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding his vote tonight against The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which includes the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank:Modernizing our nations infrastructure is necessary in order to have a 21st century economy. But having a 21st century infrastructure doesnt mean simply spending money, it means empowering states with greater autonomy to prioritize the infrastructure needs of their communities, as Senator Mike Lee has proposed (Transportation Empowerment Act). I do not support the FAST Act because it spends too much, preserves Washingtons power in picking winners and losers in transportation funding, and even revives the crony capitalist Export-Import Bank.The Export-Import Banks revival in this bill is especially offensive to taxpayers who want to end corporate welfare handouts and let the free market finance overseas investments by American companies. The time and effort that both parties in Washington have put into reviving the Export-Import Bank is just another example of how out of touch our federal government has become. Our work to end the Export-Import Bank will continue, and we will succeed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=99acbc35-f7be-4d82-8b4e-b41825e5d356,Rubio On Senate Floor: No ObamaCare Bailout For Health Insurance Companies,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) delivered remarks on the Senate floor tonight urging Congress to stop the taxpayer-funded bailout of health insurance companies under ObamaCare.Watch his speech here. For television stations interested in airing a broadcast quality version of his speech, download it here.U.S. Senator Marco RubioSenate Floor SpeechDecember 3, 2015https://youtu.be/Ky259exDElkSenator Marco Rubio: Premium stabilization is a fancy term for bailout Why should the American taxpayer have to bail out private insurance companies who are losing money on Obamacare?Last year because we passed this provision we saved the American taxpayers $2.5 billion. But now because these companies have lobbyists that come up here and they lobby to get their money, we're supposed to leave in this fund to bail out private insurance companies? This is outrageous.If you want to be involved in the exchanges which, of course, I want us to repeal the whole law but if you want to be involved in the exchanges and you lose money, the American taxpayer should not have to bail you out to the tune of over $2 billion. And that is what they're asking for.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f2028cd0-90d7-447d-868f-f16ea08ab12b,Rubio: We Need A Conservative President Who Will Sign This Obamacare Repeal And Replace Bill Into Law,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding his support for ObamaCare repeal and replace legislation that passed the Senate tonight under the budget reconciliation process: ObamaCare is an expensive disaster thats leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher costs, while trying to force taxpayers to bail out health insurance companies that arent realizing the profits they were once promised by the Obama Administration. By working with other conservatives, were putting an ObamaCare repeal and replace bill on President Obamas desk that goes as far as possible in getting rid of this disastrous law, and that is why I supported it. Im especially proud to support what this bill does to protect innocent unborn children, and increase funding for womens health care by defunding Planned Parenthood and redirecting the taxpayer dollars it currently receives toward more worthy causes. Planned Parenthood has proven itself to be a morally bankrupt organization that shows little regard for the women they purport to serve and even less regard for innocent life. They do not deserve a dime of taxpayer money. Unfortunately, despite all this bill does to provide relief to health care consumers, protect taxpayers and defend innocent children, President Obama has pledged to veto it. Once again, President Obamas extreme liberal views and actions remind us of why its so important for this country to replace him with a conservative president who will actually sign a bill into law that repeals and replaces ObamaCare. The notion that multi-billion dollar health insurance companies worked hand-in-hand with the Obama Administration and Senate Democrats to craft a provision that would maximize their profits at the expense of the American taxpayers is grotesque. ObamaCares bailout provisions are the epitome of the kind of corporate cronyism that has exploded on Capitol Hill under President Obama and at times with the aid of both parties. When the Senate returns next week to consider a massive omnibus spending bill, preventing an ObamaCare bailout of health insurers must remain a top priority.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/resurgent-taliban-emerging-presence-isil-underscores-need-administration-reassess,"Resurgent Taliban, Emerging Presence of ISIL Underscores Need for Administration to Reassess Current Afghanistan Strategy, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Resurgent Taliban, Emerging Presence of ISIL Underscores Need for Administration to Reassess Current Afghanistan Strategy, Says Ros-Lehtinen The stakes are too high in Afghanistan for the Afghan people, for the region and for U.S. national security interests to allow Afghanistan to fall back on any of the progress we have made this far (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement at a subcommittee hearing entitled, Assessing the Presidents Strategy in Afghanistan. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen (as prepared for delivery): As we are all aware, earlier this week, the Department of State issued a notice warning of a possible imminent attack in Kabul. With so much of our attention focused on the threat from ISIL and the problems in Syria, Iraq and Iran, its important that we do not lose sight of some of the other areas of concern for our national security interests and this security warning is a stark reminder of that. It took a resurgent Taliban seizing control of Kunduz for President Obama to adjust his strategy, announcing a halt to the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. It was an acknowledgement that the strategy of gradual withdrawal was not in line with the reality on the ground. Yet concerns remain that the President isnt leaving behind enough troops to support our objectives in Afghanistan. What was lost in the discussion was the fact that Afghan security forces were able to regain Kunduz back from the Taliban. Our military leaders on the ground feel confident that the Afghan security forces have done a good job fighting during this season and are more professional than the Iraqi security forces. Today, our core mission is to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and to conduct counterterror operations against al-Qaeda and its affiliates. Last month, I led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation visit and was pleased to be joined by one of our members of our subcommittee, Dr. Yoho - to Afghanistan to meet with our troops carrying out this mission, as well as to discuss pressing issues with President Ghani, CEO Abdullah, General Campbell and other U.S. military leaders. I had also visited in 2013 and met with President Karzai. The one thing that was abundantly clear to me this time around, and echoed by everyone with whom we met, was that the Afghan governments eagerness to cooperate with us has improved vastly and that the team of Ghani and Abdullah is an improvement over Karzai. The current Afghan leaders are saying the right things and are undertaking efforts to root out corruption to secure and stabilize the country. We cannot abandon our ally and we must double our efforts to remain engaged to seek a more stable Afghanistan. ISIL is growing in its presence in Afghanistan mainly by attracting some of the more radical elements of the Taliban who have broken away and sworn allegiance to ISIL and that makes our strategy in Afghanistan that much more important. General Campbell told Congress that the terror groups status in Afghanistan has grown from nascent to operationally emergent over the course of the year. Yet, when I led our Congressional Delegation trip to Afghanistan, I was shocked to hear that our mission does not give our commanders and troops the authority to go after ISIL that the task for containing and defeating this rising threat falls squarely on the Afghan government and its security forces. The day the CODEL departed from the region, we learned that 7 people in Afghanistan were beheaded by ISIL and thousands of people came out to the streets to protest this horrific act of terror. We must rethink the scope of our mission to include taking on more than just al-Qaeda and its affiliates. We should also reassess out counternarcotics approach in Afghanistan. Terror and drugs are linked, as much of the profits from the drug trade in Afghanistan fund these terror groups. While it is encouraging that the new Afghan government has signed a new counter drug plan, we need to ensure that it has the resources to succeed in action. I remain concerned that the number of DEA agents has decreased substantially, our State INL staff are limited in their movements, and the Afghan counternarcotics forces cannot concentrate on the drug trade because they are busy fighting terrorism. Both the U.S. forces and the Afghan security forces have a limited amount of airlift capabilities, which further limits their ability to tackle any major security or counternarcotics concern. This runs the danger of leaving a wide area of Afghanistan unexposed to our security efforts, and it could have terrible consequences. The administration needs to revisit its strategy, not just put a halt on the withdrawal, because artificial timelines will not work, and it needs to also get buy-in from Pakistan. President Ghani had reached out his hand to Pakistan but has been rebuffed. The U.S. cannot afford to have Pakistan play into the instability in Afghanistan and to continue to allow terrorists safe haven inside its borders. We currently have a pending military package for Pakistan before us on this committee. We need to use this as leverage to get Pakistan to do more on the counter terrorism front and to collaborate, rather than work against, the Afghan government and its security forces. During our trip, we were also honored to meet with courageous women of Afghanistan and were proud to hear of the strides being made on womens rights, thanks to their hard work and leadership. The stakes are too high in Afghanistan for the Afghan people, for the region and for U.S. national security interests to allow Afghanistan to fall back on any of the progress we have made this far. Lastly, I want to thank the brave men and women serving and protecting our national security interests in Afghanistan. We had an opportunity to meet with so many of these truly heroic and courageous individuals who are putting their lives at risk each and every day so that we can sleep safely at home, while they are out there defending our freedom. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-announces-new-administration-congressional-offices,Ros-Lehtinen Announces New Administration of Congressional Offices,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Announces New Administration of Congressional Offices (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL 27) announced that her longtime Chief of Staff, Arthur Art Estopian, will retire and has been named Senior Advisor to Ros-Lehtinen effective January 1, 2016 to ensure a smooth transition of administration. South Florida natives Maytee Sanz, previously Deputy Chief of Staff, will be promoted to Chief of Staff and Joshua Salpeter, previously Legislative Director, will serve as DC Chief of Staff as of January 1, 2016. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Art has been a trusted counselor, leader, and an important member of my Congressional staff for over 25 years. Arts hard work and dedication to South Florida are well known by our community leaders and his contributions to mentoring and guiding staff and interns have earned him much respect throughout his years on the Hill. Arts grace in the face of adversity has inspired us all and his leadership in our office will be missed. I know he will be pursuing a new and exciting chapter in his life and I wish him, his wife, Olga, and their son, Arturito, all the very best. I am also excited for what the future holds. I know that Maytee, Joshua, and my entire team capture the essence of public service. They are consummate professionals who know the demands of the jobs they are taking on and relish their duties. My office will continue to work hard for our South Florida community to ensure that our residents have access to the very best constituent service and that their voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Statement by Estopian: ""I am extremely grateful to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for the incredible opportunity that she has afforded me these many years by allowing me to serve as her Chief of Staff. It has been an honor and pleasure to work for her and serve South Florida with her unique energy and commitment to help build a better community and country. Now, the time has come for me to move forward to the next 20 years of my life in the private sector. While this is a challenge, it is one I am looking forward to. It will allow me to enter a new phase of life where I can provide for my family, particularly raising a severely disabled child who has a rare genetic muscular disease. "" BACKGROUND: Maytee Sanz, a Miami native, previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff. Prior to that, she was District Director for Ros-Lehtinen and has served the Congresswoman for over 25 years. Sanz will be responsible for all functions of Ros-Lehtinens Congressional offices. She is a graduate of South Floridas Nova Southeastern University. Joshua Salpeter, a Palmetto Bay native, previously served as Legislative Director. Prior to that, he was a Senior Legislative Assistant for the Congresswoman. Salpeter will be responsible for the operations of Ros-Lehtinens Washington, DC office and will serve in an advisory capacity on legislative issues. He is a graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High and the University of North Carolina at Asheville. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-statement-florida-supreme-court%E2%80%99s-redistricting-ruling,Ros-Lehtinen Statement on the Florida Supreme Courts Redistricting Ruling,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Statement on the Florida Supreme Courts Redistricting Ruling Dec 2, 2015 Ros-Lehtinen Statement on the Florida Supreme Courts Redistricting Ruling My love for South Florida knows no boundaries and every part of it is special to me. (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL 27) made the following statement after todays Florida Supreme Court ruling regarding Congressional redistricting. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: My love for South Florida knows no boundaries and every part of it is special to me. How can it not be when we live in paradise? I know its a humbling honor to represent our community and Ill continue to work hard every day to continue to earn the trust so many have placed in me. Im ready for the road ahead and hope South Floridians will join me in working to improve our home. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z