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://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CA831D75-7491-4FA2-82DB-63A441269720,Rubio Statement on Protests in Iran,2017-12-30,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued a statement on continuing protests in Iran: All nations must hold the regime in Tehran fully accountable for any suppression of peaceful demonstrators in Iran. The Iranian people have a right to peacefully protest the regimes rampant corruption, and to call for a truly representative government that protects human rights, upholds the impartial rule of law, and seeks peace with all of its neighbors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-honored-fighting-cruel-animal-experiments,Buchanan Honored for Fighting Cruel Animal Experiments,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tests Induce Painful Heart Attacks in Puppies and Nicotine Addiction in Baby Monkeys WASHINGTONCongressman Vern Buchanan has been honored as a Congressional Waste Warrior by a national group dedicated to ending inhumane taxpayer-funded experiments on dogs, cats and other animals. Congressman Vern Buchanan is an outstanding champion for taxpayers and animals, said Justin Goodman, vice president of advocacy and public policy at White Coat Waste Project. Were proud to recognize Rep. Buchanans strong leadership to end billions in wasteful government spending on animal experiments that are ineffective, cruel and most Americans oppose, including maximum pain heart attack tests on puppies and nicotine addiction tests on baby monkeys. White Coat Waste Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending cruel and wasteful taxpayer-funded experimentation on animals. The bipartisan coalition has nearly half a million grassroots members across the country. Buchanan received the award for his work to fight animal testing at government agencies as well as his support for theFederal Accountability in Chemical Testing (FACT) Act. Some of the most egregious examples of taxpayer-funded animal abuse Buchanan is fighting include: Injecting dogs with methamphetamine then killing the dogs so their brains can be dissected in order to study the response to the drug. Strapping baby monkeys to chairs and addicting them to nicotine, then studying the monkeys response to decreasing levels of nicotine. Performing surgeries to intentionally damage puppy hearts, forcing the puppies to run on treadmills, then killing and dissecting the puppies to study the damaged hearts response. Buchanan said he was honored to receive the award, adding, Most Americans would be horrified to learn that their tax dollars are being wasted on cruel and inhumane experiments on animals. In March 2017, Buchanan urged the inspector general at the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to investigate the use of dogs in experiments at the VA. His request helped expose disturbing experiments on dogs, including inducing heart attacks and brain-damaging surgeries. He is an original cosponsor of theFACT Act, which improves reporting by federal agencies such as the EPA, NIH and USDA on their progress in replacing animal testing with alternative testing methods. Federal law currently requires agencies to minimize animal testing in favor of alternatives like computer modeling, but the agencies are not required to report how many animals are being used in testing or what the animals are used for. Buchanan is the co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, a bipartisan group of more than 100 members of Congress dedicated to preventing animal cruelty, protecting endangered species and advancing animal welfare policies. The congressmans strong record of defending animals includes opposing weaker protections for the Florida manateeand panther, as well as urging the Trump administration to maintain bans on importing trophies from the endangered African lion and elephant. He has also introduced theSafeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, bipartisan legislation that permanently bans the transport of horses to slaughterhouses in Mexico to be sold around the world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398650,"Ross: With President's Signature on Tax Reform, Florida Will Prosper",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington- U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, praised the President's signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today:With President Trumps signature on our tax reform bill, Floridians will get to keep more of their hard earned money. They will also enjoy a boom in job creation and new opportunities. From simplifying the tax code to doubling the child tax credit and the standard deduction, this new law means Florida families and businesses will enjoy a thriving economy for years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=17F0EF8B-4DAF-4334-97CF-C34DEDA71C34,"Rubio, Colleagues Urge Federal Agencies to Extend Foreclosure Forbearance to Hurricane Maria Victims",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL- U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to extend the foreclosure moratorium set to expire for victims of Hurricane Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.The full text of the letter is below:Dear Secretary Carson, Mr. Layton, and Mr. MayopoulosAs you know, in September of this year a devastating hurricane swept through the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, killing dozens and leaving the islands housing stock and infrastructure severely damaged. While victims of the storm work to pick up the pieces of their lives and repair homes that in many cases are still without electricity, they should not also be at risk of losing their homes and having their life savings wiped out. We write to you today to ask that you do everything in your power to assist victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with keeping their homes in the aftermath of that terrible storm.We greatly appreciate that HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed temporary moratoriums on foreclosures in Puerto Rico. However, we are concerned that the moratorium by HUD will expire on March 18, 2018, while the moratorium by Fannie and Freddie is set to expire on March 31, 2018. That is, these foreclosure moratoriums could potentially end before electricity and other essential services are fully restored to the islands.Therefore, we ask that you extend the foreclosure moratorium for an additional twelve (12) months and provide additional relief to affected homeowners. This relief should include more expansive options to keep families in their homes. For example: During the moratorium period, no mortgage payment should come due and no additional interest charges should accrue. At the end of the moratorium, the term of the loan should be extended by the duration of the forbearance period to allow homeowners to repay the mortgage principle and interest that was unpaid under the moratorium; Giving homeowners twelve (12) months to repay any outstanding escrow balances that accrued during the moratorium; Waiving any late fees associated with missed mortgage payments; Suspending negative reports to credit bureaus associated with late or missed payments; Expediting insurance payments to homeowners and loosening or waiving requirements for insurance payouts where appropriate; and Advising mortgage servicers that written communications with homeowners, including court documents related to foreclosure proceedings, include copies that have been translated into Spanish. People in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands attempting to get back on their feet and rebuild their islands should not have to worry about evictions, late fees, negative credit reports or any other financial burdens they may now be experiencing due to no fault of their own. We appreciate your attention to these matters and your support of the American citizens affected by this disaster.Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=350D40EC-631E-4755-8CED-80778D5E5690,Senate Passes Rubio Resolution Recognizing Service of USS Jacksonville,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL. This week, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) that recognizes the service of the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine (SSN), the USS Jacksonville and the crew who served the United States with valor and bravery. After 36 years of service in the United States Navy protecting the American homeland, the submarine will soon be decommissioned. The full text of the resolution is below: Whereas the USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) is named after Jacksonville, the largest and most populous city in Florida, and is the first ship to bear that name; Whereas the slogan of the city of Jacksonville, Florida, is The Bold New City of the South and inspired the nickname of the USS Jacksonville, which is The Bold One; Whereas, on August 10, 2017, the USS Jacksonville returned to the home port of the USS Jacksonville at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the Western Pacific after 209 days out to sea, thus completing the 15th and final deployment of the USS Jacksonville; Whereas, on the last deployment of the USS Jacksonville, the USS Jacksonville steamed more than 48,000 nautical miles while conducting (1) maritime security operations in the areas of operation of the Fifth Fleet and Seventh Fleet of the United States; and (2) joint exercises with the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan and the navy of the Republic of India; Whereas, since the commissioning of the USS Jacksonville on May 16, 1981, the USS Jacksonville has completed 2 around-the-world cruises, visited ports on nearly every continent, and completed countless critical missions; and Whereas, on September 11, 2001, while the USS Jacksonville was attached to the Enterprise Battle Group, the USS Jacksonville (1) was in the Mediterranean Sea; and (2) stayed on-station to provide critical intelligence support as the United States prepared to retaliate in response to the terrorist attacks carried out on that day: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the service of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine the USS Jacksonville and the crew of the USS Jacksonville, who served the United States with valor and bravery.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=474BCD40-901D-49CB-A896-68F79A63A9E5,"Rubio, Markey, Colleagues Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation Helping to Reduce Flow of Illicit Fentanyl into U.S.",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today applauded Senate passage of the INTERDICT Act, legislation that seeks to stop the flow of the illicit opioid fentanyl across the U.S. border. The lifesaving bill will help equip Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with scanning devices and other technologies to detect synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Mexico is the primary source for illicit fentanyl trafficked into the United States, while distributors in China are the principal source of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture the drug, as well as a source for finished-product illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, which are often shipped to the United States through the mail and express consignment carriers.In data released this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 42,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose in 2016, with nearly half being directly attributed to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.Fentanyl is a leading contributor to the opioid crisis that is destroying families and taking lives in Florida and across the country said Rubio.I urge the president to quickly sign this bill into lawso that we can further the progress in stopping fentanyl from entering our country from abroad, and ultimatelycurb the opioid epidemic.""Fentanyl is presenting as the deadliest illicit opioid drug Massachusetts is facing, said Markey. It is an immediate and grave threat to the American people, and we need to staunch its flow through our borders now. Customs and Border Protection is a critical line of defense in the battle to stop fentanyl from flooding our communities, and the INTERDICT Act will help provide it with the latest technological tools to detect and intercept this deadly drug. I thank Senators Rubio, Brown and Capito for their partnership on this legislation and call on President Trump to sign the bill immediately.Ohioans are dying from overdoses at the second highest rate in the country. Families are being torn apart. Children are losing parents. Parents are losing sons and daughters. And we know fentanyl is one of the main culprits, said Brown. I urge President Trump to sign our bipartisan bill into law immediately, so we can give law enforcement the tools they need to keep this drug out of Ohio and off our streets.Just this week, we learned that West Virginia continues to lead the country in overdose deaths, but we are not the only state that is being forced to deal with the tragic consequences of the growing opioid epidemic. Given the scope and the impact of this national crisis, its going to take a comprehensive, all-hands-on-deck approach to fight it, and enforcement is a big part of that strategy, said Capito. I was proud to introduce the INTERDICT Act with Senator Markey and will continue working to make sure our law enforcement professionals have the tools and resources they need to keep illicit substances out of our country and off of our streets.Specifically, the INTERDICT Act: Ensures that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories Provides CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities including scientists available during all operational hours to interpret screening test results from the field",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4AC9FD68-EFAE-4400-80C1-B602B78F5939,Rubio Highlights 2017 Accomplishments,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today released the following summary of his 2017 accomplishments serving the people of Florida, including eight bills signed into law by President Trump in the past year alone: Tax Relief for Working Class Families Since 2014, Rubio has pushed for an enhanced child tax credit to help working, middle-class American families. Standing up to his own partys leadership during tax reform, Rubio won provisions in the tax bill that doubled the per-child tax credit to $2,000 and increased the amount working class families can receive to $1,400, indexed to inflation until the full credit applies. Shaping U.S. Policy Toward Cuba Rubio worked closely with President Trump and his Administration to develop a new U.S. policy toward Cuba that rolls back the Obama Administrations one-sided concessions to the Castro regime, and instead works to economically and politically empower private Cuban citizens and entrepreneurs. Leading the Charge to Impose Sanctions on Corrupt Venezuelan Officials Rubio has been at the forefront of the fight for human rights and democracy in Venezuela, and has worked closely with the Administration to impose and enforce sanctions against Nicolas Maduros dictatorial regime. Leading the Charge for VA Reform After years of negligence at VA facilities came to light, Rubio pushed for reform at the department and put our veterans first by allowing the secretary to dismiss bad employees, and ensuring appropriate due process protections for whistleblowers. In June, Rubios Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act was signed into law by President Trump. Fighting to Improve Treatment for Kids with Cancer Pediatric cancer is a leading cause of death by disease among children, but children do not have the same number of treatment options as adults. In August, Rubios RACE for Children Act was signed into law, which provides children battling cancer with more innovative and promising treatment options. Promoting Human Rights and Democracy Around the World From Venezuela to Cuba to Egypt to China, Rubio has led the charge in championing human rights across the globe. He brought Lilian Tintori to the White House, prompting a tweet from the president and putting a spotlight on human rights abuses in Venezuela. Constituent Services Over the past year, Rubio and his office have assisted in over 7,500 federal constituent cases to help Floridians in their communities. Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts After failures at a Florida nursing home led to the deaths of patients, Rubio secured investigations into nursing home providers and coordinated with CMS and Lincare in order to supply oxygen to over 250,000 Floridians. His staff opened Recovery Assistance Centers across the state, assisting over 10,000 Floridians. Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts Immediately after the hurricane, Rubio visited Puerto Rico to survey the destruction and receive a briefing on recovery efforts at the emergency operations center in San Juan. He deployed staff to Puerto Rico to assist officials with recovery efforts. Rubios office also facilitated the evacuation of a number of critically ill or endangered Puerto Rican citizens and helped to ensure they received vital or life-saving medical care upon their arrival in Florida. Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Following Rubios urging, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) prevented implementation of President Obamas Medicare home health pre-claim review demonstration, which would have harmed Floridas seniors. Fighting for Puerto Ricos Medicaid Program Rubio helped secure almost $300 million for Puerto Ricos Medicaid program and was thanked by Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzlez for his leadership. Advocating for Tampa General Hospital After Rubios intervention, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) recovered $2 million in federal funding that was inappropriately withheld withheld by Medicare. Improving Basic Education for Children in Developing Countries In September, the president signed Rubios READ Act into law that provides accountability for existing U.S. programs to improve basic education in developing countries. Standing With Our Ally Israel In April 2017, Rubio led all 100 U.S. Senators in a letter urging U.N. Secretary-General Antnio Guterres to counter anti-Israel bias at the United Nations. Rubio previously introduced a bill that would relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He commended the presidents recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital. Countering Iran-Backed Hizballah Terrorists Recognizing the threats Hizballah poses to America, Rubio has consistently led the fight against the terrorist organization. The Senate passed Rubios anti-Hizballah sanctions bill in October. Protecting Religious Minorities in Iraq Targeted with Genocide by ISIS In October, Rubio chaired a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing focused on the plight of Iraqs minority communities and deficiencies in the current assistance structure. After Rubios efforts to highlight these human rights challenges, the Trump Administration began working to ensure Christians, Yezidis and other religious minorities in Iraq targeted by ISIS with genocide are able to access U.S. humanitarian assistance and begin to rebuild their lives. Improving Hurricane Forecasting RubiosHurricane Forecast Improvement Act was signed into law in April, which codifies NOAAs Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project and aims to reduce the loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy by reducing errors of tracking and intensity forecasts. Supporting Floridas role as a Leader in U.S. Space Program Rubio pushed for the NASA Transition Authorization Act, which was signed into law in March and supports NASAs SLS and Orion programs, benefiting thousands of workers across Florida, at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Advocating for Florida Fishermen Following Rubiosadvocacy efforts, NOAA approved theopeningof recreational red snapper fishing in federal waters in the South Atlantic this past fall. In the past seven years, recreational anglers have only had access to the fishery for a combined 17 days. Under this opening, commercial fishermen were also granted the opportunity to harvest red snapper in federal waters along Floridas east coast for the first time since 2014. 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) In December, the president signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, which includes two Rubio amendments. The first would provide Congress with the information it needs to ensure our national security assets and capabilities are fully repaired in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The second would require the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a report detailing training infrastructure for cyber forces, which would particularly benefit Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station. Combating Human Trafficking Domestically and Abroad Human trafficking occurs in almost every corner of the globe, including in Rubios own backyard of Florida. In September, Rubio joined the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in passing the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which includes Rubio-Menendez legislation, the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act (TIPRIA). Rubio continues to lead efforts to combathuman trafficking both domestically and abroad.Two bills that Rubio co-sponsored, the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act and the Combatting Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act,await the presidents signature to become law. Improving Federal Housing In May, a main component of Rubios bill, the HUD Inspection Process and Enforcement Report Act, was signed into law. It reforms federal housing inspections processes and brings needed accountability to ensure slumlords do not take advantage of tenants like at Jacksonvilles Eureka Garden. Fighting for Floridas Military In his first year on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, Rubio secured nearly $300 million for military construction projects in Florida. Bringing Two New Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Florida In June 2016, Rubio urged then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to locate the Triton UAS in Florida. This February, the U.S. Navy announced that the East Coast Forward Operating Base of the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (Triton UAS) will be Naval Station Mayport in Northeast Florida. Following Rubios urging, the U.S. Air Force named Tyndall Air Force Base in Northwest Florida the new MQ-9 Wing Base Y of the MQ-9 Reaper UAS in November. Improving Bankruptcy Court System In October, the president signed the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act into law, introduced by Rubio earlier this year, which will ensure more manageable caseloads and a more efficient bankruptcy court system, so Floridians can get more timely access to the courts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4E953BCE-F2E2-4CD9-A1F8-FA5A7F82AE86,"Rubio, Colleagues Urge CMS to Address Immediate Health Care Needs of Puerto Ricans",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL- U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to address the immediate health care needs of Puerto Ricans to ensure they can access necessary health care services as the Island continues to recover.The full text of the letter is below: Dear Administrator Verma:We respectfully request that you exercise your regulatory authority as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to address the immediate health care needs of Puerto Ricans to ensure they can access necessary health care services as the Island continues to recover. Puerto Rico continues to grapple with its recovery after both Hurricanes Maria and Irma. The hurricanes left most of Puerto Rico without access to electricity or potable water, and crippled the islands infrastructure. These challenges exacerbated ongoing disparities related to health care payments and service delivery, including Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare payment rates and funding levels for Medicaid. Nearly sixty percent of Puerto Ricos 3.4 million American citizens are enrolled in Medicaid and/or Medicare. It is critical these programs are sufficiently funded to ensure high-quality care for those individuals who rely on them and stability for the overall health care economy. While Congress must address the looming Medicaid funding cliff through legislation, we believe there are steps CMS can take to provide immediate relief without Congressional action. For example, CMS can use its authority to address how displaced Medicaid beneficiaries access care from out-of-network providers on the mainland. Additionally, following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency, CMS can delay Medicaid redeterminations, streamline program eligibility, and waive or modify other program requirements. In Puerto Rico, seniors have enrolled in MA plans at a rate nearly double that of any state. Despite having higher enrollment rates and often higher input costs, MA payment rates in Puerto Rico are currently 43 percent below the national average. This underfunding aggravates larger systemic problems, including lower provider reimbursement rates and high-levels of migration off the Island by providers leading to shortages. In its 2016 report, the Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth in Puerto Rico recommended that CMS consider whether additional administrative steps are warranted to ensure that MA plans, including those in Puerto Rico, are being fairly and properly compensated for the services they provide to beneficiaries. CMS can also recalculate Puerto Ricos Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital payments to account for the fact that residents of Puerto Rico are ineligible for Supplemental Security Income. In light of the recent devastation after Hurricane Maria, we believe these additional steps are ripe for action. We urge CMS to follow through that bipartisan, bicameral recommendation and take administrative action in the upcoming 2019 Advanced Notice to address the significant disparity between MA payments rates in the 50 states versus Puerto Rico. CMS has previously addressed MA reimbursement disparity in earlier call letters, and we encourage CMS to do so again. Since there are fewer Medicare beneficiaries in Puerto Rico enrolled in traditional Medicare compared to enrollment in mainland states, the traditional Medicare enrollment numbers are not an appropriate measure to use to gauge the resource needs of the much larger MA population. Establishing an alternate proxy rate to calculate MA rates for Puerto Rico using either the U.S. Virgin Islands or mainland average is one way to provide both beneficiaries and providers the resources needed to ensure the health of those relying on Medicare. Finally, we request CMS provide guidance and temporary relief to address the many vulnerable End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients leaving the Island to access life-sustaining care on the mainland. We ask that you provide payment equity for higher-cost ESRD services provided in the states where patients seek services.Puerto Ricos health care infrastructure was in crisis prior to the hurricanes and remains in need of immediate regulatory relief. We recognize and believe that Congress must do its part to ensure the Medicaid program receives adequate funding. However, we believe if CMS takes the actions outlined in this letter, the agency can help to provide both permanent and transitional relief to ensure the 3.4 million American citizens in Puerto Rico are able to access high-quality health care. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398647,Ross Blasts UN General Assembly on Jerusalem Vote,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, blasted the United Nations General Assembly vote condemning the U.S.s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel. The United Nations General Assembly has fallen back into its old habit of attacking Israels sovereignty, ignoring the right of the United States to handle its own diplomatic affairs, and providing a forum for human rights violators, tin pot dictators, and corrupt governments to distort the historical record, said Rep. Ross. The United States of America wont be lectured on its own sovereign decisions by the same body that equated Zionism with racism, nor will the U.N. sway the Presidents execution of a law passed in 1995 affirming that Jerusalem is the true capital of Israel. Not only is this resolution misguided, it is dangerous and could further embolden those who have threatened violence in retribution for our mere recognition of historical truth. I stand with Israel, I stand for Middle East peace, and against those, like Hamas and the PLO, who would seek to undermine it through hate and violence. Rep. Ross advocated for moving the embassy in early November during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security hearing, Moving the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem: Challenges and Opportunities. That exchange is available here: Ross spoke on moving the embassy earlier in November Rep. Ross had also signed on to a letterurging President Trump to take this action. The letter text appears below: Dear President Trump, We applaud your administration for standing strong in defense of Israel, and we urge you to fulfill your promise of relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the capital of Jerusalem as we approach the second waiver deadline of your administration under the Jerusalem Embassy Act on December 1, 2017. As stated in a January 11, 2017, letter to you on this issue, relocating the embassy will strengthen the unique alliance between Israel and the United States and send a clear message to the world that we support Israel in recognizing Jerusalem as its eternal capital. The House Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee recently held a hearing to discuss the benefits and challenges of relocating the embassy. The hearing facilitated a discussion that echoed strong support for the move. When specifically asked on the appropriate time to relocate the embassy, the Honorable John Bolton, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, responded: the appropriate time to make the announcement is today... Ambassador Bolton went on to say in his written testimony: recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital city and relocating our Embassy there on incontestably Israeli sovereign territory would be sensible, prudent and efficient for the United States government Now is in fact the ideal time to sweep this detritus aside, and initiate the long-overdue transfer. Ambassador Bolton also stated: If the Middle East peace process is such a delicate snowflake that the location of the U.S. Embassy in Israel could melt it, one has to doubt how viable it is to begin with. This question calls for realism, not the overheated rhetoric that we have heard too often. Washingtons role as an honest broker in the peace process will not be enhanced or reduced in the slightest by moving its Embassy to Jerusalem. To say otherwise is to mistake pretext for actual cause. We reiterate Ambassador Boltons emphasis on the United States role in the peace process and ask that you spearhead the effort by moving the embassy. Mr. Eugene Kantorovich, a Professor of Law at Northwest University, noted in his written testimony: One of the main reasons for the failure to reach a peace deal is the unspoken assumption that protracted and repeated Palestinian rejectionism costs them nothing diplomatically, while creating constraints for Israel. Moving the Embassy to Jerusalem would break this deadlock and open the doors to progress. The upcoming deadline is the right time to enforce the Jerusalem Embassy Act. We are encouraged by the promise you made after the first waiver deadline of your administration in June 2017 that it is a question of when, not if, you will choose to relocate the embassy and we hope to see your promise fulfilled this December. Thank you, again, for your strong leadership on matters related to Israel. We look forward to continuing to work with you on this particular issue.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398648,Ross: House Passage of Disaster Relief Means Senate Must Stand for Florida Citrus and American Jobs,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, voted for a disaster relief supplemental on Thursday that would provide Floridas hurricane-devastated agriculture with much-needed relief. The supplemental passed after weeks of intense negotiations between leadership and the Florida and Texas delegations. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate. To our citrus producers who were hit hard by Hurricane Irma, the House has finally spoken, and relief is on its way, said Rep. Ross. The House has overwhelmingly voted to get our farmers the resources they need so we dont lose this vital industry and American jobs to overseas competitors. Now it's time for the Senate to do its part and support a vital engine of Florida's economy by passing this disaster relief supplemental.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398649,"Dennis A. Ross, Tom Rooney vote against delaying relief for Florida citrus",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15) and Tom Rooney (R-FL-17) issued the following statements addressing their votes against the continuing resolution today, which did not include the disaster relief supplemental. Although a disaster relief supplemental standalone passed during a later vote, the only way farmers would see disaster funding signed into law before Christmas was for it to be combined with the continuing resolution. Rep. Ross said: For months following Hurricane Irma, my colleagues and I fought to get Floridas citrus farmers the federal relief they needed. Already devastated by years of citrus greening, Floridas orange crop suffered $760 million in damages due to Irma. This devastation has been made worse by the uncertainty of this legislative process, one in which we have been told repeatedly that help is on the way. But despite our efforts, help is not yet on the way. Todays continuing resolution says to Florida farmers: Youre on your own. It neglects Floridas citrus producers who needed somethinganythingto help them stave off this devastation. I said that without including funding for agricultural relief, I could not support the continuing resolution. That funding has not materialized. Therefore, I will not support it. I stand with Floridas citrus farmers, and will continue fighting for them. Hurricane Irma hit Florida over three months ago and while it may not be in the news every day, this storm completely destroyed our states iconic citrus industry, said Rep. Rooney. My growers were already reeling from an incurable disease that was ravaging their groves before the storm, and when it hit flooding groves and ripping the oranges straight off the trees they lost virtually their entire harvest for next year. The situation my growers are facing gets worse literally every day. Fruit continues to drop, making it so they have very little if nothing at all to process into orange juice around harvest time, which isnt until early next year. Earlier this week, it certainly seemed as though this was the case. Unfortunately, in Washington, nothing is ever as it seems. The bill released this week containing my request to help Floridas farmers recover from the storm became a piece in a political and partisan game. The political reality is that the only way this disaster funding was going to be signed into law before Christmas was for it to be combined with the continuing resolution. The CR was the last train leaving the station. I could not, in good conscience, vote for a measure that does not include the disaster funding for the farmers, ranchers, and growers in Florida doing anything else would be a betrayal of the trust they put in me to get them the help they need.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1809,Curbelo Welcomes House Passage of Disaster Relief Funding,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), whose district includes the Florida Keys, issued the following statement celebrating House passage of critical disaster relief funding: This $81 billion disaster relief package allocates robust funding for several key programs that will ensure a strong recovery for hard-working Americans in California, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Louisiana, Texas, and especially my home state of Florida and many of my constituents in the Florida Keys. From grants to assist with housing and infrastructure, to loans to help small entrepreneurs get their businesses back up and running, to monetary assistance for our agriculture community, this legislation will help ensure the recovery in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties continues uninterrupted.While there is still a great deal of work to be done, Im proud this Congress is taking yet another important step to helping Americans in communities across the country, and back home in Florida, recover from this years natural disasters. BACKGROUND The bill allocates $81 billion in funding for several key disaster relief programs for disaster-stricken California, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. The disaster relief package includes funding for the following disaster relief programs: $26 billion for Community Development Block Grants Disaster Recovery; $12.5 billion to assist communities in protecting against future disasters, protecting taxpayer-investments from recurring costs of rebuilding after disaster; $12.1 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers to repair existing projects damaged by natural disasters and for studies on how to reduce the risk of future disasters; $2.6 billion for agricultural assistance, including support for crop losses in disaster-designated areas; $400 million for emergency conservation efforts; and $1.66 billion for Small Business Administration disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered extreme setbacks due to disaster.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1810,Curbelo Comments on House Passage of Spending Bill Without DACA Fix [ENGLISH AND ESPAÑOL],2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) released the following statement after the House voted to extend funding of the government through the new year without providing a solution for DACA recipients: ENGLISH: Last month, I made a commitment I would not support any short-term spending bills to fund the government past December 31st unless Congress took action to find a solution for young immigrants protected by the DACA program. Today, as Congressional leaders of both parties continue to ignore these young immigrants calls, I kept my word. While others inaction has led to Congress adjourning for the year without a permanent solution for Americas DREAMers, our fight will continue in January. I am determined to continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress, to find a permanent solution for these young people who,despite facing great uncertainty,are contributing to our nation and our local community in South Florida. These are Americas children, and they have earned a future in our country. So I will not vote for any spending bills until this important issue is resolved.I urge Republican and Democratic leadership to stop playing games with these young peoples lives and get this done as soon as Congress reconvenes in the New Year. ESPAOL: El mes pasado hice un compromiso de no votar a favor de ninguna ley presupuestaria si no antes lograr la aprobacin de una solucin para los jvenes inmigrantes protegidos por el programa DACA. A pesar de que hoy los lderes del Congreso han ignorado las peticiones de los DREAMers, yocumpl mi palabra. La falta de accin por parte de algunos ha resultado en que lamentablemente hoy el Congreso termina esta sesin sin una solucin para los soadores pero nuestra lucha continuar en enero y nunca cesar. Seguir trabajando con colegas en ambos partidos y en ambas cmaraslegislativas hasta lograreste importante objetivo. Estos jvenes, a pesar detanta incertidumbre, estn aportando mucho al pas y a nuestra comunidad del Sur de la Florida. Los DREAMers son hijos e hijas de este gran pas y se han ganado un futuro en l. No votar a favor de ninguna ley presupuestaria hasta que se resuelva esta situacin. Los lderes republicanos y demcratas deben hacer a un lado la politica mezquina ya queestn jugando con las vidas de casi un milln de jvenes trabajadores. Para el Congreso estadebe ser la mayor prioridad cuando comience la nueva sesin en enero.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5DDDB6DA-61F0-434C-BE86-721F37305BC5,"DeSantis Condemns Anti-Israel UN Vote, Introduces Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel Act",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the National Security Subcommittee, has introduced the Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel Act as the United Nations holds an emergency session to condemn President Donald Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as Israels eternal capital. Instead of addressing ongoing international conflicts and working to uphold human rights, the United Nations is holding an emergency session in order to indulge its pathological anti-Israel bias, DeSantis said. I am proud to stand by our friends in Israel and to follow up on President Trumps historic recognition of Jerusalem as Israels eternal capital by introducing the Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel Act. For decades, the United States has worked hand in hand with our allies at the UN to provide hundreds of millions in foreign aid, but as President Trump said yesterday, werenot going to be taken advantage of any longer. Congress should take this vote into consideration as we determine which allies are deserving of our generous foreign aid. The Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel Act states that it is U.S. policy to recognizeJerusalemas the undivided capital of Israel and expresses the sense of Congress that the President shall relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel toJerusalem by January 1, 2019. Original cosponsors: Reps. Martha McSally, Lee Zeldin, Mark Meadows, Blake Farenthold, Luke Messer, Robert Pittenger, Jody Hice, Claudia Tenney, Todd Rokita, Jackie Walorski, Jeff Duncan, Andy Harris, Bill Johnson, Doug Lamborn, Vicky Hartzler, Dan Donovan, Louie Gohmert, Brad Wenstrup, Steve King, Keith J. Rothfus, Tom McClintock, Jim Jordan, Roger Williams, Adrian Smith, Matt Gaetz, Drew Ferguson, Paul A. Gosar, Ted Yoho.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E47AA54E-8F3F-42F7-A4E0-508D747980C7,DeSantis Launches Investigation Into Obama Administration’s Lax Treatment of Terror Group Hezbollah,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Chairman of the National Security Subcommittee, and Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04), Chairman of the Healthcare, Benefits, and Administrative Rules Subcommittee, today launched an investigation into allegations that the Obama Administration impeded Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) investigations against Hezbollah in order to facilitate the Iran Deal. Hezbollah is a brutal terrorist group and it would be unconscionable for American policy to deliberately empower such a nefarious organization, DeSantis said. Allegations that the Obama Administration purposefully undermined law enforcement efforts against Hezbollah in order to save the disastrous Iran Deal need to be swiftly and fully investigated by Congress. Jordan said, The allegations that Obamas DOJ possibly halted the wheels of justice for the sake of an illegal deal cementing his political legacy is both unnerving and unacceptable. We need answers. Read the letter that DeSantis and Jordan sent here. DeSantis and Jordan are asking the Department of Justice to provide to the committee by January 8, 2018 all documents or communications relating to interference with law enforcement efforts against Hezbollah.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://francisrooney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=295,Congressman Rooney Statement on U.N. vote rejecting United States decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Francis Rooney,R000607,francisrooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.-Congressman Francis Rooney issued the following statement on the United Nations vote rejecting the Trump administrations decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Trump and Ambassador Haley are right to stop financially rewarding United Nations member countries who vote to condemn the United States decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital.Countries that depend on and expect American assistance and aid, yet undermine our strategic objectives, deserve neither.Furthermore, violent criminal behavior by terrorists and radical Islamists should not be appeased by abridging our right to locate United States diplomatic facilities where we feel they most effectively serve our strategic interests. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-votes-to-keep-government-open-and-extend-chip,Diaz-Balart Votes to Keep Government Open and Extend CHIP,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 1370, Further Continuing Resolution. Today, I joined my colleagues in voting for the continuing resolution that will keep the government open. As we continue to negotiate our appropriations bills across the aisle and with our Senate colleagues, we must remember how important it is to fund the government. Without today's legislation, our military could not be paid, national parks and monuments would close, and benefits for veterans and pensioners could be delayed. This bill also includes an extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a healthcare program that is essential to more than 8 million children across the United States. I thank Speaker Ryan and Chairman Frelinghuysen for this leadership on this legislation, and I look forward to returning to regular order in the new year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-diaz-balart-supports-additional-disaster-assistance-to-support,"ICYMI: Diaz-Balart Supports Additional Disaster Assistance to Support Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S.V.I, California in Wake of Natural Disasters",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today spoke in support of H.R. 4667, Supplemental Disaster Assistance in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the 2017 wildfires, ahead of its passage. Click on the image to watch his remarks, or read below as prepared for delivery. This bill provides much needed relief and resources to Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, and Puerto Rico. Ive heard a lot in this debate, but lets be clear: the bill treats the folks in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, The U.S. Virgin Islands, and California exactly the same. Significant portions of my district were hit hard by Hurricane Irma. Communities are still working tirelessly to get back on their feet. Communities like Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Plantation Island, Immokalee and Montura Ranch. This bill help meet our Federal obligations to ensure the full, appropriate Federal commitment is there for long-term recovery For highways, this bill funds all repairs from the 2017 storms and clears the backlog from prior years. On the housing side, this bill provides $26.1 billion for Community Development Block Grants. Of that, $13.6 billion is provided to meet all remaining unmet housing, business, and infrastructure needs for the three hurricanes, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto. The remaining, $12.5 billion is provided for mitigation grants. These grants provide resources to our communities so they can rebuild. Additionally, I am pleased with the $3.8 billion allocated for the Department of Agriculture. This will go a long way towards helping our farmers and Floridas agriculture industry, including Floridas iconic citrus industry. I strongly urge a yes vote on this important disaster supplemental. I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his leadership and courage to bring forward to bring forward a good bill that helps folks across our country and the islands, and treats everyone equally, equitably, and fairly. As Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Diaz-Balart was able to secure the following for this supplemental funding: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Provides FAA with a total of $114.6 million for facilities damaged by hurricanes in 2017, and for operational expenses. Federal Highway Administration-Emergency Relief Program: $1.37 billion to address infrastructure damage from the 2017 hurricane season. Federal Transit Administration-Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program: Provides $269 million for transit systems affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, to restore critical transit assets such as buses and shelters, ferry terminals, and rail systems stations. Community Development Block Grants-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR): Provides $26.1 billion for CDBG-DR to meet the full commitment in this program to address unmet housing, business and infrastructure needs for communities devastated by disasters in 2017, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. $12.5 billion is allocated to address mitigation projects to help communities protect against future natural disasters, and to protect the taxpayer from recurring costs of rebuilding after storms. Also included in the legislation are the following items that will benefit Floridians and Americans across the country and in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that are still recovering from the 2017 Hurricane Season and recent wildfires in California: $2.6 billion for agriculture assistance to support Floridas agriculture industry, including the citrus industry that has an estimated $760 million in damages alone. $2.9 billion to assist schools in Florida and elsewhere that accepted students from Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. $12.1 billion for repairs to existing Army Corps of Engineers projects that were damaged during the storm, including those projects in Everglades National Park. $1.66 billion to support the Small Business Administrations disaster loan program, allowing the agency to provide up to $12.2 billion in disaster loans. $616 million for repairs, cleanup, and recovery at Fish and Wildlife, National Parks, US Geological Service, EPA, and Forest Service, including Everglades National Park. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-commends-administration%E2%80%99s-decision-designating-president-nicaragua%E2%80%99s,"Ros-Lehtinen Commends Administrations Decision Designating President of Nicaraguas Supreme Electoral Council for Sanctions Under Global Magnitsky Act, Urges Additional Designations in Next Round",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Commends Administrations Decision Designating President of Nicaraguas Supreme Electoral Council for Sanctions Under Global Magnitsky Act, Urges Additional Designations in Next Round Joining Ros-Lehtinen and Sires in letter sent to administration earlier this month urging Global Magnitsky designations were: Senators Rubio, Menendez, Cruz and Nelson, and Reps. Royce, Engel, Cook and Wasserman Schultz (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman Emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following statement in response to the designation of Roberto Rivas, president of Nicaraguas Supreme Electoral Council, for human rights violations and acts of corruption under the authorities provided by the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Earlier this month, Ros-Lehtinen led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the administration asking for Rivas to be sanctioned under this Act. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Earlier this month, I led a bicameral, bipartisan letter to the administration urging it to consider Rivas, president of Nicaraguas Supreme Electoral Council (CSE), and Francisco Lopez, vice-president of ALBANISA, for designation under the Global Magnitsky Act. Today, the administration took an important step in issuing its first set of designations under the Global Magnitsky Act, which included Rivas name on the list. The magnitude of corruption and fraud orchestrated by Rivas is both well documented and well deserving of these sanctions. Im encouraged that the administration is taking decisive action in support of the people of Nicaragua, but this must be the first step rather than the last. I hope that in the next round of sanctions, the administration designates Lopez for his role in the erosion of the democratic institutions in Nicaragua and for his violations of the rights of the Nicaraguan people. Global Magnitsky is just one tool for the administration to use to curb human rights abuses in Nicaragua and to hold the Ortega regime accountable. Earlier this year, the House passed another measure a bill I authored, the NICA Act which would provide yet another tool for the administration to meet these objectives. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this measure and send it to the Presidents desk so that we can send a powerful message to Ortega and his cronies that these abuses will not be allowed to continue without consequences. NOTE: Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Albio Sires (D-NJ) sent a bicameral, bipartisan letter to the administration on December 1, 2017, urging the Department of State and the Department of Treasury to investigate Roberto Rivas and Francisco Lopez and determine whether they met criteria to be sanctioned under Global Magnitsky. They were also joined in this letter by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Reps. Ed Royce (R-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Paul Cook (R-CA), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). To read the full text of the letter, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-elogia-la-decisi%C3%B3n-de-la-administraci%C3%B3n-de-designar-al-presidente-del,"Ros-Lehtinen elogia la decisin de la Administracin de designar al presidente del Consejo Electoral Supremo de Nicaragua elegible para las sanciones bajo la Ley Global Magnitsky, e insta a designaciones adicionales en la prxima ronda",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen elogia la decisin de la Administracin de designar al presidente del Consejo Electoral Supremo de Nicaragua elegible para las sanciones bajo la Ley Global Magnitsky, e insta a designaciones adicionales en la prxima ronda Junto a Ros-Lehtinen y Sires en una carta enviada a la administracin a principios de este mes para pedir la designacin de Global Magnitsky se encontraban los Senadores Rubio, Menndez, Cruz y Nelson, y los Representantes Royce, Engel, Cook y Wasserman Schultz (Washington, DC) - La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), presidente emrita de la Comisin de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cmara, hizo la siguiente declaracin en respuesta a la designacin de Roberto Rivas, presidente del Consejo Supremo Electoral de Nicaragua, por violaciones a los derechos humanos y actos de corrupcin bajo las autoridades provistas por la Ley Global Magnitsky de Responsabilidad de Derechos Humanos. A principios de este mes, Ros-Lehtinen dirigi una carta bipartidista y bicameral a la administracin en la que solicit la sancin de Rivas en virtud de esta ley. Declaracin de Ros-Lehtinen: ""A principios de este mes, dirig una carta bicameral y bipartidista a la administracin instndola a considerar a Rivas, presidente del Consejo Electoral Supremo de Nicaragua (CSE), y Francisco Lpez, vicepresidente de ALBANISA, para su designacin bajo la Ley Global Magnitsky. Hoy, la administracin dio un paso importante al emitir su primer conjunto de designaciones bajo la Ley Global Magnitsky, que incluye el nombre de Rivas en la lista. La magnitud de la corrupcin y el fraude orquestado por Rivas est bien documentada y bien merecedora de estas sanciones. ""Me alienta que la administracin est tomando medidas decisivas en apoyo al pueblo de Nicaragua, pero este debe ser el primer paso en lugar del ltimo. Espero que en la prxima ronda de sanciones, la administracin designe a Lpez por su papel en la erosin de las instituciones democrticas en Nicaragua y por sus violaciones de los derechos del pueblo nicaragense. ""Global Magnitsky es solo una herramienta que la administracin puede usar para reducir los abusos contra los derechos humanos en Nicaragua y hacer que el rgimen de Ortega rinda cuentas. A principios de este ao, la Cmara aprob otra medida, un proyecto de ley que yo redact, la Ley NICA, que proporcionara una herramienta ms para que la administracin cumpla con estos objetivos. Insto a mis colegas en el Senado a que tomen esta medida y la enven al escritorio del Presidente para que podamos enviar un poderoso mensaje a Ortega y sus compinches de que no se permitir que estos abusos continen sin consecuencias "". NOTA: Los Congresistas Ros-Lehtinen y Albio Sires (D-NJ) enviaron una carta bicameral y bipartidista a la administracin el 1 de diciembre de 2017, instando al Departamento de Estado y al Departamento del Tesoro a investigar a Roberto Rivas y Francisco Lpez y determinar si cumplieron los criterios para ser sancionados bajo Global Magnitsky. Tambin se unieron a esta carta los Senadores Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX) y Bill Nelson (D-FL), y los Representantes Ed Royce (R-FL). CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Paul Cook (R-CA) y Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). Para leer el texto completo de la carta, haga clic aqu.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-votes-provide-disaster-relief-northeast-florida-families-and,Rutherford Votes to Provide Disaster Relief for Northeast Florida Families and Businesses,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"To watch Congressman Rutherford's floor speech in support of hurricane relief, click HERE. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed an Emergency Disaster Aid Package, H.R.4667, with a bipartisan vote of 251-169. This supplemental funding bill provides $81 billion for much needed disaster relief and recovery efforts in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands affected by the recent hurricanes and in areas of California affected by the on-going wildfires. The bill includes $27.6 billion for FEMA disaster response and recovery, $3.8 billion for the Department of Agriculture for crop loss, and $26.1 billion for Community Development Block Grants for housing, businesses and infrastructure. Congressman John Rutherford said, ""This emergency funding provides much needed, and overdue, relief to my district in Northeast Florida. In September, Hurricane Irma caused flooding that the City of Jacksonville had not seen in more than 150 years. Downtown was underwater, power was out for many days, and homes and businesses were shuttered. In our more rural agriculture communities throughout Nassau and St. Johns County, crops were wiped out, hurting our agriculture economy for months, and maybe even years, to come. The City of Jacksonville recently projected that Hurricane Irma will cost $85 million. ""I would be remiss not to commend the quick federal response, the leadership of our Governor, and the planning and coordination of local emergency management officials and first responders who saved lives and made sure our community was safe and quickly back up and running. But the federal support in this bill provides the next phase in emergency response that we so desperately need. I look forward to the Senate's prompt action to send this bill to the President's desk."" Click HERE for more information about the impact of this legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5AC31157-9E4F-4AA8-996F-31B66E83A42F,"Rubio, McCaskill, Hassan Introduce Legislation Bolstering DHS Counterterrorism Coordination Efforts",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. In the aftermath of recent terrorist incidents, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today introduced bipartisan legislation authorizing the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Counterterrorism Advisory Board, whose mission is to bring together the intelligence, operational, and policy-making elements from across DHS to devise joint strategies to deter and disrupt potential terrorist attacks. ""The Counterterrorism Advisory Board (CTAB) is an important component of the Department of Homeland Securitys work in preventing terrorist attacks by identifying and reducing security threats and vulnerabilities, said Rubio. This bill will ensure that the CTAB facilitates a cohesive operational strategy so that DHS components and their partners are best enabled to detect, deter and disrupt terrorist operations.This bill is about ensuring that everyone inside the Department of Homeland Security committed to preventing and responding to terrorist incidents are able to communicate and coordinate effectively with each other, said McCaskill. The men and women heroically contributing to our counterterrorism efforts are the best in the world and this bill will augment their efforts.The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with preventing terrorist attacks on our homeland, and we must ensure that the full resources of the Department and the entire federal government are coordinated in focusing on this critical mission, said Senator Hassan. I call on members of both parties to support this bipartisan bill that will help ensure coordination of the Departments counter-terrorism operations and keep our communities safe.The Counterterrorism Advisory Board (CTAB) was established in 2010 after the failed underwear bomber attack on a Northwest Airlines flight in 2009 revealed a need for better coordination and ongoing situational awareness for senior leadership.Since its creation, CTAB has met to make recommendations about whether to issue a National Threat Alert System alert, and has aided in the response to aviation threats, border threats, homegrown violent extremists, and cyber threats. The senators Counterterrorism Advisory Board (CTAB) Authorization Act codifies the board for four years and ensures that DHS will continue to succeed in its counterterrorism mission.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E997B76-D6E6-42AE-8B07-8EBCE9519CD9,"4:40 PM: On Senate Floor, Rubio Reflects on 2017, Looks Ahead to 2018",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. Today at approximately 4:40 p.m. EST, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will speak on the Senate floor to reflect on key efforts in 2017 and his outlook on 2018. Rubio will also discuss todays vote at the United Nations that condemned the Trump Administrations decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Rubios remarks on the Senate floor will be broadcast on C-SPAN 2 and the U.S. Senates official website.Thursday, December 21, 2017Rubio reflects on 2017, looks ahead to 2018 Approximately 4:40 p.m. ESTU.S. Senate Washington, D.C.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E23A47B9-8439-4C74-9910-6369354CB06C,"VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Rubio Reflects on 2017, Looks Ahead to 2018",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,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) spoke on the Senate floor today to reflect on key efforts in 2017 and his outlook for 2018.Rubios speech can be watched here. A transcript of Rubios remarks is below.U.S. Senator Marco Rubio U.S. Senate FloorWashington, D.C.December 21, 2017YouTubeVA Accountability bill: It made easier to fire people that werent doing a good job And I always remind everybody, the overwhelming majority of people that work at the VA are doing a good job. Its the ones that are not that we need to replace.Cuba: Americans can still go to Cuba as part of a group or as part of an individual going on behalf to support the Cuban people. But if you go to Cuba you have to spend your money at places that are owned by Cubans, by everyday Cuban people, not by the Cuban military which is trying to create a monopoly.Sanctions against Nicolas Maduros regime: And its a tragic situation. This is not an embargo. This is not economic warfare the way Maduro calls it. This basically is preventing them from continuing to steal. The richest country in the Hemisphere, the richest country in South America, one of the most oil-rich countries in the world, a nation with a long history of stable economics and even the longest democratic tradition in South America. Children starving to death in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Nicolas Maduro looks like he weighs more than he ever has before. And all the people that surround him in his government are heavier, fatter than they have ever been before and children are starving because of them! Not because of U.S. policy, not because of sanctions.Race for Children Act: There are not enough innovations in pediatric cancer when you compare it to adult cancer. And this law requires pharmaceuticals to begin testing adult drugs on pediatric populations so that hopefully we can develop more pediatric medicines. I worked on that with Senator Bennet of Colorado. We got it passed, signed into law. Again, not something that got a lot of attention because it was bipartisan and not controversial. But its important. Puerto Ricos recovery: We were very involved in helping there - in particular, working with Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez, who is a true and dedicated public service to the people of Puerto Rico number one in getting the right response. It took a little too long for the response to get going but it finally started moving. But theres still so much to be done. And so I hope that in the year to come, we will redouble our efforts, particularly on disaster relief, to ensure that Puerto Rico doesnt just recover but is rebuilt stronger than ever so we dont have to continue to revisit this in the future when the inevitable and that is they will face a storm again because of their presence in the tropics.Tax reform: We passed tax reform. Not everybody likes it but I think more people will as they start to see its true implications. By March of this year, the overwhelming majority of Americans are going to notice that their paycheck is bigger than it was a year ago. Americas tax code today is better than it was before this bill passed. Do I think we went a little too far in the direction of multinational corporations? Perhaps. Not that its going to hurt the economy. But I thought some of that could have been geared towards working families through a further expansion of the child tax credit. But overall, I do believe it will help grow our economy and more importantly, I do believe it will leave more money in the hands of Americans to be able to spend it for their families.Job training: One of the singular challenges in America today that we must confront in the new year hopefully is the skills gap. Its not just a throwaway phrase. Its the fact that the best-paying jobs, the ones that actually pay you enough to raise a family and save for retirement, those jobs require skills that our schools arent teaching. Those jobs require skills that millions of Americans do not have. And we have got to change that. We have got to make it easier, not just to graduate people at 18 years of age ready to work, weve got to make it easier for people at 45 to be able to back to some sort of school and acquire the skills they need for a better-paying job.Floridas Infrastructure: The new year will provide us an opportunity to focus on infrastructure, which is critical. My state of Florida is particularly impacted by not just storms but sea level rise in coastal areas and there are things we can do to mitigate against it. We need to restore the Everglades. And of course we need roads and bridges to improve our infrastructure and airports. Hopefully we can confront that as we work on infrastructure. Florida Agriculture: 2018 will be a year that will deal with the farm bill. And I hope action will be taken to reform crop insurance to ensure that my states farmers are never in the position they have been put in after Hurricane IrmaOn reforming social safety net: You have to have a safety net to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves: the permanently disabled, the elderly, and the like. But you also have to have a safety net for the people who have come upon tough times, until they can get back on their feet and try again. But I fear, in fact, I have realized long ago that our safety net programs treat the symptoms of poverty, but they do not cure it. It will not be so much about cutting as it will about reorganizing and improving. Yes we will take care of people in their emergent needs and immediate needs. But we will also make it easier for you to go back to school and get a degree or technical certification so you can find a job and never again rely on the government.On disaster relief: I will say I am disappointed that were leaving here at the end of this year not having taken on a disaster relief bill that I know the people in Florida and Texas and the wildfires out west, Puerto Rico, need. I believe that we will confront it. I believe that we are going to do that in the early part of next year along with a permanent extension of the childrens health insurance program and other matters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-for-hurricane-disaster-relief,Yoho Votes for Hurricane Disaster Relief,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) voted in favor of passing the Emergency Disaster Aid Package H.R. 4667. Todays vote sends the bill to the Senate for consideration in that chamber. Congressman Yoho released the following statement: Today, the House finally voted to send much-needed relief to citizens in the state of Florida who were hurt by Hurricane Irma over three months ago. This package will also assist our fellow citizens in other disaster-affected states, as well as Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This funding is critical for our states infrastructure, local school districts, small businesses, military facilities, and agricultural production. Hurricane Irma was a devastating event, and our state is still reeling from the effects of that storm months afterward. Included in this package is $2.6 billion in agricultural relief, including aid for crop losses in disaster-designated areas. This provision is vital to ensure Floridas agricultural sector, the states second largest with $120 billion in economic activity, does not collapse. It has sadly taken over three months for this vote to occur, and I now strongly urge all Senators to do their job and pass this legislation before they leave town. It would be a wonderful Christmas gift to those still suffering from Irmas affects for President Trump to sign this legislation into law before the weekend. Lets hope the Senate doesnt turn that gift into a lump of coal and switches.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398645,Ross Thrilled to Vote Twice for Tax Reform,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"In a case of legislative dj vu (lg vu?), the House voted for a second time on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in order to comply with Senate rules. The bill would cut taxes for Americans at every income level, simplify the tax code, and unleash economic prosperity by slashing the corporate tax rate to make the United States an even stronger competitor in the world economy. I thought yesterdays vote would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help Floridas middle class and make Americas economy stronger. Apparently, its a twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip. Ive said it before and Ill say it againwith this bill, Republicans are delivering on our promise to make America great again.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C0D2FBCA-1B37-4A25-9484-DA8C0F43EB25,Mast Statement on Historic Tax Cuts,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Brian Mast,M001199,mast.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the first major tax reform bill since the 1980s: This is a great moment for our country and our community: the first major tax reform bill since the 1980s. Every dollar less the government takes is a dollar more back in your pocket and this bill means the government will be taking a lot less. By cutting tax rates, doubling the standard deduction and drastically increasing the child tax credit, our bill will put more money back in your paycheck and restore competitiveness for American Main Street! Our bill directly helps middle class families in the 18th Congressional District: not only will rates be lower for the middle class, but 70% of our district currently takes the standard deduction and this bill doubles that deduction; more than 40,000 taxpayers in our community claim the child tax credit and this bill will give them an even bigger refund; and for nearly two thirds of the filers that dont use the standard deduction right now, this bill will allow them to simplify their tax filing by taking the new, massive standard deduction. The era of tax-more, spend-more politics in Washington is over! ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/cook-poe-and-ros-lehtinen-urge-more-action-hezbollah-western-hemisphere,"Cook, Poe, and Ros-Lehtinen Urge More Action on Hezbollah in Western Hemisphere",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cook, Poe, and Ros-Lehtinen Urge More Action on Hezbollah in Western Hemisphere Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Paul Cook (R-CA-08), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Ted Poe (TX-02), Chairman of Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to President Trump urging stronger U.S. action on Hezbollahs drug trafficking activities in the Western Hemisphere. The letter urges the Administration to designate Hezbollah as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) and as a Designated Kingpin Entity (SDNTK) and to open an investigation into Hezbollah as a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act: Chairman Ros-Lehtinen: Its no secret that, in its pursuit of the weak and dangerous nuclear deal, the Obama administration ignored Irans illicit activity and the threat the state sponsor of terror-regime posed to our national security and the security and stability of our allies. If recent reports of the size and scope of Hezbollahs operations in Latin America are true, we should all be alarmed as it puts the terror group right in our own hemisphere. We have no time to waste in addressing this threat and that is why I have joined Ted and Paul in writing to the administration and urging it to take immediate steps to disrupt Hezbollahs financial networks and to attempt to reverse the damaged already caused. Chairman Cook: For far too long we have ignored the growing convergence of Iran-backed Hezbollah with transnational criminal networks in Latin America. While I applaud the Trump Administration for prioritizing the need to deter and disrupt Hezbollah in the Middle East and elsewhere, we need to do more to address Hezbollahs illicit activities closer to home in the Western Hemisphere. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that also runs a criminal enterprise and traffics drugs from South America to fund its global terrorist operations. The U.S. and our regional partners have a vital interest in using every possible tool to prevent Hezbollahs ability to conduct terrorism, particularly given past attacks on Jewish targets in Argentina in the 1990s and an attempted attack in Washington, D.C. in 2011. President Trump has a huge opportunity now to strike a major blow to Hezbollahs ability to carry out its terror operations, and I look forward to supporting the Presidents efforts on this critical issue. Chairman Poe: The U.S. government must use all resources at our disposal to go after Irans number one terrorist proxy: Hezbollah. Hezbollah leverages both traditional fundraising methods as well as illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and money laundering, to fund their murderous plots. Hezbollah is the poster-child for what has been called the terrorist-criminal nexus. There is absolutely no reason why they should not be designated by the United States as a Transnational Criminal Organization and a Designated Kingpin Entity. The decades-old terrorist designations on Hezbollah only go so far to address the size and scope of Hezbollahs global illicit activities. I call upon the Trump Administration to not repeat the mistakes of the past administration and make targeting Hezbollahs illicit activities a first order priority. The text of the letter can be found below. December 19, 2017 President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: We write to express our support for stronger U.S. action to address Hezbollahs drug trafficking activities in the Western Hemisphere. While Hezbollah is designated under several terrorism programs as well as Syria country sanctions, we do not believe that these actions are sufficient to address the size and scope of Hezbollahs illicit activities in the Americas. Therefore, we urge your Administration to advance a new focus on Hezbollahs drug trafficking efforts and connections to organized crime in the region by directing U.S. agencies to designate Hezbollah as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) under E.O. 13581 and as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficking Kingpin (SDNTK) entity pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. We also urge you to direct the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into Hezbollah as a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We are concerned over press reports that the Obama Administration may have inhibited efforts by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Treasury, and State to target and prosecute key Hezbollah operatives engaged in terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Addressing Hezbollahs illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere has been a top U.S. Congressional priority for many years as demonstrated by multiple oversight hearings and visits to the region. These efforts, along with findings by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, have uncovered direct ties between Hezbollah and criminal groups in the region that have reportedly allowed Hezbollah to amass nearly $1 billion annually to support its global terrorist operations. We believe the U.S. has failed to take sufficient action to disrupt Hezbollahs illicit financing, and this issue warrants immediate review given recent developments. When the report mandated by The Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act was submitted to Congress in 2013, the Government Accountability Offices 2014 review revealed that the report only addressed two of the 12 elements required by law. In June 2017, an individual with alleged ties to Hezbollah was indicted in Miami after being extradited to the U.S. by Paraguay, and one individual was arrested for attempting to provide support to Hezbollah in targeting U.S. and Israeli embassies in Panama. These events follow the 2014 arrest of a Hezbollah operative in Peru, the Iranian-linked assassination attempt on the Saudi Ambassador in 2011, and the terrorist attacks against two Jewish targets in Argentina in the 1990s as well as the assassination of former Special Prosecutor Alberto Nisman in 2015, who uncovered evidence of Iran and Hezbollahs role in these attacks. In October 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3329, the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act, which included Section 105 mandating a U.S. strategy to address Iran and Hezbollahs illicit networks in the Western Hemisphere and requiring the alignment of U.S. actions on these issues and greater engagement with regional partners. We believe H.R. 3329 along with application of targeted drug trafficking designations are critical to address loopholes in the current U.S. approach to Hezbollahs illicit activities. We urge your support in addressing these matters and look forward to working with you to advance your new National Security Strategy in the days ahead. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/cook-poe-y-ros-lehtinen-instan-m%C3%A1s-acci%C3%B3n-contra-hezbol%C3%A1-en-el-hemisferio-occidental,"Cook, Poe, y Ros-Lehtinen instan ms accin contra Hezbol en el Hemisferio Occidental",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cook, Poe, y Ros-Lehtinen instan ms accin contra Hezbol en el Hemisferio Occidental Dec 20, 2017 Cook, Poe, y Ros-Lehtinen instan ms accin contra Hezbol en el Hemisferio Occidental Washington, DC - Hoy, los Congresistas Paul Cook (R-CA-08), Presidente del Subcomit del Hemisferio Occidental, Ted Poe (TX-02), Presidente del Subcomit de Terrorismo, No Proliferacin y Comercio, e Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Presidenta del Subcomit del Medio Oriente y frica del Norte de la Comisin de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cmara de Representantes enviaron una carta al Presidente Trump instando tomar acciones ms firme de los EE. UU. en contra a las actividades de trfico de drogas de Hezbol en el Hemisferio Occidental. La carta insta a la Administracin que designe a Hezbol como una Organizacin Criminal Transnacional (TCO por sus siglas en ingles) y como Entidad Kingpin Designada (SDNTK por sus siglas en ingles) y para comenzar una investigacin sobre Hezbol como una empresa criminal bajo la Ley de Organizaciones Corruptas Influenciadas: Declaracin de Ros-Lehtinen: ""No es ningn secreto que, en su bsqueda del acuerdo nuclear dbil y peligroso, la administracin de Obama ignor la actividad ilcita de Irn y la amenaza que el estado patrocinador de terror representaba para nuestra seguridad nacional y la seguridad y estabilidad de nuestros aliados. Si los informes recientes sobre el tamao y el alcance de las operaciones de Hezbol en Amrica Latina son ciertos, todos deberamos estar alarmados, ya que coloca al grupo terrorista en nuestro propio hemisferio. No tenemos tiempo que perder al abordar esta amenaza y es por eso que me he unido a Ted y Paul en escribirle a la administracin e instndola a tomar medidas inmediatas para desbaratar las redes financieras de Hezbol e intentar revertir los daos ya causados .",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-encouraged-latest-magnitsky-sanctions-against-russian-human-rights,"Ros-Lehtinen Encouraged By Latest Magnitsky Sanctions Against Russian Human Rights Abusers, Including Thug Responsible For Anti-LGBT Crackdown In Chechnya, Other Offenses",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Encouraged By Latest Magnitsky Sanctions Against Russian Human Rights Abusers, Including Thug Responsible For Anti-LGBT Crackdown In Chechnya, Other Offenses As the Putin regime continues to tighten its control over Russian society, I urge the administration to sanction every Russian official responsible for these human rights abuses, including by adding all the names that I submitted in 2014 (Washington, DC) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman Emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following statement today after the Department of State and Treasury Department announced the addition of five names to the Magnitsky list, including Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen has repeatedly submitted a list of names to the administration for inclusion on the Magnitsky list. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Im encouraged that the administration has added five more individuals to the Magnitsky list, including the Chechen thugs Kadyrov and his crony Ayub Kataev who are responsible for abducting, detaining, torturing and even killing members of the Chechen LGBT community, amongst their many other violations of human rights. When the House passed my resolution in June calling attention to these crimes against LGBT individuals, we sent a clear message condemning this violence and urged the administration to identify the perpetrators and impose the sanctions announced today. Ive repeatedly provided names of Russian human rights abusers to the administration and, though none were included in todays announcement, Ill continue to urge their addition to the Magnitsky list. From restricting freedom of expression to suppressing civil society to persecuting minority groups, the Putin dictatorship has been brutally undermining the Russian peoples human rights for years and must be held accountable. As the Putin regime continues to tighten its control over Russian society, I urge the administration to sanction every Russian official responsible for these human rights abuses, including by adding all the names that I submitted in 2014. NOTE: The Magnitsky list was established by the Magnitsky Act of 2012 which provided the administration with authority to sanction Russian officials responsible for human rights abuses. It was named after Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who was imprisoned by Russian authorities after he began investigating a large fraud scheme that involved Russian tax officials. Magnitsky was thrown into the notorious Butyrka prison where he was held for over 11 months without trial and was beaten, tortured and denied much needed medical treatment and subsequently died in custody as a result of his harsh treatment. To see the names of the Russian officials Ros-Lehtinen submitted to State and Treasury please click here. H.Res.351 Condemning the violence and persecution in Chechnya authored by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen and Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, passed unanimously in the House of Representatives on June 27, 2017. Full text of the Resolution can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=082B6FFE-8E7E-4ED9-B6C7-D7CF15DCCAA8,Rubio Statement on Final Passage of Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,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 in response to the Senates passage of the tax reform bill: My priority for tax reform has always been to provide meaningful tax relief to working American families and ensure our nation is economically competitive. A tax code that is more pro-growth and pro-family is long overdue, and that is why I am proud to support the tax reform bill today. More than 8.6 million families making less than $50,000 a year will see a larger tax cut due to the changes made to the child tax credit in the conference committee. For an Army Private and a waitress with three kids, thats worth nearly $1,300 more of their own money. That is money for diapers, a crib, kids sports equipment, school supplies, after-school care, or new shoes. This is real money for real families. If you work hard, pay your taxes, and start a family, you are doing immense good for our country in a time when we need stable families more than ever. Including more of the working class in the child tax credit will make the difficult, but deeply important, job of raising kids on a limited budget just a little bit easier. And that is worth doing. It is my hope that by increasing access to the child tax credit I have helped lay the groundwork for an agenda that reconciles conservative goals with the realities faced by working class American families. Today was the first step in a long journey ahead toward that end. And by voting in favor of this bill, I believe we are taking that step. Rubio today released the below analysis comparing the benefit to working class families in the House and Senate bills, with the Conference report passed today, which includes the changes to the child tax credit he secured.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=136F4988-3156-4F78-BE35-E25C4144BB0B,"Rubio, Nelson Introduce Resolution on Growing Crisis in Venezuela",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today introduced legislation to address the ongoing political, economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The resolution calls on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, release all political prisoners, curb abuses by security forces and respect the Venezuelan peoples rights to freedom of expression. It alsocalls on the government of Venezuela to cease abuses of internationally recognized human rights. Rubio has been at the forefront of the fight for human rights and democracy in Venezuela, and has worked closely with the Administration to impose and enforce sanctions against Nicolas Maduros dictatorial regime. Rubio recently applauded the imposition of additional sanctions against Maduro regime officials. In August, Rubio lauded the Treasury Departments decision to impose sanctions against eight individuals associated with Venezuelas illegitimate Constituent Assembly. That month, Rubio also joined Vice President Mike Pence and exiles to call for freedom and democracy in Venezuela, and delivered a televised address broadcast throughout the country on Globovisin. The full text of the resolution is below: Whereas the crisis in Venezuela continues to ravage the country and the Venezuelan people suffer from shortages of essential medicines, food, and basic supplies; Whereas because of the crisis in Venezuela, approximately 1,300,000 people are undernourished and roughly 75 percent of the population has lost an average of 19 pounds since the start of the economic crisis; Whereas the largest impact of the crisis in Venezuela is felt by children, as 54 percent suffer from nutritional deficiencies, according to the nongovernmental organization Caritas; Whereas public health organizations in Venezuela report that only 38 percent of essential drugs are present in the country and more than 60 of the hospitals in Venezuela no longer have potable water, leading to a rise in chronic diseases, as well as in communicable diseases such as malaria and diphtheria; Whereas the crisis forces thousands of Venezuelans to leave the country in vulnerable conditions and the number of Venezuelans seeking asylum in 2017 was almost double that in 2016, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Whereas President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly denied the existence of Venezuelas humanitarian crisis and rejected offers of international humanitarian assistance; Whereas, instead of responding to the needs and demands of its people, the Government of Venezuela has prioritized the consolidation of power, undermined Venezuelas democracy, and engaged in a campaign of repression and human rights abuses; Whereas the Government of Venezuela curtails freedom of expression, harasses journalists, and limits the ability of the Venezuelan people and the world to learn about the crisis and its effects; Whereas, starting in April 2017, Venezuelan citizens staged massive, nationwide protests for more than four months in direct opposition to President Maduros efforts to consolidate power and undermine Venezuelas democracy; Whereas the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights reports that 124 deaths have been investigated by the Venezuelan Attorney Generals Office in connection with the 2017 protests, with at least 46 victims allegedly killed by security forces and 27 more by members of armed pro-government civilian groups, bringing the total number of extrajudicial deaths to 357 between July 2015 and March 2017; Whereas the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner concluded that there has been widespread and systematic use of excessive force and arbitrary detentions against demonstrators, as well as violent raids of homes, torture, and ill-treatment of those detained in connection with the protests; Whereas human rights organizations in Venezuela have identified more than 5,000 arbitrary detentions between April 1, 2017, and October 31, 2017, and at least 299 political prisoners currently detained; Whereas Amnesty International documented repeated use of various methods of arbitrary detention, including torture and forced disappearances intended to silence dissidents and limit freedom of expression; Whereas nongovernmental organizations Human Rights Watch and Foro Penal have documented how Venezuelan security forces have used tactics of torture, involving electric shocks and asphyxiation, against individuals who oppose the Government of Venezuela; Whereas the Government of Venezuela continues to use the Bolivarian National Guard and National Police to repress and detain protesters and subsequently try them in military courts with at least 198 documented cases against civilians in military courts; and Whereas, on July 25, 2017, the Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro convened public hearings to review whether the Government of Venezuela has committed crimes against humanity and should be referred to the International Criminal Court: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate (1) expresses its profound concern about the humanitarian impacts of the crisis suffered by the people of Venezuela, including widespread shortages of basic food commodities and essential medicines; (2) urges President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro to permit the delivery of international humanitarian assistance; (3) calls on the Government of Venezuela to immediately release all political prisoners and to respect internationally recognized human rights; (4) calls on the Government of Venezuela to ensure the neutrality and professionalism of all security forces and to respect the Venezuelan peoples rights to freedom of expression and assembly; (5) supports the Secretary General of the Organization of American States in his review of whether the widespread human rights abuses in Venezuela warrant an investigation by the International Criminal Court; and (6) urges the President of the United States to provide full support for OAS efforts in examining the human rights situation in Venezuela and to instruct appropriate Federal agencies to hold officials of the Government of Venezuela accountable for violations of United States law and abuses of internationally recognized human rights.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1FB93F97-ABD2-4345-ADD2-30BCF36034C6,"Rubio, Nelson Applaud Trump Nomination for Florida Court",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today released the following statement after president Trump nominated William Jung to serve as a federal district court judge for the Middle District of Florida: We are pleased that the president is nominating William Jung to fill one of the vacancies in the Middle District of Florida. Last Congress, Mr. Jung was recommended to us by our joint Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission, and we both supported his nomination. Earlier this year, we asked President Trump to again nominate Mr. Jung to serve as a federal district court judge for the Middle District of Florida. We are confident that Mr. Jung will serve honorably and encourage the Senate to move quickly on his re-nomination.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=337AEE26-820E-48DD-B099-12E725085214,"Rubio, Casey, Wyden Press Freedom Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced the unanimous passage of a resolution recognizing the pervasive threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world. The bipartisan resolution calls on governments to investigate and resolve cases of violence against journalists and calls on the President and Secretary of State to commit to making freedom of the press a central pillar of U.S. democracy promotion. Press freedom and freedom of expression are under assault globally, said Rubio. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights around the world by reinforcing the vital role of a free press. The full text of the resolution is below. Recognizing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority in efforts of the United States Government to promote democracy and good governance. Whereas Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in Paris, France, on December 10, 1948, states, Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.; Whereas, in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 3 of each year as World Press Freedom Day to celebrate the fundamental principles of freedom of the press, evaluate freedom of the press around the world, defend against attacks on the independence of the media, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession; Whereas, on December 18, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (United Nations General Assembly Resolution 163 (2013)) on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, that unequivocally condemns, in both conflict and nonconflict situations, all attacks on and violence against journalists and media workers, including torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and intimidation and harassment; Whereas the theme for the 2017 World Press Freedom Day, is Critical Minds for Critical Times: Medias role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies; Whereas the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 (22 U.S.C. 2151 note; Public Law 111166), which was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, expanded the annual Human Rights Reports of the Department of State to include the examination of freedom of the press; Whereas, the 2016 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders in April 2016, indicated a climate of fear and tension combined with increasing control over newsrooms by governments and private sector interests; Whereas, the 2016 World Press Freedom Index identified a decline in media freedom across all indicators, especially the destruction of media infrastructure, like the facilities and equipment of media, and the adoption of legislative frameworks that unjustly penalize journalists for doing their work; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in 2016, the three deadliest countries for journalists were Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, with more than half of the journalists killed in combat or crossfire, for the first time since the Committee to Protect Journalists began keeping records; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in 2016, 48 journalists were killed in cases where the motive was confirmed to be related to their reporting, 28 journalists were killed in cases where the motive was unconfirmed, and 2 media workers were killed; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, impunity for the murder of journalists remains systemic, with the killers going free in 9 out of 10 cases; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, as of December 1, 2016, 259 journalists worldwide were in prison, the highest number recorded since the group began systematically tracking imprisonment in 1990; Whereas, according to the Freedom House report Freedom of the Press 2017, only 13 percent of the worlds population enjoys a Free press, meaning coverage of political news is robust, the safety of journalists is guaranteed, state intrusion in media affairs is minimal, and the press is not subject to onerous legal or economic pressures.; Whereas freedom of the press is a key component of democratic governance, activism in civil society, and socioeconomic development; and Whereas freedom of the press enhances public accountability, transparency, and participation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate (1) expresses concern about the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world; (2) welcomes the celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2017 on May 3, 2017; (3) commends journalists and media workers around the world for their essential role in promoting government accountability, defending democratic activity, and strengthening civil society, despite threats to their safety; (4) pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives or liberty carrying out their work; (5) calls on governments abroad to implement United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/68/163) by thoroughly investigating and seeking to resolve outstanding cases of violence against journalists, including murders and kidnappings, while ensuring the protection of witnesses, and by reporting on the status of investigations; (6) condemns all actions around the world that suppress freedom of the press; (7) reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance domestically and around the world; and (8) calls on the President and the Secretary of State (A) to preserve and build upon United States leadership in freedom of the press, on the basis of First Amendment protections; (B) to improve the means by which the United States Government rapidly identifies, publicizes, and responds to threats against freedom of the press around the world; (C) to urge foreign governments to conduct transparent investigations and adjudications of the perpetrators of attacks against journalists; and (D) to highlight the issue of threats against freedom of the press in the annual Human Rights Reports and year round.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398646,Rep. Dennis A. Ross: Florida Citrus to Benefit from Hurricane Relief Package,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross hailed the Houses newly unveiled disaster relief bill on Monday, noting that the $2.6 billion in crop relief funding would go a long way to help farmers in the Sunshine State. Thanks in part to Hurricane Irma and the continued problems with citrus greening, last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecast the worst Florida orange season since 1944-1945. It took a great deal of work, but we finally reached a deal that will help Florida farmers recover from the storm with $2.6 billion and prevent these jobs from going overseas, said Rep. Ross. While we still have a long road ahead, Im glad that Florida citrus will have a fighting chance.On NPR last week, Rep. Ross noted that he and others in the Florida and Texas delegations would not support a continuing resolution to fund the government without the funding. He further warned that failure to offer relief could mean losing a key Florida industry to overseas competition, undermining a crucial part of President Trumps agenda. We were hit obviously through the eye by Hurricane Irma. My district has been one of the most abundant producers of citrus in the world for years. At least until this year We provide 60 percent of the orange juice to the United States. Absent relief were going to lose an industry thats going to have 60,000 job impact, and were going to see it go overseas. Full transcript of the interview, and details of the bill below: Rep. Ross: Weve asked our leadership. Theyve said, Yes, were going to provide for you, were going to take care of you, but its been three months, and weve had no relief. The only thing theyve told us, the other day in conference, Were not ready to provide it, meaning that they havent gone through whatever they need to go through over a three-month period, and weve given them every assessment of value of damage. NPR: So thats the only explanation? We should say, you are a Republican. Your party controls Congress, the White House. Are your Republicans colleagues giving you anything more than Were not ready in terms of an argument you can take your constituents? Ross: No. But then leadership did say, Now that doesnt mean we wont be ready by next week to provide it. But just as of Thursday or Wednesday, we were not ready to provide the supplemental relief. Now, I dont know where the breakdown is, but I dont think theres any argument over the devastation that was sustained in both Texas or Florida from these hurricanes. Now, we have given so much more from this federal government to Superstorm Sandy, to Hurricane Katrina than we have to Harvey and to Irma. We can do this, and I am very concerned with a President who wants to make sure we maintain our jobs here in the United States that we dont see our industries go overseas, and here we are seeing the foremost industry, the #2 economic provider in the state of Florida, quite frankly in their last breaths. NPR: I just want to ask you about the potential danger of this strategy, because if you block this funding bill and the government were to shut down, wouldnt that deprive some of your constituents of some services they might really need to get by in this time? Ross: Our leadership knows that, they know what it takes, theyve already done 3 supplemental relief bills, theres no reason they cant do this other one. It is on them as to whether we shut down the government or not. Not on us or on Texas because of the damage we sustained due to these storms. Details of the bill are below: H.R. 4667, the Emergency Disaster Aid Package, provides $81 billion in emergency funding for disasters caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as California wildfires. This emergency funding will continue the efforts to recover, rebuild, and reduce the impact of future natural disasters. The two previous disaster supplemental bills enacted into law provided critical funding for immediate life-saving response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the hurricanes and wildfires. Funding in the Emergency Disaster Aid Package provides additional funding for recovery efforts across the country to rebuild affected communities. Federal Emergency Management Administration - $27.6 billion FEMA Disaster Relief Fund: $27.5 billion to provide critical funding to assist the ongoing federal disaster response Allows up to $4 billion to be provided for Community Disaster Loans (CDLs) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development - $ 27.8 billion Community Development Block Grants Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR): $26.1 billion for housing and infrastructure needs $13.56 billion for grants to states, tribes, and territories for unmet housing needs and business losses $12.5 billion for mitigation efforts to help communities protect against future disasters. This funding can provide for housing elevation, buyouts in the flood plain, water/sewer infrastructure enhancements, public infrastructure hardening (e.g. storm proofing public buildings), etc. Increases oversight, accountability, and transparency of CDBG funds Federal Highway Administrations Emergency Relief: $1.4 billion to address all current damages to federal highways caused by designated disasters Army Corps of Engineers - $12.11 billion $12.11 billion to repair existing damages by natural disasters and for studies and projects to reduce the risk of future natural disasters $10.5 billion for repairs to ongoing construction projects, and to expedite construction projects that will help mitigate future disaster damage; $370 million to repair damages along the Mississippi River and its tributaries; $608 million for Operation and Maintenance to repair damages, such as dredging of navigation channels; $537 million for Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies to repair damages; and $75 million to expedite studies to help mitigate future disaster damage. Labor, HHS, Education - $3.99 billion Hurricane Education Recovery: $2.9 billion to help displaced students get back to school Funding can be used for both public and private schools Provides additional funding for public health response activities Agriculture - $3.8 billion Crops: $2.6 billion in agriculture assistance, including citrus Emergency Watershed Protection: $541 million for watershed and flood prevention efforts Emergency Conservation: $400 million Rural Development: $165 million for rural water and waste disposal systems Small Business Administration Disaster Loans - $1.66 billion To assist small businesses and homeowners repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets. Defense Facilities $1.5 billion Repairs Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Reserve, National Guard, Coast Guard, and medical military facilities Additional Provisions Seed cotton is made eligible for the farm safety net This is a budget-neutral solution that provides a measure of certainty to cotton farmers, including many who are still struggling to recover from the recent disasters, as they prepare for the upcoming crop year Eliminates the caps of crop insurance policies for livestock producers This will allow for the development of crop insurance policies for livestock producers, (including dairy farmers), ensuring that adequate risk management tools are available the next time disaster strikes Requires the Governor of Puerto Rico to submit to Congress a Recovery Plan that was developed in coordination and certified by the Oversight Board describing the Commonwealths 12- and 24-month economic and disaster recovery plan Provides disaster related tax relief to CA Wildfires and other communities affected by hurricanes Treats Puerto Rico low-income communities as a qualified opportunity zone Disaster Recovery Reform Act makes critical reforms to FEMAs disaster response and recovery program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394485,"Tax Reform Legislation is Positive Step for American Workers, Businesses and Families",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Bill Posey,P000599,posey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tax Reform Legislation is Positive Step for American Workers, Businesses and Families Washington, December 19, 2017- Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation which overhauls the nations tax code, cuts tax rates for families and workers in every income bracket, closes loopholes and makes business tax rates more internationally competitive. Growing our economy will translate into more opportunities for every American to succeed, said Congressman Bill Posey. An important component to that effort is reforming and simplifying our nations tax code, which has become extremely complex, full of loopholes for special interests and very time consuming for individuals to navigate. This legislation will help Florida families, employees and senior citizens keep more of their hard earned money while also helping to grow and protect their life savings. Reforming our tax code will also help us create jobs, stay at the forefront of innovation and remain competitive throughout the world. Some highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act include: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly increases the standard deduction from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Also gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income or sales taxes to best fit their unique circumstances. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction and charitable deductions. Expands the Child Tax Credit, preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Adoption Tax Credit. Provides increased relief for Americans with expensive medical bills. Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future. Allows teachers to deduct expenses for school supplies. Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) down from 35%. Eliminates incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators. Preserving the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services. Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-oks-sweeping-middle-class-tax-cut,House OKs Sweeping Middle-Class Tax Cut,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Relief for Students, Seniors and Small Businesses Includes Buchanans Bill to Aid Fla. Orange Growers WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Vern Buchananvotedtoday to reduce taxeson middle-class families and small businesses across the country.The bill will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans, according to the Tax Policy Center. TheTax Cut and Jobs Act,which passed the House 227-203,also included Buchanans bill to help Florida orange growers recover from the devastation of Hurricane Irma. This bill provides the tax relief that hardworking Floridians have needed for a long time, Buchanan said. The average family of four will receive ataxcut of more than $2,000 a year while small businesses will see a significant tax reductionthatallows them toexpand and create good-paying jobs. The billcuts marginal tax rates at every income level and nearly doubles thestandard deduction and the Child Tax Credit. It also benefits seniors byincreasingthe medical expense deduction for two years. An independent analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates the tax plan will create nearly 400,000 new jobsand grow the economy by nearly 2 additional percent.It would also contribute to a sorely-needed 1.5 percent increase in wages. Adjusted for inflation, wages have only risen 0.2 percent since 1973. Local small business owners in Southwest Florida heralded passage of the tax cut. In a letter to Buchanan, Caroline Wetherington highlighted what a tax cut would mean for her Sarasota construction business: Mr. Buchanan, I want you to know how much I am looking forward to tax cuts. We are a small Business in Sarasota FL. We make custom and semi custom homes - Lee Wetherington Homes. We are an S corp and with our current tax situation we have had to lay off employees and we would love to hire them back. PLEASE PLEASE VOTE FOR THE TAX REFORM BILL CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED. WE NEED THE RELIEF. Caroline Wetherington The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) alsoendorsed the legislation and praised Buchanans role in ensuring that small businessesgettax relief under the bill. NFIB is grateful to Congressman Vern Buchanan for his steadfast leadership on small business issues, saidJuanita Duggan, NFIB President & CEO.His sponsorship of theMain Street Fairness Actestablished the principle that tax reform should start with small business. That principle became one of the pillars of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. Under this bill, small businesses will benefit from a new 20-percent deduction, meaning businesses making $200,000 a year in business income will not pay taxes on their first $40,000 in earnings. The tax reform package included Buchanan'sEmergency Citrus Disease Response Act, legislation to make it easier for orange growers to replace trees damaged by Hurricane Irma and the deadly citrus greening disease.The federal Agriculture Department unveiled a forecast last week predicting the worst orange crop in 73 years. Dean Mixon ofMixon Fruit Farmsin Bradenton said Irma took a serious toll on our community and the entire citrus industry is grateful that Vern is helping to provide the relief we so desperately need. Highlights of theTax Cuts and Jobs Actinclude: Doubles the Standard Deduction:Allows families to keep more of their own money by doubling the size of the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. Doubles Child Tax Credits:Expands the current Child Tax Credit from$1,000 to $2,000 to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is also made refundable, which means that families that dont pay any income taxes will receive tax benefits. Expands and Preserves Key TaxRelief: Increasesthemedical expense deduction and preserves the student loan deduction. Specifically, the bill allows all taxpayers to write off qualifying medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of income over the next two years.The current threshold is 10 percent. The bill also expands the use of 529 savings accounts designed to help families save for future college costs. Simplifies the Tax Code:Americans spend billions of hours each year complying with a tax code that is five times as long as the King James Bible. This bill will allow 9 out of 10 Americans to file their taxes on a new form the size of a postcard. The tax bill nowmoves to the Senate where it is expected to be approved and signed into law later this week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1807,Curbelo Talks Tax Reform as House Prepares to Vote on Final Legislation Later Today,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), South Floridas only Member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, joined Fox Businesss Varney & Co. yesterday to discuss the Houses vote later today on the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. Curbelo has been a key voice in the tax reform debate. Prioritizing tax relief for South Florida families through a doubled standard deduction, an expanded child tax credit and a pro-growth tax code that offers higher pay checks and more opportunity for every American. Curbelo Talks Tax Reform as House Prepares to Vote on Final Legislation Later Today Fox Businesss Varney & Co. December 17, 2017 https://youtu.be/FFIm_XHoiM4 Fox Business Stuart Varney: Not a single Democrat in the Senate will vote for the tax bill Come on in please, Florida Congressman Carlos Curbelo joins us from Florida. Congressman, youve heard the Democrats are moving in lockstep. My position is they are going to miss out on the prosperity vote. Im sure youre going to agree with me. Representative Carlos Curbelo: Stuart, youre right. The degree of intimidation on the left is truly astounding. I have many Democratic colleagues as friends who tell me privately, You know what, theres a lot that we like in this tax bill, but we cant say it publicly because it will ruin our standing within the Party. So youre absolutely right, and this is a shame because this is a bill that has a lot for lower- and middle-income Americans. We all know how hard Marco Rubio fought for that expanded child tax credit. We know the doubling of the standard deduction helps lower-and middle-income families the most. Rate reduction for everyone, and of course, the opportunity for higher paychecks, more and better jobs in this country. So I really hope, and I dont have a lot of hope, but I hope that we can get some Democratic colleagues to come on board and say, You know what, this may not be perfect, but theres a lot of good here, and we cant let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Varney: Congressman, talk to me about the timeline here. Youve talked about a vote in the House and Senate in the early part of this week. Looks like were moving toward a situation where the President could sign the tax deal on Christmas Eve. Is that timeline in place? Curbelo: That is right and that is the goal for this to be a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, holiday present for the American people. The House is expected to pass this legislation We feel very good about the vote count. And it looks like the Senate is on its way to passage as well, even though regrettably Senator McCain cannot be there, who is in support of this legislation. We gained Senator Corker, we gained Senator Rubio. So people are feeling fairly optimistic about this in Washington D.C. at the beginning of this week. Varney: Real fast, Congressman. Youre going to be up for reelection 11 months from now. If this tax bill is in place, do you think it enhances your chances of reelection or hurts you because youre associated now with the Trump tax plan? Curbelo: Stuart, people in my district are hard-working. I have a lot of immigrant families here, people who came to this country because they wanted a better life. I have no doubt that every American is going to be better off as a result of this legislation. So I feel very good about this, and I think the country should feel very good about this. Thats why I would like to see some Democratic colleagues come on board because there is something in this bill for everyone, and it is going to be a great celebration when we get this done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1808,Curbelo Comments on House Passage of Historic Tax Reform Bill [ENGLISH AND ESPAÑOL],2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), South Floridas only representative on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statements in English and Spanish regarding House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: ENGLISH For years, lower- and middle-income Americans have been reading and hearing about the economic recovery without ever actually experiencing it. While some in our country have greatly benefited, others have been left behind. This is regrettably the case in South Florida. With today's passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, we will be pushingeconomic opportunitydeeper into oursociety and to every corner of our country. This legislation provides direct and immediate tax relief for individual Americans and American families by doubling the standard deduction and doubling the child tax credit to $2,000 per child with $1,400 being refundable for working families notearningenough topay federal income taxes.In addition, all Americans will see lower rates. In the years immediately following passage of this bill, Americans earning between $20,000 and $30,000 will experience a 13.5 percent tax cut compared with an eight percent tax cut for the average American. The goal of tax reform was to help those who have been struggling to get by get ahead, this bill does that. On the business side, there is more good news. This legislation helps put an end to the exodus of American jobs and profits overseas. Were making our tax code more competitive and adopting anti-abuse provisions, to encourage companies from all over the world to move investments and operations to the United States, and we are preventing them from gaming the system to avoid paying their fair share. Additionally, we are taxing multinational corporations on over $2 trillion dollars in profits they have parked overseas. Those funds will now come home tothe United States where they can be used toinvest in workers, expand operations, and build new facilities. Like most pieces of legislation, this bill is not perfect. Like with any otherbroad, complexbill, there are provisions I would remove and others I would add. However, onthe balance, this legislation will be good for our country. It will help all American workers, especially young people and immigrants who are seeking greater opportunities to grow and prosper. Most importantly, it gets us closer to fulfilling America's promise - that all who are willing to work hard and earn it can find their success in our country. ESPAOL Por aos, muchos estadounidenses de medianos y bajos recursos han ledo y escuchado sobre una recuperacin econmica que ellos nunca han experimentado. Mientras algunos en nuestro pas se han beneficiado, otros se han quedado rezagados. Esto es evidente en nuestra comunidad del Sur de la Florida. La aprobacin del Proyecto de Ley para Reducir Impuestos y Crear Empleos ayudar a impulsar el crecimiento econmico para que la prosperidad y la oportunidad lleguen a cada hogar, sin excepcin. Esta legislacin provee alivio tributario directo e inmediato a cada persona y a cada familia, doblando la deduccin estndar y el crdito que recibe cada familia por hijo. En caso del crdito para hijos, inclusive lo podrn percibir las familias de bajos ingresos que no deben impuestos al gobierno federal ya que los primeros $1,400 son reembolsables. Adems, las tasas tributarias sern reducidas para todos. En los primeros aos despus de la promulgacin de esta ley, los contribuyentes con ingresos entre $20,000 y $30,000 se ahorrarn 13,5 por ciento en sus impuestos comparado con el ahorro promedio para todos los estadounidenses del ocho por ciento. La meta de la reforma tributaria era ayudar a las personas que estn pasando trabajo para superarse y esta legislacin la logra. En cuanto a la reforma al cdigo tributario para empresas, tambin hay buenas noticias. La ley frena el xodo de empleos y ganancias de EEUU al exterior. Hemos diseado un rgimen tributario ms competitvo con provisiones para evitar el abuso por parte de algunas empresas. Esto motivar el traslado de inversiones y operaciones a EEUU y terminar con la prctica de esquivar las leyes tributarias lo cual reduce los ingresos del gobierno y perjudica a todos los estadounidenses. Adems, estamos gravando ms de $2 trillones (ingls) de dlares en ganancias de empresas de EEUU que se encuentran en pases extranjeros. Estos fondos ahora sern repatriados y podrn ser invertidos en los trabajadores, operaciones expandidas y nuevas plantas. Como cualquier legislacin de gran envergadura, esta ley no es perfecta. Existen provisiones que yo eliminara y otras que yo quisiera incluir. Sin embargo en la balanza, esta legislacin es positiva para el pas. Ayudar a todos los trabajadores, especialmente a los jvenes y a muchos inmigrantes que buscan oportunidades para superarse y prosperar. Sobre todo, hace que la promesa de EEUU se cumpla - que todo individuo en este pas, dispuesto a trabajar y a ganrselo pueda hallar el xito.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6226050E-38F3-4A0F-890E-D01BCFC8A03D,"DeSantis: Tax Bill will Help Middle-Income Families, Make America More Competitive",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-FL-06) issued the following statement regarding his vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report: Even as the economy has experienced recent improvements, too many middle-income families are having difficulty making ends meet and this tax bill will provide much needed relief to them. By lowering tax rates, increasing the standard deduction and doubling the child credit, middle-income Florida families will see their federal income taxes reduced by a significant percentage. Moreover, the bill recognizes that Americas business tax structure is antiquated and harms Americas competitiveness. The reforms included in the bill the dramatically lower tax rate, the full expensing of capital investments, and the move to a territorial tax system (paving the way for profits earned overseas to be brought back to the U.S.) will better enable American companies to compete with foreign businesses and will help to stem the tide of companies and jobs going overseas. The conference report represents an improvement over both the House and Senate bills and I look forward to it being signed into law very soon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://francisrooney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=293,Congressman Francis Rooney Statement on the NLRBs Micro-Union Decision,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Francis Rooney,R000607,francisrooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.-Congressman Francis Rooney issued the following statement in response to the National Labor Relations Boards (NLRB) decision to overturn the 2011 Specialty Healthcare decision that expanded the micro-unions scheme. Congressman Rooney stated""The decision from the NLRB restores common sense to the workplace. Since the Obama Administration labor boards decision in 2011, micro-unions had begun to form in retail stores and manufacturing sites across the country, making it nearly impossible for employers to manage such fragmentation of the workforce.In one case, the NLRB ruled that perfume and cosmetics salespeople at Macys, Inc. constituted their own micro-union and could unionize alone. Imagine the confusion and cost as stockers, cashiers, shoe and clothing departments, etc., form their own unions at Macys. By eliminating micro-unions from the workplace, employees and managers will be better able to negotiate within their organization for their needs. This new ruling by the NLRB is a victory for the American worker. Earlier this year, Congressman Rooney introduced the Representation Fairness Restoration Act to end the practice of organizing micro-unions, which allow labor officials to organize small groups of workers, often as few as 2-3 people, within a company rather than the entire workforce. The House Education and Workforce Committee has marked up similar legislation that is awaiting a vote on the House floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://francisrooney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=294,Congressman Rooney statement on passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Francis Rooney,R000607,francisrooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Francis Rooney issued the following statement on passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congressman Rooney stated, Todays vote will result in a fairer tax system and allow Southwest Floridians to keep more of their hard-earned money. The facts are undeniable; every tax bracket will now be lower, the standard deduction will nearly double, the child tax credit doubles, and people will no longer be forced to pay a fine for not purchasing unaffordable Obamacare insurance.In addition, small businesses will see tax rates cut to a level that is competitive with the rest of the industrialized world. Combined with the unprecedented reduction in the regulatory state that has strangled our economy over the last eight years, America is now on track for a booming economy that works for everyone. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act facts A family of 4 earning a median income of $73,000 a year gets $2,059 more back in their pocket each year. Repeals Obamacare individual mandate. Nearly doubles the standard exemption the first $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for couples is now tax-free. Doubles the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. There are 43,634 taxpayers in FL-19 that claim the child tax credit. Significantly reduces taxes for small business owners, impacting 62,041 taxpayers in FL-19 that have small business income. Requires that you must have a Social Security number to receive a tax refund. Maintains current deductions for medical expenses. Maintains current deductions for out-of-pocket teacher expenses. Maintains current deductions for charitable donations. Maintains property tax deductions up to $10,000 a year (For example, a home valued at $620,000 in unincorporated Lee County or $527,000 in Cape Coral, our districts largest city, would be below the cap). The mortgage interest deduction would be capped at $750,000 for mortgages (down from $1 million now). Reduces the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-votes-to-provide-tax-relief-for-florida-s-middle-class,Diaz-Balart Votes to Provide Tax Relief for Floridas Middle Class Families,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), a senior member of the House Appropriations and Budget Committees, issued the following statement after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report. It has been over 30 years since our country has seen significant tax reform. Today we will make history and change that. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in voting for a bill that will allow Americans to keep more of what they earn. The average middle class family of four will see a savings of more than $2,000, a substantial amount that will go a long way as many Floridians continue to rebuild and recover from hurricane season. Americans should be able to save more of their hard-earned tax dollars, and this legislation does just that. Tax reform will incentivize the economy, which will allow folks to keep their jobs, increase wages, and create more opportunities in the American job market. I congratulate Speaker Ryan and Chairman Brady and their staffs for their tireless efforts to pass tax reform. The median income in Floridas 25th district, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Collier Counties, as well as Hendry County, is $45,262.84 Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A single filer with an annual income of $40,000 would see an approximate savings of $804.20.* A single filer with two children and an annual income of $40,000 would see an approximate savings of $759.00.* A married couple filing jointly with two children and an annual income of $40,000 would pay $0 in federal taxes.* A single filer with an annual income of $45,000 would see an approximate savings of $817.20.* A single filer with two children and an annual income of $45,000 would pay $0 in federal taxes due to the increased Child Tax Credit and see an approximate savings of $1,509.00.* A married couple filing jointly with two kids and an annual income of $45,000 would pay $0 in federal taxes.* A single filer with an annual income of $75,000 would see an approximate savings of $2,089.00.* A single filer with two children an annual income of $75,000 would see an approximate savings of $2,064.00.* A married couple filing jointly with two children and an annual income of $75,000 would see a savings of $2,224.00.* *These estimates are approximate, based on the aforementioned scenarios, and may vary based on ones circumstances and deductions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/legislative-update-rep-rutherford-s-va-physician-recruitment-act-advances-house,LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Rep. Rutherford’s VA Physician Recruitment Act Advances to House,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance H.R. 4242, the VA Care in the Community Act, to the full House for consideration. This bill will streamline the VA's community care programs while also working to improve VA's internal capacity to care for veteran patients. An amendment included by Congressman Rutherford would help VA fill health care provider positions, which are in critical shortage, by improving physician recruitment. Congressman John Rutherford said, ""Ensuring our veterans have access to the care they need and deserve is one of my top priorities in Congress. I have spoken with VA leadership, many veteran service organizations, and veterans in my district, and all have asked the VA to work urgently to curb the physician shortage. Veterans experience longer wait times and less access to quality of care because not enough doctors work within the VA system. My amendment equips the VA with the tools it needs to compete with the private sector and other governmental programs to ensure it is staffed with high quality providers. I thank my colleagues on the Veterans' Affairs Committee for supporting this important legislation for our veterans and look forward to it passing through the House."" Though VA has been collaborating with community providers to treat veterans since 1945, the recent increase in veteran demand for community care has highlighted serious issues and inefficiencies within the VA's community care system. For example, VA currently uses six different methods to refer veteran patients to community providers. These six different methods often conflict with one another, creating confusion for veterans, community providers and VA employees alike. This bill is bipartisan legislation that streamlines VA's community care programs, while also working to improve VA's internal capacity to care for veteran patients. While the VA has several programs to address recruitment, physician shortages remain their most urgent priority. Congressman Rutherford's amendment addresses this challenge by establishing a scholarship program to recruit medical students in exchange for service at a VA facility. It also standardizes and increases VA student loan repayment program benefits for new medical school graduates or those currently in residency who will be training in specialties deemed as shortages within the VHA. Participants in this program are obligated to provide clinical services at VA facilities for a minimum of two years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-votes-give-northeast-florida-families-historic-tax-relief,Rutherford Votes to Give Northeast Florida Families Historic Tax Relief,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford released the following statement after the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Congressman John Rutherford said, ""This is a historic day for Northeast Florida families and small businesses who are ready for a simplified tax code that puts more money back in their pockets. Over 30 years have passed since the last overhaul of our nation's tax system. This legislation cuts taxes for middle-income families, empowers American businesses to create more jobs and increase wages, and propels our economy forward. It doubles the standard deduction to protect hardworking families' paychecks, it doubles the Child Tax Credit to help families with the cost of raising children, and it preserves important benefits to help families afford a home, save for retirement, or put their children through college. The typical family of four making $73,000 per year will see a $2,059 tax cut – that is truly meaningful relief that can help middle class families get ahead. This bill is also pro-business - it reduces the tax burden on small business owners so they can grow and hire more employees, and our tax plan will bring more, better-paying jobs back to our shores. I am proud we delivered on our promise to Americans to overhaul our tax code and I look forward to getting tax reform to the President's desk."" The bill is expected to pass in the Senate tonight and be signed into law by President Trump. Click HERE for more information about the impact of this landmark legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C4FE13CA-745E-4B00-AF19-C25F7CC60A9F,Tax Relief for Florida Families,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,,,legacy,"TAX RELIEF FOR FLORIDA FAMILIES House GOP Passes Conference Report for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Washington, D.C. Today, House Republicans overwhelmingly voted to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a historic and sweeping tax cut bill that will bring tax relief to all Americans America isnt broken, Washington is, said Congressman Daniel Webster (R-Clermont). Today, I voted to end the era of Washingtons broken tax code punishing taxpayers. This bill allows Americans to keep more money in their pockets, ends lobbyist loopholes and special-interest exemptions, and makes everyone play by the same rules. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helps taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money by doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filersand$24,000 for married couples, increasing the child tax credit to $2000, preserving the mortgage interest deduction, and expanding the medical expense deduction and the savings vehicles for education. Rep. Webster further noted, More than 80% of filers in Floridas congressional district 11 claim the standard deduction each year, thus the vast majority of my constituents will keep twice as much money without doing anything different. Combined with lower tax rates for income above the newly raised standard deduction, Floridas 11th district stands to be among the biggest winners in the nation. The bill recognizes and celebrates the economic engine that is our small business community by slashing their tax rate to 21%, down from the current rate of 35%. Also gone are the long, tedious depreciation schedules that create accounting nightmares and dissuade from making capital investments. This means more money in the pockets of small business owners who provide jobs and salaries for so many of our neighbors, friends and family. Currently, the corporate tax rate penalizes American companies. By aligning the rate with foreign competitors, we ensure American success; no one can beat American workers or ingenuity when competing on a level playing field. For more information on the Conference Report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act visit: www.fairandsimple.gop. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EE520BFF-130C-44E3-A38B-03D2A55FB298,"Rubio, Nelson Introduce Legislation to Rename Tallahassee VA to Honor Sgt. Ernest ""Boots"" Thomas",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,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) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today introduced legislation that would rename the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Tallahassee, Florida in honor of Marine Corps Sergeant Ernest Boots Thomas.Thomas, who was posthumously presented the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism during action in World War II, was part of the original American flag raising atop Iwo Jimas Mount Suribachi in 1945. A Florida native, Thomas first joined the Marines in 1942 shortly after the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor. He was killed in action on March 3, 1945, just days after the now-famous flag raising on Iwo Jima. Thomas was born in Tampa, Florida before moving with his family to Monticello at the age of eight. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1941. An image taken shortly after the second flag raising on Iwo Jima was used as the inspiration for the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial that now overlooks the nations capital in Arlington, VA.If signed into law, the Health Care Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, located at 2181 Orange Avenue in Tallahassee, Florida, will be known as the Sergeant Ernest I. Boots Thomas VA Clinic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-for-historic-tax-reform,Yoho Votes for Historic Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) voted in favor of passing the Conference Report for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (HR 1). Todays vote sends the bill back to the Senate for final passage and then onto the presidents desk to be signed into law. Congressman Yoho released the following statement: Today, House Republicans have fulfilled a promise to simplify our tax code, lighten the tax burden on all Americans (especially middle-income families), and small businesses. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act will, as stated by Chris Edwards of the CATO Institute, give the largest relative cuts to the middle class, increase subsidies to low-income households, and make the tax code more progressive. American households will see their tax rates decrease at the beginning of 2018. They will keep more of what they earn and decide how they should spend their money; not Washington D.C. Small businesses, who deal in thin profit margins, will have a greater opportunity to expand, re-invest, and prosper. This bill will make American companies more competitive in the global economy. Our 35 percent corporate tax rate is the highest in the industrialized world. Lowering the rate to 21 percent will increase our competitive edge, reduce the temptation for companies to set up shop overseas, and will help facilitate repatriation of their assets back to the U.S. This vote is historic. Not since 1986 has Congress addressed our complicated tax code. Is this tax bill perfect, by no means is it perfect. There have been 41 tax reform hearings in the House Ways and Means Committee and 72 in the Senate Finance Committee. Once the House and Senate went to conference to iron out the differences between their respective bills, the conferees were open to the concerns of Members of Congress. I wrote the conferees before they began negotiations, outlining what I hoped the final bill would address. Im pleased that several of our provisions were incorporated into the final bill and will benefit not just the citizens of the third congressional district but the nation as well. I commend all the committees involved and the conferees for all their hard work in delivering tax relief to every American and in unleashing the economic engine of the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-citrus-aid-plan-included-tax-bill,Buchanan Citrus Aid Plan Included in Tax Bill,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Vern Buchanans Emergency Citrus Disease Relief Act has been included in the tax cut bill expected to be approved by Congress and signed into law this week. Immediate tax relief is crucial to help Florida citrus growers rebuild and get back on their feet, Buchanan said. I'm pleased that my bill to help farmers recover from Hurricane Irma has been included in this key legislation. Buchanans bill (H.R. 112) would make it easier for orange growers and citrus farmers to replace trees damaged by Hurricane Irma and the devastating disease known as citrus greening. The bill, which isco-sponsored by everymemberof Florida's 29-member congressional delegation in both the U.S. House and Senate, provides tax incentives for farmers who cannot afford to replace damaged trees. Buchanans legislation is included in Section 13207 of the final Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report the product of negotiations between a joint House-Senate conference committee. The final tax cut bill was released Friday -- days after the federal Agriculture Department forecast the worst orange crop in 73 years. The bill has been endorsed by theBradenton Herald,theSarasota Herald-Tribune, theLakeland Ledger,Sun Newspapers, thePanama City News Heraldand theOcala Star-Ledger. The Ledger called Buchanan's legislation a must pass while the Bradenton Herald said it was a no-brainer. In 2014, Buchanan led bipartisan efforts in Congress to secure an unprecedented $125 million to combat citrus greening as part of the five-year farm bill that President Obama later signed into law. The legislation also authorized the disbursement of up to $125 million in discretionary funding over five years to combat this disease.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1804,Curbelo Committed to Fighting For DACA Solution Before End of the Year: Will Not Vote for Spending Bill Without Congressional Action,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) joined Kasie Hunt on MSNBCs Kasie D.C. last night and recommitted to opposing any spending bill past December 31 without a solution for the DACA population. Ive always voted to fund the government because I think its the right thing to do, the responsible thing to do, but I think we need to take a stand, Curbelo said. Those of us who want to stand up for these young Americans. And I call them Americans, because even though theyre not documented, they grew up in our country, they speak perfect English, theyre working here, theyre productive, theyve gone to college, some of them want to serve in our military. So its time to say, Enough. Congress has been debating this Dreamer issue for 16 years, no action. So I think now is the time to say, lets get this done before we go home for the holidays. Lets give these young people and the country, the gift of making sure they can stay here for the rest of their lives. Curbelo also said, the closer Congress gets to the Presidents March deadline, it will become more and more difficult to get a good compromise. Curbelo first made the pledge last month, and has urged Leadership of both Chambers to bring any of the proposed solutions to the floor, including a letter with 33 other House Republicans to Speaker Ryan. He has also been working with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to try and find a broader immigration compromise that includes a permanent solution for DACA recipients. Curbelos bipartisan Recognizing Americas Children (RAC) Act was the first DACA solution introduced this Congress and the only solution introduced in the House last Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1806,Curbelo: Congress Must Lead if President Will Ignore Congressional Mandate to Consider Climate Change in National Defense,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Climate Solutions Caucus, released the following statement regarding President Trumps decision to remove climate change as a threat in his newly unveiled national security strategy: Thanks largely in part to the work of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus during the NDAA amendment process, Congress sent a clear message to America and the Administration that climate change and sea level rise must be considered when planning for our national defense. Its not only disappointing to see the President ignore that mandate, its unacceptable. Congress needs to take action to ensure our military installations around the world are adapting and mitigating when it comes to climate change, and I challenge the Members of the Climate Solutions Caucus to step up to help lead that effort. BACKGROUND Thanks to the actions of the Climate Solutions Caucus earlier this year, the recently signed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) did not includean anti-climateamendmentthat would have prohibited the Department of Defense from mitigating and adapting to the impact of sea level rise. The Caucus led a bipartisan effort to block the anti-climate amendmentduring the NDAA amendment process in the House. The mission of the Climate Solutions Caucus is to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and to explore bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate. As determined by the Co-Chairs, the Caucus membership will consist of equal representation by Democrats and Republicans. The full membership of the Climate Solutions Caucus in the 115th Congress can be accessedhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-secures-additional-housing-and-infrastructure-funding-to,Diaz-Balart Secures Additional Housing and Infrastructure Funding to Address Hurricane Recovery,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after additional supplemental disaster relief was introduced. Diaz-Balart has been a strong advocate for disaster relief funding in response to the 2017 Hurricane Season and the California wildfires. As Chair of the THUD appropriations Subcommittee, he has hosted several roundtables and briefings on disaster relief programs in the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. Immediate disaster assistance is the crucial first-step in helping communities recover after natural disasters. However, additional assistance is required to support the long-term recovery efforts of states and localities. I have seen firsthand the damage areas like Everglades City, Chokoloskee, and Immokalee have suffered as a result of Hurricane Irma, and they will need significant resources to fully recover. Funding from programs like CDBG-DR are essential to cover the unmet needs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) were not able to address. Within this account is a new mitigation set-aside that will help prepare our communities for future natural disasters, of which Florida will receive over $200 million. Resilient construction is a key step to preparing our homes for natural disasters, and this mitigation investment is important to minimizing expenses in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to assist Florida and our country as our hometowns rebuild from the storms, and we must ensure we provide them with the adequate resources they deserve. As Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Diaz-Balart was able to secure the following for this supplemental funding: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Provides FAA with a total of $114.6 million for facilities damaged by hurricanes in 2017, and for operational expenses. Federal Highway Administration-Emergency Relief Program: $1.37 billion to address infrastructure damage from the 2017 hurricane season. Federal Transit Administration-Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program: Provides $269 million for transit systems affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, to restore critical transit assets such as buses and shelters, ferry terminals, and rail systems stations. Community Development Block Grants-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR): Provides $26.1 billion for CDBG-DR to meet the full commitment in this program to address unmet housing, business and infrastructure needs for communities devastated by disasters in 2017, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. $12.5 billion is allocated to address mitigation projects to help communities protect against future natural disasters, and to protect the taxpayer from recurring costs of rebuilding after storms. Also included in the legislation are the following items that will benefit Floridians and Americans across the country and in Puerto Rico that are still recovering from the 2017 Hurricane Season and recent wildfires in California: $2.6 billion for agriculture assistance to support Floridas agriculture industry, including the citrus industry that has an estimated $760 million in damages alone. $2.9 billion to assist schools in Florida and elsewhere that accepted students from Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. $12.1 billion for repairs to existing Army Corps of Engineers projects that were damaged during the storm, including those projects in Everglades National Park. $1.66 billion to support the Small Business Administrations disaster loan program, allowing the agency to provide up to $12.2 billion in disaster loans. $616.4 million for repairs, clean-up, and recovery at national parks such as Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/transportation-appropriations-chairman-diaz-balart-statement-on-amtrak,Transportation Appropriations Chairman Diaz-Balart Statement on Amtrak Incident,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Amtrak rail incident outside of DuPont, Washington. The Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board fall under Diaz-Balarts committee jurisdiction. The reports and photos released from this mornings derailment are heart wrenching and extremely concerning. What should have been a momentous occasion for this routes inaugural ride turned into a nightmarish situation for passengers, those traveling in the area, and their families. Rail safety remains one of my top priorities as Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. I will work with my Subcommittee and Federal Railroad Administration officials to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rutherford-va-fails-veterans-hiring-dangerous-doctors,Rep. Rutherford: VA Fails Veterans by Hiring Dangerous Doctors,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a recent investigation from USA Todayon the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hiring and retaining medical providers who are unfit or not legally authorize to serve, Congressman Rutherford led a bipartisan congressional letter to Secretary Shulkin requesting information on how the Department oversees and hires its health professionals. Current law prohibits the VA from hiring providers who have had their license revoked in any state to ensure quality care for veterans, yet reports show professional standards boards clearing the hiring doctors with histories of malpractice and sexual misconduct. The USA Today article includes the following excerpt: ""Neurosurgeon John Henry Schneider racked up more than a dozen malpractice claims and settlements in two states, including cases alleging he made surgical mistakes that left patients maimed, paralyzed or dead. He was accused of costing one patient bladder and bowel control after placing spinal screws incorrectly, he allegedly left another paralyzed from the waist down after placing a device improperly in his spinal canal. The state of Wyoming revoked his medical license after another surgical patient died. Schneider then applied for a job earlier this year at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He was forthright in his application about the license revocation and other malpractice troubles. But the VA hired him anyway."" Further, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report this month showing that the VA failed to report 90 percent of problematic providers to their national database designed to prevent doctors found guilty of malpractice from crossing state lines. Congressman John Rutherford said, ""I am appalled that the VA has hired felons, sexual predators, and medical providers with revoked licensures. Not only does this malfeasance put our veterans in serious medical danger, but this astonishing mismanagement of the vetting process subjects veterans to pain and harm that is completely unacceptable. While I recognize that the VA is taking action to remove these unfit providers from the system, they must do more to prevent this illegal activity from ever occurring again. Most VA employees share our commitment to ensuring our nation's veterans receive the highest quality care possible, and we must work with them to remove all bad actors so the VA can fulfill its critically important mission of faithfully serving our nation's heroes."" Rutherford is one of 30 signatories on the bipartisan letter including, Jack Bergman, Mark Meadows, Barbara Comstock, Madeleine Bordallo, Walter Jones, Ralph Norman, Ann McLane Kuster, Doug Collins, Tom O'Halleran, Beto O'Rourke, Mimi Walters, Mike Bost, Mike Johnson, Darrell Issa, Thomas Rooney, Jim Banks, Doug LaMalfa, Kevin Yoder, David Valadao, Roger Marshall, Ted Yoho, Andy Biggs, Neal Dunn, Steve King, Daniel Donovan, Jr., Charlie Crist, Peter DeFazio, Steve Pearce Ron DeSantis. The full text of the letter can be found below: December 18, 2017 The Honorable David J. Shulkin, M.D. Secretary U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Dear Secretary Shulkin: We write today to express extreme concern regarding recent reports that the VA has hired medical providers, including surgeons, who have histories of malpractice and disciplinary actions taken against them. These reports include the hiring of providers who have previously lost their medical licenses, providers who have a history of sexual misconduct, and providers who have a record of disciplinary actions that would preclude them from employment in the private sector. We recognize and share your commitment to ensuring that our nation's veterans receive the highest quality care from the best providers possible. Therefore, recent reports of these bad hires, along with the recent Government Accountability Office report that found VA failed to conduct appropriate reviews and report doctors who received adverse privileging actions to state medical boards and other databases, are of great concern to us as we conduct oversight of the Department. The hiring of doctors who have had their medical licenses revoked in any state is already prohibited, and clinical hires must be cleared through professional standards boards. However, it appears the laws and regulations establishing that prohibition are not being followed by VA medical facilities. As you are aware, the President signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act into law in June. This was a result of Congress's and the American people's outrage at the lack of appropriate disciplinary action within the VA. We are encouraged by your exercise of these new authorities; however, these recent reports lead us to question if further action by Congress may be necessary. In order to help us learn more about the VA's response to these reports, we request the following: ·Actions taken to terminate the employment of those listed in recent reports who should not have been hired by the VA; ·Actions taken to discipline the professional standards boards who cleared the hiring of those providers with histories of misconduct and malpractice; ·Any Department-wide guidance on how medical facilities review and conduct their hiring processes to prevent current hiring laws from being broken; ·Actions taken to identify other current providers within the VA who have had disciplinary actions taken against them. We thank you in advance for your prompt response to our concerns. We appreciate your dedication to our veterans and look forward to working together to ensure they receive the highest quality medical care available. Please contact us with any further questions. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B63354C-0527-4343-ADE5-C560389A6F41,Rubio Statement on President Trump's National Security Strategy,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,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) released the following statement after President Trump unveiled his National Security Strategy (NSS):The United States faces real and ongoing threats from terrorists, rogue regimes, nation-states, and others who wish to bring harm directly to our shores. Americas adversaries share the common goals of challenging our interests, weakening our alliances and partnerships, and disrupting our way of life. Our rivals seek ways to diminish our global leadership, reduce our international influence, and undermine the rules-based world order underwritten by the United States since the end of the Second World War.The National Security Strategy outlined by President Trump is the first step in confronting these challenges, but it should not end there. We must rebuild our military readiness in order to maintain our edge over our adversaries, and we must provide our diplomats the resources necessary to advance American influence. Additionally, Congress must put an end to the dreadful impact sequester has had on our men and women in uniform.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1998D94-A55D-45DB-AE30-0757340B3FFD,"Rubio, Nelson Push for Post Office to be Named in Honor of Borinqueneers",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today urged the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to support legislation that would rename the post office located at 1415 West Oak Street in Kissimmee, Florida as the Borinqueneers Post Office Building, in honor of the famous Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army. The House passed the legislation on December 14 and requires final approval from the Senate. In 2016, Rubio presented a replica Congressional Gold Medal to Borinqueener CSM Anibal Albertorio and paid tribute to the group in a Senate floor speech. In 2014, Rubio was a leading supporter and cosponsor of a bill awarding the 65th Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers with the Congressional Gold Medal. The full text of the letter is below: The Honorable Ron Johnson The Honorable Claire McCaskill Chairman Ranking Member Senate Committee on Homeland Security Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and Government Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building 442 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member McCaskill: We write in support of H.R. 4042, a bill to rename the post office located at 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, as the Borinqueneers Post Office Building. This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on November 30, 2017, and is awaiting Senate consideration. In 1898, Congress authorized the creation of the regiment of native troops in Puerto Rico. The Regiment distinguished itself over the course of multiple wars. During World War II, the Regiment fought valiantly in Europe, with many receiving the Purple Heart posthumously for their bravery and heroism. In Korea, the unitby now known as the Borinqueneers after the original Tano name of the islandearned the Navy Unit Commendation after covering the retreat of the 1st Marine Division at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. General Douglas MacArthur paid tribute to the unit, writing: The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry give daily proof on the battlefields of Korea of their courage, determination and resolute will to victoryThey are writing a brilliant record of heroism in battle and I am indeed proud to have them under my command. I wish we could count on many more like them. In 2014, the Borinqueneers received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Renaming this post office is another fitting tribute to those that gave so much on the battlefield. We respectfully request that this bill be reported out of committee as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this legislation. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8295215-9537-4DE3-86F7-D36B2048731E,WTAS: Expanding the Child Tax Credit A Hard Fought Moment For Rubio,2017-12-16,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As a Must-Pass Republican Tax Bill Headed for the Finish Line, Rubio Saw an Opening (As a Must-Pass Republican Tax Bill Headed for the Finish Line, Rubio Saw an Opening, New York Times, Sheryl Stolberg, 12/15/2017) [F]or Mr. Rubio, it was a natural extension of the promise he believes the Republican Party had made, and was in danger of abandoning, to look out for the little guy. (As a Must-Pass Republican Tax Bill Headed for the Finish Line, Rubio Saw an Opening, New York Times, Sheryl Stolberg, 12/15/2017) A longtime champion of the working class, Mr. Rubio had tried in vain to secure a more generous tax break for lower-income Americans as Congress embarked on a sweeping rewrite of the federal tax code. (As a Must-Pass Republican Tax Bill Headed for the Finish Line, Rubio Saw an Opening, New York Times, Sheryl Stolberg, 12/15/2017) It was a hard-fought moment for Mr. Rubio, who found himself rebuffed by his own party when he proposed something similar during the initial Senate debate on the legislation. (As a Must-Pass Republican Tax Bill Headed for the Finish Line, Rubio Saw an Opening, New York Times, Sheryl Stolberg, 12/15/2017) Rubios threats to vote against the tax bill were very real, and leadership took them seriously. (How Marco Rubio forced the GOPs hand on the child tax credit, McClatchy, 12/15/2017) For months, Rubio said that an expanded child tax credit was an important part of any effort to overhaul the nations tax code. Without it, he said detractors could credibly argue that the Republican-led House and Senate drafted the overhaul without lower- and middle-class families in mind. (How Marco Rubio forced the GOPs hand on the child tax credit, McClatchy, 12/15/2017) Mr. Rubio got something for his anger. On Friday, Republican tax-bill negotiators agreed to make more of the child tax credit refundable, or available to taxpayers even if they pay no income tax. (How Sen. Marco Rubio Won a Concession on the GOP Tax Bill, The Wall Street Journal, Siobhan Hughes, 12/15/2017) [T]he gamesmanship around the credit provided a window into last-minute dealing as Republicans tried to win needed votes. No one raised a hand of support for the Rubio position besides myself, Mr. Scott said in describing the meetings with tax negotiators. (How Sen. Marco Rubio Won a Concession on the GOP Tax Bill, The Wall Street Journal, Siobhan Hughes, 12/15/2017) [Rubio] and Mike Lee are fighting a lonely fight for larger credits for poor families. (Report: Child Tax Credit Boosted In GOP Tax Bill To Try To Win Rubios Vote, Hot Air, Allahpundit, 12/15/2017) An extra 300 bucks in the refundable portion of the credit. How big of a win is that? If youre poor it may be tantamount to a one percent pay raise. Itll buy a crib or a thousand diapers, formula or baby clothes. (Report: Child Tax Credit Boosted In GOP Tax Bill To Try To Win Rubios Vote, Hot Air, Allahpundit, 12/15/2017) $1,400 of the credit would be refundable That's $300 more than GOP negotiators agreed to earlier this week a change made after Rubio and Lee threatened to torpedo the measure without a more generous credit. (Republicans appear to lock down key Senate votes for tax overhaul bill, USA Today, Herb Jackson and Deirdre Shesgreen, 12/15/2017) Sens. Rubio, Heller, and Scott have done a tremendous job fighting for working families this week and they have secured a big win. (U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), 12/15/2017) Worked with [Marco Rubio] to ensure the Child Tax Credit will help families even more in final tax reform package. Boosting refundability will help so many hardworking families, and Marco's efforts have been invaluable on this. #taxreform (U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), 12/15/2017) Their efforts over multiple years was tireless, unwavering and effective. (Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Lieutenant Governor of Florida, 12/15/2017) In the end, he got an adjustment that gives 4.7 million parents in the $20-40K range an additional tax cut of $250 or more above the Senate bill. (Ernie Tedeschi, former U.S. Treasury economist, 12/15/2017) We families with children devote most of our money and time to raise and educate the next generation to defend our country, pay taxes, have and create jobs and raise the next generation to sustain America. Thanks [Marco Rubio] for caring about our future. (U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, 12/15/2017) [Rubio] and Mike Lee have been strong advocates of expanding child tax credit for YEARS and they just won. (Amanda Carpenter, CNN Contributor, 12/15/2017)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1803,Curbelo Comments on Conference Committee’s Release of Final Tax Reform Legislation,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), South Floridas only representative on the tax-writing House Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement commenting on the final tax reform legislation released by the Conference Committee: A pro-growth, pro-family, simplified tax code is coming. While this bill is not perfect, it will certainly provide South Floridians and families across the country an opportunity to prosper.As a Member of Ways and Means, I have been a strong supporterofexpanding the child tax credit to make sure our new simplified tax code leaves America's hard-working families more prosperous. Thanks to the tireless leadership and advocacy of Florida's Senator Marco Rubio, this important benefit was further strengthened in the Senate and has been solidified in this final legislation. Im glad the Conference Committee heeded our calls to make the child tax credit even more robust. American families deserve no less. We still have a lot of critical issues that need to be addressed next week, including a permanent solution for DACA recipients, funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program, and hurricane disaster relief. But at the very least Im grateful we will be taking decisive action on a tax code that will ensure all Americans especially the most vulnerable are given the opportunity to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks and provide a better life for themselves and their families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-fema-funding-will-help-floridians-continue-recovery,Diaz-Balart: FEMA Funding Will Help Floridians Continue Recovery,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIAMI Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a federal grant of $12.3 million dollars for the state of Florida. I am pleased FEMA recognizes Floridas need for additional resources. These funds will reimburse the state for technical assistance, mitigation projects, the purchasing of equipment, and staff salaries for projects related to hurricane recovery efforts. Recovery is a difficult process, and the federal government must continue to assist our local communities in a time of need. I want to thank FEMA Administrator Long for being receptive to the conversations weve had on Capitol Hill and on the ground in Florida with his staff. I look forward to continue working with him and my congressional colleagues to assess the recovery timeline and secure additional support to complete the process. Congressman Diaz-Balart joined Florida colleagues in numerous letters to the Administration regarding hurricane relief efforts, including to then-DHS Acting Secretary Elaine Duke and FEMA Administrator Brock Long. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/transportation-appropriations-chairman-diaz-balart-applauds-dot-approval,Transportation Appropriations Chairman Diaz-Balart Applauds DOT Approval of Brightlines Second Phase,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIAMI Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the approval of the second phase of Floridas Brightline rail system. As Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I am extremely supportive of the advancement of new transit options, and am anxious to see the positive impact Brightline will have on our state's economy. Brightline's first phase, which is set to begin full service in the coming days, will showcase an alternative and efficient mode of travel for Floridians and visitors alike. Connecting South and Central Florida passengers via rail offers expanded business and leisure opportunities, and I am glad that DOT acknowledges the potential in the future of our state's transit. I thank Transportation Secretary Chao and Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Hall for their assistance with this project. Their leadership is appreciated and will be essential to Brightlines completion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-leads-charge-protect-american-horses,Buchanan Leads Charge to Protect American Horses,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, announced today that he is leading an effort to maintain the ban on horse slaughter in the United States. The current ban will expire unless it is specifically included in the upcoming government funding bill. Buchanan organized a letter to key congressional leaders, signed by 20 of his colleagues, requesting that language protecting horses from slaughter be inserted in any final spending agreement between the House and the Senate. The agreement is expected to occur in January. “Horse slaughter threatens public health, is strongly opposed by the vast majority of Americans, has no American market and benefits foreign interests,” the group wrote in a letter addressed to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen.  “Our American values support the protection of these animals; our federal policies should continue to reflect that.” An extension of the horse slaughter ban is currently included in legislation that has passed the Senate Appropriations Committee but has not yet been considered by the full Senate. The horse slaughter ban was not included in similar legislation passed by the House in September. Buchanan and his colleagues are pushing for the Senate version of the horse slaughter ban to be included in the final funding bill. Although the slaughter of horses for human consumption is currently not allowed in the United States, the prohibition is temporary and subject to annual congressional review. A national poll conducted on behalf of the ASPCA found that 80 percent of Americans favor a ban on horse slaughter and want to protect these animals from abuse. Buchanan is the sponsor of the SAFE Act, which would permanently ban horse slaughter in the U.S. and prohibit the transport of horses across American borders for slaughter in Canada or Mexico. The bill has been endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Letter signees include: Reps. Ed Royce.Barr, Chabot, Costello, Curbelo, Donovan, Faso, Fitzpatrick, Walter Jones, Katko, Peter King, Lance, LoBiondo, MacArthur, Meehan, Reichert, Schweikert, Chris Smith, Tenney and Zeldin. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Paul D. Ryan                                                    The Honorable Rodney P. Frelinghuysen Speaker                                                                                   Chairman U.S. House of Representatives                                                  Committee on Appropriations H-232 The Capitol                                                                   H-305 The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515                                                          Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Speaker Ryan and Chairman Frelinghuysen, As negotiations for final appropriations legislation begin, we write in strong support of Section 758 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Agriculture Appropriations Bill (S. 1603) passed with bipartisan support in the Senate Appropriations Committee. We urge that this language be included in the final agriculture appropriations bill. As you know, this provision will prevent the reopening of horse slaughter facilities in the United States by prohibiting federal funding for health and safety inspections, which are required by law at all meat processing plants. The U.S. Congress has adopted this provision nearly every year since 2005, ensuring that the horse slaughter industry does not return to American soil. Due to this strict funding prohibition, no slaughterhouses have operated in the United States since 2007. In fact, Congress just renewed this in May when it finalized the FY 2017 government funding bill. There is no market for horsemeat in America - it is the product of an inhumane business which 80% of Americans oppose. Communities that have lived with this industry are its strongest opponents; the two states in which the last three horse slaughterhouses operated have enacted laws banning the industry from returning. Those foreign-owned operations regularly received citations for polluting surrounding groundwater and air, strained the budgets of their host cities, and created a nuisance for nearby residents. American taxpayers should not have to support an industry that they overwhelmingly oppose, and which primarily benefits foreign companies and foreign markets. Furthermore, meat from American horses presents significant risks to public health. Horses are routinely given a range of drugs and chemicals banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on animals meant for human consumption. In 2015, the European Union implemented a ban on horsemeat imports from Mexico after EU inspectors consistently found drug residues in the product. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now experiencing a severe shortage of veterinarians to inspect commercial slaughter facilities. Activating new facilities to slaughter horsemeat for export would further strain the inspection system, threatening the safety of the food that Americans do consume, and creating a serious risk of horsemeat comingling with other commercial meat products.   Congress is asked to make tough decisions about providing resources for important programs. Horse slaughter threatens public health, is strongly opposed by the vast majority of Americans, has no American market, and benefits foreign interests. This is not a responsible use of precious tax dollars.  Our American values support the protection of these animals; our federal policies should continue to reflect that. We respectfully request that you continue current law and include Section 758 of S. 1603 in the final agriculture appropriations bill.   Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-bill-reauthorizing-us-jordan-defense-cooperation-act-passes-foreign,Ros-Lehtinen Bill Reauthorizing U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act Passes Foreign Affairs Committee,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen Bill Reauthorizing U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act Passes Foreign Affairs Committee “At a time when the U.S. needs Jordan’s support and influence in the Middle East more than ever, my bill aims to shore up our ally’s military capacity to ensure a stable and secure Jordan that is capable of advancing our mutual priorities and interests” (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 today after the House Committee on Foreign Affairs voted unanimously to favorably report her bill, H.R. 2646, the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Extension Act, to the whole House. The bill extends authorities first authored by Ros-Lehtinen in 2015, and includes support for a new and enhanced Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan and reauthorizes the establishment of an enterprise fund. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “On the front lines in the fight against terror and other regional crises, Jordan is one of our closest and most important partners in the Middle East. A key contributor to the anti-ISIS coalition, Jordan has also taken in over one million refugees from Syria and other neighboring countries, putting a significant strain on the kingdom’s economy, public services, infrastructure, and social cohesion. At a time when the U.S. needs Jordan’s support and influence in the Middle East more than ever, my bill aims to shore up our ally’s military capacity to ensure a stable and secure Jordan that is capable of advancing our mutual priorities and interests.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4863662D-8207-42EC-AB42-D188F88BABB9,"Rubio, Colleagues Urge Agricultural Disaster Relief Before Christmas, Propose Bipartisan Framework",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined 53 members of Congress, including majorities from both the Florida and Texas congressional delegations, to propose a bipartisan framework for agricultural disaster relief in the wake of the devastating 2017 hurricane season, and urged its passage before Christmas as part of a supplemental funding bill. In November, Rubio criticized the administration’s most recent disaster supplemental request, arguing that it did not include sufficient, targeted resources for Florida’s farmers. Rubio has consistently led the Florida congressional delegation’s efforts to secure federal resources for Hurricane Irma recovery efforts in Florida including the delegation’s initial request for a comprehensive relief package in October. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and U.S. Representatives Michael Conaway (R-TX), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Tom Rooney (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Val Demings (D-FL),Ted Deutch (D-FL),  Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Randy Weber (R-TX), Gene Green (D-TX), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Blake Farenthold (R-TX), Lamar Smith (R-TX), Joaquín Castro (D-TX), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Bill Flores (R-TX), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Pete Olson (R-TX), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Will Hurd (R-TX), John Culberson (R-TX), John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), Ted Poe (R-TX), David Scott (D-GA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Joe Barton (R-TX), and Stacey Plaskett (D-VI).        The full text of the letter is below:   Dear Chairmen Frelinghuysen and Cochran and Ranking Members Lowey and Leahy:   The 2017 hurricane season was the most costly and damaging on record. As Congress works to develop and pass a supplemental appropriations bill to help millions of Americans recover and rebuild their lives, we write to urge you to ensure that farm and ranch families are a full part of our recovery efforts under this critical and urgently needed legislation.   We strongly believe that the emergency supplemental must, at minimum, address serious backlogs and eliminate red tape under current emergency programs, provide immediate targeted assistance where there are holes in the farm safety net, and repair the farm safety net where necessary so we do not find ourselves in the same position as we are today when the next natural disaster strikes.   Specifically, we urge the supplemental to address the backlogs in key emergency recovery programs, including the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP). We also urge that the supplemental eliminate the red tape under existing standing disaster programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), where arbitrary pay limits, means testing, caps on eligible acreage and available funds, and restrictions that deny help in the case of damage to animals or trees are frustrating recovery efforts.   In addition, we urge the supplemental to include immediate, targeted assistance needed to address holes in the farm safety net, particularly for underserved commodities with low participation and coverage levels under crop insurance and for commodities without an effective safety net.  This is not a criticism of crop insurance, which we support.  Rather it is a recognition that there is still work to be done under crop insurance to maximize participation and coverage levels for farm and ranch families of all commodities.     Finally, to avoid finding ourselves in this position again in the future, we urge that the supplemental direct the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to make participation and coverage levels for these underserved commodities a top priority with a date certain by which FCIC must report to Congress with tangible results.  We also strongly urge that the holes in the safety net for our dairy and cotton farmers be finally addressed.  These producers are coping with natural disasters and a 53 percent drop in net farm income in just three years without a safety net.  This situation is exacerbating the financial stress on agriculture in our states and, therefore, addressing this serious matter is a necessary part of any relief.    As you know, while agriculture may have a lower profile in our states relative to other sectors, it remains a quiet giant in driving our economies, creating jobs, and feeding America and much of the world.  Our states have a strong, proud, and diverse agriculture tradition and we lead the nation in the production of many important commodities that most of us take for granted every day, including oranges, cotton, tomatoes, cattle and other livestock, a host of fruits and vegetables, dairy, greenhouse plants, sugarcane, and other row crops.  A supplemental crafted to help our states recover from historic hurricane damage would be insufficient if it fails to address the needs of our farm and ranch families.  Each of these needs is pressing.  Many farm and ranch families are trying to secure financing right now and many should be planting within a month's time.  For these families, waiting longer for help is not an option.          We have spent considerable time assessing the staggering losses that have been incurred ‎and listening to farm and ranch families tell us what exactly they need to get back on their feet.  We are offering carefully thought out solutions in a direct response to needs on the ground, and we are doing so in a fiscally responsible manner.    We look forward to working with you to address these critical needs before Congress breaks for Christmas.   Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=611592F6-F19E-40EA-A927-A9B6C0820496,Rubio Statement on Countering Irans Malign Activities in the Middle East,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued today a statement after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced the declassification of significant information and materials related to Iran’s growing support of militancy in the Middle East: “I commend the Administration for declassifying information and materials related to Iran’s malign activities today. As the United States weighs the future of the flawed Iran nuclear deal, the U.S. and our allies must do more to stop the Iranian terror-sponsoring regime’s growing support for Houthi rebels in Yemen and other militant groups in the Middle East. “Under the flawed Iran nuclear deal, the president is continuing to waive America’s most powerful economic and financial sanctions. Congress enacted these sanctions to confront not only the Iranian regime’s nuclear threat, but also its dangerous support for missile proliferation, international terrorism, regional militancy, and egregious human rights abuses. As the next deadline for waiving sanctions approaches in January 2018, I urge the president to consider whether it is truly in America’s national security interest to keep our most powerful non-military tools off the table and to continue suspending the Iran sanctions measures that have a proven track-record of changing the Iranian regime’s behavior.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7BF01B81-D8A6-435E-B3DA-07BEDAD45D36,"Rubio, Kennedy, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Simplify Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Victims",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,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), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced S. 2226, the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, legislation that would prohibit the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from penalizing victims of natural disasters who apply for, but decline, Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. Survivors of natural disasters who apply for, but do not accept, SBA disaster loans are currently penalized when Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster relief funds are awarded. Every dollar of SBA loan money they are approved for is a dollar less that can be awarded in CDBG disaster relief grants. This bill would prevent HUD from penalizing those applicants. In September, Rubio urged HUD Secretary Ben Carson to address this issue by not penalizing those impacted in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. “Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic destruction throughout Florida, and disrupted the lives of millions of Americans,” said Rubio. “The current disaster assistance process is unsynchronized and burdensome for victims of natural disasters. By penalizing victims who don’t take assistance, our laws discourage victims from applying for SBA disaster loans. As many Americans continue to rebuild and recover from the storm, removing bureaucratic hurdles is imperative to ensuring that no victim is penalized for weighing their hurricane recovery options.” “Hurricane victims need help when disaster strikes, not roadblocks that hinder their recovery.  Under the current rules, homeowners who apply for an SBA loan but don’t accept it are penalized. That’s incredibly unfair.  It’s like charging someone for window shopping,” said Kennedy. “As we’ve had the misfortune to see in Louisiana, hurricanes destroy homes and upend lives.  Hurricane victims need simplicity, clarity and fairness as they rebuild.  This bill will give them that.” “When people are struggling to recover in the wake of a massive storm, time is of the essence,” said Nelson. “This bill will make it easier for people to get the help they need, when they need it - without having to worry about government red tape.” “I am pleased to sponsor this important legislation which will be critical to the state of Texas in our Harvey recovery efforts,” said Cruz. “Rebuilding after a hurricane is a monumental and complicated task so it is imperative that there is clarity in the process and that disaster survivors aren’t unknowingly penalized from receiving future aid by simply applying for certain disaster-relief.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394484,Committee Approves Rep. Poseys Bill to Prevent Overregulation of Credit Unions,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Bill Posey,P000599,posey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Committee Approves Rep. Posey’s Bill to Prevent Overregulation of Credit Unions Washington, December 13, 2017 - Today the House Financial Services Committee approved Congressman Bill Posey’s legislation to prevent an unfair and overly burdensome regulation from being imposed on credit unions across our communities. Posey’s bill, H.R. 4464, the Common Sense Credit Union Capital Relief Act, which was reported favorably to the House floor with a bipartisan vote, would repeal the National Credit Union Administration’s (NCUA) final risk-based capital rule. “Millions of Americans throughout our communities utilize the important financial services offered by our local credit unions,” said Congressman Posey. “There are great concerns about the cost of this rule on credits unions, the legal authority of the NCUA to implement this rule and the regulatory burden this rule will have on credit unions. This bill will ensure that credit unions do not tie-up scarce resources that would otherwise be made available to credit union members and our communities in the form of loans and lower interest rates.” Specifically, the NCUA rule would negatively affect the country’s 110 million credit union members by unfairly categorizing credit unions as complex financial institutions that should not operate without setting large amounts of capital aside. Posey’s bill simply repeals this rule so credit unions can continue to provide high quality financial services to their members rather than be forced to limit their services or close their doors. Print version of this document",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-bill-improve-safety-air-travel-clears-committee-bi-partisan-support,Bilirakis Bill to Improve Safety of Air Travel Clears Committee with Bi-partisan Support,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC:  Today, Congressman Bilirakis’s Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland (SAFE TECH) Act unanimously passed the Homeland Security Committee with bi-partisan support.  This important legislation stems from the Congressman’s recent Congressional Delegation trip during which he had the opportunity to review screening procedures at major EU hubs like Amsterdam and Frankfurt for inbound travel to the United States.  Technical standards for safety and operating procedures at international airports are set by international agreements.  The standards set are generally broad; leaving vulnerabilities through inconsistencies with international partners.  This bill will address this concern, and improve the safety of air travel for all passengers.  Specifically, this legislation will provide an avenue for 3rd party testing of innovative technology screening capabilities to enhance airport security.  It will also assess the feasibility of linking compatible security technology utilized by the United States and international allies in order to augment screening check points. This coordinated collaboration is an essential element of strengthening global security.  “I have always contended that if we are not safe, then nothing else matters.  During my recent fact finding mission, I was startled by the lack of consistency in international standards and gaps in technology that support precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety. I am convinced this is something that needs to be immediately rectified, and I am pleased this important bill is moving expeditiously through the legislative process,” said Congressman Bilirakis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-stands-teachers,Bilirakis Stands Up for Teachers,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Bilirakis joined a group of concerned lawmakers in co-authoring a letter to the members of the Tax Reform Conference Committee asking that they adopt the Senate position on the teacher supply deduction. American teachers go above and beyond the call of duty every day.  Purchasing supplies for their classroom is just one example of their generosity.  While it is important to simplify the tax system as a whole, there are certain deductions, such as this one, which have benefits that far outweigh their financial costs. “Our hard working teachers spend so much money out of their own pockets to provide daily necessities for their students. It is important that we not only preserve, but expand this important deduction which helps to offset these costs,” said Congressman Bilirakis. To view a copy of the letter click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-leads-talks-disaster-aid,Buchanan Leads Talks on Disaster Aid,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"SHOCK FORECAST: Worst Orange Crop in 73 Years!  WASHINGTON – As Florida faces the worst orange crop since 1944, Congressman Vern Buchanan led a meeting of nearly 30 bipartisan members of the Florida and Texas congressional delegations Tuesday on the need to secure increased disaster relief funding for the two hurricane-ravaged states.  “Citrus growers are facing their lowest production since Franklin Roosevelt was president,” Buchanan said, citing a newly released forecast by the U.S. Agriculture Department. “Congress needs to act quickly and pass significant disaster relief for growers battered by Hurricane Irma and citrus greening.”  The latest USDA forecast predicts Florida will produce 46 million boxes of oranges for the 2017-2018 season, down more than 80 percent since peak production of 244 million boxes during the 1997-1998 season. In October, the Florida Department of Agriculture announced that Florida citrus sustained more than $760 million in damages due to the hurricane, but those numbers are only expected to grow. The Florida and Texas delegations recently sent a letter to congressional leadership making clear that the Trump administration’s latest request for post-hurricane aid was inadequate. Buchanan co-chairs the Florida delegation. Buchanan has also received assurances that his legislation to help citrus growers recover from crippling losses will be included in an upcoming hurricane relief package. His bill, the bipartisan Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act, has been co-sponsored by every member of Florida's 29-member congressional delegation in both the U.S. House and Senate.  The measure would make it less costly for growers to replace trees damaged by Hurricane Irma or citrus greening. The bill provides tax incentives for farmers who cannot afford to replace damaged trees. Experts estimate a 50 to 70 percent crop loss in Florida from Hurricane Irma. Citrus growers are experiencing up to 90 percent losses in some places. Buchanan is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1800,"Curbelo, González-Colón, Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Exempt Puerto Rico from the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Tax",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Jenniffer González-Colón (PR), and Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide relief from the burdensome health insurance tax (HIT) to Puerto Ricans recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The legislation, H.R. 4619, would amend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Section 9010 by providing temporary relief to health insurance providers in Puerto Rico from paying the tax, which has been passed on to consumers in the forms of higher premiums. Since residents of the territories are ineligible to use the ACA marketplaces to obtain insurance, they’re paying for something they do not have access to. “Most of the Affordable Care Act doesn’t impact Puerto Rico, but the Health Insurance Tax is one of a small number of provisions that does, and it’s hurting families in Puerto Rico who are trying to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” Curbelo said. “American citizens in Puerto Rico are subject to the burdens of the Affordable Care Act, but they do not have access to the benefits.  While I believe that the HIT functions as a tax that drives up the costs for all Americans, Puerto Ricans are especially burdened by the tax given the way the ACA uniquely treats the island.” “This bill puts an end to the imposition of the HIT on insurers resulting from the Affordable Care Act, which at the end of the road, is borne by the insured through the increase in premiums. In the case of Puerto Rico, the HIT has had the effect of increasing premiums by 2% and of further annual increases. The big problem is that this tax was meant to be used for the health insurance exchange, as well as to provide credits and subsidies for other programs for which the Island does not qualify or benefit from; nonetheless, we have to pay the tax,” said González-Colón. “Therefore, the filing of this bill will result in the reduction of health insurance premiums paid in the Island, and reduction in costs of more than $ 200 million per year. I trust that Congress can promptly address this bill that would exempt health insurance in Puerto Rico from this tax which it does not provide the island with any benefit. The estimated HIT that would correspond to Puerto Rico in 2016 is $202 million and for 2017 is $ 249 million.” “American citizens in Puerto Rico are treated unfairly under the Affordable Care Act due to the island’s status as a U.S. territory. Patients on the island are paying for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance tax, but do not benefit from many of the ACA provisions that this tax was designed to pay for. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to repeal this tax in order to help our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, whose longstanding challenges have worsened as a result of Hurricane Maria,” said Murphy.  Curbelo previously introduced a similar version of the bill earlier this year and last Congress to permanently exempt all U.S. territories from the Health Insurance Tax.   A PDF of the bill introduced today is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1801,"United Way Miami Testifies Before Curbelo, Ways and Means Committee on Low-Income Tax Preparation Services",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier today, Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), South Florida’s only Member on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and the sponsor of the VITA Permanence Act, welcomed United Way Miami-Dade’s participation in a Subcommittee on Oversight hearing on the taxpayer experience with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Curbelo asked United Way Miami Dade about the increasing demand for VITA services in South Florida. The two also discussed Miami’s vibrant, entrepreneurial economy and how the growth of these businesses are impacting individual filers. Curbelo has been a consistent advocate for the VITA program. Earlier this year, Curbelo introduced the “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Permanence Act of 2017,” H.R. 2901, bipartisan legislation to permanently extend the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. He also led a group of 55 bipartisan Members of Congress in a letter to urge House Appropriations leaders to provide full and robust funding for these programs. Curbelo also urged Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin to protect funding for programs like VITA during a Ways and Means Committee hearing earlier this year.  A full transcript of Curbelo’s opening remarks is available below. A video of the full exchange is available here.  United Way Miami Testifies Before Curbelo, Ways and Means Committee on Low-Income Tax Preparation Services Committee on Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Washington, D.C. December 13, 2017 https://youtu.be/tReA_2Dr5_I Representative Carlos Curbelo: “Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing on such an important subject and allowing us to learn directly from those who interact the most with the I.R.S. One topic being discussed this morning that I am particularly proud to support is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA, or VITA as it’s called in Miami sometimes, partners with the federal government partners and local community to provide tax preparation services for individuals with annual incomes below $54,000 and for those with limited proficiency in English. The VITA preparation services are of the highest quality, with an accuracy rating of 94% - even including returns claiming the complicated Earned Income Tax Credit. The certified preparers in the VITA program help traditionally underserved populations navigate the obstacles associated with filing a tax return and protect them from fraudulent preparers. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, Mr. Chairman, and these are people who want to comply, who want to follow the law, who want to do the right thing, which is why I have become such a strong advocate for this program. “I want to thank your committee staff, Mr. Chairman, for the great work they’re doing on this issue and others, and I am so pleased that H.R. 2901, the VITA Permanency Act I introduced with Rep. Danny Davis, has garnered the support of 38 bipartisan cosponsors, including 13 Members of this committee. It is great the Senate has included this language in their tax reform package. And I’ll continue to lead the charge to maintain full funding with the Appropriations Committee as we work towards a spending resolution for FY18.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=43EA3CAB-5DDD-4307-B955-63BA7C7FE037,"DeSantis: Released FBI Texts Show that Lead Agent in Charge of Clinton E-Mail and Russia Investigation was Removed from Special Counsel Investigation due to Demonstrating a Strong Anti-Trump, Pro-Clinton bias",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) released the following statement regarding the release of text messages between Department of Justice (DOJ) employees Peter Strzok and Lisa Page: “The text messages released by DOJ cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the Russia ‘collusion’ investigation.  The messages reveal that the lead agent in charge of the matter, Peter Strzok (who also led the less-than-zealous Clinton classified information investigation), possessed a strong anti-Trump animus and that his bias infected his work.  In the midst of the 2016 election, Strzok said that the FBI ‘can’t’ let Donald Trump win the election, which would be concerning if coming from any FBI agent, but it is disastrous coming from the agent spearheading a supposed fair counterintelligence investigation into Russian collusion with Trump’s campaign.  The question is how much did Strzok’s bias infect both the Clinton and Russia investigations.  “Congress needs a full accounting of how the Russia investigation started, the role of the FBI in procuring the infamous Steele dossier, whether the FBI paid for the dossier, and the way in which the FBI used the dossier, such as using it to obtain surveillance of Trump associates.”  DeSantis questioned Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein on the integrity of the Russia investigation before the House Committee on the Judiciary earlier today – watch here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://francisrooney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=291,Congressman Francis Rooney Supports Reform of Higher Education to Prepare Students for Real-World Job Opportunities,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Francis Rooney,R000607,francisrooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Rooney proudly supported reform of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Despite the act’s mission of “being a reliable pathway for students to receive a high-quality education and equip themselves with the skills necessary to find a good paying job”, the HEA has resulted in historically high tuition prices and student debt while failing to adequately address the estimated 6 million unfilled jobs in America.  Congressman Rooney stated, “These Higher Education Act reforms will refocus priorities where they belong – on preparing students to fill the 6 million job vacancies that currently exist, reducing historically high student debt and tuition prices, and ensure stronger accountability and a more limited federal role in education. The world is changing rapidly and our education system must have the tools and flexibility to respond to these changes; the status quo isn’t working.” The Higher Education Act: • Strengthens Workforce Development: The bill expands opportunities for students by reforming the federal work-study program, allowing students to use federal student aid for shorter-term programs that will get them into the workforce quicker, and encouraging partnerships between colleges and industry to expand opportunities. • Increases ‘Earn and Learn’ options: The bill allocates $183 million to community colleges for apprenticeship programs of up to two years. • Streamlines Student Aid: The bill streamlines student aid programs into one grant program, one loan program, and one Work-Study program to ease confusion for students who are deciding the best options available to responsibly pay for their college education. • Simplifies Repayment: The bill pares down the maze of loan repayment options to one standard 10-year repayment plan and one income-based repayment plan. • Eliminates Burdensome Federal Regulations: The bill eliminates burdensome federal regulations that put Washington in the middle of issues that are the responsibility of institutions or states, limit student choice, and stifle innovation.  • Repeals Unfunded Programs: The bill repeals all unfunded programs ensuring congressional priorities are maintained in the future.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://francisrooney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=292,Congressman Francis Rooney to Speak about the Role of Religion in Society,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Francis Rooney,R000607,francisrooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Naples, FL- Congressman Francis Rooney will be delivering remarks regarding the role of religion in society on Thursday, December 14th, 2017 at 7 PM at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Naples.  “I would like to thank Father Philemon Patitsas, Dr. Harry Dimopoulos, and the Christian Rights and Freedom Institute for inviting me to speak Thursday evening about the role of the Christian faith in our lives and society,” Congressman Rooney stated. “Religion, rather than just being a ritual in a church, is a fundamental part of our essential humanity, and therefore is a driving force in American society. This has been a constant since the founding era, but is under threat from secularism today. It is up to us to preserve the morality and stability brought to society by our Christian values.” Congressman Rooney has written extensively on religion, including an op-ed series published in May regarding the role of religious freedom in society and how religious freedom can combat Islamic extremism. He previously served as United States Ambassador to the Holy See under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2008. The speech will occur on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00 PM. St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church is located at 7100 Airport Pulling Rd N., Naples, FL 34109. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Chris Berardi at chris.berardi@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-hosts-roundtable-to-discuss-local-transit-grants-program,Diaz-Balart Hosts Roundtable to Discuss Local Transit Grants Program,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee today hosted a roundtable on the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and was joined by Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams and Executive Director Matthew Welbes. “I was pleased to welcome Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Williams and Executive Director Welbes to discuss transit and numerous FTA programs, including the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. CIG is a key component in the development of local infrastructure plans, such as Miami-Dade County's SMART plan. FTA Acting Administrator Williams acknowledged how difficult these grants can be. As Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to helping our nation and community address local infrastructure challenges.” Photo should be attributed to the Office of Congressman Diaz-Balart. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-supports-legislation-to-require-reporting-of-iranian-regime,Diaz-Balart Supports Legislation to Require Reporting of Iranian Regime Assets,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. “This legislation requires the Treasury Department to report the Iranian regime's assets, creating an accessible, public database that allows companies to make sound decisions when choosing business partners. Businesses around the world have been unknowingly fueling Iran's regime of terror and aggression through deals that benefit the mullahs. The United States has made it clear it will not support acts of violence and terrorism. This bill provides transparency to help ensure American dollars are not propping up the regime and its illicit activities.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/media-center/educator-tax-deduction-credit-letter,Educator tax deduction credit letter,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,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 https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7852BB32-54F3-4B94-AAC5-DD922F4F2395,RUBIO: How US and Asian Democracies Can Counter China,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"How US and Asian democracies can counter China By U.S. Senator Marco Rubio December 13, 2017 CNN | Share on: Twitter / Facebook   America is reaffirming its commitment to securing a free and open Indo-Pacific region amid North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, China's increasingly assertive rise and other challenges. India and Japan, two of our key partners, have increased their security cooperation in response to regional challenges. But Washington must do more to support them and expand the involvement of Australia and other Asian democracies.   Much of the 21st century's history will be written in Asia. The region makes up nearly 60% of the world's population and roughly 40% of global GDP. Home to large and capable militaries, Asia accounts for the majority of the world's eight declared nuclear-armed nations, including North Korea.   Under President Xi Jinping, China is attempting to author its own version of the Indo-Pacific region's history. The People's Liberation Army is expanding and modernizing its military conventional and unconventional capabilities, including its vast arsenal of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. It is also forcefully asserting Beijing's claims in territorial disputes with neighbors, including in the South China Sea and in the Doklam plateau at the Indo-Chinese border.   Read the rest here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8033506-F9B8-49E7-A1FD-468B87532605,VIDEO: Rubio Chairs China Commission Hearing on Beijing's Exporting of Authoritarianism,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,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) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), chair and cochair of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), today convened a hearing entitled “The Long Arm of China: Exporting Authoritarianism With Chinese Characteristics.” Earlier today, Rubio explained how the U.S. and Asian democracies can counter China’s increasingly assertive rise. Rubio recently warned of Beijing’s efforts to influence American public policy and basic freedoms. In October, Rubio and Smith released the CECC’s 2017 annual report on human rights and the rule of the law in China. Rubio’s remarks can be watched here. A partial transcript of Rubio’s remarks is below.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Congressional-Executive Commission on China Washington, D.C.December 13, 2017YouTube We hope today to take a step back from individual accounts regarding China's long arm and examine the broader issue of Chinese Communist Party’s influence around the world. What animates their efforts? What is their ultimate aim? What sectors or institutions are most vulnerable to this and what can we do about it? Given the scope of this issue, we’ll only begin to scratch the surface here today.  When examining these foreign influence operations it's important we understand the Communist Party infrastructure that exists to support this endeavor. The United Front Work Department is one of the Party agencies in charge of influence operations at home and abroad. The Chinese president elevated this entity’s status in 2014, calling their work the ‘magic weapon’ for the ‘Chinese people's great rejuvenation.’ The UFWD is charged with promoting a positive view of China abroad and exporting the purported benefits of this authoritarian model. United Front officials and their agents, often operating under diplomatic cover as members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they develop relationships with politicians at both the state, local and federal level and other high-profile or up-and-coming foreign and overseas Chinese individuals to, in the words of Wilson Center Global fellow Ann Marie Brady, ‘influence, subvert, and if necessary bypass the policies of their governments and promote the interests of the CCP globally.’ … Each year, the Commission releases an Annual Report which painstakingly documents human rights and rule of law developments in China.  China’s Great Firewall, rights violations in ethnic minority regions, harassment of rights defenders and lawyers, suppression of free speech, onerous restrictions on civil society—these are the shameful markings of an authoritarian, one-party state. But to the extent that the same authoritarian impulses animate the Chinese government’s efforts abroad, it directly threatens our most deeply held values and our national interests. Chinese leaders are engaged in the long game and it is something that policymakers in the U.S. and like-minded allies must take seriously. … The reaction to today's hearing will be one of two things. Number one, largely ignored. Or number two, the argument that we’re paranoid, that this is paranoia, this is ridiculous, this is not at all what's happening. And of course that furthers the narrative the Chinese Communist Party is always putting out. That now ‘we're just a small, poor country trying to just catch up to where you are. We're not in any way a threat to you.’ But, the first part of the ignoring really bothers me because there will be a lot of coverage today about whatever the president or someone else tweeted this morning. Meanwhile, this extraordinary geo-political issue that has incredible historical importance [what] of a way that people will write and talk about for a century is happening right underneath us, and very few people realize it. And those who do would rather talk about whatever the outrage of the day is. I don't even know I haven't gone online to see what it is. And the last point – I always make this in these hearings – I want to be abundantly clear: this is not about the Chinese people, it's not even about China, who we hope will emerge – doesn’t have to have our system of government per se, there's all sorts of different ways to structure democracies. No one is more hopeful than we are, and me personally, to have a China that is a partner in the international community. Can you imagine what a China that respects human rights and the liberty and the dignity of all people, their own and others abroad, could do in partnership with the United States? The issues we could confront and solve? It would be an extraordinary development in human events, if that were to occur. So this is in no way of hostility towards the people. On the contrary, I have incredible respect for the achievements and the importance of Chinese culture and Chinese history. A nation that for almost all of human history has been the most important, or one of the most important in the world, has made extraordinary contributions in the arts and the sciences and in learning and academia. I want that potential and that history to be unleashed to change the world in a positive way.  Unfortunately that is not what we see. What we see here on the path of the government in the Communist party is an effort to roll back the advances towards human freedom that have been made over the last hundred years, particularly since the end of the second world war, and that's also important to communicate because sometimes when we talk about China it means - to the minds of some -  that were talking about the Chinese, and we are not. We are fully cognizant that in a nation that large, with that many people, there are hundreds of millions of people who aspire to a different way forward but simply do not have the way to advocate for it or are punished for advocating for it, sometimes even with their lives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1797,Curbelo's Bipartisan Foreign Spill Protection Act Signed into Law,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018, which includes the bipartisan Foreign Spill Protection Act introduced by Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) earlier this year. “I’m proud of the enactment of this forward-looking legislation to anticipate the risks of a foreign-based oil spill impacting American waters and coastlines, ensuring foreign entities responsible for an oil spill affecting U.S. waters and our coastline are also responsible for all cleanup costs, regardless of where the spill took place,” Curbelo said. “The Foreign Spill Protection Act will incentivize all foreign offshore producers to implement the safest technologies and practices to reduce the likelihood of a major spill – a win for coastal communities and the small businesses and families that depend on the sea.” “The passage of this robust NDAA bill, including our Foreign Spill Protection Act, is a testament of Congress coming together to prioritize the safety and protection of America’s coastal areas. I am proud to support this bill that would hold foreign oil drilling companies fully responsible for spills near our shores, including Florida’s coasts,” said Soto. “The reality is, we’re allowing an increasing number of countries to drill into our shores, many who do not follow the same safety protocols or standards as we do in the United States –they must be placed under higher scrutiny. My colleague Rep. Curbelo and I will continue working on protecting our beautiful beaches and coastal areas.” BACKGROUND  Curbelo praised House passage of the NDAA last month. The bill, which includes the biggest pay increase our military has received in eight years, was signed into law by the President earlier today. NDAA also includes Curbelo’s bipartisan Foreign Spill Protection Act, H.R. 468. Introduced earlier this year, this legislation would ensure foreign entities that cause an oil spill into U.S. waters and shores are held responsible for all cleanup costs, regardless of where the spill started. Additionally, the bill would apply Clean Water Act penalties on the responsible foreign party. Thanks to the actions of the Climate Solutions Caucus, which Curbelo Co-Chairs, the bill does not include an anti-climate amendment that would have prohibited the Department of Defense from mitigating and adapting to the impact of sea level rise. The Caucus led a bipartisan effort to block the anti-climate amendment earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1798,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Tomorrow, United Way Miami-Dade to Testify at Ways and Means Hearing on Taxpayer Experience with the IRS",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tomorrow morning, the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight will host a hearing on the taxpayer experience with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The hearing will include testimony from United Way Miami-Dade about their critical Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program work.   Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), South Florida’s only Member on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and the sponsor of the VITA Permanence Act, welcomed United Way Miami-Dade’s participation in the hearing.    “While the leadership of the IRS has been the subject of controversy in recent years, the work done through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program must continue,” Curbelo said. “The VITA program is critical for low-income Americans and ensures tax payers can confidently file returns without fear of being scammed by fraudulent preparers. I’m grateful to have United Way Miami-Dade here tomorrow to discuss their work to help South Florida families keep more money in their pockets and their important role combatting the rampant identity fraud that is often regrettably found in South Florida.”   “United Way Miami-Dade’s VITA Coalition collaborates with partners across our community to provide low-income South Florida families with free tax preparation services and financial coaching,” said Karina Ron, director of United Way Miami-Dade’s Center for Financial Stability. “Working with a network of over 50 sites, our team works year-round to make sure South Florida’s neediest families know where to turn to for answers to all their questions and how to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks in their pocket. We’re grateful to Representative Curbelo and the Ways and Means Committee for the opportunity to have this important conversation and look forward to discussing the need for a strong VITA program.”   Curbelo has been a consistent advocate for the VITA program. Earlier this year, Curbelo introduced the “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Permanence Act of 2017,” H.R. 2901, bipartisan legislation to permanently extend the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. He also led a group of 55 bipartisan Members of Congress in a letter to urge House Appropriations leaders to provide full and robust funding for these programs. Curbelo also urged Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin to protect funding for programs like VITA during a Ways and Means Committee hearing earlier this year.   This hearing is open to credentialed press and will be live-streamed here.     Wednesday, December 13, 2017 Ways and Means Committee Hearing on the Taxpayer Experience with the Internal Revenue Service Approximately 10:00 a.m. ET Ways and Means Committee Room 1100 Longworth House Office Building",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=48A97C09-7D4B-45D7-B2EE-AA4BF9395816,"Rubio, Gillibrand Introduce Legislation to Help Keep Drivers Safe from Fatal Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today introduced the Stop Underrides Act, legislation that would help prevent deadly truck underride crashes. U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) introduced the companion bill in the House. An ‘underride crash’ is when a car slides under the body of a large truck, such as a semi-trailer, during an accident. When these accidents happen, a car’s safety features are not able to protect passengers because most of the car slides under the trailer, and the truck crashes straight through the windows and into the passengers. The passengers in the car often suffer severe head and neck injuries, including decapitation, on impact with the truck. These accidents are often fatal, even at low speeds. Studies and pilot programs show that a simple barrier attached to the lower area of a truck, called an ‘underride guard’, would help prevent a car from sliding underneath a truck in an accident. Under current federal law, underride guards are not required to be on the sides or front of trucks. Underride guards are already required for the back of a truck, but the standards are outdated. “Florida is one of the states with the highest number of reported fatalities due to underride collisions. With hundreds of Americans losing their lives due to these crashes every year, the Stop Underrides Act seeks to prevent these kind of deaths, make our roads safer, and spare more families the grief of losing a loved one by implementing underride guards on trucks across the nation,” said Rubio. “I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in advancing efforts to save hundreds of lives across the country.” “With so many unpredictable accidents on the road, underride guards are an easy solution for protecting people and preventing them from dying when a car collides with a truck,” said Gillibrand. “This bipartisan legislation would save lives, and we should pass it as quickly as possible to keep Americans safe while they’re driving, whether they’re heading to see family and friends for the holidays or driving to work on their morning commute. I urge all of my colleagues to join me and Senator Rubio on this bipartisan bill.” “I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to finally address the issue of truck underride fatalities. By implementing the use of strong rear, side, and front underride guards, this legislation will make full use of the decades of car safety technologies already required in passenger vehicles and prevent needless deaths,” said Representative Cohen. “My heart goes out to all the families who have been affected by these tragic collisions, including Marianne Karth, Lois Durso, Jennifer Tierney and especially Randy and Laurie Higginbotham, whose 33-year old son, Michael, was killed in a truck underride crash in my area of Memphis – your advocacy and sacrifice, along with the support of the Truck Safety Coalition and Advocates for Highway Safety have brought us all to this point. This legislation will save lives, it’s the right thing to do, and that’s bottom line.” “Over 300 people are killed each year from truck underride collisions, and these collisions are often underreported, it is time to act. No mother or father should see their child’s life cut short by an accident that could have been prevented with commonsense safety improvements. Fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in California increased 13% from 2015 to 2016, and this bill is an important step towards making our roads safer,” said Representative DeSaulnier. “I am proud to join Senator Gillibrand, Senator Rubio, and Congressman Cohen to introduce this legislation, and I am grateful for the perseverance of Marianne Karth and Lois Durso, who each lost children in truck underride collisions, for their work to make this bill possible.” “I am the survivor of a terrible truck crash. I'm the mom of two daughters, AnnaLeah & Mary, who did not survive. The difference? Their part of the car went under the truck; mine did not,” said Marianne Karth. “When I learned that hundreds of people die each year from underride and that something could have been done to prevent their deaths, I became a mom on a mission to make truck crashes more survivable.” ""It is unacceptable to allow truck underride crashes to continue snuffing out the lives of our loved ones... year after year... decade after decade when it is absolutely preventable,” said Lois Durso. “We must not turn a blind eye to the truck underride carnage. I am grateful for the leadership of Senator Gillibrand, Senator Rubio and Congressman Cohen – they have taken the necessary steps to save countless lives.""  “Until the day my dad was killed, I had never spent much time considering what would happen if a vehicle passed under a tractor-trailer. Now it’s a daily struggle to stop my mind from imagining that horrific moment of impact and seeing the remains of the vehicle that held my Daddy,” said Katie Strader. “There are thousands of families across the U.S. who have had their lives forever-changed because of an underride crash. Saving lives is not a partisan issue. Joint introduction by Senators Gillibrand and Rubio is evidence of this.  Protecting our families on our roadways is not Republican or Democrat. It is an issue on which we all agree.” “The Stop Underrides Act is a long-overdue solution to a long-standing safety problem. Every year hundreds of people are needlessly killed or severely injured in truck underride crashes,” said Jacqueline Gillan, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. “The National Transportation Safety Board has issued multiple recommendations for improved rear underride guards and for side and front underride protection systems. It is now time for action.” “Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of death in the U.S., and too many involve large trucks,"" said Deborah A.P. Hersman, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. ""Every single one of these deaths is preventable. We applaud Sen. Gillibrand and her colleagues for their leadership in this area, and look forward to supporting all efforts to make our roads safer."" “The issue of truck underride crashes has persisted for too long. As an organization that works with families who lost loved ones and with survivors of truck underride crashes, we fully support the Stop Underrides Act,” said John Lannen, Executive Director of the Truck Safety Coalition. “We commend Senator Gillibrand, Senator Rubio, and Representative Cohen for sponsoring legislation that will strengthen rear underride guards, mandate side underride guards, and require proper maintenance of these life-saving guards. We are hopeful that other Members of Congress will join them in this bipartisan effort to reduce the unnecessary deaths and injuries that occur as a result of truck underride collisions.” Rubio and Gillibrand’s legislation would require underride guards on the sides and front of a truck and update the outdated standards for underride guards on the back of trucks. It would also ensure that the annual inspection for all large trucks includes underride guards as part of the inspection and would require the Department of Transportation to review underride standards every five years to evaluate the need for changes in response to advancements in technology. The Stop Underrides Act of 2017 is endorsed by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and the National Safety Council.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6DBD6090-5750-4A3C-8907-DC07CB7E69CA,"Trump Signs 2018 NDAA With Rubio Amendments on Hurricane Damage, Cyber Training",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. – Today, President Trump signed into law H.R. 2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, which includes two amendments offered by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). Rubio issued the following statement: “America faces a growing number of threats around the world, and in recent years our military has been asked to do more overseas to keep us safe here at home. At the same time, our armed forces have been deprived of an adequate, long-term budget and subjected to damaging sequestration. As a consequence, our troops are suffering from readiness shortfalls and a growing procurement gap,” said Rubio. “We must ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools and resources they need to defend our nation, and that the administration and Congress work to restore our military capabilities to the level required to confront the many challenges ahead. “In particular, my provisions ensure that the DoD’s national security assets and capabilities in Florida are fully repaired in the wake of Hurricane Irma, and that our cyber force is properly equipped and trained for this emerging field of warfare,” added Rubio.   “The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act provides for our national defense and gives critical policy guidance to the Pentagon. For years, I’ve been pushing for our troops to get a well-deserved pay raise, and I’m pleased this bill provides them with the largest increase in six years,” said Rubio. “It also ensures Florida’s many military bases have the construction authorities they need, reverses the drawdown in troops requested by the president, and keeps in place the ban on bringing terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay to American soil.”  The Senate passed its version of the 2018 NDAA in September with Rubio’s amendments, and the House passed its version in July. Background: H.R. 2810 authorizes FY18 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for the procurement of aircraft, ships, missiles, weapons and other systems; research, development, test, and evaluation; operation and maintenance; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Health Program; Overseas Contingency Operations; and Military Construction. The bill also authorizes the FY18 personnel strength for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding compensation and other personnel benefits, and matters relating to foreign nations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=89D59E4B-AA9F-465C-9AD3-2006A17E7612,VIDEO: Rubio Keynotes SOUTHCOM's Human Rights Initiative Conference,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today delivered the keynote address at the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Human Rights Initiative Conference.     Earlier this year, Rubio toured SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Miami to receive briefings on regional challenges and SOUTHCOM's efforts to enhance U.S. national security interests in Latin America. Rubio has long been a champion and leader on human rights issues in Congress. A partial transcript of his remarks is below: This past Sunday we just commemorated Human Rights Day.   In addition to keeping our borders safe and protecting the homeland, the Department of Defense plays such a critical role in building capacity with our foreign partners in Central and South America throughout the Hemisphere, as well as our counternarcotic operations that threaten all of us in this hemisphere.   Just last year, for example, personnel from the Florida Army National Guard worked together with military and police forces with our partners in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in a focused effort on Combating Transnational Organized Crime.   I am proud of the role our military plays in Central America. U.S. Special Operations Command 7th Group which is based at Eglin Air Force Base … Special Operations Command South which is in Homestead near my home, and the Florida National Guard are all working symbiotically to better Central and South American forces – our partners, helping build capacity. And that’s going to have a direct impact on not just the security of our partner nations, but also our own nation.   You also have another important focus and that is protection of the universal values that I believe guide not just our nation but all civilized people.   You are the only Geographic Combatant Command with a dedicated Human Rights office. SOUTHCOM is truly leading by example. It’s truly the leading example of how our militaries – I say militaries, not just in the U.S. but our partners throughout the world –  can work to promote the protection and respect for universal human rights in our Hemisphere as an example to the world.   SOUTHCOM’s Human Rights Office was established in 1995 and currently supports ongoing programming in 11 partner countries. It also has one regional organization called the Conference of Central American Armed Forces (CFAC), which works to implement a program called the Human Rights Initiative within the armed forces of these 11 Latin American countries.   I cannot stress enough how critical and important this work is. You are on the front lines of ensuring we honor our human rights commitments in this hemisphere.   So this year, I had the privilege of once again being able to chair the Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere. But within the purview of that committee, it also covers transnational crime, civilian security, democracy, human rights and global women’s issues.   On this committee, we examine many of the pressing issues that face our Hemisphere—along with global issues involving transnational crime, civilian security, democracy, human rights and global women’s issues.  And among those things, sadly, that we’ve had to focus on over the last couple of years is the declining state of democracy in a number of countries, particularly now in Venezuela, where the ongoing human rights abuses against the citizens of that proud nation.   During my time here in the Senate, I am about to complete my seventh year, I have witnessed the impact that many events throughout the Western Hemisphere have on the United States, especially on my own state. And throughout my 46 years of life, I have seen the impact the Western Hemisphere can have on the community that I grew up in. In fact, the history of Southern Florida, Miami-Dade County was inextricably linked to the events of the last 50 years in the Western Hemisphere.   …   We now have an opportunity before us – and I say we, it’s not just Southern Command but our partners in the region – to renew our commitment to advancing of human rights in the region, by standing with those who are fighting for it in the political realm, and beyond in the human rights realm – for  freedom and for democracy and for the respect of all people.   We must also make clear to leaders who oppress their people and deny them their most fundamental rights that their actions do not go unnoticed by their neighbors, do not go unnoticed by the United States and our partners. And those actions must have real consequences.   Vibrant democratic societies with respect for human rights are in the national security interests of all the nations of this Hemisphere, and ultimately the world. It is critical for the stability of our region that we have nations that are free and prosperous. Countries who become strong trading partners for one another, reliable allies, and countries in which their people no longer feel like they must undertake dangerous migrations, sometimes violating the laws of other nations, in order to flee from oppression, violence, narco-trafficking, and gangs.   …   We must remain committed to ensuring that democracy and human rights remain at the core of our policy here in the United States and that the United States assistance reflects that priority in this region and frankly throughout the world. Building upon, improving, growing, reinforcing the alliances that we now have with so many of you here, who represent the free and democratic countries of the Americas, has been of the utmost importance to me during my time of serving in the United States Senate. And it will continue to be a priority for as long as the people of Florida and God allow me to serve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/multiple-yoho-initiatives-make-final-ndaa-bill,Multiple Yoho Initiatives Make Final NDAA Bill,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2018 – into law. “Providing for the common defense is the primary job of Congress.  Today’s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, into law, by President Trump, will give our military men and women the tools they need to accomplish their mission and to continue defending the liberty and freedoms we all hold dear.  This authorization is important to rebuild our overworked military, increase readiness, replace old equipment that is past its service life, and give our men and women in uniform the pay raise they deserve. I am honored that many of the initiatives I worked on were included in the final bill that was signed into law.”  Rep. Yoho initiatives included in NDAA:   Major sections of my Equip Ag bill, H.R. 2822, were inserted into the base text of the House bill-- Items of Special Interest (ISI) and Direct Report Language (DRL) are not part of the conference procedures with the Senate.  ISI and DRL are acted on by DoD or whomever it effects once the House bill passed back in July. As stated in the ISI language we should see a report come back on this from DoD no later than 31 Dec 2017.   Specifically, it directs the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency to provide a briefing, not later than December 31, 2017, to the House Committee on Armed Services on all agriculture-related equipment disposals for the past five years. The briefing shall include an itemized list of each item disposed of, a brief description of each farming-related item, and whether the item was transferred to another government entity or a private company or citizen. The Department of Defense already has a disposal process for its excess or unused equipment, and veteran-owned farming operations could potentially benefit from a greater awareness of the equipment that could be available.    Prohibition on the use of funds to close or relinquish control of United States naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Limitation on use of funds for the provision of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to the vetted Syrian opposition.  Normalization of the transfer of defense articles and defense services to Taiwan. Ensures increased reporting of freedom of navigation operations, to ensure challenges to freedom of navigation are challenged Report on US strategy in Syria",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-co-sponsors-bill-combat-vets-suicides,Buchanan Co-sponsors Bill to Combat Vets Suicides,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Veterans Twice as Likely to Die from Opioids as Civilians WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today that he has co-sponsored legislation to study the link between prescription painkillers and an alarmingly high rate of suicides among veterans.  Veterans are twice as likely as civilians to die from overdoses of opioid painkillers. The Veterans Overmedication Prevention Act would require the Veterans Affairs Department to review the deaths of all veterans treated by the VA who died by suicide or from a drug overdose in the last five years.  “The high rates of suicide and drug overdose deaths in the veteran community are unacceptable,” Buchanan said. “This legislation is critical to learning if prescription drugs, specifically opioid painkillers, are a contributing factor in suicide-related deaths among veterans.” The bill, introduced by Rep. Mike Coffman, R-CO, specifically calls for a listing of “any medications that carried a black box warning, were prescribed for off-label use, were psychotropic, or carried warnings that include suicidal ideation.” The new information will be used to better treat veterans suffering from mental and physical injuries sustained as a result of their service.  Shockingly, 20 veterans commit suicide every day according to the VA, accounting for 18 percent of all U.S. suicides. Florida has the third-highest number of veterans in the country, with 1.5 million. Buchanan has been an active leader in confronting the opioid crisis in Florida. His district is the epicenter of Florida’s drug problems and he successfully fought for federal anti-drug funds that were recently distributed to the Suncoast region. In response to Buchanan’s inquiries, the VA released information on missing or stolen drugs at five Florida facilities in April. Buchanan represents more than 88,000 veterans in Southwest Florida. He served six years in the Michigan Air National Guard and four years on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1796,Curbelo Talks Tax Relief for South Florida Families with NBC 6 and Local 10,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate head to a conference committee this week to negotiate the final tax reform legislation, Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), South Florida’s only Member of Congress on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, joined NBC 6’s “Impact with Jackie Nespral” and Local 10’s “This Week in South Florida” to discuss tax reform and other issues in national and local headlines. Partial transcripts of both interviews are available below. The full interview with NBC 6’s “Impact with Jackie Nespral” can be watched here, and the full interview with Local 10’s “This Week in South Florida” can be watched here.   Curbelo Joins NBC 6 Impact to Discuss Tax Reform, the Need for a DACA Fix, etc. NBC 6’s “Impact with Jackie Nespral” Miami, Florida December 10, 2017 https://youtu.be/JXbTpfuMOio Representative Carlos Curbelo: “This is a big week because those negotiations start. The bills are similar, but there are some key differences, so I do think that this is going to get done within the next two weeks, and every American should be able to kick off 2018 with a higher pay check, so that should be good news.” … “We’ve done things – especially in the House bill – that are only for low- and middle-income earners. For example, we double the standard deduction. It used to be $12,000 – or it is under existing law – we make it $24,000 for a married couple. So we protect those early dollars. In our bill we have a $300 per parent tax credit. We have a new $300 tax credit for people taking care of, for example, an elderly parent at home. We expand the child tax credit from $1000 to $1600, making that first $1000 refundable. These are all provisions that help middle-income Americans, so the accusations that are out there – most of them coming from the far left – quite frankly, are wrong.”   Curbelo Joins Local 10's This Week in South Florida to Discuss Tax Reform, DACA, and More Local 10’s “This Week in South Florida” Miami, Florida December 10, 2017 https://youtu.be/171M63HZSCA   Representative Carlos Curbelo: “The House bill does have a lot more permanent relief for middle-income and even lower-income families long-term, permanently. The Senate has different budget rules so they had to put these gimmicks in the bill, quite frankly. “We in conference are insisting on the House position to make the relief for middle-income families permanent. We do that with our child tax credit expansion… Our’s is $1600, but its permanent. The Senate’s is $2000. By the way, Senator Rubio has been adamant about this and I think he is going to win. I think $2000 is going to be in the final bill. It’s not going to be fully refundable, the way he would like, but it will be in the final bill. “I will say this about the provisions on the individual side of the code – the relief for middle-income families and for all American families – the Bush Tax Cuts were supposed to be temporary, and all of those provisions for non-wealthy Americans were made permanent by President Obama, a Republican House and a Democratic Senate. So although they are technically temporary, the tradition and the history has been that those provisions that broadly help Americans usually end up being permanent, even if they are technically temporary in the initial bill.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=046AD530-0936-4CEE-8305-6C34EA2B81CC,WEDNESDAY: Rubio Chairs China Commission Hearing on Beijing's Exporting of Authoritarianism,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,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) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), chair and cochair of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will convene a hearing entitled “The Long Arm of China: Exporting Authoritarianism With Chinese Characteristics” this Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. EST. Rubio recently warned of Beijing’s efforts to influence American public policy and basic freedoms. In October, Rubio and Smith released the CECC’s 2017 annual report on human rights and the rule of the law in China. A live stream of the hearing is here. WITNESSES Shanthi Kalathil, Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy Glenn Tiffert, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University  Sophie Richardson, Ph.D., China Director, Human Rights Watch HEARING DETAILS The Long Arm of China: Exporting Authoritarianism With Chinese CharacteristicsWednesday, December 13, 201710:00 a.m. ESTSR-301, Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-anti-sugar-policy-bill-will-kill-us-jobs-in-florida,New Anti-Sugar Policy bill will kill US jobs in Florida,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are divided on whether to support a newly-minted bill aimed at abolishing the current U.S. sugar policy. Because sugar farmers say that the Sugar Program Modernization Act, which was introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), would cripple the Sugar-producing industry, the group has renamed the ‘sour’ piece of legislation the “Sugarcane Farmer Bankruptcy Act.” The current sugar policy protects US growers from foreign governments subsidizing their sugar inventories and dumping them on the US market. This very dumping occurred in 2014 when Mexico cheated Americans out of $200 million by injecting cheap sugar onto the US market that artificially lowering sugar costs, forcing US growers to slash the cost of the sweet stuff. Because of how the deal was structured, Mexico cheated the US in 2014 by artificially lowering the cost of sugar by flooding the market with cheap sugar, and American sugarcane farmers were left selling product at a lower cost. In the case of 2014, the feds provided loans to cover the shortfall, but that money is being paid back through a lawsuit settlement against Mexico that was won by American sugar growers.-(Source) Unfortunately, Rep. Foxx’s “Gang of Sweet” legislators do not represent congressional districts that have a high concentration of sugarcane producers like certain districts in Texas, Louisianua, and Florida. Rather ‘Foxx & Friends’ have taking the dangerous position of siding with candy makers and confectioners that want to buy cheaper sugar from Mexico at the expense of US job creation. So, their supposed knowledge of how gutting the current US Sugar policy will adversely affect sugarcane growers is highly suspect. A bipartisan effort countering Foxx’s “Sugarcane Farmer Bankruptcy Act,” has also surfaced and is being lead Florida Representatives Ted Yoho (R) and Alcee Hastings (D). Rep. Yoho has introduced the increasingly popular “Zero to Zero sugar policy” bill which he says, “has been hailed as a model for all U.S. farm policy.” According to Yoho, this is what his bill would do: It calls on the elimination of U.S. sugar policy in exchange for the elimination of the foreign subsidies and unfair trading practices that are distorting the global market. It would reward the world’s most efficient producers rather than the most coddled. And it is 100 percent consistent with the smart modernization of U.S. trade policy championed by our new Administration and endorsed by the electorate. During a recent interview with the Shark Tank regarding Foxx’s bill, Yoho dismissed the legislation on its face, saying that his colleague is “way off base,” adding that her bill would only help candy makers, and not sugar producers or the American consumer. “Zero to Zero will end all of our subsidies or support on any program that we trade with another partner, if they get rid of their subsidies, and will let companies and producers compete against each other.”   It’s hard for our producers to compete against a foreign government that’s heavily subsidizing.”-Rep. Ted Yoho Yoho’s fellow Floridian and Democratic colleague, Rep. Alcee Hastings, whose congressional district has a significant amount of sugar producers, recently put out a joint statement with Rep. Mike Simpson opposing the Foxx sugar bill, and outlining how the current sugar policy protects farmers from “predatory trade practices.” As Co-chairs of the House Sugar Caucus, we write to ask you to oppose the Sugar Program Modernization Act. We believe that this legislation seeks to single out the U.S. sugar program, leaving U.S. sugar farmers without the tools needed to survive the worst farm economy in decades. Outsourcing U.S. sugar production would have devastating effects on sugar producers and consumers. It would deny sugar producers access to nonrecourse loans, and as a result, producers would have difficulty obtaining capital and staying in business.  It would send prices back to 1980 levels, resulting in an unfeasible financial squeeze on family farms, and require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to flood our markets with imports to lower sugar prices for large food manufacturers, which pass their costs onto consumers. This measure is like amendments rejected three times on the Senate floor, two times on the House floor, and twice at the Committee level during review of the 2014 Farm Bill. Congress made a thoughtful decision by keeping sugar policy strong in the 2014 Farm Bill. Congress’ intent in creating the no-cost sugar policy was to provide fair competition to U.S. farmers against foreign subsidies and predatory trade practices. The numbers speak to the success of current sugar policy: S. sugar policy has cost taxpayers $0 since 2014 – well below CBO projections. S. sugar has cost less than 32 cents a pound since 2014 – nearly 10 cents below averages in other developed countries, according to the International Sugar Organization. More than $20 billion in annual economic activity and 142,000 U.S. sugar jobs have remained in America where they belong thanks to the 2014 Farm Bill. The Sugar Program Modernization Act would upend this success and reward the world’s worst subsidizers at the expense of U.S. sugar farmers. While a handful of food manufacturers would benefit under the Sugar Program Modernization Act, farmers, sugar workers, rural communities, and consumers would lose out.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/media-center/historic-tax-credit-support-letter,Historic Tax Credit Support Letter,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,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 https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/reps-ros-lehtinen-and-poe-introduce-bill-imposing-sanctions-against-iran-its,"Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Poe Introduce Bill Imposing Sanctions Against Iran for its Destabilizing Activity in Yemen, Violations of UN Security Council Resolutions",2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Poe Introduce Bill Imposing Sanctions Against Iran for its Destabilizing Activity in Yemen, Violations of UN Security Council Resolutions (Washington, DC) – U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Ted Poe (R-TX), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, introduced H.R. 4603 – the Houthis and Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2017. The bill codifies Executive Order 13611, issued on May 16, 2012, by President Obama, declaring a national emergency to deal with the threat on Yemen’s peace, security and stability. The bill targets Iran’s support for the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, as well as those who the President determines knowingly provides significant financial, material, or technological support to those who are in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Poe were joined in introducing the bill by Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Dan Donovan (R-NY). Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “Iran’s increasing support for the Houthi rebels has cast an even greater doubt over the possibility of a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. We know that the IRGC has transferred increasingly sophisticated weapons systems to the Houthis, which have been used against Saudi Arabia and even American naval vessels. And now with Hezbollah playing an increasing role in Yemen, we very likely could see this conflict mirror the one in Syria, with disastrous consequences for the region and for U.S. national security interests. That is why it is important that the U.S. hold Iran accountable for its repeated violations of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and for its increasing support for the Houthi rebels.” Statement by Poe: “The chaos that Yemen has devolved into is yet another example of Iran’s destructive influence in the Middle East,” said Rep. Poe. “The Houthi rebels are financially, militarily, and logistically supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – the same nefarious arm of the Iranian regime that has long been fueling the fire of sectarian and civil discord throughout the region. The Iranians need to be held accountable for the mess and war they are perpetuating in Yemen. This bill will send a clear message to Tehran to stop their activities or pay the price.  And that’s just the way it is.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CBC1F06A-A4B6-4733-B77C-21DC0FFC49E2,"PHOTO: In Visit with Collier County Officials, Rubio Discussed Disaster Relief for Florida",2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Naples, FL – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today met with Collier County officials in Naples to discuss ongoing disaster relief efforts and to reiterate his commitment to ensuring Florida’s agriculture industry receives sufficient disaster relief resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. “I had a productive meeting today with officials in Collier County to discuss hurricane recovery efforts such as debris removal and disaster relief for Florida farmers,” said Rubio. “Florida agriculture, particularly our iconic citrus industry, was devastated by Hurricane Irma, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we deliver much-needed support for hard-hit Florida growers in the next supplemental disaster relief funding package.”  Last month, Rubio stated that the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed disaster supplemental was unacceptable for Florida farmers. In October, Rubio led nearly all members of the Florida congressional delegation in urging the leaders of the Senate and House appropriations committees to provide additional resources for hurricane recovery efforts in Florida. In September, Rubio visited Collier, Lee, Polk and Palm Beach Counties after Hurricane Irma, while staff hosted hurricane recovery assistance centers in the Florida Keys, Miami, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Fort Myers,  Naples and Immokalee.   Photo courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-calls-disclosure-lois-lerner-s-secret-testimony,Buchanan Calls for Disclosure of Lois Lerners Secret Testimony,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"“What is She Hiding” WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan said today the secret testimony of disgraced IRS official Lois Lerner should be unsealed by a federal court. Buchanan, who chairs the congressional committee that oversees the IRS, is the first member of Congress to call on the court to publicly release Lerner’s own account of how and why American taxpayers were denied their constitutional rights. The IRS recently admitted to intentionally targeting American citizens by Lerner several years ago. “Lois Lerner betrayed the nation's trust yet managed to avoid accountability and criminal charges,” said Buchanan. “Now she wants to keep her role in the illegal targeting scheme secret, free from public scrutiny. What is she hiding? The public deserves answers.” Lerner and her deputy, Holly Paz, filed a motion with U.S. District Court Judge Michael R. Barrett last month asking that tapes and transcripts of their depositions be forever kept secret from the public.  A federal judge previously sealed the depositions while the case was ongoing after their personal lawyers said the two were receiving threats. The Justice Department, class action plaintiffs, and multiple news organizations including the Wall Street Journal and Cincinnati Enquirer have all since requested that the documents be unsealed.   In October, the Justice Department announced that it had agreed to a $3.5 million settlement with groups that were targeted based on their political leanings. The monetary agreement was based partly on the secret testimony of Lerner.  This is not the first time that Lerner has sought to keep her actions private. In 2014, she pleaded the Fifth Amendment when questioned by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding the targeting scandal. According to a three-year investigation by the House Ways and Means committee, Lerner used her position to improperly influence agency action against conservative organizations, denying these groups due process and equal protection rights under the law; impeded official investigations by providing misleading statements in response to questions from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and may have disclosed confidential taxpayer information. Buchanan is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and serves as the chairman of the panel’s Oversight subcommittee with jurisdiction over the IRS.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1794,Curbelo Praises House Passage of Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance Legislation,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos Curbelo,C001107,curbelo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) today praised House passage of the Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017 (H.R.2658).This bill mandates a strategy from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people and strengthens the current approach to Venezuela at the United Nations while also combating widespread corruption among government officials in Venezuela. Similar legislation was authored in the Senate by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). “Nicolas Maduro and the thugs he has put in power have devastated Venezuela’s natural resources and economy,” Curbelo said. “While the regime lines their own pockets with the profits of their tyranny, the Venezuelan people have been left to suffer major shortages of even the most basic goods and necessities. I’m proud of the overwhelming support from my colleagues for the Venezuelan people and I urge the Senate to move forward with Senator Rubio’s version of this bill quickly so we can get it to the President’s desk.”  Curbelo is a co-sponsor of The Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017 that passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 388-29.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desantis.house.gov/press-releases?ID=796BCB58-50DD-41AA-B966-EE6B3A537D20,House Passes DeSantis Resolution Condemning Venezuelan Government for Ongoing Crisis,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ron DeSantis,D000621,desantis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – The House of Representatives today approved H.Res. 259, introduced by Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06), with a bipartisan vote of 419-8. This resolution condemns the political, social, economic, and humanitarian crises in Venezuela. “President Maduro rules using brutality and intimidation and the United States will not turn a blind eye to the plight of the Venezuelan people,” DeSantis said. “Venezuela must hold democratic elections, free of manipulation by the Maduro regime, and open her doors to allow humanitarian assistance to assist those suffering under her socialist government. I applaud the House for voting to condemn the Maduro regime and standing up for democracy and human rights.” The resolution urges the Government of Venezuela to heed the calls of the international community to hold free and fair elections, to release political prisoners, to uphold the constitutional National Assembly, and to open a channel for humanitarian assistance. DeSantis applauds the Administration’s action to sanction those responsible for the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Venezuela and, with this resolution, Congress encourages President Donald Trump to apply additional pressure on the Maduro regime.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-congress-stands-firm-in-its-promise-to-the-venezuelan-people,Diaz-Balart: Congress Stands Firm in its Promise to the Venezuelan People,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 2658, the Venezuelan Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act, and H.Res. 259, expressing concern and condemnation over the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. “The Maduro regime continues to sink a once prosperous country into one laden with oppression, food shortages, crime, and inflation. On several occasions, the United States Congress has made a commitment to help the people of Venezuela, and these bills emphasize that commitment by furthering sanctions on corrupt regime officials, providing much needed humanitarian aid, defending human rights, and ‘working with the Organization of American States to ensure international observation that contributes to free and transparent electoral processes.’ For almost two decades, this country has suffered under the Chavista and Maduro regimes, and the United States stands firm in its promise to the Venezuelan people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-diaz-balart-supports-continuing-resolution-to-keep-government-open,ICYMI: Diaz-Balart Supports Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) today spoke in support of H.J. Res. 123, the Continuing Appropriations Act, ahead of its passage. Click on the image to watch his remarks, or read below as prepared for delivery. As prepared for delivery: “This is just a short-term continuing resolution. It is a clean date extension. This CR will give us an opportunity to continue to move forward – quickly – toward final appropriations bills. “It is important to note that on our Transportation and Housing bill – THUD – we considered 22 amendments in Committee, and 39 amendments on the floor. It has been an open and fair process the whole way. “We can, and must, move quickly to finish the job, and conference all 12 of these bills. But in the meantime, we must keep the government open and funded. This is especially the case now that our communities are pulling together to recover from three devastating hurricanes, as well as the thousands of families threatened by raging wildfires in California. “We can’t take the risk of short-changing our first responders and our military, given the natural disasters at home and the threats from our adversaries abroad. A vote against this CR would do just that. “For transportation and housing, this CR will support ongoing transportation safety missions, air traffic control, and housing for vulnerable citizens, including our veterans. “I strongly urge a yes vote on this CR. We cannot let these folks down. We cannot shut down the federal government. I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his steadfast leadership.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-engel-laud-house-passage-venezuela-humanitarian-aid-bill,"ROS-LEHTINEN, ENGEL LAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF VENEZUELA HUMANITARIAN AID BILL",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"ROS-LEHTINEN, ENGEL LAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF VENEZUELA HUMANITARIAN AID BILL WASHINGTON—Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the Chair Emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and today praised passage in the House of Representatives of their legislation to support the Venezuelan people. The Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017 (H.R.2658) mandates a strategy from the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people and strengthens the current approach to Venezuela at the United Nations. The bill also aims to combat widespread corruption among government officials in Venezuela. Similar legislation was authored in the Senate by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).  Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: ""The Maduro regime has squandered the abundant natural resources of Venezuela and has brought the nation to the brink of disaster. Venezuelans suffer from malnutrition and lack food, medicines and even the basic necessities of life, all while Maduro and his cronies fill their own coffers, continue to erase the last vestiges of democracy in Venezuela, and ignore the suffering of the people. That is why I joined Eliot in introducing this bill - to seek a comprehensive plan that could provide humanitarian assistance and much-needed food and medical supplies to the countless who continue to suffer under Maduro - and I urge our partners in the Senate to follow suit and get this much needed bill to the President's desk."" Statement by Engel: “President Maduro is running Venezuela to the ground, and while many Venezuelans starve, some of the military brass are making money hand over fist by selling the country’s scarce supplies on the black market. By passing this legislation, we can attempt to provide the Venezuelan people with the resources that they so desperately need,” said Rep. Engel. “But the United States cannot do this alone. Sustained leadership is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela—from the U.N. Secretary General, members of the Security Council, the OAS, and other international partners. I urge my Senate colleagues to immediately pass this bill, so that it can get to the President’s desk before the end of the year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F5C065A6-7C83-4C2B-AF94-E5B42CFD7C8B,"Rubio, Menendez Introduce Resolution Honoring Late Argentinian Prosecutor Alberto Nisman",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,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) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today introduced a resolution honoring the legacy of Argentinian prosecutor Alberto Nisman and calling for a swift and transparent investigation into his 2015 death in Buenos Aires. Nisman had been investigating the 1994 Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) bombing.  Earlier today, Argentine ex-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was charged with treason after allegations surfaced that she covered up potential Iranian involvement in the 1994 bombing.  The full text of the resolution is below:  Whereas the bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 18, 1994, killed 85 people and wounded more than 300; Whereas the investigation of the AMIA bombing had been marked by grave judicial misconduct, and the case had reached an impasse in 2004; Whereas, in September 2004, Alberto Nisman was appointed as the Special Prosecutor in charge of the 1994 AMIA bombing investigation; Whereas, on October 25, 2006, Argentine prosecutors Alberto Nisman and Marcelo Martinez Burgos formally accused the Government of Iran of directing the bombing, and the Hezbollah militia of carrying it out; Whereas Ibrahim Hussain Berro, a member of the terrorist group Hezbollah, was identified as the AMIA bomber; Whereas Iranian nationals Ali Fallahijan (former Iranian intelligence minster), Mohsen Rabbani (former Iranian cultural attache), Ahmad Reza Asghari (former Iranian diplomat), Ahmad Vahidi (former Iranian defense minister), Ali Akbar Velayati (former Iranian foreign minister), Mohsen Rezaee (former chief commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps), and Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (former President of Iran) were named as suspects in the bombing; Whereas Lebanese national Imad Fayez Moughnieh (former head of Hezbollah’s external security) was named as a suspect in the bombing; Whereas, in November 2007, Interpol voted to put these 5 Iranian and 1 Lebanese suspects in the 1994 AMIA attack on its most wanted list, and reportedly has extended these red notices in July, 2017; Whereas, in 2007, Guyanese national Abdul Kadir plotted to blow up John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and was, according to Mr. Nisman, “the most important Iranian agent” in Guyana and influenced by Mohsen Rabbani; Whereas, in May 2013, prosecutor Alberto Nisman published a 500-page indictment accusing Iran of establishing terrorist networks throughout Latin America, including in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname, dating back to the 1980s; Whereas, according to the Department of State’s 2016 Report on Terrorism, Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy terrorist organization, continues to maintain an active presence in the Western Hemisphere as well as “some financial supporters, facilitators and sympathizers”; Whereas, in January 2013, the Government of Argentina under then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner agreed with Iran in a Memorandum of Understanding to set up a so-called “truth commission” to investigate who was “really” responsible for the bombing, despite the fact that Iran and its proxy actors were and remain the only suspects in the attack; Whereas, in May 2014, an Argentine court found this Memorandum of Understanding to be unconstitutional; Whereas prosecutor Alberto Nisman was invited to testify before the United States Congress in February 2013, but was prevented from doing so by the Government of Argentina, who denied him permission to travel to Washington, DC; Whereas the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation provided technical assistance and cooperated with Argentina law enforcement officials in the AMIA bombing investigation; Whereas, on January 13, 2015, prosecutor Alberto Nisman alleged in a complaint that then-Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and then-Minister of Foreign Relations Hector Timerman conspired to cover up Iranian involvement in the 1994 terrorist bombing, and reportedly agreed to negotiate immunity for Iranian suspects and help get their names removed from the Interpol list; Whereas prosecutor Alberto Nisman claimed that he had evidence of a “sophisticated criminal plan,” reportedly including wire-taps and phone calls “between people close to Mrs. Kirchner” and a number of Iranians, including Mohsen Rabbani, showing a planned exchange of Iranian oil for purchasing rights to Argentine grain to revive Argentina’s economy; Whereas prosecutor Alberto Nisman was scheduled to present his new findings to the Argentinian Congress on January 19, 2015; Whereas prosecutor Alberto Nisman was found shot in the head in his apartment in Buenos Aires on January 18, 2015; Whereas officials of the Government of Argentina under then-Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner continued to discredit Mr. Nisman after his suspicious death, attempting to ruin his reputation; Whereas then-Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner created unfounded hypotheses with regard to Mr. Nisman’s findings, including conspiracies she suggested were orchestrated by United States hedge funds and other entities she considers “hostile” to the President of Argentina; Whereas, in May 2015, an Argentine Federal court had dismissed Nisman’s findings against Ms. Kirchner and other officials and later the accusations were dropped by Javier De Luca, another Federal prosecutor; Whereas that move raised questions in Argentina about the objectivity of Mr. De Luca, given his closeness to a group of Ms. Kirchner’s supporters; Whereas an independent investigation launched by Alberto Nisman’s family released its own report by forensic experts and forensic pathologists showing that Mr. Nisman’s death was not an accident or suicide, including claims that “the prosecutor had been shot in the back of the head”, that “no gun powder residue was found on his hands”, and that “Mr. Nisman’s body had been moved to the bathroom once he was shot”; Whereas, in September 2016, Argentine President Mauricio Macri stated that “it’s hard to believe that Nisman committed suicide. There are too many situations, indications, realities of those hours, those days, that don’t match with a suicide.”; Whereas, in September 2016, Argentine President Mauricio Macri called for “a definitive investigation” into the death of Alberto Nisman, saying: “I want to generate the conditions, which I think I’m doing, to allow our justice system to freely investigate what really happened.”; Whereas, on September 22, 2017, forensic investigators of the Argentine Federal Police submitted a report to a Federal court concluding that slain prosecutor Alberto Nisman did not commit suicide, but rather was drugged, beaten, and fatally shot in the head on January 18, 2015; Whereas, on December 7, 2017, former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was charged with treason for attempting to cover up Iran’s role in the 1994 AMIA bombing; and Whereas no one yet has been brought to justice for the death of Alberto Nisman, nor have any of the named Iranian suspects for the AMIA bombing faced prosecution: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) offers its sincerest condolences to the family of Argentinian prosecutor Alberto Nisman; (2) recognizes Alberto Nisman’s courageous work in dedicating his life to the investigation of the bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which killed 85 people and wounded more than 300; (3) applauds Argentine President Mauricio Macri for calling for a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into Alberto Nisman’s tragic death; (4) recognizes the arduous and technical work of the Argentine National Gendarmerie in reviewing evidence to produce credible, evidence-based findings; (5) encourages the public release of the results of the investigation, including the forensic and pathological reports by the government, which would show whether Alberto Nisman took his own life, or if his death is a homicide; (6) commends the Government of Argentina for exemplifying the rule of law and the importance of an independent justice system; (7) urges the President of the United States to directly offer United States technical assistance to the Government of Argentina in solving the death of Alberto Nisman, as well as the ongoing investigation of the AMIA bombing; (8) expresses serious concern about Iran’s terrorist networks in Argentina and all of the Western Hemisphere, mindful of the findings of Mr. Nisman’s investigation and reports on this matter, and encourages continued investigations of Iranian terrorist networks based on his work; (9) urges an independent investigation into the findings of Mr. Nisman regarding the events that led to the memorandum signed between Argentina and Iran; (10) likewise expresses serious concerns about attempts by former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her government to discredit Mr. Nisman and raise unfounded hypotheses on Mr. Nisman’s AMIA findings and the circumstances of Mr. Nisman’s death while the work of the courts on this matter still continues; and (11) urges the President of the United States to continue to monitor Iran’s activities in Latin America and the Caribbean as it is mandated by the Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–220).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-presses-immediate-changes-improve-safety-air-travel,Bilirakis Presses for Immediate Changes to Improve Safety of Air Travel,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC:  Today, Congressman Bilirakis proudly introduced the Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland (SAFE TECH) Act.  This important legislation stems from the Congressman’s recent Congressional Delegation trip during which he had the opportunity to review screening procedures at major EU hubs like Amsterdam and Frankfurt for inbound travel to the United States.  Technical standards for safety and operating procedures at international airports are set by international agreements.  The standards set are generally broad; leaving vulnerabilities through inconsistencies with international partners.  The legislation introduced today will address this concern, and improve the safety of air travel for all passengers.  Specifically, this legislation will provide an avenue for 3rd party testing of innovative technology screening capabilities to enhance airport security.  It will also assess the feasibility of linking compatible security technology utilized by the United States and international allies in order to augment screening check points. This coordinated collaboration is an essential element of strengthening global security.  “I have always contended that if we are not safe, then nothing else matters.  During my recent fact finding mission, I was startled by lack of consistency in international standards and gaps in technology that support precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety. I am convinced this is something that needs to be immediately rectified, and I urge my colleagues’ support of this important bill with expedited passage,” said Congressman Bilirakis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z