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://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-diaz-balart-and-rep-mccaul-new-york-post-bidens-energy-plan,ICYMI: Rep. Díaz-Balart and Rep. McCaul in the New York Post: Biden’s energy plan means lights out for Africa,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Op-ed: Mario Díaz-Balart and Michael McCaul December 25, 2023 Read the full op-edhere: The Biden administration’s decision to impose oppressive, burdensome restrictions on developing African countries attempting to advance and lift themselves from destitution and dependence is profoundly concerning. Energy poverty is at the heart of Africa’s development challenges. No country on Earth became prosperous and self-reliant without access to affordable and plentiful energy. Energy security is the prerequisite for industrialization, job creation, advanced health care and effective education systems. Prosperity is only possible with ready access to inexpensive energy. Congress initiated the successful, bipartisan Power Africa program in 2015, with the underlying legislation mandating a commonsense “all-of-the-above” energy strategy with both conventional and renewable sources. Regrettably, the Biden administration has gutted Power Africa with its onerous restrictions. Instead of leveraging all available tools to pull Africa out of energy poverty, it only allows so-called “green-energy projects” to receive US funding and support. This policy is simply energy colonialism. Even worse, it is hypocritical and a huge waste of money and opportunities. President Biden’s unauthorized climate envoy,John Kerry, is flying around the world in jet planes while abandoning the African people to the impossible task of solving their serious energy crises with ineffective and counterproductive solutions: solar panels filled with parts made by forced labor in Communist China. Most recently he and other administration officials, including Vice PresidentKamala Harris, attended COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where they pledged billions in taxpayer money to the Green Climate Fund — a slush fund for special-interest projects with no real oversight that has funded projects in China, the world’s second-largest economy. These pledges of billions in taxpayer money invested only in perceived “green” projects will do nothing to address the true drivers of pollution — like China — or empower the African continent. We find it unconscionable the administration is exploiting the continent’s dire needs for investments toward genuine modernization and advancement to appease its special interests and partisan agenda. It is wrong to hold still-developing African countries to a standard even the most advanced economies cannot achieve. This virtue signaling will have disastrous results for US interests in Africa. The burden on Africa is even more absurd when one considers Africa’s current emissions are entirely inconsequential, amounting to less than the margin of error in climate models used to speculate about the effects of climate change. In other words, if Africa were to reduce its emissions to zero, the enormous sacrifice that would entail would still have almost no effect on a global scale. And even if African countries tripled their current emissions levels from natural-gas power plants, it would still be negligible compared with China’s continuously growing carbon emissions. Instead of confronting the world’s second-largest economy, responsible for 27% of global emissions — more than six times the emissions of the entire continent of Africa — the Biden administration is holding undeveloped countries to an unfair standard. China has shown it’s eager to finance the conventional energy development Team Biden is trying to quash. Biden’s approach to Power Africa is wasteful, paternalistic and counterproductive. It’s wasteful because it devalues critical energy assistance to Africa and diverts it to less useful priorities. It’s paternalistic because it dictates oppressive burdens on Africa’s development the United States did not endure during its formative stages. It’s counterproductive because it hinders Africa’s advancement while driving countries into the waiting arms of the true problem in climate change: Communist China. In the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024, which passed the House in September, there’s a provision to right this wrong. If enacted, the bill would simply require the president to return to the balanced approach of allowing countries in Africa to use all tools available to promote energy security and development. After all, the goal of Power Africa is not to mindlessly impose an ineffectual and wasteful climate-change agenda where it does not fit. Mario Díaz-Balart is a US representative for Florida’s 26th Congressional District, a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee. Michael McCaul is a US representative for Texas’ 10th Congressional District, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1382,Donalds Statement On The 2023 Christmas Holiday,2023-12-25,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Byron Donalds,D000032,donalds.house.gov,donalds,https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement regarding the 2023 Christmas holiday: “The Christmas season is a magical time of faith, family, community, and generosity. While Christmas celebrations and traditions have expanded and evolved over time, it is critical that we pause to highlight the true meaning of the holiday: the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ. “Our Southwest Florida community is strong, resilient, and most importantly caring. We have come a long way since the historic destruction of Hurricane Ian, but there is still much more to be done. In the spirit of the season, as you and your loved ones gather this Christmas, let us remember to not only Keep Christ in Christmas but help your neighbors who may have fallen upon hard times. “Merry Christmas! Wishing you a joyous and blessed holiday.” More:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/two-more-buchanan-bills-signed-into-law,Two More Buchanan Bills Signed Into Law!,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,buchanan,https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that two of his proposals included in the final version of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), have been signed into law. This marks Buchanan’s 31st and 32nd legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007. Buchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen nine legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far. “These two proposals are going to address the well-being and safety of our active-duty service members and their families,” said Congressman Buchanan. “I’m extremely pleased to see these provisions signed into law and am committed to securing more wins for our country and our community in Southwest Florida.” The two Buchanan provisions include: An amendment to examine the benefits and feasibility of utilizing black box data recorders in tactical military vehicles to prevent future accidents. The Rachael Booth Act (H.R. 975), which aims to fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance. Buchanan’s first provision will evaluate if equipping tactical vehicles with black box data recorders could prevent future military training accidents, previously introduced as the DRIVE SAFE Act (H.R. 4399). Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for reforming current military training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities in Congress after his constituent, Army Specialist Panipinto, died when the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test in 2019 in South Korea. Numerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto’s death, including malfunctions of the vehicle’s communication systems, defective or broken equipment, a lack of medical services on base and significant delays in medical response to the scene of the accident. ""There just isn't an end to this sadness. Our hearts are forever broken. The only thing we can do now is try to prevent this from happening again,” said Kimberly Weaver, mother of Army Specialist Panipinto. “Congressman Buchanan heard us. He has been relentless in the fight to demand accountability and secure a safer future for our service members. Rollovers account for 63% of military vehicle deaths. Data retrieving devices on tactical vehicles will help to collect accident data and diagnose mechanical failures before they become fatalities or blamed upon the victim who no longer has a voice. We are forever grateful to Congressman Buchanan for his devotion to this cause and the procurement of a safer future for our military sons and daughters."" Buchanan’s second provision, the Rachael Booth Act, was named after his constituent from Lithia, FL. She found herself unable to access the financial assistance she should have been eligible for when her husband was convicted of domestic abuse in a civilian court and then discharged from the military on an unrelated offense. This new law will help dependents of service members more easily access Transitional Compensation to help them transition to financial independence after the service member has been discharged from the military for a domestic abuse offense. “The passing of this Act is an emotional triumph for me,” said Rachael Booth. “Knowing victims will have swift access to the help they need, empowering them with the assistance they need to reclaim their lives is a beacon of hope.” Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said, “The Rachael Booth Act is a bipartisan, common sense solution to an urgent problem. This law will fix the error that prevented victims whose cases are handled by civilian courts from being eligible for transitional compensation. I am proud to have named this law after a courageous Floridian who shed light on the current system.” Buchanan had a series of sweeping military training reforms included in the FY22 NDAA that required the Pentagon to implement more realistic training practices, develop stricter enforcement standards and ensure better oversight to prevent future military training accidents and deaths. In 2020, Buchanan also offered an amendment to the FY21 NDAA that was successfully signed into law. His amendment required the DoD to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. bases around the world, and to report to Congress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiring bases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully stocked military ambulances.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-pine-view-students-win-2023-congressional-app-challenge/,U.S.  Rep. Greg Steube Announces Pine View Students Win 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,W. Gregory Steube,S001214,steube.house.gov,steube,https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Pine View Students Win 2023 Congressional App Challenge The Team’s SmartVolly App is a “Smart Fire Extinguisher Protecting Your Home 24/7” Left to Right: AP Statistics Teacher and Entrepreneur Club Sponsor Dr. Mark Mattia, Kuentsen Dorji, Henry Zhou, Marlowe Meredith, Pine View Principal Dr. Stephen P. Covert",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-surprises-congressional-app-challenge-winners-jacksonville,Congressman Bean Surprises Congressional App Challenge Winners from Jacksonville,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Aaron Bean,B001314,bean.house.gov,bean,https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Jacksonville, FL—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) visited Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville to announce the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Competition (CAC). The Congressman presented the news to Victor Zhang, Arvan Thakur, Prithish Shan, and Alan Alwakeel in a surprise ceremony with school administrators, teachers, and Duval County leadership. The students created an app called “GeoBlend,” which allows users to explore various historical sites around Jacksonville and interact with the city’s various points of interest in an immersive augmented reality experience. “The Fourth District has so many innovative and talented students, and I am amazed by the ingenuity displayed in this year’s competition. Victor, Arvan, Prithish and Alan channeled their creativity using sophisticated coding software and technology,” said Congressman Bean. “Congratulations to all our applicants, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the next wave of young innovators.” Background The CAC highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education giving students an opportunity to hone their coding and technology skills. Middle and high school students from the Fourth District are eligible to compete in this annual competition. This year’s winners will have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, featured online at the House of Representative’s website, and will be invited to a celebratory reception on Capitol Hill in honor of their achievement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/administracion-biden-implementa-la-ley-reclaim-de-la-congresista-salazar,Administración Biden implementa la Ley RECLAIM de la congresista Salazar,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – La Administración de Pequeños Negocios de la Administración Biden acaba de anunciar que implementará la H.R. 4667, la Ley RECLAIM, de la representante María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), que recientemente fue aprobada por la Cámara de Representantes. La legislación exige que la Administración de Pequeños Negocios cree un plan para reclamar préstamos del Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP) no utilizados o fraudulentos emitidos durante la pandemia de COVID-19. “Cuando el Congreso aprobó mi Ley RECLAIM el mes pasado, enviamos un fuerte mensaje al presidente Biden de que necesitamos la rendición de cuentas en nuestro Gobierno”, dijo la representante Salazar. “Aplaudo a la Administración de Pequeños Negocios por implementar mi política sensata. Los propietarios de pequeños negocios de Miami dependieron de estos préstamos para mantener las puertas abiertas durante la pandemia, pero los malos actores se aprovecharon del sistema. Le debemos a los contribuyentes estadounidenses garantizar que los fraudes y estafadores devuelvan lo que robaron de nuestras comunidades”. “Aplaudo a la congresista Salazar por su trabajo en la Ley RECLAIM”, dijo el congresista Roger Williams, presidente del Comité de Pequeños Negocios de la Cámara de Representantes. “Ver a la SBA hacer lo mismo y actuar según la legislación pragmática de este Comité muestra el impacto y la eficacia de nuestro trabajo en el Congreso”. La Ley “Returning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds” requiere que la Administración de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) establezca procesos para contabilizar los préstamos fraudulentos y no utilizados del Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP) distribuidos durante el apogeo de la pandemia de COVID-19. La Administración de Pequeños Negocios anunció su guía aquí. Esta legislación marca la sexta victoria legislativa importante durante los dos mandatos de la representante María Elvira Salazar en el Congreso. Otros proyectos de ley clave patrocinados por la congresista Salazar que fueron aprobados o implementados como Ley incluyen: La Ley “COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief” para brindar alivio económico a los floridanos. Implementada por la Administración Biden en marzo de 2021. La Ley “Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER)” para sancionar al régimen de Ortega en Nicaragua. Promulgada como ley en noviembre de 2021. La Ley PRICE facilitará que los pequeños negocios obtengan contratos federales. Promulgada como ley en febrero de 2022. La Ley “Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery” reautorizará fondos importantes para programas que aborden problemas de salud mental y abuso de sustancias. Promulgada como ley en diciembre de 2022. La Ley REEF incentivará que los barcos retirados de la Armada sean hundidos y utilizados como arrecifes artificiales en ecosistemas marinos en todo Estados Unidos. Promulgada como ley en diciembre de 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-administration-implements-salazars-reclaim-taxpayer-funds-act,Biden Administration Implements Salazar’s RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biden Administration’s Small Business Administration just announced that it will implement H.R. 4667, Rep. María Elvira Salazar’s (R-FL) RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives. The legislation requires the Small Business Administration to create a plan to reclaim unused or fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. “When Congress passed my RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act last month, we sent a strong message to President Biden that we need accountability in our government,” said Rep. Salazar. “I applaud the Small Business Administration for implementing my common sense policy. Miami small business owners relied on these loans to keep the doors open during the pandemic – but bad actors took advantage of the system. We owe it to the American taxpayers to ensure frauds and cheats pay back what they stole from our communities.” “I applaud Congresswoman Salazar for her work on the RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act,” said Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams. “Seeing the SBA follow suit and act on this Committee’s pragmatic legislation shows the impact and effectiveness of our work in Congress.” The Returning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds Act requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish processes to account for fraudulent and unused Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration noticed the guidance here. This legislation marks the sixth major legislative victory during Representative Salazar’s two terms in Congress. Other key bills sponsored by Rep. Salazar that were passed or implemented into law include: The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act to provide economic relief for Floridians. Implemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021. The Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act to sanction the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua. Signed into law in November 2021. The PRICE Act to make it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts. Signed into law in February 2022. The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to reauthorize critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues. Signed into law in December 2022. The REEF Act to incentivize retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America. Signed into law in December 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-porter-re-introduce-bills-reduce-carbon-emissions-trucking-maritime,"Bilirakis & Porter Re-Introduce Bills to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Trucking, Maritime Transport",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC- Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) reintroduced a package of two bills that would encourage hydrogen, a cleaner fuel source, in heavy-duty transportation. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act would incentivize heavy-duty vehicle owner-operators to purchase hydrogen trucks and fueling infrastructure, while the Hydrogen for Ports Act would promote the use of hydrogen-fueled equipment at ports and in shipping applications. ""As we grapple with energy affordability and our responsibilities to the future, we need to encourage energy innovation and pursue an ‘all-of-the-above' approach,"" said Bilirakis. ""Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a promising solution, and our bipartisan bill will better enable Americans and small businesses to harness the full potential of this reliable resource."" “California leads the nation in clean energy research, so Californians know firsthand how investing in the technology of tomorrow strengthens our economy while safeguarding our environment for future generations,” said Rep. Porter. “Hydrogen is a promising, clean fuel source for industries that struggle to find reliable clean-energy alternatives, like trucking and maritime shipping. Our bipartisan bills would advance innovation in hydrogen technologies, making our economy more resilient and globally competitive.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/disposiciones-de-la-ley-reef-de-la-congresista-salazar-son-promulgadas-en-la,Disposiciones de la Ley REEF de la congresista Salazar son promulgadas en la Ley de Defensa,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – La semana pasada, el Congreso aprobó la H.R. 2670, la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional (NDAA) para el año fiscal 2024, que incluye lenguaje de la Ley REEF de la congresista María Elvira Salazar (H.R. 950), que presentó con los representantes Ed Case (D-HI) y Mike Waltz (R-FL). El proyecto de ley está pendiente de la firma del presidente Biden. La Ley de Reutilización de Equipos para la Fortificación Ambiental (REEF, por sus siglas en inglés) posibilita que los buques retirados de la Armada puedan reutilizarse en arrecifes artificiales, lo que mejora los ambientes marinos, crea oportunidades recreativas, promueve el turismo y apoya a nuestros veteranos. “Al representar a un distrito costero, conozco los increíbles beneficios ambientales que los arrecifes artificiales pueden aportar a los ecosistemas marinos”, dijo la representante Salazar (FL-27). ""Con estas nuevas políticas implementadas, estados como Florida pueden reciclar más barcos desmantelados en una gran victoria para nuestro medio ambiente, nuestros veteranos y nuestra economía"". El congresista Waltz jugó un papel decisivo para asegurar este lenguaje en el proyecto de ley durante su consideración en el Comité de Servicios Armados de la Cámara de Representantes. ""Los floridanos están orgullosos de nuestros arrecifes de coral"", dijo el representante Waltz (FL-06). “Una mejor coordinación entre la Marina de los EE. UU. y nuestras agencias estatales de vida silvestre para proporcionar hábitat para los corales a través de embarcaciones retiradas hundidas, como el USS Mindanao frente a Daytona Beach, solo ayudará a impulsar nuestras economías locales a través de una mayor pesca recreativa y turismo. Estoy orgulloso de trabajar con la congresista Salazar en esta iniciativa”. Específicamente, el Informe de la Conferencia que acompaña al H.R. 2670 incluía una sección titulada “Notificación del Congreso sobre el retiro pendiente de buques navales viables para arrecifes artificiales”. En este informe, el Congreso reconoce la necesidad de mejorar la forma en que la Marina interactúa con los Estados al transferir embarcaciones que son viables para arrecifes artificiales. También identifica un mecanismo anual para enumerar los buques navales listos para su eliminación y ordena al Secretario de la Marina que informe al Congreso sobre el proceso de arrecifes artificiales de la Marina. ""La creación de arrecifes artificiales utilizando el exceso de embarcaciones navales ayudará a restaurar y preservar nuestro frágil ecosistema oceánico y creará oportunidades para aquellos que quieran explorar la biodiversidad que rodea una estructura hundida"", dijo el representante Case (HI-01), copatrocinador de la provisión. “Hay una serie de estructuras, incluidas pequeñas embarcaciones y aviones, en aguas frente a mi estado natal que restauran nuestro ecosistema marino amenazado y atraen a quienes quieren experimentar nuestra vida marina de cerca y comprender cómo se debe preservar. Nuestra oferta ampliará estas oportunidades en todo nuestro país”. “Agradecemos a la congresista Salazar y al congresista Waltz por sus esfuerzos para asegurar un buque de la Armada fuera de servicio como arrecife artificial frente a la costa de Florida. El lenguaje de la NDAA iniciará una conversación sobre las mejores embarcaciones que podrían estar disponibles para arrecifes artificiales, lo que significa más oportunidades increíbles de pesca recreativa y buceo para los residentes y visitantes de Florida”, dijo Rodney Barreto, presidente de la Comisión de Conservación de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Florida. Florida ha sido líder en arrecifes artificiales y estas nuevas disposiciones ayudarán al estado a asegurar más barcos retirados en el futuro. De lo contrario, estos barcos serían desmantelados en un depósito de chatarra. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-reef-act-provisions-signed-law-defense-act-ndaa,Salazar REEF Act Provisions Signed into Law in Defense Act (NDAA),2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congress passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which included language from Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s REEF Act (H.R. 950), which she introduced with Reps. Ed Case (D-HI) and Mike Waltz (R-FL). The bill is awaiting signature by President Biden. The Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act helps retired Navy ships be repurposed into artificial reefs, which boosts marine environments, creates recreational opportunities, promotes tourism, and supports our veterans. “Representing a coastal district, I know the incredible environmental benefits artificial reefing can bring to marine ecosystems,” said Representative Salazar (FL-27). “With these new policies in place, states like Florida can recycle more decommissioned ships in a major win for our environment, our veterans, and our economy.” Congressman Waltz was instrumental in securing this language in the bill during its consideration in the House Armed Services Committee. “Floridians are proud of our coral reefs,” said Representative Waltz (FL-06). “Better coordination between the U.S. Navy and our state wildlife agencies to provide habitat for coral via scuttled retired vessels, such as the USS Mindanao off Daytona Beach, will only help bolster our local economies through greater recreational fishing and tourism. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Salazar on this initiative.” Specifically, the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2670 included a section titled “Congressional notification regarding pending retirement of naval vessels viable for artificial reefing.” In this report, Congress recognizes the need to improve how the Navy interacts with States when transferring vessels that are viable for artificial reefing. It also identifies an annual mechanism to list naval vessels set for disposal and directs the Secretary of the Navy to brief Congress on the Navy’s artificial reefing process. “Creating artificial reefs using excess naval vessels will help restore and preserve our fragile ocean ecosystem and create opportunities for those who want to explore the biodiversity that surround a sunken structure,” said Representative Case (HI-01), the co-introducer of the provision. “There are a number of structures, including small boats and planes, in waters off my home state that both restore our threatened marine ecosystem and draw those who want to experience our marine life up-close and understand how it must be preserved. Our provision will expand on these opportunities throughout our country.” “We thank Congresswoman Salazar and Congressman Waltz for their efforts to secure a decommissioned Navy vessel as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida. The language in the NDAA will begin a conversation on the best vessels that could be available for artificial reefing, which means more incredible recreational fishing and diving opportunities for Florida’s residents and visitors,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida has been a leader in artificial reefing and these new provisions will help Florida secure more retired ships moving forward. These ships would otherwise be dismantled at a scrapyard. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-announces-local-teen-kartikeya-rajderkar,Congresswoman Kat Cammack Announces Local Teen Kartikeya Rajderkar Congressional Award Silver Medal Winner,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Kat Cammack,C001039,cammack.house.gov,cammack,https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GAINESVILLE, FL — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced Kartikeya Rajderkar of Gainesville as a Congressional Award Silver Medal recipient. Rajderkar, a local Eagle Scout and Eastside High School student, is one of 3,797 young people to receive the award this year and the only from Florida's Third Congressional District. The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness. Established in 1979 by the United States Congress, the Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans, and is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all youth in the U.S. between the ages of 14 and 24 regardless of ability, circumstance, or economic status. ""Congratulations to Mr. Rajderkar on his impressive accomplishment,"" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. ""The participants of the Congressional Award make real differences in our communities and Kartikeya truly represents the very best of young students nationwide. His dedication to earn the rank of Eagle Scout while participating in a variety of service projects throughout the community is admirable, and I'm excited to present him with this honor."" To earn the silver medal, Rajderkar completed hundreds of hours of service in the community while pursuing art, track & field, and music. As an Eagle Scout, Rajderkar completed his Eagle Scout project with a local food bank, building railings for the stairs to the loading docks. With the help of 20 other volunteers, he completed his project and earned the highest rank attainable. Rajderkar is also passionate about art and music, entering fine arts competitions across North Central Florida. During his high school career, he earned several 'excellent' and 'superior' ratings for violin, earning first place at the State Violin Convention in 2021 for his fiddling solo. As a member of the Eastside High School Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, Rajderkar helped his team to region and district wins the last three years, making it to the state championship for the 5K race. He also earned Lake Forest Volunteer of the Year, participating in a wide variety of volunteering activities with the Alachua County Public Library, Lake Forest Elementary School, India Cultural & Education Center (ICEC) in Gainesville, the Natural History Museum, and the Good News Summer Arts Camp in High Springs. Rajderkar will be honored during a visit with Rep. Cammack in Gainesville later this week. Learn more about the Congressional Award here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-denounces-cuban-regimes-dangerous-interference-us-elections,Díaz-Balart Denounces the Cuban Regime's Dangerous Interference in U.S. Elections,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement denouncing the Cuban regime's dangerous interference in U.S. elections: ""Once again, the Cuban regime's aggressive, anti-American activities underscore the pervasive threat posed to U.S. national security. The intelligence community's report on the Cuban dictatorship's interference in U.S. elections should provide a much-needed wake-up call to the Biden Administration to stop any further appeasement in the form of unilateral concessions. Now is the time to impose tough consequences, including tighter sanctions, on the malevolent dictatorship that seeks to damage our democracy."" ### Díaz-Balart Condena la Peligrosa Interferencia del Régimen Cubano en las Elecciones WASHINGTON, D.C.– El Congresista Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Presidente de la Subcomisión sobre el Departamento de Estado, Operaciones Extranjeras y Programas Relacionados, en la Comisión de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes emitió la siguiente declaración condenando la peligrosa interferencia del régimen Cubano en las elecciones de EE.UU.: ""Nuevamente, las actividades agresivas y antiamericanas del régimen cubano destacan la amenaza generalizada que representa para la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos. El informe de la comunidad de inteligencia sobre la interferencia del régimen cubano en las elecciones EE.UU. debería ser una llamada de atención necesaria para la Administración Biden, instándola a detener cualquier apaciguamiento adicional en forma de concesiones unilaterales. Ahora es el momento de imponer consecuencias severas, incluyendo sanciones más estrictas, a la malévola dictadura que busca dañar nuestra democracia"".",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-lanza-el-programa-de-desarrollo-de-pequenos-negocios,"Congresista Salazar lanza el Programa de Desarrollo de Pequeños Negocios ""BizGap"" y le asegura $650,000 en financiamiento",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MIAMI, FL – Ayer, la representante María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), miembro del Comité de Pequeños Negocios, lanzó el Programa de Aceleración y Crecimiento Empresarial (BizGap) con la Universidad Internacional de Florida (FIU), después de obtener $650,000 para crear empleos y hacer crecer las pequeñas empresas en el Distrito 27. La congresista Salazar obtuvo fondos para el Proyecto Comunitario de la Administración de Pequeños Negocios de EE. UU. (SBA) para el Centro de Desarrollo de Pequeños Negocios de Florida (FSBDC) en FIU Business, como parte de la Ley de Asignaciones Consolidadas del Año Fiscal 2023. El programa BizGap brindará consultoría y capacitación hiperlocal a mil o más empresas en el Distrito durante 2024. “Como integrante orgullosa del Comité de Pequeños Negocios, sé que los empresarios y las tiendas familiares son la columna vertebral de Miami”, dijo la congresista Salazar. “El Distrito 27 de Florida alberga más de 60.000 empresas, la mitad de las cuales son pequeños negocios. Estoy orgullosa de lanzar este programa, que brindará asesoramiento, capacitación y conectividad a recursos para pequeñas empresas, para que más personas puedan sentirse seguras al iniciar y expandir sus negocios en Miami”. Específicamente, el programa BizGap proporcionará: Prospección puerta a puerta para llegar a propietarios de empresas en corredores comerciales clave. Encuestar a los propietarios de empresas locales sobre los desafíos empresariales y los recursos necesarios para crecer. Consultoría empresarial uno a uno en áreas de startups y crecimiento empresarial. Capacitaciones, talleres y seminarios web sobre temas como marketing, acceso a capital, estrategia de negocios y asistencia para startups. Conexiones con préstamos/subvenciones para pequeñas empresas, recursos comunitarios y profesionales de la industria. “Florida SBDC en FIU agradece el apoyo de la Congresista para asegurar este financiamiento para ampliar el exitoso programa BizGap del centro a FL-27”, dijo Brian Van Hook, Director Regional, FSBDC en FIU. “BizGap se centra en reunirse con propietarios de pequeños negocios en el lugar donde se encuentran en la comunidad y brindarles la orientación, los recursos y las asociaciones necesarias para iniciar y hacer crecer sus negocios. Nuestro equipo está entusiasmado de empezar a trabajar en FL-27 y también de asociarnos con las comunidades del Distrito a medida que aumentamos BizGap en 2024”. La congresista Salazar ha obtenido más de $40 millones en fondos para el Distrito 27 de Florida en los últimos años. Su defensa directa en el Congreso resultó en más de $17 millones en fondos para mejorar la atención médica y la resiliencia climática en Miami. La congresista también obtuvo casi $24 millones en fondos para proteger y mejorar la infraestructura hídrica de Miami, ampliar los centros de salud comunitarios y apoyar a las fuerzas del orden y mejorar la seguridad pública. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-la-ley-de-asociacion-economica-entre-estados,Congresista Salazar presenta la Ley de Asociación Económica entre Estados Unidos y Uruguay,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, la presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), y el congresista Andy Kim (D-NJ), presentaron la Ley de Asociación Económica entre Estados Unidos y Uruguay en la Cámara de Representantes. De aprobarse, el proyecto de ley liberaría el potencial de una estrecha relación económica con Uruguay, un socio confiable de Estados Unidos. En un momento en que nuestros enemigos en el extranjero están tratando de ampliar su alcance en el Hemisferio Occidental, esta legislación es fundamental para fortalecer nuestra asociación con nuestros amigos en la región como Uruguay. ""Uruguay es uno de los mejores amigos de Estados Unidos en América del Sur y es un ejemplo brillante de cómo la libertad económica promueve la prosperidad"", dijo la congresista Salazar. ""Estoy orgullosa de presentar esta legislación que amplía nuestros vínculos con Uruguay al aumentar las oportunidades de intercambio económico y cultural entre nuestras dos naciones"". La Ley de Asociación Económica entre los Estados Unidos y Uruguay proporciona a Uruguay los beneficios de la Ley de Recuperación Económica de la Cuenca del Caribe (entrada libre de impuestos a los Estados Unidos para ciertos productos). También incluye a Uruguay en la lista de países cuyos nacionales son elegibles para la admisión a los Estados Unidos como no inmigrantes E1 y E2, al tiempo que exige un informe sobre la elegibilidad de Uruguay para el programa de exención de visa (que permite a los nacionales ingresar a los Estados Unidos sin una visa para turismo o negocios por menos de 90 días). Si bien Estados Unidos importa más de 2.900 millones de dólares en bienes de Uruguay, todavía estamos por detrás de China y Brasil como sus principales socios exportadores. Estados Unidos depende de importaciones agrícolas uruguayas clave, como carne vacuna, madera, caviar y productos frutales. Para mantener los precios estables para los consumidores de Miami, debemos mejorar el acceso a los mercados uruguayos con una política comercial y de inmigración que refleje nuestro compromiso con esta asociación. “Para el crecimiento económico y la estabilidad, es esencial que demos prioridad a nuestras asociaciones estratégicas en todo el mundo”, dijo el representante Kim. “Esta legislación es un paso importante para reforzar nuestra valiosa y estrecha asociación con Uruguay. Fortalecer los lazos entre nuestras naciones no sólo beneficiará la relación económica de nuestros países, sino que también mejorará los lazos culturales y creará nuevas oportunidades para nuestras comunidades uruguayas en los EE. UU. y las de Uruguay”. Para leer el texto completo del proyecto de ley, haga clic aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-united-states-uruguay-economic-partnership-act,Salazar Introduces the United States–Uruguay Economic Partnership Act,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the United States–Uruguay Economic Partnership Act in the House of Representatives. If passed, the bill would unleash the potential of a close economic relationship with Uruguay, a trusted partner of the United States. At a time when our enemies abroad are trying to expand their reach in the Western Hemisphere, this legislation is critical to strengthening our partnership with our friends in the region like Uruguay. “Uruguay is one of America’s best friends in South America and is a shining example of how economic freedom promotes prosperity,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “I am proud to introduce this legislation expanding our ties with Uruguay by increasing opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between our two nations.” The United States – Uruguay Economic Partnership Act provides Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) benefits (duty-free entry to the United States for certain products) to Uruguay. It also includes Uruguay in the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants while requiring a report on the eligibility of Uruguay for the visa waiver program (allowing nationals to enter the United States without a visa for tourism or business for less than 90 days). While the United States imports more than $2.9 billion in goods from Uruguay, we still lag behind China and Brazil as their main exporting partners. The United States relies on key Uruguayan agricultural imports including beef, wood, caviar, and fruit products. To keep prices stable for Miami consumers, we must enhance access to Uruguayan markets with a trade and immigration policy that reflects our commitment to this partnership. “For economic growth and stability, it is essential that we prioritize our strategic partnerships across the globe,” said Rep. Kim. “This legislation is an important step to bolster our valued and close partnership with Uruguay. Strengthening ties between our nations will not only benefit our countries’ economic relationship, but also uplift cultural ties and create new opportunities for our Uruguayan communities in the U.S. and those in Uruguay.” To read the full text of the bill, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-launches-bizgap-small-business-development-program-after-securing,"Salazar Launches BizGap Small Business Development Program after Securing $650,000 in Funding",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Small Business Committee Member Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) launched the Business Growth and Acceleration Program (BizGap) with Florida International University (FIU) after securing $650,000 to create jobs and grow small businesses in District 27. Salazar secured U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Project funding for the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at FIU Business as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The BizGap program will provide hyperlocal consulting and training to 1,000 or more businesses in the district during 2024. “As a proud member of the Small Business Committee, I know that entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop shops are the backbone of Miami,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Florida’s District 27 is home to more than 60,000 businesses — half of which are small businesses. I am proud to launch this program, which will provide coaching, training, and connectivity to small business resources so that more people can feel confident when starting and expanding their business in Miami.” Specifically, the BizGap program will provide: Door-to-door canvassing to reach business owners in key commercial corridors. Surveying local business owners on business challenges and resources need to grow. One-on-one business consulting in startup and business growth areas. Training, workshops and webinars on topics such as marketing, access to capital, business strategy and startup assistance. Connections to small business loans/grants, community resources, and industry professionals. “Florida SBDC at FIU appreciates the Congresswoman’s support to secure this funding to scale up the center’s successful BizGap program to FL-27,” said Brian Van Hook, Regional Director, FSBDC at FIU. “BizGap is focused on meeting small business owners where they are in the community and providing them with the guidance, resources and partnerships needed to start and grow their businesses. Our team is excited to get to work in FL-27 and also to partner with communities in the district as we ramp up BizGap in 2024.” Congresswoman Salazar has secured more than $40 million in funding for Florida’s 27th District in the last few years. Her direct advocacy in Congress resulted in more than $17 million in funding to improve healthcare and climate resiliency in Miami. The Congresswoman also secured nearly $24 million in funding to protect and enhance Miami’s water infrastructure, expand community health centers, and support law enforcement and improve public safety. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-named-veterans-advisor-speaker-johnson,Bilirakis Named Veterans’ Advisor to Speaker Johnson,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington: Earlier today, House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Representative Gus Bilirakis to serve as Veterans’ Advisor to the Speaker. Bilirakis, who served for 14 years on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, including multiple years as Vice-Chairman and in the same advisory capacity to Speaker McCarthy, has a long history championing legislation to help Veterans and their families. Among his most notable accomplishments, Bilirakis has authored legislation signed into law to improve mental health options, strengthen homeless prevention programs and boost educational benefits for Veterans. He has also worked to improve the transition support Veterans receive when returning to civilian life and to ensure formal recognition of the damage that toxic exposure has caused our nation’s heroes which has subsequently led to these Veterans receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. “Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have made it my priority to act as the voice of the men and women who serve our nation,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “I’m grateful for this newest opportunity to strengthen that voice and will continue pushing to ensure Veterans issues remain at the forefront of the priorities we tackle this Congress.” “Congressman Bilirakis is widely regarded as one of Congress’ most effective members, and he has been a strong advocate in delivering real results on behalf of America’s veterans,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “I am proud to have Gus continue serving as Special Advisor to the Speaker on Veterans’ issues.” Congressman Bilirakis’s latest legislative push on behalf of Veterans is to get the Major Richard Star Act (MRSA) across the finish line this term. MRSA would ensure that the 50,000 combat-wounded Veterans who have been medically retired receive the retirement and disability pay they’ve earned. Right now, only military retirees with at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of 50 percent and higher are able to collect both benefits at the same time. Current law requires a dollar for dollar offset of these two benefits for all other retired veterans, meaning they have to forfeit a portion of the benefits they earned in service. Congressman Bilirakis is committed to rectifying this injustice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-thompson-introduce-bill-to-remove-pga-tax-exempt-status,"Buchanan, Thompson Introduce Bill to Remove PGA Tax Exempt Status",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,buchanan,https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressmen Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced legislation to revoke the PGA Tour’s tax-exempt status. Under current law, the PGA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, meaning it pays no federal corporate income taxes. The legislation follows the PGA’s decision to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf into a single for-profit entity. “With billions of dollars in annual revenue and record profits streaming in, coupled with their looming partnership with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, why in the world should hardworking American taxpayers subsidize the PGA’s tax-exempt status? We should be supporting local charities on Main Street, not foreign-backed professional sports organizations that are not dedicated to benefitting the American people,” said Congressman Buchanan. “That’s why I’m pleased to introduce this legislation with Congressman Thompson to end this special-interest giveaway and require the PGA to pay taxes, just like every other American business.” “The proposed PGA-LIV merger raises serious concerns. Nonprofit tax treatment should be reserved for institutions and charities that help everyday Americans – not billion-dollar sports leagues backed by Saudi government money,” said Congressman Thompson. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve that goal as the PGA and LIV continue their negotiations.” In June of 2023, a deal was announced to merge the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The proposed deal would have the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) contribute “its golf-related commercial business and rights (including LIV Golf), along with a significant financial investment, toward minority equity ownership of a new, collectively held, for-profit LLC.” In the months since, few details of the agreement have been made public. According to Golfweek, “The PGA Tour reported $1.9 billion in revenue in 2022, up from $1.59 billion in 2021.” The legislation introduced by Buchanan and Thompson specifically applies to sports leagues with annual gross receipts exceeding $1 billion during any of the preceding five tax years. Most American professional sports organizations have voluntarily given up their tax-exempt status. In fact, Major League Baseball did so in 2007 and the National Football League followed suit in 2015. The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Soccer do not currently claim non-profit status.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=268,Franklin Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Scott Franklin,F000472,franklin.house.gov,franklin,https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"LAKELAND, FL—At a recognition ceremony held during “Computer Science Recognition Week,” Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The winners include: Cameron Johnson, Valerie Pompee and Joshua Brandt of McKeel Academy of Technology in Lakeland, Florida. Inspired by a personal need, the team’s innovative app, UniGuide, simplifies the college decision process by ranking Florida's State University System 12 institutions across six key areas. Franklin’s office celebrated these exceptional students during a special event in honor of Computer Science Education Week. The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition where high school students compete against peers in each congressional district to create a winning software application or app on a platform of their choice. The competition runs through the summer and concludes in November. The panel of judges included David Robinson, Managing Partner, Thrive Networks; Dr. Candi Ring, Educational Pathways Specialist, Cyber Florida; Dr. Christian A Roberson, Computer Sciences Professor, Florida Southern College; Shandi Perkins, CEO, Cadence Coalition; Daniel Holland, CEO, Arete Solutions. Winners are invited to a reception in Washington, DC. Their app is displayed in the U.S. Capitol building and posted online for one year. Notably, winners also receive an ARTS Act Copyright Waiver, which waives their registration fees if they choose to copyright their creation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-veteran-history-project-interview-featuring-military-veteran-stephen-valdes/,U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veteran History Project Interview Featuring Military Veteran Stephen Valdes,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,W. Gregory Steube,S001214,steube.house.gov,steube,https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veteran History Project Interview Featuring Military Veteran Stephen Valdes View the Video Here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A0989583-C325-4F2C-BDFA-45195C030407,Webster Seeks Answers Regarding the Alleged Use of Veteran Resources for Illegal Immigrants,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL), and 22 of his House Republican colleagues, are demanding answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following a media report that resources within the VA’s Financial Services Center are being used to aid illegal immigrants. According to the report, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working with the VA’s Financial Services Center to process medical claims that are being submitted by private medical providers representing illegal immigrants in ICE custody. Especially given the long wait times Veterans are experiencing for medical care and disability benefits, this is extremely troubling and unacceptable. Under the Trump Administration, the VA disability claims backlog was consistently under 100,000 claims. However, as of December 2, 2023, that number has tripled to 318,221. Recognizing the failures of the Biden Administration at serving America’s veterans, the VA should be devoting the entirety of its time to those who have risked their lives to protect our country rather than the overwhelming number of migrants entering our country illegally. “Congress appropriates funds to the VA in order to provide services to our veterans, not illegal immigrants,” the members wrote. “Our veterans served our country, and it is high time that our government start serving them. With this in mind, please provide answers to the following questions by December 27, 2023.” How many claims has the VA Financial Services Center processed for ICE on a monthly basis since January 2021? Are claims submitted for care provided to VA beneficiaries processed before any other claims serviced by the VA? How many hours have VA personnel spent processing medical claims on behalf of ICE? Is the VA providing any other services to federal agencies involving illegal immigrants?” Co-signers of the letter include Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Matthew Rosendale, Sr. (R-MT), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Troy E. Nehls (R-TX), Harriet M. Hageman (R-WY), Brian Babin, D.D.S. (R-TX), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), John Rose (R-TN), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Scott Perry (R-PA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Clay Higgins (R-LA). Read the full letter text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-pushes-back-leftist-agenda,Congressman Bean Pushes Back on Leftist Agenda,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Aaron Bean,B001314,bean.house.gov,bean,https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) today issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA). “A strong military makes a strong nation. Unfortunately, this year’s NDAA conference report continues to fund the Biden administration’s woke agenda at the Pentagon, contradicts House Republicans’ efforts to put American national security first, and fails to counter China. In July, I voted in support of the House NDAA bill because it offered an opportunity to fight back, but this final version missed the mark. While this measure contains some good provisions including a 5.2% pay increase for servicemembers and a Parents’ Bill of Rights for parents of children at DoD operated schools, it does not go far enough to keep America safe and support our Armed Forces. I could not support a bill, which puts the interest of Washington bureaucrats and the Far-Left over those of our warfighters,” said Congressman Bean. BACKGROUND Far-Left Policy Initiatives Unlike the House-passed bill, this conference report does not prevent funds from being used for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory committees, does not eliminate chief diversity officer positions, and does not prohibit race-based admissions at military academies. It would force taxpayers to pay for abortion services and even gender reassignment surgeries. Does not prohibit the Secretary of Defense from carrying out future mask-mandates nor does it prohibit adverse action against servicemembers who refuse to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. China’s Growing Influence Unlike the House-passed bill, this measure does not include any provisions to limit China’s growing malign economic and military capabilities. It does nothing to restrict American investments in CCP companies that are producing artificial intelligence, hypersonic, and quantum computing technologies—all war-fighting technologies that are critical to winning on the 21st century battlefield. It removes language in the House-passed bill prohibiting funding from being provided to the EcoHealth Alliance, which funneled money to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the suspected origin of COVID-19. Government Surveillance of Americans This bill includes a short-term extension of a critical national security tool, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without any essential reform to end the FBI’s warrantless surveillance of American citizens.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-sewell-introduce-bill-help-rare-kidney-disease-patients,Bilirakis and Sewell Introduce Bill to Help Rare Kidney Disease Patients,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC: Earlier today Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the New Era for Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act. This important legislation will help transform the delivery of care to rare kidney disease patients by increasing community and healthcare provider awareness and education. Each year, Medicare spends more than $84 billion providing critical care to patients with chronic kidney disease, including $36 billion on patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Unfortunately, there has been little innovation in treatment options for kidney disease patients since the 1960s when dialysis and immunosuppressants became commonplace. Earlier this year, the FDA approved the first-of-its-kind non-immunosuppressive drug therapy for the rare kidney disease IgA Nephropathy. Yet oftentimes, patients struggle to find a nephrologist well-versed in their rare conditions who can provide an accurate diagnosis and expert treatment. These treatment and diagnostic barriers, coupled with the lack of rare kidney disease awareness and education, often cause a delay in diagnosis that can result in a rapid decline in kidney function and, ultimately, kidney failure. For many rare kidney disease patients, their only options are dialysis, transplant, or death. ""Our life-saving legislation will help remove diagnostic and treatment barriers for many patients suffering with a rare disease,"" said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. ""Through the establishment of Rare Kidney Disease Research Centers of Excellence and increased provider education efforts, we will empower providers to better identify the signs and symptoms of rare kidney disease, which will lead to improved treatment options and better patient outcomes."" “Far too many people living with rare kidney disease have trouble finding specialized care providers. Increasing awareness and education is crucial to caring for rare kidney disease patients, which is why I’m so proud to introduce the New Era For Preventing End Stage Kidney Disease Act. This legislation will make critical improvements to the way patients with rare kidney disease, especially those in underserved communities, access and receive care,” said Rep. Sewell.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-emmanuel-bilirakis-and-honorable-jennifer-wexton-national-plan-end,Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act Passes House,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are celebrating the fact that their landmark Parkinson’s legislation passed the House of Representatives today. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease once and for all. For Congressman Bilirakis, this fight is extremely personal. Sadly, he has lost two immediate family members to this disease, both in the last 6 months. His brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, passed away in May after a long battle with the disease. He was a wonderful human being and a primary care physician who gave so much back to his community. Congressman Bilirakis is grateful to his friend and Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee, Anna Eshoo, for her suggestion to change the title of the bill in honor of Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis. Congressman Bilirakis further amended the title of the bill to also honor his colleague, Jennifer Wexton, who is courageously battling the rare neurodegenerative disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and whose help has been instrumental in garnering the support needed to pass this priority measure. The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act will also address the financial and health burdens on American families and reduce government spending over time. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common – and fastest-growing – neurological disease globally with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States every year. Advancement of this legislation could not come at a more crucial time, since earlier this year researchers were able to newly discover a Parkinson’s biomarker that can reveal a key pathology and lead to a better understanding of this disease. The lawmakers are optimistic that their legislation will help spur new breakthrough developments of innovative treatments and cures. “I will continue this fight in memory of my dear brother, other family members, and on behalf of all Americans who are still struggling with this debilitating disease,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “It takes a terrible toll on the physical, emotional and economic well-being of everyone involved. The lack of treatment options leave patients, families, and American taxpayers in a terrible quandary. We must change our approach to get better results, which is exactly what our legislation will do. It builds upon past successes and strives to replicate other national project models that have helped advance health care goals and treatment options. This critical legislation will provide hope to those who are suffering and hopefully lead to better patient outcomes with less expensive disease management.” “In Congress, I have made helping those with neurological disorders one of my top priorities for more than a decade. I first learned about Parkinson’s from a friend who suffered with it. So when the opportunity arose to partner with Congressman Bilirakis on this meaningful effort I jumped right in and made it my personal mission to get this done on behalf of the millions of people living with Parkinson’s. It is incumbent on Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time. Our legislation does just that. By moving this bill forward, we will make a positive difference, improve lives and even save lives. And for the millions of Americans living with Parkinson’s, as well as their loved ones, I hope this brings much needed hope, said Congressman Tonko.” “I am thrilled that the House has come together today to take a transformative step to fight Parkinson’s and atypical Parkinson’s which would save lives and give families like mine hope,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “The past year has been a difficult road and an emotional journey for me, not only facing the great health challenges that come with this diagnosis but also coming to terms with the fact that I will have to give up doing what I love. I’ve spent my career uplifting the stories of those in need and fighting to serve my community, and I am proud to continue that fight on behalf of the broader Parkinson's community and deliver this major win. I’m grateful to Reps. Bilirakis and Tonko for leading this bill, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the urgency of advancing this historic legislation.” “On behalf of the 1 million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is proud to support the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and offers deep gratitude to Representatives Bilirakis and Tonko for their leadership on this bill,” said Ted Thompson, Senior Vice President of Policy for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “With groundbreaking progress made in Parkinson’s research this year — including the discovery of a biomarker — there is no better time to focus our efforts on accelerating science and providing better care to every patient and family impacted by this disease.” The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act sets up an Advisory Council, comprised of experts from across the federal government in every related agency, combined with non-federal appointed members, represented by patient advocates, specialist providers, clinicians, and Parkinson’s researchers. This new entity will focus efforts on an annual report to the Department of Health and Human Services and to Congress with an evaluation of the current efforts to prevent, treat and cure Parkinson’s. It will also provide annual recommendations for ways to reduce the escalating burden of this disease on patients and families, improve health outcomes and quality of care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and Veterans, and better research the underlying causes of this disease. The National Parkinson’s Project will also incorporate and study other Parkinson’s-related neurodegenerative diseases, including PSP, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, and Lewy Body Disease.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/two-buchanan-proposals-pass-congress-slated-to-become-law,"TWO Buchanan Proposals Pass Congress, Slated to Become Law!",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,buchanan,https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) announced that two of his proposals were included in the final version of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is now on the way to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “These two proposals will address the well-being and safety of our active-duty service members and their families, one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Congressman Buchanan. “I’m extremely pleased to see these provisions pass Congress this week and look forward to them being signed into law.” The two Buchanan provisions include: The Rachael Booth Act (H.R. 975), which aims to fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance. An amendment to examine the benefits and feasibility of utilizing black box data recorders in tactical vehicles to prevent future accidents. Buchanan’s first provision, the Rachael Booth Act, was named after his constituent from Lithia, FL. She found herself unable to access the financial assistance she should have been eligible for when her husband was convicted of domestic abuse in a civilian court and then discharged from the military on an unrelated offense. This soon-to-be new law will help dependents of service members more easily access Transitional Compensation to help them transition to financial independence after the service member has been discharged from the military for a domestic abuse offense. Buchanan’s second provision aims to evaluate if equipping tactical vehicles with black box data recorders could prevent future accidents, previously introduced as the DRIVE SAFE Act (H.R. 4399). Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for reforming current training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities in Congress after his constituent, Army Specialist Panipinto, died when the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test in 2019 in South Korea. Numerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto’s death, including malfunctions of the vehicle’s communication systems, defective or broken equipment, a lack of medical services on base and significant delays in medical response to the scene of the accident. Buchanan had a series of sweeping military training reforms included in the FY22 NDAA that required the Pentagon to implement more realistic training practices, develop stricter enforcement standards and ensure better oversight to prevent future military training accidents and deaths. In 2020, Buchanan also offered an amendment to the FY21 NDAA that was successfully signed into law. His amendment required the DoD to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. bases around the world, and to report to Congress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiring bases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully stocked military ambulances.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=426,Congressman Dunn: We Must Always Take Care of Our Military.,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Neal P. Dunn,D000628,dunn.house.gov,dunn,https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670). “Today I voted to support our U.S. Military. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to represent a district where thousands have dedicated their lives to protecting our great nation. The Senate has done Americans a disservice by deceptively including a FISA extension in the FY24 NDAA. Allowing the Department of Justice and the FBI to illegally spy on U.S. Citizens is unconstitutional and unfair to Americans! We must always take care of our service members, and we must quit passing these large bills at the eleventh hour that are packed full of hidden provisions that trample on our rights. I demand a new FISA in April with guardrails that will prevent bad actors like the DOJ and FBI from persecuting Americans by illegally using this program for corrupt motives.” Background: The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2670 with a 310-118 vote. The package includes multiple wins for the military and Florida’s Second Congressional District, including provisions to support a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, protect current servicemembers and provide a path back to service for the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and fully funds the deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349,Franklin Supports Final Passage of the FY24 NDAA,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Scott Franklin,F000472,franklin.house.gov,franklin,https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), a retired Naval Aviator and former House Armed Services Committee member, voted for final passage of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed the House by a vote of 310 – 118. “As a retired Navy Commander, I know ensuring certainty for our military is critical to our national defense,” Rep. Franklin said. “Providing for our common defense is also the most fundamental of our constitutional duties. While this bill does not include all the conservative wins I fought for in the version previously passed by the House, it is significantly better than the package negotiated with NO Republican input last year. The threats we face demand that we pass an NDAA. In a divided government like we currently have, funding our military requires some degree of compromise. This bill provides needed tools to counter an unchecked China, while defending against threats from other adversaries. It also ensures our troops maintain military dominance and provides the largest pay raise for our troops in over 20 years.” The FY24 NDAA includes critical provisions to combat the threat we face from the Chinese Communist Party: Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative Accelerates the deployment of advanced radars to track high-altitude balloons and other CCP threats to our homeland. Closes loopholes that enable DoD funds to go to universities operating CCP fronts like Confucius Institutes. Prohibits DoD from sourcing energy, battery technology or chemical munitions from China Prohibits DoD from contracting with any CCP owned or controlled company operating in the U.S. Rejects the Biden Administration’s attempt to shrink the Navy Prohibits DoD from working with the Wuhan Institute of Virology Blocks former DoD personnel from being employed by China Requires DOD to identify, mitigate and address CCP land purchases near military installations ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350,Franklin Supports Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Scott Franklin,F000472,franklin.house.gov,franklin,https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement regarding his vote for a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden: ""I strongly support an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The House Judiciary and Oversight Committee’s investigations have uncovered official bank records, personal communications and the testimony of credible whistleblowers that prove President Biden lied to the American people about his knowledge and the extent of his involvement in his family’s foreign influence peddling scheme. Despite mounting evidence, the Administration has dismissed these allegations out of hand with a glib “nothing to see here” and refuses to cooperate. Hunter Biden went as far as to defy a lawful subpoena for a deposition today. That’s unacceptable. Noncompliance is not an option. That’s why I voted for H. Res. 918 to formalize the House’s impeachment inquiry. This will further empower Congress to exercise needed oversight and compel the Administration and others to cooperate. The evidence uncovered so far is too disturbing to walk away from. When the severity of allegations rise to this level, Congress is duty bound to find answers. Americans deserve nothing less."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/rep-carlos-gimenez-votes-for-ndaa,Rep. Carlos Gimenez Votes for NDAA,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos A. Gimenez,G000593,gimenez.house.gov,gimenez,https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fully fund our military and support our service members through Fiscal Year 2024. With the United States facing a host of pressing issues, from Communist China’s increased aggression in the Indo-Pacific to attacks by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists against our dear friend Israel, Rep. Gimenez is proud to support an NDAA that ensures our military is ready and able to meet these challenges head on. “As the first Member of Congress representing Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to support this NDAA to guarantee our military remains the strongest in the world,” said Rep. Gimenez. “As the United States faces increased pressure from our adversaries, I am proud to vote for a NDAA that bolsters military strength and supports the brave men and women in uniform who defend our nation.” To see Rep. Gimenez Floor speech, CLICK HERE. As the Member of Congress for America’s southernmost district, which includes Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys, Congressman Giménez represents thousands of service members and their families and multiple military facilities, including Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB), Naval Air Station Key West, Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), and the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-SOUTH). ### Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-ndaa-prioritizes-americas-national-security-while-rejecting,Díaz-Balart: NDAA Prioritizes America's National Security while Rejecting Woke Culture Ideology,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement after the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024: “The United States confronts its most perilous and intricate strategic challenges in recent times. We must ensure that our brave men and women in the armed forces have the robust resources they need to defend our country, both at home and abroad, and deter our adversaries. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prioritizes America’s national security by improving U.S. readiness against our enemies, modernizing our forces, and providing staunch allies like Israel and Taiwan with unequivocal American support. Moreover, this bill secures the largest pay raise in 20 years for our men and women in uniform, a Parents’ ‘Bill of Rights’ for military families at Department of Defense schools, and eliminates absurd elements of the woke ideology infiltrating the Pentagon. I remain unwavering in my commitment to ensuring that the U.S. military is prepared and equipped to safeguard our nation against all threats to national security."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mills-statement-fy24-ndaa,Rep. Mills’ Statement on the FY24 NDAA,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Cory Mills,M001216,mills.house.gov,mills,https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"In July, the House passed one of the most conservative and robust National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) in Congress. In this, it supported our servicemembers, improved the quality of life for families, addressed childcare shortages on bases, allocated funding for more housing, eliminated DEI offices, stopped taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries, and put an end to Biden’s abortion travel fund. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and an Army Combat Veteran who has proudly worn the uniform, I always look at how we can improve the lives of all those serving and their families. I was proud to vote in favor of the House-passed bill that included over two dozen of my initiatives to support our servicemembers and prioritize U.S. national security. Unfortunately, what came back from the Senate weakened and eliminated many of the House-passed goals. In addition, the Senate put in an extension to the weaponized and abused surveillance program (Section 702) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). As a constitutionalist, I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that imperils the constitutional rights of Americans by extending the government’s surveillance power of Americans and continuing the violations of privacy every American deserves. Today, I voted against big government and their surveillance program which has confirmed over 287,000+ violations and abuses by the FBI that would have continued to be used without reforms. I believe in the protection of Americans’ privacy and strengthening our military, which is why I voted NO on the final version of the Senate NDAA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/aprueba-comite-de-relaciones-exteriores-proyecto-de-ley-de-la-congresista,Aprueba Comité de Relaciones Exteriores proyecto de ley de la congresista Salazar para reducir el tiempo de espera de los pasaportes,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, la representante María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) anunció que su proyecto de ley H.R. 6610, presentado junto al congresista Darrell Issa (R-CA), la Ley “Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention”, fue aprobado por el proceso de revisión del Comité de Relaciones Exteriores de la Cámara de Representantes con apoyo unánime. Esto revolucionará el procesamiento de pasaportes y mejorará los servicios para los estadounidenses cuando necesiten viajar al extranjero. “Los tiempos de espera para el procesamiento de pasaportes han sido una pesadilla para mis electores. Han pasado casi cuatro años desde el inicio de la pandemia”, dijo la representante Salazar. “No hay excusa para obligar al pueblo estadounidense a esperar más de tres meses para obtener un pasaporte. Nuestra legislación limpia este desastre en el Departamento de Estado y vuelve a encarrilar este importante servicio gubernamental”. La H.R. 6610 implementa numerosas herramientas para abordar los problemas que crean retrasos en los pasaportes y al mismo tiempo refuerza las capacidades de procesamiento de la Oficina de Asuntos Consulares del Departamento de Estado para agilizar la solicitud y la experiencia de procesamiento para los viajeros estadounidenses. Específicamente, la Ley “Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention”: Establece un estándar de servicio para procesar solicitudes de pasaporte en 30 días después de la recepción de los documentos y crea una experiencia de uso fácil; Posibilita una mayor contratación para resolver los retrasos actuales y futuros; Ordena la ampliación del sistema de renovación de pasaportes en línea para dar cabida a las solicitudes de pasaportes de adultos por primera vez; Exige un sistema de notificación por mensaje de texto y correo electrónico para el estado de las solicitudes y las solicitudes de pasaporte; Acelera el proceso de renovación de pasaportes aumentando el uso de software en la adjudicación de pasaportes; Exige una revisión de arriba a abajo del sistema de emisión de pasaportes por parte de la Oficina de Responsabilidad Gubernamental; Acelera la adopción de soluciones tecnológicas disponibles comercialmente aumentando la colaboración de la Oficina con el sector privado; Incrementa la supervisión del Congreso sobre los esfuerzos de modernización del Departamento de Estado. “El colapso del sistema de pasaportes representa un fracaso que trastornó y molestó a decenas de millones de estadounidenses que tienen derecho a esperar mucho más de su gobierno”, dijo el representante Issa. “Este enfoque transformador no sólo abordará muchos de los problemas que provocaron el retraso, sino que también generará modernizaciones que están atrasadas y arreglará el sistema en las próximas décadas”. El texto del proyecto de ley se puede encontrar aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-la-ley-de-reautorizacion-de-verdad,Congresista Salazar presenta la Ley de Reautorización de VERDAD,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, la presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), y la representante Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), presentaron la Ley de Reautorización de VERDAD, un proyecto de ley que reautorizaría la Ley de Alivio de Emergencia, Asistencia a la Democracia y Desarrollo de Venezuela (VERDAD, por sus siglas en inglés) contra Maduro, aprobada como Ley en 2019. Los copatrocinadores originales incluyen a los representantes Michael McCaul (R-TX), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) y Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). El régimen de Maduro está empleando todas las tácticas ilegales posibles para distraer la fuerza alcanzada por la campaña de su principal oponente política, María Corina Machado. Es imperativo que Estados Unidos esté al lado de la mejor oportunidad del pueblo venezolano para poner fin a más de dos décadas de dictadura socialista. ""El dictador Maduro y sus lacayos están haciendo todo lo que está a su alcance para asegurar que la oponente primaria del chavismo, María Corina Machado, nunca llegue a Miraflores"", dijo la representante Salazar. ""Maduro es un tirano que tiene que irse. Mi proyecto de ley reautorizando la Ley VERDAD mostrará al pueblo venezolano que Estados Unidos sigue de su lado en la lucha contra el socialismo"". Aprobada por primera vez en 2019, la Ley VERDAD se presentó para apoyar los esfuerzos para restaurar la democracia en Venezuela sancionando a funcionarios clave del régimen y salvaguardando al mismo tiempo los derechos y libertades de quienes escapan de la persecución socialista. La reautorización de la Ley VERDAD es muy importante ya que Maduro ha intensificado sus ataques contra las instituciones venezolanas y la oposición. El régimen rompió una promesa con Estados Unidos al anular los resultados de las primarias de la oposición después de que María Corina Machado –su principal competidora– obtuviera más del 90% de los votos. Poco después de que Maduro estableciera un referendo de distracción para apoderarse de la región de Esequibo, en Guyana, hizo que su Fiscal General arrestara a varios de los asesores políticos más cercanos de María Corina Machado. Estos ataques a la candidatura de María Corina indican que Estados Unidos debe mantener la presión sobre el régimen de Maduro. Los senadores Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX) y Bill Haggerty (R-TN) han presentado una ley similar en el Senado. Para leer el texto del proyecto de ley, haga clic aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-verdad-reauthorization-act,Salazar Introduces the VERDAD Reauthorization Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) introduced the VERDAD Reauthorization Act, a bill that would reauthorize the anti-Maduro Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance, and Development (VERDAD) Act passed into law in 2019. Original cosponsors include Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The Maduro regime is employing every possible illegal tactic to distract from the momentum of his leading political opponent María Corina Machado’s campaign. It is imperative that the United States stand by the Venezuelan people’s best chance to end more than two decades of socialist dictatorship. “The dictator Maduro and his lackeys are doing everything in their power to ensure Chavismo’s primary opponent, María Corina Machado, never reaches Miraflores,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “Maduro is a tyrant who needs to go. My bill reauthorizing the VERDAD Act will show the Venezuelan people that America is still on their side in the fight against socialism.” First passed in 2019, the VERDAD Act was introduced to support efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela by sanctioning key regime officials while safeguarding the rights and liberties of those escaping socialist persecution. Reauthorization of the VERDAD Act is critically important as Maduro has stepped up his attacks on Venezuelan institutions and the opposition. The regime broke a promise with the United States by nullifying the opposition’s primary results after María Corina Machado – his main competitor – won over 90% of the vote. Not long after Maduro established a distraction referendum to take over the Essequibo region of Guyana, he had his Attorney General arrest several of María Corina’s closest political advisors. These attacks on María Corina’s candidacy indicate that the United States must keep up the pressure on the Maduro regime. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Bill Haggerty (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. To read the text of the bill, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazars-passport-wait-time-reduction-bill-clears-house-foreign-affairs,Salazar’s Passport Wait Time Reduction Bill Clears House Foreign Affairs Committee,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) announced that her and Congressman Darrell Issa’s (R-CA) bill H.R. 6610, the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act, passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup process with unanimous support. This will revolutionize passport processing and improve services for Americans when they need to travel abroad. “Passport processing wait times have been a nightmare for my constituents. It has been almost four years since the start of the pandemic,” said Rep. Salazar. “There is no excuse for forcing the American people to wait more than three months for a passport. Our legislation cleans up this mess at the State Department and puts this critical government service back on track.” H.R. 6610 deploys numerous tools to address the problems that create passport backlogs while bolstering the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs’ processing capabilities to streamline the application and processing experience for American travelers. Specifically, the Passport Issuance and Backlog Elimination Act will: Set a service standard of processing passport applications in 30 days after receipt of documents and creating a user-friendly experience; Provide surge hiring authorities to solve current and future backlogs; Mandate the expansion of the Online Passport Renewal system to accommodate first-time adult passport applications; Mandate a text and email notification system for application status and passport applications; Accelerate the passport renewal process by increasing use of software in passport adjudication; Require a top-to-bottom review of the passport issuance system by the Government Accountability Office; Accelerate the adoption of commercially available technology solutions by increasing the Bureau’s collaboration with the private sector; and Increase congressional oversight over State Department modernization efforts “The collapse of the passport system represents a signature failure that upended and inconvenienced tens of millions of Americans who have the right to expect far more of their government,” said Rep. Issa. “This transformative approach will not only address many of the problems that led to the backlog but also deliver modernizations that are overdue and will set the system right for decades to come.” The bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-on-the-va-reportedly-using-veteran-resources-for-illegal-immigrants/,U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers on the VA Reportedly Using Veteran Resources for Illegal Immigrants,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,W. Gregory Steube,S001214,steube.house.gov,steube,https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers on the VA Reportedly Using Veteran Resources for Illegal Immigrants WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led 23 of his colleagues today in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough regarding reports that the VA diverted resources intended for our veterans in order to process medical claims for illegal immigrants. “It is our duty to provide veterans with quality care, but the VA has been a total failure for so many of our veterans. Many veterans fight with the VA for years to get help. Some never receive it,” said Rep. Steube. “That’s why you can imagine how much of an absurdity it is for our veterans to learn that the VA has been involved in processing medical claims for illegal immigrants. The VA should be 100% focused on those who served our country honorably – not illegal immigrants who break our nation’s laws. I am hopeful Secretary McDonough has answers for Congress regarding this troublesome arrangement.” The members wrote in part: “The VA exists to serve American veterans who risked their lives to protect our great country. For far too long, the VA has fallen short in its mission ‘To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.’ Veterans have experienced unacceptable wait times in receiving medical care and disability benefits.” “Congress appropriates funds to the VA in order to provide services to our veterans, not illegal immigrants. Our veterans served our country, and it is high time that our government start serving them.” The members asked Secretary McDonough the following questions: How many claims has the VA Financial Services Center processed for ICE on a monthly basis since January 2021? Are claims submitted for care provided to VA beneficiaries processed before any other claims serviced by the VA? How many hours have VA personnel spent processing medical claims on behalf of ICE? Is the VA providing any other services to federal agencies involving illegal immigrants? The letter was cosigned by: Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Matthew Rosendale, Sr. (MT-02), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Troy E. Nehls (TX-22), Harriet M. Hageman (WY-At Large), Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36), Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04), John Rose (TN-06), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (TX-14), Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Scott Perry (PA-10), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), and Clay Higgins (LA-03). Congressman Steube has been a champion for Florida’s veterans and fought to deliver the healthcare they deserve. Despite representing one of the country’s largest veteran populations, the VA hospital serving Florida’s 17th Congressional district ranks in the bottom 5% of veteran hospitals nationally. Congressman Steube continues to advocate for his priority legislation to give veterans true choice when it comes to their healthcare. He believes that no veteran should be stuck in the failing VA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AC2DA09B-EC51-44E4-B220-FA3930A53A13,Webster: Safeguarding Americans’ Liberty is Paramount,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the FY24 NDAA Conference Report. Earlier this year, Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont voted to pass H.R.2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, calling it ‘the one of the most conservative and commonsense defense bills Congress has developed in years.’ Many of those conservative policies were not included in the final Conference Report. “I take seriously my Constitutional duty to provide for our common defense, but I am unable to support this year’s NDAA because I could not vote for legislation that perpetuates undermining Americans’ personal liberties and allows the DoD to continue violating federal law and use our troops to promote a far-left social agenda,” said Rep. Daniel Webster. “I am also incredibly disappointed that our bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act was left out of this year’s NDAA. This is critical legislation to ensure the United States Coast Guard has the resources they need to fulfill their national defense mission to protect our coasts, secure maritime trade by protecting our ports and waterways, respond to emergencies and disasters, and more.” In September, Rep. Webster was named to the NDAA Conference Committee, but today’s conference report was developed behind closed doors without the involvement of the conferees. During these negotiations, conservative policies in H.R. 2670 were removed and a clean authorization of the FISA program was added. Webster further commented, “I support increasing servicemembers pay and am pleased this bill invests in military readiness to counter Communist China’s aggression and authorizes the Maritime Administration while banning Critical Race Theory and Drag Shows in the military. However, the conference report allows the DoD to continue ignoring federal prohibitions against taxpayer dollars covering costs related to abortions. Furthermore, it extends the FISA government surveillance program without any reforms. Safeguarding American citizens’ personal liberty is a priority of mine and I’ve been a consistent voice for Congress to institute strong safeguards when reauthorizing FISA.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/four-more-bilirakis-measures-pass-house,Four More Bilirakis Measures Pass the House,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC: This week, the House passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which includes a variety of provisions to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment options throughout the country. This package includes four measures authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. These four provisions are designed to improve public health outcomes,advance critical research, and ensure vulnerable children have access to mental health services. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will help stop the illicit use of the highly dangerous sedative causing fatal overdoses nationwide, xylazine. This animal drug tranquilizer, safe for use in large animals by veterinarians, has never been approved for human use and has shown to produce horrific side effects when laced into fentanyl. The Bilirakis co-authored legislation will permanently place xylazine into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, providing law enforcement with key tools they need to track and prosecute traffickers of this drug. “My goal is to save lives and to make sure law enforcement has the tools its needs to respond appropriately to those who are making these deadly concoctions killing so many of our neighbors. At the same time, we must ensure that those veterinarians who are using xylazine for legitimate purposes have the ability to continue doing so. Our legislation strikes that right balance,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. The FIND Fentanyl Act would reauthorize a pilot program to fund state and local agencies to improve coordination between public health laboratories and law enforcement entities for the purposes of detecting and stopping fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. “To better curb the fentanyl crisis we are seeing in our communities, we must coordinate our efforts between medical experts and law enforcement, and this pilot program will go a long way to ensure we detect fentanyl and remove from our streets,” said Bilirakis. The SWIFT Detection Act would update our methods to track fentanyl and other illicit controlled substances by authorizing the CDC to provide grants to conduct wastewater surveillance and other innovative projects. Wastewater surveillance has been proven to track and identify contaminants and better understand public health trends broadly, while fully preserving the privacy rights of individuals and communities. “We need to use every tool at our disposal to help combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. This non-invasive screening of wastewater will allow local public health officials the chance to make data-informed decisions and enable better targeting of prevention and treatment services,” Bilirakis noted.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-bilirakis-bills-pass-house-part-lower-costs-more-transparency-act,"Two Bilirakis Bills Pass the House as Part of Lower Costs, More Transparency Act",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC: This week, the House passed the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. This robust healthcare package contains 17 bipartisan proposals to lower health care costs and increase price transparency for patients. It will also ensure continuity for critical components of the nation’s healthcare system, such as Community Health Centers and support for hospitals that serve high numbers of indigent patients. All of the provisions in the package are fully offset and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that the package, if signed into law, would reduce the federal deficit by more than $700 million. Additionally, the package contains two measures co-authored by Congressman Bilirakis: the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act and the Providers and Payers COMPETE Act. Additional information about both of these Bilirakis provisions are provided below. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, Congressman Bilirakis is proud to co-author the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 which would continue funding a key federal diabetes research program that’s currently set to expire in January. Extending the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes for an additional two years will ensure scientists can continue their ongoing efforts to find new ways to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure the disease. If the legislation is approved, it would provide the program with an increased funding level of $170 million annually through September 30, 2026. Congress first established the Special Diabetes Program in 1997 to develop new ways to treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes. In the decades since the program was started, it has provided researchers nearly $3 billion to study the disease and has led to several significant breakthroughs that have helped develop some of the newest treatments now available to patients. Among the program’s successes is development of the first fully automated insulin-dosing system that’s now available to patients across the country. The program also discovered how to reverse vision loss in some people living with the disease. Diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In 2018, 37.3 million Americans – or 11.3% of the population – had the disease, while another 96 million Americans had prediabetes and were at risk of developing it. Until a cure is found, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts an additional 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease every year. “We’ve seen that research holds the promise for the development of better treatments and a potential cure for this chronic illness,” said Representative Bilirakis. “We must continue this essential investment to further advancements in this vital work.” The Providers and Payers COMPETE Act requires anannual report on the impact of Medicare regulations, such as the Physician Fee Schedule, on health care consolidation and an analysis of the effects of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation demonstrations on health care consolidation, including provider and insurer consolidation. “In recent years, we have seen a troubling trend of increased Medicare regulations that have made it more difficult for independent providers to compete in the marketplace. The resulting consolidation leads to fewer options for patients,” noted Congressman Bilirakis. “Patients deserve healthcare options and it is important that we carefully examine the threat that consolidation poses to patient choice. We must also develop a deeper understanding of contributing factors that discourage competition in the marketplace.” The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act also includes the following pro-patient provisions that Bilirakis has supported throughout the legislative process:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cammack-leads-letter-energy-commerce-colleagues-fcc-chairwoman,Rep. Cammack Leads Letter With Energy & Commerce Colleagues To FCC Chairwoman On Congressional Review Act (CRA) Violation,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Kat Cammack,C001039,cammack.house.gov,cammack,https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Kat Cammack led a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel about the adoption of a new Report and Order in the Data Breach Reporting Requirements proceeding that includes rules that would violate the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The Congressional Review Act exists as part of Congress's Article I authority to exercise oversight of federal agencies. If Congress passes a Resolution of Disapproval about a rule, the new rule does not take effect and may not be reissued substantially in the same form in a future rule. The letter states: ""These rules are substantially the same as those Congress disapproved of in the Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services proceeding (2016 Privacy Order) in 2017. Therefore, it would be unlawful for the FCC to adopt these new rules."" It continues: ""In many ways, the proposed Data Breach Reporting Requirements rules are substantially the same as the rules in the 2016 Privacy Order. For example, requirements for notification, content of customer notification, and recordkeeping largely mirror each other. Given these similarities, we are shocked that the FCC is attempting to revive these rules after Congress explicitly rejected them... [w]hen Congress overrules an agency, that action is final; no agency has the power to ignore the plain meaning of a Congressional statute. Here, Congress has already spoken: rules like those in the 2016 Privacy Order are not to be adopted. Therefore, we urge you not to move forward with the Data Breach Reporting Requirements Report and Order."" Congresswoman Cammack spoke about this issue during a subcommittee hearing with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr in November. Watch the clip here. Joining Congresswoman Cammack on the letter are her colleagues on the Energy & Commerce Committee: Neal Dunn, Gus Bilirakis, Morgan Griffith, Randy Weber, Larry Bucshon, Richard Hudson, Jeff Duncan, Rick Allen, and Greg Pence. Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1366,Congressman Byron Donalds Announces 2023 U.S. Service Academy Nominations,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Byron Donalds,D000032,donalds.house.gov,donalds,https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Gabriella Alvarez (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. Matthew Bennett (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. Adam Blais (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Julian Bevilard (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Mason Ceccarelli (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy. – Robert D'Angelo (USAF Academy, CO) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. Kenzo Desiderio (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Briana Elizondo-Gutierrez (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Dominic Failla (Cape Coral, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Michaela Fischer (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. Samuel Harvey (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jack Janeway (Cape Coral, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. Sloane Janopoulos (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Braden Johnson (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. Isabel Liu (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. James Spencer (Fort Myers, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Jameson Stauffer (Naples, FL) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. Background: Students from Southwest Florida and across our nation seeking to attend one of America's Service Academies must first apply through their local U.S. Congressman, their U.S. Senator, the Vice President, or the President of the United States. Students may apply for nomination to: (1) The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; (2) The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; (3) The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; (4) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY. Each December, Congressman Donalds works with his Academy Nominations Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from across Florida's 19th Congressional District for an appointment to one of these service academies. Once Congressional nominations are confirmed, the service academy will review the nominated candidate to determine admission.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=425,Congressman Dunn: Condemning Antisemitism is NOT overreach. Its the right thing to do!,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Neal P. Dunn,D000628,dunn.house.gov,dunn,https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 927, a resolution condemns antisemitism on university campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. “The fact that a simple resolution condemning antisemitism on campuses and the testimony of university presidents DIVIDED Democrats today is frightening. Jewish students are experiencing a spike in antisemitism, and it’s inexcusable for any elected official not to stand with them. The House Democrats who voted against the resolution are citing ‘congressional overreach,’ but they have no problem with congressional overreach when it comes to your children, health care, and Second Amendment rights. Condemning Antisemitism is NOT overreach. It’s the right thing to do!” Background: The House of Representatives passed H.Res. 927 with a 303-126-3 vote. Some House Democrats opposed the resolution because they felt it was an overreach for Congress to get involved with hiring in higher education. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-statement-biden-lmpeachment-inquiry,Díaz-Balart Statement on the Biden lmpeachment Inquiry,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart released the following statement regarding the passage of H. Res. 918, a resolution directing appropriate committees to continue their ongoing investigations into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its constitutional power to impeach Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America: “Thanks to the meticulous efforts of Chairmen James Comer, Jim Jordan, and Jason Smith, the American people are finally learning the truth about the scandal-plagued Biden family, something the media refuses to investigate and report on. House Republicans are committed to accountability, integrity, and honest government. Investigations by the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s connections to his family’s business dealings as well as allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption involving funds from foreign adversaries. While this resolution empowers the House to advance the investigation in accordance with its constitutional authority, it does not eliminate the sacred presumption of innocence that the President — and all Americans — enjoy. I believe that we must keep an open mind, follow the evidence, and continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and rooting out corruption. Only after a thorough investigation may we present our findings to the American people and decide on an appropriate remedy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-solicita-al-fmi-un-trato-justo-para-javier-milei-en,Congresista Salazar solicita al FMI un trato justo para Javier Milei en Argentina,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – La presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), envió sendas cartas a la Secretaria del Departamento del Tesoro, Janet Yellen, y a la Directora Gerente del Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI), Kristalina Georgieva, instándolas a negociar el pago de 900 millones de dólares de Argentina al FMI, que debe saldar el 21 de diciembre de 2023. El presidente Milei tomó posesión de su cargo el 10 de diciembre pasado, lo que le plantea el reto inmediato de encontrar una forma de garantizar de manera creíble al FMI que Argentina restablecerá el orden en sus finanzas públicas. Aunque Milei ha tomado medidas inmediatas para hacer frente a los déficits presupuestarios de Argentina, 11 días no son suficientes para que sus políticas surtan efecto. Estados Unidos debe reconocer este problema y ayudar al nuevo presidente de nuestro viejo aliado latinoamericano a llevar a cabo el cambio por el que votó el pueblo argentino. ""El presidente Milei no es sólo un economista, sino un buen economista"", escribió la congresista Salazar. ""Milei pagará la deuda de Argentina y traerá prosperidad a su país, sólo necesita tiempo"". La representante Salazar asistió a la toma de posesión del presidente Javier Milei el 10 de diciembre de 2023. Tras reunirse con varios funcionarios de su gabinete, quedó claro que la agenda de libre mercado de Milei sería el curso de acción necesario para rectificar una nación que ha sido vaciada por la economía socialista. Representantes de ambos Partidos en Estados Unidos entienden que, aunque la agenda económica de Milei aborda con éxito las raíces de la crisis económica, debe haber más tiempo para que estas políticas se apliquen. Para hacer frente a esta preocupación, la congresista Salazar insta a la Administración Biden a reconocer el compromiso de larga data de los Estados Unidos con nuestra asociación con Argentina, abogando para que el FMI llegue a un acuerdo con la Administración Milei para cumplir con sus obligaciones. Para leer la carta que la representante Salazar envió al Departamento del Tesoro, haga clic aquí. Para leer la carta que la representante Salazar envió al Fondo Monetario Internacional, haga clic aquí. La congresista María Elvira Salazar representa a más de 10 mil argentino-americanos en el Distrito 27 del Congreso por Florida. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-requests-fair-treatment-argentinas-milei-imf,Salazar Requests Fair Treatment for Argentina’s Milei from the IMF,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent letters to Department of the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urging them to negotiate Argentina’s $900 million payment due to the IMF on December 21, 2023. President Milei was inaugurated into office on December 10, presenting him with an immediate challenge to find a way to credibly assure the IMF that Argentina will restore order to its public finances. While Milei has taken immediate measures to address Argentina’s budgetary shortfalls, 11 days is simply not enough time for his policies to take effect. The United States must recognize this problem and help our longstanding Latin American ally’s new president to bring about the change the Argentine people voted for. “President Milei is not only an economist, but a good economist,” wrote Chairwoman Salazar. “Milei will pay down Argentina’s debt and bring prosperity to his country – he just needs time.” Chairwoman Salazar attended the inauguration of President Javier Milei on December 10, 2023. After meeting with several of his cabinet officials, it was clear that Milei’s free market agenda would be the course of action necessary to rectify a nation that has been hollowed out by socialist economics. Bipartisan representatives from the United States understand that while Milei’s economic agenda successfully addresses the roots of the economic crisis, there must be more time for these policies to be implemented. To address this concern, Chairwoman Salazar is urging the Biden Administration to recognize the United States’ longstanding commitment to our partnership with Argentina by advocating for the IMF to reach an agreement with the Milei Administration to meet their obligations. To read the letter Rep. Salazar sent to the Treasury Department, click here. To read the letter Rep. Salazar sent to the International Monetary Fund, click here. Congresswoman Salazar represents over ten thousand Argentine Americans in Florida’s 27th congressional district. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C72576CD-E4B3-4EA6-B210-D2DFEE292A04,Webster Votes to Formalize Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after his vote to pass H.Res. 918, a resolution that formalizes the impeachment inquiry into President Biden. “Since January, House Republicans have conducted methodical oversight investigations into President Biden’s actions related to his family's foreign business dealings and have uncovered serious allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption. Unlike the Democrats’ soviet style impeachment of President Trump, House Republicans are following the money, evidence, and proper procedures as we investigate President Biden’s influence-peddling scheme. This bill gives empowers investigatory Committees to enforce subpoenas and removes the legal ambiguity the White House has claimed to disregard congressional subpoenas. “House Republicans impeachment inquiry has already provided evidence into the corrupt conduct within the President’s family and has shown that Joe Biden and White House officials have repeatedly lied about Joe Biden’s knowledge and extent of involvement in his family’s business dealings. The American people deserve answers, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to hold President Biden accountable.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-introduces-bill-to-increase-access-to-critical-lung-cancer-screenings,Buchanan Introduces Bill to Increase Access to Critical Lung Cancer Screenings,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,buchanan,https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, introduced the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act (H.R. 6693) to help ensure timely access to advanced screenings for lung cancer. Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., accounting for nearly one out of every five cancer deaths. Tragically, more than 80 percent of people with lung cancer die within five years of diagnosis, and more than half within the first year. As with many forms of cancer, lung cancer can be highly treatable if detected at an early stage and before it has spread. In fact, according to the University of Florida Health, “catching the disease in its earliest stages can have a striking effect.” For example, early detection through screening can increase the 5-year survival rate for stage I lung cancer to nearly 90 percent. Unfortunately, only about five percent of those recommended for screening get tested for lung cancer. Under current law, lung cancer screening tests must be approved by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an unelected board of 16 volunteers which adds layers of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape before the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may even consider them for coverage. Unfortunately, the current USPSTF review process is also highly cumbersome and can take up to five years, preventing new and potentially life-saving screenings from expeditiously coming to the market. “The federal government should make it easier for seniors to access crucial life-saving lung cancer screenings and not unreasonably hinder these tests from becoming available for use,” said Congressman Buchanan. “Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape has too often stifled innovation, unreasonably delaying access to advanced testing.” Buchanan’s bill has been endorsed by a wide range of leading associations and top cancer hospitals across the country, including the Moffit Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Prevent Cancer Foundation, LUNGevity Foundation, Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and DELFI Diagnostics. A complete list of supporting associations and cancer hospitals is attached. “Lung cancer claims more lives than any other form of cancer. In fact, it claims more lives annually than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined,” said Dr. Jhanelle Gray, Chair of the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. “But we can change this by improving access to early detection and preventative care. Once the evidence is ready for review, the CMS National Coverage Determination process currently in place is sufficient to ensure that the test is ready for patients to benefit. The Lung Screening and Prevention Act would help ensure that new screening and early detection approaches can become widely accessible without undue delay, once they are proven effective.” To help expedite the approval process, Buchanan’s Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act gives CMS the flexibility to cover new tests already approved by the FDA without having to wait for the board to evaluate the tests. Currently, only five percent of those who are recommended for testing, (those between the ages of 50-80, have 20 pack-per-year smoking history, AND are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years) actually get screened for lung cancer. By allowing CMS to cover lung cancer screenings without first requiring a lengthy USPSTF review, the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act would help several new tests currently being developed become available and contribute to earlier detection of lung cancer. Original cosponsors of this legislation include Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), and Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA). “As a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am proud to co-lead the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, a crucial step in our fight against lung cancer,” said Congressman Kilmer. “This bill not only enhances screening accessibility for high-risk groups but also represents our commitment to innovative health care solutions. Early detection is key, and this bipartisan legislation ensures that more Americans have access to life-saving screenings. Together, we’re making strides towards a healthier future for all Americans.” “It is more important than ever that Medicare invest in cancer prevention, signaling affirmation that it cares about the well-being of patients,” said Congressman Bucshon. “By championing preventive measures, the Lung Cancer Screening and Improvement Act would help diagnose lung cancer earlier and pave the way for Medicare coverage of new forms of detection technology. I’m honored to help lead this legislation and remain committed to finding common-sense solutions to support both cancer treatment and cancer prevention.” “I am proud to join Rep. Buchanan in introducing this commonsense legislation,” said Congresswoman Steel. “It is critical that seniors are able to identify lung cancer as quickly as possible and as often as necessary. Government bureaucracy should never stand in the way of saving lives and I’m proud to co-lead a bipartisan bill that will improve access to cancer screening.” According to a recent study by The American Lung Association, lung cancer screening adds 80,000 years of life for people in the U.S. and saves the U.S. economy $40 million. If everyone who was eligible to get screened did so, it would add 500,000 years of life and save the nation $500 million. Last week, Congressman Buchanan’s legislation to make it easier for Seniors to access groundbreaking treatments passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The House Energy and Commerce Committee also recently passed another bill Buchanan helped introduce, the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388). This legislation would expand flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products beyond what traditional Medicare offers. In addition to being the Vice Chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program, and Medicare Advantage.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-and-espaillat-urge-administration-finalize-us-dr-open-skies-agreement,Salazar and Espaillat Urge Administration to Finalize U.S. – DR Open Skies Agreement,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The co-chairs of the Congressional Friends of the Dominican Republic Caucus, Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), sent a letter to the Biden Administration expressing their support for the ongoing negotiations and swift finalization for a modernized United States—Dominican Republic (US-DR) Open Skies Agreement. In their letter, Salazar and Espaillat highlighted potential benefits of a modernized agreement that would increase flights and flight routes between the U.S. and Dominican Republic, lower airfare costs for travelers, and increase tourism and economic growth for both nations. “High airfare prices and limited flights are making it difficult for the thousands of Dominican Americans who call Miami home to visit their families in the Dominican Republic,” said Rep. Salazar. “As co-chair of the Friends of the Dominican Republic Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to expand opportunities to increase flights and lower airfare prices by finalizing a modern Open Skies agreement with the Dominican Republic.” “We write on behalf of our numerous Dominican American constituents who have been waiting for years for a modernized US-DR Open Skies Agreement that would benefit both countries and enhance our bilateral relationship,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Our constituents have regularly expressed their frustration with the current state of limited flight routes and exorbitant prices on flights from the United States to the Dominican Republic, which often prevent them from traveling to visit their family and loved ones. A modernized Open Skies Agreement would provide new flight options, lower fares, and better service among more airlines in the market, supporting the booming tourism economy and the deserving Dominican American families who wish to travel to and from their nation of origin. In turn, our letter respectfully requests that the administration continue to prioritize this important agreement’s finalization on behalf of our constituents and their families.” Representatives Espaillat and Salazar were joined in the letter by fellow Caucus Members Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL). The full letter can be read here. Congresswoman Salazar represents over 20,000 Dominican Americans in Florida’s 27th congressional district. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-y-espaillat-instan-la-administracion-finalizar-el-acuerdo-de-cielos,"Salazar y Espaillat instan a la Administración a finalizar el ""Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos"" entre Estados Unidos y la República Dominicana",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Los copresidentes del caucus Congresistas Amigos de la República Dominicana, los representantes María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) y Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), enviaron una carta a la Administración Biden expresando su apoyo a las negociaciones en curso y a la rápida finalización de un “Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos Estados Unidos–República Dominicana (US-DR)"" modernizado. En su carta, los congresistas Salazar y Espaillat destacaron los beneficios potenciales de un acuerdo modernizado que aumentaría los vuelos y las rutas aéreas entre los Estados Unidos y la República Dominicana, reduciría los costos de las tarifas aéreas para los viajeros y aumentaría el turismo y el crecimiento económico para ambas naciones. ""Los altos precios de las tarifas aéreas y los vuelos limitados están dificultando que los miles de dominicanos que viven en Miami visiten a sus familias en la República Dominicana"", dijo la representante Salazar. ""Como copresidente del Caucus de Amigos de la República Dominicana, me enorgullece unirme a mis colegas para instar a la Administración Biden a ampliar las oportunidades de aumentar los vuelos y reducir los precios de las tarifas aéreas mediante la finalización de un moderno acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos con la República Dominicana"". ""Escribimos en nombre de nuestros numerosos constituyentes dominicano-estadounidenses que han estado esperando durante años un Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos EE. UU. – República Dominicana modernizado, que beneficiaría a ambos países y mejoraría nuestra relación bilateral"", dijo el representante Espaillat. ""Nuestros electores han expresado regularmente su frustración por el estado actual de las limitadas rutas aéreas y los precios exorbitantes de los vuelos de Estados Unidos a la República Dominicana, que a menudo les impiden viajar para visitar a sus familiares y seres queridos. Un Acuerdo de Cielos Abiertos modernizado proporcionaría nuevas opciones de vuelo, tarifas más bajas y un mejor servicio entre más aerolíneas en el mercado, apoyando la floreciente economía turística y a las meritorias familias dominicano-americanas que desean viajar hacia y desde su nación de origen. A su vez, nuestra carta solicita respetuosamente que la Administración continúe priorizando la finalización de este importante acuerdo en nombre de nuestros constituyentes y sus familias"". Los representantes Espaillat y Salazar se unieron en la carta a sus colegas del Caucus Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Grace Meng (D-NY) y Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL). La carta completa puede leerse aquí. La congresista María Elvira Salazar representa a más de 20 mil estadounidenses de origen dominicano en el Distrito 27 del Congreso por Florida. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FD21BD0A-97E9-438C-A30F-B9A442BFAD0F,Webster Votes to Rein in the Administrative State,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, legislation that prohibits career federal agency staff from issuing new rules, and instead limits that authority to Senate-confirmed senior appointees. “Today, I voted to pass H.R. 357 which reins in the administrative state, and holds unelected bureaucrats accountable,” said Rep. Webster. “I have long advocated for Congress to take back the Constitutional Authority it’s given away over the years to the Executive Branch, which has had significant consequences on our economy, and the freedoms and liberties of Americans. H.R. 357 upholds our commitment to hold the government accountable, and I will continue fighting to give the American people greater say in the regulatory process, and restore our checks and balances as envisioned in the Constitution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/ec-leaders-hail-unanimous-45-0-bipartisan-committee-passage-ticket-act,E&C Leaders Hail Unanimous 45-0 Bipartisan Committee Passage of the TICKET Act,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Committee Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone, and, Subcommittee Chair Bilirakis and Subcommittee Ranking Member Schakowsky made the following statement on the passage of H.R. 3950, the “Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act” or “TICKET Act” out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce by a vote of 45-0: “The bipartisan TICKET Act that unanimously passed 45-0 out of Committee yesterday, as amended with the “STOP Act” led by Rep. Kelly Armstrong, will transform the experience of buying event tickets online. It ends practices that frustrate people who simply want to enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event and will restore fairness and transparency to the ticketing marketplace.” “We would like to thank our colleagues, both on and off Committee, for their collaboration. This bipartisan achievement is the result of months and years of hard work by Members on both sides of the aisle. Our Committee will continue to lead the way on this effort as we further our work to bring this solution to the House floor.” The bill passed out of Committee combines H.R. 3950, the “TICKET Act,” and H.R. 6568, the “Speculative Ticketing Oversight and Prohibition Act” or the “STOP Act.” The combined bill:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cammack-names-olajuwon-white-2023-veteran-year,Rep. Cammack Names Olajuwon White 2023 Veteran Of The Year,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Kat Cammack,C001039,cammack.house.gov,cammack,https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GAINESVILLE, FL – Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced this year's Veteran of the Year as Mr. Olajuwon White, the Director of Veteran Services for Levy County and a U.S. Navy veteran. Mr. White currently serves as the Director of Veteran Services for Levy County, Florida. In this role he works to help veterans with casework related to compensation, pension, burial benefits, educational assistance, and more. In 2023, Mr. White received the 2023 Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce's Veteran Impact Award, the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, and a Levy County Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. White began his career as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, certified as an independent duty corpsman and surgical technician. Following his military service, Mr. White worked with Alachua County as a Senior Veterans Claims Counselor, working with hundreds of veterans to file claims and leading educational sessions for veterans and their dependents on information from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also has experience working with the VA as a field examiner in Tampa. Outside of his professional capacity, Mr. White works hard to engage veterans in Levy County and the surrounding area, turning what was once a quiet area for our heroes into a vibrant community where veterans know they'll receive the attention and support they need at the local level. ""I'm honored to announce Mr. White as the 2023 Veteran of the Year,"" said Congresswoman Cammack. ""He served our nation honorably during his time in the Navy and has since committed his life's work to supporting our nation's heroes. He is well known in the North Central Florida veterans' community and has become a familiar face many know and trust. Florida is home to over 1.3 million veterans, which is why it's so important that we have the services and support our men and women need after their time in the military. Mr. White goes above and beyond each day and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He has an undoubtedly bright future ahead and I look forward to celebrating him and all of his hard work early next year."" Congresswoman Cammack has flown a flag over the U.S. Capitol in Mr. White's honor and has entered his service into the Congressional Record. A ceremony formally recognizing this honor will take place in January. 2021's inaugural Veteran of the Year Award honoree was the late Corporal Duane Dewey, a 1953 Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran. Last year, Congresswoman Cammack honored Ansil Lewis, a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Marine Corps and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay County. Congresswoman Cammack thanks the community for submitting their entries for this year's Veteran of the Year and looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E45AB27F-D8F9-4261-8DDC-2E9519C73C12,Webster Calls for Action Against Chinese Communist Party’s Control over Critical Minerals,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), House Committee on Armed Services Vice Chair Rob Wittman (R-VA), and 28 of his House colleagues, recently sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding the development of a plan in response to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) growing interest and investment in the seabed mining of critical mineral resources. “We cannot afford to cede another critical mineral resource to China,” the members wrote. “The United States, and specifically, the Department of Defense, should be engaging with allies, partners and industry to ensure that China does not seize unfettered control of deep-sea assets.” The CCP dominates 85 to 95 percent of the global supply chains for most of the world’s critical mineral resources. Additionally, the CCP controls the majority of the world’s processing capacity that converts these minerals into finished products that are vital to U.S. weapons systems. This summer, Beijing announced that it will be enacting additional restrictions on the exportation of gallium and germanium products, further demonstrating its dominance of these crucial supply chains. Gallium and germanium are metals used in the development of chips, satellite communications, spacecraft power generation, and radar systems. With 60% of the world’s germanium and 80% of the world’s gallium produced in China, this poses as a huge threat to U.S. interests and national security. The deep-sea bed is rich in mineral resources, including manganese, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements. The deep-sea mining of these resources is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an institution where the US only holds observer status. Members are calling on the Department of Defense to take action and develop a plan to further our presence in the extraction of these deep-sea mineral resources before China’s already strong presence controls the entire industry. Additional signers of the letter include Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Michael Turner (R-OH), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Michael Waltz (R-FL), James Moylan (R-GU), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Maria Elvira Salizar (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), David Rouzer (R-NC), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Rich McCormick, MD (R-GA), Keith Self (R-TX), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Brian Babin (R-TX), and Ronny L. Jackson (R-TX). Read the full letter text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-pappas-lead-hellenic-caucus-letter-british-prime-minister-urging,Bilirakis and Pappas Lead Hellenic Caucus Letter to British Prime Minister Urging Continued Progress on Negotiations to Return Parthenon Marbles to Greece,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Chris Pappas, who serve as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, sent a letter today calling on Great Britain to return to the negotiation table in discussions about returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. The Marbles were created in Athens by Pheidias, the greatest sculptor of the classical antiquity. They were part of a frieze that wrapped around the Temple of Athena. More than 200 years ago the Marbles were removed from Greece by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin and transported to Great Britain. In 1816, the British Parliament voted to purchase the Marbles and they now reside in the British Museum. Despite years of efforts by the Greek Government to retain the Marbles, it has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its British counterparts to return the Marbles to Greece. In recent weeks, negotiations between Greece and the United Kingdom on this important cultural matter have deteriorated. The lawmakers note, “Today we write to you as members of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, urging British officials to return to earnest discussions with Greece over the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. The return to their historic and natural setting would be lauded and celebrated worldwide, and we call for the resumption of robust negotiations to that end. The Parthenon is considered the high-water mark of world architecture, and its sculptures and reliefs certainly constitute the paramount point of classical art. The Sculptures from the Acropolis of Athens, Greece have been loved and appreciated in their adoptive home in the British Museum for more than two hundred years, inspiring and edifying millions of visitors. However, it is past time that they return home to be reunified with the rest of the sculptures from which they were ripped apart. This will allow visitors to view and appreciate them in totality as part of a greater whole in their natural and rightful environment. The Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art museum, was built for this purpose. It will also contribute to greater historical and cultural understanding of ancient Athens, Classical Greece, and the world wonder that is the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-tonko-celebrate-bipartisan-dr-emmanuel-bilirakis-national-plan,Bilirakis and Tonko Celebrate Bipartisan Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act Moving One Step Closer to Becoming Law,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) proudly announce that their National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act passed unanimously out of the Energy and Commerce Committee this week. This no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite experts in a public-private partnership to advance a national project for the purpose of preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease once and for all. It will address the financial and health burdens on American families and reduce government spending over time. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common – and fastest-growing – neurological disease globally with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Getting this measure across the finish line this Congress is a priority for both co-authors of this bill, and they have worked tirelessly over the past few months to build consensus and garner their colleagues’ support. Advancement of the legislation could not come at a more crucial time, since earlier this year researchers were able to discover a new biomarker that can reveal a key pathology and new understanding about this disease. The pair of lawmakers are optimistic that their legislation will help spur new breakthrough developments of innovative treatments and cures. For Congressman Bilirakis, this fight is extremely personal. Sadly, he has lost two immediate family members to this disease, both in the last 6 months. His brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, passed away in May after a long battle with the disease. Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis was a wonderful human being and a primary care physician who gave so much back to his community. Congressman Bilirakis is grateful to his friend and Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee, Anna Eshoo, for amending the title of the bill in honor of Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis. More recently, Congressman Bilirakis lost his mother-in-law in October, Theodora Lialios, who also battled this horrific disease for many years. “I will continue this fight in memory of my dear brother, other family members, and on behalf of all my constituents who are still struggling with this debilitating disease,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “It takes a terrible toll on the physical, emotional and economic well-being of everyone involved. The lack of treatment options leave patients, families and the American taxpayers in a terrible quandary. We must change our approach to get better results, which is exactly what our legislation will do. It builds upon past success and strives to replicate other national project models that have helped advance health care goals. This critical legislation will provide hope to those who are suffering and hopefully lead to better patient outcomes with less expensive disease management.” “In Congress, I have made helping those with neurological disorders one of my top priorities for more than a decade. I first learned about Parkinson’s from a friend who suffered with it. So when the opportunity arose to partner with Congressman Bilirakis on this meaningful effort I jumped right in and made it my personal mission to get this done on behalf of the millions of people living with Parkinson’s. It is incumbent on Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time. Our legislation does just that. By moving this bill forward, we will make a positive difference, improve lives and even save lives. And for the millions of Americans living with Parkinson’s, as well as their loved ones, I hope this brings much needed hope, said Congressman Tonko.” “On behalf of the 1 million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is proud to support the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and offers deep gratitude to Representatives Bilirakis and Tonko for their leadership on this bill,” said Ted Thompson, Senior Vice President of Policy for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “With groundbreaking progress made in Parkinson’s research this year — including the discovery of a biomarker — there is no better time to focus our efforts on accelerating science and providing better care to every patient and family impacted by this disease.” The newly named Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act also sets up an Advisory Council, comprised of experts from across the federal government in every related agency, combined with non-federal appointed members, represented by patient advocates, specialist providers, clinicians, and researchers, also ensuring representation of minority communities and other populations disproportionately affected by Parkinson’s. This new entity will focus efforts on an annual report to the Department of Health and Human Services and to Congress with an evaluation of the current efforts to prevent, treat and cure Parkinson’s. It will also provide annual recommendations for ways to reduce the escalating burden of this disease on patients and families, improve health outcomes and quality of care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and Veterans, and better research the underlying causes of this disease. This national project will also incorporate other related neurodegenerative diseases, including the rare disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which has afflicted Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Congresswoman Wexton has been a strong supporter of this important legislation and integral in helping it move through the process.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-bilirakis-demands-full-transparency-fight-protect-integrity-college,Chairman Bilirakis Demands Full Transparency in Fight to Protect Integrity of College Sports,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC: On Sunday, December 3rd, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee made the unusual decision to exclude an undefeated, Power Five Conference Champion from the College Football Playoff (CFP), instead selecting schools with lesser records to compete in the CFP Playoff Semifinals. The Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles finished the 2023 season with a perfect 13-0 record but were dropped from their previous 4th place ranking to 5th place by the CFP Selection Committee, a decision that prevented them from competition for the CFP National Championship. Chairman Gus Bilirakis of the Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, which has jurisdiction over the regulation of commercial practices, including sports-related matters, issued the statement below in response to the CFP’s decision. “This is a huge blow to the student-athletes who have put their hearts and minds into completing a perfect season. While I understand there are many factors the Committee may consider, it’s puzzling why the end results on the field are not their top priority as they are the only objective measurement between teams. The CFP Selection Committee elevated teams with lesser records over an undefeated Power 5 conference champion. When there are millions of dollars hanging in the balance, and with many of these funds slated to support publicly funded schools, there must be more transparency in the process when deciding who is in and who is out. To ensure full transparency, I respectfully request that the CFP Selection Committee and separately the NCAA schedule a briefing with my office,” said Chairman Gus Bilirakis.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/four-more-bilirakis-bills-pass-advance-house-floor,Four More Bilirakis Bills Pass – Advance to House Floor,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - In this week’s Energy & Commerce Committee markup, members passed a total of 44 bills. Many of these proposals, including four of those authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, will help improve patient outcomes and provide enhanced consumer protections for all Americans. More information about each Bilirakis-authored measure is provided below. The next step for each of these proposals is consideration by the full House on the Floor. The Cutting Copays Act would lower the cost of prescription drugs for the nation’s most vulnerable seniors by removing cost-sharing of generic medications for enrollees in Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy Program. “Record inflation has caused spikes in the costs of basic goods and services which have hurt those on a fixed income the most,”said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Research shows us that we can help improve patient outcomes for our most vulnerable seniors by removing barriers to proper disease management and medication compliance. We can also reduce overall costs by incentivizing beneficiaries to choose cheaper generic, but just as effective, alternatives to expensive brand-name drugs. Seniors should never be forced to choose between buying groceries and buying their medications. By removing these copayments, we can help alleviate that burden.” The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act will improve patient outcomes and help avoid costly complications that often stem from this chronic illness by enhancing access in Medicare to education and diabetes self-management training services that have proven effective for beneficiaries. “By providing diabetes patients with these self-management resources, seniors will be empowered to take control of their own health and well-being, and we can help mitigate the negative impact this disease has on them and their families,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act aims to unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson’s, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and reduce government spending over time.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-alzheimer-s-bill-cleared-for-house-consideration,Buchanan Alzheimer’s Bill Cleared for House Consideration,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,buchanan,https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan today announced that his legislation to help ensure coverage of potentially life-saving drugs and new treatments for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease has successfully passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is now cleared for consideration by the full House. Last month, this legislation passed out of House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee also passed another bill Buchanan helped introduce, the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388). This legislation would expand flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products beyond what traditional Medicare offers. In an unprecedented move last year, bureaucrats at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) unilaterally restricted coverage for the first new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (Aduhelm) in nearly two decades, despite prior approval from scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “The federal government should make it easier for seniors to access breakthrough treatments, not unreasonably restrict potentially life-changing drugs for our nation’s most vulnerable patients,” said Buchanan. “Unfortunately, the Biden administration and unelected bureaucrats in Washington have continuously pursued policies that will stifle innovation and halt progress toward revolutionary cures. That is why I am so pleased to see this important legislation pass out of committee and come one step closer to becoming law.” Buchanan introduced the MERIT Act (H.R. 133) with Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA), and it has been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Association of Mature American Citizens, Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation. Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) executive director celebrated committee action and praised Buchanan’s leadership on the issue, saying “Individual Alzheimer’s treatments act differently, even if they achieve similar end results. Thank you to Representatives Buchanan and Barragán for their leadership on the bipartisan MERIT Act, which will ensure that CMS evaluates treatments individually and based on their own merits, rather than as a broad class of drugs. As new treatments are approved, the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia cannot afford delays.” Buchanan originally introduced the MERIT Act last Congress following the announcement from CMS that they would restrict access to the breakthrough new drug, Aduhelm. By requiring CMS to review each drug individually, the MERIT Act will undo the actions taken by CMS that would otherwise unnecessarily limit access to drugs like Aduhelm for seniors. With additional drugs to treat Alzheimer’s coming to the market, this bill will ensure those drugs receive fair and accurate consideration for coverage, rather than requiring onerous additional steps before CMS will make them available to Medicare beneficiaries. Earlier this year, Congressman Buchanan hosted a press conference with key stakeholders calling for action to help American’s suffering with Alzheimer’s access these FDA approved treatments. Buchanan has had 30 legislative measures signed into law since taking office with four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen seven legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden. In addition to being the vice chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/english-spanish-reps-gimenez-diaz-balart-salazar-introduce-resolution-recognizing-maria-corina-machado-as-the-legitimate-presidential-opposition-candidate-in-venezuela,"(English/Spanish) Reps. Gimenez, Diaz-Balart, Salazar Introduce Resolution Recognizing Maria Corina Machado as the Legitimate Presidential Opposition Candidate in Venezuela",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos A. Gimenez,G000593,gimenez.house.gov,gimenez,https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos Gimenez, along with Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced a House Resolution recognizing María Corina Machado as the legitimate presidential opposition candidate against Communist Dictator Nicholas Maduro in the upcoming presidential elections. Senators Rick Scott (FL) and Marco Rubio (FL) introduced a companion Senate Resolution “The murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate María Corina Machado,"" said Rep. Carlos Giménez. ""This blatant attack on democracy shows the regime’s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with María Corina and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela.” “I am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime’s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation,” said Rep. Diaz-Balart. “The Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed María Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate. I strongly opposed the Biden Administration’s decision to relax sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship, while establishing an arbitrary November 30, 2023 deadline, which was done purportedly to encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. That deadline has passed, and the administration has failed to reimpose tough sanctions. The U.S. must stand unequivocally with the Venezuelan people in their brave struggle for freedom, human rights, and democratic government” “The Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose María Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime in the upcoming elections,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “The United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship.” To read the Resolution text, CLICK HERE. ### WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hoy, los congresistas Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), y Maria Elvira Salazar introdujeron una resolución en la Cámara de Representantes reconociendo a Maria Corina Machado como la candidata opositora al dictador comunista Nicolas Maduro en las próximas elecciones presidenciales. Los senadores Rick Scott (FL) y Marco Rubio (FL) presentaron una resolución complementaria en el Senado. “El régimen criminal de Maduro está amenazando, intimidando y silenciando a la candidata opositora María Corina Machado,” dijo el representante Carlos Giménez. “Este ataque a la democracia muestra la desesperación del régimen ante una derrota inminente. ¡El pueblo venezolano está decidido a liberarse del comunismo con María Corina! “Me enorgullece presentar una resolución que respalda firmemente a María Corina Machado como la legítima candidata presidencial de la oposición en Venezuela y condena los intentos del régimen de Maduro de excluir a cualquier oposición legítima de la participación política,” dijo el representante Mario Diaz-Balart. “El pueblo venezolano, tanto en Venezuela como en el extranjero, respaldó abrumadoramente a María Corina Machado como la principal candidata de la oposición venezolana. Me opuse firmemente a la decisión de la Administración Biden de relajar las sanciones contra la dictadura de Maduro, al tiempo que establecía un plazo arbitrario del 30 de noviembre de 2023, supuestamente para fomentar elecciones libres y justas en Venezuela. Ese plazo ha pasado, y la administración no ha vuelto a imponer sanciones severas. Estados Unidos debe respaldar inequívocamente al pueblo venezolano en su valiente lucha por la libertad, los derechos humanos y un gobierno democrático ""La oposición venezolana eligió abrumadoramente a María Corina Machado para liderar la lucha contra el régimen de Maduro en las próximas elecciones,"" dijo la representante María Elvira Salazar. ""Estados Unidos debe ofrecer su pleno apoyo a ella y a su campaña, ya que millones de venezolanos en todo el mundo se unen a su lucha contra la dictadura"". ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/englishespanol-diaz-balart-gimenez-and-salazar-introduce-house,"English/Español: Díaz-Balart, Giménez and Salazar Introduce House Resolution Recognizing María Corina Machado as Venezuela's Legitimate Presidential Opposition Candidate",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“I am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime’s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation. The Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed María Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate. I strongly opposed the Biden Administration’s decision to relax sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship, while establishing an arbitrary November 30, 2023 deadline, which was done purportedly to encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. That deadline has passed, and the administration has failed to reimpose tough sanctions. The U.S. must stand unequivocally with the Venezuelan people in their brave struggle for freedom, human rights, and democratic government,” said Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart. “The murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate María Corina Machado,""said Rep. Carlos Giménez. ""This blatant attack on democracy shows the regime’s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with María Corina and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela.” “The Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose María Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime in the upcoming elections,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “The United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship.” ### Díaz-Balart, Giménez, Salazar Presentan Resolución Reconociendo a María Corina Machado como la Candidata Legítima de la Oposición Presidencial en Venezuela WASHINGTON, D.C.–Los congresistas Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos Giménez (FL-28), y María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) emitieron la siguiente declaración después de presentar laResoluciónen la Cámara que reconoce a María Corina Machado como la candidata legítima de la oposición presidencial de Venezuela para las próximas elecciones. Estaresoluciónes la version presentada en la Cámara de Representantes que es la misma que fue introducida en elSenado por los Senadores Rick Scott (R-FL) y Marco Rubio (R-FL). ""Me enorgullece presentar una resolución que respalda firmemente a María Corina Machado como la legítima candidata presidencial de la oposición en Venezuela y condena los intentos del régimen de Maduro de excluir a cualquier oposición legítima de la participación política. El pueblo venezolano, tanto en Venezuela como en el extranjero, respaldó abrumadoramente a María Corina Machado como la principal candidata de la oposición venezolana. Me opuse firmemente a la decisión de la Administración Biden de relajar las sanciones contra la dictadura de Maduro, al tiempo que establecía un plazo arbitrario del 30 de noviembre de 2023, supuestamente para fomentar elecciones libres y justas en Venezuela. Ese plazo ha pasado, y la administración no ha vuelto a imponer sanciones severas. Estados Unidos debe respaldar inequívocamente al pueblo venezolano en su valiente lucha por la libertad, los derechos humanos y un gobierno democrático,"" dijo el representante Mario Díaz-Balart. “El régimen criminal de Maduro está amenazando, intimidando y silenciando a la candidata opositora María Corina Machado,”dijo el representante Carlos Giménez. “Este ataque a la democracia muestra la desesperación del régimen ante una derrota inminente. ¡El pueblo venezolano está decidido a liberarse del comunismo con María Corina!” ""La oposición venezolana eligió abrumadoramente a María Corina Machado para liderar la lucha contra el régimen de Maduro en las próximas elecciones"", dijo la representante María Elvira Salazar. ""Estados Unidos debe ofrecer su pleno apoyo a ella y a su campaña, ya que millones de venezolanos en todo el mundo se unen a su lucha contra la dictadura"". ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mills-congressman-frosts-bipartisan-defense-spending,Congressman Mills’ & Congressman Frost’s Bipartisan Defense Spending Accountability Legislation Named as the Bill of the Month by Taxpayers Protection Alliance,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Cory Mills,M001216,mills.house.gov,mills,https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: December 6, 2023 Media Contact: MillsPress@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C.— Taxpayers Protection Alliance, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, announced H.R. 6187, the Defense Spending Oversight Act introduced by Congressman Cory Mills (R-FL-07) and Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10) in November has been named the bill of the month. The Mills-Frost legislation requires Inspectors General to create reports evaluating the net financial benefit of budget oversight investigations to crack down on the billions of unaccounted-for taxpayer dollars being given to the DoD and military contractors with insufficient accountability. “The American people have a right to know their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and effectively,” said Rep. Mills. “I’m pleased the Taxpayers Protection Alliance has highlighted this legislation and its goal to bring transparency to government contracting. Ridding the DoD of waste, fraud, and abuse is not a partisan issue, it’s an American issue. I welcome TPA’s promotion of this important piece of legislation.” “Waste, fraud, and abuse in defense spending is too common,” said Rep. Frost. “Congressman Mills and I both know that adequate funding to ensure our national defense is entirely different from writing a blank check at the cost of Florida's taxpayers. Our bipartisan bill is an important part of cracking down on wasteful spending and recouping our tax dollars to hold bad actors accountable in the long run.” Taxpayers Protection Alliance Executive Director, Patrick Hedger: “TPA strongly commends Reps. Cory Mills and Maxwell Frost for introducing the bipartisan Defense Spending Oversight Act, and we are proud to make it our Bill of the Month for November 2023. Inspectors General at all levels of government must be empowered and equipped to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse. This is particularly the case with the notoriously insulated Pentagon, which has failed five consecutive audits. To understand the scale of operations and provide necessary resources to the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, Congress must be kept up to date with all costs associated with investigations."" Read the full bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mills-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winner-floridas-seventh,REP. MILLS ANNOUNCES 2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER IN FLORIDA’S SEVENTH,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Cory Mills,M001216,mills.house.gov,mills,https://mills.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: December 7, 2023 Media Contact: MillsPress@mail.house.gov Altamonte Springs, FL – Today, Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07) announced Clayton Seymour from Lake Brantley High School as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s Seventh Congressional District. Clayton’s app was centered on multiplication and combined his experiences with other computer games into one mathematical challenge. Each year, the U.S. House’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) hosts district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students aimed at inspiring, engaging, and encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Since its inception in 2015, the Challenge has grown to become the largest student computer science competition in the United States. This year, Florida’s Seventh Congressional District received 207 submissions from Seminole and Volusia Counties, breaking the CAO’s record of participants for the App Challenge from a single district! “I want to offer my congratulations to Clayton Seymour from Lake Brantley High School, home of the Patriots, for winning the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Florida’s Seventh Congressional District, said Rep. Mills. “I’d also like to extend my congratulations to the second-place winner, Prisha Narne, and third-place winner, Scott Smoak for their innovative apps. It’s an honor to be a part of the district with the most submissions in App Challenge history! It’s truly remarkable to see the creative, inventive minds of our students here in Central Florida and I hope this annual competition encourages middle and high school students to further explore coding and STEM education in their future studies and careers.” “When given instructions, I don’t do exactly what we are told to do. I take the instructions and make it something I like to do,” said first-place winner, Clayton Seymour. He acknowledged that the key to his success was having an innovative mindset. His Computer Science teacher, Mr. Seth Reichelson, was instrumental in motivating his students by aligning his curriculum to the individual student’s interests and strengths. Joseph Alessi, the Program’s National Director, said, ""The overwhelming participation from Members of the House of Representatives demonstrates a collective commitment to fostering technological innovation and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. The exponential increase in student engagement highlights the Congressional App Challenge's growing influence as a beacon for young minds interested in computer science. It's evident that students are not only embracing the Challenge as a competition but also as a platform to express their passion for technology and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation."" Read more about the App Challenge here. Start your planning for the 2024 App Challenge, beginning in August! Reach out to the Lake Mary or Port Orange office for more details.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-introduces-legislation-make-schools-safer,Rutherford Introduces Legislation to Make Schools Safer,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 6613, the Preparing Leaders to Assess Needs (PLAN) for School Safety Act. This bill would provide resources to states to establish school safety development centers that will help schools conduct assessments of their safety, identify evidence-based solutions to improve security, and access state and federal grant funding. “Every child has a right to be safe in school. I am proud of the significant federal resources Congress has made available to schools to improve security measures; however, many schools struggle to find and apply for these resources,” said Congressman Rutherford. “The PLAN for School Safety Act will build on our efforts by connecting subject matter experts with school leaders to better facilitate participation in school safety programs and grants. As a former sheriff and lifelong member of law enforcement, I know firsthand the importance of investing in security to prevent violence before it occurs.” “Today, we applaud members of Congress for their leadership in ensuring the safety of our children through the PLAN Act. When it comes to preventing the next school shooting, there are sensible, proactive solutions that educators can help implement. Unfortunately, the reality is that schools lack the necessary resources to access these programs. The PLAN Act unlocks the critical support required for effective planning paramount to keeping our schools and communities safe,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “One month after the Parkland school shooting, Rep. Rutherford shepherded his landmark school safety legislation, the STOP School Violence Act through the U.S. House of Representatives. That bill has resulted in $702 million of school safety funding flowing into schools since 2018,” said Max Schachter, father of Parkland shooting victim Alex Schachter and Founder of Safe Schools for Alex. “By introducing the PLAN for School Safety Act today, Rep. Rutherford along with Rep. Neguse, are giving schools the necessary resources they need to reduce the epidemic of violence our children face every day. John Rutherford understands that school safety must be prioritized over education because we can’t teach dead kids. I look forward to working alongside John to pass another of his crucial school safety bills.” Additional cosponsors include: Reps. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Lou Correa (CA-46), John James (MI-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). Read full bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-resolucion-que-reconoce-maria-corina-machado-como,Congresista Salazar presenta Resolución que reconoce a María Corina Machado como la única candidata presidencial legítima de Venezuela,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – La presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), y los representantes Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) y Carlos Giménez (FL-28), presentaron una Resolución que reconoce a María Corina Machado como la candidata presidencial legítima para las próximas elecciónes venezolanas. La versión del Senado fue presentada por los senadores Marco Rubio (R-FL) y Rick Scott (R-FL). Después de que María Corina Machado ganara una mayoría abrumadora del voto de la oposición, corresponde a Estados Unidos defenderla contra los ataques constantes del régimen de Maduro. “La oposición venezolana eligió abrumadoramente a María Corina Machado para liderar la lucha contra el régimen de Maduro”, dijo la representante Salazar. “Estados Unidos debe ofrecerle todo su apoyo a ella y a su campaña mientras millones de venezolanos en todo el mundo se unen en torno a su lucha contra la dictadura”. A principios de este año, el régimen de Maduro acordó permitir que María Corina Machado se postulara en las elecciones primarias presidenciales de la oposición a cambio de que Estados Unidos flexibilizara las sanciones a las exportaciones de petróleo, gas y oro de Venezuela. Inmediatamente después de la victoria de María Corina, anuló el resultado de las elecciones en violación de su acuerdo con Estados Unidos. Con el tiempo, el régimen de Maduro se ha vuelto más desesperado por distraer la atención del impulso de María Corina. Maduro celebró un referendo falso sobre la anexión de la región del Esequibo de Guyana mientras su fiscal general, Tarek William Saab, emitía una orden de arresto contra varios de los asesores políticos más cercanos de María Corina, por cargos espurios de lavado de dinero. Estas medidas son parte integral de la agenda socialista: si no puedes ganar de la manera correcta, haz trampa. Estados Unidos debe apoyar a María Corina Machado, la mejor oportunidad que tiene Venezuela para deshacerse de más de dos décadas de Socialismo. “Me enorgullece presentar una resolución que apoya firmemente a María Corina Machado como candidata legítima de la oposición presidencial de Venezuela y condena los intentos del régimen de Maduro de excluir a cualquier oposición legítima de la participación política”, dijo el representante Díaz-Balart. “El pueblo venezolano, tanto en Venezuela como en el extranjero, respaldó abrumadoramente a María Corina Machado como la principal candidata de la oposición venezolana. Me opuse firmemente a la decisión de la Administración Biden de relajar las sanciones a la dictadura de Maduro, al tiempo que establecía una fecha límite arbitraria del 30 de noviembre de 2023, lo que supuestamente se hizo para fomentar elecciones libres y justas en Venezuela. Ese plazo ya pasó y la Administración no ha vuelto a imponer sanciones duras. Estados Unidos debe apoyar inequívocamente al pueblo venezolano en su valiente lucha por la libertad, los derechos humanos y el gobierno democrático”. “El régimen asesino de Maduro está amenazando, intimidando y silenciando a la candidata opositora María Corina Machado”, dijo el representante Giménez. “Este flagrante ataque a la democracia muestra la desesperación del régimen ante una derrota inminente. El pueblo venezolano está decidido a liberarse del comunismo con María Corina y Estados Unidos debe apoyar al pueblo de Venezuela amante de la libertad”. Para leer la Resolución, haga clic aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-resolution-recognizing-maria-corina-machado-venezuelas-only,Salazar Introduces Resolution Recognizing María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s Only Legitimate Presidential Candidate,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) and Carlos Giménez (FL-28) introduced a resolution recognizing María Corina Machado as the legitimate presidential candidate for the upcoming Venezuelan elections. The Senate version was introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL). After María Corina Machado won a commanding majority of the opposition vote, it is up to the United States to defend her against the Maduro regime’s incoming attacks. “The Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose María Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime,” said Rep. Salazar. “The United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship.” Earlier this year, the Maduro regime agreed to allow María Corina Machado to run in the opposition presidential primary elections in exchange for loosened American sanctions on oil, gas, and gold exports from Venezuela. Immediately following María Corina’s victory, he nullified the result of the election in violation of his agreement with the United States. Over time, the Maduro regime has become more desperate to distract from Maria Corina’s momentum. Maduro held a sham referendum on the annexation of the Essequibo region of Guyana while having his Attorney General Tarek William Saab issued an arrest warrant against several members of María Corina’s closest political advisors on spurious charges of money laundering. These moves are part and parcel with the socialist agenda: If you can’t win the right way, cheat. The United States must stand with María Corina Machado, the best chance Venezuela has to rid itself of more than two decades of Socialism. “I am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime’s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation,” said Rep. Díaz-Balart. “The Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed María Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate. I strongly opposed the Biden Administration’s decision to relax sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship, while establishing an arbitrary November 30, 2023 deadline, which was done purportedly to encourage free and fair elections in Venezuela. That deadline has passed, and the administration has failed to reimpose tough sanctions. The U.S. must stand unequivocally with the Venezuelan people in their brave struggle for freedom, human rights, and democratic government.” “The murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate María Corina Machado,” said Rep. Giménez. “This blatant attack on democracy shows the regime’s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with María Corina and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela.” To read the resolution, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-presses-timely-and-thorough-coast-guard-investigation-potential-oil,Bilirakis Presses for Timely and Thorough Coast Guard Investigation of Potential Oil Leak off Pasco’s Coast,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis is pressing federal officials to take swift action to investigate the cause of a likely fuel spill near Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey, mitigate any damage, and identify possible remedies to prevent future recurrences of the conditions that caused Port Richey residents to wake up to a strong smell of fuel in the air. Bilirakis, who serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee as well as Co-Chairs the Travel & Tourism Caucus, understands the value of water quality throughout the region. “Countless people rely on these waters for their livelihoods, sporting, and recreation, which together make Port Richey the vibrant community that many people call home,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The local economy is also largely dependent on our ability to maintain our area’s pristine natural resources. For these reasons, I have been championing a variety of initiatives to protect Florida’s waterways. Therefore, it is very concerning that this fuel spill occurred, and I’m determined to make sure that no stone is left unturned in discovering its source as we strengthen precautions to prevent future spills.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-legislacion-para-abordar-el-antisemitismo-en,Congresista Salazar presenta legislación para abordar el antisemitismo en Estados Unidos,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – La representante María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) se unió a los representantes Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Max Miller (R-OH), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) y Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) para presentar la H.R. 6578, la Ley ""Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States"". El proyecto de ley establece una Comisión no partidista y apolítica para estudiar los hechos y las causas que rodean los niveles históricamente altos de antisemitismo que enfrenta la comunidad judía. Desde la invasión a Israel por parte de Hamás el 7 de octubre de 2023, ha habido un peligroso aumento en los informes documentados de retórica antisemita, amenazas y violencia hacia la comunidad judía. El director de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones (FBI), Christopher Wray, por su parte, informó que el antisemitismo ha alcanzado niveles históricamente altos en Estados Unidos. La Liga Antidifamación también informó de un aumento del 388% en la actividad antisemita en respuesta a la invasión de Israel por parte de Hamás. “No hay lugar para el odio antisemita en Estados Unidos”, dijo la representante Salazar. “El Gobierno federal debe responder al inaceptable aumento del antisemitismo que enfrentan nuestras comunidades judías. Este proyecto de ley dará a los funcionarios federales, estatales y locales la capacidad de centrarse en las raíces de este odio y aplastarlo”. La Comisión establecida en este proyecto de ley estaría compuesta por ocho miembros designados por el Congreso y responsables de supervisar una investigación sobre el antisemitismo en Estados Unidos. Como miembro del Comité de Relaciones Exteriores y representante del sur de Florida en la Cámara de Representantes, Salazar es un miembro destacado de la política entre Estados Unidos e Israel y está preocupada por el creciente antisemitismo en Estados Unidos y en el extranjero. Ha criticado repetidamente a los líderes mundiales que han abrazado conspiraciones y tropos antisemitas. “Con el aumento de la violencia antisemita y los ataques descarados contra nuestras comunidades judías en los Estados Unidos, es importante, ahora más que nunca, que encontremos la causa de estos alarmantes actos de antisemitismo y trabajemos para proteger a nuestras comunidades e instituciones religiosas”, dijo la representante Miller-Meeks. ""Estoy orgullosa de presentar esta legislación que establecería una comisión para estudiar las circunstancias que rodean el aumento de actos atroces de antisemitismo y trabajar para encontrar soluciones para mantener seguras a nuestras comunidades"". “Antes del 7 de octubre, el antisemitismo estaba en fuerte aumento, pero ahora lo hemos visto dispararse, especialmente en línea”, dijo la representante Wasserman Schultz. ""Esta investigación bipartidista y bicameral, que cuenta con el apoyo de líderes y expertos de la sociedad civil judía, complementará la implementación de la primera Estrategia Nacional para Contrarrestar el Antisemitismo del presidente Biden e informará decisiones políticas clave para combatir esta inquietante tendencia"". “Desde el atroz ataque terrorista de Hamás contra Israel, ha habido una explosión de antisemitismo, violencia e intimidación en casa y en todo el mundo, especialmente en nuestros campus universitarios. Como el único miembro judío de la delegación del Congreso de Nueva Jersey, estoy lleno de dolor, ira y disgusto tras el día más oscuro en la historia judía desde el Holocausto”, dijo el representante Gottheimer. “Estoy orgulloso de ayudar a liderar esta legislación bipartidista y bicameral crítica para enfrentar el antisemitismo allí donde asoma su fea cara. Tenemos la obligación de enseñar a las generaciones futuras sobre este mal y proteger a los estudiantes judíos de la violencia y el impacto virulento de todo odio”. ""Desde los ataques del 7 de octubre contra Israel, el mundo ha visto un aumento drástico del antisemitismo que ha traído miedo a las vidas de los judíos en todo este país"", dijo el representante Miller. ""Debemos hacer todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance para combatir este odio"". El proyecto de ley también está copatrocinado por los representantes Lance Gooden (R-TX), Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Rose (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Rudy Yakym (R-IN) y Brad Schneider (D-IL) . El Comité de Asuntos Públicos Estadounidense-Israelí (AIPAC) y la Liga Antidifamación (ADL) apoyan esta legislación. Haga clic aquí para leer el texto completo del proyecto de ley. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/dignity-act-will-bring-trillions-economic-growth,Dignity Act Will Bring Trillions in Economic Growth,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report by the Bipartisan Policy Center calculates the economic benefits of clearing the green card backlogs to be in the trillions of dollars. Specifically, the Green Light to Growth report predicts clearing this backlog would increase U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) by $3.9 trillion over 10 years. H.R. 3599, the Dignity Act, is directly mentioned in this report as one of the primary proposals to address this backlog. This well-sourced report demonstrates the economic need to fix our legal immigration system and pass reforms such as the Dignity Act now. “If the U.S. economy does not grow, the American Dream dies,” said Rep. Salazar. “We must ensure the next generation is better off than the current one, and immigration reform is an opportunity to fix our broken system while growing our economy.” The Dignity Act will have substantially greater economic benefits than those outlined in the report, as it addresses other broken parts of our immigration system not included in this analysis. The Dignity Act, introduced by Congresswoman Salazar and Veronica Escobar (TX), is the only major bipartisan immigration bill in Congress. It is an immigration bill, a national security bill, and an economic bill. The bill has gained major momentum recently, with over 25 Members of Congress cosponsoring it and endorsements/support from 50+ stakeholders. Cosponsors (27): *María Salazar (FL), *Veronica Escobar (TX), *Jenniffer González Colon (PR), *Hillary Scholten (MI), *Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR), *Kathy Manning (NC), *Michael Lawler (NY), *Adriano Espaillat (NY), John Duarte (CA), Susan Wild (PA), Mario Díaz-Balart (FL), Susie Lee (NV), David Valadao (CA), Daren Soto (FL), Dan Newhouse (WA), Colin Allred (TX), Abigail Spanberger (VA), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Mike Levin (CA), Marilyn Strickland (WA), Matt Cartwright (PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Dean Phillips (MI), Chris Pappas (NH), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Pat Ryan (NY), Joe Courtney (CT), and Lori Trahan (MA). The following organizations have weighed in with endorsements, statements of support, and/or positive comments about the Dignity Act: Organizations (50+): Agriculture Workforce Coalition, Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus (ANIC), American Action Forum, American Business Immigration Coalition, American Families United, American Immigration Lawyers Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, American Senior Housing Association, Americans for Prosperity, BDV Solutions, Behring Co., Bipartisan Policy Center, Brick Industry Association, Business Roundtable, Catholic Charities USA, Chris Coons, U.S. Senator (D-DE), Cleaning Coalition of America, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Exchange, FWD.us, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Ideaspace, Immigration Hub, Improve the Dream, Invest in the USA (IIUSA), Ken Salazar, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America, National Association of Evangelicals, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Retail Federation (NRF), Niskanen Center, Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), Power & Communication Contractors Association, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, TechNet, TESOL International Association, Texas Border Coalition, Texas Impact, The Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform this Year (LIBERTY) Campaign, UnidosUS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), U.S. Hispanic Business Council, U.S. Travel Association, and World Relief. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/la-ley-dignidad-generara-billones-en-crecimiento-economico,La Ley Dignidad generará billones en crecimiento económico,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Un nuevo informe del Centro de Política Bipartidista calcula que los beneficios económicos de eliminar los retrasos en las ""Tarjetas Verdes"" ascienden a billones de dólares. Específicamente, el informe “Green Light to Growth” predice que eliminar este retraso aumentaría el producto interno bruto (PIB) de Estados Unidos en 3,9 billones de dólares en 10 años. La H.R. 3599, Ley Dignidad, se menciona directamente en este informe como una de las principales propuestas para abordar este retraso. Este informe bien documentado demuestra la necesidad económica de arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigración legal y aprobar reformas como la Ley Dignidad ahora. “Si la economía estadounidense no crece, el sueño americano muere”, dijo la representante Salazar. ""Debemos asegurarnos de que la próxima generación esté mejor que la actual, y que la Reforma Migratoria sea una oportunidad para arreglar nuestro sistema quebrado mientras hacemos crecer nuestra economía"". La Ley Dignidad tendrá beneficios económicos sustancialmente mayores que los descritos en el informe, ya que aborda otras partes fallidas de nuestro Sistema de Inmigración no incluidas en este análisis. La Ley Dignidad, presentada por la congresista María Elvira Salazar (FL) y Verónica Escobar (TX), es el único proyecto de ley de inmigración bipartidista importante en el Congreso. Es un proyecto de ley de inmigración, un proyecto de ley de seguridad nacional y un proyecto de ley económico. El proyecto de ley ha cobrado gran impulso recientemente, con más de 25 miembros del Congreso copatrocinándolo y el respaldo/apoyo de más de 50 partes y organizaciones interesadas. Copatrocinadores (27): *María Elvira Salazar (FL), *Veronica Escobar (TX), *Jenniffer González Colon (PR), *Hillary Scholten (MI), *Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR), *Kathy Manning (NC), *Michael Lawler (NY), *Adriano Espaillat (NY), John Duarte (CA), Susan Wild (PA), Mario Díaz-Balart (FL), Susie Lee (NV), David Valadao (CA), Daren Soto (FL), Dan Newhouse (WA), Colin Allred (TX), Abigail Spanberger (VA), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Mike Levin (CA), Marilyn Strickland (WA), Matt Cartwright (PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Dean Phillips (MI), Chris Pappas (NH), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Pat Ryan (NY), Joe Courtney (CT) y Lori Trahan (MA). Las siguientes organizaciones han aportado respaldos, declaraciones de apoyo y/o comentarios positivos sobre la Ley Dignidad: Organizaciones (50+): Coalición de Fuerza Laboral Agrícola; Alianza para un Nuevo Consenso de Inmigración (ANIC); Foro de Acción Estadounidense; Coalición de Inmigración Empresarial Estadounidense; Familias Estadounidenses Unidas; Asociación Estadounidense de Abogados de Inmigración; Asociación Médica Podológica Estadounidense; Asociación Estadounidense de Vivienda para Personas Mayoresv Estadounidenses para Prosperidad; BDV Solutions; Behring Co.; Centro de Política Bipartidista; Asociación de la Industria del Ladrillo; Mesa Redonda de Negocios; Caridades Católicas de EE. UU.; Chris Coons, Senador de los EE. UU. (D-DE); Coalición de Limpieza de América; Coalición de Inmigración de Trabajadores Esenciales; Comisión de Ética y Libertad Religiosa de la Convención Bautista del Sur; Federación de Oficinas Agrícolas de Florida; Asociación de Frutas y Verduras de Florida; Florida Tomato Exchange; FWD.us; Fondo de Liderazgo Hispano; Ideaspace; Immigration Hub; Mejorar el Sueño; Invertir en EE.UU. (IIUSA); Ken Salazar, Embajador de EE.UU. en México; Iniciativa LIBRE; Asociación de Contratistas Mason de América; Asociación Nacional de Evangélicos; NAFSA: Asociación de Educadores Internacionales; Asociación Nacional de Profesionales del Paisaje; Foro Nacional de Inmigración; Coalición Nacional Evangélica Latina; Federación Nacional de Minoristas (NRF); Centro Niskanen; Asociación de Negocios de Entretenimiento al Aire Libre (OABA); Asociación de Contratistas de Energía y Comunicaciones; Alianza de Presidentes sobre Educación Superior e Inmigración; Alianza de Asuntos Públicos de Estadounidenses Iraníes; Cámara de Comercio Puertorriqueña de Florida Central; TechNet; Asociación Internacional TESOL; Coalición Fronteriza de Texas; Texas Impacto; Campaña de Reforma Legal de Inmigración y Control Fronterizo este Año (LIBERTY); UnidosUS; Cámara de Comercio de EE.UU.; Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE.UU. (USCCB); Consejo Empresarial Hispano de EE.UU.; Asociación de Viajes de EE.UU. y World Relief. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-legislation-address-antisemitism-united-states,Salazar Introduces Legislation to Address Antisemitism in the United States,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Max Miller (R-OH), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) in introducing H.R. 6578, the Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act. The bill establishes a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission to study the facts and causes surrounding the historically high levels of antisemitism facing the Jewish community. Since Hamas’ invasion of Israel on October 7th, 2023, there has been a dangerous uptick in documented reports of antisemitic rhetoric, threats, and violence towards the Jewish community. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, in turn, reported that antisemitism has reached historically high levels in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League also reported a 388% spike in antisemitic activity in response to Hamas’ invasion of Israel. “There is no room for antisemitic hatred in the United States,” said Rep. Salazar. “The federal government must respond to the unacceptable rise of antisemitism our Jewish communities face. This bill will give federal, state, and local officials the ability to zero in on the roots of this hatred and crush it.” The Commission established in this bill would be made up of eight members appointed by Congress and responsible for overseeing an investigation into antisemitism in the United States. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and representative for South Florida in the House of Representatives, Salazar is a leading member on U.S.-Israel policy and is concerned about the growing antisemitism in the United States and abroad. She has repeatedly criticized global leaders who have espoused antisemitic tropes and conspiracies. “With the rise in antisemitic violence and brazen attacks on our Jewish communities in the United States, it is important, now more than ever, that we find the cause of these alarming acts of antisemitism and work to protect our communities and religious institutions,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “I am proud to introduce this legislation that would establish a commission to study the circumstances surrounding the uptick in heinous acts of antisemitism and work to find solutions to keep our communities safe.” “Before Oct. 7th, antisemitism was on a sharp rise, but now we’ve seen it skyrocket, especially online,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “This bipartisan, bicameral inquiry, which is supported by Jewish civil society leaders and experts, will complement the implementation of President Biden's first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and inform key policy decisions in combatting this disturbing trend.” “Since Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack on Israel, there has been an explosion of antisemitism, violence, and intimidation at home and around the world — especially on our college campuses. As the only Jewish member of the New Jersey congressional delegation, I’m full of grief, anger, and disgust following the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “I’m proud to help lead this critical bipartisan, bicameral legislation to confront antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head. We have an obligation to teach future generations about this evil and protect Jewish students from violence and the virulent impact of all hate.” “Since the October 7th attacks on Israel, the world has seen a drastic increase in antisemitism that has brought fear to the lives of Jews across this country,” said Rep. Miller. “We must do everything in our power to combat this hatred.” The bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Rose (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Brad Schneider (D-IL). The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) support this legislation. Click here to read the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/the-evidence-is-clear-joe-biden-knew-about-and-benefitted-from-his-familys-influence-peddling-scheme/,The Evidence Is Clear: Joe Biden Knew About And Benefitted From His Family’s Influence Peddling Scheme,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,W. Gregory Steube,S001214,steube.house.gov,steube,https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/,scraper,"The Evidence Is Clear: Joe Biden Knew About And Benefitted From His Family’s Influence Peddling Scheme “There is a treasure trove of evidence to show Joe Biden was involved in his family’s business dealings.” View Rep. Steube’s Interview on Fox Business’s ‘Mornings with Maria’ WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the following statement after the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means convened a hearing to consider additional evidence from two IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler: “The evidence presented in the Ways and Means Committee further solidifies four statements to be true: (1) The DOJ stonewalled, delayed, obfuscated and intentionally hindered the investigators from investigating where the facts led to Joe Biden and treated the Hunter Biden investigation different than any other investigation to shield and protect him from prosecution, (2) the Biden Family made millions of dollars from foreign countries, to date the Republican House has uncovered over $24 million in payments from foreign governments and entities to the Biden Family, (3) the Biden Family benefitted financially from official actions taken by Joe Biden, and (4) Joe Biden was involved in the influence peddling, directly benefitted, and lied to the American public. Joe Biden claimed there was an “absolute wall” between his official duties and his family influence peddling schemes. That was a lie. There is evidence submitted of Joe Biden using fictitious email addresses to directly email actors in the Biden family business (Exhibit 606). There is also evidence Joe Biden made threats and took official actions to help Hunter while he was on the board of Burisma, Joe Biden is on video bragging about withholding a billion dollars from Ukraine if they didn’t fire the prosecutor investigating Burisma. Joe Biden claimed his family didn’t receive any money from China. That is a blatant lie. In fact, Joe Biden himself received Chinese money. The payment to Joe Biden was directly from Owasco, Hunter’s business entity that received millions from CEFC China Energy with no services rendered (Exhibit 400, pg. 7-9). The evidence released demonstrates to America that the DOJ is politically weaponized to protect their Democrat President and against conservative Republicans. They intentionally slow walked Hunter’s case for years because his last name is Biden. Because of this, the statute of limitations was allowed to expire. The DOJ did this as a political favor to Joe Biden. If they’re willing to do that, what else have they done? I agree with Mr. Ziegler, the evidence presented should scare every American because our justice system is not treating everyone the same. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle claimed these facts were ‘outrageous.’ Their talking points have been that there is no direct evidence that Joe Biden committed any crime or took any of the millions that the Biden family made off Joe Biden’s position and actions. Email traffic and bank records do not lie. It’s sad to see the Democrats of this institution doing the same thing the DOJ has done for years: playing cover for the Bidens. I thank the two brave whistleblowers who have invested their time in our committee and took great risks in order to expose truth to the American people. Joe Biden very clearly violated 18 U.S. Code Section 201 (b)(2) which prohibits federal officials from demanding, seeking, receiving, accepting, or agreeing to receive or accept anything of value resulting from an official act. Based on the evidence presented, and countless past pieces of evidence exposed by House Republicans, it is crystal clear: no President in American history has put his personal enrichment over the country’s national security more than Joe Biden has. Congress must swiftly impeach Joe Biden.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kat-cammack-troy-carter-sr-announce-bipartisan-unified-voices-caucus,"Reps. Kat Cammack, Troy A. Carter, Sr. Announce Bipartisan Unified Voices Caucus",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Kat Cammack,C001039,cammack.house.gov,cammack,https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, November 30, U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced the Congressional Bipartisan Unified Voices Caucus to advocate for individuals facing communication challenges, with a primary focus on stuttering. Joined by Change & Impact Founder & CEO, and NBA veteran, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the caucus announcement was followed by a panel of guest speakers who share a variety of expertise in the stuttering community. That panel included Academic & Research Program Director at the Center for Childhood Communication at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Joseph Donaher, Ph.D.; Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Oregon, Jessica Fanning, Ph.D., CCC-SLP; Board-Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of the Chmela Communication Center, Kristin Chmela, M.A. CCC-SLP BCS-F; and the parent of a teenage daughter who stutters, Shaneen Quarles. ""As we embark on this journey, it is essential to underscore the significance of the cause we stand united for. Stuttering, a communication challenge affecting over 70 million people worldwide and approximately 3 million Americans, demands our attention and advocacy. The Caucus that Congressman Troy Carter, Sr., and I are starting is a testament to the bipartisan commitment we share to address the needs of those who stutter,"" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. ""Access to effective speech therapy, with specialized interventions, is not just about improving speech; it's about enhancing social and emotional welfare, promoting greater confidence, and fostering more effective communication. It can make the difference in a child's achievement, an adult's success, and a community's understanding. I especially want to thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for partnering with me to make this launch possible,"" said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. ""It's an honor to be here today to witness the bipartisan support for a cause and community that is so special to me. I give great thanks to Congressman Troy Carter and Congresswoman Kat Cammack for both making a commitment to stuttering advocacy and awareness. I'm excited for the opportunities ahead,"" said Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/chairman-carlos-gimenez-questions-witnesses-on-implementation-of-real-id-act,Chairman Carlos Gimenez Questions Witnesses on Implementation of REAL ID Act,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos A. Gimenez,G000593,gimenez.house.gov,gimenez,https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) chaired a Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security hearing entitled Identity Management Innovation: Looking Beyond Real ID, that examined the status and challenges of identity management, with a focus on the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005. The REAL ID Act of 2005 established security standards that driver licenses and identification cards must satisfy in order to be accepted by federal agencies and to board airline flights in the United States. This hearing explored best practices for improving digital identity adoption and strengthening the security and convenience of identity management for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). “Customer service and safety should be an absolute priority for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As Chairman of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, I have spearheaded initiatives to provide for a safe, secure, and speedy airport experience for all traveling Americans,” said Chairman Gimenez. “Congress passed REAL ID over 18 years ago and it was imperative to hear from witnesses who could speak to the ongoing challenges the program is facing.” WITNESSES Ian Grossman President & CEO, The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Jeremy Grant Coordinator, Better Identity Coalition Hal Whiediger Senior Vice President of Client Success, IDEMIA Jay Stanley Senior Policy Analyst, American Civil Liberties Union The hearing was live streamed on Youtube and the Committee’s website. To watch Chairman Gimenez’s opening statements CLICK HERE or read the transcript below: American identity management is fundamentally fractured. The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed in response to September 11th. The goal of the Act was to address the fact that the hijackers were able to fraudulently obtain state drivers’ licenses and thereby enable their heinous act of terrorism. Congress decided that there needed to be security standards for states when it came to identity documents. 18 years later, approximately 52 percent of the American population possesses a driver’s license that is REAL ID-compliant. Only 4 states require REAL ID, which leaves 46 states and 5 American territories that provide non-REAL ID’s as an option. The problem comes to a head on May 7, 2025. On this date, if you do not have a REAL ID, you will not be able to fly in the U.S., unless you happen to have a Passport, Global Entry card, or some sort of other government issued ID that is approved for air travel. Suffice to say, on May 7, 2025, we are going to encounter utter mayhem at our airports. Since 2005, the Department of Homeland Security has awarded over 263 million dollars in grant funding to assist in enhancements to driver’s licenses. While this money has enabled individual States to update their processes, the REAL ID efforts have come in behind schedule and over budget. While all states are now offering REAL ID compliant licenses, there is more work to be done to raise awareness and REAL ID adoption. Yesterday, I had the chance to meet with our Transportation Security Administration, which is now overseeing REAL ID efforts given DHS Headquarters’ mismanagement of this important initiative since the beginning. In 2020, TSA took over REAL ID management and Congress passed the REAL ID Modernization Act, providing streamlined and innovative enhancements to REAL ID requirements. Since then, the work has expanded and become more efficient. Furthermore, the TSA’s identity management team has sought to look beyond physical identity documents and engage the digital realm—bringing together experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, technology companies, and banks to conceptualize the future of digital identity in the United States. I applaud these efforts but am concerned that this is a bigger effort than just one agency in one department – it requires a whole-of-government approach and leadership from the highest levels. Sadly, every American knows somebody or has themselves, been a victim of identity theft. This year alone, the Identity Theft Resource Center recorded more than 2,800 data breach notices which included over 273 million individuals. Total financial losses for Americans was over 10 billion dollars. The average cost for a US driver’s license on the black market is between 150 and 200 dollars. The average cost of a social security number is worth only a few pennies. In other words, social security numbers are easy to forge and not a very secure way to identify yourself. There’s also a darker side to identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports that 16 percent of identity crime victims contemplated suicide the past year due to the impact of their stolen identity. Simply put: this issue is about more than simply getting a driver’s license. I firmly believe our current identity management challenges are solvable and provide us with an opportunity. However, it will require hard work. We will need to fix the current problem by devaluing the stolen identity data of Americans that is already out in the open so that criminals cannot so easily leverage American identities for nefarious purposes. And we must take a hard look at how we can protect future American identities by providing new ways to prove that you are—in fact—who you say you are, such as new mobile driver’s license that are a digital counterpart to plastic ID cards and that can be used not only in person but also online. When it comes to the future of identity, Americans are rightly skeptical and concerned about privacy and civil liberties—especially the collection of biometric data. This is why in today’s hearing we will draw the important distinction between biometric verification versus biometric recognition. As usual, the private sector has had solutions to identity management for decades. Though, because government is the only authoritative issuer of identity, there are limitations on what industry alone can deliver. We have with us today a panel of experts in the industry that have been involved in this discussion since the beginning of these discussions. The American people deserve a robust discussion about the timeline of events and how it is that we landed here—18 years after the passage of the REAL ID Act—with even greater challenges than we had before. I look forward to the discussion and the solutions that are offered. ### Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/englishespanol-congressional-latino-jewish-caucus-leaders-meet-families,English/Español: Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Leaders Meet with Families of Remaining Hostages held by Hamas,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today,Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart(R-FL),Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-FL),Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), andTony Gonzales (R-TX), issued the following statement after meeting with families and friends of hostages who remain held captive by Hamas: “Today, as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, we had the solemn opportunity to meet with families and friends of hostages held in Gaza, many who are dual citizens from Argentina, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, and who are still being held by Hamas terrorists,""said the Members. ""We were appalled by the horrific stories of October 7 that we heard from the group and the mistreatment suffered by those kidnapped. As Members of Congress, we stand in bipartisan and unwavering solidarity with the hostages and call for their immediate release. With the rise of antisemitism and hate crimes globally, terrorism, sexual violence against women, and over a hundred hostages still held in Gaza, the work to combat these evils is even more urgent. We remain resolved in our commitment to continue our collective efforts to work toward the return and reunification of the hostages with their families."" Below is the list of the hostages whose families and friends attended the meeting: Omri Miran (46), Israeli-Hungarian dual citizen Elkana Bohbot (34), Israeli-Colombian dual citizen Tal Shoham (30), Israeli-Austrian dual citizen Alexander (Sasha) Troponov (27), Israeli-Russian dual citizen Sagui Dekel-Chen (35), Israeli-American dual citizen Eitan Horan (37) and Yair Horan (45), Israeli Argentinian dual citizens ### WASHINGTON, D.C.– Hoy los Copresidentes del Comité Parlamentario Latino-Judío del CongresoMario Díaz-Balart (R-FL),Debbie Wasserman Schultz(D-FL),Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), yTony Gonzales (R-TX), emitieron la siguiente declaración después de reunirse con las familias y amigos de los rehenes que siguen siendo cautivos de Hamas: ""Hoy, como copresidentes del Caucus Latino-Judio de la Cámara de Representantes bipartidista, tuvimos la solemne oportunidad de reunirnos con familias y amigos de rehenes detenidos en Gaza, muchos de los cuales son ciudadanos duales de Argentina, Colombia, y otros países latinoamericanos, y que aún son retenidos por terroristas de Hamas"",dijeron los miembros. ""Nos horrorizaron las historias horrendas de 7 de octubre que escuchamos del grupo y el maltrato sufrido por quienes fueron secuestrados. Como miembros del Congreso, nos mantenemos en solidaridad bipartidista e inquebrantable con los rehenes y exigimos su liberación inmediata. Con el aumento del antisemitismo y los crímenes de odio a nivel mundial, el terrorismo, la violencia sexual contra las mujeres y más de cien rehenes aún detenidos en Gaza, el trabajo para combatir estos males es aún mas urgente. Permanecemos firmes en nuestro compromiso de continuar nuestro trabajo colectivo para lograr el retorno y la reunificación de los rehenes con sus familias."" A continuación se presenta la lista de los rehenes cuyas familias y amigos asistieron a la reunión: Omri Miran (46), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israelí-húngaro Elkana Bohbot (34), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israelí-colombiano Tal Shoham (30), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israelí-austriaco Alexander (Sasha) Troponov (27), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israelí-russo Sagui Dekel-Chen (35), ciudadano de doble ciudadania israelí-americano Eitan Horan (37) and Yair Horan (45), ciudadanos de doble ciudadania israelí-argentinos",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Rutherford Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) announced the 2023 Congressional App Challenge winners for Florida's 5th Congressional District. Sarah Park, enrolled at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, earned first place for her app “Spark Care+,” which provides mental wellness services to users by allowing them to select a personalized music piece based on their activity. For example, users can create music to help with relaxation, boost energy, meditate, or improve concentration. Vandana Guru and Meghna Guru, enrolled at Allen D. Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach and Switzerland Point Middle School in Jacksonville, earned second place for their app “Toast Buddies.” This app helps users overcome their fear of public speaking by receiving real-time feedback and collaboration on their performance. Users may also provide ratings and feedback to others in real-time. Nikhil Kumar and Joseph Hadad, enrolled in Creekside High School in St. Johns, earned third place for their app “Aurora Vision,” which improves accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community by converting audio data into a visual interface. The app also transcribes spoken words, identifies familiar speakers, and alerts users to important environmental events, all while prioritizing user privacy and control over their data. “On behalf of Florida’s 5th Congressional District, I am proud to host the annual Congressional App Challenge and encourage our students to pursue a future in STEM,” said Congressman Rutherford. “Sarah, Vandana, Meghna, Nikhil, and Joseph all show an impressive ability to combine creativity with the mechanics needed to create applications aimed at supporting others. I wish them well as they continue to exercise their talent and strive for excellence.” The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding. Student participants compete against their peers to create an application or “app” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. The 2024 Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in Florida’s 5th Congressional District and will be open for submissions now until November 1, 2024. Learn more about the Congressional App Challenge here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresistas-salazar-y-wasserman-schultz-presentan-un-proyecto-de-ley-para,Congresistas Salazar y Wasserman Schultz presentan un proyecto de ley para ampliar las oportunidades de vivienda de la tribu Miccosukee,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Las representantes María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) y Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) presentaron la Ley ""Tigertail Historical Tree Island Repatriation"" de 2023, un proyecto de ley bipartidista que mejoraría las opciones de vivienda para la tribu Miccosukee, los administradores históricos de los Everglades, un tesoro medioambiental y un recurso hídrico fundamental. “La tribu Miccosukee es una parte integral de la comunidad del sur de Florida”, dijo la representante Salazar. ""Este proyecto de ley garantizará que los Miccosukee puedan utilizar sus recursos como los necesiten mientras protegen nuestro medio ambiente y preservan la salud de los Everglades"". ""Nuestros amigos de la tribu Miccosukee son buenos administradores y protectores de los Everglades de Estados Unidos, una joya estadounidense que ayuda a suministrar agua potable a millones de floridanos"", dijo la representante Wasserman Schultz. ""Estoy orgullosa de asociarme con la Tribu y mi colega de Florida en este proyecto de ley para que puedan seguir prosperando en el sur de Florida"". Desde el siglo XIX, la tribu Miccosukee ha vivido en los Everglades de Florida, primero buscando refugio de las fuerzas colonizadoras y, con el tiempo, formando una conexión profunda con la tierra y el agua allí. Hoy en día, las tradiciones culturales de la Tribu siguen conectadas con la salud del ecosistema de los Everglades, que está intrínsecamente entrelazado con una vasta red de canales construidos por el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército para gestionar el flujo de agua de Florida Central a través de los Everglades. La Ley ""Tigertail Historical Tree Island Repatriation"" autorizaría al Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército a realinear una parte del dique ubicado dentro del Campamento Tigertail para dar a los miembros de la tribu Miccosukee opciones para brindar más alojamiento a los miembros de la familia del Campamento Tigertail. Para leer el proyecto de ley, haga clic aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-and-wasserman-schultz-introduce-bill-expand-miccosukee-tribal-housing,Salazar and Wasserman Schultz Introduce Bill to Expand Miccosukee Tribal Housing Opportunities,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Tigertail Historical Tree Island Repatriation Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill that would improve housing options for the Miccosukee Tribe, the historic stewards of the Everglades, an environmental treasure and critical water resource. “The Miccosukee Tribe are an integral part of the South Florida Community,” said Rep. Salazar. “This bill will ensure the Miccosukee can use their resources as they need to while protecting our environment and preserving the health of the Everglades.” “Our friends in the Miccosukee Tribe are good stewards and protectors of America’s Everglades, an American jewel that helps supply drinking water to millions of Floridians,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to partner with the Tribe and my Florida colleague on this bill so they can continue to flourish in South Florida.” Since the 1800s the Miccosukee Tribe has lived in the Florida Everglades, first seeking refuge from colonizing forces, and over time, forming a deep connection with the land and water there. Today, the Tribe’s cultural traditions remain connected to the health of the Everglades ecosystem, which is intrinsically intertwined with a vast network of canals and levels built by the Army Corps of Engineers to manage Central Florida water flow throughout the Everglades. The Tigertail Historical Tree Island Repatriation Act would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to realign a portion of the levee located within the Tigertail Camp to give Miccosukee Tribe members options to provide more housing for members of the Tigertail Camp family. To read the bill, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/rep-carlos-gimenez-calls-for-ban-on-travel-between-u-s-and-china,Rep. Carlos Gimenez Calls for Ban on Travel Between U.S. and China,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos A. Gimenez,G000593,gimenez.house.gov,gimenez,https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) called for a ban on travel between China and the United States amid reports that a mysterious respiratory illness is once again spreading in China. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) lies and lack of transparency robbed the United States of vital knowledge of the disease and its origins and hampered our ability to respond. “Four years after the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the world, there is a mysterious new respiratory illness once again spreading in China. During the coronavirus pandemic, the CCP’s lies and lack of transparency regarding the disease and its origin robbed the U.S. of vital knowledge and hampered our ability to respond,” said Rep. Giménez. “Communist China cannot be trusted. Until more is known about this mysterious illness, we must immediately ban all travel between Communist China and the United States to guard our public health and protect our country.” The CCP has a long history lying to the international community about public health crises. Until more is known about this pathogen, the United States must ban travel between the U.S. and China to prevent this mysterious illness from reaching our shores. To watch Rep. Giménez's Fox News interview, CLICK HERE. ### Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/rep-carlos-gimenez-calls-for-investigation-sanctions-against-the-castro-regime-after-spy-arrest,"Rep. Carlos Gimenez Calls for Investigation, Sanctions Against the Castro Regime After Spy Arrest",2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos A. Gimenez,G000593,gimenez.house.gov,gimenez,https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) ) called for an immediate investigation and additional sanctions against the murderous Communist dictatorship in Cuba after an agent of the regime was arrested for espionage against the United States government. Manuel Rocha, a former State Department official, was arrested for working as a foreign agent on behalf of the brutal Castro regime. “The arrest of traitorous former Ambassador Manuel Rocha is the latest in a long string of examples of the criminal Castro regime extending its insidious tentacles into the United States,” said Rep. Giménez. “For over forty years, Manuel Rocha sought out positions in the State Department that gave him access to classified information related to U.S. foreign policy in Latin America so he could feed it back to Cuban intelligence agents. His arrest exposed one of the highest-reaching and long-lasting infiltrations of our government by a foreign agent. As the only Cuban-born Member of Congress, I am calling for an immediate investigation by the Department of Justice and the implementation of additional sanctions against the criminal regime now!” For forty years, Manuel Rocha served as a secret agent for the Cuban regime and sought and obtained various positions within the United States government that gave him access to classified or sensitive information related to U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Manuel Rocha served as a political officer in the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, as a Political-Military Affairs Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Honduras, as First Secretary in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, as Director of Inter-American Affairs on the National Security Council and as U.S. Ambassador in Bolivia from 2000 to 2002. ### Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=424,Congressman Dunn: College Football Failed Florida State,2023-12-03,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Neal P. Dunn,D000628,dunn.house.gov,dunn,https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"TALLAHASSEE, FL – Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released the following statement regarding the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee’s exclusion of Florida State University (FSU) from the College Football Playoff. “College football failed Florida State University. It’s a shame that an undefeated team, who earned every bit of their perfect season, won’t even get a shot in the College Football Playoffs. What does college football have against Florida State and Tallahassee?” said Congressman Dunn. “Make no mistake, Florida’s Second Congressional District knows our Seminoles are champions even if the selection committee fails to recognize that they earned a chance to prove it.” The Florida State Seminoles finished the 2023 season undefeated with a 13-0 record and an ACC Championship title. The Seminoles were unfairly judged by the untimely injury of Quarterback Jordan Travis. This is not the first time Congressman Dunn has criticized the treatment of Florida State by college football power brokers. Earlier this year, the NCAA blocked Jackson from playing football with the Seminoles after he transferred to FSU to be closer to his ailing mother. Congressman Dunn sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to reconsider Darrell’s waiver so he could play with FSU. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-condemns-biden-admin-wasting-billions-us-dollars-un-climate,Díaz-Balart Condemns Biden Admin Wasting Billions of U.S. Dollars on UN Climate Program,2023-12-02,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement regarding the Biden Administration's announcement of a multi-year plan on an ineffective Climate Change program of the United Nations: “I am appalled that the Biden Administration will pledge billions more of taxpayer dollars, money that Congress has not even provided, to yet another bloated, mismanaged, and ineffective slush fund that will do nothing to change the temperature of the planet. Given our national debt of more than $33.8 trillion, in addition to the numerous pressing and grave foreign policy challenges that we are facing, there simply is no justification for spending billions more on a failing, inflated, and economically harmful climate change agenda led by clueless bureaucrats at the United Nations.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cammack-receives-2023-congressional-bone-health-champion-award,Rep. Cammack Receives 2023 Congressional Bone Health Champion Award,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Kat Cammack,C001039,cammack.house.gov,cammack,https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is pleased to announce that Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) has been selected to receive the 2023 Congressional Bone Health Champion Award. The national award annually recognizes four Members of Congress who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to protect and improve the bone health of Americans. BHOF, the leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and promoting strong bones for life, presents the awards to highlight the importance of bone health and raise awareness about the osteoporosis crisis in the U.S. The other 2023 winners are Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV). Rep. Cammack is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over Medicare and other key health programs. Rep. Cammack joined with the Caucus and the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation in sponsoring a congressional briefing on women's bone health throughout the lifetime. This briefing provided a great opportunity to raise awareness about osteoporosis and promote action to improve the bone health of all Americans. In Florida, with its large senior population, 144,000 Medicare beneficiaries suffered over 172,500 fractures tied to osteoporosis in 2016. ""The importance of bone health and its impact on an individual’s overall health as well as healthcare costs is often overlooked by policymakers,"" said Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. ""We greatly appreciate Rep. Cammack's work to raise awareness and shed light on what is a crisis in bone health in the United States. We know what needs to be done to address this crisis. There are simple steps Congress and the Biden Administration can take that would greatly improve the care of millions of Americans with osteoporosis."" Rep. Cammack said, ""It's an honor to be named one of this year's Congressional Bone Health Champion Award recipients. As a co-chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, women's health is one of our top priorities, and we were fortunate to hold a bone health briefing earlier this year. For women—and adults across the U.S.—bone health is too often overlooked, but it’s an important part of an individual’s overall health. I look forward to continuing to raise awareness around this issue."" Osteoporosis is a growing yet often ignored healthcare problem that disproportionately impacts women. Ten million Americans have osteoporosis and 44 million are at high risk of the disease due to low bone density. According to a 2021 report, two million Medicare beneficiaries (about 70 percent women) suffered up to 2.1 million osteoporotic bone fractures in 2016. For women, the risk of any osteoporotic fracture is greater than their risk of a heart attack, stroke or breast cancer combined. The total annual cost for osteoporotic fractures among Medicare beneficiaries was $57 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow to over $95 billion in 2040 without reforms, as the population ages. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=423,Congressman Dunn Calls for a B-1/B-2 Visa Requirement in the Northern Mariana Islands,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Neal P. Dunn,D000628,dunn.house.gov,dunn,https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to express concern about the United States’ visa policy for Chinese nationals entering the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). “The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands is the only U.S. territory that does not require a visa for Chinese nationals to enter. Current statute allows Chinese nationals to enter the islands for 14 days visa-free,” said Congressman Dunn. “Law enforcement does an exceptional job capturing those who come to the islands with ill intent. However, we must implement the requirement of a B-1/B-2 visa to enter the CMNI to successfully deter the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression and transnational repression.” “It’s important to help protect the people of CNMI, and a thoughtful B1/B2 Visa policy is part of a commonsense effort to preserve safety throughout the Indo-Pacific,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (American Samoa). “Thank you to Congressman Dunn for his ongoing work on Pacific security issues.” “Guam and the CNMI are once again targets of China's attempts to gain an edge over the United States. A large number of Chinese citizens enter Guam's shores illegally, often arriving in small boats from our neighboring islands. This poses a serious threat to the security of my island and to the United States of America. We must take action to safeguard our national security and make it harder for unauthorized visitors to infiltrate the Northern Mariana Islands. I want to thank Congressman Neal Dunn for advocating for our cause and pushing for a B-1/B-2 Visa requirements,” said Congressman James “Jim” Moylan (Guam). As mentioned in the letter, four companies in Guam were issued sanctions for using illegal labor from China this year. Chinese citizens were caught entering Saipan and then using messaging apps to coordinate illegal jobs and illegal boat rides to Guam, which is home to highly strategic U.S. military installations. Moreover, just last month, the Department of Justice prosecuted a case in which two Chinese nationals using the United States Postal Service for the distribution of methamphetamine in CNMI were sentenced to prison. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gimenez.house.gov/2023/12/rep-carlos-gimenez-continues-to-sound-the-alarm-on-chinese-nationals-arrested-in-key-largo,Rep. Carlos Gimenez Continues to Sound the Alarm on Chinese Nationals Arrested in Key Largo,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Carlos A. Gimenez,G000593,gimenez.house.gov,gimenez,https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) sent a letter to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Acting Commissioner Troy Miller to express his continued concern over the Biden Administration's reckless, open-border policies that continue to wreak havoc in Florida’s 28th Congressional District and communities across the United States. Rep. Gimenez has requested additional information on the October 23, 20 arrest of nineteen Chinese migrants in Key Largo. Rep. Gimenez demanded more information from Customs and Border Patrol to assess who these individuals are and what threats, if any, they may pose to our homeland. As a Member of the Homeland Security Committee, a top priority for Rep. Gimenez is to protect our border and ensure our national security. “The arrest of nineteen Chinese nationals in my district is yet another example of the growing trend of Chinese nationals attempting to enter the United States illegally,” said Rep. Gimenez. “The reckless, open-border policies of the Biden Administration have emboldened our adversaries to find ways to exploit our weaknesses and endanger my District and the country at large. In the face of these rising threats, it is imperative that we fully support our Border Patrol Agents so they are prepared to encounter these individuals before they enter the country.” Below is Rep. Gimenez’s request for additional information: What purpose did the group provide for traveling to the United States? How many of the 52,000 Chinese nationals apprehended have requested asylum under 8 USC § 1158? What country did they arrive in from China and which country did they set sail from to the Florida Keys? Have these nineteen individuals from China presented ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)? How many of the 52,000 Chinese nationals apprehended have presented ties to the CCP? Where are these individuals currently being held? What are their broader intentions in the United States? What is CBP doing to track and apprehend nationals from non-Western Hemisphere countries, particularly from adversarial nations? To read the full letter, CLICK HERE. To read the NY Post Exclusive, CLICK HERE. ### Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-statement-vote-expel-george-santos-congress,Rutherford Statement on Vote to Expel George Santos from Congress,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,John H. Rutherford,R000609,rutherford.house.gov,rutherford,https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the House’s decision to expel Rep. George Santos (NY-03) from Congress with a bipartisan vote of 311 to 114: “I have dedicated my life to law and order. I took a sworn oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, and as a member of the House Ethics Committee, I am charged with the responsibility to hold all members of the House to the highest ethical standards, House Rules, and the rule of law. “On February 28, 2023, the Ethics Committee’s Investigative Subcommittee (ISC) launched an investigation into Rep. George Santos. After a thorough and complete investigation, the ISC, on which I served, released our findings with a unanimous conclusion that substantial evidence showed that Rep. Santos knowingly and repeatedly violated federal laws and House Rules, including filing false and incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission, misusing campaign funds for personal purposes, engaging in fraudulent conduct in connection with RedStone Strategies LLC, and violating the Ethics in Government Act as it relates to his Financial Disclosure Statements filed with the House. The ISC found Rep. Santos’s conduct to be beneath the dignity of the office and to have brought severe discredit upon the House. ""For this reason, I voted for H. Res. 878 to expel Rep. Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives. I believe we have a duty and a responsibility to the American public to uphold the integrity of this institution and hold a rulebreaker accountable. Rep. Santos is entitled to due process in his criminal prosecution and will have his day in court. As a Member of the House, however, he must be held accountable to the highest standards of conduct in order to safeguard the public's faith in this institution. The Constitution charges the House with policing the behavior of its own Members, and the House should take whatever action it deems appropriate in light of the ISC's findings.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-exige-al-regimen-satanico-de-ortegamurillo-que-libere-al,Congresista Salazar exige al régimen satánico de Ortega/Murillo que libere al obispo Rolando Álvarez y ponga fin a su diabólica persecución,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – La presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), se unió al presidente del Subcomité de Derechos Humanos, Chris Smith (R-NJ), en una audiencia para denunciar la reprobable persecución de líderes religiosos católicos en Nicaragua bajo el régimen de Ortega/Murillo. “Es inconcebible que el régimen de Ortega se atreva a meterse con el obispo Álvarez y la Iglesia católica”, dijo la congresista Salazar. “Este es un mensaje directo a Murillo y Ortega: no crean que se van a salir con la suya. Este hombre debe ser libre”. El presidente del Subcomité Global de Derechos Humanos, Chris Smith (R-NJ), celebró una audiencia sobre la injusta persecución del obispo católico de Matagalpa, monseñor Rolando Álvarez, y la comunidad católica en Nicaragua. Monseñor Álvarez fue encarcelado por el régimen de Ortega en agosto de 2022 por falsos delitos de “atentado a la integridad nacional y propagación de noticias falsas a través de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones en perjuicio del Estado y la sociedad nicaragüense”. Desde entonces se ha convertido en un símbolo de la resistencia católica a la tiranía de Ortega. Entre los testigos en la audiencia se encontraban dos clérigos católicos de Nicaragua, junto con el padre de otro clérigo. Para protegerse de la brutalidad del régimen de Ortega, los testigos se vieron obligados a hablar al pueblo estadounidense ocultando sus identidades. El otro testigo público fue Deborah Ullmer, directora Regional de Programas para América Latina y el Caribe del Instituto Nacional Demócrata. La representante Salazar reprendió duramente al régimen de Ortega como agentes del mal en su guerra contra la Iglesia católica e instó a los dictadores Daniel Ortega y Rosario Murillo a liberar a monseñor Álvarez sin obligarlo a exiliarse. ANTECEDENTES: A principios de este año, la Iglesia Católica publicó un informe sobre el estado de la libertad religiosa en el mundo a través de su organización Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada. El informe muestra que, entre los tiranos socialistas de América Latina, el régimen de Ortega destaca por su disposición a perseguir a sus compatriotas que profesan la fe cristiana. Actualmente, Nicaragua está incluida entre los Países de Particular Preocupación del Departamento de Estado. Esta lista incluye países culpables de graves violaciones de la libertad religiosa en virtud de la Ley de Libertad Religiosa Internacional de 1990. Aunque culpables de los mismos crímenes, el Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) o los sandinistas no están incluidos en la lista de Entidades de Particular Preocupación, una lista similar diseñada para identificar organizaciones que suprimen la libertad religiosa. La congresista Salazar ha pedido en una carta reciente que se incluya a los sandinistas en esta lista. Puede ver la audiencia completa aquí. Para leer más detalles sobre la audiencia, haga clic aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-resolucion-que-reafirma-la-doctrina-monroe,Congresista Salazar presenta Resolución que reafirma la Doctrina Monroe,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, la presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental, la congresista María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), y el representante Chip Roy (R-TX), presentaron una Resolución para conmemorar el aniversario 200 de la Doctrina Monroe. Conceptualizada por primera vez por el entonces Secretario de Estado John Quincy Adams y presentada por el presidente James Monroe en su séptimo Estado de la Unión, la Doctrina Monroe ha mantenido continuamente a Estados Unidos a salvo de la influencia extranjera durante 200 años. “La promesa de la Doctrina Monroe de independencia estadounidense en el Hemisferio Occidental nos ha mantenido a salvo durante 200 años”, dijo la representante Salazar. “Hoy en día, las amenazas a nuestra seguridad y libertad ya no provienen de Inglaterra, Francia o España, sino de China, Rusia e Irán. Al aprobar mi Resolución, el Congreso enviará un mensaje claro al mundo de que Estados Unidos todavía está a cargo”. Concebida inicialmente por los Padres Fundadores como una estrategia de seguridad nacional para sofocar la influencia colonial en las Américas, la necesidad de una “Doctrina Monroe” para la era moderna es mayor que nunca. Si bien Inglaterra, España y Francia ya no gobiernan el Atlántico, las nuevas potencias coloniales, comunistas y autoritarias con sede en Beijing, Moscú y Teherán buscan desafiar una vez más la hegemonía estadounidense en nuestro Hemisferio. El comercio chino con América Latina se ha disparado en el 3.000% en los últimos 20 años, incluidas las crecientes ventas de aviones de combate Karakorum-8 a Bolivia y Venezuela. China también opera una estación espacial en Argentina y bases de espionaje en Cuba, mientras construye un puerto de aguas profundas en Perú. Los rusos y los iraníes también han estado vendiendo armas a nuestros enemigos en América, incluida la venta de equipo militar a Bolivia y Venezuela, mientras aumentan su presencia militar en Nicaragua. Estos acontecimientos representan un peligro claro y presente para los intereses económicos y de seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos y deben revertirse de inmediato. La Resolución de la representante Salazar proporciona un primer paso importante en la dirección correcta al lograr que el Congreso reconozca el problema. Como presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental del Comité de Relaciones Exteriores de la Cámara de Representantes, la representante Salazar desde que asumió el cargo ha estado haciendo sonar la alarma sobre la creciente influencia antiestadounidense en las Américas. ""El sábado se cumple el bicentenario de la Doctrina Monroe, en la que Estados Unidos envió un mensaje inequívoco al resto del mundo de que no toleraríamos la intromisión de potencias extranjeras en el Hemisferio Occidental"", dijo el representante Roy. “Ahora, al igual que entonces, debemos mantenernos firmes contra las fuerzas externas que socavan nuestras asociaciones con nuestros aliados de este lado del mundo. La preocupación del presidente Monroe sobre la influencia de las potencias extranjeras en las Américas adquiere ahora una nueva urgencia a medida que adversarios como China, Rusia, Irán y otros buscan aumentar sus puntos de apoyo en la región y socavar nuestra libertad, seguridad y forma de vida. Estoy orgulloso de copatrocinar esta Resolución con mi amiga, la representante María Salazar”. ""Estoy orgulloso de unirme a mis colegas para conmemorar el aniversario 200 de la Doctrina Monroe, un hito en la historia de nuestra nación"", dijo el representante Mills. ""Esta doctrina sigue siendo una piedra angular de nuestra postura diplomática, salvaguardando la soberanía y la independencia estadounidenses de la influencia maligna del exterior"". A los representantes Salazar y Roy se unen en esta Resolución los congresistas Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Keith Self (R-TX), Cory Mills (R-FL), William Timmons (R-SC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Randy Weber (R-TX), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA) y Mike Lawler (R-NY). Para leer la Resolución completa, haga clic aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-demands-satanic-ortegamurillo-regime-free-bishop-rolando-alvarez-end,"Salazar Demands the Satanic Ortega/Murillo Regime Free Bishop Rolando Álvarez, End Their Diabolical Persecution",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chair María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Chris Smith (R-NJ) in a hearing denouncing the reprehensible persecution of Catholic religious leaders in Nicaragua under the Ortega/Murillo regime. “It is inconceivable that the Ortega regime dares to mess with Bishop Álvarez and the Catholic Church,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “This is a message directly to Murillo and Ortega: Don't think that you are going to get away with this. This man must be free.” Global Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Chris Smith (R-NJ) held a hearing on the unjust persecution of the Catholic Bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, and the Catholic community in Nicaragua. Monsignor Álvarez was jailed by the Ortega regime in August 2022 for false crimes of ""undermining national integrity and propagation of false news through information and communication technologies to the detriment of the State and Nicaraguan society."" He has since become a symbol of Catholic resistance to Ortega's tyranny. Among the witnesses at the hearing were two Catholic clergymen in Nicaragua, along with a parent of another clergyman. In order to protect their identity from the brutality of the Ortega regime, the witnesses were forced to speak with their identities concealed to the American people. The other public witness was Deborah Ullmer, Regional Director for Latin America and Caribbean Programs at the National Democratic Institute. Salazar strongly rebuked the Ortega regime as agents for evil in their war against the Catholic Church and urged the dictators Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo to free Monsignor Álvarez without forcing him into exile. BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, the Catholic Church published a report on the state of religious freedom in the world through their organization, Aid to the Church in Need. The report shows that among the socialist tyrants of Latin America, the Ortega regime stands out in its willingness to persecute their countrymen who profess the Christian faith. Currently, Nicaragua is included in the State Department’s Countries of Particular Concern. This list includes countries guilty of severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1990. Though guilty of the same crimes, the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) or Sandinistas are not included in the list of Entities of Particular Concern, a similar list designed to identify organizations that suppress religious freedom. Salazar has called for the Sandinistas to be included in this list in a recent letter. You can view the full hearing here. To read more details about the hearing, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-resolution-reaffirming-monroe-doctrine,Salazar Introduces Resolution Reaffirming Monroe Doctrine,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine. First conceptualized by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and delivered by President James Monroe at his seventh State of the Union, the Monroe Doctrine has continuously kept America safe from foreign influence for 200 years. “The Monroe Doctrine’s promise of American independence in the Western Hemisphere has kept us safe for 200 years,” said Rep. Salazar. “Today, threats to our security and liberty no longer come from England, France, or Spain, but from China, Russia, and Iran. By passing my resolution, Congress will send a clear message to the world that America is still in charge.” First conceived by the Founding Fathers as a national security strategy to stifle colonial influence in the Americas, the need for a ‘Monroe Doctrine’ for the modern era is greater than ever. While England, Spain, and France no longer rule the Atlantic, the new colonial communist and authoritarian powers based in Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran seek to challenge American hegemony in our hemisphere once again. Chinese trade with Latin America has exploded by 3,000% in the last 20 years, including growing weapons sales of Karakorum-8 fighter jets to Bolivia and Venezuela. China also operates a deep space station in Argentina and spy bases throughout Cuba, all while constructing a deep-water port in Peru. The Russians and Iranians have also been selling weapons to our enemies in the Americas, including selling military equipment to Bolivia and Venezuela while building a military presence in Nicaragua. These developments present a clear and present danger to America’s economic and national security interests, and must be reversed immediately. Rep. Salazar’s resolution provides a significant first step in the right direction by having Congress recognize the problem. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Salazar has been sounding the alarm on growing anti-American influence in the Americas since assuming the position. “Saturday marks the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, in which the United States sent an unequivocal message to the rest of the world that we would not tolerate the meddling of foreign powers in the Western Hemisphere,” said Rep. Roy. “Now, just as then, we must stand resolute against outside forces that undercut our partnerships with our allies on this side of the globe. President Monroe’s concern about foreign powers influencing the Americas now takes on new urgency as adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and other seek to increase their footholds in the region and undermine our freedom, security, and way of life. I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution with my friend Rep. Maria Salazar.” ""I'm proud to join my colleagues in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, a milestone in our nation's history,"" said Rep. Mills. ""This doctrine remains a cornerstone of our diplomatic posture, safeguarding American sovereignty and independence from malign overseas influence."" Reps. Salazar and Roy are joined on this resolution by Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Keith Self (R-TX), Cory Mills (R-FL), William Timmons (R-SC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Randy Weber (R-TX), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY). To read the full resolution, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-service-academy-nominees/,U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Service Academy Nominees,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,W. Gregory Steube,S001214,steube.house.gov,steube,https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Service Academy Nominees SARASOTA, Fla. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today announced the nomination of 21 students in Florida’s 17th Congressional District to the U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, CT, is the fifth service academy and does not require a congressional nomination. “It is a privilege to nominate the next generation of military leaders. This year’s nominees are intelligent, driven Floridians with a passion to serve our country. Should they receive an appointment, these individuals will represent our district well,” said Rep. Steube. This year’s Service Academy nominees are as follows: Sarasota County Alexandra Witherspoon, Riverview High School — USAFA Ava Marano, Pine View School — USNA Benjamin Aguilar, Sarasota High School — USMA Casey Aten, Pine View School — USNA Christian DeLarge, Sarasota Military Academy and Naval Academy Preparatory School — USNA Conor Heary, Sarasota High School — USMA and USAFA Darvani Gonzalez, Sarasota High School — USNA and USAFA Ethan Wang, Pine View School — USMA Jackson Ruthven, Sarasota Military Academy — USNA and USMMA Karina Lawrence, Venice High School — USMA Madison Witherspoon, Riverview High School — USNA Micah Thomson, Venice High School — USMA Noah Gregory, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School and Randolph-Macon Academy — USAFA Sienna Pezzella, Pezzella Academy and University of South Florida — USNA, USMA and USMMA Emmerson Taylor, State College of Florida — USMA Wilhelm Hamburger, Riverview High School — USMA Charlotte County Anindita Carlsen, Port Charlotte High School — USNA Elliot Courtney, Charlotte High School and Florida SouthWestern State College — USNA Reiley Lester, American Overseas School of Rome — USAFA",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-introduces-the-fly-act-to-expedite-flight-access-procedures-for-caregivers-parents-and-guardians/,"U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Introduces the FLY Act to Expedite Flight Access Procedures for Caregivers, Parents, and Guardians",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,W. Gregory Steube,S001214,steube.house.gov,steube,https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Introduces the FLY Act to Expedite Flight Access Procedures for Caregivers, Parents, and Guardians WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Fast Lane for Youths Act (FLY Act) to establish a system to expedite gate passes and flight access procedures for caregivers, parents, and guardians accompanying minors and passengers needing assistance to their flights. “Parents, guardians, and caregivers who are assisting passengers through the airport should be able to join them in TSA’s Pre-Check processing line, so long as they are already Pre-Check qualified. In a stunning display of bureaucratic absurdity, current TSA policies do not provide Pre-Check privileges for gate passes even when the passenger and escorts all have been screened through the Pre-Check program. My legislation provides a simple legislative fix to allow a more expedient process through the airport for many families this holiday season,” said Rep. Steube. Specifically, the legislation requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a system to better expedite gate passes and flight access procedures to allow caregivers, parents, and guardians to accompany minors and passengers needing assistance to their flights. The legislation requires the system to ensure up to two gate passes are provided to caregivers, parents, and guardians who are already qualified for TSA Pre-Check, to the same extent as such status would be noted on a ticket. Read the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6D82EE1A-7947-4230-AF2B-D5F736882323,Webster Votes to Prevent Iran from Accessing Frozen Funds,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted yesterday to pass H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, legislation that requires the President to impose immediate sanctions on any foreign financial institution that engages in a transaction using or involving the $6 billion in Iranian assets held by Qatar. “As the world’s largest state-sponsor of terrorism, Iran is a proven opponent of U.S. interests, international security, and universal values of liberty,” said Rep. Webster. “This legislation ensures that these funds are frozen, preventing billions of dollars from reaching Iran and being used to support terrorist organization.” Following the deadly terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7th by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists, Rep. Webster and his colleagues took several actions to prevent Iran from accessing the $6 billion in funds that were unfrozen by the Biden Administration on September 11, 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F0AEED1C-BED0-41B5-985F-0B578E2C5799,Webster Statement on Rep. George Santos,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement regarding his vote on H.Res.878 - Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the United States House of Representatives. “A vote to expel a member of Congress is a serious matter – and because of the lack of due process, I have voted against previous attempts to expel Rep. George Santos. However, the House Ethics Committee has now completed their investigation. Congressman Santos refused multiple opportunities to provide evidence or testimony clearing his name. The detailed evidence, unanimously assembled by the bipartisan Ethics Committee outlines numerous times that Congressman George Santos broke the law. “Such an investigation and clear evidence is rare – as are expulsions. Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives is an honor and solemn responsibility. Our Founding Fathers recognized the privilege and honor it is to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and included expulsion of member in Article 1, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution. Given the overwhelming evidence that Congressman Santos has violated federal law and his refusal to resign in the face of these facts, I was obligated to vote for his expulsion.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/bean-announces-unanimous-house-passage-legislation-strengthening-sba-pandemic,Bean Announces Unanimous House Passage of Legislation Strengthening SBA Pandemic Fraud Investigations,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Aaron Bean,B001314,bean.house.gov,bean,https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) announced unanimous House passage of the PPP/EIDL Fraud Report Act of 2023 otherwise known as the We Want Our Money Back Act. This bipartisan bill requires the Inspector General of the SBA to report to Congress with quarterly updates on the ongoing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) fraud investigations. Congressman Bean introduced this anti-fraud legislation with U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) after the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) discovered $200 billion in potentially fraudulent COVID-19 EIDLs and PPP loans. “This is a major first step towards restoring the $200 billon stolen from American taxpayers under the watch of the Small Business Administration. I am pleased the House voted unanimously to hold the SBA accountable and strengthen pandemic fraud investigations,” said Congressman Bean. “This vital legislation will ensure Congress can track the extent of the fraud and the progress in resolving the thousands of investigative leads of alleged fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer resources. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass this critical legislation.” “I am pleased to co-lead this bill with Congressman Aaron Bean, my colleague from Florida, to ensure Congress receives consistent reporting towards our goal of returning billions in stolen pandemic funds to the federal government and bringing white-collar criminals to justice,” said Congressman Mfume. Watch Congressman Bean’s House floor remarks on the bill HERE. BACKGROUND: A recent report from the OIG, found that of the more than 250,000 OIG Hotline complaints since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 90,000 are possible cases of fraud. This represents 100 years of investigative case work. Read the full report HERE. Read the full bill text HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-laurel-lee-joins-bill-protect-floridas-winter-strawberries-specialty-crop,"Rep. Laurel Lee Joins Bill to Protect Florida’s Winter Strawberries, Specialty Crop Growers",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Laurel M. Lee,L000597,laurellee.house.gov,laurellee,https://laurellee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Laurel Lee co-sponsored H.R. 6186, the Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act, introduced by Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL). The TEMP Act calls for the research and development of a crop insurance policy to cover losses caused by cold exposure and freezes. Florida’s specialty crop producers are burdened with limited access to comprehensive whole-farm crop insurance due to high insurance premiums, which cost thousands of dollars per acre. Specialty crop growers have been able to access insurance policies at reasonable costs that cover losses caused by specific covered impacts such as wind. However, no policy exists to cover losses caused by cold exposure and freezes. “Florida is home to countless agriculture producers and specialty crop growers who play an instrumental role in ensuring America’s food supply remains strong and resilient. During harsh winters, it can be especially difficult for specialty crop farmers to recover from the impacts of freezes and cold exposure. This bipartisan bill would relieve tremendous uncertainty and deliver necessary stability for Florida’s growers,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. Plant City, known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the U.S, is home to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). “The FSGA wholeheartedly supports H.R. 6186 and applauds Congressman Franklin for his leadership on this issue. FSGA is grateful for the bipartisan effort by co-sponsors Congresswoman Lee, Congressmen Soto, Mills, and Steube, as well as Senator Rubio’s efforts on the companion bill,” said Kenneth Parker, FSGA Executive Director. “H.R. 6186 ‘TEMP Act’ could present a valuable risk management tool within the Federal Crop Insurance Act that could be utilized by specialty crop commodities including strawberries.” “Our bipartisan bill creates an affordable index temperature policy, providing much-needed stability and coverage for Florida’s more than 300 specialty crops should temperatures drop below freezing. I thank my colleagues for their support of this commonsense initiative and Sen. Rubio for his leadership on this issue in the Senate,” said Rep. Franklin. “Florida’s growers are vital to our state’s economy and the security of our national food supply. The TEMP Act is a commonsense solution that will help our specialty crop growers access affordable crop insurance, and recover from the devastating impacts of deep freezes and cold exposure,” Sen. Rubio said. Read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/camara-de-representantes-aprueba-la-ley-reclaim-taxpayer-funds-de-la,"Cámara de Representantes aprueba la Ley ""RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds"" de la congresista María Elvira Salazar",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, la Ley ""RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds"" (H.R. 4667), de la congresista María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), fue aprobada por la Cámara de Representantes con un abrumador apoyo bipartidista. Este proyecto de ley recuperará miles de millones para el contribuyente mediante la reclamación de préstamos gubernamentales fraudulentos y ayudará a restablecer la responsabilidad fiscal y la rendición de cuentas del Gobierno. “El Gobierno federal debe dar un paso al frente y garantizar que los malos actores no se lleven el dinero de los contribuyentes, ganado con mucho esfuerzo”, dijo la representante Salazar. “Al aprobar la Ley ‘RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds’, la Cámara de Representantes está enviando un mensaje claro a la Administración Biden para que sea más responsable de los programas federales que están destinados a servir, no a robar”. Específicamente, la Ley “RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds” requiere que la Administración de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) contabilice los préstamos fraudulentos y no utilizados del Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP) distribuidos durante el apogeo de la pandemia de COVID-19. Un informe del inspector general de la SBA, Hannibal Ware, de junio de 2023, muestra que de los 1,2 billones de dólares en préstamos para desastres y daños económicos (EIDL) otorgados por el Gobierno federal desde el comienzo de la pandemia, se descubrió que 200 mil millones de dólares eran potencialmente fraudulentos. La administradora de la SBA, Isabel Guzmán, respondió con un informe competitivo el mismo día afirmando que sólo $36 mil millones de estos préstamos eran fraudulentos. El día que el Comité de Pequeños Negocios de la Cámara de Representantes llamó a la administradora Guzmán y al inspector general Ware para explicar esta discrepancia, solo Ware decidió presentarse. Desde entonces, la Administración de Pequeños Negocios no ha dado ninguna explicación adecuada sobre el alcance del abuso en los préstamos COVID-EIDL o cómo recuperará los fondos robados. La congresista Salazar presentó este proyecto de ley con el representante Morgan McGarvey (D-KY). El H.R. 4667 se aprobó originalmente por unanimidad en el Comité de Pequeños Negocios de la Cámara de Representantes en julio de 2023. Para escuchar los comentarios de la representante María Elvira Salazar en defensa de la Ley “RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds” en la Cámara de Representantes, haga clic aquí. Para obtener más detalles sobre Ley “RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds”, ¡haga clic aquí! ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/representantes-salazar-y-roy-felicitan-al-presidente-electo-argentino-javier,Representantes Salazar y Roy felicitan al presidente electo argentino Javier Milei y dan la bienvenida a un nuevo capítulo en la relación entre Estados Unidos y Argentina,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, los representantes María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) y Chip Roy (R-TX) enviaron una carta al presidente electo argentino Javier Milei, felicitándolo por su histórica victoria sobre la tiranía peronista en las elecciones presidenciales celebradas a principios de este mes. Milei, economista libertario de profesión, es un feroz defensor del libre mercado, la libertad económica, una fuerte relación con Estados Unidos y ha prometido dolarizar la economía argentina. Estados Unidos debe comprometerse positivamente con Milei para contrarrestar la creciente influencia del Partido Comunista Chino, Rusia e Irán en las Américas. Los legisladores escribieron: “Bajo su liderazgo, Argentina puede marcar el comienzo de una nueva era de prosperidad económica, poner fin a la inflación desenfrenada provocada por años de política fiscal y monetaria de izquierda y servir como otro faro de libertad en el Hemisferio Occidental”. “También esperamos trabajar con usted para promover el crecimiento económico y la seguridad en el Hemisferio Occidental a través del Comercio y otros mecanismos mientras combatimos la creciente influencia del Partido Comunista Chino, Rusia, Venezuela y las ideologías socialistas represivas en América del Sur”, agregaron. Como presidenta del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental del Comité de Relaciones Exteriores de la Cámara de Representantes, la representante Salazar ha defendido la causa de la libertad en Argentina, una nación acosada por el Socialismo y la corrupción. Este año, presentó una legislación para imponer sanciones a la actual vicepresidenta Cristina Fernández de Kirchner y sus asociados por robarle al pueblo argentino miles de millones de pesos. También denunció al Gobierno peronista por permitir que el Partido Comunista Chino operara una estación espacial del tamaño de 400 estadios de fútbol en el corazón de la Patagonia, sin la supervisión del Gobierno argentino. A los representantes Salazar y Roy también se unieron los representantes Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Lance Gooden (R-TX) y Matt Rosendale (R-MT). Lee la carta completa aquí. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-salazar-and-roy-congratulate-president-elect-javier-milei-argentina,"Reps. Salazar and Roy Congratulate President-Elect Javier Milei of Argentina, Welcome New Chapter in U.S.-Argentina Relationship",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Chip Roy (R-TX) sent a letter to Argentine President-Elect Javier Milei congratulating him on his historic victory over Peronist tyranny in the presidential election held earlier this month. A libertarian economist by profession, Milei is a fierce proponent of free markets, economic liberty, a strong relationship with the United States, and has promised to dollarize the Argentine economy. The United States must engage positively with Milei to counter the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party, Russia, and Iran in the Americas. The legislators wrote, “Under your leadership, Argentina can usher in a new era of economic prosperity, end rampant inflation brought on by years of leftist fiscal and monetary policy, and serve as another beacon of liberty in the Western Hemisphere.” “We also look forward to working with you to promote economic growth and security in the Western Hemisphere through trade and other mechanisms while combating the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Russia, Venezuela, and repressive socialist ideologies in South America,” they added. As Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar has championed the cause for liberty in Argentina, a nation dogged by socialism and corruption. This year, she introduced legislation to place sanctions on current Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her associates for robbing the Argentine people of billions of pesos. She also denounced the Peronist administration for allowing the Chinese Communist Party to operate a deep space station the size of 400 football stadiums in the heart of Patagonia without the supervision of the Argentine government. Reps. Salazar and Roy were also joined by Reps. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Lance Gooden (R-TX), and Matt Rosendale (R-MT). Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazars-reclaim-taxpayer-funds-act-passes-house-representatives,Salazar’s RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act Passes House of Representatives,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL)’s RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act (H.R. 4667), passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill will recover billions for the taxpayer by reclaiming fraudulent government loans and help us restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability. “The federal government must step up and ensure that bad actors are not taking hard-earned taxpayer money,” said Rep. Salazar. “By passing the RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act, the House of Representatives is sending a clear message to the Biden Administration to be better accountable for federal programs that are meant to serve, not steal.” Specifically, the Returning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds Act requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to account for fraudulent and unused Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A report from SBA Inspector General Hannibal Ware in June 2023 shows that of the $1.2 trillion in COVID Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDL) given by the federal government since the beginning of the pandemic, $200 billion were found to be potentially fraudulent. SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman responded with a competing report the same day claiming only $36 billion of these loans were fraudulent. On the day Administrator Guzman and Inspector General Ware were called in by the House Small Business Committee to explain this discrepancy, only Ware decided to show up. Since then, there has been no adequate explanation from the Small Business Administration on the extent of abuse in COVID EIDL loans, or how it will recoup stolen funds. Congresswoman Salazar introduced this bill with Representative Morgan McGarvey (D-KY). H.R. 4667 originally passed unanimously in the House Small Business Committee in July 2023. To listen to Rep. Salazar’s remarks in defense of the RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act on the floor of the House of Representatives, click here. For more details about the RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act, click here! ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8ED4386C-5F3B-472B-A612-6E9125AFFD8F,Webster Votes to Prohibit Illegal Migrant Encampments on Federal Land,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,FL,Daniel Webster,W000806,webster.house.gov,webster,https://webster.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023. H.R. 5283 prohibits the use of federal funds from being used to house illegal immigrants on federal lands, including National Parks, and revokes a lease agreement finalized by the National Park Service to house illegal aliens within the Gateway National Recreation Area. “Today I voted to stop the Biden Administration from converting our national parks from areas of recreation and wonder into housing encampments for unvetted migrants,” said Rep. Webster. “This legislation is one step of many that House Republicans have taken to push back against the radical open border policies pursued by President Biden and extreme Democrats. I will continue to work with my House colleagues to fulfill our commitment to America to secure our border and sensibly reform our immigration laws.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z