url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398852,U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on her appointment as Chair of the new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on her appointment as Chair of the new Select Committee on the Climate Crisi f t # e Washington, December 28, 2018 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding her appointment as Chair of the new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis by Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi: share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding her appointment as Chair of the new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis by Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi: ""I am humbled by Speaker-designate Pelosi's confidence in me to leadthe Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. She is correct to reinstitute the Select Committee and urge action to address this dire crisis that impacts my neighbors in Florida, all Americans and future generations. We must act with urgency to reduce carbon pollution and we can do so by unleashing American ingenuity and creating clean energy jobs to power our future. We cannot delay. The costs of the changing climate and extreme weather events pose greater risks every day to American families, businesses and our way of life.The Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and the new generation of leaders in Congress -- who understand the scientific imperative -- will tackle the crisis head on. Failure is not an option. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2109DD93-364B-4502-AA5E-5393E3C20EEC,Rubio Applauds Administration Decision To Reverse DHS Guidance On The NFIP During Government Shutdown,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL Today,U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement applauding the decision by the administration to reverse new guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that prevents the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from writing or renewing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies during the current government shutdown. Yesterday, Rubio urged the Office of Budget Management (OMB) to reverse this decision.I am glad to see commonsense prevail in Washington. When Congress passed legislation last week to keep the NFIP operating until June 2019, our intent was clear. I thank the administration for reversing DHS actions and ensuring Floridians can continue to obtain and maintain flood insurance. I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure a long-term reauthorization of the program and much-needed reforms.Timeline of Rubio's Efforts on the National Flood Insurance Program December 27, 2018 Rubio Urges OMB To Reverse DHS Guidance On The NFIP During Government Shutdown December 21, 2018 Rubio Welcomes Passage of Bill To Extend National Flood Insurance Program November 28, 2018Rubio Comments on NFIP Reauthorization November 15, 2018 Rubio Introduces Bill to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program for Six Months July 31, 2018 Rubio Comments on Senate Reauthorization of National Flood Insurance Program July 25, 2018 Rubio on National Flood Insurance Program: We Should Not Hold Floridians Hostage July 18, 2018 Rubio Video Statement: We need to extend NFIP now or it will be a disaster for Florida July 18, 2018 Rubio in Tampa Bay Times: Congress Needs Long-Term Solution for Flood Insurance Program June 21, 2018 Rubio Secures Funding for FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation and Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Programs in Appropriations Bill June 13, 2017 Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Flood Insurance Reform Bill June 13, 2017 Rubio in Wall Street Journal: A bipartisan plan for Flood Insurance February 28, 2017 Rubio Meets with Florida Legislative Leaders to Discuss Federal-State Issues, Including The National Flood Insurance Program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=808C44EE-A98D-4A86-AEE7-4EDA81F930B6,"Rubio to Release Report, Hold Press Conference on 2018 Accomplishments",2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will release a report called Fighting for Florida detailing his legislative accomplishments during the 115th Congress. Rubio's remarks at Florida International University are open to the press and will be live streamed here at 10:00 am EST.The 15-page report, accompanied by a four and a half minute video, highlights Rubio's legislative accomplishments and provides a look at his behind the scenes efforts to influence policy in Washington. Last year, a non-partisan analysis ranked Rubio 4th out of 100 Senators for the number of bills he wrote that became law. That same analysis ranked Rubio 5th overall in Senate leadership and 6th in bipartisan support for his bills. Overall, more than two dozen bills Rubio introduced or served as the lead Republican sponsor became law over the past two years.One of my highest priorities continues to be ensuring that my staff and I are available to help Floridians with whatever federal assistance they may need,Rubio said. We have also accomplished some incredible policy victories over the last two years for Florida and for our nation.Landmark Laws: A few of the dozens of new laws are truly landmark accomplishments for Florida and the nation. In 2017, Rubio's Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Actbecame law. That same year, he successfully expanded the size of the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, and for the first time made the first $1,400 refundable against an individual's payroll taxes. This year, Rubio secured congressional authorization and funding to construct the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir to reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges to coastal communities.Leading during Crisis: From harmful algal blooms and devastating hurricanes to drug overdoses and unthinkable shootings, Florida experienced significant challenges over the past two years. In the aftermath of the 2018 Valentine's Day massacre of 17 people in Parkland, Florida, Rubio helped push through theStudent, Teachers and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Actand theFix NICS Act. He also introduced the bipartisanExtreme Risk Protection Order and Violence Prevention Actto encourage other states to adopt red flags similar to Florida's new law. Rubio has also secured funding to research and correct the harmful algal blooms that disrupt Florida. He has also fought for Americans in Florida and Puerto Rico in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma, Marie and Michael.Putting Florida First: Rubio's visit to sober homes neighborhoods in Broward County, Florida and meetings with local officials led to the introduction of theEliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act and Sober Home Fraud Detection Actas part of the landmark opioid bill signed into law this year. He passed theSpurring Business in Communities Actand theSeniors Tax Simplification Act, secured funding for military construction and fought for residents in public housing.Safe and Strong America: Leveraging his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and his role as chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Rubio highlighted human rights abuses around the world, including in China, Nicaragua and Venezuela. HisDefending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines(DETER) Actprovided the framework for the administration's executive order on foreign election interference. Similarly, Rubio'sCuban Military Transparency Actwas basis for executive orders to prevent financial compensation to the Cuban military and entities associated with the regime's military.DownloadsFighting for Florida: Legislative Accomplishments Report, 2017 2018",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3F68D8C5-269B-4B2D-AB4A-57B36A95778B,Rubio Urges OMB To Reverse DHS Guidance On The NFIP During Government Shutdown,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL Today,U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement following a decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue new guidance that prevents the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from writing or renewing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies during the current government shutdown.Last week, I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure a six month extension of the NFIP to ensure that Floridians were able to maintain access to a program so vital to our state. However, I have been informed that DHS has now issued new guidance that prevents FEMA from writing or renewing policies during the current government shutdown. I strongly disagree with this guidance as it incorrectly interprets congressional intent demonstrated last week with Congress passing legislation to keep the program operating until June 2019.I am asking OMB to reverse DHS actions and ensure Floridians can continue to obtain and maintain flood insurance.Timeline of Rubio's Efforts on the National Flood Insurance Program December 21, 2018 Rubio Welcomes Passage of Bill To Extend National Flood Insurance Program November 28, 2018Rubio Comments on NFIP Reauthorization November 15, 2018 Rubio Introduces Bill to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program for Six Months July 31, 2018 Rubio Comments on Senate Reauthorization of National Flood Insurance Program July 25, 2018 Rubio on National Flood Insurance Program: We Should Not Hold Floridians Hostage July 18, 2018 Rubio Video Statement: We need to extend NFIP now or it will be a disaster for Florida July 18, 2018 Rubio in Tampa Bay Times: Congress Needs Long-Term Solution for Flood Insurance Program June 21, 2018 Rubio Secures Funding for FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation and Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Programs in Appropriations Bill June 13, 2017 Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Flood Insurance Reform Bill June 13, 2017 Rubio in Wall Street Journal: A bipartisan plan for Flood Insurance February 28, 2017 Rubio Meets with Florida Legislative Leaders to Discuss Federal-State Issues, Including The National Flood Insurance Program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-s-shutdown,President Trumps Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"ORLANDO, FL Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Orlando) today commented on the government shutdown which was forced on the country by President Trump. Said Rep. Demings, President Trump said that he would be proud to shut down the government and now he has done it. After two years, this president and the GOP majority in Congress have proven utterly incapable of governing. This is an embarrassing manufactured crisis by the Republican majority in Congress, which has the votes to easily pass an existing bipartisan spending bill. This shutdown puts our security and our economy at risk. As the party in charge of the Senate, House, and White House, the GOP has a responsibility to pass a budget that sustains critical services for the American people. Instead, they passed a $1.5 trillion tax giveaway for themselves and their donors while ignoring critical deadlines and pushing an anti-immigrant agenda. I will do everything in my power to reopen the government as soon as possible, but I will not compromise fundamental American values and vote to fund an ineffective wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=847,Rep. Frankel Statement on Trump Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Frankel Statement on Trump Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 22, 2018 Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after the federal government shut down at midnight: Taking orders from conservative talk host pundits, Donald Trump has driven us into a reckless government shutdown as most Americans prepare for the holidays. The President said that he's proud to shut down the government, threatening our national security and the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of workers just to fund his immoral, ineffective, and expensive wall. I remain ready to vote for a bipartisan agreement that keeps government open and allows us to address the many real challenges facing our nation. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/update-december-2018-partial-government-shutdown-information,***UPDATE: December 2018 Partial Government Shutdown Information,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Matt Gaetz,G000578,gaetz.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate's refusal to pass a funding bill with border security funds make it look more and more like we are heading for a shutdown. If this happens, it will only be a partial shutdown, because 3/4 of the government has already been funded.The Department of Defense has already been funded for the entire year, so military personnel and operations will be unaffected by the shutdown. Several of you have contacted my office to ask about national parks, like Gulf Islands National Seashore.Unlike shutdowns in previous years, national parks are expected to remain OPEN though they will not be staffed by personnel, and the facilities (like restrooms and visitor centers) will be closed. The House and Senate have both passed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program until May 2019, so, pending President Trump's signature, flood insurance coverage will not lapse. Here are how other agencies and departments will be affected (or not) by the shutdown: Mail will continue as usual Social Security checks will be mailed as usual Medicare and Medicaid coverage will continue like normal TSA agents will still work, and flights will stay on schedule HUD housing voucher payments will continue HUD grants will continue Ginnie Mae will continue to guarantee mortgage securities The Federal Housing Administration will slow its loan processing and approval; new loan applications may be paused EPA emergency cleanup projects will continue USDA will continue to inspect meat, poultry, and eggs Federal courts will remain open (for about three weeks, but by that point the shutdown should be resolved) Railroad inspectors will continue to work Amtrak will continue to run Highway toll booths, because they are primarily staffed by state employees, will continue normal operations My Congressional office will continue to process casework and constituent requests. For more information about national parks, seehereand here. For more information about agencies affected by the shutdown, seehereandhere. The House is scheduled to be in session tomorrow (Saturday, December 22) though without further action from the Senate, we have nothing to vote on yet. Negotiations will likely continue quite late. I will keep you posted as things develop, and for breaking updates, check my Facebook and Twitter!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-refuses-paycheck-during-government-shutdown,Buchanan Refuses Paycheck During Government Shutdown,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Vern Buchanan today informed House Chief Administrative Officer Philip Kiko that he would be refusing his congressional salary as long as the government remains shut down. I will refuse to accept any paychecks for as long as the federal government remains shuttered, said Buchanan. This is yet another sad example of Washington's dysfunction and inability to compromise. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Mr. Kiko, Congress has no responsibility more fundamental than to fund the day-to-day operations of the federal government. However, despite a government shutdown and a lapse in appropriations, members of Congress will continue receiving their salary. Therefore, I will refuse to accept any paychecks for as long as the federal government remains shuttered. This is yet another sad example of Washington's dysfunction and inability to compromise. I hope leaders from both parties will stay at the table and reach a bipartisan accord. Respectfully, Vern Buchanan Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=848,Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act Heads to President’s Desk,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act passed the House today, moving the bill to the White House. The bipartisan legislation, authored in the House by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, will help break down gender-related barriers to economic growth and supports women-led enterprises in developing countries. The WEEE Act recognizes there is an undeniable link between women's economic success and global prosperity,"" Rep. Frankel said. ""When women and girls are educated, free from violence, and have access to tools to support their families, their communities are safer, stronger, and more peaceful. In too many places, women are still barred from participating in their economies, Chairman Royce said. Millions of women in developing countries are shut out of the financial system. They don't have access to savings, credit, insurance or basic property rights. This legislation will help break down barriers, and empower more women to start their own businesses and take advantage of other opportunities. I thank all who've worked to get this bill into law."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-first-step-act-rep-gaetz-amendment-0,House Passes FIRST STEP Act with Rep. Gaetz Amendment,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Matt Gaetz,G000578,gaetz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, by a vote of 358-36, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 756, the First Step Act, comprehensive prison reform legislation that lowers recidivism rates by prisoners through rehabilitation.The bill includes language initially offered as an amendment by Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01), implementing youth mentorship and dog training programs in at least 20 federal prisons for 5 years. In the initial version of the bill, these programs were limited to ten prisons over two years. In mentorship programs, young inmates are paired with volunteers from faith-based or community organizations, as well as former inmates. In dog training programs, inmates train dogs from basic obedience skills, to skills required to be a service or therapy dog. The far-reaching legislation is the most significant overhaul of America's criminal justice system in a generation, and has been strongly supported by President Trump, Jared Kushner, and Lara Trump. Having already passed the Senate, the First Step Act will now go to President Trump for his signature. Following the passage of the First Step Act, Rep. Gaetz issued the following statement: I am proud that the Congress passed the First Step Act, and even happier that the bill received such widespread bipartisan support. This bill makes tremendous strides to improve America's prison system, helping keep prisoners from returning to a life of crime upon their release. The most important step in preventing recidivism is teaching prisoners how to become productive members of society. President Trump has shown great interest in the rehabilitation of prisoners, and this compassionate and important bill will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements of his presidency. I look forward him signing the First Step Act into law. Lara Trump, President Trump's daughter-in-law, has been a long-time advocate for prison reform and dog programs. In 2017, she was instrumental in leading a meeting of political leaders and Cabinet members to advocate for pets for vets programs, in which abandoned pets would find homes with veterans. Speaking about the First Step Act and Rep. Gaetz's expansion of animal programs, Ms. Trump said: The First Step Act is an important and humane bill to improve America's prison system. The animal and mentorship programs included in the bill and strengthened by Mr. Gaetz's hard work in the Judiciary Committee will improve inmates' quality of life, as well as the lives of our four-legged friends. This bill is a step forward for criminal justice reform, and it will help animal shelters and abandoned animals nationwide. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=359C0D66-64EE-4735-BEBA-19E26BDDD23E,Congress Passes Bill Renaming Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge After Nathaniel Reed,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Brian Mast,M001199,mast.house.gov,,,legacy,"Stuart, Fla. Today the United States House of Representatives passed legislation to rename the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge after Nathaniel Nat Reed, who passed away in July. The renaming follows a successful effort by Rep. Mast to increase the size of Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge to protect additional land and endangered species. Nathaniel Reed is a man I was proud to know and one of the most influential environmental leaders, Rep. Mast said. Nat always ended every phone call by sending his sincerest best wishes. Today, we send him our sincerest and remember his unwavering commitment to America's Everglades and his service to our nation. Reed, who was 84 when he passed away, was a well-known and respected champion of restoring the Everglades. An environmentalist who led conservation fights throughout the United States, Reed's legacy includes protecting Big Cypress Swamp and successfully guiding the Endangered Species Act of 1973 into law. Both bills were supported in the Senate by Senators Marco Rubio (FL) and Bill Nelson (FL). Rep. Mast spoke on the House Floor shortly following Reed's passing to honor his legacy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-darren-soto-warren-davidson-introduce-ico-fix-businesses-consumers,"Congressmen Darren Soto, Warren Davidson Introduce ICO Fix for Businesses, Consumers",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressmen Warren Davidson (OH-08) and Darren Soto (FL-09) today introduced the long-awaited Token Taxonomy Act, H.R. 7356, to provide light-touch regulatory certainty for businesses, entrepreneurs, and regulators in the blockchain economy. This bipartisan legislation draws a bright line for businesses and regulators by defining a ""digital token"" and clarifies that securities laws do not apply to companies that use blockchain once they reach their goal of becoming a functional network. Implementing this fix will stop fraud from spreading and provide the certainty innovation needs to flourish. ""This bill clarifies a 1946 court case that the SEC has been using to determine what a security is and effectively makes it clear that the finished product (or oranges as it relates to the Howey Test) is no longer a security. ""Providing this much needed certainty frees the SEC to perform its vital and much needed consumer protection duties of enforcement on those who have engaged in securities fraud by making false claims or simply attempting to engage in regulatory arbitrage to circumvent securities law. ""This bill provides the certainty American markets need to compete with Singapore, Switzerland, and others who are aggressively growing their blockchain economies. To be certain, there will be other regulatory initiatives at some point, but this legislation is an essential first step to keeping this market alive in the United States. ""In the early days of the internet, Congress passed legislation that provided certainty and resisted the temptation to over-regulate the market. Our intent is to achieve a similar win for America's economy and for American leadership in this innovative space,"" said Congressman Warren Davidson. ""While this legislation is a great first step, we are looking for feedback. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a history of policing web services, while the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has authority over commodity derivatives. To what extent does the jurisdiction of the FTC apply to digital tokens? Can we address this issue in this legislation or will we need subsequent legislation to effectively regulate this emerging sector?"" said Congressman Darren Soto. H.R. 7356, The Token Taxonomy Act, is the product of months long collaboration following a bipartisan roundtable discussion hosted by Congressman Davidson with Members of Congress and nearly 50 stakeholders from Ohio and across the country to gather input on Congress' effort to clarify the ""sloppy"" regulatory framework in the cryptocurrency space. There, Congressmen Darren Soto (D-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Tom Emmer (R-MN) united in a commitment with other panel participants and stakeholders to provide the legislative certainty innovation needs to flourish in the U.S. Background: Many entrepreneurs and businesses use distributed ledger or blockchain technology to launch initial coin offerings (ICOs) to raise the capital they need to innovate, grow their businesses, and create more jobs. A patchwork of judicial rulings and conflicting state initiatives have clouded certainty for these companies and is motivating market players to leave the U.S. for the certainty provided elsewhere. In May, Congressman Davidson announced he would lead legislation in the cryptocurrency space in committee. He then followed up this announcement with a House floor speech saying he wants to preempt any type of heavy-handed regulatory approach that could stall innovation and kill the ICO market in the U.S. In September, Congressman Davidson led a bipartisan panel that attracted widespread participation by industry leaders and his colleagues in Congress. [Link] Market participants have said that the Securities and Exchange Commission has been regulating by enforcement and market participants have struggled to discern a coherent application of their standards and public statements. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and SEC Director Bill Hinman have both commented publicly in ways that have either alarmed or encouraged market participants. In December, Congressman Davidson spoke to attendees at the Blockland Solutions Conference in Ohio about his plans to introduce legislation to address this issue. Davidson-Budd-Soto-Emmer Roundtable that was hosted in September. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0A06848F-4BFC-4357-989D-A09FB5175E63,Rubio Welcomes Passage of Bill To Extend National Flood Insurance Program,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. Today,U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) welcomed the House of Representative's passage of a six month extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. Last month, Senators Rubio and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced legislation in the Senate to extend the program.Extending the NFIP for six months is good news for millions of Floridians. Congress must now use this time to come to a bipartisan and bicameral consensus that ensures the program is affordable and sustainable. I urge President Trump to quickly sign this important extension into law.Timeline of Rubio's Efforts on the National Flood Insurance Program November 28, 2018Rubio Comments on NFIP Reauthorization November 15, 2018 Rubio Introduces Bill to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program for Six Months July 31, 2018 Rubio Comments on Senate Reauthorization of National Flood Insurance Program July 25, 2018 Rubio on National Flood Insurance Program: We Should Not Hold Floridians Hostage July 18, 2018 Rubio Video Statement: We need to extend NFIP now or it will be a disaster for Florida July 18, 2018 Rubio in Tampa Bay Times: Congress Needs Long-Term Solution for Flood Insurance Program June 21, 2018 Rubio Secures Funding for FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation and Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Programs in Appropriations Bill June 13, 2017 Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Flood Insurance Reform Bill June 13, 2017 Rubio in Wall Street Journal: A bipartisan plan for Flood Insurance February 28, 2017 Rubio Meets with Florida Legislative Leaders to Discuss Federal-State Issues, Including The National Flood Insurance Program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0CA40B37-0260-49D4-9E96-7A76E7C37E68,"Rubio, Chabot Bill to Protect Girls' Access to Education Heads To President's Desk",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH) today welcomed the House passage of the Protecting Girls' Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act, bicameral legislation they introduced to ensure children overseas who are displaced due to ongoing conflicts have access to a quality basic education. They previously worked together to pass the Girls Count Act, legislation to direct current U.S. foreign assistance programming to support the rights of women and girls in developing countries by working to establish birth registries in their countries.Rubio introduced the Senate version of the Protecting Girls' Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act with Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) in July 2017. Millions of people are displaced globally due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises leaving children, particularly girls, vulnerable and unable to access a quality basic education. Education is critical to ensuring children have an opportunity to succeed and contribute to their communities, Rubio said. I hope President Trump will sign our bill quickly and solidify U.S. commitments to ensuring that all children have access to a primary or secondary education, whatever their gender and wherever they live. ""As a father, grandfather and former teacher, I am pleased to see this important bipartisan legislation is on its way to becoming law, Chabot said. Members from both parties, and both chambers, came together to make sure that girls around the world, displaced by conflicts, have the opportunity to receive an education. I introduced this legislation, because education puts girls on the path to success, and helps protect them from trafficking, child marriage, and poverty. And by prioritizing education in our international assistance programs, this bill paves the way for a more peaceful and stable life for displaced girls around the world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0F5715F3-5484-46A9-8854-E5EB7B4A3F2E,"Rubio, Colleagues Express Continued Concern Amid Growing Crisis in Nicaragua",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL-U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ)in expressing continued concern amid the growing crisis in Nicaragua. Following the release of a new report by theInter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the legislators urgedSecretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro towork with the member states of the OAS Permanent Council and publicly recognize the recommendations of theIACHRreport as the Ortega regime continues its attacks on civil society and the media. Thefull text of the letteris below. Dear Secretary General Almagro, We write with continued concern about the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Nicaragua, particularly in the wake of recent efforts by the government of Daniel Ortega to silence civil society and independent media outlets. The release of a new report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) provides further evidence that Nicaraguan police and security services used excessive force to put down widespread protests this year and that the Ortega government has abused power to create a climate of impunity. During the last week, Nicaraguan police forces raided the offices of leading civil society organizations including the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH), the Center for Investigation of Communications (CINCO), Hagamos Democracia, and the Institute for Strategic Studies and Public Policies (IEEPP) and stripped them of their right to operate legally. Nicaraguan police also seized and occupied the headquarters of leading independent media outlet, Confidencial. The Ortega government, citing a hastily-passed set of recent laws that categorize virtually any form of protest as terrorism, claimed without proof that the organizations had actively participated in terrorist acts, hate crimes, and a failed coup attempt. This week's IACHR report, which reflects the work of the Commission's Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI), examined over 100 cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, and cruel or degrading treatment inflicted by the Nicaraguan government during widespread protests in April and May of this year. It also describes the Ortega regime's systematic politicization of Nicaragua's police, prosecutors, and courts in order to deny justice to victims, and to intimidate others who might contemplate expressing their dissent. The GIEI found that of the 109 cases examined, only nine have gone to trial, and several of these were cases that involved government prosecution of dissidents, as opposed to investigations into abuses by security forces. In addition, in fourteen of the cases involving the criminalization of protests, the GIEI found that Nicaraguan prosecutors and the judiciary had violated citizens' due process rights in every case. As the Ortega government continues its campaign of unchecked human rights abuses, the international community has a responsibility to help Nicaraguans uphold justice and define a path that restores the country's democratic institutions. It is also imperative that the international community works to ensure accountability for government security services responsible for extrajudicial killings and detentions. We commend the GIEI's thorough examination and its recommendations to encourage and facilitate Nicaragua's return to democratic norms, including the formation of a special prosecutor's office that will ensure accountability for those who violate Nicaraguans' constitutional rights. We respectfully request that you work with the member states of the OAS Permanent Council to publicly recognize the recommendations included in the GIEI's report and urge the Nicaraguan government to cease its attacks on civil society and the media. We thank you for your continued engagement on these troubling issues and the work you have already done with the IACHR to seek justice for victims and freedom for the Nicaraguan people. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE924E0C-C0B3-4397-9B77-B46C19007475,Rubio Urges DOD To Headquarter US Space Command in Florida,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) urged U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis to headquarter U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Florida, given the extensive history the state has as the U.S. gateway to the stars. Rubio also expressed his support for the reestablishment of USSPACECOM, which will be essential to U.S. national security and to deter adversary attacks against U.S. space systems. The full text of the letter is below:Dear Secretary Mattis: This letter is to express my support for the reestablishment of a U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) under Air Force leadership in order to keep the United States as the global leader in this crucial and rapidly evolving domain. Establishing a Space Command reflects the value of space contributions to national security, the evolution of the threats to U.S. space systems, and the importance of deterring adversaries from attacking U.S. space systems.In 1950, Cape Canaveral, Florida, launched its first rocket, reaching an altitude of nearly 250 miles. Since then, Florida has been the epicenter of space, launching the first American suborbital flight and the first American to orbit Earth. Years after those monumental programs, it was in Florida where the most powerful rocket ever built, ignited, sending humans towards the heavens, to step foot on the moon. For thirty years, the space shuttle ferried astronauts from Cape Canaveral. Today, Florida's space coast continues to lead the world in space. U.S. Space Command will be essential to American national security through the acceleration of space capabilities to defend our national interests and deter our adversaries. As you begin the process of identifying leadership and the location for the headquarters, I urge you to headquarter USSPACECOM in Florida. Given the extensive history the State of Florida has as the U.S. gateway to the stars, it is only fitting that Florida be home to USSPACECOM.As you know, Florida has a long history of supporting each military service branch and the U.S. military as a whole, while offering an unrivaled quality of life for personnel and their families. I hope the additional positive benefits Florida brings to the future of space operations will factor into your upcoming decision relative to USSPACECOM.I appreciate your consideration in this matter and look forward to discussing more about what Florida has to offer.Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CED1DBB5-270C-46FC-934F-6C24B9B5B735,Rubio Welcomes Passage Of Bill To Rename Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge In Honor of Nathaniel Reed,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) welcomed the House of Representative's passage of his and Senator Bill Nelson's (D-FL) bipartisan bill to rename the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge in Martin County, Florida after one of the state's most renowned environmental champions, Nathaniel Nat Reed. Reed, who passed away in July at the age of 84, was a well-known and respected champion of restoring Florida's Everglades. Reed's legacy includes protecting Big Cypress Swamp and successfully guiding the Endangered Species Act of 1973 through Congress and into law. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on December 19, 2018. It now heads to the President for signature. A well-known and widely respected conservationist who championed Everglades restoration, Nat Reed was instrumental in advocating for state and national environmental policy. It is a fitting tribute that the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, where his passion for nature was first inspired, be named in his honor. In September, Senators Rubio and Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced legislation to rename the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge in Martin County, Florida after Nathaniel Nat Reed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399079,Hastings Statement on Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Syria,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings' Statement on Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Syria f t # e Washington, D.C., December 20, 2018 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after President Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria: The President's abrupt decision to withdraw troops from Syria despite a number of unresolved and pressing national security matters is extremely troubling. His assessment that the Islamic State has been defeated is shockingly divorced from reality, and has been contradicted by national security professionals within his own administration. By leaving before the job is done, the President is playing games with our national security and the security of Israel, and jeopardizing the hard-won progress against the Islamic State. When I was last in the region, I saw first-hand the horrors the Syrian people were, and are, suffering at the hands of the Assad regime. I also saw the effects of the refugee crisis on the stability of the region and the governments of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. The United States must hold Russia and Iran accountable for their support of the Assad regime and its reprehensible crimes against the people of Syria. Withdrawing American forces as the President intends would abdicate American leadership in this troubled region, leaving Russia and Iran to assert themselves uncontested. It's no wonder Russian President Vladimir Putin so quickly applauded President Trump's announcement. Americans deserve a well-considered, strong, and strategic U.S. policy on Syria that puts national interest first, not a hurried and possibly political decision made by a President whose campaign and administration's possible ties to Russia are still under investigation by the Department of Justice. Rather than hastily withdraw and risk creating a power vacuum, the President should work with Congress to carefully craft and pass an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that defines our purpose and role in the region. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings represents Florida's 20th Congressional District and serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399458,Deutch Statement on Passage of Criminal Justice Reform Legislation,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after Congress passed the First Step Act, a comprehensive bipartisan criminal justice reform bill:In May I voted against the House version of the First Step Act because I felt that it missed an opportunity to address the significant problems with our federal sentencing statutes. This legislation we passed today, which I supported, includes broader and much needed criminal justice reform provisions, including improvements to our prison system and sentencing laws. Our criminal justice system should seek to both punish appropriately, reduce recidivism, and rehabilitate effectively. This legislation will give judges more discretion in sentences for low-level nonviolent drug offenses while maintaining maximum potential sentences for violent criminals. It will also improve conditions in prisons and invest in education and treatment programs to help transition inmates to rejoin society. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I'm proud that Congress was able to work together to make our criminal justice system fairer and more effective.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-buchanan-backed-bill-combat-red-tide,Congress Passes Buchanan-Backed Bill to Combat Red Tide,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation Provides $100 Million to Address Harmful Algal Blooms Now Heads to President's Desk WASHINGTON Congressman Vern Buchanan today applauded House passage of bipartisan legislation to combat the devastating impact of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), including red tide. The bill now heads to President Trump for his signature. Red tide has plagued our local economy, environment, and way of life, Buchanan said. I urge the president to swiftly sign this bill into law. Buchanan, co-chair of the Florida congressional delegation, continued, red tide is a problem that requires more research and development of cutting-edge technologies to mitigate its damaging effects. TheHarmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2017 was included in the legislation passed today by Congress, providing more than $100 million to combat HABs like red tide. It also establishes a process to declare an Event of National Significance. That declaration would trigger disaster-like funding for affected communities. The bill also reauthorizes the Harmful Algal Bloom Federal Interagency Task Force; formally adds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the task force; and permits private donations to be used to fund recovery for events of national significance. Harmful algae blooms cause $82 million in economic losses to the seafood, restaurant and tourism industries each year in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Buchanan co-sponsored nearly identical bipartisan legislation in the House (H.R. 4417) and earlier this summer led a letter with Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.)urging House leadership to immediately bring this legislation to the floor for a vote. Buchanan and Hastings are co-chairs of the 29-member Florida congressional delegation. Separate legislation signed into law earlier this year included Buchanan's proposal to provide NOAA with an additional $8 million to reduce the threat of algal blooms, including red tide.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=617,CRIST SEEKS FEDERAL FUNDING TO TACKLE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) joined a bipartisan call for robust funding to address the issues of algal blooms plaguing communities like Pinellas. Crist hosted multiple roundtable discussions this summer regarding the crisis in local waterways, with a key takeaway being the need for more funding to research and mitigate the impact of harmful algal blooms on the environment and economy. (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below).""There is a clear need for all levels of government to invest in research to help prevent the kind of crisis we witnessed this past year with red tide,"" said Crist. ""Florida's economic health depends on our environmental health from tourism to the fishing industry. I will continue fighting in Congress for robust funding to support ongoing research and to impose common-sense environmental protections needed to keep our waters healthy."" The Honorable Mick Mulvaney Director Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20503Dear Director Mulvaney: We write to respectfully request that you allocate robust funding in the President's Fiscal Year 2020 budget request for programs that address a widespread and ever-increasing problem: toxic algal blooms, also called harmful algal blooms (HABs). Toxic algae affect marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater systems in all 50 states and all U.S. territories. A strong investment in programs that address toxic algae will help protect economic activity, the health of millions of Americans, and our environment. Toxic blooms threaten human health and cause several billion dollars in economic losses each year. We have made significant advances in our understanding of where, when, and why blooms occur, but we must improve our ability to mitigate their impacts on our communities. We therefore strongly support investment in science, research, and management to increase our capacity to forecast, detect, prevent, and control HABs, as well as to lessen their effects on human health and economies across the country. The severity of HABs is reflected in recent notable events including: Toxic blue-green algae originating in Lake Okeechobee in Florida has fouled rivers and inland waterways leading to both coasts, wreaking havoc on the state's tourism industry and threatening public health. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection found that toxicity samples taken of the water discharged from Lake Okeechobee in 2018 had 495 parts per billion of microcystin50 times higher than the safe level of toxicity for human contact. This toxic bloom remains a continued threat to drinking water and commercial and recreational uses of waterways. Concurrently, the red tide that stretches along more than 200 miles of the Florida Gulf coast has lasted more than a year and caused the deaths of millions of fish and hundreds of sea turtles, dolphins, and the protected Florida Manatee. Drinking water advisories were issued due to two separate HAB toxins being detected above the EPA advisory levels in the Detroit Reservoir in Oregon this summer. The bloom affected the water distribution system for the City of Salem, City of Turner, Suburban East Salem Water District, and Orchard Heights Water Association, affecting more than 150,000 people and lasting several weeks. These events echoed the 2014 Toledo, Ohio, drinking water crisis that impacted more than 400,000 residents and lasted for three days after elevated concentrations of microcystin from the annually recurrent cyanobacterial bloom in Lake Erie were detected in the municipal water system. In 2016, Utah Lake experienced a toxic bloom. Utah Poison Control reported hundreds of calls about the bloom, including calls from at least 130 people reporting vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and rashes after coming in contact with the toxic water. New data from the Alaskan Arctic reveals the widespread presence of a toxic HAB species in waters from the Bering Strait to the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, endangering food supplies for indigenous peoples as well as Arctic ecosystems that have had no prior exposure to these potent neurotoxins. During summer 2015, potent neurotoxins associated with the so-called warm water blob off the West Coast triggered a toxic algae bloom from Southern California to Alaska that closed hundreds of miles of shellfish and crab fisheries. Coastal communities lost tens of millions of dollars from the closure of the Dungeness crab fishery alone. The toxic substance that can accumulate in shellfish, domoic acid, can cause permanent brain damage in humans and a human poisoning syndrome called amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Several new toxic HAB species have emerged as regional threats in New England coastal waters. One species that produces domoic acid and ASP bloomed in the region for the first time in 2016, resulting in a major shellfish recall and harvesting closures across approximately half of Maine's coastline and large areas of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Subsequent blooms in 2017 and 2018 jeopardized or suspended shellfish harvesting in some of these same areas again. Two other new toxic or harmful HAB species have also been documented in the Gulf of Maine over the last two years, including an organism previously restricted to warm southern waters. Alarmingly, coordinated studies released in 2017 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed that from a single sampling of all lakes nationwide, 39% contained toxic algae and toxins were present at some point during the year in 78% of the lakes. Furthermore, based on the tracking of news reports in 2018, reported HABs increased 40% above the reported incidences in 2017. This is a worrisome trend as HABs are already a national problem. To make the necessary progress toward understanding and addressing the significant and expanding threats that toxic algae pose to human health and our national economy, we ask that you prioritize a strong and coordinated federal response in this year's budget request by including robust funding to support multi-investigator research programs for HAB-related work. Areas of emphasis should include: furthering our understanding of the socioeconomic impacts of HABs on our coastal communities; developing and improving early warning, forecasting, and detection tools; enhancing our understanding of how changes in climate may affect HABs as well as new and emerging organisms and toxins of concern; expanding our understanding of the various drivers of HABs in different regions of the country and the mechanisms underlying those events; and improving awareness of how HABs interact with other environmental stressors like hypoxia. We look forward to your response and to working with you to better monitor and mitigate the damage caused by harmful algal blooms and to protect the health of Americans and our local economies. Sincerely, [click here to view full list of signers]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/alzheimer-s-bill-become-law,Alzheimers Bill to Become Law,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"ORLANDO, FL Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Orlando) last night cast her vote for The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, which she cosponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives, and which will become law with President Trump's signature. Said Rep. Demings, My family, like so many others, has been affected by Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's afflicts millions of Americans and is a leading cause of death. Even worse, it is a profoundly cruel disease which begins to rob us of our loved ones even before they pass. It has been deeply important to me that our government, with all our resources, do more to fund the search for a cure to Alzheimer's, and I am gladdened that bipartisan Members of Congress have joined together to say that an end to Alzheimer's is a national goal. I am deeply grateful to the incredible advocates and activists whose tireless work helped to make this win happen. We will continue to fight for additional research and resources until we finally reach an end to Alzheimer's. Background According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and cases increased by 123% from 2000 to 2015. 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Early and accurate diagnosis could save up to $7.9 trillion in medical and care costs, and effective treatment would save and extend millions of lives. The Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act is landmark legislation that will create a national public health infrastructure to promote early detection, increase intervention to reduce risks, and prevent avoidable hospitalizations for Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders. As researchers gain greater understanding of the disease and work towards a way to prevent, cure, or slow the progression of Alzheimer's, the federal government must work with state, local, and tribal health authorities to increase the quality of life for those living with the disease and support caregivers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-secretary-mattis-resignation,Rep. Demings on Secretary Mattis Resignation,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"ORLANDO, FL Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Orlando) today responded to the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Said Rep. Demings, We are entering a time of genuine danger to our country with the departure of Secretary Mattis, the last person in the White House to put the country before himself. We already know of situations in which reckless and illegal military actions were ordered by President Trump but ignored as cooler heads prevailed. Secretary Mattis was not a perfect man, but he was a force of experience, judgement, and stabilityeven though his experience has been ignored time and time again by our President. Secretary Mattis has said that when diplomacy fails, he has to buy more bullets. I worry that with his departure, there will be no voice left in the White House to resist the President's violent and destabilizing agenda. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-vote-first-step-act,Rep. Demings to Vote for FIRST STEP Act,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Val Demings,D000627,demings.house.gov,,,legacy,"ORLANDO, FL Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Orlando) will today vote for the FIRST STEP Acta criminal justice reform bill which will make our justice system fairer and more effective. Said Rep. Demings, Anyone who breaks the law should be held accountable for their actions, but we must also prepare these Americans to re-enter society and not offend again. The FIRST STEP Act prioritizes dignity, respect, equality, and evidence-based strategies which will reduce the rate at which criminals re-offend. This bill will help individuals to serve their sentences while giving them the relationships and tools necessary to leave their punishment behind bars and return to their lives without returning to crime. It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' and I strongly believe that this will be a first step towards a more equitable and effective justice system. Background The FIRST STEP Act will retroactively apply the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which fixed the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine, long known to have a racially-biased effect. It will also ease mandatory minimum sentences and expand the safety valve which gives judges more latitude, and eliminate the stacking of gun and drug charges by prosecutors seeking longer sentences. The act will also assist inmates in their return to society by expanding good time credits which apply to well-behaved prisoners. Additionally, the bill will ban certain practices, including the shackling of pregnant women, and will put greater emphasis on de-escalation techniques and medical treatment of drug addicts. These reforms would apply to prisoners in federal prison. Rep. Demings previously served as a 27-year law enforcement officer and Orlando's first female Chief of Police. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-matt-gaetz-applauds-passage-spending-bill-funds-border-wall,Congressman Matt Gaetz Applauds Passage of Spending Bill That Funds Border Wall,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Matt Gaetz,G000578,gaetz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. By a vote of 217185, the House tonight passed H.R. 695, a funding bill that prevents a partial government shutdown and offers extensive relief to communities impacted by hurricanes. Most significantly, it provides $5 billion in funding for a border wall the complete amount requested by President Trump. Following the passage of H.R. 695, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) issued the following statement: While I am normally reluctant to support short-term government funding bills, I was proud to vote for H.R. 695. This bill includes much-needed disaster aid for areas impacted by hurricanes and wildfires. Hurricane Michael was damaging to Northwest Florida, with widespread devastation in places like Panama City. While the disaster relief provisions of the bill are immensely valuable, the bill is also important because it finally delivers on President Trump's top priority: the construction of a wall along our southern border. A border wall will keep America safe from external threats, and will restore America's belief in the rule of law. Illegal immigration costs America a tremendous amount of money even very conservative estimates place the cost at over a hundred billion dollars per year. These costs come in the form of government programs and benefits (like education and healthcare), and are never reimbursed because most illegal immigrants pay no income taxes. Illegal immigration costs America in other ways, too from lost jobs and lower wages, to the social costs of drugs, gang violence, and increased crime rates. Even though illegal immigration has decreased under President Trump, our borders remain porous and easily-crossed, and illegal immigration still poses a significant threat to America. While America is a nation of laws, it is also a nation of compassion, a sentiment that is also reflected in this funding bill. With nearly $8 billion in dedicated disaster relief funding, this bill will help restore the communities ravaged by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. H.R. 695 ensures that the National Flood Insurance Program will not lapse, so families with homes and property damaged in these terrible storms can receive the redress they deserve. Short-term funding bills are frequently terrible, but funding the border wall made this a much better bill than most. I am proud to have voted in favor of H.R. 695. I encourage the Senate to put petty partisanship aside, and quickly pass this important legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-first-step-act-rep-gaetz-amendment,House Passes FIRST STEP Act with Rep. Gaetz Amendment,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Matt Gaetz,G000578,gaetz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, by a vote of 358-36, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 756, the First Step Act, comprehensive prison reform legislation that lowers recidivism rates by prisoners through rehabilitation.The bill includes language initially offered as an amendment by Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01), implementing youth mentorship and dog training programs in at least 20 federal prisons for 5 years. In the initial version of the bill, these programs were limited to ten prisons over two years. In mentorship programs, young inmates are paired with volunteers from faith-based or community organizations, as well as former inmates. In dog training programs, inmates train dogs from basic obedience skills, to skills required to be a service or therapy dog. The far-reaching legislation is the most significant overhaul of America's criminal justice system in a generation, and has been strongly supported by President Trump, Jared Kushner, and Lara Trump. Having already passed the Senate, the First Step Act will now go to President Trump for his signature. Following the passage of the First Step Act, Rep. Gaetz issued the following statement: I am proud that the Congress passed the First Step Act, and even happier that the bill received such widespread bipartisan support. This bill makes tremendous strides to improve America's prison system, helping keep prisoners from returning to a life of crime upon their release. The most important step in preventing recidivism is teaching prisoners how to become productive members of society. President Trump has shown great interest in the rehabilitation of prisoners, and this compassionate and important bill will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements of his presidency. I look forward him signing the First Step Act into law. Lara Trump, President Trump's daughter-in-law, has been a long-time advocate for prison reform and dog programs. In 2017, she was instrumental in leading a meeting of political leaders and Cabinet members to advocate for pets for vets programs, in which abandoned pets would find homes with veterans. Speaking about the First Step Act and Rep. Gaetz's expansion of animal programs, Ms. Trump said: The First Step Act is an important and humane bill to improve America's prison system. The animal and mentorship programs included in the bill and strengthened by Mr. Gaetz's hard work in the Judiciary Committee will improve inmates' quality of life, as well as the lives of our four-legged friends. This bill is a step forward for criminal justice reform, and it will help animal shelters and abandoned animals nationwide. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-al-lawson-today-released-following-statement-president-trump-signs-farm,U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Statement on the 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Farm Bill is a great example of common-sense bipartisanship that will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, said Rep. Lawson, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee. This five-year bill will provide nutrition support to our nation's most vulnerable families and strengthen our agricultural and food economy. The bill gives access to SNAP benefits for millions of working families struggling to make ends meet and the nearly 39 million Americans who are food-insecure. It will also help our nation's farmers by increasing funding for agriculture research and extending federal crop insurance that will better protect farmers from natural disasters. The bill includes more than $400 million historically black colleges and universities, including $40 million for agricultural scholarships for students attending 1890-land grant institutions, such as Florida A&M University. This legislation meets the needs for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-lawson-secures-funding-hbcus-farm-bill,U.S. Rep. Lawson Secures Funding for HBCUs in Farm Bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON DC U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL05) worked to ensure the $867 billion Farm Bill included funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.The bipartisan legislation willincrease financial support and researchfor 1890-land grantuniversities, such as Florida A&M University, by more than $400 millionas well as provide much needed scholarship support for students. It is critical for that ournation's HBCUs have the resources necessary to succeed, said Lawson who servesontheHouseAgriculture Committee and is a member of the HBCU Caucus. HBCUs are the backbone of our communities, cultivate a culture of excellence and set the foundation for our nation's best and brightest to make their marks on the world. This bill provides guaranteed funding for these schools and studentsby taking essential steps to create paritybetween the 1890 land grants and their 1862 counterparts. The Farm Bill provides the following HBCU-exclusive funding over the next five years for research, education, extension and student scholarships: $80 million in newfunding to land-grant HBCUs for student scholarships -- approximately $2 million each year per school. (Includes $40 million in discretionary authorization and $40 million in mandatory funding). $10 million a year to support three new HBCU Centers of Excellence to address agricultural workforce development, nutrition and food security, economic development and emerging technologies.The location will be determined by a competitive grant process through the USDA. $15 million for HBCU cooperative extension and research The Farm Bill allows 1890s to carry over 100% of unused funds. Previously, HBCUs could only carry over 20 percent of their extension funding if it wasn't used in a calendar year. This funding helps to address public needs. Transparency Requirement:States are required to report to Congress how much funding they're providing both their 1890 land grants and their 1862 land grants. The bill also legalizes hemp growth and manufacturing, clearing the way for existing programs to expand research and development programs for medicinal and textile production. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-applauds-signing-of-nica-act,Diaz-Balart Applauds Signing of NICA Act,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after participating in the bill signing of H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment and Conditionality Act (NICA). Diaz-Balart, an original co-sponsor of the legislation, has ardently supported sanctions against members of Daniel Ortega's regime. After swift passage in Congress of the NICA Act and its signing into law, the United States once again stands in strong solidarity with those seeking freedom from tyranny. This bill provides the President with additional authority to impose tough sanctions on operatives of the Ortega regime, and cuts off resources to the regime as well as providing sanctions against countries that assist it. Since April, the people of Nicaragua have taken to the streets to denounce the oppression and violence carried out by Ortega and his thugs. This important legislation supports the Nicaraguan people in their demands for rule of law, human rights, and free, fair elections by denying resources to their oppressors. I am proud to stand with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen as the President signs the NICA Act into law. I commend her leadership on this crucial legislation, and so many other bills and issues that she has championed during her three decades in Congress. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of tireless advocacy, trailblazing leadership, and commitment to our Southern Florida community. She has a long record of standing up for freedom and democracy in the world's most oppressed countries. I am profoundly grateful to have worked with her on so many issues that are close to both of our hearts. She will be sorely missed in the halls of the United States Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5693D215-52F0-4E8F-9837-DC2F120E368D,Mast’s Legislation Devoting More Federal Resources To Combat Toxic Algae Passes Congress,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Brian Mast,M001199,mast.house.gov,,,legacy,"Stuart, Fla. U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today secured the passage of bipartisan legislation devoting more federal resources to combat toxic algae. Building off of his Federal Do No Harm Act, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2018 will make federal funding available to communities impacted by harmful algal blooms and ensure the continuation of a federal program aimed at combating harmful algal blooms. The federal government, through the Army Corps of Engineers, has played a huge role in perpetuating the human health crisis caused by Lake Okeechobee discharges and they need to take responsibility for the damage by helping to pay for the cleanup, Rep. Mast said. More than that, the government needs to stop prioritizing special interests over human health and put an end to the crisis once and for all. This bipartisan bill will help deliver the federal resources needed to end this environmental disaster. In 2016, the State of Florida requested federal assistance related to algal blooms multiple times and was denied. This year, Governor Rick Scott again declared a State of Emergency, and Rep. Mast called on the federal government to provide assistance. This bill will build on several bipartisan efforts, including by Rep. Mast and Senator Bill Nelson (FL), to ensure that federal resources are available by authorizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to declare a HAB of Significance when it will have a detrimental impact on a state's environment, economy, subsistence use or public health. This declaration will authorize the federal government to make federal funding available to state or local governments for the assessment and mitigation of harmful algal blooms. Additionally, the legislation will: Reauthorize the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (the major federal program that does research and mitigation work on harmful algal blooms) for 5 years. Expand grant eligibility to include proposals for the intervention and mitigation of harmful algal blooms. Direct NOAA to improve their monitoring of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2018 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Nelson and in the House by Rep. Mast. The bill passed the House of Representatives and the Senate as part of S. 2200, the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to become law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=947,Seminole State College of Florida Receives Federal Grant as a Result of Rep. Murphys Displaced Student Initiative,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy today announced that Seminole State College, which has four campuses in Murphy's district, will receive nearly $110,000 in federal funding as a result of an initiative Murphy led to support K-12 schools and colleges that enrolled students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands displaced by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Earlier this year, Murphy announced that as a result of this initiative, K-12 schools in Florida received $95.8 million, with Orange County Public Schools receiving over $12 million and Seminole County Public Schools receiving nearly $1.7 million. Among the colleges and universities in Murphy's district, the University of Central Florida has already received almost $2 million, Seminole State has now received nearly $110,000, and Valencia College's application is pending with the U.S. Department of Education. K-12 schools and colleges in central Florida, like Seminole State and UCF, welcomed displaced students from Puerto Rico and other disaster-stricken areas, and I'm proud we've been able to secure funding so they have the resources to educate both new and existing students,said Murphy. I worked hard to secure this critical funding because I know investments in education create jobs, improve our overall quality of life, and make our community stronger for all. Being able to help students continue their education when faced with life changing situations is a true honor for Seminole State College,said Seminole State President Dr. Georgia Lorenz. We are truly grateful for Congresswoman Murphy's leadership in securing funding for Seminole State and the other Central Florida educational institutions to help the displaced students from Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria hit my home and during the storm I understood what true fear felt like.The fear of not knowing if my family and I were going to be okay. There was no power, no water, no cars on the street, and nothing was working,said Sofia Acosta, a displacedstudent fromPuerto Rico who enrolledatSeminole State andspoke at the December 12 graduation ceremony.Weeks went by until we got our first sliver of communication to the outside of the Island. Through a battery-operated transistor radio, my mother and my father heard that Seminole State was honoring state residence fees to all displaced students. With the help of my aunts and uncle living in the states, airline tickets were purchased. And on October 10, I left Puerto Rico for the first time in my life,leaving my immediate family behind to continue my education. I am grateful that Seminole State helped me overcome a difficult time in my life. Murphy spearheaded theeffort to support students and schools over the course of nearly a year, working across party lines with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), her colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate, the U.S. Department of Education, and the State of Florida. In February 2018, Congress approved theBipartisan Budget Act, which converted Murphy's initiative into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=948,"Murphy, Incoming Future Forum Leadership Call for Automatic Voter Registration Provision in H.R. 1",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The incoming leaders of Future Forum, led by U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., today sent a letter to House Speaker-Designate Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Leader-Designate Steny Hoyer calling for the inclusion of a provision expanding automatic voter registration (AVR) in H.R. 1democracy reform legislation that is set to be a top priority in the 116th Congress. Future Forum is an influential group of young Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives who advocate for issues important to younger Americans. In the letter, Murphy and the group's vice-chairs and chair emeritus U.S. Representatives Antonio Delgado, D-N.Y., Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., and Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., respectively said automatic voter registration can empower young voters and increase voter participation rates among all age groups. In the aftermath of events like the Parkland shooting and the #MeToo movement, the millennial and post-millennial generations mobilized to vote in record numbers, wrote the incoming Future Forum leaders. Nevertheless, young voters still had the lowest turnout rate of any age group in 2018, just as they have in every previous national election. Automatic voter registration is an innovative solution that can increase voter participation rates among all age groups, especially among young people. AVR is a simple, commonsense reform to our voter registration process that could meaningfully increase participation in our elections, stated the letter. On behalf of Future Forum, we thank you for your leadership on this critical issue and appreciate your continued support of our mission to bridge the divide between young Americans and their government. In November, Democratic leaders announced H.R. 1, a legislative package of democracy reforms that will be prioritized for passage in the coming Congress. The sweeping legislation is slated to include provisions that improve voter access to the polls, ensure the security of our elections, and promote integrity in our democratic process. The full text of the letter is below. **** December 20, 2018 Dear Speaker-Designate Pelosi and Democratic Leader-Designate Hoyer: As the incoming leadership slate for Future Forum, an organization comprised of the youngest Democratic members of the House, we thank you for your intention to advance comprehensive legislation in the 116th Congress that would make our democracy more secure, transparent, and accessible to the American people. We write to express our support for efforts to empower younger voters by creating a system enabling citizens in every U.S. state and territory to automatically register to vote, and we respectfully request that a provision to this effect be included in the comprehensive legislation. In the aftermath of events like the Parkland shooting and the #MeToo movement, the millennial and post-millennial generations mobilized to vote in record numbers. According to estimates from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, 31 percent of citizens ages 18-29 voted in the 2018 midterm elections, a 10 percent increase from 2014. Nevertheless, young voters still had the lowest turnout rate of any age group in 2018, just as they have in every previous national election. Automatic voter registration (AVR) is an innovative solution that can increase voter participation rates among all age groups, and especially among young people. AVR would streamline the voter registration process by making it opt-out rather than opt-in. This would allow eligible voters to conveniently register to vote when interacting with a government agency unless they take affirmative steps to decline. AVR would also ensure voter rolls remain up-to-date by enabling voters to easily amend their registration information. To date, AVR has shown positive outcomes in states where it has been implemented. For example, Oregon's AVR law led to a notable uptick in registration rates among young people ages 18-29 in 2016. AVR is a simple, commonsense reform to our voter registration process that could meaningfully increase participation in our elections. On behalf of Future Forum, we thank you for your leadership on this critical issue and appreciate your continued support of our mission to bridge the divide between young Americans and their government. Sincerely, ***** To view a copy of the letter click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/fighting-for-florida?ContentRecord_id=BB407031-87FE-45F0-B73A-913198CFD597,Rubio Demands Answers From Owners Of Glorieta Gardens For Slum-like Living Conditions,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) requested Glorieta Partners, Ltd., to provide his office with a detailed explanation as to how they spent $24 million in tax-exempt bonds and additional revenue generated from increasing rents on tenants, which were intended to finance a rehabilitation of the Glorieta Gardens Apartments. This request stems from constituent complaints, and Rubio staff visits, that the apartments are in unsanitary conditions, with mold, sewage leaks, and shoddy maintenance. In addition, Rubio urged Glorieta Partners to request a Section-8 pass-through lease from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) so that tenants may immediately receive relocation assistance. Background on Rubio's efforts to keep low-income housing tenants safe can be found here.The full text of the letter is below. Dear Mr. Weiss: It has come to my attention, that in 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the ability for you to increase the rents on your tenants by up to 20 percent as a condition of Glorieta Gardens' alleged $16 million rehabilitation. It has also been brought to my attention that while you collected about $8 million in contractor and developer fees, this rehabilitation was not in fact completed. You may be aware that my staff recently visited your property, and witnessed residential apartments with thick layers of mold, sewage leaking into kitchens, and corroded pipes. Tenants complained that they received what they believed to be new appliances, but did not work. They also stated that workers painted over the rust and mold that covers their walls, and were assured by management that a state of the art security camera system would be installed. However, no such security system is on the property, despite the fact that violent crime and drive-by shootings remain prevalent. This week, I asked HUD and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to conduct an investigation into your affordable housing business practices. Should they request additional information, I encourage you to swiftly and efficiently comply. In the meantime, please provide my office with a detailed explanation as to how you spent the $24 million you received in tax-exempt bonds and the additional revenue you collected from increased rents, both of which were awarded to finance the rehabilitation of this property. In addition, I urge you to request a Section-8 pass-through lease from HUD so that the tenants residing in this building may receive immediate assistance to relocate to safe and sanitary housing. The tenants deserve better than what you have provided them thus far, and their needs must be addressed immediately. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=42BD8B37-3B0E-4B48-B087-BE56879B352B,"Sens. Rubio, Graham, Shaheen, King, Cotton, Ernst Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in sending a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their concern regarding the consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Mr. President:We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia.The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a vital shield against ISIS cells operating within Northeast Syria. While you believe the threat of ISIS has dissipated, the conditions on the ground paint a very different picture.In addition, our troops provide critical support for our Kurdish partners, who have been crucial in the fight against ISIS. If our Kurdish partners in the region lose the support of the United States, we run the risk of a resurgence of ISIS and the possible capitulation or all out destruction of Kurdish resistance in the region.Furthermore, hundreds of foreign fighters being held in captivity by our Kurdish partners are at risk of being released or worse if our support is withdrawn.If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power.The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors.In conclusion, we encourage you to reconsider your proposal to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria to ensure that our nation's strategic interests are secured.Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=50912E71-CA2E-4ADA-954D-B71076D26546,"Rubio Welcomes Decision By Administration, Allies to Pursue Charges Against Chinese Government Hackers",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), released a statement following reports that the Administration is pursuing charges against Chinese hackers directly associated with the Ministry of State Security: I commend the Administration for pursuing charges against Chinese government hackers. Regardless of any past commitment, China's intelligence services have continued brazen attempts to steal the intellectual property of American companies in an effort to continue to exploit the technological gains of others and fuel the goals of the Chinese Communist Party. The United States must lead like-minded countries to counter the Chinese government's lawless cyberaggression. We must understand that this is part of China's strategic effort to supplant and undermine America's economic and global leadership. The United States must continue using all tools, including military alliances, law enforcement, sanctions and other pressure, to end China's growing threat to our national and economic security. How we confront China is the single most important geopolitical issue of our time.Background: China's theft of U.S. intellectual propertycosts our nation alone nearly $600 billionper yeareconomic damages that exceedthe total profits of the top 50 companies onlast year's Fortune 500 list.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CAB80072-380A-4BE4-B8F3-CF9759E8E603,"Senators Rubio, Markey, Collins, Cardin and Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Atrocities Against Rohingya in Burma",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today introduced a bipartisan resolution that highlights the horrific acts of violence against the Rohingya people in Burma. Underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis that followed the brutal crackdown by Burmese security elements in Rohingya communities in 2017, the resolution calls for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a determination on whether these crimes constitute genocide. Earlier this month, the Public International Law and Policy Group released a report detailing the atrocities and calling for tribunals for those responsible for the genocide. And an August United Nations report found that Myanmar's military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingyas with genocidal intent and made the case for prosecuting its commander-in-chief and five generals under international law. The Trump administration has yet to label the crimes against the Rohingya a genocide, instead calling it ethnic cleansing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D040C39B-A593-46CF-8E4E-F63609A8C265,"English/Espaol: Rubio, Smith Comment on Recent Developments of the Bitkov Case",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues, and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Human Rights and International Organizations, released the following statement on the impending verdict in the trial of Igor Bitkov in Guatemala: In April of this year, we learned about the plight of the Bitkov family in Guatemala and their highly unjust imprisonment that was orchestrated by CICIG. This case exemplifies Russia's interference in international organizations and internal Guatemalan affairs. Our concerns were so great that a decision was taken to suspend US Government funding to CICIG. The Bitkov family was subsequently released from prison and apparently vindicated after the Constitutional Court ruled in their favor. US Government funding to CICIG was restored in September. It is now alarming to learn that CICIG and the Guatemalan prosecutors are now re-trying Igor Bitkov on the same questionable charges. We understand that the presiding judge is due to deliver her verdict tomorrow. CICIG and the prosecutors have recommended that Igor Bitkov serve another 14 years in jail followed by expulsion to Russia. If this sentence materializes, we will look at all available tools to rectify such a grave injustice. In May 2018, Rubio placed a hold on U.S. funds to International Commission on Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). RUBIO, REPRESENTANTE SMITH COMENTAN SOBRE DESARROLLOS RECIENTES DEL CASO BITKOV Miami, FL El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL), Presidente del Subcomit de Relaciones Exteriores para el Hemisferio Occidental, Delincuencia Transnacional, Seguridad Civil, Democracia, Derechos Humanos y Asuntos Globales de la Mujer, y el Representante Chris Smith (R-NJ), Presidente del Subcomit de Derechos Humanos Globales y Organizaciones Internacionales del Comit de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cmara de Representantes, emitieron el siguiente comunicado sobre el veredicto inminente en el juicio de Igor Bitkov en Guatemala: En abril de este ao, nos enteramos de la difcil situacin de la familia Bitkov en Guatemala y su injusto encarcelamiento orquestado por la CICIG. ""Este caso es un ejemplo de la injerencia Rusa en organizaciones internacionales y asuntos internos de Guatemala. Nuestras preocupaciones fueron tan grandes que se tom la decisin de suspender los fondos del gobierno de los Estados Unidos a la CICIG. La familia Bitkov fue posteriormente liberada de prisin y aparentemente reivindicada despus de que el Tribunal Constitucional de Guatemala fall a su favor. La financiacin del gobierno de los Estados Unidos a CICIG fue restablecida en septiembre. Es alarmante saber que la CICIG y los fiscales guatemaltecos ahora estn volviendo a juzgar a Igor Bitkov por los mismos cargos cuestionables. Entendemos que la jueza quien preside el caso debe emitir su veredicto maana. La CICIG y los fiscales han recomendado que Igor Bitkov cumpla otros 14 aos en la crcel, tras ser expulsado del pas a Rusia. ""Si esta sentencia se materializa, miraremos a todas las herramientas disponibles para rectificar esta injusticia tan grave"". En mayo del 2018, Rubio suspendi los fondos de EE.UU a la Comisin Internacional sobre Impunidad en Guatemala (CICIG).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1875688-DC78-4CAB-8AC4-2D4D45F9BC9E,Rubio Demands Answers From Owners Of Glorieta Gardens For Slum-like Living Conditions,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Miami, FL Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) requested Glorieta Partners, Ltd., to provide his office with a detailed explanation as to how they spent $24 million in tax-exempt bonds and additional revenue generated from increasing rents on tenants, which were intended to finance a rehabilitation of the Glorieta Gardens Apartments. This request stems from constituent complaints, and Rubio staff visits, that the apartments are in unsanitary conditions, with mold, sewage leaks, and shoddy maintenance. In addition, Rubio urged Glorieta Partners to request a Section-8 pass-through lease from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) so that tenants may immediately receive relocation assistance. Background on Rubio's efforts to keep low-income housing tenants safe can be found here.The full text of the letter is below. Dear Mr. Weiss: It has come to my attention, that in 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the ability for you to increase the rents on your tenants by up to 20 percent as a condition of Glorieta Gardens' alleged $16 million rehabilitation. It has also been brought to my attention that while you collected about $8 million in contractor and developer fees, this rehabilitation was not in fact completed. You may be aware that my staff recently visited your property, and witnessed residential apartments with thick layers of mold, sewage leaking into kitchens, and corroded pipes. Tenants complained that they received what they believed to be new appliances, but did not work. They also stated that workers painted over the rust and mold that covers their walls, and were assured by management that a state of the art security camera system would be installed. However, no such security system is on the property, despite the fact that violent crime and drive-by shootings remain prevalent. This week, I asked HUD and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to conduct an investigation into your affordable housing business practices. Should they request additional information, I encourage you to swiftly and efficiently comply. In the meantime, please provide my office with a detailed explanation as to how you spent the $24 million you received in tax-exempt bonds and the additional revenue you collected from increased rents, both of which were awarded to finance the rehabilitation of this property. In addition, I urge you to request a Section-8 pass-through lease from HUD so that the tenants residing in this building may receive immediate assistance to relocate to safe and sanitary housing. The tenants deserve better than what you have provided them thus far, and their needs must be addressed immediately. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-votes-in-favor-of-border-security,Yoho Votes in Favor of Border Security,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) released the following statement after voting to keep the government open and fund border security: I applaud our leadership for finally bringing border security to the floor. After weeks of negotiations with my Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration, we in the House took the proper step of amending the Continuing Resolution that the Senate passed last night and adding funding for a secured border and disaster relief. These additions are hugely important to my constituents back home and to the citizens across this great nation. It is clear to me that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are placing politics over security. It is unacceptable that national security is being used as a bargaining chip when we all agree that securing our borders is what every American needs and wants. The first job of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Securing our border is national defense. Additionally, this bill contains $7.8 billion in relief to address disasters like Hurricane Michael which hit Florida earlier this year. My colleagues and I have worked for months after this terrible storm destroyed lives and livelihoods throughout the South in order to secure the finding that is in this bill today. We have done our job in the House. Now it is time for Senate Democrats to do theirs. Fund border security and fund disaster relief. This is not the time to simply kick the can down to road for a future Congress to handle. Do the jobs you were elected to do.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398847,Castor Announces 2018 Federal Dollars for Tampa,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today she and her office worked to deliver $2.6 million to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families across Tampa Bay. She also worked to secure more than $340 million in federal grants this year to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, and bolster the important work of local partners. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today she and her office worked to deliver$2.6 millionto veterans, seniors,smallbusinesses and families across Tampa Bay. She also worked to secure more than$340 millionin federal grants this year to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, and bolster the important work of local partners. Every day, my Tampa constituent services team, Tery Sanchez, Dee Gonzalez and Tania Fernandez (with help from all of Team Castor) work hard to cut through red tape and bureaucracy on behalf of families and all of our neighbors. They use their experience and expertise to advocate for the benefits and services our neighbors have earned, whether it's for veterans, Social Security and Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities, and more, U.S. Rep. Castor said. In 2018, U.S. Rep. Castor's office assisted with more than 2,900 cases to help her neighbors get the assistance they have earned and deserve. More than half of the $2.6 millionin federal benefits recovered by U.S. Rep. Castor and Team Castor were for veterans/military and their families. With more than 98,000 veterans in Hillsborough County, the highest veteran population in Florida according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, every year U.S. Rep. Castor assists with cases related to benefit adjustments, disability claims and appeals, debt waivers, as well as expedited benefits decisions and record requests. My team tackles complex cases and works persistently with federal agencies to remove barriers. My neighbors often turn to us as a last resort or when they are on the brink and thedollars and benefits returned tothem can bea critical lifeline, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. Grants $340 million Grants bolster vital education and job training resources for students and families who need it the most. They can grow our region's entrepreneurial ecosystem and lead to expanding small businesses and boosting jobs, U.S. Rep. Castor said, commenting on the large amount ofnew and continuedfederal grantsfor our community. Among thefederalgrants that U.S. Rep. Castor championed this year, most recently was$300,000to Tampa Bay Wave to help launch a regional investor collaborative. Bay Area Legal Services, the Spring of Tampa Bay and Sunrise of Pasco County also received a$600,000federal grant to provideseamless assistance legal aid for our neighbors experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and other help that the individuals and families that turn to the Spring and Sunrise need. The University of South Florida (USF) received a$2.7 milliongrant to conduct trials on Alzheimer's disease prevention through cognitive training. Small and large grants make a meaningful impact from a$5,365grant awarded to the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS) by the Department of Veterans Affairs to a$2.7 milliongrant to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute by the Department of Health and Human Services. Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Castor met with researchers and scientists from the USF and Moffitt Cancer Center about how these grants are advancing their research and creating job. USF, Moffitt Cancer Center, nonprofits and the many growing businesses in our Tampa Bay community have made our region a hotbed for economic growth and I am proud to team upwithmy neighbors to bring ourtaxdollars back to Tampato create high wage jobsfor us, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. We are concerned for these important community investments and focus every year on turning back President Trump's budget that proposes massive cuts to the resources of agencies like theNational Institutes of Health, NOAA and othersthat have a direct impact on research, economic expansion and high wage job growthhere in Tampa and across the country, U.S. Rep. Castor said. My colleagues and I in Congress have pushed back against Trump's preposterous cuts andI will continue standing upfor these importantfederal investments that boostinnovation and lift our Tampa Bay economy. Residents in Florida Congressional District 14 can call U.S. Rep. Castor's Tampa office at 813-871-2817or visitwww.castor.house.govfor assistance. Happy Holidays! ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398848,"U.S. Rep. Castor Applauds MLB, MLBPA Agreement with FCB to Help Cuban Baseball Players and Families",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding the announced agreement to provide Cuban baseball players with a safe and legal path to sign with a Major League Club: share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding the announced agreement to provide Cuban baseball players with a safe and legal path to sign with a Major League Club: I applaud Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) for coming to an agreement to help Cuban baseball players and their families. I have been appalled by the stories of baseball players being taken advantage of and subjected to the dangers of human trafficking to come to the United States because there was no safe, legal path available. Today's agreement means that Cuban ball players will be treated the same as other international players, and have the ability to pursue their dreams of playing baseball in the majors without having to put their lives in danger. Tampa and Cuba share a long history that is intertwined with the game of baseball. I saw firsthand the benefits of baseball diplomacy when I travelled to Cuba with President Obama in 2016 and watched the historic game that our hometown Rays played in Havana. President Trump has reversed historic progress for Cuban families and small businesses, but this agreement shows that outside of his administration, support continues in working towards improving the lives of Cubans and their families. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398849,"Castor: Florida Leads Country in ACA Open Enrollment, Shows Support for Affordable Quality Care Coverage",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today's report by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment period shows that Florida leads in the number of our neighbors who signed up for affordable, quality health coverage once again. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement: share: f t Today's report by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment period shows that Florida leads in the number of our neighbors who signed up for affordable, quality health coverage once again. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement: Today's report 1,786,679 signed up in Florida clearly shows the support and need for affordable, quality health care coverage. Although the Trump Administration slashed the number of independent navigators and did all it could to sabotage the law, Floridians have spoken through these huge enrollment numbers. GOP officials like Gov. Scott, Attorney General Bondi and Attorney General-Elect Moody must take note of the harm their lawsuit to declare the ACA unconstitutional will cause to Floridians. U.S. Rep. Castor serves as Vice Ranking Member of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, and helped to draft the Affordable Care Act to ensure it works for families and small businesses. Since ACA enrollment started in 2013, Florida has led the nation in the number of sign-ups on healthcare.gov. Open enrollment took place Nov. 1 Dec. 15, 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399454,Deutch Statement on Reports that Trump Admin. Plans to Withdraw US Forces from Syria,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration would withdraw U.S. forces from Syria:Today the Trump Administration announced it would begin pulling U.S. forces and personnel from Syria. I'm deeply concerned about this decision and the impact it will have on the ground and on our ability to influence a political resolution to the conflict. The decision to remove our forces contradicts the Administration's stated goals of ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS and countering Iran's dangerous expansion in Syria. The removal of U.S. forces and the lack of stabilization efforts will only exacerbate the conditions that make a resurgence of radicalized actors more likely. ""This move directly contradicts public statements made by Trump Administration officials. Just last month, the U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James Jeffrey told the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee that 'such an untimely U.S. military departure from Syria would enable ISIS to return, allow Iran to fill the vacuum, place Iraq's stability at risk, and increase the threats to Syria's neighbors such as our key allies Israel, Jordan, and Turkey.' In addition, this move makes our partners on the ground, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), more vulnerable to aggression from Syrian regime forces backed by Iran and Russia and Turkish-backed opposition forces. The SDF has fearlessly and selflessly sacrificed to help our mission in combating ISIS. The Administration is yielding American leadership to powers likeRussia, Iran, and Turkey to decide the future of Syria. The removal of U.S. troops will not further our national security objectives in Syria or secure our allies in the region. In fact, this move plays into Iran's long-desired goal to establish a land bridge from Tehran to Beirut to extend its regime and terror proxies. ""This decision contravenes advice from both the State Department and the Pentagon, once again showing the Administration's lack of a cohesive and coherent strategy. Unfortunately, this haphazard decision may well further destabilize the region, threaten our key allies, and threaten U.S. security at home.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-bill-help-heart-patients-headed-president-s-desk,Bilirakis Bill to Help Heart Patients Headed to the Presidents Desk,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tonight the Senate-amended version of the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act sponsored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis passed the House of Representatives. The bill is now headed to the President's desk to become law, and will mark the 26th bill authored by Bilirakis to become law since 2015. This important legislation addresses the need to invest in continued research to assist the millions of Americans living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). It is estimated that there are currently between 2-3 million adults and children living in the United States with CHD, and nearly 1 in every 100 babies are born with a CHD. Sadly, five percent of these babies will not live to see their first birthdays. However, due to recent advancements in technology, CHD patients are surviving longer.This legislation seeks to build upon that success by ensuring continued investment in surveillance research to assess the lifelong needs of individuals with CHD. These surveillance efforts will help improve understanding of CHD across the lifespan, from birth to adulthood.The bill had originally passed the House in February of 2018, but only cleared the Senate this month. In addition, the legislation emphasizes the need for continued biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHD. NIH will further research the causes of congenital heart defects, including genetic causes, and study long-term outcomes in individuals with CHD of all ages. NIH will also study data to identify effective treatments and outcomes, and identify barriers to lifelong care for individuals with congenital heart defects. CHD is a true public health issue that does not discriminate by race, gender, or socio-economic status. The road ahead may be scary and uncertain for any parent with a newborn who has CHD, but this meaningful legislation gives hope to those coping with the diagnosis. It will also expand the infrastructure to track the epidemiology of congenital heart defects. For the sake of those living with CHD and the estimated 40,000 babies who will be born in the next year with CHD, Congressman Bilirakis made this a priority. Research is key to understanding the causes of CHD, preventing it and improving treatment. The near unanimous passage of this important bill will improve the care of people with CHD at all ages and advance the field in critical areas. Better data leads to better research. This bi-partisan initiative is about giving hope to families who have suffered and improving the quality of life for millions of Americans by investing in life-saving research. Doing the right thing on behalf of sick kids is a moral imperative, and I am glad we were finally able to get it over the finish line, said Bilirakis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buchanan-slams-va-shocking-neglect-suicidal-vets,Buchanan Slams VA for Shocking Neglect of Suicidal Vets,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Agency Fails to Spend Millions Allocated for Suicide Prevention Congressman Demands Answers from VA Secretary WASHINGTON Congressman Vern Buchanan today demanded answers from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie after a government watchdog reported that the agency failed to spend millions of dollars allocated for suicide prevention efforts in 2018. In his letter to Secretary Wilkie, Buchanan cited a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that said of the $6.2 million set aside for suicide prevention outreach in 2018, [his] department somehow only managed to spend $57,000, or less than 1 percent of the total funding allocated for this purpose. Furthermore, social media outreach on behalf of the VA regarding suicide prevention sharply declined by more than two-thirds compared to last year and zero public outreach messages were aired nationally for over a year. Buchanan's letter called the findings, unacceptable and disgraceful to the millions of veterans nationwide who put their lives on the line protecting our freedom. His letter further stated that reducing the veteran suiciderate is one of his top priorities and that he will be introducing legislation in Congress to address these problems as soon as possible. In the meantime, however, [Buchanan] respectfully request[s] a written response before the 116th Congress commences on January 3rd, 2019 as to how these failures were allowed to take place and what [Secretary Wilkie] will be doing going forward to ensure that they do not occur again on [his] watch. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary Wilkie, I am writing to you today in the wake of a shocking new report which revealed that the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) has failed to spend millions of dollars specifically allocated by Congress for veteran suicide prevention outreach. As you are undoubtedly aware, an astonishing 20 veterans a day commit suicide, accounting for 18 percent of all suicides nationwide. Among veterans younger than 35, the number of suicides has increased dramatically in recent years. These statistics are not only heartbreaking; they are downright inexcusable. And while I commend you for citing suicide prevention as one of your top priorities for the department, a recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) clearly indicates that much more needs to be done. According to the GAO, of the $6.2 million set aside for suicide prevention outreach in 2018, your department somehow only managed to spend $57,000, or less than 1 percent of the total funding allocated for this purpose. Furthermore, social media outreach on behalf of the VA regarding suicide prevention sharply declined by more than two-thirds compared to last year and zero public outreach messages were aired nationally for over a year. Of the 20 veterans who commit suicide on a daily basis, it is estimated that 14 of those individuals have had little or no contact with the VA in the months preceding their death. This demonstrates that the VA must dramatically improve its outreach to those veterans who are not taking advantage of the department's mental health services and exactly why Congress allocated funds for this purpose. This is unacceptable and disgraceful to the millions of veterans nationwide who put their lives on the line protecting our freedom. The VA's primary duty is to provide the best care possible to themen and women who served our country. However, too often the VA has failed in its responsibility to treat our nation's veterans with the respect they deserve and provide them with the care they need. At a time when a veteran commits suicide every 72 minutes in the United States, we need to do everything in our power to combat this tragic epidemic. That means spending every dollar allocated to your department for this very purpose. Earlier this year, with my strong support, Congress provided the VA with its largest budget in history, including over $200 million for suicide prevention efforts. Please know that reducing the veteran suiciderate is one of my top priorities and that I will be introducing legislation in Congress to address these problems as soon as possible. In the meantime, however, I respectfully request a written response before the 116th Congress commences on January 3rd, 2019 as to how these failures were allowed to take place and what you will be doing going forward to ensure that they do not occur again on your watch. Thank you for your commitment and service to our veterans and I look forward to your prompt response on this important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=614,CRIST TOUTS $1.2M FEDERAL GRANT FOR PINELLAS BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) PROJECT,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"CRIST TOUTS $1.2M FEDERAL GRANT FOR PINELLAS BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) PROJECT f t # e St. Petersburg, FL, December 19, 2018 U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced the award of $1.2 million in federal funding for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to kick-start the development of the county's Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The BRT project will create an 11-mile corridor connecting Pinellas beaches to downtown St. Petersburg to the benefit of residents, tourists, and workers. Crist has fought for full funding of the Federal Transit Administration, which awarded this $1.2 million grant and is responsible for allocating the full $16.5 million slated for the entire BRT project.""Investing in our infrastructure is key to moving our community forward. The BRT will better connect our community, opening new opportunities to residents and tourists alike through more accessible and efficient transportation options,"" said Crist. ""I look forward to continuing to support the great work and innovative programs being led by PSTA, and will keep fighting in Washington for the smart spending needed toimproving our local transit systems."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F4828A74-B4E8-4643-AEC0-79A2C74A44DE,"Mast, More Than 60 Bipartisan Members Lobby Administration To Prioritize Harmful Algal Bloom Prevention",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Brian Mast,M001199,mast.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) wrote a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney urging the Trump Administration to fully fund all programs related to addressing harmful algal blooms in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2020 budget. We write to respectfully request that you allocate robust funding in the President's Fiscal Year 2020 budget request for programs that address a widespread and ever-increasing problem: toxic algal blooms, also called harmful algal blooms (HABs), the Members wrote. Toxic algae affect marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater systems in all 50 states and all U.S. territories. A strong investment in programs that address toxic algae will help protect economic activity, the health of millions of Americans, and our environment. The letter, which was signed by a bipartisan group of 61 members, prominently features the destruction being caused by discharges from Lake Okeechobee: Toxic blue-green algae originating in Lake Okeechobee in Florida has fouled rivers and inland waterways leading to both coasts, wreaking havoc on the state's tourism industry and threatening public health, the Members continued. This toxic bloom remains a continued threat to drinking water and commercial and recreational uses of waterways. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=945,Murphy-McMorris Rodgers Bill to Encourage Investment in Small Businesses Becomes Law,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Murphy-McMorris Rodgers Bill to Encourage Investment in Small Businesses Becomes Law Legislation improves Small Business Administration program that provides job creators with capital f t # e Washington, December 19, 2018 President Donald Trump today signed into law bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., to spur job creation by helping more small businesses access growth capital. The legislation, H.R. 4111, the Spurring Business in Communities Act, makes improvements to the federal Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, which facilitates the flow of private capital to small businesses. This new law will help ensure SBICs are accessible to job creators in all parts of the country, not just those located in finance-heavy regions. This is the 19th Murphy-led measure to become law this Congress.As a former businesswoman, I know how important growth capital is to starting and sustaining a successful small business, said Murphy, Ranking Member on the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce. Securing private capital remains a challenge for too many businesses. I am incredibly proud that our bipartisan legislation to support small businesses and boost private sector job creation is now law.Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing two out of every three new jobs in America and serving as a foundation for our communities, said McMorris Rogers, Chair of the House Republican Conference. Small Business Investment Companies serve an important function in providing capital and support to these job creators, however, there are currently none here in Washington state. My bipartisan bill, which now heads to the president's desk to become law, will make it easier for them to form here in Eastern Washington and invest in our community and local small businesses.For 60 years, the Small Business Investor Alliance has championed policies that enhance domestic investment in growing small businesses, said Small Business Investor Alliance President Brett Palmer in a letter dated May 2018 in support of the legislation. We are pleased to support H.R. 4111, the Spurring Business in Communities Act of 2017... With more small business investment, we can expand economic opportunity to more communities across the country.Under the SBIC program, the Small Business Administration partners with licensed, privately owned and managed investment companies to raise capital for small businesses. In Fiscal Year 2017, SBICs provided about 200 financings totaling nearly $420 million in Florida alone, the third-highest of any state. The Murphy-McMorris Rogers legislation amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require the Small Business Administration, in reviewing and processing an SBIC's application, to give first priority to SBIC applicants located in states with no or fewer SBICs. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6FD9E4AC-4F1C-468D-925B-C4BECC39C4CE,"Rubio, Menendez lead Bipartisan Call for Secretary Pompeo to Formally Determine Rohingya Crisis a Genocide",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ed Markey, (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asking his agency to formally determine if the Burmese military's campaign of violence against the Rohingya people constitutes a genocide. In their letter, the Senators expressed concern that even after the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the State Department's own contractors described the situation as a genocide, the State Department has still not made the important legal determination.Refusal to formally determine that this situation constitutes genocide in light of the available evidence would leave an indelible stain on our nation's legacy of promoting and advancing human rights, dignity, and accountability, wrote the Senators. It would also deny truth-telling and accountability for the thousands of Rohingya who have been terrorized by the Burmese military's brutal actions.The full text of the letter is below:Dear Mr. Secretary,We commend the State Department for its work to document atrocities and provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya, following atrocities committed against them by the Burmese military and security forces in Rakhine State. However, we are deeply concerned that despite clear evidence of genocide amassed by the Department's own reportalongside the findings of numerous credible non-governmental organizations, including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museumthat the Department has not made a formal determination that the crime of genocide has been committed. The definition of genocide includes killing or causing serious bodily or mental harm to a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the group. The deliberate infliction on such a group of conditions intended to bring about the physical destruction in whole or part of the group also constitutes genocide. There is no question that the violence in northern Rakhine State intended to terrorize, drive out, and exterminate Rakhine's Rohingya population meets the definition of genocide. It has been documented by respected organizations that the attacks starting in August 2017 were well-planned and fully-coordinated military operations, which included the deliberate use of tactics intended to destroy the Rohingya as an ethnic/religious group. These actions clearly meet internationally-accepted definition for genocide. The Department's own report published in September 2018 expertly and extensively documents these atrocities and their scale. The Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG), the legal experts who were contracted by the Department to gather evidence used for its report concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that genocide has been committed against the Rohingya. We respectfully ask that you provide a formal legal determination regarding whether the actions of the Burmese military amount to genocide to Congress without delay. While we would agree that there are often situations of violence and mass atrocities around the globe in which evidence is uncertain and intentions unknowable, the situation in Rakhine State is not one of those cases. Refusal to formally determine that this situation constitutes genocide in light of the available evidence would leave an indelible stain on our nation's legacy of promoting and advancing human rights, dignity, and accountability. It would also deny truth-telling and accountability for the thousands of Rohingya who have been terrorized by the Burmese military's brutal actions. We look forward to working with you to ensure the United States continues to play a leading role in providing assistance to vulnerable and targeted populations, documenting crimes against humanity, and bringing perpetrators to justice. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A0069109-54CC-40C3-AA08-CABEE46B9DC0,Rubio Statement On U.S. Withdrawal of Troops From Syria,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement today following reports that the administration is planning a full and rapid withdrawal from Syria: The decision to pull U.S. defense presence out of Syria is a big mistake. The Syrian Democratic Forces and YPG will now abandon the fight against ISIS in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. Iran will step up activity in Southern Syria, which will elicit increased Israeli strikes that could lead to a new and far deadlier Israel-Hezbollah war. And our adversaries will use this as evidence that America is an unreliable partner. Today's decision will lead to grave consequences in the months and years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AB9F62A2-4391-407A-BF61-611D94ACA502,"Rubio, Markey, Sherman, & Messer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Thwart Saudi Arabias Nuclear Weapons Ambitions",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Edward J. Markey (D-DE) members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-30), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today introduced legislation that increases Congressional oversight over any civil nuclear cooperation agreement or123agreement between the United States andSaudiArabia. Since 2017, there have been reports of negotiations between the Trump administration andSaudiArabia on a potential123agreement, with Energy Secretary Rick Perry recently returning from the region after meeting with leaders about a potential deal.Specifically, theNo Nuclear Weapons forSaudiArabia Actwould require Congress to affirmatively approve any 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia. Typically, 123 agreementswhich authorize U.S. companies to sell nuclear technology abroadgo into effect unless veto-proof majorities of Congress pass joint resolutions of disapproval. The legislation also makes clear that Congress believes that no 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia should be approved unless and until the Kingdom is truthful and transparent about the death of U.S. journalist Jamal Khashoggi, unless it commits to forego any uranium enrichment or spent fuel reprocessing activities the so-called gold standard within its territory, and until it agrees to implement the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Additional Protocol. The legislation also urges Saudi Arabia to make substantial progress on protecting human rights, including through the release of political prisoners.The United States should suspend all talks related to a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia until the Saudi government agrees to the Gold Standard' requirements and proves they are willing to be responsible partners that respect the basic rights of their citizens, said Senator Rubio. This important bill will ensure Congress has oversight over and the right to affirmatively approve any nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, and also continues to press the Saudis for accountability in Jamal Khashoggi's murder.Saudi Arabia's recent turn toward authoritarianism is evident in its flagrant and growing disregard for international laws and fundamental human rights, and it must be held to account, said Senator Markey. Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman has made it perfectly clear that he is more interested in harnessing nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia for geopolitical power than for electrical power and has even publicly declared his willingness to pursue nuclear weapons at his discretion. These disturbing facts make it crucial that the United States does not compromise on nonproliferation standards in any 123 agreement it negotiates with Saudi Arabia. This legislation would ensure that we put key checks in place to ensure that Saudi Arabia never ends up with the U.S. technology or materials to make a nuclear bomb, and that Congress is the final say before approval of any agreement. I thank Senator Rubio and Congressman Sherman for their partnership on this important legislation that will help stop a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.A government that cannot be trusted with a bone saw, should not be trusted with a nuclear weapon, said Rep. Sherman. Saudi Arabia's plan to build a nuclear plant makes no economic sense as a means of generating electricity but makes perfect sense if the goal is to provide a pretext for a nuclear weapons program. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, has indicated that he believes Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon and that Saudi Arabia should keep pace. This outcome that would severely threaten the security of the United States and close allies like Israel. This bill empowers Congress to carry out its constitutional oversight role to prevent an agreement that only contains the plastic' or fool's gold' standard.The constitution is quite clear: any international agreement that requires major undertakings on the part of the United States such as any proposed Saudi nuclear deal must be sent to Congress for advice and consent, said Rep. Messer. Frankly, it was wrong when the Obama Administration circumvented these requirements with the Iran nuclear deal, and it would be wrong to allow any deal with the Saudis without ensuring that Congress -- acting as the voice of American people -- has a say.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398844,"CASTOR, CRIST TO UN: BRING CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE TO TAMPA BAY",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Leaders in the fight against climate change, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) wrote to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change offering Tampa Bay as a host of the 2019 Conference of the Parties (COP 25). share: f t This news release was issued by U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (FL-13)Washington, DC Leaders in the fight against climate change, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) wrote to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change offering Tampa Bay as a host of the 2019 Conference of the Parties (COP 25). Given the COP 25's focus on global efforts to combat climate change, and with the region not only one of the most impacted communities but also leading efforts in this fight, the members are echoing the invitation made by Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long for Tampa Bay to host the conference in November of 2019. (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below). Patricia Espinosa United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat P.O. Box 260124 D-53153 Bonn, Germany Re: Offer to Host Conference of the Parties in Tampa Bay Dear Ms. Espinosa, We are writing to propose that the Tampa Bay region of Florida host the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 25) in November of 2019. The Tampa Bay community is a leading force in the effort to combat climate change and prepare for the impacts of a warming planet. Earlier this year, 26 regional governments signed on to join the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition, an initiative to address sea level rise and climate resiliency as well as coordinate climate adaption and mitigation activities. The coalition is an example, nationally and internationally, of how governments especially local governments can collaborate to better respond to global climate change. Additionally, the Tampa Bay region is one of the most vulnerable areas on Earth to the impacts of a changing climate. As temperatures increase, Floridians face sea level rise, extreme weather events, the spread of diseases, drought, and increased energy costs. Indeed, the region's economy, public health, and natural resources are in grave jeopardy in the face of increasingly warming climate. The Tampa Bay community is not only ready, willing, and able to host the COP 25, but it is representative of the local communities around the world that are both most effected by the impacts of a warming planet and are leading efforts to adapt to and mitigate global climate change. Sincerely, Kathy Castor MEMBER OF CONGRESS Charlie Crist MEMBER OF CONGRESS ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=608,"CASTOR, CRIST TO UN: BRING CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE TO TAMPA BAY",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"Leaders in the fight against climate change, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) wrote to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change offering Tampa Bay as a host of the 2019 Conference of the Parties (COP 25). Given the COP 25's focus on global efforts to combat climate change, and with the region not only one of the most impacted communities but also leading efforts in this fight, the members are echoing the invitation made by Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long for Tampa Bay to host the conference in November of 2019. Please find a copy of the letter attached and below: Patricia Espinosa United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat P.O. Box 260124 D-53153 Bonn, Germany Re: Offer to Host Conference of the Parties in Tampa Bay Dear Ms. Espinosa, We are writing to propose that the Tampa Bay region of Florida host the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 25) in November of 2019. The Tampa Bay community is a leading force in the effort to combat climate change and prepare for the impacts of a warming planet. Earlier this year, 26 regional governments signed on to join the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition, an initiative to address sea level rise and climate resiliency as well as coordinate climate adaption and mitigation activities. The coalition is an example, nationally and internationally, of how governments especially local governments can collaborate to better respond to global climate change. Additionally, the Tampa Bay region is one of the most vulnerable areas on Earth to the impacts of a changing climate. As temperatures increase, Floridians face sea level rise, extreme weather events, the spread of diseases, drought, and increased energy costs. Indeed, the region's economy, public health, and natural resources are in grave jeopardy in the face of increasingly warming climate. The Tampa Bay community is not only ready, willing, and able to host the COP 25, but it is representative of the local communities around the world that are both most effected by the impacts of a warming planet and are leading efforts to adapt to and mitigate global climate change. Sincerely, Kathy Castor MEMBER OF CONGRESS Charlie Crist MEMBER OF CONGRESS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/fighting-for-florida?ContentRecord_id=B078F333-B4DC-4A9B-BDA4-9157E9F474C0,Rubio's Efforts To Keep Low Income Housing Tenants Safe,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Fighting for Florida Rubio's Efforts To Keep Low Income Housing Tenants Safe:Legislation Introduced May 19, 2016 The Senate passed legislation that includedthree Rubio amendmentsto improve the U.S. Department of Urban Development's oversight of public housing projects. July 14, 2016 Rubio and Nelson filed a bill to hold slumlords accountablefor poor conditions. July 18, 2018 Rubio joined Senators Young, Cantwell, King, Heller, Kaine, Jones, Gardner, and Coons in introducing the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act, which seeks to better understand and respond to America's affordable housing crisis by creating a bipartisan affordable housing task force. Global Ministries Foundation May 13, 2016 Rubio tells slumlords at HUD Apartments in Jacksonville: You Guys Are Disgusting. May 13, 2016 After shaming slumlords, Rubiocallsfor criminal investigation. May 18, 2016 Rubiospoke on the Senate floorblasting Global Ministries Foundation. May 24, 2016 Rubio urged theU.S. Department of Justice, theU.S. Department of the Treasuryand theU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)to open an investigation into Global Ministries Foundation. August 3, 2016 Rubiocommented on the federal raid of slumlordsat Global Ministries Foundation, which he called for earlier in the year. August 11, 2016 Rubiowelcomed report that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission isinvestigating Global Ministries Foundation. September 22, 2016 Rubio testified at the Senate Banking Committee's Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development's hearing on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) inspections process. July 13, 2018 Rubio and Nelson urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to immediately resolve unanswered maintenance requests for tenants of properties owned by Global Ministries Foundation. Eureka Gardens Apartments October 9, 2015 In aletter, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry first informs Rubio and his staff about the conditions he had just seen at Eureka Gardens Apartments. October 16, 2015 Rubio's staffmet with HUD officials in Jacksonville, called Eureka Gardens' state alarming. January 21, 2016 Rubiodemanded action from HUDfor Eureka Gardens residents after allegations of lead poisoning. April 27, 2016 Rubiodiscussed the ongoing problemsat Eureka Gardens with Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Councilman Garrett Dennis. May 12, 2016 A day before visiting, Rubiodiscussed problems at HUD's Eureka Gardensin Jacksonville. April, 12, 2017 Rubio visited Eureka Gardens apartments in Jacksonville with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson. November 1, 2018 Rubio applauded the sale of the Eureka Gardens housing complex in Jacksonville, FL, from Global Ministries Foundation (GMF) to Millennia Housing Development. Stonybrook apartment complex May 25, 2016 Rubiometwith Riviera Beach Councilwoman Dawn Pardo regarding the deplorable conditions of GMF's Stonybrook apartment complex. September 9, 2016 Rubiosurprised GMF slumlordsand visited residents forced to live in deplorable conditions at Stonybrook Apartments. August 30, 2018 Rubio and Nelson and Representatives Hastings, Frankel, Deutch and Mast sent a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development requesting swift approval for any Section 8 Pass-Through Lease requests for a GMF-owned property to protect tenants from unsafe living conditions. Jones Walker Apartments October 26, 2018 Rubio and Nelson requested that Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson make available the latest reports from the failed Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspection of Jones Walker Apartments in Fort Myers, Florida.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=071446A4-557E-4512-81B7-7A205CBD297D,"On Senate Floor, Rubio Calls for Pardons for ""the Groveland Four""",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) urged Florida officials to pardon the Groveland Four, four young African American men who were victims of institutionalized racial hatred in Lake County, Florida, in 1949 and subsequent years. A rough transcript of his remarks is below. A high-quality version for broadcast is available here.Rubio: We're talking about the subject of justice, and I thought it was appropriate to take a couple of minutes here as we get ready to vote to signify a unique injustice that occurred in the state of Florida 70 years ago. In July of 1949, a white couple was driving their couple when it broke down on a rural road near Groveland, Florida. Two black men, Walter Irvin and Samuel Shepherd, stopped to help the couple. What followed was a horrifying injustice. It haunts Florida and truly the nation to this day. Norma Padgett was the white woman in that truck. She was 17 years old. She told police that she had been abducted and raped by four black men. Many locals at the time doubted her story. Her estranged husband was known to be a drinker and to become violent with her. Many suspected she had made up these accusations to cover up for his abuse. The Sheriff's Office nevertheless detained three men for this alleged crime. Walter Irvin and Samuel Shepherd, the two men who had stopped to help the couple were both World War II veterans. They both denied abducting or raping the woman. Nevertheless, they were detained and they were brutally beaten in the basement of the Sheriff's Office in the jail until they confessed to a crime they did not commit. A few days later Mr. Shepherd's family home was burned to the ground. A third man, 16-year-old Charles Greenlee, who only 16, so really a boy, at the time that truck broke down he was 20 miles away, a fact that was testified to by a store watchman. He didn't even know Mr. Irvin or Mr. Shepherd. And the woman whose own husband testified that he was not one of the four men that he alleges had brutally beaten him and abducted and raped his wife, but he too was taken to the basement of that jail and brutally beaten. A fourth man, Ernest Thomas, he was never arrested because he was hunted down over 30 hours by an armed posse of over 1,000 men, including the County Sheriff. They found him sleeping under a tree in Madison County, Florida, and they shot him to death. Greenlee, Irvin and Shepherd were tried. The judge over that case denied their attorney access to exculpatory evidence. The judge in that case barred testimony about how they had been beaten until they confessed and an all-white jury convicted them, sentenced Irvin and Shepherd to death and sentenced 16-year-old Greenlee to life in prison. Then a young attorney named Thurgood Marshall took up their case. He appealed it to the Supreme Court of the United States, which found that they did not receive a fair trial. In fact, Justice Robert Jackson said the trial was, one of the best examples of one of the worst menaces to American justice. The Supreme Court ordered a retrial.Well, a few months later the same Sheriff that was part of that posse picked up Mr. Irvin and Mr. Shepherd from jail to transport them from prison to a hearing before the trial. Then he pulled over his car, pulled the two men, handcuffed the two men out of the car and he shot them. Mr. Shepherd died. Mr. Irvin played dead. The F.B.I. later found evidence that he had been shot while laying on the ground handcuffed to Mr. Shepherd. By the way, lying wounded, his treatment was delayed because the hospital refused to transport him because he was a black man. Mr. Irvin was eventually retried and again convicted in another sham trial and again sentenced to death. By 1955, the facts of the case were so troubling that Florida Governor LeRoy Collins commuted his sentence, took him off death row, and commuted his sentence to life in prison. Finally in 1968, he was paroled by Governor Claude Kirk. One year later Mr. Irvin returned to Lake County for a funeral. He was found dead in his car. Mr. Greenlee, the 16-year-old at the time of the manufactured crime, was paroled in 1960. He left Florida and died in April of 2012 at the age of 78. In 2017, the Florida Legislature unanimously voted to issue what are now known as the Groveland Four, a formal and heartfelt apology. And they asked the State's cabinet to undertake an expedited review of the case and issue pardons. I come here today to talk about this case because while there is nothing we can do to give Mr. Thomas or Mr. Shepherd back their lives, there's nothing we can do to give Mr. Irvin or Mr. Greenlee back the years they spent in jail for a crime they did not commit we can give these men back their good name. What we can do now, as a state in Florida, is seek the forgiveness of their families and of them for the grave injustice that was committed against them. And this is what I come here to the Senate today to urge the new Florida cabinet to do as soon as possible after they take office next month. Because after 70 years, it is time for Florida to do the right thing for the Groveland Four.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3D0842BC-B000-4C52-B6A6-2AD5682D037B,"Rubio Introduces Bill to Modernize Medicaid DSH, Help Hospitals Providing Care to Low-Income Patients",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the State Accountability, Flexibility, and Equity (SAFE) for Hospitals Act, which would overhaul the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program to create equity for all states by updating a metric used to determine how much each state is allotted, which has not been reformed since the early 1990's. The SAFE Hospitals Act would resolve a longstanding disparity in Medicaid DSH allocations across the nation, including Florida, and prioritize funding for hospitals that provide the most care to Medicaid and low-income patients.Over the course of 10-15 years, Florida hospitals could gain up to $600 million in annual DSH funding as a result of Rubio's bill. A one-pager of the bill is available here.For far too long, Florida has not received its fair share of funding for hospitals that serve the most vulnerable patients, Rubio said. The Medicaid DSH program must be modernized, rather than relying on an outdated system that predominantly reflects state spending in 1992. My new bill would fix this disparity and update the system to create equity within the DSH program. I'm proud to introduce this proposal to reform Medicaid DSH, and it is my hope that this bill will become a framework for future reform.The Florida Hospital Association commends Senator Rubio for his leadership in the effort to bring equity and fairness to the Federal Medicaid Disproportionate Share program. The SAFE Hospitals Act provides a more rational allocation of DSH funds and brings the DSH program closer to its original purpose. It prioritizes DSH payments for those hospitals that serve higher numbers of low income and uninsured patients, Florida Hospital Association President Bruce Rueben said. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida commends U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio for sponsoring the SAFE Hospitals Act, legislation that would provide Florida its fair share of federal funding for hospitals that serve a large number of Medicaid and uninsured patients. Now is the time to once and for all fix the federal formula for distributing Medicaid Disproportionate Share (DSH) payments to help hospitals cover the cost of uncompensated care. Under Rubio's bill, the new formula would be based on the national standard poverty rate and use the latest census data, as opposed to the haphazard state-by-state allocation that is still predominantly based on an antiquated formula created in the early 1990s. Sen. Rubio understands the importance of having a fair DSH formula for Florida and numerous other states that have received low DSH allocations for decades. The Safety Net hospitals are optimistic that Florida's entire Congressional delegation will back the SAFE Hospitals Act to finally fix this problem so Florida gets our fair share. Florida's Safety Net hospitals have long expressed frustration that Texas, another state that chose not to expand Medicaid, receives over 475 percent more funding for uninsured patients than Florida. Or that Connecticut receives the same DSH allotment as Florida but has less than one-fifth the population and, in 2016, served only 0.75 percent the U.S. population at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level, compared to Florida's 6.7 percent. I am hopeful that Congress will pass this legislation. It is a simple matter of fairness and should have bipartisan support, Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida President Lindy Kennedy said of Rubio's SAFE Hospitals Act.What the SAFE Hospitals Act Does: Gradually changes the DSH allocation formula so states' allocations are based on the number of low-income earners living in the state, as a percentage, of the total U.S. population earning less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Prioritizes DSH funding to hospitals providing the most care to vulnerable patients, while providing states with the necessary flexibility to address the unique needs of hospitals in each state. Expands the definition of uncompensated care to include costs incurred by hospitals to provide certain outpatient physician and clinical services, which is a change recommended by MACPAC. Allows states to reserve some of their DSH funding allocations to be used in future years in order to give hospitals more certainty or consistency in the amount of DSH funding they can expect when planning for the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=858F4EC7-FC3B-4B35-940C-D61BE9888662,Rubio Statement On First Step Act,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement today following his vote on the FIRST STEP Act: Over the past several months, I have heard arguments on both sides of the First Step Act. Ultimately, I voted no because the Senate did not address serious concerns raised by local law enforcement, federal prosecutors and constituents in Florida about the sentencing reforms in this bill. As I've said before, reforms to our criminal justice system are needed because 95% of federal inmates will be released at some point. Preparing them to integrate into society and find meaningful work is in our best interests, but we must always err on the side of public safety.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8701DF6B-BFA7-417A-8D0D-C3AEBE1205E7,"Following Reports of Slum-Like Living Conditions, Rubio Demands Investigation of Glorieta Gardens",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today called for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig to conduct an investigation and potentially suspend benefits to the owners of Glorieta Gardens Apartments in Opa-locka, Florida. The request was made following multiple visits by Rubio's staff to see first-hand the living conditions described in tenant testimonies. Specifically, Rubio requested the agencies conduct an audit of the property owner, Glorieta Partners, Ltd., and their contractors, to ensure federal tax dollars were used as intended in the rehabilitation and management of the property. Additionally, Rubio requested that HUD grant a Section 8 pass-through lease to allow tenants to receive safe and sanitary temporary housing until the property is properly rehabilitated by the owner as promised. Background on Rubio's efforts to keep low income housing tenants safe can be found here.The full text of the letter is below. Dear Secretary Carson and Commissioner Rettig: I write with great concern for constituents who reside at the Glorieta Gardens Apartments in Opa-locka, Florida. In 2017, Glorieta Gardens Apartments, which consists of more than 300 units owned and managed by Glorieta Partners Ltd., went through an extensive rehabilitation that reportedly cost more than $16 million. It was partially financed with federal tax credits and allegedly allowed for a 20 percent subsidized-Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rent increase in the wake of its completion. Since the rehabilitation, tenants have reported that the property is in worse condition now than it was prior to the repairs. My staff recently visited the property, met with residents, and witnessed thick layers of mold coating walls, sewage leaking into kitchens, and corroded pipes. Tenants reported that they received appliances that do not work, experienced instances where their walls were painted to cover rust and mold, and experience constant flooding. Tenants were assured by management that a state of the art security camera system would be installed, however, no such security system is believed to be present on the property, while violent crime and drive-by shootings remain prevalent. In addition to the responsibilities afforded to HUD to ensure safe living conditions, I respectfully request that both HUD and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit the finances of Glorieta Partners, Ltd., and their contractors, to ensure federal tax dollars were used as intended in the rehabilitation and management of Glorieta Gardens. In addition, I request HUD consider freezing the 20 percent rent increase, if it was awarded to the property, until Glorieta Gardens can achieve consistent satisfactory Real Estate Assessment Center inspection scores. Families who live in HUD-assisted properties deserve proper federal oversight and necessary protection. If needed, I encourage HUD to make a Section 8 pass-through lease available to the tenants until the property is properly rehabilitated by the owner as promised. As a U.S. Senator, it is my duty to ensure federal tax dollars appropriated by Congress are not misused at the expense of the families they are intended to serve. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CA87C9C2-8E35-4A89-8559-E27667BCA755,"Rubio, Colleagues Urge Administration to Respond to Allegations of Chinese Government Election Interference",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) expressing concern to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other national security leaders in the Trump Administration about ongoing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to undermine democracy. In the letter, the Senators encouraged the Administration to work closely with Taiwan to investigate the allegations of interference and respond if necessary.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Secretaries Pompeo and Mnuchin, Directors Coats and Wray:We write with concern about allegations that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) interfered in Taiwan's recent elections. CCP attempts to erode democratic processes and norms around the world threaten U.S. partnerships and prosperity. Allegations such as those surrounding Taiwan's recent elections must therefore be pursued with seriousness and urgency. We appreciate the actions your departments are already taking to address CCP foreign interference. We encourage you to work closely with Taiwan authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations and, if necessary, take swift action to deter future CCP interference in elections in Taiwan or elsewhere across the globe.In the lead-up to Taiwan's local elections on November 24, 2018, Taiwan authorities and independent observers alleged that the CCP used illegal funds and disinformation to influence the election results in favor of the CCP's strategic interests. It is not our intent, nor our role, to question the veracity or fairness of the electoral outcome. Rather, in an era of growing authoritarian interference, we believe such allegations must be taken seriously if free societies are to continue to thrive. If true, CCP interference in Taiwan's elections would be deeply concerning not only for Taiwan's future, but also for fellow democracies around the world where the CCP may choose to interfere.Taiwan authorities' statements suggest that illegal campaign contributions to pro-Beijing political candidates were one of the primary tools of alleged CCP interference. In October, Taiwan authorities announced that they were investigating 33 cases of alleged funding from China to political campaigns in Taiwan. If true, the donations would be in violation of Taiwan's Political Donations Act and the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. Indeed, Taiwan investigators reportedly conducted raids on two illicit money exchanges funneling money to pro-Beijing election activities in Taiwan. Authorities are also investigating allegations that CCP-linked individuals tried to bribe or coerce voters.Taiwan authorities have also accused the CCP of using disinformation to shape public opinion of political candidates deemed unsympathetic to Beijing's interests. They allege the CCP spread false information through social media and messaging platforms, including Facebook, Line, and the online bulletin board, PTT. Some candidates have even claimed to possess evidence showing that these disinformation campaigns originated from mainland Chinese IP addresses.As Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of State Scott Busby said last month in Taiwan, At a time of democratic backsliding and human rights abuses elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan serves as an invaluable model to others. And given the challenges we all face, it is especially important that democracies like Taiwan and the United States stand together in promoting a brighter future, free of repression, censorship, and exploitation. In the spirit of DAS Busby's remarks, we write to express our support for efforts to counter interference of this nature and to state unequivocally that we stand shoulder to shoulder with democracies fighting attempts to undermine their sovereignty and freedom. We encourage your departments to do all you can to support Taiwan in investigating these allegations and taking necessary action in response.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399078,Hastings Statement on Affordable Care Act Ruling,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after a U.S. District Judge in Texas struck down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as unconstitutional: Friday's absurd court ruling follows more than 70 failed attempts by Congressional Republicans to dismantle the ACA and two U.S. Supreme Court rulings upholding the law. The American people sent a strong signal to Republicans last November that their relentless attacks on the ACA will not be tolerated. Dismantling life-saving protections that will help children, seniors, and those with pre-existing conditions is not in our country's best interest. Having been defeated time and time again in Congress, President Trump and the Republican Party are now attempting to use the courts to overturn the law. I predict they will fail. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the 116th Congress to ensure that affordable healthcare is within reach for all. We owe it to all Americans to ensure that healthcare is affordable, accessible, and comprehensive. I call on my Republican colleagues to reverse their attacks on those who are most vulnerable and join the Democrats in strengthening healthcare all across our nation. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Democratic Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398842,U.S. Rep. Castor: Legislation to Honor Fallen Tampa Hero USAF Maj. O'Keeffe Passes Congress,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Town n Country post office is the busiest in the region and soon customers will be visiting a building named after a homegrown American hero. share: f t The Town n Country post office is the busiest in the region and soon customers will be visiting a building named after a homegrown American hero. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that her legislation honoring the life and service of Air Force Major Andreas Andy O'Keeffe passed both chambers of Congress and is on its way to the President's desk to be signed into law. U.S. Rep. Castor's bill will rename the Town n Country post office in honor of Maj. O'Keefe, an important step in honoring his life and service to our community and his ultimate sacrifice for our nation. In dedicating a cornerstone of the Town n Country community, I hope to honor Maj. O'Keeffe's life serving our country and rescuing people around the world, U.S. Rep. Castor said, joined by his parents, friends and even former teachers from Incarnation Catholic School. He was not just a community hero but an American hero he chose to serve something bigger than himself and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for America. Members of Congress have the ability to pass legislation to rename certain federal buildings to commemorate and express public gratitude for distinguished individuals. Maj. O'Keeffe graduated from Tampa Bay Tech High School, attended USF, completed law school and answered the call to serve. He was deployed to Iraq three times, to Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Texas during Hurricane Harvey. Maj. O'Keeffe was killed at age 37 on March 15, 2018, while serving during Operation Inherent Resolve, when his helicopter crashed in western Iraq. Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera also attended today's announcement: We're here today to honor a great American who gave it all. Actions like this here today makes us more aware of sacrifices from the everyday sacrifices of the families to the larger sacrifice. Thank you U.S. Rep. Castor for working on this important issue. As a veteran, I know we hear thank you for your service' a lot to the veterans and military members but to the family, I think our service is defined by their sacrifice as well, said Mark Fetterman from Mission United, which represents Tampa Bay's nonprofits that serve veterans. Maj. O'Keeffe and his family have given so much for this country, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. While we can never be able tofully honorwhat they have sacrificed, it is important that they know we recognize and appreciate the service of Maj. O'Keeffe and this post office will serve as testament to that. Our community and country will miss him. Tampa is a patriotic community and home to MacDill Air Force Base, the 6th Air Mobility Wing, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) two of the Armed Forces' most important military command outposts and the busiest VA Hospital in America, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. U.S. Rep. Castor serves as Vice Ranking member of the powerful U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee and earlier in her tenure served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4503B44B-8D2A-46B1-B00F-171AB19DE038,Rubio: Otro diciembre bajo represin en Amrica Latina,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Otro diciembre bajo represin en Amrica LatinaPor Senador estadounidense Marco Rubio17 de diciembre de 2018 Diario Las AmricasLos presos polticos y de conciencia de Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua son hoy un motivo de reflexin e inspiracin por su lucha a favor de los Derechos Humanos y la democraciaEl mes de diciembre debera ser sinnimo de alegra, armona y felicidad. Tristemente, esa no es la realidad de muchos pases en nuestro hemisferio, cuyas fiestas navideas son opacadas por la violacin de derechos humanos y represin que enfrentan. Este mes, el secretario general de la Organizacin de Estados Americanos (OEA), Luis Almagro, denunci al rgimen de Cuba por silenciosamente exportar mecanismos de terror por toda Latinoamrica. Bajo el mando de Nicols Maduro y Daniel Ortega sus pases han adoptado esos mecanismos de terror para tratar de silenciar y oprimir a sus pueblos.Los presos polticos y de conciencia de Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua son hoy un motivo de reflexin e inspiracin por su lucha a favor de los Derechos Humanos y la democracia. La crueldad en contra de lderes democrticos, como los casos de las Damas de Blanco y Eduardo Cardet en Cuba, Leopoldo Lpez y Juan Requesens en Venezuela, Jaime Ampi Machado y Chester Membreo en Nicaragua, dan fe de que en estos tres pases reina la opresin y la violacin a los derechos humanos de aquellas personas quienes aspiran a vivir en libertad.Aunque el llamado presidente de Cuba no tiene el apellido Castro, la realidad es que Miguel Daz-Canel sigue las mismas tcticas represivas de sus dos antecesores. Las Damas de Blanco, recientemente galardonadas con el Premio Milton Friedman del Instituto CATO, siguen siendo amedrentadas y son vctimas de ataques por parte del rgimen cubano. Estas mujeres, quienes pacficamente caminan por las calles de Cuba hacia la iglesia con una foto de sus seres queridos cautivos en una mano y un gladiolo blanco en la otra, son ejemplo de valenta y resistencia. El doctor cubano Eduardo Cardet, considerado por la ONG Amnista Internacional como un preso de conciencia, lleva ms de dos aos injustamente encarcelado en Cuba por ser un fuerte crtico del dictador Fidel Castro.Quiz uno de los casos ms emblemticos de violacin de derechos humanos en la narco-dictadura de Nicols Maduro es el del lder de Voluntad Popular Leopoldo Lpez. Tal y como lo he resaltado en varias ocasiones, Lpez fue encarcelado por el rgimen para tratar de silenciar su voz como lder opositor y quebrantar su moral. Un caso similar es el del diputado de la Asamblea Nacional Juan Requesens, quien goza de inmunidad parlamentaria y fue arbitrariamente detenido en Caracas bajo falsas acusaciones por el rgimen. Lpez y Requesens son culpables de una sola cosa: luchar incansablemente por una Venezuela libre para sus hijos y los hijos de todos los venezolanos.Lea ms aqu.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=631ACA0A-77CA-49CC-B140-2D47DF421BDC,Rubio Statement On First Step Act,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement today following his vote to bring the FIRST STEP Act to the floor for debate: Reforms to our criminal justice system are needed. 95% of federal inmates will be released at some point, and preparing them to integrate into society and find meaningful work is in our best interests. Thatis why I am a supporter of the Second Chance Act, which is included in this bill. However, I've heard significant concerns from local law enforcement, federal prosecutors and constituents in Florida about the sentencing reforms in this bill. I voted today to begin debate on the First Step Act in the hopes those concerns can be fully addressed during an open amendment process. If they are not addressed, I will vote no on this bill when it comes before the Senate for final passage.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-al-lawson-statement-court-ruling-affordable-care-act,U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Statement on Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Al Lawson,L000586,lawson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) released the following statement today after a federal judge in Texas struck down the Affordable Care Act: The district court ruling in Texas is the latest shameful attempt to kill off the Affordable Care Act and eliminate coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. As someone who grew up without easy access to health care, I understand what a difference it can make and believe it should be available to as many Americans as possible. Since the ACA was implemented, the uninsured rate in my district has dropped to just under 4 percent. It is wrong to take away health care coverage from roughly 130 million Americans, including 7.8 million Floridians with pre-existing conditions. This consistent assault on the ACA is absurd, and I will continue to fight every step of the way to make sure that more Americans can access the affordable health care they need and deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=57F91FF6-FDC9-4AE3-9285-10A018FC2E0A,Rubio Praises Obamacare Ruling By Texas Federal Judge,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement praising the ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, declaring the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. The ruling against Obamacare, on behalf of Florida and others, serves as a stark reminder of the millions of Americans who are suffering under the law. Americans should have the ability to buy a health plan that meets their needs, rather than what Washington tells them. This ruling is a first, not a final step, in a long legal process and will not impact next year's coverage. Ultimately, congress must take action. We should look at opportunities that give families flexibility in obtaining healthcare while also allowing states the ability to innovate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FD937AC3-F3DF-4A77-8B70-D93056B7F583,"Mast, Rubio Request Immediate Intervention By Trump Administration To Prevent Delay of EAA Southern Storage Reservoir Project",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Brian Mast,M001199,mast.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL) yesterday raised urgent concerns with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, R. D. James, over an Army Corps of Engineers proposal that would disregard clear congressional intent and delay the review of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Post Authorization Change Report (PACR) by more than a year. The Corps cannot simply ignore the parts of federal law that they find inconvenient or don't want to comply with, Rep. Mast said. If they fail to submit their report to Congress by January 18th, they will have violated the law, and that's absolutely unacceptable. Delays will not be tolerated. Specifically, Rubio and Mast requested that Secretary James directly intervene to prevent the Corps bureaucracy from unnecessarily delaying the design and construction of the vital Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir project. The reservoir was authorized as a result of language written by Rep. Mast and Sen. Rubio included in the Water Resources Development Act that was signed into law earlier this year. The Corps cannot be allowed to waste valuable time and scarce taxpayer resources duplicating feasibility study efforts for projects that Congress has already authorized, Rep. Mast and Sen. Rubio wrote in the letter. It is wholly inappropriate for the Corps to abuse the reporting requirement included in the CEPP PACR authorization for the purpose of relitigating the feasibility study for a congressionally-authorized project. Thefull text of the letteris below: Dear Secretary James: We strongly urge your attention to our concerns regarding an unacceptable proposal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to significantly extend the Section 203 review process and potentially seek a second, modified authorization for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Post Authorization Change Report (PACR). As you are aware, the concept for feasibility studies conducted by non-federal interests was created under Sec. 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-662). The CEPP PACR Feasibility Study and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, as prepared by the South Florida Water Management District, is the first and only such study to be determined feasible by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and authorized by Congress. Management of this first review will set critical precedents for future Sec. 203 projects. It is critical that the procedures established now are efficient and respect the intent of Congress both with respect to the overall purpose of Sec. 203 feasibility studies, and the specific authorization for the design and construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir project within CEPP (Sec. 1308, P.L. 115-270). On July 11, 2018, you submitted a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee determining that this project was feasible from an engineering and construction viewpoint, but also noting significant technical, policy and legal concerns, which could be addressed through an evaluation/validation effort in the next project phase, subject to authorization by Congress. In deference to your judgment, Congress authorized this project and directed that construction should commence only after the Secretary prepares a report that addresses concerns, recommendations, and conditions identified by the Secretary, allowing 90 days for completion of that report, which is due to the Committees of jurisdiction no later thanJanuary 18, 2019. The law is clear that upon quick and efficient completion of your report, in coordination with the non-federal interest, no further Congressional authorization is required or warranted to begin construction of this vital Everglades restoration project. Instead, following submission of the report to Congress, the Corps should immediately proceed to working with the South Florida Water Management District to enter into a Project Partnership Agreement and begin the preconstruction engineering and design phase of the EAA Storage Reservoir Project, subject to the availability of appropriations. The concerns and recommendations highlighted in your report may meaningfully be addressed by the Corps, in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District, during the preconstruction engineering and design phase, as has been typical procedure for all other Everglades restoration projects to date. It is wholly inappropriate for the Corps to abuse the reporting requirement included in the CEPP PACR authorization for the purpose of relitigating the feasibility study for a congressionally-authorized project, especially when such efforts will undoubtedly compel the Corps to seek a second, modified project authorization. Congress created the concept of Sec. 203 feasibility studies over 30 years ago to allow non-federal interests to expedite authorization and subsequently, construction, of critical water resources projects, while also reducing federal costs and the demands on an overburdened Corps. For Sec. 203 feasibility studies to serve as a meaningful option for non-federal interests in the future as Congress intended, the Corps cannot be allowed to waste valuable time and scarce taxpayer resources duplicating feasibility study efforts for projects that Congress has already authorized. We respectfully request your direct intervention to restrain the Corps bureaucracy from further devaluing the Sec. 203 process and unnecessarily delaying the design and construction of a vital Everglades restoration project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=941,Rep. Stephanie Murphy Delivers UCF Commencement Address,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Stephanie Murphy,M001202,stephaniemurphy.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphyof Winter Park, Fla. today delivered a commencement address at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Murphy, the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to Congress, spoke to students graduating from theCollege of Business Administration, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, and the College of Optics & Photonics. She discussed her personal journey and offered guidance to students as they prepare to begin the next phase of their lives.Murphy was introduced by UCF President Dale Whittaker and delivered her remarks to approximately 1,500 students, along with their friends and family. Congresswoman Murphy delivers a commencement address at UCF (Credit: UCF/Nicholas Leyva) Click here for high resolution photos At big moments like this, it's only natural to look both backward and forward,Murphy said to the graduating students. When you look back, I hope you feel a sense of pride that your hard work is paying off. I hope you also feel a sense a gratitude for the people in your life who have helped you. I hope you feel a sense of humility, rooted in your appreciation that you didn't get here on your own. Today is also a day to look forward and to prepare for the challenges on the horizon,Murphy added. When you face adversity in life, you'll need to put on your armor and prepare for battle, like the Knights that you are. Your weapons in this fight will be the same ones you have wielded up to this point. Your inner strength and your external support system. Your fortitude and your family and friends. Your backbone and the people who always have your back. Murphy urged students, whenever theyfaced personal or professional hardship, to draw strength from their character and their community: Your character has been shaped by your experiences, including your time here at UCF. It's your core values and principles. It's the code you try to live by, even if you sometimes fall short, as we all do. It's what you do when nobody is watching. At its best, character is grace and grit. Kindness and compassion. A sense of humility, a sense of humor, and a sense of justice. A deep appreciation for life, and how precious it is, but also how fragile. The capacity for hard work. A sense of patriotism, but not one that blinds you to the common humanity we share with citizens of other nations. The courage to try, and the courage to fail. The willingness to fall down, again and again, and the willpower to get up every time. In life, your best defense against darkness, doubt, and despair will be your sense of purpose, your character, and your community. They will give you the strength to charge on,Murphyconcluded. During her speech,Murphy referenced the university's successful football program. Life isn't easy. And it isn't always fair. I mean, how is it fair that UCF went undefeated for two seasons in a row, and still didn't make the college football playoffs?Murphy quipped.Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest. Murphy delivered her remarks at the first offour UCF Fall 2018 commencement ceremonies, taking place Dec. 14-15. Approximately 5,700 degrees will be conferred during these ceremonies. To view the full text of Murphy's remarks, click here. To view the video, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=09B721FD-C178-445B-BDC2-120B748EF3D1,"Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Impose Pressure on Iranian Regime, Reinforce American Sanctions",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined his colleagues Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) in introducing the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act. The bill seeks to counter the Iranian regime's money laundering and financing of terrorism, protect the global financial system from Iranian illicit finance, and impose maximum financial pressure on Iran.Tom Cotton (R-AR.), Thom Tillis (R-SC), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Jim Banks (R-IN), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Jacki Walorski (R-IN), Peter King (R-NY), and Don Bacon (R-NE) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill.This important legislation would empower the United States and our like-minded allies to do more to end the Iranian government's ability to illicitly finance its dangerous efforts to sponsor terrorism and militancy, to advance its nuclear and missile programs, to egregiously abuse human rights in Iran and abroad, and to suppress the Iranian people's aspirations for self-determination, Senator Rubio said. I look forward to working with fellow lawmakers and the Administration to enact this legislation and fully implement the maximum pressure against the regime in Tehran.The Obama Iran nuclear deal gifted the Ayatollahs with hundreds of billions of dollars and reconnected them to the global financial system, which they used launder even more money and fund even more terrorism Senator Cruz said. Undoing that damage requires imposing maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. President Trump was absolutely right when he began that process by withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Effectively disconnecting Iran from the global financial system, which this bill does, is a necessary next step. I look forward to working more with the administration and my Congressional colleagues to ensure this bill becomes law during the next Congress.""Withdrawing from the JCPOA was only the first step in ratcheting up pressure on the Iranian regime. We now have an important window to impose maximum economic pressure and degrade the Iranian regime's ability to export violence across the region. This legislation does exactly that by effectively cutting Iran off from the international financial community. Its message is clear: Iran must pay a steep price for its aggressive and destabilizing behavior, and the United States will never tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Representative Gallagher said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=29DE2AD9-A2FD-4790-8BB9-E50083220BB5,Next Week: Rubio Staff Hosts Mobile Office Hours,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL The office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will host Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to regional offices a more convenient way to receive federal casework assistance.Monday, December 17, 2018Hillsborough County10:00am 1:00pm ESTMaureen Gauzza Public Library11211 Countryway Blvd.Tampa, FL 336262:00pm 5:00pm ESTLutz Branch Library101 Lutz-Lake Fern Rd. W. Lutz, FL 33548Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Miami-Dade County9:30am 12:30pm ESTMiami Dade County Government Center 111 NW 1st St.Miami, FL 33128Seminole County 10:00am 12:00pm EST Winter Springs Senior Center 400 N. Edgemon Ave. Winter Springs, FL 32708Lee County10:00am 1:00pm ESTSWFL Military Museum4820 Leonard St.Cape Coral, FL 33904Manatee County1:00pm 5:00pm ESTDowntown Central Library1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W.Bradenton, FL 34205Nassau County2:00pm 4:00pm ESTNassau County Chamber of Commerce961687 Gateway Blvd.Fernandina Beach, FL 32034Duval County3:00pm 4:30pm ESTDuval County Library Southeast Branch10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.Jacksonville, FL 32256Wednesday, December 19, 2018Clay County10:00am 11:30am ESTClay County Council on Aging604 Walnut St.Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Miami-Dade County12:00pm 3:00pm ESTSouth Dade Regional Library10750 SW 211 St.Cutler Bay, FL 33189Alachua County1:00pm 2:30pm ESTGainesville Main Library Meeting Room B 401 East University Ave.Gainesville, FL 32601Thursday, December 20, 2018Miami-Dade County12:00pm 3:00pm ESTWest Flagler Library5050 W. Flagler St.Miami, FL 33134Friday, December 21, 2018Sarasota County10:00am 1:00pm ESTNorth Port Library13800 Tamiami TrailNorth Port, FL 34287Sarasota County2:00pm 5:00pm ESTFrances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library4143 Woodmere Park Blvd.Venice, FL 34293",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=80E2E6F4-52BA-45E7-91FB-208A4283B5DB,"Rubio, Mast Request Immediate Intervention by Trump Administration to Prevent Delay of EAA Storage Reservoir Project",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, raised urgent concerns with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, R. D. James, over an Army Corps of Engineers proposal that would disregard clear congressional intent and delay the review of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Post Authorization Change Report (PACR) by more than a year. Specifically, Rubio and Mast requested that Secretary James directly intervene to prevent the Corps bureaucracy from unnecessarily delaying the design and construction of the vital Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir project.Rubio led the effort to authorize the EAA, which passed the Senate on October 10 by a vote of 99-1. A list of Rubio's efforts fighting for Florida's Everglades can be found here. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary James: We strongly urge your attention to our concerns regarding an unacceptable proposal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to significantly extend the Section 203 review process and potentially seek a second, modified authorization for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Post Authorization Change Report (PACR). As you are aware, the concept for feasibility studies conducted by non-federal interests was created under Sec. 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-662). The CEPP PACR Feasibility Study and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, as prepared by the South Florida Water Management District, is the first and only such study to be determined feasible by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and authorized by Congress. Management of this first review will set critical precedents for future Sec. 203 projects. It is critical that the procedures established now are efficient and respect the intent of Congress both with respect to the overall purpose of Sec. 203 feasibility studies, and the specific authorization for the design and construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir project within CEPP (Sec. 1308, P.L. 115-270).On July 11, 2018, you submitted a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee determining that this project was feasible from an engineering and construction viewpoint, but also noting significant technical, policy and legal concerns, which could be addressed through an evaluation/validation effort in the next project phase, subject to authorization by Congress. In deference to your judgment, Congress authorized this project and directed that construction should commence only after the Secretary prepares a report that addresses concerns, recommendations, and conditions identified by the Secretary, allowing 90 days for completion of that report, which is due to the Committees of jurisdiction no later than January 18, 2019. The law is clear that upon quick and efficient completion of your report, in coordination with the non-federal interest, no further Congressional authorization is required or warranted to begin construction of this vital Everglades restoration project. Instead, following submission of the report to Congress, the Corps should immediately proceed to working with the South Florida Water Management District to enter into a Project Partnership Agreement and begin the preconstruction engineering and design phase of the EAA Storage Reservoir Project, subject to the availability of appropriations. The concerns and recommendations highlighted in your report may meaningfully be addressed by the Corps, in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District, during the preconstruction engineering and design phase, as has been typical procedure for all other Everglades restoration projects to date. It is wholly inappropriate for the Corps to abuse the reporting requirement included in the CEPP PACR authorization for the purpose of relitigating the feasibility study for a congressionally-authorized project, especially when such efforts will undoubtedly compel the Corps to seek a second, modified project authorization. Congress created the concept of Sec. 203 feasibility studies over 30 years ago to allow non-federal interests to expedite authorization and subsequently, construction, of critical water resources projects, while also reducing federal costs and the demands on an overburdened Corps. For Sec. 203 feasibility studies to serve as a meaningful option for non-federal interests in the future as Congress intended, the Corps cannot be allowed to waste valuable time and scarce taxpayer resources duplicating feasibility study efforts for projects that Congress has already authorized. We respectfully request your direct intervention to restrain the Corps bureaucracy from further devaluing the Sec. 203 process and unnecessarily delaying the design and construction of a vital Everglades restoration project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E44CE9B1-DCB4-4391-928D-61C15B9F9625,"Rubio, Nelson, Dunn Urge Colleagues to Support Funding to Rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Miami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL) urged Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), as well as U.S. Representatives Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-PA) and Nita Lowey (D-NY), the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, to support funding to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base.A list of Rubio's efforts fighting for Florida's recovery from Hurricane Michael can be found here. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Chairman Shelby, Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Leahy, and Ranking Member Lowey:On December 7, 1941, Tyndall Field, received the first of 2,000 troops as an Army Air Forces Gunnery School. These World War II schoolhouses provided the necessary training of fighter and bomber pilots allowing the development of diverse skills for various aircraft and differing positions within bombers. Since then, the base transitioned into the Air Force where many different fighter aircraft have called the base home, from the F-86 Sabre and the F-104 Starfighter to most recently the F-22 Raptor. Basing advanced fighter aircraft is what Tyndall Air Force Base has carried out in the name of national security since before the United States formally entered World War II.In October, Hurricane Michael caused catastrophic damage to the Florida panhandle including damage to 95 percent of the buildings at Tyndall AFB. Before the storm, Tyndall was home to two F-22 Raptor squadrons, one operational and one training. The base is also home to the First Air Force, the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. Following the storm, Vice President Mike Pence assessed the damage to the base and reassured Florida's panhandle community of the base's importance to the nation. ""We will rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base,"" Vice President Pence said.The challenge of rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base provides us with the opportunity to move beyond the status-quo by creating an advanced fifth-generation fighter installation using modern planning and construction. The Air Force is recommending that Congress use supplemental funding to rebuild the base in preparation to receive the F-35 fighter at the Florida installation. The Air Force has done a preliminary evaluation to confirm Tyndall AFB can accommodate up to three F-35 squadrons. The move would provide benefits across the service's fifth generation fighter operations. Basing F-35s at Tyndall in the wake of hurricane damage allows the Air Force to use recovery funds to re-build the base in a tailored way to accommodate the unique needs of the F-35.We have recommended that the best path forward to increase readiness and use money wisely is to consolidate the operational F-22s formerly at Tyndall in Alaska, Hawaii and Virginia, and make the decision now to put the next three squadrons of F-35s beyond those for which we have already made decisions at Tyndall, said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson. If this decision is approved and supplemental funds to rebuild the base are appropriated, F-35s could be based at Tyndall beginning in 2023. Until Hurricane Michael, Tyndall AFB was home to the largest basing of F-22 Raptors in the world where 55 of these advanced platforms are assigned to the 325th Fighter Wing. As Hurricane Michael approached the Florida panhandle, 31 percent of F-22 aircraft at Tyndall Air Force Base were designated Non-Mission Capable (NMC) and were sheltered in place. The operational F-22s formerly at Tyndall can be accommodated at other operational bases, increasing squadron size from 21 to 24 assigned aircraft. This will provide the Air Force with the opportunity to focus on readiness across our fleet of fighter aircraft. The consolidation will drive efficiencies which will increase the F-22's readiness rate and address key recommendations from a recent Government Accountability Office report that identified small unit size as one of the challenges with F-22 readiness.Tyndall's direct access to the Joint Gulf Range Complex allows pilots to train and test in 180,000 square miles of DoD controlled airspace over the Gulf of Mexico. Florida's training area also contains multiple live-fire bombing ranges, including Pinecastle Range, Avon Park Air Force Range, and the Eglin Bombing Range. As the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-35 requires an environment that allows for joint maritime, air, and land training exercises. Only Florida has an environment to maximize the potential of this platform. The F-35 is a game-changer with its unprecedented combination of lethality, survivability, and adaptability, Goldfein said. Bringing this new mission to Tyndall ensures that the U.S. Air Force is ready to dominate in any conflict.We urge you to support the amount requested by the Air Force to fulfill immediate requirements to the sum of $2 billion. Half of this urgent need would allow Tyndall to salvage what buildings can be saved, make repairs, and begin the planning and design necessary to follow the military construction requirements to ensure Congress can adequately justify the funding. The other half of this amount would cover costs relating to personnel reassignments as the recovery progress continues, and the cost of sending the F-22 Raptors to other locations to ensure the Air Force mission is not impacted. This funding is needed now.We should prove to those in uniform who lost everything after the storm hit, that you are not forgotten. I have seen you already start to rebuild your homes and businesses. Now we must begin to rebuild, not only for Florida, but for the good of our nation. We are confident close coordination between Congress and the Department of Defense will enable us to accomplish the priority of ensuring sustained American military dominance through the rebuilding of these vital Florida military installations. We look forward to working with you to accomplish this. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399077,Hastings Statement on Passage of the Farm Bill,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the passage of the conference report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, by a vote of 369-47: Yesterday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a strong and bipartisan Farm Bill, which included much needed support for our nation's farmers, life-saving programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), conservation efforts, and important animal welfare provisions. I commend Chairman Mike Conaway, Ranking Member Collin Peterson and the Farm Bill Conferees on including these important provisions. The Farm Bill's inclusion of language prohibiting the cruel dog and cat meat trade domestically in addition to the passage of the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act in September 2018 represents a historic step forward to unify animal cruelty laws across the United States and generate momentum for the animal welfare movement. I am proud to have championed this effort in Congress, along with my colleagues Representatives Vern Buchanan, David Trott and Brendan Boyle, to explicitly ban the killing and consumption dogs and cats across the United States. BACKGROUND: The language included in the Farm Bill was based off of H.R. 6720, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, which passed the House in September 2018. H.R.6720, a modified version of H.R.1406, was originally introduced by Congressman Hastings (D-FL), as well as Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), David Trott (R-MI) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) on March 7, 2017. The legislation, which had broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit people from knowingly slaughtering a dog or cat for human consumption. In addition, the bill prohibits people from knowingly transporting, possessing, buying, selling, or donating: (1) a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human consumption, or (2) dog or cat parts for human consumption, setting a maximum fine of $5,000 for violations. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Democratic Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/bilirakis-blog/bilirakis-co-authors-letter-pompeo-regarding-greece,Bilirakis Co-Authors Letter to Pompeo Regarding Greece,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,,,legacy,"38500 U.S. Hwy 19 North Rm BB-038 of St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 This office cannot accept mail. All mail should be sent to 7132 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=22D02EC7-F0CD-46BA-BA8A-EB74FA545C1A,VIDEO: Rubio: War Powers Resolution is the Wrong Way to Deal with Yemen Conflict,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) addressed U.S. involvement with the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict. Yesterday, Rubio penned an op-ed on Yemen and Saudi Arabia.A rough transcript of Rubio's remarks is below.RUBIO: I want to start by thanking the authors of this War Powers Resolution on Yemen, because while I may not agree with them, and I'm going to describe why in a moment, I think it's important that the Senate have big debates about big topics and play its rightful role. The Senate and the Legislative branch have an important role to play in setting the foreign policy of the United States. I actually don't think the War Powers Act is even constitutional. I believe it is unconstitutional restraint on the power of the Commander-in-Chief, and even if it were constitutional, I do not believe that our engagement or what we are doing in Yemen with the Saudi U.A.E. coalition rises to the level of triggering it. That doesn't mean that Congress should not be involved. And frankly, the one way you could be involved is if you wanted to and you wanted to pronounce yourself on a matter of this topic, you should file to cut off the money. I wouldn't support it, but that's where Congress' power really comes from. Shut off the money. Say no money can be spent on this effort. Few people are willing to do that. And so we rely on these other mechanisms, which exist in our law. I want to talk more about why I think it's a bad idea to vote for this, and why I hope more of my colleagues will join me in opposing it. First of all, I understand what's happening. This resolution is not new. It's been discussed before. It existed for a number of months, well before Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi's brutal murder at the Saudi consulate in Yemen. So this is not a new issue, but it has become for many members sort of a proxy, a vehicle by which they can express displeasure at the way the administration and the president have responded to the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. Now, I want to tell you I think what's happened to Mr. Khashoggi is an outrage. I don't need a smoking gun. I don't need intelligence briefings to tell me that the crown prince is responsible. If you know anything about Saudi Arabia, if you know anything about how their government works, and if you know anything about the crown prince, you know that there is no way that 17 guys close to him get on an airplane, fly to a third country, chop a guy up in a consulate, dispose of the body, and fly back, and he didn't know anything about it. It's just not real. It's also consistent with a pattern of behavior by the crown prince. I mean he literally kidnapped the Prime Minister of Lebanon about a year and a half ago. He has jailed multiple members of his family and government because they weren't in support of him being a successor to the king. This is a pattern of behavior that needs to be dealt with. I do not believe dealing with it requires us to shatter the U.S.-Saudi Alliance. Foreign policy is hard because it must be infused by our values and a defense of human rights. And I say this with humility. I hold my record up to that of anyone in this chamber when it comes to fighting on behalf of human rights and for humanitarian causes. And we have a lot of champions of that in the U.S. Senate. But we also have to recognize that has to be balanced sometimes with realism, and it requires us to make difficult decisions. The interesting thing about foreign policy is often it is not a choice between a great idea and a bad idea. It's often a choice between two less than ideal outcomes and you're trying to figure out which one would do the least harm and make the most sense. And in many ways what we are facing here this debate about the Saudi-U.S. alliance is that. I have long recognized and condemned the horrifying human rights violations that occur on a systemic level in Saudi Arabia, and I will continue to do so. But I also recognize that there is a threat in the Middle East posed by Iran and their ambitions, which must be confronted and it must be confronted now regionally or eventually it will pull the United States into direct conflict and Saudi Arabia and our alliance is a key part of that coalition. So it would be a mistake to shatter it. In the case of Yemen, this has become a proxy issue for the broader issue of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. I know that hopefully later today there will be a resolution offered by the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Majority Leader, and I hope others will join in it. It makes very clear that the vast majority of members in this chamber condemn what happened to Mr. Khashoggi and hold the crown prince responsible for his murder. There's no disputing that what's happening in Yemen is a horrifying humanitarian tragedy. The numbers speak for themselves. Over 57,000 human beings have lost their lives. About half the country's population of 28 million people are starving to death, including many women and children. 2.3 million people have been displaced from their homes. It's horrifying and there's plenty of blame to go around including Iran and their Houthi surrogates. The first question I would ask is, if this resolution passes and were to become law, would it end this conflict? If we pass this and the White House was somehow forced to do what we're asking them to do, it wouldn't end this conflict. This conflict will continue. This fight will continue, and the reason why is pretty straightforward. The Saudis view the Houthis as agents of Iran, they already see agents of Iran via Hezbollah and Syria, and Iraq, and obviously for a long time in Lebanon. And now to their west and south, Yemen and they are not just agents of Iran, they have launched rockets, ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia after civilian populations, including efforts to kill members of the Saudi royal family and government leadership. They have threatened global shipping in the region where over 400 million barrels of oil a day transit critical to the world's energy supplies. So they are going to have a war. There is no way that Saudi Arabia or the U.A.E. or any of these countries is going to allow themselves to be encircled by Iranian agents. This conflict will continue irrespective of what we do. And the Saudis will have no problems buying weapons. One of the sad facts about the world is that countries have plenty of sources from which they can buy this and plenty of countries and arms dealers willing to sell it to you. Will this resolution, if it passes, will it end the suffering? The answer sadly is no, it will not. In fact it is the Houthis that have blocked two access roads that lead to the port, making it difficult to deliver aide. It is the Houthis who placed mines at the entrance of the port. It is the Houthis by the way who are torturing people -- torturing people. We've seen reporters of faces being smash by batons, of people hanging from chains by their genitals and by their wrists for weeks in places, people being scorched with acid. That is the Houthis. That will continue.Will this end the warfare? It will not. It will not end the warfare. In fact, I think it has the potential to trigger broader warfare. First of all it won't end the warfare because right now they are having peace talks. Put yourself in common sense for a moment and as yourself, if you're the Houthis and you read this the newspaper that now the U.S. Senate voted to end support for Saudi Arabia, you know what they're thinking? We don't need a peace deal, we might be able to win this thing now. They don't know it's not going to become law, that the House isn't going to take it up. They don't know any of that. They just read that the U.S. is weakening in its support of Saudi Arabia, and they think, we don't need a peace deal. It's going to embolden them to not strike a peace deal. But here's where I think it really gets dangerous. The U.S. stops its support of Saudi Arabia, Houthis establish more control and more stability in their control in areas of Yemen. What are they going to do then? Are they then going to rebuild the country and build roads and bridges and move on to an era of prosperity and peace? They are not. They are going to become what they are, but in an expanded way, agents of Iranian influence and of Iranian-sponsored violence. Here's what you can expect to see if the Houthis establish control of key areas of Yemen and are able to reach a stalemate or worse, are able to solidify their grip on power. You are going to see hundreds of ballistic missiles launched against Saudi Arabia. Missiles that by the way in a contingency, where there's also a crisis between the U.S. and Iran, would also be able to target American service men and women serving in the region. You're going to see explosive UAV's that they've already used, attacking into Saudi Arabia. And you know what Saudi Arabia is going to do in response? They are going to hit them back even harder. In fact they may even hit Iran, triggering a broader war. And it gets worse. It gets worse. Because you can see them using explosive boats and anti-ship missiles to cut off shipping lanes in the Arabian Gulf. At that point you will see the United States Navy be called upon to go in there and reopen shipping because the global energy supply is reliant upon it and the world looks to the U.S. as the guarantor of the freedom of the seas. And so, in essence, this could very well lead in the long run to even broader and more dangerous conflict that could involve us that could pull us in. That's the way we need to think about these issues, not just what's before us now. You've got to think two or three steps ahead and two or three steps ahead is this could become a broader conflict that forces us in. And imagine for a moment - we know for a fact that Iran's plans are to use insurgents to attack the U.S. in instances of a crisis. That's why these Shia militias in Iraq are so dangerous. At a moment's notice they could decide to start attacking American troops in Iraq and Iran's going to say it wasn't us, it was the Shia militia. That's why Hezbollah in Syria is so dangerous. And that's why Lebanese Hezbollah is so dangerous. That's why they have cells all over the world ready to be activated at a moment of crisis, as an asymmetrical way for Iran to attack the United States without direct attribution and now we will give them more one, the Houthis in Yemen to target our service men and women and our allies in the region and then we will have to respond and then you will be in a war involving American service men and women. Now, nothing that we are doing now guarantees that won't happen anyway, but I'm telling you if we pull out of this effort, if we pull out of this effort it makes it likelier -- I think it makes it likely that we will see a broader conflict in the very near future that will involve the United States of America directly. And on this final point, I will just say that it is important for us to think about these things pragmatically because we lose our influence over the conduct of this war. The Saudi authorities do not do a good job, their military, of respecting the rules of war. In fact, they have a military culture in Saudi Arabia where you are likelier to get punished for not taking the shot than for blowing up a bus full of children or hitting a residential project. You are likelier to be punished for not taking a shot than taking a shot that kills innocents. That has to change. And we have some level of influence now, given the fact that we are engaged with them and need to steer them in that direction and explain to them what trouble our alliances here in Washington. We lose that influence if we walk away. So I do sympathize with the two points behind this resolution, reasserting congressional authority on foreign policy.I agree we need more oversight and engagement and I agree that the conduct of this war in Yemen is horrifying, and what is happening to the civilians is terrible. I just don't think pulling out makes it better. I actually think it makes it worse. And I actually think in the long run it sucks America into a broader and more dangerous conflict. And that why I hope more of these senators here today will oppose this resolution. We do need to send a clear message to Saudi Arabia that what the crown prince did to Mr. Khashoggi is unacceptable. But this is the wrong way to do the right thing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=27E3077D-C484-4413-B7F7-11E3157612F6,"At Approx. 10:40AM, Rubio Addresses U.S.-Saudi Relations, Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. At approximately 10:40 a.m. on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will address U.S. involvement with the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict. Yesterday, Rubio penned an op-ed on Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Rubio's remarks will be broadcast on C-SPAN 2 and the U.S. Senate's official website. Thursday, December 13, 2018 Rubio Addresses U.S.-Saudi Relations, Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen Approximately 10:40 a.m. ET U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BC4B2DFF-652A-4736-B9D6-74C248B5B65A,"English/Espaol: Rubio, Menendez, Colleagues Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation To Support Displaced Venezuelans",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues, today joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in introducing the Venezuela Temporary Protected Status and Asylum Assistance Act of 2018. The bipartisan legislation seeks to grant Temporary Protected Status for eligible Venezuelans fleeing the dire conditions in their homeland and to provide support for migration systems in the countries surrounding Venezuela. Established by the U.S. Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS is a temporary, renewable program that provides relief from deportation and access to a work permit for foreign nationals from certain countries who are unable to safely return to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions. As Venezuelans continue to face serious threats to their safety and livelihood at the hands of Maduro's narcoterrorist tyranny, it is clear in-country conditions warrant granting temporary protected status to Venezuelan nationals residing in the U.S., Rubio said. Granting this protection will provide a temporary solution to many Venezuelans who fear returning to their homeland due to the ongoing crisis and extraordinarily difficult conditions. The extraordinary depth of Venezuela's political, economic, and humanitarian crisis has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee their country, creating upheaval that is now being felt throughout the region, Menendez said. Providing Temporary Protected Status for eligible individuals and supporting migration systems in the region to assist Venezuelans who are prevented from returning safely to their country is the humanitarian and morally responsible thing to do. When I traveled to Venezuela earlier this year, I found a country on the edge, facing overlapping economic, humanitarian, and political crises. The Venezuelan government under President Maduro has taken a series of repressive and undemocratic actions, including the cowardly jailing of National Assembly member Juan Requesens, that threatens its own people and has isolated it from the world, Durbin said. Venezuela faces a crisis, and the United States has a responsibility to respond in a manner that lives up to our American values. It is within our power to help keep innocent men, women, and children out of harm's way by passing the Venezuela Temporary Protected Status Act of 2018. The full text of the bill can be found here. RUBIO, MENNDEZ Y COLEGAS INTRODUCEN LEGISLACIN SOBRE EL ESTATUS DE PROTECCIN TEMPORAL EN APOYO A LOS VENEZOLANOS DESPLAZADOS Washington, DC - El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL), Presidente del Subcomit de Relaciones Exteriores para el Hemisferio Occidental, Delincuencia Transnacional, Seguridad Civil, Democracia, Derechos Humanos y Asuntos Globales de la Mujer, junto a los senadores Bob Menndez (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL) y Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introdujeron hoy la Ley de Estatus de Proteccin Temporal y Asilo de Venezuela del 2018. La legislacin bipartidista busca otorgar el Estatus de Proteccin Temporal a venezolanos elegibles, quienes huyen de las crisis de su pas natal. El proyecto de ley tambin busca brindar apoyo a los sistemas migratorios en los pases aledaos a Venezuela. Establecido por el Congreso de los Estados Unidos, bajo la Ley de Inmigracin del 1990, el Estatus de Proteccin Temporal (TPS) es un programa temporal y renovable que brinda alivio a ser deportado y brinda acceso a un permiso de trabajo temporal para extranjeros de ciertos pases que no pueden regresar a su pas de forma segura debido a desastres naturales, conflictos armados, u otras condiciones extraordinarias. ""Ya que los venezolanos continan enfrentando serias amenazas a su seguridad por la narco tirana terrorista de Maduro, es evidente que las condiciones en el pas justifican el otorgamiento de un estado de proteccin temporal a los ciudadanos venezolanos que residen en los Estados Unidos"", Rubio dijo. ""La concesin de esta proteccin brindar una solucin temporal a muchos venezolanos quienes temen regresar a su pas de origen debido a la crisis actual y las condiciones extraordinariamente difciles"". El texto completo del proyecto de ley puede encontrarse aqu.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E5197DB4-5859-4D6D-BCCA-57E5B00BB046,ICYMI: Rubio: America Needs to Restore Dignity of Work,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases America Needs to Restore Dignity of WorkBy U.S. Senator Marco RubioDecember 13, 2018The Atlantic There was once a path to a stable and prosperous life in America that has since closed off. It was a well-traveled path for many Americans: Graduate high school and get a job, typically with a local manufacturer or one of the service industries associated with it, and earn enough to support a family. The idea was not only that it was possible to achieve this kind of success, but that anyone could achieve itthe American dream. That dream defines my family's history, and its disappearance calls me to action today.In 1956, my parents left behind a life of poverty in Cuba when they departed Havana with my 7-year-old brother for New York, and then for Miami soon after. My father started off taking whatever day jobs he could find before eventually becoming a bartender for most of his career, working various other jobs during the gaps. Once my younger sister and I were old enough, my mother started working again as a maid.Between their two salaries and my dad's tips, they made a good living, and I had a privileged childhood. My parents made enough to own a house, raise four children, and even allow my mother to spend most of her time at home when I was young. I was able to play football, go to college, and earn a law degree, because of the solid foundation built on the sacrifices my parents made for me and my siblings.At some moments in our history, this sort of upward mobility has proved elusive. But when the United States has enjoyed booming new industries that offer good-paying jobs to large numbers of people, effective institutions of training and assimilation, and a strong communal spirit of aid and shared purpose, such opportunities have been broadly shared.Today, though, outside of a few concentrated pockets of high growth in digital technology, American industrial innovation has slowed and workers in once-populous industrial regions have lost stable employment. For increasing numbers of Americans, enrolling at a four-year college is more likely to lead to debt and ambiguity than to a clear and productive career. Local organizations that once provided workers with a sense of representation and community, such as unions, have seen their memberships and budgets decline into near-oblivion.To feel the absence of the American dream, and to desire to re-create an America in which it exists, is to experience nostalgia, but of a particular kind. It is not necessarily a desire for the old things, for low-tech assembly lines, male-only colleges, or debilitating labor disputes. It is a desire for an old promise, that no matter what America looks like or how it has changed, a stable and prosperous life should be attainable for the many. It's an undying spirit that defines and unites us as Americans.I'm proud that my mother and father could provide, through their hard work and commitment to our family, the opportunity for me and my siblings to flourish. They came to America in a time of prosperity, when working-class immigrants could assimilate and thrive alongside Americans whose families had been here for generations.When I was born, in the early 1970s, the median income for families like mine, with a few kids and parents with only high-school degrees, was nearly two and a half times the poverty line. Today it's less than one parent's paycheck away from the poverty line. Simply put, if my family faced the exact same circumstances today, we would not be middle class; we would be falling behind. And if hardworking Americans don't have stable jobs that pay enough to buy a home and raise a family, our nation is in very serious trouble.Many policy makers in Washington and commentators in New York realize that the 21st-century economy is causing deep disruptions to Americans' work lives, and that something new must be done to help them succeed. The debate over the future of work, though, is too often concerned with what workers need to do in order to become more useful to businesses, placing the responsibility of adjusting to automation and outsourcing by pursuing job retraining on workers themselves. In the process, the discussion absolves government and business of any responsibility for creating an economy that exists to benefit working Americans.Read the rest here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398836,U.S. Rep. Castor: Farm Bill Includes Fought-For Water Quality Provisions to Help Florida,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced the inclusion of several water quality provisions she fought for in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill that passed the Congress today in response to the devastating red tide and toxic green algae that is plaguing Florida: share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced the inclusion of several water quality provisions she fought for in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill that passed the Congress today in response to the devastating red tide and toxic green algae that is plaguing Florida: I promised to fight for solutions to red tide and harmful algal blooms and am pleased to report that a number of helpful water quality provisions are contained in the 2018 Farm Bill to clean up nutrients and wastes that pollute our waterways, U.S. Rep. Castor said. The bill encourages conservation and cleaner agricultural practices in the right places, prioritizing clean water investments and addressing obstacles that get in the way of continued improvements in water quality and algal bloom prevention, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. I am proud to say that my calls were heeded and these priorities were included in the Farm Bill that passed in the U.S. House today. Florida is a diverse agricultural state and the Farm Bill's inclusion of conservation initiatives can play an important role in addressing the water quality challenges in Florida. The State of Florida, farmers, ranchers and local communities should use every tool to clean up our rivers, bays and coastal communities to protect our quality of life. As we face an increasingly warming climate, the final Farm Bill also takes steps towards ensuring that farmers and ranchers reduce carbon pollution by providing incentives to producers who implement farming practices that capture carbon in soil, said U.S. Rep. Castor. Florida's farmers and ranchers are good stewards of the land and these provisions will be beneficial. U.S. Rep. Castor serves Florida's 14th Congressional District, which includes the greater Tampa area. She is Vice Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has oversight responsibilities for environmental policies. Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Castor was joined by several of colleagues in the Florida Congressional Delegation to call for water quality priorities to be included in the 2018 Farm Bill. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398843,"CASTOR, CRIST RENEW CALLS FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OF ALL CHILDREN'S FOLLOWING RESIGNATIONS",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) released the following joint statement in the wake of resignations at All Children's Hospital following serious allegations of abuse and neglect reported by the Tampa Bay Times. share: f t This news release was issued by U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (FL-13)Washington, DC U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) released the following joint statement in the wake of resignations at All Children's Hospital following serious allegations of abuse and neglect reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Last week, the members called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to account for inaction and lack of federal oversight of this troubling situation. (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below). ""While we welcome the change in leadership at All Children's as a prudent first step, this is no substitute for effective oversight by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We continue to call for a federal investigation to provide the answers and accountability demanded by the seriousness of this situation. Major corrective actions must be taken to reestablish the high quality of care patients deserve and the preeminent reputation the institution held for decades."" December 4, 2018 The Honorable Seema Verma, Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21244 Dear Administrator Verma: Since its founding in 1926, All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida has been guided by a simple phrase: There is only one child in all the world, and that child's name is All Children. As the Tampa region grew in the second half of the 20th century, so did All Children's, gaining national prominence and becoming a place where, when children required emergency care and treatment, their parents knew they would be in good hands. Given this legacy, we are deeply troubled by the allegations of abuse and neglect within All Children's Heart Institute's surgical unit, contained in the recent Tampa Bay Times article Heartbroken. Examples of allegations include: Hospital staff and administrators were aware of high instances of complications and deaths in the Heart Institute's surgical unit over multiple years and did not take adequate steps to address it; Employees voiced concerns to administrators and were ignored or forced out; Physicians provided inaccurate medical advice to parents and misinformed parents of treatment options; Physicians with high rates of complications and patient deaths, including from relatively routine procedures, were kept on surgical rotations; Concerns from parents over post-surgical complications including ruptured sutures, infections, instances of gross negligence, and never events were ignored or denied by physicians and staff, resulting in permanent disabilities and deaths; Many parents were unaware of the issues plaguing the Heart Institute, despite what appears to be wide spread knowledge of these issues in the medical community, indicating a lack of transparency, oversight, and/or publicly available information on outcomes; The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) cited All Children's for not reporting two serious medical errors in May, 2018; The Heart Institute continued to conduct surgical procedures until October, 2018. We understand that the AHCA notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in May, 2018 that the Heart Institute failed to report two serious medical errors. Given the seriousness of these allegations on the well-being of patients and CMS' notification by AHCA, we write to inquire the following: Is CMS currently investigating All Children's Hospital, or has the possibility of an investigation or quality survey been discussed between CMS and AHCA? If so, please provide an update, including whether the investigation is limited to the two instances of failed reporting or more broadly includes an investigation of the Heart Institute's reported failings, lack of oversight, and lack of transparency outlined by the Tampa Bay Times; If not, please explain why, and if the decision was made following discussions with and recommendations from AHCA. We are particularly disappointed that inadequate regulatory oversight appears to have contributed to prolonging the pain and suffering for patients and their loved ones at All Children's Hospital. The families who have lost their children, the families whose children are still suffering, and the community that stands with them expects accountability and corrective action with the goal of restoring the hospital to the gold standard reputation it held for many decades. We look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, Charlie Crist MEMBER OF CONGRESS Kathy Castor MEMBER OF CONGRESS ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399451,Deutch Statement on MSD Public Safety Commission Draft Report,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), representing the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community, issued this statement on the draft report prepared by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission:The state commission has worked hard to evaluate what went wrong in the years, months, and days leading to the tragedy on February 14. I value their recommendations and look forward to working with the Parkland families, school administrators, and law enforcement officials to ensure that there is accountability for failures and changes to ensure that this does not happen again. Importantly, the commission recommends much-needed improvements to school security and procedures and law enforcement protocol to prevent and respond to attacks. I hope they will be seriously considered by local and state officials, as well as my colleagues in Congress. However, statements from commission members supporting arming teachers are concerning. Teachers want to teach, not be armed for combat in their classrooms. Law enforcement cannot push their responsibilities to make our communities safer on to civilians that should be focused on educating their students. Finally, we cannot ignore the role that easy access to the most dangerous firearms played in the worst school shooting in our state's history. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act made important changes to our gun laws, including raising the minimum age for buying a gun and creating a red-flag law for law enforcement. But there is more we must do to strengthen our gun laws to make it harder for potential killers to access firearms, especially assault riflesthe weapon of choice of mass shooters. I have two requests of the Florida legislature in light of this report. First, seriously consider the commission's recommendations and work to implement new standards that will promote school safety. Second, lawmakers in Tallahassee must turn away from lobbyists for gun corporations. We cannot allow those who profit off of easy gun sales to keep a seat at the table. We must all commit to studying how stronger gun laws can make Floridians safer from gun violence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399452,Ranking Member Deutch Statement on Compromise Reached on Sexual Harassment Protections Legislation,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committee, issued this statement on reports that House and Senate negotiators reached a compromise on legislation to reform sexual harassment policies in Congress:As women end their silence to expose assault and harassment in the workplace, Congress must follow their lead and fix our broken system. As the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, I've worked with Republicans and Democrats to push for changes that will improve the independent process for reporting harassment and protecting employee rights. With this compromise legislation, we are making clear that we will not tolerate harassment, abuse, or discrimination in the halls of Congress. Employees who have faced harassment and other workplace misconduct have waited too long for fundamental change that finally brings equal footing to our workplaces. While this compromise may not go as far as I'd like, it includes important reforms to protect Congressional employees from abuse and harassment.This is an important next step but it will not be the last."" On February 6, 2018, the Houseunanimously passedthe Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act (H.R. 4924) introduced by Ranking Member Deutch, Committee on Ethics Chairwoman Susan Brooks (R-IN), Committee on House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS) and Ranking Member Bob Brady (D-PA), and Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA), Bradley Byrne (R-AL), and others.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buchanan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-buchanan-measure-protecting-animals,Congress Passes Buchanan Measure Protecting Animals,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Outlaws Slaughter of Dogs and Cats for Food Heads to President for His Signature WASHINGTON Congressman Vern Buchanan's legislation to outlaw the slaughter of dogs and cats for food was passed by the U.S. House today, along with two other animal welfare bills he co-sponsored. All three measures were included in a sweeping farm bill sent to the president for his signature. Buchanan's Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 amends the federal Animal Welfare Act to make it illegal to knowingly slaughter, transport, possess, buy, sell or donate dogs or cats or their parts for human consumption. Violators would be fined up to $5,000. Although rare, the practice is still legal in 44 states.A restaurant in Philadelphia was closed several years ago after a worker was caught slaughtering cats chained in the basement to be served as meals, according to theAnimalWelfare Institute. Millions of Americans enjoy a special bond with their beloved dogs and cats, Buchanan said. It is horrifying to think any of them would be slaughtered for food. Holly Gann, director of federal affairs at Animal Wellness Action, said her organization was thrilled about the bill's passage. We applaud Rep. Buchanan for his leadership on this critical legislation that protects our dogs and cats from ever becoming victims of this cruelty and sets a global example to encourage the rest of the world to do the same, Gann said. Two other animal welfare bills co-sponsored by Buchanan also were included in the farm bill: The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act: Makes it easier for women to bring their pets with them to domestic violence shelters when they leave abusive relationships by providing grants for shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71 percent of pet-owning women entering these shelters reported that their abuser had threatened to injure or kill their pets. Parity in Animal Cruelty Enforcement (PACE) Act: Ends animal fighting in all United States territories. An animal fighting ban currently applies to the United States, but not territories, including Puerto Rico. This measure would make it a felony to sponsor or exhibit an animal in a fighting venture and a misdemeanor to be a spectator at an animal fight in these locations. Further Background: Buchanan chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress and received a 100 percent score from the Humane Society for his leadership and votes in 2018. He is also a past recipient of the Humane Society's Legislator of the Year award.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=604,"CASTOR, CRIST RENEW CALLS FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OF ALL CHILDREN'S FOLLOWING RESIGNATIONS",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Charlie Crist,C001111,crist.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) released the following joint statement in the wake of resignations at All Children's Hospital following serious allegations of abuse and neglect reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Last week, the members called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to account for inaction and lack of federal oversight of this troubling situation. (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below).""While we welcome the change in leadership at All Children's as a prudent first step, this is no substitute for effective oversight by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We continue to call for a federal investigation to provide the answers and accountability demanded by the seriousness of this situation. Major corrective actions must be taken to reestablish the high quality of care patients deserve and the preeminent reputation the institution held for decades."" December 4, 2018 The Honorable Seema Verma, Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21244 Dear Administrator Verma: Since its founding in 1926, All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida has been guided by a simple phrase: There is only one child in all the world, and that child's name is All Children. As the Tampa region grew in the second half of the 20th century, so did All Children's, gaining national prominence and becoming a place where, when children required emergency care and treatment, their parents knew they would be in good hands. Given this legacy, we are deeply troubled by the allegations of abuse and neglect within All Children's Heart Institute's surgical unit, contained in the recent Tampa Bay Times article Heartbroken. Examples of allegations include: Hospital staff and administrators were aware of high instances of complications and deaths in the Heart Institute's surgical unit over multiple years and did not take adequate steps to address it; Employees voiced concerns to administrators and were ignored or forced out; Physicians provided inaccurate medical advice to parents and misinformed parents of treatment options; Physicians with high rates of complications and patient deaths, including from relatively routine procedures, were kept on surgical rotations; Concerns from parents over post-surgical complications including ruptured sutures, infections, instances of gross negligence, and never events were ignored or denied by physicians and staff, resulting in permanent disabilities and deaths; Many parents were unaware of the issues plaguing the Heart Institute, despite what appears to be wide spread knowledge of these issues in the medical community, indicating a lack of transparency, oversight, and/or publicly available information on outcomes; The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) cited All Children's for not reporting two serious medical errors in May, 2018; The Heart Institute continued to conduct surgical procedures until October, 2018. We understand that the AHCA notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in May, 2018 that the Heart Institute failed to report two serious medical errors. Given the seriousness of these allegations on the well-being of patients and CMS' notification by AHCA, we write to inquire the following: Is CMS currently investigating All Children's Hospital, or has the possibility of an investigation or quality survey been discussed between CMS and AHCA? If so, please provide an update, including whether the investigation is limited to the two instances of failed reporting or more broadly includes an investigation of the Heart Institute's reported failings, lack of oversight, and lack of transparency outlined by the Tampa Bay Times; If not, please explain why,and if the decision was made following discussions with and recommendations from AHCA. We are particularly disappointed that inadequate regulatory oversight appears to have contributed to prolonging the pain and suffering for patients and their loved ones at All Children's Hospital. The families who have lost their children, the families whose children are still suffering, and the community that stands with them expects accountability and corrective action with the goal of restoring the hospital to the gold standard reputation it held for many decades. We look forward to your prompt response.Sincerely,Charlie Crist MEMBER OF CONGRESS Kathy Castor MEMBER OF CONGRESS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dunn.house.gov/2018/12/farm-bill-heading-to-president-trump-s-desk,Farm Bill Heading to President Trumps Desk,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Neal Dunn,D000628,dunn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) issued the following statement on the House and Senate passage of the Farm Bill Conference Report: While not perfect, the 2018 Farm Bill gives certainty to our farmers, foresters, and ranchers at a time when many producers are struggling. Under the compromise legislation, we were able to strengthen the farm safety net, improve conservation programs, and make changes to the SNAP program. Our farmers need to know we have their backs and I look forward to this important legislation being signed into law. The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report is supported by more than 500 agricultural groups, including the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Peanut Producers Association, and the Florida Cattleman's Association. Dr. Dunn served on the House-Senate Conference Committee charged with resolving the differences over the 2018 Farm Bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=111,Farm Bill Heading to President Trumps Desk,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Neal P. Dunn,D000628,dunn.house.gov,dunn,https://dunn.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) issued the following statement on the House and Senate passage of the Farm Bill Conference Report: “While not perfect, the 2018 Farm Bill gives certainty to our farmers, foresters, and ranchers at a time when many producers are struggling. Under the compromise legislation, we were able to strengthen the farm safety net, improve conservation programs, and make changes to the SNAP program. Our farmers need to know we have their backs and I look forward to this important legislation being signed into law.” The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report is supported by more than 500 agricultural groups, including the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Peanut Producers Association, and the Florida Cattleman’s Association. Dr. Dunn served on the House-Senate Conference Committee charged with resolving the differences over the 2018 Farm Bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://francisrooney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=419,Congressman Francis Rooney votes No on wasteful farm bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Francis Rooney,R000607,francisrooney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.-Today, Congressman Rooney voted against the wasteful farm bill, which included bloated sugar subsidies and lacks work requirements for able-bodied adults. Congressman Rooney stated, The farm bill is full of government handouts and is a complete capitulation to Democrats. Good conservative policies such as stricter work requirements for able-bodied adults to receive food stamps have been stripped out of the legislation. The bill also broadened unnecessary subsidies for farmers, which are now expanded to include non-farming family members. The Farm Bill continues to shelter farmers from free-market principles by protecting their subsidies including taxpayer-funded support for sugar, cotton and tobacco. The bill also extends biofuel subsidies. The American people are tired of Congress picking winners and losers. I was one of three Florida Republicans in the 115thCongress to vote against handouts to big sugar and will continue to protect taxpayers from special interests. Americans deserve better stewardship of their taxpayer dollars. Background: The bill authorizes $867 billion in spending over 10 years, 80% of which is allocated for food stamps Tighter requirements for able-bodied beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), one of the only conservative components of the original House-passed farm bill, were removed from the bill by the Senate Under this bill, sugar subsidies are extended until 2023 Crop Insurance reimbursement will continue to be subsidized by taxpayers ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/house-approves-ros-lehtinen-resolution-condemning-irans-persecution-bahai%E2%80%99s-human,"House Approves Ros-Lehtinen Resolution Condemning Iran's Persecution of Bahais, Human Rights Violations",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Approves Ros-Lehtinen Resolution Condemning Iran's Persecution of Bahia's, Human Rights Violations (Washington, DC) Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement after H. Res. 274 passed the House of Representatives. Authored by Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, H. Res. 274 condemns Iran's persecution of its Baha'i minority and its ongoing human rights violations. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: Iran's Baha'i community is a frequent target of the regime's human rights abuses, subjecting adherents to arbitrary arrest and harassment, denying employment, refusing to recognize marriages, and destroying cemeteries and holy places. By passing Ted's and my resolution, Congress is sending a strong message of support to those suffering in Iran and making it clear that those responsible for this persecution will be held accountable. I urge the administration to continue using all tools at its disposal, including sanction authorities with human rights provisions, to bring an end to these abuses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/ros-lehtinen-engel-statement-guatemala,"Ros-Lehtinen, Engel Statement on Guatemala",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ros-Lehtinen, Engel Statement on Guatemala Dec 12, 2018 ROS-LEHTINEN, ENGEL STATEMENT ON GUATEMALA WASHINGTONRepresentative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the Chair Emeritus of the Committee, today issued the following statement: As longtime advocates for democracy and the rule of law in Central America, we call on all Guatemalan political actors to preserve the independence of the judiciary and particularly that of the country's Constitutional Court. We reject all efforts to intimidate judges and prosecutors, many of whom have dedicated their professional lives to tackling complex drug and human trafficking cases in a very difficult environment. Finally, we urge a transparent, merit-based selection process for Supreme Court and Appeal Court judges next year. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-passes-five-bills-final-farm-bill,Rep. Soto Passes Five Bills in Final Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed five bills introduced by Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) in the Conference Report on H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (more commonly known as the Farm Bill), a bill to strengthen our nation's farm and food economy. In the Farm Bill, Rep. Soto helped secure $125 million to combat citrus greening, a key Florida industry; $300 million for the National Animal Health Vaccine Bank that will help the ranchers in Central Florida prepare for potential outbreak of disease; funding for priority conservation programs; and fully fund food assistance programs for Florida's families. ""Florida's economy, and in particular our district's economy, relies on the thriving farmers and ranchers in our community. With our constituents in mind, I am proud to have secured these vital provisions in the Farm Bill to support our agricultural industry in Central Florida, while nationally protecting SNAP benefits, supporting strong conservation programs, investing in research, increasing rural economic development, and ensuring families have the nutrition support they need,"" stated Rep. Soto. ""There was nearly two years of work put into this critical bipartisan legislation. This final bill is a win for farmers and conservationists, as well as Florida's families."" Rep. Soto's original bills that were included in the final bill are: H.R. 5169, Sensor Research: (section 7305), prioritizes specialty crop research on sensor and imager technology in agriculture. H.R. 2659, BARD Act: (section 7122), which codifies the appropriated U.S. – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) Program, which is a cooperative research and development agriculture program between the United States and Israel. HR. 5234, Algae Research: (section 9010), removes algae from the list of excluded materials for biomass crop research. H.R. 5448, Agriculture Assistance for Disabled Veterans: (section 7214), provides for assistive technology for veterans with disabilities and makes behavioral therapy programs eligible for grants under this program. Rep. Soto also co-led the following bill with Rep. Mark Pocan which passed in the Farm Bill: H.R. 5208, Seeds for the Future: (sections 7205 and 7206), which reinvests our public seed breeding and research programs, while improving coordination across the federal agencies that support these activities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=54553D36-B16E-427C-8AD4-ED36FB1892ED,"Rubio, Colleagues Commend Final Passage of the NICA Act",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues, joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), as well as Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Albio Sires (D-NJ) in welcoming the final passage of H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment and Conditionality Act (NICA), which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The NICA Act seeks to condition U.S. approval for loans to the Ortega regime from international financial institutions. Rubio's amendment targeting the regime's enablers were included in S. 3233, the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018, which seeks to impose additional sanctions on Nicaraguan regime officials. In an important day for the Nicaraguan Community, Congress today overwhelmingly passed the NICA Act after many months of hard work behind the scenes, Rubio said. We are one step closer to expanding sanctions and other pressures against the oppressive Ortega regime and sending a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the ongoing human rights violations. I thank Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who spearheaded these efforts, for her tireless work in support of democracy in the Western Hemisphere. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for passing the NICA Act that will help the Nicaraguan people break free of Ortega's despotic rule. I am especially thankful to Bob, Ted, Marco, Patrick, Eliot, and Albio who joined me in this effort from the very beginning, as we witnessed years of Ortega's increased corruption and repression, Ros-Lehtinen said. ""With the final passage of the amended NICA Act, Congress took a leap forward in creating further accountability against the heinous abuses committed by Ortega and his puppets. In a desperate effort to cling to power, Ortega and his thugs have continued to clamp down on free speech and peaceful demonstrations. The United States has answered the call of the Nicaraguan people and will continue to do so in support of much needed electoral and human rights reforms. Today's final passage of the NICA Act shows that the United States Congress will not stand idly by as the Ortega regime continues its dictatorial campaign of extrajudicial killings and repression against the people of Nicaragua, Menendez said. This bipartisan legislation will hold Ortega, Murillo, and their accomplices accountable for their widespread human rights abuses and for plundering state coffers for their own profit. This bill also ensures that U.S. sanctions will target the Ortega regime without affecting the Nicaraguan people, and offers much-needed support for a negotiated solution to this crisis. I have been proud to work alongside Rep. Ros-Lehtinen and our colleagues in the House and Senate to pursue meaningful democratic reform and combat human rights abuses in Nicaragua, Cruz said. For years we fought hard for this meaningful legislation, and today's vote in support sends a loud message to the Ortega regime that the United States will not allow regimes that commit such atrocities and undermine the rule of law to benefit from international financing. The violence perpetrated by agents of the Ortega Government against Nicaraguan students and other protesters has shocked the hemisphere, Leahy said. The purpose of this bill is to signal to the Nicaraguan people that we support their desire for a government that is not corrupt, does not act with impunity, and respects the civil and political rights of its citizens. The best way forward is a free and fair election, as soon as possible. ""It's long past time for Congress to hold Daniel Ortega and his cronies accountable for the egregious crimes that they continue to commit against the Nicaraguan people, Engel said. Passage of the NICA Act sends a loud and clear message that the House of Representatives and Senate will continue our steadfast support for democracy and the rule of law in Nicaragua."" I would like to thank my colleagues for passing this essential piece of legislation that holds the regime accountable for its misuse of international loans, Sires said. This legislation directs the U.S. to curb Ortega's access to international financing institutions until he undertakes serious efforts to combat corruption and hold free, fair and transparent elections. It has become clear that Ortega has no plans to work for the good of the Nicaraguan people, but only do what he can to fill his family's coffers while he still can. The United States will not stand idly by as the regime continues to stifle democratic processes, consolidate power, and accumulate vast amounts of wealth while the Nicaraguans struggle daily to make ends meet. The Nicaraguan people have suffered at the hands of Ortega and his cronies for far too long, and I urge the President to promptly sign this bill into law. I would like to thank my good friend from Florida, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Senator Menendez for their leadership on this issue. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6002577A-50E1-4657-8D7A-D95B612570E4,Video: Rubio Bids Farewell to Senator Bill Nelson on the Senate Floor,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) honored his friend and colleague Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) following his final speech as a United States Senator. A rough, full transcript of Rubio's remarks is below. A high-quality video for download is available here.Rubio: Madam President, we just heard the words of the senior Senator from my state, and I want to take a moment because it reminds me of a truthism that came to mind as I heard him speak and I reflect back on our almost eight years of service here together now. You know, political divisions have existed in our country since its very beginning. What has changed is that there was a time not so very long ago when Americans knew each other, when Americans had political differences, but they also served on the PTA board together. When we disagreed about who to vote for, but we coached each other's kids in little league or we were members of the same church and worshipped together or we lived side by side as neighbors. And so when all you know about someone is who they voted for. But you know them as a fellow parent, as a neighbor, as your children's coach, as someone you live side by side with, then you know them as a person. It's a lot easier to dislike a political opponent than it is to dislike the whole person. And I raise that with you because I'm very proud of the relationship, the working relationship that we've had in our eight years here together. One of the things that made that possible is that I knew Bill Nelson as a person. If all I knew about him was that he and I did not always vote the same way on every issue, that's what most people know about us who serve here. That's one of the challenges that we so often face. The men and women we represent in our respective parties and in our respective political leanings, they usually only know about our colleagues on the three minutes they may see them on a television interview. But we get to know each other as people. We get to know each other outside of politics. And I knew Bill Nelson, and I know Bill Nelson as a person and as a man. Now I'm an enormous admirer of his knowledge of Florida, he knows every nook and cranny of the state. I recall -- he'd probably remember this -- but we were together on a Coast Guard aircraft after one of our storms, and as we overflew the state from above, he was like pointing out and identifying down to the street level every corner of the geography of the state. And I remember thinking, you know, I've been in Florida politics for a while I know the state fairly well, and he knew it down to the street level. And so to try to keep pace, I went back and opened up the atlas and tried to replicate 25 years of state service to try and at least be in the same neighborhood as he is in in his knowledge of our state. It was incredibly impressive. It wasn't something he memorized by looking at a book, though. It was because he had been to all of these places at some point during his service to our state. I would say, that certainly in the last quarter century there has been no greater champion, not just for Florida's space industry, but for the space program. Not just for NASA but for all of it. For the belief that great nations do great things, that they explore the heavens. And there has been no greater champion for it. And his leaving the Senate will be a tremendous loss and will require all of us to work harder to ensure that America remains a nation active and engaged in space. But above all else, I knew him and know him as a good man, and I emphasize the word man because I think oftentimes we have developed in our modern culture a warped sense of what it truly takes to a strong, good person. We live in an era in which we celebrate pride and arrogance. But I have learned through example, watching him up close that Bill Nelson is a man of the kind of humility that our common faith tries to instill in us. He's a man in a time when it's so easy to be indifferent to the suffering of others. Bill Nelson in his service years has been a man of compassion. He told you a handful of stories. There are so many more of real human beings who he has stayed engaged in cases involving them without cameras, without press, without bumper stickers, without documentaries or any sort of recognition that so often people seek in the political process. We live in a time in which being crude and abrasive is celebrated as strength while decency is oftentimes ridiculed as weakness. But Bill Nelson has been an example of decency. I cannot recall a single time in our eight years of service together in which he did anything to harm me or embarrass me or in any way create unnecessary conflict. In fact, any conflict at a personal level. In fact, I would say that the worst thing he ever did to me was he once, in front of an audience, accused me of being a moderate. It goes further than that. Our staffs would travel together across the state, and sometimes people would be shocked by it. They would gasp when my regional director and his regional director would share a ride to an event together as if somehow Republicans and Democrats are supposed to be allergic to one another when in fact in the end no matter how we view our politics, we're all going to be in this nation for the rest of our lives so we better figure out a way to work together on the issues that will impact us all. And so I will greatly miss the opportunity to continue to serve with him, but I know that his service to our nation and our state is not finished. I know he will find new endeavors. I know this simply because he is not one that's going to sit back and rest and reflect. He's going to keep working, and I'm excited to see what God's plans are for the rest of his years. And I believe there will be many more, because despite the differences in our date of birth -- I'm not saying that he's old. I'm saying that he's older than I am. he can probably still beat me. In fact, he probably can always beat me in a pull-up contest or push-up contest. This is actually not an exaggeration. This is true, which is why I never challenged him to one. I will miss greatly working with him in the Senate but look forward to working with him beyond it. This I think is no exaggeration. When the history of Florida politics as it is written, the name Bill Nelson will be among the giants of Florida political history. For few who have ever served at any level have done more for longer in the service to the people of the Sunshine State than the senior senator who moments ago bid his farewell to a place and a chamber where he's done so much good for our state, for our nation, and for the world. I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=847071F4-6CDD-4021-BAC1-60D9A58992DE,"At Approx 2:30pm, Rubio Delivers Remarks on the Senate Floor",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, at approximately 2:30 p.m ET, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will deliver remarks on the Senate floor on the retirement of his colleague, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). Rubio will also address U.S. involvement with the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict, and ongoing efforts to rebuild Tyndall Air Force base in the Florida Panhandle after the destruction of Hurricane Michael. Today, Rubio penned an op-ed on Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Last week, he published an op-ed on the need for Tyndall Air Force Base to be fully rebuilt. Rubio's remarks will be broadcast on C-SPAN 2 and the U.S. Senate's official website. Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Rubio Delivers Remarks on the Senate Floor Approximately 2:30 p.m. ET U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AC8D8CB8-85DA-4CF0-AB85-A02DEEB54F08,"ICYMI: Rubio: Hold Saudis Accountable, but Don't Ignore Iran in Yemen",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Marco Rubio: Hold Saudis accountable, but don't ignore Iran in Yemen By U.S. Senator Marco Rubio December 12, 2018 Fox News After Saudi operatives brutally murdered Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October, the Senate is rightly reviewing U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, including debating U.S. involvement with the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict. Not enough attention, however, is being given to Iran's direct responsibility for the suffering, violence and tragedy in Yemen. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is staggering. The ongoing conflict between the Saudi-supported, internationally-recognized government in Yemen, and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, reportedly has claimed over 57,000 lives, driven half of Yemen's 28 million people to the cusp of famine, and displaced 2.3 million Yemenis from their homes. The U.S. has powerful interests not only in ending Yemen's humanitarian crisis, but also in stopping Iran and its Shi'a terrorist proxies, as well as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ISIS-Yemen, and other Sunni terrorists, from establishing permanent footholds from which they can threaten our nation and our forces in the region. In Yemen, as in Syria, Iran is ruthlessly pursuing malign hegemony with no regard for innocent lives. The Iranian regime is using arms transfers, training and terrorist proxies to empower Houthi rebels, terrorize Yemeni civilians, undermine the security of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and challenge U.S. national security interests in the region. Houthi rebels have used Iranian-supplied advanced arms in the Yemen conflict, indiscriminately launching over 100 ballistic missiles against Saudi cities, unleashing explosive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Saudi civilian targets, and deploying explosive boats and anti-ship missiles against commercial ships in the Arabian Gulf. Moreover, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have detained thousands of Yemenis and reportedly subjected many of them to extreme torture being smashed in their faces with batons, hung from chains by their wrists or genitals for weeks at a time, and scorched with acid. Read the rest here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DA9DE421-1B74-4AF1-9A54-9C5D4DB28ED7,"English/Espaol: Rubio, Menendez Urge Trump To Recognize Venezuelas National Assembly As The Only Legitimate Institution",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Home Newsroom Press Releases Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today urged President Trump to once again denounce Nicols Maduro as the illegitimate President of Venezuela and to recognize the National Assembly as the country's only remaining democratic institution. Under Article 231 of the Venezuelan constitution, ""The candidate elected will take possession of the role of President of the Republic on the 10th of January of the first year of its constitutional period, by oath to the National Assembly."" Given the undemocratic and fraudulent elections of May 20, 2018, organized by the illegitimate National Constituent Assembly, starting on January 10, 2019 Venezuela's democratically elected Congress will assume the leadership of the nation. The full text of the letter is below:Dear Mr. President:Under the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's 1999 constitution, the country is supposed to inaugurate a democratically-elected president on January 10, 2019. Article 231 of Venezuela's constitution states that [t]he candidate elected will take possession of the role of President of the Republic on the 10th of January of the first year of its constitutional period, by oath to the National Assembly. The regime of Nicols Maduro, however, has turned Venezuela away from the path of democracy and down the path of dictatorship. We therefore request that you condemn the Maduro regime's rule as illegitimate, and formally recognize the Venezuelan National Assembly as the only legitimate democratic institution remaining in the country's national government.In May 2018, the Maduro regime held fraudulent elections that failed to meet established international standards for a free, fair and transparent electoral process. These elections were rightly denounced as a sham by the United States and democracies worldwide. Moreover, Maduro continues to repress and violate the human rights of the Venezuelan people. According to the nongovernmental organization Foro Penal, the Maduro regime has imprisoned 288 political prisoners to date. Additionally, the regime uses food as a political weapon and means of control, providing what little available sustenance remains only to his party's supporters and engaging in a forced starvation strategy against the Venezuelan people for coercive purposes that, we believe, amounts to crimes against humanity.In support of the Venezuelan people, we introduced the Venezuela Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018 (S. 3486), which unequivocally states that:It is the sense of Congress that actions taken by the Government of Venezuela that require legislative approval, ratification, or concurrence, including the provision or refinancing of debts, should only be recognized as legitimate by the United States and the international community if such legislative actions are performed by the democratically-elected National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.Moreover, S. 3486 declares that it should be the policy of the United States to recognize the democratically-elected National Assembly of Venezuela as the only legitimate national legislative body in Venezuela.We support what the United States has done so far to stand with the Venezuelan people in their struggle against the dictatorship of Nicols Maduro and protect our national security interests in Latin America. We believe our nation canand mustdo more. As we approach January 10, 2019, we therefore urge your Administration to formally recognize the National Assembly of Venezuela as the only remaining democratic institution in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's national government.SincerelyRUBIO, MENENDEZ PIDEN A TRUMP QUE RECONOZCA A LA ASAMBLEA NACIONAL COMO LA NICA INSTITUCIN LEGTIMA DE VENEZUELAWashington, D.C. Los senadores estadounidenses Marco Rubio (R-FL) y Bob Menendez (D-NJ) hoy instaron al presidente Trump a que una vez ms denuncie a Nicols Maduro como presidente ilegtimo de Venezuela y que reconozca a la Asamblea Nacional como la nica institucin democrtica que queda en el pas. Segn el artculo 231 de la Constitucin venezolana, "" El candidato elegido o candidata elegida tomar posesin del cargo de Presidente o Presidenta de la Repblica el diez de enero del primer ao de su perodo constitucional, mediante juramento ante la Asamblea Nacional."" Dado que las elecciones del pasado 20 de mayo del 2018 no fueron democrticas, y fueron organizadas por la fraudulenta Asamblea Nacional Constituyente, a partir del 10 de enero del 2019, el Congreso democrticamente elegido en Venezuela asumir el liderazgo de la nacin.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/2018-farm-bill-headed-to-president-s-desk,2018 Farm Bill Headed to the Presidents Desk,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement on House passage of the Conference Report for the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2): Today we have cleared the final hurdle to ensure America's farmers and ranchers have the certainty they need to produce the most affordable, highest quality food in the world. The hard-working families of our agriculture community put food on the table of over 300 million people every day. We are blessed to have such abundance provided by so few. The final vote we took today sets agriculture policy for the next five years. It was a long process, and I want to thank Chairman Conaway and his staff for all their hard work. While we did not get the common-sense reforms to the food stamp program, there are victories for our district and the state of Florida in this 2018 Farm Bill. We have retained the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank to help prevent devastating outbreaks of foot and mouth disease among our nation's livestock. We also secured the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) for the creation of the Citrus Trust Fund. This fund is vital to protecting Florida's billion-dollar citrus industry and will be instrumental in researching the causes of citrus disease (citrus greening) and how best to address the problem. Lastly, changes to the Research Facilities Act were included in the final bill and will help research universities, like the University of Florida, construct and improve their agricultural research facilities. A lot of good will come from these additions to the 2018 Farm Bill. I am honored to have had the opportunity to fight for them as a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a conferee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399072,Hastings Statement on Time Magazines Naming the Guardians and the War on Truth as the 2018 Person of the Year,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after Time Magazine recognized the Guardians and the War on Truth, including journalists Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and news organization, the Capital Gazette of Annapolis, Maryland as the 2018 Person of the Year: Each year, Time Magazine announces the person who has most influenced the world. In recognizing four journalists and one news organization that exemplify the Guardians and the War on Truth, Time has acknowledged the extreme courage and great personal risk journalists take in the pursuit of uncovering and reporting the truth. The recognition of the late Jamal Khashoggi of the Washington Post, for which mounting evidence of whose death has implicated the Government of Saudi Arabia, marks the first time a deceased person has been given this honor. Khashoggi and the five journalists who were killed in the shooting at the Capitol Gazette this year paid the ultimate price for their dedication to reporting the truth. Journalists Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and news organization, the Capital Gazette of Annapolis, Maryland should be honored for their dedication to the goal of informing the public and strengthening democracy. Indeed, they are deserving choices for this recognition. Undeniably, 2018 has been a tumultuous year fraught by worrisome attacks on freedom of the press and human rights in the United States and across the globe. From attempts to discredit reporting as fake news' for political gain to the jailing or murder of journalists freedom of the press and human rights have disturbingly been under attack. As incoming Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and President Emeritus of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, I am committed to standing up for freedom of the press, human rights, equality, justice, and human dignity. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398833,"U.S. House Passes ACE Kids Act, a New Health Home Model for Rapidly Growing Population of Children with Complex Medical Conditions",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) joined families of children with complex medical conditions across the nation to celebrate the passage of the bipartisan ACE Kids Act, included in HR 7217, the IMPROVE Act, which passed overwhelmingly through the U.S. House of Representatives. share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) joined families of children with complex medical conditions across the nation to celebrate the passage of the bipartisan ACE Kids Act, included in HR 7217, the IMPROVE Act, which passed overwhelmingly through the U.S. House of Representatives. After many years of advocacy, families of children with complex medical conditions can celebrate passage of the ACE Kids Act that authorizes the creation of new cost-saving and time-saving health homes where specialized care is coordinated in a high quality setting. I wrote the ACE Kids Act many years ago with the simple but important goal of putting children with complex medical conditions and their families first, U.S. Rep. Castor said. By creating a health home that better coordinates care for children andfamilies, precious time, money and lives can be saved and children can access specialists who practice across state lines. My inspiration has been the children served at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Chronic-Complex Clinic in Tampa, Fla. St. Joseph's is one of the nation's premiere health homes for children with complex medical conditions. U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (TX6) and the bipartisan group of cosponsors deserve kudos for advocating for our important legislation. Most children with complex medical conditions receive care from multiple specialized pediatric providers who often are located at different clinics and hospitals. Just take a glimpse at the care map for Caroline West, a Tampa, Fla., patient with a complex medical condition. Families access these specialized doctors through Medicaid, which is federally funded but administered by state governments. Families should be focused completely on their child's health rather than sorting through different Medicaid rules for coverage, including barriers to specialists in other states. Outside studies have found that, through care coordination, the ACE Kids Act will save families and states money while alleviating a fragmented and unnecessarily burdensome system of care for children and families. When Caroline was born we didn't have a diagnosis for her and we travelled five states to five children's hospitals at our own expense to try to find a diagnosis for her. It is very difficult and trying for a family. I feel like we were kind of out there alone. We had a fantastic pediatrician, but they did not know how to handle complex chronic children, said Tish West, mother of Caroline West, a patient with a complex medical condition. This bill will help the system provide the care coordination that families need to support their children and also to incentivize hospitals around the country to have a clinic such as the one we have here in Tampa, Fla. Tish West even shared her story and testified during a congressional hearing to help move the ACE Kids Act forward. The St. Joseph's Children's Chronic-Complex Clinic, which currently serves 700 families and children, was started 16 years ago by a passionate pediatric critical care doctor named Dr. Daniel Plasencia and serves as the model for the ACE Kids Act. Under Dr. Plasencia's direction, the Chronic-Complex Clinic has become a health home where children with medically complex conditions, including premature birth, congenital disorders, cerebral palsy, heart disease and more, receive the special attention they need. The families with children with complex medical challenges deserve credit for moving this bill toward becoming law. Thanks to their tireless work explaining to members of Congress the importance of coordinated care, my bipartisan ACE Kids Act is another step closer to the President's desk to be signed into law, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. As this Congress winds down, I urge my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to take up this important legislation and pass the ACE Kids Act so we can truly put children with complex medical conditions and their families first. What a wonderful holiday gift that would be for these children and families, U.S. Rep. Castor concluded. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-matt-gaetz-grills-google-ceo-intentionally-silencing-conservatives,Congressman Matt Gaetz Grills Google CEO on Intentionally Silencing Conservatives,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Matt Gaetz,G000578,gaetz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) today attended the House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Transparency & Accountability: Examining Google and its Data Collection, Use, and Filtering Practices. During the hearing, Rep. Gaetz pressed Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Google, about potential bias of Google employees. Rep. Gaetz's questions cited an employee-only group named Resist, and reports that employees discussed modifying Google's search algorithms to counter President Trump's January 2017 travel ban. A video and rough transcript of the exchange between Rep. Gaetz and Google CEO Sundar Pichai can be found below. CLICK HERE TO WATCH REP. GAETZ'S REMARKS AT THE HEARING TRANSCRIPT Rep. Gaetz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Have you ever launched an experiment on whether political bias has messed with consumer experience? Google CEO: Through common sense, we look at them Rep. Gaetz: Have you specifically launched an investigation into political bias of your employees? Google CEO: On our employees, you said? Rep. Gaetz: Yes. Google CEO: To the extent we always take any allegations on code of conduct across every issue seriously and we look into them. Rep. Gaetz: You said to me yesterday that as a political bias, you haven't launched those investigations because there are so many redundancies and so much peer review that that would not be possible. Is that still your testimony today? Google CEO: Congressman, it's the way our processes work. If you need to make a change in our algorithms, there are several steps in the process including launch committees and user testing and guideline evaluation. Rep. Gaetz: But your company gets together and talks in groups, right, Google groups? Google CEO: Yes, they can. Rep. Gaetz: One of those groups is a civil rights group, right? Google CEO: We have many in which they can be included in the conversation, yes. Rep. Gaetz: Have you ever looked into the vista group? Google CEO: Congressman, no. Rep. Gaetz: Is that a surprise to you, that there is a resist group? Google CEO: I'm not aware whether such a group exists or not. Rep. Gaetz: If there was a resist group, would that be the type of thing you would want to look into? Google CEO: We have clear policies around how our products are built and Rep. Gaetz: You know a resist group is a movement to resist the agenda of president trump. Is there a resist group in your company where a group of people, not one, are getting together to reduce that risk force, is that the type of thing you would want to investigate? Google CEO: Congressman, I'm not aware of any such group, not that's been brought to my attention and I'm happy to follow up. Rep. Gaetz: Mr. Chairman, I speak unanimous consent to enter into the record a document from what purports to be Google employee Myles Borens, which is opposed to the Google group resist. I am now reading about the discussion that occurred over Breitbart and Google ads and I'm report f reading from one of your employees who wanted to hold their nose over Breitbart and hate speech. Why would someone need to hold their nose over that work? Google CEO: We have many employees and they communicate in forums as a company. We have allowed freedom of expression and we don't condone common expression in these things. We are very clear as to our policies of how we build our products, and we serve our publishers that way. Rep. Gaetz: Well, if you haven't launched an investigation on any of your employees because it would take a group of employees to engage in improper conduct, and if those groups of employees are engaging in discussion on your platform, and if one of those platform groups is resist, and if on that resist movement site or any other sites on your platform. There is talk of suppressing conservative speech, why wouldn't that be something you would launch an internal investigation in, publish those reports, sanction those employees that may or may not engaged in proper conduct so we can all be involved in the experience? Google CEO: We have checks and balances of employees, not just on this issue, across any issue. We protect the sanctity of our systems and we would do that. Rep. Gaetz: How can I have confidence that you're protecting the sanctity of your system when you don't even know your employees are getting together on your own company's infrastructure to talk about political activity? Google CEO: We always assume our systems are designed and we assume there could be issues. At any given moment, we assume that somebody may be acting in bad faith, and that's how we have designed our systems with all the protections in place. We need to do that for security of our systems and it's a first principle approach. Rep. Gaetz: If your assumption is that people can act in bad faith, why, then, have you not launched an investigation into the communications that seem to indicate a desire to suppress conservative political movements and conservative voices? Google CEO: If there are allegations around, you know, discussions which are specific with the intent of manipulating our products, we would conduct an investigation. Rep. Gaetz: That's good to hear. The ""Wall Street Journal reported that your workers were discussing tweaking search terms to frame the discussion over the travel ban. Did you perform an investigation into that allegation? Google CEO: We looked into it. There was no attempted anything to influence our products. There are at times during important news events, for example, during events like hurricanes, we have a set of response crews. Even the Department of Homeland security was looking to put out information because there was confusion around the event. There was some discussion around things like that. Rep. Gaetz: I would strongly suggest that one of the crisis response tools that you use is an investigation into the discourse of your employees on resisting the Trump Presidency, resisting the Trump agenda, and then smothering some of the conservative outlets that seem to amplify that content. I yield back Mr. Chairman. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5623BE93-9E1F-486C-887A-E1B4CFE4A353,"House Passes Mast Resolution Condemning Assad Regime, Russia, Iran For Human Rights Atrocities in Syria",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Brian Mast,M001199,mast.house.gov,,,legacy,"Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUA8XyhMza8 WASHINGTON, D.C. The United States House of Representatives today passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) condemning the Assad regime and its backers, including Russia and Iran, for their continued support of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria. After seven years of war and the deaths of more than half of a million people, the atrocities of the Assad regime are still ongoing with the help of Russia and Iran, Rep. Mast said. The United States must push for an end to the violence and suffering in Syria and hold the perpetrators accountable. Among other provisions, the resolution calls on the President of the United States and Secretary of State to work towards a sustainable political transition in Syria that results in a government in Syria that is not a danger to its own people and to develop a strategy to prevent a permanent Iranian presence in Syria, understanding that the Russia Federation has not proven to be a viable partner to help in this effort. The full text of the resolution is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/bi-partisan-group-lawmakers-commend-final-passage-nica-act-sending-president%E2%80%99s-desk,"Bi-Partisan Group of Lawmakers Commend Final Passage of NICA Act, Sending to Presidents Desk",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bi-Partisan Group of Lawmakers Commend Final Passage of NICA Act, Sending to President's Desk Washington, DC Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), ChairmanEmeritusof the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, was joined by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as well as Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY), Albio Sires (D-NJ), and Ed Royce (R-CA) in welcoming the final passage of H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment and Conditionality Act (NICA), which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The NICA Act seeks to condition U.S. approval for loans to the Ortega regime from international financial institutions. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced similar legislation, S. 2265, in the Senate. After its approval in the House on October 3, 2017, H.R. 1918 was amended in the Senate to include Senator Bob Menendez's (D-NJ) S. 3233, the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018, which seeks to impose additional sanctions on Nicaraguan regime officials, and which also included Senator Marco Rubio's (R-FL) amendment targeting the regime's enablers. The amended H.R. 1918 passed the House of Representatives on December 11, 2018 by unanimous consent. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for passing the NICA Act that will help the Nicaraguan people break free of Ortega's despotic rule. I am especially thankful to Bob, Ted, Marco, Patrick, Eliot, Albio and Ed who joined me in this effort from the very beginning, as we witnessed years of Ortega's increased corruption and repression. With the final passage of the amended NICA Act, Congress took a leap forward in creating further accountability against the heinous abuses committed by Ortega and his puppets. In a desperate effort to cling to power, Ortega and his thugs have continued to clamp down on free speech and peaceful demonstrations. The United States has answered the call of the Nicaraguan people and will continue to do so in support of much needed electoral and human rights reforms. Statement by Menendez: Today's final passage of the NICA Act shows that the United States Congress will not stand idly by as the Ortega regime continues its dictatorial campaign of extrajudicial killings and repression against the people of Nicaragua, said Senator Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bipartisan legislation will hold Ortega, Murillo, and their accomplices accountable for their widespread human rights abuses and for plundering state coffers for their own profit. This bill also ensures that U.S. sanctions will target the Ortega regime without affecting the Nicaraguan people, and offers much-needed support for a negotiated solution to this crisis. Statement by Cruz: I have been proud to work alongside Rep. Ros-Lehtinen and our colleagues in the House and Senate to pursue meaningful democratic reform and combat human rights abuses in Nicaragua, Senator Cruz said. For years we fought hard for this meaningful legislation, and today's vote in support sends a loud message to the Ortega regime that the United States will not allow regimes that commit such atrocities and undermine the rule of law to benefit from international financing. Statement by Rubio: In an important day for the Nicaraguan Community, Congress today overwhelmingly passed the NICA Act after many months of hard work behind the scenes, Senator Rubio said. We are one step closer to expanding sanctions and other pressures against the oppressive Ortega regime and sending a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the ongoing human rights violations. I thank Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who spearheaded these efforts, for her tireless work in support of democracy in the Western Hemisphere. Statement by Leahy: The violence perpetrated by agents of the Ortega Government against Nicaraguan students and other protesters has shocked the hemisphere, said Senator Patrick Leahy. The purpose of this bill is to signal to the Nicaraguan people that we support their desire for a government that is not corrupt, does not act with impunity, and respects the civil and political rights of its citizens. The best way forward is a free and fair election, as soon as possible. Statement by Engel: ""It's long past time for Congress to hold Daniel Ortega and his cronies accountable for the egregious crimes that they continue to commit against the Nicaraguan people. Passage of the NICA Act sends a loud and clear message that the House of Representatives and Senate will continue our steadfast support for democracy and the rule of law in Nicaragua."" Statement by Sires: I would like to thank my colleagues for passing this essential piece of legislation that holds the regime accountable for its misuse of international loans. This legislation directs the U.S. to curb Ortega's access to international financing institutions until he undertakes serious efforts to combat corruption and hold free, fair and transparent elections. It has become clear that Ortega has no plans to work for the good of the Nicaraguan people, but only do what he can to fill his family's coffers while he still can. The United States will not stand idly by as the regime continues to stifle democratic processes, consolidate power, and accumulate vast amounts of wealth while the Nicaraguans struggle daily to make ends meet. The Nicaraguan people have suffered at the hands of Ortega and his cronies for far too long, and I urge the President to promptly sign this bill into law. I would like to thank my good friend from Florida, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Senator Menendez for their leadership on this issue. Statement by Royce: The passage of the NICA Act sends an important message that this body stands with the people of Nicaragua against Daniel Ortega's repressive, authoritarian and violent stranglehold. This legislation holds Ortega and his cronies accountable, and puts much needed focus on the worsening situation in our own hemisphere. NOTE: On November 27, 2018, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Ros-Lehtinen's H.R. 1918, NICA Act, with Senator Menendez's S.3233 as an amendment. On September 26, 2018, Senator Menendez's S. 3233, the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with the NICA Act. On August 28, 2018, Ros-Lehtinen introduced H.R. 6683, a similar measure to the Menendez bill. On April 5, 2017, Ros-Lehtinen introduced the NICA Act alongside Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. The bill passed unanimously the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee on May 24, 2017, passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on July 27, 2017 and passed the House of Representatives on October 3, 2017. On December 22, 2017, Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), David Perdue (R-GA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a similar bill. Last Congress, on September 21, 2016, the U.S. House of Representative approved a similar version of the legislation by unanimous consent. The NICA Act aims to put conditions on Nicaragua similar to what Congress has already enacted into law regarding Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador (P.L. 114-113). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z