Politics
Florida Files Amicus Brief in Defense of Federal Prescription Drug Importation Rule
Published
5 years agoon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Source: Governor’s Office // Tuesday, at the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) filed an Amicus brief in support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) final rule implementing Section 804 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, to facilitate the importation of prescription drugs, based in part off Florida’s 2019 importation concept paper.
In 2019, at President Donald J. Trump’s direction, HHS was tasked to work diligently with Florida to fully implement provisions of the 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act related to the importation of Canadian prescription drugs.
Before HHS could issue the final rule, Congress required the Secretary of HHS to certify that the implementation of Section 804 would: (1) pose no additional risk to the public’s health and safety; and (2) result in a significant reduction in the cost of covered products to the American consumer. Then-Secretary Alex M. Azar II provided the requisite certification. In September 2020, after working collaboratively with the State of Florida, HHS and the Food and Drug Administration promulgated a rule to implement the program that Florida’s 2019 importation concept directly influenced.
On November 23, 2020, the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the Partnership for Safe Medicines, and the Council for Affordable Health Coverage filed suit, challenging the final rule. That same day, Governor DeSantis announced that AHCA submitted its comprehensive Section 804 Importation Proposal (SIP) to HHS.
On Friday, Governor DeSantis called on the Biden Administration to approve Florida’s proposal.
“Today’s filing reinforces Florida’s position — that the lawsuit is another desperate attempt by Big Pharma to prevent the importation of safe and effective prescription drugs from Canada,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.“Floridians have been waiting long enough for lower prescription drug prices, and it is unnecessary to keep them waiting. I look forward to the dismissal of the suit and the immediate approval of Florida’s plan by the federal government.”
“Florida’s importation plan complies with all FDA regulatory requirements and provides Floridians access to essential medications at significant cost savings to taxpayers,” said AHCA Secretary Simone Marstiller. “Our filing reiterates the Governor’s commitment to safely importing lower cost prescription drugs from Canada.”
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Politics
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Milwaukee, Discuss Trump Administration’s Anti-Fraud Efforts
Published
43 minutes agoon
July 6, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — Vice President JD Vance will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks on the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud, according to a White House press release.
Politics
Five Charged in Florida EBT Fraud Case; Two Illegal Aliens Among Defendants, Attorney General Says
Published
1 hour agoon
July 6, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — James Uthmeier announced today that five individuals have been charged in connection with an organized scheme to defraud Florida’s public assistance program by using stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information and personal identifying information (PII) to obtain taxpayer-funded benefits.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation was conducted by the Orlando Police Department and involves an alleged fraud operation that spanned Orange County and Seminole County.
“Florida is not going to tolerate organized schemes that steal taxpayer-funded benefits intended for Florida families,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
“We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to identify every individual connected to this scheme and hold them accountable.”
Investigation Details
Investigators allege the defendants used stolen personal identifying information and EBT card data belonging to numerous victims to purchase high-resale merchandise, including:
- Monster energy drinks
- Red Bull energy drinks
- Coffee
- Bottled water
- Other retail goods
Authorities allege the merchandise was later resold for cash, diverting taxpayer-funded nutritional assistance intended for eligible Florida families.
Defendants Charged
The five defendants are:
- Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez
- Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada
- Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez
- Enrique Gonzalez
- Luis Gonzalez Dominguez
According to the Attorney General’s Office, immigration records indicate that Gomez Jimenez and Mesa Labrada entered the United States unlawfully in 2024.
Criminal Charges
All five defendants are charged with:
- Organized Scheme to Defraud (less than $20,000)
- Public Assistance Fraud ($200 or more but less than $20,000)
Additional charges include:
- Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez are charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving EBT accounts belonging to 10 or more individuals.
- Dominguez is charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.
- Diaz Jimenez and Enrique Gonzalez are also charged with Dealing in Stolen Property.
Potential Sentences
According to prosecutors:
- Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez faces up to 40 years in prison.
- Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez, Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada and Enrique Gonzalez each face up to 25 years in prison.
- Luis Gonzalez Dominguez faces up to 15 years in prison.
Additionally, Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez face mandatory minimum sentences of three years if convicted of Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving 10 or more victims.
Investigation Remains Active
The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests or charges may be filed as investigators continue to identify others connected to the alleged fraud scheme.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel for Public Assistance Fraud Scott Strauss in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Central Florida News
Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says
Published
2 hours agoon
July 6, 2026
Florida National News learned of the July 10 court date following a press conference held by Ross and later received a news release from his campaign announcing the scheduled hearing.
Lawsuit Challenges Election Process
Ross filed the lawsuit after challenging the application of Florida’s resign-to-run law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s decision to seek another elected office.
“This lawsuit has never been about me,” Ross said. “It has always been about the right of District 3 residents to elect their own County Commissioner. On Friday, the people finally get their day in court.”
Ross: ‘The Law Matters’
Ross said his legal challenge is focused on ensuring election laws are applied consistently.
“While others relied on politics, assumptions and opinion, I relied on one thing … the law,” Ross said. “If we expect our citizens to follow the law, then government must follow it too. There cannot be one set of rules for politicians and another for everyone else.”
Concerns Over Election Accountability
Ross said the case raises broader questions about accountability and public confidence in Orange County’s election process.
“Candidates place their trust in our election officials to provide competent, accurate guidance,” Ross said. “Voters deserve confidence that elections are conducted according to Florida law … not political convenience. When government gets it wrong, someone has to stand up. I chose to do exactly that.”
Campaign Message
Ross, a longtime Orange County resident and community leader, said the lawsuit reflects the type of leadership he would bring to the County Commission.
“I don’t back down from difficult fights. I don’t accept government incompetence. And I don’t believe taxpayers or voters should pay the price when public officials fail to do their jobs.”
He also pledged to provide a public update immediately following Friday’s hearing.
“I welcome this opportunity because facts matter. The law matters. Most importantly, the voices of District 3 voters matter. This isn’t about politics … it is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring the people, not government bureaucracy, decide who represents them.”
The hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026. The court’s ruling will determine the legal issues presented in the case. The allegations and legal arguments discussed are those advanced by the plaintiff and remain subject to judicial review.
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