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Rep. Soto, Members Request Funds Disbursement to Rebuild Electrical Grid in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Published
7 years agoon
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter signed by 47 Members of Congress to President Trump’s Administration requesting the disbursement of funds, which were already appropriated, to improve and build a more resilient electric grid in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
After more than two years since Hurricane Maria devastated the electric infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and over a year after Congress passed the Budget Act of 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has failed to disburse the already appropriated $2 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds meant to enhance the electrical power systems in damaged areas.
“We urge the immediate publication of the Federal Register Notice detailing the administrative requirements for the disbursement of the $2 billion in CDBG-DR HUD funding,” stated Members in the letter. “We must strive to enable the prosperity of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing renewable, affordable, resilient, and reliable power.”
Full text of the letter is available below and final signed copy attached.
The 47 Members of Congress (10 Senators and 37 Representatives) who signed this request include: Sen. Charles E. Schumer (NY), Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA), Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT), Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (PR At Large), Sen. Bernard Sanders (VT), Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), Sen. Kamala Harris (CA), Rep. José E. Serrano (NY-15), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ), Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Sen. Cory A. Booker (NJ), Rep. John Lewis (GA-05), Sen. Christopher S. Murphy (CT), Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. Ben Ray Luján (NM-03), Rep. James P. McGovern (MA-02), Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Rep. Eliot L. Engel (NY-16), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27), Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-08), Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Rep. Donald M Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Rep. Michael F.Q. San Nicolas (Guam), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (DC), Rep. Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04).
June 27, 2019
The Honorable Ben Carson
Secretary
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20410
The Honorable Rick Perry
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20585
The Honorable Pete T. Gaynor
Acting Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
The Honorable Mick Mulvaney
Director
The Office of Management and Budget
725 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20503
Dear Secretary Carson, Secretary Perry, Acting Administrator Gaynor, and Director Mulvaney:
We write to urge the publication of the Federal Register Notice detailing the administrative requirements for the disbursement of the $2 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) appropriated to improve and increase the resilience of the power grids in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On February 9, 2018, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) was enacted into law. However, more than a year after enactment of the Act, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has failed to publish the Federal Register Notice to disburse the CDBG-DR funds needed to rebuild resilient power grids in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The $2 billion in CDBG-DR HUD funding is meant to enhance and improve the electrical power systems in areas damaged by Hurricane Maria. In order for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to gain access to the appropriated funds, HUD must first publish a Federal Register Notice of administrative requirements. However, nearly a year and a half after the Bipartisan Budget Act was passed, HUD has failed to provide the required notice. Without the publication of the Federal Register Notice, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be unable to adequately establish action plans for the reconstruction of the electrical grids.
On April 11, 2019, Governor Ricardo Rossello signed S.B. 1121, Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act, into law. The purpose of this legislation is to transition Puerto Rico’s energy generation to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Through the Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority (PREPA), Puerto Rico is striving to use $900 million of their appropriated CDBG-DR HUD funding to rebuild the grid with a focus on the generation and distribution of renewable power.[1] With the current high cost and unpredictability of power generation and distribution on the islands, the disbursement of the $2 billion in CDBG-DR HUD funding is essential to meet the goals of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands governments to alleviate power grid burdens.
Therefore, we urge the immediate publication of the Federal Register Notice detailing the administrative requirements for the disbursement of the $2 billion in CDBG-DR HUD funding to rebuild resilient, enhanced power grids in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We must strive to enable the prosperity of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing renewable, affordable, resilient, and reliable power. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
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Florida
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 24, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Republican congressional candidate Joe Strada announced endorsements Thursday from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Randy Fine of Florida, adding support from prominent conservative leaders to his campaign for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.
Strada, founder of Strada Services, said the endorsements reflect confidence in his business experience and commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.
Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Strada
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Strada’s private-sector leadership and pledged his support for the campaign.
“Joe Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with President Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hardworking families in Central Florida and across the country,” Scalise said. “Joe Strada has my full endorsement because, as a businessman, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted Strada’s workforce development efforts and business record.
“Joe Strada has built the American Dream for countless families in Florida and across this great nation,” Jordan said. “He’s tackled the skilled worker shortage by building his own training program and graduating students directly into the workforce. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Joe Strada in Congress because he is a problem solver who will stand up for our shared conservative values and with President Trump.”
Florida Congressman Randy Fine also endorsed Strada, citing their shared business backgrounds and longtime friendship.
“Joe Strada doesn’t just talk about the American Dream—he’s helped thousands of Floridians live it,” Fine said. “While Washington created problems, Joe built solutions by creating his own workforce training program and putting graduates directly into good-paying jobs across Central Florida. President Trump needs fighters who know how to get things done, and I want Joe standing with President Trump and me in Congress.”
Business Background
Strada is the founder of Strada Services, which the campaign describes as the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned provider of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and security services. His campaign has emphasized his experience as a self-made businessman and employer, arguing that his private-sector leadership prepares him to address workforce and economic challenges in Congress.
Campaign Message
According to the campaign, Strada is running on a conservative platform focused on supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, strengthening workforce development, expanding job opportunities, and promoting pro-business policies.
The endorsements from Scalise, Jordan, and Fine are expected to bolster Strada’s campaign by highlighting support from influential Republican leaders with strong ties to the House Republican Conference and the conservative movement.
Looking Ahead
Florida’s 11th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention during the 2026 election cycle. As the campaign progresses, endorsements from national and state Republican leaders are likely to remain an important part of candidates’ efforts to build support among primary voters.
Florida
Byron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands
Published
2 months agoon
June 8, 2026By
Willie DavidKISSIMMEE, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds continued his campaign for governor by engaging Latino voters during a stop on his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour in Kissimmee, where he shared his vision for Florida’s future and discussed key issues impacting Hispanic communities.
Florida National News was on hand to capture the event as Donalds met with supporters and community leaders while emphasizing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and preserving what he described as the “Florida Dream.”
Latinos for Byron Coalition Launch
The Kissimmee event follows Donalds’ May 2026 launch of the Latinos for Byron Coalition, a statewide effort designed to strengthen support among Hispanic voters ahead of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
The Trump-endorsed congressman announced the coalition during a rally at Hialeah Park in Miami-Dade County, drawing approximately 300 supporters. Many attendees waved American and Cuban flags as Donalds outlined his vision for Florida and highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters in state politics.
Republican Leaders Show Support
Joining Donalds at the Hialeah event were several Republican elected officials, including Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo, the city’s youngest mayor and a lifelong resident. State leaders in attendance included Sen. Bryan Avila and Reps. Juan Porras, David Borrero, and Alex Rizo.
Donalds said Hispanic communities play a vital role in Florida’s economy, culture, and future, and he pledged to continue policies focused on economic growth, educational excellence, and public safety.
Building a Statewide Coalition
The Defending the Florida Dream tour is expected to continue across Florida as Donalds works to build a broad coalition of supporters ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His campaign has placed a particular emphasis on engaging Hispanic voters, who represent one of the fastest-growing and most influential voting blocs in the state.
As the gubernatorial race develops, Latino outreach efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary and the general election.
Florida National News will continue to follow the Defending the Florida Dream tour and provide updates from campaign stops across the state.
North Florida News
Gov. Ron DeSantis Names Alex Peraza to Miami-Dade Judicial Nominating Commission
Published
5 months agoon
March 13, 2026By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Ron DeSantis announced Friday the appointment of Alex Peraza to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which serves Miami-Dade County.
Peraza, of Coral Gables, is a partner at Diamond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., a law firm based in South Florida.
The Judicial Nominating Commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified candidates for judicial appointments within the circuit.
Peraza earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. His appointment term will run through July 1, 2027.
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