Connect with us

Uncategorized

Rep. Soto’s 28 Legislative Wins in Appropriations Bill

Published

on

Washington, D.C. Today, the Conference Report to keep the government open and fund important priorities was signed into law. The legislation is the product of a bipartisan, bicameral Conference Committee agreement. It includes the following 28 funding provisions– 2 amendments and 26 language report additions – which were spearheaded by Congressman Darren Soto:

INTERIOR

  • $1,000,000 increased funding for the United States Geological Survey for Sinkhole mapping
  • Everglades Restoration – encourages continued support for the restoration of the everglades.
  • STEM Engagement – encourages the Smithsonian to create more STEM coordination across the country while also increasing the capacity of the Smithsonian to offer more programs, experiences, and services with STEM education.
  • Increased Understanding and Access to Sinkhole Information – encouraged the USGS to advance our understanding of the mechanisms to trigger sinkholes and to expand the information contained on the USGS’s current website

HOMELAND SECURITY

  • Advanced Sensor technology for First Responders – expands the Science and Technology Directorate to focus on developing and fielding next generation first responder technologies that utilize advanced sensors and imager technologies.
  • Anti-Spoofing Technologies – Encourages the Department of Homeland Security to continue to pursue the development of technologies to combat the practice spoofing by criminals to commit fraud over the phone.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE

  • Commercial Crew – encouraged NASA to stick to its launch schedule, and asked for an assessment of the ability of contractors to meet the milestones to ensure we have domestic access to the International Space Station.
  • Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds – encourages and funds the next generation of deep space missions who’s primary goal is to discover life in the solar system. Specifically the Europa clipper and Europa Lander with a timeline of launch between 2022 and 2024.
  • Puerto Rico and US Territories – encourages the Census Bureau to include all citizens of the United states, including those in Puerto Rico and other territories to be included in its estimates of US residents population and other national statistics. Directs report on feasibility of expanding all census surveys to all US territories.
  • Orbital Debris Removal – encourages NASA to take steps to develop and acquire technologies that will enable the Administration to decrease the risks associated with, and to remove, orbital debris.

AGRICULTURE

  • Virtual Currency Monitoring – encourages the CFTC to monitor virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin futures contracts and the underlying cash markets to which these futures are settled to detect, investigate, and prosecute fraud and manipulation in these markets.
  • $26,550,000 increased funds to the Rural Cooperative Development Grants. Final bill funded the program at $29,100,000.
  • $1,500,000 increased funds to the Agricultural Innovation Centers. Final bill funded the program at $2,500,000.
  • Vector Control – Urges USDA to utilize pest management programs and partner with organizations to conduct research to develop and test effective mosquito repellent, create new molecular pesticide technologies that prevent mosquitoes from reproducing, and explore natural products to deter pests.
  • Zika Outreach and Education – directs the USDA to either continue or expand its education and outreach efforts through the WIC program to provide pregnant women zika prevention information.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

  • $1,000,000 increased funding for tax counseling for the elderly, for a total of $9,890,000.
  • $500,000 increased funding for IRS Identity Theft Casework for a total of $5,500,000.
  • Puerto Rico Assessment – directs the Treasury Department to provide a report to the Congress on how the Department has used its authority to provide technical assistance to Puerto Rico for the past fiscal year and how it plans to use its authority for fiscal year 2019.
  • Financial Literacy – encourages the Department of Treasury to explore ways to expand federal financial literacy programs, especially in rural communities.
  • Increase broadband access in the Territories and Tribal Lands – concern about the disparity in access to broadband access between the territories, tribal lands, and 50 states. Encourages the FCC to implement policies that increase broadband access in the territories and tribal lands.
  • Cybersecurity safeguards – encourages the department of treasury to coordinate further development of workable cybersecurity safeguards across the financial service sector.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, URBAN DEVELOPMENT:

  • $678,000,000, increased funding for housing for the elderly.

STATE AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS

  • $65,000,000 increased funds to combat trafficking in persons. Final bill funded the program at $67,000,000.
  • $15,000,000 increased funds to promote democracy and rule of law in Venezuela. Final bill funded the program at $17,500,000
  • Burma – increased bilateral economic assistance and international security assistance to support the Burmese refugees and Rohingya minority.
  • Monitoring and Combating Trafficking in Persons – requires that the National Human Trafficking Resources Center hotline phone number to be posted at all US embassies where visas are processed and on US embassy websites where visa application information is posted.
  • USAID to Burma – expands support to provide crisis assistance and recovery programs for refugee returnees and internally displaced people.
  • Rohingya refugees – makes the plight of the Rohingya minority in Burma and Bangladesh a priory within the State Departments bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Florida

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress

Published

on

People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

ORLANDO, 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.

Continue Reading

Florida

Byron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands

Published

on

KISSIMMEE, 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.

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

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.”

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

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.

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

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.

Continue Reading

North Florida News

Gov. Ron DeSantis Names Alex Peraza to Miami-Dade Judicial Nominating Commission

Published

on

TALLAHASSEE, 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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending