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Soto, Wasserman Schultz Lead Letter Urging President Biden, US Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas to Extend and Redesignate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led a letter to President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging the Department to extend and redesignate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status. Currently, the 2023 redesignation is set to expire on April 2, 2025, and the 2021 extension is set to expire on September 10, 2025.

“Political instability, endemic corruption, and repression under Maduro’s authoritarian regime has led to massive food and medicine shortages, with millions living in poverty and suffering from food insecurity. Venezuela’s economy has contracted by more than 80% since 2014, which is more than twice the magnitude of the Great Depression in the United States,” wrote the Members. “Due to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, Venezuelans have consistently been the leading nationality requesting asylum in the United States since 2016. As of June 2023, U.N. agencies believe that over 7.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country, many of whom have resettled in neighboring countries like Colombia and Brazil.”

“The number of displaced individuals from Venezuela only continues to grow after the undemocratic and fraudulent elections held on July 28, 2024. The United States and many other countries have rightfully rejected Maduro’s false claims of victory, noting that these results were ‘deeply flawed, yielding an announced outcome that does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people,’ and recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as president-elect,” continued the Members. “The United States has imposed targeted sanctions in response to the Maduro regime’s brutal repression…”

“Given Venezuela’s increased instability and lack of safety, and within all applicable rules and regulations, we strongly urge your full and fair consideration of an early extension and redesignation of Venezuela for TPS to ensure stability and certainty of the program. We also ask that you continue to provide safety and support to Venezuelans fleeing the political, economic and humanitarian crisis currently plaguing their home. Finally, in light of the inhumane conditions in Venezuela, we ask that you suspend planned nonemergency repatriation of Venezuelans who claim a credible fear of facing repression, imprisonment, or torture upon their return.”

In addition to Reps. Soto and Wasserman Schultz, the letter was signed by Florida Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), as well as Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

For the full text of the letter, please click here.

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US NATIONAL NEWS

“Rep. Maxwell Frost Condemns Trump for Shutting Down White House Gun Violence Prevention Office”

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WASHINGTON (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) expressed outrage as President Donald Trump’s administration swiftly dismantled the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) within 24 hours of taking office. The OGVP, established by the Biden-Harris Administration in 2023 after significant advocacy by Frost, was a critical initiative aimed at addressing America’s gun violence crisis.

The OGVP provided federal leadership in responding to mass shootings, connecting municipalities with vital resources for victims, and implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The office’s accomplishments included distributing millions in federal grants, such as $1.5 million to the City of Orlando’s Community Violence Intervention Program. Frost criticized Trump’s decision as a significant step backward in the fight to protect communities from gun violence.

In his statement, Frost emphasized the bipartisan need for gun reform:
“Donald Trump’s reckless decision to close the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is a betrayal of the American people. This office was saving lives, not playing politics. We need leaders on both sides of the aisle to prioritize the safety of our communities. The fight for common-sense gun reform is far from over.”

Impact of Ending the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention:
The closure of OGVP signals a troubling shift in federal priorities. Without a central office to coordinate responses to mass shootings and gun violence, victims and communities may face delays in accessing critical resources. Federal grants for community violence intervention programs could be slashed, stalling progress in violence prevention efforts. The decision also halts federal oversight of initiatives such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, leaving a gap in addressing the growing epidemic of gun violence.

What’s Next?
Congressman Maxwell Frost has vowed to lead the charge in reestablishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. He plans to work with advocacy groups, local governments, and bipartisan leaders to pass new legislation ensuring a federal response to gun violence remains a priority. Frost urges Americans to contact their representatives to demand action and support initiatives aimed at protecting communities from gun-related tragedies.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

President Trump Declares New “Golden Age” for America with Sweeping Executive Orders

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President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)
President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – On the historic day of his second inauguration, President Donald J. Trump wasted no time delivering on his promises to the American people. Declaring the beginning of a new “Golden Age,” the 47th President signed a series of sweeping executive orders aimed at transforming energy, immigration, government accountability, and national security policies.

President Trump Ushers in a New Era of American Greatness with Day One Executive Orders

Day One: A Legacy of Action
President Trump emphasized his commitment to reversing policies from the previous administration and implementing bold reforms to restore America’s global standing and economic prosperity.

Energy Independence Revived

President Trump fulfilled key campaign promises by launching a national energy emergency, lifting restrictive regulations, and reopening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for energy development. He also ended the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate and paused offshore wind projects, declaring these actions necessary to unlock America’s full energy potential.

“With today’s actions, we’re bringing energy costs down for hardworking families and restoring our nation’s energy independence,” President Trump announced during his speech.

Securing America’s Borders

Trump made border security a cornerstone of his campaign and wasted no time in addressing immigration policies. His executive orders reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, resumed border wall construction, and designated international cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, he halted refugee admissions and closed loopholes to end “birth tourism” and catch-and-release policies.

“America’s borders will no longer be wide open,” Trump asserted. “We will protect our citizens, prioritize safety, and ensure that immigration laws serve the interests of our country.”

Draining the Swamp

In an aggressive push to reform government, President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut waste and streamline operations. He also reinstated merit-based hiring practices and signed an order to root out corruption by making it easier to fire underperforming federal employees.

“Today, we begin the process of taking back control of our government and holding it accountable to the American people,” Trump declared.

Restoring American Values and Sovereignty

Key executive orders targeted cultural and foreign policy shifts. President Trump reinstated the death penalty for drug dealers and human traffickers, declared the United States would officially recognize only two genders, and renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

On foreign policy, he renewed his America First trade agenda and redirected foreign aid to align with U.S. interests and values.

“Our policies will always put America first,” President Trump said, reiterating his focus on prioritizing the welfare of American citizens.

President Trump’s Executive Orders Kickstart a Bold Vision for America’s Future

The sweeping reforms enacted by President Trump on his first day in office signal a dramatic shift in national priorities. His decisive actions aim to bolster the economy, secure the border, restore traditional values, and dismantle bureaucracy.

As President Trump stated, “This is just the beginning. Together, we will bring about an era of unmatched greatness for our nation.”

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Nerwork
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

NASA’s Day of Remembrance Honors Fallen Heroes of Exploration

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NASA will observe its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, honoring the members of the NASA family who lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery for benefit of humanity. The event, traditionally held every year on the fourth Thursday of January, remembers the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

“On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of the extraordinary individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. “Their legacies remind us of the profound responsibility we have to carry their dreams forward while ensuring safety remains our guiding principle.”

Free will lead an observance at 1 p.m. EST at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.

Several agency centers also will hold observances for NASA Day of Remembrance:

Johnson Space Center in Houston

NASA Johnson will hold a commemoration at 10 a.m. CST at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The event will have a moment of silence, a NASA T-38 flyover, taps performed by the Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession placing flowers at Apollo I, Challenger, and Columbia memorial trees.

Kennedy Space Center in Florida

NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation will host a ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex at 10 a.m. EST. The event will include remarks from Tal Ramon, son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, space shuttle Columbia.

Kelvin Manning, deputy director at NASA Kennedy, also will provide remarks during the ceremony, which will livestream on the center’s Facebook page.

Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley

NASA Ames will hold a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. PST that includes remarks from Center Director Eugene Tu, a moment of silence, and bell ringing commemoration.

Glenn Research Center in Cleveland

NASA Glenn will observe Day of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with remarks from Center Director Jimmy Kenyon followed by wreath placement, moment of silence, and taps at Lewis Field​.

Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia

NASA Langley will hold a remembrance ceremony with Acting Center Director Dawn Schaible followed by placing flags at the Langley Workers Memorial.

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama

NASA Marshall will hold a candle-lighting ceremony and wreath placement at 9:30 a.m. CST. The ceremony will include remarks from Larry Leopard, associate director, and Bill Hill, director of Marshall’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.

Stennis Space Flight Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

NASA Stennis and the NASA Shared Services Center will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. CST with remarks from Center Director John Bailey and Anita Harrell, NASA Shared Services Center executive director.

The agency also is paying tribute to its fallen astronauts with special online content, updated on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/dor/

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