Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman LaMalfa’s (R-Richvale) bill, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act, passed the House as part of a larger permitting reform package, the PERMIT Act. The bill ensures that aerial fire retardant remains available for wildfire suppression efforts without being tied up in Clean Water Act permitting delays. The bill has earned strong support from local leaders, here’s what they’re saying:

Tod Kimmelshue, Chair Butte County Board of Supervisors: “Our county is more than familiar with how devastating a wildfire can be to a community. This act is instrumental in securing our access to aerial fire retardant, protecting the lives of our residents and our communities.”

Bill Connelly, Rural County Representatives of California, Butte County Representative: “Aerial fire retardant is one of the most effective wildfire suppression tools in our firefighting arsenal. Its swift application can stop a wildfire from becoming catastrophic — saving lives, property, and landscapes. The PERMIT Act includes Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act, which will safeguard this critical tool for firefighting agencies, ultimately protecting our families, businesses, and communities.”

Doug Teeter, Butte County Supervisor: “The passing of the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898), which includes Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act (H.R. 3300), will greatly benefit the safety, health and well-being of the people of Butte County and surrounding communities. This bill will play an instrumental role in boosting wildfire responsiveness and protecting our forest lands.”

Greg Bolin, Town of Paradise, California: “The PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898), which includes Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act (H.R. 3300), is a great step forward to preventing what happened to our communities from happening to others. We lost our town to one of the biggest wildfires in California history. Securing our access to aerial fire retardants for wildfire suppression is personal to us. Our firefighters need every possible tool in their arsenal to fight intensifying wildfires. This victory in ensuring our use of fire retardants will be disrupted will save lives and property against wildfires.” 

Chris Edwards, President, Oregon Forest Industries Council: “In recent years, Oregon has witnessed the horrific devastation brought to our communities and forestlands during severe wildfire seasons. Year after year, the risk to our forests and the people who live around them has only increased, threatening wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and the health of our communities. That is exactly why I applaud the House for passing the PERMIT (Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today) Act (H.R. 3898) and including Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act (H.R. 3300). The passage of H.R. 3300 is a turning point in our wildfire response efforts, eliminating delays in delivering fire retardant and boosting our arsenal in the fight against these impending threats.”

Paul Petersen, Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA): “UAFA applauds Congressman LaMalfa’s leadership in ensuring his Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act was included in today’s passage of the PERMIT Act. Aerial fire retardants and suppressants are a critical tool to slow and stop the spread of wildfires, especially at Wildland-Urban Interfaces. Protecting lives and property should be paramount to our wildlife suppression efforts; therefore, it’s necessary to give our brave wildland firefighters all the needed tools to contain, control and defeat wildfires. The passage today ensures that federal, states and tribal governments will have continued access to deploy the use of aerial fire retardants and suppressants if disaster strikes.”

Matt Dias, President and CEO, Calforests: “The passing of the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898) is a huge step forward in prioritizing the maintenance and health of our forests in Northern California. Comprehensive wildfire prevention tactics safeguard our communities at risk from catastrophic wildfire, but prevention is not enough. The PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898), which includes Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act (H.R. 3300), will ensure that we have continued access to critical firefighting tools like aerial fire retardants, which have played an integral role in stopping our most devastating wildfires. This bill shows the continued commitment to prioritizing lives, land, businesses, and forested environments.” 

Travis Joseph, President/CEO, American Forest Resource Council: “The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act gives wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect lives, communities, and forests from catastrophic wildfire. It will prevent unnecessary litigation that could block the aerial use of fire retardants—one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of fast-moving fires. This commonsense bill, paired with proactive, science-based forest management, is essential to confronting our nation’s growing wildfire and smoke crisis. I’m grateful the House has included Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act in the PERMIT Act — we cannot afford to let our forests burn while proven suppression and management tools are tied up in red tape.”

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Today, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act, which was introduced by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), passed the House as part of a larger permitting reform package, the PERMIT Act. In 2023, a court ruling imposed additional unnecessary and burdensome red tape on the use of aerial fire retardant by the U.S. Forest Service and other firefighting entities. These restrictions risk slowing down response times when swiftness is imperative to protect lives and property.

LaMalfa’s bill ensures that aerial fire retardant remains available when wildfires strike without being sidelined by years-long Clean Water Act permitting delays. These provisions remove uncertainty created by lawsuits and build on permitting exemptions for firefighting activities already in law. Without this fix, federal, state, local, and tribal firefighters could eventually be forced to navigate a patchwork of duplicative permits just to use one of the most important tools they have to slow down fast-moving fires.

“With wildfire season now practically year-round and more destructive than ever, preventing or limiting the use of any fire retardant because someone insists on a permit first is completely backwards,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Aerial fire retardant has been used safely for decades and is already highly regulated. These lawsuits don’t protect the environment; they tie firefighters’ hands while fires race through forests and towards homes. I’m glad to see the PERMIT Act passed the House with my bill included. It ensures our crews can act quickly, without being tripped up by fringe litigation or years of paperwork.”

“Aerially delivered long-term fire retardant is an essential tool the Forest Service and the interagency wildfire response community use in support of ground-based firefighting resources,” said Tom Schultz, U.S. Forest Service Chief. “We thank Chairman LaMalfa for leading legislation to ensure retardant remains a tool in the wildland firefighting toolbox to protect homes and communities from the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildland fire.”

For more information on the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act, click here.

To view my remarks in debate on the House floor, click here.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) led the effort in the House of Representatives to pass the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments to rural counties in Northern California and across the country. This legislation, passed by a vote of 399-5, is the first time in recent history that legislation reauthorizing this program passed as a standalone bill.

The SRS program was last reauthorized in 2021 and expired in Fiscal Year 2023 with the last set of payments going out in 2024. Counties have already missed critical payments this year, and future payments were in jeopardy with the program expired. Congressman LaMalfa introduced legislation to reauthorize SRS payments in the House, and worked with the Speaker and Majority Leader since the beginning of the year to bring an SRS bill to the House floor for a vote.

“For rural counties, Secure Rural Schools funding is essential,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “These payments help keep schools open, keep roads maintained, and help ensure sheriff, fire, and emergency services remain in place when federal timber revenues fall short. When the program lapsed, rural schools and counties were cut short of the funding they rely on to provide basic services. This bill restores that funding and keeps future payments on schedule. What we actually need is to rebuild a strong timber economy so these areas can rely on real revenue again.”

Since its enactment, the SRS program has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states.

In 2024, California received $33.7 million in SRS payments, including over $12 million for counties located in the First Congressional District. However, when the program lapsed, payments reverted to a different formula, and most counties saw an 80% reduction in funding. This resulted in teachers being laid off, schools forced to make cuts, and roads left unrepaired.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act restores the missed 2024 payment and authorizes payments for 2025 and 2026. Once this bill is signed into law and SRS payments are made, rural counties and schools should be able to restart programs and rehire teachers and staff.

You can view Rep. LaMalfa leading debate on the House floor here.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Trump White House issued an executive order that would target states that pass laws to govern the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) with lawsuits and terminated funding.

“This executive order is not lawful,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “If the President really wants to address contradictory state laws, he can work with Congress on both sides of the aisle to debate and pass a federal standard. Unfortunately, the Republicans in Congress and the White House have been missing in action on creating AI legislation in Congress. 

I call on Speaker Johnson to make Congress relevant again and engage in a bipartisan conversation on AI governance.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Richard Hudson’s (NC-09) H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act, with a bipartisan vote through the House.

H.R. 3668 modernizes and streamlines the federal permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines by strengthening the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) role as the lead agency. This puts state and federal regulators on a single, coordinated timeline, and cuts red tape so critical projects can move forward faster — helping lower energy costs for families and businesses.

“Delays in the construction of new natural gas pipelines drive up energy prices,” said Rep. Hudson. “My bill makes long-overdue modernizations to the permitting process by streamlining the regulatory authority of FERC. This makes sure the environment is protected, but no single state can arbitrarily block the construction of new pipelines.”

BACKGROUND

• Under current law, FERC serves as the lead agency for coordinating environmental reviews and federal authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines. However, approvals are often delayed by a lack of coordination or inaction among states and other federal agencies, as well as statutory challenges under the Clean Water Act’s Section 401 process.
• The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects natural gas demand to reach an all-time high of more than 107 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, supplying over 40 percent of U.S. electric generation. Between 2013 and 2021, several major pipeline projects were canceled, jeopardizing the energy needs of roughly 25.5 million homes they were planned to serve daily. Without reform, families face higher energy prices and increased risk of shortages, particularly in constrained regions.

ABOUT H.R. 3668

• H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act:
• Affirms FERC as the sole lead agency for coordinating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews and related federal authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines under the Natural Gas Act.
• Requires participating federal and state agencies to follow schedules set by FERC and conduct their reviews concurrently with FERC’s NEPA process, including acceptance of appropriate remote environmental data.
• Incorporates Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification into FERC’s NEPA review, including any terms or conditions required to comply with the Clean Water Act, preventing separate, indefinite processes that can delay projects for reasons unrelated to water quality.
• Requires FERC to act on certification requests within 90 days after completing NEPA review.
• Requires FERC to consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure and security measures.
• Ensures continued compliance with the Clean Water Act and all other environmental protections.

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

The PAGE Coalition, INCOMPAS, the Natural Gas Council, and leading natural gas and pipeline companies back H.R. 3668. The National Taxpayers Union’s support for the bill highlights its role in cutting delays and bringing commonsense permitting reform.

Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
December 12, 2025                                                 202-808-6129

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONCERNING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the Medical Executive Committee of the Medical Staff’s (MEC) open letter regarding adverse conditions at Virgin Islands hospitals:

“Healthcare in our country and exponentially in the Virgin Islands is in crisis. I commend the Medical Executive Committee and the medical staff for their extraordinary commitment to our community. The MEC’s open letter fulfills their regulatory obligation to notify CMS of adverse conditions involving supplies, staffing, medications, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and patient placement challenges. This notification is a serious step that I am sure our physicians do not take lightly. It reflects the reality that systemic failures have reached a point where medical professionals have an obligation and must formally document conditions that compromise their ability to deliver appropriate care to Virgin Islands residents, a truth that can no longer be ignored.

“These conditions did not develop overnight. In April, I and my office met with key stakeholders in our healthcare sector from both districts.  Given the escalating concerns related to our hospitals in the Virgin Islands—including staffing shortages, supply deficits, and operational challenges—my office met with hospital leadership and these dedicated providers to identify what more can be done. For decades, I and my predecessors have worked to address the structural inequities that undermine Virgin Islands healthcare. I have fought relentlessly on multiple fronts to secure healthcare equity for the Virgin Islands, and I want to be clear about the scope of that work and the barriers we continue to face.

“Medicare payments for the Virgin Islands are calculated using the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. Under TEFRA, the respective base years are 1982 for the Schneider Regional Medical Center and 1996 for the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital. The base year reimbursement system, which relies upon an inflation adjustment, does not accurately capture the expenses of patient care services. In the face of these obstacles, I have introduced legislation for healthcare equity in every Congress, and included in annual appropriations legislation language to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to update the payment data and formulas for the hospitals in the Virgin Islands. Additionally, I have met repeatedly with CMS leadership to urge the use of their administrative scope to assign a new base period, which is more representative of the reasonable and necessary cost of inpatient services. Despite these extensive efforts, TEFRA rebasing still requires CMS administrative action that has not materialized due to technical obstacles and the politics of healthcare in America.

“During the Biden Administration, I successfully secured transformative changes to Medicaid funding for the territories. I secured provisions in legislation to change the percentage of Medicaid payment by the federal government from 55 percent to 83 percent and raise the ceiling on the total amount of annual Medicaid funding. This change directly strengthened healthcare delivery across the Virgin Islands and provided paid access to healthcare for thousands more in our community. This permanent change in law represented a historic shift in how the federal government supports territorial healthcare, providing critical resources that had been denied for decades.

“I have long-championed extending and permitting Medicaid and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital payments to U.S. territories. DSH payments help close the financial gap caused by geographic isolation and rural conditions, which drive up the cost of care and strain our hospitals that already operate with limited resources. Additionally, I have advocated for Medicare and Medicaid payment systems that allow rural and geographically isolated hospitals an increased reimbursement rate, including Critical Access Hospital designation for our facilities. I have discussed with federal officials other programs and creative mechanisms to create larger funding for the hospitals.

“Beyond hospital funding mechanisms, addressing the economic security of our most vulnerable residents is essential to reducing healthcare system strain. For too long, our most vulnerable citizens in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories have been denied access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), an integral program that supports our elderly and disabled residents with the greatest needs, solely based on their place of residence—a United States territory. Since my first term in Congress, I have made obtaining access to SSI for Virgin Islanders an ongoing priority. I introduced Right to Democracy to attorneys who gave pro bono support all the way to the Supreme Court in United States v. Vaello-Madero (a case challenging the lack of SSI in the U.S. territories). In 2021, I had SSI for the Virgin Islands and other territories included in President Biden’s Build Back Better legislation, which passed in the House of Representatives, but the Build Back Better package did not advance through the Senate. I am proud to continue co-leading the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act with Congressman Moylan to end decades-long disparities in federal benefits eligibility, because based on ZIP code alone, otherwise eligible citizens in territories are denied benefits. Access to SSI is critical not only for the dignity and economic security of our most vulnerable residents, but also for the sustainability of our healthcare system—when our elderly and disabled citizens have adequate income support, they can better afford healthcare services and reduce the strain on already overburdened hospital resources.

“Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, which devastated our healthcare infrastructure and amplified problems that already existed, I worked aggressively to secure federal support to rebuild critical infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. I successfully advocated for cost-match reductions and extensions that provided critical financial relief for our hospitals in the Territory. Through the changes in law I obtained in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 for the rebuild of the Virgin Islands, FEMA has now obligated more than $928 million for the Roy L Schneider Regional Hospital and $834 million for the Juan F. Luis Hospital rebuilds, creating an unprecedented opportunity to transform our healthcare infrastructure. During COVID-19, I secured additional support and funding streams to help our healthcare system weather another crisis that strained already limited resources.

“Since my April meetings with physicians and hospital leadership, I have remained in constant communication with our healthcare community. I deeply value the commitment of the medical community and the honesty with which they have described the conditions on the ground. A CMS notification could lead to federal inquiries, accreditation reviews, or required corrective action, just like we weathered in 2013. While such scrutiny is serious, it may also be the catalyst needed to force long-avoided changes. Ultimately, this moment demands that all of us set aside politics and prioritize care for every Virgin Islander. Virgin Islanders cannot afford another decade of avoidable decline.

“Our hospitals should not operate under reimbursement formulas based on data from forty years ago. Our medical staff and dedicated hospital employees should not endure resource challenges, poor working conditions, and stagnant wages, while carrying an ever-increasing burden. We need a system that attracts and retains healthcare professionals and also does not unduly deplete the incredible providers committed to serving in the Virgin Islands. Our patients should never experience diminished care because political obstacles delay necessary reforms.

“Virgin Islanders deserve the same access, the same dignity, and the same quality of care as every American citizen. I will not stop fighting until our healthcare system receives the federal support and local investment required to deliver the standard of care our people deserve.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, presented a Congressional Record entry celebrating the Ave Maria Parish Choir for its performance on December 9th as part of the 2025 White House Christmas tradition.

Each year, the White House receives hundreds of applications, with only a select few chosen to perform. Being invited is a distinct and meaningful honor. Performances traditionally take place on the State Floor of the White House at the invitation of the President and First Lady, featuring musical groups from across the United States.

Congressman Díaz-Balart said, “It is a tremendous honor and privilege to represent Ave Maria, Florida, and I am elated to present this Congressional Record entry recognizing the Ave Maria Parish’s outstanding performance at the White House.

The Ave Maria community has become a spiritual home and a strong foundation for countless Catholics who have sought a place centered on faith, family, and fellowship. Every group that performs at the White House becomes a special part of its history and in the story of American greatness. I could not be prouder of the Ave Maria community for this extraordinary achievement.

I congratulate the 30 musicians from the Ave Maria Parish who performed over ten songs and commend Fr. David Vidal and Mark Hass, the Director of Music at the Parish, for their leadership and dedication. I would also like to recognize outstanding Ave Maria residents Michael Caputo and Manuel Milanés.

This is a truly memorable occasion for our entire Southern Florida community.”

Read the full resolution here or below

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our very own Ave Maria Parish Choir, hand-selected by the White House to participate in a performance in our nation’s capital. Their performance this week honors not only their flourishing parish, but our entire Southwest Florida community.

From its inception, the Ave Maria Parish Choir—directed with vision and care by Marian Mandy—has embraced a calling to elevate worship through the universal language of sacred music. This ensemble embodies the Parish’s commitment to forming hearts, minds, and voices for the glory of God.

The Ave Maria community itself provides the rich foundation from which this choir and its ministries have grown. Since its establishment in 2007, between Naples and Fort Lauderdale, Ave Maria has become a spiritual home for countless Catholics who have sought a community like this one. In the heart of Collier County, the town reflects a way of life centered on faith, family, and fellowship. Children ride bicycles to the parochial school, neighbors walk to the grocery store, and the iconic parish church stands as the community’s centerpiece. Across the street, Ave Maria University brings youthful energy and academic pursuit. With the Gulf Coast beaches to the west and the vibrant cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale to the east, Ave Maria is as connected as it is serene.

This parish community’s hospitality extends far beyond its sanctuary walls. Ave Maria Parish has always warmly welcomed newcomers and long-time residents alike. Through its ministries, activities, and open invitations to explore parish life, Ave Maria continues to gather people seeking deeper communion with God and neighbor.

As we celebrate the contributions of the Ave Maria Parish Choir and the broader community they represent, we recognize a church alive with faith, service, and song. It is an honor to acknowledge their devotion and talent today, and I look forward to witnessing the continued impact they will have on the lives of countless more.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26), joined fellow Congressional Everglades Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), in releasing the following statement celebrating the 25^thanniversary of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP):

“Twenty-five years ago, the State of Florida and the U.S. Congress, through the leadership and collaboration of Congressman Díaz-Balart and the late Congressman Alcee Hastings, co-founded and launched the most significant environmental restoration project in U.S. history: an ambitious, long-term bipartisan effort to repair and revive America’s Everglades, a national treasure and true ecological wonder. Today, that commitment remains strong under the continued leadership of Reps. Díaz-Balart and Wasserman Schultz as co-chairs of the Everglades Caucus. 

Since then, the bipartisan Caucus has worked tirelessly to deliver the authorizations and critical funding needed to restore and preserve this unique ecosystem on which more than nine million Floridians rely. Whether ensuring clean, safe drinking water; protecting our endangered species and habitats; or honoring our commitments to Florida’s Tribal Nations, the preservation of America’s Everglades remains essential for our communities today and for generations to come.”

Background

In 2000, the U.S. government and the State of Florida embarked on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the largest environmental restoration effort in history to repair and revive the ecosystem.

In November 2007, Congress overrode a President George W. Bush veto and passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007, authorizing $1.8 billion in Everglades restoration funding and reaffirming congressional support for Everglades restoration.

Founded in 2006, the Everglades Caucus is a bipartisan group whose mission is to advance legislation that provides long-term funding for Everglades-related projects that ensure restoration and preservation of this unique ecosystem.

As we commemorate 25 years of CERP, below are key milestones that have broken ground or reached completion: 

Major CERP Milestones

Picayune Strand – 2011

• Congress authorized the Picayune Strand Restoration Project in 2007 as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
• The South Florida Water Management District expedited construction by filling in and plugging seven miles of the Prairie Canal and completing approximately 25 percent of the road removal.
• When complete, the Picayune Strand Restoration Project will restore natural water flows over an 85-square-mile area.
• The project will improve the area’s hydrology, allow for the return of more balanced plant communities, increase aquifer recharge, and send fresh water in a more natural manner to the coastal estuaries. 

C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project – 2013

• First project to be completed under CERP.
• In 2004, Diaz-Balart authored H.R. 3785, which authorized the land swap between the State of Florida and Everglades National Park to construct the canal.
• The purpose of the canal is to restore freshwater flows to Florida Bay through Taylor Slough and to preserve clean water for Everglades National Park, and maintain flood controls for eastern communities. H.R. 3785 was signed into law later that year.

Tamiami Trail Bridge – 2013 & 2019

• Restored natural water flows through the Everglades ecosystem by eliminating one mile of the 10.7-mile-long barrier that the Tamiami roadway presents to water flow south into Everglades National Park.
• Increased water volume and flow under the bridge will help re-establish seasonal water depths and flooding durations that are critical to the survival of many fish and wildlife species, and stem saltwater intrusion into the Everglades south of Tamiami Trail.

Merrit Pump Station – 2014

• A key component of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project.
• The Merritt Pump Station is the first major construction contract to be completed under CERP.

Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Project – 2023

• Diaz-Balart played a vital role over the years in securing the authorization, funding, and consistent oversight to expedite the rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike.
• The Dike is vital to communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee and to the regional local ecosystem, and expediting its completion has been the number one priority for counties throughout Southern Florida.
• The rehabilitation project was completed in January 2023. 

Stormwater Treatment Cell 1 in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir – 2024

• The EEA Reservoir Project includes an above-ground water storage reservoir, a constructed wetland (STA) to improve water quality, and capacity improvements to local canals.
• Located between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, the EAA Reservoir Project will also help recreate the historic flow of water south to recharge our aquifers, nourish the Everglades, and support the health of Florida Bay.

Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir Completion – July 2025

• Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir is a 10,000-acre reservoir that will improve water quality, protect coastal ecosystems, and expand Florida’s water storage capacity.
• The C-43 Reservoir pump station, capable of moving 650,000 gallons per minute, is now fully operational.
• Diaz-Balart played a vital role in 2014 in securing the authorization of the C-43 Reservoir through the passage of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.
• Diaz-Balart, as Vice-Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, has continued to secure billions of federal dollars for Everglades Restoration, and continues to reiterate to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the urgency of expediting completion, transparency, and remaining cost-effective while restoring and preserving America’s Everglades.

EAA Reservoir Project Expedition – August 2025

• The EEA Reservoir Project includes an above-ground water storage reservoir, a constructed wetland known as an STA to improve water quality, and capacity improvements to local canals.
• Diaz-Balart played an instrumental role in 2018 to secure the authorization of the EAA Reservoir with the passage of S.3021, America’s Water and Infrastructure Act of 2018.
• As a senior Appropriations Member, Diaz-Balart:
• secured $67.5M for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration in the FY2019 Energy & Water Appropriation bill, which includes critical federal dollars for the EAA Reservoir.
• included $461M for Everglades Restoration in the FY2026 Committee-passed Energy & Water Appropriations bill. 

State of Florida – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ MOU will:

• Accelerate the EAA Reservoir’s construction timeline by fiveyears, from 2034 to 2029.
• Store over 78 billion gallons of water.
• Deliver 270–470 billion gallons of clean water annually to the Everglades and Biscayne Aquifer, aiding freshwater inflows to Florida Bay.
• The State of Florida will handle the construction of inflow and outflow pump stations and work on the Blue Shanty Flow Way, while the Army Corps maintains oversight of the main reservoir.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), and member of the Defense Subcommittee, released the following statement after the passage of H. Amdt. To S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. 

“Under President Trump’s leadership, House Republicans are restoring our military’s focus on its vital mission of protecting the homeland and revitalizing the American military to defend the national security of the United States and its people.

Among its many wins, the FY26 NDAA supports the brave men and women serving in our armed forces by including a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers, expanding access to health care and childcare, and improving military housing.

Additionally, this legislation streamlines the delivery and development of new capabilities our warfighters urgently need by reducing burdensome red tape and better aligning promising technologies with operational requirements, ensuring our troops remain the strongest and most capable in the world.

I am proud to support legislation that prioritizes the needs of our troops while ensuring our fighting force is fully prepared and ready to defend our country.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) co-authored an op-ed alongside Markus Wiechel, a member of the Swedish Parliament, on the Cuban regime’s long history of supporting terrorist groups and adversaries, including its active role today in one of the most urgent security threats: Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Since 2022, thousands of Cuban nationals have been deployed as mercenaries for Putin. This scale of involvement is not possible without the Cuban regime’s approval and fits a decades-long pattern: harboring U.S. fugitives, aiding the FARC and ELN, propping up Venezuela’s dictatorship, collaborating with Iran and North Korea, and running cyber and disinformation operations across the hemisphere. 

Newsweek

Op-ed: Markus Wiechel and Mario Díaz-Balart

December 10, 2025

Read the full op-ed below or here:

In Cuba, where vibrant streets hide daily struggles, the government silences its people and spreads trouble worldwide. For over 60 years, since the revolution, the regime has crushed free speech at home and backed violent groups abroad. There’s clear evidence that Cuba supports terrorism, yet many countries hesitate to act. Calling Cuba a “state sponsor of terrorism” isn’t just a label—it’s a vital step to stop their dangerous actions and protect democracies everywhere.

The proof is undeniable. Since the 1960s, the Cuban dictatorship has supplied weapons, training and safe hideouts to rebel groups causing chaos in Latin America. Groups like the FARC and ELN in Colombia—labeled terrorists by the U.S. and Europe—have relied on Cuban communist support for years. The Cuban regime has hosted talks for one of these groups, but not as an honest broker—they shielded leaders even after a 2019 bomb attack in Bogotá that killed 22 people and injured over 60. Cuban communist agents even work inside Venezuela’s government, propping up its dictatorship and creating a hub for criminals.

The Cuban regime’s actions go further. They shelter U.S. fugitives wanted for serious crimes by letting these criminals live freely in Cuba, encouraging violence that stretches from U.S. cities to Colombia’s mountains.

The dictatorship also runs online attacks, spreads false information, and works with countries like Iran and North Korea, making threats worse by mixing terror with economic pressure.

The communist regime’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine makes things even clearer. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Cubans have been sent to fight for Russia as mercenaries. Some estimates say that the number of Cuban fighters within Russian ranks could be as high as 20,000.

The Cuban dictatorship denies involvement, but experts say this couldn’t happen without the government’s approval. By supporting Russia’s attacks—bombing Ukrainian schools and hospitals—Cuba is fueling a war that’s a form of state-backed terror, hurting innocent people far away.

The U.S. recognized this threat and returned Cuba to the terrorism sponsor list, citing its meddling in Venezuela and beyond. It is now time for the rest of the free world to speak the truth about this barbaric regime.

This is why we push for governments across the world to acknowledge that the Cuban regime is a state sponsor of terrorism, as stated in our written declaration in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Democracies need to stand united, and it is crucial not to look away. The people of Cuba and Ukraine deserve our strong support.

Markus Wiechel, a member of the Swedish Parliament since 2012 representing the Sweden Democrats, has a deep focus on foreign affairs. He has been a member of various international delegations and is currently chairing Sweden’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where he previously served as vice president. He is also vice chairman of Hepatica Foundation and a member of the Swedish OSCE delegation. 

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart is a U.S. member of Congress representing Florida’s 26th Congressional District.

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