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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s rescissions package:

“Since becoming Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, I have advocated for common-sense priorities that align with American values. I’m proud of my proven track record of advancing U.S. national security interests while eliminating the wasteful out-of-control spending that characterized the previous Administration.

“My National Security and Department of State funding bill for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which is now law, achieved a six percent cut, the largest year-to-year funding cut of all appropriations bills compared to FY 2023, and the largest in recent memory. The FY 2025 version of the same bill, which passed the House, cut funding a further 11% below FY 2024 levels.

“I am also proud of my well-documented FY 2024 and FY 2025 budget hearings with Biden Administration officials, where I consistently raised concerns about U.S. taxpayers footing the bill for controversial programs that failed to advance U.S. national security interests or reflect our values. These missteps have brought us to where we are today.

“While not perfect, the $9.4 billion rescissions package reflects President Trump’s vision of restoring conservative and responsible fiscal policies.

“I look forward to working with President Trump and his Administration to fund priorities that make sense for the American people, advance our national security interests, and support long-standing congressional directives that bolster security, stability, and prosperity at home and abroad.”

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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, led a 17-member coalition from the Florida Congressional Delegation in a letter to President Trump and his administration requesting sustained F-35A production and fielding to modernize the aging F-16C fleet at Homestead Air Reserve Base.

“As Dean of the Florida Delegation, I am acutely aware of the security threats our nation faces from drug trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, and the increasing malign influence and presence of anti-American adversaries like Russia and China in the Southern Hemisphere. Florida is foundational in protecting our national security, countering the southern border threats and defending our Eastern coastline.

“For these reasons, having the modern, multi-role F-35A fighter aircraft at HomesteadAir Reserve Base, which has served as a foundational line of defense for over 80 years, is a vital asset and will ensure the United States’ readiness in confronting these threats to our national security,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

“As America faces growing threats from our adversaries like Communist China and Putin’s Russia, the need to modernize our air defenses has never been more urgent,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “The F-35 is the most advanced fighter jet in the world, and its production is critical to maintaining our military dominance. Located in Florida’s 28th District, Homestead Air Reserve Base must receive the investments and upgrades needed to support the next generation of tactical air power. South Florida plays a strategic role in our national defense, and Homestead must be ready to host and sustain the F-35 mission for decades to come.” 

Read the full text of the letter here or below.

“We would first like to thank you for your efforts to keep our nation safe, make our military the most lethal military force in the world and return peace through strength around the world. As Commander in Chief, you understand the critical role Florida plays in delivering on that mission and protecting our national security. From deterring and preventing the approximately $2.7 trillion impact to American lives through fentanyl counternarcotics efforts to supporting Southern border operations and homeland defense alert missions along our coastlines, Homestead Air Force Reserve Base (HARB) is critical for our national security. Florida’s strategic location makes it uniquely postured to counter Chinese, Russian, Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs), and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and their influence in the southern hemisphere. These regional threats are the largest contributor to the state of national emergency within the United States over illegal aliens, infiltration of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, and illicit opioids.

“Under your leadership as both our 45th and 47th president, Florida continues to fight the cartels and drug traffickers, leading to South Florida being named the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area of the Year. We dismantled or disrupted 54 drug trafficking organizations in 2023 and seized an estimate value of $748 million in illicit drugs, including 23 metric tons of cocaine, 248 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 224 kilograms of fentanyl.

“Through U.S. Southern Command, appropriately headquartered in Florida, we are tracking and thwarting Chinese efforts to expand their Belt and Road Initiative in Latin American Countries to monopolize natural resources, such as 20% of the world’s oil reserves, 25% of the strategic metals, and 31% of the fishing areas. We are working to claw back the $358 billion amassed by 35 TCOs in the region in 2023 through interdiction and counter trafficking efforts to help stabilize South America, preventing their problems from reaching our shores. The Russian Surface Action Group, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and cruise missile submarine Kazan docked in Havana, Cuba, passed within 30 miles of the Florida Keys last June. Florida is uniquely postured to support the border alert mission to deter these acts of aggression.

“Within Florida, HARB serves a foundational role in supporting the most critical national defense missions. HARB generated $364 million for the local economy in 2023 alone. It is the home to the 2,500-member 482nd Fighter Wing and its reserve associate, the 367th Fighter Squadron, responsible for F-16 alerts across the coastline in support of Operation Noble Eagle. It houses the Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch, operating Blackhawks and turbo-prop airliners like the DHC-8 to interdict smugglers and prevent illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. Special Operations Command South Headquarters is also resident at HARB, executing special operations as assigned to U.S. Southern Command, spanning 31 countries and 10 overseas territories across Central and South America and the Caribbean.

“Florida’s Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean access, and its proximity to Central and South America is what drove the 125th Fighter Wing Air National Guard (ANG) unit selection for the F-35A Lightning II. Starting with an initial batch of aircraft to Jacksonville ANG in March of this year and expanding to the 125th Fighter Wing Detachment 1 at HARB in 2027. The Air Force Reserve also planned this F-35A modernization to replace the aging F-16C fleet within the 482nd Fighter Wing. This would create a common fighter platform between the Reserves and National Guard at HARB, reducing costs for base operations through shared maintenance efforts. Together, these units would provide a considerable increase in readiness for the North American Aerospace Defense Command Alert mission across both the Southern and Eastern U.S. border as well as downrange multi-role operations through short-notice worldwide deployments.

“Together, we ask your administration to ensure that the F-35A goes to Homestead Air Reserve Base and the F-35A production quantities remain undeterred. There is no real trade when comparing other airframes and locales to a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of countering Russian, Chinese, VEOs, and TCOs operations across the entirety of the Southern and Eastern U.S. border and throughout the Southern Hemisphere. HARB is a vital asset for our national security and power projection, and critical for your Peace through Strength agenda. Thank you again for your leadership and we hope you will consider, within all applicable rules and regulations, our input on the matter.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remembrance of Memorial Day last week and in solemn tribute to the 13 brave U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives during the horrific terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) has reintroduced the 13 Folds of Honor Act,which providesa new script to be read during burial flag-folding ceremonies.

“The traditional 13 folds symbolize our nation’s unity and deep respect for those who served. This legislation enhances the ceremonial flag-folding presentation that honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and deceased servicemembers. The new script acknowledges not only the significance of the ceremony but also pays tribute to the 13 servicemembers who gave their lives during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart. “While no words can ease the pain of the families who lost their loved ones, the 13 Folds of Honor script symbolizes our profound gratitude and unwavering respect for their service. My deepest appreciation goes to Former Commander Dr. J.B. Holmes of the Golden Gate VFW Post 7721 for his tireless commitment to our veterans and for championing this meaningful tribute, as well as to the Korean War Veterans Association and the Del Webb Veterans Club of Naples for their endorsements.”

Bill text is available here.

The original cosponsors include:

Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), John Rutherford (R-FL-5), Tim Burchett (R-TN-2), Gregory W. Steube (R-FL-17), Harriet Hageman (R-WY-At Large), Mark Amodei (R-NV-2), Richard McCormick (R-GA-7), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2), David G. Valadao (R-CA-22), Gregory F. Murphy (R-NC-3), Robert F. Onder (R-MO-3), Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL-28), and Jim Baird (D-CA-19).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered a powerful speech to a packed crowd at KJLH’s 25th Annual Women’s Health Expo. The KJLH Women’s Health Expo is one of the largest health events for women in the state. This year’s theme – The Silver Lining: 25 Years of Building Generational Health – honors the legacy and impact of the event, as well as the dedication to advancing the health and empowerment of women and families across Southern California. Under Stevie Wonder’s leadership, this annual event continues to grow and features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing health, wellness, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle resources, tailored to women and families.

The Congresswoman released the following statement:

“Each year since the expo was founded, I am so pleased to join KLJH in advancing the health and wellness of women and families. The founders of this Expo knew that women wanted information about their health and needed better connections with health care providers, so that they could take control of their health and the health of their families.

As the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, I’ve been raising the alarm – in the halls of Congress and back here in Los Angeles — about the disastrous impact of Donald Trump’s policies. I was absolutely appalled to learn of the Trump administration’s plans to slash more than $30 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in his budget for next year. That is more than one quarter of the department’s budget.

This cruel and senseless budget would dismantle the life-saving programs that enable Americans to stay healthy – from medical research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to disease prevention by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – from substance use treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the training of our nation’s future health care workforce.

You might be wondering: What can I do, as an ordinary citizen, to fight back against Trump’s attack on our institutions and way of life? What can I do to stop cuts to Medicaid and other life-saving health care programs?

We have to be out there in the streets. We need to make our voices heard and show that we won’t stand silently by while they take away our benefits and destroy our government. Trump’s relentless assault on our institutions and individual freedoms is not just dangerous; it is a coup in slow motion. And we all must be committed to defending our democracy before it’s too late”.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Congresswoman Maxine Waters joined the Greater Zion Church Family in Compton to celebrate Bishop Michael J. Fisher’s 20th pastoral anniversary and elevation to Bishop.

See excerpts of the Congresswoman’s remarks below:

“I am encouraged by leaders like Bishop Fisher, who use their skills to influence positive change. I join the Greater Zion Church Family’s celebration of Bishop Fisher’s 20th Pastoral Anniversary and recognize his outstanding leadership and dedication to both his congregation and the community of Compton. His father, the late Rev. Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, was a master teacher and powerful preacher who organized the first Black church in Compton. I applaud Bishop Fisher’s vision and unwavering commitment, as cofounder of the Compton Ministers Alliance and past president of Pastors for Compton, as he continues to inspire and uplift this community. I extend a special congratulations on this significant anniversary and his recent ecclesiastical elevation to Bishop. I extend my very best wishes for his continued success in service to others”.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

On May 30, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class at the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center. The Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center is an accredited school within the Los Angeles Unified School District that offers quality educational programs to a diverse student population. Its mission is to educate and prepare adult learners for academic excellence and career success. This year alone, the school has helped over 11,000 students. This is the largest enrollment ever at the school and the largest enrollment of any school in the Los Angeles Unified School District Division of Adult and Career Education.

“I am extremely proud of each and every one of the students graduating who had the drive to better their lives and improve their community”, said Congresswoman Waters. “Your graduation is a testament to your strength, your character, and your ability to believe in yourselves and never give up on your dreams. Whatever you do, know that your families, our community, and our entire nation are depending on you. I want you all to go through life with your heads held high, understanding that you can achieve any goal you set for yourselves. I know you are already inspired. You can and you will Achieve the Impossible! Congratulations to the class of 2025!”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

“Trump is demonstrating the height of his racism as he works to remove 500,000 legal immigrants from this country.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

My heart goes out to Cathy, Caitlin, and the entire family of Representative Gerry Connolly at this difficult time.  With a true heart for the people, he fiercely advocated for the working class, particularly for federal employees and civil servants.  
 
Gerry started his career as a Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer, where he helped advance the annual US foreign aid authorization. He later joined the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and transformed the Northern Virginia region into the vibrant technology hub it is today. While in Congress, I’ve worked alongside Gerry and valued his leadership as the top-ranking Democrat on what is now the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  
 
His efforts to modernize the federal IT infrastructure, preserve collective bargaining rights, and combat abuse of power earned him the respect of his peers and of the nation. He had a brilliant mind and fought tirelessly for all the disadvantaged, both domestically and abroad.  
 
He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the American people and his dedication to public service. My heartfelt condolences go to Representative Gerry Connolly’s family and all who cherished him.   

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), released the following statement on President Trump’s deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles. 

“President Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard is clearly meant to escalate the situation and deepen his culture of fear,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Time and again, the Trump Administration has undermined the rule of law to extend unilateral power. That’s exactly what this is – a power grab to intimidate our immigrant communities and silence dissent. The National Guard is made up of our families and neighbors who volunteered to protect our country. Weaponizing them against their own communities is beyond shameful. Provoking chaos and division to justify seizing more power is unconscionable. As Californians, we cannot allow our immigrant communities to be unjustly targeted. Peaceful protest is not against the law.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced new bicameral legislation to help small businesses comply with beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and push back against the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the law. She was joined in the House by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Members of the Senate Banking and Small Business Committees; and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
 
The FinCEN–SBA Coordination on Beneficial Ownership Registration Act would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate directly on outreach and education to help small business owners understand and meet their reporting obligations under the CTA.
 
“The Corporate Transparency Act is still the law, and the Trump administration is wrong to stop enforcing it,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Turning a blind eye to anonymous shell companies leaves us vulnerable to fraud, corruption, and abuse. These shell companies don’t just enable white-collar crime—they hurt honest small businesses by rigging the system and exploiting programs meant for real entrepreneurs. This bill is about holding bad actors accountable while making sure small business owners have the information and support they need to follow the law.”
 
“The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a strongly bipartisan law designed to bust the U.S. registered anonymous shell companies that are abused by fentanyl dealers, Iranian terrorists, financial scammers and more to launder and hide their illicit finances. By ignoring this intent and gutting the law, President Trump and Secretary Bessent are gifting these bad actors a free pass to continue exploiting the system, while leaving consumers, investors, and small businesses who play by the rules in harm’s way,” said Congresswoman Waters.
 
“Anonymous shell companies hurt honest small businesses and open the door to fraud and abuse. The Trump Administration should be working with small businesses, not refusing to enforce the Corporate Transparency Act,” said Senator Warren. “Small businesses deserve a system that works for them — not for scammers and cheats – and that’s why our bill would require the Administration to work with them as part of implementing the law.”
 
“The Trump Administration is allowing bad actors to get away with illicit activities and financial crimes, and we must make sure they do not get away with disregarding the law,” said Ranking Member Markey. “I am grateful for Ranking Member Velazquez’s partnership in introducing the Corporate Transparency Act to crack down on bad actors while giving small businesses the tools to succeed.”
 
Originally passed with bipartisan support, the CTA was designed to crack down on shell companies used to facilitate money laundering, tax evasion, terrorism financing, and other illicit activities. But earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended enforcement for U.S. companies and proposed changes to dramatically narrow the law’s scope.
 
The reporting requirements are minimal for the vast majority of small businesses, 82 percent of which are non-employer firms with only one beneficial owner. FinCEN has previously projected the average cost to file would be about $85, roughly equal to what many states charge to register a business. However, outreach during the initial rollout was limited, and confusion about the law remains persistent.
 
Velázquez’s legislation would help spread awareness and increase compliance with CTA among small businesses by:
 

1. Requiring FinCEN and the SBA to sign a formal agreement within 90 days to coordinate outreach;
2. Distributing guidance in English, Spanish, and other commonly spoken languages;
3. Using SBA field offices and partners to host webinars and town halls;
4. Developing strategies to protect small businesses from scams and fraud;
5. Submitting monthly updates to Congress on outreach and compliance.

 
For a full copy of the bill, click here.
 

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