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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, District Press Secretary
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834

Matthew Landini, DC Press Secretary
matt@mail.house.gov
Cell: (216) 952-8227

Rep. Cuellar Helps Pass Bipartisan Police Week Package to Support Law Enforcement

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), commended the House passage of three bipartisan bills to support law enforcement officers and their families. The bills include the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act, which Rep. Cuellar co-led with Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), as well as the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act and the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act.

“Coming from a law enforcement family, I know that public safety begins with supporting the men and women who wear the badge,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I was proud to co-lead the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act to ensure trained, off-duty and retired officers can respond to emergencies and continue keeping our communities safe, without being blocked by unnecessary red tape. I remain steadfast in my support for the men and woman who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act expands concealed carry access for qualified officers by removing outdated restrictions and ensuring nationwide reciprocity in areas like school zones, national parks, and mass transit.

Congressman Cuellar also voted yes on two additional bipartisan bills:
• The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, allowing federal officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapons, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing waste.
• The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, which enhances reporting on attacks against officers and expands access to mental health resources.
“These commonsense bills recognize the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers,” Dr. Cuellar continued. “Together, we’re helping them stay safe, ready, and respected – on duty and in retirement.”

All three bills passed the House with bipartisan support and are backed by leading law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the National Association of Police Organizations.

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SOLO PARA FINES DE PLANIFICACIÓN
Jueves, 15 de mayo de 2025

Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, Secretaria de Prensa del Distrito
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834

Matthew Landini, Secretaria de Prensa del DC
matt@mail.house.gov
Cell: (216) 952-8227

El congresista Cuellar ayuda a aprobar el paquete bipartidista de la Semana de la Policía para apoyar a Oficiales de la Ley

Washington, DC – Hoy, el congresista Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), elogió la aprobación en la Cámara de tres proyectos de ley bipartidistas para apoyar a los agentes del orden y sus familias. Los proyectos de ley incluyen la Ley de Reforma de Seguridad de Oficiales de la Ley (LEOSA), que el Rep. Cuellar co-lideró con el congresista Don Bacon (NE-02), así como la Ley Federal de Compra de Armas de Servicio de Oficiales de la Ley y la Ley de Mejora de la Seguridad de Oficiales de la Ley y el Bienestar a través de Datos.

“Viniendo de una familia de agentes de la ley, sé que la seguridad pública comienza con el apoyo a los hombres y mujeres que llevan la insignia”, dijo el Dr. Cuellar. “Me enorgullece haber codirigido la Ley de Reforma de la Seguridad de los Agentes del Orden Público para garantizar que los agentes formados, fuera de servicio y jubilados puedan responder a las emergencias y seguir manteniendo la seguridad de nuestras comunidades, sin verse bloqueados por trámites burocráticos innecesarios. Me mantengo firme en mi apoyo a los hombres y mujeres que arriesgan sus vidas todos los días para mantenernos a salvo.”

LEOSA amplía el acceso a la portación oculta para los oficiales calificados mediante la eliminación de restricciones obsoletas y garantizar la reciprocidad en todo el país en áreas como zonas escolares, parques nacionales, y el transporte público.

El congresista Cuellar también votó a favor de otros dos proyectos de ley bipartidistas:
• La Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, que permite a los agentes federales en regla comprar sus armas de servicio retiradas, ahorrando dinero de los contribuyentes y reduciendo el despilfarro.
• La Ley de Mejora de la Seguridad y el Bienestar de los Agentes del Orden Público a través de los Datos, que mejora la información sobre agresiones contra agentes y amplía el acceso a los recursos de salud mental.
“Estos proyectos de ley de sentido común reconocen el servicio y el sacrificio de nuestros agentes del orden”, continuó el Dr. Cuellar. “Juntos, estamos ayudando a que se mantengan seguros, listos y respetados – en servicio y en la jubilación.”

Los tres proyectos de ley fueron aprobados por la Cámara con apoyo bipartidista y cuentan con el respaldo de las principales organizaciones policiales de todo el país.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

This week, in honor of National Police Week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation to express support for law enforcement officers and agencies nationwide. After voting in support of each measure, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

“National Police Week serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers and the vital role they play in protecting our communities, our families, and our loved ones. While they face increasing challenges and threats to their safety, as the recent tragedy in Columbia County has shown us, it is more important now than ever to stand with our men and women in blue. I was proud to help pass this week’s legislation and will continue to unapologetically support those who carry the badge in the 12th District and across the nation.”

The pro-law enforcement bills passed this week include:

H.R. 2240, the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2025: 

• Requires the Attorney General to assemble reports on violence against law enforcement officers and the effectiveness of programs meant to provide law enforcement with wellness resources and protective equipment so we may comprehensively enhance the safety of police officers.

H.R. 2243, the LEOSA Reform Act: 

• Broadens the ability of qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in areas such as national parks, federal facilities open to the public, and state, local, or private property open to the public.

H.R. 2255, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act: 

• Directs the General Services Administration to allow current and retired federal law enforcement officers to buy their retired service weapons at salvage value.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Haley Stevens (D-MI) today introduced a resolution commemorating the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) accomplishments in science, engineering, and education over the past 75 years. Since its creation in 1950, the NSF has supported cutting-edge science and engineering projects across the country in addition to fostering scientific collaboration across the globe. Its hallmark accomplishments include helping catalyze the creation of the internet, and advancing technology for MRI machines, 3–D printing, and artificial intelligence. 

“The NSF supports 350,000 researchers, students, teachers, and entrepreneurs every year, driving innovation for critical technologies like artificial intelligence and revolutionary breakthroughs like LASIK eye surgery. This is the agency behind countless scientific advancements that have improved the lives of millions of Americans and people across the world,” said Rep. Beyer. “At a time when global scientific competition continues to grow and our national security increasingly depends on technological leadership, we should be strengthening NSF investments. Supporting the NSF means supporting America’s health, economy, and national security.”

“Fo 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been a driving force behind America’s leadership in science and technology,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Its commitment to advancing fundamental research has laid the groundwork for countless innovations that improve lives, power our economy, and expand the frontiers of human knowledge.”

“I’m proud to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in celebrating 75 years of the National Science Foundation,” said Rep. Foster. “As Congress’ only PhD physicist, I’ll continue doing everything I can to fully fund NSF and all of our science agencies to ensure that we remain a global leader in research and innovation for generations to come.” 

“The National Science Foundation has delivered real results for communities across our country over its 75-year history,” said Rep. Franklin. “In Florida, NSF-backed research has strengthened our universities, supported high-tech industries and prepared students for the STEM jobs of tomorrow. I’m proud to help lead this resolution recognizing NSF’s direct role in fueling innovation, growing our economy and keeping both Florida and the U.S. competitive on the global stage.”

“For 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been the bedrock of American discovery, empowering generations of researchers and providing STEM opportunity to students across the country. In Michigan, the NSF’s impact is felt in every lab, on every shop floor, and in every classroom,” said Rep. Stevens. “As we celebrate this incredible history, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that NSF was founded upon—to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure our national defense. That mission is as urgent today as it was in 1950, and Michigan’s future depends on seeing it through for the next 75 years.”

Full text of the resolution is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific, introduced the U.S.–Japan–ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, bipartisan legislation to deepen cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Joining Congressman Bera in leading this effort are Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). Bera, Connolly, Wilson and Kelly serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Korea Caucus, while Castro and Smith serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Japan Caucus.

“As we face growing threats in the Indo-Pacific, now is the time to invest in our closest alliances rooted in democratic values,” said Representative Bera. “This legislation builds on the momentum from the Camp David Summit by creating permanent channels of communication and coordination between our three legislative bodies. Routine inter-parliamentary dialogue will help ensure the United States, Japan and South Korea continue to meet shared challenges together—promoting a free, open, inclusive, resilient and healthy Indo-Pacific region that safeguards our mutual security and prosperity for decades to come.”

The U.S.–Japan–ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act establishes a formal U.S.–Japan–ROK Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue to address shared challenges.

The legislation reflects the commitments made at the August 2023 Camp David Trilateral Summit and underscores Congress’s role in turning those commitments into lasting policy and institutional cooperation.

“Trilateral cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan is paramount to countering the PRC’s malign influence and to advancing our shared goal of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said Representative Connolly. “I am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing this important legislation that encourages consistent open dialogue between senior officials of our three nations and establishes a partnership to promote the strategic interests and values that the U.S., South Korea, and Japan share.”

“The U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act will help continue the momentum of security cooperation between our three countries by establishing a multinational dialogue for American, Japanese, and Korean legislators to work together to pursue closer cooperation,” said Representative Castro. 

“I am grateful to join my colleagues in affirming the importance of the renewed Trilateral Summit between the U.S., Republic of Korea, and Japan. Our joint commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is ironclad, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance our shared goals and confront any challenges that come our way,” said Representative Wilson.

“I am honored to co-lead the U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act. As threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continue to grow, the United States and its allies must be prepared to maintain safety, security and prosperity for America and our Pacific allies. Congress has an obligation to the American people to protect its citizens from the CCP, DPRK, or other adversaries. Our alliance and friendship with the Republic of Korea and Japan is crucial,” said Representative Kelly.

“The U.S. has historic and critical partnerships with South Korea and Japan, and this is an important time to advance collaboration to our mutual benefit. Robust engagement to reinforce our shared values of freedom and security in the Indo-Pacific is necessary to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. This legislation reflects these priorities and strong bipartisan support in Congress for fostering these valuable relationships. I am grateful to Rep. Bera and my other colleagues for working together to introduce it,” said Representative Smith. 

Congressman Bera has consistently worked to strengthen U.S. foreign policy engagement in the Indo-Pacific and reinforce America’s role as a reliable ally. This legislation builds on his longstanding efforts to enhance diplomatic capacity, counter economic coercion and promote regional stability.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

May 15, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON —  U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) today introduced the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act to restore the casualty and theft loss tax deduction for Americans who have suffered devastating losses from fraud, cybercrime, structural home failures, or natural disasters.Under current law, taxpayers can only deduct casualty and theft losses if the loss occurred in a federally declared disaster area. This recent restriction, which has been a burden on so many Florida seniors and families, is on a previously allowed deduction dating back to before the start of the federal income tax which allowed many victims to deduct losses on assets they no longer possess. The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act restores this deduction and retroactively applies it for tax years 2018 through 2024, providing much-needed relief to victims of theft.This bill addresses the recent policy recommendations by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins, who was appointed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin during the Trump Administration.“Hardworking Americans, especially seniors, who fall victim to scams, cybercrime, or disasters should not be forced to pay taxes on income they no longer have,” said Rep. Steube. “Victims of crime, calamity, and fraud deserve peace of mind as they work to regain their footing. This bill protects Americans who have lost everything by restoring fairness and common sense to the tax code.”“As hurricane season is around the corner, I will continue supporting policies that protect Floridians from scammers and fraudsters,” said Senator Moody. “My Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act will provide commonsense tax relief for victims, often seniors, who have been financially devastated by scams, crimes, or destruction from disasters. This legislation will help folks get back on their feet when they experience hardship. When I was Attorney General of Florida, I made sure to fight for Floridians who fell victim to scams, and I will continue bringing this fight to D.C. so that folks have the protections they need.”The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act is supported by the AARP, AICPA-CIMA, AMAC Action, American Land Title Association, CFP Board, The Elder Justice Coalition, Family Business Coalition, Financial Services Institute, Investment Advisers Association, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Realtors, Operation Shamrock, and National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA). 
“Family-owned businesses are built over generations, and when they fall victim to scams, disasters, or structural failures, the impact is devastating. Congressman Steube’s Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act restores a vital protection in the tax code that ensures these families aren’t taxed on income they’ve lost through no fault of their own. This is a common-sense targeted fix that reflects the realities family businesses face today.” —Palmer Schoening, Chairman of Family Business Coalition Background:Along with their work on the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act, Representative Steube and Senator Moody have championed the needs of victims of natural disasters and scams. In the last Congress, Representative Steube’s bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act was passed and signed into law. This casualty loss legislation delivered much-needed tax relief for victims of disasters across 48 states between 2021 and 2025. While serving as Florida Attorney General, Moody helped lead the fight to prevent cybercriminals from targeting senior citizens, including shutting down six cyber schemes in less than three months in 2024. 
Read the full bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced the Care for Military Kids Act, a bipartisan bill to ensure that children of active duty servicemembers who are required to relocate for a deployment maintain their Medicaid coverage when moving across state lines. Specifically, this legislation would amend the Social Security Act to ensure that any dependent of an active duty servicemember currently receiving long-term care services through a state administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible should their family move due to relocation.

This bill was introduced alongside Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and is endorsed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Blue Star Families, Partners in PROMISE, The Learning Disabilities Association of America, Tricare for Kids Coalition, and Easterseals, Inc.

“Our servicemembers give so much to this nation, and sacrifice so much. This includes being far from home and loved ones, while frequently relocating due to their assignments. Which is why this May, during Military Appreciation Month, I am once again honored to reintroduce this crucial bipartisan legislation for our military families alongside Congresswoman Kiggans,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “The Care for Military Kids Act seeks to establish streamlined Medicaid and CHIP plans for these heroes and their families, regardless of where their service takes them. It is crucial that we get this bipartisan effort to address the needs of our military community and their families across the finish line. By providing clarity and consistency in residency determinations, we can ensure that our brave men and women in uniform, and their children receive the full support, and care they deserve.”

“As a Navy veteran and Mom of four, I understand firsthand the unique sacrifices military families make – especially those raising children with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). “The Care for Military Kids Act ensures that no servicemember has to choose between answering the call of duty and making sure their child receives essential, life-sustaining care. This bipartisan bill is about fairness, dignity, and honoring the commitment we’ve made to support our military families, no matter where they’re stationed.”

“The Care for Military Kids Act represents a vital advancement in ensuring continuity of care for military children with complex medical needs,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families. “By standardizing state Medicaid residency requirements and maintaining waitlist positions across relocations, this legislation addresses a critical and long-standing gap in support for military families. We commend Congresswomen Kiggans and Kaptur for their leadership and commitment to those who serve our nation.”

“Medicaid plays a vital role in ensuring that students with disabilities have access to critical services and supports needed in school and educational settings,” said Cindy Cipoletti, Esq., CEO, The Learning Disabilities Association of America. “Our nation’s military families should not have to endure any disruption to these essential services simply because they relocate to another state in service to their country. Thank you to Representatives Kiggans and Kaptur for introducing this important legislation.”

“Partners in PROMISE is grateful for the leadership of Rep. Kiggans and Rep. Kaptur for their bipartisan efforts in introducing the Care for Military Kids Act,” said Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Founder. “This important provision will allow military families to retain critical healthcare services for their children with disabilities offered through Medicaid Waivers. Currently, military families are making tough choices—either living apart to keep their support or going without essential medical services to stay together. With this bill, we are investing in stronger military families, and as a result, a strong and ready military.”

Background:

You can find the full bill text here.

You can find a one pager on this bill here.

• People with disabilities often need long-term care services that help with everyday activities, such as eating, walking, medical equipment management, and more.
• Medicaid is the only government program that covers long-term care services for children with disabilities.
• TRICARE does not cover long term care services, meaning children with disabilities covered by TRICARE cannot receive the care they need.
• Military families often apply for Medicaid to cover these services. However, most military families are not eligible for Medicaid due to their income level, but can apply and be placed on a waitlist. Even those who do qualify are sent to the bottom of the waitlist when their parents who are active duty move to a new state.
• The Care for Military Kids Act will ensure that our servicemembers’ children get the critical care they need by amending the Social Security Act to ensure that any dependent of an active duty servicemember currently receiving long-term care services through a state administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible should their family move due to relocation.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Darren Soto (FL-09) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to investigate the potentially unlawful diversion of $10 million in Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the Hope Florida Foundation and Centene in a letter released today.

Reps. Castor and Soto’s call for a Medicaid fraud investigation comes on the heels of the debate in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee over the future of Medicaid and House Republicans’ cruel proposal to kick millions of Americans off Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Republicans repeatedly claimed during the marathon Energy and Commerce debate that they were concerned about waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. Castor and Soto now point to a concrete example of potential fraud and abuse, while urging an immediate investigation into this inappropriate diversion of taxpayer funds to an unrelated political action committee. 

“As members of the U.S. House Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, I can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and the providers who serve them,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued, “The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to state taxpayers to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.”

Castor and Soto serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid, and advocated for families and providers during the 26-hour Energy and Commerce Committee markup of the House Republicans’ cruel proposal to slash Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, which concluded yesterday.

Read the full letter here and below:

RE: Urge Investigation into Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida 

Dear Acting Inspector General Hodgkins and Administrator Oz:

A recent bipartisan investigation by the Florida Legislature and press reports have uncovered that proceeds from a legal settlement between the State of Florida and Florida’s largest Medicaid managed care operator, Centene, were inappropriately diverted to unrelated political committees. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid. Therefore, we respectfully request that you investigate the potential unlawful diversion of Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Hope Florida Foundation and Centene. Medicaid is a federal/state partnership, and the federal government may be entitled to recoup funds from the legal settlement and improperly diverted funds as well.

Hope Florida was established in 2021 as a referral program, operated by state employees, to direct Floridians to businesses, faith-based organizations and nonprofits for housing and social services instead of to government agencies. The Hope Florida Foundation is Hope Florida’s nonprofit arm and is subject to spending limits on lobbying and campaigns. According to its website, Hope Florida “firmly believe(s) that more government is not always the best solution to the problem. Instead, government is utilized as a meaningful connection point and then gets out of the way.” Many Florida state agencies prominently display links on their homepage to Hope Florida, directing individuals to a Hope Navigator instead of contacting a state agency, including the websites of Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Florida Department of Elder Affairs. AHCA administers Florida’s Medicaid program.

On September 27, 2024, the State of Florida reached a settlement agreement with Centene relating to the overbilling of taxpayers by over $67 million. The agreement directed Centene to pay $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation through a wire transfer and pay the remaining $57 million to AHCA. The settlement also stated that “AHCA desires an expanded role for Hope Florida in the Florida Medicaid program.”  

On October 16, two days after receiving the $10 million wire transfer, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to Secure Florida’s Future, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on a “long-term, targeted business partner recruitment strategy and public awareness campaign.” 

On October 17, Secure Florida’s Future donated $2 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc., a Political Action Committee (PAC) controlled by Governor DeSantis’s then-chief of staff James Uthmeier that was created to campaign against Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Governor DeSantis strongly opposed Amendment 3. Days later, Secure Florida’s Future sent Keep Florida Clean Inc. an additional $1.75 million. 

On October 22, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to the 501(c)4 nonprofit Save Our Society from Drugs that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on “developing and implementing strategies that directly address the substance use crisis facing our communities.” 

On October 23, the next day, Save Our Society from Drugs donated $1.6 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. Over the coming days, Save Our Society from Drugs donated an additional $3.15 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. 

While there are limited financial disclosure requirements associated with 501(c)4 organizations, records appear to show that a total of $8.5 million from the Centene settlement with AHCA went from the Hope Florida Foundation to the Amendment 3-focused Keep Florida Clean, Inc. PAC, the same PAC that also donated funding to the Republican Party of Florida and the Florida Freedom Fund. 

The transfer of Medicaid dollars to a charitable committee and then political committees appears to run afoul of federal law, including 18 U.S.C. 1347 (to knowingly execute or attempt a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program or obtain money from it) and 18 U.S.C. 371 (for two or more people to agree to defraud the United States.), and may implicate other relevant statutes and regulations. As members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, we can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and support the providers who serve them.

Hope Florida had raised only about $2 million during its three years of existence, but in one fell swoop, received $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, which was immediately funneled through other nonprofits to a PAC directed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff. The Florida House of Representatives initiated an investigation into what State Representative Alex Andrade called a potential “conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud,” but ultimately determined that “the best avenue is probably a federal investigation because…these were Medicaid dollars.”  The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.

Therefore, we respectfully urge you to investigate whether or not the $10 million settlement scheme violates federal law and complies with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework and any other applicable federal laws and regulations.  

Sincerely,

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that South Louisiana waterway projects will receive robust funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY 2025 Army Civil Work Plan.

“Maintaining our ports and waterways is an investment in our future,” said Congressman Higgins. “My office will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders to prioritize funding for dredging and waterway projects in South Louisiana. The FY25 Work Plan provides critical support for our ports, waterways, locks, and flood control infrastructure across Louisiana’s 3^rd District. We will continue to push for the economic success of South Louisiana and our nation by funding our maritime infrastructure.”

Operation & Maintenance projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $48,541,000 for the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf and Black,
• $7,276,000 for Bayou Lafourche and Lafourche Jump Waterway,
• $1,035,000 for Bayou Teche and Vermilion River,
• $2,082,000 for Bayou Teche,
• $34,559,314 for the Calcasieu River and Pass,
• $15,432,000 for Fresh Water Bayou,
• $26,159,000 for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,
• $14,967,000 for Houma Navigation Canal,
• $10,597,000 for the Mermentau River,
• $17,000 for the Waterway from Intracoastal Waterway to Bayou Dulac.

Construction projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $9,000,000 to continue sediment disposal site construction for the Calcasieu River and Pass project.

Investigation projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $2,000,000 to continue preconstruction engineering and design at the Port of Iberia.

Mississippi River and Tributaries projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $650,000 for completion of the floodwall analysis for the Atchafalaya Basin project,
• $7,761,000 for the design and construction of feature three for Morganza to the Gulf,
• $1,613,000 for operations and maintenance of the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System,
• $31,197,000 for channel enhancements and guidewall repairs on the Atchafalaya Basin project.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that he secured $172.711,000 through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan for the Sabine-Neches Navigation District. These funds will be used to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway from its current 40-foot depth to its congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2014. The Sabine-Neches Navigation District is authorized to execute the federal share of the project funding, allowing faster, more efficient progress on this critical infrastructure.

“This is a great day for Southeast Texas, and we are glad President Trump is back in office to prioritize critical projects like the Sabine-Neches Waterway, one of the most vital waterway systems in the country,” said Rep. Weber. “This funding will strengthen America’s energy and national security, continue to grow our economy, and support jobs right here at home. I am proud to fight for the funding our region needs to remain the commerce and energy leader for decades. Again, thank you, President Trump.”

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, OMB Director Vought and Congressman Weber for their confidence in The Sabine-Neches Navigation District,” said Randy Reese, CEO of Sabine-Neches Navigation District. “Our entire team, and my COO Matthew Kaufman have worked diligently for decades to prepare us to answer this call.  Southeast Texas’ strength is its people, its industry and its ports. The recognition and responsibility The White House has put on our shoulders is humbling, and we will not let the nation down.”

“This $172,711,000 in federal funding and its pivotal language authorizing the Sabine-Neches Navigation District to execute continued construction, directly utilizing federal funds, is effective and efficient, said Matthew Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer of Sabine-Neches Navigation District. “It will expedite the deepening of America’s most vital energy and military ship channel – all the way to 48 feet.  We will ensure these hard earned tax dollars strengthen our nation for all Americans and answer President Trump’s call to Unleash American Energy Dominance.”