Diaz-Balart Appointed to Defense, State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) was appointed to serve on the Defense, and State and Foreign Operations Subcommittees on Appropriations, in addition to serving as Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee.

“I am beyond grateful to my colleagues for selecting me to serve on three Subcommittees on Appropriations. I am especially thankful to Ranking Member Kay Granger for her invaluable leadership and support.

“Now, more than ever, we must ensure that the United States is equipped with the best-trained, most capable military that will continue promoting and protecting our national security interests both at home and abroad. We must also redouble our efforts to demand human rights around the world, continue to fight against the vicious cancer that is the dictatorships in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, and support our key friend and ally, Israel. Once again, I am thrilled by this opportunity, and I look forward to returning to these important subcommittees.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Diaz-Balart was re-elected as the leading Republican on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Subcommittee.

Commissioner Rick LoCastro Update January 27

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THE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

 

RICK LOCASTRO
Collier County Commissioner
District 1
3nd Edition
January 27, 2021

 

 

This regularly released Commissioner’s Report will update citizens regarding projects, events, news, and timely information regarding programs, services, and initiatives… and how we are working hard to work for YOU!

As your Collier County District 1 Commissioner, it’s my goal to ensure constituents are informed about things taking place in District 1… and also around ALL of Collier County… and you always have access to me.

 

“Working To Exceed Your Expectations Every Day”!

 

 

COVID 19 VACCINE

 

I’ve met with many and have received a multitude of calls and emails from citizens expressing their frustration for their inability to reserve a time for a vaccine appointment. Rest assured…I hear you…your concerns have not fallen on deaf ears; we’ve been working closely with the Department of Health (who is taking directions from the State to implement the operation) to address your valid concerns and make much needed improvements.

Although Eventbrite is currently the system the Department of Health is using, a new improved State appointment system will be coming soon.

 

SECOND DOSES

 

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County has begun to send notifications to those who are eligible for their second dose of the Moderna vaccine. There are designated days/times for second doses. Please DO NOT schedule more appointments than you need. The DOH is allocated a set amount of second dose vaccine for those who received the first dose.

 

CONTACT NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

 

For COVID-19 questions, contact the DOH at (239) 252-6220 or (239) 252-8200.  As soon as more appointment dates are available, they will be sent to local media and also posted. Monitor the following websites:

collier.floridahealth.gov   floridahealthcovid19.gov   CollierCountyCOVIDVaccines.Eventbrite.com

 

YOUR GOVERNMENT

 

COLLIER AREA TRANSIT VISIT

 

Last week, I was proud to sit with the leadership team from our Public Transit Authority in their main building… and have them tell me I’m the ONLY Commissioner ever to do so. We had a VERY productive meeting about the different ways we can improve… and also ensure we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely, while meeting the needs of our community who use (or can use) public transportation. I was impressed with the team & our discussion…we talked about improvements and upgrades we can make!

The Collier Area Transit (CAT) has a huge mission and responsibility in our community… Exciting things are coming…

 

 

CAT is well represented in District 1… But there are always improvements we can make… AND WE ARE!

 

GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT TOUR

 

I also met with a multitude of County workers and teams responsible for lift stations, flood zones, code enforcement, permitting, and a myriad of other critical issues across our community.

This was also the first time they’ve seen a Commissioner in their offices… but more importantly for me to dive into the issues with them to figure out where we are doing great things… where we must improve… and where we can work better as a team to improve services to our citizens.
These are amazing people working behind the scenes on missions critical to our quality of life. Flush your toilet and if nothing happens—trust me you care about lift stations!  We are leading the way in several areas…But, we had deep discussions where we can increase our sense of urgency, customer service, and attention to detail to improve District 1 and ALL of Collier County.

 

 

 
We are about to flip the switch on an amazing new lift station in East Naples which will increase service, capability, & most importantly redundancy in the event of a failure. This new lift station in East Naples is state of the art, on budget, and on time… the way ALL of our projects should be! Unfortunately we have several that aren’t—WE ARE CORRECTING THAT !

 
 

Lift stations… The BEFORE & AFTER
Top photo is a 1980s station we are about to take down and replace with a much needed larger & heavy duty system seen below!

 

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

 

EAST NAPLES CIVIC ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON
GUEST SPEAKER

 

 

Honored to be invited to speak to the East Naples Civic Association at the Lely Players Club for their 1st “in person” meeting in quite some time. I was introduced by Donna Fiala as she passed the baton.  I appreciated the opportunity to share my views and assessment of District 1… all of Collier County… and the focus areas and enthusiasm I’m proud to bring to the seat.  I presented an update on a myriad of issues from Covid, environmental issues, development… and my pledge to be a strong, prepared, influential, and accessible full-time Commissioner serving ALL of District 1… and more. I look forward to working with the East Naples Civic Association as they relaunch their organization and not only add to their membership… but hopefully most of all… stay influential and involved in our community!

 

AMERICAN LEGION MEETING

 

Great having an “in person” meeting with my fellow American Legion Post 404 fellow veterans!  We had a good crowd and an informative briefing from Collier County Veteran Services Coordinators Ruben Martinez & Oscar Gomez. There are many benefits veterans qualify for that they aren’t even aware of… these two pros work hard to ensure our local veterans get the benefits they deserve. If you are a veteran and would like to reach their office call (239) 252-8387.

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BOARD MEETING

 

 

Habitat for Humanity of Collier County is another organization with significant involvement and investment in our community.  They AREN’T the answer for everything concerning affordable housing… but they ARE a piece of the puzzle.  Understanding their mission and working with them properly on the right projects is my focus.  Also, as the newly selected Chair for our County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee… I look forward to working with them and many others in our community to ensure we have “housing that’s affordable“ where needed… and it’s done right.

 

DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD

 

 

Honored to be identified tonight by the Board as, once again, the only County Commissioner to EVER attend any DAS meetings… thank you!  Board discussed the multitude of “unenforced” citations written by DAS… I have the same concerns.  If we have violators in the County who are getting citations (retail or residential) there should be consequences & we need to ensure corrective action.  We haven’t done a very good job of that… BUT we are about to! Board officers elected:

  • Jim Rich (Chairman)
  • Sarah Baeckler-Davis (Vice Chairman)
  • Dr. Mike Gordon (Secretary)

 

ISLES OF CAPRI WATER/ SEWER

 

 

This is another piece of paradise in District 1… but has many needs & long-standing neglected requirements. I recently had conversations with County & State officials to learn more about water, sewage, & drainage issues… and also septic to sewer conversions for our District & County.  Shocked to hear District 1 has left millions of dollars of grant money on the table over the years that could have been used for septic to sewer design, culvert work, and a host of other water improvements.  As the saying goes… if you don’t ask you don’t receive… and we’ve not asked.  UGH.  Lots of good information passed to me that we are now aggressively pursuing.

 

MEETING WITH MARCO CITY COUNCIL

 

 

I’ve reached out to the Marco City Council to open up regularly scheduled meetings between myself, their members, & the City Manager.  There’s no reason why the County Commissioner & City Council shouldn’t be conversing regularly over the myriad of responsibilities, issues, and opportunities that intersect the County & City….and they hadn’t been. Tigertail, Caxambas, beach restoration, and even water issues on Isles of Capri are ALL areas the County & City should be working together on.  It takes a TEAM approach to actually get things done… rather than just talking about it or kicking the can.  We aren’t doing that anymore!  I’m proud to say our first official formal meeting will be on Mon, Feb 22… and open to the public.  We will discuss Tigertail options, water/environmental issues, & several needs on Isles of Capri that both the City & County are responsible for together.  We can’t make progress for our citizens if we don’t dialogue together… we finally will be!

 

MARCO YMCA PICKLEBALL COMPLEX GRAND OPENING

 

 

Excited to see another amazing facility in District 1 for the enjoyment of our community!!!
Enjoyed the grand opening of the amazing new pickleball courts opened at YMCA of South Collier.  Players of all ages will certainly enjoy playing on these 9 new full-sized pickleball courts!

 

COFFEE WITH THE COMMISSIONER

 
Great event with East Naples Lely citizens at the Players Club for complementary coffee and danish as we held a two hour Townhall conversation with a fantastic turnout of residents.

Interested in having me come speak to your organization or group in person or via Zoom video? Let me know!
I always welcome the opportunity to meet new people and discuss why I ran for County Commissioner, my assessment of things thus far, our focus areas, and most of all to hear from residents themselves, answer questions, and get their feedback.

 

Thank you for your trust & confidence…
We’re working to exceed your expectations every day!

 

-Rick
Collier County Commissioner, District 1

 

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Click Here
Rick.LoCastro@CollierCountyFL.gov

 

3299 Tamiami Trl E, Suite 303, Naples FL 34112
Office: (239) 252-8601
Mobile: (239) 777-2452

 

 

Aixa Capizzi
Executive Coordinator to Commissioner LoCastroAixa.Capizzi@CollierCountyFL.gov
Office: (239) 252-8601

Republican Party of Florida Update – January 21

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Message from Chairman Joe Gruters

Welcome home, President Trump. Florida is ready to have you here full time. On behalf of Florida Republicans, I want to thank you for pushing so hard for policies that put America and Americans first.

You will be remembered long after you leave office for your enormous accomplishments, including remaking the federal judiciary with over 230 Constitutionalist appointees, creating Space Force, massive deregulation, energy independence, operation Warp Speed for the vaccines, multiple Mideast peace agreements, driving our economy to record highs, exposing China and Big Tech and securing our border.

And the best is yet to come!

So now we look forward, knowing that the freedoms and foundations of the most exceptional nation on earth rest on our shoulders. They are ours to carry and defend. We are the voices for our cherished American rights. We are the voices for the hard-working Americans aspiring for better lives for themselves and their children. We fight for the American Dream to remain alive. It does not die on our watch.

And in looking forward, we see the Republican Party of Florida in a very strong position going into 2022 Midterms. Our standard bearer Governor Ron DeSantis is a proven, effective and principled leader, the best governor in the nation who understands and defends the basic freedoms of Floridians. His response to the pandemic is now widely seen as the path other states should have taken last spring and are finally beginning to. He is a leader among leaders and we are fortunate to have him heading our Party in 2022.

We have closed the registration gap on Democrats and intend to overcome them by November 2022 and have a majority Republican Florida! This is very doable and working together in all 67 counties we can make it happen. We have more Republicans in Congress, more Republicans in the state Senate, more Republicans in the state House and we will be getting at least two more Congressional seats for 2022.

The future for the Republican Party of Florida is bright, but only because we are all pulling together, defending the Republic, defending a bright future for our children against the forces of leftist socialism that would tear down everything.

 

Annual Meeting

It was a great meeting as Governor DeSantis gave a dynamic update.

“Republicans around the country are looking at the State of Florida for leadership,” Gov. DeSantis said. “We will be undeterred in our defense of freedom — the freedom of Floridians to work, to send their kids to in-person school, and to enjoy the blessings of a beautiful state. With your help and hard work, we will be successful today, tomorrow and into the future.”

In a strong show of unity, members also heard from Republican leaders including Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nunez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Senate President Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, Congressman Mike Waltz, Congressman Byron Donalds and Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Members also reelected Chairman Joe Gruters, Vice Chairman Christian Ziegler, Treasurer Mike Moberly, Secretary Kristy Banks, Assistant Secretary Clint Pate and Assistant Treasurer Jeremy Evans. All were unanimous votes.

Florida Update

President Trump granted deferred enforced departure to Venezuelan nationals for the next 18 months as one of his last acts in office, a move long sought by Floridians Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who argued it was wrong to force Venezuelans to return home while Nicolas Maduro remains in power.

“The Trump Administration has taken a significant and much-needed step to help Venezuelan nationals residing in the U.S.,” Rubio said in a statement.

https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-deferred-enforced-departure-certain-venezuelans/

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The COVID vaccination rollout continues to be a success despite limited supplies of the vaccine. Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida’s strong momentum on vaccinating seniors age 65 and older. Since the beginning of the public health emergency, Governor DeSantis has put Florida’s Seniors First and the results are proving the effectiveness of his efforts.

Florida was the first state in the nation to vaccinate more than 500,000 individuals 65 years of age or older and is one of only three states to administer vaccines to more than one million people. Florida continues to have the highest percentage of vaccines administered to seniors 65 and older, with vaccinations in that age bracket accounting for nearly 65% of total vaccinations in the state.

“Florida remains steadfast in our commitment to putting Seniors First and the numbers speak for themselves,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/01/20/florida-leads-the-nation-in-vaccines-for-ages-65-with-seniors-first-approach/

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Florida surgeon general reassures Floridians. Most recently, Florida’s Surgeon General Scott Rivkees urged the federal government to increase shipments of coronavirus vaccines to the Sunshine State where we have a large population of seniors who are facing the greatest risk of illness and death from this horrible virus. Dr. Scott Rivkees also shared a message of hope and reassurance with Floridians that their turn will come!

“The message is this: We will get to you,”

~~ Dr. Scott Rivkees, Florida Surgeon General

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/seniors-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-1e63239e1724958fcb9245e63e593364

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Florida continues to expand the state’s partnership with Publix to establish COVID vaccination sites at an additional 137 Publix locations, Governor Ron DeSantis announced this week. New vaccination sites will be established at Publix pharmacies throughout six counties:

  • 67 in Palm Beach County;
  • 32 in Lee County;
  • 22 in Brevard County;
  • 7 in Charlotte County;
  • 7 in Martin County; and
  • 2 in Monroe County.

These vaccination sites are in addition to the 105 Publix locations announced in the past two weeks, for a total of 242 Publix locations in 18 counties.

Three new state-run COVID sites have been launched by the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management: the Marlins Stadium in Miami; University Mall in Tampa; and the Regency Square Mall in Jacksonville. All three sites will be open seven days a week and will offer the vaccine to all individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as frontline health care workers.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/01/19/governor-ron-desantis-announces-additional-covid-19-vaccination-sites-at-publix-super-markets-3/

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Governor DeSantis is targeting “vaccination tourism,” creating a set of guidelines to stop people who are just visiting the state from getting vaccinated.

At separate news conferences Tuesday, Governor DeSantis said he wants to ensure the state’s COVID vaccine supply is being directed to Florida residents. “That can include people who live here half the year, but it’s not for people just visiting,” the governor said during an appearance in Rockledge.

Read more here:
https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2021/01/20/gov-desantis-targets-vaccination-tourism/

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To get text alerts and updates regarding from Governor Ron DeSantis on the state’s COVID-19 efforts text FLCOVID19 to 888777.

Separate from the Republican Party? I think not!

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Russell Tuff
President
Collier County Republican Men’s Club

It’s 2021 and as I write this, it is Martin Luther King Day and Joe Biden will be sworn in as President tomorrow.

A military force is in place for the inauguration in our capital so large that it makes US foreign military zones embarrassed. Hmmm.

We’ve gotten a glimpse of what’s to come. Thousands are coming from Honduras to attempt to gain access to the US. They want free health care, free education, free food, and all that the US provides.

Biden stated he will give legal status for 11M illegal immigrants. Foreign policy: Will Biden and some of his cabinet picks be blackmailed by the Chinese government on policy issues because of what they can threaten to expose?

A pick for senior White House advisor Anita Dunn, was forced to resign in the Obama administration for a clip that appeared with her stating that Chairman Mao was one of her “favorite political philosophers.”

What do Republicans do?

What are we Republicans to do who cherish our freedoms, who believe and are proud to continue to strive to Make America Even Greater?

Whether you did or didn’t like President Trump, we do believe in his policies and saw their success.

Rather than separate ourselves from the Republican party, we need to defend and share examples of what does work in America. What did our Republican values bring us over the past four years.

Here’s a short view; greatest economy of all time, substantially increased wages and employment levels for minorities and women, energy independence, peace through perceived strength that gave us peace in the middle east, held back enemies aggression, and stabilized the world. He made our emergency personnel proud to do the work to protect us and keep us safe. The Republican party has taken over leadership in environmental policy through funding rather than talking in restoring the Everglades and improvements for our future water quality.

To win the battle of minds in America we need to fight to eradicate censorship, the cancel culture, and identity politics (whether sexual or racial).

We need to do what Martin Luther King dreamed of, that is for people to be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin.

What do we need to do to attract minorities and women? The answer is to do what we do for everyone else, that is to provide them the opportunities to thrive and prosper based on their initiative, ingenuity and willingness to work to achieve the American Dream. It still exists. Let’s unite the Republican party and fight for that.

WE BELIEVE…

The proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.

WE BELIEVE…
Good government is based upon the individual and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized.

WE BELIEVE…
That free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.

WE BELIEVE…
Sound money management should be our goal.

WE BELIEVE…
In equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or national origin.

WE BELIEVE…
We must retain those principles of the past worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.

WE BELIEVE…
That Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.

WE BELIEVE …
The Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government

Commissioner Rick LoCastro January 18th Update

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Over 13,955 have already signed up for this newsletter…and still counting… I’m “Working To Exceed Your Expectations Every Day”! This regularly released Commissioner’s Report will update citizens regarding projects, events, news, and timely information regarding programs, services, and initiatives… and how we are working hard to work for YOU!

As your Collier County District 1 Commissioner, it’s my goal to ensure constituents are informed about things taking place in District 1… and also around ALL of Collier County… and you always have access to me.

 

 

Besides the details below… this past week we addressed many long standing issues:

  • Major speeding problem on Isles of Capri (yes, many tickets given out… please slow down)!  Thank you to our Sheriff’s Office for their partnership assisting me.
  • Finally attacking the long overdue raising of the Goodland Road to handle regular flooding/tidal problems.  Bid for construction occurred on December 11, 2020.  Award of contract going to the Board of County Commissioners February 23, 2021.  Notice to proceed with construction March 2021!

We continue to light a fire under the Marco Executive Airport “NEW Terminal” project…
a $9 Million taxpayer project that is a year and a half behind schedule… NOT any more!
On January 12, 2021, I was honored to be selected by my fellow Commissioners to Chair three Collier County Committees.

  • Affordable Housing Committee
  • Public Safety Coordinating Council
  • Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The purpose of this committee is to review policies, procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and recommend specific actions concerning affordable housing.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL

 

The Public Safety Coordinating council was established to assess the population status of all detention & correctional facilities owned or contracted by the County. The council shall formulate recommendations to ensure the capacities of these facilities are not exceeded. Additionally, the council will assess the availability of pretrial intervention or probation programs, work-release programs, substance abuse programs, bail bond schedules, and the confinement status of inmates housed in County facilities.

 

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

 

 

The mission of the SWFL Regional Planning Council is to work together across neighboring communities to consistently protect and improve the unique and relatively unspoiled character of the physical, economic, and social worlds we share for the benefit of our future generations.
The Council enables local jurisdictions to provide services & facilities, to optimize employment of geographic, human, economic & natural resources in support of economic, natural resources, social, land use, transportation & public safety development.
FOCUS AREAS:

  • Water Quality
  • Affordable Housing
  • Regional Transportation
  • Storm Resiliency & Climate Change
  • Intergovernmental Coordination & Communication

I will Co-Chair this Council with Commissioner Bill McDaniel (District 5).

 

OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

 

VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK

 

 

I visited Veterans Community Park and met with the leadership team from Parks & Recreation and the Veterans Park staff and walked the entire area.

The park and fields are in great shape.  We do have some drainage problems we are now addressing that may have made the fields less than optimum at times during rainstorms.  That’s now being fixed.  I’m aware of the theft in the batting cages… security cameras are now also coming and the cages are now locked.  The long time missing basketball hoops are now on order as well.  The dog park and pavilion are in amazing shape and the park was packed with pickleball players and others enjoying the park.

Although Veterans Community Park is in District 3, as a veteran myself this park has extra special meaning… I will continue to keep close watch over it. More improvements coming!

 

Pickleball has become a popular sport in all our parks… We look to continue to convert “some” tennis courts to popular pickleball courts.

 

WASTEWATER PLANT

 

I am continuing my visits of Collier County Depts & Facilities.  We must ensure we’re spending taxpayer dollars wisely, have efficient processes & procedures, and I want to meet our leaders & teams responsible for the missions of our County.  Water treatment is critical and another behind the scenes job that must be in good hands.  I was impressed with what I saw & heard… and will stay linked to this important service.

 

Visiting one of our  water treatment plants ensuring  we have the infr​astructure to continue to properly treat and provide water for our County.

 

CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

 

 

Visited Senior Environmental Specialist, April Olson,  and Director of Environmental Policy,  Nicole Johnson, to discuss our environment and issues the Conservancy is focused on… and how we can work together to find common ground.

 

LEADERSHIP COLLIER

 

 

Honored to speak to this year‘s Leadership Collier Class and join fellow newly elected officials on a panel…the Mayor of Naples and new City Council members from Everglades City and Marco Island.  As a 2013 Leadership Collier Graduate myself… it’s great to see this valuable Chamber of Commerce program continue to mentor our current & future Collier County leaders.

Senator Passidomo January 15 update

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Today concludes the first of the Legislature’s Interim Committee Weeks ahead of the 2021 Legislative Session.  In anticipation of the upcoming committee hearings and other meetings in Tallahassee, I took a COVID-19 test on Thursday, January 7.  On Sunday, January 10, I learned that my test result was positive.

I am fortunate to have experienced only mild, cold-like symptoms.  Out of extreme caution for the health and safety of my colleagues and staff, and in accordance with Florida Senate protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been self-isolating at home.  Though I was not physically in Tallahassee, there was work to be done and my schedule was full.  I was able to participate in briefings, committee hearings and meetings this week by phone, Zoom and over the Florida Channel.

I look forward to returning to Tallahassee soon and rejoining my colleagues at the Capitol to represent District 28.  I hope you are in good health and remain safe for the coming year.

Diaz-Balart Applauds Sanctions Against Cuban Ministry of Interior and its Leader

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Cuban Ministry of Interior and the Minister of Interior, Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, for serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

“Today’s sanctions on Cuba’s MININT, which is responsible for brutal repression against the Cuban people, and Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, for human rights abuses is another appropriate action by the Trump Administration to hold the Cuban dictatorship accountable for its horrors. While Cuba’s pro-democracy opposition continues to endure increasing repression, this step shows that the atrocities committed by the Cuban regime’s human rights abusers, will have consequences. I commend the Trump Administration for its tough stand against tyranny and its solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom.”

Diaz-Balart Will Continue as Leading Republican on T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) was re-elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to continue his service as the leading Republican on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Subcommittee.

“I am grateful to my colleagues, the Steering Committee, and Ranking Member Granger for reiterating their trust in me, and, once again, electing me to be the lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations. During my years on T-HUD, as former Chairman and now Ranking Member, I have brought millions of federal dollars to South Florida to support our veterans, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations. These federal dollars were especially evident when Miami-Dade County effectively ended veteran homelessness in 2018.

“I have also worked diligently to maintain and upgrade our nation’s roadways, seaports, transit systems, and airports. Further, I have successfully been able to bring these investments into our community. Whether through the first federal capital for the SMART plan, PortMiami receiving the largest grant for port infrastructure development, or helping to build the Underline, I am thankful to have been at the forefront of obtaining these funds.

“I’m thrilled to continue working on the T-HUD Subcommittee, and I again thank my colleagues for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing this collaboration in the 117th Congress.”