| Last week, my office was hard at work on Capitol Hill holding the radicals in the Biden administration accountable and delivering upon meaningful solutions on behalf of our Southwest Florida community, the State of Florida, and the American people.
On the legislative front, I led a bipartisan letter alongside Representative Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) and 6 additional colleagues in seeking sustained federal funding for the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP). The bipartisan letter calls upon Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) of the House Appropriations Committee to ensure that federal funds are properly allocated to SARCOP, so critical hurricane relief technology continues to operate uninterrupted in Southwest Florida and across America.
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my bill, H.R. 325 – The Bipartisan Harmful Algal Blooms Essential Forecasting Act, as part of H.R. 6093 - The Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023, with a nearly-unanimous, bipartisan vote of 394-19. This commonsense proposal to ensure that the Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecasting System is formally designated as an exempted service during a lapse in government funding is my fourteenth piece of legislation that has passed the U.S. House of Representatives during the 118th Congress.
I also jointly introduced legislation alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to provide much-needed tax relief for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurance policyholders across Southwest Florida, the Sunshine State, and the nation. H.R. 8102 – "The Flood Insurance Relief Act" is the 76th piece of legislation that I have proposed during the 118th Congress. The bill specifically incentivizes flood insurance coverage by creating a non-refundable tax deduction for flood insurance premiums.
"The American Nuclear Workforce Act" is the 77th piece of legislation that I have introduced during the 118th Congress and is the 23rd proposal of my "2023-24 Nuclear Energy Legislative Package." The bill seeks to bolster America's nuclear energy workforce through an initiative that enhances the dissemination of nuclear energy-related information at American schools in an attempt to alter the stigma associated with nuclear power. The initiative also strategically increases awareness about employment information and experiential learning opportunities within the nuclear energy industry and associated nuclear supply chain at American secondary schools, trade schools, community colleges, and institutions of higher education.
Most notably, I joined my colleagues on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee to observe the illegal encampment of Hamas apologists at George Washington University. Simply put, trespassing is illegal. This isn't hard. I stand with GW's president and school leadership, I stand for law and order in our nation's capital, and it's beyond time that Mayor Bowser takes action and removes this illegal encampment per the university's request. Hamas is a barbaric terrorist group that embeds themselves among women and children in hospitals and schools. On 10/7, they slaughtered countless innocents, committed unspeakable war crimes and are still holding hostages. They violate laws of war with impunity. And do it on purpose. At the end of the day, all students deserve safety and all students deserve free speech but you cannot overtake a campus and you cannot assault/intimidate peers. You wouldn't let a mob squat in your home. You'd call 9-1-1. GW is no different. As your Congressman, you have my commitment to work on your behalf and restore order and proper governance to The People's House. |
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| Legislative Updates |
| Donalds Leads Bipartisan Initiative Fighting To Ensure Hurricane Relief Technology Is Fully-Funded By Congress |
| WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) led a bipartisan letter alongside Representative Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) and 6 additional colleagues in seeking sustained federal funding for the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP).
The bipartisan letter calls upon Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) of the House Appropriations Committee to ensure that federal funds are properly allocated to SARCOP, so critical hurricane relief technology continues to operate uninterrupted in Southwest Florida and across America.
Representatives Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) were joined in support by Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Randy Weber (R-TX), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY).
The Honorable Tom Cole Chairman H-307 The Capitol
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro 1036 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro:
We write to respectfully request that you provide robust funding for the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP), to be administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
SARCOP is an existing, critical, GIS-based tool that our nation's emergency responders, disaster planners, firefighters, police officers, and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams rely on to respond to emergencies, such as hurricanes, floods, tornados, wildfire, landslides, and other emergent events. SARCOP meaningfully benefits communities across the country, evidenced by its rapid growth in utilization that has doubled year over year since 2021. Accordingly, sustaining this invaluable platform has become increasingly challenging without long-term federal funding.
State governments, SAR Task Forces, local governments, and individual fire departments across the country have endorsed SARCOP because it has a proven track record of assisting in coordinating first responders in the immediate aftermath of emergencies, identifying hazardous spills, and providing preliminary damage assessments that expedite the ability of local communities to work with FEMA in getting financial relief disbursed. Its ability to collect damage data also is an effective tool in helping states and communities to justify federal disaster declarations.
Therefore, we are seeking sustained federal funding for SARCOP through the USFA. Our proposed language for the FY25 Appropriations Homeland Security Report would direct funding to the sustained use of innovative GIS technologies in disaster response efforts.
Your support in securing funding for SARCOP would greatly contribute to our nation's safety and resiliency, ensuring SAR Teams and first responders maintain the necessary tools to effectively save lives and property. We are committed to working with colleagues across both sides of the aisle to support this cause.
Sincerely,
Byron Donalds (R-FL) Member of Congress Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) Member of Congress Nancy Mace (R-SC) Member of Congress Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) Member of Congress Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA) Member of Congress Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY) Member of Congress Randy Weber (R-TX) Member of Congress Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) Member of Congress |
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| Donalds Bill To Ensure Full-Funding For Mitigation Of Harmful Algal Blooms Passes House 394-19 |
| WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 325 – The Bipartisan Harmful Algal Blooms Essential Forecasting Act, as part of H.R. 6093 - The Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023, with a nearly-unanimous, bipartisan vote of 394-19.
This commonsense proposal to ensure that the Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecasting System is formally designated as an exempted service during a lapse in government funding is sponsored by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and is the congressman's fourteenth piece of legislation that has passed the U.S. House of Representatives during the 118th Congress.
Specifically, the bill proactively prepares for all potential government funding scenarios, provides tangible solutions for hardworking Floridians, and fights to ensure the mitigation of harmful algal blooms throughout Southwest Florida and the Sunshine State. |
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| Donalds Stands With Jewish Americans And Condemns Vile Anti-Semitism |
| WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) released the following statement regarding the consideration of recent anti-Semitism legislation in Congress:
"Jewish students across our nation are being intimidated, assaulted, and blocked from attending class by anti-Semitic, Hamas apologists. Those who break our laws must be prosecuted to the fullest-extent of the law and anti-Semitic rhetoric must be roundly condemned by officials at all levels of our government.
"Yesterday, I walked directly into the illegal encampment at George Washington University and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Jewish students. I stared down the anarchists, anti-Semites, and Hamas apologists, debated these masked agitators eye-to-eye, and proudly defended Jewish Americans.
"All discrimination must be prohibited, and it is critical that anti-Semitism is clearly defined. In the Florida Legislature, I voted for H.B. 741 of 2019, which defines anti-Semitism as hateful perceptions, rhetorical and physical manifestations, language that justifies the killing or harming of Jews, Holocaust disinformation, tropes regarding dual loyalties, the application of a double standard towards Israel, and denial of the fact that Israel is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people.
"I hold deep concerns regarding the constitutionality of the anti-Semitism bill that was offered yesterday on the floor of the House of Representatives. Procedurally, the bill was rushed, the language was unclear, and no amendments were allowed. I believe in an open legislative process and would support this bill with amendments that mirror the important determinations codified within Florida's H.B. 741 of 2019.
"I remain steadfast in my support of the State of Israel and my Jewish neighbors across our Southwest Florida community, the Sunshine State, and the nation. This vile scourge of anti-Semitism must be stopped and I will always stand strongly as your advocate in the halls of Congress." |
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| Donalds Offers Solutions-Focused Proposal To Bolster America's Nuclear Energy Workforce |
| WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced legislation to bolster America's nuclear energy workforce through an initiative that enhances the dissemination of nuclear energy-related information at American schools in an attempt to alter the stigma associated with nuclear power. The recently introduced initiative also strategically increases awareness about employment information and experiential learning opportunities within the nuclear energy industry and associated nuclear supply chain at American secondary schools, trade schools, community colleges, and institutions of higher education.
"The American Nuclear Workforce Act" is the 77th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds in the 118th Congress and is the 23rd proposal of the Congressman's "2023-24 Nuclear Energy Legislative Package." The bill is co- sponsored by Representatives Brandon Williams (R-NY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), and Troy Nehls (R-TX). American Conservation Coalition Action, America First Policy Institute, American Nuclear Society, Consumer Energy Alliance, Mothers for Nuclear, Nuclear Alternative Project, Uranium Producers of America, and U.S. Nuclear Industry Council have also endorsed this piece of legislation.
"A robust nuclear energy workforce is critical to our nation's energy independence and security," said Rep. Donalds. "As America plans to increase its utilization of nuclear energy in the years to come, a proactive and forward-looking nuclear workforce strategy is much needed. We must collectively work together to change nuclear energy's negative connotation, and increasing awareness about the benefits that nuclear can provide at our nation's educational institutions will help spark a new generation of interest and participation within the industry."
"We best serve the next generation of minds that will propel nuclear energy forward by providing them with robust education and access to information," said Rep. Williams. "I applaud Rep. Donalds for his leadership in this space."
"The American nuclear energy industry will need a strong workforce to meet a growing demand for clean, safe, and reliable nuclear energy," said American Conservation Coalition Action President Chris Barnard. "With more people leaving the industry than entering it, we must reverse this trend. The American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action) and our thousands of young conservative leaders across the country applaud this effort to bolster the nuclear energy workforce of the future, which will unleash this clean energy source and increase access to high-paying jobs."
"A skilled, well-trained, and capable workforce is imperative as the advanced nuclear industry begins to commercialize novel, smaller reactor technologies," said U.S. Nuclear Industry Council President & CEO Todd Abrajano. "The U.S. Nuclear Industry Council supports the framework of the American Nuclear Workforce Act and what it does to encourage the growth of the nuclear industry's workforce into the future."
"The Uranium Producers of America applaud the introduction of the American Nuclear Workforce Act, important legislation that will help inspire and train the next generation of leaders in the American nuclear power industry. The American nuclear power industry employs over half a million people, bringing jobs to local communities of all sizes, and contributes $60 billion annually to the U.S. GDP while accounting for 20% of our power generation," said the Uranium Producers of America. "The developments in the nuclear industry expected over the coming years will require a more direct approach to attracting and training the talent needed to keep our reactors functioning and our country's energy secure. This bill is a thoughtful and tailored way to ensure we meet those goals while growing the industry and economy more broadly. The Uranium Producers of America are grateful to Congressman Donalds for his continued leadership in advancing the nuclear energy industry, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass this important bill to better secure the industry for generations to come."
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| Donalds Fights To Deliver Much-Needed Flood Insurance Tax Relief For Floridians |
| WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) jointly introduced legislation alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to provide much-needed tax relief for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurance policyholders across Southwest Florida, the Sunshine State, and the nation.
H.R. 8102 – "The Flood Insurance Relief Act" is the 76th piece of legislation proposed by Congressman Donalds during the 118th Congress. The bill specifically incentivizes flood insurance coverage by creating a non-refundable tax deduction for flood insurance premiums.
"Over recent years, residents of Southwest Florida and the Sunshine State have been faced with an exponential rise in flood insurance costs," said Rep. Donalds (R-FL). "This unsustainable trend is severely impacting hardworking Florida families and it is critical that this problem is immediately addressed. I am proud to introduce House legislation alongside Sen. Rick Scott to provide much-needed relief to flood insurance policyholders throughout our state."
"As I travel around Florida, I am consistently hearing about how the broken NFIP and its rising costs are hurting Floridians," said Sen. Scott (R-FL). "I am fighting tooth and nail in Washington to fix it. While we continue to work on permanent solutions to the problems plaguing the NFIP, we need to make sure hardworking folks have access to affordable coverage. That's why I am introducing and will be fighting to pass legislation that provides a non-refundable tax break to families who purchase flood insurance coverage either through the private market or the NFIP. This is a commonsense bill to ensure Floridians can maintain coverage without breaking the bank. I want to thank Representative Byron Donalds for leading the charge on this good bill in the House of Representatives, and look forward to its passage."
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| Donalds Observes Illegal Encampment Of Hamas-Apologists at George Washington University And Demands DC Mayor Bowser Clear Protesters |
| Trespassing is ILLEGAL. This isn't hard. I stand with GW's president and school leadership, I stand for law & order in our nation's capital, and it's BEYOND TIME that Mayor Bowser takes action & removes this illegal encampment per the university's request.
Hamas is a barbaric TERRORIST GROUP that embeds themselves among women & children in hospitals & schools. On 10/7, they slaughtered countless innocents, committed unspeakable war crimes & are STILL holding hostages. They violate LAWS OF WAR with impunity. And do it ON PURPOSE. These facts must be acknowledged:
If you understand this, there's nothing else to discuss. |
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