WASHINGTON - Today, Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, introduced the bi-partisan Everglades for the Next Generation Act. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the Senate companion. The legislation authorizes Everglades restoration projects that have completed the planning process and are shovel-ready, ensuring that necessary progress in the region continues. (Please find attached a copy of the bill).  

“Protecting and restoring the Everglades is vital to the overall health of both South Florida’s ecosystem and economy,” said Congressman Hastings. “This bill works to restore this unique ecosystem by ensuring that as final planning for restoration projects is completed, these projects are authorized and brought on line as expeditiously as possible. I am proud to work with Congressman Diaz-Balart and Senator Nelson in ensuring that progress toward Everglades restoration continues as quickly as possible, and that this national treasure is protected for future generations.”

“Restoring the Everglades is a top priority,” said Senator Nelson. “There’s simply too much at stake here in Florida to wait around for Congress to pass a water bill every few years. This bill will allow the Corps to begin work on these projects as soon as they are ready.”

“I am proud to work with my Everglades Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Hastings to introduce this important legislation. Everglades restoration is a complex, but necessary process. By reducing the red tape after each project is completed, we can help the Army Corps continue preserving this natural treasure. As Floridians, we are fortunate to have the Everglades in our backyard, and we must do everything we can to protect it for future generations,” said Congressman Diaz-Balart.

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the Department of Transportation announced Positive Train Control grant awards for FY17. Diaz-Balart is Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee.

“I am proud to announce Florida was awarded two Positive Train Control (PTC) grants. Tri-Rail, one of the recipients, connects residents in South Florida from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade counties. The Florida Department of Transportation, the second recipient, was awarded funding to implement an interoperable PTC system along the Central Florida Rail Corridor (CFRC).   This will help ensure the safety of the more than 1.2 million Floridians and visitors traveling on SunRail and Amtrak.

“PTC is a critical safety tool and investment in the implementation and maintenance of this system is of the utmost importance to both railway passengers and employees. As Transportation Appropriations Chairman, I worked to ensure this critical PTC program was funded so that Florida can compete for these safety enhancements.  I will work to continue supporting PTC grants in Florida and across the country to keep folks moving safely and efficiently.”

• $31.6 million was awarded to the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, which are serviced by Tri-Rail.
• $1.84 million was awarded for a 110 mile portion of the Central Florida Rail Corridor (CFRC), which is serviced by SunRail and Amtrak.

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WASHINGTON – After the Trump administration announced Monday it would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) spoke at length to Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. Congressman Diaz-Balart issued the following statement regarding the call.

“Few people are more knowledgeable about this hemisphere and the current situation in Haiti than Secretary Kelly. While Haiti continues to rebuild after the 2008 hurricane season and the 2010 earthquake, there is still extensive work to be done. Clearly, Secretary Kelly understands and is sensitive to the circumstances Haiti faces, and I am grateful to him for always being accessible. I am committed to working with Secretary Kelly and my congressional colleagues to do whatever possible to help the Haitian community.”
 

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), a senior member of the House Appropriations and Budget Committees, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s FY 18 budget request.

“As a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, I will thoughtfully review and consider the President’s request. The Constitution is clear in that funding decisions are ultimately in the hands of Congress, and it is critical we ensure hard earned taxpayer dollars are well spent.  I look forward to working with Chairman Frelinghuysen, Chairwoman Black, and the White House to put together a fiscally responsible budget.”
 

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

“For almost a decade, the people of Haiti have suffered at the hands of Mother Nature. First wreaked by a destructive 2008 hurricane season, a catastrophic earthquake in 2010 killed hundreds of thousands of people and leveled many parts of the country. Countless Haitians living in the United States, including those in the 25th district, have benefited from Temporary Protected Status. I thank President Trump and DHS Secretary Kelly for this TPS extension and I support the people of Haiti as they continue to rebuild.”
 

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MIAMI – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement ahead of Cuban Independence Day.

“More than a century ago, a courageous and determined people were inspired by heroes such as Jose Marti and won freedom for their island home just ninety miles from our shores.

“Regrettably, a few decades later, that noble effort was marred by a brutal regime that has oppressed the Cuban people and insulted the memories of those who sacrificed for its freedom.  The devastation wreaked by the Castro regime can be found in its legacy of firing squads, gulags, torture, terrorism, subjugation, and widespread deprivation for the Cuban people.

“Some look toward the stepping down of one dictator as an evidence of change.  But, as Jose Marti wisely said, ‘To change masters is not to be free.’  Without fair, multiparty elections, the rights to association, free expression, and religious belief, an independent media, and the liberation of all political prisoners, the Cuban people are not free.  We cannot tolerate the swapping of one dictator for another.

“I am confident that the Cuban people once again will achieve their independence, as they did one hundred and fifteen years ago.  Until then, we stand with those heroes of today who, in the vein of Marti, persist in the struggle for freedom.  They are Berta Soler and the Ladies in White, Jorge Luis Garcia Perez Antunez, Yris Perez Aguilera, Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, Ivan Hernandez Carrillo, Rosa Maria Paya, Danilo Maldonado Machado ‘El Sexto,’ Antonio Rodiles, Jose Daniel Ferrer, Eduardo Cardet, and so many others.  These heroes are recognized around the world for their strength and resilience. In the last month alone, I had the privilege of attending ceremonies honoring Dr. Biscet and the Ladies in White. They have endured countless sacrifices and assumed grave risks so that the Cuban people may be free.

“Today, as we mark Cuba’s independence from a foreign foe, we also honor the spirit of independence that continues within the Cuban people today.  Together, we look forward to the day when the Cuban people celebrate their independence from the tyranny that has burdened them for nearly sixty years.”
 

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WASHINGTON – El congresista Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-25) emitió la siguiente declaración después de que el Departamento del Tesoro emitiera sanciones contra miembros del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia del régimen de Maduro en Venezuela.

"Hoy, el Presidente Trump impuso severas sanciones al Tribunal Supremo de Maduro en respuesta a la escalada de abusos y represión del régimen así como a los gravísimos atropellos a las instituciones democráticas de Venezuela, como la Asamblea Nacional. La decisión del Tribunal Supremo de destituir a la Asamblea Nacional electa de sus poderes fue una afrenta a la voluntad del pueblo venezolano, que tiene derecho a un gobierno representativo y a un poder judicial independiente. Estas sanciones, así como las palabras de la embajadora Nikki Haley ayer en las Naciones Unidas, son una fuerte condena a la devastación y tiranía del régimen de Maduro. Maduro encarcela a sus opositores políticos, censura a los medios de comunicación, corrompe las instituciones e instiga la violencia contra los manifestantes, y felicito al presidente Trump por tomar, una vez más, una posición firme a favor del pueblo venezolano".

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the Treasury Department issued sanctions against members of the Maduro regime’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice, sometimes referred to as the Supreme Court, in Venezuela.

“Today, President Trump imposed tough sanctions on the Maduro regime’s puppet Supreme Tribunal of Justice in response to escalating human rights abuses and repression, and the shameful assaults on Venezuela's democratic institutions such as the National Assembly.  The Supreme Tribunal Court’s decision to strip the elected National Assembly of its powers was an affront to the will of the Venezuelan people, who are entitled to representative government and an independent judiciary.  These sanctions, in addition to Ambassador Nikki Haley's words yesterday at the United Nations, are a strong condemnation of the devastation and tyranny wreaked by the Maduro regime.  While Maduro imprisons political opponents, censors media, corrupts institutions, and instigates violence against protesters, I commend President Trump for once again taking a strong stand on behalf of the Venezuelan people.”
 

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) delivered the following opening statement during a House Appropriations hearing on emerging transportation technologies.

As prepared for delivery: 

“Today we gather to discuss how new technologies are changing our transportation system. We will focus our time today on two specific technologies: unmanned aerial vehicles (or ‘U-A-Vs’ for short), and automated vehicles (also known as, ‘A-Vs’ or self-driving cars and trucks).

“These are exciting times! Both of these technologies will make freight and travel far more convenient and efficient. They will change how we live and work in ways that are, quite frankly, hard to imagine. Even more exciting is the potential for a much safer and more reliable transportation network.

“Last year, there were over 40,000 deaths from auto accidents and ninety percent of those were due to human error. By removing this human factor, automated vehicles could one day save tens of thousands of lives every year. It is difficult to fathom what an incredible achievement that would be.

“On the unmanned aircraft side, it appears that the future is already with us. The promise of drone technology is already beginning to transform our day-to-day lives. Together we need to figure out how to support innovation in our skies, while maintaining the world-class safety record of our airspace.

“To realize the benefits of these technologies, we must strike a balance between promoting private innovation and protecting public interest. These disruptive technologies offer a world of new possibilities, but the safety of the American people must come first.

“All levels of government will play some role in safeguarding the public as these technologies come to market. And there is no doubt that the agencies funded by this Subcommittee will play very active roles in the research and regulation of both UAVs and AVs. In addition to understanding how these technologies will change the transportation market place, we must also understand the appropriate role for government.

“To help us explore where we are now as well as where we are heading, Ranking Member Price and I welcome four technology experts from both industry and academia. I am pleased to introduce:

• Professor Mykel Kochenderfer from Stanford University’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics;
   
• Brian Wynne, President and CEO of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International;
   
• Nidhi Kalra, Ph.D. and Senior Information Scientist for the RAND Corporation; and
   
• David Strickland, Counsel and Spokesperson for the Self- Driving Coalition for Safer Streets.

“I want to thank each of you for joining us this morning and I look forward to your testimony.”

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MIAMI – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) recognized Mater Academy Charter High School sophomore Sabrina Valdes for her winning piece in the 25th congressional district’s 2017 Congressional Art Competition. Her piece, titled “Abandonment,” was chosen out of 89 entries submitted from 16 participating schools. Sabrina’s piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. A viewing reception for the submitted artwork was held on Tuesday, May 9th at Mary Collins Community Center in Miami Lakes, Florida. 

(L): Sabrina’s winning piece, “Abandonment” was done in acrylic paint. (R) Congressman Diaz-Balart addresses 2017 Congressional Art Competition participants and their families at the viewing reception.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 as a way to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of the country’s youth. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated nationwide. Each spring a winner is selected from each Congressional District in the U.S.

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