Last week, while the Biden administration chose dereliction of duty over service to the American people, my office was hard at work introducing meaningful, commonsense legislation that will benefit all Americans. We began the week by reintroducing the bipartisan, H.R. 1008, the Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act. This bill will allow for the inclusion of ‘algal blooms’ to the applicability of Major Disaster Declarations to preserve vital marine ecosystems and give state and local leaders the opportunity to request federal funding to protect their waterways for future generations to come. 

Then we introduced a comprehensive legislative package of four nuclear energy bills. The package included initiatives to develop a national strategy to use microreactors when assisting with the impacts of natural disasters, defer Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatory fees for small businesses and direct the NRC to implement an anonymous survey for agency personnel to improve the NRC’s efficiency and effectiveness. These four bills emphasize my commitment to growing the production and utilization of nuclear energy in America. The introduction of this nuclear energy package is only just the beginning of my advocacy for this safe, reliable, and green alternative energy source in the 118th Congress.

We also re-introduced the bicameral Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act to hold the illegitimate communist Cuban regime accountable through severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure. This legislation holds the worst abusers in the authoritarian Cuban government accountable for their egregious human rights violations against democracy activists and reaffirms America’s commitment to freedom, liberty, and justice. The Cuban people need and deserve the full support of the United States in their relentless and righteous fight for liberation from the Communist Cuban regime.

This all occurred under the backdrop of gross-incompetence displayed by the Biden administration. Following the horrific train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a meeting was held in which the Mayor and state officials answered questions about the environmental disaster unfolding in their 4,000-person town. At this meeting we learned that for nearly two weeks, the White House refused to reach out to local leadership. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg also was nowhere to be found. Earlier in the week he openly questioned the lack of diversity at construction sites but when things really mattered, he was silent and hiding from the outrage.

President Biden also finally held a press conference to discuss the Chinese spy-balloon that had traversed the entirety of our country in early February. At the conclusion of his speech, Biden turned to the media for questions, but as soon as a reporter asked him about his business dealings with China, our President called the reporters mean and proceeded to walk off stage without answering a single question. While Biden continues the basement strategy, Vice President Harris did have commentary to share. She believes China’s overt violation of our national sovereignty will not affect our relations with China’s Communist leaders. Even more concerning, new reports now show that the alleged foreign balloon recently shot down with a missile by the US Air Force over Alaska was actually a $180 hobbyist balloon unleashed by the Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade. 

The ineptitude displayed by the Biden administration last week was unacceptable and embarrassing but my office will continue to offer commonsense and bipartisan legislative solutions in the face of this incompetence.

As your Congressman, you have my commitment to work on your behalf and restore order and proper governance to The People's House. 

Rep. Byron Donalds, Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduce DEMOCRACIA Act Sanctioning Communist Cuban Regime for Human Rights Abuses

WASHINGTON - Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) announced the reintroduction of the bicameral Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act to hold the illegitimate communist Cuban regime accountable through severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure. Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, Tommy Tuberville and Roger Marshall introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate. 

Representatives Alex Mooney, Mario Díaz-Balart and María Elvira Salazar joined Congressman Byron Donalds in reintroducing the bill.

Representative Byron Donalds said, “For six decades, the Cuban people have faced unimaginable horrors that have denied their fundamental human rights, subjected them to imprisonment and abuse, and limited the prosperity of millions. This legislation targets the worst abusers in the authoritarian government accountable are their egregious human rights violations against democracy activists and reaffirms our commitment to freedom, liberty, and justice. The Cuban people need and deserve the full support of the United States in their relentless and righteous fight for liberation from the Communist Cuban regime.”

Senator Rick Scott said, “For decades, Cuba has been the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to the national security of the United States. The illegitimate, communist Castro/Diaz-Canel regime harbors terrorist groups, has eliminated free and fair elections, threatens and arbitrarily arrests critics, journalists and political activists, and props up other ruthless dictators, like Maduro in Venezuela and Ortega in Nicaragua while providing a foothold in Latin American for Russia, Iran and Communist China to spread their influence. As the Cuban people’s fight for freedom from the oppressive and illegitimate communist Cuban regime continues, the United States must stand with the Cuban people. This year alone, a significant influx of migrants from Cuba have illegally entered Florida. We know that a free and prosperous Cuba would liberate the Cuban people and eliminate the source of socialist cancer in our Hemisphere. The DEMOCRACIA Act implements severe sanctions against Communist Cuba and closes existing sanctions gaps. The bill makes clear that the United States will not sit on the sidelines during this critical fight. It’s time for President Biden to stop his failed appeasement and punish the communist regime for its crimes. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to immediately take up and pass the DEMOCRACIA Act and send a clear message to President Biden that the time for strength in the fight for freedom in Cuba is now.”

Representative María Elvira Salazar said, “As the daughter of Cuban exiles, I am committed to fighting against the murderous regime that forced so many of us to flee. The DEMOCRACIA Act will ensure that any foreign company choosing to do business with the Castro regime will be blocked from doing business with the United States. We will not stand idly by as foreign businesses supply oxygen to a brutal dictatorship. The United States must not do business with dictators.”

Representative Mario Díaz-Balart said, “I am proud to, once again, join my colleagues in this crucial legislation to impose tough sanctions on those who enrich the murderous, oppressive, and anti-American Cuban dictatorship. As brave pro-democracy and human rights activists continue to face brutality, imprisonment, and repression for simply demanding freedom, this legislation will deny resources to the regime’s machinery of oppression, including the Cuban military and state security. I commend my colleagues, Congressman Byron Donalds and Senator Rick Scott, for their leadership in holding human rights abusers accountable, and for their strong solidarity with the Cuban people."

Senator Marco Rubio said, “Expanding from existing legislation, the DEMOCRACIA Act seeks to impose a cost on individuals who continue to oppress the people of Cuba. From their puppet leader, Díaz-Canel, to their GAESA cronies, the Cuban dictatorship has continued to illegally enrich itself while everyday Cubans remain targets of oppression, censorship, and human rights violations. As a State Sponsor of Terrorism, the Castro/Díaz-Canel dictatorship continues to threaten our regional stability through their active support of anti-democratic regimes in our hemisphere.”

Senator Tim Scott said, “Cuba’s illegitimate communist regime trains our enemies, empowers our adversaries to destabilize democracies, and exports the brutality of communism throughout the Western Hemisphere and beyond. The Biden administration has failed to hold the Cuban regime accountable for its crimes against humanity and abandoned the Cuban freedom-fighters. It’s time for the United States to take concrete, targeted action against the worst abusers of the Diaz-Canel regime and uplift the people of Cuba as they strive for freedom and democracy.”

Senator Roger Marshall said, “Communism’s false promises have failed to provide the Cuban people with economic prosperity and basic human rights. We must not turn a blind eye to these offenses, or we dangerously run the risk of legitimizing communism. America stands with the Cuban people in their demand for freedom. We will not sit quietly on the sidelines and Sen. Scott’s important legislation will help them accomplish this dream.”

The Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act (DEMOCRACIA Act):

• Authorizes the President to impose sanctions—blocking assets and denying entry into the United States—on a foreign person if the President determines that the person knowingly engages in an activity with Cuba’s defense sector, security sector, intelligence sector, or any other sector involved in carrying out human rights abuses or providing support for international terrorism.
  • A foreign person or senior official that provides significant financial, material or technological support to, or engages in a significant transaction with Cuba’s defense, security or intelligence sector or any entity or individual affiliated with that sector (including their immediate adult family member)
  • Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 25% or more by one or more designated persons are also subject to sanctions
  • Any foreign person that is a military contractor, mercenary or paramilitary force knowingly operating in a military, security, or intelligence capacity for or on behalf of the Cuban regime

• Authorizes the President to impose sanctions with respect to human rights abuse and corruption in Cuba including:
  • Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, to include the Office of Religious Affairs and members of the Politburo and the Central Committee
  • Members of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers
  • Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, to include, the National Revolutionary Police Force
  • Members of the committee for the Defense of the Revolution
  • The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba
  • Office of the President of Cuba
  • Any official of the Cuban regime who works with the Ministry of Justice or the Office of the Attorney General and who violates due process rights of an individual in Cuba
  • The spouse and children of any of these blocked individuals are also subject to these sanctions

• Authorizes the President to terminate these sanctions only if he certifies to Congress that the Government of Cuba:
  • Has released all political prisoners,
  • Legalized all political parties,
  • Establishes a free press, and
  • Free, fair, multiparty internationally observed elections are scheduled in a timely manner

• Authorizes the President to immediately use all means possible to provide unrestricted, reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime

• Requires the President to establish a taskforce to develop long-term solutions for providing reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime

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Donalds Urges Efficiency At U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

WASHINGTON - Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) sent a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) urging the distribution of an anonymous, optional survey to NRC personnel relating to the improvement of the agency’s operational efficiency. Currently at NRC, in addition to other federal agencies, a workplace culture exists in which constructive, honest feedback from staff is discouraged. For the agency to reach its full potential of optimal effectiveness, constructive criticism must be encouraged, realized, and its lessons implemented. There is no better vehicle for NRC personnel to submit their proposed improvements to agency operations—without the fear of negative repercussions—than through an anonymous survey. 

• “In furtherance of the United States’ goal of being a global nuclear leader, I believe that the distribution of such a survey will ultimately improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the agency—without subjecting NRC employees to potential repercussions for participating and sharing their honest thoughts about how improve certain antiquated regulatory methods and processes.”

See the full text of the letter below:

Dear Chairman Hanson:

I write with optimism and hope that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), notwithstanding any prior or future legislative action, craft and distribute an anonymous, optional survey to select NRC personnel. In furtherance of the United States’ goal of being a global nuclear leader, I believe that the distribution of such a survey will ultimately improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the agency—without subjecting NRC employees to potential repercussions for participating and sharing their honest thoughts about how improve certain antiquated regulatory methods and processes.

For background, I introduced H.R. 9351—the NRC Survey Act—in the 117th Congress. This bill had five bipartisan cosponsors and received great feedback from the nuclear community at large. Although this crucial piece of legislation didn’t receive a vote on the House or Senate floor, I believe anonymous responses to the inquiries laid out in the NRC Survey Act would greatly benefit the innerworkings of the NRC and subsequently improve the nuclear industry as a whole. Also for your awareness, I recently reintroduced H.R. 1006—the NRC Survey Act—and have the intention of passing it with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers.

There’s a simple reason why I respectfully request the NRC OIG voluntarily craft and distribute an optional, anonymous survey to certain NRC employees. The time is now to enact meaningful policy change to optimize the functions of the NRC—especially with the expected future influx of fission and fusion reactor applications—and I ultimately believe it would be in the best wellbeing of Congress to receive responses to the targeted inquires listed in H.R. 1006 as soon as possible. In my opinion, receiving personal responses from NRC staff themselves about the following nuclear areas would greatly assist congress’ upcoming nuclear-related actions throughout the 118th Congress: (a) public outreach and engagement; (b) risk-informed, performance-based licensing review; (c) unnecessary, outdated, and unduly burdensome laws or regulations; (d) subsequent license renewals; (e) the need for legislative clarity on certain terms and definitions; (f) NRC staff experience and preparation for reviewing advanced nuclear reactors; (g) redefining the NRC’s mission statement and mandate to promote both safety and innovation; (h) using artificial intelligence to improve the NRC’s daily functions; (I) learning from the methods and processes of other foreign governmental agencies that oversee nuclear energy; etc.

While I call on congress to quickly pass the NRC Survey Act in the 118th Congress, I simultaneously write today to ask that the NRC OIG voluntarily craft and distribute an anonymous, optional survey to certain NRC employees in accordance with H.R. 1006. Congress should hear from NRC officials themselves about how to improve their own agency, and I believe this voluntary effort in crafting and distributing the survey would be a worthwhile endeavor for the NRC OIG. If our country is to be prepared for the next Nuclear Renaissance, we must hold federal employees to the highest standards to ensure the federal government—specifically the NRC—is operating at full capacity with a successful strategy to combat the challenges of the future. Let’s hear from the experts, embrace agency change, and promote nuclear innovation by modernizing certain antiquated NRC policies.

Sincerely,

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Rep. Donalds Statement On The January Consumer Price Index
  

WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement on the newly released January Consumer Price Index.

“When Joe Biden took office in January of 2021, inflation in America was just 1.4 percent. Today’s newly released January 2023 Consumer Price Index lists inflation in America at 6.4 percent, exceeding the expectations of economists. Core consumer prices also rose 5.6 percent while real average hourly earnings fell 1.8 percent, meaning for the 22nd month in a row, inflation has outpaced wages. 

“This disappointing report is unfortunately nothing new. Over the past two years, President Biden and House Democrats recklessly spent trillions of dollars that we didn’t have, causing the affordability crisis in which we currently find ourselves. To fight back and rectify the economic misdeeds of the Biden administration, we must increase our domestic energy production to lower electricity bills, work to lower food prices, and control federal spending in Washington. Bringing down inflation will not be easy, but I am committed to working on behalf of the people of Southwest Florida to make our collective goal of affordability a reality once more.”

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Congressman Donalds Reintroduces The Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19) reintroduced H.R. 1008, the Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act, which allows for the inclusion of ‘algal blooms’ to the applicability of Major Disaster Declarations to preserve vital marine ecosystems.

“Water is Florida’s most important natural resource and serves as the heart & soul of Southwest Florida,” said Rep. Donalds. “I’m committed to advancing bipartisan policies that promote the preservation of our waterways against potential long-term damage resulting from harmful algal blooms. This bill gives state and local leaders the opportunity to request federal funding to protect their waterways for future generations to come. I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support in this effort to protect our nation’s marine ecosystems.”

“Protecting our pristine natural resources is not a partisan issue.  Unfortunately, communities throughout the state of Florida have seen the devastation that harmful algae blooms and red tide can have on our eco-system and tourism-related industries,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who serves as Co-Chairman of the House Travel and Tourism Caucus. “Florida’s combined recreational and commercial fisheries alone generate an estimated $27.2 billion and support nearly 300,000 jobs. When these disasters occur, Florida needs to be able to access the same emergency resources that are provided to help Americans recover from other natural disasters.  Additionally, I’ll continue to support efforts to determine how best to prevent, treat and mitigate these conditions should they occur in the future.” 

“Florida’s waterways are integral to our economic growth and prosperity,” said Rep. Waltz. “As Floridians, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects that algal blooms and red tides have had on our coastal communities. Moving forward, we must work together at every level of government, including federal, to better protect Florida’s beautiful waterways and our way of life.”

“Our unique and beautiful ecosystem in Florida is one of America’s treasures. Not only is it the center of a robust tourism industry, it is home to thriving fisheries and precious minerals,” said Rep. Luna. “Algal blooms and events like red tide are a disastrous threat to this vibrant resource, which is why it’s extremely important we do what we can to protect it and conserve our waterways: for our livelihoods, local economy and flourishing habitat!” 

“Florida’s waterways are critical to our state’s tourism industry and ecosystems. In recent years, algal blooms have had devastating effects on our environment, wildlife and economy so it makes sense to ensure they are eligible for disaster relief funding,” said Rep. Franklin. “I’m pleased to join Rep. Donalds and my Florida colleagues in supporting this bill so we can keep our state’s water clean and beautiful for generations to come.”

“Time after time, Treasure Coast communities have seen the utter disaster toxic algal blooms cause for our environment, economy, and public health.” said Rep. Mast. “Much of it could be prevented if it weren’t for the federal government’s mismanagement of waterways in Florida.  By forcing the federal government to pay for some of the damage caused, this bill will force our government to think twice before they discharge toxic water into our communities.”

“Water is not only a vital resource but a way of life in Florida,” said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. “Floridians have seen the detrimental impacts that harmful algal blooms have on our communities. I am proud to work in a bipartisan effort to make sure Florida’s waters are protected for generations to come.”

“Just as we respond to a tornado and hurricane, we must respond the same way to Algal Bloom," said Rep. Moskowitz. "We all have seen first hand the damage that algal bloom and red tide can have on our local economy and local communities. By empowering FEMA to respond to the environmental impact caused by algal bloom, we will help local economies and ensure our waterways are protected for future generations to come."

Co-Sponsors of this legislation include Representatives Diaz-Balart (FL-26); Franklin (FL-18); Posey (FL-08); Wasserman Schultz (FL-25); Bilirakis (FL-12); Frost (FL-10); Luna (FL-13); Frankel (FL-22); Waltz (FL-06); Moskowitz (FL-23); Mast (FL-21); Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20); Salazar (FL-27); and Castor (FL-14).

Read this legislation in its entirety HERE.

Donalds Introduces Bipartisan Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act

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Congressman Donalds Remembers The Life Of Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement expressing his condolences following the passing of Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs. 

"Erika and I join the entire Southwest Florida community in mourning the untimely passing of Chief Diggs. Throughout his more than four-decade-long exemplary career in law enforcement, Chief Diggs epitomized the commitment and devotion to service entrusted to our first responders. The people of Fort Myers benefited greatly from his steadfast commitment to their safety and peace of mind, and we are forever indebted to heroes like Chief Diggs. May God comfort his family and loved ones at this devastating time, and may his memory be a blessing."   

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Reopening Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Members of Team Donalds attended the opening of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife refuge has been opened to the public for the first time in 35 years thanks to the hard work of the Izaak Walton League - Cypress Chapter, Florida Fish & Wildlife, the Panther Refuge, the Gladesman Foundation and many other non-profits.

Children from all over Southwest Florida were invited to learn about the importance of conservation, sustainability and outdoor activities. The wildlife refuge opening event included archery, fishing, hiking, educational stations and swamp buggy rides.

Congressman Donalds Tours Construction Site

Congressman Donalds toured the Ascend construction site on Davis Blvd in Downtown Naples. The Congressman met with construction workers from the site who are currently in the process of building a 15-story apartment rental complex. 

Groundbreaking Ceremony for CREST

Members of Team Donalds attended a Groundbreaking Ceremony hosted by Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (LA-MSID) to celebrate the beginning of Phase I of The Caloosahatchee River Estuary Storage and Treatment (CREST) Project.

This $2,000,000 project funded by the Florida Legislature involves the construction of inlet and outlet water control structures and a filter marsh for the multi-ecosystem storage and water quality stormwater facility that will provide protection for the Caloosahatchee River, Bedman Creek, Hendry County, Lehigh Acres, and the region.

Donalds Introduces 4 New Nuclear Energy Bills

Congressman Donalds To Hold Town Hall In Bonita Springs

Donalds Introduces Bipartisan Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act

Rep. Byron Donalds To Newsmax: Oversight 'Looking Into' AT&T DirecTV Hearing

ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined The Laura Ingraham Show

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined Prime News

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined Julie Mason Mornings

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined Varney & Co.

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined The Great America Show With Lou Dobbs

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined Daybreak with Drew Steele

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Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida's 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It's time Washington works for our community's values, and I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you every day. 

Sincerely, 

Byron Donalds
Member of Congress