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Mike Haridopolos ha inviato un aggiornamento 7 mesi, 1 settimana fa
Mike Haridopolos
It’s been another busy and productive week, both in Washington and for the people of Florida’s Space and Treasure Coasts. I’m working every day to deliver results for our district and to support our future. Here’s a look at what I did this week.
I’d like to start with some news that I’m very proud of: Since taking office just two months ago, my team has resolved over 375 cases for local veterans, seniors, small business owners, and families, helping them cut through federal red tape and reclaim what they are rightfully owed. In that time, we’ve secured more than $500,000 in benefits, refunds, and payments that the federal government had delayed or withheld from the people of Florida.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies too often shortchange hardworking Americans, and my staff and I are committed to making sure that every taxpayer, veteran, and retiree gets the benefits they have earned. If you or someone you know is struggling to navigate a federal agency, whether it’s Social Security, the VA, Medicare, or another issue, please reach out to my office. We are here to help!
On Monday, I was thrilled to see SpaceX announce a $1.8 billion investment to expand their facilities at Kennedy Space Center. This major investment will bring 600 new jobs to our community and further solidify Brevard County as the heart of America’s space industry. As the global leader in spaceflight, SpaceX’s continued growth on the Space Coast ensures that Florida remains at the forefront of innovation, exploration, and economic opportunity.
On Tuesday, I had the honor of listening to President Donald J. Trump address Congress, and it was a reminder of why so many of us put our trust in him. He spoke with optimism about what’s ahead, highlighting how illegal border crossings have dropped to historic lows in just 43 days, a sure sign that his approach to border security is making a difference. He also shared plans to support the middle class by making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, and safeguarding Social Security. It’s a practical vision that I believe can support our seniors, families and workers, and strengthen our economy in the long run.
Also in the speech, President Trump took time to honor a young cancer survivor, name a wildlife refuge for Jocelyn Nungary, and announced long-awaited justice for the terrorists responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing. He talked about trimming wasteful spending, like millions spent on questionable projects at USAID, and I think most of us can agree that’s a worthy goal.
His speech reaffirmed why voters entrusted him with a second term. His commitment to putting America first, standing up for hardworking families, and ensuring our nation remains strong on the world stage is already shaping real progress. I am proud to stand with him in this fight, and I will continue working in Congress to turn this vision into lasting policy that benefits the people of Florida and America.
This week, the House voted on more bills aimed at cutting Biden-era regulations that stifled growth and raised prices for consumers.
I voted YES on S.J. Res. 11, which blocks a Biden administration rule that discourages energy production by forcing oil and gas companies to conduct expensive and unnecessary archaeological surveys before drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf. This rule had no real benefit but added more costs, delayed domestic production, and made us more dependent on foreign energy. Reversing it restores common sense and ensures that we are using our own resources to strengthen American energy security instead of relying on countries that don’t have our best interests at heart.
I voted YES on H.J. Res.61, which overturns a burdensome EPA rule targeting tire manufacturers. This regulation added millions in compliance costs to American businesses while offering no significant environmental benefits, putting jobs at risk and driving up prices for hardworking Americans.
I voted YES on H.J. Res. 42, which blocks a Department of Energy rule that would have expanded costly appliance regulations and restricted consumer choice. The Biden administration pushed for mandates that force Americans to buy expensive, less effective appliances, limiting options and hurting families and small businesses, and this reversal ensures that consumers get to decide what works best for their homes, not Washington bureaucrats.
Beyond policy, I also voted YES on H. Res. 189 to formally censure Rep. Al Green for his disgraceful and disruptive conduct during President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. His repeated interruptions and refusal to follow House rules showed a blatant disrespect for both the presidency and the institution of Congress. This kind of behavior has no place in serious governance, and it was important to take a stand for civility and decorum in the House.
Throughout the week, I had a variety of meetings about the future of American space exploration and its impact on our local economy. I met with NASA Human Spaceflight Center Directors to discuss the vital work being done at their facilities, as well as the Expedition 71 astronauts, who recently returned from a 230-day mission aboard the ISS. I also spoke with industry leaders supplying key components for the Artemis Program, whose companies support tens of thousands of jobs in our community.
One of my top priorities is protecting the core missions at Kennedy Space Center and ensuring that NASA has the workforce needed to deliver on Artemis. When concerns arose about potential job cuts at NASA, I worked closely with both of Florida’s U.S. Senators to make sure no jobs were lost at KSC unless employees voluntarily chose to leave. With Artemis aiming to return Americans to the Moon in the coming years, we need all hands on deck to make this program a success. This work is key for national security, continued technological leadership, and ensuring America stays ahead of China and other competitors in space. The Space Coast plays a critical role in advancing these missions, and I remain committed to ensuring NASA and its workforce have the support they need to keep America first in space.
This week, I took to the House Floor to recognize Army Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris and Master Sgt. Arcadio Santiago-Rodriguez for their extraordinary courage and service.
Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, a Green Beret and Medal of Honor recipient, risked his life in Vietnam to recover a fallen comrade under heavy fire. Wounded multiple times, he completed his mission with unwavering bravery, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, later upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Master Sgt. Arcadio Santiago-Rodriguez, a member of the Borinqueneers, led his squad to safety in the Korean War and single-handedly engaged five enemy soldiers, saving a wounded comrade. For his heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star, and at 101 years old, I proudly support efforts to honor him with the Congressional Gold Medal. These men embody the best of our nation, and it was an honor to recognize their service.
I’m honored to serve our community, and I will keep fighting for the issues that matter most to you. Remember, if you need assistance with a federal agency or want to share your thoughts on the work we’re doing in Congress, my office is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re always ready to listen and serve.