Latest news with #R-FL
Fibre2Fashion
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
SPACE Act aims to reform CBP funding at US Ports, AAPA welcomes bill
US representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have reintroduced the CBP Securing Ports and America's Commerce and Economy (SPACE) Act that seeks to curb Customs and Border Protection (CBP) overreach at US ports and establish a fair, transparent, and sustainable funding mechanism through existing user fees. The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has welcomed the move. The SPACE Act, first introduced in November 2023, also aims to improve accountability by enhancing transparency in CBP charges to local port partners. It has garnered bipartisan support, with original cosponsors including Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Troy Carter (D-LA). It is also backed by 27 organisations across the trade, logistics, and agriculture sectors. AAPA has welcomed the reintroduction of the bipartisan CBP SPACE Act by US lawmakers to address CBP overreach at ports and establish sustainable funding through existing user fees. Supported by 27 organisations, the act aims to boost transparency and accountability. Port leaders nationwide praised the move, citing strengthened CBP partnerships and improved port operations. 'CBP officers' work is crucial to the safety, health, and vitality of America's ports and we sincerely thank them,' Cary Davis, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at AAPA, said in a press release . 'However, the costs of government inspection operations are historically and constitutionally, a Federal government responsibility. Moreover, port commerce generates hundreds of millions of dollars in public tax revenue—taxpayers benefit when those funds are reinvested in the activities that generate future revenues in a virtuous cycle.' Port leaders nationwide echoed their support. Richard J Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany, emphasised the importance of efficient inter-agency collaboration, while Julianna Marler of the Port of Vancouver US noted the act would strengthen ports' roles as economic engines. Leaders from Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, Massport, and SeaPort Manatee also expressed gratitude for the legislation's focus on proper federal funding and reinforced partnerships with CBP. The AAPA viewed the SPACE Act as a decisive step towards reinforcing the security, efficiency, and financial clarity of US ports while aligning federal responsibilities with national economic goals, the release added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Full List of Republicans Backing Citizenship Path for Some Illegal Migrants
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nine Republican House lawmakers on Tuesday signed on to the reintroduction of an immigration-related bill called the Dignity Act that legislative sponsors say provides an "updated compromise" addressing legal status and protections for undocumented immigrants, border security, asylum reform, and visa reform. Why It Matters President Donald Trump's promise to lead the most aggressive administration in deterring illegal immigration has led to massive downturns in U.S.-Mexico border crossings and a major uptick in arrests of immigrants, most purported to be in the country illegally. However, other policy aspects, including the mechanisms employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), changes for green card holders, and nefarious effects on workplaces due to a labor shortage, have compounded an issue integral to the president's 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, a new Gallup poll released July 11 showed a steep drop among Republicans wanting immigration levels into the U.S. decreased—falling from 88 percent in 2024, down to 48 percent in June. The same survey showed an increase in Republicans who view immigration's positive effects on the U.S. What To Know U.S. House Representatives Democrat Veronica Escobar of Texas and Republican Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida, on Tuesday, touted the Dignity Act of 2025, which provides a broader legislative framework as opposed to the bipartisan bill of the same name initially introduced in 2023. Salazar, in a post on X, called it "the most impactful immigration reform in a generation." Newsweek reached out to Salazar and Escobar via email for comment. Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL) speaks during a roundtable discussion on the "Take It Down Act" in the Mike Mansfield Room at the U.S. Capitol on March 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL) speaks during a roundtable discussion on the "Take It Down Act" in the Mike Mansfield Room at the U.S. Capitol on March 03, 2025 in Washington, 22-page bill summary presents myriad options for immigration reform, including the following major revisions: Granting legal status and protections to undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. Reforming the asylum screening process to provide an opportunity for review and access to counsel. Creating new regional processing centers so migrants do not have to make the "perilous journey" to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum. Investing in border security and modernizing land ports of entry. Mandating accountability for ICE. Providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) charges a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee starting next year, for example, while a new Trump policy directive reported Tuesday by The Washington Post would eliminate bond hearings for undocumented immigrants facing deportation—potentially leading to prolonged detention for millions. The following lists all the Republican lawmakers who support the bill: Mario Rafael Diaz-Balart (Florida) Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania) Mike Lawler (New York) Dan Newhouse (Washington) David Valadao (California) Mike Kelly (Pennsylvania) Gabe Evans (Colorado) Marlin Stutzman (Indiana) Don Bacon (Nebraska) Young Kim (California) The following lists all the Democratic lawmakers who support the bill: Salud Carbajal (California) Lori Trahan (Massachusetts) Adam Gray (California) Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts) Nikki Budzinski (Illinois) Adriano Espaillat (New York) Greg Landsman (Ohio) Susie Lee (Nevada) Mike Levin (California) Laura Gillen (New York) Hillary Scholten (Michigan) Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi told Newsweek on Tuesday that the legislation faces an "uphill battle" as its legalization conflicts with priorities embedded in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its "enforcement-first" immigration policy. She cited how though the Dignity Act establishes a lengthy "dignity program" that gives undocumented individuals a chance to earn legal status and, eventually, a green card, H.R.1 [One Big Beautiful Bill Act] provides no legalization route and instead "doubles down on immigration enforcement" by funding mass deportations, detention expansions, and border wall construction. Similarly, where the Dignity Act would allow temporary admission through special permission, H.R. 1 tightens those permissions, brings back strict asylum rules, and adds steep new application fees, she said. "Without congressional action to roll back many of the core immigration elements of H.R. 1—especially the funding and restrictions around detention, deportations, and parole—there's really no practical space for the Dignity Act's approach," Berardi said. "However, I do think this framework could help create bipartisan conversations focused on creating easier work-visa access and temporary status for migrant workers in industries like agriculture, hospitality, health care and manufacturing. "I want to believe Congress can find a middle ground on immigration that our economy urgently needs to stabilize the labor supply and provide accountability and legal clarity for the people doing work no one else will." What People Are Saying Representative Maria Elvira Salazar on Tuesday on Fox & Friends: "They did break the law. They are illegals or undocumented. But they have been here for more than five years, contributing to the economy. Those people, someone gave them a job, and they are needed because we need hands in order to continue being the number one economy in the world." Representative Veronica Escobar in a statement: "I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system." Representative Adam Gray of California said in a statement, "The Central Valley cannot function without our immigrant community. For generations, people from all over the world have come to the Valley to work hard, pay taxes, and provide for their families. Without them, our economy would crumble. The bipartisan Dignity Act reflects this reality and addresses our broken immigration system, strengthens our southern border, fixes our visa backlog, and grants legal status to hardworking, law-abiding immigrants already living in the United States." Representative Hilary Scholten of Michigan said in a statement, "As an attorney who has worked on immigration issues, both at the nation's top law enforcement agency and at a community legal aid organization, helping migrants in West Michigan, I know this system. I've seen firsthand what patchwork and reactionary immigration policies do to families and communities, and I remain committed to creating a system that is both fair and humane, balancing humanitarian concerns with law enforcement." What Happens Next Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill", signed into law last weekend, drastically increases funding for immigration enforcement efforts, likely leading to more detentions and deportations.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Matt Gaetz skipping Charlie Kirk event to meet Trump in Washington? ‘Fire' Pam Bondi calls grow
Matt Gaetz, as per social media reports, skipped a Charlie Kirk event on Saturday to meet President Donald Trump in Washington, DC. While nothing is confirmed as of now, speculation about the former Florida Rep is being tipped as a potential replacement for Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is facing 'fire' calls amid the FBI vs DOJ row, has surfaced. Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks during a rally organized by conservative activists in Beverly Hills(REUTERS) 'MATT GAETZ PULLED FROM CHARLIE KIRK EVENT - SUMMONED TO DC BY TRUMP. Gaetz won't be at the Student Action Summit today. Trump wants him in D.C. Now the he being tapped as Special Prosecutor?' one commentator noted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter. 'Matt Gaetz is on his way to Washington, DC at the request of President Trump, canceling a previously scheduled appearance with Charlie Kirk,' another one added. Read More: Kash Patel will resign if Dan Bongino leaves; FBI chief 'frustrated' with Pam Bondi Gaetz clarified that he has not been 'summoned' anywhere. 'I'm having FOMO I'm not at SAS with all of my @TPUSA @TPAction_ friends. It looks like a great time. I had to tend to an unexpected personal matter. I haven't been 'summoned' anywhere. President Trump and his entire administration are doing an incredible job and they have my TOTAL and COMPLETE support. Maybe @charliekirk11 will let me come on his show next week and give the speech I wrote :),' the former Florida Rep noted. Gaetz had earlier this year withdrawn from the AG nomination. Trump had then named Pam Bondi as his replacement. He told Charlie Kirk that he would continue supporting Trump 'from a new perch,' hinting at a possible administration role or a bid for Marco Rubio's Senate seat. Read More: Will Pam Bondi resign? Epstein files debacle draws MAGA ire: 'She was too lazy' Calls to Fire Pam Bondi Bondi's Justice Department this month announced no further arrests in the Jeffrey Epstein case, claiming no 'client list' existed. This contradicted earlier promises by Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had fueled conservative expectations of new revelations. Conservative influencers like Laura Loomer and Jack Posobiec demanded Bondi's resignation, with Loomer calling her 'Blondi' and accusing her of mishandling the case.
The Hill
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) discuss Elon Musk and the 'Big, Beautiful Bill'
Is the political evolution surrounding Elon Musk about to continue? The world's wealthiest man threatened to primary those who campaigned on reducing government spending but vote for the One, Big Beautiful Bill. I spoke with two lawmakers on different sides of the aisle shortly after the post. 'I don't always agree with Elon Musk. I do agree with him on this,' Rep Ami Bera (D-CA) told me. 'Elon Musk should do what Elon Musk wants to do,' Bera continued. 'It's certainly interesting him making those type of claims when he's made a significant amount of money off subsidies from the federal government in the form of electric vehicle subsidies, and those are the type of things that need to be cut in this bill,' Rep Greg Steube (R-FL) told me. A much different tone from just a month ago when Musk was in the White House— revered by the right and a foe to the left.
Int'l Business Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
GOP Lawmakers Issue Ultimatum to Demand Changes to Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' or Face Rejection: 'All Three of Us Have to Be Yes'
A trio of Senate conservatives is threatening to derail President Donald Trump's sweeping legislative spending package unless GOP leaders agree to steep spending cuts and rollbacks of green energy subsidies and Medicaid. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) are demanding significant changes to the Senate version of what Trump has dubbed his "big, beautiful bill," warning that they will vote as a bloc against the measure if their conditions are not met. "There's no way I vote for this thing next week," Johnson told reporters, citing concerns that the bill would add to the deficit rather than reduce it, The Hill reported. "All three of us have to be yes or none of us are yes." The legislation, which Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) hopes to bring to the floor next week, has already drawn opposition from moderates including Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) over proposed cuts to Medicaid. But conservatives now pose an equally serious obstacle, calling for deeper cuts and a faster repeal of renewable energy tax credits passed under the Biden administration. Scott is pushing for dramatic changes to the federal Medicaid funding formula, including a rollback of the enhanced match rate for states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. "The focus should be on: How do we take care of what Medicaid's original purpose was? It's children and the chronically ill," he argued, adding that half of adults covered by Medicaid expansion are not working and are not disabled. Senate moderates like Hawley, Murkowski and Susan Collins (R-ME) have raised alarms about the impact of Medicaid cuts on rural hospitals, while hardliners insist the deficit must be addressed urgently. Lee, meanwhile, wants a more aggressive phaseout of green energy subsidies. "Green New Deal subsidies that don't terminate by 2028 will effectively become permanent," he warned followers on X. Murkowski and other senators warn sudden withdrawal of clean energy subsidies would cost jobs and waste billions of already invested dollars. The internal standoff comes amid a new Congressional Budget Office projection that the House-passed version of Trump's agenda would add $3.4 trillion to the national debt. While Johnson acknowledged historic spending cuts in the legislation, he cautioned that the cuts are outweighed by new spending provisions. Despite efforts by Thune to bridge divides within the caucus, the fate of the bill remains uncertain. "The deficit will eat us alive if we don't get it under control," Lee posted on X. "If not us, who? If not now, when?" Originally published on Latin Times
