Out2 News Government & Politics
Important Information for Our Valued Passport Customers
Passport Services are available at our Main Office in Stuart and Hobe Sound Branch by appointment only by calling 772-288-5553.
Please check the US Department of State website for up to date information on Passport Processing times and tracking information.
Applications
Passport applications are accepted in the Official Records Division at:
100 SE Ocean Boulevard
First Floor of the Constitutional Building
Stuart, FL 34994
Hobe Sound office located at:
11730 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Visit the Martin County Clerk and Comptroller for your Passport Photo!
Please see the Passport Photo Flyer (PDF).
Passport Requirements
Please read the application carefully and/or visit the U.S. Department of State Website for your specific circumstances.
Application (DS-11): Please use black ink and do not sign the application until requested to do so by clerk
Fees (A portion of the fee must be a check or money order - Please see the fee sections for appropriate fees)
A Passport Photo (2 by 2 inches; plain white background - can be taken at our Stuart or Hobe Sound offices for a $17 fee)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship- Certified Birth Certificate and/or Expired Passport or Certificate of Naturalization *Birth Certificates for all applicants, regardless of age, must include the parent(s) name.
Children who have a previously issued passport must submit both the passport and Birth Certificate.
Valid Drivers License, Military ID, or other government-issued ID
All applicants (including children) must be present when applying for a passport.
Children under 16 must have the consent of both parents - Please ask the clerk for parental consent options, if necessary.
$35 cash or check payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court" for the processing fee of each passport application. This is in addition to the fees listed.
Passport Book Fee
Adult (age 16 and older)
$130 Check or Money order only - made payable to "US DEPT OF STATE"
Child (Under age 16) - (Both parents-or proper consent- and child must be present)
$100 Check or Money order only - made payable to "US DEPT OF STATE"
Passport Card Fee: Land & Sea Travel Only
Adult (age 16 and older)
$30 Check or Money order only - made payable to "US DEPT OF STATE"
Child - (Under age 16) - (Both parents-or proper consent- and child must be present)
$15 Check or Money order only - made payable to "US DEPT OF STATE"
Additional Services
Expedite processing - $60 additional fee per applicant
1 to 2 day return delivery - $19.53 additional fee per applicant. (This service not available for Passport Cards)
File search fee - $150
Passport Renewals
Passport Renewal Applications (Form DS-82) are processed and mailed directly from the applicant to the U.S. Passport office. Passport renewals can be completed by mail if:
Applicant holds a valid, undamaged passport that is not more than 5 years past the date of expiration and not more than 15 years since being issued.
Applicant was at least 16 years of age when passport was issued.
This office will review renewal applications for accuracy, upon request, at no charge to the customer. Please contact this office at 772-288-5553 for additional information relating to the renewal of an existing passport.
Congressman Brian Mast and Sage Truck Driving Schools Join IRSC
Fort Pierce - The Indian River State College (IRSC) Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex will serve as the backdrop on Wednesday, April 5, for a critical discussion about improving the supply chain through new opportunities in transportation and logistics. The event features remarks from Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College; Congressman Brian Mast, Florida’s 21st Congressional District; Chris Thropp, President of Sage Truck Driving Schools; and Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.
Among topics for discussion is legislation introduced in January by Congressman Mast that would eliminate age restrictions on truckers. The Ceasing Age-Based (CAB) Trucking Restrictions Act would allow truckers between 18 and 20 years old to transport goods across state lines. Eliminating the age restriction, Mast says, would add to the supply chain workforce, benefitting constituents of the 21st Congressional District.
“Getting more drivers on the road is a key component in addressing the nation’s ongoing supply chain issues,” said Rep. Mast. “I’m grateful to have partners like IRSC and Sage Truck Driving School right here in Florida’s 21st District that can help achieve that goal.”
Attendees will also hear from Veteran and retired Polk County Sheriff Marc Newsom, a Driver Qualification Process Facilitator for Knight Transportation. At Knight, Newsom is accountable for ensuring drivers are DOT-qualified, finalizing the hiring process and providing an orientation to their new position.
Newsom is a graduate of Sage Truck Driving Schools, a comprehensive professional tractor-trailer driver training company working with students and fleets across the country. Sage has offices and classrooms on the Indian River State College Massey Campus. Students enroll in Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training through the IRSC School of Continuing Education.
"For over 30 years, Sage Truck Driving Schools have provided high quality driver training programs to students and fleets across the country. The trucking industry represents a significant element in our nation’s supply chain. As the American Trucking Association puts it, every good in the U.S. has been on a truck at some point in its journey,” said Sage President Chris Thropp. “Our mission is to make sure every student receives personal attention and hands-on training to make them the safest and most knowledgeable drivers they can be. We have been a proud partner with Indian River State College for 16 years, providing a vital career training resource on the Treasure Coast.”
‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ begins at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to conclude at noon. Attendees should park in the lot outside the Tomeu Center (Building C), accessible from S. 30th Street, on the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce by 10:15 a.m.
“Supply-chain disruptions exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic continue to offer significant and widespread challenges for our nation, and we are delighted to join with Congressman Mast and our partners at Sage Truck Driving Schools to illuminate a path forward,” said Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.
For more information about ‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ or to R.S.V.P. for the event, contact Erin Cosentino at ecosentino@irsc.edu.
Protecting Home Rule
Week In Review
City of Fort Pierce Launches Assessment Survey for Community Development Block Grant
The City of Fort Pierce anticipates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will allocate approximately $564,875 to the City of Fort Pierce for the fiscal program year, October 2023-2024 for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
The City of Fort Pierce is developing its 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan to detail the proposed use of the CDBG funds during the program year, which begins October 1, 2023, and ends September 30, 2024. The Action Plan represents Year #3 of 2021-2025, 5-Year Consolidated Plan previously reviewed by citizens and approved by the City Commission. The Action Plan will outline issues and opportunities facing Fort Pierce and address matters such as infrastructure, public and assisted housing, and economic and community development.
Fort Pierce city residents and public service providers are encouraged to take the Community Needs Assessment Survey, online or in hard copy. A survey in English or Spanish can be easily accessed on the City website at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S9YC9LX
Citizens may request a copy emailed or mailed by calling 772-467-3161 or emailing grantsadministration@cityoffortpierce.com between March 15th and April 15th, 2023.
Survey results will be automatically tabulated and listed in the 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan which will help set the framework for community, housing, and economic development projects for Fort Pierce during the next fiscal year.
For more information or questions related to the survey or to the U.S. Department of HUD CDBG allocations to the City of Fort Pierce for Program Year 2023-2024, citizens are encouraged to call 772-467-3161 or email grantsadministration@cityoffortpierce.com
March 2023 Meetings ~ Martin County
JOINT MEETING WITH THE MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THE CITY OF STUART COMMISSIONERS, THE MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, AND THE VILLAGE OF INDIANTOWN COUNCIL
March 30, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: John F. & Rita M. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
This meeting will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
March 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
This meeting will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Community Development Agency sits as the Public Art Advisory Committee.
March 27, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
This meeting will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
March 29, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
April 2023 Meetings ~ Martin County
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
April 4 & 18, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: Commission Chambers
These meetings will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
AIRPORT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
Location: Airport Maintenance Building, 1895 SE Flying Fortress Lane, Stuart
ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL OVERSIGHT BOARD
April 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
April 27, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF MARTIN COUNTY LEADERS SUMMIT
April 12, 2023 at 8:00 am
Location: Wolf High-Technology Center at Indian River State College, Chastain Campus, 2400 SE Salerno Road, Stuart
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF MARTIN COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
April 5, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: Wolf High-Technology Center at Indian River State College, Chastain Campus Room C102, 2400 SE Salerno Road, Stuart
CODE ENFORCEMENT MAGISTRATE HEARING
April 19, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: Commission Chambers
This meeting will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
COMMUNITY ACTION COALITION
April 20, 2023 at 10:00 am
Location: Workshop Meeting Room (4th floor)
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
April 24, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
This meeting will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD
April 26, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
COUNTY HEALTH CARE REVIEW BOARD
April 19, 2023 at 8:45 am
Location: Growth Management Department Conference Room (1st floor)
GOLDEN GATE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 3, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Cassidy Community Center, 2895 Fairmont Street, Stuart
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
April 17, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
JOINT CITIZENS’, BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN, AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
April 3, 2023 at 1:30 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
April 19, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: Hobe Sound Public Library, 10595 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound
LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE (Special Meeting)
April 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Location: Public Safety Complex, Fire Rescue Administration Building, 2nd floor, 800 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
Martin County's unified Local Mitigation Strategy provides the tools for the County, its municipalities, non-governmental agencies and residents to continue in ongoing efforts to reduce vulnerabilities to disasters. The LMS also provides for mitigation priorities and eligibility for mitigation funding when it becomes available.
LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE
April 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM
Location: Public Safety Complex, Fire Rescue Administration Building, 2nd floor, 800 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
Martin County's unified Local Mitigation Strategy provides the tools for the County, its municipalities, non-governmental agencies and residents to continue in ongoing efforts to reduce vulnerabilities to disasters. The LMS also provides for mitigation priorities and eligibility for mitigation funding when it becomes available.
LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY
April 6 & 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
These meetings will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY BOARD
April 17, 2023 at 9:00 am
Location: Commission Chambers
This meeting will be televised live on MCTV Channel 20 (Comcast), Channel 99 (U-verse), and online at www.martin.fl.us.
OLD PALM CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 17, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Commission Chambers
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
April 20, 2023 at 4:30 pm
Location: Growth Management Department Conference Room (1st floor)
PORT SALERNO NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
April 13, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Port Salerno Civic Center, 4950 SE Anchor Avenue, Stuart (Port Salerno)
TOBACCO FREE LEADERSHIP
April 20, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Location: Workshop Meeting Room (4th floor)
TOBACCO FREE PARTNERSHIP
April 20, 2023 at 11:30 am
Location: Workshop Meeting Room (4th floor)
March 2023 Meetings ~ St Lucie County
Meeting Date: 3/27/2023 12:00:00 AM
City Council 3/27/2023 6:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
*Meeting to follow the 6:00 PM CRA Meeting*
Community Redevelopment Agency 3/27/2023 6:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
*Meeting to Follow the 4:30 PM Board of Zoning Appeals*
Board of Zoning Appeals 3/27/2023 4:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
America After the Pandemic
Upcoming NAC/CRA Meetings
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
BOCC Commission Chambers
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
3:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Monday, March 27, 2023
Monday, April 24, 2023
Monday, May 22, 2023
Monday, June 26, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023
Monday, August 28, 2023
Monday, September 25, 2023
Monday, October 23, 2023
Monday, November 27, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
GOLDEN GATE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Cassidy Community Center
2895 SE Fairmont Street, Stuart
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Monday, April 3, 2023
Monday, June 5, 2023
Monday, August 7, 2023
Monday, October 2, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2023
HOBE SOUND NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Hobe Sound Community Center
8980 Olympus Street, Hobe Sound
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
JENSEN BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Jensen Beach Community Center
1912 NE Jensen Beach Boulevard, Jensen Beach
5:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
OLD PALM CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dates:
BOCC Commission Chambers (temporary meeting site)
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Monday, April 17, 2023
Monday, June 19, 2023
Monday, August 14, 2023
Monday, October 16, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
PORT SALERNO NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Salerno Civic Center
4950 Anchor Avenue, Port Salerno
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
RIO NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vince Bocchino Community Center
2369 NE Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
BOCC Commission Chambers
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
4:00 pm unless noted
Dates:
Monday, March 27, 2023
Monday, May 22, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023
Monday, September 25, 2023
Monday, November 27, 2023
Rubio Places Committee Hold on Seven Biden Nominees
The Biden Administration has nominated questionable individuals to multiple posts as representatives of the U.S. government, including:
Eric Garcetti, nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to India, whose nomination Rubio has previously voted against,
Richard Verma, nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
Michael Ratney, nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose nomination Rubio has previously voted against.
Felice Gorodo, nominated to serve as United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, whose nomination Rubio has previously voted against.
Richard Weiner, nominated to serve as United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, whose nomination Rubio has previously voted against.
Leopoldo Martínez Nucete, nominated to serve as United States Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank, whose nomination Rubio has previously voted against. And,
Geeta Rao Gupta, nominated to serve as Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues, whose nomination Rubio has previously voted against.
Ahead of a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations business meeting, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement after placing a hold on the nominations:
“One of these nominees has ignored credible sexual assault accusations in his prior office. Another has done legal work with solar panel companies in Xinjiang, where egregious human rights abuses are committed. The list also contains an abortion extremist, someone with no diplomatic or investment experience, and an individual who has suported a policy of engagement with Cuba's murderous dictatorship. I will not turn a blind eye to these absurd nominations, which will hasten America's decline."
Rubio Demands Biden Administration Cancel Cuban Regime’s U.S. Visit
Congress was notified that operatives from the Cuban regime's Border Guard, and the dictatorship's Ministry of Foreign Relation, will soon visit the United States to meet with the U.S. Coast Guard and to our facilities.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden condemning his administration’s decision and demanding the meeting be canceled.
“Extending an invitation to Cuban intelligence operatives into sensitive national security facilities in order to share with them our nation’s coastal and maritime security protocols is an egregious dereliction of duty that betrays one of the most fundamental tenets of the oath you have sworn, to protect America from foreign enemies. You must cancel this visit immediately, and explain to the American people how this was allowed to happen on your watch.” – Senator Rubio
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
Three Rubio Bills Signed Into Law
Three bills authored by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) became law as part of the omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2023.
CRACK Act: This new law will prohibit federal funding from being used to purchase pipes for illegal drugs that can exacerbate substance use disorders.
Free Veterans from Fees Act: This new law will allow veterans to hold special events at Washington, D.C. war memorials without fees.
Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act: This new law, co-led with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), strengthens Rubio's and Kennedy's Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act by reducing the period of time needed to trigger a trading ban of securities of foreign companies that refuse to open their books to U.S. auditors.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
Rubio: Depending on China Is Bad for Business
Beijing reversed its dystopian zero-COVID policy amid mass protests after three years of shuttering homes, businesses and social gatherings. China is struggling to handle a massive surge in coronavirus cases…. The unpredictability is hard to comprehend, and it could all change course again if conditions worsen….
If — or when — that happens, the effects will ripple through America’s economy…, which is why US policy needs to focus on bringing critical industries back to America. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and I have a proposal to do exactly that. But we also need to convince businesses — supposedly American businesses — that it’s in their interest to move supply chains out of China….
Communist China is inherently unreliable. It is a country of 1.4 billion people ruled by one man’s dictates and whims…. Just ask billionaire Jack Ma, tennis player Peng Shuai or newspaper owner Jimmy Lai how stable their country is. And that doesn’t even take into account the political and financial risk of using supply chains corrupted by slave labor….
Just look at what happened when Congress enacted my Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. China-tied companies had to scramble to ensure they didn’t benefit from slave labor. Those that ignored the problem now run the risk that US customs officers will seize their products. Their suppliers could also end up on a government blacklist….
What are the alternatives to Chinese industry? Many manufacturing jobs can and should return to America. Others could go to our neighbors and allies. All should go to economies that do not carry the risk of imminent closure by decree. Again, there is a role for the government to play, but it is increasingly in companies’ interest to begin divesting and reinvesting of their own accord, with or without incentives….
Now is the time for American companies to do what’s right for their staff, their shareholders and their country. Nothing good or profitable will come from doing the opposite.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
Rubio, Marshall Launches Inquiry into State Department Panel with EcoHealth Alliance
An employee of the U.S. Department of State recently participated on a panel discussing the origins of COVID-19 alongside EcoHealth Alliance, a non-profit with ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticizing the State Department's participation given EcoHealth Alliance’s lack of transparency regarding the origins of COVID-19.
“The U.S. Department of State’s endorsement of new science favoring a natural origin of SARS-CoV-2 is troubling, particularly since the State Department has not retracted its Fact Sheet….”
“EcoHealth was in optimal position to assist with research into the COVID-19 origins due to its pre-pandemic work in Wuhan, China, but instead of contributing to the efforts, it obstructed the U.S. Government’s investigation through its refusal to provide documents, statements, research materials and unpublished bat coronavirus specimen data.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
Accountability on the Global Stage
For two years, we’ve seen President Joe Biden make mistake after mistake on the international stage. And yet, from Afghanistan to Ukraine, his allies in Congress have been willing to cover for him.
As a soldier, and as a Member of the co-equal branch of government, that’s not acceptable to me. That’s why I’ve used my position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to demand accountability.
Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Hamas, the Ayatollah - there’s no shortage of very real threats to the United States. We need decisive leadership that makes it clear the U.S. will lead with peace through strength. That’s what I’ve fought for, and what I’ll continue to fight for in the new year.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
Major Wins for Our Water
There is not a single issue that I hear more about from folks in our community than the fight for clean water. It’s something that I work on every single day. Some days there are small victories, and others there are big wins.
Thankfully, this year, we had some HUGE wins. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which included several initiatives that I authored, including the Northern Estuaries Restoration Plan (NERP), is going to make an impact for generations to come.
On top of that, my bill, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act, is now law and will require the federal government to develop an action plan to combat toxic algae that’s specific to South Florida.
I’m excited by what we’ve accomplished this year, and ready to get back in the fight in the new Congress!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
Rubio: Omnibus Process is Dumb & Bad for America
The 4,155-page, $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2023 passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 68 to 29, just 60 hours after it was first made available to senators and the public. Democrats defeated multiple Republican-led amendments, including a crucial amendment to secure our southern border, prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to transport illegal immigrants into our communities, and an amendment that would have struck more than $9.8 billion in earmarks.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) opposed the bill.
“I voted no today because this is a 4,100-page mega-bill, released only hours before voting, and drafted by a small group of senators with no input from the overwhelming majority of the Senate. I voted to start debate on the bill in the hopes we could use the amendment process to move it closer to something that funds a functional government focused on core responsibilities instead of deranged, far-left initiatives. That did not happen, and so I voted no.” — Senator Rubio
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.