WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) announced Ocala Fire Rescue’s (OFR) ‘Assistance To Firefighters’ Grant (AFG) award from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The department will receive $381,150 to improve its operations and safety, including using the grant for new protective equipment.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is one of three grant programs administered by DHS and FEMA to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and related hazards.

“I’m so excited for our brave men and women in Ocala to have the equipment necessary to help them do their jobs more safely and effectively,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “Our first responders are heroes and it’s imperative that we ensure they stay safe while serving our communities.” Continue reading →

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced legislation to ensure human and drug traffickers cannot continue to defraud the American taxpayer while they await prosecution and conviction. The bill, “Stop Taxpayer Funding of Traffickers Act,” comes after several visits to the border over the last two years by Congresswoman Cammack, Senator Blackburn, and their colleagues.

While Congresswoman Cammack led the House version of the bill, Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Katie Britt (R-AL) co-sponsored the Senate legislation.

“Over the last two years, we’ve seen the horrific consequences of the Biden Border Crisis, including the devastating toll on our communities nationwide from drug and human trafficking. In Marion County, Florida, our sheriff’s department has recovered bricks of fentanyl with stamps from border cartels, alongside pill presses and sophisticated distribution plans. Our first responders gear up each day to save lives from fentanyl overdoses occurring almost daily, putting their own lives at risk,” said Representative Cammack. “Those responsible for trafficking drugs and people into our country at our borders and in our waters should not receive federal assistance after violating our laws—not only is it wrong, but it rewards those who have perpetuated this deadly crisis. I’m pleased to join Senator Blackburn on this effort and look forward to growing this legislation’s support with my colleagues.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today demanded President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations under federal law. The president’s unlawful immigration policies embolden the cartels who are bringing in vast amounts of deadly fentanyl, as well as violence, into the country—putting American lives at risk. Declaring the cartels FTOs gives state and federal agencies the authority to freeze assets, deny entry to cartel members and pursue stricter punishments.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It’s evident that the Mexican drug cartels are terrorist organizations—they are trafficking deadly fentanyl directly across the border, and it is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year. They are also fueling extreme violence at the southwest border and beyond. Sadly, the Biden administration has only emboldened the cartels to commit even more crimes on both sides of the border—through his unlawful immigration policies. So, today, I am demanding that Biden better equip the federal government to fight back by declaring the drug cartels foreign terrorist organizations.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing the 2021-2022 top five Seniors vs. Crime volunteers and the Senior Sleuth Advocate of the Year for efforts in assisting older consumers in Florida. SvC volunteers, known as Senior Sleuths, work to help older Floridians resolve consumer issues. At a ceremony today in the Villages, Attorney General Moody honored the top five volunteers who earned the title Super Senior Sleuth. During the ceremony, Attorney General Moody also named the 2021-2022 Senior Sleuth Advocate of the Year.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Protecting Florida seniors is a mission close to my heart, and I am proud to recognize these five outstanding Floridians who help us fulfill this important undertaking. These Super Senior Sleuths volunteered thousands of hours advocating for older consumers. These Sleuths, and all those who volunteer with Seniors vs. Crime, are helping us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.” Continue reading →

FAIRtax history will be made in the newly convened 118th Congress.  For the first time since it was first introduced over 20 years ago, the FAIRtax will not die in committee.   As a concession to the holdout group who blocked his selection as Speaker of the House for fourteen ballots, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has agreed to bring the FAIRtax bill out of committee for debate and a vote on the House floor.

Dear Friends,

2023 is off to a quick start in the Florida Senate as we focus on preparing for the Legislative Session which begins March 7^th. So far, we have completed four weeks of committee meetings and a special session and we have another three to go. There have been, roughly, 300 bills filed in the House and Senate. In previous years, we have seen as many as 4000 filed bills before the end of Session. So, it is a bit surprising how low this number is, but these last three weeks is when the majority of these bills will reach the “filed” status. When that happens, there will be a lot of information to sift through, but a good thing to remember is that less than ten percent of bills actually pass the legislature and lots of bad (and some good) ideas will die off.

Currently, in addition to serving as President Pro Tempore, your Senator sits on the following eight committees. The policy Committees on Agriculture, Community Affairs, Judiciary, Rules and Children, Families and Elder Affairs. The Appropriations Committees on Health and Human Services, Criminal and Civil Justice, and the full Committee on Appropriations. The full Appropriations Committee and the Rules Committee are the largest of the Senate Committees and most, if not all, of bills filed will have to come through one of these two committees. We are very excited to be a part of both of those committees and for the opportunity we have to review, give input, and vote on every piece of legislation that comes through the Florida Senate. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $20 million to support water quality improvement projects along the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). These projects will help collect stormwater runoff and treat it to reduce the amount of pollutants and nutrients that enter the IRL. These projects are in addition to the $255 million Florida is already investing to protect the IRL, including targeting wastewater, septic to sewer, and other needed restoration projects.

“Investing in the protection of our waterways is a great way for us to ensure the long-term health of our natural resources,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This funding will help build the infrastructure needed to improve water quality as we continue to make investments to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon.”

“Decades of human impacts have resulted in impaired water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, specifically from nutrients,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “As a result of the leadership of Governor DeSantis and unprecedented investments in water quality, the Department, in conjunction with project partners, is focusing on tackling the root cause of nutrient pollution.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —(Read to the end) Governor Ron DeSantis signed and Excutive Order 23-06  (Achieving Even More Now for Florida’s Environment) to further advance the protection of Florida’s environment and water quality.

Read what environmental leaders and stakeholders are saying about the future of conservation in Florida:

“The Everglades Foundation applauds Governor DeSantis’ four-year record commitment of $3.5 billion for the Everglades.

“A week after his inauguration, on the anniversary of the momentous executive order he signed four years ago, Governor DeSantis has signed a new executive order laying out a blueprint that builds off the promises he fulfilled during his first term. The executive order increases his funding commitment to $3.5 billion over the next four years for Everglades restoration, water quality initiatives, and protecting water supply for Floridians, “Clean and usable waterways are the backbone of Florida’s economy. Governor DeSantis recognized this issue from the beginning of his term and has continued to deliver on his commitments. Continue reading →

Over 140 GOP Conference members sign on as original cosponsors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced the introduction of the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023.

This bill would reassert Congress’ legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. It would require every new “major rule” proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. The bill would also preserve Congress’ authority to disapprove of a “nonmajor rule” through a joint resolution.

The REINS Act would define a “major rule” as any federal rule or regulation that may result in: an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. Continue reading →