GAINESVILLE, FL — This morning, Congresswoman Kat Cammack issued the following statement about the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement of its intent to withdraw from the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico, with termination effective in 90 days.

“This has been a priority of ours for years in Florida,” said Rep. Kat Cammack. “For half a decade now, our producers have been subject to an unfair marketplace. In the past five years alone, Mexican tomato producers have violated the suspension agreement over 100 times. The economic impact of these violations has been catastrophic on our domestic tomato producers.”

“I’ve long been a champion of free but fair trade. Since the beginning of 2000 we have dropped from 250 producers to just 25. I’m grateful the Trump administration is working so hard to enforce international U.S. trade laws, and I know our tomato producers in Florida will be relieved to once more have a level playing field. As the only Florida Member on the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to work on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, and producers to deliver the support they deserve and keep their industry alive. Food security is national security which is why ensuring our producers are protected from unfair trade practices is critical,” Rep. Cammack added. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General James Uthmeier secured the return of tens of millions of dollars from Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The agreement resolves allegations that the company fraudulently submitted numerous ineligible claims for reimbursement in violation of the Florida False Claims Act. This is the first time the Office of the Attorney General has secured repayment related to an insurance fraud case.

“Thanks to the outstanding work of Associate Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Weilhammer, Director Liz Brady, and Assistant Attorney General Andrew Butler, our office secured the return of more than $30 million to the state’s hurricane fund from fraudulent insurance submission allegations following Hurricane Irma,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “As Floridians, we know the impact that hurricanes can have on our state and how important recovery efforts are in a storm’s aftermath in helping residents start to rebuild. This office is committed to a healthy and stable insurance market for Florida homeowners, meaning insurance companies must play by the rules.”

The FHCF is a tax-exempt state trust fund administered by the State Board of Administration that serves a vital role in stabilizing the Florida insurance market when hurricanes cause widespread or catastrophic damage. FHCF provides reimbursements to residential property insurance companies for a portion of their payments to homeowners for hurricane-related property damage. In the event of widespread, major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma, FHCF provides a backstop to the losses faced by insurance carriers. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a major legal challenge against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accusing the federal agency of illegally blocking the development of advanced nuclear technologies—technologies that could revolutionize energy production in America.

“For decades, Washington has made promises about nuclear energy—but then throws up roadblocks when real innovation comes along,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida is done waiting. We’re taking action to unleash the full potential of safe nuclear technology, strengthen our energy independence, and secure cleaner water and air in our state.”

With its rapidly growing population and increasing electricity demand, Florida faces significant challenges in meeting the energy needs of its residents. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed HB 1645, which directs the Public Service Commission to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet the state’s power needs. Continue reading →