FL-27 Newsletter Vol. 118, Issue #64 Dear Friends/Amigos, The fight for free speech will never end, and last week, I saw the latest iteration of that fight here in Congress. The Brazilian government has launched a legal siege against opposition voices by censoring their accounts on various social media platforms. While other companies have relented, Elon Musk's X has resisted these policies in court. Read more about my testimony at the hearing on the matter below. I also questioned senior Biden Administration officials about their plans to circumvent current U.S. sanctions on the Cuban regime by financing supposedly independent small- and medium-size companies on the Island (or Mipymes, as they're known in Spanish). It is an honor to be able to serve you in Congress. If you would like to leave me and my office a comment, call (202) 225-3931. Sincerely/Atentamente, María E. Salazar U.S. Representative (FL-27) STANDING UP FOR FREE SPEECH! Free speech is one of the most important elements of a free and democratic society. Our ability to express ourselves freely without the government trying to curtail or suppress the content of our speech is fundamental to our Constitutional values. Unfortunately, efforts by governments to silence speech it doesn't approve of are threatening to upend democracy both at home and abroad. One example of this is in Brazil, where the battle for free speech is reaching a breaking point. I joined my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to investigate the case of Brazil, where Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes is using the power of the State to censor opposition voices on social media. While other social media companies have relented to the Brazilian government, Elon Musk and his company X (formerly Twitter) have refused to comply without a fight. As independent journalist Michael Shellenberger told me during my line of questioning, Musk is using his economic power to challenge de Moraes on his censorship policy in the Brazilian justice system, even at his company's expense. I praised Elon Musk for taking the initiative to stand up for free speech in Brazil, and I hope we can emulate this model of liberty here at home. Read more about my questioning at the hearing here. CHAMPIONING THE AMERICAS ACT AT THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES! Earlier this year, I introduced the Americas Act to bring the United States' attention back to Latin America. The Americas Act is the best way to remind our allies in the region that the United States will always be the best trading partner and ally in the world. This is what I told the Council of the Americas at a panel held at the Organization of American States (OAS) last week. As the Gateway to the Americas, Miami is at the center of international trade between the United States and Latin America. Over 70% of Florida’s exports go to Latin America. By keeping our relationships strong with our partners in the region, we will bring jobs and economic opportunity back to South Florida. Read more about my panel at the OAS here. CONFRONTING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON EFFORTS TO EVADE U.S. SANCTIONS ON CUBA! Last week, I sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen demanding an answer to how President Biden's plans to ease financial sanctions on the Cuban regime will not violate existing U.S. law. To circumvent U.S. sanctions, the Biden Administration is using the “Mipyme Loophole,” funneling money to small- or medium-size businesses (Mipymes) on the Island who, in many cases, are connected to the Cuban regime. An example of this is MadWoman, a Mipyme contracted by the U.S. Embassy in Havana who fired an employee for criticizing the communist government on his personal social media. Let me be clear: The U.S. government should not be funding small businesses that suppress free speech and are controlled by the Cuban Regime. The regime controls all economic and political life on the Island. There is no way to ensure that U.S. dollars are not being diverted to the repressive apparatus. Read more about my letter here. CASEWORK TESTIMONIALS! My office is one of the best in Congress and is always happy to help our constituents with federal casework. Whether it’s navigating the difficult immigration bureaucracy, securing Social Security benefits, or getting your passports renewed on time before a family vacation, my staff is always willing to help my constituents solve their toughest challenges! Read some testimonials below: "I'm very happy and satisfied with the support I received from the Congresswoman Office. I really appreciate the interest they put on my case." – SF "Gracias a la congresista María Elvira Salazar y la gestión hecha con disciplina … mi caso fue resuelto con gran prontitud. Una ves más gracias por su empeño en alludar a nuestro pueblo EEUU." – JRAM "Thank you for your help you resolved my work permit issue where I could get no answers from anyone thank you very much." – NM If you need help with federal casework AND reside in Florida’s 27th congressional district, call my office at (305) 668-2285! CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA! ‌ ‌ ‌ Have questions? Reach me at: [link removed] Washington, D.C. 2162 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3931 Miami, FL 5725 SW 8th St Suite 200, Miami, FL 33144 Phone: (305) 668-2285 Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar | 2162 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]