FL-27 Newsletter

Vol. 119, Issue #11

Dear Friends/Amigos,

This week, I had the opportunity to return to Florida’s 27th District to listen closely to the priorities and concerns of our community. From neighborhood challenges to broader state and national matters, your voices are the compass that guides my work.

As your representative, I am deeply committed to advocating for the values and needs of our district in our nation’s capital. Every vote I cast and every decision I make in Washington is shaped by what I hear directly from you. Your input is not only important, it’s vital.

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates from Capitol Hill and from across our district. And if you'd like to reach out directly, don't hesitate to call or write to my D.C. office at (202) 225-3931 or visit Salazar.House.Gov.

Sincerely/Atentamente,

María E. Salazar

U.S. Representative (FL-27)

Raising Concerns Regarding the Forced Sale of the Oil Refiner CITGO

This week, I sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the Administration to safeguard the democratic Venezuelan National Assembly’s control over the oil refiner CITGO from the Maduro regime's creditors.

CITGO is a strategic asset of the Venezuelan people and vital to the future of democracy in the country. It has been under the stewardship of Venezuela’s legitimate, democratic opposition since President Trump took decisive action during his first term. That protection is now under threat.

You can read the full letter here. 

Calling to Deny Diplomatic Credentials to Corrupt Colombian Official

In a separate letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I urged the Administration to deny Coronel Carlos Alberto Feria Buitrago his diplomatic credentials. 

Coronel Feria played a central role in covering up a Colombian corruption case.

In January, 2023, a major Colombian political scandal unfolded, when then Chief-of-Staff to the president and current Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia reported through internal government channels that a duffel bag with as much as $30,000 dollars in cash inside had been lost. 

In response, President Petro's security team, headed by Coronel Feria, immediately dragged in Ms. Sarabia's son's nanny named Marelbys Meza for unauthorized questioning, including the use of a polygraph test. During this time, Coronel Feria held her against her will in the basement of the presidential palace for almost 48 hours.

Coronel Feria was indicted by Colombian prosecutors in March, 2024 for abuse of public office, false imprisonment and other crimes. Other police figures involved in the same abuse of authority have received as many as ten years in prison as punishment. 

He should not be allowed to work at the Colombian embassy in Washington, DC; he should be denied diplomatic credentials and sent back to Colombia so he can face justice.

You can read the full letter here. 

Honoring Our Heroes this Memorial Day. 

On this Memorial Day, we paused to honor and remember the countless heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

These brave men and women shed their blood, endured unimaginable hardships, and gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and peace. Their sacrifice is the foundation upon which our nation stands.

The people of Miami, and the entire United States, stand forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar Announces 2025 Service Academy Appointments

I proudly announced the appointment of four outstanding students from Florida’s 27th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies. I nominated these exceptional young men and women and they were accepted by their respective academies for the Class of 2029. 

The appointed students are:

• Lucia Castillo-Rios – U.S. Naval Academy

Palmetto Bay | Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

• Austin Nelson – U.S. Air Force Academy

Palmetto Bay | Cutler Bay Senior High

• Vasyl Romankiv – U.S. Air Force Academy

Miami | Palmetto Senior High School

• Natan Rowand – U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Cutler Bay | Westminster Christian School

These appointments reflect the students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving our country. Each service academy offers a rigorous education and military training, preparing cadets and midshipmen to become the next generation of officers in the United States Armed Forces.

Background

Our nation's service academies represent the gold standard of excellence, leadership, and integrity for America’s armed forces, making acceptance into these institutions an extraordinary honor and achievement. The honor of attending a U.S. service academy comes with a solemn obligation: graduates must serve at least five years in the U.S. military. Each year, the nomination process is highly competitive. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar interviews many exceptional applicants from across the district, evaluating academic performance, leadership, character, and dedication to service.

Each congressional office may nominate up to fifteen individuals per academy vacancy. To request a nomination from Congresswoman Salazar, you can start by visiting Rep. Salazar’s website or by emailing 

[email protected].

In the Media: I spoke with Jackie Nespral on NBC6 Impact about the TAKE IT DOWN Act, the TPS ruling, and more.

This week, I joined Jackie Nespral on NBC6 Impact to discuss the recent passage of my TAKE IT DOWN Act, updates on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, and the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill.

The signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a historic moment in our fight to protect children online. I’m grateful to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for standing with us against the growing threat of online exploitation and AI abuse. For the first time, victims have real legal protection, and parents have a powerful tool to fight back and protect their children from digital threats. Predators will finally face the full force of the law.

During the interview, I also shared that I will be asking the Trump Administration to grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Venezuelans whose TPS is expiring. Not every Venezuelan is part of Tren de Aragua—we must ensure that innocent people are not sent back into Maduro’s claws.

Click here or on the image above to watch my full interview.

CASEWORK TESTIMONIALS!

My office is proud to be one of the most responsive in Congress, and we're always ready to help. Whether it’s navigating the immigration system, securing Social Security benefits, or getting your passport renewed in time for a family trip, my staff works hard every day to solve the toughest challenges for our constituents.

Read some testimonials below:

“Rep. Salazar's team has been more than amazing. She handled all the questions I had and reached out to USCIS on my behalf and insured timely communication with me during a stressful time for me. My family and I are grateful for her support.” - BT

“Excellent service. Social Security called me this morning informing me that they were depositing back pay and they were removing the offset effective May payment. Thank you very much for the fast help. Much appreciated.” -ED

“Extremely grateful, within a week you were able to help me resolve my issue, and nothing I had tried prior with my lawyers had been successful.” -NS

If you need help with federal casework AND reside in Florida’s 27th congressional district, call my office at (305) 668-2285!