Email from Rep. Salazar As always it is an honor representing you and your family in Washington, D.C. FL-27 Newsletter Vol. 119, Issue #14 Dear Friends/Amigos, This week, I’m was in Washington, D.C., fighting for the values that matter most to our community. Every step I take here is guided by the voices and stories I hear back home. Whether it’s on the House floor or in critical policy meetings, I’m making sure our district’s priorities are front and center. Your concerns shape my work and your voice drives every decision I make.  We’re in this together. Let’s keep pushing forward. 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) What an Incredible Day at Our Casework & Resources Fair in Westchester! We had an amazing turnout at our Casework & Resources Fair in Westchester! Over 250 people joined us to get real help with real issues that matter to their daily lives. From passports and tax concerns to immigration, veterans’ benefits, social security, small business assistance, and more, our team was on-site providing personalized support and connecting constituents with critical federal resources. Events like these are a reminder of what public service is all about: showing up, solving problems, and delivering results. My office is proud to be recognized as one of the top-performing congressional offices in the country for resolving federal casework. That’s because we never stop working for the people of Florida’s 27th District. We’re always here for you, and we’ll keep fighting to make the federal government work better for every family in our community. I Launched a Bill to Protect Honduran Democracy This week, I introduced the bipartisan PROTECT HONDURAN DEMOCRACY ACT along with Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-TX), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Mark Green (R-TN). The bill aims to defend democracy in the Western Hemisphere by ensuring international observation of the Honduran presidential elections in November 2025. It seeks to prevent the current socialist government from stealing the elections. The Honduran people don’t deserve yet another power grab by the corrupt and authoritarian Zelaya family. They have the right to choose their leaders freely and fairly. By protecting democracy in Honduras, we help prevent instability before it spreads, because what happens there affects South Florida and threatens America’s national security. In Honduras, the Zelaya family first came to power in 2006 when Manuel Zelaya won the elections. He spent three years pushing a socialist agenda until 2009, when the military removed him after he attempted to change the constitution to stay in power. His wife, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, has served as president since 2022 and has worked to align Honduras with authoritarian regimes like Venezuela and Nicaragua. Numerous issues with the March 2025 primary elections raised questions about the legitimacy of the results. You can read the full bill here. Protecting Venezuelan Assets While Demanding Accountability from Maduro’s Regime I recently urged the Administration to act, and I am pleased that OFAC has renewed CITGO’s license through December, protecting it from a forced sale. However, the real solution lies in holding Maduro and the corrupt Chavista regime accountable and ensuring they are the ones to pay the debt they created. Venezuela’s democratic opposition should not pay the price for a dictatorship’s thievery. During his first term, President Trump transferred control of CITGO from the hands of the Maduro Regime to the democratic opposition based in the United States. Unfortunately, that control was undermined by the Biden administration, which opened the door for the regime’s creditors to go after those assets in U.S. courts. You can read the letter here. Protecting Our Workforce to Sustain Economic Growth We’re already witnessing the serious consequences of enforcing outdated immigration laws that have led to the loss of thousands of essential workers across key industries like construction, hospitality, and agriculture. These sectors form the backbone of our local and national economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and supporting families. Without these workers, our economy struggles to keep pace, and many businesses face mounting pressure in meeting demand. This week, I raised these urgent concerns with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during the Financial Services Hearing. He acknowledged the reality: economic growth is slowing, and labor shortages caused by immigration actions are a significant factor contributing to this slowdown. It’s clear that supporting and protecting the workforce behind these critical industries is not just a matter of compassion, it’s a matter of economic necessity. Moving forward, I will continue advocating for policies that ensure we have the skilled, hardworking people needed to keep our economy thriving and our communities strong. You can watch the full hearing here. Fall 2025 Internship Application Are you passionate about making a difference and gaining hands-on experience in public service? Our Fall 2025 Internship Program is now open for applications! When: August through December 2025 Where: Miami and Washington, D.C. This internship offers a unique chance to work directly with our team, contribute to meaningful projects, and help address the needs of our district. If you’re ready to grow professionally while making a positive impact, we want to hear from you. Don’t wait—apply now and become part of the effort to serve and strengthen District 27! In the Media The ongoing debate over Iran often misses the crucial point at the heart of the issue: dictators respond only to strength. History shows us time and again that when authoritarian regimes sense weakness or hesitation, they seize the opportunity to push their agendas forward, often at great cost to peace and stability. True peace is not achieved through appeasement or indecision; it is secured through unwavering strength, clarity, and resolve. Without this foundation, threats go unchecked, and conflict becomes inevitable. In my latest op-ed in the Miami Herald, I explore why a firm and clear stance is essential to prevent aggression and promote lasting peace. I invite you to read it below and join the conversation. You can read our full op-ed here. 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: Congresswoman Salazar’s staff was so incredibly responsive, professional, and helpful in assisting me and my family. I sent an email seeking assistance and received a swift response that resolved my issue. I am impressed and incredibly thankful for their assistance. - AB Excellent representation. - ED Servicio de excelencia. - H 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 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice