Email from Rep. Salazar Reporting from Washington, D.C. FL-27 Newsletter Vol. 119, Issue #30 Dear Friends / Estimados Amigos,  It has been a busy and productive week in Congress, and I remain focused on delivering real results for our community, advancing meaningful immigration reform, standing up to dictators and defending freedom in our hemisphere, and fighting to lower health care costs for hardworking families.  As we approach the holidays, I want to wish you and your families a joyful and healthy season. I hope this time brings peace, gratitude, and the opportunity to share meaningful moments with loved ones. Thank you for the trust you place in me, it is a responsibility I take very seriously.  From Washington, D.C., to every corner of Florida’s 27th District, I send you my warmest holiday wishes. May God bless you and your loved ones. Sincerely / Atentamente, María E. Salazar U.S. Representative (FL-27) How am I doing as your congresswoman? My Foreign Policy Provisions Signed Into Law This week, my Western Hemisphere and State Department Political Affairs Authorization Act was signed into law as part of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, marking the first time Congress has codified the authorities of the State Department’s Political Affairs Bureaus.  The law strengthens U.S. diplomacy by establishing an Office of Haitian Affairs, creating new Ambassadors-at-Large for the Arctic and Indian Ocean regions, and standing up a new unit to counter the Chinese Communist Party. You can read more about the act here. Holding Mexico Accountable in the Western Hemisphere This week, I chaired a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on the Western Hemisphere and delivered a clear message about Mexico’s role in our region. Mexico is our closest neighbor, and proximity comes with responsibility. Our hemisphere needs leaders, not bystanders.  Mexico cannot remain silent while enabling dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela. Billions in oil shipments to Havana, sham medical agreements that enrich the Cuban regime, and continued inaction on Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis undermine democracy across the hemisphere.  While cooperation with Mexico has improved in some areas, much more must be done. A strong, principled U.S.–Mexico partnership is essential to confronting authoritarianism, strengthening regional security, and defending freedom in the Western Hemisphere. You can read more about the hearing here. You can watch my opening remarks here. You can watch the full hearing here. Opposing a Resolution That Weakens the Fight Against Narco-Terrorism This week, I spoke on the House floor against H.Con.Res. 61, a misguided War Powers Resolution that would limit the President’s ability to confront terrorist and narco-terrorist organizations in our hemisphere, including the Maduro regime in Venezuela.  This resolution was fundamentally flawed. War Powers authorities do not apply to law enforcement or counter-narcotics operations against indicted narco-terrorists, and the President does not require congressional approval to act in these cases.  Weakening our response only emboldens dictators and criminal networks. I urged my colleagues to oppose this resolution and stand firm against narco-terrorism. You can watch my remarks here. You can read more about the resolution here. OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Lowering Flood Insurance Costs: I reintroduced the Continuous Coverage for Flood Insurance Act to give Miami families more choice and lower costs by allowing consumers to keep flood insurance outside the NFIP. Expanding private-sector options strengthens coverage and reduces the burden on taxpayers.  You can read more about the legislation here.  Strengthening Miami’s Disaster Resilience: I proudly reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Shelter Act to help families and small businesses protect their homes and properties from future natural disasters and combat rising insurance costs. The legislation would create a first-of-its-kind disaster mitigation tax credit for families and business owners in disaster-prone areas.  You can read more about the legislation here.  IN THE MEDIA This week, I joined national and local outlets, including WPLG with Glenna Milberg, Actualidad Radio with Yoly Cuello, WIOD News with Manny Muñoz, Telemundo, NOTUS, and others, to discuss the government shutdown, immigration, and the ongoing fight for freedom in Cuba and Venezuela.  I will continue using every platform available to speak up for South Florida families and defend our shared values of faith, freedom, and opportunity. SPRING INTERNSHIPS NOW OPEN Spring Internship applications are still open! Are you passionate about public service? Looking to earn college credit while gaining real-world experience in a dynamic congressional office? This is your opportunity, apply today! We’re currently reviewing applications for positions in our Miami office. YOUR CASEWORK RESOURCES IN FL-27 My office is proud to be one of the most responsive in Congress, always ready to help with immigration, Social Security, VA benefits, passports, and more. Our team works tirelessly to cut through red tape and deliver real results for our community. It is the honor of a lifetime to be your voice in Congress. If you live in Florida’s 27th Congressional District and need help with any federal casework, please call my district office at (305) 668-2285. My team is here to serve you. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates from Capitol Hill and our district. 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