Rooney, Welch, Merkley, Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Price Gouging on Prescription Drugs
Bicameral, bipartisan bill prohibits drug companies from charging Americans more than they do in other countries
Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley was joined by Congressmen Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Francis Rooney (R-FL-19) today in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would ensure Americans do not pay more for prescription drugs than people do in other developed countries—helping to address a top concern among Americans, who time and time again are facing the impossible choice between affording their prescriptions and paying their rent or putting food on the table.
“The cost of prescription drugs is spiraling out of control and Americans are paying more than citizens of other developed countries,” Rooney said. “This is a gross injustice to the American people and along with my colleagues I am proud to introduce the End Price Gouging for Medications Act to put a stop to this abuse. Capping American prices at those paid by other developed nations is a simple solution to avoid Americans’ overpaying for the drugs they need.”
“The only people in this country who think drug prices aren’t way too high are getting rich from drug company profits,” Merkley said. “Americans have been ripped off by pharmaceutical companies for too long. It’s time to stand up to the drug companies, and stand up for the Americans who right now are choosing between life-saving medicines and basic necessities. Our plan is simple: Drug companies sell to Americans at the same price they sell to other developed countries, or they pay up.”
“Americans are getting crushed by skyrocketing drug prices,” Welch said. “Pharmaceutical companies make vital lifesaving drugs, but their manipulation of the market to the benefit of shareholders is shameful and must be checked. Our bill will do just that. There is simply no reason why Americans should pay dramatically higher prices for drugs than citizens in other developed countries.”
Americans spend, on average, $1,200 on prescription drugs every year—more than patients in any other country—largely because American consumers are charged disproportionately higher drug costs by pharmaceutical companies. Nearly a quarter of Americans who take prescription medications say they or a family member has not filled a prescription, has cut pills in half, or has skipped doses simply because of the cost. Of the 6 in 10 Americans who report taking at least one prescription medicine, 80 percent say the cost of their prescription drugs is unreasonable.
The End Price Gouging for Medications Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure Americans do not pay more for prescription drugs than the median price per drug in 11 other countries—Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden—that represent developed countries with similar economies. In each of these countries, pharmaceutical companies sell many of the same prescription drugs Americans take for a fraction of the cost charged here in America.
The legislation would require drug companies to offer prescription drugs at the established reference price to all individuals in the U.S. market, and impose civil penalties, for each year in which the violation occurs and for each drug. Penalties will equal five times the difference between the retail list price and the reference price, and will be transferred to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for conducting drug research and development.
“American patients pay far more than people in other countries for prescription drugs, and it’s just plain wrong,” said David Mitchell, a cancer patient and the founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now. “This bipartisan bill would lower prices in the U.S., bringing them in line with other wealthy nations of the world. It would boost innovation by ensuring excess drug company revenues go to fund research at the National Institutes of Health to develop lifesaving new drugs instead of stock buybacks and outrageous executive compensation.”
“Americans are dying, and many others are living in fear and uncertainty, for one reason only: Pharma greed,” said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works. “The End Price Gouging for Medications Act would confront that greed head on by requiring pharmaceutical corporations to bring prices down to what is paid in countries similar to our own. Thank you to Sen. Merkley, Rep. Welch, and Rep. Rooney for their bold bipartisan legislation, which will help Americans afford their medications by lowering drug prices across the board.”
“Why should people living in the United States pay so much more for the medicine that we need to care for our families?” said Peter Maybarduk, Director, Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines Program. “Prescription drug corporations rip off consumers and our government has long helped them do it, giving corporations special monopoly powers to block competition and allowing these monopolists to charge any price they like. No more. Senator Merkley’s legislation makes corporations offer the American people a fair deal. Together we will end the era of medicine price gouging and help families get the medicine they need.”
The End Price Gouging for Medications Act is endorsed by Patients For Affordable Drugs NOW, Social Security Works, Public Citizen, and Families USA.
The full text of the bill is available here.
Congressman Francis Rooney introduces legislation to repeal harmful Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate
Last week, Congressman Rooney introduced the Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate.
Congressman Rooney stated “Since the RFS was created in 2005 there have been severe unintended consequences. Ethanol-based fuels decrease fuel efficiency by approximately 3%, and increase fuel prices for American consumers. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that due to the RFS, in 2017 there was a price hike for gasoline between $.13 and $.26 per gallon.
“For years the RFS has wreaked havoc on boat engines and other small engines which are vital to the Florida economy. Recently, the EPA finalized a rule allowing for the year-round sale of E15 (gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol), which will cause even more destruction to marine vessels across the state and the country.
“Further, ethanol-based fuels defeat the purpose of their stated environmental goals since their production and consumption release more carbon emissions than conventional petroleum fuels. Corn production overall has risen since the RFS was mandated and has led to the increased use of nitrogen-based fertilizer across the United States. Studies are showing that the RFS is causing environmental harm and polluting waterways.
“Through the RFS, the government created and subsidized a false market for ethanol fuels that is hurting Americans. The free market must be returned and this mandate must be repealed.”
What Happens in Politics Next?
Russell Tuff
Collier County Republican Chairman
Last weekend, I literally laughed out loud watching an evening news segment during which a Democratic candidate for President offered his big idea of giving all adults $1,000 per month. It appears to be a competition to see how much taxpayer money these candidates can offer up to the masses. I mean really, who wouldn’t want an extra $1,000 per month? The problem is, how to pay for it.
While President Donald Trump’s New York street language often confronts my “Minnesota Nice” upbringing, I can’t ignore his success and his ability to offer real solutions to our nation’s economic and domestic woes.
We’re seeing upward mobility in the job markets, the lowest unemployment rates in history across the various demographic categories, and continued progress towards keeping our enemies at bay.
While I wasn’t raised to speak like Trump, the reality has set in for me that to make progress under our current legislative conditions, the mold has to be broken.
Our legislators of all parties have failed us. They have reached a stalemate. Smashing through the political stand-still can only be accomplished by someone who can stand up to political correctness at a time when the national media would rather encourage outrage rather than provide meaningful analysis. It’s soul searching time for the media and Congress.
Our legislators, like our media, have misplaced their charge of serving the public. They serve their own agendas and are not tending to their constituents’ best interests. Media pays reporters cash for clicks rather than aiming for excellence in reporting and long-term credibility. Congressmen position themselves for re-election by appealing to emotions rather than taking appropriate actions to improve the state of our country.
The major media and Congress have approval ratings that are lower than the President’s, yet they insist on continuing business as usual.
The President’s approval rating continues to improve despite his brash methods. He is moving America forward the only way it can be done under the current climate.
Those who don’t appreciate Trump will have to continue to contend with him until our elected officials in Congress begin to work for America’s improvement. Roaring crowds at Trump rallies are the envy of his opponents and the bane of his detractors. Could the Media and Congress be missing something?
Here is a list of successes of the Trump administration to write a letter to the editor about:
- Economy & Jobs
- The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act
- 6 Million New Jobs
- Record Low Unemployment
- 350,000+ Manufacturing Jobs
- Immigration
- Building the Wall: $1.6 Billion on Funding
- Office of Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE)
- Cracking Down on Sanctuary Cities
- Foreign Policy
- Enforcing Fair & Reciprocal Trade
- Building Confidence and Respect for America
- National Security & Defense
- Expanding and Modernizing Our Military
- Defeating ISIS and Terrorism
- Regulation
- Eliminated 22 Regulations for Every New Regulatory Action
- Saved $8.1 Billion in Net Regulatory Cost Savings
- Health Care
- Eliminated the Obamacare Individual Mandate
- Extended CHIP to Fund Health Care for 9 Million Children
- Expanded Choices & Increasing Competition
- Veterans
- Passed Legislation that now Holds VA Caregivers Accountable
- Fully Funded the V.A. Choice Program
Diaz-Balart: House Democrats Pass a Partisan, Politically-Motivated Bill that Fails to Adequately Address the Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after Democratic Leadership passed H.R. 3401, “Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019.”
“As I mentioned last week, supplemental funding is critically needed to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Despite the urgency of this matter, House Democrats have blocked the passage of this funding 17 times and have failed to work with Republicans on a bill that would provide desperately needed resources to overburdened federal agencies. Unlike the bipartisan bill advancing in the Senate, and just two days before the House adjourns for recess, House Democrats have passed highly partisan, politically-motivated legislation that does little to solve the problem.
“It’s unconscionable that this bill does not provide funding to investigate human traffickers smuggling children and does not provide additional funds to support immigration judges, courtrooms, and equipment. Overall, the House Democratic bill underfunds critical agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) – all agencies that are essential to addressing the numerous challenges continuing to mount while Democratic Leadership fails to produce an effective, passable bill.”
Congressman Francis Rooney introduces bill reinforcing requirements that drug companies include prices in TV ads
Congressman Francis Rooney introduced legislation that would codify the recent Department of Health and Human Services finalized rule that would require prescription drug companies to include list prices in television ads.
Congressman Rooney stated, “Prescription drug prices have skyrocketed over the last decade and many Americans can’t afford the medications they need. Last year, pharmaceutical companies spent $3.7 billion marketing prescription drugs and therapies through television advertisements, and many of these advertised medications cost several hundred dollars per month or more.
“Americans deserve to know upfront how much these medications cost. Many drug companies have already started the process of complying with this new rule. If drug companies have something to hide, this will help hold them accountable. By increasing transparency and including these prices in tv ads, we can create a market-based solution to lower prescription drug prices.”
This legislation would codify a rule proposed by the Trump Administration requiring pharmaceutical companies to include the list price of prescription drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid that cost at least $35 for a 30-day supply or the usual course of therapy in television advertisements. The new rule will take effect on July 9.
Rick Scott’s Week in Review – June 22, 2019
Senator Rick Scott campaigned on a plan to Make Washington Work for Florida families – and a key component of that plan was passed out of committee this week!
Senator Scott’s proposal to prevent Congress from getting paid during a government shutdown was successfully added to the Government Shutdown Accountability Act in this week’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting. Senator Scott will continue fighting to reform the dysfunctional ways of Washington so that it actually works for Americans – not for career politicians in D.C.
“If members of Congress cannot work together to pass a budget, they should not be getting paid. It’s pretty simple. If we can’t do our jobs, we shouldn’t get a taxpayer-funded salary. My No Budget, No Pay amendment simply requires Congress to pass an annual budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done. There is no reason members of Congress should be held to a different standard than American families and businesses across the nation. Accountability shouldn’t be controversial.”
– Senator Rick Scott
This week, Senator Scott hosted a Hurricane Preparedness Conference that brought together federal, state, local and private-sector partners to discuss hurricane preparedness and recovery. Senator Scott also spoke at the Atlantic Council on Russia’s continued support of the genocide in Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro.
Senator Scott also sponsored legislation to provide funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which supports 9/11 survivors and first responders who have experienced health issues following the attack, the Defending Domestic Produce Production Act to protect Florida farmers, along with a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
Sen. Rick Scott Co-Sponsors Bill to Support Victims of 9/11 Terrorist Attack
Senator Rick Scott announced his co-sponsorship of the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. This bipartisan legislation provides funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which supports 9/11 survivors and first responders who have experienced health issues following the attack.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I was in New York City on September 11, 2001, and saw the terror and devastation inflicted on our nation. Americans around the world felt this attack. But for the survivors, first responders, and families of the victims, the tragedy continues each and every day. I will always stand with the survivors, our brave first responders, and the families and loved ones of the innocent victims who were lost that day. I’m honored to support them through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott to House Dems: Stop Stalling on Robocall Fix
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement calling on the House to pass the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act to combat abusive robocalls. This legislation was co-sponsored by Senator Scott and passed the Senate last month.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Every day, Americans across the nation, especially our seniors, are inundated with abusive and potentially fraudulent robocalls. I’m glad the Senate overwhelmingly passed the TRACED Act, which I’m proud to co-sponsor. But now it’s been almost a month and the House still hasn’t acted. I can’t understand why Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats don’t want take common sense action to solve this problem for Americans. They need to stop focusing on political games and actually accomplish something like they were elected to do. The House needs to take up and immediately pass the TRACED Act.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott’s No Budget, No Pay Passes Out of Committee
Senator Rick Scott’s proposal to prevent Congress from getting paid during a government shutdown was successfully added to the Government Shutdown Accountability Act in today’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting. Senator Scott originally co-sponsored the No Budget, No Pay Act with Senator Mike Braun in January. See more HERE and in the video below.
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Sen. Rick Scott Statement on Confirmation of Florida Judge Allen Winsor
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Judge Allen Winsor to serve as a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Florida.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m thrilled the Senate voted to confirm Allen Winsor to serve as a district judge in the Northern District. Throughout his career, Judge Winsor has demonstrated a respect for the separation of powers and a devotion to the role of the judiciary in our democratic system. As Governor, I had the honor of appointing Judge Winsor to the First District Court of Appeal in 2016, and I know he will continue to fairly uphold the rule of law and serve our state and nation well.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: The U.S. Stands with Those Fighting for Freedom in Venezuela; Russia Must Take Heed
Senator Rick Scott spoke at the Atlantic Council on the genocide in Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro and Russia’s continued support of Maduro’s oppressive regime.
Read excerpts of his remarks as prepared for delivery below or his full speech HERE.
…There’s a genocide happening in Venezuela right now. You know, I’ve actually been criticized for using that word. But I ask my critics, how many children have to die before you call it what it is?
And there is one man responsible for inflicting this genocide on the people of Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro….
The sanctions we’ve placed on Venezuela are starting to have an effect….
And yet, Maduro remains in power. The people of Venezuela continue to suffer. And the influence of Cuba, Russia, China, Iran and international terrorist organizations grows.
We MUST do more.
If Russia stops propping up the regime in Caracas, I believe that the dominoes will fall and the people of Venezuela will be free from the evil and tyranny of Maduro.…
Right now, President Putin is an active participant in Maduro’s genocide.
- Russia has welcomed the Petroleos de Venezuela office to Moscow to strengthen its strategic partnership with Venezuela;
- Russia’s oil company, Rosneft, has provided more than $17 billion in loans to the Chavez-Maduro regime in the last ten years;
- Russia has taken more than 3 million tons of Venezuelan oil in the past two years; and
- Russia has helped Maduro export oil to Asia once U.S. sanctions against Venezuela’s oil threatened to dry up revenues.…
We cannot allow hostile regimes like Russia, China, and Cuba to continue to train killers, distribute weapons and place military assets in Venezuela.…
We need to make Nicolas Maduro a pariah. If we dry up the support coming into Venezuela from Russia, China, Cuba and Iran, Maduro will have no choice but to step aside and let freedom and democracy reign once again.…
Russia must take heed: the United States is committed to protecting our national security and preserving the freedoms and democratic government that the people of Venezuela deserve.
We will remember who is with us, and we will remember who is not.
Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott on CNN International: Maduro Should Do the Right Thing and Step Aside
Watch the full interview below or HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed on his co-sponsorship of the DRIVE-Safe Act, which aims to alleviate the nation’s truck driver shortage by creating a training program for young adults.
In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Right now, our trucking and logistics industry is facing a 50,000-driver shortage that threatens to stunt economic growth. Current federal regulations on interstate commerce prevent trucking companies from hiring entry-level drivers out of high school, adding to the shortage.
I’m proud to be working to eliminate this unnecessary regulation by co-sponsoring the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE-Safe) Act, originally introduced by my friend and colleague Sen. Todd Young.…
My story is not unlike that of many Americans. I grew up in the Midwest and was raised by two hard-working parents.
I never knew my natural dad, but my adopted father was a World War II veteran, a city bus driver and then a truck driver. He was an American hero who completed all four combat jumps in World War II as a member of the 82nd Airborne.…
The DRIVE-Safe Act gives young adults across the nation a chance to enter a high-paying career immediately out of high school. As senator and a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I will fight to give Floridians every opportunity to succeed and live their American dream — just like my dad.”
Read the full op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune HERE.
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New York Post: Rick Scott becomes latest senator to support 9/11 victim fund
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Backs Permanent Authorization of 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
Breitbart: Mike Braun and Rick Scott’s ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Bill Advances Out of Committee
WWSB: Senator Scott’s ‘No Budget, No Pay’ proposal added to Shutdown Accountability Act
Daily Signal: To Whip Congress Into Shape, Withhold Their Pay
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Scott: Filling the truck-driver gap
Florida Politics: Rick Scott co-sponsors bill to provide relief, school choice to military families
Florida Politics: Rick Scott to Donald Trump: Talk about border security
Florida Politics: Rick Scott hosting ‘Hurricane Preparedness Conference’ Monday in Orlando
Atlantic Council: US Senator Condemns Putin’s Complicit Role in Venezuela
Florida Politics: ‘Russia must take heed’: Rick Scott blames Moscow for Venezuelan ‘genocide’
NTN 24: Rick Scott: “Si las sanciones no son suficientes, estaremos dispuestos a hacer lo que sea necesario”
Florida Politics: U.S. Senate confirms Allen Winsor to be next federal judge for north Florida
Sen. Rick Scott Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Conference in Orlando
Senator Rick Scott hosted a Hurricane Preparedness Conference at Valencia College in Orlando that brought together federal, state, local and private-sector partners to discuss hurricane preparedness and recovery. Click HERE for video from the conference.
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Sen. Rick Scott Highlights Tamiami Trail Project Investment in Miami
Senator Rick Scott visited Everglades Safari Park to highlight the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $60 million investment to raise the unbridged sections of the Tamiami Trail. This announcement follows the letter Senator Scott sent in March to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao urging funding for the project, which is critical to the health of Florida’s Everglades.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m honored to be in the Everglades today to celebrate the beginning of Phase II of the Tamiami Trail project, which is vital to increasing freshwater flows to the Everglades. As Governor, I fought to fund the Tamiami Trail Modification Next Step Phase I, and I thank President Trump and DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for building on our efforts by awarding the $60 million I requested for this vital project. I also want to thank Senator Rubio and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who put a lot of work into this project. I look forward to continuing this strong federal-state partnership to finish the Tamiami Trail and continue our mission of preserving Florida’s historic Everglades National Park.” Read more HERE.
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Also this week in Florida…
Boeing is officially moving their space division to Florida’s Space Coast! The space industry has long been an important and iconic part of Florida’s history and economic success, and with our incredible business climate and low taxes, it’s no surprise that Boeing chose our great state to grow and create more jobs!
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Interested in serving our great country? Senator Scott has the honor to nominate candidates for appointment to U.S. Military Academies.Visit our website HERE and spread the word to all individuals seeking appointment to a service academy TODAY!
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Senator Scott remains committed to filling Florida’s federal judicial vacancies in Florida’s Southern District and Middle District with the best-qualified candidates to serve our state and nation. Interested candidates may contact our office or find more information on current federal judicial vacancies HERE.
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Trump Campaign Announcement – How You Can Help
Collier Trump fans at the Rally. From Left: Connie Ross, Mary Waller and Adele Amico
Collier county was well represented at the Trump Rally in Orlando Tuesday. As he announced his run for a second term amidst an energetic crowd, he offered up many areas of success in his short term in office.
You can help spread the word of his good news by writing letters to the editor on one of the topics mentioned below. To help make it easy we’ve created a link to the Naples Daily News letters to the editor. Click Here for the Page.
Topics to write a letter to the editor:
- Economy & Jobs
- The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act
- 6 Million New Jobs
- Record Low Unemployment
- 350,000+ Manufacturing Jobs
- Immigration
- Building the Wall: $1.6 Billion on Funding
- Office of Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE)
- Cracking Down on Sanctuary Cities
- Foreign Policy
- Enforcing Fair & Reciprocal Trade
- Building Confidence and Respect for America
- National Security & Defense
- Expanding and Modernizing Our Military
- Defeating ISIS and Terrorism
- Economy & Jobs
- The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act
- 6 Million New Jobs
- Record Low Unemployment
- 350,000+ Manufacturing Jobs
- Immigration
- Building the Wall: $1.6 Billion on Funding
- Office of Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE)
- Cracking Down on Sanctuary Cities
- Foreign Policy
- Enforcing Fair & Reciprocal Trade
- Building Confidence and Respect for America
- National Security & Defense
- Expanding and Modernizing Our Military
- Defeating ISIS and Terrorism
- Regulation
- Eliminated 22 Regulations for Every New Regulatory Action
- Saved $8.1 Billion in Net Regulatory Cost Savings
- Health Care
- Eliminated the Obamacare Individual Mandate
- Extended CHIP to Fund Health Care for 9 Million Children
- Expanded Choices & Increasing Competition
- Veterans
- Passed Legislation that now Holds VA Caregivers Accountable
- Fully Funded the V.A. Choice Program
Diaz-Balart: House Majority Leadership Has Failed to Protect the Well-being of Thousands of Unaccompanied Children
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement calling out House Majority Leadership for failing to support an emergency supplemental bill that would address the lack of funding for unaccompanied children under the care of the United States.
“It is appalling that thousands of unaccompanied children’s lives and well-being may be at risk because House Majority leadership continues to refuse to bring forth a supplemental bill that would address the funding crisis for HHS’s Office of Refugee Resettlement’s Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) program. Seven weeks ago, President Trump requested $4.5 billion in emergency appropriations to respond to the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Shamefully, House Majority leadership’s inaction has failed to safeguard our national security interests and has failed these children.
“The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) need resources to respond to the increases of those arriving at our southern border. The number of unaccompanied minor children in CPB’s custody increased from 870 on May 1st to more than 2,300 today. The lack of action from House Majority leadership in response to the influx of unaccompanied minors at our southern border is forcing federal agencies to cope with the crisis without the crucial resources that they need. This has also forced the termination of education services, legal services and recreation in the facilities.”
DHS and HHS report that as of June 10, 2019, more than 52,000 unaccompanied minors have been referred to HHS this year, a more than 60% increase over the previous fiscal year. In May 2019, the agencies reported that there were a staggering 144,278 total apprehensions at the southern border. On June 12, the Department of Homeland Security and The Department of Health & Human Services wrote a joint letter to Congress urging the immediate passage of emergency supplemental funding.
“Failing to provide these agencies with the necessary resources means jeopardizing the well-being of thousands of unaccompanied children.”
House Natural Resources Committee passes Congressman Rooney’s offshore drilling ban
Today, the House Natural Resources Committee held a markup on the Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act, Congressman Rooney’s proposal to ban offshore drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. The bill passed out of the Committee by a vote of 24-12 (22 Democrats and 2 Republicans voting in favor).
Congressman Rooney stated, “Water quality impacts all of Florida’s residents and visitors. Drilling in this area would negatively affect our environment, tourism, and military readiness. I want to ensure that all areas east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico are permanently protected from offshore oil drilling. In 2022, the moratorium on drilling and exploration will expire unless Congress acts.
“I thank Chairman Grijalva and the Committee for taking up this legislation. Making the moratorium permanent is critical for Florida and for our military preparedness.”
The Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act can now be brought to the House floor for a vote from the entire House of Representatives.
Background:
- The Eastern Gulf of Mexico hosts the Gulf Test Range, a 120,000 square mile range that stretches from the Florida panhandle to the Keys. The vast size allows the testing of hypersonic weapons, combat maneuvers training, drone testing, and untold future operations of weapons and platforms that will not only need space for testing, but also restricted access areas for classified operations.
