This past week we discussed critical issues in the first House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security for the 119th Congress. As Chairman I led a hearing focused on the growing presence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Western Hemisphere and their alarming developments that can pose a risk to national security.
The CCP has continued to invest in key maritime infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Ports in the Panama Canal, Peru, and Brazil. With almost 40% of US container traffic passing through the Panama Canal, foreign adversarial influence is a grave concern. The CCP’s presence in these strategic locations threaten disruption in trade, restrictions in U.S. naval operations, and the CCP’s ability to gather critical intelligence of U.S. national security.
The CCP influence does not end there. It also fuels the flow of illicit goods, including precursor chemicals for fentanyl, which feed the drug cartels and worsen the opioid crisis ravaging American communities.
This hearing is an important first step in the 119th Congress towards our efforts to counter the CCP’s influence in our hemisphere.
Watch a clip from my line of questioning about the Panama Canal HERE.
Sincerely,
Your Congressman, Carlos A. Gimenez
Happy Presidents Day!
On Monday, we honored all those who answered the call of leadership to serve our exceptional county. The Presidents of America set the foundation for a strong country, inspiring freedom here and around the world.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez Honors our Fallen Heroes
Alongside Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Gabe Amo (D-RI), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), we co-led the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. As the first career firefighter-paramedic to be elected to Congress, I know first-hand what so many first responders and their families have to go through. This bill will expand federal support for the brave men and women that put their lives on the line every day for their communities. Further, the bill will support the families of our brave heroes affected by service-related cancer illnesses.
The bill has the support of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and 10 organizations that represent first responders.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez Welcomes the Foreign Minister of Costa Rica
It has been a pleasure to welcome our friend Foreign Minister Arnoldo Tinoco, from the sister Republic of Costa Rica, in my office in Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the country has been extremely fruitful and we are going to strengthen our excellent friendship with the honorable Costa Rican people.
We will continue to work closely with the Foreign Minister and my friend Ambassador Catalina Crespo Sancho to continue achieving successes for our nations.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez Welcomes Commissioner Monestime
Always great to speak to my dear friend and colleague Commissioner Jean Monestime, who I had the incredible honor to serve with as Mayor of Miami-Dade County.
Team Gimenez in the Community
It was great to have Team Gimenez at the State of South Dade address to hear the latest developments coming to our community.
In The Media
Congressman Carlos Gimenez Joins CNN
I joined Pamela Brown on CNN to discuss the ongoing crisis with Tren de Aragua. Violent felons must be deported while finding a solution for law-abiding Venezuelan exiles.
Introduced by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) on February 13, 2025, Rep. Gimenez joined as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1330 - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act.
Introduced by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) on February 13, 2025, Rep. Gimenez joined as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1329 - Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act.
Introduced by Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) on February 12, 2025, Rep. Gimenez joined as an original co-lead of H.R. 1269 - Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act.
Introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) on February 12, 2025, Rep Gimenez joined as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1268 - Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act.
Committee Activity
The Subcommittee House Homeland Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, Chaired by Rep. Carlos Gimenez, held its first hearing of the 119th Congress. The hearing titled “Examining the PRC’s Strategic Port Investments in the Western Hemisphere and the Implications for Homeland Security, Part I,” discussed how the CCP is gaining a foothold in our hemisphere and what we must do to protect American investments and our nationals security.
On February 26, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump will reopen the Executive Mansion to the public for tours. If you would like to visit the White House, please reach out to my office by filling out the tour request form on our website or by clicking HERE.
All tours should be requested 3 months prior to the tour date. All tours are subject to confirmation and approval by the White House.
Team Gimenez Office Hours
Need help with a passport, visa, veterans benefits, IRS, immigration or any other issue with a federal agency? Join my team, Thursday, February 20, 2025, for mobile office hours in Sweetwater - Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center – 250 SW 114th Ave. Sweetwater, FL, 33174.
WHAT: Mobile Office Hours
WHEN: Thursday. February 20, 2025.
WHERE: Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center – 250 SW 114th Ave. Sweetwater, FL, 33174.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 305-222-0160 or click HERE.