Dear Friends, 

As the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, I held a hearing to discuss the impacts of recently proposed changes to cybersecurity regulations for the transportation sector. The committee heard from representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Government Accountability Office, and private sector.

As Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I focused on reducing overhead and streamlining regulations to enable business innovation and improve government efficiency. I believe this same approach is essential as we work to effectively protect our nation’s transportation systems from cybersecurity risks.

Cybersecurity is a national security priority, especially for our transportation systems, which are essential to our economy and public safety. These networks, increasingly reliant on digital systems, face growing threats from cyberattacks that could disrupt travel, commerce, and national stability. Emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and AI amplify these risks.

TSA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that aims to establish mandatory cyber risk management and reporting requirements for certain surface transportation owners and operators. The proposed 300-page regulations could overwhelm smaller operators without effectively reducing risks.

We must balance regulatory standards with operational adaptability, so we can promote robust cybersecurity practices that both protect critical infrastructure and foster innovation and efficiency within the industry.

Watch a clip from the hearing HERE.

Watch a clip of my opening statement HERE.

Sincerely,

Your Congressman, 
Carlos A. Gimenez 

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!

Last week we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week. A time to recognize the value of hands-on training and the incredible opportunities apprenticeships offer. As a strong believer in the dignity of hard work and the power of education, I know that apprenticeships serve as a vital bridge between learning and earning. In South Florida and across the nation, apprenticeships transform lives and strengthen our communities. Let us continue to champion programs that open doors for young people and working families so we can build a stronger, more skilled workforce for generations to come. 

Congressman Carlos Gimenez’s Anti-China Bill Moves in the U.S. Senate

My bill, H.R. 8631, Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, passed through the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs with overwhelming bipartisan support. I urge the Senate to take up this urgent piece of legislation to protect our national security and begin to reduce our dependence on foreign made technology. 

House Passes VA Reform

This week, H.R. 8371 - Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this monumental piece of legislation which if signed into law will reform and improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Further, the bill improves programs for veterans and families as they readjust to life outside of the service. 

House Passes Termination of Tax-Exempt Status of Terrorist Organizations

The House passed H.R. 9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, with bipartisan support. This bill, if signed into law, would postpone the tax filing deadline for U.S. nationals and their spouses that were detained or held hostage and a refund of any fines paid by those detained. In addition, the bill will eliminate tax-exempt status, 501c3, for terrorist organizations. 

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Condemns Nicaragua’s Tyrannical Regimes Latest Power Brag

Nicaragua's tyrant Daniel Ortega's latest constitutional reform is just another blatant pathetic attempt to perpetuate his corrupt family into power. The shameless Ortega regime does not even try to hide their cynicism as they continue to oppress the Nicaraguan people. Ortega continues to pull a page from the socialist Castro, Maduro, and Chavez playbook by making his tyrant wife co-dictator. The Biden-Harris Administration must take action now to limit the Nicaraguan's regime's access to global financial markets and ability to participate in the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Come January, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will ensure US policy towards Nicaragua is guided by support for democracy, human rights, and those fighting for freedom in Nicaragua.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Releases Statement on CCP-Aligned Companies

Alongside Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) of the House Homeland Security Committee, we released the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security's Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force adding CATL and Gotion, two CCP-affiliated, to its forced labor entity list. The Communist Chinese affiliated companies are electric vehicle battery manufacturers planning to establish facilities in the United States.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Attends Defense Industrial Base Simulation

The House Select Committee on the CCP participated in an interactive simulation of the U.S. Defense Industrial Bases. Coordinated by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, we as a committee were able to see simulations of possible conflicts in the Indo-Pacific that could affect our allies like Taiwan. With this simulation we will be able to discuss changes necessary to strengthen our military bases in the region and how we can better prepare for any possible military conflict.   

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Meets with Admiral Grey

It was great to have U.S. Naval Air Station Key West Commander, Admiral Scott Grey at my office. We discussed pressing issues that servicemembers face in Key West like housing.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Meets with General Healy

Honored to meet with U.S. Air Force General John Healy, Chief and Commander of the Air Force Reserve. General Healy is a champion for our service members at the Homestead Air Reserve Base in our district. I am committed to continuing our work together to strengthen the Air Force reserve and expand capabilities and opportunities at Homestead Air Reserve Base.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Meets with Peruvian Ambassador

I welcomed my friend, Ambassador Alfredo Ferrero of Peru. I am proud to be the Co-Chair of the Congressional Peru Caucus, and I am excited to continue our work in strengthening our relationship between our two countries for years to come.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Welcomes Ambassador of Panama

It was a pleasure to attend the commemoration of Panama's national day as well as welcoming Ambassador Jose Miguel Aleman as he enters his new role as Panamanian Ambassador to the United States. I wish the Ambassador and wife well and look forward to growing the US relationship with our sister country.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Applauds Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon

Alongside my House colleagues and the Ambassador of Spain to the United States, we honored the hard work of Congresswoman from Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon. Rep. Colon has been one of my best friends in the House and we are so proud that she will become the next governor of Puerto Rico. 

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Meets with Anthony Abraham

It is always special to see fellow Columbus alumni here in Washington, D.C. Great seeing my dear friend and trailblazer Anthony Abrham to discuss pressing issues facing our community. We spoke about Mr. Abraham’s efforts in partnering with the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes for the 2028 Olympics.

Legislative Updates

On November 19, 2024, Congressman Carlos Gimenez joined as a co-sponsor to Congressman Darrell Issa’s (R-CA) H.R. 9922 - Litigation Transparency Act of 2024. If signed into law, this bill would require third parties to disclose financial payments in civil litigation.

Recent Votes

H. Res. 915 - Urging Ukraine to review and modify its decision to suspend adoption by foreign nationals - Passed, 372-6 (Yea)

H.R. 9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act - Passed, 219-184 (Yea)

H. Res. 1449 - Condemning the global rise of antisemitism and calling upon countries and international bodies to counter antisemitism - Passed, 388-21 (Yea)

H.R. 8368 - Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts Authorization Act of 2024 - Passed, 334-63 (Yea)

H.R. 1449 - CLEAN Act - Passed, 244-171 (Yea)

H. Res. 1576 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1449) to Amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 9495) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Passed, 212-203 (Yea)

H.R. 5658 - Vote by Mail Tracking Act - Passed, 396-6 (Yea)

H.R. 8371 - Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act - Passed, 389-9 (Yea)

In The Media

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Joins CNN

I joined CNN’s Brianna Keilar to discuss the ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into former-Representative Matt Gatez.

Watch the full interview HERE.

Spring 2024 Internship