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Rep. Brian Mast

Mast to POTUS: Prioritize Florida Water Infrastructure in Budget Request

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U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking him to prioritize the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), including completion of the reservoir authorized by Florida Senate Bill 10, in his budget request to Congress this year.
The text of the letter is below and attached:

January 17, 2018

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Mr. President:
Thank you for supporting the needs of all Floridians by advancing an expedited timeline to rehabilitate the Herbert Hoover Dike. This action is a critical step in ensuring the safety of millions of Floridians.
Beyond the rehabilitation of one of the country’s most vulnerable pieces of infrastructure, however, there is a greater mission ahead: the completion of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP).
While the rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike is necessary to flood control and human safety, it is just one part of a much larger and comprehensive series of infrastructure projects required to preserve the health, economy and environment of Florida. These Congressionally-authorized projects create a roadmap to ensure the survival of Florida’s ecosystem, which has been continually altered by the federal government over the past century. Without restoration, Floridians from across the state will continue to combat life threatening events through rising waters, devastating storms and ecological destruction.
I ask that as you move forward with expediting the completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation that you also include requests to expedite CERP and CEPP. Expediting CERP and CEPP will do more than just preventing a catastrophic flood. These projects will restore sustainability, livelihoods and resiliency of communities that have been lost at the hands of the federal government. In order for this to succeed, we need:

  1. $1.4 billion for the EAA Reservoir to build necessary storage and treatment features;
  2. $1.98 billion for the Central Everglades Plan to restore freshwater flow to the Everglades and Florida Bay to reduce harmful discharges;
  3. $80 million for C-44, the St. Lucie Estuary Storm Water Treatment Areas, to reduce and clean harmful discharges to the St. Lucie Estuary;
  4. $12 million for C-43 to help restore the natural flow of water to the Caloosahatchee River;
  5. $20 million to complete the Picayune Strand, a 55,000-acre habitat restoration in the Western Everglades;
  6. $210 million for the Tamiami Trail Bridging to remove a logjam, allowing for sheet-flow restoration;
  7. $4 million for C-111 South Dade to improve freshwater flow to the southern Everglades, including the Taylor Slough and Florida Bay;
  8. $71 million for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project Phase I to restore the natural pattern of freshwater inflows to Biscayne Bay;
  9. $190 million for C-11, the Broward Water Preserve Area, to improve water quality and reduce seepage loss from central Everglades, increase water supply and reduce saltwater intrusion in Broward County;
  10. $71 million for the Kissimmee River Restoration to restore critical floodplain habitat and flows to Lake Okeechobee.

Expediting the Herbert Hoover Dike is a great signal that your Administration intends to fulfill the promises of the federal government to correct the water problems imposed on Floridians under previous Administrations. Completion of the dike is an important step, but holding water in Lake Okeechobee does not solve the fundamental issue of safely and responsibly channeling that water to where nature always intended it to flow: the Everglades.
I look forward to working with you on removing bureaucratic inefficiencies and ensuring adequate appropriations to put the entire solution back on track. Including these priorities in your budget request for fiscal year 2019, prioritizing CERP and CEPP along with the Herbert Hoover Dike, would go a long way toward achieving our shared objectives.

Sincerely,

Brian J. Mast
Member of Congress

Mast For Congress Releases First Ad: “Promises Kept”

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Campaign Passes $1 Million Cash on Hand

The Mast for Congress campaign today released the first ad of the 2018 campaign cycle, titled “Promises Kept.”  The 30-second spot highlights three bipartisan legislative achievements that fulfill major campaign promises: protecting seniors from fraud, preventing critical veterans programs from expiring and passing new funding to combat harmful algal blooms.
Additionally, after raising $419,000 during Q4 of 2017, the Mast For Congress campaign now has $1,039,000 cash on hand.
Watch the ad here:

Transcript:
When I became your Congressman, my promises became my mission.
To protect seniors, I passed legislation to crack down on crimes which target seniors and strengthen Medicare.
For our veterans, my bill averted crisis by protecting veterans healthcare programs.
And for our environment, I secured more than $20 million to combat harmful algal blooms in our waterways.
I know my mission is not over.  That’s why I’m asking for your support to stay in the fight.
I’m Brian Mast and I approve this message.
Background:
The ad references several pieces of legislation that fulfill campaign promises made by Congressman Mast:
FOR SENIORS

  • Congressman Mast has helped pass numerous pieces of legislation to protect seniors and strengthen Medicare, including:
    • The Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act promotes the investigation and prosecution of criminals who prey upon seniors, enhances data collection on crimes targeting seniors and provides additional resources for elder abuse prevention programs.  The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives on October 3, 2017, with Congressman Mast’s support, and was signed into law on October 18, 2017.
    • The Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act strengthens Medicare by eliminating the unaccountable and unelected Independent Payment Advisory Board.  The bill passed the House of Representatives, with Congressman Mast’s support, on November 2, 2017.
    • Medicare Part B Improvement Act helps ensure there aren’t gaps in coverage for Medicare beneficiaries and helps patients with chronic diseases more easily access their treatments.  The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives, with Congressman Mast’s support, on July 25, 2017.

FOR VETERANS

  • Congressman Mast introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017.  The bill extended a number of expiring programs impacting veterans healthcare and benefits, including homeless programs, nursing home care, child care assistance and home loan services.  The bill passed the House on September 25, 2017 and the Senate on September 27, 2017 with bipartisan support.  The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 was signed into law by the President on September 29, 2017.

FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

  • Congressman Mast has introduced and passed more than 10 amendments, totaling more than $20 million, to add funding to combat harmful algal blooms and clean up local waterways.  The programs include:
    • $8 million to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to combat harmful algal blooms.  Introduced with Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16).
    • $5.6 million for the Natural Resource Conservation Service to promote environmentally sustainable toxic runoff mitigation.
    • $2 million for the Agriculture and Food Service Initiative to expand research into prevention of harmful algal blooms.
    • $1.5 million for the Food and Drug Administration to research the health impact of contaminated seafood.
    • $1.1 million for the Environmental Protection Agency to research the impact on water quality of nutrient inputs.
    • $1 million for non-point source pollution mitigation grants, including removal of toxic substances.
    • $1 million for the U.S. Geological Service to research harmful algal blooms.
    • $1 million for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to study the health impacts of exposure to harmful algal blooms.
    • $598,000 for the Department of the Navy to fund the Environmental Sustainability Development Project research on coastal contamination.
    • $500,000 for the Aquatic Plant Control Research Program to develop technology to combat harmful algal blooms.
    • $400,000 to the Centers for Disease Control to investigate environmental threats of public exposure to waterborne contaminates.

Mast Statement on Interior Department Oil Drilling Plan

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U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the following statement:
“Oil drilling off the coast of Florida puts our economy, environment and marine life at risk.  That’s why I’ve long opposed drilling off our coast and have been working closely with my Florida colleagues on both sides of the aisle to extend the prohibition on drilling off the coast of Florida.  Today’s announcement that the Department of the Interior intends to open up drilling off the Florida coast is extremely alarming and unacceptable.  Moving forward, Secretary Zinke has indicated that Florida and other states will have a voice in the process.  Our voice has been clear from the start: we will not tolerate drilling near our coast.  As the Department of the Interior works to finalize their plan, I will do everything I can to convince them to change their mind and prevent drilling off our coast.”
BACKGROUND 
Congressman Mast has long opposed oil drilling off the coast of Florida.  Actions he has taken include:

  • Co-sponsoring the bipartisan Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act, which would extend the current ban on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and strengthen the federal government’s ability to prevent and respond to future oil spills.
  • Sending a letter to Interior Secretary Zinke in June opposing secretarial order #3350 to move forward with offshore oil and gas exploration in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sending a letter to Interior Secretary Zinke in March in opposition to offshore oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Mast Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Healthcare Access for Disabled Veterans

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U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18)—along with Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV)—introduced bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to increase healthcare opportunities for disabled veterans. The Fair Access to Insurance for Retired (FAIR) Heroes Act will allow veterans who were medically discharged to choose their healthcare coverage through Medicare or TRICARE.
“I know as well as anyone the bureaucratic healthcare maze that awaits injured veterans when they get home,” Rep. Mast said. It’s complex and not always in the best interest of our vets. Right now severely injured veterans can’t even access their TRICARE benefits without first dipping into Medicare money that could be going to care for our seniors. That’s the epitome of bad government bureaucracy. This bipartisan bill will make government more efficient and ensure our seriously injured veterans have access to the health care that best fits their needs.”
Disabled veterans lose access to TRICARE, the military’s health system, if they have filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. They must instead enroll in Medicare Part B, where premiums are nearly five times higher than TRICARE. Allowing disabled veterans a choice could save them up to $1,300 a year.
“Considering the sacrifices veterans make on our behalf, we owe it them to ensure they are getting the care they deserve and in the manner that is best for them,” Rep. Davis said. “The FAIR Heroes act will give our veterans greater choices in where to get the healthcare plan that works for them.”
Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Along with the support of the Wounded Warriors Project, the FAIR Heroes Act has been endorsed by the Air Force Association, Association of the United States Army, Association of the United States Navy, AMVETS, Army Aviation Association of America, Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Got Your 6, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Service Women’s Action Network, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Mast Introduces Bill to Accelerate Investment in Water Infrastructure

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U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today introduced the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2017 to extend and double the funding authorization for a critical credit assistance program designed to accelerate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure.  The bipartisan bill—co-sponsored by Representatives Bob Gibbs (OH-7), Sean Maloney (NY-12) and Julia Brownley (CA-26)—extends the authorization for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) until 2024 and doubles the authorization to $90 million.
“The water issues in our community have been devastating, and it’s clear that we need to do more to make every possible tool available to fix the problem,” Rep. Mast said.  “Strengthening this bipartisan program will make more resources available for ecosystem restoration, non-point source pollution management projects, estuary conservation projects and more.”
Established as part of the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee pilot program that aims to accelerate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects.  WIFIA offers greater financial flexibility to utilities, municipalities, nonprofits and other eligible entities who may lack the capacity to fund water infrastructure upgrades by helping cover up to 49% of the project costs.   The pilot program is currently set to expire in 2019.
“Improving public water systems can be costly, and EPA consent decrees put considerable pressure on the budgets of cities and municipalities,” Rep. Gibbs said.  “Rather than putting the squeeze on local officials, EPA can utilize WIFIA and help supplement state revolving funds to assist local governments in providing safe and affordable water utilities and make necessary repairs to their aging water infrastructure.  Clean drinking water is an important issue for all Americans, and I am proud to have helped craft this bill.”
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act reauthorizes WIFIA for an additional five years (FY2020 to FY2024). The authorization of appropriations is doubled (from $45 million in FY2018 to $90 million in FY2019) and the annual incremental increase of authorized appropriations for the successive five years is also doubled (from $5 million to $10 million). Annual authorization of administrative costs is increased from $2.2 million to $3 million.
In response to its Notice of Funding Availability, the WIFIA program received 43 letters of interest from prospective borrowers totaling more than $6 billion in requested loans.  These letters, including for three projects in Florida, demonstrate the demand for increased investment capacity.   The increased funding authorization provided by this bill would increase the amount available for loans from approximately $1.5 billion to more than $5 billion.
“Water systems are falling apart all over the country and we can’t afford to wait or cheap out on fixing them – all Americans deserve access to clean water and our bill would provide it,” Rep. Maloney said. “This legislation is the product of a months-long, bipartisan effort and we’re going to keep working together to get this thing passed into law.”
“From ecosystem restoration, to navigation and flood risk mitigation, Army Corps of Engineers projects are critical for many local communities across the country. Ensuring these public works can be financed through the WIFIA program will give states and local communities an additional tool to develop important projects,” Rep. Brownley said.  “Working with a bipartisan group, including Congressmen Brian Mast, Sean Patrick Maloney, and Bob Gibbs, I am hopeful that we can move this legislation quickly so that the Corps and the Environmental Protection Agency can work together to advance critical infrastructure projects.”
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act makes the following additional changes to the WIFIA Program:

  • Amends current law to grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrative authority to allocate WIFIA funds to applicants that are selected. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) shall issue guidance on information that will be necessary for selection of applications under their jurisdiction and will have approval authority of those applications.
  • Directs all applications for WIFIA funds be submitted to the EPA Administrator, with concurrent applications for any project under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps be submitted to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
  • EPA shall run all applications through the financial services process already established to determine credit worthiness of the proposals. Army Corps will provide subject matter expertise on an application’s operations and maintenance plan. Both the EPA and Army Corps will jointly establish criteria for final selection of all applications.
  • EPA shall coordinate with OMB and rating agencies to determine the appropriate capital requirements for each selected application, set the terms and conditions of the loan, and collect fees.
  • EPA will administer the WIFIA office and receive administration appropriations from Congress to do so.
  • EPA shall be responsible for publishing information on WIFIA applications for public disclosure. Two years after enactment of this reauthorization, GAO will issue a report summarizing the proposals received under WIFIA.

Additional information about WIFIA program eligibility is available here.  Interested potential applicants can attend an in-person or digital information session.  Answers from the EPA to frequently asked questions about WIFIA are available here.

Mast Statement on Passage of First Major Tax Reform Since 1980s

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U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
“Bureaucrats in D.C. seem to forget that every dollar they spend is the result of somebody else’s labor.  It’s about time that we make the government do more with less and empower the American people to do more with more.
“This is a great accomplishment: the first major tax reform since the Reagan Administration.  Our bill simplifies the tax code, doubles the standard deduction for all families, and most importantly, cuts taxes for low- and middle-income families who are struggling just to get by.  Every dollar less the government takes, and every dollar more that you keep in your pocket, is a big win.  That’s exactly what this bill does and why it will grow middle class paychecks in Florida by more than $2,250 and lead to the creation of more than 55,000 new jobs.” 
Background
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: 

  • Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to 0%, 12%, 25%, and 35% so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain the 39.6% rate for the wealthiest Americans.
  • Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what taxpayers earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.
  • Eliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans’ taxes, so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.
  • Establishes a new Family Credit, which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children and provides a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.
  • Reduces the tax rate on the business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25% – the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.
  • Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20%, down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world.
  • Maintains the Mortgage Interest Deduction for mortgages up to $500,000.
  • Maintains popular deductions that help low- and middle-income families, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, charitable deductions and deductions on 401(k) retirement accounts.

The bill would:

  • Lead to the creation of an additional 56,530 jobs in Florida, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.
  • Raise after-tax income for middle class families in Florida by an average of $2,252, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.
  • Allow 41,887 taxpayers in the 18th District that claim the child tax credit to deduct an addition $600 per child.
  • Drastically reduce taxes for 61,644 taxpayers in the 18th District that have small business income – capping the rate at 25%.
  • Simplify tax filing for many of the 105,875 taxpayers who currently itemize their taxes, as a result of doubling of the standard deduction and other simplifications.

Mast Bill Sanctioning Hamas Support Unanimously Passes Foreign Affairs Committee

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Floor Vote Next Step For Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act


The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee today unanimously passed U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s (FL-18) Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act.  The bipartisan bill imposes sanctions on foreign persons, agencies and governments that assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or their affiliates. Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated by the United States government as a global terrorist. The organization is responsible for the death of more than 400 Israelis and at least 25 United States citizens.
“Following my time in the Army, I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because our countries share the common ideals of freedom, democracy and mutual respect for all people. Hamas preaches destruction to Israel and death to the values we hold dear in the United States. They have murdered more than 400 Israelis and at least 25 American citizens.” Rep. Mast said. “Passing this bipartisan bill is proof that confronting hate – and supporting our ally Israel – is not an issue of left versus right; it is and always will be an issue of right versus wrong.”
The Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report for the next three years identifying foreign persons, agencies or instrumentalities of a foreign state who knowingly and materially assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or an affiliate or successor of one of those organizations. After identifying the organizations, the President must impose two or more sanctions, including denying a) Export-Import guarantees, b) defense support under the Arms Export Control Act, c) export of munitions to any agreement to which a person identified is a part, d) export of goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, e) loans more than $10 million, or f) seizure of property held within the United States.
The bill also requires the President to report to Congress on each government that provides support for acts of terrorism and provides material support to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor organization, or the President determines to have engaged in a significant transaction to knowingly and materially provide support to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or any affiliate or successor organization. After identifying the governments, the President must suspend U.S. assistance to that government for one year, instruct the executive directors of each international finance institution to vote against any loan or technical assistance to that government and prohibit any munitions export to that government for one year. Additionally, the President must prohibit that government’s transactions in foreign exchanges that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and prevent that government’s transfers of credits or payments between financial institutions subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
The next step for the bill will be a vote before the full U.S. House of Representatives.  Watch the full committee markup here.

As a combat-injured veteran, I ask all Americans to help address invisible injuries of war

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The following op-ed calling for passage of U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s Oath of Exit originally ran on FoxNews.com in recognition of Veterans Day:

In September 2010, I was at the top of my field, working as an Army explosive ordnance disposal expert in Afghanistan. And then a bomb exploded beneath me.

When I awoke days later in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, I had to grapple with the realization that my legs, along with my usefulness on the battlefield, were likely gone. I would never be an asset to a mission again. If anything, I would be a detriment.

This Veterans Day, however, I now know that I was one of the lucky ones. My injuries were visible – plain for all to see. I was the beneficiary of endless support from doctors, people in our community and veterans organizations that helped me through recovery and helped me to realize I was still only limited by my own drive, grit and determination.

When people see my two legs are missing, they know immediately the assistance I need – help down a step, a cane, or a friendly shoulder to lean on. The kindness of everyone – even complete strangers – brings me feelings of immense gratitude.

But many scars of our nation’s wounded warriors are not visible. The recurring memories of an intense moment of combat, the damp feeling of a friend’s blood soaking your own uniform, and the sound of a brother’s last gasp of air will stay with me and my fellow warriors all our lives.

For many, these memories will be a part of a haunting labeled to most as post-traumatic stress. Far too often, my peers are haunted in silence without the same support of a grateful nation encouraging them through their struggle.

Rarely a week goes by that I don’t get a call from a veteran who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. As a society, and especially as a military family, we must do more to support these men and women who return home with the injuries we cannot see.

I’m now a member of Congress from Florida, waging a different kind of battle: to give America’s military veterans the help they have earned for defending our country.

One way we can support these men and women is by passing a bill that I introduced earlier this year called the Oath of Exit. Working with those who have experienced the weight of post-traumatic stress firsthand, I and others wrote the Oath of Exit to be a strong step forward in doing all we can to prevent even one more veteran from harming himself or herself.

The Oath of Exit creates a voluntary pledge for members of the armed forces to ask their brothers and sisters in arms for help – and to provide help when called upon.

That help is badly needed. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 20 veterans commit suicide every day and a veteran’s risk of suicide is 21 percent higher compared to an adult who has not served in the armed forces.

Coupled with increased awareness and resources to help these veterans, the Oath of Exit will provide an even stronger culture of support within our military family to combat these awful trends.

The Trump administration and Congress have already made supporting veterans a top priority. Just this week, the House passed more than a dozen bills to support veterans and improve the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But there is much more work that needs to be done. The Oath of Exit passed the House earlier this year as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act, but wasn’t included in the Senate version of the bill. We need another strong push to get the Oath of Exit across the finish line.

This should not be a partisan issue. On deployments around the world and at military bases in our own country, there are no Democrats or Republicans – only American patriots, proudly wearing the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.

Our military culture is one where the most important commitments are consistently spoken. The Soldier’s Creed, Ranger Creed, Special Forces Creed, Warrior Ethos, Army Values and Pledge of Allegiance are all examples of statements we put into heartfelt words.

These are the pledges that are important for us to uphold, so we repeat them nearly each day. This is because honor is more than just a word to members of the military and veterans. When we commit to something, we follow through.

This Veterans Day, my request of all my fellow Americans – beyond celebrating the amazing patriots who have defended America in an unbroken line since 1775 – is to remember that not all injuries of war look the same. Many don’t look like anything.

Take a moment to thank the veterans in your life this Veterans Day, but more importantly, speak with them, really connect with them and let them know you’ve got their six.

Mast to Help Introduce Bipartisan Gold Star Families Support Act

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MEDIA ADVISORY

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) will join U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2) and a bipartisan group of Members of Congress holding a press conference to announce introduction of the Gold Star Families Support Act on October 5, 2017. The Gold Star Families Support Act addresses fundamental problems with current laws, especially regarding the access to and use of already established benefits to surviving spouses and dependent children.
WHO:
Rep. Mast
Rep. Bacon
Bipartisan Members of Congress
WHEN:
Thursday, October 5, 2017
1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
House Triangle
United States Capitol East Front
Washington, DC 20003
*For Florida Media: The event will be live streamed on Rep. Mast’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/repbrianmast.
WHAT:
Rep. Mast will discuss his personal experiences with Gold Star Families following his service in the Army and how this legislation would help them. Prior to his election to Congress, Brian followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, earning medals including The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. While deployed in Afghanistan, he worked as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Joint Special Operations Command. The last improvised explosive device that he found resulted in catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs.

Mast Secures More Than $20 Million to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms, Study Health Impacts

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The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, including 9 amendments offered by U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) totaling $21.6 million aimed at combating harmful algal blooms and studying the health impact of the crisis.
“When the House passed my amendments in July to add more than $1 million in funding to combat harmful algal blooms, I promised that I’d keep fighting for more,” Rep. Mast said.  “This money—more than $20 million—will go toward cost-effective solutions to this problem that has caused incalculable damage to our community.”
The adopted amendments are as follows:

  • Adds $5.6 million to the Natural Resource Conservation Service to promote environmentally sustainable agriculture and toxic runoff mitigation.
  • Adds $2 million to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative to expand postdoctoral research, prevention and monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms.
  • Adds $1.5 million to the FDA, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, to continue research on human impact of contaminated seafood.
  • Adds $1.1 million to the EPA Office of Research and Development to research water quality impacts of nutrient inputs, temperature, land use and runoff.
  • Adds $1 million to non-point source pollution grants to state projects for mitigation and removal of toxic substances.
  • Adds $1 million to the U.S. Geological Service, Oregon Water Sciences Research Center, to research Harmful Algal Blooms affect on animals and exposure to disease from toxins.
  • Adds $1 million to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to research human health impacts of exposure to Harmful Algal Bloom toxins.
  • Adds $400,000 to the CDC’s Safe Water Program to investigate environmental threats of public exposure to waterborne contaminates.
  • Adds $8 million to NOAA’s National Ocean Service to detect, respond to, and develop new and innovative technologies to mitigate impacts from Harmful Algal Blooms.  Rep. Mast is the lead co-sponsor of this amendment offered by Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16).

The amendments follow the passage of two amendments offered by Rep. Mast in July to increase funding to combat harmful algal blooms by more than $1 million.  The legislation now heads to the United States Senate for consideration.