With the shutdown finally resolved, the House returned to a full schedule and advanced several national security, transparency and economic measures, including action on the Epstein files. I met with Israeli Defense Force pilots as part of the MACH 1 Caucus to discuss their recent operations and our shared security interests. I also voted on legislation to strengthen border enforcement, address new technology risks, support American energy security and reaffirm our opposition to socialism. Back in Florida, Florida Poly’s new Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center underscored the continued growth of STEM education and the expanding tech workforce across our region. It was a focused week of work in Washington.

Keep reading below for more updates:

For years, the public has lacked clear answers about how Jeffrey Epstein operated and why he avoided full accountability for so long. Survivors and families still do not have the transparency they deserve, and the secrecy surrounding this case raised serious concerns about abuse of power.

That's why I supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill requires broad disclosure of Epstein-related records so Americans can finally understand what happened. It includes narrowly tailored redactions to protect victims, safeguard national security information and preserve active investigations while still making transparency the standard.

With this legislation signed into law, the focus turns to responsible implementation. Federal agencies must use every available tool to protect victim identities, handle sensitive investigative material carefully and ensure due process is upheld throughout the release process. With this step, we are bringing long overdue clarity to a case that has remained hidden from public view for far too long. Click here to learn more.

Border encounters continue to fall as agencies enforce the law more consistently and apply real consequences. Nationwide encounters fell in October by nearly 79 percent from the same month last year. Encounters at the Southwest land border encounters since January are down more than 80 percent compared to a year ago. These gains build on President Trump’s successful immigration enforcement policies, which reinforced border control and restored order.

To build on this momentum, I voted for several homeland security bills that give our frontline personnel stronger authority and smarter tools to dismantle criminal networks before they reach our communities. These measures reinforce what’s working and help us stay ahead of emerging threats:

• H.R. 4070 – Tren de Aragua Border Security Threat Assessment Act: Directs DHS to produce a full threat assessment on the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua so law enforcement can aggressively target its operations;
• H.R. 4071 – Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act: Strengthens cooperation with key foreign partners to disrupt drug smuggling and human smuggling networks overseas before they can reach the United States; and
• H.R. 1608 – DHS Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act: Improves DHS capabilities to detect and stop vehicle-based threats that smugglers and traffickers use to evade enforcement.

As artificial intelligence evolves, so do the ways hostile actors may try to exploit it. Terrorist organizations and foreign adversaries are already adapting new technologies to support recruitment, propaganda and operational planning, creating real concerns about future AI-enabled threats. That’s why I voted for the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act, which directs the Homeland Security Department to evaluate how terrorist groups could misuse generative AI and identify vulnerabilities needing stronger safeguards. This is a practical step to stay ahead of emerging risks and ensure federal agencies have needed information to protect the American people. Click here to learn more.

Florida lawmakers say vote to release Jeffrey Epstein files delivers long overdue justice for victims - Florida Politics

House advances Epstein Files Transparency Act - lakeonews

Congressman Patronis & Florida Members Raise Concerns Over Gulf of America Oil Drilling - Floridian Press

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

When the House passes all of its annual appropriations bills, where do they go next in the legislative process?

A. Directly to the President for signature
B. To the Congressional Budget Office for scoring
C. To the Senate for consideration
D. To the Supreme Court for review

Last week's question:

What type of legislation is typically used to temporarily fund the government and prevent or end a shutdown when full appropriations bills are not yet completed?

A. Joint Resolution
B. Continuing Resolution - Correct answer
C. Conference Report
D. Special Rule