Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing with it devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The Seminole Tribe of Florida should have access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to potentially hinder or obstruct the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida with devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. After just being hit by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial for the State of Florida to have the support of the federal government. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio...
This year marks the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel. 32 Americans died in those attacks, and four of the Americans taken hostage that day remain in captivity. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a video remembering the...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s gulf coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with the Florida Farm Bureau as well as local agricultural producers, farmers, and growers to discuss the storm’s impact. Photos are courtesy of...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with local officials and volunteers from the barrier islands to discuss the storm’s impact and current recovery efforts. Photos are courtesy of...
Limiting the importation of not-previously-traded species before they have been assessed for invasiveness, and restricting the transport of known invasive species in interstate commerce, are two essential tools to slow the increased pressure from invasive species that already strain the financial and human resource response capabilities of both federal and state governments, and burden local economies.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Lacey Act Amendments of 2023 to address oversights in existing legal authority to prevent the importation of potentially-invasive species.
“Florida is home to delicate ecosystems, and sadly, we have seen firsthand how ecologically devastating invasive species can be. Invasive species, including the Burmese python, Argentine tegu lizard, Giant African snail, and many others, threaten to decimate Florida’s native plants and animals. We must prevent the introduction of new, injurious species. I am proud to reintroduce this legislation, which would provide new tools for fighting invasive species. I remain committed to championing legislation that protects, improves, and restores Florida’s water quality and environment so that Florida’s ecosystems can be preserved for generations to come.” – Senator Rubio
The legislation would correct the negative impacts of a 2017 D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that diminished the ability of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage the establishment and spread of invasive species in the United States. The bill would also grant authority for emergency designation of species that pose an imminent threat and provide authority to prohibit importation of wildlife species until they have been assessed for injuriousness. The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution charges Congress with regulating commerce between the states and with foreign nations.
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