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Feds Arrest Group of Illegal Aliens Who Were Convicted Sex Offenders in Florida

Matt OHern
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Feds Arrest Group of Illegal Aliens Who Were Convicted Sex Offenders in Florida

Earlier today, the US Department of Homeland Security and US Customs Border Patrol announced the arrest of a group of convicted sex offenders who were illegal aliens residing in the Florida Keys and south Florida. Below is an official statement from US Border Patrol:

PEMBROKE PINES– In a major operation focused on public safety, U.S. Border Patrol (Miami Sector), in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 10 illegal aliens over the past three weeks—each with a criminal history as previously convicted sex offenders. 

These arrests were part of a focused, multi-agency effort aimed at securing the Florida Keys and removing dangerous individuals from local communities. All 10 individuals, who were living throughout the Florida Keys, are registered sex offenders with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 

The subjects had criminal convictions to include: 

•           Lewd & lascivious acts on a child under Age 16

•           Lewd & lascivious sexual battery with a victim 12-15 years old

•           Statutory sexual seduction

•           Solicitation of a child 

In addition to these arrests, Border Patrol agents with support from ICE made two more significant apprehensions last week. One of the individuals, a Cuban national, had a history of violent crime, including a conviction for homicide. The other, also from Cuba, was arrested on charges of animal cruelty after witnesses reported seeing him brutally choke and kick a small dog. 

These arrests highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals who enter the U.S. illegally with violent criminal backgrounds, and demonstrate the strength of the partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in tackling this critical issue. 

“Each of these individuals posed a threat to the communities which we live in. The Miami Sector Border Patrol remains committed to protecting our communities and enforcing our immigration laws. I am grateful for the work of our agents and law enforcement partners who supported this effort,” said Jeffrey Dinise, Chief Patrol Agent of the Miami Sector.  

All illegal aliens arrested were processed and transferred to ICE custody, where they are currently detained pending removal from the United States.

Social Security: See How Alabama’s Congressmen Have Voted on Reform

Matt OHern
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Social Security: See How Alabama’s Congressmen Have Voted on Reform

Both of Alabama’s US Senators, Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, and all but one of Alabama’s U.S. House Representatives have actively engaged in legislative actions concerning Social Security reform.​

Alabama Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt have actively participated in legislative actions concerning Social Security reforms.​

Senator Tommy Tuberville:

  • In February 2025, Senator Tuberville, along with Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), introduced the “Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act.” This legislation aims to eliminate the taxation of Social Security benefits, addressing what they describe as an unjust double tax on seniors who have already paid income taxes on their earnings.

Senator Katie Britt:

  • In December 2024, Senator Britt voted against the “Social Security Fairness Act,” which proposed repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). She expressed concerns that the approximately $200 billion bill would accelerate the insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund and provide benefits not proportionate to beneficiaries’ contributions.
  • In February 2025, Senator Britt reintroduced the bipartisan “Clergy Act” with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH). This bill seeks to allow clergy members, who had previously opted out of Social Security, a re-enrollment window to opt back into coverage, ensuring they can secure benefits after paying into the system for a specified period.

Terri Sewell has been a prominent advocate for protecting and enhancing Social Security benefits. In January 2025, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to hold a leadership position in a Ways and Means subcommittee, serving as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight. In this role, Sewell emphasized her commitment to safeguarding programs like Social Security and Medicare, ensuring that any changes to the tax code benefit all Americans, not just the wealthy and large corporations. ​Source: Alabama Political Reporter

Shomari Figures, who assumed office in January 2025, has also demonstrated a commitment to protecting Social Security benefits. In March 2025, he voted against a Republican spending bill, citing concerns that it would negatively impact seniors, veterans, and families. Figures expressed that the proposed resolution jeopardized the well-being of these groups without assurances that funding levels would be maintained. Source: ​Representative Shomari Figures

Barry Moore, representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District since January 2025, has a legislative history that includes involvement in issues related to Social Security and elderly assistance. While specific details of his recent statements or votes on Social Security reform are not readily available, his past legislative activities indicate an interest in social welfare policies. Source: ​Ballotpedia

Robert Aderholt has shown support for Social Security reform through his legislative actions. In November 2024, he voted in favor of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R.82), which aimed to eliminate provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals receiving other benefits, such as state or local government pensions. The bill successfully passed the House with a significant majority. ​Source: Congress.gov | Library of Congress+1Clerk of the House+1

Gary Palmer continues to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Government Reform Committee. While his recent statements on Social Security reform are not prominently featured, his committee assignments position him to influence policies related to social welfare programs. Source: ​Alabama Political Reporter

Mike Rogers maintains his chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee. Although his primary focus is on defense-related matters, his leadership role allows him to impact broader legislative agendas, including those affecting Social Security. Source: ​Alabama Political Reporter

In summary, Alabama’s U.S. House Representatives have exhibited varying degrees of engagement with Social Security reform, reflecting a range of legislative priorities and commitments to their constituents.

5 Issues from Byron Donalds’ Past That Opponents Will Definitely Highlight Before 2026

Matt OHern
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5 Issues from Byron Donalds’ Past That Opponents Will Definitely Highlight Before 2026

Even if Byron Donalds doesn’t face any major rival in the Republican Primary for Florida Governor, don’t expect smooth sailing toward a General Election victory for the outspoken, Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate.

In the U.S. Congress, Donalds represents southwestern Florida, which includes Naples, one of the wealthiest areas in the nation. His own financial history has faced scrutiny multiple times, and those instances are two of five key controversies that will undoubtedly be highlighted by his opponents in the upcoming 2026 election.

Controversy 1: Failure to Disclose Stock Trades

In September 2024, Donalds faced a complaint from the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, alleging that he violated the STOCK Act by failing to disclose over 100 stock trades valued at up to $1.6 million between 2022 and 2023. These trades reportedly included stocks in companies overseen by the House Financial Services Committee, on which he serves. The outcome of the complaint has yet to be determined.

Controversy 2: Bank Fraud Arrest

That group’s complaint revived attention on Donalds’ 2000 arrest when he was accused of bank fraud. Instead of risking that case in a trial, he chose a pretrial diversion program, which allowed him to complete certain requirements without admitting guilt. After finishing the program, the charges were dismissed, and Donalds has since called the incident a youthful mistake.

Controversy 3: Jim Crow Era Comments

Controversies surrounding Donalds extend beyond his financial matters. In June 2024, he claimed that Black families were more unified during the Jim Crow era, suggesting that government policies contributed to the decline of the Black family structure. The Congressional Black Caucus called for an apology from Donalds and accused him of distorting history.

Controversy 4: Comparing COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates to Racial Segregation

The Jim Crow comments reminded critics of an analogy he made in 2021 newsletter to constituents when, he compared COVID-19 vaccine mandates to racial segregation and said vax mandates were creating a “two-tiered class system-thereby making the unvaccinated second-class citizens.” 

Controversy 5: Allegations of Voting by Proxy to Appear on Bill Mahrer’s Show

Last month, Congressman Jim McGovern accused Congressman Donalds of breaking House rules by voting by proxy. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) claimed Donalds was attending a Bill Maher show instead of voting. Donalds later shared a link to the interview, but he did not respond to the accusation.

Interestingly, in 2023, Donalds publicly criticized absentee voting on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. 

“Today, House Republicans will vote to END proxy voting once and for all.  The House of Representatives isn’t a tech company. Its members should work IN PERSON in the People’s House!”

Congressman Neal Dunn Blocks Illegal Chinese Organ Harvesting

Matt OHern
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Congressman Neal Dunn Blocks Illegal Chinese Organ Harvesting

Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) introduced the Block Organ Transplant Purchases from China Act, or BLOCK Act, to prohibit federal reimbursement for organ transplants and related medical services when the organ’s origins cannot be verified. The bill would prohibit any organ transplant procedure that is not procured from an entity participating in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) from receiving federal reimbursements to ensure that organ donation does not originate from illegal Chinese organ markets.

“The Chinese Communist Party has a long track record of human rights violations stemming from illegal organ harvesting in their own country,” said Congressman Dunn. “Communist Party authorities regularly target Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in China for this barbaric practice. The United States must do everything in its power to ensure that we are not participating in illegal Chinese organ harvesting. The BLOCK Act is an important step toward ensuring that healthcare providers are not complicit in this atrocity and hold anyone who knowingly participates in this practice accountable.”

“Forced organ harvesting in China is an atrocity that demands immediate action,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. “The BLOCK Act is a critical step in ensuring that no federal funds are used to support the illegal and inhumane procurement of organs tied to China’s brutal, state-sponsored campaign. This bill holds healthcare providers accountable, preventing any complicity in the trafficking of organs from innocent victims in China—many of whom are political prisoners, Uyghurs, and religious minorities. As we confront this horrific abuse, the United States must send a clear message: we will not be complicit in this appalling crime. Americans who participate in this violation of human rights will face severe penalties.”

“There is overwhelming evidence that China has systemically targeted ethnic and religious minorities for forcibly acquired organ donation and that the country regularly violates internationally-accepted rules regarding organ donorship,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “We cannot remain silent in the face of these gross human rights violations and perpetuate the practice by offering a marketplace for the ill-gotten organs.”

Background:

In its 2023 annual report, the bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) covered a wide range of topics related to Beijing’s human rights violations and offered a list of recommendations to Congress and the Biden Administration. A top recommendation was to pass legislation to combat forced organ harvesting and sanction those involved in human trafficking.

Multiple reports indicate that China is a major harvester and trafficker of forcibly acquired organs. An exhaustive study in the American Journal of Transplantation found incriminating evidence suggesting that physicians in China participated in executions by organ removal.

Experts estimate that the human organ trafficking industry in China is worth $1 billion a year and is fueled by harvesting organs from China’s 1.5 million concentration camp inmates.

The BLOCK Act would prohibit federal reimbursement for organ transplants and related medical services if the transplanted organ cannot be verified as being procured from an entity participating in the OPTN and create civil penalties for healthcare providers who knowingly take part in a prohibited organ transplant.

Congressman Dunn is joined by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and John Moolenaar (MI-02), who serves as Chairman of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

Read the full text of the BLOCK Act here.

Reps. Allen and DeSaulnier Reintroduce the Startup Act

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Reps. Allen and DeSaulnier Reintroduce the Startup Act
Reps. Allen and DeSaulnier Reintroduce the Startup ActShare on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by EmailWashington, March 14, 2025Today, Congressmen Rick W. Allen (GA-12) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced the Startup Act, bipartisan legislation that would support American entrepreneurs by expanding access to programs that offer training and resources to individuals seeking to start their own business. Upon the bill’s introduction, Reps. Allen and DeSaulnier issued the following statements:

“Having built and grown my own small business from the ground up, I know how difficult and demanding that process can be. With over seven million unfilled jobs across the country, Congress must lead the way in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build successful businesses, create jobs, and bolster the U.S. economy. Through the Startup Act, we can eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship and empower more hardworking individuals to achieve the American Dream. I thank Rep. DeSaulnier for joining me in this effort and am hopeful we can send this critical legislation to President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Allen.

“As a former restaurant owner, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of running a small business,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Allen to increase access to the support and resources entrepreneurs need to help their business thrive and remain the engines of our local economies.”

“At Make Startups, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs and proven that building a business is one of the most effective ways to create jobs — not just for the founder, but for their community. Yet too often, our workforce systems create barriers instead of pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs. We’re grateful for Congressman Allen’s leadership in reintroducing the Startup Act to help unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth in communities across the country,” said Eric R. Parker, AIA, Cofounder & CEO of Make Startups.

BACKGROUND: The Startup Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), inserting language to incorporate entrepreneurial skills development training into the current system. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct a three-year, multi-state study to review the outcomes of these programs and report its findings to Congress. During the 118th Congress, the Startup Act was included in the bipartisan Stronger Workforce for America Act, which was advanced by the Education and Workforce Committee. 

North Carolina Governor Stein Delivers State of the State Address

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North Carolina Governor Stein Delivers State of the State Address

Below is an official news release from the office of North Carolina Governor Josh Stein regarding his first “State of the State” address to state legislators.

Governor Josh Stein delivered his first State of the State Address, highlighting the ongoing work to recover in western North Carolina and urging the General Assembly to invest in economic opportunity, workforce development, families and children, public schools, and public safety. Specifically, he urged the General Assembly to resolve their differences and quickly pass a Helene recovery funding bill. 

“We’re talking $60 billion in damages overall– by far the costliest storm to ever hit North Carolina,” said Governor Stein. “That’s too much for those affected to bear themselves. They need our help. People need to get back in their homes. Roads and bridges need to be fixed. Businesses need to keep their doors open and their workers employed. And communities need clean drinking water. No matter where they live, the people of North Carolina need to know that if disaster strikes, we will be there.”

Governor Stein emphasized creating opportunities for every North Carolinian to succeed, including investing in apprenticeships, child care, and targeted tax cuts that put more money in people’s pockets.

Reaffirming his commitment to North Carolina’s public schools, Governor Stein highlighted his proposals to raise starting teacher pay to the highest in the Southeast, invest in a $4 billion education bond to repair old and unsafe school buildings, and provide universal school breakfast at no cost to students.

The Governor also proposed robust investments in public safety, including salary increases to better recruit and retain law enforcement. He also called for a Fentanyl Control Unit to prosecute drug traffickers, get fentanyl off the streets, and save lives.

Highlighting proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, Governor Stein said, “We do not need to be pulled into those political games. We can create something better, something forward-looking right here in North Carolina. Just as we stood arm-in-arm as North Carolinians to make Medicaid expansion a reality, let’s stand arm-in-arm to defend our health care. When we all – Republicans and Democrats – come together, that’s when we make a real difference for our people.”

Click here to read more about the guests recognized in Governor Stein’s address.

Click here to read Governor Stein’s remarks as prepared for delivery here. 

Reps. Barry Moore and Jimmy Panetta reintroduce Stop Secret Spending Act

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Reps. Barry Moore and Jimmy Panetta reintroduce Stop Secret Spending Act

Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025, which requires federal agencies to include other transaction agreements (OTAs) in the list of federal awards that must be reported on USAspending.gov. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) led the Senate companion to this legislation.

OTAs are legally binding agreements that are not standard contracts, cooperative agreements or grants that authorized government agencies may use, and thus they are not subject to certain federal acquisition laws and requirements. Analysis from the General Services Administration (GAO) has found that significant amounts of OTAs are not being reported.

“Federal agencies should be disclosing every taxpayer dollar they spend, especially as we close in on $35 trillion in national debt. Unfortunately, the current OTA loophole allows these agencies to spend billions and leave Americans in the dark, ” said Rep. Moore. “I thank my colleague, Rep. Panetta, for joining me on this bipartisan legislation to ensure that all federal agency expenditures are easily accessible to the American people on USAspending.gov.”

“Right now, billions in federal spending go unreported due to a loophole in the disclosure of other transaction agreements,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation would close that gap by ensuring these expenditures are accounted for on USAspending.gov. This is a commonsense step toward strengthening public trust, improving fiscal accountability, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Katie Britt, Gary Palmer Introduce Lulu’s Law

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Katie Britt, Gary Palmer Introduce Lulu’s Law

 Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced Lulu’s Law in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lulu’s Law is named after Lulu Gribbin of Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was attacked by a shark in June 2024.

Only 90 minutes prior to Lulu Gribbin and McCray Faust being attacked, another woman was attacked by a shark a few miles away. Lulu’s Law would codify the ability for authorities to quickly deploy wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) to the public if someone has been attacked by a shark or if the conditions for a shark attack are present.

“If there is a commonsense solution to keeping Americans safe and out of harm’s way, we should capitalize on it. Had an alert gone out on June 7, 2024, the dreadful shark attack on Lulu could have been prevented,” said Rep. Palmer. “Lulu’s tremendous strength, faith, and bravery throughout her healing journey has inspired many. By passing Lulu’s Law, we would be creating a practical solution to prevent future attacks from occurring and keeping beachgoers safe.”

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

“Last June, the unthinkable happened when Lulu suffered a devastating shark attack. When Lulu woke up, she said, ‘I made it’ and since then, she has only continued to prove her resilience,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m incredibly proud of her faith, her courage, and her strength – she truly personifies both grace and grit. Lulu’s Law would empower authorities to quickly and accurately put information in the hands of beachgoers to help keep them out of harm’s way. This is a commonsense measure aimed at keeping families safe – a cause that I know people can rally around, just like her local community, our great state, and the entire nation have rallied around Lulu.”

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and sends out local alerts in an effort to provide emergency information to the public. Other WEA alerts include extreme weather warnings, amber alerts, and more.

Read the bill here.

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