We fought tooth and nail last year to secure a historic increase in funding for Everglades restoration. This week we built on that momentum and continued doing everything we can to protect our ecosystems and stop harmful discharges.

First, the House passed the bipartisan Protect and Restore America’s Estuaries Act, which I cosponsored. This legislation nearly doubles the funding for the National Estuary Program to protect estuaries across the country, including the Indian River Lagoon. In total, the bill authorizes $250 million in funding, which in the past has funded projects like shoreline restoration, harmful algal bloom research, oyster habitat rejuvenation, septic to sewer conversion, dredging and more.

We also received great news this week that President Trump plans to include a record-setting $250 million for Everglades Restoration in this year’s budget request! This news comes just weeks after I urged the Administration to increase funding for Everglades restoration to this historic level.

The bottom line is that Florida’s waterways are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, which is exactly why we need to do more to protect and restore them. Working together to secure additional funding is a big win in our fight to improve water quality, and I’m confident that it will go a long way for our communities.

Check out this week’s video to learn more.

In case you missed it, here are a few other things that happened this week:

  • It was my distinct honor to offer the thanks of a grateful nation to fallen Florida High Patrol Trooper Joseph Bullock who was killed in the line of duty.
  • Rep. Dan Crenshaw and I joined Fox and Friends to discuss how we’ve been working together in Congress to defend against enemies both foreign and domestic.
  • I spoke on the House floor in support of the bipartisan Protect and Restore America’s Estuary Act, which will help fund critical projects for the Indian River Lagoon!