Across the globe, landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and unsecured munitions stockpiles continue to threaten civilian populations and undermine post-conflict recovery. U.S. assistance programs play a vital role in mitigating these dangers, yet outdated definitions in federal law limit the scope and clarity of this support. 

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, located in Fort Pierce, Florida, has been preserving the legacy and honoring the sacrifices of Navy SEALs and their predecessors for over 40 years. This is the original and only official museum dedicated solely to the history of the Navy SEALs, tracing its roots back to the birthplace of Naval Special Warfare training.

The Prioritizing Revised Operations To Eliminate Cyanobacteria Toxins in Florida Act (PROTECT Florida Act) will amend the Army Corps’ operational priorities to include public health, in addition to existing charges of flood control, navigation, water supply, enhancement of fish and wildlife, and recreation.  The Army Corps’ current operational priorities do not consider impacts to human health, and this bill would amend the Corps’ charges to include public health and protect Florida’s citizens from serious health consequences.

The Stop Poisoning Florida Act would prohibit discharges from Lake Okeechobee at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam and the St. Lucie Lock and Dam when the water exceeds the toxicity level that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined is too toxic for human contact.  At Rep. Mast’s urging, the EPA determined that 8 parts per billion of microcystin makes the water hazardous for people to come in contact with and puts them at risk of major health impacts.

The Toxic Health Threat Warning Act will require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to notify the public and affected local governments if the water to be released from a flood risk management project is contaminated with cyanobacteria.  The goal is to end all hazardous discharges, but affected areas should, at the very least, be notified of the threat.

This bill would allow the remains of service members who die in the line of duty to lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda, upon the request of their family. This honor is one of the nation’s highest ceremonial tributes, and it ensures the fallen receive recognition commensurate with their sacrifice.  

This legislation reaffirms that decisions on medical separation and disability evaluations must remain under the authority of a service member’s direct chain of command and not solely the Defense Health Agency. It guarantees service members a right to due process, and this includes a fair hearing upon request while ensuring that Wounded Warriors are not denied protections during the medical review process.

Addressing the mental health crisis among veterans, this bill would allow service members to voluntarily take an “Oath of Exit,” which affirms their commitment to serve their fellow veterans by seeking help when necessary and uphold the values instilled during military service. The bill reinforces identity, community, and responsibility post-service to help reduce veteran suicide rates. 

This bill authorizes the President to present an official medal to local, state, or federal law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. The bill establishes a Commission of twelve law enforcement officers, appointed by the President, who are charged with determining eligibility for the medal, promoting its establishment, and determining procedures for award presentation.

This bill amends the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA), adding a provision that frees service members’ residences from squatters’ rights constraints. Varying by state, squatters’ rights generally allow trespassers to claim ownership of a property if it is open, unoccupied, and their stay is continuous. Evicting a squatter requires legal intervention, which is often unfeasible or impossible during deployment. As service members’ residences are already vulnerable to trespassers, the bill provides housing security and financial protection from the legal barriers required to evict squatters. The bill defends military members’ residences from trespassers while they serve our country.

The bill ensures medically retired veterans are no longer excluded from participating in the Warrior and Invictus Games due to an arbitrary one-year limit after discharge. By eliminating this barrier, the amendment affirms the power of adaptive sports in the healing process and ensures all wounded warriors have the opportunity to benefit from these programs—regardless of when they served.

This bill ensures that first responders have fast and reliable access to critical information during school emergencies. By requiring federal school mapping funds to follow a set of national standards, this legislation eliminates dangerous inconsistencies that can save lives.

This legislation would enable Members of Congress to utilize facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hold office hours and meet with veteran constituents. Casework teams frequently assist veterans with issues ranging from claims with the VA to a problem with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  

The No Tax on Military Bonuses Act would ensure that all military bonuses—whether for enlistment, reenlistment, retention, or other incentive bonuses—are exempt from federal taxes. This would significantly reduce the financial strain on military families and better reflect the challenges these men and women face while serving our nation.

The National Garden for America’s 250th Anniversary Act establishes President Trump’s National Garden of American Heroes. This bill facilitates the creation and upkeep of this national site, establishes a tax-credit contribution fund, and enables the Secretary of the Interior to exchange and acquire land for the garden’s location.

Previously, the VA reimbursed veterans for homecare services from independent contractors via nurse registries, which connect professionals with clients. After 2018, only W-2 homecare agencies qualified for reimbursement. This bill reinstates nurse registries as eligible providers, removing an overburdensome regulation and improving access to essential homecare for thousands of veterans.

It’s a simple, straightforward piece of legislation that puts veterans and their doctors in control of their treatment. As a combat veteran and a Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I’ll keep pushing to cut through all of the red tape that blocks care. Veterans fought for this country, and the least we can do is keep fighting for them. 

This is a bill that would make water quality projects eligible for these grants. Florida taxpayers contribute to this fund, so there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to use it to fix the problems in our community that keep us from exploring the great outdoors.

The No Tax Breaks for Radical Corporate Activism Act would deny the business expense deduction for the reimbursement of employee costs of travel to obtain an abortion or child gender transition procedures. The bill will divest American tax dollars from being used to fund the harming of children and killing of unborn babies.

Over the past two and a half centuries, Army medics have saved America’s soldiers on the frontlines and provided lifesaving care both at home and abroad. As we mark 250 years of Army Medicine, let’s celebrate and honor all of the nurses, doctors, medics, researchers, and staff who have served our country.