Latest news with #LaurelLee
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why a Democrat says he can beat Laurel Lee in Tampa congressional race
Another Democrat is stepping up to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee. Darren McAuley, a former Veterans Affairs doctor with about a quarter century of experience as a military flight surgeon, announced he is entering the race. The married father of three says he's running first and foremost on affordability. 'I can win the district because Republicans have unfortunately made it clear that they are not going to do what's required to take care of people,' McAuley said in an interview. Lee has represented Congressional District 15 — which covers part of Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties — since 2023. The area leans Republican and the seat is up for election in 2026. McAuley criticized Lee's vote in support of President Donald Trump's signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which, among other things, made cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs and extended tax cuts from Trump's first administration. The bill is projected to explode the federal deficit. (Republicans have contended the economic growth encouraged by the tax cuts will offset the decrease in federal revenue.) He also said Lee has not done enough to push back on Trump's stance on tariffs, which McAuley argues are going to lead to more expensive consumer goods for Central Floridians. In response to McAuley's criticisms, a spokesperson for Lee defended her record. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act 'delivered real results for Central Florida families by stopping the largest tax increase in American history, eliminating wasteful spending, and protecting essential programs that our seniors and veterans rely on,' the spokesperson, Landon Hoffman, wrote in a text. Later, he added, 'What some call a 'trade war,' we see as a long-overdue defense of U.S. workers.' Lee won reelection in 2024 by 12 points over Democrat and former Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp. But that race was not without turbulence. After she was the only member of Florida's congressional delegation to endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis for president over Trump, Trump briefly and publicly explored endorsing a primary challenger to Lee in 2024. No such major challenger materialized, and Lee endorsed Trump for president after DeSantis dropped out. Lee, who previously served as Florida's top election official, has filed to run again with the state, as have two other Democrats, Robert People and Jose Engell. In a survey published on Ballotpedia, People, an Army veteran, said he's running to protect Social Security, expand access to abortion and increase teacher salaries nationwide. His federal campaign committee has raised about $8,700. In that same survey, Generation Z candidate Engell said he's running on Medicare for All and paid maternity leave. A campaign committee supporting his run has not filed any receipts, federal campaign finance records show. Although Congressional District 15 has long been coveted by Democrats, it's slipped away from them in recent election cycles. McAuley, who lives just outside the district, hopes to reverse the trend by showing voters he believes in common sense above party politics. 'What's bringing me into this race is seeing the caliber of leadership…lacking in Congress,' he said. 'We need to focus on serving the needs of the people.' This story may be updated. Check back at
Fibre2Fashion
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
SPACE Act aims to reform CBP funding at US Ports, AAPA welcomes bill
US representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have reintroduced the CBP Securing Ports and America's Commerce and Economy (SPACE) Act that seeks to curb Customs and Border Protection (CBP) overreach at US ports and establish a fair, transparent, and sustainable funding mechanism through existing user fees. The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has welcomed the move. The SPACE Act, first introduced in November 2023, also aims to improve accountability by enhancing transparency in CBP charges to local port partners. It has garnered bipartisan support, with original cosponsors including Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Troy Carter (D-LA). It is also backed by 27 organisations across the trade, logistics, and agriculture sectors. AAPA has welcomed the reintroduction of the bipartisan CBP SPACE Act by US lawmakers to address CBP overreach at ports and establish sustainable funding through existing user fees. Supported by 27 organisations, the act aims to boost transparency and accountability. Port leaders nationwide praised the move, citing strengthened CBP partnerships and improved port operations. 'CBP officers' work is crucial to the safety, health, and vitality of America's ports and we sincerely thank them,' Cary Davis, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at AAPA, said in a press release . 'However, the costs of government inspection operations are historically and constitutionally, a Federal government responsibility. Moreover, port commerce generates hundreds of millions of dollars in public tax revenue—taxpayers benefit when those funds are reinvested in the activities that generate future revenues in a virtuous cycle.' Port leaders nationwide echoed their support. Richard J Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany, emphasised the importance of efficient inter-agency collaboration, while Julianna Marler of the Port of Vancouver US noted the act would strengthen ports' roles as economic engines. Leaders from Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, Massport, and SeaPort Manatee also expressed gratitude for the legislation's focus on proper federal funding and reinforced partnerships with CBP. The AAPA viewed the SPACE Act as a decisive step towards reinforcing the security, efficiency, and financial clarity of US ports while aligning federal responsibilities with national economic goals, the release added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
20 high school graduates preparing to head to military academies after send-ff ceremony at MacDill
The Brief Twenty high school graduates are deploying into their next chapter as they head to their chosen military academy. Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Laurel Lee held a special send-off ceremony at MacDill. Each cadet had to get a nomination from their congressperson to gain acceptance. TAMPA, Fla. - Twenty Bay Area high school graduates will soon head to their military academies. Congresswomen Kathy Castor and Laurel Lee held a special ceremony Tuesday night at MacDill to officially send them off. What they're saying "I want to commission as a United States Naval pilot. That'd be awesome," Cadet Gregory Murashkin said. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube They've made the ultimate decision to serve their country, which is no small feat. "I'm thinking of being a pilot, either F-15 or the PAVE Hawk for the Air Force," Cadet Anthony Murashkin said. Each received a nomination from their Congressperson, granting them admission to their chosen military academy. READ: Memorial Day marks first American Legion Post 273 ceremony since reopening after hurricanes "I'd like to get my helicopter pilot's license and hopefully serve in either the Coast Guard or maybe the Navy," Cadet Ava Booker said. Big picture view Tuesday night, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor and Laura Lee hosted a special ceremony and send-off with their families at MacDill Air Force Base to congratulate them on their acceptance. Local perspective "It's definitely nervous, but it's the excitement. It's that anticipation. Everybody here has volunteered, raised their right hand, and chosen to serve the United States of America and the Constitution. And I think that's really impressive," U.S. Air Force Major Kaitlin Butler said. Major Butler knows exactly what it's like for these cadets, because 10 years ago today she was at her cadet send-off ceremony before heading to the Air Force Academy. MORE: Bay Area fallen hero's legacy lives on in his hometown "It's a really hard place to be at. It's tough, it's challenging, it is meant to be that way, but it's really a great place to be from. The amount of pride you have when you graduate is really second to none," Butler said. Identical twin brothers, Anthony and Gregory Murashkin, are first generation Americans. "Both my parents are from Ukraine. They grew up in the Soviet Union and kind of seeing what life was like in a dictatorship really wasn't pretty," Gregory said. They said their parents story inspired them both to serve their country. "I'm really proud of them, and I'm really happy that they've gotten the opportunity to live here," Anthony said. READ: At 101, Dunedin World War II veteran reflects on service during 'Victory in Europe Day' Ava Booker is following in the footsteps of her dad, who served in the Army, and her grandpa, who served in the Air Force. "My dad encouraged me to try out the service academy, and I worked really hard for it, and now I'm here," Booker said. Major Butler message to the cadets as they head to academy: "Stick it out, stick with it. It's worth it in the end." The Source FOX 13's Jordan Bowen gathered the information in this story from MacDill Air Force Base. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Toronto Star
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Canadians could stay visa-free longer in U.S. under proposed bill
Canadian snowbirds could stay longer in the United States without a visa if a bill recently proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law. The bipartisan bill put forward by Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Laurel Lee of Florida and Greg Stanton of Arizona proposes to extend the time Canadian citizens can remain in the U.S. without a visa from 180 days to 240.
Global News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Canadians could stay visa-free longer in U.S. under proposed bill
Canadian snowbirds could stay longer in the United States without a visa if a bill recently proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law. The bipartisan bill put forward by Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Laurel Lee of Florida and Greg Stanton of Arizona proposes to extend the time Canadian citizens can stay in the U.S. without a visa from 180 days to 240. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, introduced at the end of April, would provide a longer timeframe for those aged 50 and over who both maintain a home in Canada and either own or lease a U.S. residence. 2:06 Snowbird sell-off: New travel requirements, Trump's rhetoric pushing some Canadians out of U.S. The proposal comes as many Canadians are choosing not to travel south because of U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing trade war and threats of annexation, while a lower loonie and rising insurance rates have also pushed Canadian snowbirds to sell their U.S. homes. Story continues below advertisement Lee says in a news release that extending the amount of time Canadians can stay in the U.S. would support local communities and job growth, as well as strengthen bonds with their closest neighbours. The bill comes as the U.S. has also moved to require Canadians who are in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with the government.
