WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement after the passage of the American Relief Act, 2025: "While imperfect, this bill provides critical disaster relief and support for American farmers. I commend Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership in navigating tough negotiations to keep our government open and ensure President-elect Trump can hit the ground running come January 20th. I also applaud my fellow Floridian, Congressman Scott Franklin, a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations, for achieving what others have long struggled to do: securing vital support for Florida farmers. While I would have preferred committees to pass their own bills through the Chamber rather than tack it on to a vital appropriations bill, when considering my district, the State of Florida, and our national security overall, the benefits far outweigh the critiques. This bill provides disaster relief funding for Florida and other disaster-stricken states. Additionally, it includes specific language encouraging a block grant program for citrus under the Trump administration that will revitalize the state's already struggling citrus industry. Continuing resolutions are far from ideal, but this measure ensures President Trump has a say in shaping the final funding bills for fiscal year 2025. As we prepare for President Trump's swearing-in, we are laying the groundwork to advance his America First agenda–lowering costs, unleashing American energy independence and dominance, and, most importantly, securing our borders to protect Americans." Bill text is available here. | 