November 10, 2020
Dear friend,
Welcome back to another edition of Mario’s Message. Here are the latest updates on all things COVID-19, and what I have been up to in Washington, DC and Florida's 25th Congressional District. We each have a personal responsibility to protect those around us from Coronavirus (COVID-19) through whatever measures necessary. My website contains a detailed list of helpful resources and legislative actions. To view the latest updates and information in Spanish, click here.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the October Jobs report reflects a rapidly-healing economy with more than 638,000 jobs added. The unemployment rate also fell to 6.9%-- crushing expectations. While we continue to work toward a full recovery, it is encouraging to see Republicans’ pro-growth policies work for the American people. |
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Last week, I had the honor of witnessing the transfer and reburial of Pvt. First Class Bruce W. Carter. Fifty years have passed, but his legacy remains strong. PFC Carter served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. At the young age of nineteen, he put the lives of his fellow soldiers ahead of his own, and, when ambushed, used his own body to shield his men from an enemy grenade. He was buried with Military Funeral Honors on August 25, 1969, at the Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes, Florida. Last week his remains were transferred to the Arlington National Cemetery, where he was finally laid to rest along with some of our nation's heroes. I thank the Arlington National Cemetery, the Department of the Navy, and my team for their support and assistance in making this happen. I commend PFC Carter’s mother, Georgie Carter-Krell, a Gold Star Mother and a true patriot, who has dedicated her life to preserving and upholding her son’s memory while demonstrating unwavering service to our veterans. To read more about this inspiring story, click here.
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C.W. "Bill" Young Freedom Medal |
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I am honored to have been awarded the C.W. “Bill” Young Freedom Medal by the Florida Defense Contractors Association. This recognition, which has only been presented twice before, is given to individuals with a distinguished record of supporting our U.S. fighting forces. Bill Young was a giant among legislators, whose effectiveness and love of our nation left an everlasting legacy and precedent to be followed. As I have always stated, our nation’s defense industry is not a budgetary issue but an absolute necessity. I have seen first-hand the critical role that Florida’s defense industry plays in supporting our national security. Through my role on the appropriations committee, I’m committed to ensuring our men and women in uniform have the necessary resources to continue building a strong, robust national defense that serves as the cornerstone of America’s security. |
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What a pleasure to attend the grand opening for Liberty Square Phase II with Mayor Carlos Gimenez and other local officials. Liberty Square is the first mixed-income project in Miami-Dade County, and truly a shining example of what the future holds for housing. I’m proud to have supported this project in Congress, and I thank our local leaders for their help and leadership on this important milestone.
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This week, Pfizer and BioNTech SE announced that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has proven to be 90% effective. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed (OWS), if the FDA approves the Pfizer vaccine, we will be able to mass produce and distribute 100 million doses free of cost to Americans.
Operation Warp Speed (OWS) is an initiative spearheaded by the Trump Administration, which aims to deliver 300 million doses of a safe, effective vaccine for COVID-19 by January 2021. This initiative is part of their broader strategy to facilitate and accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Tomorrow, we honor and thank the men and women who have served our country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May this Veteran’s Day serve as a reminder that soldier’s life is always valued, no matter how much time has passed.
Thank you for your service.
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Here’s a graphic showing the new cases per day in the U.S.:
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- Collier County has 15,097 confirmed cases
- Hendry County has 2,295 confirmed cases
- Miami-Dade County has 193,265 confirmed cases
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I remain committed to my constituents and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves from public health emergencies such as this one. To keep up with live updates, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, or visit my website for any constituent services I am able to provide you with.
As always, it’s a pleasure to serve you.
Warm Regards,
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Mario Diaz-Balart
Member of Congress
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