North Miami-Dade News

MIAMI, FL – This week, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations and former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, joined Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Ranking Member Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) on tours of Miami International Airport, Brightline Miami Central Station, and the Hialeah Public Housing Authority.

The trip provided an opportunity to share the impact and significance of THUD federal appropriations and offered unique insights into the results of Chairman Womack and Ranking Member Quigley's work within the THUD subcommittee in Florida's 26th Congressional District. It highlighted how funding for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation has strengthened public housing programs, enhanced innovative public transportation systems, and protected sensitive U.S. government facilities.

"Great having Chairman Womack and Ranking Member Quigley tour key transportation and housing areas in southern Florida. I'm proud to have a proven track record of delivering for my district to fund critical housing and infrastructure programs all while reducing wasteful spending. I thank Chairman Womack and Ranking Member Quigley for their leadership, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to advance the critical needs in my district and across the country," said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

“Getting a firsthand look at the vital infrastructure, transportation, housing needs, and associated projects throughout our country is critical as we prepare the FY25 THUD bill. Our work impacts the safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life of every American from Miami to Arkansas and beyond. I appreciate my dear friend Mr. Diaz-Balart for showing us how impactful federal investment is for communities across his district,” said Congressman Steve Womack.

“During my years on the THUD Subcommittee I have not often had the opportunity to see our federal investments coming to life outside my own district. This trip reaffirmed the incredible impact that funding for housing and transportation has across the entire nation. My visit to Miami’s Brightline station provided a glimpse into the possible future of transportation in the United States which will strongly inform my work on the Subcommittee moving forward," said Congressman Mike Quigley.

"High-speed rail holds massive potential for this entire nation; specifically in Chicago which already has one of the strongest public transit systems in this country; we have a possibility connecting millions people across Midwest," he added."From tour Miami Airport trip Brightline’s station visit Hialeah each stop visit provided important insight our work THUD Subcommittee lessons replicate powerful investments across United States.”

Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA) is an economic engine for Miami-Dade County State Florida busiest airport international freight second busiest international passengers offering more flights Latin America Caribbean than any other U.S airport.

During meeting MIA officials Congressman Díaz-Balart stressed importance airport security mentioned Homeland Security funding bill fiscal year 2025 includes strong prohibitions requested ensure no taxpayer money used allow individuals working country designated State Sponsor Terrorism access sensitive U.S government facilities like MIA.

With Miami being one host cities FIFA World Cup 2026 Congressman also highlighted colleagues sent letter Department Homeland Security asking preparations underway increase security planning logistical support World Cup especially since President's fiscal year 2025 budget request did not include adequate funding increased security.

Brightline Miami Central Station

Since inception Brightline South Florida Congressman Díaz-Balart witnessed monumental transformation brought Floridians economy only privately owned operated intercity railroad United States Brightline's recent expansion Orlando area connecting Miami Orlando provided path Floridians tourists travel state through rail system welcomed over five million passengers abroad since opening doors 2017.

Hialeah Public Housing Authority

Hialeah Housing Authority (HHA) created 1967 provide vulnerable citizens Hialeah affordable quality housing services over 5 Section vouchers Public Housing units Affordable Housing units recently awarded third highest funding State Florida awarded through HUD's Capital Fund Program offers annual funding all public housing authorities build renovate modernize public housing communities Executive Director Julio Ponce City Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo instrumental success.

Díaz-Balart Continues Deliver South Florida

Congressman Díaz-Balart proven track record reducing spending without shortchanging critical investments During years former Chairman Ranking Member THUD Subcommittee secured millions dollars federal funding South Florida support veterans elderly disabled other vulnerable populations worked diligently maintain upgrade country's roadways seaports transit systems airports successful bringing these investments South Florida community.

Other successful solutions community include PRICE Program As Ranking Member Congressman Díaz-Balart worked then-THUD Chairman David Price create Preservation Reinvestment Initiative Community Enhancement "PRICE" program Manufactured housing critical piece country's affordable housing stock provides home over Americans manufactured housing manufactured housing communities face significant challenges affordability resilience infrastructure maintenance The PRICE program intended replace manufactured housing withstand extreme weather natural hazards disaster events critical necessary affordable workforce housing provide community enhancement many generations come.