South Miami-Dade News

Washington, DC - Congressman Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today. The NDAA approved all military and service member programs through Fiscal Year 2025.

With the passage of the NDAA, Key West secured approval for a new $70 million headquarters for the Joint Interagency Task Force South. This new facility aims to strengthen U.S. efforts in combating drugs and addressing threats from Communist China and Castro's Cuban regime.

"As the first Member of Congress representing South Florida appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to support this NDAA to guarantee our military remains the strongest in the world," said Rep. Gimenez. "As the United States faces increased pressure from our adversaries, I am proud to vote for an NDAA that bolsters military strength and supports the brave men and women in uniform who defend our nation. As our nation faces growing threats from Putin's Russia and its ally Communist Cuba, I am proud to announce that I secured $70 million for a new headquarters for the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-SOUTH) to enhance our national security."

Rep. Gimenez represents America's southernmost district, which includes Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. His constituency includes thousands of service members and their families as well as multiple military facilities such as Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB), Naval Air Station Key West, Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), and JIATF-SOUTH.

Congressman Carlos Giménez is notable as the only Cuban-born Member of Congress, having fled Cuba with his family shortly after the communist takeover. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, is a member of both the Armed Services Committee and Select Committee on China.