Mike Haridopolos

Rep. Haridopolos Secures Nearly $9M for Housing in Brevard County

Position: The release announces $8,999,760 in federal HUD Continuum of Care Builds funding for permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness in Brevard County, and states support for housing supply and affordability reforms including the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

Melbourne, FL — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) $8,999,760 in federal funding for Brevard County to create new, permanent housing options for people experiencing homelessness. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Builds program, follows a two year long effort by the Brevard Homeless Coalition and local community partners. Congressman Haridopolos supported the Coalition’s application, provided a letter of support, and worked directly with HUD to help move the project forward. “This is another huge win for Brevard County,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “Nearly $9 million is coming back home to help put a roof over the heads of some of our most vulnerable neighbors and give them a path toward stability. My team worked closely with local leaders and HUD to help get this across the finish line, and I’m proud to deliver results for the people of Florida’s 8th Congressional District.” “After more than two years and three applications, securing nearly $9 million for permanent supportive housing in Brevard County is an incredible victory for our community,” said Amber Carroll, Executive Director, Brevard Homeless Coalition. “We are especially grateful to Congressman Haridopolos and his team for staying engaged and advocating for this investment when the outcome was uncertain. This funding will help Carrfour Supportive Housing and our Continuum of Care expand much-needed housing opportunities in Titusville and Melbourne, bringing stability and hope to some of our most vulnerable residents.” The announcement builds on Congressman Haridopolos’ work to tackle housing affordability nationwide. As Whip of the House Financial Services Committee, Haridopolos helped lead passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark bipartisan legislation to increase housing supply, cut regulatory barriers, and expand pathways to homeownership. From advancing major housing reforms in Congress to securing nearly $9 million for Brevard County, Haridopolos continues delivering solutions to expand housing opportunities and lower costs for Florida families. ###

Rep. Haridopolos Joins FRA and FDOT to Celebrate Future Cocoa Multimodal Station

Position: The release highlights federal grants for a multimodal rail station in Cocoa and for state-of-good-repair and safety upgrades at highway-rail grade crossings across Florida, and states the representative supports these investments.

Cocoa, FL — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) joined Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator David Fink, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., and local leaders in Cocoa to underscore major investments in rail safety and infrastructure across Florida and the Space Coast. The event, held at the site of the future Cocoa Multimodal Station, celebrated a $57.5 million FRA grant awarded to the City of Cocoa and the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization to advance the final design and construction of the new station and bring passenger rail service directly to the Space Coast. The event also highlighted a $356 million FRA award to FDOT for state-of-good-repair improvements at up to 910 highway-rail grade crossings across Florida. “Here on the Space Coast, we continue to build for the future,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “This new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from the Space Coast while supporting our growing community. It is expected to have up to a $350 million annual economic impact and support 3,500 jobs, bringing even more opportunity to our region. Thank you to the Federal Railroad Administration, Florida Department of Transportation, and our local partners for working together to make rail travel safer and more accessible for Floridians.” "Defunding California’s train to nowhere is producing tangible safety upgrades and real infrastructure projects that will benefit millions of Floridians for years to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “President Trump is delivering transformational results for the Sunshine State, and we’re just getting started.” “While the Biden-Buttigieg Administration allowed critical resources to get bogged down in bureaucratic red tape, the Trump Administration is acting decisively to get critical infrastructure projects underway,” said FRA Administrator David Fink. “By reallocating taxpayer dollars away from California's wasteful high-speed rail boondoggle at the Speed of Trump, Secretary Duffy is building a new Golden Age of Rail that will make Florida’s rail corridors safe, modern, and more efficient.” “Florida already has robust, nation-leading rail safety standards, and by deploying this emerging and innovative rail safety technology at over 900 locations, we will truly raise the bar to improve safety and save lives,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “We are grateful to FRA for supporting our vision for this transformational opportunity to provide a safer, more efficient driving experience along our state’s rail corridors.” ###

Rep. Haridopolos Secures Provision for Port Canaveral in Water Resources Legislation

Position: The release supports a provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 that allows the Canaveral Port Authority to pursue ownership of federal land at Port Canaveral no longer needed for the Canaveral Harbor project, to enable future waterfront development.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) secured a provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 that allows the Canaveral Port Authority to pursue ownership of nearby federal land at Port Canaveral that the federal government no longer needs for the Canaveral Harbor project. The additional land would allow Port Canaveral to assess and plan for future waterfront development that may support various recreational, commercial, and aerospace needs. “Port Canaveral is growing, and we need to make sure it has the space to meet its future needs,”said Congressman Haridopolos. “This provision gives the Port an opportunity to put unused federal land to better use, supporting future expansion, new jobs, and economic growth in Central Florida. I will continue working to ensure Port Canaveral has the resources it needs to succeed.” “We greatly appreciate Congressman Haridopolos for championing this legislation, which is an important step towards creating long-lasting benefits for our Port and community,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “Removing this historic Corps easement opens options for possible development in the Avocet Lagoon to accommodate shallow draft vessels.” ###

Haridopolos, Moody Lead Florida Delegation in Push to Bring U.S. Space Academy to Florida

Position: The release urges the President and NASA Administrator to consider Florida as the permanent home of the newly announced United States Space Academy, citing the state's spaceflight heritage, infrastructure, and academic resources.

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Chairman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) led a bipartisan group of Florida’s congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to consider Florida as the permanent home of the newly announced United States Space Academy. “For more than seven decades, Florida’s Space Coast has served as the launchpad of America’s space program. From Mercury and Apollo to the Space Shuttle and now Artemis, Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral have been at the center of some of our nation’s most consequential achievements in space. Today, that legacy continues as the Space Coast leads the way in human spaceflight, commercial launches, exploration, and innovation,” wrote the lawmakers. “There is no better place to train the next generation of American space leaders than the state that has launched generations of Americans to the stars,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “Florida has the infrastructure, the universities, the workforce, and the unmatched experience to make the United States Space Academy a success. As Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Moody and our Florida colleagues to make the case for bringing this important new institution to the Sunshine State.” “Florida is America’s launchpad to space and there is no better home for the new United States Space Academy. As Senator for the Space State, I’ll keep working to grow our aerospace industry and ensure that Florida is the premier state for training the next generation of explorers,” said Senator Moody. The lawmakers highlighted Florida’s unique combination of spaceflight heritage, launch infrastructure, national-security capabilities, academic resources, and commercial space activity as the Presidential Commission considers a permanent location for the Academy. The bipartisan letter was signed by: U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos, U.S. Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, and U.S. Representatives Scott Franklin, Mario Diaz-Balart, Neal Dunn, Byron Donalds, Aaron Bean, Anna Paulina Luna, John Rutherford, Vern Buchanan, Randy Fine, Carlos Gimenez, Kat Cammack, Jimmy Patronis, Jared Moskowitz, Daniel Webster, Darren Soto, Gus Bilirakis, Kathy Castor, Laurel Lee, Brian Mast, María Elvira Salazar, and Greg Steube. Background: The letter highlights several key advantages Florida can offer: Unparalleled access to the space enterprise: Florida brings together NASA, the U.S. Space Force, military and national-security capabilities, and one of the nation’s largest commercial space ecosystems. A world-class academic foundation: Florida’s universities already collaborate on space research and education through the Florida Space Research Consortium, creating a strong foundation for the Academy’s educational and research mission. Hands-on training opportunities: Students could learn directly from astronauts, engineers, military and Space Force personnel, researchers, and commercial space professionals while gaining firsthand exposure to launch and space operations. Statewide aerospace infrastructure: Beyond Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, facilities and capabilities at Eglin, Tyndall, Cecil, and Homestead offer opportunities spanning research, testing, manufacturing, education, and national security. A natural home for a national institution: Locating the Academy in Florida would allow students from across the country to train within the operational ecosystem that is shaping America’s future in space. Read the full letter HERE. ###

Rep. Haridopolos Secures $57.48 Million for Cocoa Rail Station

Position: The release announces a $57.48 million federal grant to fund final design and construction of the Cocoa Multimodal passenger rail station in Brevard County, Florida, and states support for expanding passenger rail service to the Space Coast.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) secured a $57,481,255 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration’s National Railroad Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. This project will bring passenger rail service directly to the Space Coast through final design and construction of the Cocoa Multimodal station. “Brightline already connects Orlando to South Florida, and now we are one major step closer to bringing that connection directly to the Space Coast,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “This $57.48 million investment will make the Cocoa station a reality, giving residents and visitors another way to travel across our state while supporting the continued growth of Brevard County. I am proud that I secured this funding to bring this critical transportation investment home to Florida’s 8th District.” “This is a transformational moment for the City of Cocoa and the entire Space Coast,” said Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake. “This station in Cocoa will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The Space Coast will no longer be a pass-through for passenger rail. This is an investment in our community’s future and a milestone that will benefit generations to come.” “Advancing the Cocoa Station into final design and construction is a significant milestone that positions our community for long-term economic growth, expanded mobility, and enhanced regional connectivity,” said Cocoa City Manager Stockton Whitten. “We are proud to help bring this transformative project one step closer to reality.” “From the very beginning, this has been a true community project, shaped by the voices, needs, and shared vision of our residents,” said Georganna Gillette, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Executive Director. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure its incredible benefits are felt directly across the entire Space Coast.” “This project represents a significant step toward expanding transportation options and connecting our community to the future of passenger rail in Florida,” said Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Governing Board Chair, Mayor Andrew Connors. “Brightline is thrilled to partner with the City of Cocoa and the SCTPO on this monumental step forward for Florida’s transportation infrastructure,” said Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline Trains Florida. “From the moment we launched our Orlando expansion, the Space Coast has been an important part of our vision. This grant is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, and we look forward to building, operating, and welcoming passengers to a world-class station that connects Brevard County to the rest of the state.” “By securing this grant, we are establishing another vital mode choice for our Brevard community, allowing our residents and visitors to effortlessly travel south to Miami, across the state to Orlando, and potentially at some point, straight through to Tampa,” said Brevard County D5 Commissioner, Thad Altman. Background: This grant will be used for the following purposes: Building a New Cocoa Station: Constructing a new passenger station in Cocoa with parking and family-friendly amenities. Improving Rail Infrastructure: Adding approximately four miles of additional track and other rail improvements to support safe and efficient passenger service. Supporting Station Construction: Partnering with Brightline and the City of Cocoa to construct the station. Once complete, Brightline will operate and maintain the station. ###

Rep. Haridopolos Introduces LEARN AI Act

Position: Introduces the LEARN AI Act, which would encourage the Department of Labor to promote AI workforce readiness through registered apprenticeship programs, without creating new federal mandates or burdens on employers.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) introduced the LEARN AI Act, which encourages the U.S. Department of Labor to promote artificial intelligence workforce readiness through registered apprenticeship programs. “As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly transform industries across the globe, America’s workforce must be ready to meet that challenge,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “The LEARN AI Act ensures our apprenticeship programs have the tools and resources to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow without creating new federal mandates or burdens on employers. By encouraging responsible AI education and workforce training, we can strengthen American competitiveness, support innovation, and help ensure our workers remain the best in the world.” The LEARN AI Act authorizes the Department of Labor to: Encourage the inclusion of AI-related instruction, tools, and applications in registered apprenticeship programs. Develop and share best practices for the responsible use of AI in apprenticeship training. Provide technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, educational institutions, and apprenticeship sponsors seeking to incorporate AI-related competencies into existing programs. Support efforts by registered apprenticeship programs that help workers adapt to technological changes associated with AI. ###

Rep. Haridopolos and Senator Moody Introduce Space Ready 2.0 Act

Position: The release announces the introduction of the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would create a pilot program letting NASA partner with public and private entities to modernize shared infrastructure at NASA centers, with transparency, cost-sharing, voluntary participation, and a sunset on December 31, 2031. The sponsors state the bill is needed to keep pace with growth in government and commercial space operations.

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, and Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act to modernize the roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure that support NASA's missions and America's growing space industry. As America's commercial space industry continues to grow at a record pace, NASA's aging infrastructure must keep up with increasing demand. The Space Ready 2.0 Act allows NASA to work with private companies to improve the infrastructure that supports launches while protecting taxpayer dollars through transparency and accountability. “We can't be number one on Earth if we're number two in space,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “The Space Coast has always been at the heart of America's space program. As more missions launch from Florida, we must ensure NASA has the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of exploration and keep America leading the world in space.” “Florida is leading America’s next great chapter of space exploration, but if we want to remain the world’s leader in space, our infrastructure must keep pace with the incredible growth we’re seeing on the Space Coast,” said Senator Moody. “The Space Ready 2.0 Act is a commonsense solution that empowers NASA and its commercial partners to modernize aging facilities without creating new spending programs, ensuring we remain competitive and mission ready. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen our nation’s space capabilities and keep the Sunshine State the launchpad for American innovation and exploration.” The Space Ready 2.0 Act would: Launch a pilot program allowing NASA to partner with public and private entities to improve shared infrastructure at NASA centers. Modernize critical infrastructure, including roads, utilities, pipelines, and other shared facilities, to support growing government and commercial space operations. Increase transparency through cost estimates, project timelines, annual reports to Congress, and clear cost-sharing agreements. Protect taxpayers by ensuring participation is voluntary and requiring unused private contributions to be refunded or redirected to eligible projects. Provide accountability by establishing congressional oversight and sunsetting the pilot program's contribution authority on December 31, 2031. ###

WATCH: Rep. Haridopolos: As China Ramps Up in Space, the U.S. Must Stay Ready

Position: The congressman expresses concern about China's expanding space capabilities and emphasizes the need for the United States to maintain technological superiority and protect critical infrastructure that depends on space-based systems.

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) joined the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Europe Subcommittee hearing, Orbits of Influence: Emerging Threats to U.S. Space Security and Foreign Policy Implications. The hearing examined how countries like China are increasing their activity in space, and it focused on what the United States needs to do to stay safe and stay ahead. “It’s pretty exciting to see that what a lot of people thought was science fiction just maybe a generation ago is becoming a reality in a positive way,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “But we can’t ignore the reality: China is moving fast in space, and some of what they’re doing is deeply concerning. Our power grid, our communications, our GPS—everything we rely on runs through space. We cannot allow any adversary to threaten that.” Watch Rep. Haridopolos’ full line of questioning here. ###

Rep. Haridopolos: Brevard Schools Are Launching the Next Generation of Leaders

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) published an op-ed in Florida Today highlighting the Brevard County School District’s work to prepare students for real-world success. In the op-ed, Congressman Haridopolos underscores how Brevard County students are gaining hands‑on experience that connects classroom learning to future careers. From advanced STEM programs to career and technical education, students are exploring pathways in aviation, engineering, skilled trades, and other fields that reflect the Space Coast’s role as a hub of innovation. Key highlights include: Visits to Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School, Titusville High School, Merritt Island High School, DeLaura Middle School, and Jefferson Middle School, where students demonstrated projects in aerospace, engineering, digital media, and skilled trades, showcasing how Brevard’s schools are aligning education with workforce needs. More than 500 fifth‑grade students completing Boeing’s Destination Moon STEM Design Challenge, a year‑long program where students use coding, circuits, robotics, Minecraft, and engineering design to develop solutions for lunar missions. Brevard County’s 2026 enlistment ceremony, recognizing students who have committed to military service and highlighting the district’s strong trajectory from classroom to service. “Here on the Space Coast, the pipeline from classroom to career, from student to service member, from dreamer to doer, is alive and well. And thanks to the leadership of the Brevard County School Board, it is only getting stronger,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “The next generation of America is not just learning about the future, they are preparing to lead it.” ###

Rep. Haridopolos Secures $20 Million in Federal Funding for Port Canaveral

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) secured $20,211,996 in federal funding under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration's Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the Port Canaveral North Cargo Berths 1 and 2 Rehabilitation Project. This project will rehabilitate the bulkhead wall of North Cargo Berths 1 and 2 and upgrade its facilities, including repairs to the walls, concrete bents, pier deck, and concrete curb. It also includes replacing fenders, water lines, water stations, and bollards. “Port Canaveral is a cornerstone of our local economy and a critical gateway for commerce, national security, and job creation here on Florida’s Space Coast,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos. “This $20 million investment is about strengthening the infrastructure that keeps goods moving, supports our workforce, and ensures our port remains competitive on the global stage. By modernizing these cargo berths, we are not only improving safety and efficiency—we are making a long-term investment in American strength and economic growth.” “We are very grateful for the efforts of Congressman Haridopolos to support our role as a gateway for global commerce, a creator of jobs and a driver of economic growth,” said Capt. John W. Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “These federal funds are an investment in our regional economies to ensure consumers – including Orlando International Airport – have efficient, cost-effective, reliable access to highly demanded transportation fuel products.” ###