Brian J. Mast

Mast Introduces Bill To Lower Summer Gas Prices

Position: Rep. Mast introduced legislation to waive EPA Reid Vapor Pressure requirements for summer 2026 to allow year-round sale of cheaper E15 gasoline, arguing this will lower gas prices and reduce regulatory burden on fuel producers.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced legislation to lower gas prices nationwide by waiving the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements for the entire 2026 summer season. "When gas prices spike during the busy summer months, every family feels the effects—regulations passed decades ago, written for vehicles that we don't produce anymore, are causing more unnecessary strain," said Rep. Brian Mast. "My bill cuts through the unnecessary regulations and gives families relief where it's needed most." In the United States, nearly every gas station offers gasoline blended with ten percent ethanol, or E10, year-round. Gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, or E15, is a cheaper alternative for 2001-and-newer vehicles, offered at roughly 3,500 gas stations across the country. Unfortunately, purchasing E15, the more affordable blend, during summer months is prohibited, and as a result, American families experience cost burdens at the pump. A 1990 amendment to the Clean Air Act prohibits the sale of E15 gasoline above 9.0 RVP. In previous years, to provide relief, the EPA has been forced to issue rolling 20-day emergency waivers—the maximum length allowed—but this creates uncertainty for producers, retailers, and consumers. The bill directs the EPA Administrator to waive RVP restrictions under section 211(h) of the Clean Air Act from May 1, 2026, through September 15, 2026. By expanding fuel supply and removing seasonal restrictions, the bill is expected to ease costs for families heading into peak travel months, support American fuel producers, and reduce dependence on repeated emergency waivers. Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/4/mast-introduces-bill-to-lower-summer-gas-prices Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.

Mast speaks alongside Governor, Army Corps at EAA Reservoir

Position: Rep. Mast supports the EAA Reservoir project as a solution to redirect excess nutrient-laden water from Lake Okeechobee away from estuaries, reduce harmful algal blooms, and restore natural water flow to the Everglades and Florida Bay.

South Bay, Florida – U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) delivered remarks today at the construction site of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, alongside Governor DeSantis and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials, marking a milestone in what has been referred to as the "crown jewel of Everglades restoration." For decades, excess water from Lake Okeechobee was engineered to flow into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, releasing nutrient-laden water that has repeatedly led to outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae and red tide. Red tide saltwater blooms and the blue-green algae, its freshwater counterpart, have devastated Florida communities, closed beaches, and hurt fisheries. After an extreme bloom in 2018, a NOAA study calculated a massive $2.7 billion loss on South Florida's economy. The original water system was intended to prevent flooding, but it has come at the cost of disrupting the natural flow of water to the Everglades and the health of the people and ecosystems surrounding it. This is what the EAA Reservoir was designed to remedy. The Reservoir will redirect the water south, store over 78 billion gallons of water, and deliver up to 470 billion gallons of clean water annually to the Everglades and Florida Bay. Through a 10,500-acre reservoir for excess water from Lake Okeechobee with a separate 6,500-acre stormwater treatment area to filter out the nutrients, the reservoir will deliver cleaner water to Florida's vast network of estuaries. Critical elements of its infrastructure are underway, and today's announcement recognized those successes while assessing the path forward for completing the reservoir. Rep. Mast on today's announcement: "And President Trump…he was the first president to come out and stand with many of us on the shores of Lake Okeechobee a number of years ago, recognizing the connectivity of this entire system." "What we're dealing with here is something that connects all of us in Florida: water. Water connects all of us—whether we're sitting at a restaurant on the water, living in a home on the water, walking out onto a dock, fishing from a boat, or relaxing at a sandbar. Whether it's the water that flows from Lake Okeechobee, down through the River of Grass into the Everglades, and out to Florida Bay and Everglades National Park—every single one of us is connected by the water in the state of Florida. And for every one of you I've mentioned—and the hundreds more I haven't—thank you. Thank you for making it your commitment. What connects all of us will be better than anywhere else in the country—anywhere else in the world. That's what you're working to accomplish. So thank you, everybody, for your commitment." Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/4/mast-speaks-alongside-governor Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.

Dalilah's Law advances out of T&I Committee

Position: Rep. Mast supports Dalilah's Law, which establishes federal standards for commercial driver's license issuance, including English language proficiency requirements and stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining CDLs.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) applauds the advancement of Dalilah's Law through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This bill is a great step in strengthening commercial driver's license (CDL) standards and improving roadway safety nationwide. "For communities like mine, this is personal," said Rep. Brian Mast. "In my district, minutes from my own home, an illegal alien operating a commercial tractor-trailer made an illegal U-turn on our turnpike. He killed three people. Three American lives were lost because someone was behind the wheel who shouldn't have been. It's time to pass Dalilah's law, so this will never happen again," he added. On August 12, 2025, an illegal alien cut across Florida's Turnpike through an "Official Use Only" access point and killed three American citizens. In 2018, California issued the operator a CDL license, despite having been rejected by the Trump Administration for a work authorization permit. The CDL license-holder had received a two out of twelve on an English Language Proficiency (ELP) exam prior to being issued the license. Delilah's Law establishes consistent federal standards for license issuance and enforcement. It requires individuals operating commercial vehicles to be properly trained, legally authorized, and capable of understanding the rules of the road. The bill codifies ELP exams and requires states to administer the test in English for both the written and skills portion. The bill's focus also extends beyond licensing to eliminate fraud and abuse in the system; it specifically targets "CDL mills" and practices that do not adequately account for driver competency. Dalilah's Law tightens regulatory pressure for compliance by doubling the first penalty for state non-compliance from four to eight percent withholding of federal funds toward highway maintenance. Each year a state is non-compliant, a twelve percent penalty is added. The bill will now move to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote before it can be considered by the Senate. Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/3/dalilah-s-law-advances Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.

Mast renews push for all fallen servicemembers to be honored in Capitol Rotunda

Position: Rep. Mast advocates for passage of the Final Honors Act (H.R. 3642), which would establish a standing authorization allowing any service member killed in action to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, and has introduced a concurrent resolution to honor seven recently fallen service members from Operation Epic Fury.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) reiterated his call to allow every fallen service member to lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol and urged the passage of H.R. 3642, the Final Honors Act. Rep. Mast's renewed push comes in light of recent casualties from Operation Epic Fury, including seven confirmed by the U.S. Department of War: Captain Cody Khork of Winter Haven, Florida; Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines, Iowa; Major Jeffrey O'Brien of Indianola, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan of Sacramento, California; and Sergeant Benjamin Pennington of Glendale, Kentucky. "The loss of my brothers and sister-in-arms weighs heavy on my heart each and everyday, but I could not be prouder of the seven who gave their lives in defense of our nation. When we lose a service member, our country mourns together, and my Final Honors Act would allow a grateful nation the chance to show the respect and honor our fallen deserve," Rep. Brian Mast said. Rep. Mast's bill emphasizes that the sacrifice by our service members warrants the most sacred honor Congress can authorize, advocating for the establishment of a standing authorization for any service member killed in action to lie in state—a sacred tribute afforded to presidents and high-ranking military officials. While he continues to advocate for a lasting authorization by passing the Final Honors Act, Rep. Mast has also introduced a concurrent resolution to authorize the use of the Rotunda to honor and recognize the service of Captain Cody Khork, Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant Declan Coady, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, and Sergeant Benjamin Pennington. Read the Final Honors Act here. Below is the Concurrent Resolution. H. Con. Res. ___ by Brian Mast Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/3/mast-renews-finalhonors Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.

ICYMI: Mast urges accountability, transparency as FEC/Brightline seeks additional taxpayer funds

Position: Rep. Mast expresses concern about a $208.5 million federal grant for a drawbridge replacement project, arguing that if taxpayers fund 90 percent of the project, there must be transparency about ownership, accountability regarding financial standing of the private companies involved, and assurance that the project prioritizes community interests over private corporate benefit.

Port St. Lucie, FL - U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) joined the district meeting of the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Board of Commissioners on Friday, February 20, to advocate for Florida's 21st Congressional District as Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) and Brightline attempt to expand their footprint in the Treasure Coast. The agenda item at hand, a federal grant proposal jointly sponsored by FEC and FIND, raises serious questions about FEC and Brightline's financial standing, their treatment of local communities, and overall ability to act as a good-faith partner. The $208,500,000 federal grant would be used to replace the St. Lucie River drawbridge—a nearly 100-year-old, single-track drawbridge—with a fixed, double-track bridge that is significantly higher above the mean high water. This would improve maritime navigation and access, however, Brightline stands to benefit significantly as it seeks to increase passenger transport between Miami and Orlando. Despite the significant benefit to a private, foreign-owned company, taxpayers would fund 90 percent of the project. "This infrastructure could benefit our community and ease maritime traffic," Rep. Brian Mast said. "But if taxpayers are paying for the bridge, taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and clarity about who actually owns it and who's responsible." The 90-10 split in the cost of the bridge led Rep. Mast to question whether the bridge would ultimately be publicly owned, or the property of FEC. He urged FIND, as a co-applicant on the grant request, to ensure that any agreement prioritizes the interests of residents on the Treasure Coast. "If you choose to enter into this partnership, it must benefit the taxpayers first—because it is their money being spent," Rep. Brian Mast said. "The decisions made here today will ripple across our community for decades." The grant request to replace the drawbridge is just the latest of public funds sought by Brightline and FEC, including $90 million for a new rail station in Stuart, and ongoing track improvement costs. This is a dramatic change in position from the initial proposal made over a decade ago, which asserted that the project would be "privately owned, operated, and maintained…at no risk to Florida taxpayers." That poses additional questions about the long-term financial stability of these private entities. "If a Florida family applies for a mortgage or a car loan, they are required to disclose their financial standing," Rep. Brian Mast said. "Any private company asking for hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars should have to meet this same standard." The grant request also highlights Brightline and FEC's unfair treatment of local communities. While requesting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, they are simultaneously fining local governments upwards of $1,828,265,394 under the guise of easement laws. To add insult to injury, these entities are also hauling garbage through communities and disrupting waterway access that mariners rely on. "We deserve a good-faith partner," Rep. Brian Mast said. "If there is going to be a partnership, it must respect the taxpayers. Any partner must respect our waterways and respect the Treasure Coast." Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/2/mast Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.

Mast introduces bill to protect pets during disaster

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced legislation, the Providing Essential Temporary Shelter for Emergencies (PETSAFE) Act, to strengthen emergency preparedness for companion animals. During weather-related disasters, families are frequently forced to evacuate with nominal time. For pet owners, evacuation can mean an impossible choice: leave their pets behind or risk their own safety by staying home. Too often, families choose the latter—endangering themselves and complicating rescue efforts for first responders. The PETSAFE Act addresses these challenges without authorizing new federal spending. The bill expands the allowable use of existing emergency management funds so states and local governments can better plan for animal evacuation, sheltering, veterinary care, training, and specialized rescue equipment during disasters. Under current law, many animal preparedness efforts are limited by high local cost-share requirements. The PETSAFE Act lowers that barrier by increasing the federal cost share for eligible companion animal preparedness activities from 50 percent to 90 percent, making it more affordable for communities to implement protective plans for people and pets. "When we plan better for animals, we save human lives too," said Rep. Brian Mast. "This bill helps communities prepare smarter, respond faster, and keep families together when disaster strikes." "For millions of families, pets are part of the family and in disaster-prone states like Florida, families often won't evacuate if they can't bring them, putting lives at risk," said Rep. Vern Buchanan. "The PETSAFE Act improves preparedness and removes unnecessary cost barriers, so states and local governments have the flexibility they need to protect animals, families and first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join Congressman Brian Mast in leading this commonsense, bipartisan effort." "Protecting pets during disasters is not just compassionate, it is responsible. As an original supporter of the bipartisan PETSAFE Act, I am advancing a practical, lifesaving approach that helps families evacuate safely without leaving their furry friends behind," said Rep. Dina Titus. "When the Eaton Fire tore through my district, so many families were forced into an impossible choice. As a result, many families delayed evacuating because they couldn't bear to leave their pets behind. Thankfully, local shelters and community members across California stepped up to care for animals of all kinds that had to be relocated out of the fire's path," said Rep. Judy Chu. "Disasters like these make it clear that emergency planning must also account for the safety and wellbeing of pets. That's why I'm teaming up with Representative Brian Mast and Senator Adam Schiff to introduce the PETSAFE Act. Our bill would ensure that state and local governments can utilize FEMA grant money to purchase the resources they need to protect animals during disasters," she added. "Our pets are part of our families, and when disaster strikes, it's important that communities have the resources to ensure they aren't left behind. I'm proud to partner with Representative Brian Mast to reintroduce this legislation which will help us protect our animals during major disasters and emergencies," said Senator Adam Schiff. Animal welfare organizations across Florida and the nation are voicing strong support for the legislation, including the ASPCA, Florida State Animal Response Coalition, Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association, Flagler Humane Society, and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. "Americans consider their pets to be a part of the family, and many won't evacuate during an emergency without them. Empowering communities to include animals in emergency response plans is critical to preventing further devastation and helps save the lives of animals, families, and first responders," said Daniel Leonardini, director of federal legislation for the ASPCA. "We are grateful to Representatives Mast and Titus for introducing the PETSAFE Act to give communities the tools they need to better prepare and care for pets before, during, and after disasters, which will ease the burden on already overwhelmed shelters and ensure taxpayer dollars are used more effectively." "Animal shelters in Florida and across the country are constantly operating at capacity regarding animals in their care daily. When disaster strikes a community, animal shelters bear the burden for animal care during disaster response. Our organization provides sheltering services for pets of first responders, those living in mandatory evacuation zones, and stray animals that have been displaced. The PETSAFE Act is critical legislation that will help communities across Florida better prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and ensure that we have the resources needed to care for our beloved companions," said Frank Valente, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. By improving preparedness before emergencies occur, the PETSAFE Act ensures communities have the tools, supplies, and coordination needed to execute safe, organized evacuations that protect pets, their owners, and emergency personnel alike. You can read the full bill here. Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/2/mast-introduces-bill-to Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.

Medal of Sacrifice Act Passes the House

Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Brian Mast announced the passage of his bill, the Medal of Sacrifice Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. "This medal was created alongside President Trump as a small way to thank the brave men and women in uniform who ultimately sacrificed their lives to protect our communities," said Rep. Brian Mast. "May we never forget their dedication and use this medal to forever honor their memory. I look forward to it being passed quickly in the Senate and sent to the President so we can ensure that every family knows that their loved one's sacrifice will never be forgotten." The Medal of Sacrifice Act creates a new medal given directly from the Office of the President posthumously to law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. The first three Medals of Sacrifice were awarded to three sheriff deputies from Palm Beach County who were killed after being struck by a vehicle on the side of the road. Last May, President Trump honored these three deputies, awarding the medals to their families in the Oval Office. "Police officers knowingly place themselves in harm's way to keep us safe and protect our sacred rights. Sadly, when one of these heroes is killed, their sacrifice is quickly forgotten, if even acknowledged," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. "The Medal of Sacrifice Act provides a meaningful way to pay tribute to these heroes as well as to honor their families, who have sacrificed everything and continue to experience unimaginable grief. This medal will also serve as a symbol of the public's profound gratitude for the men and women who stand between us and lawlessness and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Fitzsimmons added. "The Medal of Sacrifice Act represents a meaningful and long-overdue commitment to honoring the families of law enforcement officers and first responders who have given everything in service to their communities and this nation. By recognizing their sacrifice with a presidentially presented medal, this legislation ensures that their loved ones know their loss is seen, remembered, and respected at the highest level of our government," said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President Mathew Silverman. "FLEOA applauds Representative Brian Mast, the bill's co-sponsors, and the House Judiciary Committee for advancing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation. The symbolism of this medal, and the solemn responsibility it represents, reinforces a simple truth: behind every fallen officer is a family whose sacrifice must never be forgotten. We strongly urge Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation." "The names on National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington, D.C. are a stark reminder that law enforcement officers perform one of the toughest, most dangerous jobs in America and the high price police officers and their families pay to protect and serve," said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong. "The 'Medal of Sacrifice' is a small but powerful expression of gratitude to surviving families of their loved ones' service and sacrifice. The SBA is grateful for Rep. Mast's leadership on this legislation and his commitment to honoring our nation's law enforcement heroes and their families." You can read the full bill here. I couldn’t be prouder to announce that earlier today, the House unanimously passed my bill, the Medal of Sacrifice Act. Share This: https://mast.house.gov/2026/2/medal-of-sacrifice-act-passes-the-house Fill out the form below to share your comments with Rep. Mast.