John H. Rutherford

Rutherford Statement on CR to End DHS Shutdown

Position: Congressman Rutherford supports the Continuing Resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that it maintains critical funding for law enforcement agencies including ICE and CBP, which he views as essential to national security and border enforcement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the Continuing Resolution (CR) to reopen and fund the Department of Homeland Security: “Over the last 40 days, Senate Democrats have held our Department of Homeland Security, and the safety and security of the American people, hostage,” saidRutherford. “They have denied more than 100,000 American families billions in take-home pay, stopped critical training for U.S. Secret Service, FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard, hindered investigations into drug trafficking, cybercrime, child exploitation, and human trafficking, halted preparations for major upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and America 250, and created chaos at our nation’s airports.” “The bill that the Senate passed, in the dead of night with only five Senators present in the Chamber, defunds law enforcement by reducing funding for CBP and ICE to ZERO and leaves us exposed to critical attacks and open borders, endangering the lives of American citizens. This is unacceptable. While I would rather see a full-year funding bill pass than a CR, I will not vote to defund ICE and CBP. That is why I voted yes on the CR last night to extend funding for these critical agencies until May 22, 2026. “The hardworking men and women at TSA, FEMA, CISA, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, ICE, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Coast Guard must be paid for the important work they are doing right now to keep Americans safe. National security is neither a game nor a political bargaining chip. Last night, I was proud to vote to pay law enforcement, protect the American public, and reopen the Department of Homeland Security on the House floor.” Issues:Congress

Rutherford Statement on Operation Epic Fury

Position: Congressman Rutherford expresses support for Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. military operation in Iran, citing the Iranian regime's history of state-sponsored terrorism, nuclear weapons development, and human rights abuses. He states support for President Trump's military action and expresses confidence in Trump's leadership on national security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military operation in Iran: “The Iranian regime has set the table for Operation Epic fury through their forty-seven years of state sponsored terrorism and murder of American citizens. The Iranian regime has continued their pursuit of “death to America” through their continued development of nuclear weapons capable of striking America. “Tens of thousands of Iranian people have been violently murdered by the Iranian regime for seeking freedom and basic human rights. It’s clear: this evil regime seeks to kill and must be obliterated. “The President, and many before him, have given Iran every opportunity to make a deal for peace to end this long conflict, but the Iranian regime has time and time again refused. Now, the hour of freedom is at hand. “For the freedom of the Iranian people, and the safety and security of the entire world, I stand behind President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and our U.S. military servicemen and women. “Our world is safer with President Trump as Commander in Chief. Today, and every day, I pray for our troops and the Iranian freedom fighters.” Issues:Congress

Rutherford Statement on the Final Four FY26 Appropriations Bills Passage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act: “With the passage of these final appropriations bills, Congress will deliver core tenets of American strength to the American people, including combat-ready forces, a secure border, effective education and health systems, and modern transportation. That’s why I was proud to vote for, and pass, the final four full-year funding bills in the House today. “These bills will cut billions of dollars in wasteful spending, delivering real savings for Americans. It also brings a lot of great wins to our area, including funding to support road and airport infrastructure in Northeast Florida." Included in this legislation are Rutherford’s priorities to: Restore American military superiority Increase pay by 3.8% for all servicemembers Reduce Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves to improve quality of life for servicemembers and their families Support our military installations in Northeast Florida Provide funding for the procurement of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft made in St. Augustine Defund DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs, Critical Race Theory, and abortion-related travel within the Department of War Counter adversaries like China by strengthening American air, land, and maritime security Prevent terrorists, criminals, and illegals from crossing our border Stop fentanyl and transnational crime by strengthening DHS counter-drug, human trafficking, and child exploitation enforcement Safeguard American taxpayer dollars by cutting waste and reducing federal bureaucracy Protect the right to life by prohibiting taxpayer funding for abortion on demand Modernize American transportation infrastructure and air traffic control Improve transportation safety and mobility nationwide by investing in highways, ports, and airways Boost FEMA disaster relief and firefighter grants to keep communities safe and resilient Safeguard Social Security by enhancing frontline customer service and program integrity Protect American job creators Combat homelessness, preserve affordable housing, and address health and safety risks Prioritize funding for rural health to help Americans access critical care Support President Trump’s America First agenda Learn more here. Issues:Congress

Rutherford Statement on FY26 FSGG and NSRP Appropriations Act Passage

Position: Rutherford voted in favor of the FY26 Financial Services and General Government and National Security appropriations bill, citing priorities including spending cuts, national security strengthening, support for small business funding, drug trafficking prevention, and alignment with Trump administration policies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act: “We must protect the American taxpayer, advance government efficiency, strengthen national security, and promote America First priorities,” said Rutherford. “That’s why I was proud to vote yes on this bill to deliver strength abroad, security at home, a smarter government, and stronger financial security for the American people.” “This bill cuts billions in spending, delivering real wins and savings for Americans. It also brings a lot of great wins for Northeast Florida, including funding for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) fund to support entrepreneurship and small businesses in our area and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program to stop the flow of dangerous illegal drugs into our communities. As an honorary Rotarian, I am proud this bill maintains funding to fight for global eradication of polio and against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria worldwide." Included in this legislation are Rutherford’s priorities to: Realign funding to national security priorities while eliminating $9.3 billion in wasteful spending, restoring fiscal discipline and accountability Implement President Trump’s priorities, including his “Make America Safe Again” agenda Fortify safeguards and bolster cybersecurity to stop terrorists, criminals, and hostile actors from exploiting the U.S. financial system Protect Americans from deadly drugs like fentanyl and combat human trafficking in Latin American by investing in the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Restore American strength and deterrence, reasserting peace through strength and ending Biden-era weakness on the world stage Protect American innovation and scrutinize foreign investments through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) Force accountability at the United Nations Eliminate DEI, woke programming, Green New Deal mandates, and divisive gender ideology provisions that undermine core agency missions Stand by our allies, including Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan Protect Christian communities from religious persecution by restricting funding to Nigeria Uphold American values, protect free speech, and preserve longstanding pro-life protections Learn more here. Issues:Congress

Rutherford Statement on FY26 NDAA House Passage

Position: Congressman Rutherford voted in favor of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, citing support for military pay increases, improved housing infrastructure, enhanced recruitment and retention, border security funding, and elimination of DEI programs as key reasons for his support.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “As our country faces growing threats worldwide, it is important that we ensure the men and women who defend our nation in uniform have the resources they need to fulfill their mission at home and abroad. That is why I was proud to vote YES to pass this year’s defense bill to improve our servicemembers’ quality of life, bolster our military readiness, strengthen recruitment and retention of our armed forces, and deliver for our military families. “This year’s defense bill furthers my commitment to supporting our troops and keeping America safe by: Providing a 3.8% military pay raise for all servicemembers Investing and improving military housing infrastructure to improve living conditions for our servicemembers and their families Codifying President Trump’s Executive Orders like the Golden Dome program Fully funding the deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border Reforming military construction to increase efficiency and reduce costs Eliminating Biden administration-era DEI programs Authorizing the procurement of four E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes “Additionally, this bill includes support for vital construction projects at Northeast Florida military installations that will improve readiness and servicemember quality of life. If we want to keep America safe, we must provide for our military and their families. I was proud to vote in favor of this year’s NDAA and look forward to seeing it signed into law." Please find the bill summary here. Issues:CongressMilitary and Veterans

Rutherford Introduces Bipartisan Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Bill

Position: The release advocates for modernizing federal fisheries data collection methods, particularly reforming NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) to improve accuracy, increase state management authority over recreational fisheries data, and enhance transparency in fishery science.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 5699, the Fisheries and Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025, to better meet regional and state fishing needs, empower state management of recreational fisheries data programs, increase data transparency, and expand fishery-independent science. Rutherford was joined by Representatives Darren Soto (FL-09), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Troy Carter (LA-2), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Russell Fry (SC-07), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) in the House. “For too long, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has relied on outdated data collection methods through the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), which has significantly overestimated recreational fishing activity,” said Rutherford. “In a 2023 study, NOAA acknowledged that MRIP has overestimated recreational fishing effort by 30 to 40 percent. These inflated numbers resulted in unnecessarily short seasons, abrupt fishery closures, and economic harm to coastal communities, even when stocks are healthy. We have seen firsthand how damaging short red snapper seasons have been for our coastal communities. That’s why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Fisheries and Data Modernization and Accuracy Act to modernize data collection and accuracy of our fisheries so we can make better, more informed decisions about Florida’s recreational fishing seasons going forward. I’m committed to Making Fishing Great Again!” "Florida’s fisheries are vital to our economy, our culture, and our way of life," said Soto. "We’re ensuring that fishermen, scientists, and coastal communities have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible to keep our fisheries strong and sustainable for future generations.” “I’m proud to help lead the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act because our coastal communities deserve fisheries data they can trust. This bill puts better tools in the hands of our states, increases transparency, and strengthens the science we rely on to manage our resources. When we improve the data, we improve the future of recreational fishing across the Gulf and the entire country,” said Ezell. “Florida’s anglers and coastal communities deserve fisheries management that reflects what they actually see on the water. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act modernizes MRIP, elevates high-quality state data, and strengthens stock assessments. Together, these reforms reduce uncertainty, support fair seasons, and protect the coastal economy our families and local businesses rely on,” said Moskowitz. “Floridians expect fisheries to be managed responsibly, with decisions guided by reliable and up-to-date data,” said Webster. “Yet for too long, flawed data has resulted in shortened seasons and increased uncertainty for anglers and coastal communities. This bill is a commonsense approach to improve the quality of data to ensure management of fisheries reflects the real health of stocks and gives states a stronger voice in the management of recreational fisheries.” “For too long, federal fisheries management has been held back by outdated and inaccurate figures that simply don’t reflect what’s happening on the water. When federal data shows that recreational fishing effort has been overestimated by as much as 40 percent, it’s clear that the status quo is hurting both fishermen and coastal communities in Louisiana that depend on sustainable fisheries. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act finally brings our science and management tools into the 21st century. By empowering states to run their own high-quality data programs, expanding independent stock assessments, and increasing transparency across the board, this bill ensures we base decisions on reliable science—not guesswork. Better data means healthier fisheries, longer fishing seasons, and a stronger coastal economy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting these long-overdue reforms," said Troy Carter. “When fishery management decisions are based on highly uncertain data, the effects for fish stocks, anglers, businesses, communities and the economy can be unnecessarily severe,” said American Sportfishing Association. “ASA commends Congressman Rutherford for introducing the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act, which is major step toward improving recreational fisheries data and improving confidence in scientific information used for fisheries management. Background This bill establishes a standing committee through the National Academies to advise on recreational fisheries science and improve transparency. It creates a grant program to assist states in establishing state-led data collection programs, prioritizing efforts that cover high-risk fisheries. It requires NOAA to create and regularly update stock assessment plans at least every five years for all priority stocks and report on missing data. The bill also directs NOAA to contract with independent entities, such as universities, to conduct absolute abundance surveys. Finally, this legislation increases transparency in fisheries science and decision-making by requiring scientific and statistical committees to allow public participation. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act was endorsed by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and the Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT), and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Issues:Environment

Rutherford Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Florida’s Coastline

Position: Congressman Rutherford supports legislation to codify a moratorium on oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration in federal waters off Florida's coast through 2032, citing protection of the state's coastal economy and environment.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 6068, the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in (PROTECT) Florida Act, to prevent drilling off Florida’s coast. This bipartisan legislation codifies President Trump’s moratorium on oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration in federal waters off the coast of Florida until 2032. Rutherford was joined by Representatives Jimmy Patronis (FL-01), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Mike Haridopolis (FL-08), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Darren Soto (FL-09), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Neal Dunn (FL-02), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in the House. “Florida’s coastal environment is a central part of our state’s economy and way of life,” said Rutherford. “Floridians have spoken, and they do not want drilling off their coast. That is why I am proud to introduce the PROTECT Florida Act with my colleagues from Florida. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will ensure our environment is preserved for generations to come.” Background Florida’s economy relies on healthy and pristine beaches. According to NOAA, Florida’s coastal economy contributes approximately $760 billion to our nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) through tourism, fishing, and recreation. The PROTECT Florida Act codifies protections for Florida’s coastline against offshore drilling guaranteed in President Trump’s 2020 executive order. It extends the GOMESA protections in the Eastern Gulf and creates a new moratorium for Florida’s Atlantic Coast and the Straits of Florida through 2032. Issues:Environment

Rutherford Leads Bicameral Letter on State Management of South Atlantic Red Snapper

Position: The representatives support state management of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters in the South Atlantic, arguing that states can better collect data and implement sustainable harvesting practices than federal one-size-fits-all policies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, co-chairs of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Russell Fry (SC-07), and David Rouzer (NC-07), sent a bicameral letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in strong support of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina’s Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications that request approval to improve state data collection and implement state-led management of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters in the South Atlantic region. The co-chairs were joined by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Ashely Moody (R-FL), and Rick Scott (R-FL), and Representatives Byron Donalds (FL-19), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Randy Fine (FL-06), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Cory Mills (FL-07), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Rick Allen (GA-12), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Darren Soto (FL-02), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), and Maria Salazar (FL-27). “These requests from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are the result of years of conservation work, collecting better data, and improving management techniques,” said Rutherford. “In fact, for years, I have heard from anglers that they see more red snapper now than ever before. Sadly, despite this success, anglers continue to face one- and two-day seasons, barring them access to a healthy, abundant resource even after years of conservation and compliance. That must come to an end. That’s why as a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force in the House, I remain committed to supporting state management. I look forward to working with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to fight for recreational anglers in Northeast Florida and the Great State of Florida. Our states and governors are ready to lead the way by applying proven methods to collect high-quality data, expand sustainable harvests, and support the coastal economies that depend on this fishery. Together, let’s Make Fishing Great Again.” "Federal, one-size-fits-all policies have choked Georgia’s recreational fishing industry for years. State-based management is the common-sense solution. Georgia anglers are the experts and better equipped to set conservation and fishing policies that protect fish stocks and our way of life. I’m proud that Georgia submitted this request and urge the Trump administration to swiftly approve it,” said Carter. “South Carolina’s anglers and fishers are essential to our way of life and our economy,” said Fry. “Those who make their living on the water know these fisheries best. State-led management is the commonsense solution, allowing our states to use better data, extend seasons, and strengthen our coastal communities.” “I strongly support North Carolina’s request for autonomy over red snapper season and urge the Trump Administration to move quickly so these reforms are in place by the 2026 season. For years, rigid federal rules have meant one- or two-day red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic even as they are plentiful in our waters. That makes no sense for our coastal economy or for conservation. Under state leadership, we can use up-to-date, local data to protect the red snapper population while allowing anglers in the South Atlantic more predictable and responsible fishing opportunities.” saidRouzer. The South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force is dedicated to improving data collection efforts and ensuring more predictable fishing seasons. Recently, Rutherford and several task force members led state delegation letters to the Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requesting longer seasons and state management of South Atlantic fisheries. Florida’s EFP request includes assuming state management of red snapper in federal waters and a 39-day recreational red snapper season in the South Atlantic. Specifically, Florida requests an EFP that would authorize the state to test new management strategies and allow the 2026 recreational red snapper season to run continuously from May 22 (the Friday before Memorial Day) to June 20 and then reopen in the fall for 3-day fishing weekends (Friday-Sunday) on Oct. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18. Read the full letter is below: We, the undersigned Members of Congress representing the South Atlantic region, write to express our strong support for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina’s Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications that request approval to improve state data collection efforts and implement state-led management of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters in the South Atlantic region. For too long, recreational anglers in the South Atlantic have been largely shut out of red snapper harvest opportunities despite unprecedented growth and record abundance in this fishery. This is a sign that the current management system is out of step with the on-the-water reality. Despite fishery managers’ success rebuilding the stock for more than a decade, anglers continue to face one-or two-day seasons, a frustrating cycle that leaves them unable to access a healthy and abundant resource even after years of conservation and compliance. On June 11, 2025, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) finalized Amendment 59, establishing new measures to end and prevent overfishing. We thank you for rejecting the bottom closures that were proposed by the Biden Administration. Closing bottom fishing from December to February for 55 species off the east coast of Florida would have been devastating to our region’s economy. The drastic nature of that proposal underscores the need for significant changes to South Atlantic red snapper management to ensure reasonable harvest opportunities. The South Atlantic states’ EFP requests align with President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which directs the Department of Commerce and NOAA to expand the use of EFPs and modernize data collection so that fishery management decisions can respond to real-time conditions. Under these requested EFPs, states will develop and test reliable data collection programs that improve our understanding of the red snapper stock and expand fishing opportunities for anglers through more accurate, responsive management. We have a proven model. During President Trump’s first term, his administration approved state management EFPs for red snapper in the Gulf, moving management decisions closer to the resource. That decision improved stock health, strengthened data collection, and led to longer, more predictable fishing seasons. In 2025, Florida had its longest season since state management began in the Gulf, at 126 days, which is a dramatic improvement over the 3 federal season days in 2017. That experience shows what happens when States are in the lead: with better data and more responsive management, anglers gain access, conservation is maintained, and coastal communities benefit. These are outcomes that Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina should be able to realize in the South Atlantic. Now, during President Trump’s second term, there is an opportunity to extend the Gulf’s successful state-led red snapper management in the South Atlantic. The region’s states are ready to lead by applying proven methods to collect high-quality data, expand sustainable harvests, and support the coastal economies that depend on this fishery. Mr. Secretary, we urge your department to work swiftly with Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to approve these EFPs and authorize state-led management of red snapper in the South Atlantic beginning in 2026. We look forward to working with you to advance state management for the benefit of fishermen, conservation, and our coastal economy.