See how Maria Elvira Salazar's votes line up with your values.
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Prediction track record
How often we called Maria Elvira Salazar's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
100%
Accuracy
1
Correct
0
Incorrect
53
Pending
Right119-hconres-68
To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.
To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Based on 2 data points across public statements and recorded votes · AI analysis of public records
118-s-546·Consistent
Recruit and Retain Act
75/100
What they said
May 14, 2026
Rep. Salazar supports legislation to increase accountability for violent offenders, restrict cashless bail policies, and provide federal resources and recognition to law enforcement agencies.
Rep. Salazar's statement emphasizes support for law enforcement through accountability measures, bail reform, and recognition. The Recruit and Retain Act provides federal resources and support to law enforcement agencies via expanded COPS grants for recruitment. The rep's YES vote on this bill aligns with her stated commitment to providing law enforcement with 'support, resources, and respect.' However, the bill addresses recruitment and retention specifically, while the statement focuses on accountability for violent offenders and bail reform—related but distinct criminal justice priorities. The vote is consistent with the broader pro-law enforcement direction, though it does not directly address the specific accountability and bail policy measures highlighted in the statement.
Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act
72/100
What they said
May 14, 2026
Rep. Salazar supports legislation to increase accountability for violent offenders, restrict cashless bail policies, and provide federal resources and recognition to law enforcement agencies.
The statement supports pro-law enforcement measures and accountability for violent offenders, and the bill increases criminal penalties for interfering with border enforcement and for crimes tied to law enforcement operations, so the direction aligns. However, the statement does not mention H.R. 3602 specifically, and the shared category is broad (criminal justice/law enforcement support) rather than the same specific question.
Pairs with ambiguous language and high uncertainty are withheld until more data is available. Procedural, cloture, and amendment votes are excluded — they don't cleanly signal substantive support or opposition.
Pro analysis
AI rep analysis — Pro
Get an AI-narrated read on Maria Elvira Salazar's full voting record against your stated values — aligned themes, conflicts, notable votes, and what to watch for.
Positions Maria Elvira Salazar took during their campaign, scored against their subsequent record — public statements cross-checked with related votes. “Kept” means 80%+ of those statement-vs-vote pairs aligned; “Broken” means 30% or fewer.
0 kept0 broken0 mixed0 no action yet
Maria Elvira Salazar has 3 tracked positions but no scored statement-vs-vote pairs touching them yet. Verdicts will appear here as related statements and votes accumulate.
No action yetSupports
Federal enforcement of mental-health insurance parity (equal coverage to medical care) should be strengthened.
“I have helped expand mental health services for children”
Passage votes where Maria Elvira Salazar broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
Salazar Advocates to end slaughter of American Horses
Position: Rep. Salazar led a letter urging the President and USDA to issue an Executive Order ending the export of American horses for slaughter and human consumption abroad, citing animal cruelty and New World Screwworm risks to American agriculture.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) led a letter, with several of her colleagues, to President Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting they end the practice of American horses being sold for slaughter and consumption abroad.
Specifically, this letter asks the President to issue an Executive Order to end exports of American horse meat for consumption. While the U.S. has effectively banned horse slaughter in the U.S., as well as the import of horse meat from other countries, there is no ban on exports from the U.S. Therefore, American horses can be purchased and sent abroad to countries like Mexico where they are killed and sold for meat. In this instance, the trafficking of horses threatens American agriculture, as there has been a growing threat of New World Screwworm across the southern border.
“These horses carried our pioneers, served beside our soldiers, and gave us their loyalty without asking for anything in return, and yet we still allow them to be slaughtered for meat. It is time to end this cruelty once and for all.” Rep. Salazar.
“We are grateful for Congresswoman Salazar’s steadfast commitment to animal protection and for helping to bar the transport of American horses for slaughter to Mexico for human consumption,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “We don’t allow the slaughter of American horses on U.S. soil, so should we allow them to be butchered south of our border?”
The Congresswoman has been a champion in the animal welfare space throughout her time in Congress, authoring the Neotropical Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act which protects migratory birds in the Everglades, Great Lakes, and all across America. This bill was signed into law in 2024.
Additionally, she supports numerous additional initiatives to protect animals, including:
The SAFE Act, which permanently prohibits horse slaughter in the United States.
The Manatee Protection Act, which upgrades the status of the West Indian manatee from "threatened" to "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act.
The FIGHT Act, which strengthens enforcement against illegal dogfighting and cockfighting operations.
Goldie’s Act, which strengthens USDA oversight of commercial breeding facilities and puppy mills.
The Better Care for Animals Act, which strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.
The Puppy Protection Act, which raises standards for commercial dog breeders licensed by the USDA.
Salazar was joined by Representatives Tom Kean (NJ-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Young Kim (CA-40), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13). The full letter can be viewed here.
Reps. Salazar and Ruiz Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Designating October 1st as National Latino Physician Day
Position: The release supports increasing the number of Latino physicians and closing gaps in medical care, and promotes the introduction of a resolution designating October 1 as National Latino Physician Day.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On September 28, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 1 as National Latino Physician Day.
The resolution supports increasing the number of Latino physicians and closing gaps in medical care.
"Trust in medical care is essential. Physicians that understand their community and are a reflection of it are critical when building and establishing that trust," said Rep. Salazar. "As our nation faces a healthcare workforce shortage, I am proud to co-lead this resolution that supports Latino and Latina physicians, who are helping to close gaps in care and serve as a trustworthy pillar of their community."
"Growing up in a farmworker family taught me what it means to go without care, so I became an Emergency Physician to serve under resourced communities," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. "Today, too many Latino families still can't find a doctor who speaks their language or understands their cultures. This resolution recognizes the Latino and Latina physicians working to close that gap, and it challenges us to open more doors for the next generation."
"The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is proud support National Latino and Latina Physicians Day and thank Rep. Ruiz and Rep. Salazar for their bipartisan work in highlighting the work of physicians critical to improving the health of patients and communities nationwide. As the nation faces a persistent physician shortage, we must support policies that increase to access to careers in medicine for future Latino and Latina physicians, and everyone in the next generation of doctors," said Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, chief public policy officer, AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges)
"The National Hispanic Medical Association supports H.Res. 1589, introduced by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., recognizing October 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day. We need more Latino physicians serving our communities. This day not only highlights the significant underrepresentation of Latinos in the physician workforce but also recognizes the tremendous work Latino physicians do every day to care for patients and communities across our nation. We are proud to support this resolution and its recognition of the Latino physicians who serve our country," said Gilbert Burgos, M.D., MPH, President of the National Hispanic Medical Association.
The full text of the resolution is available HERE
SALAZAR JOINS MOUNT SINAI FOR NEW EMERGENCY CENTER OPENING, HIGHLIGHTS HEALTHCARE RECORD
Position: The release describes Representative Salazar's view that quality healthcare should be both accessible and affordable and highlights her support for lowering insurance premiums, prescription-drug costs, and out-of-pocket expenses while expanding Health Savings Account access.
MIAMI, Fla. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Mount Sinai Medical Center leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the South Florida community for the ribbon cutting of Mount Sinai’s new Emergency Center in Westchester, located in Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
The new four-story facility will expand access to emergency treatment, advanced diagnostic imaging, and behavioral health services for families in Westchester and surrounding communities. It is scheduled to open to patients in October.
“Quality healthcare has to be both accessible and affordable,” said Rep. Salazar. “That means having excellent care close to home, enough doctors to see patients, access to the treatments people need, and costs families can actually afford. I am proud to join Mount Sinai for this important expansion and will continue working across the aisle to strengthen healthcare for South Florida.”
"When we broke ground here, we made a commitment to the Westchester community that nationally recognized care was coming. Today, it is here,” said Gino R. Santorio, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. “Families in this community now have emergency care close to home, with advanced imaging on site so patients get answers during their visit rather than a referral and a second trip. And this is only the beginning. We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for standing with us today and for her continued support of Mount Sinai and the patients we serve across South Florida."
The Emergency Center marks the first phase of Mount Sinai’s broader expansion at the site. Future phases are expected to add inpatient and observation beds, surgical services, cardiac care, and additional specialty services.
SALAZAR’S RECORD ON HEALTHCARE
In Congress, Rep. Salazar has built a bipartisan healthcare record focused on lowering costs, expanding access, strengthening the medical workforce, and bringing federal healthcare investments home to South Florida.
She has secured nearly $15 million in direct federal investments for healthcare and medical research in South Florida, including:
$7.65 million for resilience improvements at Mount Sinai Medical Center to help protect critical hospital operations during hurricanes and other emergencies.
$2.5 million for Banyan Community Health Center to expand access to care in underserved communities.
$1 million for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to expand pediatric mental-health care, plus $450,000 for genetic testing to help doctors identify safer and more effective medicines for children.
$3.13 million for Florida International University to advance cancer research and precision medicine.
Salazar has also worked across the aisle to make healthcare more affordable for working families, supporting efforts to lower insurance premiums, prescription-drug costs, and out-of-pocket expenses while expanding access to Health Savings Accounts.
She has made addressing healthcare-worker shortages another priority, working across the aisle to strengthen South Florida’s healthcare workforce and pushing for continued funding for programs that train doctors in community-based and underserved settings.
Her healthcare work also includes efforts to improve cancer screening and early detection, expand care for patients with rare diseases, strengthen pediatric genomic testing, and support mental-health and addiction-treatment services.
The $7.65 million Salazar previously secured for Mount Sinai supported resilience improvements at its Miami Beach medical center and is separate from the new Emergency Center.
REP. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR DELIVERS $2.4 MILLION FOR KEY BISCAYNE FLOOD PROTECTION AND COASTAL RESILIENCE
Position: The release announces $2.4 million in federal Community Project Funding for stormwater drainage improvements around Key Biscayne K-8 and an offshore barrier reef feasibility study for shoreline stabilization, and states the representative's view that federal resources should be secured to address flooding and coastal erosion.
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) visited Key Biscayne to deliver more than $2.4 million in federal funding she secured for two projects that will help address flooding around Key Biscayne K-8 Community School and explore a long-term solution to shoreline erosion.
Joined by Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco and Village leaders, Rep. Salazar presented $2 million for stormwater improvements around Key Biscayne K-8 and $412,500 for an offshore barrier reef study in collaboration with the University of Miami.
“Leadership means seeing a problem before it becomes a crisis and doing the work to solve it,” said Rep. Salazar. “When our streets flood and our coastline is threatened, families feel the consequences. In Congress, my job is to turn those challenges into action: secure the resources, hold federal agencies accountable, and deliver results on the ground. That is the standard I have set across South Florida, and I will keep raising it.”
“These investments give Key Biscayne the opportunity to address the flooding challenges we face today while planning responsibly for the future of our shoreline,” said Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for securing these federal resources and to the University of Miami for bringing its expertise to this effort. Strong partnerships like these are essential to keeping Key Biscayne safe and resilient for generations to come.”
Flooding around the school can reach two to three feet during severe rain events, disrupting access for families, school buses, first responders, and the more than 1,000 students who attend Key Biscayne K-8. The $2 million secured by Rep. Salazar will help install a new pump-based drainage system designed to move water out more effectively, reduce flooding, and improve safety in the surrounding neighborhood.
Rep. Salazar also delivered $412,500 for the Village’s Offshore Barrier Reef for Shoreline Stabilization Study, a collaboration between Key Biscayne and the University of Miami. The study will examine whether a hybrid offshore reef could help reduce beach erosion while limiting unintended environmental impacts and reducing the need for repeated beach renourishment.
The $2,412,500 in Community Project Funding was secured by Rep. Salazar through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, signed into law in February 2026.
Watch Rep. Salazar’s visit to Key Biscayne and learn more about the projects HERE.
Mire la visita de la representante Salazar a Key Biscayne y conoce más sobre estos proyectos AQUÍ
REP. SALAZAR’S RECORD ON FLOOD PROTECTION
Rep. Salazar has secured more than $20 million for flood mitigation and stormwater projects across South Florida, including:
$14 million for the City of Miami
$2.3 million for Pinecrest
$2 million for Cutler Bay
$2.9 million for Key Biscayne
$1.4 million for Miami-Dade County
Together, these investments reflect Rep. Salazar’s broader focus on strengthening South Florida’s infrastructure before the next major storm. From drainage and flood mitigation to coastal resilience, she has prioritized projects that protect neighborhoods, improve public safety, and help communities prepare for the challenges ahead.
Chairwoman Salazar Leads House Hearing on Nicaragua, Warns of Growing U.S. National Security Threat
Position: The release frames the Ortega-Murillo government's repression of Nicaraguans and its growing ties with China and Russia as a threat to U.S. national security, and states that Congress and the Administration should respond. It does not identify a specific pending bill or policy mechanism.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, convened a hearing titled “Confronting the Totalitarian Ortega-Murillo Regime,” examining the dictatorship’s repression of the Nicaraguan people, its growing cooperation with America’s adversaries, and the threat it poses to U.S. national security.
“Nicaragua is not forgotten. Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo have spent years dismantling democracy, persecuting the Church, crushing political opposition, and acting as if the country were their private property. Now they are opening Nicaragua wider to China and Russia, giving America’s adversaries a dangerous foothold in our own hemisphere. That is not only a tragedy for the Nicaraguan people; it is a national security concern for the United States. Congress is watching, the Administration is paying attention, and Ortega and Murillo should consider themselves warned,” said Chairwoman Salazar.
In her opening remarks, Salazar pointed to a major shift in U.S. policy toward Latin America under President Trump and made clear that Nicaragua must remain part of America’s renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere.
She highlighted the Administration’s posture toward Venezuela and Cuba before turning to Nicaragua, where Ortega and Murillo have dismantled democratic institutions, jailed political opponents, driven hundreds into exile, targeted the Catholic Church, destroyed civil society organizations and universities, and moved to eliminate meaningful elections.
During the hearing, Chairwoman Salazar questioned Ana Quintana-Lovett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central America and Migration Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, about China’s growing strategic and economic presence in Nicaragua and the consequences for American security.
Salazar raised particular concern over China’s involvement in the $500 million expansion of Punta Huete, an airfield originally built to accommodate strategic bombers. She questioned the national security implications of Beijing gaining access to strategically significant infrastructure so close to the United States.
She also highlighted China’s expanding economic footprint in Nicaragua, including mining concessions granted to Chinese interests and Beijing’s involvement in critical infrastructure projects such as the modernization of Puerto de Corinto.
Chairwoman Salazar questioned what more the United States can do to prevent the Ortega-Murillo regime from handing increasingly important pieces of Nicaragua’s economy and strategic infrastructure to China.
Salazar also examined the growing level of cooperation between the Ortega-Murillo regime and Russia, raising concerns about Moscow’s expanding presence and freedom of movement in Nicaragua and what that relationship could mean for U.S. national security.
The hearing underscored that Nicaragua can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of political repression and human rights. As the Ortega-Murillo regime deepens its relationships with China and Russia, Nicaragua is increasingly becoming a strategic concern for the United States and the security of the Western Hemisphere.
To watch Chairwoman Salazar’s opening statement click here.
CHAIRWOMAN SALAZAR'S RECORD ON NICARAGUA
Chairwoman Salazar has been one of Congress's leading voicesfor democracy, religious freedom, and human rights in Nicaragua. Since coming to Congress, she has consistently worked to expose the abuses of the Ortega-Murillo regime and increase pressure on the dictatorship through sanctions, congressional oversight, and legislation.
Rep. Salazar was an original House leader of the bipartisan RENACER Act, landmark legislation enacted in 2021 to strengthen sanctions against the Ortega regime, increase scrutiny of international lending to Nicaragua, and expand U.S. tools to respond to electoral fraud, corruption, and human rights abuses. The legislation also required greater reporting on Russian influence and security cooperation in Nicaragua.
In January 2026, she introduced the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act alongside Rep. Chris Smith. The legislation would strengthen sanctions on the Ortega-Murillo regime, prohibit U.S. investment that benefits the dictatorship, oppose international financing that strengthens the regime, support political prisoners and people of faith targeted by the government, and increase assistance for democracy and human rights programs in Nicaragua.
Chairwoman Salazar has been a vocal defender of Nicaragua's political prisoners, exiled dissidents, journalists, and religious leaders. She has repeatedly condemned the regime's persecution of the Catholic Church and warned that Ortega's growing partnerships with China, Russia, and Iran pose a threat not only to the Nicaraguan people but also to U.S. interests and democratic stability throughout the hemisphere.
As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Rep. Salazar has made Nicaragua a central focus of the Subcommittee's oversight efforts, highlighting the regime's democratic backsliding, attacks on civil society, growing foreign influence, and ongoing human rights abuses. She has consistently called for free and fair elections, accountability for regime officials, and stronger U.S. support for those fighting for freedom in Nicaragua.
Salazar Joins Bipartisan Effort to Expand Access to Child Tax Credit for Working Families
Position: The release supports introducing the bipartisan Stronger Start for Working Families Act, which would lower the earned-income threshold for the refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,500 to $1 so eligible working families receive the credit from their first dollar of earnings.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Chris Pappas (D-NH) in introducing the bipartisan Stronger Start for Working Families Act, legislation that would lower the earned-income threshold for the refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,500 to $1.
Under current law, the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit does not begin phasing in until a family earns more than $2,500. The Stronger Start for Working Families Act would allow eligible working families to begin earning the refundable credit with their first dollar of earned income. According to the Tax Policy Center, the change would provide a tax cut to nearly 3.5 million families with children in 2026.
“Raising a family is expensive, and too many parents in South Florida are doing everything right and still feeling squeezed by the cost of everyday life,” said Rep. Salazar. “The Stronger Start for Working Families Act makes a simple, commonsense change: working families should be able to start benefiting from the refundable Child Tax Credit from the very first dollar they earn, instead of waiting until they reach $2,500 in earnings. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to put more of that help within reach for families paying for groceries, child care, rent, and all the everyday costs that come with raising children.”
“The Stronger Start for Working Families Act is a common-sense piece of legislation designed to help our families across the country who are struggling with the rising costs of raising a child. By lowering the earned income limit, we can ensure parents start receiving much-needed Child Tax Credit benefits from the very first dollar they earn, providing tax relief and improved peace of mind to those needing it most,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.
“The Stronger Start for Working Families Act is a bipartisan solution for working families who have watched relief stay just out of reach. Lowering the qualifying threshold from $2,500 to just $1 means that so many families below the poverty line who were previously prevented from qualifying now have access to the assistance they deserve. That can be the difference between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. There is still more work to be done for families who need support, but this is a positive first step. I'm proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle on this much needed relief, and I will continue to ensure working families can get ahead, not just get by," said Rep. Horsford.
"Families in New Hampshire are working hard and still coming up short. Child care for a family with two kids costs close to $32,000 a year here, more than a quarter of our state's median family income. It makes no sense that parents who need the Child Tax Credit most are the ones missing out. This bill is a simple and straightforward fix: let families start earning the credit with their first dollar of work so we can put money back in their pockets," said Congressman Chris Pappas.
The Stronger Start for Working Families Act would:
Lower the earned-income threshold for the refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,500 to $1, allowing eligible families to begin earning the credit with their first dollar of earned income;
Expand access to the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit for lower-income working families;
Maintain the credit’s connection to earned income while allowing the refundable benefit to begin phasing in sooner; and
Apply the change beginning with the 2026 tax year.
The legislation is the House companion to the bipartisan Stronger Start for Working Families Act introduced in the Senate by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN).
“Parents are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, with majorities of low-income parents saying they have increased spending on groceries and utilities this year. The Stronger Start for Working Families Act will help families access a larger Child Tax Credit sooner, which helps them afford basic necessities that help children thrive and incentivizes parents to join or stay in the workforce. BPC Action commends Reps. Miller (R-WV) and Horsford (D-NV) for leading this bill in the House,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).
The Stronger Start for Working Families Act is supported by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Third Way, Bread for the World, America Forward, Save the Children, Niskanen Center, Family Matters, and RESULTS.
Rep. Salazar has made affordability a priority in Congress, advancing policies to address housing costs, strengthen homeownership, and help South Florida families keep more of what they earn. She will continue working to ease the financial pressure facing parents and make it more affordable to raise a family in FL-27.
Read the full bill text HERE.
Reps. Salazar, Bera Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Tuberculosis Worldwide
Position: The release announces the reintroduction of the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026, which would strengthen U.S. global efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and eliminate tuberculosis, including expanded diagnosis, treatment, and prevention access and accountability for global health programs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) co-chairs of the House Tuberculosis Elimination Caucus, introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen U.S. efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately eliminate tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. A group of seven bipartisan Representatives joined as original cosponsors.
“Tuberculosis has challenged humanity for centuries. It should not define the centuries ahead,” said Representative María Elvira Salazar. “TB is preventable, treatable, and curable, yet too many people still die because they cannot get a timely diagnosis or the care they need. I’m proud to co-lead the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 to keep America leading this fight, equip our partners with better tools, and stop a preventable disease from claiming more lives. The goal is simple: find it, treat it, and end it.”
“Tuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable, yet it continues to take far too many lives around the world,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. “The End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 ensures the United States remains a leader in this fight by focusing on proven approaches: investing in better diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines and making sure our global health programs are accountable for results. I’m especially grateful to John Green, RESULTS, and TB advocates across the country for their tireless work to raise awareness, build support, and move us closer to ending TB once and for all.”
“RESULTS is deeply grateful to Rep. Bera and Rep. Salazar for their unwavering commitment to the fight against TB, and for championing this legislation,” said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of Raise Your Voice to End Poverty (RESULTS). “Communities around the world are leading the fight against TB, and we now have a range of powerful new tools ready to deploy. The U.S. government has already set bold targets for ending TB globally, and this bill provides the framework for how we actually get there. Our volunteers across the country are ready to support Congress to get this bill enacted into law.”
“I’m so grateful to Rep. Bera and Rep. Salazar for advancing the fight against tuberculosis. This disease, curable since the 1950s, has been allowed to ravage the world for far too long,” said John Green, TB advocate and author of the New York Times best-selling book Everything is Tuberculosis. “The End TB Now Act will help reduce the burden of a terrible global scourge.”
The End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 modernizes U.S. global TB programs to focus resources on finding, treating, and preventing tuberculosis, particularly in countries and communities with the highest burden of the disease.
The legislation would:
Expand access to TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, including active case finding, rapid diagnostics, treatment for drug-resistant TB, and preventive treatment for people at high risk of infection;
Accelerate research and development of better tools to fight TB, including new diagnostics, drug therapies, vaccines, and other technologies, while strengthening health systems and laboratory capacity;
Set clear goals and strengthen accountability for U.S. programs, including working by 2030 to reduce TB incidence by 80 percent and TB deaths by 90 percent from 2015 levels, diagnose and begin treatment for 90 percent of TB and drug-resistant TB cases, achieve a 90 percent treatment success rate, and provide preventive treatment to 30 million people; and
Require annual reporting on U.S. global TB programs and investments in research and development to track progress and strengthen accountability.
Since 2022, Representative Salazar has led bipartisan efforts in the House of Representatives to eliminate tuberculosis. Alongside Representative Bera, Salazar introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2022, which advanced through the House Foreign Affairs Committee that year. He reintroduced the legislation in 2023, when it again passed the Committee unanimously.
As a member of congress, Salazar has consistently made the case that investing in prevention, detection, and eradication efforts abroad is also an investment in the health and security of Americans at home.
Companion legislation in the Senate was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Read the full bill text here.
Salazar Joins Acting Labor Secretary Sonderling to Highlight No Tax on Tips, Address Restaurant Workforce Crisis
Position: The release supports the No Tax on Tips law, which allows eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income and certain overtime compensation from federal taxable income. It also supports the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), which would allow eligible long-term undocumented immigrants to obtain renewable legal status and work authorization, combined with nationwide E-Verify.
MIAMI, FL — Today, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and South Florida restaurant leaders for a roundtable focused on No Tax on Tips, the pressures facing locally owned restaurants, and the industry’s need for a stable, legal workforce.
“Miami gathers around its restaurants, from the morning cafecito to the last table of the night. Behind every one of those tables is someone working hard for every tip they earn,” said Congresswoman Salazar.“That is why I helped turn No Tax on Tips into law. It allows servers, bartenders, and other restaurant workers to keep more of their earnings for the bills waiting at home, without asking small restaurant owners, already operating on tight margins, to absorb another cost.”
Under the new law, eligible workers may deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income from their federal taxable income. The law also provides a deduction for eligible overtime compensation.
The roundtable then turned from immediate tax relief to a longer-term challenge raised by restaurant owners: maintaining a stable and legal workforce.
According to the National Restaurant Association, nearly one in four restaurant and food-service employees (23 percent) was born outside the United States. Restaurant operators struggled to fill nearly 900,000 open positions each month in 2025, and the industry is expected to add approximately 1.7 million jobs over the next decade.
The National Restaurant Association has endorsed Salazar’s bipartisan Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), and restaurant owners participating in the roundtable expressed support for the legislation as a practical answer to the workforce uncertainty affecting their businesses.
“Restaurant owners told us directly that they have positions they cannot fill and no reliable legal workforce to fill them. At the same time, experienced workers who have lived here for years remain unable to work legally,” Salazar said. “The Dignity Act brings those realities together under strict rules. That is why the National Restaurant Association and restaurant owners support it: it replaces uncertainty with a permanent workforce solution that restaurants nationwide can use and trust.”
The Dignity Act would allow eligible, longtime undocumented immigrants to earn renewable legal status and work authorization after meeting strict requirements. Combined with nationwide E-Verify, it would help restaurants build a stable, verified workforce while protecting businesses that follow the rules. The Dignity Program provides no federal benefits or pathway to citizenship.
During the roundtable, local operators described how rising costs, narrow margins, and staffing shortages shape decisions about hours, service, and expansion. Salazar underscored her message: No Tax on Tips delivers immediate relief to restaurant employees, while the Dignity Act addresses the staffing instability holding their employers back.
Salazar thanked Acting Secretary Sonderling for bringing the conversation directly to Miami and hearing firsthand from the restaurant leaders affected by federal labor and workforce policies.
Participants included representatives from the National Restaurant Association, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Rusty Pelican, Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, Grove Bay Hospitality, VE Hospitality, SuViche, Novecento, Outback Steakhouse, Anna Management, Meat N’ Bone, and Wagyu Bar.
CONGRESSWOMAN MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR SPEAKS WITH POPE LEO XIV AT THE VATICAN ABOUT IMMIGRATION, PRESENTS DIGNITY ACT
Position: Representative Salazar expresses support for the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), a bipartisan immigration reform bill combining border security, mandatory E-Verify, and accountability measures with earned legal status for qualifying long-term immigrants.
VATICAN CITY — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) spoke today with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where she raised the issue of immigration in the United States and personally presented the Holy Father with information about the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), her bipartisan immigration reform legislation.
During the exchange, the Congresswoman spoke about the importance of finding a lasting solution to America’s immigration challenge and shared the DIGNITY Act as the work she is leading in Congress on the issue.
“It was a profound honor to speak with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV about immigration at such a consequential moment for our country,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “For decades, Washington has debated this issue while millions of families have continued to live with uncertainty. I was grateful for the opportunity to place the DIGNITY Act in the Holy Father’s hands and to share the work we are doing to find a lasting way forward.”
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, has made migration an important part of his public teaching, addressing both the responsibility of nations to govern their borders and the need to respect the dignity of migrants and families.
The DIGNITY Act is the only major bipartisan immigration reform proposal currently before Congress. It combines border security, mandatory E-Verify, and accountability measures with an earned legal status for qualifying long-term immigrants who meet strict requirements.
Immigration also has deep relevance for the Church in the United States. More than four in ten U.S. Catholics are immigrants or the children of immigrants, according to Pew Research Center. A 2025 report issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and evangelical partners found that roughly one in twelve American Christians is vulnerable to deportation or lives with someone who is.
The people at the center of America’s immigration debate are also, in significant numbers, the people sitting in its pews.
“A nation can defend its borders without closing its heart, Congresswoman Salazar said. “We can uphold the rule of law, demand responsibility, and protect our country while recognizing the inherent dignity of every person and the reality of families who have lived, worked, worshiped, and built their lives here for years. That is the principle at the heart of the DIGNITY Act.”
For the Congresswoman, the exchange also carried personal significance. As the daughter of Cuban exiles representing South Florida, immigration is both a national policy issue and part of the history of the community she serves.
The Vatican exchange brought the Congresswoman’s immigration reform effort into one of the world’s most consequential moral and faith-based conversations on migration, while underscoring her continued push for Congress to reach a durable solution.
Watch the video from Congresswoman Salazar’s visit to the Vatican in English HERE.
Vea el video de la visita de la congresista Salazar al Vaticano en español AQUÍ.
Growing Support for the DIGNITY Act
The DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393) has continued to gain momentum in Congress and across the country, with support from 40 Members of Congress and more than 100 organizations and stakeholders representing business, agriculture, faith communities, veterans, employers, families, and immigration advocates.
Recent support includes the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, National Association of Manufacturers, National Restaurant Association, and leading scientific and research organizations, adding to a broad coalition backing congressional action on immigration reform.
The effort has also expanded beyond Capitol Hill through the National DIGNITY Coalition, nationwide events, policy forums, roundtables, and direct engagement with workers, employers, faith leaders, Dreamers, mixed-status families, and community organizations.
The DIGNITY Act has generated more than 250 national, state, and local media stories and mentions, as the proposal continues to gain visibility in the national immigration debate.
With its congressional coalition and national support continuing to grow, the effort is increasingly focused on translating that momentum into legislative action.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District and serves as Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
Salazar Leads Congressional Letter to Sec. Rubio Urging Major Non-NATO Ally Designation for Ecuador
Position: Members of Congress urge the Secretary of State to designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally to strengthen its efforts against transnational drug cartels and advance U.S. national security interests.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), joined by Congressman Carlos Giménez (FL-28), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01), Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Department of State to designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). The lawmakers write that the designation would strengthen Ecuador's efforts against transnational drug cartels while advancing U.S. national security interests.
"The battle against the cartels does not stop at Ecuador's borders," said Rep. Salazar. "The United States has a strategic interest in helping democratic allies confront the criminal organizations that threaten our hemisphere. Designating Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen one of our closest security partners in the Western Hemisphere."
“The fight against cartels requires strong partnerships,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally will strengthen one of America’s most important democratic partners in the region and enhance our ability to confront the transnational criminal organizations that threaten the security, stability, and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere.”
“The United States must continue to strengthen partnerships with trusted allies in our own hemisphere,” said Rep. Buchanan. “As Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, I have seen firsthand Ecuador's commitment to combating organized crime, countering narcotics trafficking and advancing democratic institutions. Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen our strategic partnership, and I am proud to support this effort.”
The letter describes Ecuador as one of the front lines in the fight against transnational drug trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the country's Pacific coast as a major corridor for cocaine shipments bound for the United States and Europe. It also highlights the record levels of violence driven by these groups and the enormous security challenges confronting the country.
The lawmakers explain that Major Non-NATO Ally status would expand Ecuador's access to key security benefits, including military financing opportunities, increased training, excess U.S. defense equipment, and advanced counterterrorism technology. These tools would strengthen Ecuador's ability to confront organized crime, protect innocent lives, and stop illegal drugs before they reach the United States.
The letter concludes by urging Secretary Rubio to grant the designation and reaffirm the United States' commitment to supporting Ecuador as it continues its fight against transnational organized crime.
Read the full letter here.
Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status provides enhanced opportunities for defense and security cooperation with the United States, including:
Eligibility for certain U.S. military financing and defense loans.
Expanded military training and education opportunities with the United States.
Priority access to Excess Defense Articles, including certain U.S. defense equipment.
Eligibility to participate in cooperative defense research and development projects.
Increased access to counterterrorism cooperation and technology.
Opportunities for U.S. defense industry partnerships and defense procurement cooperation.
Currently, 19 countries are designated as Major Non-NATO Allies:
Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.
This letter builds on Rep. Salazar's longstanding advocacy for a stronger U.S.-Ecuador security partnership. In 2025, she led a bipartisan effort urging the Administration to provide additional security assistance to help Ecuador defeat the cartels.
As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar oversees congressional efforts to strengthen U.S. engagement across the region, counter transnational criminal organizations, and confront the authoritarian regimes and security threats that undermine democratic stability.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRAVEL ADVISORS INC. PAC3 contributions$11,000
2.IN THE ARENA PAC2 contributions$10,000
3.DELIVERS PAC2 contributions$10,000
4.FOREVER YOUTH ORGANIZATION UTILIZING A NEW GENERATION PAC2 contributions$10,000
5.ENGINEERS POLITICAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE (EPEC)/INTERNATIONAL2 contributions$10,000
6.HISPANIC LEADERSHIP TRUST2 contributions$10,000
7.VALOR PAC3 contributions$10,000
8.UBS AMERICAS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (UBS PAC)Finance2 contributionsFinancial-services PAC for UBS Americas — backs candidates and policies supporting banking, investment, and capital-markets regulation.AI$10,000
9.SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. PACDefense2 contributionsAerospace and defense contractor PAC — supports candidates backing federal space contracts, national security priorities, and commercial space development.AI$10,000
10.AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES (ACEC/PAC)Business4 contributionsEngineering industry association PAC — supports candidates backing infrastructure investment, regulatory streamlining, and federal contracting policies favorable to engineering firms.AI$10,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST EFFORTS$78,244
2.EVENTSTAR$21,000
3.LEON MEDICAL CENTERS$21,000
4.ES WINDOWS$21,000
5.SOUTH MIAMI OBGYN ASSOCIATES$14,000
6.TECNOGLASS$14,000
7.CODINA PARTNERS$14,000
8.BIRACH BROADCASTING CORP$14,000
9.CRESCENT HEIGHTS$14,000
10.ICI HOMES$14,000
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
