Diaz-Balart Visits Defense Contractors in Florida, Sees First-Hand the Impact Florida's Defense Community Has in National Security

Press Release

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) released the following statement after a two day tour of various defense contractors and suppliers in Florida. Diaz-Balart is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and also serves as Chair of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. Beginning next Congress, Diaz-Balart will be the only returning Florida House member serving on a defense authorizing or appropriations committee. The tour was hosted by the Florida Defense Contractors Association (FDCA), a statewide organization dedicated to promoting the common interest of commercial enterprises engaged in manufacturing, supplying, or other services or activities for the national defense.

Rep. Diaz-Balart: "Florida's military bases and defense industry play a critical role in supporting our national security. They are also critical to our state's economy, serving as the fourth largest industry, employing nearly 775,000 Floridians with an economic impact of close to $80 billion. I saw first-hand the types of programs and platforms Florida's small, midsize, and large contractors support as part of our defense posture. Florida's training, modeling, and simulation corridor creates and sustains a highly educated workforce that secures our state's status as the country's leading industry hub. It provided me with a deeper understanding of Florida's military role and reinforced my commitment to a strong, robust national defense that serves as the cornerstone of America's security. As the only Floridian returning to a defense committee next Congress, I'm committed to ensuring we have the necessary resources needed by our men and women in uniform.

"I want to commend the Florida Defense Contractors Association for hosting this tour, and for the important role they play in promoting the interest of defense contractors across the state and the partnerships they help forge."

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