Rep. John Rutherford

On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. May their sacrifices never be forgotten.

This morning was supposed to be the opening day of the 2026 recreational South Atlantic red snapper season. I, along with many anglers, was excited to see red snapper fishing once again off of our coast, especially after years of fighting for more days. Unfortunately, yesterday the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia halted activities under the exempted fishing permits (EFPs) that authorized the 2026 state recreational red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic. The EFPs for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are no longer in effect until further order from the Court, and the recreational harvest of red snapper in the South Atlantic remains closed. I stand with @MyFWC, @NOAA, and U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Lutnik against this delay tactic. We are not giving up on this year’s 39-day season. I hope to see this resolved quickly.

Thanks to the hardworking men and women of the First Coast’s booming maritime industry, Northeast Florida is a logistics hub for the entire Eastern Seaboard. This National Maritime Day, I’m grateful for the strong maritime industry right here in Jacksonville!

Having more federal law enforcement officers in the air and in our airports makes air travel safer for all Americans, as does promoting efficient security protocols. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan FAST Act with @RepCuellar to support our law enforcement officers by providing them with access to safe, efficient air travel. Learn more 👇 rutherford.house.gov/media/press-re…

PASSED the House! This year’s MilCon-VA bill invests in veteran care, improves quality-of-life for military families, and strengthens our critical infrastructure to support base readiness in Northeast Florida and nationwide. Promises made and promises kept🇺🇸

Thank you to our many brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much to keep the air we breathe free. This Military Appreciation Month, we salute and thank you.

This National Police Week is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty. As a lifelong law enforcement officer and a former sheriff, this day is both reflective and somber for me, my colleagues, and our law enforcement communities nationwide. Our officers stand as a shield between the vulnerable they vow to protect and those intent on doing them harm. Today and every day, may we live our lives worthy of their sacrifice.

Thank you, President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for your unwavering support for American families, especially new and expecting mothers, and for helping provide them with the guidance and information they need to help lead healthy, prosperous lives. hhs.gov/press-room/tru…

We owe an immense debt to the Greatest Generation veterans who fought on land, air, and sea to secure freedom for our country and the world during World War II. Today, we honor them and celebrate our victory over tyranny.

I have seen firsthand the powerful and positive impact prayer can have on one’s life and those around them. This National Day of Prayer, I pray for our armed forces, first responders, Northeast Florida, our country, and those around the world who bravely express their faith even in the face of persecution.

Small businesses are the foundation of our economy. Grateful for Northeast Florida’s hard working entrepreneurs who create jobs and help grow our economy.

Happy Florida Teachers' Day to the amazing educators in our communities and across Florida! Thank you for playing a critical role in our students’ education and growth.

This is a HUGE WIN for Florida’s anglers and coastal communities across the South Atlantic! Thank you, President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for your partnership and strong, decisive action to Make Fishing Great Again!

As a former law enforcement officer, I know firsthand the dangers our officers face each and every day they put on their badges, say goodbye to their families, and cross the thin blue line. Today, on Florida's Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor and thank those who risk their lives to protect and serve our communities all across Florida.

Opinion: Rep. Rutherford: The F-35 Lightning II is more than a plane jacksonville.com/story/opinion/…

Northeast Florida is the proud home of the 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, which hosts our nation’s battle-proven stealth fighter: the F-35 Lightning II. While we see these incredible fighter jets in our skies regularly, we may not fully appreciate just how vital this state-of-the-art aircraft is to our national security as well as our local and state economy. Read my @jaxdotcom op-ed to learn more about why the F-35 Lightning II is more than a plane 👇 jacksonville.com/story/opinion/…

Today, we commemorate the first battles of the American Revolution at Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. We are forever grateful for our American forefathers who fought for freedom over tyranny.

I was extremely honored to join members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in paying tribute to the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting and serving our community. As a former law enforcement officer and sheriff, I know firsthand the dangers our officers face every day they put on their badges, kiss their families goodbye, and cross the thin blue line. May we forever honor and remember our fallen officers and their families.

Proud to help secure funding for the Northeast Florida Regional Airport Access Road Expansion project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. This funding will go towards constructing new terminal access roads and intersections to better connect the North and South Terminals of the St. Augustine Airport to US-1. It will also bring more than 1,300 jobs to our area, strengthen the economic resilience of the region, and serve as a catalyst to future improvements of our growing airport.

I was proud to visit Lakeview Health in Jacksonville to celebrate their 25 years of service to our community. As co-chair of the House Bipartisan Second Chance Task Force, I believe that together we can help those struggling with mental health and addiction disorders become productive members of society again. That’s why I am thankful for the hard work Lakeview Health does every day to help keep people safe and healthy. Keep up the great work!