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Dear Neighbor,
It has been another busy week both in DC and here at home. I’ve been working on a variety of issues to help seniors, improve access to healthcare, protect children, and provide better support of Veterans. Continue reading to learn more about these and other efforts on your behalf.
Taking Action for You in Washington, D.C.
Lowering Energy Costs: I was proud to speak in favor of and cast my vote for HR 1, The Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed the House last week. I co-sponsored this important legislation because it will help address our nation’s manufactured energy crisis by reforming the permitting process across industries, cutting down on bureaucratic red tape, and helping drive down costs for Americans. On the day that Biden was sworn into office, the average price for a gallon of gas nationwide was $2.39. This past Monday, the national average for a gallon of gas was $3.44, which is a 44% increase. This is not a fluke or the result of geopolitical struggles around the globe, but instead – it is a direct consequence of President Biden’s war on domestic American energy prices in his rush to embrace a “green agenda.” His policies resulted in gas prices reaching a historic high of over $5.00 per gallon in June of 2022. Our legislation will reverse these harmful policies, increase domestic energy production, reform the permitting policies, streamline energy infrastructure and exports and boost the production and processing of critical minerals. The end result will be lower energy costs for all Americans.
Reining in Big Tech: During the last week’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing we examined Big Tech’s pervasive efforts to restrict conservative points of view from their platforms and the inconsistent application of rules for different users based upon their political beliefs. We explored existing Section 230 protections from liability and discussed the need to reform this process in order to help preserve free speech for all Americans, regardless of their political persuasions. Click here to listen to my exchange with the panelists.
Advancing Research & Improving Transparency: Last week, my colleagues and I re-introduced legislation that would coordinate federal efforts to help find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Click here to learn more.
Additionally, during the Health Subcommittee hearing we discussed the need for greater price transparency within the healthcare system and highlighted wasteful spending plans that were submitted as part of President Biden’s proposed FY 2024 healthcare budget.
Giving Law Enforcement Tools to Do Their Job: I also filed legislation last week to ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to go after those drug traffickers who are using illicit Xylazine to make their drugs even more deadly. Our bill would Classify its illicit use under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act; enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market, and requiring a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations to best regulate illicit use of xylazine. Click here to learn more.
Combatting Organ Harvesting: Last week, I also proudly voted in favor of the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023, which I cosponsored. It passed the House by a vote of 413-2. Our legislation will help to combat forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for the purposes of the removal of organs. It also allows the State Department to revoke the passports of individuals convicted of crimes related to organ trafficking.
Supporting Seniors: Last week, my colleagues and I introduced the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA). This bipartisan legislation seeks to protect American seniors' access to laboratory services and testing that are threatened by Medicare payment cuts. SALSA would protect patient access to critical laboratory services and strengthen infrastructure in clinical laboratories. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Thom Tillis and Sherrod Brown. Seniors deserve access to high quality medical care, which includes diagnostic laboratory services and other tests with the potential to save lives through early detection and individualized assessment of patient needs. Our SALSA Act will help ensure that continued access by providing a permanent solution to clinical laboratory reimbursement and protecting public health and innovation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure passage and get this critical legislation across the finish line.
Also, ICYMI – I’ve filed legislation to ensure the long-term solvency of Medicare and Social Security. These programs are critical for our seniors and must be protected. Click here to learn more about my bill.
Protecting Student Athletes: Florida Colleges have done remarkably well during this year’s March Madness College Basketball Tournament, despite being eliminated yesterday. During last week’s Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, we discussed the issue of Name, Image and Likeness for collegiate athletes. Our goal is to protect the rights of young athletes across the country by creating a clear set of rules for male and female athletes of every sport to benefit from their name, image and likeness – at both large and small schools in every state—to preserve the future of college athletics!
Enhancing Benefits and Honoring our Nation’s Heroes
Last week, I reintroduced the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act to require the VA to implement a four-year pilot program providing dental care for Veterans with certain chronic health conditions. Right now, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service-connected injury. Studies have shown that regular dental care helps alleviate certain chronic conditions, reducing overall healthcare costs. Since the VA spends most of its healthcare costs on treating Veterans with chronic ailments, like diabetes and heart conditions, increasing access to preventative dental services would help ensure a healthier Veteran population and bring those costs down. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country; they deserve access to high quality healthcare - and that includes dental care. The VET CARE Act will get the ball rolling to expand access to dental care for our nation's heroes, and could result in lower overall health care costs for the VA. Not only is this legislation good for Veterans, it is good for the VA as a whole.
I also took a step toward honoring the sacrifice of a local Gold Star Family by filing a bill to rename a post office in Brooksville as the Specialist Justin Dean Coleman Memorial Post Office. On July 24, 2009, during his first tour of duty with the 10th Mountain, 32nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, SPC Justin Dean Coleman of Hernando County, Florida was killed in action while patrolling a residential area of Nuristan Province in Afghanistan. He was only 21 years old. Just like his father, grandfather, great grandfather and eight uncles, Coleman was called to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. His platoon conducted patrols of a local village, going from house to house checking for Taliban combatants. During the patrol, SPC Coleman provided security outside one of the houses and received direct fire from an enemy combatant, fatally wounding him in a matter of seconds. By drawing enemy fire away from his platoon, SPC Coleman’s actions allowed his comrades time to take cover, locate the enemy, and successfully counterattack. Because of SPC Coleman’s sacrifice, no other soldiers died that day. A true hero, Coleman made the ultimate sacrifice, earned the Bronze Star, and will forever be remembered for his bravery. He is survived by his father Dean A. Coleman and stepmother Pepper Coleman.
Additionally, in case you missed it, my Major Richard Star Act would ensure more than 50,000 combat-injured Veterans receive the compensation to which they are rightfully entitled. I urge even more of my colleagues to join me in this fight!
Learning from You Here at Home
Last week marked the 50th Anniversary of the United States withdrawing from Vietnam. As a nation, we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to our Vietnam Veterans. Tragically, more than 58,000 American military personnel died in Vietnam. Many others remain missing in action. We will never forget any of these brave Americans. As with all wars, many of those who survived were left with lasting physical and mental wounds. However, unlike after other wars, Vietnam Veterans were not always greeted with the heroes’ welcome they deserved- which is unforgiveable. Each and every one of them deserve recognition and gratitude for their service and sacrifice! I was humbled to be able to honor several of my constituents who served in Vietnam during a ceremony last week.
I was also humbled to be honored by the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties at last weekend's Chasco Fiesta Ball. It was a privilege to secure federal funding to help the organization increase mental health support services for visually impaired seniors. Please be assured that I will always keep fighting to help seniors and to ensure our community receives its fair share of federal funding!
I also was inspired by stories of success as I attended last week’s PACE Center for Girls of Pasco County’s annual breakfast last week. These young women have faced so many obstacles and yet remain committed to reaching their highest potential. I was honored to secure $500,000 to help PACE expand its efforts to help at-risk girls get the mental health counseling and support they need to succeed.
And, I had the opportunity to celebrate the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville’s 100th Year Anniversary. This service-oriented group has made a profound impact on the community and on the lives of Hernando County residents. I wish it 100 more years of success!
In recognition of Mom and Pop Business Day, I recently visited with some mom and pop small business owners in my district to learn more about the challenges they face. As part of this listening session, I visited the historic Hawkins House in Hernando, which is named after Lena Hawkins, the first female Mayor of Brooksville. The Hawkins House is home to three small, women-owned and operated businesses. I had the chance to speak with Tricia Bechtelheimer, owner of Westover’s Flowers, Larie Hensley, owner of Mallie Kyla’s Café, and Anne Cummings, owner of The Pearl Porch Boutique. It was wonderful to learn about the history of the area and the steps these three entrepreneurs are taking to grow their businesses as the downtown Brooksville area continues to thrive. While they noted the challenges that they’ve faced due to inflation, these dynamic women have a solid plan for continuing to realize their piece of the American Dream!
Community Connection
I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.
My team recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony in Brooksville hosted by Mid Florida Community Services House to Home Program. It will be the site of new affordable housing for local residents.
My team also enjoyed the Women in Philanthropy luncheon in West Pasco, during which my friend, Judith Koutsos, was honored for her tremendous charitable giving throughout our community. Congratulations, Judith!
Additionally, my team visited AmeriKey in New Port Richey to talk with owners Paul and Bianca Micklow about federally-funded apprenticeship programs.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small Business is the backbone of our economy. Each week, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team or I have visited. Congratulations to these hard-working entrepreneurs and best wishes for their continued success as they realize their American Dream!
Congratulations to Laura & Ron Elson, owners of Itty Bitty Boutique for children in Crystal River!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened in her case.
Thank you so much for your help in receiving my refund. I have been trying for months to do so. My husband of 63 years, was an accountant and always did our taxes. After his passing I thought going to a CPA would be the right thing to do. Obviously, I picked the wrong one. Your Staff, James Grenelle and Ana, were great to work with. I so appreciated them. Thank you again and Thanks for your service to our country.
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you!
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