|
Dear Neighbor,
There was a great deal of noise coming out of Washington last week, most of which was political posturing designed to scare the American people as part of a negotiation tactic in the discussion about the urgent need for spending reform. Please be assured that my colleagues and I remain committed to reasonable, responsible and sensible solutions that rein in spending while protecting the most vulnerable among us and safeguarding our national priorities. Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week!
Making Washington Work for You
After two years of out-of-control government spending by Joe Biden and extreme Democrats, the United States debt has increased to $31 trillion. That's more than the entire U.S. economy. This level of spending is unsustainable and has caused inflation to soar! Congress can’t keep spending recklessly without concern for the heavy financial burden with which we are already saddling future generations of Americans.
Americans are hurting and Washington’s reckless spending is compounding the problem. Washington has to live within its means – just like every household.
We need responsible fiscal discipline that will provide Americans with the relief they deserve. Last week, I was proud to cast my vote in favor of the Limit, Save, and Grow Act of 2023 which will strengthen the American economy, protect American families, and save taxpayers over $4.5 trillion over the next 10 years.
Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of misinformation circulating about the Limit, Save and Grow Act. I appreciate the chance to set the record straight. This package does not impact Medicare, Social Security or Veterans' benefits. House Republicans will soon begin work on the appropriations bills, through regular order. These appropriations bills will prioritize spending, eliminate waste, and meet the fiscal year 2022 limit set forth in the legislation we passed last week. In addition, the Limit, Save, Grow Act contains roughly $1 trillion in mandatory savings. Don’t believe anyone who says these are draconian spending limits that will force cuts to Veterans’ programs. These are the same spending levels our government operated under just last December. As we navigate the normal appropriations process, I will continue to fight for all of the programs that are most important to my constituents.
Protecting Americans’ Privacy: During last week’s Innovation, Data and Commerce Committee’s hearing, we discussed gaps in current laws that make Americans vulnerable to having their private data shared without their consent. We need a strong national privacy standard to protect all Americans, especially our children, which I am working on. Click here to listen to my discussion on this topic during our hearing. Unfortunately, another family has been struck with tragedy as their 13 year-old has died after participating in a TikTok challenge. The time has come to hold Big Tech accountable for doing a better job implementing safeguards to protect its youngest users. Our uniform privacy standard legislation would provide such safeguards.
Ensuring Access to Quality Healthcare and Affordable Prescription Drugs: During last week’s Health Subcommittee hearing, we discussed several proposals for lowering the cost of prescription drugs by encouraging competition and innovation within the industry. Additionally, my colleagues and I are also pressuring the Biden Administration to remove the Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers, especially now that the President has officially ended the pandemic public health emergency. Click here to learn more.
Pushing Back on Chinese Aggression and Government Overreach: My colleagues and I are urging the Biden Administration to support free and equitable treatment of Taiwan on the international stage. We have a strong history of cooperative and mutually beneficial trade with Taiwan and we cannot allow Chinese aggression to detract from this strategic alliance. Click here to read more about our efforts. Additionally, I do not believe that government should be in the business of picking winners and losers by limiting consumer choice under the guise of promoting a green agenda. Unfortunately, this is just what this Administration is doing. I will continue to push back against this egregious example of government overreach by this administration.
Learning from You Here at Home:
It was a privilege to attend the Pasco County Stand Down event in Pasco County last weekend. A special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event to serve our local Veterans who are struggling a tremendous success.
My Veterans Advisory Committee also recently held its first meeting of the new Congress. We had several new members from Hernando and Citrus counties join. I appreciate the insight and feedback this talented group of heroes provide about the needs of our local Veteran community as I endeavor to advocate for them in DC.
I also enjoyed meeting with a group of local students recently to discuss their concerns about children in foster care throughout our country. Many of the suggestions they had to improve continuity of care for children in foster care are addressed in a bill I am working on right now. I appreciated the students’ compassion, concern and advocacy for their fellow students.
I also had a positive meeting with senior leaders of US Fish and Wildlife and the City of Crystal River this week as we work to remove bureaucratic barriers that have delayed local efforts to restore the river and ensure continued access to this beautiful waterway. The success of Crystal River’s Restoration efforts was recently featured on Good Morning America. Despite this tremendous success, there is more work to be done. As noted in this recent editorial, I will not stop fighting to help my constituents repeal the red tape.
Additionally, initial reports indicate that a brutal crime was recently committed in our community, with the perpetrator having a connection to the violent MS-13 gang that is well-known to have taken advantage of Biden’s loose border policies an illegally infiltrated communities across the country. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooke family as they grapple with this devastating loss. This is yet one more reminder of the need to enforce the rule of law, ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to catch criminals keep us safe!
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 enjoyed participating in this year's NJROTC Annual Awards Night at Central High School in Hernando County. How wonderful to see so many young leaders interested in service!
My team was honored to attend the Jewish War Veterans of America's quarterly statewide meeting. It is wonderful to see so many heroes continuing to serve our country by working for the betterment of their fellow Veterans.
Additionally, was proud to attend the Dade City Chamber of Commerce's Annual Award Dinner to celebrate all of the leaders who are helping small businesses throughout our community thrive!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened on passport case.
I am overwhelmed with joy. Without the excellent, caring, thorough support of your office, I would not have my passport today. Your kindness and care throughout the whole endeavor is exemplary. I am indebted to you and Mr. Bilirakis. My entire club, Black Diamond Ranch, knows of your efforts. I heard a cheer rise up when I called my husband at lunch with his group that I received it.
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!
|
