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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was quite busy in Washington, DC. We marked national Police Week by passing a series of bills designed to support the law enforcement community. We also made important progress on critical legislation to help Veterans, strengthen our nation’s infrastructure in flood prone areas, and improve our healthcare system. Please continue reading to learn more about these efforts and more!
Making Washington Work for You
Backing the Blue: My colleagues’ anti-law enforcement rhetoric has consequences. 2021 was the deadliest year for law enforcement officers in more than two decades. And in 2023 alone, 99 officers have been shot, which is up 57% from 2020. Now, more than ever – the law enforcement community needs our support! I was proud to vote in favor of three pro-law enforcement bills, which passed the House last week. H.Con.Res.40, expresses support for local law enforcement officers and condemns efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies. The POLICE Act of 2023 makes violence against a law enforcement officer a deportable offense if committed by someone who is in the country illegally or on a temporary status. And, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act makes it easier for law enforcement officers to purchase service weapons that are no longer needed for personal protection use. I will always continue to honor and support the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe.
Honoring Our Veterans: I remain equally committed to supporting our nation’s Veterans. Unfortunately, the Secretary of the VA and senior Democrat officials have been spreading lies in an attempt to scare Americans into believing that Veteran programs are in danger of being cut. Biden Administration officials and House Democrats must stop lying to public and using Veterans as political pawns. As noted in this article, the House has repeatedly promised to protect funding for Veterans’ programs. Last week, we delivered on that promise with the release of the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill. It fully funds Veterans’ health care programs, Veterans’ benefits, and other critical VA programs. As we work to enact common sense spending reforms to rein in inflation, my constituents can be assured that my commitment to Veterans remains strong and unwavering! One way I’m honoring that commitment is by pushing my Major Richard Star Act. To date, more than 300 Members of the House have cosponsored my bill. This bill would rectify the injustice of concurrent receipt for more than 50,000 medically retired combat Veterans. It is an important step forward and I urge my colleagues to help me expedite passage of this critical bill.
Securing our Border: The crisis on America’s southern border is heartbreaking and totally preventable. In the more than 840 days since President Biden took office, the Administration has systematically dismantled effective policies and has created the worst national security and humanitarian crisis on our southern border in American history. Recently, a child in federal custody died at a local migrant facility. While the loss of any life is unacceptable, the death of a child is especially infuriating. My colleagues and I are demanding immediate answers and assurances that a tragedy of this nature will not happen again. Also, Kudos to Florida’s Attorney General for standing up for all Americans and pushing back against this Administration’s attempts to release migrants who have crossed the border illegally into our country without any oversight. We must continue to explore all avenues for holding the Biden Administration accountable for its negligence.
Strengthening our Infrastructure: During last week’s Communications & Technology Subcommittee hearing, my colleagues unanimously voted to support my Coastal Broadband Deployment Act, which would accelerate the deployment of broadband projects entirely within a floodplain. Several parts of my district lie within flood zones. I want to be sure that all of my constituents have access to 21st Century Technologies, enabling them to harness the power that these capabilities offer. Being left behind is not an option.
Improving our Healthcare System: Also, during last week’s Health Subcommittee Hearing, my colleagues voted to advance several bills I have co-authored including: reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program and of Community Health Centers, as well as a measure to improve transparency within the healthcare system.
Honoring the Memory of Local Heroes and Public Servants
A distinguished constituent of Florida’s 12th Congressional District, U.S. Army Sergeant Joseph Zygarowski, was recently laid to rest after tragically losing his life during a military training accident. His Commanders described Joseph as an exceptional soldier and model leader. Throughout his military career he was awarded several accolades including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with an oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. He will be posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Sergeant Zygarowski’s family was presented with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor. Additionally, a copy of the Congressional Record which contained a statement on this local hero was presented to the Zygarowski family. He will be remembered for his life of service to his community and country. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family. May his memory be eternal!
Also, local attorney and friend, Dennis Alfonso, lost his courageous fight with cancer last week. He was a true public servant, representing both Pasco County Schools and the Clerk of the Court for many years. I was honored to call Dennis a friend since our days in law school together. My prayers are with Nancy and the kids during this difficult time. May his memory be eternal!
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 supporting this year’s Pasco County Tourism event. Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Hall of Famer Ronde Barber spoke to the group about the importance of leadership and community collaboration as we work to build upon recent success and continue ensuring that Pasco realizes its full potential as a tourism destination. The Council is currently working to build a sports program for those with Autism, as well as bringing a Wounded Warrior Sporting event to our community. I look forward to supporting these important initiatives.
My team was also proud to attend the People Helping People Conference in Hernando recently. The valuable information learned will be useful as we seek to help connect constituents in need with local resources.
Additionally, my team was honored to participate in Pasco Hernando State College’s 50th Anniversary Gala. We appreciate the important role this educational institution plays in our community and look forward to many more years of success!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened on her case with the federal Office of Personnel Management.
I received notification today (less than 24 hours after visiting your office) advising me that OPM, and they assured him would immediately input my new banking information. I am very thankful for your assistance in this matter and want you to know how much I appreciate the courteous and prompt attention if your staff in the New Port Richey office.
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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