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Dear Neighbor,
"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Author Unknown
May we never forget this truth. We all understand that the price of freedom is not free. It is paid by men and women who have bravely defended our country and the sacred ideals we cherish. It takes a special kind of person to serve in our nation’s military: Someone who is committed to supporting the greater good, knowing full well that volunteering to do so will require sacrifices. These men and women embody courage and bravery, for when they raise their hand in service - they are agreeing to march into battle whenever needed, regardless of what they may encounter on the other side. The entire world owes so much to the relatively few among us who answer the call to serve. Sadly, some of these heroes never return and others live with wounds, both visible and invisible, that they carry with them throughout their lives. On this Memorial Day weekend, and always, may we honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. May their memories be eternal!
Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week!
Making Washington Work for You
Creating a Nation that is Safe and Secure: The crisis at our southern border is one of the most serious challenges our nation has ever faced, and the Biden Administration's response has been catastrophic. It is ludicrous for the Biden Administration to argue that illegal aliens will show up to the court dates a decade from now.
This is not a reasonable solution to the growing threat at our border. We need to provide the resources needed to secure the border and process these migrants seeking asylum, which is exactly what HR 2 does. HR 2 passed the House earlier this month. I urge my Senate colleagues to expedite its passage. Additionally, the border crisis continues to cost American taxpayers. Please be assured that we will continue to investigate lawlessness, corruption and mismanagement that has worsened the problem.
Another important priority as we work to create a nation that is safe is combatting the liberal policies that have caused crime rates to soar throughout the nation. According to the Major Chief’s Association’s 2022 crime report, homicides were UP 13%, rape was up 23.56%, and Aggravated Assaults were up 33.89% since 2020. We can’t continue allowing soft on crime policies - Americans deserve a nation that is secure!
Addressing Security Issues Impacting Food and Pharmaceutical Supply Chains: Drug shortages were up 30% from 2021 to 2022, posing risks to both our public health and national security. My colleagues and I are working to tackle this growing problem and make our supply chain less dependent on China and other foreign adversaries. Our Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients (MADE) in America Act will work to mitigate drug shortages and medical supply chain crunches while incentivizing the domestic manufacturing of drugs, API, PPE, and diagnostics. Additionally, recently discovered emails prove that the Biden Administration is allowing foreign-funded political groups to have direct input into the policies that govern our nation’s food supply. Our nation’s food supply must be secure and not subject to outside influence.
Feeling the Impact of Inflation and Liberal Policies: Bidenflation continues to take a significant toll on all Americans. However, Floridians have been hit particularly hard. As a result of failed economic policies and record inflation, Floridians now spend almost $1,000 more per month.
My constituents can’t afford more of the same liberal spending sprees. They need relief and a return to fiscal responsibility! According to new reports, Americans are drowning in credit card debt as chronic inflation makes the cost of everyday necessities more expensive. Washington must rein in spending and pass common sense spending reforms, like those contained in the Limit, Save, Grow Act, to help provide immediate relief to Americans who are hurting.
Additionally, the Administration’s new EPA rules will continue to increase utility costs for Americans. My constituents can’t afford continual increases to satisfy this Administration’s relentless rush to green agenda!
Improving Healthcare Treatments As noted in this article, I am leading the charge to streamline FDA review of treatments and therapies to treat patients suffering with rare diseases.
Learning from You Here at Home: It was truly a privilege to present my constituent and Vietnam Veteran, Earl D. McMillan, Sr., with an honorary diploma at Citrus County High School last week. While Earl has gone on to earn a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has had a highly decorated career both in the military (20+ years of service) and in the civilian sector, he deployed for Vietnam before high school graduation and was never able to walk across the stage to pick up his diploma. It was a special night to celebrate this long-overdue honor. Thank you, Earl, for your service to our nation and community!
Raising Awareness:
Taking care of your mental health is an essential part of wellness. This Mental Health Awareness Month it is important to remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you’ve been struggling; you are not alone. One in five Americans live with some form of mental illness. The first step is often the hardest, but help is available. Text NAMI to 741741 or go to NAMI for help.
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 was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Suncoast YMCA’s expansion project in Trinity. Once completed, this beautiful, new facility will benefit at-risk youth throughout our community.
My team enjoyed speaking to small business owners and local leaders at Leadership Pasco’s Government Day. It is great to see so many of our neighbors getting involved in our community!
Additionally, congratulations to Morris Porton on his well-deserved retirement from the Hernando Chamber of Commerce. Morris, you have made a lasting imprint on our community and have helped facilitate significant economic development throughout your tenure. I wish you the very best!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened to help him get a copy of his father's military records.
When I found out I needed a copy of my father's military records in order to help my mom get survivor benefits, I had no idea where to start. A friend recommended that I call your office and I was fortunate enough to encounter Joanne in your New Port Richey office. She was so kind and helpful-got the ball started right away. Within a few weeks, I had all the paperwork I needed. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
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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