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Dear Neighbor,
I voted in favor of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. A determined Republican Conference committed to making historic changes in how we govern was successful in securing important concessions that will start the long road required to enable us to honor our financial obligations and curb President Biden’s reckless spending while still protecting critical programs such as Medicare and Social Security. There’s no question Republicans demanded more spending cuts, but with a divided government, I am pleased that we were able to command reduced spending, block Biden tax increases, and implement critical welfare and regulatory reform.
This package is what we need now because it provides meaningful reforms that will finally put us on a better fiscal path from which House Republicans can build. For example, if the House and Senate do not pass all twelve spending bills by January 1, 2024, a 1% spending cut will be enacted automatically. Furthermore, I worked closely with House negotiators early in the process to ensure Veterans’ programs are fully protected, including the recently enacted toxic exposure law I championed. This package also includes desperately needed energy permitting reforms that will lower gas prices by forcing the Administration to remove bureaucratic roadblocks that stifle domestic energy production. It does so by codifying President Trump’s One Federal Decision framework which requires a single environmental review per project across all federal agencies.
The best features of this bill include: blocking Biden’s unchecked Executive Order spending sprees which have cost taxpayers billions; stopping the $5 trillion in new taxes proposed by Democrats; returning billions in unspent COVID funds to the Treasury; eliminating this year’s funding for the new army of IRS agents; requiring that borrowers resume paying their federal student loans; and, enhancing work requirements for able-bodied individuals on welfare. Finally, this bill will cut the deficit by $2.1 trillion, and this is only the beginning! We will make even more economic reforms in the future, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue pushing this country toward the path of fiscal responsibility.
Please continue reading to learn more about my work on your behalf last week!
Making Washington Work for You
Rejecting a Costly Liberal Agenda: The House recently passed H.J. Resolution 53 to disapprove of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s final rule, “Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards.” Americans can’t afford the Biden administration’s heavy-duty truck standard. It will raise costs on any product transported by truck—such as food, clothing, building materials—and make Biden’s cost-of-living crisis WORSE. The EPA estimates the technology requested to meet the new standards will cost as much as $8,304 for new equipment on semi-trucks.
Prioritizing Public Safety: The House recently passed a bill I proudly co-sponsored, the HALT Fentanyl Act. It will supply law enforcement with the tools needed to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets, make the class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances permanent, and support research efforts to understand the impact of fentanyl-related substances. In 2022, more than 109,000 people died of overdoses, the vast majority of which stemmed from synthetic opioids including illicit fentanyl or fentanyl related substances. This deadly drug is killing our neighbors and we need to get it off our streets! I urge my Senate colleagues to expedite its passage.
Also, after many years of ridiculous delays, the Tampa International Airport is now scheduled to get a new air traffic control tower. While I’m thrilled Tampa International Airport is finally getting the upgrade it needs, matters related to public safety should never be bogged down in obscure procedures for so long before being addressed. My colleagues and I are working on a measure to bring transparency to the process for these necessary, and potentially lifesaving, infrastructure improvements across the country. Click here to learn more.
Protecting Seniors: I am always seeking ways to strengthen Medicare and offer better care for our nation's seniors. One important initiative I've authored will modernize the Medicare rules to ensure continued access for patients. I'm committed to ensuring Medicare works best for patients and have been proud to work on Medicare Secondary Payer reforms so the operates efficiently for beneficiaries. As part of that effort, I am eager to streamline bureaucratic processes to reduce redundant claims and eliminate wasteful abuses that negatively impact the system. This modernization is long-overdue! Click here to read more about my new bill.
Demanding Answers: The best legislative actions I’ve ever worked on have stemmed from ideas brought forth by my constituents. Like most Congressional offices around the country, my team has recently been flooded with concerns about a huge spike in dramatic delays with passport processing. My colleagues and I are demanding answers from the Department of State regarding this problem which is costing Americans money and significant stress. While my casework team is doing everything it can to help individual constituents, it is clear systemic change is needed to fix the widespread problem. Click here to read our letter.
Learning from You Here at Home:
Celebrating Success: Congratulations to the Class of 2023. These students are our future and I am confident that they will continue to shine. I was especially proud to personally help celebrate with the graduating Hurricanes of Citrus High School at their recent graduation. Best wishes for all these young leaders' continued success!
I am also very proud of the leaders of Pasco County Schools, our federally-qualified community health center, health department and child welfare agencies for their collaborative efforts to open the county's first Community Partnership School. This innovative project will provide valuable resources for families in need within our community!
Supporting Local Small Businesses: Small businesses are 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!
Scott Spear, owner of Citrus Easy Oil, opened a new mobile company that performs oil changes at his customer's home or business in Citrus County.
Veronia Bailey, owner of Jazzy Klean, opened a new cleaning business in Inverness.
Donald Briske, owner of Brisk Painting, also celebrated the opening of his new business in Crystal River.
Additionally, it is great to see Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Experience in Lecanto getting such incredible national and international exposure!
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 honored to participate in the recent Pepin Academy graduation ceremony in New Port Richey.
My team also attended the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce's May meeting to learn more about local business needs.
Additionally, my team was eager to hear from local senior advocates at a Pasco-Hernando Think Tank to discuss seniors' needs as they strive to age with dignity and independence.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened to help on his VA case.
Thank you for all done for me. Im in the Veterans Hospital in the SCI unit getting the proper care and equipment. My goal is to get back to my regular routine and hopefully to my home soon. Once I contacted your office, the following day I received a call. It did not take long for the ball to get rolling. You have restored my faith; I’ll be forever thankful.
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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