Hello, Friends —

Every year, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), of which I am a member, is responsible for passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes policies, programs, and spending for the Department of Defense (DoD). On Wednesday, the committee passed the NDAA for FY 2024, including several amendments I introduced on behalf of Northwest Florida. I'm pleased to have passed legislation that includes a major pay raise for active service members, amendments to help restore the Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range (EGTTR), crush woke Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology within the Department of Defense (DoD), and more. The NDAA now moves to the House floor for consideration.

REP. GAETZ APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF NDAA FOR FY 2024

During this year's NDAA markup, I was successful in securing $100 million for Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field to build a new Advanced Helicopter Training System Hangar. This will allow our naval aviators to have proper space for the new Leonardo TH-73 helicopters used by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to train student pilots. With the passage of inclusion of this provision, NAS Whiting Field will be better equipped to cultivate and train the next generation of young naval aviators of Northwest Florida. 

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Additionally, I was proud to introduce an amendment that ensures Northwest Florida will be able to continue carrying out it's crucial military mission. Earlier this year, the EGTTR, where we test our nation's military capabilities, was shut down due to the "discovery" of 51 whales — and it's still not fully operational. A serious nation would not sacrifice national security for the sake of accommodating 51 whales. My NDAA amendment directs Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to begin the process of exempting these whales from prohibition on incidental killing due to weapons testing. This will ease the process of allowing the Gulf Test Range to become fully operational again. 

My job is not done; I will continue to introduce legislation that ensures Northwest Florida's military mission and community continue to thrive. To see my amendments and additional highlights from the HASC NDAA proceedings, click the links below:

- Gaetz Amendment: Increase Oversight on Ukraine Aid

- Matt Gaetz: I Support Military Action To Take Out Chinese Assets in Cuba

- Gaetz Amendment: BAN Taxpayer-Funded Drag Shows on Military Bases

- Gaetz Amendment: DEFUND the Department of Defense's DEI Budget

- Gaetz Amendment: Eliminate Chief Diversity Officer at Department of Defense

- How Many Taxpayer Dollars Are Being Spent on Critical Race Theory Training in the Military?

- Gaetz Introduces Amendment to BAN DOD Funded Gain-of-Function Research

- Matt Gaetz: DOD Must Explain How They Will Re-Enlist Service Members Harmed by Vax Mandate

REP. GAETZ PUSHES BAN ON MILITARY DEI TRAINING

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Last Thursday, I joined "The Ingraham Angle" to discuss my fight to eliminate DEI training in the military. As China directs its attention toward advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), our Armed Forces are preoccupied with promoting LGBTQ "AI". It is crucial for Republicans to grasp the detrimental impact this is having. We can't allow Democrats' woke policies to destroy our military.

The push for a total ban on military DEI training is not about denying the existence of discrimination or the need for a diverse and inclusive environment within our Armed Forces. It is about recognizing that the current implementation of DEI training has become an avenue for promoting political ideologies that do not align with the core values that our military should uphold. We cannot allow our troops to be subjected to indoctrination that divides them based on their race, gender, or background. Instead, we must foster an environment where all individuals are judged on their merits and abilities, creating a stronger and more cohesive fighting force.

CONGRESSMAN GAETZ RIPS INTO SPECIAL COUNSEL JOHN DURHAM

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During last Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing on the "Report on Matters Related to Intelligence Activities and Investigations Arising Out of the 2016 Presidential Campaigns," I grilled Special Counsel John Durham on his failed investigation into corruption within the FBI and the Russia Hoax.

While Durham made repeated attempts to distract members of Congress and the American people by lightly criticizing the FBI, CIA, and the Clinton campaign over Russiagate, I addressed the one problem nobody wanted to talk about: John Durham's complete failure of pursuing key players and facts behind the "Russiagate" operation. 

When Special Counsel Durham was appointed by Former United States Attorney General Bill Barr, it was promised to the American people that we'd get to the bottom of the Russia hoax and indict people like Obama, Biden, Susan Rice, and more. The reality is that now, five years later and with millions of taxpayer dollars spent, we've been given a limp-wristed report by a Special Counsel who isn't exposing the corruption of the Democrat Party but instead is a key player in its cover-up. 

 REP. GAETZ SUPPORTS CENSURING REP. ADAM SCHIFF

Last Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to formally censure Congressman Adam Schiff for lies, misrepresentations, and abuse of sensitive information, which gave rise to the Mueller investigation. Passing by a 213-209 vote along party lines, I'm proud to have voted YES on this resolution that admonishes Rep. Schiff for misleading the American public and abusing his position of heightened authority as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. 

The House Committee on Ethics will now conduct a full investigation of any violations of House rules Rep. Schiff committed during his betrayal of the American people. The censuring of Shifty Schiff brings some much needed credibility back to an institution that has failed the people it serves for a long time.

REP. GAETZ MEETS WITH 2023 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION WINNER

Last Tuesday, I had the honor of spending time with the 2023 Congressional Art Competition winner, Lara Proshek, and her family in my office in D.C. I am blown away by her artistic abilities and all of the incredible artistic talent of the young Northwest Floridians who participated in this year's event.

This year's Congressional Art Competition surpassed my expectations, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. The artwork showcased at the competition was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The level of quality and creativity displayed in each piece was a testament to the immense dedication of our young artists. From vibrant paintings to thought-provoking photographs, the range of mediums explored was truly epic.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lara once again and express my gratitude to everyone who participated in this year's challenge. Your contributions have truly highlighted the artistic talent within Florida's First District, and I look forward to what exciting pieces of artwork next year's challenge will bring!

AROUND THE DISTRICT

TEAM GAETZ MEETS WITH AFSOC!

Last Thursday, my staff was proud to participate in the AFSOC Civic Leader Engagement meeting hosted by the Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and his team on Hurlburt Field. Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind, along with numerous other community leaders, provided insight on the commander's priorities, the future of the command, and continued community partnership efforts. My team was honored to hear directly from the Commander about how the Command is transforming, and even had the chance to interact with our Air Commandos while taking a base tour!

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

The Daily Wire — June 21, 2023

'Part Of The Cover-Up': Gaetz Puts Durham On Blast During Hearing

"Gaetz also pressed Durham on phones used by members of Mueller's team being wiped. Durham said he did not investigate that issue because it was outside his scope, an assertion that Gaetz argued was untrue. Durham was similarly tight-lipped about a reported government investigator sent by the FBI to make contact with Papadopolous."

Breitbart — June 19, 2023

Congress Faces DOJ Resistance in Probe of Trump Indictment 'Double Standard'

"Gaetz demanded information from Attorney General Merrick Garland about Smith and another controversial official assigned to the case, Karen Gilbert, saying that 'it should be obvious that doing due diligence in vetting an office that has apparently done no vetting of its own personnel … is an entirely appropriate purpose.'"

The Daily Caller — June 21, 2023

House Committee Takes Initial Stab At Protecting, Reenlisting Troops Booted Over COVID-19 Vaccine

"Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz succeeded in passing an amendment that commissions a report from DOD on the 'the cost and effort needed to re-recruit, reinstate, offer backpay, and $15,000 bonuses for service members discharged for refusal to take the coronavirus vaccine,' according to the bill."

The Hill — June 21, 2023

GOP seeks to eliminate Pentagon's chief diversity officer; Dems react with fury

"'I view this not as a wedge issue, not as divisive, but as remedial,' Gaetz said. 'We have to go in and remediate the bad things that have happened as a consequence of this embrace of radical gender ideology and radical race ideology.'"

WHAT WE'RE READING

Breitbart — June 21, 2023

170K Migrants Apprehended in May at Southern Border Doubles Biden’s Inaugural Month

Fox News — June 20, 2023

Hunter Biden agrees to plead guilty in federal tax, gun case

The Federalist — June 20, 2023

Secretary Blinken's China Trip Went About As Badly As You’d Expect