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Dear Neighbor,
Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Independence Day this week. I continue to be mindful of that fact that we are privileged to live in the land of the free because of the sacrifices made by the brave. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to those who are deployed around the globe and away from their loved ones. We honor and appreciate their service!
Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week!
Making Washington Work for You:
Improving Healthcare Options and Ensuring Medical Freedom: My bipartisan legislation will ensure cancer patients receive timely access to their oral cancer medications. Click here to learn more. Also, I continue to support medical freedom for all Americans, including those who serve in our Armed Forces which is why I support efforts to require the DoD to rectify its poor treatment of servicemembers who refused to take the COVID vaccine. Additionally, a bill I am working on will help to ensure children placed in foster care continue to have access to the mental health treatment they need to heal through participation in the Medicaid program. Click here to read more about how my bill will help.
Strengthening Broadband Connectivity: Florida has just been allocated $1.2 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding. Given the significant need throughout Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties to improve connectivity, my team and I have worked closely with state and local leaders to ensure they know how to access their fair share of these federal funds.
Fighting for our Nation's Heroes: I was honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from Air Force Sergeants Association for my continued advocacy on behalf of our nation's active duty personnel and Veterans!
As part of my advocacy efforts, I'm continuing to push for passage of my Major Richard Star Act, which cleared another hurdle recently as it was voted favorably out of the Armed Services Committee. I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify an offset so that we can ensure 50,000 heroes receive the full benefits to which they are entitled. Click here to discover how my bill will help.
Demanding Accountability: President Biden’s blatant unwillingness to enforce the rule of law at our southern border is having SEVERE consequences, including 17 million people illegally living in our country. We must hold him accountable for this failure! So far this fiscal year, Border Patrol has apprehended almost 10,000 Chinese nationals illegally crossing the southwest border. There is no doubt that the CCP is taking advantage of the Biden Administration’s open border policies which should outrage and alarm every American. We need to secure our borders as a matter of urgent national security!
Also, during recent IRS whistleblower testimony we’ve learned the truth about the Biden family’s shady business dealings and the weaponized DOJ. My colleagues and I will not stop fighting until we get the answers and accountability the American public deserves!
Learning from You Here at Home:
Protecting Kids: I applaud Pasco County Schools for developing an age specific policy that limits screen time and use of social media during school hours. Studies have repeatedly shown that prolonged exposure poses significant risks for students. These policies should help students improve their focus on academics while at school. I'll continue to work on federal legislation that will strengthen safeguards to protect children while online.
Calling all Local Veterans: This link to the VA contains important information about upcoming deadlines for applying for benefits granted under the PACT Act.
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 participate in this local Veteran pinning ceremony. I’m very grateful for the service and sacrifice of all our nation’s heroes.
My team was privileged to participate in the Homes for Our Troops home dedication for Army SPC Michael Monthervil and his family at their new home in San Antonio, Florida. This project was the 360th specially adapted home that this wonderful organization has provided to our nation’s most severely wounded combat Veterans. Welcome home, Monthervil Family!
My team enjoyed participating in the recent Hernando County Economic Summit. It is great to see so many local leaders engaged in providing growth opportunities throughout our community!
Additionally, my team was inspired during this year’s HOPE breakfast in which participants celebrated the tireless efforts of Sunrise Domestic Violence Center to help victims in our community heal.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team successfully helped solve a problem he was having with the VA.
I just want to thank you for all the help the girls at your office gave me. I had been getting no where trying to get a specialist appointment with the VA. I called your office and spoke to Kristen. Within a few days I had an appointment and things were all taken care of. Us vets should not have to call in the big guys to get what we need. But its nice to know that you are always there to help us whenever we need 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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