Hello, Friends —

Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate the birth of our great nation, let us honor the vision of our Founding Fathers and the enduring principles of the Constitution. Let us honor what once made us great and devote ourselves to what will make us great once more. Though fireworks will stream, and our national anthem will bellow with vigor, there is no disguising that we are a nation in decline. Every day, our country retreats further and further toward the precipice. But do not be discouraged: decline is a choice — our future has yet to be written, and it is ours to write. On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to this nation and its people; let us vow that we will preserve our liberty for future generations. Happy Fourth of July and God bless America!

With the House out of session, I started last week off in Northwest Florida, holding an ATF Field Hearing alongside Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene in Shalimar. During the hearing, we drew attention to Joe Biden's weaponized Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Testimony from several witnesses, including two Northwest Florida Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), allowed me to gain an even deeper insight into just how incredibly corrupt the ATF has become. That's why I sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger calling for the defunding of the Office of the Director of the ATF. After listening to the testimonies of those who have had their lives ruined by the ATF's politically fueled regulations, I believe it's incumbent upon Congress to force a change using the power of the purse.

I also had the opportunity to join the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the Keys for a firsthand view of illegal immigration happening through Florida waterways. During last week's trip, I assessed the funding and resources that have been allocated to the USCG's mission to stop illegal entries into our country — and it's not enough. After this experience, my commitment to getting the USCG what it needs to secure Florida's border is stronger than ever. 

All in all, the week out of session was filled with productive engagements and constructive dialogues. When the House returns, I will carry these invaluable insights and experiences with me as I continue to fervently serve the people of Florida's First District with tenacity and dedication.

REP. GAETZ AND REP. GREENE HOST ATF FIELD HEARING

Click Here To Watch!

Last Monday, I was joined by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene in leading a Congressional ATF Accountability Field Hearing in Shalimar, Florida, on the ATF's abuse of power. Rep. Greene and I highlighted the ATF's weaponization and heightened targeting of FFLs during the hearing. I'm honored to have given the witnesses a platform to make their voices heard.

At the hearing, testimony was given by two gun store owners who have been personally targeted by the ATF. Miles Schuler, owner of Trade Winds Pawn & Gun, and Chris Smith, owner of Gulf Coast Gun. Florida state representative Dr. Joel Rudman, a defender of our Second Amendment rights, also testified against the ATF's abuse of power alongside YouTuber and Firearms Expert Brandon Herrera and Executive Vice President of American Firearms Association Patrick Parsons. This reputable panel of witnesses all came to the same conclusion: The ATF has been turned into the Bureau of Tyranny.

Under Joe Biden, the ATF continues to abuse its authority by enforcing a "zero tolerance" policy that has shut down gun stores for small clerical errors and issuing a rule on pistol braces that will turn millions of gun owners into felons. The ATF must be reformed and converted into an ally. It currently exists, and will always exist, to infringe upon your Second Amendment rights. The continued existence of the ATF is an assault on your right to bear arms, and I’m working to bring it to an end — we must eliminate the ATF once and for all.  

To read more about the ATF Field Hearing, click here.

REP. GAETZ: IMMIGRANT INVASION IN SOUTH FLORIDA OUT OF CONTROL

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Last Tuesday, I joined the U.S. Coast Guard to view firsthand how the surge of illegal immigrants though South Florida waterways is impacting our state. People seem to always mention the U.S.-Mexico border when referring to the Biden Border Crisis, while in Florida, there's a Forgotten Invasion taking place.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 35,000 migrants attempted to enter Florida illegally in FY 2022. So far in FY 2023, the number of migrants who have attempted to infiltrate Florida has skyrocketed to 135,000 — and it's only June. Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas are destroying our country by destroying any enforcement of our immigration laws. I refuse to stay silent, and I remain committed to ensuring critical entities, such as the USCG, receive the resources they need to uphold our government's promise to protect the American people from invasion.

CONGRESSMAN GAETZ BRINGS $120 MILLION TO NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S MILITARY MISSION IN NDAA

A strong military makes a strong nation. That's why during this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) markup, I secured up to $120 million for Northwest Florida's Military Mission. My funding priorities, including $100 million for a new advanced helicopter training system hangar at NAS Whiting Field and $20 million intended for repairs to the Blue Angels hangar at NAS Pensacola, further cement Northwest Florida's reputation as America’s premier location for military training. 

I was also successful in passing my amendment to restore the Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range to its fully-operational status once again for hypersonic missile testing in the nearly 120,000 square miles of overwater airspace. Furthermore, the House Armed Services Committee adopted several of my amendments to end woke ideology within the Department of Defense. As I continue to work tirelessly to eradicate divisive policies that hinder the process of forging a united and cohesive military, I will remain steadfast in my efforts to enhance and fortify our Armed Forces.

To read more about the passage of this year's NDAA, click here.

REP. GAETZ APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT RULING AGAINST AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Last Thursday, the Supreme Court dealt a critical blow to Critical Theory — affirmative action has been ruled unconstitutional in a groundbreaking decision that effectively erases race-based admissions at American universities. Artificial diversity and race-based college admission regimes have been usurped and meritocracy is once again king.

Equal protection under the law is one of our nation's most sacred principles. Thursday's ruling proves we have returned to this principle. The equal protection clause now applies to all Americans – not solely those of a preferred group. A nation is measured not by its commitment to fanciful ideals but by its commitment to its people. The Supreme Court has delivered the American people a great victory; now it's time we enforce it. 

REP. GAETZ DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM FBI DIRECTOR WRAY ON AGENTS KNEELING IN SUPPORT OF BLM RIOTS

Last Tuesday, I sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray regarding six alleged FBI agents filmed kneeling in solidarity for those carrying out the lawless Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots nationwide in 2020. The letter highlights how the violence spurred by the riots resulted in coordinated attacks against numerous law enforcement personnel and millions of dollars in property damage. 

What's even worse is that one of the six agents appears to be the Acting Special Agent in charge of the Criminal Division within the Washington Field Office. That's right — A high-ranking Special Agent whose oath is to defend the United States against threats both foreign and domestic expressed blatant support for the out-of-control chaos. It's evident the FBI has fallen victim to political capture, and it's up to Congress to hold them accountable. 

To read my letter, click here.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

IMPORTANT RIP CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENT

While Northwest Florida's exquisite beaches are known for their beauty, they can also be extremely dangerous. While you and your loved ones enjoy time on the Emerald Coast, it's important to remember that rip currents pose a threat to those who don't know what they are or what to do when encountering one. 

Know BEFORE you enter the water what rip currents are: Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. Typically, they form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures, such as jetties and piers. They can also form near cliffs that jut into the water. Rip currents are common and can be found on most surf beaches, including the beaches of Florida's First District. 

How to survive a rip current: 

Relax. Rip currents don't pull you under. A rip current is a natural treadmill that travels an average speed of 1-2 feet per second, but has been measured as fast as 8 feet per second — faster than an Olympic swimmer. Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy, which you need to survive and escape the rip current.

Do NOT try to swim directly into shore. Swim along the shoreline until you escape the current's pull. When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.

If you feel you can't reach shore: Relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help. Remember: If in doubt, don't go out!

If at all possible, only swim at beaches with lifeguards. It's better to swim at a beach with someone who can potentially save you.

If you choose to swim at beaches without a lifeguard, never swim alone. Take a friend and have that person take a cell phone so that person can call 911 for help.

By following these tips, you can ensure you and the ones around you can safely enjoy summer in Northwest Florida!

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Daily Caller — June 26, 2023

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Gaetz, MTG To Use Holman Rule In Effort To Defund ATF Director

"'The ATF has even made it a matter of official policy to shut down gun stores by making perfection the standard in record keeping – a standard the ATF itself could not meet,' the lawmakers wrote in the letter. 'Since the Biden Administration has announced its new "zero tolerance" policy in 2021, Federal Firearms Licensees have faced the highest revocation rate in 16 years. This policy has effectively become the death penalty for even the most innocent of clerical errors.'"

Fox News — June 28, 2023

Gaetz demands answers on how FBI agents who kneeled for 2020 protesters allegedly got 'plum' promotions

"'To climb the ladder in federal employment, you shouldn't have to shimmy up the woke totem pole,' Gaetz added, asking Wray 'about how various personnel engaged in these acts of supplication were then given plum professional opportunities.' Gaetz said 'the FBI's behavior is demoralizing to law enforcement from the local to the federal levels' and that 'it showcases a real misunderstanding of the purpose of law enforcement.'"

CBS 12 — June 27, 2023

'Forgotten invasion': Rep. Matt Gaetz says FL waterways are overlooked in migrant crisis

"'The problem is that we don't yet have Department of Defense assets to be able to really integrate not only the intelligence that we gather but the deterrence,' said Gaetz.
Congressman Gaetz, who represents the Florida panhandle, is committed to ensuring resources dedicated to stopping the flow of undocumented migrants into the U.S., are protecting Florida's coast as well as the land borders in Texas and Arizona."

Washington Examiner — June 27, 2023

The glaring omission in John Durham’s four-year investigation

"Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) let loose on the special counsel in his trademark fashion, accusing him of being part of the 'cover-up.' He said, 'Your report seems to be less an indictment of the FBI and more an inoculation. … When you are part of the cover-up, Mr. Durham, you make our jobs harder.'"

WHAT WE'RE READING

Breitbart — June 28, 2023

Hunter Biden Asked for $10M from CCP-Linked Associate: Bidens Do What ‘Chairman Wants’

Fox News — June 27, 2023

What China is doing in Cuba is a big threat to all of us

The Federalist — June 28, 2023

DOJ Rot Goes So Much Deeper Than Merrick Garland