Hello, Friends —

I used this week on Capitol Hill to amplify the voice of Northwest Floridians by introducing critical legislation to halt Special Counsel Jack Smith's politically motivated investigation of President Trump. This legislation aims to block federal funds from being allocated to Special Counsel Smith's office and investigation. It is vital the American people know where members of Congress stand, and it is incumbent upon the House of Representatives to defund Smith's office and put an end to this witch hunt.

Additionally, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) spearheaded a probe on the rise of progressive gender theory in the educational framework of the Air Force Academy. The crucial need to preserve fundamental tenets within our military mission cannot be overstated, and I refuse to let our service men and women to be disrespected and discouraged by the Left's "woke" ideology.

Moreover, a crucial vote was held on my resolution to terminate the national emergency pertaining to Syria. The resolution, H.J. Res. 79, sought to reaffirm Congress' constitutional oversight role and statutory duty to review prolonged national emergency declarations. Unfortunately, the resolution did not pass on a 394-24 vote. Nothing should be allowed to be an emergency for nearly 20 years. If there were really an emergency in Syria, there probably would have been a cataclysmic event of biblical proportion before reaching 20 years. And if it's still an emergency — 20 years later — it's a chronic condition. The United States cannot be the world's policeman, and we cannot be the world's piggy bank.

REP. GAETZ LEADS FIGHT TO DEFUND SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH'S INVESTIGATION AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP

On Tuesday, I introduced legislation to finally stop Special Counsel Jack Smith's politicized and corrupt investigation of President Trump. My bill would block federal funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or any funds in any trust fund of the federal government from being used for Special Counsel Jack Smith’s office.

The power of the purse is not something Congress wields every fiscal cycle — it's something that we have to wield day in and day out to achieve victory for the American people. Our nation deserves to know where members of Congress stand. I am proud to take the lead on defunding Jack Smith's office and ending the witch hunt on behalf of the American people.

To read more about my legislation, click here.

REP. GAETZ GRILLS U.S. AIR FORCE BRASS ON GENDER IDEOLOGY IN ACADEMY

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On Wednesday, I questioned Lieutenant General (LTG) Richard Clark before the HASC Military Personnel Subcommittee (HASC) on radical gender ideology that is being promoted in the curriculum of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Shockingly, LTG Clark, who serves as the Air Force Academy Superintendent, could not even define the gender specifications that are included in a fellowship advertised by the academy.

Recently, the increased acceptance and promotion of radical gender ideology, largely by Democrats, has had a devastating impact on our Armed Services. Now is the moment for our military leadership to stand up to social and political pressure, as their duty lies in preserving the principles that have always formed the bedrock of the greatest fighting force that has ever existed.

To read my statement on the hearing, click here.

REP. GAETZ: THE REAL EMERGENCY IN SYRIA IS OUR PRESENCE THERE

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives held a final vote on my resolution, H.J. Res. 79, to terminate the national emergency regarding Syria. If passed, the privileged resolution would have reasserted Congress' statutory duty and constitutional oversight role to review decades-long national emergency declarations. Unfortunately, the resolution was not adopted by a vote of 394-24, with support from 20 Republicans and 4 Democrats.

Section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (NEA) requires Congress to review national emergencies declared by the President every six months. Declaring a national emergency makes 135 statutory provisions available to the President, including many that, if invoked, would violate Americans' civil liberties, such as drafting Americans into the military without their consent and freezing their assets and bank accounts. The national emergency with respect to Syria was first declared by President George W. Bush on May 11, 2004, and was continued by President Joe Biden on May 9, 2023, but not once has it been voted on by Congress.

Congress has consistently failed in its duty to review the national emergency in Syria for nearly two decades. This is a failure of Congress to reassert the rule of law and reclaim our rightful role in fiscal oversight and checking the Executive Branch. The civil war happening in Syria is tragic but does not threaten our homeland and does not warrant this level of unchecked executive authority. The real emergency in Syria is our presence there, which risks war with nuclear-armed Russia.

To read more about my resolution, click here. To read my op-ed on why Congress should vote to end the national emergency declaration regarding Syria, click here.

FIREBRAND EP. 113: TRUMP IS THE TARGET

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On Tuesday, I reacted to breaking news that President Trump is being targeted by Special Counsel Jack Smith in his federal investigation of January 6 – PLUS a discussion on how artificial intelligence will potentially impact America's military, highlights from the Turning Point USA Action Conference, and more!

FIREBRAND EP. 114: LOST AND BROKEN FEAT. REP. ADAM SMITH

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On Wednesday, I was joined by Democratic Congressman Adam Smith for a special interview on his new book about overcoming physical and mental health challenges – PLUS the latest activity in the Armed Services Committee, the House Floor, and more!

REP. GAETZ MEETS WITH GULF COAST SCOUTS ON CAPITOL STEPS!

On Monday, I was pleased to meet with the Jamboree Scout Contingent of the Boy Scouts of America. It was an absolute honor to engage with these bright young minds and witness their passion for learning and growth. The questions they asked were truly thoughtful and inspiring, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

As they embark on their future endeavors, I have no doubt that they will continue to exemplify the values of the Boy Scouts of America and be the leaders of tomorrow. Best of luck to each and every one of them on their remarkable journey ahead!

AROUND THE DISTRICT

TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS 7^TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP CHANGE OF COMMAND

On Monday, my team congratulated 7^th Special Forces Group (Airborne) COL Kevin J. Trujillo on a job well done and welcomed COL Patrick R. Nelson at a ceremony at Camp Bull Simons. 7^th Group is an amazing asset in our Special Forces portfolio focused on American interests in U.S. Southern Command. Best of luck to both as they advance in their careers!

TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS BREAKFAST WITH U.S. AIR FORCE WARFARE COMMANDING GENERAL

On Wednesday, my Director of Military Affairs was able to meet with U.S. Air Force Warfare Center (AFWC) Commanding General, Major General Case Cunningham at the American House in Bluewater Bay. This was a special opportunity for my staff to hear about how AFWC is synergizing its forces locally, nationally, and worldwide.

AFWC has three wings here in Northwest Florida carrying out missions of impactful significance to our national defense. This week, COL "Trey" Coleman of the 505^th Command and Control Squadron on Hurlburt Field is poised to undergo a transition in leadership, with COL "Ape" Hayde stepping up to take command. COL Hayde is expected to lead with dedication and vision over the coming years, driving Hurlburt Field toward an exciting future.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WELCOMES FLORIDA DEFENSE SUPPORT TASK FORCE TO FORT WALTON BEACH!

On Thursday, Northwest Florida welcomed the Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF) to Fort Walton Beach. The FDSTF is a legislatively chartered body that helps facilitate Department of Defense mission-support within the state of Florida. We welcome them back as Florida's First District pivotal role in national defense continues to grow.

NAVAL AVIATION SCHOOLS CHANGE OF COMMAND

Later on Thursday, my Director of Military Affairs attended the change of command of Captain Edgardo "Cheech" Moreno at National Naval Aviation Museum where he turned over command of Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) to Captain Brad "Redman" Arthur. Captain Moreno also retired after 30 years of service to the World's Greatest Navy — Fair Winds Captain Moreno!

53d FIGHTER WING CHANGE OF COMMAND

On Friday, I had the privilege of attending the change of command of COL Matthew "Pipper" Bradley, Commander of 53d Fighter Wing on Eglin AFB (also part of AFWC) as he relinquished command to COL Daniel Lehoski. Welcome aboard!

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Breitbart — July 20, 2023

Exclusive—Rep. Matt Gaetz: Congress Has Failed to Terminate Syria’s Never-Ending National Emergency

"I previously brought a War Powers resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, highlighting that the futility of our excessive entanglement in the region's great power competition was not making life better for Syrians, while also endangering the lives of our service members present there. Yet, my plea was dismissed on a bipartisan basis, leaving U.S. service members and contractors as sitting ducks, which has led to the unnecessary loss of American lives.

Fox News — July 19, 2023

Gaetz stumps Air Force general on gender identity labels: 'I'm not really sure'

"Gaetz then asked if he knew what "agender" meant, and the general again said he didn't know. 'Right. So, here we are, pushing a fellowship calling for people that you don't even know what the words mean," Gaetz said. "And the No. 1 group of people, the cisgender men, are excluded. In the name of diversity, equity and inclusion, should we be pushing programs that we can't define, that exclude the largest group of service members?'"

Breitbart — July 20, 2023

Matt Gaetz Seeks to Defund Special Counsel Jack Smith for Election Interference

"He said on his podcast, 'The House of Representatives needs to take action to defund this special counsel investigation immediately. We do not need to wait for the appropriations process…we don't have to wait for the Holman rule or some rider. They are attacking our democracy and engaging in election interference right now. And if the United States Congress does not have the capability to stop that election interference, then what is all the flowery oratory about preserving the Republic? We have to operationalize that,' he added."

Daily Signal— July 20, 2023

White House Credentials Rule Change Criticized as Bid to ‘Censor’ Press, ‘Silence’ Critics

"'I urge [House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.] to grant congressional press credentials to The Daily Signal to ensure their presence in the White House continues uninterrupted,' Rep. Matt Gaetz said."