Hello, Friends —
As we head into the August recess, I can report that we've had a successful week within the U.S. House of Representatives. No doubt, Northwest Florida's voice was heard throughout the halls of Congress. Earlier this week, during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, I did not hold back in questioning the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the total failure at our Southern Border. He failed over and over again to answer my questions on how many illegal aliens have been let in under his watch. It is undeniable — under the failure of Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas, our Southern Border has been destroyed. Rest assured, I will continue to hold their feet to the fire on behalf of the United States of America.
I also used this week on Capitol Hill to introduce legislation that seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, which aims to put an end to birthright citizenship. For far too long, illegal immigrants have exploited the United States Constitution by producing "anchor babies." In 2021, 400,000 of these children were born in the United States, outpacing the birth rates of 49 states. Anchor babies on American soil incentivize illegal immigration and give an indefinite sanctuary to the parents who could care less about violating our immigration laws. This is a crucial step towards upholding the dignity and value of American citizenship and the American rule of law.
Additionally, I stood up against radical gender ideologies being forced onto our children. I questioned Shannon Minter, the Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, on his dangerous stance of endorsing hormone blockers and gender mutilation surgeries for children without parental consent. It's clear to me that every parent has the right to know what's happening in their child's life, and I'll fight to ensure that right is protected. I will always remain steadfast in my commitment to fighting for Northwest Florida, our great nation, and the principles we stand for.
REP. GAETZ SLAMS DHS SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: "YOU'RE DOING THE BIDDING OF THE CARTELS"
Click Here To Watch!
During Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing on the "Oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security," I blasted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on his failure to secure the Southern Border and the Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) app digitizing illegal immigration.
Time and time again, Secretary Mayorkas failed to answer my questions regarding how many illegal aliens have been encountered and released into our country. The fact our own secretary refused to acknowledge that 2.1 million migrants have been let in under his leadership is a slap to the American people's face. What's even worse is that when I informed him there are currently 1.2 million illegal aliens with removal orders walking around our country freely, he responded with a smirk. Secretary Mayorkas doesn't even try to hide it anymore — he doesn't care about the sovereignty of our Southern Border and he doesn't care about the safety of Americans. Alejandro Mayorkas cares about one thing: The successful execution of the Biden-Mayorkas immigration doctrine.
Following his failure to answer my questions, I issued a formal request for information to Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security regarding the Advance Travel Authorization (ATA) process, the CBP One app, and their contribution to the Biden Border Crisis. Additionally, I requested all WhatsApp communication between CBP agents and Mexican officials following public reporting that they are routinely communicating and coordinating the entry of unlawful migrants into our country. The American people deserve answers, and I'll never stop my fight to deliver them.
To read more about Wednesday's hearing, click here.
REP. GAETZ STANDS UP AGAINST RADICAL GENDER IDEOLOGY AIMED AT CHILDREN
Click Here To Watch!
On Thursday, I questioned the Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Shannon Minter, who is in favor of giving children hormone blockers and gender mutilation surgery — and also wants to hide children from parents in order to receive these permanent experiments.
In Washington State, there once was a legal requirement for parents to be notified within 72 hours if their child had shown up to a emergency shelter. Now, shelters in Washington State have no obligation to notify parents and can instead notify government authorities if a child who's suffering from gender dysphoria runs away from home.
Every parent has the right to know what is going on in their child's life — and no government agency who has fallen into the grips of radical gender ideology should make decisions for our children. As these radical views on gender continue to quietly infect communities, I refuse to remain silent and will remain steadfast in my fight to protect both the children and the parents of our great nation.
REP. GAETZ DESCRIBES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN UAP EVIDENCE DURING HEARING, ISSUES LETTER TO MCCARTHY DEMANDING UAP SELECT COMMITTEE
Click Here To Watch!
On Wednesday, I attended a House Oversight Committee hearing where former U.S. intelligence and military officials gave testimony on their encounters and experiences with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). I was also pleased to give my own testimony of a UAP incident that occurred at Eglin Air Force Base in Northwest Florida.
A few months prior, I came into possession of sensitive information originating from Eglin Air Force Base. This information pointed to a pilot's encounter with a UAP, of which a photograph was taken. Upon personally meeting with the aircrew member who captured the image, and witnessing the photo myself, it was crystal clear that the aircraft captured in the image was not of domestic or known foreign manufacture.
On Thursday, I, along with Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Tim Burchett (TN-02) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), sent a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy calling for the establishment of a Select Committee to investigate "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena" or UAPs, commonly known as UFOs.
The letter highlights the sworn congressional testimony from an Air Force veteran and 14-year intelligence officer, which revealed that the Pentagon is intentionally leaving Congress uninformed about programs and information related to UAPs. In addition, the letter calls for the establishment of a Select Committee — with full subpoena authority — to investigate and conduct oversight over the federal government's response to UAPs.
It is incumbent upon Speaker McCarthy to immediately establish the Select Committee, outside the jurisdiction of any standing committee, and with subpoena authority, to go about the task of collecting information from the Pentagon and elsewhere on behalf of the American People.
To read the letter I sent to Speaker McCarthy, click here.
REP. GAETZ ON MCCARTHY'S THREAT OF BIDEN IMPEACHMENT: "TALK IS CHEAP"
Click Here To Watch!
On Tuesday, I joined "Washington Watch with Tony Perkins" to discuss rumors of whether or not Kevin McCarthy will bring Articles of Impeachment against Joe Biden — PLUS how I fought the Department of Defense's attempts to inject woke ideology into this year's National Defense Authorization Act.
FIREBRAND EP. 115: END BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
Click Here To Watch!
On Tuesday's episode of Firebrand, I broke down my new bill aimed at ending anchor baby protections for illegal aliens, the "End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act of 2023"–PLUS addressed why hard drugs are washing up on Florida's beaches, the mysterious death of Barack Obama's former personal chef, and more!
FIREBRAND EP. 116: THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE
Click Here To Watch!
During Wednesday's episode of Firebrand, I recapped two explosive hearings — one in the House Judiciary Committee where I grilled DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and the other in the House Oversight Committee where former U.S. intelligence and military officials gave bombshell testimony on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) — PLUS a reaction to breaking news on Hunter Biden, and more!
REP. GAETZ PRESENTS CONGRESSIONAL AWARD TO CLAYTON DIDIER
On Tuesday, I was proud to present Clayton Didier with the Congressional Award, which signifies his dedication to volunteerism, character development, exploration and fitness. Clayton, who is currently a junior at South Walton High School and dual-enrolled at Northwest Florida State College, completed over 500 hours of community service to reach this momentous achievement.
In June, Clayton was chosen by his fellow crew members to be the Crew Leader for his Sea Scouts Ship 448 and Scouts BSA Troop 562. Under his leadership, the group embarked on a thrilling high adventure backpacking trip covering over 52 miles at Philmont in New Mexico, reaching an impressive altitude of 11,736 feet to summit Mt Philips. Despite the challenges they faced, including 4-5 feet of snow drifts at the summit upon arrival, Clayton successfully navigated his fellow crew through the journey. Clayton is currently working towards the Congressional Award Gold Medal, and I have no doubt in my mind that Clayton will succeed in his journey!
AROUND THE DISTRICT
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS CEREMONY HONORING CITY MANAGER LANNIE CORBIN
On Monday, my staff was honored to attend the retirement ceremony for Niceville City Manager Lannie Corbin! With 52 years of service to the city of Niceville, Mr. Corbin is the longest-serving city manager in the history of the State of Florida.
Over the years, Mr. Corbin has been instrumental in improving the quality of life in Niceville and the surrounding areas. One of his greatest achievements was the establishment of Niceville’s first public library. This led him to champion the first-ever cooperative effort in Okaloosa County by forming the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative, uniting six cities with the county, enabling them to increase the resources available to all the residents of our county.
My team was thrilled to present Mr. Corbin with a copy of the Congressional Record where his commitment to his city was recognized on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Corbin truly embodies everything that is good about public service. I, along with all of Northwest Florida, thank Niceville City Manager Corbin for his dedication to public service and commitment to improving the quality of life in the city for all its residents and visitors. His lifelong service exemplifies the very best of Northwest Florida.
CONGRESSMAN GAETZ PRESENTS GRADUATE ELLA HARKEY WITH DIPLOMA
Last week, I was honored to present Ella Harkey with her Okaloosa High School graduation diploma. My staff and I were honored to have Ella and her entire family present for this momentous occasion. Ella's family recently moved to Florida's First District from South Carolina and she chose the Okaloosa online model to help her complete what limited requirements she had left to achieve her high school diploma.
I'm pleased to announce Ella will be attending Asbury University with several scholarships this fall. Congratulations to Ella and her family, and thank you for letting my team and I join your celebration!
CONGRESSMAN GAETZ MEETS WITH MERCHANT MARINES!
Last Friday, I had the privilege of meeting with fellow Niceville Alumni Chris Loffler and Gavin Wilson. Chris and Gavin, along with Samuel Scholl, who was on-duty and unable to attend, recently made history by becoming the first three graduates from the same high school to graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I had the honor of granting these three bright young men a congressional nomination to the academy in 2018, and I can't wait to see what these great young men accomplish in the future.
If you're interested in attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or any of our nation’s Military Service Academies (USAFA, USNA, USMA), please contact my Director of Military Affairs: [email protected]
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS CANTONMENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION DRIVE AT GONZALEZ UNITED METHODIST CHURCH!
Last Saturday, my staff was honored to join State Representative Michelle Salzman, numerous community leaders, and over 100 volunteers at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church for the Cantonment Food Distribution Drive. Countless volunteers assisted in the distribution of nearly 400 fully stocked backpacks, over 35,000 pounds of food donated by Farmshare, and several gift cards. I thank God that I belong to such a generous and giving community!
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
Daily Caller — July 26, 2023
'Disney Fast Pass': Matt Gaetz Grills Mayorkas On Key Biden Program Allowing Migrants To Cross Border
"'I'm asking about a subset that you won't send home, and the reason that you're smirking about it and the reason you won't answer my question is because everybody gets the joke and the sad thing is it's not just us here, it's the cartels who get the joke too. And so now what you've done to execute this "Mayorkas doctrine," where so long as you don't commit a crime, you get to stay here and burden our hospitals, burden our schools, burden our social services, burden our jails, you've sent the message to the cartels and then have taken this app and you've digitized illegal immigration, and you've scaled it to the moon,' Gaetz said."
Breitbart — July 25, 2023
Exclusive: Matt Gaetz Issues Bill to End Nation’s Anchor Baby Policy for Illegal Aliens
"'Birthright citizenship has been grossly and blatantly misapplied for decades, recently becoming a loophole for illegal aliens to fraudulently abuse our immigration system. My legislation recognizes that American citizenship is a privilege – not an automatic right to be co-opted by illegal aliens. This is an important step in preserving the sanctity of American citizenship and ensures that citizenship is not treated as a loophole to be exploited but rather a privilege to be earned when legally migrating to our country.'"
WEAR Pensacola — July 26, 2023
Florida lawmakers rally to protect Hurlburt Field from potential Special Operations Command transfer
"Rep. Gaetz issued a statement saying, 'While we understand that Air Force Special Operations Command will grow in other parts of the world, I am ready to work with our senators to defend AFSOC's presence in our community if threatened by the Biden Administration.'"
Daily Wire — July 26, 2023
Congressman Matt Gaetz Opens Up About UAP Beyond ‘Human Capability’
"'Thereafter, we had a bit of a discussion about how authorities flow in the United States of America,' Gaetz said. 'And we did see the image and we did meet with one member of the flight crew who took the image.' What he saw in the image, Gaetz said, he is 'not able to attach to any human capability, either from the United States or from any of our adversaries.' He underscored that point by noting he sits on the House Armed Services Committee and has oversight of advanced technologies programs."
WHAT WE'RE READING
Associated Press — July 26, 2023
Whistleblower tells Congress the US is concealing 'multi-decade' program that captures UFOs
Revolver News — July 26, 2023
Stunning courtroom drama: Judge rejects deal in Hunter Biden case as first son pleads not guilty…
|
