Hello, Friends —
As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to return to session next week, one thing is clear: The people of our country are not just disgusted by the Biden administration and its two-tiered justice system but are disillusioned with House Republicans as well. There are 91 charges against President Trump. Meanwhile, we have a pile of evidence against President Biden strong enough to convict OJ Simpson in South Central Los Angeles. And yet, House Republicans continue to talk tepidly about possibly beginning an impeachment inquiry. We have bank records. We have flight logs. We have changes in administration policy. If the House refuses to impeach Joe Biden with the evidence we have, why are we even looking?
Americans have witnessed the GOP fail over and over again to put up a substantial fight to defeat the worst elements of the Biden regime. That is why I worked hard in January to develop a toolkit for House Republicans to use in a productive and positive way. Unfortunately, I don't believe we've used those tools as effectively as we should. We must seize the initiative and that means forcing votes on impeachment.
REP. GAETZ HOLDS ATF ACCOUNTABLE FOR RETALIATION AGAINST NORTHWEST FLORIDA GUNSHOP OWNER
On Wednesday, I was informed of politically fueled retaliation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents against a congressional witness from Northwest Florida. Chris Smith, who gave his testimony at my ATF Field Hearing in June and owns Gulf Coast Gun in Milton, Florida, was illegally harassed and audited by ATF agents over a license he has only held for six months and has yet to use. Since Mr. Smith has not yet used the license, the agents had nothing to inspect and had no choice but to leave. The local ATF agent even admitted he had no records that Mr. Smith was using the license but nevertheless received a direct order to audit his new license, which is in clear violation of the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986.
Unfortunately, the harassment by the ATF didn't stop there — ATF agents showed up unannounced later that evening at Mr. Smith's store manager's home, despite him not being involved in the sale of firearms or the business of Gulf Coast Gun. He was not home, so ATF agents gave him a menacing call and said: "Don't worry, we know where you work."
In light of this complete abuse of authority, I sent a letter to ATF Director Steven Dettelbach yesterday demanding answers regarding the agency's targeted harassment against a congressional witness. It is paramount that every individual, regardless of their background or affiliations, be treated equally under the law. The mistreatment of a member of our community by those entrusted with upholding the law not only tarnishes the reputation of the agency but also undermines public trust. Rest assured that I will remain steadfast in my fight to ensure the rights of Northwest Floridians are never compromised.
To read the letter I sent to ATF Director Dettelbach, click here. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the letter by Breitbart News can be found here.
CONGRESSMAN GAETZ: WE HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO IMPEACH JOE BIDEN
Click Here To Watch!
On Wednesday, I joined "Greg Kelly Reports" on Newsmax to discuss how House Republicans must act upon all the evidence they have obtained and impeach Joe Biden. In January, I made my stance clear. Nine months later, some House Republicans continue to let the Biden administration's reign of tyranny proceed unchecked. On behalf of Northwest Floridians and all the people of our nation, I will continue to hold Leadership's feet to the fire.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
MEMBER OF TEAM GAETZ ACHIEVES U.S. CITIZENSHIP!
On Wednesday, Ginger and I were honored to celebrate a monumental moment for one of Northwest Florida's most recent American citizens. Larry Hetu, an invaluable member of my district office team, officially became a U.S. citizen on August 31, 2023. We are immensely proud of Larry. His dedication and contributions to my team are tremendous, but it is his selfless service to our community and our nation that truly stands out. Should you cross paths with Larry, please take a moment to congratulate him on his great achievement of acquiring U.S. citizenship!
SMITH FAMILY NAMED SANTA ROSA COUNTY FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR
On Tuesday, my staff had the distinct honor of presenting the Congressional Recognition Award to Travis Smith and his family as the Santa Rosa County Farm Family of the Year. Farmers, like the Travis and his family, are the backbone of our nation. Their tireless efforts, day in and day out, are woven into the very fabric of our community and nation. Too often, the dedication and passion they invest go unnoticed. Yet, the reality remains: Without our diligent farmers, our tables would be barren, our markets empty, and our futures uncertain.
To Travis and his family, and all other farmers of Northwest Florida: Your work holds immeasurable value for our entire nation. A heartfelt congratulations once again to the Smith family on this well-deserved accolade!
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS NIFE GRADUATION CEREMONY AT NAS PENSACOLA
Earlier this week, my Director of Military Affairs had the esteemed privilege of attending the graduation ceremony of the Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) held at NAS Pensacola. NIFE isn't just any program — it is the crucible where dreams of our young naval aviators begin to take flight.
For the graduates fortunate enough to continue their journey in Northwest Florida, we are immensely proud and privileged to be a part of your continued growth and accomplishments. To all the graduates: May you stay the course, and may your commitment to excellence never waver. Congratulations on this significant achievement, and we eagerly await the greatness you are destined to achieve in your careers.
After the ceremony, my Director of Military Affairs was able to join the Commander of Naval Aviation Schools Command, Captain Arthur, for a brief tour of the memorial in honor of the fallen of the December 6, 2019, NAS Pensacola terrorist attack. We will never forget the heroic actions of that day and all those affected by the senseless act of violence.
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS CHANGE OF COMMAND FOR TRAINING WING SIX
On Friday, my team attended the change of command and retirement ceremony of Captain Kenneth Russell, Commander, Training Wing SIX. He turned over command to Captain Douglas White. Fair winds and welcome aboard, gentlemen!
THE 2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE HAS BEGUN!
The Congressional App Challenge is a public effort to encourage kids to learn how to code. Students compete to code original applications for the chance to be selected for recognition, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Official registration for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge is now open! Students can register for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge and start coding their apps for 2023 using the link below. The competition deadline is November 1st, 2023.
Click here to register for the Congressional App Challenge!
UPCOMING SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS
One of the most important duties I have as your Congressman is to nominate students to various United States service academies. These include the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The students nominated represent the very best of our district and the entire country. This year, I will nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. To request a military academy nomination from our office, please click here and complete the form. Submissions are due by Friday, October 13th. If you have not submitted your printed form, please do so to my district office as soon as possible!
I wish you the best as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. service academies and serving our country. Please direct any further questions about the application process to my Director of Military Affairs, Austin Bury at [email protected].
For more information and frequently asked questions about academy nominations, click here.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
The Washington Times — September 7, 2023
Rep. Gaetz accuses ATF of harassing a gun shop owner who testified to Congress about the agency
"'The ATF's harassment of law-abiding FFLs is clear and documented,' he said in the letter. 'Furthermore, the implication that the ATF may be retaliating against congressional whistleblowers in response to their lawful actions before Congress is astounding.'"
National File — September 6, 2023
EXCLUSIVE: Under Pressure, McCarthy Indicates Finally Making Good on J6 Footage Promises
"Last week, Freedom Caucus Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) blasted McCarthy in a social media post on several points, including his broken promise to release J6 footage, writing that House conservatives 'are going to have to seize the initiative and make some changes' if McCarthy's leadership does not rapidly improve. Gaetz spoke with National File on reports that McCarthy is finally planning to release the J6 footage, saying that while the development is 'productive', the Speaker has a long way to go. 'It's productive that McCarthy has signaled a change in position on the J6 tapes after my social media post,' Rep. Gaetz exclusively told National File. 'But we will measure success by actions, not promises. And there is much more to do,' Gaetz added. 'This may be moving the ball one yard. Ninety-nine to go,' he said."
Marijuana Moment — September 5, 2023
POLITICSGOP Congressman Worries That Moving Marijuana To Schedule III Could 'Allow Big Pharma To Control It'
"'Well, I totally concur with the assessment that marijuana reform is often blocked by Big Pharma because they want the opportunity to control it,' Gaetz, who also pressed the DEA administrator on the status of the scheduling review last month, said. 'My concern is that if we don't go any further than moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, that could potentially allow Big Pharma to control it.'"
WHAT WE'RE READING
WEAR Pensacola — September 6, 2023
Pensacola community rallies to remember, support children battling cancer at annual vigil
The Federalist — September 7, 2023
EXCLUSIVE: FOIA Turns Up Zilch On The 'Full Authority' Garland Claims He Gave Weiss Over Hunter Biden
Fox News — September 6, 2023
Biden keeps crushing the American dream of owning a home — His economic policies are locking first-time homebuyers out of the market.
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