Hello, Friends —

This week, concern about COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has grown. Thankfully, the Trump Administration has been working hard to limit its spread in the United States, by taking many preventative measures, including limiting travel from affected countries, and creating a new coronavirus task force led by VP Pence. Congress is also working on the issue. Regardless of the many policy disagreements between Republicans and Democrats, nobody wants to see Americans harmed by this disease.

CORONAVIRUS

Currently, coronavirus cases have been diagnosed in the following six states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, and Wisconsin. These cases involved travel to China and subsequent person-to-person transfer.

The CDC recommends that people take everyday preventive actions to help minimize the spread of this disease. This includes washing hands often, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces like door handles, toys, and sink faucets. Common symptoms of the virus include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure. If you have visited an area where the virus is spreading and have developed symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

President Trump’s administration is taking aggressive and proactive measures in response to this outbreak, and is working closely with state and local partners to protect public health. The administration expects to allocate at least $2.5 billion in response to the Coronavirus, ensuring the U.S stays ahead of the outbreak as it develops.

For more information about coronavirus, the CDC’s website is extremely helpful: visit it here.

 

DEFENSE UPDATE

This week I attended two hearings in the House Armed Services Committee that included some notable members of President Trump’s military leadership.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley joined the committee at the first hearing. I commended both for their hard work in helping secure NAS Pensacola, and establishing new rules for international military students training in the district. I asked them about the U.S. military’s role in Syria’s civil war, and made it clear that the United States does not need to enter into another endless war.

I am thankful for President Trump’s continued dedication to getting our sons and daughters out of endless conflicts in the Middle East.

In the second hearing, the committee invited leaders of the Department of the Navy. These members included Thomas Modly, Acting Secretary of the Navy, and Admiral Michael Gidley, Chief of Naval Operations. Rounding out the hearing was David Berger, U.S. Marine Corps Commandant General. We discussed the importance of cybersecurity and our ability to defend America from Russia and China’s cyberwarfare.

 

AROUND THE DISTRICT

PENSACOLA VETS CENTER

I am honored to represent the congressional district with the highest concentration of veterans in the country. This week, Danny Burgess, Executive Director of Florida Veterans’ Affairs, stopped by my office. We discussed the many great opportunities for veterans in the state of Florida. 

Danny Burgess and Governor DeSantis have done a great job of making Florida home to many of our nation’s veterans.

Video
Click to play!

I know that readjusting to civilian life often presents challenges for our nation’s heroes. I fully support the Pensacola Vets Center and their efforts to help our troops reacclimate to civilian life.

If you need help, please call the Pensacola Vets Center at (850) 456-5886 or visit them at 4504 Twin Oaks Drive.

For more, visit: VA — Vet Centers

EAST PASS DREDGING

Image

During Open Gaetz Day last week, we discussed the need to dredge the East Pass in Destin. This week, equipment has arrived, and work has begun! Dredging the East Pass is important for safe and expeditious maritime travel in the district, and it’s beginning just in time for spring and summer.

CAREER FAIR

On Thursday, my staff attended a career fair at Pensacola Christian College, in search of interns who wish to serve the community and assist our District Office over the summer. All that’s required is a strong work ethic and a desire to serve the community. If you’re interested and live in the area, please call our Pensacola office at (850) 479-1183 with any questions. We look forward to receiving your application!

 

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Pensacola News Journal — February 21, 2020

Rep. Matt Gaetz says creation of ‘cyber coast’ in sight, but local schools need to improve

“Gaetz said attracting former military members with cybersecurity experience and educating people in that field with cybersecurity programs like those at the University of West Florida are the key to creating a ‘cyber coast.’”


The Hill — February 27, 2020

Trump shakes up Justice Department, intelligence community

“Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said he rejected the premise that Grenell’s appointment was somehow a challenge to DNI.”


Washington Examiner — February 25, 2020

Washington Examiner: NIH releases footage of ‘horrific’ taxpayer-funded primate experiments after lawsuit

“Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz added, ‘These ridiculous NIH primate experiments do not deserve taxpayers’ support.’”


The Federalist — February 27, 2020

Nadler Cancels Judiciary Hearing On FISA Reform, Avoids Bipartisan Amendments

“The reason we are not having the hearing today is that there was a consensus among the pipe-swinging progressives and the libertarian Republicans to roll the establishment of both parties,” Gaetz said. “We would have had the votes today, which is why the markup is canceled.”

 

WHAT WE’RE READING

Wall Street Journal — February 27, 2020

Why Coronavirus Spreads So Fast: Symptoms Are Mild and People Are Global


Wall Street Journal — February 27, 2020

Many Miners Die, and It Never Shows Up in Safety Data


Economist — February 22, 2020

Jeff Bezos wants to help save the climate. Here is how he should do it


Washington Examiner — February 27, 2020

DHS deploys dozens of Border Patrol agents to do USCIS job of reviewing asylum claims


Townhall — February 28, 2020

New Sanctions Turn the Screws on Venezuela’s Maduro