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Dear Neighbor,
There has been a great deal of avoidable drama in Washington these past few days. As of midnight, current government funding was set to expire, which would have triggered a partial government shutdown. My colleagues and I have a responsibility to work together and govern. This includes passing an annual budget that funds our nation's priorities, which most importantly includes border security. Unfortunately, a bill that would have enhanced border security protections while cutting the budget even further, failed to pass the House last week despite my support. However, this year we have passed four out of the twelve required appropriations bills in the House. These bills account for 70% of all discretionary government spending. The Senate has not passed a single budget bill, which is a serious problem.
We still have a considerable amount of work to do and I won't let the distractions of DC keep me from fighting on your behalf. To avoid a partial government shutdown and allow more time for the House to finish its work on the remaining eight single subject appropriations bills that are pending (and the Senate to consider all 12), I voted for a Continuing Resolution (CR) yesterday. To be clear, I do not believe CRs are the best way to fund the government, and they've unfortunately become all too common in today's political landscape. However, this CR will allow the government to continue operating for another 45 days so that we can finish our regular order appropriations process. Also, of special importance, this CR contained zero dollars for Ukraine. It also replenished disaster relief funding so that constituents who suffered from home and business flooding after Hurricane Idalia will be made whole and it reauthorized the National Flood Insurance program (NFIP) upon which many of my constituents rely. As we prepare to tackle the remaining eight appropriations bills over the next 45 days, I stand ready to find common ground without compromising my principles. I hope my colleagues are willing to do the same.
Of special note, the Speaker has cancelled our district work period which was planned for the first two weeks of October so that we can take full advantage of the time afforded to us by the CR to work on the budget. This change will mean that many of the meetings and events I have planned in the district over the next two weeks will need to be rescheduled. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause my constituents, however, I do believe that the work to develop fiscally responsible spending plans is of paramount importance and will ultimately benefit all Americans. Despite several anticipated schedule changes in the coming weeks, please note that my behavioral health forum and Veterans Town Hall in Hernando will still be happening as planned tomorrow.
Please continue reading for a brief overview of my efforts on your behalf last week.
Making Washington Work For You
Keeping You Safe: One of the four Appropriations bills we passed last week was the 2024 National Department of Defense Appropriations package. It contained a 5.2% increase in pay for our active duty servicemembers, record increases in National Guard funding to address the crisis at the southern border, higher levels of funding for drug interdiction in response to fentanyl flooding our streets, and necessary funding to modernize our national defense programs and rebuild our historically low levels of military stockpiles which have been depleted through our support of Ukraine over the past year. The package also contains language to prevent the use of federal funds to implement “woke policies” throughout our Armed Services. I proudly supported this bill because I believe that if we aren’t safe, then nothing else matters.
Seeking Answers: While I have extreme compassion for the people of Ukraine and abhor Putin's illegal and immoral war, I have been a strong opponent of continued U.S. funding for Ukraine, as indicated by this report card. My objection has been three-fold: I do not believe there has been sufficient accountability for the funds already provided, I do not believe there is a sufficient exit strategy and metric for what constitutes success in our involvement there, and I believe we have our own dire national security needs that should be prioritized. As part of that objection, my colleagues and I introduced the Define the Mission Act last week. This legislation aims to provide the American people with clarity about the Biden administration’s aims in aiding Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. By clarifying the Biden administration’s strategy, it could help limit the “mission creep” and increasing escalation against a nuclear-armed Russia. Click here to learn more about our legislation.
Holding President Biden Accountable: Last week, the House held its first of several planned impeachment hearings to broaden the scope of investigation and ensure that all serious and credible allegations against President Biden for abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption are fully vetted. The American people deserve answers and accountability, which is why I enthusiastically support this impeachment inquiry. In a recent survey of my constituents, 54% of respondents agree with my support of the impeachment inquiry. You can learn more about the process by clicking here. I look forward to reviewing the full transcript of the first hearing.
One of the most glaring issues over which Americans deserve accountability is over the President's disastrous open border policies which have created a national security crisis along our southern border. During just three days last week 30,000 migrants illegally entered our country. In border communities like Eagle Pass, TX alone, thousands of illegal immigrants are crossing the border every day. And liberal leaders in cities as far away as New York City, Chicago, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. have declared states of emergency due to the unmanageable situation. They're pleading for help from President Biden to secure the border. And, across America, including here at home, fentanyl is poisoning and killing 300 Americans every day. Cartels are deliberately taking advantage of Biden’s weak border policies in order to overload the system so that fewer patrol agents will be able to intercept their drug and human smuggling operations. This dangerous situation must be stopped.
Last week's influx was not an isolated incident. For the past 29 months, illegal immigrant encounters have been higher than even the highest month during the Trump Administration. Yet, the President continues to ignore the situation and claim its under control.
My colleagues and I in the House have passed the Secure the Border Act. My colleagues in the Senate have a moral obligation to coalesce around this common sense approach to securing our border and defending our national security! The crisis cannot be ignored any longer.
Protecting Consumers: In last week’s Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, we reviewed proposals to improve consumer protections, such as my TICKET Act which would improve price transparency when purchasing tickets to a concert, sporting event or other activity. Click here to listen to my opening remarks.
Keeping Children from Becoming Pawns as Part of a Liberal, Woke Agenda: The federal school lunch program provides essential nutrition for many of Florida’s most vulnerable children. For some, it is the only consistent meal they can rely upon. This critical program should not be held hostage by the Biden Administration’s continued attempts to force its liberal ideology and woke agenda down the throats of all Americans. My colleagues and I are working to prevent this from happening. Click here to learn more about our efforts.
Learning from You Here at Home: Last week, I was honored to commemorate Gold Star Mothers & Families Day at a wonderful ceremony in Citrus County. May we always remember the service and sacrifice of our heroes and work to support their loved ones.
Providing Free Dental Care for Veterans in Need: Do you know a Veteran in need of dental care? My team is once again proud to host Stars, Stripes and Smiles -- an opportunity for local Veterans in need to receive free dental care. I believe oral health is an important part of wellness, which is why I've filed a bill to expand Veteran access to dental care. However, in the interim, I'm grateful to the local dentists volunteering their time and skill to take care of our local heroes' urgent needs. In order to receive care, Veterans must call my office at 727-232-2921 to register as space is limited.
Community Connection
I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.
My team was honored to attend the Putting on the Glitz Gala to help support domestic violence prevention programs in Citrus County.
My team also was proud to attend the recent dedication of the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City. 
Additionally, my team accepted an award from Premier Community Health Center of Pasco and Hernando Counties for my work to ensure continued federal funding of community health centers. Community Health Centers provide quality primary care, dental, and behavioral healthcare to the insured, uninsured and underinsured throughout the country.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped resolve a problem his family was having with the Florida National Cemetery.
I can't thank you enough for working your magic for me. I received a call this morning from Lindsey telling me everything is arranged. My wife and I are visiting the cemetery tomorrow to choose an area for Mike's final resting place. I can't tell you how much this means to me.Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you! |
