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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was quite busy with meetings in the district before returning to Washington, DC to prioritize several time sensitive fiscal issues. With so many threats around the globe and here at home, we had no time to waste! Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf.
Making Washington Work for You
Moving Forward: I was proud to be in the audience supporting Speaker Mike Johnson and the rest of the Republican Leadership team as they were interviewed by Sean Hannity last week about their plans to deliver on the promises we’ve made to Americans to create an economy that is strong, a nation that is secure, a future that is free and a government that is accountable.
Restoring Fiscal Sanity: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that interest payments will total $663 billion in fiscal year 2023 and rise rapidly throughout the next decade — climbing from $745 billion in 2024 to $1.4 trillion in 2033. In total, net interest payments will total nearly $10.6 trillion over the next decade. This simply isn’t sustainable. We have to make the tough decisions, curb reckless spending and reduce our deficit.
In support of that mission, the House passed two more appropriations bills last week with meaningful cuts in spending. To date, we have passed 7 of the required 12 packages for this year. We were able to secure several conservative wins in these bills as we work to restore fiscal sanity!
Advocating for Veterans: I’m proud to have convinced the VA to do the right thing and begin covering Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Veterans who rely on insulin or have a problematic history of hypoglycemia. CGMs offer detailed data that can help patients and doctors better manage their care. This change will make a real difference in the lives of Veterans across the nation and millions will benefit, including approximately 80,000 Veterans who live in Florida’s 12th Congressional District.
Getting to the Truth: My colleague is right in this editorial; there are serious ethical concerns about President Biden's conduct and the conduct of his family members. Americans deserve transparency and the truth, which is why I continue to support the impeachment inquiry into Biden’s alleged misconduct.
Standing by our Allies and Reducing IRS Harassment: I was proud to support Israel Aid package last week. Giving Israel, our most trusted ally, the support it needs to defend itself against radical extremists by revoking President Biden’s supercharged IRS is good for America and good for the world. We should have fewer IRS agents auditing hard working Americans and spend more money fighting terrorism and keeping people safe.
Ensuring our Competitive Edge and Protecting Consumers: My Innovation, Data and Consumer Protection Subcommittee is working to secure American technological leadership and improve people’s lives. During last week’s hearing, we advanced a number of solutions to strengthen domestic supply chains, support American manufacturing, and secure our leadership in the deployment of emerging technologies - all of which are crucial for pushing back against China’s growing influence in the global economy. As we work to bolster America’s competitive edge, we are also taking steps to promote transparent and safe business practices, from honest event ticket pricing to protecting people from online harms. We are promoting solutions that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously keeping families safe and secure. Click here to listen to my opening remarks at the hearing.
Learning from You Here at Home:
Advocating for Veterans: I’m grateful to Pasco Hernando State College and the Pasco Dental Association volunteers for helping to make this year’s Stars, Stripes and Smiles event possible. Through this annual program, more than 80 Veterans in need received free dental services last week.
Also, in the fight against Veteran-suicide, it is important to raise awareness about warning signs and to know how to link those in need with available help. I was proud to offer an important Veteran focused suicide prevention training in our community as it has proven to be an effective tool in other parts of the state as we work to support those who are struggling. Click here to learn more.
Working Together to Benefit our Constituents: Constituents win when leaders at all levels work together to benefit their community. I enjoyed listening to constituents and giving a brief legislative update at the Citrus County Legislative Delegation meeting last week. I look forward to continuing to work with my state-level colleagues to serve our mutual constituents
Supporting Small Businesses: I also had the chance to tour Micromatic, a Hernando County manufacturer. It was great to hear directly from this local small business owner about the issues impacting the industry and how Congress can help!
Investing in the Future: Additionally, it was great to meet with leaders from the Hernando County Boys & Girls Club during my office hours last week. They are engaged in incredible work to ensure at risk youth are given the tools they need to succeed!
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 enjoyed attending the annual Cattleman's Dinner in Pasco County to learn more about the challenges facing Florida's farmers.
My team also enjoyed talking with St. Leo Mayor Mike D'Ambrosio at a recent East Pasco Access meeting. The goal of this quarterly meeting is to connect community leaders and other stakeholders as they work to develop solutions for issues impacting the eastern part of the county.
Additionally, my team was proud to attend Metropolitan Ministries annual event in central Pasco. Metropolitan Ministries plays an important role in meeting critical needs in our community, especially during the holidays. It is great to see so many of our neighbors supporting their efforts.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped address a problem he was having with the VA.
I appreciate Kristen and Joanne in your office who helped me get an appointment with the VA. I had been trying to get ahold of my doctor for weeks and no one would call me back. After I called your office,I had my new appointment that same afternoon. I appreciate all you do to fight for us veterans.
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! |
