Hello, Friends —

Americans have long been kept in the dark by their own government about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). That's why on Thursday, I joined Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna's press conference to shed light on how the U.S. government has barred the American people from knowing the truth about UAPs. This press conference was the culmination of testimony from whistleblowers, congressional hearings, and investigations that have led to a critical negotiation over this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

The House and Senate have passed two different provisions in the NDAA to require the release of UAP information. The version of the NDAA passed by the House includes an amendment offered by Congressman Tim Burchett, which mandates the Department of Defense (DoD) to declassify the department's knowledge of UAPs within 180 days of the bill being signed into law. On the other hand, the Senate-passed version of the NDAA includes a provision that would establish a commission modeled after the commission created to release the JFK assassination records.

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My colleagues and I are focused on ensuring the information the federal government is keeping secret is released to Americans in a timely manner. We are concerned the Senate's JFK records disclosure-like commission could greatly slow the release of the UAP documents in the government’s possession. It is not sufficient for the information to be released in bits and pieces over decades — the time for transparency is now. Therefore, we are pushing to ensure the language in the final NDAA does not create loopholes for the government to withhold UAP records. This includes forcing transparency not just from the DoD but the intelligence agencies as well.

REP. GAETZ CONFRONTS AIR FORCE SECRETARY ON POLITICAL BIAS AGAINST CONSERVATIVES

On Tuesday, I sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall demanding answers on a recent decision by Minot Air Force Base (AFB) leadership to tell service members that their military careers would be jeopardized if they attended a local event featuring a speaker from the conservative organization Turning Point Action.

Last week, it was reported that the leadership at Minot AFB in North Dakota sent service members a series of messages warning them to avoid attending the "Dakota Patriot Rally" in downtown Minot, which featured Turning Point Action's Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer as a speaker. The leadership called Turning Point Action an "alt-right organization" and claimed attending the event could "jeopardize their continued service in the US military."

This brazen partisan attempt to suppress the constitutionally protected freedoms of speech and assembly of our service members is completely unacceptable. Accordingly, I requested information be provided to my office to shed light on the decision-making process that led to this political bias and infringement on the constitutional rights of the brave men and women who serve our country.

Full text of my letter to Air Force Secretary Kendall can be found here.

REP. GAETZ EXPLAINS WHY HE VOTED AGAINST RESOLUTION TO EXPEL REP. SANTOS

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Earlier today, Congressman George Santos was expelled from the U.S House of Representatives. I am deeply concerned about the expulsion of Santos, which passed by a vote of 311 to 114, seeing it as a troubling departure from longstanding congressional precedents. Yesterday, I took to the House floor to oppose the expulsion. Before Santos' expulsion, the House of Representatives dictated expulsion only in cases of criminal conviction or fighting for the Confederacy in the Civil War — neither of which applies to Rep. Santos. Expelling him without a conviction sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the principles of due process that are integral to our constitutional framework.

Reflecting on similar past cases, such as that of former Congressman Duncan Hunter, who remained in Congress despite indictments and a guilty plea for misuse of campaign funds, highlights the stark inconsistency the expulsion of Santos represents. I will not remain silent in the case of such duplicitous standards. My opposition extends beyond the individual case of Santos — it stands for upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions through the preservation of due process and adherence to our established precedents.

REP. GAETZ ON FOX: "WE MUST NOT EXPLOIT WAR IN ISRAEL TO FUND WAR IN UKRAINE"

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Last Sunday, I appeared on Fox News to discuss President Joe Biden's proposal for a $100 billion supplemental funding package that combines aid for Ukraine and Israel. I am completely opposed to this proposal — funding for Ukraine and Israel deserve their own dignity and should be addressed separately.

Unsurprisingly, many members of Congress seem to be on-board with the Biden administration’s plan. The House of Representatives should not use the goodwill that Americans have toward Israel to drag along our continued involvement in Ukraine. I will remain steadfast in my fight to ensure the interests of the American people are always put first. 

FIREBRAND EP. 135: D.C. IN DISARRAY

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On Thursday's episode of Firebrand, I discussed the state of disrepair in our nation's capital, the surge of populist election victories around the world, a North Dakota Air Force base that was caught threatening its servicemembers based on political bias, and more!

FIREBRAND EP. 136: SANTOS EXPELLED

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On today's episode of Firebrand, I reacted to the historic expulsion of George Santos from the House of Representatives, detailed the latest efforts to disclose information about UAPs, discussed how the government is paying for warrantless access to Americans' phone records, and more!

AROUND THE DISTRICT

BEAST CODE LLC OF FORT WALTON BEACH RECEIVES AWARD FOR REHIRING VETERANS 

I'm proud to announce that Beast Code of Fort Walton Beach has been named by the Department of Labor as a recipient of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion for recruiting, employing, and retaining U.S. military veterans in the workforce. Recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award demonstrate a commitment to recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans as they help them develop meaningful, long-term careers. 

Beast Code is one of 70 companies across Florida to receive the award and the only one located in Okaloosa County. From small-town businesses to Fortune 500 companies, these employers understand that veterans are uniquely qualified and dedicated employees, who make significant contributions in the workplace. I'm extremely grateful for the businesses of Northwest Florida that provide our veterans with employment opportunities. 

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Breitbart — November 28, 2023

Exclusive: Matt Gaetz Demands Air Force Reveal Who Told Airmen Not to Attend a Conservative Rally in North Dakota

"Rep. Matt Gaetz wrote to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on Tuesday and demanded names of those responsible for telling airmen they could not attend a rally featuring a speaker from the conservative Turning Point Action organization, Breitbart News can reveal. 'I write to express grave concern regarding brazen partisan comments made by the command at Minot Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota. You are obligated to intervene, as this series of actions demonstrates a clear misapplication of the Hatch Act, which states members on active duty should not engage in political activities while in uniform to avoid creating the appearance that their political activities imply official Department of Defense (DoD) sponsorship, approval or endorsement of a candidate, campaign or cause.'"

Washington Examiner — November 30, 2023

Lawmakers accuse intelligence community of stonewalling on UFOs

"According to the group, Burchett, Luna, and Gaetz were prevented from seeing information they were told existed by whistleblowers while at an Air Force base. Luna decried unelected bureaucrat staffers denying elected officials the ability to review such information. 'If we do not have the clearance, who does?' she asked. Gaetz made sure to thank Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers (R-AL), who he said was the one to speak to officials at the base and get them access to the information, which they ultimately viewed."

The Hill — November 30, 2023

Gaetz says Santos expulsion push will do 'grave damage to this institution'

"Gaetz was one of three Republicans — along with Reps. Clay Higgins (R-La.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas) — to take to the House floor to speak out against the expulsion push that has steadily gained steamed ahead of an expected vote on Friday. Santos also spoke in his defense. During the debate on the expulsion resolution, Gaetz argued New York voters chose Santos to serve as their representative and the issue is 'between him and his voters, him and the justice system. And the fact that the Ethics Committee has done this incredible violation of precedent will do grave damage to this institution for many years to come because now there is no requirement of any conviction,' Gaetz continued."

WHAT WE'RE READING

Washington Examiner — November 30, 2023

Democrats losing Biden backup plan as primary deadlines pass

Breitbart — November 29, 2023

James Comer: Bank Investigator Flagged Wire Transfer That Ultimately Funded $40K Check to Joe Biden