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Dear Neighbor,
Thank you to everyone who participated in my tele-townhall last week. I apologize that I had to join the call from DC later than expected due to having votes on the House Floor. Despite the late start, we had over 4,700 constituents from Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties who tuned in to learn more about the work I’m doing in Washington and to ask me a question or share their thoughts on an issue. If you didn’t get a chance to ask your question during the call, I’d encourage you to contact my office at 727-232-2921 to share your input. Your feedback makes me a better member of Congress and helps guide my work. Please continue reading for some of the highlights of my work on your behalf last week.
Making Washington Work for You:
Strengthening our Healthcare System: During last week’s Health Subcommittee Hearing we discussed the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having within our healthcare system. While these technological advances hold the promise for great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, they could also create significant challenges if there aren’t safeguards put in place to address access issues and ensure data privacy. Click here to listen to my exchange with the expert panelist.
After the hearing, I had the privilege of speaking with local representatives from National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) who were visiting DC. I have tremendous respect for the incredible role NAMI has played in starting a national dialogue about mental health, working to remove the stigma associated with accessing treatment, and ensuring the availability of quality mental health treatment options throughout the country. Our broken mental health system is at the root cause of many societal problems, and I will continue working alongside great partners, like NAMI, as we work to advance these national priorities.
Supporting our Nation’s Heroes: Last week, I proudly supported a bill - which passed the House - to help ensure that Veteran-owned small businesses have better access to credit through the Small Business Administration (SBA). I want to be sure we are doing all we can to support our nation’s heroes as they transition to civilian life.
Demanding Transparency and Accountability: For months, House Republicans have followed the facts and the money, building a record of evidence revealing how President Biden knew, was involved in, and benefited from his family’s corrupt influence peddling schemes. This includes bank records showing that President Biden received $240,000 in direct payments from his family members, who made this money through their schemes. At this stage of the House Republicans' impeachment inquiry, we have already shown the corrupt conduct of the Biden family and that President Biden and senior White House officials have repeatedly lied about his knowledge and involvement in his family’s influence peddling, which involved our foreign adversaries. Our next step in the process is to get these witnesses to testify under oath so that they become an official part of the House proceedings. My colleagues and I will continue to press for the accountability and transparency that all Americans deserve.
Additionally, I voted in favor of HR 5427, which passed the House last week. It directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to further investigate fraud within COVID assistance programs, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. Anyone convicted of defrauding the government during COVID would be prohibited from ever receiving financial assistance from the SBA again in the future.
Securing our Border: President Biden's open border policies have incentivized a historic surge in illegal immigration at our borders, turning every community into a border community and every state into a border state. Most recently, Democrats have been using our National Parks to house illegal immigrants, which will only further encourage this crisis. Last week, I proudly voted in support of H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act, which would prohibit federal funding from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any land under the jurisdiction of the Federal Land Management agencies.
This legislation complements the historic border security package, HR 2, that I co-sponsored and which the House passed earlier this year. Unfortunately, HR 2 remains stalled in the Senate. It is undeniably clear that we have a crisis on our hands and that action is needed now. I will keep pressing my colleagues in the Senate to do the right thing and require this Administration to secure our border.
Combatting Global Terrorism: In September, President Biden waived sanctions to facilitate the transfer of $6 billion in funds to Iran in exchange for the return of American hostages. This reckless decision only incentivizes foreign adversaries to take more Americans hostage in the future while providing Iran with additional resources to fund its terrorist activities. Last week, I voted in support of the No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act, which effectively freezes this money by imposing immediate, mandatory sanctions on any financial institution that engages in a transaction with the Qatari banks holding the $6 billion of Iranian funds.
Additionally, I supported a measure to condemn Hamas for taking and continuing to hold hostages and another defending our most steadfast ally, Israel’s, right to exist. Both resolutions passed the House with strong support last week.
Bridging the Digital Divide: During last week’s House
Communications & Technology Subcommittee hearing we examined proposals for ways to shorten the amount of time it takes for internet to get to rural communities. Given that there are several areas throughout Florida’s 12th Congressional district that still don’t have broadband connectivity, it is important to me that we advance measures to remove barriers for closing the digital divide.
Learning from You Here at Home: I enjoyed meeting with Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano and other stakeholders about the county’s proposal to improve water quality and expand economic development opportunities in the Hudson Beach area. My team and I are always happy to help identify ways we can collaborate with local leaders to address concerns within our community.
I also enjoyed learning more about efforts to protect our local waterways and manatee population during my recent tour of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. These incredible natural resources are part of what makes Florida's Nature Coast such a beautiful place to call home. I am grateful for the constant work of U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials, as well as, almost 200 active volunteers who are committed to this important work.
Also, it was great to speak with leaders of Courageous and Free, a non-profit organization in Citrus County committed to helping victims of human trafficking. I appreciate the work they are doing to ensure victims have the support needed to heal and rebuild their lives.
And, I appreciated the chance to speak with my constituent, Gregg Laskoski and other employees of K9s For Warriors, about the great work they are doing to help local Veterans successfully navigate the transition back to civilian life. We also discussed the dangers associated with diabetic patients driving without first testing their glucose levels. I look forward to continuing to work with them on both of these important issues.
Additionally, I was glad to learn more about the vocational training programs that are available to adults with developmental disabilities in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties when I toured Hope Services last week. They are providing incredible, hands-on learning opportunities and ongoing job coaching to help these individuals pursue their professional goals.
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.
One of the reocurring themes on my tele-townhall last week was the lack of affordable housing within our community. Last week, my team participated in a workshop with local and state stakeholders to discuss how we can better collaborate to meet this need. The primary focus of the discussion was the desire to create more affordable housing opportunities for seniors.
My team also participated in a recent Hernando County Mental Health Summit organized by the local chapter of NAMI. During this event, local providers discussed the services offered throughout the community and identified gaps that need to be addressed.
Additionally, my team enjoyed listening to the needs of local business owners while attending the November Hernando County Chamber of Commerce meeting earlier this month.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped her get a long awaited appointment at the VA.
As a survivor of MST, I had originally asked the VA to schedule me with a female doctor for my annual wellness appointment. When I showed up for my appointment, I was told that only a male doctor was available. I left the VA feeling very frustrated. My neighbor recommended that I call your office and the woman I spoke with on the phone was very kind. After sending in some paperwork to you, within a few days I recieved a call from someone at the VA apologizing for my experience and offering me a new appointment with a female doctor. All went as planned at the appointment and I am good to go. Thank you for stepping in to help in this situation. I really appreciate it.
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! |
