Hello, Friends —
Since Tuesday’s severe storms hit Northwest Florida, my office has been closely monitoring the damage and preparing for the next round of storms expected today. We understand the challenges and disruptions these natural events can cause to our communities, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone.
My office has been in contact with county officials across our region, ensuring they have the support and resources needed for a swift and effective response. To those in our community affected by these storms, I urge you to reach out to the State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557 for support. We are also in contact with FEMA, in the event that Florida requests federal assistance.
My office remains vigilant and proactive in addressing the needs of our constituents. Please stay safe and do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 850-479-1183 if you have any questions or concerns.
REP. GAETZ CALLS ON HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE TO LAUNCH HEARING INTO SEC. AUSTIN’S FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE HOSPITALIZATION
On Monday, I called on Chairman Mike Rogers and the House Armed Services Committee to immediately hold a hearing regarding Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s failure to communicate his hospitalization and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks’ failure to return from vacation to perform her duties in Austin’s absence.
The Secretary of Defense serves as the linchpin through which the President commands and controls our armed forces. The Department of Defense’s failure to inform the White House, Congress, and the American People of Secretary Austin’s incapacitation reflects the lack of leadership, competency, and transparency throughout the entire Biden administration.
Following my call for action, I was pleased to see Chairman Mike Rogers launch a formal inquiry into Secretary Austin’s failure to disclose his hospitalization and incapacitation. This necessary step toward accountability and transparency is critical, especially in light of the White House signaling that Secretary Austin will face no consequences. Therefore, it’s imperative that the Committee swiftly holds a hearing to receive testimony from Secretary Austin and Deputy Defense Secretary Hicks about Austin’s absence and Hicks’ failure to return from vacation to perform her duties, ensuring the integrity and accountability of our nation’s defense leadership.
To view my full press release click here.
FIREBRAND EP. 140: BORDER, BUDGET, BUREAUCRATS, BIDENS
Click Here To Watch!
On Thursday’s episode of Firebrand, I kicked off the 2024 season with a rundown of what is happening with the border invasion, the latest budget talks, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s temporary disappearance, and Hunter Biden’s surprise visit to Capitol Hill.
REP. GAETZ JOINS ‘THE MIKE GALLAGHER SHOW’
Click Here To Watch!
On Thursday, I joined “The Mike Gallagher Show” on Salem News Network to discuss how Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s medical leave confounded everyone at the Pentagon, Hunter Biden’s surprise appearance at a House Oversight Committee hearing, and the work that Speaker Mike Johnson needs to do on spending.
FIREBRAND EP. 141: MILITARY MISHAPS
Click Here To Watch!
On Friday’s episode of Firebrand, I broke down the latest military news from around the world and at home – including the COVID vaccine’s impact on readiness, attacks on Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, and how a billion dollars worth of U.S. aid to Ukraine was lost.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
THIS MONTH: THE 2024 ACADEMY NOMINATION REVEAL
Later this month, on Thursday, January 25th, I will have the opportunity to recognize some exceptional Northwest Florida students who received Congressional Nominations to our Nation’s prestigious military service academies during an event at Navarre High School.
Each year I have the duty and privilege to identify, select, and nominate students of Florida’s First Congressional District for attendance at the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy. This month’s long process, managed by my office and overseen by a board of distinguished military and community leaders, culminates each January when I am able to publicly announces the recipients of this process. This year, I am proud to be able to issue 46 nominations. I hope to see you there!
An RSVP is required to attend. To RSVP click here.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
Tampa Free Press — January 8, 2024
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Calls For Hearing On Secretary Lloyd Austin’s Hospitalization Hush
“Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01) issued a statement Monday calling on Chairman Mike Rodgers and the House Armed Services Committee to hold a hearing immediately regarding Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s failure to communicate his hospitalization.”
Breitbart News — January 8, 2024
Gaetz Calls for a Hearing with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks
“Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) called on House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) to bring in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks over the Pentagon’s failure to communicate Austin’s hospitalization to President Joe Biden and a number of other top national security officials.”
Politico — January 12, 2024
Biden’s Yemen strike reignites Congress’ battle over war powers
“‘I think we need to have the Republican priorities on border security baked into this government funding discussion. And that was what I was just chatting with the speaker about,’ Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) told reporters. ”
The Gateway Pundit — January 12, 2024
Rep. Matt Gaetz Blasts Sen. Lindsey Graham for Supporting Joe Biden’s Bombing of Yemen
“Rep. Matt Gaetz blasted Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday for supporting Joe Biden’s bombing of Yemen. Graham had posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that he is ‘very supportive of the Biden Administration’s decision to strike Houthi rebels who have been harassing international shipping and trying to attack Israeli and American interests.’”
WHAT WE’RE READING
Fox 5 New York — January 9, 2024
NYC school closed for migrants: James Madison goes remote, used as shelter during storm
Bloomberg — January 11, 2024
US Fails to Fully Account for Arms Sent to Ukraine, Watchdog Says
New York Post — January 10, 2024
House Republican launches probe into Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s ‘outrageous’ secret hospital stay
|
