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Dear Neighbor,
I returned to Washington last week, determined to continue fighting on your behalf. We made important progress on key issues. Please continue reading to learn more.
Making Washington Work for You: In last week’s Communications & Technology Subcommittee hearing, we discussed the importance of strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity to thwart bad actors who increasingly use cyberwarfare to disrupt our way of life. Millions of Americans are being victimized by complex crime syndicates that are using advances in technology to prey upon the vulnerable. In my exchange with the hearing panelists, I emphasized the ordeal of my staffer, who’s home doorbell was breached starting a scary exchange with hackers.
Stopping Abuses of Power: Last week, I proudly voted in support of the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023. This bill will prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from permitting defendants to make quid-pro-quo agreements, where they donate to Far Left entities in exchange for tax deductions and reduced fines. Our legislation comes ahead of the Biden Administration's announced move to reinstate the rule directing corporate settlement funds to third-party organizations. We will not allow the Biden Administration to fund their corrupt activist organizations with settlement dollars that should be going to victims or back to the taxpayers.
 Demanding Accountability for Failures: Since President Biden took office and implemented his Far-Left open border policies, there have been 8 million illegal crossings nationwide. Last week, the House Committee on Homeland Security held its first hearing as part of the impeachment proceedings against Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. While I have already voted for his impeachment on the House Floor, we need to garner more support for the measure to pass. I can think of no better way than shining a public light on his failures which have made our country less safe.
Prioritizing Your Tax Dollars: Last week, I voted for S.J.Res. 38, which will overturn the Biden Administration’s rule to waive the Buy America requirements for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations purchased using American taxpayer dollars. President Biden’s waiver allows foreign-made EV chargers, particularly from Communist China, to be funded by $5 billion taxpayer dollars. American taxpayer funds should only support American-made products, to revive domestic industries, create jobs, and avoid dependence on our foreign adversaries.
Supporting Small Businesses: I also voted for H.J. Res. 98 which seeks to overturn the National Labor Relations Board’s new rule that holds companies liable for another business' employees, even if they don't directly oversee them. I will always fight to protect America’s small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, from unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that hampers economic growth.
Pushing Priorities Forward: Just before the holiday break, the House passed the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Disease. Now that we are back in Session, I implore my Senate colleagues to help save lives by expediting this priority legislation’s passage.
Learning from You Here at Home: Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Melissa Glossip, founding Board Member of Operation Warrior Hope, an organization using a collaborative approach to support Veterans who are struggling with PTS. I appreciate their efforts and look forward to partnering with them.
I also enjoyed speaking with the leaders of the Tampa Bay Community Foundation, a non-profit working to protect the environment, improve educational options and create affordable housing options for seniors in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.
Additionally, I was honored to meet with local firefighters about rectifying a statutory issue that prevents some of them from being able to collect their full Social Security benefits in retirement. I will continue to support all first responders who work hard to keep our community safe.
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.
Last week we commemorated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, a special chance to thank those who serve and protect our communities. They place themselves in harm's way each time they put on the uniform and report to duty, and they will always have my support. Fittingly, my team presented Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Detective George Loydgren with a certificate of Congressional Recognition for being named Deputy of the Quarter for his role in solving the 30-year cold case of Jennifer Odum, a local teenage girl who was abducted and murdered. Detective Loydgren has been with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for 19 years and also previously served in law enforcement in New York.
Last week also marked National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Day, which I commemorated on the House Floor. My team presented a certificate of Congressional Recognition to a group in Hernando County working to combat Human Trafficking throughout our community.
Additionally, my team also gave a legislative update at the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce last week.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped with her husband's VA case.
Words cannot adequately express our thanks for your assistance in resolving Richard's VA claim for disability compensation under the PACT Act. Congressman Bilirakis is a force to be reckoned with, and I ask you to convey our gratitude for his assistance. Richard was exposed to agent orange when he volunteered to fly missions out of U-tapao, Thailand in 1969-70. Several of his squadron mates developed Parkinson's disease and had no difficulty receiving a service connected rating for compensation from the VA. Richard's claim was filed in February of 2023. He completed all his required physical and psychological exams in early September, but somewhere along the line, information about Richard's NAVY 1service got muddled. The claim was at a complete standstill. Richard's health is rapidly declining. He is suffering a great deal from his Parkinson's and Ischemic heart disease. He will be released from he hospital later today. I'm sure this news will put a smile on his face. It's been a long tough road. Please thank our wonderful Congressman for his help.
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! |
