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Dear Neighbor,
It was a busy week in Washington, DC that was wrought with controversy. While I still solidly support Speaker Johnson and believe he is working to advance a conservative agenda within divided government, I simply could not vote for his proposed Continuing Resolution which would have left current funding levels in place until March of this year. My constituents have been clear that they expect Washington to live within its means and enact meaningful budget cuts in order to restore fiscal sanity. I will continue pushing for this priority as we move forward. Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week!
Making Washington Work For You:
Defending our Republic: The Colorado Court is attempting to subvert the will of the people by removing President Trump from the ballot. Americans deserve the right to elect their chosen leader. If allowed to stand, this ruling would set a dangerous precedent that would strip Congress of its Constitutional authority and undermine confidence in our elections process. Last week, my colleagues and I filed an Amicus Brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn the Colorodo ruling. I’m proud to be helping lead the charge to help preserve our Republic.
Securing Our Border: The House has taken strong action to secure the border with HR 2; however, the Senate has refused to act on this critical legislation. As this crisis worsens by the day, we will continue to push the Biden Administration to do the right thing and protect our country, which is why we passed H. Res 957 last week, with my support.
In last week's Oversight & Investigation hearing about the border crisis, we examined how Mexican cartels and transnational organizations abuse our weak policies, pose a serious threat to law enforcement, and contribute to overdoses and violence nationwide. During my questioning of the panelists, I focused on the role of Big Tech and social media companies in exacerbating the fentanyl and border crisis. As we work to create a framework that will rein in Big Tech's unchecked power, we should hold bad actors within the industry accountable for the facilitation of criminal activity using their platforms.
The President can also immediately use his executive authority to repair what he has broken. We will hold him accountable for doing so! Click here to learn more about the 64 times President Biden has used Executive Action to weaken our border security. I will not rest until our border is secure!
Getting Results: This article highlights some of my recent wins in Congress. I’ll continue keep working to build upon this success and advance measures that will have a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
Feeling the Pain of Bidenomics: The Consumer Price Index, a key inflation index, came in higher than expected in December, increasing at an annual rate of 3.4%. This is just the latest example that Bidenomics continues to fail the Americans, who are forced to pay more for everyday necessities while earning less.
Demanding Answers and Accountability: The ongoing saga with Secretary Austin’s irresponsible leave of absence without proper notification warrants immediate action. The House Armed Services Committee has launched a formal inquiry into his failure to disclose his hospitalization and incapacitation. The American people and the brave men and women who serve in our military deserve answers!
Empowering Parents– I’ve recently cosponsored legislation that will empower parents and recognize their fundamental rights. Click here to learn more about this important legislation.
Ensuring Access to Prescription Medication: My office has received many phone calls from constituents in Citrus County who are having difficulty finding a pharmacy that will fill their prescriptions due to the closure of five local pharmacies. Click here to learn more about this issue. I’ll keep working with all relevant stakeholders to address this problem.
Protecting Student Athletics and Collegiate Sports: In last week’s Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee hearing we reviewed draft text that would protect student athletes while preserving the amateur status of college sports. Click here to listen to my opening remarks during the hearing.
Supporting Moms and Babies: Millions of Americans marched upon our nation’s Capitol last week in support of the sanctity of life. I strongly support their efforts in both words and actions. Tragically, more than 60 million unborn children have been aborted since Roe v. Wade more than 50 years ago. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a transformational victory and sets a new precedent for unborn babies’ right to life. The question of abortion is now up to each individual state. Despite this monumental ruling, the work is never over to protect the lives of the unborn. I remain unapologetically pro-life and this is reflected in my voting record. Last week, the Susan B Anthony Pro Life group released its annual scorecard for lawmakers. I am proud to have once again earned an A+. My colleagues and I are working to create a government that defends all Americans’ Constitutional Rights—and that includes our most fundamental - the right to LIFE. You can be assured that I will keep fighting to be a voice for the most vulnerable among us and to protect the lives of unborn babies and their mothers.
Last week, I proudly voted to block a proposed Biden Administration rule that could prohibit states from giving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to pregnancy resource centers. Pregnancy Resource Centers are invaluable in supporting the life of both the mother and unborn child.
It is also important that we support moms who are pursuing an education as they work to reach their goals, which is why I proudly voted in favor of the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act this week. The bill requires colleges and universities to disseminate information to prospective and enrolled students on the rights and resources, including protections and accommodations, available for pregnant students while enrolled at the institution. Examples include: modified class schedules, excused absences, and more. It also requires universities to inform students how to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if there is a violation of Title XI protections for pregnant students.
Learning from You Here at Home: I enjoyed celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Hernando County’s annual luncheon.
Celebrating Success: I also recently had the opportunity to meet with one of my constituents who is currently deployed near the Washington, DC area. U.S Army Captain Akers is a bright leader who is passionate about public service and the defense of our nation. She is a credit to her unit and to the entire United States Army. I wish her all the best in her future as she strives to make a positive impact, and I thank her for her many years of tireless service.
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 served as a panelist for Leadership Tampa Bay to share information about the work we are doing to benefit Pasco County.
My team also attended a cermony marking the 50th anniversary of the tragic crime that claimed Florida State Trooper Ronald Smith’s life in Citrus County. During the event, the crowd celebrated Trooper Smith’s commitment to keeping Floridians safe and vowed never to forget the legacy of selfless sacrifice that he left behind.
Additionally, my team enjoyed learning more about the services United Way of Pasco offers to residents during a recent rotary meeting in Dade City.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this message from a constituent after successfully resolving a problem she was having with the United States Postal Service.
I can't thank you enough for getting involved with the problem we were having with USPS. Thanks to your intervention, we finally were able to fix the issue and are now receiving mail at our business. We just got the checks we had been waiting on for months that kept being returned to sender. This is huge for our business. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
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! |
