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Dear Neighbor,
Like many of you, I am very disturbed by some of the developments that occurred last week. The Office of the Special Counsel released the results of its investigation into President Biden's mishandling of classified materials. While the evidence clearly shows President Biden is guilty of the allegations, the Special Prosecutor declined to pursue criminal charges against the President because he does not believe a jury will find that President Biden has the mental capacity to be deemed responsible for his actions due to his poor memory. This finding confirms what most Americans have long believed - that President Biden is not fit to be leading our country. My colleagues and I are exploring options to take appropriate next steps.
I was also extremely disappointed that two important bills, an Israel Aid package and the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas were defeated on the House Floor last week. Continue reading to learn more about these issues and our plans for advancing these priorities despite last week's set backs.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank everyone who reached out to wish me a happy birthday last week. I really enjoyed the chance to celebrate with my dad over dinner last week.
Making Washington Work for You
Securing the Border and Demanding Accountability: My colleagues and I are pushing President Biden, who just recently acknowledged that the border is in fact NOT secure, to use the same Executive authority he exerted to create this mess to secure our border! President Biden needs to stop gaslighting the country and reverse the 64 actions he has unilaterally taken since being sworn into office that have worsened the border crisis. Click here to learn about our efforts.
However, since President Biden has so far refused to enforce existing laws and use his existing authority to address the disaster he has created, here are the steps we need to take to secure our border. The Secure the Border Act has already passed the House.
Last week, I voted to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. The articles of impeachment are the product of a thorough, fair, and comprehensive investigation into the causes, costs, and consequences of the unprecedented border crisis he has facilitated. The evidence clearly shows that Secretary Mayorkas’ lawless behavior warrants impeachment as he has willfully and systemically refused to follow the laws passed by Congress, violated the separation of powers, and acted with deliberate indifference to the clear evidence of lawlessness at the border and in the interior. He has made our country less safe and must be held accountable. While I am disappointed that a few of my colleagues voted with Democrats to temporarily block impeachment, I am confident we will have the votes needed when more of our Members return from medical leave. We should not rest until Mayorkas is impeached and our borders are secure!
Supporting our Strongest Ally: It is also difficult to see partisan politics keep us from being able to secure the necessary votes to pass a clean, single subject bill to aid the Israeli people in their fight against Hamas, and to ensure our own nation’s military readiness as a result of the support we have provided to other countries during recent international conflicts. This a disappointing blow to our most steadfast ally in the Middle East during its time of great need and a short-sighted view of our national security needs during this turbulent time. I will always continue to support Israel!
Helping Patients: Last week, I proudly introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act which will reauthorize funding for the Center for Disease Control’s congenital heart disease research and awareness program for the next five years. This successful program investigates the causes, enhances research and prevention strategies, and examines the impact of congenital heart defects throughout patients' lifespans, with the ultimate goal of developing improved, lifelong, specialized care for patients with this condition.
I also proudly voted in support of the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act last week, a measure to ban Quality Adjusted Life Years from being utilized in all federal programs. This controversial metric is inherently unfair and results in the discrimination of those with disabilities. Click here to listen to my remarks on the House Floor about this important bill.
Pushing Back Against Biden's Harmful Energy Policies: Last week, I voted for a measure in opposition to the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden Administration. As then candidate Biden promised during his campaign, President Biden has waged an unprecedented war on American energy production since day one in office to appease the liberal wing of his base. The result has been skyrocketing energy prices, a depleted Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the loss of American jobs, and the empowerment of our adversaries. I am a cosponsor of the Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed the House last year. It would unleash American energy dominance and drive down energy prices for Americans. Click here to listen to me urging President Biden to support our commonsense legislation.
Welcoming our Neighbors to DC: I always love when constituents come to DC to talk to me about the issues that are important to them. Last week, I had the chance to meet the new President of Pasco Hernando State College, Dr. Jesse Pisors, along with student leaders from Pasco and Hernando counties. The school is a tremendous catalyst for economic development throughout our community as it works to equip today’s workforce with the skills needed for tomorrow.
I also enjoyed spending some time with representatives from local chapters of Habitat for Humanity last week. They are doing an incredible job helping families realize the dream of homeownership.
Learning from You Here at Home: It was wonderful to speak with local leaders and small business owners at the Citrus County Chamber last week. We discussed the need to ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security, to provide enhanced services for Veterans, and to ensure access to quality mental health services.
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 listened to U.S. Collegiate Swimmer, Riley Gaines, talk about the horrific treatment she has received since standing up for the rights of female athletes. Riley was forced to compete against a man who was allowed to enter the women's competition because he identifies as a woman. I proudly supported the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, which passed the House last year but remains stuck in the United States Senate. It would ensure a fair playing field in competitive sports by ensuring that school athletics comply with Title IX's recognition of a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. 
My team thanked our first responders for their daily efforts to keep our community safe while attending the Hernando County Fire Rescue's Grand Opening of Fire Station 6 in Hernando Beach.
Additionally, my team was proud to recognize the many contributions that Coach Lorenzo Hamilton Sr. has made to our community during the dedication of a park named in his honor in Brooksville.
Constituent Corner
I recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped him receive specialized cancer treatment at Moffitt after the VA was not able to address his unique medical needs.
Without a doubt, Moffitt Cancer Center is the best place in the universe. Started off at 0820 and was a day long process of brachytherapy. I got an epidural that eliminated any pain or discomfort. My wife and I walked out of the place at 1730 and are now resting. Everything went perfect according to the doctor. All of my preconceived concerns or quickly nullified in the care and handling of me and my wife. Would not go anywhere else. Thank God the congressman started a case against the Tampa VA to get me to Moffitt. Otherwise I'd be in a short line to the grave at the VA.
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! |
