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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, we continued working to expose the Biden Administration for its many failures that have left our country less safe than ever before. We also advanced meaningful legislation that will help strengthen our national security, protect Americans' privacy, maximize government efficiency and improve patient health outcomes. Please continue reading for a brief recap of my efforts on your behalf.
Making Washington Work for You: Per Customs and Border Protection (CBP), internal data via sources, there were nearly 1,200 known “gotaways” recorded at the border last Sunday. “Gotaways” are not included in the monthly border numbers. Instead, they are tracked internally. There have been over 1.8 million recorded since start of FY21.
As President Biden’s Border Invasion Continues to endanger the lives of Americans, I was proud to vote in favor of HRes 1065 which condemns President Biden and his Administration for their disastrous open border policies and holds them accountable for creating the worst border security crisis in US History.
What is happening on our southern border is nothing short of an invasion and it must be stopped!
Grappling with Inflation: With President Biden at the helm, Americans are paying more for the basics.
Fighting for our Heroes: With more than 70 Senators and 326 House co-sponsors of my Major Richard Star Act – we’ve got to keep pushing leadership in both Chambers to allow a Floor vote on this important legislation to rectify the injustice of concurrent receipt for 50k medically retired Veterans. Click here to learn more about my bill.
Last Wednesday, we recognized National K-9 Veterans Day. I recently had the opportunity to present awards to true, four-legged heroes and their handlers. These K-9s have saved countless lives and I’m proud to recognize their service to our nation and work to ensure they are reunited with their former handlers whenever possible.
Improving Patient Outcomes: In last week’s Health Subcommittee Mark-up, we passed 19 bills to improve patient outcomes and address public health issues, including my Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024. My bill reauthorizes funding for critical research and awareness efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the causes, prevention, and development of better treatments for patients suffering with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Click here to learn more about my bill.
Additionally, Alzheimer’s and related dementias affect nearly every family. I'm proud of the work my colleagues and I are doing to provide more support for patients and their families. Click here to learn more about our efforts.
Strengthening our National Security: In last week’s Communications and Technology Mark-Up Hearing, we voted for several bills that will help safeguard our nation’s critical infrastructure and thwart rising foreign aggression.
I was also proud to vote for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which passed the House last week. This bipartisan legislation protects Americans and prevents foreign adversaries, such as China, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through online applications like TikTok.
Maximizing Efficiency: I was proud to vote for the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies (USE IT) Act of 2023. Federal office space utilization averages 25 percent or less for most major agencies. This means that 3.5 million feet of federal office space is sitting empty, which is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars. Our bill requires a utilization rate of 60% or higher or the agency will be required to reduce their workspace. This is an example of good government; taxpayers should not be paying for vacant buildings.
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 enjoyed listening to a peer recovery specialist about valuable supportive services offered to patients battling addiction during this month's Hernando Community Collation Meeting.
My team also learned from local stakeholders about the work being done to revitalize Brooksville at this month's meeting of Brooksville Matters!
Additionally, my team was grateful for the chance to learn from stakeholders about the needs of local farmers during the Citrus County Agriculture Alliance meeting. During the meeting, there was an interesting agribusiness presentation from the University of Florida on calculating profit and production costs models. We must do all we can to support those who work tirelessly to keep Americans fed!
Constituent Corner
With tax season in full swing, my office has gotten many calls from constituents who ask "My tax return is delayed. How can I check the status of it?" We all know tax season can be frustrating. Thankfully, the IRS has a comprehensive page that can help you check the status of your refund. Users will need to have their Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact refund amount from their return to get a status update. Please also remember that scammers are often out in full force this time of year. The IRS will NEVER call you requesting your personal information! Do you have any general questions that I can help answer? Contact my office at 727-232-2921 for help.
I recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped resolve an outstanding problem he was having with the IRS.
I am pleased to report finally receiving a letter from the IRS stating I am due a refund for 2022, however, the refund has already been deposited to my account. As you know, I had been going back and forth on this issue for over a year. James in your office put me in touch with the Taxpayer Advocate who was able to get the whole thing fixed within two weeks. I can't thank you enough for getting this straightened out!
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! |
