Hello, Friends —
Holy Week is upon us! I hope everyone is able to enjoy time with loved ones this Easter and reflect on the Christ’s sacrifice for all of humanity.
In this season of renewal, let us find rejuvenation through our faith and the strength of our relationships. It’s truly an honor to serve on behalf of Northwest Floridians in Congress. Wishing you a blessed Easter from Ginger and myself!
“He is not here; He has risen!” -Luke 24:6-7
AROUND THE DISTRICT
REP. GAETZ HOSTS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE IN DESTIN
Earlier this week on Monday, I held a legislative update in Destin detailing the important work happening in Florida’s First Congressional District and Washington, D.C. During the event, I discussed my recent vote against the $1.2 trillion Swamp Omnibus that doesn’t do enough to save our country. I also explained my push for spending cuts and 12 individual spending bills, in addition to answering questions from members of our community.
It is my duty as a member of Congress to keep my constituents informed. I’m grateful that hundreds of members of our community joined me in Destin. I remain committed to serving the people of Florida’s First District. I can’t wait until the next legislative update!
Click here to watch the full legislative update livestream! Additionally, to watch my interview with WEAR-3 and their recap of the event, please click here.
NEXT WEEK: REP. GAETZ TO HOST ANNUAL ACADEMY NIGHT
I will be hosting the 2024 Academy Night next week on Thursday, April 4th! The Academy Night is an opportunity for high school students to speak directly to me and Service Academy representatives and learn more about the process for admission to the U.S. Service Academies and receiving a Congressional Nomination.
Academy Night will be hosted from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CT at Fort Walton Beach High School: 400 Hollywood Blvd. NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL.
All high school students, JROTC groups, parents, principals, and educators are invited to attend this event to learn about entry to the U.S. Service Academies. I look forward to meeting all of you!
RSVP today at: GaetzAcademy2024.Eventbrite.com
For any questions, contact Austin Bury at [email protected] or call my District Office at 850.479.1183.
REP. MATT GAETZ CALLS ON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO DEFEND HUNTER BIDEN WHISTLEBLOWERS
I sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday urging him to direct the House Office of General Counsel to intervene in Robert Hunter Biden v. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to protect the IRS whistleblowers who have bravely come forward with details of Hunter Biden’s tax fraud.
After details of Hunter Biden’s alleged tax fraud came to light, he sued the IRS claiming his right to privacy was violated; except the intended targets in his lawsuit are the brave IRS whistleblowers who came forward to expose the Biden family’s potential criminal operations. By allowing the House Office of General Counsel to intervene in the lawsuit, Speaker Johnson can protect the prerogatives of the House of Representatives and protect the rights of all Americans to make protected disclosures to Congress.
Read my press release here.
REP. GAETZ DEMANDS DOD BRIEFING ON NUMBER OF AFRICAN COUPS LED BY U.S. TRAINED LEADERS
On Wednesday, I sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and General Michael Langley, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to formally request a briefing or report be produced on the number of coups led by African militaries after receiving U.S. military assistance within AFRICOM.
In the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, I introduced a requirement for the Department of Defense to produce a report, but the DOD failed to meet last week's clear legal congressionally mandated deadline, which is required by law. This blatant sidestepping of reporting requirements not only undermines legislative oversight but raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability within the DoD’s foreign military assistance program.
To read more, click here.
REP. GAETZ TO HOST 2024 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
I am pleased to announce I will be holding the 2024 Congressional Art Competition this upcoming spring! I encourage all Northwest Florida high school students to participate in this year’s competition. The deadline to submit pieces of art is Friday, April 12th, 2024.
The Congressional Art Competition commencement will be held on Saturday, April 27th, at the Artel Gallery: 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL. I will be there to announce the winners!
Please contact my District Office at 850.479.1183 if you have any questions about this event. We look forward to seeing all of the artwork that students have worked so hard on!
IMPORTANT PASSPORT ANNOUNCEMENT
After the State Department saw a record number of passport applications and increased wait times last year, I am pleased to announce passport services have returned to normal processing times. There is no better time to apply for a passport or passport renewal. Please see the following expected processing times immediately below:
Routine: 6-8 weeks
Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60
The State Department also rolled out a new online passport appointment system for travelers who are departing the country within two weeks. For more information and appointment availability, please visit PassportAppointment.Travel.State.gov or call 877.487.2778. Please note that appointments are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and availability is not guaranteed.
Additionally, the State Department advises renewing passports that are expired or will expire within the next year, regardless of travel plans. For more information on passports, please visit Travel.State.gov. My team will continue to fervently work to provide Northwest Floridians with a pleasant and timely passport experience. If you need assistance with acquiring a passport, please contact Nate Oliphant at [email protected] or call my District Office at 850.479.1183.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
The National Pulse — March 25, 2024
EXC: Rep. Gaetz Blasts ‘Tyrannical’ Gun Grab Law Exposed By The National Pulse.
“Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz (R) has blasted proposed legislation unearthed by The National Pulse, which could see firearm ranges and neighborhood patrols criminalized as part of a move by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) to nullify America’s Second Amendment further.”
WEAR Pensacola — March 26, 2024
Congressman Matt Gaetz critiques $1.2 trillion federal spending bill at Destin town hall
“Congressman Matt Gaetz spoke to constituents in Destin Monday night. He hosted a town hall at Destin’s community center, where he gave a legislative update to his supporters. It drew a big crowd of people. One of the big topics -- the latest federal spending bill unveiled a few days ago.”
Daily Caller — March 27, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Matt Gaetz Calls On Speaker Johnson To Defend Hunter Biden Whistleblowers
“Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz on Tuesday demanded that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson direct the House Office of General Counsel to intervene in Robert Hunter Biden v. IRS to protect the whistleblowers who came forward with details of Hunter Biden’s alleged tax fraud.”
The Intercept — March 28, 2024
Pentagon Ignores Law Calling For Report On How It Trained So Many African Coup Leaders
“REP. MATT GAETZ, R-Fla., is demanding answers from the Pentagon about coups by U.S.-trained African military officers, according to a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin shared exclusively with The Intercept.”
WHAT WE’RE READING
The Baltimore Sun — March 26, 2024
Key Bridge collapses into Patapsco River in Baltimore after vessel hits support column; state of emergency declared
NewsNation — March 27, 2024
DeSantis signs law to remove squatters’ rights
The Intercept — March 28, 2024
Squeezed By African Coups, Biden Cozies Up To The World’s Worst Dictator
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