Hello, Friends —
I hope everyone was able to spend time with their loved ones and celebrate our Savior’s resurrection during this past Easter weekend.
While the House of Representatives was out of session this week, I had the opportunity to go out on the harbor at Naval Base San Diego to observe the security situation of the base and adjacent defense shipbuilding industries. Even though this base is in California, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I concern myself with the well-being of the entire Department of Defense.
During my visit, I saw great multi-tiered security at Naval Base San Diego installations, including maritime barriers and a patrol boat. However, I also observed a concerning lack of security at the repair shipyards facilities. Despite the Navy setting the example right next door, private maritime facilities—obligated to ensure the security of our U.S. naval vessels while repairing them—were not up to par. I urge these companies to rectify these discrepancies and ensure the safety and security of our vessels and the might they bring to our national defense.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
REP. GAETZ HOSTS ANNUAL ACADEMY NIGHT
Last night, I held my annual Academy Night in Fort Walton Beach to launch this year’s Congressional Academy Nomination process. The event gave high school students the opportunity to speak directly to me and representatives of the U.S. Service Academies to learn about the admission process and receiving a congressional nomination.
As many of you know, making nominations to the U.S. Service Academies is one of my greatest honors as a Congressman. It provides me with the opportunity to meet exceptional students who are passionate about serving our country and to select future officers for our Armed Services. It is always inspiring to witness the dedication of these young individuals who are willing to serve our nation.
The event was a great success, and I am grateful to all those who attended, including the representatives from the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Marion Military Institute, Florida National Guard, and University of West Florida ROTC. They provided invaluable insights into their respective institutions, which will undoubtedly help prospective students make informed decisions about their future.
If you were unable to make the event and are interested in learning more about the process, please complete the Military Academy nomination application or contact my Director of Military Affairs, Austin Bury, at [email protected].
THE LEFT WANTS TO STEAL THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE!
Click Here To Watch!
On Monday, I joined “Real America with Dan Ball” on One America News Network to discuss where Speaker Mike Johnson stands on Ukraine aid and how there has been a coordinated effort to push Republicans out of the House early to hand the majority over to the Democrats.
This organized effort from the political Left to buy off and compromise members of Congress to make them quit needs to be stopped. The Left is actually trying to STEAL the majority that the American people gave to the Republican Party! They should not have enablers and co-conspirators in our movement to facilitate that.
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS RETIREMENT OF BLUE ANGELS EXECUTIVE OFFICER
My Director of Military Affairs was able to attend the retirement of Blue Angels Executive Officer, U.S. Navy Commander Jon Fay, last Friday.
Commander Fay has been an example of leadership for the Blue Angels, also known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, and brought countless practice days and airshow splendor to Northwest Florida and across the United States. Thank you for your leadership and service, and to your family for sacrificing time with you so that you could inspire so many here in the Panhandle. Fair winds and following seas, and best of luck in your future endeavors!
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 next 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
Tampa Free Press — March 29, 2024
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Rips Pentagon For Ignoring Mandate To Detail US Involvement In African Coups
“Ignoring laws and court orders is nothing new for President Joe Biden’s administration. The Pentagon just added another one to the growing list. The Intercept reported on Thursday that Rep. Matt Gaetz is fuming because military leaders have ignored his request for information about U.S.-backed coups in Africa, in violation of a provision of the Pentagon’s massive spending bill.”
CNN — March 31, 2024
Johnson sounds out key Republicans with speakership and Ukraine aid on line
“Days after his speakership was put on notice by a far-right member, Mike Johnson strategized with a key – and perhaps surprising – source: firebrand GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, the architect of the last effort to remove a speaker. Gaetz, who is making clear he is firmly in Johnson’s corner, counseled the rookie speaker during a recent phone call to put some conservative wins on the board over the next few weeks as he navigates the threat of a potential motion to vacate the speaker’s chair, according to sources familiar with the conversation.”
CNN — April 2, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson remains undecided on best path ahead on Ukraine aid
“Some conservatives have suggested they could be comfortable with aid flowing to Ukraine if it were offset or structured as a loan. ‘I think we have to look at what incarnation that would take,’ GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz said. ‘When I’ve talked to the speaker, he’s talked about liquidating some of the Russian assets that have been seized to support the war effort. You know, that is more palatable than deficit spending to do so.’”
WHAT WE’RE READING
New York Post — April 1, 2024
State Department ‘did not send their best’ to Afghanistan for botched evacuation, ex-official says in scathing testimony
American Conservative — April 3, 2024
At 75, Has NATO Outlived Its Use?
DailyMail — April 4, 2024
US F-16 jets due to arrive in Ukraine 'are no longer relevant', Kyiv military official says: 'Every weapon has its right time. We needed them in 2023, they're not right for 2024. We need shells and rockets'
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