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Dear Neighbor:
When I return to Washington this week, I do so armed with the input of the constituents I've had the privilege of speaking with at events throughout the community during this district work period. I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to share their opinions with me. Your feedback truly makes me a better Member of Congress. Please continue reading to learn more about my work on your behalf last week.
Restoring Fiscal Sanity: Bidenomics have been a complete failure. Since Joe Biden took office, inflation has risen by 18.6% causing Americans to pay more for everything!
According to a new Fox News poll, a majority of Americans believe they are worse off under Joe Biden than they were four years ago under President Donald Trump. I agree – it is time we restore fiscal sanity and return to an America-First agenda!
Securing the Border: In a separate Harvard Harris Poll, 46% of respondents said that Biden’s “biggest failure as President” was creating an open border policy that has resulted in a historic flood of illegal immigration. They know that the invasion occurring at our Southern Border is the direct result of Biden’s failed Far-Left open border policies.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just announced that 189,922 illegal aliens were encountered at the Southern Border in February. This is the highest February ever recorded in American history – bringing the total number of illegal alien encounters to over 9 million since President Biden took office.
Border security is national security which is why the House passed the Secure the Border Act – the strongest border security package in American history. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass it now!
Fighting for our Heroes: I have also co-authored legislation to help improve the Veterans’ claims and appeals process. I’ll never stop fighting to make sure our heroes get the benefits and care they’ve earned. Click here to learn more about our pending legislation.
Learning from You Here at Home: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant Program, I visited a small business in West Pasco which was able to expand because of Pasco County’s award-winning, innovative use of these federal funds.
I also appreciated the chance to connect with my constituents who live in Timber Pines. We had a great conversation about the challenges facing our country and community, including inflation, the border crisis and problems our nation’s heroes face when trying to get the care they deserve. I’ll continue to fight for America first solutions to these problems.
I also had the chance to meet with two Gold Star Mothers who live in Hernando County about the struggles they’ve faced in dealing with the loss of their sons. We must never forget to honor the service and sacrifice of their loved ones by providing as much support as possible to their surviving family members.
I enjoyed speaking with the Hernando County Property Association this week. Like many Floridians, these local homeowners are facing challenges as they grapple with inflation. We also discussed national security concerns and the need to return to America-First solutions. I will continue fighting to restore fiscal sanity and address these priorities.
Additionally, I appreciated Colonel Mike Fulford taking the time to give me a personal tour of Hernando Beach, Pine Island, Rogers Park, Weeki Wachee Gardens and Bayport to help me better understand the need for infrastructure improvements in certain areas, including necessary dredging. I look forward to working on these issues.
Celebrating Success
It is important to celebrate hard working people in our community who make a positive impact each and every day. Click here to learn more about a ceremony I really held to honor those who go above and beyond in our local community!
Raising Awareness
As this local story highlights, colon cancer in younger adults is on the rise. It is more important than ever to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of this disease as early detection saves lives!
Also, April is designated as the Month of the Military Child - an opportunity for us to show our support and appreciation for the strength and sacrifices made by our military families.
I'm inviting local middle and high school students and their parents to attend my upcoming U.S. Service Academy Night featuring presentations by each of the five U.S. Service Academies. Participants will learn about the Congressional nomination process and about how to prepare for a successful appointment. Service Academies offer an elite education to the best and brightest students who are ready to make a commitment to serve their country in the Armed Forces. During undergraduate studies, young men and women are developed into professional officers. The Service Academy Night provides students and families with the best information possible about how to prepare for this unique learning opportunity. Information about the Academy prep schools, ROTC scholarship opportunities to USF and other universities, and military institutes will also be shared. Guidance Counselors, Mentors, Coaches, JROTC staff, and other school officials are also invited and encouraged to attend. For more details, please see the flyer below.
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 recently attended the opening of USF;s Institute of Applied Engineering. Through this collaborative partnership with the VA and Department of Defense, these scientists are advancing technological developments to improve services for our nation's heroes.
My team also enjoyed learning about programs available to assist adults with disabilities in Pasco County as part of the Dade City Chamber's monthly business breakfast.
Additionally, my team learned a great deal about the work being done to provide alternative and complementary services to Veterans struggling with mental health challenges at a recent VA Behavioral Health Symposium.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this letter after helping a constituent with her mother's VA case.
I have wonderful news to share with you. My mom's benefits were finally approved and the money has been deposited into her account. I'm absolutely certain that without your support this would not have happened. I wish I reached out to you sooner. My mom's health is quickly deteriorating and I was afraid she wouldn't live to see the benefit. The second thing (you're first) I'll be doing today is organizing more help for my mom. This is a tremendous relief. Gus Bilirakis walks the talk and is a man of his word. His support to the Veterans is applaudable. He should run for President! Thank you again Kristen. You are our angel that answered our prayers....I mean that literally.
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! |
