Hello, Friends —

I strongly condemn today's unprecedented drone attack on Israel launched by Iran. This action is blatantly escalatory and should be universally condemned as no nation in the Middle East should be desirous of a broadening regional war. A lasting peace will be unattainable if Iran and its proxies continue to launch attacks against those who desire peace. 

If any of my constituents are currently visiting Israel and are in need of assistance, do not hesitate to contact my team by phone at 850.479.1183 or send us an email through my website, https://gaetz.house.gov.

REP. GAETZ VOTES NO ON FISA REAUTHORIZATION

Earlier this week, I, along with other privacy hawks, voted against a rule to bring the bill to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to the House floor. The underlying bill did not include reforms to protect Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights, such as requiring the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to obtain a warrant before searching Americans’ data and a prohibition on the government purchasing Americans’ data from third-party data brokers. Additionally, it would have reauthorized FISA Section 702 for five years, which was too long of a timeframe before Congress would have an opportunity to vote again on its continuation.

The FISA Reauthorization, voted on Friday, is in direct violation of the Fourth Amendment. The amendment to prohibit warrantless searches of Americans' communications was defeated, with 86 Republicans voting against it. Worse yet, three amendments that expand authorities for the federal government to violate the privacy of Americans were adopted. Therefore, I voted against the bill, which passed 273-147 (though Rep. Anna Paulina Luna forced the House to take another vote next Monday before the bill can be sent to the Senate).

Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson sided with the national security state, which used FISA Section 702 authorities to violate the law 278,000 times in a one-year period. Now the very authorities that we saw weaponized against President Trump and the American people are poised to get enhancements under this reauthorization, rather than any of the reforms that are so desperately needed. At the end of the day, if the Speaker is unwilling to fix FISA Section 702, we are left wondering what he is indeed willing to fix. 

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FIREBRAND EP. 162: ANATOMY OF A BRIBE (FEAT. TONY BOBULINSKI)

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On Monday’s episode of Firebrand, I was joined by Hunter Biden's ex-business partner Tony Bobulinksi from the Spotify Studios in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Bobulinksi discussed the financial schemes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—and how it is not just targeting the Biden family but all of America's institutions.

Mr. Bobulinksi believes testifying against the Biden Crime Family is worth it. A true American patriot who bleeds red, white, and blue, Mr. Bobulinski knows the American people are going to hold the Biden family accountable, and I wholeheartedly agree. The American people need to understand that the CCP, the Ministry of State Security, and their intelligence agencies are using capital to infiltrate our country. The Biden family is just their steppingstone to ensure that this takes hold. Mr. Bobulinski said it best when he said that our country is worth fighting for, and we are more than happy to bring that fight to the forefront.

BIDEN OFFICIAL BERATED BY DEMOCRAT FOR DEMANDING REPATRIATION OF CRIMEA

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During a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday regarding U.S. military posture and the current challenges we face with national security in Europe, Celeste Wallander, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, claimed it was a good idea for the U.S. to get involved in the repatriation of Crimea.

In response to her answer, Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democratic member on the committee, took the rare position of siding with me when it comes to U.S. policy toward intervention in Crimea. As Rep. Smith pointed out, it is a fantasy for us to suggest that repatriating Crimea back to Ukraine is a reasonable position for us to adopt.

FIREBRAND EP. 163: THE ILLEGAL SPYING AGENDA (FEAT. REPS. DAN BISHOP & WARREN DAVIDSON)

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Representatives Dan Bishop and Warren Davidson joined me on Tuesday’s episode of Firebrand to discuss the renewed fight within the House Republican Conference to protect Americans' Fourth Amendment rights through reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

We were disappointed to see Speaker Johnson move legislation that blatantly disregards our constitutional rights. As Rep. Davidson put it, it is asinine that we as Congress would allow for FISA to continue to be abused in its current form without fixing the underlying problems that it fundamentally contains. 

HEAD OF U.S. CYBER COMMAND GENERAL HAUGH COMMITS TO REVIEWING MILITARY USE OF TUTOR.COM

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During a Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, I received testimony from several witnesses on military operations in cyberspace and building cyber capabilities across the Department of Defense. 

I focused my questions on “education” website, Tutor.com, that has ties to the Chinese Communist Party. I was astounded to discover that this website is frequently used as an educational tool for many children of military families, many of whom live in my district. Seeing the clear and obvious potential for Tutor.com’s use as a Chinese propaganda tool, I made sure the Commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, General Timothy Haugh, was well aware of this security concern. Thankfully, he has committed himself to looking further into this issue.

FIREBRAND EP. 164: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY VS. FREE SPEECH (FEAT. TREVOR TIEDEMAN)

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On Thursday’s episode of Firebrand, I sat down with Clemson College Republicans Chairman Trevor Tiedeman and my Communications Director, Joel Valdez. We discussed a letter I sent to Clemson University President James Clements regarding a recent viral video of university officials and officers strong-arming Trevor and the Clemson College Republicans from engaging in constitutionally protected activities on campus. 

Freedom of speech on a college campus is non-negotiable. My letter raises concern over the university’s policies to protect students’ First Amendment activity on school grounds and requests specific information be provided to my office, including actions being taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.

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AROUND THE DISTRICT

2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER VISITS D.C.

It was a pleasure seeing Andrew Putman, the 2023 Congressional App Challenge winner for Florida's First District, when he and his family stopped by my office in Washington, D.C., on Thursday before their Capitol tour. Andrew received first place in last year's app challenge after creating Assets4Kids. 

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition held every year where members of Congress encourage students in their respective districts to create programs and applications using any coding language. Middle and high school students have the option of competing in teams or as individuals, and the winners from each district present their finished work product in Washington, D.C. the following year at an annual showcase. The challenge exists to encourage students interested in coding to pursue careers in cybersecurity, computer science, and other closely related fields.

TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS THE PENSACOLA CHAPTER NAVY LEAGUE'S RECOGNITION BREAKFAST

On Thursday, my Director of Military Affairs attended the Pensacola Chapter Navy League's Enlisted Recognition Breakfast and recognized 29 exceptional leaders from right here in Northwest Florida. Well done Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Guardsmen, and Airmen on your accomplishment!

TEAM GAETZ RECOGNIZES RETIREMENT OF COMMANDER DEAN SCHOENROCK

Last Friday, my Director of Military Affairs was able to witness the retirement ceremony of Commander Dean Schoenrock from the Navy after 35 years of service. His most recent duty was as Director of Enlisted Aircrew Training at Naval Aviation Schools Command here in Pensacola.  

Thank you to Commander Schoenrock for the invitation and to him and his family for their service and sacrifice over the past three decades. Fair winds, Commander!  

TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS VETERANS BENEFITS FAIR

This past Saturday, my team attended the Veterans Benefits Enrollment and Benefits Fair at the Pensacola VA clinic. This was a great event put on by the VA and a chance for veterans to get instant VA services from the staff. It was a packed house with numerous veteran oriented organizations present to provide resources for the attendees. My office thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak with veterans on everything from legislative concerns, education on our district office resources, and gathering their information for us to assist them in their VA process. 

At this event alone, the Gulf Coast VA processed 426 claims, performed 155 toxic exposure screenings, enrolled 112 new veterans, and gave 55 vaccines. We appreciate the hard work of our local VA staff and the relationship we have developed to work together on improving the lives of our veteran population.

TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW HOMES FOR TROOPS

Last Saturday, my father, Don Gaetz, and Director of Military Affairs were able to attend the key ceremony of a beautiful new home in Escambia County. 

This beautiful home was custom built and paid for by Homes for our Troops and was presented to Specialist Tyler Smith, who suffered injuries while deployed to Afghanistan. He could not be a more deserving recipient. Originally from Georgia, Tyler has chosen to make Northwest Florida his new home. Thank you for your sacrifice, Tyler, and welcome home!

SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

I understand the immense value that our senior citizens bring through their vast life experiences, which can significantly benefit any organization. With great excitement, I'm announcing an opportunity for a Summer Senior Congressional Internship! 

Every 12 weeks, my office in Crestview selects a new senior intern. This program isn't just about learning the inner workings of a congressional office; it's an active participation role. As a senior intern, you'll be working alongside my team, helping with a range of tasks, such as handling constituent requests, drafting correspondence, and supporting the everyday operations in our district office. You'll also play a crucial role in district-specific projects, special events, and community outreach initiatives.

To be eligible, applicants need to be 55 years or older, reside within our district, and be prepared to dedicate up to 20 hours a week to the internship, from May through September. Senior interns will receive a small stipend for their service.

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

REP. GAETZ TO HOST 2024 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

I am pleased to announce I will be holding the 2024 Congressional Art Competition this spring! All Northwest Florida high school students with an interest in art are encouraged to participate in this unique competition where the winner will have their art displayed in the United States Capitol. The deadline to submit pieces of art is today, April 12th, 2024.

Next week on Saturday, April 27th, I will be holding the Congressional Art Competition commencement, where I will announce the winners at the Artel Gallery: 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL. This will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Please contact my District Office at 850.479.1183 if you have any questions about this event or if you have an additional submission past the stated deadline. We look forward to seeing all of the artwork that students have worked so hard on!

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

The Blaze — April 10, 2024

New Blaze Media doc exposes shady stock-trading from 'filthy rich' Democrats and Republicans in Congress

“During his time in D.C., Poulos chatted with some of the good guys in the fight, including Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Chip Roy of Texas, and learned that the issue is both bipartisan and bicameral, meaning it has infiltrated the U.S. House and Senate. Rep. Gaetz even takes Poulos on a tour of Capitol Hill, walking past or visiting the offices of some of the worst stock-trading offenders, including Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), currently under federal indictment for bribery, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), whose net worth has skyrocketed in the last 15 years or so from $21 million in 2008 to a current net worth somewhere between $300 and $350 million, the documentary claimed.”

Washington Examiner — April 10, 2024

Bipartisan interest in pushing Ukraine to trade land for peace

“Smith’s remarks were prompted by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who flatly asserted that ‘we’re never repatriating Crimea back to Ukraine’ because it’s ‘an unachievable goal.’ Smith, who expressed some surprise to be in the position of agreeing with Gaetz — a right-wing lawmaker known for his provocative tactics in aligning with Trump — warned that the Biden administration’s hesitance to adopt that view in public could lead to ‘abandoning Ukraine because we’re defending something that is virtually theoretical, basically.’” 

Tampa Free Press — April 11, 2024

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Demands Answers From Clemson After Attempt To Boot College Republicans

“Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01) said on his podcast, ‘Firebrand,’ that he is writing Clemson University President James Clements a ‘scathing letter’ about a recently circulated video showing university officers and administrators intimidating Clemson College Republicans, particularly Chairman Trevor Tiedeman, from participating in constitutionally protected activities on campus.”

WHAT WE'RE READING

Politico — April 09, 2024

Florida woman is sentenced to month in jail for selling Biden's daughter's diary

Axios — April 12, 2024

DNC covered Biden legal bills in special counsel probe

Daily Caller — April 12, 2024

More universities are finding key loophole to skirt State diversity, equity, and inclusion bans