Hello, Friends —

Unfortunately, after repeatedly saying no more money would go to Ukraine without first securing our own southern border, Speaker Johnson caved this week to the demands of the uni-party. Relying on Democrats, the Speaker passed a rule for consideration of nearly $100 billion of additional aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan without offsets or H.R. 2, the border-security bill passed by the House last year, attached. While I do not support any more money for the mission-less war in Ukraine, I do support our ally Israel’s right to defend itself, but the funding should have included an offset from elsewhere in our bloated federal budget, such as from money we send to the United Nations. For this reason, I, along with 54 other conservatives, voted against the rule.

H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, would add $61 billion dollars to the more than $110 billion we have already provided to Ukraine. As if the fiscal impacts of tens of billions of dollars of deficit spending were not enough, the Biden administration has yet to provide Congress with a clear strategy and mission for this proxy war. Sending this huge sum of money to Ukraine threatens to escalate and drag this deadly conflict on at time when we should be trying to facilitate a peace agreement. Just as I have done with every other aid bill for Ukraine, I voted vote “no” on this misguided legislation, which passed 311-112. 

It is utterly unacceptable for Congress to fund the security of Ukraine’s border while refusing to secure our own border. By passing this foreign-aid package, the House surrendered a its leverage to force Senate Democrats to pass H.R. 2, which would go a long way toward securing our southern border. Congress is shamelessly rejecting its responsibility to end the Biden border crisis, instead choosing to fund an endless war over a border more than 5,000 miles away.

REP. GAETZ DEMANDS HELP FOR U.S. FORCES STRANDED IN NIGER

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On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor to announce a bombshell report titled, “Unwelcome in Niger: An Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on the American Troop Crisis in Niger,” which detailed how the 1,100 U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Niger are functionally stranded by a Biden administration that cares more about saving face than saving their lives. 

My office conducted the investigation after a senior enlisted officer stationed at Air Base 101 in Niger exposed the cover-up! He sounded the alarm over the imminent danger our troops are facing because of the Biden administration’s suppression of intelligence. The investigative report revealed that since the U.S.-trained Nigerien coup leaders took control of the country in mid-2023, there has been a cessation of diplomatic overflights. This has left the Department of Defense unable to execute planned troop rotations and deliver critical supplies. Additionally, American contractors and allies have been prohibited from entering the country or renewing visas when they lapse, calling into question the maintenance of the U.S. bases.

In a House Armed Services Committee hearing, I questioned Army General George and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth about the dire state of affairs of these American troops in Niger. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they pled ignorance to the fact that 1,100 U.S. service members are currently sitting on a powder keg. Clearly, they were carrying the water for the Biden administration’s attempt to avoid embarrassment for investing millions of dollars in a country where U.S. troops are no longer welcome. As I become increasingly worried this situation could turn into a catastrophic diplomatic collapse rivaling the tragedy in Benghazi 12 years ago, I refuse to ignore the cries of our men and women in uniform.

My investigative report can be found here. 

Additionally, to watch my questioning of Army General George and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, click here. 

REP. GAETZ RIPS REPUBLICANS VOTING FOR FISA REAUTHORIZATION ON THE CHARLIE KIRK SHOW

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I appeared on “The Charlie Kirk Show” on Real America’s Voice on Monday to discuss my deep disappointment with 86 House Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, who voted with Democrats against the Fourth Amendment last week.

Contrary to what House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner might tell you, there is nothing I have seen to suggest we would put Americans in danger by administering a warrant requirement on FISA. At the end of the day, we fell one vote short of being able to make this requirement a reality.

The governing uni-party is against civil liberties, for wars, and doesn’t care one iota about spending or the border. I will continue to side with the rights of the people and demand that FISA not be reauthorized with such lawless disregard for the Constitution.

REP. GAETZ EXPOSES DISINGENOUS LEGISLATION

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During a House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Tuesday, I exposed a trick frequently used in Washington where members of Congress deliberately name a bill the exact opposite of what it actually does, like the irresponsible “Fiscal Responsibility Act.” 

The bill we were debating, the “Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act,” actually limits public access to codes! Instead of increasing public access to the law, the bill would limit it by requiring you to pay to comply with it. You should never have to rent the law; you should be able to access it for free all the time! 

U.S. AIR FORCE SECRETARY ADMITS THAT LOCKHEED MARTIN BUILDS PLANES THAT CAN’T FLY

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On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to question U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget requests from the Air Force. Secretary Kendall admitted that only 29% of all F-35s built by Lockheed Martin are operationally capable!

It doesn’t take a genius to see that this is a completely unacceptable number. The Pentagon has given too much power to the defense contractors that are milking the American taxpayers. It’s not going to get better unless we demand accountability, and that is exactly what I plan to do.

WE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON PUTTING AMERICA FIRST!

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During a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, I spoke with several Department of Defense officials regarding the disparity in funding between our own nation’s Marine Corps and the money we have been hemorrhaging to Ukraine. In fact, the House’s most recent Ukraine supplemental funding bill totals $61 BILLION. According to Lt. Gen. James Glynn, that’s more than the annual cost of the U.S. Marine Corps. This is completely unacceptable and we should be focusing on putting America First.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

REP. GAETZ TO HOST 2024 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

I am pleased to announce I will be holding the 2024 Congressional Art Competition next week on Saturday, April 27th, at the Artel Gallery: 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL, where I will announce the winners. This will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Every year, the winner of the art competition has their art displayed in the United States Capitol. This year, we had 179 Northwest Florida high school students participate, the most we have ever had!

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 April 12th deadline. I look forward to seeing all of the artwork that students have worked so hard on!

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].

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Fox Carolina — April 13, 2024

Clemson releases statement after students raise concerns over freedom of speech

“After the organization posted the video, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced that he was sending a letter to Clemson University President James Clements asking a series of questions about the situation.”

DailyMail — April 15, 2024

How Matt Gaetz helped solve GOP’s impasse on controversial FBI spy tool with ‘magic elixir’ that empowers future Trump reforms

“Congressman Matt Gaetz believes he found the right formula for Republicans as they face a contentious session of Congress ahead of the 2024 election.”

Breitbart News — April 18, 2024

Nightmare in Niger - Exclusive: Biden Administration leaves hundreds of U.S. troops ‘hostage’ in Niger

“More than 1,000 U.S. troops are effectively being held ‘hostage’ in Niger with medical supplies running low — stuck between the military junta-controlled government’s demands for them to leave and the Biden administration’s refusal to let them go home after the end of their deployments, according to a report prepared by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).”

Daily Caller — April 18, 2024

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Gaetz files amendment for Ukraine loan repayment to fund border wall construction

“‘My amendment to the $60.8 billion dollar, America Last Ukraine aid package should be a no-brainer. If Ukraine pays back any part of the money we are gifting them in this bill, that money should be spent on our nation’s largest domestic problem: the construction of a border wall with Mexico,’ Gaetz told the Caller before introducing the amendment.”

WHAT WE’RE READING

New York Post — April 16, 2024

China fueling US fentanyl crisis by subsidizing key chemicals, enriching companies tied to drug trafficking: scathing House report

Associated Press — April 17, 2024

Solomon Islanders cast votes in an election that will shape relations with China

Peter Navaro’s Taking Back Trump’s America — April 17, 2024

Fighting on all Fronts