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Dear Neighbor:
Last week was busy in Washington, DC. With rising global tension and increased aggression against America and our allies from hostile nations, it is important to take project strength and stand strong against those who wish to do us harm. Also, I really appreciated those who participated in my monthly tele-townhall last week. Your input helps to make me a better Member of Congress and guide my work in Washington. Continue reading to learn about my efforts on your behalf on these and other important issues.
Making Washington Work for You
Securing the Border: The biggest national security issue we have facing our country is President Biden’s refusal to enforce the rule of law and secure our border. The result has been a historic surge –an estimated 9 million illegal aliens entering the country since President Biden took office. The Biden Administration has willfully refused to comply with the laws requiring detention and removal of inadmissible aliens who have illegally entered the country. His massive catch-and-release scheme has endangered Americans and made our country less safe. Under his watch, removals have plummeted and encounters have exploded.
Americans deserve accountability for the malfeasance of the Biden Administration that is allowing this costly invasion. My colleagues and I impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, for failing to enforce the rule of law, lying to Congress and knowingly endangering Americans by creating a lawless environment at the border. Unfortunately, last week – the Senate refused to even hold a trial to investigate the allegations and facts brought forth by the House. This is a miscarriage of justice and the American people deserve better. I will keep fighting for accountability.
This weekend, I voted on another bill that is designed to force the President to do the right thing and secure the border. The End the Border Catastrophe Act would crack down on the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs at the southern border by forcing Biden to:
- Restart construction of the border wall,
- End catch and release,
- Reimplement Remain in Mexico
- Deploy technology to the border,
- Increase the number of Border Patrol agents,
- Require transparency regarding illegal crossings, streamline the asylum process,
- Strengthen protections for unaccompanied children to prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking, and
- Increase penalties for overstaying a visa
Securing Peace through Strength: In recent, weeks we have all witnessed how President Biden’s weak foreign policy is making the world less safe and increasing aggression against America and our allies. This weekend, we passed a $26 billion aid package for Israel as it defends itself against Iran and terrorist regimes. We will also passed a $8 billion Indo-Pacific Aid package that will help our allies continue to counter Chinese aggression in the region. Also, we took action by passing the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act. It will bolster national security by implementing strong sanctions and policies to counter Iranian, Chinese and Russian aggression. In addition to these appropriations bills, we passed several measures in support of our allies and to punish the hostile Iranian regime.
Demanding Accountability: This weekend, I also voted against a $60.9 billion Ukraine aid package. While this legislation converted all US financial assistance to Ukraine’s government into a loan, I still had significant concerns with the package. I do not believe there has been sufficient accountability for the billions in taxpayer funds that have already been sent to Ukraine and I do not believe we should be sending more money to Ukraine when we have pressing issues to attend to here at home. We must return to an America-First agenda.
Fighting for our Heroes: In my role as Advisor to the Speaker on Veteran issues, I had the chance to sit down with Speaker Johnson to discuss issues that are impacting Veterans throughout our country. I look forward to working with him to tackle these problems. Click here to learn more about the suggestions I presented.
To address one of the concerns we discussed, my colleagues and I filed a bill that would ensure that the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals provides Veterans and their families with legally accurate and fair decisions on their claims for VA benefits in a timely manner. We must address the glaring performance problems routinely made when the VA Board of Veterans Appeals reviews Veterans’ benefit claims. These errors unnecessarily delay our nation’s heroes from accessing the benefits they deserve and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill is an important part of the solution, as it will strengthen quality assurance metrics and provide much needed accountability.
Restoring Fiscal Sanity: Average monthly payments on a new home soared to $3,322 in the third quarter of 2023, marking a staggering 90% increase since before Biden took office when it hovered around $1,746. These increases are making it difficult for many of our neighbors to make ends meet. I’ll continue working to restore fiscal sanity and provide the relief Americans deserve.
Strengthening Critical Infrastructure: In last week’s Health Subcommittee, we examined cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the wake of the Change Healthcare attack. It is vital that we strengthen critical healthcare infrastructure to protect patients. Click here to listen to my comments during the hearing.
Investing in our Future: As Co-Chairman of the Community College Caucus, I was proud to be joined by Pasco Hernando State College President, Jesse Pisors. We are working to enhance opportunities for workforce education throughout the country.
Protecting Your Privacy While Keeping Kids Safe: In last week’s Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, we examined legislative proposals to protect kids online and ensure Americans’ Data Privacy rights. Click here to learn more.
We also passed the 4th Amendment is Not for Sale Act out of the House last week. It closes an existing data broker loophole that allows intelligence agencies and law enforcement to circumvent the current requirement to get a search warrant to access Americans’ personal information. While there are concerns from local law enforcement who suggest that this bill could hamper their ability to investigate crime, our rights should not have a price tag. Law enforcement and intelligence officials should be required to obtain a warrant before purchasing the data of U.S. citizens. This bi-partisan legislation will solidify that fundamental component of our justice system.
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.
A special thanks to everyone who came out for last week’s Military Academy Information Session hosted by my team. There were so many great questions from bright kids who are eager to receive a world class education in preparation for serving our great nation!
My team also enjoyed learning about the East Pasco Meals on Wheels Program in Dade City last week.
Additionally, my team always appreciates the chance to speak with local small business owners at each month's East Pasco Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message after helping this constituent recover more than $30,000 that the IRS owed him.
I want to express my thanks to you and the Congressman’s office for their support on this matter. It has taken over two years to reach a resolution and your team of advocates has made it happen. Your efforts and communication are excellent, and it leaves me with a positive outlook on what our elected officials continue to do in a daily basis to assist local citizens like me and the community as a whole.
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! |
