Hello, Friends —
Following the Pentagon’s announcement last week that it will withdraw U.S. troops from Niger, I sent a letter to House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Mike Rogers calling for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify before the committee for an investigative hearing on how the Department of State (DoS) and Department of Defense’s (DoD) failed foreign policy decisions have jeopardized the safety and security of U.S. service members in Africa.
In 2018, DoD and DoS developed the Stabilization Assistance Review (SAR) program to solidify a framework for how DoS and DoD would work together to advance stabilization efforts abroad. Under Secretary Blinken, the SAR structure has been jeopardized, as the interagency foreign policy decisions relating to Africa and around the world have put service members in danger. The deteriorating conditions in Niger following the mid-2023 coup led by U.S.-trained Nigerien soldiers were highlighted in the investigative report my office released last week. As a result of the explosive whistleblower report exposing the risk U.S. troops face in Niger due to the Biden administration’s coverup of intelligence in the region, the administration announced the withdrawal of 1,100 troops from the country.
The American people and our brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces deserve answers as to the administration’s failing Africa policy and its plan to reverse course in the region.
To read my letter to Chairman Rogers, click here.
REP. GAETZ APPLAUDS FTC DECISION TO PROHIBIT NON-COMPETES
On Tuesday, the United States Federal Trade Commission, under the leadership of Chairwoman Lina Khan, issued a final rule prohibiting most non-compete clauses nationwide. I applaud this move by the FTC as a vindication of economic freedom and free enterprise.
Under Sections 5 and 6 of the FTC Act of 1914, the FTC is empowered to regulate to prohibit “unfair methods of competition…and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.”
This law, in effect for over a century, reflects that our Constitution contemplates limiting all power concentrations in the country, whether public or private. As housing costs continue to go up, and wages continue to remain stagnant under President Biden, the last thing we need are corporations limiting the ability of free Americans to engage in side hustles or change jobs.
The FTC’s rule is a win for American workers and consumers.
For more information, click here.
REP. GAETZ RESPONDS TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S TITLE IX CHANGES
Last week, the United States Department of Education announced its final Title IX regulations, which, among other things, now makes it a matter of federal law that schools allow biological men into women’s college sports, locker rooms, and bathrooms.
This rule is a wish list for the far left, including unlawfully expanding the scope of the rule off campus, lowering due process protections for students accused of misconduct, entrenching kangaroo courts, and delinking “sex discrimination” from biological sex. As the costs of education continue to go up, it’s telling that President Biden is more concerned with giveaways to a bloated and weaponized bureaucracy.
I’m proud to be supporting efforts in the House to block this rule under the Congressional Review Act.
For more information, click here.
SPEAKER JOHNSON: TO VACATE OR NOT VACATE?
Click Here to Watch!
I joined “America First with Sebastian Gorka” on the Salem News Channel last Friday to discuss Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate against Speaker Mike Johnson.
I am not going to defend Speaker Johnson’s choices or his actions. However, when I filed the motion to vacate former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, we had a four-seat majority. I worry now that if a motion to vacate is successful, one or two or three of my Republican colleagues would be susceptible to a bribe and will hand the House over to Democrats by electing one of them as Speaker.
FIREBRAND EP. 165: AMERICA LAST FOREIGN AID (FEAT. REPS. OGLES & LUNA)
Click Here to Watch!
On last Friday’s episode of Firebrand, I was joined by Rep. Andy Ogles and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna at Rumble’s Washington, D.C. studio to discuss the most recent $98 billion dollar foreign aid bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan that passed the House.
I have serious concerns about deficit spending when sending money to any country. While I have consistently opposed more money for Ukraine, I do support the right of our ally Israel to defend itself, but Congress should have offset the aid by cutting funding to the United Nations.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
REP. GAETZ ATTENDS RIBBON CUTTING AT HURLBURT FIELD AIR PARK
Ginger and I were honored to attend the grand re-opening of the Hurlburt Field Air Park earlier this week. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the park, where an incredible and expansive collection of military weapon systems from an Air Commando lineage are now showcased and available to the public.
I welcome all Northwest Floridians and visitors alike to stop by and learn about the incredible heritage of Air Force Special Operations Command and its predecessors!
TOMORROW: REP. GAETZ TO HOST 2024 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
I am pleased to announce I will be holding the 2024 Congressional Art Competition tomorrow, Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT. at the Artel Gallery: 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL. I will be there to announce the winners at 10:30 a.m. CT.
Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. High school students from across Florida’s First Congressional District submit their artwork for the competition, and a panel of local art professionals judges the pieces. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will also include artwork from participating districts across the country.
Please contact my District Office at 850.479.1183 if you have any questions about this event. I look forward to seeing all of the artwork that students have worked so hard on!
To RSVP for the event, click here.
FLORIDA GOV. DESANTIS SIGNS WATERWAY AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION BILLS INTO LAW
On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed H.B. 1565, the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative, into law. This legislation directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and MOTE Marine Laboratory to further their efforts in combatting the environmental impacts of red tide algae blooms throughout Florida waterways. This bill comes alongside S.B. 1638, which was signed by the Governor several weeks ago, and will allocate $100 million from Seminole Gaming Compact revenue to the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
I am tremendously thankful for Governor DeSantis and the Florida State Legislature continuing to prioritize the protection of our God-given natural resources and wildlife throughout the State of Florida.
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
Christian Post — April 24, 2024
US set to withdraw from Niger as report reveals American troops ‘stranded’ amid military coup
“This development comes after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., released a report last week titled ‘Unwelcome in Niger’ that details what he describes as an ‘American troop crisis’ in the African country. The congressman compiled the document after his staff conducted interviews of ‘active duty U.S. troops’ stationed there.”
Fox News — April 25, 2024
Gaetz urges House investigative hearing on ‘failed foreign policy’ that ‘endangered’ US troops
“‘With a military junta in charge – who detests our presence and considers us unserious and predatory – the situation seems to be setting the groundwork for catastrophic diplomatic collapse like we saw during the 2012 Benghazi attack,’ the report said. ‘Additionally, these troops are already running short on necessary, life-saving supplies, such as blood and medications.’”
Tampa Free Press — April 25, 2024
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Signals That House Republicans Will Fight Biden Rule Title IX
“Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida said Wednesday that he would join an effort by House Republicans to block the Biden administration’s new rule that allows men into women’s sports, restrooms, and locker rooms.”
The National Pulse — April 26, 2024
EXC: Gaetz Uncovers How YOUR Cash is Funding Biden Regime Disinfo.
“‘The VOA has a clear ‘Journalistic Code,’ a public statement of its alleged principles, which were clearly violated in this case, and I ask you to take down this demonstrably false ‘fact check’ by Polygraph.info,’ Rep. Gaetz wrote to Lippman. He continued: ‘In fact, the sources you do cite in the piece, contrary to your Journalistic Code, clearly do not have firsthand knowledge of the facts on the ground, and worse, you don’t report any disagreement here.’”
WHAT WE’RE READING
New York Post — April 22, 2024
Papua New Guinea PM says nation ‘does not deserve’ to be called ‘cannibals’ after Biden says uncle eaten in WWII
Politico — April 24, 2024
The US secretly sent long-range ATACMS to Ukraine — and Kyiv used them
The Intercept — April 25, 2024
U.S.-Trained Burkina Faso Military Executed 220 Civilians
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