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Dear Neighbor,
I was quite busy during the second week of the August District Work Period. I held several meetings with individual constituents, held group forums and spoke with local groups in our community. I appreciate the input I’ve already received as it truly helps to make me a better Member of Congress. I look forward to learning more from you in the weeks to come. Continue reading for a brief recap of my efforts on your behalf.
Helping Patients: We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of disease and holds the promise for the development of more effective treatments and potential cures. Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, which my colleague and I just filed, we are investing in research that will hopefully help us better understand the underlying factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic about how the implications can help us improve health outcomes for millions of Americans who are suffering with these horrific ailments. Click here to learn more about our bill.
Securing our Border: With nearly 10 million illegal aliens entering our country under the failed open border policies of the Biden-Harris Administration, it is important that we remember how we got here. Vice-President Harris has a long history of opposing efforts to secure our border. In 2018, then-Senator Kamala Harris urged fellow Senators to reject calls for additional Border Patrol Agents. "We urge the Committee additionally to reject President Trump’s proposal for funding to hire new Border Patrol personnel at this time."
This irresponsible approach to the border has created the catastrophe we currently face. We need to do the right thing and secure our border!
Learning from You Here at Home
I enjoyed speaking at the Purple Heart Breakfast in Citrus County. These brave heroes have sacrificed so much and it is my privilege to fight for them.
Local family farmers are struggling with over-regulation, limited access to large animal veterinarians, complex and burdensome requirements to receive federal assistance, and growing pressure to sell their farmland. We held a meaningful discussion about these and other issues that are vital to the future of farming and I enjoyed hearing their input on things they would like to see addressed in the Federal Farm Bill. I appreciate their efforts to keep Florida fed, and I'll continue to advocate for them.
I also recently had the privilege of touring St. Joseph’s Hospital-North with my colleague, Brett Guthrie, who serves as Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. In addition to having 210 beds and treating more than 40k patients in its ER annually, St. Joseph’s North has a state-of-the-art integrated Psychiatry and Medical Services program in which acute mental health services are provided to patients with advanced medical and psychiatric comorbidities. This first of its kind program is changing the way psychiatric care is delivered with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
I also appreciated being recognized by the Florida Silver Haired Legislature and the Coalition for Medicare Choices for my work to protect seniors! I'll never stop fighting for Florida's seniors.
I was pleased to provide a legislative update to the Holiday Rotary Club in Pasco County. Rotarians do a wonderful job identifying unmet needs in our community and are so giving of their time and treasure to help others.
Congratulations to Sunlake High School Cadet Captain Cameron Leischner for earning the Amelia Earhart Award in recognition of his community service, attainment of Civil Air Patrol's high standards of excellence and demonstrated leadership skills. Nationally, only 3% of the Civil Air Patrol's 22,000 Cadets earn this distinguished honor. It was great to meet with him and celebrate his success!
I enjoyed speaking with local Parkinson's patients, advocates and the parent of a rare disease patient about ways to raise awareness, accelerate research and support patients and caregivers. I'll continue working on these important issues.
Additionally, I heard from local religious leaders about the challenges facing many of those in their congregations who are having trouble making ends meet. We talked about the importance of restoring an America-First agenda in order to offer the relief all Americans deserve.
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 enjoyed volunteering at You Thrive's monthly food distribution event to feed those who are struggling in Hernando County.
My team also learned a great deal listening to Ruth Bowling's presentation at Sunrise Rotary in Dade City about the club's efforts to help children born with cleft palates.
Additionally, my team was eager to hear from our local Comptroller during this month's North Tampa Bay Chamber meeting about the rise of highly technical scams and the steps consumers can take to prevent themselves from becoming a victim.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping one of our constituents with a Social Security case.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of myself and my uncle for your invaluable assistance in expediting and getting his social security disability case approved. Your support has been instrumental in alleviating a significant burden for our family, and we are profoundly grateful for your intervention. I would also like to extend a special thank you to your district aide, Andrea, who responded to my email on the Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend with exceptional promptness and professionalism. Her immediate response and dedication to her work reflect the high standards of service that your office provides to its constituents. Thank you once again for your help and for all that you do for your constituents. Your efforts have made a tangible and positive impact on our lives.
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! |
