Hello, Friends —
As many of you are aware, Hurricane Helene has recently ravaged the eastern coast of the United States, leaving behind a path of destruction and many in desperate need of assistance. While I am incredibly thankful a majority of this hurricane missed Northwest Florida, my thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all of those who became victims of this storm. These struggling communities are in desperate need of help, yet the Biden-Harris administration has failed to provide them with the necessary support to even survive.
My office has been in contact with numerous whistleblowers who have stated FEMA has severe mismanagement issues, which have left federal, state, and local responders on the ground to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts without deployment orders. This comes after DHS redirected $1.4 billion of taxpayer dollars on illegal aliens due to Border Czar Kamala Harris’ open-border policies. Now, DHS Secretary Mayorkas told reporters that FEMA “does not have enough funds to make it through the [hurricane] season.”
In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s botched Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, I sent a letter today to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding answers by October 11th as to whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) misappropriated taxpayer funds in the Disaster Relief Fund to be used on non-disaster-relief programs for illegal aliens.
To read my press release, click here.
REP. GAETZ APPEARS ON COVERAGE OF VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to appear on NEWSMAX as part of their coverage of the vice-presidential debate between Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Lucky for Republicans, Kamala Harris didn’t choose the popular governor of Pennsylvania or the Arizona astronaut as her running mate. Instead, she went with the George Floyd Riot Guy! It showcases that she is doubling down on who she really is: a radical leftist! It's hard for Tim Walz to "turn the page" on Kamala's policy record when it's their own book. Make no mistake, Harris-Walz is no different than the Biden-Harris administration.
To watch me speak on NEWMAX’S Rob Schmitt Tonight as part of the pre-debate coverage, click here. Additionally, to watch me speak on JD Vance’s performance in the aftermath of the debate, click here.
REP. GAETZ LEADS COALITION IN INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO END TAXPAYER FUNDING OF U.S. BORDER INVASION
Earlier this week, in response to the unprecedented number of illegal aliens entering the United States under the Biden-Harris administration, I introduced the Blocking Assistance and Resources to Restrict Illegal Entry and Residency (BARRIER) Act.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits serve as the foot soldiers for the Biden-Harris administration’s mass-migration policies by helping illegal aliens cross the border and illegally stay here for years afterwards. My legislation would strip these organizations of their federal funding, which can be used to assist those who break federal law. The federal government should not be financing the destruction of its own country.
The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Mary Miller (IL-15), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Randy Weber (TX-14), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Andy Ogles (TN-05), and Andy Biggs (AZ-05).
To read my press release, click here.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR FORT WALTON BEACH WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING FACILITY
This week, my District Director and other officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new $30 million Waste Management Recycling Facility in Fort Walton Beach, which will handle recycling from Biloxi, Mississippi, to Tallahassee.
We have been without a recycling plant for far too long in this part of the district, and I am excited to finally see this facility become operational. Alongside the new jobs this will bring to the area, having already established 20 new positions, this will make the area more sustainable while also protecting our environment. It is a true win for our whole area.
Public-private partnerships like this continue to make our area one of the most desirable in the nation. The next time you set out your recycling cans, you can be assured that their contents will truly be recycled.
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS RIBBON-CUTTING FOR NEW VETERANS’ OPTICAL CENTER
My Director of Military Affairs had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting for a new optical shop located at the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola earlier this week. The shop will offer a wide selection of frames, lenses, and optical accessories to the veterans of Pensacola and is part of the VA’s ongoing commitment to providing veterans with high-quality, accessible healthcare services.
Veterans interested in optical services can schedule an appointment through their primary care physician or visit the clinic during normal business hours.
REP. GAETZ RETURNS NEARLY $25 MILLION TO NORTHWEST FLORIDIANS
The wins keep adding up! As of this month, my office has returned nearly $25 MILLION to Northwest Floridians in this year alone. We have additionally resolved nearly 1,800 cases with issues involving federal agencies, such as the IRS, VA, USCIS, passports, and SBA.
If you are in need of any assistance with a federal agency, feel free to reach out to my district office at (850) 479-1183. I look forward to continuing this work and doing whatever I can to assist the great people of Northwest Florida.
UPCOMING SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS
One of the most important duties I have as your Congressman is to nominate students to various United States service academies. These include the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The students nominated represent the very best of our district and the entire country. This year, I will nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. To request a military academy nomination from our office, please click here to complete the form. Submissions have been extended and are now due by Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 at 3pm CT.
I wish you the best as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. service academies and serving our country. Please direct any further questions about the application process to my Director of Military Affairs, Austin Bury at [email protected].
For more information and frequently asked questions about academy nominations, click here.
THE CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE
The Congressional App Challenge is a public effort to encourage kids to learn how to code. Students compete to code original applications for the chance to be selected for recognition, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Official registration for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge is now open! Students can register for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and start coding their apps for 2024 using the link below. The competition deadline is October 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. CT.
- Students must be in middle or high school by the time the competition ends on October 24, 2024
- Students can participate in teams of up to four (and can submit multiple apps with a different “team lead”)
- Apps can be coded on any platform, in any language, on any theme
- Any apps created from November 1, 2023, to October 24, 2024, can be submitted
If you have any questions, please reach out to my district office at (850) 479-1183.
Click here to register for the Congressional App Challenge! Additionally, click here to see the 2023 winners.
STATE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL SYSTEM
The Department of State’s Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system is now available to the American public 24/7! Millions of Americans can now renew their passports online at their convenience and from the comfort of their own homes. OPR is a secure and paperless process that makes it easier for Americans to renew their passports by eliminating the need to print a paper application, use a check, and physically mail their application.
The OPR system is available at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
The Floridian — October 01, 2024
Gaetz Denounces DEI, Politicization in Secret Service
“Two attempts on former President Donald Trump’s life have put the Secret Service under the microscope. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) discussed the organization’s laxity and supposed politicization on Okaloosa County radio show The B-Team, calling the issues within the Secret Service ‘sick.’ ‘President Trump was being denied requests for increased protection because the upper levels of the Secret Service didn’t want him to look authoritative or strong. For the sake of optics and their political bias, they could TEAR THIS COUNTRY APART by leaving him vulnerable to assassination!’ Rep. Gaetz tweeted to X (formerly Twitter) a clip of his call into the radio show.”
WEAR Pensacola — October 01, 2024
State reacts to Middle East conflict as Pensacola rabbi calls for peace
“Our congressional delegation is sending a warning to Iran. Representative Matt Gaetz, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, posted on X calling Iran’s attack ‘unjustifiable and unacceptable,’ saying ‘America stands with Israel on the battle between good versus evil.’”
Fox News — October 03, 2024
Gaetz to introduce bill cutting off federal aid to groups helping illegal immigrants enter US
“Nonprofit groups that assist illegal immigrants would be cut off from federal grant money under the terms of a bill introduced Thursday by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. ‘NGOs and non-profits serve as the foot soldiers for the Biden-Harris administration’s mass-migration policies by helping illegal aliens cross the border and stay here for years after illegally,’ Gaetz said in a statement previewed exclusively by Fox News Digital. ‘My legislation, the BARRIER Act, will strip these organizations of their federal funding, which can be used to assist those who break federal law.’”
DailyMail — October 04, 2024
FEMA whistleblower details ‘waste’ of taxpayer funds and staff waiting in hotels during Hurricane Helene
“‘My office has been in contact with whistleblowers in numerous emergency-management functions at the federal, state, and local levels, and they all point to the same critical mismanagement issues. FEMA has wasted taxpayer funds misappropriated funds, and left other federal, state, and local responders without deployment orders on the ground,’ Gaetz, a close ally of ex-President Donald Trump, wrote. With over 200 Americans dead and the agency strapped for cash, FEMA’s massive budget for illegal immigrants has come under scrutiny as a possible way to provide support to devastated U.S. citizens. Over the last two years, FEMA has handed out more than $1 billion taxpayer dollars to specifically support illegal migrants with housing.”
WHAT WE’RE READING
Reuters — October 01, 2024
Israel vows response to Iran missile attack as fears of conflict escalation rise
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