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Dear Neighbor,
I returned to Washington last week enthused about the resounding mandate that the voters across the country gave to President Trump and a Republican-controlled House and Senate. It is clear that the majority of Americans are tired of the status quo and of policies that don’t work for them. As we work to usher in a new-era of government, I will keep the concerns and issues that you've shared with me over the past few months at the forefront of my efforts. Please continue reading for a brief recap of my efforts on your behalf last week.
Making Washington Work for You
Restoring an America- First Agenda: I appreciated President-Elect Trump stopping by last week to discuss his vision for restoring an America First agenda. Rest assured, we will be ready to go on Day 1.
Americans are ready to return to a nation that’s secure, an economy that’s strong, a future that is free and a government that’s accountable. I’m working hard to get us back on that path! And, I believe that the new Cabinet members announced by President Trump last week will be excellent partners in this goal.
One of the most critical issues we will tackle is addressing the Biden Border Crisis. With President Biden at the helm, more than 10 million migrants illegally entered our country, jeopardizing our national security. It is time to return to an America First agenda by enforcing our existing immigration laws and removing violent criminals from our communities. I have no doubt that Border Czar Tom Homan and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be up for this important task!
Another important issue is restoring domestic energy independence. The Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources Act passed the House with my support. It will unleash geothermal energy and streamline its production by cutting permitting red-tape. I won’t stop fighting to unleash American energy, lower costs for families, and restore U.S. energy independence.
Supporting Families: Last week, the FAFSA Deadline Act, passed the House with my support. It will help improve the planning process for students, parents and schools by requiring the US Department of Education to release the FAFSA financial aid form by October 1st of the year prior to the student’s anticipated year of enrollment each year. Delays in releasing the form in recent years have caused substantial hardship to many families who were waiting to see how much financial aid may be available to their students.
Ensuring Access to Quality Healthcare: I had the opportunity to meet with the CEOs of our local Federally Qualified Community Health Centers in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties last week. They provide quality primary care, behavioral health and dental services to insured, under-insured and uninsured patients in our community. We must continue to ensure they have the resources needed to provide this critical care.
Learning from You Here at Home:
Recognizing our Heroes: My team and I were honored to participate in Veterans Day events throughout Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. It is great to celebrate our nation's heroes.
As always, I was inspired by the stories I heard at this year's Tunnel to Towers 5K run in Brooksville. It is wonderful to see so many first responders, families and neighbors showing up to support such a fantastic cause.
Supporting Children: I was also proud to attend this year's Paint the Night Blue. This special event raises awareness and support for Pasco Kids First, an organization that provides trauma informed counseling and other services to children in our community who have been abused and neglected.
Additionally, I held my annual Military Service Academy Selection interviews. Some of the brightest and most conscientious students in our community were interviewed by a panel of former military officers. Below is a snapshot of a few of them as they were waiting for their interviews. These impressive students have a strong desire to serve our country and to attend the most prestigious institutions in the nation. A special thank you to our military academy committee for taking the time to evaluate these candidates. I know they have a difficult task ahead of them as this was a truly remarkable group of students. I look forward to learning which candidates they have selected to move forward in the process.
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 attended the ten year anniversary of Citrus Hospital in Inverness to thank these local healthcare heroes for their work to keep patients healthy.
My team also participated in the November meeting of Brooksville Matters, a group of local leaders working together to tackle the issues facing residents of the community.
Additionally, my team provided information about the services our Congressional office can provide during the Pasco County Schools annual Community Transition Night designed to help students with special needs successfully transition to life beyond high school.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping a constituent with his IRS case.
I don't ask for help often, but every time I have reached out to your office, your staff has always gone above and beyond to help me directly or get me to the right place. That is VERY hard to find these days and I feel very fortunate to be in your district!
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! |
