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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, we continued organizing our coalition of America First policymakers with plans to ensure we are ready to move full steam ahead on Day 1 of President Trump's Administration. Additionally, we are doing all we can to advance legislative priorities during the remaining days of this term. Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf.
Making Washington Work for You
Demanding Accountability: My colleagues and I are demanding answers and accountability for the hurricane victims ignored by FEMA because of their support for President Trump. This blatant political vendetta against Americans during a time of crisis is disgusting and unacceptable. Americans deserve answers and accountability.
Fighting for our Nation’s Heroes: I was honored to vote in support of the Elizabeth Dole Act which passed the House last week. I am optimistic that my Senate colleagues will expedite its passage!
I’m also proud to have fought for funding for Citrus County’s new VA Outpatient Clinic and am working closely with VA officials to ensure it has the services our Veterans need to get quality care near their home. Click here to learn more.
Advancing Research to Find Better Treatments: Last week, I attended President Biden’s bill signing of my Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes funding for critical research and awareness efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the causes, prevention, and development of better treatments for patients suffering with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). As a co-founder of the Congenital Heart Caucus, I’ve become familiar with the struggles that patients with congenital heart disease and their families face. This new law brings us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients suffering with this condition.
I also recently introduced legislation that will help spur drug development to treat rare diseases. Click here to learn more.
Helping our Neighbors Who Are Hurting: I am pushing my colleagues to pass an emergency supplemental package that fully funds the needs of hurricane victims, including replenishment of the SBA funds to help small businesses. Additionally, I’ve asked the SBA to grant a thirty-day extension to the deadline small businesses have to seek federal assistance.
Empowering Parents with Tools They Need to Protect their Children: As noted in this article, it is important that we press forward and provide online safeguards for children and empower parents with the tools they need to keep their kids safe. We can’t afford to wait any longer, the time is now to hold Big Tech accountable!
Restoring American Energy Independence: Unleashing American energy means increasing production of diverse energy sources to reduce risks of disruptions, support our energy security, and lower energy costs for American consumers. Last week, the House passed the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act, with my support. Currently, the Interior Department only holds geothermal lease sales once every two years, slowing utilization of our resources, domestic production, and energy diversification. This failed policy leaves us dependent on foreign adversaries to meet our energy needs. This bill promotes the expansion and production of geothermal energy, rather than slowing it down with infrequent lease sales and onerous redtape.
Stopping Support for Terrorism and Penalties for Victims of Terror: The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act prevents the IRS from charging late fees and penalties on American citizens wrongfully detained abroad and revokes the tax-exempt status of US non-profit organizations who have been found to provide financial or material support to designated terrorist groups, like Hamas. It passed with my support.
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 shared information about SBA resources to a group of small business owners in Citrus County.
My team also attended the Premier Community Health Center's Runway for Hope Fashion Show. This annual event raised awareness of the wonderful healthcare services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) throughout the country. FQHCs offer primary care, behavioral health and dental services to the insured, underinsured and uninsured. Premier is the FQHC for Pasco and Hernando counties.
Additionally, my team learned a great deal by attending NAMI Hernando's recent mental health summit. This is such an important unmet need in our community, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to address the concern.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping a constituent with her husband's VA claim.
Today my husband received a call from the Veterans Administration stating he qualified for benefits. Our sincere appreciation to you. Since our last contact my husband has been in the hospital and now diagnosed with Lumphocytic lymphoma small cell on top of the Parkinson’s. We greatly appreciate your assistance to make a difference in a Vet's life.
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! |
