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Dear Neighbor,
We have so many blessings for which to be grateful. I am thankful for the health of my family and friends, but also for the privilege of continuing to serve each of you and our community. May you and your family enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! Please continue reading for an abbreviated, holiday edition of my weekly update.
Strengthening our National Security: Border security IS national security. This article outlines troubling and violent trends taking place around our country. Police say Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang well known for horrific violence, is operating in multiple states. After committing crimes on US streets, they re-assimilate into the migrant shelter system and have begun recruiting younger migrant children into their gang. I am sure many of you were also disturbed by the recent case of a two-year old crossing the border alone. Tragically, it is believed that many of the roughly 320,000 migrant kids in the US who have lost contact with the feds after their release have ended up in the clutches of gangs and sex or labor traffickers. We have a humanitarian and public safety crisis that can no longer be ignored. I look forward to working with President Trump to secure our borders and take back our country. Our first step is removing violent offenders who have come here illegally.
Providing Additional Time for Those Impacted by the Hurricanes: The deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
Additionally, the deadline for small businesses to apply for SBA assistance has also been extended. The deadline for applying for a loan to cover physical damage has been extended to January 7, 2025 and the deadline for a loan to cover economic injury has been extended to June 30, 2025.
Investing in Better Treatments and Cures: I’m proud that my Congenital Heart bill was signed into law last week! Click here to learn more.
Celebrating Success: Congratulations to Saint Leo for being ranked as one of the nation’s top colleges or universities for US Military Service Members and Veterans. Click here to learn more.
Raising Awareness: As someone with a close family member suffering with Alzheimer's disease, I understand the emotional, physical, and financial strain that this horrible disease places on patients, families, and loved ones. Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis across the nation. Without an effective treatment or cure, the impact of Alzheimer's will continue to rise. A public health approach is necessary to lessen the burden and enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairment and their families.
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 celebrated the adoption of 24 children from our local foster care system in Pasco County as part of National Adoption Day.
My team also participated in a Community Outreach event hosted by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office to link families in need of help with available community resources.
Additionally, my team supported local artists at Pasco-Hernando State College's annual art festival and competition.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping a constituent with his VA medical appointment.
Just wanted to thank you and your top notch crew for helping me navigate the bureaucracy at the Hernando County VA. I called repeatedly and was transferred from voicemail to voicemail. Your folks made a few phone calls and got me to a live person who was able to schedule my follow-up appointment. Thanks for the help!
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! |
