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Dear Neighbor,
As you know, our community was hit by two hurricanes this fall, leaving many of our neighbors without a home or business. The American Relief Act of 2025, which was supported by President Trump and signed into law last week, will provide much-needed disaster relief for Florida’s 12th District as we continue working to fully recover. This short-term funding extension expires in March and is a temporary bridge to allow us to work with President Trump early next year to fund his America First agenda while restoring fisal sanity. I look forward to doing that in an open and transparent process as we work to protect taxpayers while cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.
I hope you and your family enjoy a very Merry Christmas this week!
Also, Happy Hannukah to everyone observing!
Especially during this time of year, I find it important to make time to reflect upon what really matters: faith, family, friendship, and service to others. This time of year fills me with even more gratitude for the opportunity to serve our community. I have been humbled by the abundant generosity I have witnessed amid what has been a challenging year for so many. Kindness and selfless acts often inspire others to also do their best.
I am blessed to have a wonderful staff in DC and in the District. They work tirelessly to serve the constituents of Florida’s 12th Congressional District. I recently enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with my district team and to thank them for their continued hard work.
As 2024 draws to a close, know that I remain committed to fighting for you and your family.Below, you will find a brief overview of my efforts on your behalf.
Providing Relief to Those in Need: The American Relief Act of 2025, which both President Trump and I supported, was signed into law last week. The package provides much-needed relief to Americans struggling to recover from natural disasters, including $110 billion in disaster assistance for relief efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Western regions, among others. This includes:
- $31 billion for disaster and economic assistance to agriculture producers.
- $29 billion for FEMA’s response, recovery, and mitigation activities related to Presidentially declared major disasters, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
- $12 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to help local governments provide assistance to constituents in Presidentially-declared disasters.
- $8.1 billion for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program to reimburse states for highway and bridge repairs damaged during recent natural disasters.
- $2.2 billion to support small businesses and individuals through the SBA disaster loan program. This is critical to the many small businesses in our community who have had zero assistance after experiencing extreme destruction from recent hurricanes. This loan funding is also available to home owners seeking to mitigate their home to prevent future losses.
- Funding for the SBA Office of Inspector General for audits and reviews of disaster loans.
- $1.5 billion for rehabilitation and repairs, for studies and projects to reduce the risks of future disasters, and to address water infrastructure needs facilitated by the Corps of Engineers as a result of the hurricanes.
- $3.1 billion for infrastructure improvements for drinking water and wastewater systems damaged during the storms.
$2.3 billion for repairing roads and facilities within national parks and rehabilitating historic structures in communities impacted by disasters.
- $362.5 million to support rural community water and waste, housing, and community facility disaster recovery.
- $312.7 million for U.S. Coast Guard disaster response and recovery efforts.
- $14 million to support public safety by repairing law enforcement training facilities damaged by hurricanes.
The package also keeps our government open and working for the American people while allowing President Trump the chance to participate in the FY25 appropriations process between his inauguration and when the funding expires in March of 2025.
Also, this article contains important information for homeowners seeking to make repairs to their hurricane-damaged homes.
Additionally, my colleagues and I are pushing for FEMA to develop a clear, accessible roadmap for disaster survivors to obtain help. We’ve watched too many of our constituents frustrated by bureaucratic red tape and the confusing landscape that leads to unnecessary denials and delays. Click here to learn more about our efforts.
Enforcing the Rule of Law: I appreciate being recognized by Numbers USA for my work to demand sensible immigration reform that prioritizes our national security. I will not rest until our border is secure and the rule of law is enforced.
Celebrating Success: Congratulations to Keertana Shankar Ganesh and Rishika Shankar Ganesh, students at Angeline Academy of Innovation in Pasco County, for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge. Their submission, the Plan-It App, will help users hone their time management skills.
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 Southern Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's annual Christmas party. It was wonderful to bring holiday cheer to those who are not able to spend this season with their loved ones.
My staff also attended the Cryo-eeze annual Gala. This local, non-profit provides alternative and complementary treatments to local Veterans and First Responders.
Additionally, my team participated in the Disaster Recovery meeting in Citrus County last week. Federal, state and local officials provided excellent information about how disaster survivors can access available resources.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping a constituent with his VA related benefit.
I can’t thank you enough for your help! I just received an email stating I should get my pay NLT 10 January. God bless you and Angel for your help, this insures my wife will continue to have nursing home care for months to come. A true Christmas gift and blessing. God bless… please share my thanks to the Congressman.
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! |
