Hello, Friends
I was glad to spend this week back home, in America’s most beautiful district. I was able to meet with constituents to discuss policy, casework issues, and the vision for our great nation’s future.
Meeting with our Community
On Wednesday, I spoke with the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club. I enjoyed our robust discussion on the current issues facing Northwest Florida and what we can do as a community to keep heading in the right direction, grow small businesses, and take care of our beautiful environment.
Banning Lethal Predator Control Poisons
For years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services have used devices that deploy airborne Sodium Cyanide as a way to combat livestock predators, like wolves. These “cyanide bombs” are often placed with no signs nearby that indicate that deadly devices are nearby.
Two years ago, a 14-year-old boy named Canyon Mansfield was hiking with his family dog, Kasey. He saw what looked like a sprinkler head sticking out of the ground, and touched it. The device sprayed cyanide gas in his face. Canyon was fortunate to survive though unfortunately, his dog did not.
The Mansfields’ story moved me. During the last Congress, I cosponsored legislation to end the use of these devices. This May, my colleague Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and I refined the legislation from last Congress, and introduced “Canyon’s Law.”
I’m happy to report that the Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that were re-evaluating the use of sodium cyanide as a predator deterrent. Devices like this threaten animals and humans alike. Better, more accurate, and more humane predator-control tools and techniques already exist, and I’m glad the EPA is considering a new path forward.
Read more:
The Week August 10, 2019
Should the government kill wild animals?
East Idaho News March 17, 2017
Boy sprayed by cyanide explosive: ‘By the grace of God I’m still alive’
El Paso and Dayton
My heart grieves for the loss and suffering in El Paso and Dayton. As Congress considers various legislative options, however, we must take time to ensure that we are not just “doing something” we must do the RIGHT things to make our communities safe, without infringing on law-abiding Americans’ rights. I recently discussed this topic at length with Judge Jeanine on Fox News. Watch it here:
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Congressional App Challenge
As the Fall season nears, it’s time to start applying to for the Congressional App Challenge Competition. This year’s competition will be held on Saturday, November 9 at the University of West Florida. For more information and further details, please visit my website.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
The American Conservative September 2019
Mr. Gaetz Goes to Washington
Wired August 13, 2019
The Fight Over Section 230 And The Internet As We Know It
“I’m a conservative. I don’t want Washington running my life, but I sure as hell don’t want Silicon Valley running my life,” Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) told WIRED.
IJR August 9, 2019
Gaetz Blasts the Left for Using Trump as a ‘Scapegoat’ and Not Confronting ‘the Real Challenges That We Have’
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) put the Democrats on blast for choosing to use President Donald Trump as a “scapegoat” for the recent shootings rather than dealing with the “real challenges” facing America.
Spectator August 8, 2019
Is Matt Gaetz the future of Trump foreign policy?
Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a Trump favorite and Fox News star, may have just fired the first loud shot of a new ideological war that may be heard around the world.
Santa Rosa Press Gazette August 15, 2019
Gaetz sees ‘general uneasiness’ on gun ideas
“Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who represents Northwest Florida in Congress, is talking with constituents during the August congressional recess, and says many are concerned about potential legislative action on guns.”
What We're Reading
Northwest Florida Daily News August 8, 2019
World War II veteran gets Purple Heart replacement
The Federalist August 13, 2019
Why Mass Illegal Immigration Probably Costs More than You’ve Been Told
Fox News August 12, 2019
Trump administration boosts ability to deny green cards to immigrants using welfare programs
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