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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, the country watched President’s triumphant return to the White House, and I was honored to host many of our constituents who came up to be part of this historic milestone. Though the weather altered plans for inauguration day, the energy throughout DC was electric.
As we celebrate this exciting new chapter in our nation’s history, please be assured that I have hit the ground running to keep my commitments to you. The Republican-controlled House and Senate will work with President Trump to restore an America First agenda! As President Trump said many times in his address, we are in the Golden Age of America, and the best is yet to come! Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week.
Keeping Promises: On Day 1, President Trump kept many of his promises by signing Executive Orders on many important policy initiatives.
Strengthening our National Security: President Trump’s Executive Orders are a great start at addressing the border crisis; however, we must follow-up with policies and funding to enforce the rule of law. True immigration reform requires a comprehensive look at all the ways in which our current system is being exploited. We must take proactive steps to do a better job vetting those who come here and ensure they don’t take advantage of loopholes and lax enforcement of immigration rules to overstay their invitation. Click here to learn more about a bill I’ve filed to help accomplish this goal.
We also have to keep dangerous illegal immigrants off our streets. Last week, we voted on final passage of the Laken Riley Act by Senator Britt which requires detention of illegal aliens who have committed certain crimes. It mandates ICE take them into custody and prevents them from being released back into communities. A similar measure passed the House recently. Now this Senate bill will head to President Trump to be signed into law. Americans have had enough of lawlessness committed by illegal migrants!
Reducing Risks of Wildfires: The Fix Our Forests Act expedites and improves forest management on public lands, deters frivolous litigation that delays important projects, promotes collaboration, prioritizes treatments in forests with the highest risk of wildfire and encourages active forest management. It passed the House with my support. With the increasingly widespread and frequent fires threatening American lives, communities, and environment, we must take the steps to ensure we are doing what we can to restore our forests and keep American lands safe and beautiful.
Protecting Life: The Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act secures medical protections for babes that survive an attempted abortion. This common sense legislation passed the House last week with my support.
I am also proud to have once again earned an A+ on the Susan B. Anthony’s Prolife Scorecard. We must continue to defend the lives of the unborn. This includes stopping hard-earned tax dollars from paying for abortions and working with the Trump administration to roll back the extreme pro-abortion actions of the Biden Administration. I will keep fighting to be a voice for the most vulnerable among us and protect the lives of unborn babies and their mothers.
Improving our Nation’s Telecommunications Infrastructure: In last week’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing, we examined ways in which we can strengthen American Leadership in Wireless Technology. Click here to listen to my exchange with the panelists.
Ensuring Access to Quality Behavioral Health: I was also honored to speak at the grand opening of the All Ways Center, a one-stop shop for those seeking behavioral health treatment in Pasco County. This important community resources was funded, in part, through a federal grant I sponsored. It is vital that we continue to remove barriers so those who are struggling have access to the help they need.
Recognizing Success: Congratulations to my constituent and friend, John McGee, on being inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. Yesterday, the Citrus County Commission recognized this tremendous American hero for his selfless service and sacrifice. I am fortunate that John gives me ongoing advice on Veteran issues through his membership on my Veterans Advisory Council. He is an incredible community volunteer, advocate and a true patriot!
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 Homes for Our Troops home dedication for Sgt. Quincy Lopez and his family.
My team also attended a Martin Luther King, Jr. recognition ceremony in Hernando County.
Additionally, my team attended the 100th birthday celebration for one of my Spring Hill constituents, Ken Landis. Happy Birthday, Ken!
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping a constituent obtain his military records.
I thank you for helping me obtain a copy of my military records and wanted to let you know that I have received them. I have not had an opportunity to thoroughly go through them but hope to in the near future. The purpose of obtaining my records is to investigate if I would qualify in increasing my current 10% disability. I intended to look into this back in 1980, however, life got in my way…three children, continued education, upward job advancement, moving….LOL! I kept telling myself, “I’m going to get to it”, sound familiar? Thanks to your efforts, I have accomplished step one and moving onto the next step. I also want to commend Congressman Gus Bilirakis and his staff for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to his constituents. I have lived in five states and many more Congressional districts. Never, I repeat never, have I experienced the representation that the Congressman and his team provides to his constituents. I look forward to reading every Sunday night his weekly newsletter amazed at his work in Washington, D.C. and within his district. Keep up the outstanding work!
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! |
