It was a productive week on Capitol Hill as the House advanced legislation to counter foreign influence and bolster our national security. I also participated in key Appropriations hearings to advocate for stronger electric grid, water and rural development infrastructure, reliable disaster relief and investments that support Florida’s agriculture and energy needs. I voted for the ACES Act to investigate health concerns among military aviators, and reintroduced my bill to improve integrity within the VA.

Keep reading below for more updates:

Too often, VA employees under investigation for misconduct are allowed to resign or retire with no permanent record. This lack of accountability allows bad actors to escape discipline and erodes trust in the agency veterans rely on. That’s why I reintroduced the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act to ensure findings from misconduct investigations are permanently recorded, even if the employee leaves the agency. This measure also increases transparency around settlement agreements and prevents employees from quietly avoiding consequences. Our veterans deserve a VA that puts integrity and responsibility first. Click here to learn more.

After six hurricanes in just four years, farmers and producers across Florida are still waiting for critical disaster relief through USDA’s block grant program. Last week, during a House Appropriations hearing, I questioned USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on the status of long-overdue disaster relief for Florida’s farmers and producers. Florida agriculture is the backbone of many local economies and our second largest industry. We need targeted relief, fewer bureaucratic delays and more flexibility to help our ag communities recover.

The Chinese Communist Party uses programs like Confucius Institutes and the Thousand Talents Plan to spread propaganda, steal research and recruit American talent to undermine U.S. competitiveness and advance China’s strategic interests. These efforts threaten our national security, yet some universities still partner with these groups while receiving federal funding. That’s why I voted for H.R. 881 to stop the Department of Homeland Security from awarding grants to colleges and universities that host Confucius Institutes or collaborate with other Chinese entities of concern. This bill protects taxpayer dollars and keeps foreign influence out of our education system. Click here to learn more.

Reintroduced Bill Aims to Strengthen Accountability at VA - The Well News

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

What is the primary function of the House Committee of the Whole?

A. To conduct ethics investigations
B. To allow faster consideration of legislation with a smaller quorum
C. To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
D. To confirm presidential appointments

Last week's question:

Which House committee is responsible for setting the terms of debate for most major legislation before it reaches the floor?

A. Rules Committee - Correct answer
B. Oversight and Accountability Committee
C. Judiciary Committee
D. Appropriations Committee