JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: POLICE REFORM
In response to a question I asked, Mr. Philonise Floyd — George Floyd’s brother — gave a powerful and moving response to the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday:
“Life is precious. Everybody should be able to live and be able to walk this earth in a journey that they want to. Nobody should have to be filled with hatred and so much animosity that they want to kill somebody.”
Wednesday’s Judiciary Committee hearing focused on ‘policing practices,’ and touched on a police reform bill which was introduced a day earlier. The committee will fine-tune this legislation next week.
There is no legitimate defense for fatal chokeholds, lynching, no-knock warrants, or keeping bad cops from facing accountability. Next week, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this important subject.
Video from Wednesday’s hearing, where I discussed the radical proposals to “defund the police,” is below:
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UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has taken great initiative in response to the economic impacts and job losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As of Thursday, the DEO has distributed $5.1 billion in payments to over 1.3 million claimants.
The Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, offered through the federal CARES Act and administered by DEO, provides up to 13 weeks of benefits to a claimant who has exhausted their Reemployment Assistance benefits.
Floridians will need to apply for PEUC benefits once the balance of their current claim is exhausted. Floridians who have already exhausted their benefits, or who have a Reemployment Assistance claim that expired after July 1, 2019, will also be able to apply.
- Click here for more information on PEUC applications.
- Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.
- Click here for information on available benefits.
FLAG DELIVERIES
In an abundance of caution, we will be postponing flag deliveries until we can safely and fully reopen our Washington, D.C. office, which I hope will be soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
VIRTUAL DEFENSE DAY: JUNE 18
The military is not just a feature, but a defining characteristic of Northwest Florida. In recognition of this fact, I am excited to announce that we will be hosting a “Virtual Defense Day” on June 18.
The day will be an opportunity for our local military community to connect with military leadership. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the work our men and women in uniform are doing worldwide to keep America safe — and to anticipate and overcome the future challenges facing our nation.
To register, and for more information, please visit:
Virtual Defense Day
ARE YOU LISTENING?
Listen to my podcast, “Hot Takes with Matt Gaetz,” for a behind-the-scenes look into the latest news from the Washington swamp. With new episodes every weekday, you won’t want to miss it!
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
As Florida continues reopening its economy, click for further information on the status of Escambia, Okaloosa, Holmes, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties:
Additionally, all of our local military installations are regularly updating their websites with details about base access (and more) due to the pandemic. For more information, visit:
Finally, my staff and I have received several queries about unemployment during the pandemic. Below are some helpful resources:
- Please visit here to file an unemployment claim.
- Please visit here for a video tutorial on applying for reemployment assistance.
- Please visit here for a COVID-19 Reemployment Resource Guide.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
Fox News — June 12, 2020
Matt Gaetz calls out US Soccer for reversal on anthem kneeling
“The U.S. is better off without a national soccer team than with one whose players won’t stand for the national anthem, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said Thursday.”
Northwest Florida Daily — June 11, 2020
‘Fight isn’t over,’ says Scott as proposal to protect eastern Gulf from oil and gas exploration is rejected
“Last year, the House passed a bill that would establish a permanent moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Among the co-sponsors of the bill was Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., whose Northwest Florida district includes Eglin Air Force Base.”
Reuters — June 10, 2020
George Floyd’s brother to address US House panel on police reforms
“The hearing will also provide a platform for House Republicans, who have responded to protests by underscoring their support for police and accusing Democrats of wanting to cut off police funding, which top Democrats oppose. “Where you demonize the police, they stop engaging with the community. If we stand with the police, it will be better for all Americans,” Representative Matt Gaetz, a House Judiciary Republican, tweeted on Tuesday.”
Fox Business — June 8, 2020
America must support the police: Rep. Matt Gaetz
“Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., says the American people should stand with law enforcement and not tolerate rioters who want to destroy the country.”
Northwest Florida Daily — June 6, 2020
Pensacola bids for Space Command HQ
“Ketcham noted Friday that while U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who represents Pensacola and a surrounding area of Northwest Florida in Congress, was not a part of the virtual session, he has been an advocate for bringing U.S. Space Command headquarters to Florida.”
WHAT WE’RE READING
The Atlantic — June 4, 2020
COVID-19 Can Last for Several Months
Business Insider — June 10, 2020
70 coronavirus test sites were destroyed during the George Floyd protests, according to the US government. Officials worry it could lead to a spike of infections.
The National Pulse — June 11, 2020
EXCLUSIVE: Black Lives Matter Website, ‘Defund The Police’ Donations Go to ‘Act Blue’, The ‘Biden For President’ Campaign’s Top Source of Donations
Townhall — June 12, 2020
Wait, What Statue Did Philadelphia Protesters Just Vandalize?
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