Hello, Friends —
|
|
This week I had the privilege to host our annual Virtual Defense Day. It was fantastic to see members of our local military community connect with military leadership. We discussed efforts to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, new technological breakthroughs, and much more.
In case you missed it, check it out HERE.
|
| |
| TEMPERS FLARE IN JUDICIARY COMMITTEE |
|
The ongoing discussion on police reform and racism in this country involves everyone. If we are going to root out injustice, all Americans, regardless of their skin color, must work in unity.
I thought that principle was self-evident — especially for my Democratic colleagues in the House who have campaigned on fighting what they believe to be systemic flaws in our criminal justice system.
Unfortunately, I was proven wrong. Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond tried to exclude me from the conversation on injustice because of my skin color. It’s a typical Democrat ploy, but one that went too far this week. During the Judiciary Committee’s markup of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, Rep. Richmond said:
“It’s not about the color of your kids. It is about black males. Black people in the streets…if one of them happens to be your kid I’m concerned about him too. And clearly I’m more concerned about him than you are!”
I have raised my Cuban son, Nestor, to respect everyone — regardless of their ethnicity or cultural background. Frankly, it is an embarrassment to the United States Congress for an elected official to tell me he cares more about my family than I do.
On Thursday, I joined Tucker Carlson with Nestor to discuss the Democrats’ hypocrisy on matters of race. I hope we can move past this chapter in our nation’s history and live in a time where the color of someone’s skin isn’t used as a substitute for judging their values or political views.
To read more about my life with Nestor, click HERE, and to watch my TV segment with Tucker Carlson and Nestor, visit HERE!
|
FORT PICKENS
|
|
|
|
On Wednesday, we had the honor of hosting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt (left photo) at Fort Pickens. Named after Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens, Fort Pickens is a national treasure, which serves as a testament to our district’s military importance throughout American history. Unfortunately, since it was decommissioned in 1947, it has fallen into disrepair.
While touring the facility with my team, Secretary Bernhardt reaffirmed that “the President fundamentally believes that our greatest opportunity for conservation is to get folks out utilizing and enjoying our public lands because that leads to them loving our public lands.”
I look forward to working with the Secretary’s office to repair this landmark and ensure all Northwest Floridians can enjoy it for years to come.
For more information on the Secretary’s visit, click HERE.
|
|
PROTECT THE SECOND AMENDMENT |
|
The Constitution is the crown jewel of the United States. It is what has separated us from other nations and allowed us to enjoy freedoms unthinkable in less fortunate corners of the globe. It should be defended at all costs.
But once again, our rights are coming under attack. The ATF is currently considering making certain types of pistol arm braces illegal, a disastrous idea which would turn over 700,000 law-abiding gun owners into criminals overnight.
I am particularly frustrated when government agencies go beyond their authority outlined in our Constitution. Congress makes the laws — not ATF.
Earlier this week, several of my fellow Florida Members of Congress and I sent a letter to the Department of Justice, requesting a review of the decisions made by ATF, and asking ATF to stop its misguided plans.
To read the full letter, click HERE.
|
| 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 reopen our Washington, D.C. office, which I hope will be soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
|
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. This past week has been busy, dramatic, and wildly interesting — 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
|
|
Washington Examiner — June 18, 2020
Leave Matt Gaetz and his son alone
“And given the response today, it makes perfect sense that Gaetz, a Republican flamethrower who frequently dominated social media controversies, would do everything in his power to keep his son private. Now that Nestor is an adult, he clearly felt comfortable going public. What that shouldn’t invite are baseless and vicious conspiracy theories.”
Fox News — June 18, 2020
Reps. Richmond and Gaetz get into fiery back-and-forth during debate over police reform bill
“Reps. Cedric Richmond, D-La., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., got into a fiery back-and-forth when the House Judiciary Committee met on Wednesday to markup the police reform bill.”
Biz Pac Review — June 18, 2020
Matt Gaetz foils Eric Swalwell’s theatrics on the House floor in brilliant backfire moment
“Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) engaged in a back-and-forth in the House chamber on Wednesday regarding the importance of life in America.”
Daily Caller — June 17, 2020
Rep. Matt Gaetz: ATF Secretly Looking Into Restricting Certain Pistol Braces
“Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz announced Tuesday that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been secretly working on restricting a type of device that allows gun owners to stabilize pistols and short-barreled rifles against their arms.”
Florida Daily — June 16, 2020
Florida Delegation Urges Interior Department Not to Drill Off Sunshine State’s Coasts
“On Monday, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., led members of the Florida congressional delegation in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to request clarification on plans to open Florida’s coasts to new oil and gas leasing.”
|
|
