Working late into the night last Thursday, we passed two major bills in the House: the FY26 Department of Defense Appropriations Act and H.R. 4 to rescind billions in wasteful government spending. It was also "Crypto Week," with the House advancing several key measures to bring order and accountability to the digital asset space—capping off a full night of critical legislative action.

It was also an honor to attend the White House signing ceremony for the HALT Fentanyl Act, which gives law enforcement the permanent tools they need to crack down on fentanyl traffickers and keep our communities safe. From strengthening our military and reining in reckless spending to protecting Florida families and celebrating local success, we’re focused on the priorities that matter most to Florida’s 18th District.

Keep reading below for more updates:

The House passed the FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill last week, marking a much-needed course correction after years of misplaced priorities at the Pentagon. This bill restores an America First approach focused on discipline, lethality and mission success. It invests in next-generation aircraft, hypersonic weapons and missile defense, preserves proven platforms and advances the Golden Dome initiative to maintain strategic superiority in air and space.

It also includes key investments that strengthen Florida’s role in our national defense, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced training capabilities that support military readiness in our state. As a Navy veteran, I understand how disruptive constant relocations can be for military families. This bill helps reduce that disruption while providing a 3.8 percent pay raise for every servicemember and continues targeted increases for junior enlisted personnel. Click here to learn more.

As Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment, I recently held a hearing on the growing gaps in America’s weather satellite coverage, an issue with serious implications for Florida as we enter another active hurricane season. With storms now intensifying faster and more unpredictably, accurate and timely forecasts are more critical than ever. During the hearing, we examined how the loss of key satellite data, including the planned phaseout of Defense Department sensors, could disrupt our ability to detect storm centers, especially at night when visibility is limited. For states like Florida, where communities are often first in a storm’s path, we must ensure our forecasting systems are equipped to keep pace with these evolving threats and help save lives. Click here to watch my opening remarks and click here to watch more. 

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

How can the House bring a bill to the floor if it has been stuck in committee for an extended period?

A. By invoking the War Powers Resolution
B. Through a discharge petition signed by a majority of members
C. By unanimous consent of the full House
D. By returning the bill to the Senate for reintroduction

Last week's question:

What is the primary role of a subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives?

A. To schedule floor votes for legislation
B. To draft conference reports for final passage
C. To conduct detailed review, hearings and markup of legislation within a specific area of jurisdiction - Correct answer
D. To enforce House ethics rules