Honoring the Life of Charlie Kirk

On Tuesday, Congressman Jimmy Patronis introduced H.Res.727, which would designate October 14 as a “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.” The resolution honors Charlie’s legacy as a strong advocate for free speech, faith, and pro-America values, and it encourages communities, schools, and civic organizations across the nation to observe the day with activities that reflect the principles he championed. By establishing this day of remembrance, we not only pay tribute to Charlie Kirk but also reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the values he fought tirelessly to defend. The Congressman was honored to support this resolution alongside Senator Rick Scott, who introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. Charlie Kirk’s voice inspired a new generation to stand for the Constitution, protect religious liberty, and embrace the freedoms that make America the greatest country in the world.

NDAA Passes, Strengthening America’s Military

Last week, Congressman Patronis voted to pass H.R. 3838 - The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation invests over $892 billion in our military, ensuring that America’s servicemembers have the tools, training, and resources they need to defend our nation and protect American interests around the world. The NDAA also strengthens support for military families, modernizes our defense capabilities, and reaffirms America’s commitment to maintaining the most capable fighting force on earth. Congressman Patronis successfully secured the adoption of his amendment to end the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate, preventing the military from giving preferential treatment to electric and hybrid non-tactical vehicles over traditional fuel-powered ones. Electric vehicles pose dangerous battery fire risks in saltwater environments, especially on coastal bases like those in Northwest Florida. This amendment prioritizes troop safety, ensures military readiness, and keeps common sense at the forefront of defense policy.

Welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

This week, Congressman Patronis was proud to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C. He also met with Greek Ambassador Kim Guilfoyle at a State Dinner. Patriarch Bartholomew is known worldwide as a bridge-builder, working tirelessly to promote peace, dialogue, and respect among people of different faiths. His leadership is a source of inspiration not only to Orthodox Christians, but to all who care about human rights, religious liberty, and the stewardship of God’s creation. On December 10, 2024, then-President-Elect Trump nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. She was confirmed by the Senate on September 18, 2025.