Hello, Friends—

This week, I have been busy monitoring Hurricane Dorian and speaking with President Trump, Governor DeSantis, and state and local officials to ensure that those affected by the storm will see the quickest recovery possible. Northwest Florida was lucky this time, as the hurricane veered northeast.

We may not be as fortunate next time. I hope you were able to create a preparedness plan for the next storm, construct an emergency kit, and plan an evacuation route for your family and loved ones.

I’m working with my colleagues in the Florida delegation to develop a plan to help communities harmed by Dorian, including the Bahamas, which was devastated by the storm. As Floridians, we are connected to the Bahamas through family, culture, industry, geography and a mutual love, and we are committed to helping our neighbors in the Bahamas as best we can.

Student Loan Debt

Congress convenes against next week. I’m ready to work on the issues most pressing our nation — including the problem of monstrous student loan debt. Currently, Americans carry over $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. I’m happy to have cosponsored the Student Loan Disclosure Transparency Act with my friend and colleague, Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL). This legislation improves transparency in the student loan process, so students can better understand the financial commitments they are making — a small but important step forward.

Over the past month, I heard from many people concerned about college debt, which has limited graduates’ ability to get married, purchase homes, and start families. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the weeks and months to come on this important subject. We cannot let unprincipled lenders and overinflated tuition prices keep young people from achieving the American dream. 

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Politico — September 3, 2019

Climate Change Could Be a Problem in 2020…For Democrats

“Even Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a staunch Trump ally from a district along the Gulf of Mexico, unveiled a “Green Real Deal” that would accelerate renewable energy projects on public lands and upgrade the electric grid, while urging his Republican colleagues to ‘support a solution, not just stick their heads in the sand.’”

UPI — September 3, 2019

Bipartisan Group Seeks to Defund U.S. Involvement in Yemen War

“The effort is led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah; Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.; and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.”

What We’re Reading

The Hill — August 30, 2019

The worst is still to come for Jim Comey

Washington Examiner — September 3, 2019

James Comey: Another government elite treating public records like private property

Washington Post — August 30, 2019

An all-too-real parable of ‘privilege-hoarding’