Hello, Friends

Congress was finally back in session this week. Although I always love being back home in Florida, Congress has a lot to do, and it’s great to get back to work.

Since my arrival in Washington, one of my highest priorities has been to preserve Florida’s Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico, and keep the Gulf free from oil drilling. On Wednesday, September 11, Congress voted on H.R. 205, the Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act. This bill, which I cosponsored, permanently bans drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. It passed 248180, with almost the entire Florida delegation voting “yes.”

Preserving Florida’s coastline is important for many reasons, including tourism, real estate, fishing, and military readiness, just to name a few. Drilling in the Gulf would expose Northwest Florida to potential disasters, like the still-recent Deepwater Horizon spill.

Furthermore, military training at the Gulf Test Range is critical to our national defense. The 120,000 square miles of overwater airspace is used for high altitude, supersonic air combat training, air-to-air missile testing, drone targeting, hypersonic weapons testing, and space launches. The Air Force Special Operations Command, the 96^th Test Wing, and the 33^rd Fighter Wing all train there. I don’t think that anyone believes experimental missiles and oil drilling are a good combination!

I spoke on the House Floor about this important legislation:

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I will always fight to prevent drilling on our coast. This permanent ban on drilling is a huge win for Florida, and I am proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle joined together and passed this legislation.

Northwest Florida Daily News September 11, 2019

House OKs permanent oil moratorium in part of Gulf

Pensacola News Journal September 12, 2019

Moratorium on drilling in Gulf of Mexico safeguards way of life in Florida

9/11 Remembrance

Yesterday, we honored the men and women whose lives were cut short on September 11, 2001. On that day of tragedy and loss, the world as we know it changed.

Yet the tragedy and the heavy sorrow of the day also revealed great bravery and heroism. First responders saw the face of evil, and did not blink. They came to the aid of their fellow countrymen without hesitation and without complaint, and they exemplify the spirit of America.

We will always remember.

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EPA Phasing Out Animal Testing

On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would begin phasing out animal testing, and using alternative methods instead. Animal testing is often cruel and painful, with limited applicability to human health outcomes. Non-animal research is more accurate, more cost effective, and more humane. This is a win for animal lovers and fiscal conservatives alike!

I commend the EPA for their decision, and hope other departments and agencies will soon follow suit.

Read more:
Washington Examiner September 10, 2019

EPA chief announces plan to eliminate reliance on animal research

(Faux) Impeachment

The Democrat majority on the House Judiciary isn’t sure whether it is trying to impeach President Trump or not. On September 12, the House Judiciary Committee passed a “Resolution for Investigative Proceedings” which I voted against stating that the Judiciary Committee is conducting “an investigation to determine whether to recommend articles of impeachment with respect to President Donald Trump.”

Historically, the House votes to authorize the Judiciary Committee to conduct an impeachment investigation, and then the committee begins its investigation. In this Congress, however, the House has not voted for an impeachment authorization, which makes Thursday’s vote completely meaningless. It is a disingenuous attempt to pretend that the Judiciary Committee is conducting an “impeachment investigation,” without actually doing so or even being authorized to do so. What a joke!

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AROUND THE DISTRICT

Crestview Citizen of the Year

I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Kadance Fredericksen, Crestview’s “citizen of the year.” Kadance, age 12, has volunteered for several organizations ever since she moved to Florida four years ago. She has raised $14,000 for the Ronald McDonald House, and founded a non-profit organization to donate teddy bears and blankets to children in shelters. I’m so proud to see young people like Kadance represent what Northwest Florida is all about serving others in the local community. Keep up the great work, Kadance!

Read more:
Crestview News Bulletin September 7, 2019

Local 12-year-old named Crestview citizen of the year

Home Safe

Pensacola resident Jim Edds was in the Bahamas last week, getting footage of Hurricane Dorian. Although he has documented many storms in the past, Dorian’s monstrous damage left him stranded in the Bahamas. He called my office, and my staff was able to help him get home safely. We’re glad you’re back, Jim!

WEAR TV September 6, 2019

Pensacola Storm Chaser Barely Makes it out of the Bahamas Alive

PCC Honors the Fallen

Students from Pensacola Christian College took time out of their busy class schedules to lay 2,977 American flags, honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11. I’m encouraged that these young patriots are remembering our past, and honoring the fallen.

PNJ September 11, 2019

Pensacola Christian College students pay tribute to 9/11 with flag memorial

Social Media

If you don’t already, make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my new Snapchat account, featuring live updates and a behind-the-scenes look at my work in Congress, both in Washington and home in Northwest Florida.

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Fox News September 12, 2019

Rep. Matt Gaetz: Trump crackdown on illegal immigration succeeding America benefits

The Border Patrol arrest numbers for August show that while the illegal immigration crisis persists, there can be no dispute that the strategy of President Trump and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan is working.

Navarre Press September 11, 2019

Oil Drilling Ban for Gulf of Mexico Passes House

“Rep. Matt Gaetz, who represents the western Florida panhandle, co-sponsored the bill. He spoke in favor of the measure before the House Wednesday ahead of the vote, stating drilling and oil exploration would endanger the critical military missions executed in the Gulf Test and Training Range.”

Florida Daily September 5, 2019

Matt Gaetz praises Trump’s Decision to Use Military Construction Funds to Build the Wall

“U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has been a leading ally of the White House on Capitol Hill since Trump took over and he continued to support the president on Thursday, defending the decision and noting that none of the funds are being taken away from his district on the Panhandle.”

Sunshine State News Sep 10, 2019

Gaetz Champions ‘Super Pollutants Act’ to Cut Down on Greenhouse Gases

“U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, is championing a proposal to cut down on greenhouse gases.”

CNBC September 10, 2019

Lawmakers want to give Americans back their right to sue companies

“If you think you’ve been harmed by an American corporation, you typically can’t sue them in federal court. But on Tuesday, lawmakers moved one step closer to changing that.”