Hello, Friends

What a week here in Washington! I’ve been busy meeting with Constituents, voting on the House floor, and jousting with the Democrats of the House Judiciary Committee.

Yesterday in the Judiciary Committee, the Democrats voted to subpoena 12 witnesses, including current White House Advisor Jared Kushner, and former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. I opposed the Democrats and voted ‘No.’ We should stop wasting time with pointless hearings, and start getting to work on real issues, like lowering drug costs, solving the border crisis, and more.

When I played the Democrats’ words back to them yesterday morning in the committee, they looked very uncomfortable. Watch the exchange below:

Click to Play!

Blue Angels in Washington, D.C.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the spectacular work of our very own Blue Angels on July 4th during the Salute to America celebration. As always, you make Northwest Florida proud!

Roosevelt Conservation Caucus

On Wednesday morning, my colleagues and I announced the formation of the bicameral Roosevelt Conservation Caucus, which will work on finding small-government solutions to the environmental problems facing our country and our planet. Market-based approaches will benefit our economy and our environment.

I am glad that my colleagues in both the House and Senate are realizing we can work towards a healthy environment without crushing our economy. I’m excited about our future prospects, and I look forward to the caucus’s work to come!

This Week in Congress

This week, the House passed several pieces of legislation, including a bill to fix an error that harmed some veterans’ mortgages, and a bill to encourage financial literacy for homebuyers. The main thrust of this week, however, has been the National Defense Authorization Act and with over 600 amendments to vote on, there is much work to be done. I remain steadfast to keep Northwest Florida’s military mission growing and the United States military strong!

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Hurricane Season

As you may be aware, a tropical depression is currently in the Gulf of Mexico and could make landfall as a hurricane. I cannot stress this enough: plan ahead for disasters. Here are a few tips to get started:

Talk with household members about what to do if a hurricane strikes and create an evacuation plan.
Build an emergency kit in an easy-to-carry container with items including water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, etc.
Be informed. Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan.

For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/ for tips on how to prepare in case of disaster. You can monitor the storm for updates by clicking this link: Tropical Storm Barry.

Congressional App Challenge

Registration is for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge is now open! We’ve seen incredible designs from our students in past years and I am excited to see the creativity our students will continue to generate. Find more information and sign up by clicking here: https://gaetz.house.gov/2018-congressional-app-challenge.

AFSOC Change of Command

Last week, Lt. Gen. Brad Webb relinquished command to Lt. Gen. Jim Slife. We’re proud of the outstanding work Gen. Webb has done with AFSOC, and we wish him good luck with his new command at the Air Education and Training Command! We look forward to Gen. Slife continuing to make AFOSC Ready, Relevant, and Resilient.

96th Test Wing Change of Command

The 96th Test Wing also had its change of command: Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Scott Cain. We wish Gen. Dertien good luck in his new assignment at Wright Patterson AFB, and look forward to continuing to make Northwest Florida the nation’s most military-friendly community under Gen. Cain’s leadership.

Pensacola Receives Grant

Pensacola International Airport recently received a nearly $4 million grant to acquire replacement aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, to improve water runoff, and to construct a 5,000 square foot Customs and Border Protection Facility. This is a huge win for Pensacola. I’m glad the Department of Transportation continues to invest in Northwest Florida’s growing infrastructure.

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

The Hill July 10, 2019

Congress should step up on the threat of war with Iran

“The Gaetz-Khanna amendment would ensure the American people particularly our men and women in uniform are not embroiled in another endless conflict abroad without a clear national security interest at stake or a path to victory.”

Florida Politics July 10, 2019

Matt Gaetz, Brian Mast join new GOP conservation caucus

“I also think history is going to judge very harshly climate change deniers, and I don’t want to be one of them,” Gaetz has said.

New York Post July 9, 2019

Did a dirty intelligence op create the ‘collusion’ probe?

Also sure to be revealing are the still-classified transcripts of some 53 closed-door interviews by the House Intelligence Committee of FBI and Justice Department officials that “demonstrate who was lying and expose the bias that existed against Trump before and after his election,” according to Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).

Fox Business July 10th, 2019

Marijuana legalization gets bipartisan support in ‘historic’ hearing

“‘If we further divide out the movement, then I fear that we’ll continue to fall victim to that which has plagued other Congresses where we won’t get anything done,’ said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.”