Hello, Friends —

Washington was at its swampiest this week.

On Tuesday, September 24, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that the House was pursuing an “official impeachment inquiry” into President Trump. 

The only problem is, that term is meaningless.

Normally — though nothing about impeachment is normal — the House votes on an impeachment authorization, which allows a committee (usually the Judiciary Committee) to investigate impeachable conduct. This has not happened.

So, just like Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler’s claim that the committee has been in “an impeachment investigation,” which is equally untrue, Speaker Pelosi’s announcement doesn’t really mean anything. 

She knows this perfectly well; her choice of words was intentional.

The Speaker is trying to appease the far left, without actually doing anything. 

Meanwhile, Democrats who are eager to rush into a fact-free impeachment seem to have forgotten their own words on the subject from not too long ago. I guess memory fades quickly here in DC:

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I recently went on Fox Business to discuss my thoughts with Trish Regan. Watch below: 

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The whole impeachment imbroglio is a pity, both for the House, and for the American people. There’s a lot of work Congress can and should be doing, and when we work together, it’s possible for the House to pass important legislation.

For instance, despite the not-really-impeachment circus consuming most media attention, this week showed that bipartisan progress is possible. 

On Wednesday, September 25, the House passed an important bill: H.R. 1595, the SAFE Banking Act. This bill is simple: it allows state-legal cannabis businesses access to financial institutions, like banks and credit unions. Allowing these businesses access to banks is important, both for their safety (and the safety of their employees), but for transparency, honesty, and domestic job growth as well. 

I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of this bill, which passed the House 321–103 on Wednesday. I also wrote an op-ed about this important legislation, which you can read here:

The Hill — September 24, 2019

Give cannabis businesses access to financial institutions — pass the SAFE Banking Act

I wish we pursued more bipartisan priorities like this, instead of silly bills to improve healthcare for illegal immigrants, which came to a vote this week (and which I voted against). This bill, H.R. 3525, the U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act, requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to set up an electronic health records (EHR) system for illegal immigrants. 

The Departments of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense will not have similar systems for another 9 and 5 years, respectively. 

In other words, this legislation would put illegal immigrants in line for health screenings before America’s veterans and servicemembers. 

This is unacceptable, and I know this is NOT the sort of “immigration reform” that the American people want. 

Although this passed the House almost entirely on party lines — which is very telling! — it seems unlikely that this terrible bill will be taken up by the Senate.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Congrats, Kylee!

Congrats to Niceville High Freshman Kylee Saltsman, who won first place in the World Baton Twirling Federation’s Grand Prix Champship. She also won both silver and bronze in the International Cup last month in Limoges, France. 

I’m so proud of the generation of students developing in Northwest Florida — keep making Northwest Florida proud!

Read more:

Northwest Florida Daily News—September 20, 2019

Florida baton twirler wins gold medal for Team USA

DeSantis Family Growing 

Yesterday, our great governor, Ron DeSantis announced he and Casey will be welcoming another child into their family. We’re very lucky to have such a great family man governing our state and we’re excited to meet the new addition to the DeSantis Family!

Congressional App Challenge

Sign up today for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. You can find more info at my website or by clicking the flyer below!

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Florida Daily — September 20, 2019

Matt Gaetz Grills Al Sharpton for Racist, Anti-Semitic Comments

During a hearing on police brutality on Capitol Hill this week, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., grilled Rev. Al Sharpton.

AZ Central — September 27, 2019

‘Front-row seat to history’: The monumental week that changed everything and sent Congress into chaos

Fellow Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, a close confidant of the president and one of his most vocal defenders in Congress, said he did feel “some sense of history” unfolding, noting the “dizzying” week has felt like it “lasted about a month.”

Breitbart — Sep 24, 2019

Gaetz on Impeachment: ‘I saw the Russia Movie – I don’t Think I’m Going to Like the Ukrainian Knock-off’

Tuesday on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity,” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) criticized House Democrats for their pursuit of impeachment. 

IJR — September 25, 2019

A ‘Nothing’ Burger: Conservatives React to Unclassified Trump-Zelenskyy Phone Call Transcript

Additionally, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) blasted the move as “unprecedented and unpatriotic.”

Florida Daily — September 25, 2019

Matt Gaetz Honored for Green Real Deal Proposal to Fight Climate Change

While he is best known for being one of President Donald Trump’s top allies on Capitol Hill, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has been garnering applause from environmentalists for his record during his first two terms in Congress.

Cheddar — September 19, 2019 

Rep. Matt Gaetz Calls for Action on Climate Change

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is one of few GOP representatives to propose action on climate change in the House of Representatives. He tells Cheddar many Republicans have taken the “ostrich approach to climate change” and rather than propose a Green New Deal, he explains the U.S. needs a “Green Real Deal which unlocks the innovative potential of our country.”  

What We’re Reading

Tampa Bay Times — September 26, 2019 

Lara Trump: The Trump Administration Is Phasing Out Testing On Animals, But Don’t Expect The Media To Tell You

Tampa Bay Times — September 19, 2019 

How conservatives in Florida can get in the game on renewable energy

Breitbart — Sept. 18, 2019 

Donald Trump Jr. Calls Out Instagram For Search Enginge ‘Error’