ADDRESSING THE NATION’S IMMIGRATION CRISIS
Democrats have once again purposefully misused their resources and failed to introduce legislation that prioritizes the defense of America. As you read this, there is a crisis at our southern border. With majorities in both congressional chambers, as well as the presidency, passing substantive legislation to address and alleviate the harm caused at our border seems to be nowhere at the top of their list.
Instead, the two Democrat-led immigration bills voted on this week do nothing of substance to manage the border crisis.
H.R. 1573, the Access to Counsel Act of 2021, introduced by squad member Rep. Jayapal, requires the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pay for and provide legal services to illegal immigrants with your tax dollars. I voted “No” on this bill.
H.R. 1333, the NO BAN Act , seeks “to transfer and limit Executive Branch authority to suspend or restrict the entry of a class of aliens.” This is a direct response to President Trump’s immigration bill in 2017. This is four years in the past. The United States’ border crisis is happening now and virtue-signaling will not fix it. I voted “No” on this bill.
CONGRESSMAN GAETZ INTRODUCES BILL TO DESIGNATE NICEVILLE POST OFFICE AFTER THE DOOLITTLE RAIDERS
In honor of the 79th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, I introduced legislation to designate the post office at 90 Palm Boulevard North in Niceville, Florida as the Doolittle Raiders Post Office Building. Specifically, this Niceville Post Office was chosen for its close proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, which was the location the Doolittle Raiders used to train and fly specially modified B-25 bombers off an aircraft carrier in preparation for this mission.
The attack on Pearl Harbor claimed the lives of over 2,400 Americans and badly damaged the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The following day, the U.S. declared war on Japan. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, the “Doolittle Raiders,” consisting of 80 volunteer airmen, departed the USS Hornet on April 18, 1942, and became the first Americans to successfully strike the Japanese archipelago during World War II.
DEMOCRATS IGNORE THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
Founding Father and the 4th President of the United States James Madison warned in Federalist no. 43 that “a dependence of the members of the general government on the State comprehending the seat of the government, for protection in the exercise of their duty, might bring on the national councils an imputation of awe or influence, equally dishonorable to the government.”
The District of Columbia exists on the fundamental principle, bestowed upon us by the Founders, that the national seat of the United States government shall not be within the boundaries of another state.
The Democrats must also remember Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the United States Constitution: “The Congress shall have Power To… exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States…”
Under this founding pretext, the District of Columbia was established as the functional seat of the United States Federal Government. Now, the Democrats want to play politics and usurp the Constitution with the aim of acquiring 3 congressional seats (2 senators and 1 at-large member).
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act 216-208. I voted against this bill.
BUILDING OFF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
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“I support the NOPEC legislation, and it seems that OPEC has never mattered less in our lives. I think one reason is that the Trump administration really built energy dominance into their focus and approach, and I do believe that both sides can be right.” –Rep. Matt Gaetz
This week in the House Judiciary Committee, I expressed to my fellow colleagues that it is my hope that the United States Congress works to dramatically expand the utilization of renewable energy. It’s one of the reasons why I introduced a piece of environmental legislation last Congress, called the Green Real Deal, which addresses climate change by harnessing the power of free markets, embracing technological innovation and entrepreneurship, and cutting excessive governmental red tape.
GAETZ CALLS ON DEMOCRATS TO URGE BIDEN TO REMOVE MARIJUANA FROM SCHEDULE 1 DRUG LIST
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“The War on Drugs is a lot like so many of the other forever wars that this Congress confronts: deeply unpopular in all parts of the country, except Washington, D.C.” -Rep. Matt Gaetz
On Tuesday, I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1996, the SAFE Banking Act, which passed the House 321-101. The SAFE Banking protects banks that do business with marijuana ventures.
The bill is intended to make it easier for marijuana dispensaries and growers—as well as real estate owners, law firms, and other businesses that engage with them—to access the banking system instead of relying on cash transactions. Florida is among 47 of states in the country that have a state regulated cannabis program and there is no reason that anyone should be criminally liable for doing legal business in the USA.
TELE-TOWN HALL
Thank you to everyone in the district who tuned in to my tele-townhall on Wednesday night! We had a successful event with over 1,500 folks join us and talk about border concerns, vaccine passports, the accelerating threat of China, election integrity, the future of the GOP, and so much more.
It was a pleasure to speak with everyone and give updates on work being done in the First District and in the Congress. We will be hosting another conversation very soon. I hope you are able to join us again!
AROUND THE DISTRICT
PACE HIGH SCHOOL DRILL TEAM WINS JROTC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Santa Rosa County District Schools Facebook page posted the following update this week:
The Pace High School Patriot Navy JROTC drill team are National Champions!
Annually, 613 schools across the nation compete in the Navy National Academic, Athletic, and Drill Competition hosted by Sports Network International. Over the past four years, Pace High has been one of 24 qualified teams for what is commonly referred to as the “Superbowl” of Navy JROTC, but this year they are first place!
This is the first national championship in the history of Navy JROTC in Santa Rosa County Schools. Traditionally held at NAS Pensacola, the 2020-21 was held virtually. The challenge consists of a maximum of 40 cadets competing on 5 drill teams that includes push-ups, sit-ups, 100- yard relay, and an academics exam. The overall results are below:
- 1st Overall in the Nation
- 5th in Push Ups
- 4th in Sit Ups
- 2nd in 100 yard relay
- 3rd in Unarmed Basic Drill
- 1st in Armed Basic Drill
- 5th in Unarmed Exhibition Drill
- 2nd in Armed Basic Drill
- 5th in Color Guard
- 1st in Academics
Congratulations to the Pace High School JROTC drill team for becoming the first National Champions in Santa Rosa County Schools! Their dedication to excellence and drive to honor our nation is an inspiring quality that has been duly recognized, and it is my expectation that the significance of their achievement will have a lasting influence on the next generation of students!
2021 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION ANNOUNCEMENT
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Tune in on April 29th, 2021 at 6:30pm CT as I announce the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s First District!
The winners of this competition will have their art publicly displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. To receive updates via email about this online event, RSVP today at GaetzArtComp2021.eventbrite.com.
ICYMI: NAS PENSACOLA AND NAS WHITING FIELD NAMED 2021 GREAT AMERICAN DEFENSE COMMUNITIES
Communities recognized by the Great American Defense Communities program demonstrate exemplary work in improving the quality of life of military personnel and their families through programs, initiatives and partnerships in their regions.
While I may not be surprised, I am so proud to see that NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field were announced by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), in conjunction with the USAA, to be one of five communities in the 2021 Class of Great American Defense Communities. Bravo!
FEMA APPROVES $7.18 MILLION FOR BAY DISTRICT SCHOOLS HURRICANE MICHAEL RECOVERY EXPENSES
Yesterday morning, FEMA released the following update:
“FEMA has approved $7,184,574 to reimburse Bay District Schools for emergency protective measures resulting from Hurricane Michael.
The funds reimburse the district for the cost of inspections and emergency repairs to 42 buildings throughout the system, as well as water remediation to those facilities after the storm. Previously, FEMA awarded $355,464 for these costs.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.”
CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHTS
VICTORIES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
Enhancing the quality of life for Northwest Florida is my top priority in Congress.
An active-duty service member in our district was asked to relocate and move across the country. This request came in the midst of his child undergoing treatment for a debilitating sickness. When efforts to stay in Florida became unsuccessful, the constituent reached out to our office for help. After working with him and military leaders, he was able to obtain a waiver to keep his family in Florida!
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Those in the military with children can attest to the challenges of bureaucracy when moving homes, especially when COVID-19 first invaded our country.
A constituent and active-duty service member stationed at NAS Pensacola was set to relocate across the country with his wife and child. While the Navy was able to assist his family in relocating initially, the service member was later denied the ability to fly due to new COVID-19 restrictions. With no other available options to leave Florida for the foreseeable future, he reached out to our office. We intervened, worked with his commanding officer, and were able to secure a waiver to get him on a flight to his family and new home.
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A defense contractor from our district was injured while working in the Middle East. His sickness, non-COVID-19 related, was severe enough to warrant treatment in the intensive care unit. At the same time, new pandemic restrictions on hospital services and travel expanded. His requests from family to be medically transported back to Florida’s First District were unsuccessful, so his wife called our office for assistance in getting him home. After multiple inquiries to the hospital and joint efforts with military channels, the constituent made a safe return home!
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Sgt. 1st Class Javier Gutierrez died last year during combat operations in Afghanistan. While his wife and four children mourned his death, they were immediately troubled with serious immigration issues.
His wife was notified by the Department of Justice and ICE that a removal order was in effect and faced deportation despite receiving approval for her green card application. She was also in need of approval for an Adjustment of Status (AOS) application in order to interview for a visa in America rather than her home country’s embassy. Without this visa, she would not be eligible to receive benefits promised by the military for her husband’s service. She contacted our office to advocate on her behalf. Her legal counsel subsequently secured termination of the removal order, which allowed for our office to successfully work and get approval for her AOS application. Gutierrez’s Gold Star family was now eligible to apply for benefits.
TRAPPED OVERSEAS
Storm chaser Jim Edds from Pensacola has documented major hurricanes and typhoons for over 20 years. His encounter with Hurricane Dorian, however, was near-fatal.
Jim traveled to the Bahamas to document the eye of the storm. He has faced over 70 storms before, but this time, he was up against 185 mph winds, a storm that lasted for days, and very little food to survive. In an interview, Jim said, "I've seen rescues in the Philippines after typhoons and major storms. The government brings in planes, helicopters, parks ships off the coast. There's none of that. There's nothing."
Jim knew his rescue would require greater resources at that moment. Luckily, he was able to send a message to his wife. She then contacted our office to help bring him home. In coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, we successfully facilitated his safe return to Pensacola! After his arrival, WEAR reported that “Jim credits Gaetz with his rescue...he doesn't think he would have survived another day.”
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Pensacola mother Alexandra Newton was expecting her second child when she flew to Venezuela to join her mother for her final moments. Her mother did, unfortunately, pass away, but as she attempted to return to Florida, President Maduro enacted a strict national COVID-19 lockdown.
"I couldn't even grieve my mom because I was so worried about not being able to get out," she said. For 2 months, she witnessed the brutality of the socialist regime while stuck in Venezuela, fearing being robbed or kidnapped. Alexandra’s husband reached out to our office, and we began the journey to bring her home. In coordination with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy, she was safely reunited with her family! Her husband told WEAR, "I am so thankful to everyone who helped us bring her home. Congressman Gaetz's office called me every day asking for updates."
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Many Northwest Floridians traveling overseas were trapped when pandemic lockdowns first began. One constituent’s situation became dire. While actively battling cancer, she took a short vacation to visit close family in South America. Although she prepared sufficient medicine and resources to get her through her trip, the lockdowns that were announced before her departure immediately put her health in danger. After her daughter reached out to our office for help, we reported her case to the State Department's Repatriation Task Force, and she was promptly brought back safely to the district!
RESTORING HEALTH BENEFITS
Saffron Young, a constituent in our district, had been battling a rare disease called Achalasia for two years, resulting in a cancerous mass in her stomach. Although doctors removed the cancer, she still needed extensive preventative chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
However, just as she was supposed to begin treatment, her daughter turned 18 years old, and Saffron was told she now disqualified for Medicaid because she was no longer the guardian of a minor. After contacting our office and collaborating with the Florida Department of Health, we worked to fully restore her health insurance and social security benefits!
I’m thrilled at the outcome our congressional inquiry yielded and I’m pleased that her benefits were restored. As always, I encourage any of my constituents experiencing issues with federal agencies to contact my office at gaetz.house.gov so we can work to place inquiries on their behalf.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
Northwest Florida Daily News — April 23, 2021
Gaetz introduces bill to name Niceville Post Office in honor of Doolittle Raiders
“The Doolittle Raiders provided a vital boost to American morale at the very beginning of the Second World War," Gaetz said in a statement from his office announcing his introduction of House Resolution 2686. On Tuesday, Gaetz's four-paragraph bill, co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers, was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform."
Florida Daily — April 22, 2021
Matt Gaetz Wants to Name Post Office After WW2 Heroes Doolittle Raiders
"Gaetz introduced the ‘‘Doolittle Raiders Post Office Building” bill this week in commemoration of the 79th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid during World War II."
WEAR — April 21, 2021
Gaetz introduces bill to name Niceville Post Office after 'Doolittle Raiders
"Earlier this week, Congressman Matt Gaetz introduced legislation to designate a U.S. Postal Service facility in Niceville as the "Doolittle Raiders Post Office Building," according to a release from Gaetz's office."
Newsweek — April 19, 2021
House GOP, Dems Tout '4/20' Cannabis Bill, Matt Gaetz Rips 'War on Drugs'
"Florida GOP Congressman Matt Gaetz is among the House GOP supporters of the bill and a firm critic of the federal government's decades-long "war on drugs." |
