Dear Neighbor,
I am proud to announce that last week I joined bipartisan colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, to pass historic infrastructure investments for Florida. This is America’s most significant infrastructure and economic competitiveness investment in a century, and will create millions of jobs in new and future industries, restore our global competitiveness, rebuild Florida’s crumbing roads and bridges, expand broadband and reduce the cost of internet across our state, keep our children safe from unclean water, protect our air and climate, and support U.S. manufacturing. You can read more about what's in this legislation here.
As Florida’s families worry about our decaying infrastructure and inflation driven by an inadequate supply chain, this is a significant victory for Florida, and will help build the kind of 21st century infrastructure that we need to clean up our economic blockages and get the economy moving smoothly for working families across our state.
This vote was about jobs and America’s future. When we invest in middle class America, when we invest in people who have to go to work every day, America does better. Our communities need this funding now. Democratic and Republican mayors who are clear-eyed know that investing in our supply chain infrastructure can’t wait, jobs can’t wait, repairs can’t wait, fighting climate change can’t wait, and protecting our health and safety can’t wait.
At the same time, I’ve voted to move forward with the Build Back Better plan, a fiscally responsible and fully paid for plan to invest in Florida’s working families with one of the largest middle class tax cuts in history, and reduce the outrageous costs of health care, child care, and more. I will keep fighting for final passage on this plan because fiscal responsibility means investing in the future of Florida’s working families while reducing the deficit, and that’s what the Build Back Better plan does.
During the debate over this legislation, I thought of my parents, who played by the rules and worked hard as a maid, janitor, and in other odd jobs nearly every day of their lives. Today’s Floridians deserve an economy where hard work actually gets you ahead, not one where health care, child care, senior care and housing take every dollar you make.
In addition to this important work in Congress, I want to talk about our obligation to honor our nation's fallen law enforcement officers. As you know, I spent 27 years as an officer and Chief of Police here in Orlando. As the nation honored National Police Week, I had the heavy responsibility of joining law enforcement leaders from around the country to read the names of officers who died in the line of duty over the past two years.
On that solemn night, and every night, my prayers were with the families of the law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice over the past year. Please join me in gratitude and remembrance. “All gave some, some gave all.” We must never forget.
From Miami to Jacksonville, Palm Beach to Pensacola, they gave their lives in a righteous cause: to build a safe community for every Floridian. They were men and women of honor, devotion, and courage. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters.
We should thank them every day, but this week in particular I hope that every American will join me in prayer and thanks for all that our law enforcement officers do to keep us safe.
While we gathered to honor our law enforcement officers and families, I had the pleasure to meet friends, colleagues, and officers from across Florida, and around the country, and to express how grateful we are for all that they do.
Our actions must be at least as powerful as our words. This past month in Congress, I introduced new legislation to support law enforcement efforts to solve crimes and keep our communities safe. You can read more about this legislative work below.
As we move forward with faith in our ability to stand up for Florida's families, I draw great inspiration from the strength and passion of our community. I know that together we can keep each other safe, expand the rights and liberties that make this the greatest country on earth, and create a more prosperous future for all of our children and grandchildren.
The best weapon we have against this virus is to get vaccinated. Each of us needs to do our part and help defeat this deadly virus.
Vaccines are now available at local drug stores. You can text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) to immediately get information on the more convenient vaccine locations near you.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Val Demings
| Investing in Police to Solve Murders and Shootings |
Real life isn’t like CSI: Miami. I saw as a law enforcement officer, detective, and chief of police that gun crimes are oftentimes difficult to investigate and solve. Simply put, many agencies lack the resources they need to bring justice to these cases and closure for families. Half of gun murders in the United States go unsolved, and victims are often left with no justice and little support.
That's why I've introduced new legislation to fund Florida's law enforcement agencies to hire and train detectives and specialists specifically committed to investigate unsolved crimes, comfort victims, and bring the guilty to justice.
Here's what one law enforcement researcher had to say about our new legislation:
I vividly recall as a law enforcement officer standing over the bodies of young Floridians who had been victims of gun crimes, knowing that their families would soon receive devastating news. Today, the murder rate is rising, and more and more cases go unsolved. Unsolved gun crimes are unacceptable for the victims and their families, and leaving violent criminals on the streets is unacceptable for the communities we are trying to protect. We can do better, and this legislation will give our law enforcement agencies the resources they need to track down violent criminals and keep Floridians safe.
| Keeping Our Homeland Safe |
I've introduced new bipartisan legislation to ensure stability for anti-terrorism funding that is critical to help keep Floridians safe. The Urban Area Security Initiative is an important federal program that funds community safety measures in Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida. But previously, Orlando was removed from the program until our advocacy efforts led to it being reinstated. This kind of uncertainly makes it hard for emergency planners across Florida to do their jobs, and our new legislation would reform this program to ensure that there is consistent, stable funding that our communities can rely on.
I am excited to report that this legislation has passed the Homeland Security Committee, along with another bill I introduced to help us ensure that all federal law enforcement officer training programs become accredited. As a former 27-year law enforcement officer and Chief of Police, I have seen that training saves lives. When it comes to keeping Americans safe, I believe we have no room for error. The officers at the Department of Homeland Security deserve the highest standards of training and preparation so that they can safely and effectively carry out their mission.
During my time with the Orlando Police Department, I saw firsthand how important these federal dollars are, and I will continue working to ensure that every Florida community has what’s needed to keep every Floridian safe.
As Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, I also led a hearing titled “20 Years After 9/11: Examining Emergency Communications.” I was in command of the Orlando Police Airport Division at Orlando International Airport on September 11, 2001, and I remember how critical it was for law enforcement agencies and other first responders to have clear lines of communications as we worked to keep the public safe.
| Protecting Our Freedom to Vote |
My parents often worked seven days a week as a maid and janitor, but I don’t ever remember a time when they did not vote. My parents, like working Americans across our country, knew that their vote is their voice. Our democracy is what keeps America prosperous, safe, and free.
The right to vote is not up for debate. Unfortunately, there are people in positions of power who fear what happens when everyone is granted a seat at the table, and seek to limit or impede upon these rights. That’s why in the House, we passed the Freedom to Vote Act, and encouraged all members of the Senate to lift their voices on behalf of their constituents and join us.
What we do here matters. Our children are watching. Our allies around the world are watching. Let’s be on the right side of history and make sure everyone’s voices are heard and represented in Washington.
You may remember I also cosponsored several other pieces of voting rights legislation which all previously passed: The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the For The People Act. These important bills would protect the right to vote, get big money out of politics, strengthen ethics laws, and protect our elections from foreign interference. If you believe in democracy, you should make it easier for everyone to vote, even the people who disagree with you.
| Protecting Florida Farmers |
This past month I proudly joined bipartisan colleagues to “[go] to Bat for Dairy Farmers Across the Sunshine State,” as reported by Florida Daily. We authored “a letter to U.S. Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack pointing out ‘inequities facing Florida dairies under the current Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) as they recover from market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.’
| Protecting Social Security |
Social Security is a sacred promise and it’s one that we must fulfill. Our new legislation, ‘Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust,’ will increase benefits for Floridians, end 50 years of neglect towards Social Security, and ensure stability for our seniors.
Florida seniors know how much their costs have increased, especially on critical items like medication. It is long past time that we increase the benefits paid by Social Security and ensure that every American can retire with dignity and the health care and financial support that they need. Without our legislation, Social Security is on a path towards future cuts. That is unacceptable. Our legislation is fully paid for, fiscally responsible, and keeps a promise to Floridians who have paid into Social Security their whole lives.
It is long past time that we increase the benefits paid by Social Security and ensure that every American can retire with dignity and the health care and financial support that they need. I strongly support the Social Security 2100 Act and future legislation to protect Social Security, increase benefits, and ensure that no American senior ever lives in poverty.
In addition, while we work on legislation to strengthen Social Security, increase benefits, and ensure that Social Security can fully cover the needs of Floridians, it is also critical that the system work correctly for seniors who need help or information.
My office has worked with hundreds of Floridians who have been unable to receive timely information regarding their Social Security benefits. Social Security is a sacred promise and it’s one that we must fulfill.
That's why I introduced a new bill to help ensure that adequate staff are assigned to answer phone calls, saving Floridians from facing long wait times and automated responses.
| Meeting with the Boys and Girls Club |
I had the pleasure and privilege last month of meeting with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida.
It is always a joy to speak with young people about how to build a bright future for every child in our community. Our children are our future. All that we do, we do for them.
There are so many people in our community who are working to ensure the safety, success, and prosperity of our children. Thank you for all that you do.
I was honored this past month to receive the Public Policy Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women at their 20th Biennial Conference. This award was given for my work in Congress on issues of justice, civil rights, voting rights, government accountability, economic opportunity, and more.
| Supporting International Travel |
Get vaccinated and come to Florida, we are open for business.
Tourism is the engine to Florida’s economy. I strongly support the administration's plan lift travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international air and land border travelers and ensure that vaccinated vacationers, business travelers, and family members can resume visits to Florida. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that Florida’s businesses and economy continue to grow, while also protecting Floridians and working to end this pandemic.
Since last year, I am proud to say that my office has worked with dozens of constituents – including medical professionals, researchers, and critical infrastructure workers – to secure exemptions to the travel ban in cases of “life or death” necessity.
In July, I wrote with bipartisan colleagues to President Biden, “we respectfully urge your administration to begin taking science-based, data-driven steps to safely reopen international travel to the United States” and laid out a proposed roadmap to “both protect public health and safety, and accelerate economic recovery and rehiring in the hard-hit travel industry.” I'm glad to see them heeding this advice.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the Department of Justice’s commitment to supporting local law enforcement, civil rights, and accountability. As I sit here today as a member of the House of Representatives, I see my job and also the job of every member of the House on both sides of the aisle, is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights.
Recently, there has been a surge in threats against elections officials and others around the country who work to make sure that our democracy functions. Violence and threats of violence are never acceptable, and we will defend our democracy.
Hosting a Discussion on Mental Health
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Last month, we held a community conversation on mental health.
I am grateful to the experts who led our conversation, and to the thousands of Floridians who chose to participate. We had people call from across Florida who were calling on behalf of themselves, their children, their siblings, their friends, and their loved ones. This overwhelming response shows just how important mental health is.
Here are some important resources which may be helpful to you or a loved one:
| Fighting to Protect the Health of all Floridians |
Here in our country, millions of Americans fall into a gap in health coverage, leaving them sicker, poorer, and needlessly neglected.
Protecting the lives and health of Floridians is critical. We can do it by expanding Medicaid. A major study last year by Columbia University on expectant mothers, for example, found that expanding Medicaid was “significantly associated with lower maternal mortality.” Simply put, expanding Medicaid saves lives. And as we all know, preventative care is far cheaper than emergency triage. Equal access to health care is both a moral and fiscal good.
Florida should simply accept funding that we already passed to cover this expansion. Yet tragically our state has rejected this lifesaving expansion.
I'm currently fighting for an expansion of Medicaid to cover these Floridians and bring our health care system up to what should be the American standard.
| Important Resources for our Community |
Are you having an issue with a federal agency?
Did you know my district office in Orlando has excellent caseworkers who are happy to help you get in contact with a federal agency?
For example, as international travel begins to pick up again, it is extremely important to check your passports before booking your flights to ensure smooth travel. Unforeseen circumstances can happen with your passports, and my office is here to help you with your emergency situations.
Here’s what a constituent had to say after our assistance in obtaining a passport:
“That’s great news! This relieves a lot of stress for me. Thanks for your help. This allows me to help deliver some needed support to US Army training in Europe. I was so worried I wouldn’t have the passport to make the trip. I really appreciate you time on this. Please stay safe.”
Are you attaining the rank of an Eagle Scout or receiving the Gold Award from Girl Scouts of America?
Did you know you can receive a certificate of Congressional recognition for reaching this milestone? As a former Girl Scout troop leader, I fully understand the magnitude of these accomplishments, which demonstrate dedication to public service through the development and implementation of an impressive service project, willingness to work hard, and overall commitment to academic excellence. Feel free to notify my office about your accomplishments.
Are you or someone you know a middle or high schooler interested in a STEM career or computer science?
Did you know the Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives to promote STEM, coding, and computer science education among middle and high school students. Students may use any programming (including but not limited to: C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, etc.). Since 2016, over 25,000 students from across 48 states have participated.
Who can participate?
The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students from across the 10th Congressional District. Students can participate as individuals or groups up to four.
What Happens if I Win?
Winning students in each Congressional District are invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.
Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the U.S. House Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website.
How Do I Sign Up?
The Congressional App Challenge officially launched on June 24, 2021. Students can register here until November 1, 2021: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/
Are you or someone you know a junior or senior in high school interested in attending a Service Academy after graduation?
Did you know a Congressional nomination is needed to be accepted into these prestigious colleges? Every year, my district office hosts a Service Academy Day where representatives from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy present and answer questions you may have? If you are interested in attending, please call my district office at (321) 388-9808.
Vaccinations
To end this pandemic, it is vital that all of us get vaccinated.
For information about vaccination in Orange County, Florida,
You can schedule appointments at local pharmacies here: Walmart; Sam’s Club; Publix; Winn Dixie; Walgreens; CVS; Fresco y Más.
Get vaccinated!
As a reminder, my office is here to help you with any issue you may be having with a federal service. If you are working with a federal agency and are not receiving an answer in a timely fashion, or you feel you've been treated unfairly, our office may be able to assist you resolve the problem or get more information.
Please reach out if you need help.
For more information on Congressional nominations for a Service Academy, please visit my website.
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During this tough time, I want to assure you that my staff and I are still working and ready to assist you. If you need help, please let us know. You can contact us here.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe. I know that we can get through this together.
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Val Demings
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