CONGRESSMAN GAETZ RESPONDS TO INCREASED ENERGY PRICES IN NW FLORIDA
I understand the pain and challenges of the sudden and sharp increase in energy bills across Northwest Florida. In many cases, I am hearing that Floridians are paying $200-300 more every month and, in some cases, even double their average costs. I’m certainly not thrilled about paying higher energy bills myself. On the heels of a merger with Gulf Power, Florida Power & Light (FPL)—the largest electricity company in the U.S.—is responsible for these skyrocketing prices.
Utility rates in Florida are set by the Public Service Commission, which is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. This is a state function, so Congress has no role in approving or denying these rate increases. Based on filings I have reviewed, Florida approved these rate increases following FPL’s claim that rising fuel costs, “cold [weather] snaps,” and “clean energy initiatives” justify them. Additionally, the Biden Administration is making things worse for all Americans. They’ve declared war on American energy, embraced policies that drive higher inflation, and they needlessly oppose nuclear power and liquified natural gas as cleaner, cheaper energy alternatives. It certainly doesn’t help that this month’s reported 7.5% year-over-year inflation has seen the reduced purchasing power of the dollar, effectively making everything more expensive for all Americans.
In regard to our need to stabilize these rates, I will continue advocating for their reduction to the Florida Public Service Commission. I will also continue to fight against the Biden Administration’s poor decisions, which are rooted in politics over science.
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REP. GAETZ MEETS WITH MAC AT THE PENSACOLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) at the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, where we discussed the outlook for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) increase in Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. As I mentioned this month, the BAH increase is long overdue for our service members and I am thrilled to see all mentioned counties draft their resolutions to support the Military Mission line. I listened and engaged with officers of NAS Pensacola, Whiting Field, and Corry Station, along with local leaders in our community about the changes that will take place in 2022. The BAH increase will improve the lives and standard of living for all FL-01 active duty members, which is great news!
USCP RESPONDS TO MATT GAETZ’S LETTER
If you recall from last week’s news cycle and newsletter, I relayed the revelation that the United States Capitol Police secretly entered Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22) office, photographed private notes and documents, and returned two days later–out of uniform–without contacting Rep. Nehls or his staff. On Wednesday, Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger responded to my “demand for preservation of documents” so that we can get to the bottom of this.
I appreciate the Chief’s prompt response. As you will read in his letter, Chief Manger outlines his analysis of the events that occurred back in November. I take his word for the reported sequence of events between November 20 and November 22, 2021. However, my demand for preservation of documents was not addressed. Instead, Chief Manger stated his request of the Inspector General to “examine the matter involving Congressman Nehls, as well as other unsubstantiated claims [...]” In other words, my demand to “preserve all records (including, but not limited to photographs, documents, recordings, digital images, transcripts, or legislative work products) taken from or of the offices of members of Congress during the 117tth Congress,” has effectively been ignored, but we will continue to monitor the situation.
Click Here to Read My Letter & The USCP’s Response
REP. GAETZ ON THE JOE PAGS SHOW: DURHAM REPORT REVEALS THE CLINTONS SPIED ON TRUMP
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Yesterday, I joined Joe Pags to discuss the fallout from last week’s story, proving Hillary’s illicit spying activity and false allegations about Donald Trump. After the mainstream media effectively ignored this bombshell development over the past weekend, one fact remains: John Durham’s explosive report ties Hillary Clinton and her affiliates directly to their crimes. President Trump was right all along, they spied on his campaign!
REAL AMERICA’S VOICE: REPORT PROVES WE WERE RIGHT
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On Tuesday, I joined "Dr. Gina Primetime" on Real America's Voice to discuss John Durham's bombshell revelations of the spying conducted on President Trump, how the Biden administration is gaslighting Vladimir Putin into invading Ukraine, why populist movements are springing up in countries everywhere, and more!
OAN: BIDEN IS A PRESIDENT IN DECLINE
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Earlier this week, I joined ‘Real America with Dan Ball’ on One America News, where we discussed Joe Biden's response to America’s inflation crisis. Lester Hold pressed Biden by saying, “[...] back in July, you said inflation was going to be temporary. I think a lot of Americans are wondering what your definition of temporary is.” Biden, scrambled and confused, resorted to calling Lester Holt a ‘wiseguy’. We also discussed the strategies Republicans must implement to fix our economy, how America's truckers are planning their own freedom convoy to Washington D.C., and more!
FIREBRAND EPISODE 27 IS AVAILABLE NOW!
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The latest episode of Firebrand with Matt Gaetz is available RIGHT NOW!
In Episode 27, I am joined by Lou Dobbs as we discuss new information on the Durham indictments, how Biden’s predictability on Russia and Ukraine makes America weaker, and the path Republicans need to take to back our country.
REP. GAETZ JOINS AFA’S GUN PODCAST
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I was honored to be a guest on the first episode of the American Firearms Association’s (AFA) Gun Politics Podcast, where we discussed my National Stand Your Ground Act (H.R. 6248), as well as Republican plans to eliminate the swampy ATF. The Second Amendment is not about hunting, recreation, or sports. The Second Amendment is about the ability to maintain, within the citizenry, an armed rebellion against the government if that becomes necessary.
VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR AND CELEBRATION
On Wednesday at the Northwest Florida fairgrounds, my staff attended the Veteran’s Resource Fair & Celebration to gladly see our community supporting our veterans. Both the United States and Florida Departments of Veterans Affairs were present, along with the Escarosa Career Center to connect veterans with local resources and assistance. This was a spectacular event and I hope to attend more of these in the future.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
BizPac Review — February 18, 2022
Lou Dobbs says McCarthy is an ‘outright RINO’ who should not be speaker: ‘We need a Gaetz or Jordan’
"Dobbs chatted with Gaetz on the latest edition of the Florida Republican’s “Firebrand” podcast where the two America First conservatives discussed topics including Pelosi’s sham 1/6 committee, President Joe Biden’s stunning abuses of power, the national debt and the direction of GOP leadership if Democrats are held accountable by voters in November."
Newsweek — February 17, 2022
Lou Dobbs Backs Gaetz, Jordan Over McCarthy as Speaker if GOP Takes House
"Right-wing political commentator Lou Dobbs expressed his hope that Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio or Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida—both Republicans—could become House Speaker if the GOP retakes control of Congress' lower chamber in the upcoming midterm elections."
WEAR-TV— February 16, 2022
Rep. Gaetz to bring community concerns over FP&L rates to Public Service Commission
"Congressman Matt Gaetz released Channel 3 a statement Wednesday afternoon regarding the recent rise in electrical rates from Florida Power & Light. Channel 3 reached out to Gaetz about the FP&L rates after hearing from other officials such as Rep. Alex Andrade, Sen. Doug Broxson, and Governor Ron DeSantis. Gaetz told Channel 3 that he will be bringing concerns from Northwest Floridians to the Florida Public Service Commission -- along with his own thoughts regarding the need to stabilize rates."
Trending Politics — February 13, 2022
Rep. Gaetz Has a Dire Warning about What the January 6th Committee is Up To
WHAT WE'RE READING
The Washington Examiner — February 17, 2022
The (continuing) border crisis
New York Post — February 15, 2022
The lefty press is giving Hillary Clinton a pass for Russiagate
Fox Business — February 15, 2022
Four big reasons not to confirm Biden's Fed nominee Sarah Bloom Raskin
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