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Dear Neighbor,
Last week's news was dominated by historic U.S. Supreme Court rulings. The Court reversed Roe vs. Wade, allowing individual states to determine the issue of abortion. Since the 1973 decision, more than 60 million unborn children have lost their lives to abortion. During that time, medical advances have also made remarkable strides and offer new insight into the stages of human development. For example, as early as five weeks, unborn babies have a heartbeat. By week ten, babies have arms and legs, fingers, and toes. At week 15, science has proven that babies respond to painful stimuli. And, due to advances in technology, an unborn child is now viable outside the womb at 22 weeks or earlier.
For far too long, federal abortion laws have been stuck in the past. With the current scientific knowledge on the stages of human development there can be no more excuses. Our laws must reflect these realities and be realigned to protect the unborn. With its ruling, SCOTUS has rightfully empowered states in this matter while realigning federal abortion policies with science.
Despite the political push on the left and the fearmongering in the media, most Americans believe the concept of on-demand abortions available at any stage of pregnancy to be morally repugnant. The majority also do not want to see their tax dollars used to fund abortions. Yet, Democrats continue to push these radical, anti-life priorities. Democrats, not Republicans, are out of touch on this important issue. I agree with the majority of Americans who believe in empowering mothers and supporting the birth of healthy babies while offering viable options through pregnancy care centers and adoption agencies. As we embrace a culture of life, we recommit ourselves to protecting the most vulnerable among us.
The Court also sent a strong message that Americans will be able to defend themselves and their families while exercising their 2nd Amendment rights without government intrusion. By striking down New York’s unconstitutional concealed weapon law, the Court affirmed that our constitutional rights do not stop when we leave our homes.
This ruling was an important step forward in pushing back against government overreach. Unfortunately, my colleagues didn't get the message. On Friday, they passed a bill that will undermine the constitutional rights of Americans. I voted against the bill because it criminalizes routine firearm transactions, needlessly singles out law-abiding citizens under the age of 21 for heightened scrutiny, and erodes due process protections for Americans subject to red flag laws. Of specific concern is the bill’s undermining of evidentiary standards, and failure to guarantee that the right to counsel is provided to the respondent in any red flag proceedings. Government should not infringe upon Americans’ 2nd Amendment rights without, at minimum, an opportunity to be heard, to confront his or her accuser, to be represented by counsel, and to be subject to robust evidentiary standards.
The bill is also just fundamentally the wrong approach to addressing violence in our country. We will not make our communities safer by restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens who wish to exercise their 2nd amendment rights to protect themselves and their families. We must address root causes of violence while enforcing existing laws and prosecuting criminals. We took an important step toward that goal with passage of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act last week. This bipartisan bill will help ensure access to quality mental health treatment for children and young adults. Additionally, my STAND-UP Act, which was recently signed into law, will improve school safety by training students and staff on how to identify those who may be at-risk for harming themselves or others, how to anonymously report concerning behavior, and how to link those in need of help with community resources.
Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts last week.
Curbing Inflation
According to Moody’s, Americans are now spending an extra $460 a month on skyrocketing inflation. My constituents simply can’t afford to pay the cost of Biden and House Democrats’ failed Far-Left agenda. We have to rein in the reckless spending to combat inflation, and reverse the decimation of American made energy under the guise of “going green.”
Unfortunately, there was not much progress made last week on solving these economic problems that are plaguing our country. My Democrat colleagues continued their efforts to distract and deflect attention. I discussed this matter on the House Floor. Democrats also continued to block bills that would provide relief for Americans grappling with record inflation and skyrocketing gas prices. While their tone-deaf obstruction is certainly frustrating, I will not be deterred. I will keep fighting for practical solutions to the economic challenges we face.
Securing our Border
The Biden Border Crisis continues to worsen by the day, with May being the worst month on record for illegal border crossings. While border patrol agents are preoccupied with processing large groups of migrants, large swaths of the border are left unguarded. This chart clearly demonstrates the complete and utter failure of Biden’s open border policies. We need to secure the border. Doing so is a pressing national security matter!
Ensuring the Rule of Law
The rule of law is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, yet the Biden Administration has refused to enforce its equal application. My colleagues and I are demanding an investigation into the domestic terror attacks against pro-life organizations, that will likely escalate now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade.
Providing Resources for Homeownership
I recently held a tele-townhall on the high prices of housing in our community. In addition to the local resources provided by my guest speaker, this new state program may help many seeking to buy a home.
Easing Pain at the Pump
Its unconscionable to see the Biden Administration blatantly opposed to domestic drilling.
We need to pursue an “all of the above” energy policy which will provide immediate relief at the pump! The high prices we are seeing is not a fluke; it is the direct result of a liberal agenda that prioritizes a green agenda over American consumers. From his first day in office, he canceled the Keystone Pipeline and paused all domestic leases and sales. He has tried to blame everyone from Putin to price gouging and private industry. But the facts are clear….The Biden Administration is currently sitting on over 4,400 pending applications for permits to drill, which must be approved so American workers can produce more American-made energy. President Biden says oil companies need to produce more oil. Frankly, Mr. President, they need you to approve their permits to make that happen.
In addition, Biden's regulatory and inflationary burdens are thwarting the creation of new large-scale refineries, which are also needed to increase production. My colleagues need to stop the blame game and start providing relief! They can start by allowing a vote on the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, which they’ve blocked seven times in recent weeks.
Protecting Your Privacy
I’m continuing to push for a uniform, federal privacy standard that will better protect children and help keep Americans’ data secure. Last week, we held a legislative mark-up to review a bipartisan package I co-authored. Also, as noted in this story, our bill will help safeguard all Americans’ sensitive data and assist with preventing cases of identity theft.
Helping Patients with Rare Diseases
My bills that will provide much needed support for children and patients suffering with a rare disease recently passed the House as part of a larger Healthcare package. Click here to learn more.
Celebrating Success
Seven of my 2022 nominees to a United States Service Academy have been accepted into one of our nation's most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Congratulations to these bright, young leaders on this impressive achievement. Best wishes for continued success as you embark on your journey to serve our nation!
Supporting Small Businesses
Weekly, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team has visited. Congratulations to our newest small business owners and best wishes for your continued success!
Congratulations to owner Larry Guilford on the Grand Opening of Venue At The Block in Dade City.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
I want to thank your staff for helping me deal with a work emergency. My boss recently told me I was needed in Canada for a mandatory meeting. Unfortunately, my passport had expired. Everything I could find online said it would take weeks to fix and there were no available online appointments anywhere in the country. I called your office and James was able to work some magic. He got me a next day appointment in Miami. I was able to get my passport renewed and make it to my work event on time. Thank you so much for all your help.
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you! |
