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Dear Neighbor,
As I prepare to head back to Washington, D.C. this week, I do so confident in the knowledge that the majority of my constituents want me to continue pushing back against government overreach and irresponsible fiscal policies. The conversations I have had with constituents and neighbors during this district work period reinforce that belief. Please be assured that I will continue fighting for practical solutions to the serious challenges facing our country, including: the high prices of gas, the negative impact of inflation on every American household, and the security concerns that exist because of the Biden Administration’s dangerous open border policies. Please continue reading to learn more about these and other important issues.
Restoring American Energy Independence
As Americans are suffering pain at the pump, the Biden Administration is continuing to deplete our reserves and shipping our oil overseas. Because of his actions, our Strategic Petroleum Reserve has reached its lowest level since 1986. Even more egregious, Reuters is reporting that Biden is sending the Reserve oil to China, among other foreign nations! He is literally sending our national security oil reserves to our leading adversaries. President Biden’s America-last, China-first policies are truly unbelievable! As noted in this opinion piece, President Biden should not be begging foreign leaders to increase oil production. He should stand up to the fringe wing of his party and end his war on domestic energy production. The time to ease pain at the pump by increasing domestic oil production is long overdue!
Fixing our Economy
It turns out that President Biden’s economy is even worse than we originally thought. We now know that real GDP actually decreased at an annual rate of 1.6% in the first quarter of 2022. This comes at a time when the second quarter GDP is on track to grow less than 1%.
A new national survey finds that 83% of Americans are having to cut back because of historic inflation. Also, more than half of all Americans report that they are now having to live paycheck-to-paycheck due to inflation.
Despite these staggering statistics, the Biden Administration continues to engage in frivolous spending. For example, I cannot fathom why, in the midst of a financial crisis, the Administration is currently seeking competitive grant applications to award $500,000 grants to “organizations committed to the practice and spread of atheism and humanism in South/Central Asia, and in the Middle East/North Africa.” This is pure insanity. Also, the Administration has announced that it will resume pushing for another large spending package when we return to D.C. this week.
We need to rein in reckless government spending and live within our means. In fact, in just 27 months the federal government has added $7 trillion to the national debt. We must balance the budget!
Fighting for Our Heroes
Last week’s Supreme Court ruling on behalf of a Veteran is another important step forward for our heroes exposed to burn pit toxins during their service. These men and women have already sacrificed so much on behalf of our country. I look forward to having the chance to vote on the PACT Act when I return to DC this week. This historic and long-overdue legislation will ensure these Veterans have access to the medical care and benefits they deserve.
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Securing our Border
The Supreme Court recently ruled that President Biden has the legal authority to pursue his plans to repeal the “Remain in Mexico” policy, a tool previously used to deter illegal border crossings. The fact that the Biden Administration continues to pursue policies that worsen our historic border crisis and endanger Americans is unfathomable.
Reminding You to Take Precautions
Floridians know that preparedness saves lives and minimizes property damage. This hurricane season, remember to develop and practice an emergency plan and stay alert for weather updates! Here are some tips to help!
Also, I’m sure you share my love for four-legged friends. As we are all coping with extreme heat, don’t forget these important tips for keeping your pets safe this summer.
Celebrating Success
My team was proud to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PACK summer camp for disabled children in Pasco County this week. Barry and Paula Cohen have provided a tremendous resource in our community, and I’ve enjoyed visiting their program on several occasions.
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 Samantha Nettleton of Spring Gardens Recovery in Land O' Lakes on the opening of her new behavioral health/addiction treatment center.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
Pasco has a gem in Rep Gus Bilirakis. This is not a political puff piece, I am not into politics, I am not even registered to vote. It is just my experience. I needed help with a Government Department and I asked if Rep Bilirakis could help me on his web site. Within an hour Lola from his Tarpon office phoned me! I explained my problem and she had Stavroula send me a form to fill in which I returned the next day to DC. To my amazement Rep Bilirakis sent me the letter he sent to the Department THE SAME DAY and asked I follow up with him in 60 days. In couple of weeks he sent me the reply he had received! I have had many representatives in my life, I am 78, but this man is the best. His offices here and DC, James, were responsive, efficient and easy to deal with, Rep Bilirakis acted immediately and followed up.
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! |
