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Dear Neighbor,
As Americans face runaway inflation caused by out-of-control government spending, House Democrats spent the entire week pushing for tens of billions of dollars to fund their Socialist wish list. Below are some of the most egregious examples of provisions that were in the liberal spending plans put forth last week:
- 20% increase for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund green initiatives,
- $1 billion increase for the Internal Revenue Service to spy on Americans,
- 433% increase for the Election Security Grants with strings attached to implement a liberal agenda,
- 30% increase for the Federal Trade Commission,
- 20% increase for the Office of Personnel Management,
- 12% increase to maintain and improve federal buildings – many of which have been mostly empty for more than 2 years,
17% increase for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Funding for partisan climate initiatives: Offshore oil and gas activities are restricted, and oil and gas inspection fees are increased, which will be passed on to consumers.
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy activities are increased by more than 25%.
- $100 million for select clean energy technologies,
- $75 million for public housing energy efficiency and climate resilience upgrades,
- Taxpayer funds would be authorized to pay for abortions,
- Provides incentives for illegal immigration by expanding benefits to those who come here illegally.
Instead of addressing the economic crisis, Democrats are prioritizing liberal initiatives and increasing federal spending with some accounts receiving double-digit and triple-digit percentage increases. Their actions are tone deaf! I will continue to oppose wasteful spending that is contributing to the pain my constituents are feeling. Please continue reading for an overview of my efforts on your behalf last week.
Understanding the Impact of Inflation
At 9.1%, record high inflation is causing the price of everything to skyrocket.
 Small businesses are also experiencing record inflation, and that means higher prices ahead for consumers. Wholesale prices for businesses jumped 11.3 percent from the previous year, according to a new Producer Price Index (PPI) report from the Department of Labor.
Also, an estimated 25% of all Americans will now be forced to delay retirement due to record-high inflation.
While much of the inflation is fueled by spending approved by Congressional Democrats, some spending is less transparent. According to the Congressional Budget Office, in just 16 months President Biden has issued 530 Executive Orders which have cost taxpayers a stunning $532 billion. He has circumvented Congress and is contributing to skyrocketing inflation!
In addition to the reckless annual spending plans described above, Democrats are once again pushing their Build Back Better package. In addition to this being another huge spending package full of liberal priorities, it will raise taxes on all Americans and hurt small businesses. This is not the way to grow our economy and get us back on the right path!
Protecting Consumers and Children
Child advocates are warning parents about how predators are using virtual reality gaming to target children. It is important that we keep raising awareness about the dangers of online activity and empowering parents with the information and tools they need to keep their children safe.
Also, in last week’s Energy and Commerce Committee Mark-Up, we passed bipartisan legislation I have co-led to create a national privacy standard for all Americans. As we work to safeguard all Americans’ sensitive data, I am particularly pleased with a major component of this bill that will provide enhanced online, privacy protections for children. I am glad to see this historic and long-overdue legislation is finally moving forward!
Additionally, the FBI has been sounding the alarm about new scams that are impacting Floridians. As federal agencies continue to increase efforts to prevent this type of international fraud, we should also raise awareness of the potential for significant loss.
Demanding Answers and Action
My colleagues and I are demanding answers about how the Biden Administration plans to respond to the expected energy crisis that will likely result from implementation of its radical green energy policies. Click here to learn more.
We also can’t allow the Biden Administration to continue ignoring the invasion on our southern border. There were more illegals entering our country in June of 2022 than any other June in recorded history. We must secure our border and enforce the rule of law.
Raising Awareness
July is #UVSafetyMonth. The sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays can damage your skin & cause skin cancer. When you check the forecast, pay attention to the UV index. If it’s 3 or higher, be sure to protect your skin. Wear broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+, long sleeved shirts and long pants, sunglasses with UV protection and wide-brimmed hats.
Additionally, my colleagues and I have supported bipartisan efforts to create a 3-digit number, 988, for people in a mental health crisis. You can now use 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor.
Celebrating Success
We could all use a little positive news, which is why I am proud to highlight this inspiring story of my constituent, Jackson Davis, for creating a mobile food pantry to help those in need throughout Pasco County. Great job, Jackson. Keep working hard and finding creative ways to help others!
Also, congratulations to the first graduating class of Victory High School in Pasco County. These students continue to overcome challenges and are making positive choices. I wish them continued success!
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!
A local Veteran, Roger Gaston, celebrated the grand opening of Cryo-eeze in New Port Richey. This facility offers holistic services for body sculpting and fat reduction. It also specializes in stress and anxiety management, whole body recovery, sports optimization and recovery, pain relief, and injury recovery for Veterans and first responders.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
Just to inform you, after your staff's intervention, my wife just received her green card in the mail. Thank you so much for your quick response and for helping resolve this problem that my wife and I have been working on for so many years.
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! |
