Dear Neighbor,

Florida families are paying too much for everything, from food to housing to prescription drugs. I have been hard at work in Congress to bring costs down. We have passed multiple bills to bring down costs, but some in the Senate are blocking these bills. Our constituents need us. The CEOs who are boasting record profits do not need any further help from members of Congress. My loyalty will always be to you, the constituents of District 10.

With the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, women in this country are under constant attack. The goal is clear: to revert back to a time when women were second class citizens. As a mother a woman of faith, I will never stop fighting for the rights and freedoms of America’s women and girls. 

We are working to protect your right to choose and to protect other fundamental rights that are at risk. I'm ready for the fight ahead, I hope you are too. 

Be prepared this hurricane season. Have extra canned goods, bottled water, and batteries on hand in the event of an emergency. Find important lists and other helpful resources here. It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Stay safe.

Sincerely,

U.S. Rep. Val Demings

Our economy depends on technology. I voted for the CHIPS bill because it will boost American jobs, resolve supply chain issues, and bring down costs for American families. This bill will help us to reclaim the global computer chip market from China, which has dominated the industry in recent years to the detriment of American workers. I’m proud to support investments in American manufacturing and jobs, plus the largest five-year investment in public research and development in our nation’s history.

In June, women across the country were stripped of our basic human rights and ability to decide our own futures and destinies. Here in Florida women and girls are facing extreme bans without exceptions. Their goal is to punish women and put doctors in jail.

Law enforcement officers are trying to catch murderers and rapists and robbers, but antichoice radicals want to put doctors in jail. As a former law enforcement officer, I am disgusted by proposals to misuse the critical time and resources of police officers by using them to punish women. 

I voted for the Women's Health Protection Act because women in Florida must have full protection under federal law. This legislation will protect our right to choose, but the Senate is holding it up. They must act and they must choose America's daughters. 

We’re taking aggressive action to protect the right to choose, keep our law enforcement officers focused on real criminals, and protect the freedom of the American people against those who want to control us. I voted for the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act to protect women's right to freely travel between states for health care.

Along with abortion, our right to contraception is also being threatened. When someone decides to start a family it is their business, not that of politicians. In addition, millions of Americans need common contraception to treat or prevent medical conditions from hormone imbalances to endometriosis to some cancers. That's why I was proud to cosponsor and vote for the Right to Contraception Act, ensuring access to all who need it. 

The Supreme Court has shown it’s willing to rip away our fundamental rights, including our right to contraception. We passed this legislation in the House, and it’s critical that the Senate act with urgency. It’s not the government’s job to make our most intimate family choices for us or to deny Americans access to medical care. It’s shameful that this legislation is even necessary, but I’ll always fight to protect our personal privacy and freedoms including our right to safe and effective family planning.

I fought hard in Congress for new federal funding for community projects in Central Florida from infrastructure to housing.

I was honored to present funding for two of these projects to Orange County and the Historic Town of Eatonville with federal funding for sewer and wastewater infrastructure projects in the Historic Town of Eatonville, and for the Orange County Community of Schools and Services’ Youth and Family Homeless Diversion to support K-12 students experiencing high rates of poverty, homelessness and related challenges.

Safe and clean water is critical for every community, and I’m proud to have worked with the Historic Town of Eatonville to secure federal funding to repair and expand their freshwater infrastructure. This project builds on our successful work with Democrats and Republicans to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill and make sure that our water is clean and our communities can continue to grow.

I grew up the daughter of a maid and a janitor and while my parents had to work hard every day, we made ends meet and I was able to get a great public school education. But not every child is so fortunate, which is why I worked with Orange County to make sure that every child in our community, no matter their family circumstances, should have a fair chance to go to school and not be left behind.

This program will help at-risk youth facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and other quality of life issues to prosper. Education is the great equalizer, and together with community partners we can grow this proven, successful model to help our children stay safe and find opportunity.

Because of the bipartisan infrastructure law that I supported, Orlando is getting an additional $50 million on top of hundreds of millions already awarded to Orlando International Airport (MCO). The funding will be used for the Terminal C expansion and will help fuel our economic growth.

I joined Republicans and Democrats to pass the bipartisan infrastructure act because Orlando’s economy depends on our travel infrastructure. I’m proud to announce this major win for our region, which will help us continue to grow as the most visited destination in America. 

On July 13, I joined family members of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune for the unveiling of a statue of Dr. Bethune in the U.S. Capitol. The statue, one of two representing Florida, is the first statue of a Black American to represent a U.S. state in Statuary Hall. 

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was the most powerful woman I can remember as a child. I am proud that Dr. Bethune will be Florida’s new face in the U.S. Capitol and know that her lifelong commitment to education and civil rights will continue to inspire all Americans for years to come.

I urge all Floridians to read Dr. Bethune’s last will and testament, in which she wrote of the power of hope, love, faith, responsibility to our young people, and thirst for education. She worked to make America better for all people, and it is more than fitting that she should be here representing us in the People’s House.

I invited the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary Mayorkas, to meet face to face in Orlando with elected officials, first responders, emergency planners, and airport and economic representatives to discuss how we can keep our community safe.

The safety and security of every American is my top priority. My bill to support the Urban Area Security Initiative is critical for Florida’s first responders and will help ensure stable funding levels for anti-terror programs that keep us safe. 

As a former chief of police who used UASI funding, this program has been one of my top priorities since arriving in Congress and I am proud of the work we have done to restore Orlando to the list and ensure that our first responders have what’s needed to keep us safe.

I have seen that training saves lives. I am proud that my legislation, the DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021 was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, because 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.

As Vice-Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I voted for an assault weapon ban to keep the most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people. Assault-style weapons are used to kill mothers, fathers, children, and cops. Victims are not expected to survive because the trauma inflicted on the body is too massive. That makes it the weapon of choice for mass shooters.

The American people have demanded action to reduce violent crime and we must act. We cannot sit back as America’s representatives and watch innocent people continue to be gunned down in innocent places. Assault weapons give criminals and terrorists the ability to cause incalculable damage to our families and our communities even when law enforcement is able to respond immediately.

An assault weapon ban would have stopped the Pulse shooter, the Parkland shooter, the Uvalde shooter, and countless others from buying their guns. The American people deserve leaders with the courage to protect our communities.

When law enforcement officers retire, they often want to keep their sidearm rather than buying a new gun. My bipartisan legislation would allow retiring federal officers to purchase their service weapon from the government, limiting the total number of guns in circulation, with the resulting revenue going to gun safety programs. This is a commonsense move to support officers, help prevent gun violence, and keep our communities safe.

photo from www.cnn.com

I’m proud to have led efforts to support internet freedom in Cuba, Russia, China, and Venezuela. Both Democrats and Republicans in the House voted to pass my legislation, which will support cost-free access to the internet, including social media and other messaging services, even during government-controlled internet blackouts.

In addition, Russia and the Chinese Communist Party are investing billions of dollars in disinformation, propaganda, military infrastructure, and economic projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. These Russian and Chinese campaigns are a direct threat to Latin America and to U.S. national security and I’ve led the fight to help uncover and counter these campaigns. The House passed my bill with bipartisan support.

Marriage equality is at risk under this Supreme Court. I voted in support of the Respect For Marriage Act, to protect the rights of all Americans to marry the person of their choice. We’re going to continue to stand up for freedom and refuse to go back into a discriminatory past. 

photo from www.insider.com

A small group of politicians do not get to dictate America’s future in this government of the people. Every married couple must have fair and equal access to all of the benefits of marriage, from Social Security to veterans and military benefits to health care. I’ll always fight for your freedom and I was proud to support legislation to protect every American couple’s fundamental right to have their marriage treated as equal under federal law.

I was honored to welcome fellow Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to Orlando for our Social Action Luncheon, Making an Impact: Driving Change Through Advocacy and Action.

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:

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 junior or senior in high school interested in attending a Service Academy after graduation?
Did you know a Congressional nomination must accompany your application? Each year my district office hosts a Service Academy Day with representatives from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Military Academy. If you would like additional information, please call (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 to resolve the problem or get more information.

Please reach out if you need help.

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During this challenging 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