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Dear Neighbor,
There are some events that forever alter the landscape of history. These moments and how we respond to them reveal a great deal about who we are as people and what we value as a society. Today marks the 21st anniversary of one such occasion- the 9/11 terrorist attack on our nation. My staff and I are honored to participate in several memorial events being held throughout the district today as we remember this solemn occasion.
No American will ever forget the horrific images and tragic stories that were broadcast in the days following the attacks. Those stories and images broke our collective hearts and we all grieved for the 2,977 lives that were taken too soon. However, we also saw true examples of heroism with first responders, fire fighters and police running into burning buildings to save as many lives as possible. Additionally, we saw record numbers of brave men and women volunteer to defend our nation by joining the military after the attacks. Today we remember and honor all of these heroes.
There was also a tremendous sense of unity and patriotism that swept across our nation during the days that followed 9/11. It was not that we no longer had disagreements or division, but rather that there was a recognition that some things were more important than our differences. First and foremost, we are all Americans.
Our enemies sought to destroy our way of life. Instead, they discovered the depths of our resiliency, the strength of our resolve, and our unwavering commitment to one another. Now known as Patriot Day, September 11th has become a day to honor the victims of this horrific tragedy through service to others. That is the legacy that is left behind in the aftermath of our national trauma.
I hope you will join me today in working to rekindle that spirit of unity and finding even a small way to serve others. While we may have legitimate disagreements about what is best for our country, I urge us all to remember the importance of civility. We can fight for our ideas and beliefs without personally disparaging our fellow Americans who see the world differently. Please continue reading for a brief recap of my work last week.
Restoring Energy Independence
Europe is warning its residents that it may be forced to ration energy this winter. This should be a huge red flag to all Americans as the policies of President Biden and Congressional Democrats seek to replicate the European Model. Instead, I believe we should be aggressively pursuing an “All of the Above” strategy that prioritizes domestic production. I am continuing to press for long-term relief at the pump by restoring American energy independence. Click here to learn more.
Protecting our Children
Last week, I had the chance to meet with several parents and teachers in Pasco County about the negative impact social media use is having on teens. They shared difficult stories about the experiences their children and students had encountered as well as suggestions about how Congress can help. I appreciated their feedback on the Big Tech Task Force’s plans to hold the industry accountable.
Reining in Spending
I'm concerned that reckless government spending is fueling record levels of inflation According to a CBO report issued last week, the federal government is continuing to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on programs that Congress has not re-authorized. Tasked with the power of the purse and authorization, Congress has a duty to rein in the massive federal bureaucracy that too often has become disconnected with the people it is intended to serve.
Advocating for our Heroes
A newly reported spike in cases of Military Sexual Trauma is simply unacceptable. We have an obligation to ensure that the brave men and women serving our nation do not have to fear being assaulted by one of their own.
Lowering the Price of Prescription Drugs and Urging Patient-Centered Decision-making
I’m glad to see Governor DeSantis taking action to lower prescription drug prices for Florida’s seniors. The FDA should not continue to be a roadblock to progress in this critical area when the project had already been approved by the agency.
My office has also received numerous calls similar to those in this story from concerned constituent patients who are worried about their continuity of care. Patients should never be put in the middle of a contract dispute. I’ve urged both parties to work together to resolve this issue without jeopardizing patient care.
Defending Your Rights
Rather than address violent crime, last week President Biden doubled down on radical policies that attack the Second Amendment rights of all Americans. Rest assured, I will always continue to defend the 2nd Amendment.
 Raising Awareness
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Unfortunately, our country is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with nearly 46,000 lives lost to suicide in 2020 alone. Suicide rates have risen 31% since 2001. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free 24/7 mental health support at your fingertips. Call or text 988 for help.
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 Marcos, the owner of Risto Bar Venezia, a new Italian Restaurant in Tarpon Springs!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
Last month I reached out to the congressional office of Gus Bilirakis (of my district) about my inability to reach anyone at the IRS regarding the status of my returns from 2020 and 2021. Carol took my information, provided me a form to sign and acknowledged receipt of documents I had that pertained to those filings. The next day a young lady called me with info on my 2020 inquiry. She explained the IRS separated my check (owed money) from its return, credited it to my account but for whatever reason lost/misplaced that return and was the reason for their letter stating I had a credit (as far as they knew) asking me to refile... which I did... the matter was resolved but they hadn't ever told me. She went on to advise me that she is looking into the status of the 2021 return mailed to the IRS many months ago ... fast forward to 8/30/2022, the IRS deposited the expected amount from that return in my bank account. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR BEING THERE ... A JOB WELL DONE IN RECORD TIME.
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! |
