Hello, Friends—

This week, former Special Counsel (and former FBI Director) Robert Mueller testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee. Republicans and Democrats were prepared and eager to ask Director Mueller questions about his report. In what came as a surprise to everyone, the person who was least prepared to talk about the Mueller Report seemed to be Mueller himself. His answers were brief, clipped, and often contradicted the report bearing his name.

Very few people thought it was a good day for Mr. Mueller, including David Axelrod, former Chief of Staff to President Obama, who called the hearing “very, very painful” and “deeply unsatisfying.” Harvard professor Laurence Tribe, known for vocally supporting the fact-free impeachment of President Trump, called it “a disaster.”

I asked Director Mueller an important question: did he think that the Steele dossier, the document called “salacious and unverified” by former FBI Director James Comey, to be Russian disinformation. He hemmed and hawed. Eventually, after I asked another question, he settled on an answer that became a common theme throughout the hearing — that it was “not in his purview.” 

Unfortunately, this dossier was used to obtain surveillance warrants on American citizens and spy on a political campaign. Given the centrality of the Steele dossier to the origins of the entire “Russia investigation,” it would seem to fall squarely in Mr. Mueller’s purview, which is why I found his answer so surprising.

My exchange with Mueller is below: 

Click to Play!

Read More:

Washington Examiner — July 24, 2019

Matt Gaetz grills Mueller on Steele dossier's role in Russian disinformation efforts

Turning Point USA

On Monday, I had the privilege of speaking to thousands of patriotic high school students at the Turning Point USA Teen Student Action Summit. I reminded the students that we never apologize for who we are as Americans, and that we will always cherish and defend our Constitution. Watch my full speech below:

Click to Play!

On the House Floor

In Congress, we voted on lots of legislation this week. Some was actually quite good, such as legislation to help improve data security for veterans, and legislation to condemn the BDS movement against Israel. H. Res. 246, which I supported as a cosponsor, condemns the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement for targeting our friend and ally Israel. I was glad to see this resolution pass with overwhelming support from my colleagues.

Other legislation that passed, however, was simply terrible. For instance, the innocently-named “Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act” purports to be a bill to create health screenings for illegal aliens in custody of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). What it actually does, however, is require every CBP outpost — even remote outposts with bare-bones staff — to have a massive number of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals on hand…even dieticians! (No, I’m not exaggerating). I voted against this bad bill, and am very glad that the Senate has given no indication that they will take it up.

Bills like this, which stand zero chance of becoming law, are a waste of time. I continue to hope that my colleagues across the aisle will develop serious legislation to address the root causes of our border crisis, and fix the loopholes in our immigration system that incentivize human trafficking and child predation.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Gov. DeSantis Leading Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis has accomplished a great deal during his first six months. A recent poll reported that he is one of America’s most popular governors. I’m proud of the work he is doing for Florida, and glad to see that a majority of Floridians agree!

South Florida Sun-Sentinel — July 18, 2019

Gov. Ron DeSantis lands spot among 10 most popular U.S. governors

Having Trouble with a Federal Agency?

This week signals the beginning of a District Work period, which will last until the end of August. Although I oppose a ‘recess’ when there is so much work that Congress should be doing, I look forward to being back in the Sunshine State and hearing from you! If you need assistance with a federal agency, this is a great time to contact my office. My office number is (850) 479-1183, and my staff is eager to assist you!

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Fox News — July 24, 2019

WATCH: Gaetz Appears on Hannity after the Mueller Hearing

The Daily Caller — July 24, 2019

‘Precisely Your Purview’: Matt Gaetz Rejects Mueller’s Claim That Steele Dossier Was Beyond

“‘Director Mueller, can you state with confidence that the Steele dossier was not part of Russia’s disinformation campaign?’ Gaetz asked.”

Military.com — July 20, 2019

Eglin AFB F-35s Hit Their Highest Mission-Capable Rate

“Last year, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose district includes Eglin, raised concerns that the base could miss its goals for graduating new F-35 pilots as a result of the parts shortage.”

What We’re Reading

The Hill — July 12, 2019

9th Circuit rules in favor of Trump admin in ‘sanctuary city’ case

American Greatness — July 23, 2019

Can the Mod Squad beat the Odd Squad?

American Thinker — July 25, 2019

Bernard Sanders: Stretch Limousine Liberal