Hello, Friends —
This week in Congress, Democrats decided to combine 12 bills into one "En Bloc Vote" to pass them all simultaneously instead of considering these measures independently. This tactic instantly pushes bills through Congress without debating the merits, federal spending, and impact on American citizens. This vote included bills that direct the President to issue sanctions on Bosnia and Herzegovina, spend money on education in foreign countries, authorize the Peace Corps to work remotely, and create a new government advisory committee on the "digital economy." I voted No on this combined vote, as I would for independent legislation that gives more money to other countries or creates more government programs.
REP. GAETZ DELIVERS FLOOR SPEECH ON CENTRALIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT BILLS
Click Here to Watch My Floor Speech!
Yesterday, I voted against four bills that further federalize our police in America (H.R. 6448, H.R. 8542, H.R. 4118, and H.R. 5768). It is head-spinning that House Democrats either want to defund the police or federalize the police. I’m against both, and here's why – in my community, people in one of the reddest counties in Florida voted to raise their own taxes to fund school resource officers protecting our schools. We understood that law enforcement was the responsibility of our community.
Now, as places like Detroit, Chicago, and nearly every major metropolitan area in defund their police, they sacrifice the safety of their constituents on the altar of Wokeism. These four bills on the House Floor yesterday legislate that Florida constituents and other law-abiding Americans are subsidizing these woke decisions made at the state and local levels. Both constitutionally and practically.
The police power is not a power of the federal government; it is the power of our state and local governments. Democrats don't want to fund the police; they want to addict the police to the federal dollar. I voted against these federal police bills because they ensure more centralized decision-making, not the localized decision-making that our Constitution has promised this country for generations. The best thing we can do for law enforcement is to get out of their way, have their back, and call out the politicians in Congress who keep trying to defund the police and devalue the commitment they make to our communities.
GAETZ COSPONSORS BILLS FOR VETERANS PROTECTION AND MILITARY MISSION LINE
The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would significantly increase criminal penalties from 5 years imprisonment to 10 years for individuals seeking to defraud veterans. Our veterans simply seek to access their hard-earned benefits and should never be taken advantage of by criminals. According to the Postal Service Inspector General, nearly 80% of retired veterans report being targeted by scams. It is Congress’ duty to serve the needs of our nation’s heroes, including protecting them from fraudsters. I fully support this vital legislation and encourage Speaker Pelosi to bring it swiftly to the house floor for a vote.
Click Here to Read the Bill!
I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 8980, "To establish a moratorium on energy development in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico." Florida’s Gulf Test Range is among the most critical testing and training locations in America. While energy independence of the United States is essential, we must not allow offshore drilling to interfere with the imperative training and readiness activities in Northwest Florida. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, which extends the Military Mission Line moratorium through June 30, 2032. Senator Rubio has an identical version of this bill in the Senate (S. 4943), and I am optimistic that this could get a vote in both chambers.
Click Here to Read the Bill!
HOUSE JUDICIARY: FED INVOLVEMENT ON JANUARY 6, WE DESERVE THE TRUTH!
Click Here to Watch!
In addition to several other provisions, including criminal justice reform, the House Judiciary Committee considered a Resolution of Inquiry, demanding information from Merrick Garland on Ray Epps and his involvement during J6. I reminded my colleagues that several federal assets have previously been involved in U.S. History, and we must stay vigilant.
As Americans, we deserve the entire truth about the extent of the federal government's involvement in J6, and this starts with Ray Epps.
FIREBRAND: LIVE FROM DC
Click Here to Watch!
Episode 71: The Ray Epps Inquiry
In this week’s second episode of Firebrand, I am joined by Dr. Darren J. Beattie of Revolver News. We break down the latest House Judiciary Committee hearing where Democrats stonewalled the inquiry into Ray Epps’ involvement in the events of January 6th.
The number one thing Democrats want is for the public to have a short attention span, move on to the next distraction, and forget about Ray Epps. We saw from the January 6th Committee that they want to dismiss any interest in Epps and are unwilling to provide access to the transcript of their interview with Epps himself. The American people deserve an independent review of Ray Epps and his involvement on January 6th.
Click Here to Watch!
Episode 70: The Pandemic Is Over
In this week’s episode of Firebrand, I react to Joe Biden’s comments that "the pandemic is over," which is quite a declaration. If the pandemic is over, then maybe Joe Biden should (1) repeal the emergency order, (2) reinstate servicemembers who were driven out of the military because they did not want to take an experimental vaccine, and (3) have every child in America back in school.
Right after Joe Biden made this statement, both the White House and Democrats in Congress were quick to try to walk back this statement. They want to keep all the power they seized during the pandemic.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
UPCOMING ACADEMY NOMINATIONS
The two most important jobs I have as a Congressman are to represent my constituents and to nominate students to the United States service academies. These students represent the very best of our district and the entire country. This year, I will nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.
To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please visit https://gaetz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations and complete the form on that page. Completed packets are due by October 14th, and they must be mailed to the following address: 226 S Palafox St, 6th Floor, Pensacola, FL 32502.
I wish you the best as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country. Please direct any further questions about the application process to [email protected].
Click Here for More Information!
SIGN-UP FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE!
The Congressional App Challenge is a public effort to encourage kids to learn how to code. Students compete to code original applications for the chance to be selected for recognition, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Official registration for the 2022 Congressional App Challenge is now open! Students can register for the 2022 Congressional App Challenge and start coding their apps for 2022 using the link below. The competition deadline is November 1st, 2022.
Click Here to Register for the Congressional App Challenge!
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
Revolver — September 22, 2022
Massie and Gaetz demand answers on Epps in heated Congressional hearing… what is Raskin hiding?
"...Congressman Mondaire Jones took it upon himself to repeat the discredited blood libel that Officer Brian Sicknick was bludgeoned to death by MAGA rioters on January 6th...America First congressman Matt Gaetz wasn’t having any of it, and quickly stepped in to address Congressman Jones’ false blood libel."
Breitbart — September 20, 2022
Breitbart News Daily Podcast Ep. 221: RIP Pandemic; Red Wave Back On? Guest: Rep. Matt Gaetz on Importance of ‘My Son Hunter’
"Our guest today is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who sings the praises of the new film My Son Hunter, which is available to stream and download at MySonHunter.com. Then, he discusses the alleged end of the coronavirus pandemic and what that should mean, plus more of your money possibly being sent to Ukraine."
Washington Examiner — September 21, 2022
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman open to testifying on antitrust issues
"According to another source familiar with the meeting, Gaetz inquired who “might be an ideal witness to discuss antitrust issues” next Congress, to which Norman raised his right hand. Gaetz said he’s “encouraged” by Norman’s willingness to discuss the issue, arguing that he could provide key insight on the matter."
WHAT WE'RE READING
The Washington Examiner — September 22, 2022
From a booming economy to an economic bust!
The Washington Times— September 21, 2022
Biden’s expensive malaise is here to stayFrom a booming economy to an economic bust!
The American Mind — September 20, 2022
The American way needs defending against a corrupt ruling class.
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