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Dear Neighbor,
While I was glad to see last week’s GDP report indicating a modest increase in Quarter 3, I share many economists concerns that this GDP boost is likely the result of factors such as fluctuations in international trade, which have very little impact on the domestic economic conditions facing Americans. I continue to meet regularly with constituents and have routinely heard the concerns of hardworking families across our community who are watching the price of groceries, gas, utilities, cars, and housing increase. Keep in mind that two years ago inflation was at just 1.4%. Today, it has skyrocketed to the highest rate in nearly 40 years, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is still outpacing hard-earned wages.
House Democrats’ reckless spending policies have wasted your taxes bailing out projects that didn’t need federal support. The simple truth is that most Americans can’t afford these reckless and fiscally irresponsible policies, yet we have been left to pay for them. As part of our Commitment to America, my Republican colleagues and I will create an economy that is strong by fighting inflation, supporting working Americans, reducing gas prices, restoring energy independence, securing the supply chain and restocking the nation’s shelves! You can learn more about this plan and other important issue below!
Rebuilding an Economy that is Strong
Health care costs rose nearly 30 percent in the last year, which is the largest increase on record. As we work to create an economy that is strong, we have to lower healthcare costs by improving transparency, creating competition, and fostering innovation.
The national average cost of rent also saw the largest hike ever recorded over the past year. Americans need relief. We will create an economy that is strong by controlling inflation and reducing the cost of living.
An important part of achieving a stronger economy is stabilizing the cost of energy. Just two years ago, America was energy independent. We were the largest energy producer in the world and gas was affordable. The Far Left has ended all that with their anti-American energy policies. I am honored to fight in Congress for your access to affordable, efficient, clean, American-made energy. Joe Biden and House Democrats’ ‘Green New Deal’ policies have caused the price of gasoline, natural gas, and electricity to skyrocket for hardworking Americans, jeopardized our national security, and made us reliant on foreign adversaries for energy. Instead of admitting defeat and ending these failed energy policies, President Biden has begged our adversaries to produce more and foolishly released millions of barrels from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try to temporarily reduce prices. After draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to the lowest level since 1984, President Biden recently announced he’d deplete it by another 15 million more barrels. With gas prices still up 62% from the day President Biden took office, his strategy has done little to ease pain at the pump. We can help consumers and the environment by producing clean, American-made oil. My colleagues and I will fight to cut the oil and gas permitting process time in half to reduce reliance on foreign countries, prevent rolling blackouts, and lower the cost of gas and electricity. We will unleash domestic energy production once again!
You may have seen that the price of electric vehicles have skyrocketed to above $66,000, which is well outside the tight budgets of working class families. This is why President Biden’s decision to give nearly $3 billion in taxpayer-funded subsidies to EV manufacturers as part of the “Inflation Reduction Act” makes zero sense. This will do nothing to help Americans who are struggling. It will only help Washington elitists! Congress must re-focus its attention to helping middle class Americans who are struggling instead of advancing the cause of special interest groups. My colleagues and I will do just that!
Protecting Consumers
I’m proud to be leading the charge to protect online consumers by pushing for passage of my INFORM Consumers Act. This bipartisan legislation will help safeguard users and legitimate businesses from organized retail crime through increased verification and transparency practices in the online marketplace.
Honoring our Heroes
My team was honored to welcome home our heroes at last week's Honor Flight Homecoming in Clearwater. This is such a special program, and it is wonderful to see these brave men and women getting the recognition they deserve!
I am also partnering with Pasco Hernando State College and local dentists to provide free dental services to Veterans in need of help. I have a few slots available. To register, call 727-232-2921 and ask for Joanne.
Supporting Seniors
My team enjoyed participating in the Feeding Pasco's Elderly Annual Breakfast. It is wonderful to see so many in our community coming out to support such a worthwhile cause!
Holding the Administration Accountable
Americans deserve to know why the IRS chose to destroy 30 million tax documents as they have proven incapable of tackling the agency’s historic backlog. Americans need answers and accountability, and my colleagues and I intend to ensure they get both!
My colleagues and I are also fighting to ensure the Navy provides timely records for retiring sailors. There is no acceptable excuse for these continued delays which are negatively impacting these Veterans. Click here to learn more.
Additionally, my colleagues and I are pushing the Biden Administration to provide additional assistance to help the fishing industry in southwest Florida which has been severely damaged by hurricane Ian. We must make sure all Floridians have the chance to fully recover.
Celebrating Success
It is always great to meet with the fantastic team at Tampa International Airport. A special thanks to Joe Lopano, (CEO), Michael Stephens (EVP of Legal Affairs), Gina Evans (Director of Govt. and Community Affairs) and John Tiliacos (EVP of Operations and Guest Experiences). We are so fortunate to have the nation’s premier airport, a true regional asset, right here in our backyard!
Supporting Small Businesses
Small Business is the backbone of our economy. Each week, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team or I have visited. Congratulations to these hard-working entrepreneurs and best wishes for their continued success as they realize their American Dream!
Congratulations to Joey Resnick and the team at Premier Community Healthcare on the groundbreaking of their new facility in New Port Richey!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
I thank you for providing staff assistance regarding the IRS. I was hassled by the IRS for 11 months, their requiring three copies (over time) of my 22 Tax Forms (in addition to the original), insisted that I owed them, and threatened me with a daily accrual of interest on money owed. This was reversed, they owing me. With SS, my monthly payment was reduced and my monthly payment increased. This was reversed. I do not understand the incompetence, as never in over 68 years of paying my taxes, and receiving SS since age 65 had ever there been problems. I thank you sincerely for your political leadership, the human decency you display, and for providing me the staff assistance.
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! |
