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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, I led a delegation of members from the Florida Sheriff’s Association and other local enforcement officials on a tour of the border in Arizona. During our visit, we heard directly from the DEA, Customs and Border Protection Services, U.S. Border Patrol Agents, and border county sheriffs about how fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are being trafficked across the border and fueling the addiction crisis plaguing the country. More than 107,000 Americans died of a drug overdose during the past year, with Florida ranking 2nd in the nation in opioid-related deaths. Law enforcement officials report that most of the synthetic opioids found on streets throughout the country have been manufactured in China and then trafficked across unsecured areas along the southern border.
From speaking with those on the front lines at the border, it is clear that the crisis is worsening by the day and that our brave men and women who are trying to keep our country safe have not been given the manpower, equipment and other resources needed to do their jobs effectively. They are overwhelmed and need immediate assistance. The dangerous situation at the border has enriched and emboldened criminal cartels and fueled record fentanyl overdoses throughout the country. As part of our commitment to ensuring a country that is safe, we must first properly fund all levels of law enforcement. Congress must also pass the HALT Fentanyl Act to ensure fentanyl and its related analogues are permanently listed as a Schedule 1 substance. In addition to stopping the supply for these illegal substances, we must also provide resources to reduce the demand side of the equation- focusing on education, prevention and ensuring access to quality behavioral health treatment. It is obvious that the trafficked drugs do not remain in border states, like Arizona. There is an intricate and elaborate delivery system in place to quickly transport these deadly drugs to communities throughout the country; in effect making every state a border state. It will take a collaborative approach to truly turn the tides in the epidemic that is ravaging communities, like ours.
It was also clear during our visit that the system is clearly broken, and immediate change is warranted. More than 5 million illegal migrants have entered the country since President Biden took office. Enough is enough! We need to secure the border to save lives and protect our national security. We must return to the border policies we know work: ending catch-and-release, finishing the border wall, and restarting the successful ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. We also need a surge in the number of judges and magistrates available to process and adjudicate asylum seekers AT the border, rather than releasing them into the country and hoping they will appear for a future hearing that may be several months away. Additionally, we need to activate the state and National Guards to help with processing so that Border Patrol Agents can focus their efforts on covering more territory along the border and keeping criminals out. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to implement these commonsense solutions!
Please continue reading for a brief recap of other efforts on your behalf last week!
Helping our Heroes
A special thank you to volunteer dentists from the West Pasco Dental Association and dental hygiene students at Pasco-Hernando State College for helping us deliver free cleanings, fillings and extractions to local Veterans. It was such a wonderful chance to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. While I am incredibly grateful to these volunteers, Veterans should not have to rely on the generosity of providers. Oral health care should be part of the services we provide through the VA to ensure overall wellness, which is why I’m continuing to push my VETCARE bill. In addition to being the right thing to do for our heroes, it is fiscally responsible. Prevention saves money while improving healthcare outcomes!
Improving Collaboration to Find a Cure
Last week, I also spoke with leaders in the Parkinson’s community throughout the country about the need to develop better treatments and a potential cure. With the prevalence of cases rising, this debilitating disease is taking a toll on patients and caregivers, while costs for care are soaring. Through my National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act we are bringing scientists, doctors, and advocates together in a coordinated manner to maximize their success.
Protecting Your Privacy
TikTok is sharing American users’ data with China. I’m helping lead the charge to stop them, and to ensure all American’s privacy is protected. Click here to learn more.
Supporting Law Enforcement
I believe it is important to ensure small, rural police departments have the funding and training they need as the nation combats a crime surge. Click here to learn more about our efforts to achieve this goal. We should expedite passage of the revised bill when we return to DC.
Feeling the Economic Pain Resulting from Bad Policies
Democrats’ liberal economic policies are forcing Florida families to pay more for everything. And, over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck as a result of these poor decisions.
Last week, the fed announced another massive interest rate hike to try to combat inflation. However, in order to provide true relief, Congress has to reverse course and abandon the policies that have fueled this crisis. In a perfect example of reckless spending, this article highlights how the passage of the recent CHIP Act, which I opposed, had negative consequences. This gift of your tax dollars to big business was not needed in this already booming and profitable industry. Now investments that were already being made as a result of market pressure are being halted while companies wait for a government hand-out! My colleagues and I are committed to creating a strong economy that works for every American by reining in reckless government spending.
Additionally, in its rush to embrace green energy products, this Administration has crippled domestic production, destroyed the economy, and hurt American consumers. To strengthen our economy and reduce emissions, we must also restore American energy independence now!
Celebrating Success
Congratulations to Cooper Burden on the attainment of his Eagle Scout rank. My team was happy to help celebrate his success.
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 Ambee Stephens, Founder and CEO of EmpowHerment in Palm Harbor. The Center’s mission is to empower women by fostering the skills and resources needed to obtain financial self-sufficiency, mental and emotional wellness, and the cultivation of relationships that will help women rise.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
I want to thank the woman in your New Port Richey office who helped me when I showed after being denied a renewal of my drivers license across the hall. I needed to provide an original (rather than a copy) birth certificate. I had no idea how to get that from the small town where I was born up north. The woman in your office researched my town and called someone in the records department to explain what I needed. She helped me order it and it was sent to me within a few days. Most importantly, she was kind and patient with me throughout the process. I'll always be grateful for her help!
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! |
