Hello, Friends —

This week in Congress was marked by the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), my introduction of an essential bill putting Northwest Florida over Saudi Arabia, and more negotiation as Republicans continue to organize for the election of the next Speaker of the House. Congress continues to deliberate over the terms of its budget, which is a must-pass for the inclusion of provisions in this year's NDAA. I will continue to update you as the budget negotiations progress and vow to have the interests of Northwest Florida in my vote. 

REP. GAETZ UNVEILS LEGISLATION TO HOLD SAUDI ARABIA ACCOUNTABLE ON 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF NAS PENSACOLA TERRORIST ATTACK

Tuesday, December 6th, marked three years since a Saudi Arabian terrorist shot and killed three U.S. Navy sailors at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. The combatant participated in a Pentagon-sponsored training program, which granted him access to NAS Pensacola. This attack on our homeland by a monstrous terrorist was unconscionable. Saudi Arabia had the responsibility to report this terrorist's radicalization to the U.S. but chose to remain silent as their Trojan Horse infiltrated our military exchange program, resulting in the tragic loss of life that we recognize today.

Click Here to Watch My Floor Speech

The family members of those who lost their loved ones live with this pain in their hearts every day. Conversely, the Saudi government’s initial promise to compensate the grieving families for their loss has resulted in nothing.

On Tuesday, I introduced legislation that will hold the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accountable for aiding and abetting terrorist attacks within the United States while financially supporting the victims of the NAS Pensacola Terrorist Attack. The “Saudi Arabia December 6, 2019, Anti-Terror and Accountability Act,” includes the following provisions:

-Ends support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen

-Halts any military officer exchange programs with Saudi Arabia

-Authorizes that the victims of the NAS Pensacola terrorist attack may seek damages from the Saudi Arabian government through 34 USC 20144: Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund

-Withdraws $1 Billion from U.S. military aid to Ukraine and deposits the same amount to the Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund

-Makes available any unused funds to all victims of state-sponsored terror to include September 11th victims

Click Here to Read the Bill!

REP. GAETZ VOTES TO PASS NDAA, SETTING THE STAGE FOR $779 MILLION GOING DIRECTLY TO NW FL'S MILITARY MISSION

Yesterday, I voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and am proud to see this essential legislation move forward. Congress is duty bound by the Constitution to ensure the brave men and women that volunteer to defend our country have everything they need to be the most lethal fighting force in the history of the world. I applaud the passage of the FY23 NDAA, which makes America stronger and further solidifies Northwest Florida’s critical role in our country’s national security.

Additionally, I led the charge on protecting our service members who are currently being forced to take the COVID-19 vaccine because of illogical policy at the Department of Defense. No later than 30 days after the enactment of the FY2023 NDAA, the Department of Defense must rescind its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Below are more essential wins for the Northwest Florida Military Mission that are in this year's NDAA:

-$55 million to Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range for expansive modernization of the range’s test instruments and infrastructure to facilitate hypersonic weapons testing, leading the Department of Defense’s efforts to close the capabilities gap with China and Russia

-$141.5 million for the construction of new helicopter hangars and $57 million for the Advanced Helicopter Training System Flight Simulator Facility at NAS Whiting Field

-$216 million to produce three additional aircraft for the CH-47 Block II program, supporting private sector employees in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview

- $10 million for Eglin Air Force Base to aid in developing new strategies for advanced munitions technology and digital engineering testing solutions

-4.6% pay increase for all servicemembers, expansion of eligibility for Basic Needs Allowance, and $250 million to reduce the cost of groceries at the commissary

FIREBRAND LIVE FROM DC: MILITARY MANDATES

Click Here to Watch!

On this week’s episode of Firebrand, I discuss the upcoming January election for Speaker of the House, provide critical information regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and an update on military vaccine mandates. 

As January 3rd nears, Congressman Kevin McCarthy continues attempting to court the requisite amount of votes he needs to become Speaker of the House. As things stand now, Kevin needs 218 votes, meaning that he cannot lose more than four Republicans. However, there are five Members, including me, who have declared they will not support McCarthy’s bid. I am open to all other Republicans who want to make their case for Speaker, specifically those who are intent on balancing the budget and are certain to represent the interests of the People over that of lobbyists and interest groups. I will continue to update you on the status of this race, as Republicans need to move on to better future leaders who have your interests at heart.

Additionally, I uncover more Woke messaging that is infiltrating the military and report on what must be done to preserve our military forever. This Congress, Republicans are holding firm on protecting our Armed Services from draconian mandates and disrespect for our honorable men and women. 

When Republicans take control of the House, we must restore our Patriots back to full service with their rank restored and back pay. Furthermore, we must pay reparations to those whose lives have been destroyed by Lloyd Austin’s foolish vaccine mandate. As this agenda awaits us in January, I am proud to vote for and see the passage of the NDAA this week as we focus on moving the military forward, embracing the best technology in the world, and focusing on deterrence. 

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Florida Daily — December 9, 2022

Three Years After NAS Pensacola Attack, Matt Gaetz Offers Bill to Hold Saudi Arabia Accountable for Terrorism

"This week, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., brought out the 'Saudi Arabia December 6, 2019, Anti-Terror and Accountability Act.' This week marked the third anniversary of the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida officials are honoring the three sailors killed and eight wounded. On December 6, 2019, a Saudi national serving in his country’s air force launched the attack, shooting American military personnel. The terrorist was motivated by Islamic extremism, including his opposition to the U.S. due, in part, to its support of Israel. Gaetz’s office offered the details on what the bill will do."

Newsmax — December 8, 2022

Showdown Looms on US Aid to Ukraine

"At the same news conference, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said, 'The days of endless cash and military material to Ukraine are numbered. They are numbered when we get into the majority,' Gaetz said. 'I will not vote for one more dollar to Ukraine. We are far too entangled in this conflict.'"

Fox Business — December 7, 2022

GOP reps warn ESG efforts could violate antitrust laws, demand answers from key players

"Ranking member Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Reps. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., Matt Gaetz,R-Fla., Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis., Tom McClintock, R-Calif.,and Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., expressed their concerns in a letter to two members of the steering committee for Climate Action 100+, a group that works to get corporations to take action against climate change."  

WEAR Pensacola — December 7, 2022

Rep. Matt Gaetz calls for TikTok ban in U.S. over cybersecurity risk

"'I think we should ban TikTok in this country. TikTok is a security threat,' Gaetz said. 'It is an intelligence tool for the Chinese communist party, and no spunky dance is worth having the Chinese communist party being able to exploit information from almost every American family. We need to see this for the threat that China sees it as. Remember, they only allow their version of TikTok to be used 40 minutes a day in their country. Yet in our country is seems to be addicting a generation to its vices and I think its a real challenge.'"  

WHAT WE'RE READING

The Washington Times — December 8, 2022

Second installment of Twitter Files reveal platform's push to silence conservatives

Newsmax — December 9, 2022

Blaine Holt to Newsmax: Exchanged Prisoner Bout a 'Clear and Future Danger'

Fox News — December 9, 2022

Foxconn invests $500M in India business as Apple reconsiders China production