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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was a busy week in Washington, DC and here at home. I’m thrilled that we have been able to get to work delivering on the promises we made to the American people. Continue reading to learn more about steps we are taking to create an economy that is strong, a future that’s free, a nation that’s safe and a government that’s accountable! Also, you will find updates about how my team is busy helping constituents cut through the red tape of bureaucracy and learning from residents and local leaders about the needs of our community.
Changing the Way Washington Works
I was proud to vote in favor of the new House Rules package last week. These changes will help us deliver on our promise to ensure a government that is accountable and end the reckless spending that has crippled our economy. Specifically, the new rules:
Providing Economic Relief
The very first bill we voted on in this new Congress was the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act. It defunds the Biden Administration’s plan to hire 87,000 new IRS agents, blocks efforts to drastically increase audits on middle class families, and preserves funding for customer service and I.T. modernization. We know Americans need financial relief and we are fighting to deliver it to you!
Creating a Government that is Accountable
One of the most important things we must do for our country is hold the Biden Administration accountable for its abuses of power, which is why I voted for HRes 12 last week. It creates a select committee investigating and bringing to light the Administration’s weaponization of federal agencies to undermine the Constitutional Rights of Americans.
Strengthening our National Security
Energy Security is national security which is why I’m proud the House passed the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from China Act, which I’ve co-sponsored.
This important bill will prevent further sales from our emergency stockpile to China and help end Biden’s abuse of our strategic reserves.
As you know, record high gas prices are crippling individuals and small business owners throughout Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. During last week’s hearing on President Biden’s failed energy policies, I shared many of our neighbors' stories and advocated for a return to common sense measures that will allow us to restore American energy independence. This is important for our long-term national security and for helping consumers.
One of our country's greatest national security threats is the dramatic surge of migrants illegally entering the country through our southern border. We know that almost 100 migrants caught trying to illegally enter last year have been on the Terrorist Watch list and we also know that Border Patrol Agents report that they are only able to stop a fraction of those who are entering illegally. Despite his rhetoric after a long overdue border visit, the facts are very clear.
President Biden’s open border policies are solely to blame for the catastrophic crisis we are seeing. During last week’s hearing on how fentanyl is being trafficked throughout the country because of our weak open border policies, I discussed my recent trip to the border with Sheriff Mike Prendergast, Al Neinhuis, and officials from the Pasco County Sheriffs office to speak with Border Patrol Agents about the problem. The record amount of fentanyl being trafficked across the border is enough to kill every American 7 times over. Sadly, we are seeing fentanyl deaths surge throughout the country, including here at home. There has been enough deflection and excuses. The American people want our border secured!
As we tackle security challenges, we must also look to future threats. Last week, we also created a Bipartisan Select Committee that will work to protect and strengthen America for the next century against the threats we face from a rising Communist China. The newly formed Select Committee on China will provide policy recommendations on how the U.S. can win the economic and technological competition with the CCP and will investigate the CCP for deceptive trade practices. Additionally, it will investigate supply chain risks and vulnerabilities. We are committed to ending our dependence on the Chinese Communist Party and demanding accountability!
Supporting Seniors
I am proud to have secured $2.5 million in federal funding to help Pasco’s most vulnerable seniors. I will always fight to ensure our Greatest Generation have the support and care they need.
Defending Life
I am a staunch believer that we must protect all human life, which is why I proudly voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act last week. It ensures that babies who survive an attempted abortion receive the same degree of medical care that any other newborn child would receive.
Serving You!
This week, I’m hosting an Open House in my Citrus and Hernando offices. My newest constituents are invited to come out and meet our team!
Leveling the Playing Field
Millions of college football fans throughout the country watched last week's National Championship game. As an avid college sports fan, myself, I wanted to share the work my colleagues and I are leading to ensure a true level playing field for all students and educational institutions across the nation. Click here to learn more.
Raising Awareness
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Knowing the signs of human trafficking can help get victims out of these situations and into help sooner. If you suspect Human Trafficking, call the national hotline at 1-888-3737-7888.
Community Connection
I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.
Last weekend, our community honored the life and legacy of Captain Tom Davis (Ret-U.S. Navy). My team presented his family with a flag that had been flown over the Capitol in his honor and an Extension of Remarks submitted to the Congressional Record. Captain Davis was a highly decorated war hero. Our nation is forever in the debt of Captain Davis and his family for his many years of service to our country. He leaves behind a legacy of service to others that has inspired future generations. May his memory be everlasting!
Last week, my team attended the Hernando County School Board meeting to learn more about the needs of our local teachers and students.
My team also enjoyed participating in the Hernando Arts Festival last weekend. As a strong supporter of the arts, I am pleased to see engaging cultural opportunities offered throughout the community!
My team was proud to join Weeki Wachee's celebration of 75 “Fintastic Years” at this week's unveiling of 28 mermaid statues to be part of a new project, Destination Mermaid: The Tail Trail.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email from a constituent in Citrus County.
On December 29, I stopped in your office with a problem getting a refund from an insurance company which went into liquidation. This problem was not in your jurisdiction but you very generously made a phone call on my behalf. You received a reply that the matter would be settled within 48 hours. A week later I called again and was told the check had been issued. The check arrived on Saturday, January 7! I appreciate your help in getting this matter resolved, I have no doubt it was your call that finally got this ball rolling. Thank you for your help. I hope your new year is happy and healthy and that you enjoy the new Inverness office.
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! |
