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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, House Republicans continued to make a strong case for the need to enact financial reform. With $31.4 TRILLION in national debt, we are committed to finding a solution that is reasonable, sensible, and responsible regarding raising the debt ceiling. We must finally address Washington’s reckless government spending if we want to put America on a better fiscal path. There is a bipartisan path forward: Instead of refusing to negotiate, Democrats need to join Republicans in crafting a plan that protects taxpayers. All eight major spending reforms since 1985 have been attached to debt ceiling legislation. President Biden and Senate Democrats would be irresponsible not to negotiate with House Republicans on this important fiscal issue.
In addition to advancing the national conversation about fiscal responsibility, we passed a series of bills designed to stop government overreach and officially end the President’s emergency powers granted during the pandemic. Continue reading to learn more about these and other important efforts on your behalf last week!
Regaining America's Competitive Advantage
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will stop at nothing to undermine America's global leadership and weaken our economy. They've bought up our farmlands, stolen our intellectual property, and embedded themselves deep within many of our supply chains. Now, they're turning their attention toward establishing the global standards for emerging technologies. In last week's first hearing of the Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee, which I Chair, we examined this threat and discussed how to recapture our competitive edge and sustain America's global leadership. Click here to listen to my remarks!
Saving Lives
In the first few months of FY 2023, 9000 lbs of fentanyl – enough to kill 2.1 billion people- was apprehended at the border. Border patrol agents tell us they are only able to stop a fraction of the amount they know is flowing into our country. Americans are dying in record numbers. We need to secure the border to stop this growing problem. However, we also need Big Tech to take more accountability for the role its social media platforms are playing in the distribution of this deadly drug. We also need to improve education and access to quality treatment options. Additionally, we must pass the HALT Fentanyl Act, which I’ve co-sponsored, to permanently make fentanyl and its analogues a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. During last week’s Health Subcommittee hearing, we discussed these important issues. Click here to listen to my exchange with the panelists.
Restoring Energy Independence
As noted in this article, the facts are clear: Average gas prices are up nationwide more than $0.30 from a month ago and are significantly higher than when Biden first took office. They’re projected to increase further because of the Biden Administration’s war on domestic energy production in favor of his "rush-to-green" agenda. The fact that he has drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to provide temporary relief to consumers is nothing more than a transparent gimmick! I urge my Senate colleagues to take up the measures we’ve passed in the House to protect our emergency reserves from cheap political stunts and to provide long-term relief for American consumers by unleashing domestic energy production!
Reining in Spending
To date, the Biden Administration has spent $4.8 trillion in the last two years. Billions of these funds have not even been authorized by Congress as they’ve been the result of department and agency rulemaking. Reckless government spending has caused inflation to soar and must be stopped, which is why I proudly helped introduce the REINS Act with my colleague, Kat Cammack. This important legislation would require Congressional approval for an agency to create a new rule that would have a substantial financial cost associated with its implementation. We need to bring common sense back to Washington.
Demanding Accountability and Restoring Freedom
The American people deserve accountability for the Biden Administration’s continuous attempts to use federal agencies to erode Americans’ Constitutional Rights. Whether it’s the ATF, the DOJ, or the FBI – the newly established Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the federal government will be working to demand answers, transparency and long overdue accountability!
Also, even though he admits the pandemic is over, President Biden continues to use COVID-19 to justify government overreach, vaccine and mask mandates, and going around Congress to enact his agenda. My colleagues and I have sponsored legislation to end the COVID-19 public health emergency and President Biden's emergency powers. This bill passed out of the House last week.
Last week, we also passed another bill I co-sponsored, the Healthcare Freedom Act, which repeals the COVID mandate for healthcare workers. No American should have been forced to choose between their livelihoods or losing their freedom to make individual choices about their healthcare decisions. And, our dedicated medical professionals certainly never should have been burdened with this authoritarian mandate. It has been an attack on the personal freedoms of our frontline workers and has unnecessarily exacerbated the healthcare workforce shortage. Now that the pandemic is OVER, it is past time for federal funding of these authoritarian mandates to END.
Securing the Border
During the first few months of FY 23, border agents have already encountered 38 people on the terrorist watchlist. God only knows how many dangerous people haven’t been stopped. President Biden’s border policies have failed. The American people deserve accountability and for our leaders to enforce the rule of law!
Raising Awareness
February is National Heart Health Month. According to the American Heart Association, the signs of heart attack can manifest differently in women and men. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a potential problem and to seek help when needed.
Supporting Small Business
Small Business is the backbone of our economy. Each Saturday, 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!
Owners Paul and Bianca celebrated the opening of AmeriKey Locksmith LLC in New Port Richey!
Jimmy Pollard, the owner of Aloha Custom Pools,LLC in Homosassa, celebrated his grand opening. This family-owned and operated company offers one-stop-shopping for all things related to pools.
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.
My team appreciated the chance to meet with several Citrus County Commissioners last week to discuss the needs of local constituents and how we may be able to help. I believe that constituents win when all levels of government work together for the good of the community and we look forward to partnering to get things done!
My team was also proud to attend a recent celebration of the good work St. Vincent DePaul is doing in our community to help Veterans who are struggling get back on the path to self-sufficiency. We owe the men and women who have served our country a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. I am a proud supporter of these programs that give our Veterans the support they need to thrive!
Additionally, my also attended the groundbreaking of CARES new senior services facility in Dade City last week. CARES does a tremendous job providing critical services to high risk seniors in our community and I look forward to an expansion of their services throughout Pasco County.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email from a constituent.
Thank you for putting me in touch with a man at the IRS who was able to help me with my tax problem. I had been trying for over a year to reach someone at the IRS with no luck. After calling your office, the issue was straightened out within 6 days.
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! |
