There is no time to take a break, Friends.

 

After a hard-fought election season we were all tired.

 

But your support and dedication to my campaign inspired me to keep moving- no matter how hard I had to work.

 

Thanks to your support, my team and I have already introduced 10 Brand new bills to the U.S. Congress in 2023… And we’re not planning to slow down any time soon.

 

Here are the bills I’ve submitted:

 

• Balanced Budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States that requires Congress to balance the federal budget. Balancing the budget is an urgent priority as the U.S. national debt has reached a staggering $31 trillion and continues to grow.
• The American Innovation Act, which aims to allow small business founders to deduct more start-up costs from their tax bill.
• The No Pay Raise for Congress Act, which prohibits pay raises for members of Congress in any fiscal year they fail to balance the budget.
• The Mandating Exclusive Review of Individual Treatments (MERIT) Act, legislation to help ensure coverage of potentially life-saving drugs and new treatments for Medicare beneficiaries.
• The Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act. Southwest Florida is uniquely vulnerable to red tide, as it has seen this type of algae bloom occur more than twice as often as any other area in the state. I introduced this bill to ensure that Florida is protected from harmful natural phenomena like this. 
• The Permanent Telehealth from Home Act, which permanently eliminates the originating site and geographic limitations for using telehealth, which will help patients continue to be able to receive care through telehealth services regardless of the location of the provider or the patient.
• The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which prohibits gang members from entering the U.S. and allows them to be deported if they are already here. The legislation also disqualifies these dangerous individuals from receiving asylum or temporary protected status.
• The Safe Disposal for Servicemembers Act, which requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain prescription drop boxes on all military installations to allow for the safe disposal of unused prescription drugs, including opioids. 
• The Manatee Protection Act, which officially upgrades the West Indian manatee from “threatened” to “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Upgrading their designation under the ESA will not only require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to refocus their attention on manatee population rehabilitation, but also allow for increased federal resources including more funding and personnel.
• The Thin Blue Line Act, which toughens penalties against anyone who murders police officers and other first responders. The bill, which passed the U.S. House in the 115th Congress, would make the murder or attempted murder of a first responder an “aggravating” factor in death penalty determinations.

I am constantly humbled by your support, Friends. 

 

Thanks to you, all of these bills (and more) are making their way through the house and have the chance to make a real difference for Floridians, and for Americans nationwide.

 

I cannot thank you enough for your support.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Rep. Vern Buchanan