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Dear Neighbor,
Last week I had the chance to speak with many constituents about the challenges our country is experiencing and hear their ideas for how we can tackle those problems together. Overwhelmingly, the feedback I heard was that residents, community leaders and small businesses are counting on Congress to push back against President Biden’s disastrous policies that have fueled inflation, exacerbated workforce shortages, and increased burdensome regulations. They want us to deliver on our promises to create an economy that is strong, a future that is free, a nation that is secure and a government that is accountable. Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf.
Protecting All Americans through Common Sense Reforms
The Biden administration has weakened the American economy, causing 15 consecutive months of 40-year high inflation. Prices for groceries, gas, and other household necessities have skyrocketed due to reckless government spending and we are all paying the price.
Yet, the President's new budget proposal is more of the same. It proposes raising taxes on individuals, families, and businesses, which will result in even higher prices, lower wages, and fewer jobs.
I’ve also been fighting against President Biden’s decision to rob programs for seniors of more than $499 billion in order to fund more IRS agents and green initiatives. And, I’ll continue working to protect these critical programs against further cuts! However, we’ve got to get serious about stabilizing this crisis and improving our financial outlook! Our national debt amounts to $94,000 for every single American.
Legislation enacted since President Biden took office has increased spending projections by $6 trillion and Executive actions have increased spending by $1 trillion over the next ten years.
This reckless spending has fueled inflation, weakened our economy, left our country vulnerable, and created a culture of dependence. Last week, I met with the Republican Chief Economist of the Joint Economic Committee, Christopher Russo, to talk about the debt ceiling, the President's proposed budget, and what Republicans need to do to get us on a secure fiscal path. The harmful spending simply must stop, which is why my colleagues and I are pushing back and working to enact some commonsense reforms!
Providing Accountability
In response to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s recent pro-China comments, my colleagues and I sent a letter urging Granholm’s immediate retraction of the remarks and demanding that she make plans to appear before the Committee as soon as possible to account for them. An excerpt of the letter is included below:
“We are deeply troubled by your recent public comments praising China for its supposed efforts to address climate change risks, as they raise serious questions about your judgment and priorities as Secretary of Energy. China poses one of the greatest economic, military, and geopolitical threats to the United States, while continuing to be one of the world’s worst polluters. As the Secretary of Energy, your core responsibilities involve national security, particularly maintaining and certifying the reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent and protecting our most sensitive technological secrets from theft by our chief adversaries, Russia and China. We are deeply concerned that the rush-to-green agenda of this administration, which you are leading to implement, is putting the United States on a perilous path in which the energy that powers our homes, businesses, and livelihoods will run straight through China with critical minerals supply chains."
In another shocking example of government overreach, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made more than 350 specific demands to Twitter since Elon Musk acquired the company, including knowing the identities of journalists engaging with Twitter. The Biden Administration is using the FTC to pressure Twitter, Musk and journalists because they are not willing to bow down to Far Left Democrats’ censorship demands. Accountability is coming!
Also, on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. my colleagues and I will be seeking accountability as we question the CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew. Americans deserve to know the extent to which their privacy is jeopardized and their data is manipulated by ByteDance-owned TikTok’s relationship with China. What’s worse, we know Big Tech companies, like TikTok, use harmful algorithms to exploit children for profit and expose them to dangerous content online. We need to know what actions the company is taking to keep our kids safe from online and offline harms. We look forward to hearing from Mr. Chew directly and continuing Energy and Commerce’s efforts to bring Big Tech CEOs before the committee to answer for their companies’ destructive actions. If you would like to watch, the hearing will be streamed live here.
Honoring Heroes
At the recent Animals in War and Peace Medal Ceremony, I had the privilege of honoring MPC Kay with a special award. Kay did four deployments -- three to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. He completed over 200 Special Operation nighttime raids, 75 day operations, and apprehended several high profile enemy leaders during that time. It was an honor to award MPC Kay with the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery number 15. Thank you, Kay, for your incredible service and devotion with the 75th Army Ranger Regiment! These hero dogs save lives by locating IEDs and enemy positions and also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. As founder of the Congressional Caucus for the Humane Bond, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to reunite K9 warriors and their hero handlers after their tours of duty are completed.
Learning from You
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Hernando County Business to Business Luncheon. It was great to hear from these local small business owners about the challenges they are experiencing and to be able to share the steps I am taking to help provide relief!
I also enjoyed meeting with several constituents as part of my monthly office hours. To schedule an appointment during my next available slot, contact my office. The best ideas come from the people we serve.
Combatting Addiction
With his dangerous policies, President Biden has created a nation that is at risk. As Sheriff Mike Prendergast explains, these failed policies are hurting local communities like ours throughout the country. Unfortunately, the President’s proposed budgets do not adequately fund border and homeland security, leaving U.S. citizens vulnerable to the crime, gangs, and drugs pouring into our country. I'll keep fighting to ensure our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to keep us safe!
I’m also glad to see local leaders in Citrus coming together to develop and execute a plan to combat overdose and addiction throughout Citrus County. They are right that an important step forward is reducing the stigma associated with seeking help! Leaders at all levels must continue working together to solve this crisis.
Strengthening our Healthcare System
I was honored to receive the Leadership in Health award from the Florida Association of Community Health Centers. Community Health Centers play such a vital role in providing quality healthcare services to uninsured, insured and underinsured people in our community and I will continue to ensure they have the support needed to expand these efforts.
My colleague and I also recently launched a new Congressional Caucus. The “Longevity Science Caucus” aims to educate Members about the growing field of aging and longevity biotechnology, and promote initiatives aimed at increasing the healthy average lifespan of all Americans. Increasing life expectancy and promoting positive health outcomes are important priorities, and the formation of this caucus is an important step toward achieving those goals while also helping to improve the long-term stability of our nation's workforce. I believe in promoting individual responsibility and supporting innovation in the pursuit of scientific discoveries that will enable Americans to live happier and longer lives. We will work with our colleagues in an effort to make a significant impact on the future health and wellness for our constituents. Click here to learn more.
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 the Partiglini Family, who recently relocated their business from South Florida to Citrus County. They have more than twenty years of experience in the photography and videography business! Welcome to the community!
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 was honored to participate in the Citrus County Relief Fund Benefit. Great to so many in our community coming out to support a great cause!
In Hernando, my team enjoyed attending the Kiwanis of the Adventure Coast’s meeting in Spring Hill and learning about the work they are doing to strengthen our community.
Also, during the recent Citrus County Chamber of Commerce meeting, my team enjoyed learning from local law enforcement about the work they are doing to link people in need of mental health services with local resources.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email from a Veteran in New Port Richey after my team intervened in his case.
Thank You for your help with contacting the VA for help with Community Care. I'm all set now!
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! |
