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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was productive in Washington, DC. I was honored to be recognized once again as Florida's Most Effective Member of Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL), a joint partnership between the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia and the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University. The independent organization just issued its rankings for the 117th Congress, and this is the third time I have been recognized with this top honor. For the most recent session, I also scored as the 7th Most Effective Republican lawmaker in the entire Congress and the 34th Most Effective Lawmaker of either party in Congress. To learn more about these designations, click here. Continue reading to learn more about my work on your behalf last week.
Holding Big Tech Accountable
TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before our committee last week. I shared my grave concerns regarding the dangers his platform poses to its youngest users, as evidenced by adults preying on underage girls through TikTok, Parents who lost their children to suicide TikTok challenges, and teenagers who died from fentanyl poisonings from pills they purchased off the platform. Additionally, TikTok surveils everything and everyone. It uses all this surveillance to build an algorithm that has the power to shape what society sees, hears, and ultimately thinks. It collects names, ages, locations, what you type outside of TikTok, the text you copy, who you talk to, passwords, browsing history, biometric data like face and voice prints and more. Most troubling, is that there is evidence that this sensitive data being collected is able to be accessed by the Chinese government. Americans deserve a national privacy standard to ensure they have a clear understanding of what information is being collected and they give permission for its use. I'm leading the charge on this national legislation. Click here to listen to my questioning of Mr. Chew.
Pushing Back Against Biden
The U.S. Department of Energy is pursuing a back door attempt to ban gas appliances, including stoves, through an “energy efficiency” rulemaking. The result will be eliminating 95% of today’s gas appliances. It is clear that the proposal, if finalized, would have the impact of eliminating the vast majority of gas products available today. My colleagues and I are pushing back. Click here to learn more.
Also, President Biden issued his first veto against a bipartisan bill that protects retirement savings from political interference. It is clear that President Biden wants Wall Street to use Americans’ hard-earned money to fund a far-left political agenda instead of protecting their clients' financial futures. That will hurt seniors and workers, especially after President Biden’s reckless spending caused record inflation and rapid interest rate hikes. Last week, I voted in favor of a Veto Override of this woke policy.
Combatting Overdoses
Drugs laced with illicit xylazine are killing Americans. Last week, I filed legislation to help combat this growing problem. My legislation will give law enforcement the tools it needs to be able to pursue these bad actors. Also, in last week's Energy and Commerce Committee, I voted for a bill I co-authored, the HALT Act, which permanently classifies fentanyl and its analogues as a Schedule II drug. In the same hearing, I also voted in favor of legislation that would make opioid diversion much more challenging and for a bill that would help stop the free flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our border by re-instating a successful immigration policy known as Title 42.
Preserving Critical Programs for Seniors
Last week, I re-introduced the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act. This critical legislation would create a non-partisan Commission of experts to identify potential solutions that would ensure the long-term financial sustainability of both Medicare and Social Security. These programs are sacred because so many seniors depend upon them. We have a moral obligation to honor our commitment and protect these programs in perpetuity. However, we can no longer afford to kick the can down the road and ignore the financial reality that these programs will become insolvent unless we take action. While I am willing to consider many potential options for addressing this situation, we must make sure no current senior is negatively impacted by any potential changes to the programs. By establishing this Non-Partisan Commission, we can take the politics out of the equation and find the best path forward. Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neal did so in the early 80's. The Commission worked then, and I believe it will work again.
I also recently filed legislation to ensure seniors have uninterrupted access to physical therapy, as needed. Click here to learn more.
Empowering Parents
Parents are the most important stakeholder in their child's education. They should be empowered to have a stronger role in decision-making, which is why I voted in favor of the Parents Bill of Rights, which passed the House of Representatives last week. It will codify that parents have a right to: know what’s being taught in schools, see reading material, be heard, review their school budget and spending plans, protect their child’s privacy, and to be updated on any violent activity at school.
Protecting our Pristine Environment
During this spring break, we've seen many local beaches impacted by red tide and algal blooms. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation to help Florida tackle harmful algal blooms.
Getting Tough on Crime
Last week, I celebrated enactment of the repeal of Washington, D.C.’s proposed soft-on-crime criminal code rewrite that treated violent criminals like victims and discarded the views of law enforcement. By pushing this action forward, we sent a clear message to every city, county, and state that any policy that makes life difficult for police and easy for criminals is unacceptable. House Republicans are committed to delivering the safe streets, safe schools, and safe communities that every American deserves.
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 presented an official Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC). Congratulations to the entire PHSC staff and best wishes on many more successful years of helping students realize their dreams!
My team was honored to attend the 90th anniversary of Bay Pines Veterans Hospital and to present an official Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record to commemorate this impressive milestone. I sincerely appreciate the team who works hard at Bay Pines to ensure our Veterans receive the quality care they deserve!
Additionally, my team attended last week's Nature Coast Business Professionals meeting to learn more about the challenges facing our local small business owners.
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 Angela and Mikel Mineo, owners of the newly opened Cheval Wellness Center in Trinity!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team intervened in her case.
Thank you for helping me get my dad an appointment at our local VA doctor. We had been trying for several weeks, but kept getting voicemails. After calling your office, the VA called us and my dad was seen within two days. We are so grateful for your support!
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!
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