Dear Neighbor,

Negotiations to keep the federal government running are ongoing this week. We spent many late nights on the House Floor to pass the necessary appropriations bills, and while we're not done yet, we're staying in D.C. as long as it takes to get the job done. 

I'm working tirelessly to cut government spending, fund our military and national defense, and support our veterans. We're making progress and will continue to provide updates. To see updates from this week after late-night votes on Wednesday and Thursday, read below. 

In the event of a government shutdown, we've provided information about which federal agencies and services will be impacted by the lapse in appropriations. Most importantly, Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits will not be impacted and payments and care will still be processed. For additional information, take a look below.

Additionally, the deadline to submit applications for our nation's service academies is today. If you know a student interested in applying, please make sure they check out our website (linked below) for more information and to complete all the necessary information before the link closes this evening at 5pm ET. 

With all that's happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we've been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

For Freedom,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Representing Florida's Third Congressional District

Open vs. Closed In Government Shutdown

During a government shutdown, many federal services will be affected by a lapse in appropriations. Important services through the Social Security Administration, Medicare, VA, and more, however, will not be impacted. The helpful graphic above provides more information about services and operations. 

For more information, view the Congressional Research Service's handy guide here.

Service Academy Nominations Due Today

Nominations for our nation's Service Academies are due TODAY. I reminded interested applicants to make sure they submit their applications in time for today's deadline. Click the image above to watch the video reminder. 

With questions or for more information, please contact Dorothy by calling our Gainesville office at (352) 505-0838.

Update After Votes: September 29

Early this morning, I went live on Facebook to give everyone an update on where things stand as of this morning. The House is set to vote again this afternoon and we'll provide more updates via social media shortly. 

Click the image above to watch the message. 

Update After Votes: September 28

Early on Thursday morning, I went live on Facebook to share the latest updates on spending cuts and necessary reforms for the appropriations process that funds the government. The House finished Wednesday evening at midnight after we voted on the amendments for Ag. and FDA spending bills. 

Click the image above to watch the message.

The Biden Border Crisis Grows

Over 7.6 million illegal immigrants have entered the United States since Joe Biden took office in 2021. This is the population of more than one dozen U.S. states, in just under three years. After we recorded a record number of apprehensions—over 300k just last month—this crisis continues to reach a new fever pitch.

We're working hard to secure the border and shed light on the terrible policies that have allowed this crisis to go on for three years. Joe Biden is responsible. 

Agricultural Losses In Florida's Third

Hurricane Idalia devastated the agriculture industry in Florida’s Third, but you rarely hear these damages discussed during recovery efforts. Our region's crops—from peanuts and blueberries to livestock and beyond—experienced heavy losses and it will take time, resources, and support to get our folks back on their feet. We spent days touring the damage around North Central Florida after Hurricane Idalia.

Idalia's Impact On A Local Suwannee County Farm

Over the last several weeks, we've been highlighting stories from Hurricane Idalia from around the district. This week, we shared the story of Clif Townsend from Suwannee County. 

"As a 5th generation farmer and Suwannee County native, I never thought I'd see a time where much of what I'd worked toward over a lifetime could be wiped away so quickly. Agriculture is the backbone of communities in this region and Hurricane Idalia put the ag. industry and livelihoods of many to the test. Some folks may figure out how to get by, but I suspect many will not.

Current damages of my farm include 11 downed pivot irrigation systems, 7 destroyed barns, and 5 miles of fencing in need of repair. We had peanuts and carrots already in the ground and estimate 20 percent crop loss, but won't know the full effects for months. Because peanuts are a below-ground crop, we won't know the full impact until harvest. My peanuts have been battered and wind injury is detrimental to peanuts so close to harvest. We will be cleaning up from the impact of the storm for weeks, months and possibly years to come."

Mobile Recovery Sites Across FL-03

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now up and running in Florida's Third. If you're in Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, Levy, or Dixie Counties, please see the above information about sites and operating hours. If you're in a neighboring county, please feel free to visit any of these sites for assistance. 

Please note that the operation of these sites may be affected by a potential government shutdown starting this weekend. To get the latest information on these sites, please give our office a call at (352) 505-0838. 

Congressional App Challenge 2023

The 2023 Congressional App Challenge is now open for middle and high school students in FL-03! Create an app for any platform in any coding language for a chance to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building!

Visit congressionalappchallenge.us for more information and to learn about deadlines, requirements, and rules. You can also reach out to Hallie in our Gainesville office at (352) 505-0838.

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