|
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading my newsletter! My team and I continue to work for you and our community. It was a very eventful week and I’m excited to tell you about what we accomplished. Here are some highlights:
- I attended the signing of the historic peace deal between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain
- I introduced legislation in the House to award Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe the Medal of Honor
- The House passed my Rural STEM Education Act to provide students in underserved areas access to STEM education
- I spoke on the House floor about the importance of raising suicide prevention awareness
HISTORIC DAY FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: On Tuesday, I attended the historic signing of the Abraham Accords, the newly-agreed upon peace deal between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. This peace agreement normalizes diplomatic and economic relations between these nations and establishes embassies, commercial air routes, tourism, security and intelligence ties and market access. This deal bonds these nations together under a common goal: Peace. As a Green Beret who served alongside UAE forces and in the region, I was extremely honored to be at the White House as these countries embarked on a new era of peace in the Middle East.
Attending the signing of the Abraham Accords with
Rep. Steve Scalise at the White House
HONORING SFC ALWYN CASHE: While deployed in Iraq in 2005, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe exhibited heroism beyond measure when he saved three fellow soldiers from a burning vehicle hit by an explosive device. Instead of retreating, Cashe returned over and over again to retrieve each soldier from the blazing fire, despite being drenched in gasoline and under enemy fire. SFC Cashe lost his life as a result of his injuries.
SFC Cashe is, without a doubt, a hero and embodies everything the Medal of Honor represents. Unfortunately, due to current federal law, he is unable to be awarded the Medal of Honor unless approved by Congress. This is why I’ve introduced legislation in the House to waive the time limitation and authorize President Trump to award SFC Cashe the Medal of Honor. SFC Cashe without a doubt deserves to be awarded our nation’s highest honor — and I’m committed to ensuring he is recognized for his heroism and acts of valor.
SFC Alwyn Cashe
PROVIDING RURAL STEM EDUCATION IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES: Students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education enter the workforce earning 30 percent higher wages than those who don’t. Unfortunately, nine million students in America currently attend rural schools where access to STEM education is little to none. It’s important we expand access to a great education to every child. This is why I’m proud to tell you my Rural STEM Education Act, which gives students in underserved areas access to STEM education, has PASSED in the House.
RAISING SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This year, mental health is a challenge for each of us as we are forced to stay socially distant. It’s important to be there for each other during this tough time and to have conversations about mental well-being to help each other and prevent suicide. Reach out to your loved ones. Ask them how they are doing. Together, we are stronger and can weather any storm.
Click below to watch me speak on the House floor about suicide awareness:
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or needs someone to talk to, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY: Are you struggling to navigate federal bureaucracy? My office can help with the VA, a passport, Social Security, the IRS or any other federal agency. Click here for more information about how we can assist you or call one of my three district offices below:
Please follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. As always, feel free to reach out to my offices in Florida or Washington, D.C. if my team or I can ever be of service.
In Service,
Michael Waltz |