The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

I have a long record of opposing continuing resolutions because they spend taxpayer dollars with little congressional oversight or direction. I have opposed this method of approving government spending under both Republican and Democrat leaders. The outline for a short-term continuing resolution through Oct 31st, negotiated by members of the House Freedom Caucus, was announced Sunday night - I am reviewing this closely before determining my vote.

I’ve been thrilled to see many of my House Colleagues adopt something I’ve been doing and advocating for a decade – rejecting the Washington presumption that nothing in the federal budget can be cut in order to fund our priorities without increasing our deficit. Congress must continue its work and pass 12 appropriations bills that reduce spending and put our nation on a responsible fiscal path. I have also set an example by annually returning a portion of the taxpayers' dollars allocated for my Congressional office expenses - saving more than 4 million dollars to date. Additionally, every year, I deliver a personal check to the Bureau of Fiscal Service at the Treasury Department to roll back my salary to the 2008 amount. Although it is a small step given the trillions of dollars the federal government spends, it is a step in the right direction.

I am committed to keep working towards this goal and asking tough questions about the use of taxpayer dollars as I fight to restore fiscal accountability and responsible spending in Washington. 

Protecting Gas Powered Cars

Last week, I voted to pass H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. This legislation comes amidst attempts to eliminate the sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles are not only more expensive than gas-powered vehicles, but they also lack charging infrastructure, especially in rural communities, making EV’s impractical for many Americans. Mandating the purchase of electric vehicles would also make America more dependent on China, as they currently control the majority of the processing and manufacturing of critical minerals used in electric vehicles. Americans should have the choice to purchase a vehicle that fits their needs, not the political agendas of climate extremists.

Holding President Biden Accountable 

Last week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that the U.S. House is opening a formal impeachment inquiry of President Biden. This gives the House Committees on Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways & Means additional tools needed to further investigate serious and credible allegations of abuses of power and corruption by the President and gather evidence necessary for accountability. For months, House Republicans have conducted methodical oversight investigations into President Biden’s influence peddling scheme and have uncovered serious allegations into his conduct. Unlike the Democrats soviet-style impeachment of President Trump, House Republicans are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into President Biden in the pursuit of accountability.

Americans deserve answers and expect accountability. I will continue to work with my colleagues and do my part to ensure that President Biden and his administration are held accountable for any wrongdoings.

We're Coming to You

Mobile Office Hours brings my office directly to you to provide assistance with the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Passport Agencies, and much more. This week, my staff will be holding Mobile Office Hours at the following locations:

Tuesday, September 19

• Polk City: From 9:00 – 11 am at Polk City Hall, 123 Broadway Blvd SE Polk City, FL 33868
• Groveland: From 1:30-4 pm at Groveland Public Safety Complex, 6825 SR 50 Groveland, FL 34736

Thursday, September 21

• Apopka: From 8:30 – 11 am at Apopka City Hall, 120 E Main St. Apopka, FL 32703
• Tavares: From 1:30 – 4 pm at Lake County Administration Building, 315 W Main St. Tavares, FL 32778

Seeing and Serving You

I was honored to participate in the City of Apopka’s Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday. The United States brings people of different histories, cultures, and heritages together. Central Florida has been greatly enriched by the Hispanic-Americans who have chosen to live, work and raise their family here. Hispanic-Americans are indispensable contributors to the prosperity of our nation. Millions of Hispanic-Americans help drive the American economy, and possess a deep commitment to faith, family and community. And Americans of Hispanic descent have fought in every war since our founding. It was great to spend time with members of this community and say thank you to the veterans represented there. Last week, I voted to pass H.R. 1435 the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. 

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Last week, I met with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. We spoke about their top legislative priorities for the 118th Congress. It was great to chat with them about the challenges they’re facing and hear the ways the federal government can help. I am grateful for their work in our communities.

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I recently met with Eric King, Legislative Committee Director, and Dan Duffy, Past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Florida. We discussed my cosponsorship of H.R. 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, legislation that would reinstate criminal penalties on individuals that charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation benefits. Serving veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned is one of my top priorities. 

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I had the opportunity to meet with the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) and Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) last week. Jacksonville, FL is the number one port in the United States for trade with Puerto Rico. JAXPORT is home to three Puerto Rican Ocean carriers. We discussed investments in port infrastructure, supply chain solutions and growing maritime trade and manufacturing in Puerto Rico.

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Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for The Villages, recently attended the Quilt of Valor Presentation at the Everglades Recreation Center. Four veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor made by members of the Khaki Quilters, a chapter of the Quilting Guild of The Villages. Thank you, Edward Norman, Richard Woolf, Dennis Lee, and Robert Haskell, for your service and sacrifice to our country. We owe you a debt we can never repay.

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Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative for Lake County, shared remarks at the Florida State Road 50 Traffic Improvement Project recently. This is a tremendous project with City of Clermont, Lake County, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to assist in the heavy traffic congestion. New equipment will be installed at 10 traffic light intersections in Clermont along SR 50 that will provide data and improve traffic flow. The project will also improve communication with first responders.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress