The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

This past week, House Republicans unanimously voted to make Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana our next Speaker of the House. Congressman Mike Johnson and I have worked together to protect religious liberty, defend the sanctity of life, and advance conservative principles. I look forward to continuing our work together as he leads the House Republican Majority to fulfill our commitment to Americans.

Following Speaker Johnson’s swearing in, House Republicans got to work by passing H.Res. 771, and H.R. 4394.

I co-introduced H.Res. 771 with over 400 of my colleagues following the brutal terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas earlier this month. This bipartisan resolution condemns Hamas’ brutal war against Israel and reaffirms U.S. commitment to Israel’s security as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorist organizations. America’s steadfast support is vital to a strong and secure Israel.

H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, also passed the House with my support. I will continue to work with my colleagues to reduce federal spending and get our nation back on a responsible fiscal path as we work on passing the 7 remaining appropriations bills.

Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness

Last week, Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and I co-introduced H.R. 6080, the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act. In the wake of natural disasters, seniors, people with disabilities and those in rural areas are often most vulnerable. The Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act is a bipartisan bill that will help federal agencies evaluate how these harder to reach populations receive emergency notifications and identify shortcomings to improve preparedness and assure that assistance will swiftly reach those at the time of need. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I remain committed to improving outreach ahead of disasters that reach our communities.

Red Snapper Act Passes Committee 

H.R. 4587, the Red Snapper Act, legislation I co-sponsored passed the House Natural Resources Committee last week. This bill would prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing area closures without proper data in the South Atlantic until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete and the findings are integrated into the fishery’s stock assessment. Florida is a leader in using data to inform our fishery management - something I’ve been working on for many years to ensure we are properly balancing conservation and those whose livelihoods depend on fishing.

Federal Fishery Disaster Relief 

Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing. H.R. 5203, the Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act, one of the bills we discussed I am co-sponsor of. The bill seeks to provide regulatory clarity and expedite the Federal fishery disaster relief funding process by enacting a 30-day decision requirement for the Office of Management and Budget (OBM) to approve or deny a State’s spend plan.

The State of Florida has requested fishery disaster declarations on six different occasions since 2023—however for each occasion, over two years had lapsed from the time of OMB approving the State’s spend plan to when fishery disaster relief funds were ultimately made available. Florida’s iconic fisheries are foundational to the United States costal economy and way of life in many of the communities that have been devastated by sudden and unexpected losses, leading to serious economic impacts for fishers and their communities. As a Floridian and member of the House Natural Resources Committee, protecting and providing responsible oversight of our nation’s wildlife, environment, and fishing industry is one of my priorities.

Investing in Road Safety

Sumter county will receive a federal grant from the United States Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. The grant funding will support the development of a comprehensive safety action plan that identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in the community and the implementation of projects and strategies to address roadway safety issues.

Transportation – moving people and goods – is a vital element of Florida’s economy. As a senior member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, engineer and longtime advocate for infrastructure ensuring our state has the resources needed is one of my top priorities. This grant will ensure Central Floridians and our tourists safe, efficient, and effective travel across our region.

Seeing and Serving You

Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for Sumter County, recently attended the 38th annual Bushnell Fall Festival “October on the Plaza” and participated in the festival parade “October Charm” with the Sumter County Cattlewomen’s Association. Thousands of residents enjoyed the festivities, contests, and many vendors that came out to provide food and entertainment.

_______________
 

Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative in West Orange County, attended the AdventHealth Faith in Action Luncheon in Winter Garden with President and CEO Kari Vargas. Faith in Action is an alliance connecting faith partners in West Orange and South Lake Counties. AdventHealth Chaplain Jomante Langa, along with other Chaplains honored the local pastors in recognition of Pastor Appreciation Month in October. Pastors shared the heart of their ministry and chaplains of AdventHealth presented a special Faith Ambassador Pin to each one. Pastor Brian Broadway of Living Message Church and Founder of Find, Feed & Restore was one of the pastors recognized.

_______________

Cindy also recently joined the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners and members of the Sheriff’s Department at the ceremony where they honored Sumter County Sheriff William “Bill” Farmer by naming the Public Safety Center the “Sheriff William ‘Bill’ Farmer Public Safety Center”. Sheriff Farmer is an extraordinary public servant and dedicated law enforcement professional who has served Sumter County faithfully for more than four decades. Congratulations, Sheriff Farmer, and thank you for leading the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office with honor and integrity!

_______________
 

Pam Jones recently attended the 2023 Lake County World’s Greatest Baby Shower with Blaire Cope, Community Relations Specialist with Central healthy start, at the Wesley Center in Clermont. Expecting mothers and parents with babies learned about taking care of themselves and their child. Many organizations participated in the event, and shared their resources with Parents.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress