The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

Last week, I along with several colleagues introduced legislation to declare the crisis at the southern border an invasion. This will help bolster the legal arguments of states in federal court. Secretary Mayorkas dereliction of duty to enforce our border laws have turned every state into a border state and are forcing state officials to take action to protect Americans. I've been to the Southern Border in Eagle Pass, Texas and seen the crisis firsthand. Thanks to President Biden’s failed border policies, there have been over 8 million illegal border crossings, with over 340 known individuals being on the terrorist watchlist. Make no mistake, this is an invasion of our nation’s borders. I have and will continue to advocate for and support policies and legislation that secures our borders and sensibly reforms our immigration laws.

Protecting Seniors Access to Medications

I recently co-sponsored H.R. 5526, the Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023 that would make permanent a waiver issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). This waiver allowed Medicare patients to receive critical medications by mail or allow caregivers and family members to obtain medications for them. A priority of mine is delivering on our promises to seniors and ensuring that they have the care they need. I am committed to protecting Medicare, keeping our promises to seniors, and preserving retirement security for every generation.

Ensuring our Veterans the BEST Care

Serving veterans and ensuring they receive the care and benefits they earned is one of my top priorities. Last week, I co-sponsored H.R. 7434, the Better Examiner Standards and Transparency (BEST) for Veterans Act, which would ensure only licensed health care professionals conduct medical disability examinations (MDEs) on behalf of the VA. We must ensure licensed health care professionals are conducting MDEs that will allow for more accurate and efficient disability ratings. If you’re a veteran or know one in my district who needs assistance with their VA benefits, please contact me.

Following the Evidence

House Republicans are following the money, evidence, and proper procedures as we investigate President Biden’s influence peddling scheme. Last week, the House Committees on Oversight and Judiciary held a deposition of Hunter Biden as part of their ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Biden. The evidence uncovered in his testimony confirms much of the evidence we uncovered to date; however, parts of his testimony are inconsistent with other witnesses’ testimonies indicating the need for a public hearing. I applaud Oversight Chairman James Comer and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan for releasing the transcript of Hunter Biden’s deposition before the committee to the public. Government accountability and transparency are among my top priorities, and I will continue doing my part to ensure that President Biden and his Administration are held accountable for not enforcing federal law and abusing their powers.

Seeing and Serving You

In the district, I spoke to the students of East Ridge High School who are participating in the Capitol Hill Challenge of Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation. The SIFMA Foundation is dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of financial markets. I was welcomed by Susan Paul, Economics Teacher, and Principal Julie Robinson-Lueallen along with the students and other staff.

_______________

In Washington, I recently met the CEO of Community Healthcare Centers Inc., Dr. Debra Andree. We discussed their workforce development needs that are met through training programs, loan forgiveness, and eligible providers. I am pleased to support our nation’s community health centers and am working to ensure adequate funding for the essential services they provide to millions of Americans who access medical care through them. Central Florida is home to several community health centers, and I have visited multiple Health Centers throughout our region. While serving as Speaker of the Florida House, I led the State Legislature to establish one of the first community health centers as a pilot program in Central Florida. Since then, they have grown statewide and provide important healthcare services to Floridians. Thank you, Community Healthcare Centers Inc. for all the work you have done in our community!

_______________

Last week, while I was in Congressional committee meetings my legislative staff met with members of Florida’s chapter of the American Legion. They met with the Past Commander and Honor Guard Member of American Legion Post 347, Joan Suelter, and Alternate National Executive Committee Member, Jerry Brandt. In their meeting, they discussed several topics including my support for initiatives that provide our nation’s military members and veterans’ access to education, retraining and employment opportunities.

My legislative staff also met with VFW/Auxiliary Post 2093 members, Cate Manley, President of the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, member of the Orlando Mayor Veterans Advisory Board, and Mike Manley, Assistant Adjunct American Legion State of Florida. They discussed my co-sponsorship of H.R. 1282, the Major Richard Star Act, the need to expand mental health resources, and expanding research into whole health therapies and programs. The men and women of our military routinely face unique risks in the line of duty. I remain committed in ensuring our veterans receive the care and benefits they earned. We owe you a debt we can never repay.

_______________

Lt. Col Bath Crane, Cadet Maj Carter Hall, and Cadet 2nd Lt Haywood Ball, members of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol also met with my legislative staff. They shared their stories on how Civil Air Patrol has impacted their lives, supported our great state of Florida, and shaped our nation. Thank you for your commitment to serve our community!

_______________

Pam Jones, Community Relations Representative for West Orange County, attended the West Orange Chamber Ribbon Cutting for Toole’s ACE Hardware with Chamber President Stephen Lewis. Walter Toole, Executive Chairman, and Neil Asma, President, and CEO, welcomed the chamber ambassadors to the new Hamlin store in Winter Garden!

_______________
 

Pam Jones also attended the West Orange Chamber Ribbon Cutting with Orange County Officials for the new Taborfield Park. Chamber members and the community joined with Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Matt Suedmeyer, Orange County Manager of Parks & Recreation, to celebrate the 6.5 acre park. The $1.5 million park was built beside Castleview Elementary School. Parks are being built like Taborfield Park throughout Orange County in conjunction with the schools to give children and youth more outdoor space. 

_______________

Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for the City of Leesburg, joined with the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce to celebrate with Ali & Steven Stafford at their 1 year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting of Simple Nutrition on Main Street in Downtown Leesburg. Congratulations, Ali, and Steven, for providing healthy options like nutritious shakes, smoothies, protein bowls, and protein waffles for the community. 

_______________
 

Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative also for the City of Wildwood, recently attended a ribbon cutting for Wildwood Elementary School’s new parking lot, which meets a need and is appreciated by school families and the community. Joining in the ceremony was School Board Superintendent Rick Shirley, School Board Member Sally Moss, City of Wildwood Commissioner Joe Elliott, Wildwood Elementary School Principal Brittany Brown, and Representatives from the City, including the contracting, engineering, planning, and designing Consultants. Congratulations to all!

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress