The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

This week marks the annual observance of National Police Week.The men and women in blue who courageously answer the call to protect and serve our communities deserve our respect and confidence. I am particularly grateful for the good work of Sheriffs Grady Judd, Bill Farmer, Peyton Grinnell, John Mina, and the law enforcement officers across my district who work hard serving our community every day. Though we set aside one week each year to honor law enforcement across the country, I encourage you to join me in recognizing the courage and selfless service of our nation’s police. This week, I will vote for several bills that honor and America’s law enforcement that keep our neighborhoods and communities safe.

Protecting America's Electoral System

Last week, I took action to protect the integrity of America’s electoral system. I voted to pass H.R. 7109, the Equal Representation Act, which requires the addition of a citizenship question to the census and ensures that only United States citizens count toward apportionment. It’s commonsense, illegal immigrants and non-citizens should not be counted towards the representation of Americans in Congress. By requiring a citizenship question on the census, H.R. 7109 ensures a just Congressional apportionment based on the equal representation of U.S. citizens. The integrity of our elections and representation of American voters in their government should not be a partisan issue. I am committed to ensuring that our electoral system is honest and secure and will continue to support legislation that ensures only American citizens have a say in the direction of our country.

Restoring America's Energy Independence

I’ve been fighting to restore America’s energy independence and stop President Biden’s radical climate agenda that has contributed to skyrocketing energy costs. Last week, I voted to pass several bills that will help unleash American energy production and protect consumers from Biden’s reckless energy policies:

• H.R. 6192, the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act – protects consumer choice by prohibiting the Department of Energy from issuing or amending energy efficiency standards that are not technologically feasible and economically justified.
• H.R. 6285, the Alaska’s Right to Produce Act – overturns President Biden’s anti-energy restrictions in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve (ANWR), reinstating energy production in the area.
• H.R. 2925, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act – provides clarity to America’s mineral producers regarding longstanding precedent for mining permitting on federal lands.

Under President Trump, America was the world’s largest energy producer and gas was affordable. Since his first day in office, President Biden has carried out a crusade against American energy in his pursuit to impose his radical climate agenda by halting critical energy projects and issuing heavy-handed regulations that would ban American’s freedom to purchase appliances that best fit their needs. I have and will continue to fight back against the reckless policies of the Biden Administration and remain committed to restoring America’s energy independence with energy made in America with American workers.

Seeing and Serving You

Last week in Washington, I met with the Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing (C-PORT), a national trade association for the marine assistance towing industry. During our meeting, we discussed critical Coast Guard projects and ways to enhance the safety protocols on our waters and better serve the boating public. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I value the important role organizations like C-PORT play in ensuring the safety and security of the boating community and am committed to ensuring the U.S. Coast Guard has the resources necessary to complete its missions. This week, the bill my subcommittee developed – the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 – is expected to be considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

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It was great to chat with Representatives of the Propeller Club in town from Tampa. They shared an update on their activities and programs with area high schools to encourage the next generation to join the maritime industry. We desperately need more young people to join the U.S. Coast Guard, become mariners and seafarers to keep America’s maritime industry strong! I also appreciate the work the club does to support the Port of Tampa Bay and other Florida ports, which are critical to Florida’s economy.

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As an electrical engineer and small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges that the electrical construction industry faces as well as small business owners face daily. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with members of the National Electrical Contractors Association. During our meeting, we discussed tax reform, streamlining permitting processes, and modernization of our nations’ infrastructure. I will keep working to ensure Florida has a resilient, safe, and effective infrastructure system, especially as we prepare for what forecasters say will be one of the most active Hurricane Season’s in recent years. I am passionate about keeping Florida’s infrastructure the best in the country. 

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I had the chance to meet with members of the National Association of Realtors that reside within my district. During our meeting, we discussed ways to work to improve the real estate industry and our housing market. It has always been a goal of mine to advance policies that strengthen the housing sector of our economy and encourage individual homeownership through less government intervention. Our rising debt jeopardizes affordable housing programs, and I will continue working to restore fiscal responsibility so that we may afford funding our nation’s priorities.

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I had the privilege of meeting with representatives from the National Brain Tumor Society. During our meeting, they shared their own experiences and personal connections, shedding light on the widespread impact that brain tumors have across our nation. The Month of May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, a time dedicated to supporting, empowering, and amplifying the voice of the brain tumor community.

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My legislative staff recently met with constituents who also serve as managers of Walmart Stores and Fulfilment Centers in my district. They discussed how rising costs of goods and services are impact store prices, shared an update on the results of Walmart’s Better You education program for employees and also the work they are doing to combat organized crime which is wreaking havoc on stores across the country. I am committed to ensuring our local law enforcement have the tools and support they need to find and bring criminals, including professional shoplifters, to justice.

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Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative for Orange County, attended the 62nd Annual Apopka Art and Foliage Festival Opening Ceremony with Mayor Bryan Nelson and Apopka Woman’s Club President Susan Bornmann. Presented by the Apopka Woman’s Club and the City of Apopka, flowers, plants, trees, and beautiful artwork was on display by many vendors at Kit Land Nelson Park. It was a beautiful day for the community to visit the vendors and enjoy the festivities.

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Pam Jones also attended the 55th Year Anniversary Recognition for the Rotary Club of Windermere with the West Orange Chamber. President Karen Hairston and Greg Anderson, President-Elect, along with the Rotarians welcomed chamber ambassadors at the Windermere Town Hall. Anniversary. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Windermere on celebrating 55 years of service to our local community!

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Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for Sumter County, and the City of Leesburg, was recently honored to attend three Home Dedication Ceremonies with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, under the leadership of President Danielle Stroud, with business sponsors, and in partnership with Youth Construction Academies. School Construction Programs throughout the area worked side-by-side with Habitat for Humanity and other professionals to learn valuable and employable skills, all while building homes for local families in need!

In the City of Wildwood, Dakota & Elijah Wilcox rejoiced at the completion of their home built in partnership with the Villages High School Construction Academy and RoMac Distribution. In Leesburg, Quantesia Smith and her daughters received the keys to their home and celebrated with Leesburg High School Construction Academy and RoMac Building Supply. In Bushnell, Michael Holbrook with family and friends celebrated with the Villages Construction Academy and Citizens First Academy. Thank you to all the teachers, business professionals, and students for making this amazing program successful throughout the 2023-2024 school year! Congratulations to the Habitat for Humanity families!

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Cindy Brown also recently enjoyed celebrating Earth Day with Sumter County School District. Teachers, staff, children, and families of Sumter County schools enjoyed several hours of exploring at the Cemex Center Hill Mine in Center Hill. This event had environmental booths, entertainment by children from Sumter County schools, free trees, and plants, and free food. Thank you, Cemex Center Hill, for a wonderful event where families could enjoy and learn more about the wonders of our planet!

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress