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Dear Neighbor,
It was another busy week in Washington during which I worked with my colleagues to reduce financial burdens on all Americans, advance legislation to ensure Veterans get the benefits they've earned and to protect human rights, and to fight for safety protections for kids online. Continue reading to learn more about these important priorities and my efforts on your behalf last week.
Helping Homeowners: Floridians are grappling with historic inflation, including soaring homeowner’s insurance costs that are putting the dream of homeownership at risk. I’ve heard countless stories from constituents who fear they will lose their homes due to these skyrocketing costs. While we work to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, my colleague and I have introduced legislation that will provide immediate relief to help families keep a roof over their heads. Click here to learn more about our efforts.
The House also passed two measures last week, with my support, to reverse Biden-era regulations that have increased costs for American consumers. Biden’s burdensome regulations reduced an individual’s ability to choose what home and commercial appliances best fit their needs. His harmful over-regulations raised costs, limited competitiveness, and stifled American innovation. The two resolutions we passed last week gets the government out of the way and makes appliances more affordable. I will keep working to fulfill my promise to restore common-sense, empower consumers, and drive down costs.
Restoring American Energy Independence: Americans also deserve relief at the pump, which is why I will continue to support President Trump’s pro-energy policies. We will restore American energy dominance and provide relief for American consumers.
Fighting for Our Heroes: I am also garnering widespread support in the House and Senate for my Major Richard Star Act. We must not rest until Veterans receive the pay and benefits they’ve earned. Click here to learn more about my bill.
Promoting Public Safety: The FBI has arrested three of the most wanted fugitives in the past two months. It is wonderful to see the FBI re-focused on its primary mission of keeping Americans safe.
Keeping Kids Safe: Our increasingly digital world continually presents new threats and challenges, especially to our children. Congress must continue to address risks facing the most vulnerable and take steps to help ensure they are not being exploited by bad actors online. Last week, we held an important discussion that I hope will help build bipartisan consensus around legislation to protect Americans, including our children, from threats in the online world. Click here to watch my remarks during the hearing.
Defending Basic Human Rights Around the Globe: There is overwhelming evidence that China has systemically targeted ethnic and religious minorities for forcibly acquired organ donation and that the country regularly violates internationally-accepted rules regarding organ donorship. We cannot remain silent in the face of these gross human rights violations and perpetuate the practice by offering a marketplace for the ill-gotten organs. My colleagues and I are advancing legislation to put a stop this practice.
Learning from You: It was wonderful to speak with education and industry leaders in Hernando County last week about their efforts to strengthen our regional workforce with a focus on developing manufacturing opportunities for the aerospace industry.
I was also humbled to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award last week from Live Tampa Bay in recognition of my work to address behavioral health concerns. This issue is near and dear to my heart and I will continue to do all I can to improve access to quality treatment and support for those who are struggling.
 
Inviting Students and Parents: I'm inviting local middle and high school students and their parents to attend my upcoming U.S. Service Academy Night featuring presentations by each of the five U.S. Service Academies. Participants will learn about the Congressional nomination process and about how to prepare for a successful appointment. Service Academies offer an elite education to the best and brightest students who are ready to make a commitment to serve their country in the Armed Forces.
Supporting the Arts: My office is now accepting submissions from students for this year’s Congressional Art Competition. All local high school students are welcome to apply.
Community Connection
I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.
My team celebrated the grand opening of Fire Station #3 in Hudson.
My team also learned about mental health resources available to constituents in Hernando County.
Additionally, my team also received an update on community activities and support for Veterans available in the community from the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Citrus County.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message after helping resolve a problem our constituent was having obtaining dental care through the VA.
I want to thank you for your help on my behalf. I don't think anything would have been done without it. I'm so looking forward to being able to eat without pain. I truly appreciate all that you have done.
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you! |