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Dear Neighbor,
Wishing all the dads in our community a very happy Father’s Day today. Being a father to my four sons is the greatest privilege of my life. I’m fortunate to have learned from the very best! Thank you, dad, for teaching me the values and importance of faith, family and service to others. I could never ask for a better father, mentor, and friend.
Please continue reading to learn more about my work on your behalf last week!
Condemning Political Violence: Acts of violence, especially those driven by political beliefs, have no place in our society. This weekend’s tragedies in Minnesota not only undermine the very fabric of our democracy but also sow division and fear in communities that should be united by mutual respect and understanding. My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families, and with the law enforcement officers seeking to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Protecting Against Future Flooding:I recently had the privilege of meeting with Colonel Brandon Bowman of the US Army Corps of Engineers and his leadership team. We discussed critical infrastructure projects across our community, with a focus on boosting interagency cooperation and advancing smart solutions to help prevent future flooding throughout the region. Strengthening our infrastructure isn’t just about building—it’s about protecting homes, businesses, and lives. I’m grateful for the Corps’ commitment and collaboration as we work toward a safer, more resilient future.
Strengthening Programs to Support Patients: The Big Beautiful Bill introduces new work requirements for able-bodied adults participating in federal programs that are designed to help our most vulnerable citizens. These new requirements only exist in states that have expanded eligibility (not Florida). Able-bodied adults will need to meet these work or community engagement rules to maintain benefits. Disabled individuals, seniors, children, caregivers, pregnant and postpartum people are all exempt from these proposed requirements. This good public policy aims to encourage workforce participation while protecting vulnerable groups. Floridians’ hard earned tax dollars should not go to provide subsidized health care to able-bodied adults who do not wish to work, go to school or volunteer in their community.
I am also proud to receive the Visionary Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology! This recognition means so much—as it is a reflection of my work to protect patient access to quality eye care.
Stopping the Spread of Deadly Drugs: Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, lead to nearly 70% of all overdose deaths, as the drug can be deadly in even small doses and is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. In 2022, more than 200 people died from fentanyl and opioid-related overdoses each day–making fentanyl the leading cause of death for Americans under 50 years old. Fentanyl claims more lives than heart disease, cancer, suicide, and homicide. If the temporary order scheduling fentanyl related substances (FRS) ends, several FRS will become street-legal, law enforcement will lose authority to seize them, and drug traffickers will continue to funnel increasingly deadly drugs into the United States.
Last week, I proudly voted in support of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It also ensures law enforcement has the resources needed to keep these drugs off the street and allows for further research of FRS. We are doing everything in our power to stop fentanyl from claiming more American lives – everyone should support our efforts to halt this deadly crisis. The measure now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Rebuilding our Critical Supply Chains: In last week’s Health Subcommittee hearing, we focused on a critical issue: boosting domestic manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices while strengthening our nation’s health care supply chain. This is more than just a health policy matter—it's a national security and economic priority which is why I co-founded the Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus in Congress. Reducing America's reliance on foreign sources for essential medications and products remains one of my top goals, as we seek to create opportunities that support a reliable, safe, resilient, and efficient health care supply chain for all Americans. Click here to listen to my exchange with expert panelists during the hearing.
Restoring Fiscal Sanity: President Trump and I ran on the promise to combat bloated government spending by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. As part of this mission, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) investigated where taxpayer dollars were being squandered – and what they found was shocking.
These are only a few of the many shocking examples of what your taxpayer dollars were going towards – but not anymore. The Trump Administration recently transmitted a request to Congress to rescind previously appropriated funds per a rescissions package under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA). This package slashes $8.3 billion in woke foreign aid spending, like that listed above, and $1.1 billion of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). For far too long, Washington has run on out-of-control spending at the expense and detriment of the American taxpayer. The rescission request sent to Congress by the Trump Administration takes the federal government in a new direction where we actually cut waste, fraud, and abuse and hold agencies accountable to the American people. Last week, we passed HR 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, which will cut $9.4 billion in wasteful government spending. This is just one part of our commitment to fulfil the promise we made to the American people to restore fiscal sanity to Washington and reverse years of reckless spending that drives inflation. Stay tuned for more additional measures to cut wasteful spending!
Combatting Anti-Semitism: Last week, the House gathered in solemn unity to honor the memory of the two Israeli Embassy employees who were brutally murdered in Washington, D.C. last month. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were victims of a senseless and antisemitic act of violence. During the vigil, we stood together—grieving, praying, and remembering. Antisemitism has no place in our communities, and we must continue to speak out against hate in all its forms. May their memories be a blessing.
I fully support Israel’s current military operation to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat — an existential danger that the world cannot ignore. Iran’s regime has long called for the destruction of Israel, funded terrorism around the globe, and advanced a secret nuclear weapons program in violation of international norms. Despite being given 60 days by President Trump to reach a deal, Iran refused and continues to pursue uranium enrichment, missile development, and military escalation. IAEA reports confirm Iran’s nuclear program is for weapons, not peace. The U.S. remains in close coordination with Israel and our allies. I trust President Trump will lead with strength and resolve to restore peace. I am praying for Israel, our troops, and the American people.
Last week, the House passed a resolution condemning the recent antiSemitic terror attack in Boulder, Colorado by a vote of 280–113, with 75 Democrats joining Republicans in support. The resolution specifically cited the case of Denver terror suspect Mohammed Sabry Soliman—who overstayed both a tourist visa and a subsequent work authorization—as a clear example of the dangers posed by failing to remove individuals who violate the terms of their visas. In response to longstanding national security concerns, I’ve reintroduced the Student Visa Security Improvement Act, which seeks to close critical loopholes in the student visa program. My legislation mandates stricter vetting of foreign students and improved tracking to ensure they are attending classes and not overstaying their visas. The antiSemitic resolution we passed last week also reaffirms that open and effective communication between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies is essential to public safety and to the prevention of terrorist attacks. Furthermore, it expresses gratitude to the brave men and women in law enforcement—including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel—for their dedication to protecting our homeland. Given the lawlessness unfolding in places like California, it is deeply troubling that so many of my Democratic colleagues refused to stand with the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to defend our country.
Preserving College Athletic Programs: College athletics are a central part of American culture. We have heard from student-athletes and universities alike that we need a national framework, which is why the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee held a hearing last week to discuss the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act. Stability, clarity, and transparency will be central to creating clear guardrails that support student-athletes and preserve the core educational mission of these schools. Click here to listen to my opening remarks during the hearing.
Celebrating Success: Congratulations to our very own Pasco-Hernando State College baseball team on winning the NJCAA Division II National Championship! Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork have truly paid off!
Raising Awareness: June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month—a time to raise our voices, show support, and honor the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can promote early detection, support caregivers, advance research, and work toward a future without Alzheimer’s. Let’s keep the conversation going—not just this month, but every day.
Learning from You: I will be hosting my monthly tele-townhall meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 10:00 am. Any constituent wishing to participate may call the number below at the start of the call. I look forward to speaking with you!
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 109th birthday of my constituent, Barbara Pierce, who lives in New Port Richey. Happy Birthday, Barbara!
My team also participated in the Hernando Community Coalition's quarterly meeting which featured a presentation by members of Impact. Impact is a group of students that volunteer to help make a difference in their schools by participating in anti-bullying, anti-drugs, anti-drinking and anti-smoke/vaping campaigns. It is great to see so many young people stepping forward to make a positive impact on others.
Additionally, my team attended the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative's annual meeting to learn about issues of importance to the membership.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message from a constituent after helping them sucessfully resolving a problem they were having with Tricare.
My wife and I really appreciate your efforts on our behalf. Experience with you and your office has been wonderful. You, and your office have restored our confidence in the political area. Previous experiences had left us feeling as if once someone was elected, they didn’t care about their constituents until it was election time again. We pray for you, and our country, especially for your safety.
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! |