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Dear Neighbor,
My mother-in-law, Theodora Lialios, recently passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Her funeral was held early last Tuesday and I attended the services with my wife, Eva, our four sons and other close family members. As such, I was unable to cast a vote on Tuesday for my friend and colleague, Jim Jordan, in his bid to become Speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaker-Designate Jordan understood the need to be with my family during this difficult time and was aware that he would have my full support on subsequent votes when I returned to Washington, DC on Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday morning, I proudly cast my vote in his favor. I did the same on Friday. However, I was disappointed to see that 22 and then 25 of my fellow Republican colleagues voted against him. As I noted in my editorial published early last week, Jim has solid conservative credentials and the proven experience to lead our country forward during difficult times. I was prepared to continue working to support Jim's bid for Speaker. However, he has now withdrawn his name from consideration. On Monday night, there will be another Speaker candidate forum. I look forward to us uniting around a candidate, as I am eager to get back to the business of governing our country.
Please continue reading about my efforts on your behalf last week!
Making Washington Work for You
Making Us Less Safe: Just as I predicted on August 9, 2022, Biden’s depletion of the Strategic Petroleum Resolve has made our country more vulnerable than we have been in decades. Meanwhile, the smoke of war bristles on the outskirts of Europe and Israel, and looking weak only emboldens China’s interests in Taiwan. Energy security is national security. Click here to learn more about how Biden’s dangerous energy policies have made us less safe.
Also, we have a solemn obligation to keep America safe which is why we must secure the border immediately. As outlined in this article, our adversaries are taking advantage of Biden’s open border policies and it's dangerous!
Supporting Israel: In this article, I continue to reiterate my support for Israel. The world must stand up to global terrorism. The darkest moments in human history have come when people remain silent in the face of oppression, violence, bigotry and injustice. We must eradicate its presence around the globe, and we must always continue to support our most steadfast ally, Israel, in the face of such hatred. Let us remain united in our resolve to stand up against global extremists who use terror as a tool for spreading hate.
Of course we shouldn’t allow Iran, a known sponsor of terror around the globe, to access the $6 billion in funds the Biden Administration foolishly authorized. My colleagues and I are pushing this Administration to stop funding terrorists!
Defending Your Second Amendment Rights: It is disappointing to see SCOTUS allow the Biden Administration to continue eroding Americans’ Constitutional Rights. I’ll keep pushing back to defend your 2nd Amendment Rights!
Helping Seniors: The fact that Social Security recipients will receive a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) at a time when Americans are paying more for everything is further proof that our current system does not accurately account for the realities that seniors on a fixed income are facing. I have filed legislation that would review how Congress could more fairly account for the inflation seniors are facing.
Also, in last week’s Health Subcommittee Legislative Hearing, we examined three bills I co-authored to help protect seniors.
Advocating for Veterans: Last week, I had the chance to speak with VA Secretary Denis McDonough about the concerns local Veterans have shared with me. I’ll continue to press the VA to do more to address unmet needs and ensure our nation’s heroes receive the care and benefits they’ve earned.
Improving Mental Health Services for Children: I’m devoted to protecting the physical and mental well-being of all kids across America. Every child has the right to live up to their potential. That’s why we in Congress must do more on this important issue. I have filed a variety of bills this Congress which are moving through the process that would strengthen children’s access to behavioral health services.
Preparing for the Future: In last week’s Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee we examined technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), consumer protections that may need to be implemented as these advances emerge, and the global race to ensure these tools are used to unleash American innovation while safeguarding data privacy. Click here to listen to my opening remarks during the hearing.
Providing Free Dental Care for Veterans in Need: Do you know a Veteran in need of dental care? My team is once again proud to host Stars, Stripes and Smiles -- an opportunity for local Veterans in need to receive free dental care. I believe oral health is an important part of wellness, which is why I've filed a bill to expand Veteran access to dental care. However, in the interim, I'm grateful to the local dentists volunteering their time and skill to take care of our local heroes' urgent needs. In order to receive care, Veterans must call my office at 727-232-2921 to register as space is limited.
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 enjoyed participating in the Boy Scouts of America Suncoast Chapter's annual Pancake Breakfast at Sand Hill Crane Reservation in Hernando County to learn more about the work they are doing to provide invaluable character building programs for at-risk youth throughout our community.
My team also participated in the American Heart Association's local community CPR training. It is vital that as many members as possible are trained to give this life-saving care. You never know when those skills may be needed.
Additionally, my team was proud to attend the Dining in the Dark dinner hosted by the Lighthouse for the Blind of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. It was a great opportunity for community members to experience the challenges that those who are visually impaired face daily.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped resolve an IRS problem he was having.
I just want you to know how much I appreciate you and your staff intervening with the IRS on my behalf. I had been trying for months to get someone from the IRS on the phone to explain an error that had kept my return from being processed. After reaching out to your office, the Taxpayer Advocate called me within 24 hours and had the issue fixed the following day. Thank you so much!
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! |
