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Dear Neighbor,
This Thanksgiving weekend, we are reminded of the gratitude we share for family, friends, community, and the many people who work every day to strengthen our nation-from service members and first responders to teachers, health care workers, and countless others. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you and for the trust you place in me. Please enjoy this abbreviated holiday edition of my newsletter.
Improving Seniors’ Access to Quality Care: I’m deeply concerned that our outdated physician payment system is limiting access to care and causing delays for seniors who deserve timely, high-quality medical treatment. That’s why I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation to help address this problem. Learn more about the bill here.
I’m also urging action on my legislation requiring Medicare coverage for medical devices approved under the FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program. Despite FDA clearance, Medicare can take more than six years to determine coverage, delaying access to life-saving innovations for millions of seniors. My bill ensures timely access to breakthrough treatments and supports the more than 600 medical device companies in Florida working to bring new technologies to patients. I’ve heard firsthand how outdated Medicare delays hold back innovation. It’s time to fix this.
Ensuring Americans’ Access to Quality Healthcare: I’m proud to be featured as a Changemaker for my long-standing support of community health centers. Nearly 34 million Americans receive primary care, behavioral health services, and oral healthcare through their local community health centers- a powerful example of what truly works in our healthcare system. Click here to learn more about my efforts.
Protecting Florida’s Coastline: Florida’s sensitive environmental landscape, especially our beaches and coastal waters, is vital to our economy, natural resources, and military readiness. That’s why I have long fought to prevent drilling off our coast and worked with President Trump during his first term to extend the moratorium through 2032. As Co-Chair of the House Travel and Tourism Caucus, I understand that protecting Florida’s shores is essential for our tourism industry, ecosystems, and military training areas. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure offshore drilling remains off the table.
Preserving Our History: I was honored to celebrate the dedication of Florida’s newest Historical Marker at the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site’s Manor House—one of Hernando County’s most cherished and significant landmarks. Set atop one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, Chinsegut Hill has witnessed more than 150 years of Florida’s history. Dating back to the mid-19th century, the manor house has been home to generations of Floridians whose work, struggles, and aspirations helped shape the social, agricultural, and cultural landscape of our region. Their lives-varied, complex, and deeply rooted in our state’s changing history-are woven into the fabric of this remarkable place. The dedication was more than the unveiling of a marker. It was a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to recognize and preserve the many layers of Chinsegut Hill’s past.
Promoting Tourism: Tourism is a powerful economic engine for communities large and small. It supports local businesses, fills hotels, and generates tax revenue that funds schools, transportation, and essential public services. Fully funding Brand USA is not just smart policy, it’s responsible economic stewardship. Click here to learn more about my efforts to boost tourism.
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 was excited to attend the grand opening of Nova Dental in Trinity and celebrate this wonderful addition to our community.
My team was also proud to attend the welcome reception for St. Leo University’s new president, Dr. Jim Burke. St. Leo is a tremendous regional asset, and we are thrilled to have such a dynamic and dedicated leader at the helm.
Additionally, my team was proud to attend the Business and Professional Women’s Luncheon, where we had the opportunity to hear directly about the priorities and needs of several women in our community.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message from a constituent after my team helped her Office of Personnel Management Issue.
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. Also, if you are planning a trip to Washington, DC please let us know 90 days in advance so we can help make the most of your visit. We are here to serve you! |
