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Dear Neighbor,
I hope this message finds you and your families well. Serving the people of Florida’s 12th Congressional District is a tremendous honor, and I remain focused on delivering real results for our community while advancing policies that improve lives across the country. Continue reading for some highlights from my work in Washington and here at home over the past week.
Fighting for Military Retirees and Veterans: I continued discussions with Administration officials on the importance of advancing the Major Richard Star Act. I met with Anthony Tata, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, to discuss the merits of the bill and to seek the Department’s support in correcting the injustice of concurrent receipt. We also discussed housing concerns at MacDill Air Force Base and the need to ensure safe, appropriate living conditions for our military families. I will continue working on both of these critical issues to support our nation’s heroes, their families and military readiness.
I also reintroduced my bipartisan Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act, legislation designed to protect Veterans who receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from the unfair and unwarranted recoupment of their military separation pay. The brave men and women who return home after serving our country should be able to receive all of the benefits promised to them. As I work to address the injustice of concurrent receipt for all Veterans, this important legislation will provide immediate relief for a group of Veterans who have faced unreasonable financial penalties and unnecessary bureaucratic roadblocks when attempting to access the benefits they have earned. Under current, outdated policies, Veterans who received separation pay and later qualify for VA disability benefits are required to repay that separation pay-despite the benefits compensating for entirely different purposes.
Specifically, the Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act would:
- Prohibit the recoupment of separation pay from Veterans who later become eligible for VA disability benefits, recognizing that separation pay compensates for time served while disability benefits compensate for service-connected injuries;
- Ensure Veterans who later qualify for military retirement pay are required to repay only the net amount of separation pay received, rather than the gross amount, preventing the federal government from recouping more than the Veteran actually received; and
- Reduce the recoupment rate for retired Veterans from 40 percent to 25 percent of their retirement pay.
Separation pay is provided to many service members upon leaving the military. For example, it may be granted to Armed Forces members with more than six years of service who meet reenlistment requirements but are not permitted to reenlist. Separation pay is also used as an incentive when the Department of Defense seeks to reduce the size of the force.
Strengthening America’s Automotive Leadership: The American automotive industry has long been a driving force behind job creation and continuous improvements in vehicle safety, comfort, and quality. During last week’s Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee hearing, we discussed the importance of updating federal policies to reflect modern advancements while preserving consumer choice and innovation. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance commonsense legislation that strengthens motor vehicle safety and ensures American automotive leadership remains at the forefront of the global marketplace. Click here to listen to my remarks during the hearing.
Ensuring Appropriate Oversight: During this week’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee oversight hearing, we took a close look at the Federal Communications Commission’s critical role in safeguarding our nation’s communications infrastructure against evolving national security threats. Click here to watch my exchange with the Commissioners.
Advancing Public Safety Communications: During last week’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup, we advanced a strong group of bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening our nation’s public safety infrastructure and ensuring communities have reliable, resilient communications systems when they are needed most. Two of the bills included in this markup are measures I am proud to co-lead with my colleague, Rep. Matsui - the Emergency Reporting Act and the Kari’s Law Reporting Act—both of which build on critical efforts to improve emergency response and save lives by modernizing how emergency calls are reported and handled.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with leaders from Moffitt Cancer Center to learn more about their extraordinary work delivering world-class patient care and leading cutting-edge innovation in cancer research that is saving lives and shaping the future of cancer treatment. I will continue to support their efforts.
Restoring Fiscal Sanity: Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, by a bipartisan vote of 341–79 - advancing a two-bill FY26 funding package that strengthens economic growth, supports the Executive and Judicial branches, and reinforces U.S. national security at home and abroad. The legislation realigns spending to prioritize fiscal responsibility and peace through strength, reins in IRS enforcement while enhancing taxpayer services, combats fentanyl trafficking and financial crimes, bolsters cybersecurity and CFIUS protections, and restores deterrence and accountability in foreign policy, including reforms at the United Nations. The package eliminates $9.3 billion in wasteful spending, removes DEI and Green New Deal mandates, upholds religious liberty and free speech, and preserves longstanding pro-life protections. With this vote, the House has now passed eight FY26 appropriations bills covering 26 percent of discretionary spending.
Advancing Hope for Parkinson’s Patients: I was honored to speak with patients, families, and physicians at this year’s Parkinson’s Summit. It was inspiring to hear directly from those on the front lines of this debilitating disease and to learn about the meaningful progress being made in research and treatment. This is an exciting and hopeful time for the Parkinson’s community, and I will continue working to advance policies that support innovation and ultimately lead us closer to a cure.
Bringing Federal Dollars Home: : I am proud to help return your federal tax dollars for important projects right here in our community. I successfully steered $14.6 million in federal funding to support critical initiatives across Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. These investments will help strengthen local infrastructure, enhance public services, and support long-term economic growth throughout our region. Click here to learn more about my efforts.
Supporting Economic Growth In Our Community: I have also been proud to support the economic development expansion project underway at the Hernando County Airport. This initiative will help create jobs, attract new business opportunities, and strengthen our regional economy. I will continue working closely with local government leaders across Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties to ensure they have the federal support they need to succeed and grow.
Raising Awareness: January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month - a time to recognize the harsh reality of this horrific crime and reaffirm our commitment to ending it. Human trafficking robs individuals of their freedom and dignity, and it has no place in our communities. I will continue working with law enforcement, advocates, and survivors to strengthen prevention efforts, hold traffickers accountable, and support victims on their path to recovery.
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 honored to attend the 101st birthday celebration of Hernando County Veteran, David Jones, who proudly served our nation in the United States Navy. Mr. Smith’s lifetime of service, resilience, and dedication to our country are an inspiration, and it was a privilege to help celebrate this remarkable milestone with him and his family.
My team was also proud to participate in the Leadership Hernando Class of 2026 Kickoff Celebration. This outstanding program helps community leaders, citizens, and small business owners gain a deeper understanding of how local government operates and how organizations collaborate to better serve residents. Investing in civic leadership like this strengthens our community today and for generations to come.
Additionally, my team enjoyed attending the grand opening of the new Jarrett Ford dealership in Dade City. The Jarrett family now operates seven dealerships and has been inducted into the Ford Hall of Fame. The event was made even more special by a presentation from Henry Ford’s great-granddaughter.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message from a constituent.
My name is Grace. Back in 2020-2021, you
wrote me a nomination to the United States Miliary Academy for the class of 2025. In 2021, I graduated from JW Mitchell High School prior to attending the Academy. In May of 2025, I graduated from West Point
and commissioned into the Medical Service Corps. Thank you for the nomination, West Point was one of the best decisions I have made to date. I majored in Life Science at West Point and was selected to attend medical school following graduation. I am currently at Uniformed Services University School of Medicine to pursue a career in medicine. I would not be in this position today without your support a few years ago. I just wanted to say thank you and provide an update!
Middle and High School students (and their parents) who are interested in pursuing a Military Academy appointment, should plan to attend my upcoming Academy Night, April 7, 2026 at 6:00 pm at Angeline Academy of Innovation.
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! |
