Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds: August 30, 2021

Representative Byron Donalds

Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

Last week, Speaker Pelosi called Session for a number of days requiring Members of Congress to return to Washington, D.C. to vote on President Biden’s outrageous $3.5 trillion spending package. Upon returning back to Southwest Florida, I was grateful to be provided ample time to meet with constituents, local leaders, and our first responders. 
Just days ago, we honored and celebrated one of the most prolific & defining moments in our nation’s history: Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech. His words and their impact created monumental change for all Americans. 58 years later, we celebrate & honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and his work towards equality & justice for all. For we are a better nation, a stronger and more free nation, because of MLK and his fierce belief that we can all be free.
As the crisis in Afghanistan worsens, we mourn the loss of 12 U.S. Marines and 1 Navy Medic. Erika and I are praying for the mothers & fathers who are grieving the loss of their children, for their spouses left behind, and for their brothers and sisters in uniform. As the names, faces, and stories of those we lost begin to be shared with the public, we as a nation are reminded of just how fragile life is, how grateful we are to live in America, and the harrowing price of freedom. The honorable service and sacrifice of these fallen Americans will never be forgotten. As our nation mourns this devastating attack on our service members, we must remember Home of the Free, Because of the Brave. 
To every veteran – of Afghanistan or otherwise – your service and sacrifice doesn’t go unthanked or unappreciated. If you need extra support during this difficult time, please know you are never alone. Please reach out, ask for help, and talk to someone. Call the Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or text 838-255. 
Continue reading below for important legislative updates from Capitol Hill, community events, and more! 

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Calling on President Biden to Resign

Calling on the leader of the free world to resign his office immediately weighs heavy on my heart, but due to the recent events that have taken place in Afghanistan, this must happen to restore American’s safety both at home & abroad, our honor, & faith in the Chief Executive to faithfully execute the duties of the Presidency.
 
See my full statement below: 

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Community Engagement

This past week, I held a Town Hall in Estero. The first of many, this Town Hall served as an opportunity for residents to ask questions and hear from me directly on the most pressing issues facing our community and our nation. Thank you to all of those who attended the meeting to share their concerns and discuss ways my office can work to best serve you and the Southwest Florida community.

To the Lee County Sherriff Deputies who attended to ensure the safety of myself, my staff, and every attendee – thank you! Their attention to detail, great work, and service for our community does not go unappreciated.

Our firefighters, paramedics, and first responders are the backbone of our community and it was an honor to visit the San Carlos Fire Department this past week. Thank you to Fire Chief David Cambareri for giving my staff and I a tour of the station, to hear more about the work you do to keep our community safe, and ways in which the federal government can better serve you. Being able to sit down with firefighters and paramedics about the work they do, their mental health, and how COVID-19 has impacted them was extremely beneficial and eye-opening. I’m extremely thankful for the great work they do each and every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting Southwest Florida, our doctors and nurses, and how my office can help, I had the opportunity to tour the NCH Baker Hospital in South Naples and Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers. Meeting with the doctors, ICU nurses, and administration staff who are on the front lines combatting COVID-19 was extremely crucial to understand the magnitude of this virus and the importance of getting vaccinated.

To those on the frontlines working overtime to keep our communities and loved ones safe, we appreciate you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This past week, I was thankful for the chance to meet & talk with SWFL’s own law enforcement officers. Today & every day, I’m appreciative of the work they do to keep our community safe.

To all of the brave men & women in uniform across the country, we thank you for your tireless service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Statement on the Passing of Fort Myers Community Activist Anthony Thomas

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In the Media

Earlier this week, I called on President Biden to resign immediately following the initial botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a matter of days, this haphazard departure took a drastic turn. I stand firm in my decision to call for his resignation. We need new leadership. Click the link below for my interview with The National Desk last week:

Rep. Donalds:  Nobody Would Be As Incompetent as Joe Biden

 

Last week, I joined EWTN News Nightly to discuss the $3.5 trillion so-called Infrastructure bill that my Democrat colleagues passed in the House. This disastrous piece of legislation will bankrupt our children, raise inflation, increase our national debt, and place an unbearable financial burden upon the next generation. Click below for my full interview:

Rep. Byron Donalds Joins ETN News Nightly 

 

ICYMI: Yesterday, I joined OAN’s Real America with Dan Ball to discuss Biden’s abysmal handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Joe Biden has failed our troops, nation, and authority on the world stage. Watch my full remarks below:

Rep. Donalds Joins OAN’s Real America with Dan Ball 

 

Last week, I joined John Roberts, host of Fox News’  “America Reports”  to discuss President Biden’s extreme mishandling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, how he has failed as Commander In Chief, and the need for him to resign the Office of the Presidency. Click below for the full interview:

Fox News: Rep. Byron Donalds Blasts Biden’s Afghanistan Deadline

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Legislative Updates

Last week, as my Democrat colleagues voted to pass a $3.5 trillion Infrastructure bill, they were voting to bankrupt our children in order to pass their radical liberal agenda. I joined several of my Republican Study Committee colleagues in a joint press conference addressing the financial dangers of this bill, how it will impact our children and our economy, and how this spending package will bankrupt our nation.

Watch my full speech at this press conference below:

Rep. Donalds Accuses Pelosi of Stealing From Our Children

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Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida’s 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It’s time Washington works for our community’s values, and every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.

Sincerely,

Byron Donalds
Member of Congress

Mario’s Message: August 30, 2021

Welcome to another edition of Mario’s Message. Here are the latest updates on all things happening in Washington and Florida’s 25th Congressional District.

Remembering 13 Fallen Heroes

On August 26, 2021, American troops, civilians, and Afghan allies were injured and killed by an Islamic State suicide bombing outside Kabul airport. The actions and lack of planning and forethought by the Biden Administration these last few weeks have irrevocably damaged our national security and our standing with our allies while putting Americans in harm’s way. Right now, our priority should be to do everything we can to bring all American citizens and Afghan allies back to safety. Once this is done, Congress must use its constitutional powers to hold this Administration accountable for this dangerous and damaging catastrophe that cost the lives of 13 U.S. Marines. We will never forget these brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our nation mourns for them. I pray for their families and loved ones.

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Office Hours Near You

Every week, to make our services more accessible, we bring our office to you by hosting outreach hours in neighborhoods all over our community. Residents of Florida’s 25th District are welcome to meet with a member of my staff to discuss federal issues or any problems that they may have with a federal agency. To find the nearest office hours, click here.

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$3.5 Trillion Reckless Spending Bill

Last week, House Democratic Leadership pushed forward a $3.5 trillion spending bill that is filled with nothing but socialist policies and wasteful spending that will kill American jobs, prop the Chinese Communist Party by sending American businesses overseas, escalating taxes on hardworking Americans, and increase the already-growing inflation. If signed into law, this would have catastrophic, long-term effects on the livelihood of hardworking American families and businesses. Our nation is already feeling the effects of rising inflation, and small businesses continue to face a dire labor shortage. Further increasing our national debt will not only extend the duration and magnitude of this problem, but it will also have devastating implications on our nation’s economy.

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Cuban-American Community in Naples

It was an honor to meet with the Cuban-American community in Collier County to discuss the ongoing situation in Cuba and to stand in solidarity with the Cuban freedom movement.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The state is hosting mobile, one-day vaccination clinics in partnership with local community organizations to increase vaccine access to all Floridians. 
Mobile vaccine locations can be found here.
There are also State and Federally-supported vaccination sites near you!
Visit my website for additional details and a comprehensive list of COVID-19 vaccine distribution sites in our community.
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Stay Connected

To keep up with live updates, connect with me on FacebookTwitterYouTubeand Instagram, or visit my website for any constituent services I am able to provide you with.

As always, it’s a pleasure to serve you.

Warm Regards,

Mario Diaz-Balart
Member of Congress

Republican Party of Florida: RPOF Update

Chairman’s Message

Another Media Hit Job Collapses On Itself

Apparently, the corporate media will continue to try to smear Governor Ron DeSantis with baseless, ignorant hit jobs. It is an acknowledgment of the effectiveness of our Governor’s leadership, and the fear he creates in his political opponents.

In the latest installment, after the widely debunked 60 Minutes attack piece, the Florida Associated Press took its shot with a story that not only was a political attack on the Governor, but worse it jeopardized the health of its readers. The article, titled “DeSantis top donor invests in COVID drug governor promotes,” was framed in dangerous political insinuations that will undoubtedly lead some people to decline seeking the life-saving treatment. 

After the Governor’s staff rightly dispelled the misleading narrative and exposed the partisan agenda of the Associated Press story, the media outlet sent a letter to Governor DeSantis August 20, criticizing him for his staff’s efforts to correct the record. That’s when the Governor responded personally to the brazen AP, writing a letter not only defending his staff, but once again calling on the Associated Press and corporate outlets to stop creating conspiracy theories, publishing clickbait headlines, and circulating partisan political narratives, at the expense of readers and their health.

In his letter to Daisy Veerasingham, the AP’s incoming CEO, Governor DeSantis said he expected Veerasingham was writing to notify him they were retracting their story, not whining that his Press Secretary had done her job and rightly pushed back on the partisan story.

“Instead, you had the temerity to complain about the deserved blowback that your botched and discredited attempt to concoct a political narrative has received. This ploy will not work to divert attention from the fact that the Associated Press published a false narrative that will lead some to decline effective treatment for COVID infections.”

He pointed out that clinical trials of monoclonal antibody treatments result in a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death. That’s a hugely beneficial treatment, and the AP story undermined people’s confidence in it. 

Read the Governor’s full letter: https://www.nationalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AP-Letter-from-Governor-DeSantis-2.pdf 

Read more from the Governor here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/23/governor-desantis-responds-to-the-associated-press-regarding-the-publications-failure-to-retract-brazen-political-attack/ 

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Speaking of the monoclonal rapid response teams, Governor DeSantis continues to travel our state for the opening of new treatment centers targeted at high-need areas. There are now 18 such centers open. It’s a lot of work but the Governor knows it’s worth it to get the information to Floridians that this can be a life-saving treatment.

Monoclonal antibody treatments can be prescribed by health care providers to individuals 12 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. However, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients.

The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, they should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. By providing access to these treatments at these new sites, Governor DeSantis is alleviating demand on hospital resources and further making sure that Floridians have access to all potential treatments that can help them recover from COVID-19. 

Find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatments here: floridahealthcovid19.gov.

Additionally, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health continue to encourage Floridians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Find where vaccines here: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/ 

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/25/governor-ron-desantis-announces-opening-of-new-monoclonal-antibody-treatment-state-site-at-the-villages/

 

Florida

Once again, Governor DeSantis was correct in his approach to Covid. A new CDC study shows there is no rationale to forcibly mask children. After analyzing 90,000 Georgia elementary students, the CDC confirmed no significant statistical difference between optional and mandatory masked schools.

So, while the Biden Administration continues to fixate on Florida and Governor DeSantis, their own CDC study vindicates our Governor’s approach. And doing what makes him such a strong leader, Governor DeSantis refused to bow to the baseless White House attacks and chastised the administration for its obsession with using the federal government to forcibly mask children. 

“I mean, you’ve got to wonder, where are your priorities that you’re so obsessed with this issue and so obsessed with taking away parents’ rights?” the governor asked. “And you’re letting Afghanistan burn, our border burn, and so many other things in our country fall to pieces.”

Read the story here: https://thefederalist.com/2021/08/24/desantis-vindicated-theres-no-science-behind-masks-on-kids/ 


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Even New York Magazine reported that, “Children are less likely to have severe disease from SARS-CoV-2, and when infected less likely to be symptomatic, which correlates with lower contagiousness. Those facts alone may account for part of the reason why the Georgia study found no clear benefit for a masking requirement for kids in schools.”

Read it here: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/08/the-science-of-masking-kids-at-school-remains-uncertain.html?utm_source=tw&utm_campaign=nym&utm_medium=s1

Governor DeSantis announced Florida will host the upcoming Hula Bowl at the University of Central Florida’s Bounce House Stadium in 2022. The game, set for January 15, 2022, will be the ninth NCAA bowl game in Florida during the upcoming college football season. The Hula Bowl, which started in 1946, is a postseason “All Star” bowl game, featuring standout NCAA football players from all divisions. 

“On behalf of our entire state, I’m proud to welcome the Hula Bowl to Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our state continues to attract premier athletic events, which is great news for our economy, Florida families, and the fans who come here from all over the world for world-class experiences.”

“The state of Florida has been amazing in welcoming our game to the Sunshine State and Governor DeSantis made it clear to us that the state of Florida is indeed open for business,” said Jennifer Logan, Executive Vice President of the Hula Bowl. “The Governor’s support for Floridians is clear.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/20/governor-desantis-announces-florida-will-host-the-hula-bowl-in-2022/

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The South Florida Water Management District held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an underground seepage wall in the 8.5 Square Mile Area (Las Palmas Community). The underground concrete wall will help mitigate flooding in the area, keep water in Everglades National Park, and support increased flows of water south which are necessary for Everglades restoration.

“When I took office, I made Everglades restoration and protection of Florida’s water resources a top priority,” Governor DeSantis said. “My administration has provided record investments and expedited key projects to restore the Everglades and send more water south. Today’s groundbreaking is yet another example of my administration’s commitment to Florida’s natural resources.”

Seepage walls are well-established engineering structures that help to limit the flow of water underground that can lead to above-ground flooding. 

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/20/governor-ron-desantis-celebrates-groundbreaking-of-underground-wall-to-support-everglades-restoration/

 


Washington, D.C.

The FBI very quietly exonerated President Trump and his supporters of any organized plot at the Capitol on January 6.

According to Reuters, which “broke” the story last Friday: “The FBI has found scant evidence that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was the result of an organized plot to overturn the presidential election result, according to four current and former law enforcement officials.” Reuters also reported: “Senior lawmakers have been briefed in detail on the results of the FBI’s investigation so far and find them credible, a Democratic congressional source said.”

To sum up, the entire Democrat/media narrative of insurrection and organized plots against the United States government was false. Most Republicans have known that to be the case all along, and now the rest of the country knows. Sort of.

It must be pointed out that the FBI leaked this late Friday — for decades a favored moment for politicians to release something they want to bury. In this case, it was also a Friday afternoon when the glaring story was the fall of Kabul and total hand over of Afghanistan to the Taliban by the Biden Administration. This timing was an obvious political act by federal law enforcement and should worry all Americans.

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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday night that the Biden administration likely violated federal law in trying to end President Trump’s Remain in Mexico program that had partnered with Mexican authorities to stabilize the border by requiring people to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the U.S. The Biden administration simply ended it with no other plan, kneecapped the Border Patrol and created a quasi-open Southern Border that has since been overrun.

A federal judge in Texas had previously ordered the Remain in Mexico program be reinstated. Both he and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused the Biden administration’s request to put the ruling on hold. 

So, the Supreme Court ruling requires the Biden administration to make a “good faith effort” to restart the program. However, the administration already essentially ignored a Supreme Court ruling on its eviction ban, so it’s hard to know if it will ignore this ruling, too, continue its policy under a different program or obey the ruling. 

Read the short ruling: https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/082421zr_2d9g.pdf

 

 

Social Media Highlights

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.

Help Us Keep Florida Red – Join Us – Labor Day Weekend Clambake

Kick off your Labor Day weekend by Joining us Saturday, September 4th, from 6 to 9 pm at Kensington Country Club for a Clambake Dinner and dance.

Hear from elected Republican officials, enjoy great food, great camaraderie with fellow patriots, and music and dancing  provided by Jason Beal.

Special Guests: 

  • State Representative Bob Rommel – Speaking about Hurricane Insurance price reductions and what’s next.
  • State Representative Lauren Melo – Speaking on what’s coming in the next session.
  • County Commissioner Bill McDaniel – Speaking about the upcoming budget and how you can help bring it down.
  • Multiple candidates on the 2022 Ballot

We will be serving up Clams, Mussels, Shrimp and Sausage along with Corn and Potatoes. There will be a chicken dish for those who can’t eat shell fish. Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks will be provided.

Reserve Your Ticket Below

Fill out my online form.

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review: 8/15

This week, as Senate Democrats unilaterally pushed through a $5.5 TRILLION tax-and-spending spree that will drive the federal debt to more than $45 TRILLION over the next decade, Senator Rick Scott fought against this wasteful spending, which will further fuel President Biden’s raging inflation crisis and hurt families in Florida and across the nation already struggling to make ends meet.

Over the last week, the failed policies of the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress continued to bring bad news to Florida families:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) reported encounters with 212,672 illegal immigrants on the U.S. southern border – the most in 20 YEARS.
  • Inflation has grown every month of Joe Biden’s presidency, making life more and more expensive for American families:
    • The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 5.4% in July – matching the troubling increase reported for the 12-month period ending in June 2021, which was the largest 12-month increase since 2008. Annualized, the monthly CPI growth rate reached 5.9% in July.
    • The Producer Price Index (PPI) increased 7.8% in July – up significantly from the 7.3% increase reported for the 12-month period ending in June 2021. Annualized, the monthly PPI growth rate in was a staggering 13.1% in July.

See more from Senator Scott in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Democrats’ $5.5 TRILLION Tax-and-Spending Spree Drives America to $45 TRILLION Nightmare

Following Senate Democrats’ passage of their $5.5 TRILLION tax-and-spending spree package without any Republican support. The Democrats’ reckless $5.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree is estimated to drive the federal debt to more than $45,000,000,000,000 by 2031 – a more than $15,000,000,000,000 increase in just 10 years.

This comes as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) this morning released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showing that inflation has again risen significantly. Year-over-year, consumer prices increased 5.4% in July – matching the troubling increase reported for the 12-month period ending in June 2021, which was the largest 12-month increase since 2008. Annualized, the monthly CPI growth rate reached 5.9% in July.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Under unified Democrat rule, liberals in Washington have welcomed a socialist agenda that is drowning America in debt, fueling a raging inflation crisis and hiking taxes on Florida families. We know that reckless government spending causes higher inflation – raising prices and making life more expensive for every family, especially those on low and fixed-incomes, like mine growing up. Today’s CPI report shows that President Biden’s inflation crisis rages on, hurting more families every day.

“Bernie Sanders’ budget is driving America toward a $45,000,000,000,000 debt nightmare and killing jobs by hiking taxes that hurt every American family. Our nation can’t afford this socialist nightmare. If the Democrats insist on engaging in this reckless tax-and-spending spree, it’s up to them to own what they’ve done, find the courage to face the American people and raise the debt ceiling the same way they’ve passed this unbelievable spending – without a single Republican vote in support.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Bernie Sanders’ Budget Puts America’s Children on the Hook for his Socialist Agenda

Senator Rick Scott was joined by Senators Ron Johnson and Mike Lee in a press conference highlighting the massive debt and inflation that will be created by the Democrats’ $5.5 trillion reckless tax-and-spending spree. Senate Democrats released the text of their proposed budget resolution which estimates that their insane spending will drive the federal debt to more than $45,000,000,000,000 by 2031 – a more than $15,000,000,000,000 increase in just 10 years.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Democrats will do anything to push their radical socialist agenda – even if that means hurting our families and small businesses in the process. The massive spending of Joe Biden and Democrats here in Washington is causing unbelievable inflation. Gas is up more than a dollar since last year. Groceries are more expensive. And it’s all caused by reckless government spending. Now, Democrats are doubling down with $5.5 trillion in reckless spending. Their unbalanced budget grows America’s debt to $45 TRILLION. It’s clear that Bernie Sanders controls the Democrat Party and his agenda of systemic socialism, endorsed by Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden, is in full swing. We can’t afford this. American families facing higher and higher inflation and skyrocketing prices can’t afford this. We have to stop this insane spending that is fueling Joe Biden’s raging inflation crisis and hurting hardworking families.” Watch more in the video HERE.

Senate Unanimously Approves Sen. Rick Scott’s Amendment Stopping Tax Dollars from Benefitting Hamas Terrorists

The United States Senate unanimously adopted Senator Rick Scott’s amendment to the Democrats’ massive $5.5 TRILLION tax-and-spending spree budget bill to stand up for Israel by preventing taxpayer funding from going to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or any other terrorist organization. The amendment would also allow for further sanctions against these terrorist groups.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Earlier this year, we saw Hamas rockets rain down on Israel for 11 straight days. Children, like five-year-old Ido Avigal, died in these attacks. In the face of these tragic attacks, we saw Democrats in Washington stand with Hamas and resist needed action to hold these terrorists accountable. We can’t stop fighting for Israel. We must stand strong with our ally and against the horrific anti-Israel rhetoric. I am proud that the Senate adopted my amendment today to keep U.S. taxpayer dollars out of the hands of Hamas terrorists and allow for more sanctions on those who wish harm to Israel.” Watch more in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott Fighting for Florida Families, Against Wasteful Spending in Democrats’ $5.5 Trillion Tax-and-Spending Spree

Senator Rick Scott announced several amendments to the Democrats’ massive and reckless $5.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree which is estimated to drive the federal debt to more than $45,000,000,000,000 by 2031 – a more than $15,000,000,000,000 increase in just 10 years. Senator Scott has been clear that the Democrats’ reckless spending is throwing gas on President Biden’s raging inflation crisis, and only serves to fulfill their liberal wish list by adding to our nation’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt and raising taxes on American families.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Families in Florida and across our nation are struggling with higher prices on gas, groceries and everyday goods thanks to President Biden’s raging inflation crisis and Democrats’ socialist agenda of handouts and reckless spending. We know that reckless government spending fuels inflation, but even as America nears $30 trillion in debt, President Biden, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are letting Bernie Sanders lead them in $5.5 trillion in even more reckless spending. Bernie Sanders’ budget puts American families on the hook for his socialist agenda, further fueling inflation as it grows America’s debt to $45 TRILLION over the coming decade.

“The Democrats have made clear that they don’t care about the impacts of their spending on American families – if it takes higher taxes, even more inflation and crippling federal debt that mortgages the futures of our kids and grandkids, Democrats say, ‘so be it.’ We can’t afford this and families can’t afford even more inflation. We need to make Washington work for Florida families. That’s why I am fighting for amendments to protect families from rising inflation and tax hikes, hold Congress and the Biden administration accountable for its reckless spending and put America on a sustainable path for future success.” Read more HERE.

Senators Rick Scott, Ron Johnson and Colleagues Commit to Not Raising Debt Ceiling for Democrats’ $5.5 Trillion Tax-and-Spending Spree

Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Ron Johnson and more than 40 of their colleagues in a letter promising they will not vote to increase the debt ceiling. Senator Scott has been demanding that Congress take action to get America’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt under control and urging his colleagues to refuse to increase the debt ceiling without also enacting true spending reform, like his Federal Debt Emergency Control Act. Read more from Senator Johnson’s office HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Inflation Crisis Fueled by Democrats’ Radical Tax-and-Spending Spree

Following the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement demanding President Joe Biden address the inflation crisis created under his administration. July’s PPI data shows that there has been a notable and sustained increase in inflation every month of Biden’s presidency.

Year over year, producer prices increased 7.8% in July – a rise from the 7.3% increase reported for the 12-month period ending in June 2021 and the largest 12-month increase since 12-month data were first calculated in 2010. Annualized, the monthly PPI growth rate reached 13.1% in July.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Inflation has gone up every month of Biden’s presidency thanks to insane government spending. Families in Florida and across the nation are struggling to make ends meet as the prices of everyday goods go up. But instead of addressing Biden’s inflation crisis, Democrats in Washington have decided the answer is MORE reckless spending. Yesterday, Senate Democrats unilaterally pushed through a $5.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree that will drive the federal debt to more than $45 TRILLION by 2031. It’s time Biden admits that his party’s liberal wish list is destroying our nation, and it’s time he does something about it.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Writes Open Letter to Florida Families and Businesses on 40th Anniversary of President Reagan’s Landmark Economic Recovery Tax Act

Senator Rick Scott wrote an open letter to Florida families and businesses in recognition of the 40th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan signing the historic Economic Recovery Tax Act (ERTA) of 1981. In his letter, Senator Scott discusses why Americans must reject the failed economic policies of President Biden and Democrats, which are causing skyrocketing inflation and driving our federal debt toward $45 TRILLION. Senator Scott urges his fellow Floridians to join him in promoting Florida’s proven playbook of lower taxes and less regulations at the federal level which will lead to a thriving American economy and endless opportunity for families to live the American dream. Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. As the wasteful, reckless spending of the Biden administration and congressional Democrats leads to growing inflation and rising prices of every day goods, Senator Scott is urging the president to end his failed economic policies and address rising inflation on American families. Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott in the Wall Street Journal: Bernie Sanders Ushering in Unprecedented Era of Taxing, Spending & Government Control

Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal in response to Senate Budget Chairman Bernie Sanders’ recent op-edWhy We Need the $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Package.

In the letter to the editorSenator Rick Scott wrote, “We need structural reforms to improve the lives of U.S. families,’ writes Sen. Sanders. I couldn’t agree more. Where my Democratic colleague and I differ greatly is on what structural reform looks like.

The structural reform Americans truly need is for government to get out of the way and out of their lives. We need to cut taxes and regulations to spur job growth and innovation.

We need to stop the reckless spending. It has led to runaway inflation, surging prices and unsustainable levels of national debt.

Mr. Sanders wants to usher in an unprecedented era of government taxing, spending and control. We can’t let it happen.”

Read the full letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Writes Open Letter to Florida Families and Businesses on 40th Anniversary of President Reagan’s Landmark Economic Recovery Tax Act

Senator Rick Scott wrote an open letter to Florida families and businesses in recognition of the 40th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan signing the historic Economic Recovery Tax Act (ERTA) of 1981. In his letter, Senator Scott discusses why Americans must reject the failed economic policies of President Biden and Democrats, which are causing skyrocketing inflation and driving our federal debt toward $45 TRILLION. Senator Scott urges his fellow Floridians to join him in promoting Florida’s proven playbook of lower taxes and less regulations at the federal level which will lead to a thriving American economy and endless opportunity for families to live the American dream. This letter first appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat. Read the letter HERE.

NPR: Republican Sen. Rick Scott Talks Infrastructure, Climate And The Pandemic In Florida 

One America News Network: GOP Lawmakers Criticize Dems Tax And Spending Policies

One America News Network: Sen. Scott Opposes Democrat Tax And Spend Policies

Gray TV: Sen. Rick Scott opposes infrastructure plan over price tag

WCTV: Florida leaders pay respects to Bobby Bowden

Miami Herald: Rubio, Rick Scott vote ‘no’ as Senate passes $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill

The Villages-News: Rubio and Scott vote against $1.2 trillion bi-partisan infrastructure bill

Tallahassee Democrat: U.S. Must relive the days of Ronald Reagan’s economic policies

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators Vote Against $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: Washington Should Follow Ronald Reagan’s and Florida’s Playbook

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Republican Party of Florida: RPOF Update

Chairman’s Message

On the Right Side of Civil Liberties

The erosion of civil liberties over the decades has gone into lightspeed in recent months with the Covid-related mask mandates, vaccine passports and shutdowns, taking it from the important realm of public health to the critical realm of personal freedom.

That’s why the battle being waged by Governor Ron DeSantis and other courageous, principled Republicans on behalf of the essential civil liberty of freedom is so vital and requires our support. In the case of mask mandates, it is a question of whether it is the right of parents to decide if their child should be masked, or government-run schools. Some union-beholden school boards in Florida want to make the decision, then dictate that on every student and parent. For Governor DeSantis, it’s the parents who should decide — they can mask their children or not mask them — and that is the side of individual freedoms.

It’s the same dynamic in vaccine passports. The Governor supports the vaccines and has been vaccinated. But he, like most Republicans, believes that the decision should be up to each individual, not government entities including public schools, and not corporations or businesses. In America, in the Republican Party, we treasure freedom and will fight to defend it.

As part of this fight, parental rights were strengthened this past week when the Florida Department of Health and State Board of Education issued Emergency Rules to protect parents’ freedom to choose what is best for their children. These rules are pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 21-175 to allow an effective, in-person learning environment for Florida’s school children during the upcoming school year, preventing harm to healthy students and safeguarding the rights of parents and their children.

This rule is to ensure Floridians’ constitutional freedoms are not violated, do not violate parents’ rights under Florida law to make health care decisions for their minor children; and protect children with disabilities or health conditions who would be harmed by certain protocols, such as face masking requirements.

Read more HERE.

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Note on our Third Quarter Meeting:

Omni Hotels & Resorts will continue with its current Safe and Clean protocols, but will follow state and local mandates pertaining to guest and associate requirements for mask wearing and social distancing while indoors. At this time there aren’t any mandates for Osceola or Orange counties.

Florida

Highlighting how Florida gives bonuses to law enforcement, not defunds it, Governor Ron DeSantis recognized several law enforcement officers, first responders, and rescue teams in presenting them with one-time relief checks through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.

The initiative is an opportunity to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to 49,000 law enforcement officers as an appreciation of the selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First responders work every single day – no matter the conditions – to keep us safe,” Governor DeSantis said. “That was perhaps never more apparent than during the last year and a half during the pandemic. I am proud to deliver these checks to show our immense gratitude for their service.”

The Governor presented one-time checks to the Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, who worked tirelessly after the Surfside tragedy.

“The men and women joining me here today from Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces 1 and 2 are the best of the best. We thank them for their tireless response in Surfside and hope these relief checks express our gratitude for all that they have done in our state.”

Read more HERE.

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Governor DeSantis then distributed checks to first responders with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, where he was joined by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.

Read more HERE.

And the Governor distributed relief checks to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, where he was joined by Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons.

Read more HERE.

 

Governor DeSantis also traveled the state to thank educators by distributing one-time disaster relief checks up to $1,000 in recognition of their hard work teaching students in the challenging 2020-2021 school year. The Governor kept the schools open last year for crucial in-person learning and Florida educators stepped up. These 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments represent the state’s gratitude.

“During the legislative session, I proposed $1,000 bonuses for all public-school teachers and principals because I recognized the important role teachers played in providing in-person learning,” Governor DeSantis said. “We recognized that teachers, principals, and first responders have dealt with countless challenges over the past year. I think people are going to look back and say, ‘Florida stood by its kids and teachers’ while other states did not.”

The Governor was in Bay County and Pinellas County to personally thank and encourage educators in those districts.

The historic gaming compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior this past week. This agreement, the largest gaming compact in history, will generate a minimum of $2.5 billion in new revenue to the state over the next five years and an estimated $6 billion through 2030. The Tribe is not currently making any revenue payments to the state.

“The final approval of this historic gaming compact is a big deal for the State of Florida,” Governor DeSantis said. “This mutually beneficial agreement will grow our economy, expand tourism and recreation and provide billions in new revenue to benefit Floridians.”

“Today is a great day for the people of Florida, who will benefit not only from a $2.5 billion revenue-sharing guarantee over five years but also from statewide sports betting and new casino games that will roll out this fall and mean more jobs for Floridians and more money invested in this state,” said Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “We thank Governor DeSantis, President Simpson, Speaker Sprowls, and the Florida Legislature for their leadership and hard work.”

Washington, D.C.

Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott voted against the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that passed the Senate the day before voting against the even more massive $3.5 trillion budget framework.

“I support investing in roads, bridges, broadband, and efforts to mitigate against sea-level rise, and I hoped there would be a bill I could vote for,” Rubio said. “But this bill was negotiated in secret, rushed through the process without meaningful opportunities to have input, and adds a net increase of $350 billion to the national debt. I can’t vote for a bill like that.

“The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would add a net $350 billion to projected deficits through 2031. The package follows the Democrats’ irresponsible American Rescue Plan, which prompted Obama Administration economists to raise alarms over inflation. And it will be followed by “a massive, $3.5 trillion spending proposal through the U.S. Senate that would fundamentally transform America into a far-left fever dream.”

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Senator Marco Rubio, who is the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is calling on the director of national intelligence to investigate allegations that the federal government “unmasked” Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Rubio wrote that recent media reports that “Mr. Carlson was unmasked by a government agency” have “only fueled the perception that unmasking is being used as a political hammer or to satisfy curiosity.”

Read more HERE.

Social Media Highlights

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.

Republican Party of Florida: RPOF Update

Chairman’s Message

Fighting for Florida children to breathe freely

As the Biden Administration, Democrats, the federal government, and the CDC seek once again to force schoolchildren to wear masks all day at school, Governor DeSantis and Florida leadership refuse to cave to such damaging schemes. Governor DeSantis instead convened a roundtable Monday to discuss the issue and understand how Florida can effectively stop such detrimental efforts.

The roundtable included doctors, experts, a school administrator, a concerned parent, and a high school student. During the discussion, they all shared their professional or personal insights and experiences about how mask mandates and school closures harm children.

During the past 18 months, Governor DeSantis has been determined to keep Florida open and free by ensuring that parents and students have choices, giving them the ability to make decisions that are best for their families — and not school bureaucrats, unions, or boards with other agendas.

Governor DeSantis opened set the roundtable with this opening:

“As many of you know, there’s been talk amongst the CDC and the Academy of Pediatrics to force masking on school children — I think the academy even says teachers and school children, regardless of even immune status, even if they’ve recovered from COVID or even if they have been vaccinated.

“And so, we in Florida, at this point, our school districts have proposed the mask optional. But I think our fear is that seeing some of those rumblings, that there may be an attempt from the federal level or even some of these organizations to try to push for mandatory masking of school children. And so, our view is that this should absolutely not be imposed. It should not be mandated. And I know our Legislature feels strongly about it, such that if, if you started to see a push from the feds or some of these local school districts, I know they’re interested in coming in, even in a special session, to be able to provide protections for parents and kids who just want to breathe freely and don’t want to be suffering under these masks during the school year.”

Watch the roundtable here:

https://rumble.com/vkd74v-07.26-covid-19-roundtable.html

Read the full transcript here:

https://www.temi.com/editor/t/JrHapRwkwTc5VGKDhSkiD2S99xHNF00sjm1OUz7iBUUZmp1xbMI5QS-GkZHSMCMnjGdV6t5SQpytgBTeiHIM56Ccw5s?loadFrom=DocumentDeeplink&ts=133.74

Florida

Florida has emerged victorious again over the CDC. After Florida appealed to the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court reversed its earlier decision and sided with the State of Florida against the CDC’s unlawful No-Sail Orders. This means the cruise industry will be able to resume operations without having to follow the CDC’s unlawful and discriminatory rules.

“I’m glad to see the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reverse its prior decision and free the cruise lines from unlawful CDC mandates, which effectively mothballed the industry for more than a year,” Governor DeSantis said. “The importance of this case extends beyond the cruise industry. From here on out a federal bureau will be on thin legal and constitutional ice if and when it attempts to exercise such sweeping authority that is not explicitly delineated by law.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/23/eleventh-circuit-declares-win-for-florida-and-the-cruise-industry/ 

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Florida’s attractive business climate of low taxes and a responsible regulatory environment continues to lure great American companies to the state. Now it is the famed Disney Imagineers and 2,000 high-wage jobs coming from Los Angeles to the Orlando area. 

Disney could get an estimated $570 million in tax breaks over 20 years on a project that has a capital investment up to $864 million. That means a lot of jobs in construction over the years and a lot of jobs spinning off from the new Floridians.

Lake Nona is a development about 20 miles from Disney World and the new home for Cisco, General Electric Co. and several other major companies that are also realizing the benefits of Florida’s business climate.

Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-looks-to-relocate-its-theme-park-magic-makers-to-florida-11627048801

ICYMI: In Case You Missed It

Community Leaders Applaud State Response to Red Tide Bloom in the Tampa Bay Area

Governor DeSantis joined the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to survey the impacts of the red tide bloom affecting Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay area. 

In response to the bloom, Governor DeSantis directed all agencies to take an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to provide resources to assist in cleanup efforts. Here is what community leaders are saying about the state’s response efforts.

Dave Eggers, Chairman, Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners: “I want to thank the Governor for visiting Pinellas County and for allowing the DEP and FWC to fully commit to mitigating the red tide fish kill and for committing over $2 million in cost reimbursements to date with an openness for more as needed. Also, I want to thank the Governor for reconstituting the red tide task force in an effort to provide much more focus on policy and research.”

Ed Montanari, Chairman, St. Petersburg City Council: “I have been so impressed with the strong leadership at all levels of government on the recent red tide bloom. The Governor’s office has been great to work with, along with our Pinellas County partners, along with city leaders. This is how government is supposed to work to solve complex problems.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/23/what-they-are-saying-community-leaders-applaud-state-response-to-red-tide-bloom-in-the-tampa-bay-area/

Social Media Highlights

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.