Representative Byron Donalds

Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

December 5, 2022

Last week—due to President Biden's incompetence and failure to negotiate with the nation's railway workers—Democrats forced a vote for Members of Congress to get involved in a labor dispute. While the consequences of a rail strike would be disastrous, especially amid record inflation, decreasing wages, and a shrinking labor market, it is not Congress' job to meddle in these conflicts.

The federal government's involvement with this so-called resolution threatens our Republic and our free-market system that requires limited government intervention and regulation. The precedent set by the Democrats is a dangerous one that could open the door for Congressional intrusion in future labor quarrels where the federal government has no place.

The action taken by the Democrats speaks to a more significant and growing concern with our Constitutional Republic and those serving it: Government is too big and too powerful. On January 3rd, when Republicans gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, we must restore this institution and return power to the people. It's high time for Congress to operate within its bounds and work on addressing issues within our purview. Instead of voting on non-binding legislation to curb a rail strike, we should manage our nation's real problems. Congress must improve our supply chains, lower inflation, manage our fiscal policy, secure our border, empower law and order, and conduct vigorous oversight of our bloated and politicized federal government.

As your Congressman, you have my commitment to work on your behalf and restore order and proper governance to The People's House.

Legislative Updates

Rep. Donalds Introduces The Clean Disaster Relief Resolution

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement about the introduction of the Clean Disaster Relief Resolution. This bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Mast (R-FL), Mace (R-SC), and Gosar (R-AZ).

"As a Member of Congress with strong fiscal conservative values, I'll always advocate for the responsible allocation of targeted aid that supports states and cities in need following a natural disaster. Unfortunately, career politicians in Washington like to play games with this vital aid by attaching it to flawed policies that have nothing to do with disaster relief. This simple resolution would prohibit elected officials from injecting non-related partisan provisions when allocating federal assistance to areas impacted by catastrophic natural disasters." - Representative Byron Donalds, Florida, District 19.

“Hurricanes don’t care who you voted for. The devastation our state has seen in the past two months impacts everyone, and Florida can’t afford to have political games played with disaster relief. The goal here has to be to help our neighbors, not to screw our political opponents with ridiculous and unrelated riders.” - Representative Brian Mast, Florida, District 18.

“It’s always important for disaster relief to be targeted, efficient and expedient. This resolution will help keep partisan spending and unrelated policies out of vital aid for communities facing the aftermath of natural disasters.” - Representative Nancy Mace, South Carolina, District 1.

“I firmly believe that good process makes good policy. This common sense resolution will prevent the too-often practice of attaching poison pills to otherwise important legislation that can sabotage much needed emergency relief for suffering Americans.” - Representative Paul Gosar, Arizona, District 4.

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Rep. Donalds’ Statement Regarding The National Railway Labor Strike Vote

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding his vote opposing President Biden and the Democrats’ incompetent handling of the rail crisis threatening our nation to the tune of $2 billion a day.

“America is not a mercantilist nation—we are a free-market economy that thrives best under limited government intervention and regulation. I didn't come to Congress to bail out an inept president and political party that is incapable of negotiating and governing to avert a rail crisis and oversee our country's vital supply chains.

"The consequences of a rail strike will undoubtedly be detrimental to our nation—especially when inflation is at record highs and our supply chains continue to struggle. Today's vote is window dressing for failed leadership. By coercing Congress to act, this body is establishing an alarming precedent for the nation that will compound this industry's problems. This 11th-hour scheme to expand the federal government's power isn't for the people—it's for politics. I voted NO.”

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Community Engagement

Collier County needs your help. Our collection trucks use a claw so we cannot pick up from your lawn. Please move your debris to the curb and make sure your debris is not blocking mailboxes, stormwater grates, water meters, utility boxes and pipes.

Lee County announces the closure of two Hurricane Ian debris public drop-off sites.

Brooks Park, located at 50 South Road, and Mosquito Control, located at 1840 Gunnery Road, will both permanently CLOSE on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

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Hurricane Ian Resources

STATE OF FLORIDA RESOURCES

Florida Division of Emergency Management
Report Price Gouging During a State of Emergency - 1(866)-9NO-SCAM
Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness
Florida Disaster - Know Your Evacuation Zone
National Weather Service Hurricane Guide

LEE COUNTY
Emergency Medical Services - 911
Lee County Storm Hotline - 211
Lee County Emergency Management - (239) 533-0622

COLLIER COUNTY
Emergency Medical Services - 911
Collier County Emergency Hotline - 311 or 239-252-8444
Naples Community Hospital - (239) 624-5000
Collier County Emergency Management - (239) 252- 3600

Volunteer/Donation Opportunities

After a disaster, people come together to help. To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. The below tried and true best practices will give you a starting point. You can also email the FEMA Donations Unit at Donations@fema.dhs.gov for answers to your specific questions or to make an in-kind donation.

Learn more about how you can help here

APPLY FOR FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

All individuals impacted by the storm should apply for FEMA assistance. Even if you do not qualify for assistance yourself, applying for benefits could impact what benefits are approved for your community. Apply by phone to FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-or hearing-impaired). Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362. Apply online anytime at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet using m.fema.gov or download the FEMA mobile app.

Please have the following information available when you call:

A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back;
Address of the damaged property;
Social Security number;
Bank account information (or direct deposit information);
Insurance information (if you have insurance);
Brief description of damages;
Current mailing address; and
Pen and paper to write down your registration number.
Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.

SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in some counties in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Ian beginning Sept. 23.

SBA Disaster Declaration Details
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17644.
For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
Mental Health & Counseling Resources: Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990

In the Media

Bank Regulator’s Anti-Racism Efforts Go Too Far, Witnesses Tell Senate: ‘Disparity Is Not Discrimination

Donalds: We Need Biden Suspicious Activity Reports, Even Maxine Waters Has Called for Congress to Get Suspicious Activity Reports Easier

Rep. Donalds: House Needs To Reassert Power Over W.H.

ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined The Ingraham Angle.

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined The Evening Edit

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined America Reports

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ICYMI: Rep. Donalds Joined John Bachman Now

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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 I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you every day.

Sincerely,

Byron Donalds Signature

Byron Donalds
Member of Congress

Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

Legislative Updates

Community Engagement

In the Media

Office Locations