I spent last week in Washington, D.C., advocating for the values of the people of Southwest Florida, as the U.S. House of Representatives remained in session.
Last week, as illegal migrants surge over our border carrying the COVID-19 Lambda variant, the American people face new and unjust mask guidance from the Biden Administration and CDC. While these migrants enter our country without masks or testing guidelines, vaccinated Americans were advised to begin wearing masks indoors again. The American people were told directly by President Biden that they could stop wearing masks once they received the vaccine. Now, he has backtracked on his initial guidance and has told all Americans, even fully-vaccinated, to begin wearing masks once again. This decision only fuels doubt and hesitancy of the vaccine.
Moreover, President Biden announced he will require all federal workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or they will be subject to testing. The American people should not be pressured by the government or the media to get vaccinated, and they should not face egregious mandates or be shamed for not choosing to wear a mask. As our economy bounces back from coronavirus, many workers now face an unjust decision: to get the vaccine and continue supporting their families, or to quit their job due to being unvaccinated. This is a decision no American should ever have to make. I never thought I would live to see the day when the so-called leader of the Free World would put political power over personal freedom in this latest anti-American and tyrannical infringement of government power. The government should never be in the business of coercing the citizenry into making medical decisions but rather provide all necessary information for the people to make sound decisions for themselves and their families. Once again, the Biden Administration and Democrats have chosen to follow the political science and neglected the factual science.
Last week, the National Weather Service issued beach hazard statements for Lee and Charlotte Counties on the coast due to a red tide outbreak. Red tide continues to be an issue for our Southwest Florida community and I am dedicated to ensuring Florida has safe and clean water. Dangerous respiratory reactions and other negative health effects are associated with exposure to these algal blooms so I urge the community to follow local guidance. By communicating with local scientists daily to receive updates on the latest reports, we can work together to limit the impact of red tide on Southwest Florida's waterways.
Please continue reading for a legislative update, events within the Southwest Florida community, and the most up-to-date guide on what's happening on Capitol Hill!
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Last week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reinstated the mask mandate for the U.S. House of Representatives. This decision is irrational and does not follow the science. Magically, COVID-19 does not exist in the Senate as they carry on their work without an overbearing mask mandate. Further, Capitol Police have been directed to arrest visitors and staff who fail to comply with the mask mandate. We have reached a turning point in this pandemic in that free citizens are facing arrest for not buying into the political theatre being pushed by the Democrat party. I for one, will not be playing this mask-wearing game. Meanwhile, thousands of illegal immigrants are getting a free pass into America without facing any directives regarding coronavirus. I commented on Speaker Pelosi's asinine policy via Twitter.
Liberal leaders that have chosen to reinstate mask mandates are only proving what we already knew, they lack all credibility and consistency. I am proud that the state of Florida remains free and open and I will continue to be vocal in my fight against these ludicrous rules. For my full press release on this issue, please see below:
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I am pleased that my Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2021 was passed in favor through the House Small Business Committee. This bipartisan legislation is aimed at creating proactive partnerships between small businesses and the federal government to protect small businesses from criminal cyber-attacks. For a full description of this bill, please click here.
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I am pleased to join Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) in supporting a bill to award Coach Bobby Bowden, a FSU Football legend and leader, with a Congressional Gold Medal. Bowden is revered, not just as the heart and soul of Florida State Seminoles, but the entire state of Florida. For more information, please click here.
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CRITICAL RACE THEORY PRESS CONFERENCE:
Last week, I announced that I will be holding a press conference on Critical Race Theory in Naples. This press conference serves as an opportunity for constituents, concerned parents, members of the media, and local leaders to hear directly from their United States Representative on the harmful, illogical, and extremist teachings of Critical Race Theory. As our children prepare to return to school, it is crucial we combat the divide. Florida State Representative Bob Rommel and Collier County Commissioner Bill McDaniel will also be joining Rep. Donalds in this effort. For more information, please visit my website.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 3, 2021 10:00 AM
WHERE: Collier County Public Schools 5775 Osceola Trail Naples, FL 34109
WHO: Congressman Byron Donalds State Representative Bob Rommel Collier County Commissioner Bill McDaniel
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CONGRESSIONAL WATER ROUNDTABLE:
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I will be hosting a Congressional Water Roundtable later this month. Ensuring Southwest Florida has safe and clean water is one of my top priorities. I look forward to hearing directly from my constituents on this pressing issue within our community.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 10, 2021 6:00 PM
WHERE: Cape Coral City Council Chamber 1015 Cultural Park Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990 |
My office celebrated National Intern Day last week. I am lucky to have such incredible interns in my Washington, D.C., and district offices. Their service to our country on behalf of the great constituents of Florida's 19th Congressional District is applauded!
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ICYMI: I joined CNN's 'Cuomo Prime Time' last week to discuss my decision not to get vaccinated as a free citizen of the United States. The American people should get vaccinated if they want to get vaccinated, but the media and government should not play a role in pressuring anyone to make this decision. For the full exchange, please watch the video below.
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I spoke with Fox News' Laura Ingraham on how the Democrats are killing the COVID-19 vaccine push and creating more hesitancy. Their inconsistency is clear to the American people and they have rightfully lost trust in coronavirus guidance from the government. For my full comments, please watch the video below:
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I joined OANN's 'In Focus with Stephanie Hamill' to discuss the dangerous rising crime across America. We must defend, not defund, the police and punish those who break the law. The lives on American citizens are at risk with these radical liberal policies. For my full comments on this issue, please click the link below.
Rep. Byron Donalds Sounds Off on Rising Crime in America
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I sat down with Tammy Bruce of 'Fox News Primetime' to discuss the nonsensical mask guidance by the CDC for vaccinated people. By implementing new mask-wearing guidelines, they have created more vaccine hesitancy, not less. Follow the science, not the political science. For my full exchange, click the link below.
Rep. Donalds on the Irrational and Nonsensical Mask Guidance
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I joined Fox News 'Hannity' to discuss the political mask-wearing theater being pushed by the Democrat party. While liberal leaders fail to follow their own rules, the American people face unjust and harsh mask mandates. For my full commentary, watch the video below.
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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,
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| Byron Donalds
Member of Congress |
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