As our nation continues to live in a post-COVID-19 world that includes access to three vaccines, therapeutics like monoclonal antibodies, and natural immunity from prior infection, we see the growth of another ongoing pandemic: government overreach. This disastrous politized pandemic shuttered businesses, kept our children out of the classroom, and devastated middle America. These same politicians are drunk with power and upping the ante on their reckless and constitutional totalitarianism. Look no further than the lawless actions by President Biden's egregious and illegal vaccine mandate. My office has heard from countless constituents who fear for their livelihoods and careers as their employer embraces Biden's mandate and forces employees to take the jab or lose their jobs.
Despite a higher court ruling delaying the administration's order, Biden and his cohorts in Washington proceed with their lawlessness. This administration's blatant willingness to ignore the courts is another unconstitutional act by this President and one that shows his careless disregard for our Constitutional Republic. I will continue to do everything in my power to oppose these orders that are forcing people out of a job and on the unemployment line under the government's control. My stance on the vaccine has never wavered, get vaccinated if you so choose, and if not, you should have the right to choose. I applaud Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Moody for taking charge and challenging this administration's continued attempt to force the heavy hand of government into the American population's medical decisions.
Lastly, the crisis at our southern border continues to unravel, and to date, U.S. Border Patrol agents have apprehended nearly two million illegal immigrants. Another alarming fact on the border is the apprehensions of deadly fentanyl. In 2021, agents have seized more than 11,200 pounds of fentanyl, a 53% increase from last year. Keep in mind; these are apprehensions; while the men and women of the Border Patrol try their best to stop this crisis, the reality is drugs and people are following through the border in areas where the personnel and border wall are not present. Furthermore, Biden and 'Border Czar' Harris are spreading the border crisis throughout the country with late-night charter flights inundating American communities with thousands of illegal immigrant minors, including Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Since these revelations, I have led my colleagues to expose this reckless action and demand answers from those perpetuating these radical policies.
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