Representative Byron Donalds

Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

June 28, 2021

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, Vice President Harris finally visited the border after over 90 days of ignoring it. Since entering Congress, I have seen the border twice, both in El Paso and Rio Grande Valley (RGV). On both trips, I saw first-hand the ongoing crisis this Administration has created. Leaders on the ground expressed the importance of a border wall, added personnel, more sophisticated technology, and enforcement of immigration laws. Anyone paying attention to the border crisis knows that although El Paso faces its issues regarding immigration, the RGV is the epicenter. It is clear the Vice President hasn't been paying attention to this fact, and her visit to El Paso and not the RGV highlights the VP's misguided approach in handling this crisis. It is a shame that it took President Trump to announce a visit to the border for our VP to take action.

President Biden continues to use rising crime as a vehicle to implement radical gun control. Defunding police departments and decreasing the number of police officers on the street is the root cause of increased crime. Liberal elected officials defund the police and then refuse to stand and support law and order while their cities burn to the ground. I will continue to be a vocal supporter of our brave law enforcement heroes and the 2nd Amendment. Gun control doesn't impact criminals; it harms law-abiding citizens.

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!

Prayers for Surfside, FL

My wife, Erika, and I continue to pray for the community of Surfside throughout the painstaking rescue and recovery efforts. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Thank you to our brave and fearless first responders who have worked tirelessly to save lives. I am deeply grateful for our American heroes.

Legislative Updates

Last week I was proud to introduce the VOTE Act which helps ensure our elections remain secure and fair under the law. See my press release below and click here for a full version of the bill.

I authored a letter to Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting Title 42 remain firmly in place as the border remains in a state of crisis. Please see my press release below. Click here to read the full letter.

I am proud to Co-Sponsor the bipartisan Nicaragua Free Trade Review Act with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ). This legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to review Nicaragua's compliance with CAFTA-DR within 60 days. To read more about this legislation, click the link below:

Rep. Salazar Introduces Nicaragua Free Trade Review Act

I am proud to be an Original Co-Sponsor of the Uplifting First Time Home Buyers Act with Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) to make homeownership more affordable and accessible. To read more about this legislation, clink the link below:

Rep. Van Duyne Introduces the Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act

I joined colleagues in a press conference to address the dangerous consequences of the border crisis, led by Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19). When drugs and crime are flowing into our country at an unprecedented rate, every state in the nation becomes a border state. Every state has the right to protect their citizens from this border disaster at the hands of poor leadership from the Biden Administration.

I spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives last week to promote policy that puts Americans first. Financial products and credit are made more available through policies like true lender. Innovation in our market is critical to ensure consumers have multiple pathways to achieve prosperity and the American Dream. Click the link below to see a video with my full remarks.

Rep. Byron Donalds puts Americans first on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

Community Engagement

I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet and speak with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida. I was able to discuss the importance of free enterprise, the rights of employers and employees, and the growing opportunities to build in the great state of Florida. I look forward to continuing to build America.

I had the opportunity to speak at the Collier County Board of County Commissioners as they move forward to establish the county as a Bill of Rights Sanctuary County. To read more please click the link below.

Collier Commissioners set to vote on Bill of Rights Sanctuary County ordinance

In the Media

ICYMI: I joined 'Cavuto: Coast to Coast' on Fox Business this past week to discuss S.1 - For The People Act, legislation that would give the federal government authority to take over and operate state and local elections. This legislation is dangerous, expands the size and scope of the federal government, forces a government takeover, and all at the expense and burden of the American taxpayer. Watch my full interview below:

Rep. Donalds Tells Cavuto: Florida Has The Best Election Laws In The Country

I sat down with the Chris Salcedo Show to discuss President Biden's lack of leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus blocking my membership. Click below to see the full discussion.

Congressional Black Caucus refuses to let this Representative join

I joined Fox News' Laura Ingraham to discuss the infiltration of Critical Race Theory in our Armed Services. Click below to see the full clip.

Rep. Donalds and Laura Ingraham discuss damaging Critical Race Theory

I sat down with Will Cain of Fox News Primetime to discuss harmful and racist Critical Race Theory. Click below to see my full comments.

Rep. Byron Donalds sounds off on critical race theory

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 Signature

Byron Donalds
Member of Congress