The House of Representatives remained in recess this past week, which means I had to opportunity to stay in Florida and meet with local leaders, statewide leaders in Tallahassee, and constituents like you, who I am honored to serve.
During the week, the CDC finally lifted mask mandates for indoor and outdoor use, which is many weeks behind the eight ball from states like Florida and Texas, which ended these mandates without consequences of dangerous increases in infection and, more importantly, hospitalization or deaths. But, unfortunately, the Democratic leadership in Washington is continuing in their show games by refusing to follow CDC guidance by continuing to engage in extreme and unnecessary COVID-19 protocols.
Also, President Biden addressed Congress to lay out his priorities and outline what he's done over the past 100 days in office. While many thought Biden would operate moderately and in a bipartisan fashion, his first 100 days were anything but that. When you receive an A+ rating from Sen. Sanders, Reps AOC, Omar, and Raskin, you know one thing is for sure, you are noting governing moderately, and it's not bipartisan. Biden's speech was hard to take seriously when he's been in office for nearly 50 years, and he has yet to accomplish any of which he says he will now do. Following Biden's speech, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) outlined a rebuttal to the Democrats' calls for increased taxes, more spending, unfettered immigration, and an America last plan with a vision for the future that represents conservative principles and commonsense policies.
In response to his speech, the Left joined in unison, calling the Senator an "Uncle Tim" and other disgraceful comments directed toward Black conservatives. We can disagree on policy and politics, but the Lefts' tactics of race batting and reverse racism are shameful.
Lastly, during the difficult times our nation faces, I came to Washington not to resist but represent the people of FL19. While partisan gridlock is the norm around Washington, D.C, I did not go there to contribute to that failed system. Last week, I was proud to partner with my colleague Chair of the Small Business Committee, Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), to protect small business contractors who do business with the federal government.
Rest assured, my team and I are devoted to working, even when Congress doesn't. Continue reading below for critical legislative briefings, the latest news out of Washington, D.C., and events in Southwest Florida!
