Last week, the House of Representatives entered a committee work week. I spent my week in the district where I had the opportunity to attend hearings and continue to fight for conservative values in #FL19!
Last week we saw the consequences of implementing disastrous economic policies. Consumer prices soared to a 13-year high, with inflation up 5% in May. President Biden’s economic agenda with outrageous deficit spending has proved to be a complete and total failure. These policies are highly destructive to our nation, massively increasing our nation’s deficit and lowering the value of our dollar. Our lower and middle-income families suffer the most as prices rise and small businesses are crowded out by unchecked federal spending. Bidenomics is anti-American and anti-Capitalism. It is time the Biden Administration addresses the economic catastrophe created under their leadership or lack thereof.
The Florida Board of Education approved a rule by Governor Ron DeSantis to ban teaching specific ideas about race and American history. Specifically, this rule requires topics to be taught in a factual and objective manner, rather than suppressing or altering our nation’s history. It notes that historical events “may not define American history as something other than the creation of a new nation based largely on universal principles stated in the Declaration of Independence.” I applaud the Governor for banning Critical Race Theory in our schools. We must teach our children patriotism rather than dangerous, racist ideology. Ensuring our future generations know they can achieve the American Dream and that we are the greatest country in the world is a vital part of American education.
Please continue reading for a legislative update from my office, events within the Southwest Florida community, and an up-to-date guide on what’s happening on Capitol Hill!
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Today, we celebrate the United States Army's Birthday. For 246, the U.S. Army has defended freedom and preserved democracy across the globe. We are forever indebted to the brave and women who have selflessly served our nation.
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This week the House Oversight and Reform Committee held a hearing on the investigation into infant deaths associated with Rock ‘n Play Sleeper sold by Fisher-Price and delve into the flaws within the U.S. consumer product safety system. Unlike my democratic colleagues, I continue to wait for hearings looking into gas shortages, Dr. Fauci’s emails, and the crisis on our southern Border. I will fight to address issues that truly matter. Click the link below to watch my comments at the hearing:
Rep. Byron Donalds Calls For Hearings on the Southern Border
The House Oversight and Reform Committee also held a hearing on the examination of the Sackler family’s role in fueling the current opioid epidemic in America and how policies can work to promote accountability such as the SACKLER Act. Click the link below to watch the hearing, and my comments:
House Oversight and Reform Committee Hearing
The House Committee on the Budget held a hearing on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. I had the opportunity to question the witness Shalanda Young where I asked for clarification about the Biden tax plan. The witness would not answer my question regarding a flat-tax rate; if the Biden Administration truly cared about everyone paying equal taxes, the witness would have answered my question. To see our exchange click the link below:
House Budget Committee Hearing
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One of the privileges of serving in Congress is being able to meet and represent so many kind and talented people. It was an honor to host my office’s first Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s 19th Congressional District. I would like to offer my congratulations to Hunter Demond, a sophomore at Cypress Lake High School for winning the Congressional Art Competition.
I'd like to thank the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for hosting this special event, and to our three judges: Rick Molek, Jackie Bickford, and Gail Velasquez.
I applaud all applications for submitting their art, dedicating their talents to this competition. My office and I are looking forward to hosting Hunter, and his art, here on Capitol Hill!
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Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, June 15th, I am hosting a live Telephone-Town Hall for the people of Southwest Florida to receive a Congressional update, ask questions, and to discuss the important issues facing our community, and our nation. I look forward to talking with the people of Florida's 19th Congressional District on Tuesday night!
For more information on how to call in, please visit the Events page on my website by clicking below:
Congressman Byron Donalds June Tele-Town Hall
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I'd like to wish former President, Donald Trump, a Happy Birthday!
Last week, I was honored to be invited to participate in a private round-table meeting with the former President, and a handful of Congressional Republicans. Together, we discussed policy, effective messaging strategies, and how we can work together to take back the House Majority in 2022!
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I continue to reaffirm my steadfast commitment to Israel - our strongest ally in the Middle East.
I was disgusted by Rep. Ilhan Omar's (D-MN) anti-Semitic comments comparing Israel to terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Taliban. Anti-Semitic and Anti-American sentiments have no place in our Congress, nor our nation. Now more than ever, it is important to reaffirm our nation's support for Israel and those of the Jewish faith. I was proud to join Florida's Governor, Ron DeSantis, and several other state leaders in speaking at the Southwest/Central Florida Coalition Against Hate & Anti-Semitism.
Watch my full remarks below:
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Join me in honoring the adoption of our United States American Flag. Our flag remains a powerful symbol of freedom and patriotism. We cannot allow the radical left to attack our flag nor must we allow them to taint the honor, symbolism, and importance our flag holds. I encourage all Americans to proudly fly the American flag in support of all that it represents.
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Last week, I joined CNN's 'New Day' to discuss being barred from joining the Congressional Black Caucus. The radical left can't seem to comprehend that it is possible to be a Trump supporter and a black man in America. To see my full exchange, click the link below:
Rep. Byron Donalds on Being Denied to Join Black Caucus
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I spoke with Morgan Rynor, of WINK News, last week to discuss the silence from the Congressional Black Caucus regarding their reasoning for denying me entrance into the organization.
"I think that it's unfortunate because if the members [of the CBC] got a chance to know me, as opposed to what they think they know about me, or what they assume....they will find a person who actually has a deep concern for Black people in our country."
Click the link below to watch my interview with Morgan Rynor:
Byron Donalds Speaks to WINK News
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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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