As we enter the final week of August and the second to last week of the Congressional recess, the radical Democratic machine in Washington hasn't skipped a beat. While millions of Americans, including me, continue to watch in horror and shock as Biden, Pelosi, and Schumer turn this nation on its head—my Republican colleagues and I aren't backing down from this fight. Last week, as many of you know, the Biden-Harris administration rolled out their unconstitutional $500 BILLION handout to their wealthy Democrat voters in the form of college "debt forgiveness." This illegal policy to redistribute wealth steals from hardworking working-class Americans without degrees or who've paid off their debt responsibly and hands over billions of dollars to Biden's base of voters who are looking for big government to line their pockets. A plumber in Cape Coral should not have to pay off the college debt of an Art History major in Philadelphia. A high school teacher in Naples who taught summer school to help pay off her student loan should not be responsible for paying off the debts of a career student in Chicago. And a veteran or first responder in Bonita Springs should not have to pay off the financial obligations of a dual Psychology and Women's Studies major who makes six figures in New York City.
The idea that government can "erase" debt is a fallacy—there is no such thing as a free lunch. My opposition to this absurd policy is lengthy, and I'll briefly outline my significant issues below:
- The federal government's interference in citizens' debt obligations is a blatant intrusion of contract law, which has never occurred before. When you take out a loan, you sign a legally binding contract stipulating your commitment to paying your lender. The government can't come in a make those contracts null and void. What's next? Is Biden going to pay off our car loans or mortgages?
- Student loan forgiveness does nothing to solve the genuine problem of the astronomical costs of higher education. This measure will inadvertently increase student fees, as these institutions will have zero incentive to keep prices steady, knowing the government will pay them off.
- This policy is a slap in the face to millions of Americans, including my wife and me. We budgeted and made responsible financial decisions for years to pay off our loans in full earlier THIS YEAR. Additionally, those who choose not to attend higher education will have to pony up money for those who made the independent decision to seek the expensive diploma. This is unjust and immoral.
- The Executive Branch does NOT have the authority to do this. Don't take my word for it—Speaker Pelosi said it herself. The U.S. Constitution explicitly states that Congress, particularly the House of Representatives, has the power of the purse, not the president. On its face, this move by Biden is unconstitutional. A judge should hear all objections to his actions and overturn this illegal overreaching bailout.
- Lastly, artificially injecting an additional $500 billion into our economy during record inflation and back-to-back quarters of negative growth (RECESSION) is fiscally irresponsible and will only worsen these economic woes.
As a solution, Federal, State, and Local governments should incentivize high schools and higher education institutions to prepare students with the financial knowledge and tools to see if they can afford college. Not every diploma or career path is conducive to viability, and knowing early on that your interests could come with an unattainable cost, many students will rethink what's best for them.
Lastly, Congress should hold hearings on why college is so expensive and work on common sense solutions that don't bankrupt our future generations. I oppose this policy and will work relentlessly to ensure this doesn't go forward.
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Letting go of our military members for refusing to take the COVID vaccine threatens our national security & greatly diminishes our strength. I'm proud to support this good bill, & I call on the Biden administration to overturn this ridiculous policy & reinstate these heroes.
Read my complete statement below or here:
DONALDS: America's Servicemembers Should NOT Lose Their Job for Refusing the COVID Shot NAPLES, Fla. - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding his support of HR 3860 Representative Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) bill to prohibit any requirement that an Armed Forces member receive vaccination against COVID-19.
“It’s unfathomable that Biden and the Democratic Party could look our brave heroes in the eye and give them a binary choice of forced injection of the COVID-19 shot or lose their entire career and well-being. While traveling the district, state, and nation, I’ve come across countless now former members of the military that chose their freedom over the radical demands of their tyrannical Commander-in-Chief.
“This simple two-page bill prohibits the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccine and prohibits the Secretary of Defense from enacting any adverse penalties for those not wanting the jab. Our Armed Services should focus on recruiting, training, and ultimately winning armed conflicts—nothing more and nothing less. Unilaterally letting go of Americans who volunteered to serve this nation for their refusal to get a vaccine is asinine and threatens our national security.”
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Last week, we paused to remember the lives of the 13 brave & selfless servicemembers who tragically lost their lives at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Despite the monumental task ahead, these heroes looked danger in the eye & answered the call of duty.
Read my complete statement below or here:
Rep. Donalds Remembers the 13 Servicemembers who Died in Kabul One Year Ago Today
NAPLES, Fla. - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the tragic killing of 13 brave service members in Kabul, Afghanistan.
"Today, we pause to remember the lives of the 13 brave & selfless service members who tragically lost their lives at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Despite the monumental task ahead, these heroes looked danger in the eye & answered the call of duty. Their deaths fall directly at the feet of President Biden, who chose to build a legacy over enacting the appropriate plan to withdraw from the region.
"This rogue decision led to destabilization in the Middle East, hundreds of deaths, and a weakened presence on the world stage. These events led to my immediate call for President Biden to resign in disgrace, a call that was unfortunately unanswered. To make matters worse, Biden had the gall to check his watch multiple times when receiving these fallen warriors, an act unbecoming of a human being—let alone the Commander-in-Chief. May we keep their families and loved ones close to our hearts during this difficult time."
SAY THEIR NAMES
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
• Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, Calif.
• Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City
• Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn.
• Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyo.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.
• Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.
• Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Mo.
• Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio
• Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Neb.
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Rep. Donalds Supports the RETURN ACT to Hold the IRS Accountable NAPLES, Fla. - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds issued the following statement regarding his support of the RETURN Act by Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). The Require Employees to Uniformly Return Now (RETURN) Act (H.R. 8742) calls for IRS employees who are working remotely to come back to offices to expedite millions of unprocessed refunds and get money back into the hands of taxpayers.
"My constituents reach out to my office almost daily, expressing issues related to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the massive backlog of tax returns. As our nation and most of the world have turned the corner from the dire times of COVID-19, there is no excuse for government employees not to return to the office and work efficiently for the American people," said Rep. Donalds. "I am proud to support the RETURN Act, which will expedite millions of unprocessed refunds and improve the productivity of this lethargic government agency. Additionally, this bill halts Biden's $80 billion appropriation for the IRS until they fulfill the backlog."
Read the bill in its entirety here.
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Don’t miss out on your chance to earn a nomination to attend a United States Service Academy.
Applications are open—click HERE for more details.
Applications are due: on 10/07/2022 
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Coding and computer science are America's future, and our younger generations have a unique opportunity to pursue this innovative industry as a career path.
I'm thrilled to host the 2022 Congressional App Challenge.
Deadline: 11/01/22
Click HERE or the image below to register.
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SW FL is home to countless small businesses that make up the backbone of our economy & contribute to the vibrancy of our community. These devoted business leaders deserve our recognition, which I why I created the "District 19 Small Biz Award."
Submission Deadline: August 31st at 12 PM
Click HERE or the image below to submit a nomination form.
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Florida's CD19 is home to many patriots, many of whom we've never met or been able to recognize.
I'm calling on all residents of my district to nominate someone for the "Patriot Award Nomination" as a testament of our gratitude to them.
Submission Deadline: August 31st at 12 PM
Click HERE or the image below to submit a nomination form.
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Last week, I was honored to speak at the Rotary Club of Cape Coral. Issued in 1964, this institution is a not-for-profit organization of approximately 75 men and women who meet for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. every Wednesday at the La Venezia Ballroom in Cape Coral to enjoy fellowship and a meal, to hear an informative program, and discuss and plan service projects. During its forty-plus-year history, the Rotary Club of Cape Coral has counted many of the Lee County area's most influential business and professional leaders among its members.
Last week, I delivered remarks at a virtual meeting with the Florida League of Cities. The League serves a critical purpose in assisting the needs of Florida's cities and promoting local self-government. I want to thank all participants for their leadership and attentiveness to the issues facing SW Florida and the entire state.
IMPORTANT: The IRS has issued new guidance to provide relief for taxpayers. For more information, click here, or don't hesitate to contact my district offices.
Naples Office: 239-252-625
Cape Coral: 239-599-6033
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "The Faulker Focus" on Fox News to discuss Joe Biden's $500 billion handout to wealthy college-educated Democrat voters.
To the Democrats running for the House & Senate in swing districts, let me be clear—they might be talking tough now—but if it were a vote on the floor, they'd vote for it. These Democrats voted for every other radical policy that Biden, Pelosi, & Schumer have hurled at the American people.
Watch my full interview here or click below.
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "Varney & Co." on Fox Business to discuss Biden's student loan forgiveness plan and Governor Gavin Newsome's plans to change the political landscape in Florida.
Watch my full interview here or click below :
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "Fox & Friends" on Fox News to discuss the issues that impact SW Florida and much more.
Watch my full interview here or click below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined Liz MacDonald on the Fox Business show "The Evening Edit" to discuss Fauci's retirement and the Democrats' out-of-control spending agenda.
Watch my full interview here or click below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined America Reports to discuss Biden's Border and Fentanyl crisis impacting not only border states but the entire nation.
Watch my full interview here or click below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "Hannity" to discuss Fed Chair Powell's stark warning of pain and suffering for American families and businesses due to Biden and the Democrats' policies.
Watch the full interview here or click below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined Newsmax to discuss the recent RED WAVE in local school board races across the Free State of Florida. Several woke school boards FLIPPED, and now conservatives will bring sanity and parental rights back to the classroom.
Watch the full interview here or click 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 I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you every day.
Sincerely,
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress |
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