Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds July 25, 2022
Last week, it was back to Washington, D.C., for another week of legislative business ahead of the August recess just one week away. While serving in our nation's capital, House Democrats led by Speaker Pelosi continued their efforts to bombard the country with their radical agenda. House Democrats continue to enact their extremist views on the nation with no remorse or concern for the United States Constitution. As your Member of Congress, you have my word that I will never cave to their relentless efforts to transform America.
Recently, the president took a 6,000+ mile journey to the Middle East to beg on hand and knee for the Saudis to pump more oil to lower Biden' Price Hike at the pump. Instead of traveling to primary oil-producing states like Texas, Alaska, or North Dakota, Biden would rather depend on foreign oil than trusted and true U.S. oil. As if this trip couldn't get any worse, the president had the gall to fist bump Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in his desperate plea for more oil. At the same time, throughout his term, he's thrown up the bird to the hardworking men and women of our oil and gas industries. The solution is simple, and alongside my Republican colleagues, we've been laying out a plan to lower gas prices for months: - Open up leasing and stop stonewalling the permitting process in federal court.
- Reverse every Executive Order related to increased regulations on the industry, including bringing back the Keystone XL pipeline.
- Denounce the Green New Deal, emboldening increased oil production and refinery investment.
- Invest in and reduce the regulatory environment for clean and effective renewables like nuclear energy.
- Allow America to remain energy-dominant and independent again, as achieved under the Trump administration.
While the above plan would lower the price at the pump and the economic blow on working-class families, the Biden White House won't do any of this. Why? Because your pain is their gain. Don't take my word for it— hear the words of the United States Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, who said, "the more pain we are all experiencing from the high price of gas, the more benefit there is for those who can access electric vehicles." We Americans should fear a government openly capitalizing on Americans' pain and suffering in pursuit of their "new world order." I remain committed to exposing this wicked ideology and opposing any pro-Green New Deal legislation on Capitol Hill.
Legislative Updates For the first six months of 2022, my staff and I worked tirelessly to deliver strong results for the hard-working people of Florida's 19th Congressional District.
It's the honor of a lifetime to serve Southwest Florida in Congress — and Team Donalds is just getting started!
Read my entire statement below or here:
Congressman Donalds Continues to Serve the People of Southwest Florida
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) released the following data from his congressional offices in Southwest Florida and Washington, D.C., highlighting the positive impact his office has had on the hard-working people of Florida’s 19th Congressional District. The data points below represent achievements on behalf of the people he’s honored to serve in Congress.
January – June 2022 Breakdown:
Congressional Actions By Issue:
Protecting Southwest Florida’s Natural Resources and Water - The health and longevity of our natural resources remain my top priority in Congress. Working alongside members of both parties, I’ve been able to find a lot of success.
- This Spring, I introduced the Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act (H.R. 7206), which amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster.
Defending Life - I’ve been a long advocate for protecting the unborn. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe v. Wade, I released a statement supporting this historic decision. This year, I cosponsored several pieces of legislation that protect the right to life (H.Res.1167), halt the power of the lucrative abortion industry (H.R. 7798), and uphold the sanctity of life (H.R. 7294).
Backing the Blue - I proudly support our brave law enforcement officers and first responders. This year, I introduced a resolution (H.Res.953) honoring the heroic men and women who swiftly answered the call of duty following the landfall of dangerous tornadoes in Southwest Florida.
- As violent crime and lawlessness have spiked across the nation, it has never been more critical or timely to support the officers serving on the frontlines within our communities. I also co-sponsored a resolution (H.Res.1115) requiring each Member of Congress to participate in a ride along with members of law enforcement to experience the critical work these men and women do to keep our communities safe.
Fighting Back Against Biden’s Inflationary Policies - I recently introduced the Prohibit Venezuelan Oil Importation Act (H.R.7207) to prohibit the president from importing any petroleum products from Venezuela. This legislation also encourages the president to support American-first energy policies to offset soaring and oppressive energy costs.
- I also co-sponsored the SHIP IT Act (H.R.7456), which aims to alleviate backlogs in the freight industry that have caused a severe and long-lasting supply chain crisis. In Congress, I’m committed to pushing back against economically irresponsible legislation that negatively impacts the hard-working taxpayer.
Securing our Border - Since President Biden assumed office, nearly 3 million illegal immigrants have been apprehended at our southern border. This year, I have traveled to our southern border twice to experience this humanitarian crisis firsthand caused by the destructive open-border policies of the Biden administration.
- I also introduced the No More Phones Act (H.R.7741), which prohibits U.S. government officials from using taxpayer funds to provide cell phones to illegal immigrants. As cartels, criminals, traffickers, and fentanyl illegally enter our nation, securing our border is of the utmost importance.
Supporting our Small Businesses - America's small businesses not only serve as the heart of our local communities but play a significant role in our national economy. The burdensome policies of the Biden administration have been devastating to small business owners. As a proud House Small Business Committee member, I’ve co-sponsored six pieces of legislation to uplift, empower, and bring relief to America’s struggling small businesses.
- This Spring, I was proud to host a Small Business Roundtable with multiple owners and stakeholders to discuss how their businesses have been impacted by soaring inflation and rising costs and how the federal government can alleviate these burdensome pressures.
Taking Care of our Veterans and Servicemembers - The men and women that make up our Armed Forces, past and present, are the bravest among us. At a handful of community events, I’ve engaged with veterans to hear their stories and learn of ways the federal government can better serve our nation’s veterans.
- This year, I was proud to hire a veteran as a Wounded Warriors Fellow to serve as a liaison for the Southwest Florida community.
- I also co-sponsored legislation (H.R.7393 and H.R.7631) to improve the V.A. and expand job opportunities for discharged veterans. I am a proud advocate for military service members and remain committed to ensuring our nation’s heroes receive the utmost care, respect, and opportunity.
Notable Speeches and Opinion Pieces - Remarks during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform Committee Hearing on the NFL and the Chairwoman’s misplaced priorities.
- Remarks on the House Floor on the Federal Reserve.
- Remarks during a House Committee on the Budget hearing on the impact of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
- Remarks during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform Committee Hearing on the events that took place on January 6th.
- News-Press: Court ruling on Kennedy Prayer Case’ Deeply Concerning’
- The Hill: Congress Should Reassess the Fed’s Dual mandate and Focus Exclusively on Inflation
- Fox News: I Lived in Fear of Guns, but Emotions Can’t Dictate Policies on Violence
For complete access to speeches, media interviews, and much more, subscribe to my Congressional YouTube account and social media accounts with the username @RepDonaldsPress.
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Last week, my fellow Republican colleagues and I penned a letter to the Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, asking her to allow financial technology firms to engage in Small Business Lending Programs.
Read my entire statement below or here:
Donalds, Hickenlooper, Scott, Crow Urge SBA to Allow Fintech Firms to Participate in Small Business Lending Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Tim Scott, and U.S. Representative Jason Crow sent a letter urging Small Business Administrator Isabella Guzman to lift the SBA’s moratorium on allowing financial technology firms, known as fintechs, to serve as Small Business Lending Companies (SBLC) and to broaden the criteria of the SBA’s flagship 7(a) small business loan program to include fintechs.
The Members of Congress previously introduced the Expanding Access to Credit for Small Business Act, which included a provision to allow more fintech companies to participate in the 7(a) program.
“Affordable access to capital is crucial for entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed in starting, and growing their businesses. However, many entrepreneurs and small firms, especially women, minorities, and those living in rural areas, struggle to access the traditional banking system,” wrote Donalds, Hickenlooper, Scott, and Crow.
“Modernizing the 7(a) program will allow fintech companies to continue to remove obstacles to access to credit for many small businesses who face difficulty participating in SBA lending programs. Lifting the moratorium on new SBLC licenses will allow additional innovative lenders to securely provide affordable credit to small businesses, especially those that have traditionally been underserved,” they continued.
In the Media ICYMI: Last week, I joined "The Evening Edit" to discuss Paul Pelosi's suspicious million-dollar stock investments.
If any Republican's spouse conducted the shady stock transactions we've seen from Paul Pelosi, Democrats and the media would call for a Select Committee on the matter.
This double standard is inexcusable, and Pelosi must answer valid questions regarding these fishy trades.
Watch my full interview below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "John Bachman Now" on Newsmax to discuss Nancy Pelosi's husband's suspicious stock investments, the ethical double standard for Democrats, and more.
If an elected official wants to get rich, then they should enter the private sector. Insider trading is highly illegal and a disgrace to the people that Speaker Pelosi was elected to represent.
Watch the full interview below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "The Record" to discuss the record number of Black Republicans running for office in 2022 primaries, Democrats taking advantage of Black voters, and more.
Watch the full interview 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 every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.
Sincerely,
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress
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