Representative Byron Donalds

Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

May 17, 2021

This past week, the House Republican Conference voted on new leadership, entrusting Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to lead our party in working towards taking back the majority in 2022 as our Conference Chair. The Republican Party welcomes healthy debate and differing opinions, but when serving in a leadership position, it is imperative to have a leader committed to prioritizing the party's future and not petty political infighting that distracts from talking about the issues impacting the people. So, now that we have voted for a new voice in leadership, I am ready to get back to the critical issues that our country is facing: getting Americans back to work, re-opening our schools, and strengthening our economy, and securing our border.

Americans on the East Coast suffered from a gas shortage this past week due to Russian hackers looking to dismantle our economy. While the Colonial Pipeline is currently back up and running, Americans are still feeling the financial burden at the pump. This incident is further proof that we as a nation need to strengthen our energy and fuel independence. We must not allow our adversaries to threaten and hold hostage American energy independence. The hacking and shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline is further proof of how vital the Keystone Pipeline is to the Western United States. Thousands of jobs, energy independence, and affordable access to gasoline for millions of Americans- it's time to reverse this policy and resume construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Despite spending this past week in The Swamp, my staff and I engaged in multiple community events in Southwest Florida. We proudly held our first Tele-Town Hall, which provided our office a way to communicate with thousands of residents at once. We look forward to hosting more in the future as a medium to offer Congressional updates, answer your questions, and learn ways we can work to better the Southwest Florida community.

Please continue reading to learn more about important legislation in Congress, upcoming events in #FL19, and ways in which I'm working to advocate for conservative policies in D.C.!

Legislative Updates

This past week, I spoke on the House Floor, along with several of my House Republican colleagues, on the evils and dangers of cancel culture and the impact it has on our society. Click below to watch my speech:

Rep. Byron Donalds: "We must be free to speak at all times."

In recognition of National Police Week, I'm proud to join my colleagues Representative Michael Guest (R- MS) and Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA) in Co-Sponsoring legislation that rightfully honors our nation's fallen police officers. We must reaffirm our support to the LEO community in remembering & honoring the heroes in blue who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Read the legislation in its entirety below:

H.R. 386 - Expressing Support for Recognizing "National Police Week"

Last week, the House Committee on Oversight & Reform held a hearing detailing the tragic events that occurred on January 6th in the U.S. Capitol. As a member appointed to serve the House Committee on Oversight & Reform, I had the opportunity to ask questions to the testifying witnesses. Former United States Secretary of Defense under President Trump Christoper Miller answered my question regarding President Trump's support of sending the National Guard to Washington D.C., prior to January 6th. Watch the exchange below:

Miller Says Trump Wanted Troops to Protect Supporters on Jan. 6th

In the 21st century, we must teach and learn from our history and swear never to repeat it, but we cannot use our past to divide us, which Critical Race Theory will undoubtedly do.

I am proud to stand with my House Republican Colleagues in supporting Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT) in this critical legislation.

National Police Week

I was proud to sign the Police Pledge, put forth by Heritage Action for America. By signing the Police Pledge, I am re-affirming my commitment and support to our nation's police officers and will stand in opposition to any legislation or measure that intends to 'Defund the Police'.

In recognition of National Police Week, I had the privilege of honoring our law enforcement heroes on the House Floor.

Every day police officers kiss their families goodbye to protect & serve their communities. God bless them for their sacrifice. Watch my full speech below:

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) held a memorial service at the National Police Officer Memorial site in Washington, D.C., to honor all of the LEO's we have tragically lost.

Last year, there were 362 total deaths in the line of duty, and this year our nation has lost 124 police deaths. Each death is a tragic reminder of the selfless courage embodied by every man and woman who serves in law enforcement.

May we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

In the Media

I had the opportunity to join Laura Ingraham on her Fox News show, 'The Ingraham Angle' last week. In a panel alongside House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), we discussed the newest CDC guidelines regarding mask mandates, Liz Cheney, and the continued failures of the Biden Administration. Click the link below for the full interview:

Rep. Donalds: "[americans] Don't Want These Liberal Crazy Policies"

ICYMI: I joined Elizabeth MacDonalds on her Fox News show, 'The Evening Edit' to discuss the gas shortage that occurred last week on the East Coast and why President Biden needs to re-affirm and embrace our energy infrastructure and independence. Click below to watch the full interview:

FL Congressman Byron Donalds Joins The Evening Edit

I joined the Chris Salcedo Show on Newsmax last week to discuss the ignorance and intolerance I have faced from the American Left. Watch below:

Rep.Byron Donalds: on Intolerance

I was happy to sit down with Jimmy Failla for his radio show "Fox Across America" to discuss the future of the Republican Party, the impact of President Trump post-presidency, the dangers of critical race theory being taught in our schools, and so much more. Click below to listen!

Rep. Byron Donalds Joins Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla

Community Engagement

As a reminder to the veterans within Southwest Florida, on May 24th I am hosting a Veterans Town Hall. This event serves as an opportunity for veterans to receive a Congressional update, learn about available federal resources, and for my office to learn how we can best serve and assist the veteran community. For event details, click on the link to my website below:

Rep. Donalds Hosts Veteran Town Hall

This past week, I had the honor of hosting my first Military Service Academy Day. Held virtually this year, Academy Day serves as an opportunity for interested service academy candidates and parents alike to learn about the application process. I'm grateful to those on the Selection Committee, who have volunteered their time, knowledge, and expertise to ensure Southwest Florida sends the most qualified candidates to our nation's military service academies.

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