Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds
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NEWS ALERT! Senator Rick Scott is Fighting to Make Washington Work
NEWS ALERT!Senator Rick Scott is Fighting to Make Washington Work |
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| Senator Rick Scott ran for the U.S. Senate on a platform to Make Washington Work for American families, and is fighting every day to uphold the ideals that make America the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, he’s introduced several pieces of legislation to reform the tired, dysfunctional ways of Washington, including his No Budget, No Pay proposal, term limits for members of Congress, a permanent lobbying ban for former members of Congress, and his bill to make sure members of Congress are accountable to the taxpayers and actually read the bills they are voting on. Senator Scott is also working to address America’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt crisis by fighting Democrats’ wasteful, reckless spending, ensuring a good return on every tax dollar spent and reducing government waste, so our nation can be on a successful and sustainable path for generations to come.
See more of Senator Scott’s efforts to make Washington work below. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Rule Change to Expose the Impacts of Reckless Government Spending on Inflation
Senators Rick Scott, Jim Risch, Thom Tillis, Roger Marshall, Marco Rubio and Joni Ernst introduced an amendment to the Senate Rules to require that all bills passed by Senate committees include inflationary impact statements so Americans can see the true impacts of government spending. Congressman Jim Banks introduced the companion bill in the House last month. Senator Rick Scott said, “American families are worried about growing inflation. I’ve heard countless stories from families across Florida that are having to cut back on purchases because of rising costs. We know that reckless government spending causes inflation, but President Biden and the Democrats have absolutely no plans to slow down spending or get our debt under control. It’s shameful and I won’t just stand by while they try to drive our nation further into the ground with these horrible policies. Congress must get real about the true cost on every American family that this recklessness brings and start spending responsibly. That’s why I’m introducing a proposed rule change in the Senate today to require every piece of legislation passed by a committee to include a report on how it will impact inflation. The American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and each bill’s impact on inflation. I look forward to my colleagues supporting this measure to increase spending transparency.” Read more HERE. |
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| Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott Proposal to Expose the Impacts of Reckless Government Spending on Inflation
Senator Rick Scott asked for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass his amendment to require that all bills passed by the Senate committees include inflationary impact statements so Americans can see the true impacts of government spending. Senate Democrats blocked its passage. Congressman Jim Banks introduced the companion bill in the House last month. See his speech on the Senate floor HERE or below. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott on “Infrastructure” CBO Score: The American People Deserve Better
Following the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) releasing its analysis of the Senate’s proposed $1.2 TRILLION “infrastructure” spending bill, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement. Senator Rick Scott said, “Last night, Senate Democrats blocked my proposal to ensure reckless government spending does not increase inflation and raise prices even higher for American families. Now, we see in this new CBO report that the proposed ‘infrastructure’ spending bill, which isn’t paid for, will add $256 BILLION to our national deficit, further fueling President Biden’s inflation crisis. I fully support spending on infrastructure. We did it when I was Governor of Florida and we should do it at the federal level – but it has to be paid for. We can’t forget, this is just the first part of Senator Schumer’s $5.5 TRILLION tax and spending spree. We cannot afford this reckless spending. Florida families cannot afford even more inflation and higher prices. The American people deserve better.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott: Congress Cannot Increase the Debt Ceiling Without Major Spending Reform
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement demanding Congress take action to get America’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt under control and urging his colleagues to refuse to increase the debt ceiling without also enacting true spending reform. For months, Senator Scott has been warning of the dangerous consequences of Washington’s reckless spending and the nation’s rapidly growing debt. Today, the Congressional Budget Office released a report highlighting the dire nature of the federal debt crisis. In April, Senator Scott secured an amendment to the rules of the Senate Republican Conference resolving that any increase in the debt ceiling should be accompanied by cuts in federal spending of an equal or greater amount as the debt ceiling increase, or meaningful structural reform in spending. Senator Rick Scott said, “America’s nearly $30 TRILLION debt crisis cannot be ignored. Today, I am urging every member of Congress to protect the fiscal security of our nation by refusing to increase the debt ceiling unless it is accompanied by true structural spending reform. We must end the reckless waste of taxpayer dollars. “We need real spending reform before we consider increasing the debt ceiling. We need reform like my Federal Debt Emergency Control Act, which prevents Washington politicians from mindlessly spending by requiring that two-thirds of the Senate vote to increase the debt before approving any bill. This isn’t political, it’s good government and it’s commonsense. Every fiscally responsible Republican and Democrat should be focused on the debt crisis before us. We cannot allow Congress to continue mortgaging the futures of our children and grandchildren.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to Fight Washington’s Spending & Debt Crisis
Senator Rick Scott led Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Braun, Marsha Blackburn, Ron Johnson, John Barrasso, Joni Ernst and Tommy Tuberville in introducing the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to rein in Washington’s out-of-control spending and provide a concrete path forward to tackle the nation’s nearly $30 trillion debt. The Federal Debt Emergency Control Act is endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, and Club for Growth. The Federal Debt Emergency Control Act:
Senator Rick Scott said, “America is in a debt crisis. Our nation is barreling toward $30 trillion in debt – an unimaginable $233,000 in debt for every family in America. It’s a crisis caused by decades of wasteful and reckless spending by Washington politicians. Now, President Biden is continuing this way of governing by pushing for trillions in wasteful spending, raising the U.S. federal debt by 60% to $39 trillion and the debt-to-GDP ratio to 117% in 2030, the highest level ever recorded in American history. Spending beyond our means has consequences. We’re already seeing rising inflation, which disproportionately hurts the poorest families, like mine growing up. “That’s why today, I am leading my colleagues in introducing the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to rein in Washington’s out of control spending. This includes preventing Washington politicians from mindlessly spending by requiring that two-thirds of the Senate vote to increase the debt before approving any bill. I look forward to every fiscally responsible Republican and Democrat working with me to quickly pass the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan No Budget, No Pay to Hold Members of Congress Accountable
Senators Rick Scott, Joe Manchin, Mike Braun, John Barrasso, Richard Burr, Shelley Moore Capito, Joni Ernst, Maggie Hassan and Kyrsten Sinema reintroduced their No Budget, No Pay legislation. The common-sense No Budget, No Pay bill requires members of Congress to do their job and work together to pass a budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done. Senator Rick Scott said, “There is no reason members of Congress should be held to a different standard than any other American family or business. In the real world, if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. Our No Budget, No Pay bill simply requires Congress to pass an annual budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their taxpayer-funded salaries until the job is done. Accountability shouldn’t be controversial.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Introducing Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act to Fight Washington’s Waste
Senators Rick Scott, Joni Ernst, Mike Braun, Mike Crapo and Thom Tillis introduced the Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act to help streamline operations and identify inefficiencies of bloated federal agencies in order to reduce waste and save taxpayer dollars. The Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act creates a review process to routinely evaluate the efficiency of federal agencies, justify their existence in their current structure, and offer recommendations for change in the form of proposed legislation. Representative Michael Cloud introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our nation is on track to reach $30 trillion in debt and reckless, unaccountable spending by politicians in Washington has put us on a path of economic self-destruction. We have to take action. One way we can actually protect the American taxpayer is by routinely evaluating the usefulness of our government agencies and identifying their inefficiencies. I did it as Governor of Florida, and it saved Florida taxpayers millions of dollars. The Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act will help eliminate waste and redundancies throughout the federal government, and make Washington work better for American families.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sens. Rick Scott and Mike Braun Re-Introduce Legislation to Make Washington Work for Americans
Senators Rick Scott and Mike Braun re-introduced the End Pensions In Congress (EPIC) Act to end taxpayer-funded pensions for members of the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Currently, members of Congress are eligible for their federal pension after just five years of service, providing a financial incentive to would-be career politicians. Senators Scott and Braun also re-introduced their legislation, the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, to implement a permanent lobbying ban for former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington is broken, and that’s due in part to self-interested politicians who are more focused on getting high-paying lobbying gigs and generous taxpayer-funded pensions than serving the taxpayers who elected them. We need to end the concept of career politicians if we ever want to change Washington and make government work for American families. That means we need term limits for all members of Congress, a permanent lobbying bans for former members, and an end to lucrative taxpayer-funded pensions. Members of Congress shouldn’t be using their elected position to get rich – period. I’m proud to join Senator Braun on common sense solutions to make Washington work for families across the nation.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Legislation Requiring Lawmakers to Read Bills Before Voting
Senators Rick Scott, Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Josh Hawley, and John Kennedy introduced legislation to require members of Congress to have enough time to read bills before voting on them and certify that they have read every bill they cast a vote on. This legislation comes as Senate Democrats try to push through a more than 600-page COVID-19 spending bill, which prioritizes their wasteful, liberal agenda over actual COVID relief. Only 10 percent of the funding in the Democrats’ bill is dedicated to actual COVID relief and less than one percent is committed to critical vaccine initiatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Too often, lawmakers in Washington pass bills without having time to read them before they vote. These are new laws that impact American families and businesses and sometimes even authorize billions or trillions in tax dollar spending. Scary, right? It’s ridiculous Washington dysfunction, and it has to end. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in making sure members of Congress get to work for the American people and actually read bills before casting their votes.” Read more HERE. |
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| Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Cynthia Lummis to Introduce Bill to Empower State and Local Governments to Help Reduce National Debt
U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Pay Down the Debt Act of 2021, a bill that would permit state and local governments to redirect grants they receive from the federal government toward reducing federal deficit spending, giving concerned state and local leaders a way to help address the staggering national debt that our nation faces. Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in March, and numerous states have since opted out of an extra unemployment payment included in the law. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our nation is nearing $30 trillion in debt and President Biden and the Democrats continue to spend American taxpayer dollars with reckless abandon. Anyone in state and local government who calls themselves a fiscal conservative knows there is no such thing as free money. This is American taxpayer money and lawmakers have a responsibility to spend it wisely. Governors, mayors and state legislatures across the country need to stand up and say the disastrous fiscal path we’re headed down is wrong. Our bill promotes fiscal responsibility by allowing them to redirect grants they receive from the federal government, like the hundreds of billions in bailouts allocated by the Democrats’ American Rescue Plan, toward reducing federal deficit spending.” Read more HERE. |
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| Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Ted Cruz and Colleagues to Introduce Constitutional Amendment Imposing Congressional Term Limits
Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Ted Cruz and colleagues to reintroduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would impose term limits on Members of Congress. U.S. Senators would be limited to two six-year terms and members of the House of Representatives to three two year terms. Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott in the South Florida Sun Sentinel: Washington’s Hard-Left Turn Doesn’t Work for Florida Families
Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the South Florida Sun Sentinel on how Washington’s dysfunction is at an all-time high, with Democrats refusing to negotiate on even the most common-sense issues. Senator Scott campaigned on a platform to Make Washington Work for American families, and has introduced several pieces of legislation to reform the tired, dysfunctional ways of Washington, including his No Budget, No Pay proposal, term limits for members of Congress, a permanent lobbying ban for former members of Congress, and his bill to make sure members of Congress are accountable to the taxpayers and actually read the bills they are voting on. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “When I was elected as Florida’s U.S. senator, I knew Washington was dysfunctional. Two years in and it’s worse than you can imagine. People don’t talk to each other in the halls. The concept of bipartisanship is dead on arrival. President Biden’s disingenuous calls for unity fell on deaf ears as his administration and the Democrats refused to negotiate on even the most common-sense issues. I came to Washington after completely turning Florida’s economy around during my eight years as governor. We can turn our entire nation around and uphold the ideals that make America the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family – but first, we have to change Washington. Recently, Sen. Ron Johnson was criticized for making sure that Democrats’ 600-page, massive spending bill was actually read before members voted on it. The Democrats fought against this effort for transparency in order to rush through and pass a $2 trillion bill that devotes less than 10 percent of its funding to COVID-19. For them, the more Americans are kept in the dark, the better. That’s wrong and why I introduced legislation to make sure members of Congress are accountable to the taxpayers and actually read the bills they are voting on. Finally, to Make Washington Work, we have to end government waste. America is in a $30 trillion debt crisis and so many in Washington, namely the Biden Administration, couldn’t care less. Here’s what they don’t want Americans to know — as reckless spending continues to increase the federal debt, inflation will rise with it. For American families that means rising costs on everyday necessities, like groceries and gas. I grew up in public housing and watched my parents struggle to find work and make ends meet. I never want a family to go through what mine did growing up and I know that the last thing hurting families need to worry about is higher prices on our most essential goods. We simply cannot waste any more taxpayer dollars and expect our nation to be on a successful and sustainable path. As your senator, it’s my job to keep you informed of what’s going on in this unusual place and keep you updated on every step I am taking in my fight to make Washington work for Florida’s families. I plan to do just that.” Read the full op-ed in the South Florida Sun Sentinel HERE. |
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| Sens. Rick Scott, Cynthia Lummis in Fox News: Our national debt is almost $30 trillion – let conservative states lead on reducing it
Senators Rick Scott and Cynthia Lummis wrote an op-ed on how Washington’s status quo of reckless and wasteful spending, which is leading our nation to $30 trillion in debt and rising inflation, isn’t working. In their op-ed, Senators Scott and Lummis detail what must be done to address America’s debt crisis and how their legislation, the Pay Down the Debt Act, will help fix it. In the op-ed, Senators Rick Scott and Cynthia Lummis wrote, “With our national debt nearing a staggering $30 trillion, one would think that President Joe Biden would be ready to take a hard look at our spending and find ways to reduce it. Instead, in the just over 100 days that Joe Biden has been president, he’s proposed more than $6 trillion in new spending. Even more troubling is that Biden refuses to address the basic question we and many Americans keep asking: ‘How do you plan to pay for all of this, Joe?’ We know that Biden can’t tax his way out of his own massive spending problem – but that won’t stop him from trying. His proposed tax increases would do more to wreck our economy than pay this tab. Clearly, something must change. It is up to all of us to do our part to reduce the national debt. As part of our commitment to taxpayers in our home states of Florida and Wyoming, as well as the entire nation, we’ve just introduced legislation to change the status quo. Our bill, the Pay Down the Debt Act, would prevent any federal grant funds refused by a fiscally responsible state government from going to another state. Instead, our bill would require those funds to go to reduce our national debt. Fiscally conservative citizens and elected officials must do everything in our power to reverse the direction of our deficit and debt spending. The future of our children and grandchildren depend on our actions. This legislation is a real step to start reining in spending and reducing our debt. For every dollar this legislation saves today, it is one less one that we have to pay back tomorrow.” Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE. |
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Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds
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Last week, Speaker Pelosi called Session for a number of days requiring Members of Congress to return to Washington, D.C. to vote on President Biden’s outrageous $3.5 trillion spending package. Upon returning back to Southwest Florida, I was grateful to be provided ample time to meet with constituents, local leaders, and our first responders.
Just days ago, we honored and celebrated one of the most prolific & defining moments in our nation’s history: Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech. His words and their impact created monumental change for all Americans. 58 years later, we celebrate & honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and his work towards equality & justice for all. For we are a better nation, a stronger and more free nation, because of MLK and his fierce belief that we can all be free.
As the crisis in Afghanistan worsens, we mourn the loss of 12 U.S. Marines and 1 Navy Medic. Erika and I are praying for the mothers & fathers who are grieving the loss of their children, for their spouses left behind, and for their brothers and sisters in uniform. As the names, faces, and stories of those we lost begin to be shared with the public, we as a nation are reminded of just how fragile life is, how grateful we are to live in America, and the harrowing price of freedom. The honorable service and sacrifice of these fallen Americans will never be forgotten. As our nation mourns this devastating attack on our service members, we must remember Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.
To every veteran – of Afghanistan or otherwise – your service and sacrifice doesn’t go unthanked or unappreciated. If you need extra support during this difficult time, please know you are never alone. Please reach out, ask for help, and talk to someone. Call the Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or text 838-255.
Continue reading below for important legislative updates from Capitol Hill, community events, and more!
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| Calling on the leader of the free world to resign his office immediately weighs heavy on my heart, but due to the recent events that have taken place in Afghanistan, this must happen to restore American’s safety both at home & abroad, our honor, & faith in the Chief Executive to faithfully execute the duties of the Presidency.
See my full statement below:
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| This past week, I held a Town Hall in Estero. The first of many, this Town Hall served as an opportunity for residents to ask questions and hear from me directly on the most pressing issues facing our community and our nation. Thank you to all of those who attended the meeting to share their concerns and discuss ways my office can work to best serve you and the Southwest Florida community.
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To the Lee County Sherriff Deputies who attended to ensure the safety of myself, my staff, and every attendee – thank you! Their attention to detail, great work, and service for our community does not go unappreciated.
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| Our firefighters, paramedics, and first responders are the backbone of our community and it was an honor to visit the San Carlos Fire Department this past week. Thank you to Fire Chief David Cambareri for giving my staff and I a tour of the station, to hear more about the work you do to keep our community safe, and ways in which the federal government can better serve you. Being able to sit down with firefighters and paramedics about the work they do, their mental health, and how COVID-19 has impacted them was extremely beneficial and eye-opening. I’m extremely thankful for the great work they do each and everyday.
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| To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting Southwest Florida, our doctors and nurses, and how my office can help, I had the opportunity to tour the NCH Baker Hospital in South Naples and Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers. Meeting with the doctors, ICU nurses, and administration staff who are on the front lines combatting COVID-19 was extremely crucial to understand the magnitude of this virus and the importance of getting vaccinated.
To those on the frontlines working overtime to keep our communities and loved ones safe, we appreciate you!
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| This past week, I was thankful for the chance to meet & talk with SWFL’s own law enforcement officers. Today & every day, I’m appreciative of the work they do to keep our community safe.
To all of the brave men & women in uniform across the country, we thank you for your tireless service.
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| Earlier this week, I called on President Biden to resign immediately following the initial botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a matter of days, this haphazard departure took a drastic turn. I stand firm in my decision to call for his resignation. We need new leadership. Click the link below for my interview with The National Desk last week:
Rep. Donalds: Nobody Would Be As Incompetent as Joe Biden
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| Last week, I joined EWTN News Nightly to discuss the $3.5 trillion so-called Infrastructure bill that my Democrat colleagues passed in the House. This disastrous piece of legislation will bankrupt our children, raise inflation, increase our national debt, and place an unbearable financial burden upon the next generation. Click below for my full interview:
Rep. Byron Donalds Joins ETN News Nightly
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| ICYMI: Yesterday, I joined OAN’s Real America with Dan Ball to discuss Biden’s abysmal handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Joe Biden has failed our troops, nation, and authority on the world stage. Watch my full remarks below:
Rep. Donalds Joins OAN’s Real America with Dan Ball
Last week, I joined John Roberts, host of Fox News’ “America Reports” to discuss President Biden’s extreme mishandling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, how he has failed as Commander In Chief, and the need for him to resign the Office of the Presidency. Click below for the full interview:
Fox News: Rep. Byron Donalds Blasts Biden’s Afghanistan Deadline
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| Last week, as my Democrat colleagues voted to pass a $3.5 trillion Infrastructure bill, they were voting to bankrupt our children in order to pass their radical liberal agenda. I joined several of my Republican Study Committee colleagues in a joint press conference addressing the financial dangers of this bill, how it will impact our children and our economy, and how this spending package will bankrupt our nation.
Watch my full speech at this press conference below:
Rep. Donalds Accuses Pelosi of Stealing From Our Children
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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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Mario’s Message – Mario Diaz-Balart Member of Congress
RPOF Newsletter -Chairmans Message
Chairman’s Message
Another Media Hit Job Collapses On Itself
Apparently, the corporate media will continue to try to smear Governor Ron DeSantis with baseless, ignorant hit jobs. It is an acknowledgment of the effectiveness of our Governor’s leadership, and the fear he creates in his political opponents.
In the latest installment, after the widely debunked 60 Minutes attack piece, the Florida Associated Press took its shot with a story that not only was a political attack on the Governor, but worse it jeopardized the health of its readers. The article, titled “DeSantis top donor invests in COVID drug governor promotes,” was framed in dangerous political insinuations that will undoubtedly lead some people to decline seeking the life-saving treatment.
After the Governor’s staff rightly dispelled the misleading narrative and exposed the partisan agenda of the Associated Press story, the media outlet sent a letter to Governor DeSantis August 20, criticizing him for his staff’s efforts to correct the record. That’s when the Governor responded personally to the brazen AP, writing a letter not only defending his staff, but once again calling on the Associated Press and corporate outlets to stop creating conspiracy theories, publishing clickbait headlines and circulating partisan political narratives, at the expense of readers and their health.
In his letter to Daisy Veerasingham, the AP’s incoming CEO, Governor DeSantis said he expected Veerasingham was writing to notify him they were retracting their story, not whining that his Press Secretary had done her job and rightly pushed back on the partisan story.
“Instead, you had the temerity to complain about the deserved blowback that your botched and discredited attempt to concoct a political narrative has received. This ploy will not work to divert attention from the fact that the Associated Press published a false narrative that will lead some to decline effective treatment for COVID infections.”
He pointed out that clinical trials of monoclonal antibody treatments result in a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death. That’s a hugely beneficial treatment, and the AP story undermined people’s confidence in it.
Read the Governor’s full letter: https://www.nationalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AP-Letter-from-Governor-DeSantis-2.pdf
Read more from the Governor here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/23/governor-desantis-responds-to-the-associated-press-regarding-the-publications-failure-to-retract-brazen-political-attack/
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Speaking of the monoclonal rapid response teams, Governor DeSantis continues to travel our state for the opening of new treatment centers targeted at high-need areas. There are now 18 such centers open. It’s a lot of work but the Governor knows it’s worth it to get the information to Floridians that this can be a life-saving treatment.
Monoclonal antibody treatments can be prescribed by health care providers to individuals 12 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. However, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients.
The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, they should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. By providing access to these treatments at these new sites, Governor DeSantis is alleviating demand on hospital resources and further making sure that Floridians have access to all potential treatments that can help them recover from COVID-19.
Find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatments here: floridahealthcovid19.gov.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health continue to encourage Floridians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Find where vaccines here: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/25/governor-ron-desantis-announces-opening-of-new-monoclonal-antibody-treatment-state-site-at-the-villages/
Florida
Once again, Governor DeSantis was correct in his approach to Covid. A new CDC study shows there is no rationale to forcibly mask children. After analyzing 90,000 Georgia elementary students, the CDC confirmed no significant statistical difference between optional and mandatory masked schools.
So, while the Biden Administration continues to fixate on Florida and Governor DeSantis, their own CDC study vindicates our Governor’s approach. And doing what makes him such a strong leader, Governor DeSantis refused to bow to the baseless White House attacks and chastised the administration for its obsession with using the federal government to forcibly mask children.
“I mean, you’ve got to wonder, where are your priorities that you’re so obsessed with this issue and so obsessed with taking away parents’ rights?” the governor asked. “And you’re letting Afghanistan burn, our border burn, and so many other things in our country fall to pieces.”
Read the story here: https://thefederalist.com/2021/08/24/desantis-vindicated-theres-no-science-behind-masks-on-kids/
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Even New York Magazine reported that, “Children are less likely to have severe disease from SARS-CoV-2, and when infected less likely to be symptomatic, which correlates with lower contagiousness. Those facts alone may account for part of the reason why the Georgia study found no clear benefit for a masking requirement for kids in schools.”
Governor DeSantis announced Florida will host the upcoming Hula Bowl at the University of Central Florida’s Bounce House Stadium in 2022. The game, set for January 15, 2022, will be the ninth NCAA bowl game in Florida during the upcoming college football season. The Hula Bowl, which started in 1946, is a postseason “All Star” bowl game, featuring standout NCAA football players from all divisions.
“On behalf of our entire state, I’m proud to welcome the Hula Bowl to Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our state continues to attract premier athletic events, which is great news for our economy, Florida families, and the fans who come here from all over the world for world-class experiences.”
“The state of Florida has been amazing in welcoming our game to the Sunshine State and Governor DeSantis made it clear to us that the state of Florida is indeed open for business,” said Jennifer Logan, Executive Vice President of the Hula Bowl. “The Governor’s support for Floridians is clear.”
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/20/governor-desantis-announces-florida-will-host-the-hula-bowl-in-2022/
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The South Florida Water Management District held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an underground seepage wall in the 8.5 Square Mile Area (Las Palmas Community). The underground concrete wall will help mitigate flooding in the area, keep water in Everglades National Park, and support increased flows of water south which are necessary for Everglades restoration.
“When I took office, I made Everglades restoration and protection of Florida’s water resources a top priority,” Governor DeSantis said. “My administration has provided record investments and expedited key projects to restore the Everglades and send more water south. Today’s groundbreaking is yet another example of my administration’s commitment to Florida’s natural resources.”
Seepage walls are well-established engineering structures that help to limit the flow of water underground that can lead to above-ground flooding.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/20/governor-ron-desantis-celebrates-groundbreaking-of-underground-wall-to-support-everglades-restoration/
Washington, D.C.
The FBI very quietly exonerated President Trump and his supporters of any organized plot at the Capitol on January 6.
According to Reuters, which “broke” the story last Friday: “The FBI has found scant evidence that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was the result of an organized plot to overturn the presidential election result, according to four current and former law enforcement officials.” Reuters also reported: “Senior lawmakers have been briefed in detail on the results of the FBI’s investigation so far and find them credible, a Democratic congressional source said.”
To sum up, the entire Democrat/media narrative of insurrection and organized plots against the United States government was false. Most Republicans have known that to be the case all along, and now the rest of the country knows. Sort of.
It must be pointed out that the FBI leaked this late Friday — for decades a favored moment for politicians to release something they want to bury. In this case, it was also a Friday afternoon when the glaring story was the fall of Kabul and total hand over of Afghanistan to the Taliban by the Biden Administration. This timing was an obvious political act by federal law enforcement and should worry all Americans.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday night that the Biden administration likely violated federal law in trying to end President Trump’s Remain in Mexico program that had partnered with Mexican authorities to stabilize the border by requiring people to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the U.S. The Biden administration simply ended it with no other plan, kneecapped the Border Patrol and created a quasi-open Southern Border that has since been overrun.
A federal judge in Texas had previously ordered the Remain in Mexico program be reinstated. Both he and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused the Biden administration’s request to put the ruling on hold.
So, the Supreme Court ruling requires the Biden administration to make a “good faith effort” to restart the program. However, the administration already essentially ignored a Supreme Court ruling on its eviction ban, so it’s hard to know if it will ignore this ruling, too, continue its policy under a different program or obey the ruling.
Read the short ruling: https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/082421zr_2d9g.pdf
Social Media Highlights
REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.
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Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds
byrbyronbybWeekly Wrap-Up with
Congressman Byron Donalds
August 23, 2021
Last week, the United States House of Representatives remained in recess, giving me ample time to meet with constituents, local leaders, and America’s Governor, Ron DeSantis.
As Americans, our allies, and the rest of the world continue to witness the devastating consequences of Biden’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal, thousands of Americans and our Afghan partners remain trapped under Taliban control in Afghanistan. American foreign policy under the Biden-Harris Administration is a global embarrassment and has left our allies questioning our allegiance to them and further emboldening our enemies like the Taliban, the Chinese, and the Russians. Although our commander-in-chief has failed our brave servicemen and women, they need our prayers and unwavering support during this difficult time. I encourage everyone to reach out to their loved ones who have served our currently serving and let them know we honor and appreciate what they have done for the greatest country in the world.
While President Biden sabbaticals at Camp David and is forced to cancel plans to vacation in Delaware, the White House remains defiant and unwilling to admit their catastrophic failure. Just as bad, the United States Vice President is utterly silent on the issue and went through with plans to visit Asia amongst this global crisis she and Biden created. America lacks leadership, and our national security, relationship with allies, and safety of our diplomatic and military service members are on this line.
My office stands ready to assist any constituent attempting to help their loved ones in the region who meet the qualifications for rescue. If you or someone you know in Florida’s 19th Congressional District needs assistance, please reach out to my district offices:
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OFFICE STAFF
(239)252-6225 – COLLIER COUNTY OFFICE
(239)599-6033 – LEE COUNTY OFFICE
Lastly, as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to commend the efforts of all our medical personnel working around the clock to help save lives. Vaccine rates in our state and our community amongst the most vulnerable are significantly high, which aides us in our fight against the pandemic. I encourage everyone to consult their physicians and consult themselves on whether getting vaccinated is the right decision for you and your family. I support everyone’s decision to make the health decisions suitable for them, not for the government. As the Biden-Harris Administration, liberal school boards, corporations, and blue cities and counties continue to impose burdensome mandates and protocols; we must not abridge the freedoms of the American people for the sake of public safety. I continue to commend Governor DeSantis for standing for liberty and taking power away from government and into the hands of the people who elected us to office.
Continue reading for a legislative update on Capitol Hill, recent community events in Southwest Florida, information about my upcoming Town Hall, and more!
Town Hall in Southwest Florida
I’m hosting a Town Hall!
Join me on Thursday, August 26th, in Estero for a Town Hall to receive an update on everything happening on Capitol Hill, ways in which I can better serve you, and to discuss the most significant issues impacting our community and your families.
For more information, please visit my website.
Updated August Town Hall
Anti-CRT Press Conference
In support of our children’s education, I’m hosting a Press Conference on Friday, August 27th in Fort Myers. Held at the Lee County School District Administration Building, Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman and State Representative Spencer Roach will be joining me to discuss the dangers of Critical Race Theory and how it has never been more imperative or crucial to step up in defense of our children. For more information, visit my website.
Join me on Friday at 11 AM to stop Critical Racde Theory in our schools!
Lee County CRT Press Conference
Community Engagement
I was thrilled to join the Naples Area Professional League of Executive Services (NAPLES) Group last week to meet several of the hardworking & talented business leaders and executives here in Southwest Florida. Our community and its businesses are growing daily, and entrepreneurs like the ones I met with are making Florida’s 19th Congressional District the best place to live, work, & play!
Florida’s citrus growers and the entire agriculture community are crucial to the health and success of Florida’s economy. I was honored to serve as the Keynote Speaker at the Gulf Citrus Growers Association Banquet that took place last week. Florida’s farmers and growers not only feed millions of Floridians, but millions around the country and I’m proud to support their efforts and their industry.
citrus banquet 2
Last week, the Lee County School Board held a meeting to vote on a proposed measure that would implement a mask mandate for our children while in school. I proudly spoke in opposition to this proposal. Parents should decide what healthcare is best for their children, not over-reaching and power-hungry government leaders. It is past time to end the political theatre and stop using our young children as pawns.
I will always stand for individual freedom and I’m proud of the Lee County School Board Members who voted ‘No’ on this ridiculous mask mandate.
Governor DeSantis in Southwest Florida
I was proud to join Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis as he announced the opening of a monoclonal treatment site in Bonita Springs. Early treatment against COVID-19 saves lives, and because of Governor DeSantis’s strong leadership, Southwest Floridians are more equipped to successfully combat COVID-19.
For information on how to find clinics nearest to you, please visit the link below:
Florida’s COVID-19 Response: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatments
DeSantis in Bonita
Passing of Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff First Class Steven Mazzotta
The news of Deputy Mazzotta’s passing is a heartbreaking tragedy.
The men and women in uniform who protect our communities are the bravest among us, and I thank Deputy Mazzotta for a lifetime of dedicated and devoted service.
EOW: 8/16/2021
deputy mazzotta
In the Media
ICYMI: I joined Fox Business’s ‘The Evening Edit’ this past week to discuss why Americans are sick of the top-down, heavy-handed COVID-19 mandates.
It is time we embrace freedom and liberty – two things that define our great nation. The American people deserve answers, not mandates. Click the link below to watch the full interview:
Rep. Byron Donalds weighs in on vaccine and mask mandates in states like California
Last week, I joined Will Cain on ‘Fox News Primetime’ last week to discuss the never-ending COVID-19 lockdowns, mandates, and over-reaching government tyrants. Our children shouldn’t be forced to wear a mask during the school day – that choice should be determined by parents, not power-hungry politicians. More on my thoughts on the freedom of choice below:
Last week, I was a guest on Newsmax’s ‘American Agenda’ to discuss President Biden’s failed leadership in the Middle East. We have a President too busy vacationing in Delaware to avoid taking questions from the press, instead of creating an evacuation plan that prioritizes the safety of all American lives. The humanitarian crisis occurring in Afghanistan falls upon the hands of President Biden.
Last week, I sat down with Jan Jeffcoat, host of ‘The National Desk’ to discuss Biden’s abysmal handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This global embarrassment starts at the top with the commander-in-chief; we cannot forget who had the final word in this. Joe Biden is responsible, period. Click the link below for the full interview:
Rep. Donalds: “If You’re Going to Withdraw, You Withdraw Your Military Last”
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
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress
Office Locations
WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
523 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2536
NAPLES DISTRICT OFFICE
3299 Tamiami Trail East
Suite 105
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-6225
LEE COUNTY OFFICE
1039 SE 9th Ave
Suite 308
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 599-6033
Diaz-Balart: House Democratic Leadership Must Abandon ‘Spend Now, Pay Later’ Mentality
Diaz-Balart: House Democratic Leadership Must Abandon ‘Spend Now, Pay Later’ Mentality
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement on House Democratic Leadership’s $3.5 trillion partisan spending spree.
“House Democratic Leadership’s track record has consistently proven that they have no regard for the consequences of their reckless spending– consequences that our children and grandchildren will inevitably have to face. Their latest $3.5 trillion debacle is a trojan horse filled with nothing but socialist policies and wasteful spending that will kill American jobs, prop the Chinese Communist Party by sending American businesses overseas, escalate taxes on hardworking Americans, and increase the already-growing inflation. If signed into law, this bill would have catastrophic, long-term effects on the livelihood of hardworking American families and businesses. Our nation is already feeling the effects of rising inflation and small businesses continue to face a dire labor shortage. Further increasing our national debt will not only extend the duration and magnitude of this problem, but it will also have devastating implications on our nation’s economy.”
Chairman’s Message – From the desk of Joe Gruters
Chairman’s Message
Governor DeSantis Stays Focused on Saving Lives
Governor DeSantis is prioritizing rapid response strike teams centers for Florida Covid patients by setting up new monoclonal antibody therapy treatment sites in Broward County, West Palm Beach County, Brevard County, Orlando and Jacksonville, with more to come around the state. These locations will have the capacity to serve hundreds of patients every day in areas with higher outbreaks. It’s strategic and making a difference.
“Early monoclonal antibody treatment keeps people out of the hospital and saves lives,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We look forward to continuing to open these sites throughout the state and hope awareness about the treatment continues to spread.”
Crisscrossing the state to raise awareness of these effective drug treatments, the Governor is also energetically backed by leading medical professionals in Florida.
“The Governor is absolutely spot on,” said John Couris, President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “This is a therapy that is effective, but this is a therapy that is less known. This is a therapy that needs to be taken advantage of and Tampa General Hospital, USF and our private practice physicians are using it very successfully on positive COVID-19 patients.”
“We were the first system in Florida to offer monoclonal antibodies to COVID patients,” said Dr. Kami Kim, MD, from Tampa General and USF Morsani College of Medicine. “So far we have treated over 1,600 patients with monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID. These treatments, as Governor DeSantis, Dean Lockwood and Mr. Couris said, prevent the virus from infecting our cells. You probably heard them called ‘neutralizing antibodies’ and that is because they neutralize the virus. That’s a pretty powerful treatment against the virus that is very effective in our own studies and in studies across the country.”
More monoclonal antibody strike teams are being created to take treatment directly to Florida’s vulnerable populations in long-term care facilities. Rather than having nursing home residents be required to leave the facility to receive monoclonal antibody therapy, these teams will deploy to them on site to provide treatment.
“The monoclonal antibody treatment can be a game changer if you get it early,” said Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration Simone Marstiller. “I have seen firsthand how effective this therapy can be at keeping people out of the hospital and speeding their recovery. Once again, Governor DeSantis has prioritized Florida’s seniors and has created a delivery system for the monoclonal antibody treatment that will allow Florida’s most vulnerable citizens to receive the treatment without leaving their long-term care facility and keeping them at home and out of hospitals.”
To find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatments: floridahealthcovid19.gov.
Read more about Orlando here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/16/governor-ron-desantis-announces-new-monoclonal-antibody-site-in-orlando/
Watch Orlando announcement here: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/8-16-21-governors-press-conference-on-coronavirus-covid-19/
Read more about Brevard here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/17/governor-ron-desantis-announces-new-monoclonal-antibody-site-in-brevard-county/
Read more about Jacksonville here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/12/governor-ron-desantis-announces-expanded-monoclonal-antibody-access-in-florida-with-new-monoclonal-antibody-centers/
Watch Jacksonville announcement here: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/8-12-21-governors-press-conference-on-coronavirus-covid-19/
Read more about Broward here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/18/governor-ron-desantis-expands-access-to-covid-treatment-by-opening-new-monoclonal-antibody-site-in-broward-county/
Read more about the West Palm here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/18/governor-ron-desantis-announces-new-monoclonal-antibody-site-in-west-palm-beach/
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Note on the our Third Quarter Meeting:
Omni Hotels & Resorts will continue with its current Safe and Clean protocols, but will follow state and local mandates pertaining to guest and associate requirements for mask wearing and social distancing while indoors. At this time there aren’t any mandates for Osceola or Orange county.
Florida
The Florida Board of Education voted to hold Broward County and Alachua County school boards accountable for imposing strict mask requirements in violation of new state rules.
“Every school board member and superintendent has the duty to comply with the law, whether they agree with it or not,” said Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran during an emergency meeting Tuesday evening.
The state board voted to direct Corcoran “to take all legal steps” to enforce the state rules. Those new rules aim to guarantee that parents have the right to decide if their children wear masks at school or not.
Board Chairman Tom Grady outlined the potential actions: “That may include withholding funds from the district — although I would add a footnote that I do not want to withhold funds in a way that would harm any child in any district…It may involve withholding salaries. It may involve removing officers…It may involve reviewing district conduct. It may involve public records requests to see how monies are being spent within the district, including whether they’re being spent for public relations or political purposes contrary to their constitutional mandate. It would include enhanced reporting and accountability to this board.”
He also said that there may be a report to the Legislature with recommendations for lawmakers to take further steps in law.
Governor DeSantis is proposing three policies for the next session to help recruit law enforcement officers.
The Governor announced the policies at the 2021 Biennial National Conference & Expo hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police with the goal of continuing to show Florida’s support for its high quality local and state law enforcement agencies.
“As so many cities and states choose to disrespect, degrade and defund the honorable work of law enforcement, we want Florida to continue valuing our men and women of law enforcement today, tomorrow and for generations to come,” Governor DeSantis said. “That’s why today, I am proud to announce new initiatives to recruit and reward brave, high quality law enforcement officers in Florida that I will be including in my legislative priorities for our upcoming legislative session, including $5,000 signing bonuses.”
These proposals provide state resources to recruit law enforcement officers through three programs:
New officer signing bonuses;
Academy scholarship program;
Out-of-state relocation support.
To read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/17/governor-ron-desantis-announces-new-initiatives-to-recruit-law-enforcement-officers-to-florida/
Watch the full event video here: https://rumble.com/vlbet4-governor-ron-desantis-announces-new-initiatives-to-recruit-law-enforcement-.html
Washington, D.C.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio was on Fox News’ Sean Hannity program explaining that Biden was warned for months what would happen in Afghanistan if there was a precipitous U.S. withdrawal of military forces. And he ignored it, and the consequences happened.
“Sean, not just did I tell them, but it was a bipartisan warning, OK?” he said. “You look at the intelligence, you look at everything before us, it was clear that not only was it the worst-case scenario out there, it was the likeliest outcome that was going to happen, and we kept insisting, what is the plan if this happens? What is the plan? And they arrogantly, and they smugly ignored it. They ignored everyone who was warning them because they’re the experts, they know everything, and now we’ve seen the consequences.”
“There are two things now to keep in mind,” Rubio continued. “Number one is Joe Biden was elected promising competence, the return on normalcy, the return of expertise to foreign policy, and we see that they can’t even execute on something like this, and ignore the people who know something about it. That does encourage people like China — countries like China and other adversaries not just to go out and try to undermine confidence in America, but actually test America and think they can get away with it.”
“And the other is something that the Pentagon’s already saying, and we’ve already been saying for close to nine months, the biggest problem here is going to be now that al Qaeda is coming back to Afghanistan, let there be no doubt,” he added.
REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.
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RPOF Newsletter – Chairman’s Message
Chairman’s Message
On the Right Side of Civil Liberties
The erosion of civil liberties over the decades has gone into lightspeed in recent months with the Covid-related mask mandates, vaccine passports and shutdowns, taking it from the important realm of public health to the critical realm of personal freedom.
That’s why the battle being waged by Governor Ron DeSantis and other courageous, principled Republicans on behalf of the essential civil liberty of freedom is so vital and requires our support. In the case of mask mandates, it is a question of whether it is the right of parents to decide if their child should be masked, or government-run schools. Some union-beholden school boards in Florida want to make the decision, then dictate that on every student and parent. For Governor DeSantis, it’s the parents who should decide — they can mask their children or not mask them — and that is the side of individual freedoms.
It’s the same dynamic in vaccine passports. The Governor supports the vaccines and has been vaccinated. But he, like most Republicans, believes that the decision should be up to each individual, not government entities including public schools, and not corporations or businesses. In America, in the Republican Party, we treasure freedom and will fight to defend it.
As part of this fight, parental rights were strengthened this past week when the Florida Department of Health and State Board of Education issued Emergency Rules to protect parents’ freedom to choose what is best for their children. These rules are pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 21-175 to allow an effective, in-person learning environment for Florida’s schoolchildren during the upcoming school year, preventing harm to healthy students and safeguarding the rights of parents and their children.
This rule is to ensure Floridians’ constitutional freedoms are not violated, do not violate parents’ rights under Florida law to make health care decisions for their minor children; and protect children with disabilities or health conditions who would be harmed by certain protocols, such as face masking requirements.
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Note on our Third Quarter Meeting:
Omni Hotels & Resorts will continue with its current Safe and Clean protocols, but will follow state and local mandates pertaining to guest and associate requirements for mask wearing and social distancing while indoors. At this time there aren’t any mandates for Osceola or Orange counties.
Florida
Highlighting how Florida gives bonuses to law enforcement, not defunds it, Governor Ron DeSantis recognized several law enforcement officers, first responders and rescue teams in presenting them with one-time relief checks through the “Florida’s Heroes” initiative.
The initiative is an opportunity to recognize law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and firefighters in the state of Florida with a one-time relief payment of up to $1,000 to 49,000 law enforcement officers as an appreciation of the selfless sacrifices made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“First responders work every single day – no matter the conditions – to keep us safe,” Governor DeSantis said. “That was perhaps never more apparent than during the last year and a half during the pandemic. I am proud to deliver these checks to show our immense gratitude for their service.”
The Governor presented one-time checks to the Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, who worked tirelessly after the Surfside tragedy.
“The men and women joining me here today from Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces 1 and 2 are the best of the best. We thank them for their tireless response in Surfside and hope these relief checks express our gratitude for all that they have done in our state.”
Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/10/governor-desantis-presents-first-responders-relief-checks-to-urban-search-and-rescue-task-forces-1-2/
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Governor DeSantis then distributed checks to first responders with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, where he was joined by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/10/governor-ron-desantis-distributes-bonus-checks-to-jacksonville-sheriffs-deputies-through-the-floridas-heroes-initiative/
And the Governor distributed relief checks to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, where he was joined by Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons.
Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/08/10/governor-ron-desantis-thanks-escambia-county-sheriffs-deputies-for-service-with-floridas-heroes-initiative-relief-checks/
Governor DeSantis also traveled the state to thank educators by distributing one-time disaster relief checks up to $1,000 in recognition of their hard work teaching students in the challenging 2020-2021 school year. The Governor kept the schools open last year for crucial in-person learning and Florida educators stepped up. These 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments represent the state’s gratitude.
“During the legislative session, I proposed $1,000 bonuses for all public-school teachers and principals because I recognized the important role teachers played in providing in-person learning,” Governor DeSantis said. “We recognized that teachers, principals and first responders have dealt with countless challenges over the past year. I think people are going to look back and say, ‘Florida stood by its kids and teachers’ while other states did not.”
The Governor was in Bay County and Pinellas County to personally thank and encourage educators in those districts.
The historic gaming compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior this past week. This agreement, the largest gaming compact in history, will generate a minimum of $2.5 billion in new revenue to the state over the next five years and an estimated $6 billion through 2030. The Tribe is not currently making any revenue payments to the state.
“The final approval of this historic gaming compact is a big deal for the State of Florida,” Governor DeSantis said. “This mutually-beneficial agreement will grow our economy, expand tourism and recreation and provide billions in new revenue to benefit Floridians.”
“Today is a great day for the people of Florida, who will benefit not only from a $2.5 billion revenue sharing guarantee over five years, but also from statewide sports betting and new casino games that will roll out this fall and mean more jobs for Floridians and more money invested in this state,” said Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “We thank Governor DeSantis, President Simpson, Speaker Sprowls and the Florida Legislature for their leadership and hard work.”
Washington, D.C.
Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott voted against the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that passed the Senate the day before voting against the even more massive $3.5 trillion budget framework.
“I support investing in roads, bridges, broadband, and efforts to mitigate against sea level rise, and I hoped there would be a bill I could vote for,” Rubio said. “But this bill was negotiated in secret, rushed through the process without meaningful opportunities to have input, and adds a net increase of $350 billion to the national debt. I can’t vote for a bill like that.
“The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would add a net $350 billion to projected deficits through 2031. The package follows the Democrats’ irresponsible American Rescue Plan, which prompted Obama Administration economists to raise alarms over inflation. And it will be followed by “a massive, $3.5 trillion spending proposal through the U.S. Senate that would fundamentally transform America into a far-left fever dream.”
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Senator Marco Rubio, who is the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is calling on the director of national intelligence to investigate allegations that the federal government “unmasked” Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Rubio wrote that recent media reports that “Mr. Carlson was unmasked by a government agency” have “only fueled the perception that unmasking is being used as a political hammer or to satisfy curiosity.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/566207-rubio-presses-dni-to-investigate-alleged-unmasking-of-tucker-carlson
REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.
PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP