2021 Wrap Up: Congressman Donalds Remains Committed to Southwest Florida

In the Congressman’s first year in office, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) never stopped fighting for the hardworking and proud Americans of Florida’s 19TH Congressional District. Rep. Donalds never wavered in his fight against the radical and reckless policies of the Biden-Harris-Pelosi-Schumer agenda, always found opportunities to work with Democrats on key issues to better the American people, and work relentlessly to prioritize the needs of his constitutes.

2021 Breakdown:

• 11 bills sponsored
• 2 resolutions sponsored
• More than 110 cosponsored letters
• More than 170 bills cosponsored
• More than 350 interviews with Southwest Florida and National reporters
• 750 constituent cases resolved

Rep. Donalds’ Legislative Accomplishments:

Protecting Southwest Florida’s Natural Resources and Water

• One of the greatest things about Florida is the beauty of our environment and water. As promised, my first bill in Congress was the Harmful Algal Bloom Essential Forecasting Act. This bipartisan bill would allow for the water to be monitored in light of a government shutdown. I supported 7 pieces of legislation and signed onto more than 20 letters to support the vitality of Florida’s wildlife, water, and environment.

Prohibiting Biden’s Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandate 

• In my first year of Congress, I had the privilege of supporting more than 18 pieces of legislation and 12 letters that would fight against the politicization of covid-19 and combat the government’s overreach into the lives of millions of Americans. Whether it was legislation that would prevent unconstitutional vaccine mandates or protect citizens’ access to monoclonal treatment, I am proud to continue the efforts of a full recovery post-pandemic and uphold the integrity of our constitution.

Defending Life

• I’ve long been an advocate for life. This year I submitted an amendment to prevent giants like Planned Parenthood and its affiliates from accessing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Funds. I also supported legislation that would protect the life of the unborn, like the Hyde amendment, and sent countless letters advocating for children.

Backing the Blue

• I back the blue. This year I introduced a resolution honoring fallen officers. I also signed supported legislation to establish an officers’ bill of rights and strengthen police funding. More than ever, we see with spiking crime rates under the Biden administration how important it is to support officers in our communities. I’m proud to back the blue, and I will continue to do so.

Fighting Critical Race Theory

• Democrats are determined to undermine the beauty of our nation by teaching radical ideologies that taint the minds and perceptions of our students. I support education and honoring the good and bad of our nation’s history, but that is not what CRT is doing. This year I signed onto several letters and legislation to protect our students from radical democrat teachings that strive to divide Americans further.

Securing our Border

• This year I visited the border twice and saw firsthand the travesty the Biden administration has been covering up for the last year. I’ve signed onto more than 20 immigration-related letters and cosponsored 10 pieces of immigration legislation that would enforce and strengthen our existing laws, protect our citizens, and require immediate deportation of criminally convicted illegal immigrants.

Supporting our Small Businesses

• Small businesses have been the backbone of the U.S. economy. After the havoc the covid-19 pandemic imposed upon them, I knew I wanted to serve on the House Small Business Committee. I’m happy to say that I introduced two small business bills this year, one that would help improve cyber security for small businesses. The other would allow small business owners to access capital through the FinTech sector. In addition to those pieces of legislation, I cosponsored 12 pieces of small business legislation, offered 3 amendments, and signed onto more than 20 small business-related letters. Florida’s 19th district has some of the most amazing small businesses in the country, and those businesses are a large part of what makes my district so unique.

Taking care of our Veterans and Servicemembers

• Our nation is the beacon of hope because of the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. It’s been said before that we are the land of the free because of the brave. This is why I’m pleased to say I hosted a veterans town hall, cosponsored 9 pieces of legislation, and signed several letters that would support our troops and veterans. Some of these efforts included troops not being dishonorably discharged if they refused the vaccine. Additionally, I supported efforts like the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, which would allow paralyzed veterans to purchase new vehicles every ten years to allow for mobility and independence. I’ve also supported efforts to have members of the Biden administration testify before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on the inconceivable and disgraceful backlog of veteran’s records.

Notable Speeches & Opinion Pieces

• Remarks at the House Oversight Hearing on the fossil fuel industry
• Remarks at the GOP Freshman Delegation press conference
• Remarks on the House Floor opposing the Build Back Better Act
• Washington Times: Divisive critical race theory spits on the Civil Rights Movement
• News Press: Intimidation, coercion, nor harassment is effective governing
• Fox News: Colin Powell and his inspiring vision of a great America
• News Press: Cuba: In a nation deprived and starved of optimism, there is hope
• The Hill: For America’s future, look to Africa
• News Press: A beacon of freedom
• The Hill: Divide and conquer or unite and prosper

For complete access to speeches, media interviews, and much more, be sure to subscribe to my Congressional YouTube account, Newsletter, and social media accounts with the username @RepDonaldsPress.

Happy New Year!