Congress

Members of Congress are sent to Washington to serve the people they represent, not their own interests.  As President Donald J. Trump said in his Inaugural Address, this past election demonstrated that power must be restored to the people instead of Washington elites.  Know that as your representative I will remain focused on serving the people of Florida’s 4th District above all else, and I hope and expect the people will hold me accountable.

Environment

Florida’s environment is central to our state’s economy and Florida way of life.  I take seriously the responsibility to be a good steward of our environment, so that it can be there for generations to come. That is why I have worked to protect our environment through prudent regulation that prevents unnecessary harm. This includes my work to ban offshore drilling off the coast of Florida, reduce the impact of flooding, protect the North Atlantic right whale, and better manage our fisheries. You may be interested to know some of the following legislative actions I’ve taken in this regard:  

• Introduced H.R. 3585, the Bolstering Economies, Anglers, Coastal Habitats, Ecosystems and Security (BEACHES) in Florida Act, which would create a 10-year moratorium on oil and gas exploration off Florida’s coasts. I was very pleased to see President Trump recently sign an executive order to do just this – establish a drilling moratorium off the coast of Florida until 2032. 
• Introduced H.R. 4542, the Nation’s Oldest Port Heritage Area Act, which would create a National Heritage Area spanning Nassau, Duval, St. Johns and Flagler counties to preserve the unique history and environment in certain coastal areas throughout our region. This designation would provide federal dollars to promote historical preservation, conservation, and tourism.   
• Joined the American Flood Coalition, a non-partisan group of government officials, coastal communities, and military leaders who work to build resiliency against rising sea levels. 
• Introduced H.R. 1568, the Scientific Assistance for Very Endangered (SAVE) North Atlantic Right Whales Act of 2019, which would authorize $5 million in grants to help protect the nearly extinct North Atlantic right whale.  
• Secured $1.5 million to improve the data collection for South Atlantic red snapper, which will help extend the recreational red snapper fishing season.
• Introduced H.R. 1149, the Atlantic Coastal Economies Protection Act, which would prohibit seismic testing in the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. 
• Cosponsored H.R. 3742, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2019, which would support the conservation and restoration of wildlife and plant species.  
• Supported the bipartisan Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) when it passed the House and was signed into law by the President, making available $1.9 billion annually to address the National Parks deferred maintenance backlog.  Importantly, this money comes from federal mineral royalties – not taxpayer dollars.

Hurricane Preparedness

As we monitor Hurricane Irma, I urge every Floridian to get a plan and be prepared for potential life threatening impacts of the storm. Below are helpful contact numbers and websites to help you prepare:

Important Numbers:

Emergency: 911

Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office Non-Emergency: (904) 630-0500

St. John’s County Sherriff’s Office: (904) 824-8304

Nassau County Sherriff’s Office: (904) 225-5174

FEMA Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-3362

Florida Help Line: 211

Jacksonville Electric Authority: (800) 683-5542

Beaches Energy Services: (904) 247-6241

Florida Power and Light: (800) 468-8243

State Volunteer and Donations:(800) 354-3571

American Red Cross: (904) 358-8091

Price Gouging Hotline: (866) 966-7226

Jacksonville Special Needs Shelter Information: (904) 255-3110

National Weather Service Jacksonville: (800) 499-1594 ext. 1

City of Jacksonville: (904) 630-2489

Duval County Emergency Management:

                  Phone: (904) 630-2472

            Twitter: @JaxReady

Nassau County Emergency Management:

                  Phone: (904) 548-0900

            Twitter: @NassauEM

St. John’s County Emergency Management:

                  Phone: (904) 824-5550

                  Twitter: @StJohnsEOC

Radio Stations

Florida Public Radio Emergency Network: 89.9 WJCT-FM

Social Media Accounts

Florida Division of Emergency Management:

                  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT/        

                  Twitter: @FLSERT

Florida Department of Transportation:

                  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLDOT/

            Twitter: @MyFDOT

Nassau County Emergency Management:

                  Phone: (904) 548-0900

                  Twitter: @NassauEM

St. Johns County Emergency Management:

                  Phone: (904) 824-5550

                  Twitter: @StJohnsEOC

City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division:

            Facebook: facebook.com/JaxReady

            Twitter: @JaxReady

National Weather Service Jacksonville:

            Facebook: facebook.com/NWSJacksonville

            Twitter: @NWSJacksonville

NOAA:

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOAA/

            Twitter: @NOAA

Websites

To identify which evacuation zone you are in: 

                  Jacksonville: http://www.coj.net/departments/fire-and-rescue/emergency-preparedness/get-prepared/evacuation-zones.aspx

                  St. John’s County: http://www.sjcemergencymanagement.org/evacinfo.html

                  Nassau County: http://www.nassaucountyfl.com/index.aspx?NID=72

City of Jacksonville 2017 JaxReady Emergency Preparedness Guide: click HERE.

City of Jacksonville Special Needs Shelter Registration: click HERE.

As always, remember that my office is open and available to assist you. To stay up to date on breaking news, please visit my Facebook and Twitter pages.

Immigration

The United States has been and will continue to be a nation of immigrants that welcomes people from around the world who love this land. However, to ensure our immigration programs are fair and effective, the U.S. government must uphold its own laws and prioritize the protection of our citizens. In Congress, I’m working to protect our national security and the economic well-being of hardworking Americans. You may be interested to know some of the following legislative actions I’ve taken in this regard:

• Supported H.R. 5417, the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act, which would create a mechanism to bring sanctions on drug cartels.
• Introduced H.R. 2124, the E-2 Visa Improvement Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for nonimmigrant E-2 Visa holders who have been in the U.S. for at least ten years and who own a business that employs at least two Americans.
• Cosponsored H.R. 714, the El Chapo Act, which would fund the border wall with Treasury forfeiture money.
• Cosponsored H.R. 586, the Fix the Immigration Loopholes Act, which would address loopholes in the asylum system and clarify standards for the detention of un-accompanied children and families.

Military and Veterans

Northeast Florida is proudly home to thousands of veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families. Our critical military installations such as Naval Station Mayport, NAS Jacksonville, USMC Blount Island Command, and the 125th Fighter Wing are key to America’s national security. In Congress, one of my top priorities is to continue rebuilding our military and ensuring our veteran community has the resources they need to successfully transition into civilian life. You may be interested to know some of the following legislative actions I’ve taken in this regard: 

• Introduced and passed the Veterans Armed for Success Act, which would create a grant program for outside organizations that provide transition assistance and wraparound services to newly separated veterans.
• Introduced and passed legislation to name the St. Augustine VA clinic after Leo Chase, Jr., the first person in St. Johns County to die in the Vietnam War.
• Worked to improve transition assistance for women veterans as they return to civilian life.
• Introduced H.R. 3103, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act, which creates a grant program through the VA to pair servicemembers suffering from PTSD with service dogs.
• Increased oversight for VA’s community care program to ensure that veterans have adequate choice in their health care.
• Introduced H.R. 4446, the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act, with Rep. Al Lawson to establish the Cecil Field project as the “national” museum.
• Supported legislation to extend service connection eligibility for Vietnam veterans impacted by Agent Orange.
• Cosponsored H.R. 663, the Burn Pits Accountability Act, which would require the Department of Defense to evaluate and track the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals.
• Successfully advocated to bring the F-35 program to the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville.
• Worked to increase the number of ships homeported at Naval Station Mayport.
• Fought to protect the workforce at the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in Jacksonville.
• Worked with the Navy and private industry to improve ship repair planning

Community Safety

As a former Sheriff with over 40 years of law enforcement experience, nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of our community. In Congress, I’m advocating for policies focused on keeping kids safe in school, families safe at home, and police safe while doing their important and dangerous job. You may be interested to know some of the following legislative actions I’ve taken in this regard: 

• Sponsored the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act to increase penalties for ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers.
• Authored the STOP School Violence Act, signed into law in 2018, to improve student safety and prevent acts of violence before they happen. So far, $300 million in STOP School Violence grants have been made available to increase mental health resources, expand coordination with law enforcement, create tip lines, and update school security infrastructure at schools nationwide, including $500,000 for Duval County Public Schools.
• Cosponsored H.R. 5229, the Luke and Alex School Safety Act, to create an information clearinghouse on school safety at the Department of Homeland Security. 
• Supported the Threat Assessment, Prevention, and Safety Act of 2019 to promote threat assessment trainings for law enforcement, mental health professionals, and educational institutions.
• Advocated for the School Resource Officer Act of 2019 to hire additional School Resource Officers.
• Introduced H.R. 2379 to provide bulletproof vests for state and local law enforcement agencies.
• Cosponsored H.R. 1156, the LEOSA Reform Act, to continue concealed carry by retired law enforcement officers.
• Introduced H.R. 5403, the Courthouse Dogs Act, to allow emotional support dogs in federal courthouses.

Health Care

America leads the world in healthcare innovation and providing patients the highest quality of care. Unfortunately, since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we have seen higher premiums, larger deductibles, and fewer choices for patients. While many have greater access to insurance through the health exchanges, this coverage does not truly equal care.  Americans deserve a path forward that makes the highest quality healthcare affordable to all Americans.  This includes making prescription drugs more affordable, covering those with pre-existing conditions, giving families greater choice and flexibility in purchasing coverage that best fits their need, and supporting research and development of treatments and cures. You may be interested to know some of the following legislative actions I’ve taken in this regard:

• Chair of the House Lung Cancer Caucus, Chair of the House Crohn’s and Colitis Caucus, member of the Rare Disease Caucus, and member of the Congressional Alzheimer’s Caucus
• Supported H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, a bipartisan proposal to lower prescription drug costs that caps seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs, lowers the cost of insulin, encourages innovation in developing new cures and treatments, and gives patients greater transparency of their treatment options.
• Worked to guarantee coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions, even if the Affordable Care Act is overturned in the courts, by cosponsoring H.R. 4159, the Ensuring Coverage for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions Act, and H.R. 692, the Pre-existing Conditions Protection Act of 2019.
• Advocated for H.R. 1034, the Phair Pricing Act, to increase prescription drug price transparency at the point-of-sale.
• Cosponsored H.R. 2279, the Safe Step Act, which gives doctors and patients greater choice when prescribing medications.
• Fought to increase funding for research and development of treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Worked to improve access to new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS through H.R. 7071, the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act.
• Cosponsored H.R. 2222, a bipartisan bill to expand awareness, education, and research on the disparate impact of lung cancer on women.
• Supported H.R.4439, the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, to expedite FDA approval of treatments for rare pediatric diseases, which recently passed the House with bipartisan support.

Economy

For far too long, America’s broken tax code held back our economy from creating jobs, raising wages, and expanding opportunity for Americans. That’s why I was proud to support the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which has unleashed unprecedented economic growth in the United States. In the last three years we have seen historically low unemployment rates, record breaking investment in American companies, and economic expansion throughout the United States. You may be interested to know some of the following legislative actions I’ve taken in this regard: 

• Helped pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, historic tax reform that simplified the tax code, cut taxes for families and small businesses, and ushered in a new era of economic growth in America.
• Introduced H.R. 5437, the Boosting America’s Exports Act, bipartisan legislation to help small businesses export their products.
• Cosponsored H.R. 2213, bipartisan legislation to permanently extend the work opportunity tax credit.
• Advocated for the bipartisan New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2019, which would spur increased investments in underdeveloped markets.
• Fought for tax relief for craft beverage producers to help small businesses invest and grow.
• Supported passage of the SECURE Act that makes it easier for Americans to save for retirement

Defense

I believe that to keep America safe, we must make America strong.  The most important job of the federal government is to protect the homeland.  Florida’s 4th Congressional district is home to some of the nation’s finest military installations, including Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, the Florida National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing, and USMC’s Blount Island.  Years of budget cuts have decreased the readiness of our armed forces, and I am committed to rebuilding our military as it serves and protects around the world. Northeast Florida and the brave men and women who live there play a key role in our national security.  Making investments in our military now ensures peace through strength.

Education

The future of our nation rests on the education of the next generation, and Congress has an obligation to ensure state and local communities are well-equipped to meet the needs of their students.  One-size fits all federal rules and mandates hinder our communities’ ability to meet their specific needs, and I am committed to restoring state and local control of education policy.  Reducing federal intrusion into state and local decision-making will empower the educators and administrators who know the needs of their students best.

Judiciary

Our judicial system must remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities. The Constitution provides our government with a system of checks and balances, and our government is most effective when each branch operates as it was designed to.

Veterans

When our fellow Americans bravely put on the uniform to serve, as over 150,000 Northeast Floridians have, we must ensure that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed.  Our nation’s commitment to our service men and women must not end when they depart the military.  Yet we continue to hear stories of veterans not receiving the care and services they deserve. That’s why when I came to Congress, I wanted to and now proudly serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee where I can work on addressing these issues firsthand.  In coordination with my colleagues on the Committee, veteran service organizations, and the VA leadership, I am committed to working to restoring a culture of accountability at the VA.  I take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to work on legislation that has positive impacts in the lives of our nation’s veterans.