The Webster Wire Listening to FloridiansDear Friends: Throughout my public service, I have advocated for policies that support local projects and have worked to find solutions that preserve and protect Florida’s precious natural resources, while balancing the needs of our growing economy. Last week, I voted to pass H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which advances locally driven projects that strengthen our supply chain and critical infrastructure. This bill is a huge win for Florida, specifically authorizing projects that invest in flood and hurricane protection, beach and ecosystem restoration and infrastructure needed to ensure water quality. There is no reason why the U.S. Senate shouldn’t quickly pass and send this bill to President Biden. I also voted to pass H.R. 8998, the Interior, Environment Appropriations Act of 2025, which fulfills our commitment to unleash American energy production, safeguard American jobs and protect access to public lands, all while cutting wasteful spending, and burdensome regulations. Under President Trump, America was the world’s largest energy producer and gas was affordable. But the Biden-Harris Administration has carried out a crusade against American energy by halting critical energy projects and issuing heavy-handed regulations that have led to higher costs for Americans. This legislation reins in the radical climate agenda of the Biden-Harris Administration and puts America first by prioritizing funding for projects that will promote domestic energy production and protecting Americans recreational access to public lands. I’m pleased we were able to save taxpayer dollars while also funding projects that are important to my district including wastewater capacity upgrades in the cities of Wildwood and Winter Garden. Protecting Veterans’ Access to HealthcareOn Thursday, I introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, along with Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), to protect veterans who have chosen to utilize the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) over services inside the VA. When the MISSION Act was signed into law under the Trump Administration, it gave veterans greater control over their healthcare and provided more quality choices within their communities. This legislation protects the progress made by requiring the consideration of continuity healthcare, ensuring veterans can continue receiving community care without disruption. If you are a veteran or know a veteran in need of assistance with a claim before the VA, help getting an appointment or getting VA payment for eligible equipment or device, please contact my office at 352-241-9220. Holding Border Czar Harris AccountableI also voted to pass a resolution condemning the Biden Administration and its “Border Czar”, Kamala Harris, for failing to secure our nation’s borders. Despite the media’s attempted cover-up, it’s a fact that President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with addressing the illegal immigration crisis at our southern border. It’s also a fact that the Biden Administration and its Border Czar Kamala Harris objectively failed to address the immigration crisis and secure our border. Instead, they took over 60 executive actions that undermined our border security and have made every town a border town. The American people have had enough, and it’s time that we return to the border policies of the Trump Administration and secure our nation’s border.
Ensuring Full Accountability and TransparencyThe attempted assassination of President Trump on July 13 marked a dark and disturbing moment in our nation’s history. While the resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, last week was long overdue, many questions remain about the security failures that took place. On Wednesday, I voted to establish a Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump. This task force is part of our commitment to conduct a thorough investigation and evaluation and get answers for the American people. We will not rest until there is full accountability to ensure this never happens again. Seeing and Serving YouLast week, on National Intern Day, I thanked this summer’s class of interns for their dedication and exceptional work. From assisting constituents of Florida’s 11th District to supporting the functions of a congressional office, your efforts have made a lasting impact. If you’re interested in learning more about congressional internships and how to apply, please visit my website . Levi and his mother, Sara, constituents, recently stopped by my Washington D.C. office. I was proud to hear that Levi, was part of one of three middle school teams in my district to qualify for the VEX Robotics WORLDS Competition in Dallas, Texas. His team, TEAM 99553C Kapoor, worked hard all year designing, building, and programming their robot to compete against the best teams in the world. I am incredibly proud and wish Team 99553C Kapoor the best in their future endeavors! I was thrilled to get back from D.C. in time to speak at the Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony on Saturday. I was able to personally thank several veterans who live in District 11 for their service during the Korean War and celebration of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement and the new Monument Unveiling with them. These brave Americans served alongside our allies in South Korea to fight for freedom and to ensure that Communism did not advance Westward. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay. Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative in Sumter county recently visited with Michelle Lundquist, owner of Rustic Ruby Décor and More, at her grand opening. This new woman-owned small business serves as meeting place to gather, learn, purchase, and create beautiful handmade products such as, custom home décor, jewelry and more. Congratulations, Michelle, for your creative vision for your small business. I wish you the best in all your endeavors! Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative in Orange County recently attended the Dr. Phillips YMCA Celebration of Generosity, grand opening of the Dr. Phillips YMCA Water Park thanks to the Dr. Phillips Foundation. The YMCA Board of Directors, Dr. Phillips Charities Board of Directors, Dr. Phillips Rotary members, and the community came out to celebrate the grand opening! Your servant,
Constituent Corner
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Results of last week’s survey which asked…“How would you rank Kamala Harris’ job performance as Vice President?”
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