The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

On Sunday, President Trump was targeted in yet another assassination attempt while at his golf club in West Palm Beach. While I’m grateful that President Trump is safe and that authorities were able to apprehend the shooter, I have many questions about the would-be assassin’s motives, knowledge of Trump’s whereabouts, and his ability to get within 400 yards of President Trump.

Congressional leaders have already spoken with the U.S. Secret Service about this assassination attempt – the first of many in coming days. I applaud Governor DeSantis for  also launching an investigation within the State of Florida and look forward to further updates from the congressional task force I voted to establish as they seek answers from Secret Service and law enforcement on this and the Butler, PA assassination attempt. Violence has no place in our political discourse, and such acts only seek to divide us. I continue to pray for President Trump and his family, and thank God for his protection.

Standing Up to Communist China

Last week, I voted to pass several pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening the economic and national security of the United States against the CCP. For decades, China has taken advantage of the United States by offshoring our jobs, stealing our intellectual property, and threatening our freedoms and values. With my support, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the following bills this week:

• H.R. 1516, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act: Restricts funding to American Universities that have ties to Confucius Institutes, ensuring American taxpayers are not funding foreign influence on our nation’s campuses.
• H.R. 1398, the Protecting America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act: Reestablishes the Trump-era initiative within the National Security Division of the Department of Justice to address espionage by the CCP on U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions.
• H.R. 9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act: Strengthens protection of U.S. agricultural land and biotechnology from foreign investments from adversarial nations like China, ensuring our food security remains in American hands.
• H.R. 1425, the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act: Prevents international pandemic agreements negotiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) from being implemented without Senate review, protecting the sovereignty of the United States against influence by the CCP in global health policies.
• H.R. 7980, the End the Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act: Puts America first by prohibiting electric vehicles with batteries made from materials sourced from prohibited foreign entities, like China, from qualifying for the federal clean vehicle tax credit.

Several of these bills passed with bipartisan support and are all steps in the right direction to counter China’s aggression, deter future actions, better protect our nation, and reduce supply chain dependence on Chinese-related goods. I have and will continue to work to protect our country from the CCP and will hold them accountable for nefarious attacks that harm our security and safety.

Seeing and Serving You

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. I met with constituents Karen Satterlee, Eric and Robin Ganon, Lisa Lombardo, members of the International Franchise Association (IFA) last week. The IFA is the world’s oldest and largest trade organization representing franchising – a business format used by industries to grow and generate small business ownership opportunities throughout our country. As a small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges small business owners face daily. I will continue to support legislation that will assist small business owners and their employees.

I had the pleasure of meeting members of the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA). It was a productive conversation as we discussed a range of key issues including post-graduate opportunities, cybersecurity, mental health, and school safety. Thank you FSBA for championing the needs and priorities of Florida’s students!

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with President and CEO Patrick Hwu, Vice President of Government Relations Dr Jamie Wilson, and Dr. Mark Robertson-Tessi of Moffitt’s Cancer Treatment and Research Center. We discussed their latest innovative approaches to fighting cancer using a combination of AI, bioengineering, mathematical expertise, 3D printing, and more. As a longtime supporter of Moffit and their incredible work, I look forward to seeing their upcoming developments in Cancer treatment and research.

Friday evening, I had the blessing of giving the opening prayer at the Find, Feed and Restore Battle for Hope, presented by Advent Health in Clermont. This family friendly game battle brought the community together to benefit Find, Feed and Restore! This nonprofit is helping provide affordable housing in Lake County.

Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for Leesburg, recently read a birthday letter I sent  to Shirley “Mike” Bowen at the celebration of her 100th Birthday. Mike joined the US Navy at age 18 and during WWII served as decoder for two years. She continues to be proud as one of the Code Girls mentioned in the book,  American Code Breakers of WWII. 

Congratulations, Shirley “Mike” Bowen, for your celebration of 100 years of life. I am honored to recognize the faithfulness that you have exemplified to your family, community, and country over the last century.

Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative for West Orange, attended the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Orlando Health – Health Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winter Garden with the West Orange Chamber President and CEO Stephen Lewis. I look forward to seeing how this 65,000 sq. ft. addition will continue Orlando Health’s mission of enriching and enhancing residents’ lives.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress