The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 41 Florida counties, including Sumter County given the risk Tropical Cyclone Nine poses to Florida. Right now, this storm is south of Cuba and moving north – NOAA experts expect it to reach the Gulf of Mexico sometime tomorrow where it would likely strengthen to a hurricane.

Now is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared. Make sure your emergency plan and kit of supplies are updated, and that you are following updates from local, county, and state officials as the storm approaches. Visit my Disaster Preparedness webpage at https://webster.house.gov/disaster-preparedness for tips and information on what to include.

We Must Secure American Elections

With the fiscal year ending September 30, the U.S. House voted last week on H.R.9494 that would have kept the government funded for 6 months. This legislation included the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) , legislation that ensures only American citizens can register and vote in federal elections.

I hate and almost never support continuing resolutions, but given Biden-Harris’ open borders we must ensure illegals cannot register to vote in our elections. I voted for this bill on Wednesday because it prevents another last minute bloated omnibus bill that would tie the hands of a future Trump Administration, all while addressing the need to secure our elections. It’s simple, only American citizens should be able to vote in American elections. The SAVE Act would protect the integrity of our elections by removing non-citizens from existing voter rolls and ensure that documentary proof of citizenship is obtained when registering to vote in federal elections. Despite my support, the bill failed to pass. I remain focused on cutting the spigot of wasteful spending that contributes to our national debt, burdening hardworking Americans.

Protecting Our Nation’s Ports

Growing cybersecurity threats at Seaports across the country pose a risk to our nation’s supply chain. As Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I introduced the Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act , last week that would address these vulnerabilities and take significant steps in protecting port operations against potential cyber-attacks by those who wish to disrupt our supply chains. This bill would require ports applying for a grant under the existing Port Infrastructure Development Program update their existing Facility Security Plans to protect against any cybersecurity threats presented by software or digital infrastructure purchased with grant funding. We must ensure that our ports insulate their operations against any potential cyberattacks from those attempting to disrupt our supply chains. This legislation is an important step toward doing just that.

Guardian of Small Business 

I was honored to be awarded with the Guardian of Small Business Award last week by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). America’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and a vital component of our economic prosperity. As a small business owner myself, I know firsthand the challenges small business owners face daily. I have and will continue to support legislation that removes unnecessary barriers and helps small business owners, and their employees achieve success.

Seeing and Serving You

Last week in Washington, I met with Sea and Shoreline, who provided an update on the Lake Apopka Shoreline Restoration Project they are working on in partnership with the City of Winter Garden. They are currently engaged in dredging operations to remove the accumulated muck at the lake’s bottom. The lakebed consists of a consolidated muck layer, primarily composed of decaying plant matter, topped by an unconsolidated flocculant layer, largely made up of dead algae. These sediment layers not only obstruct boating activities but also contribute to excessive nutrient levels and hinder the restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation. I look forward to seeing the results of this much needed restoration project!

I had the privilege of meeting with Ontario’s Mines Minister, Minister George Pirie and his team. During our discussion, they provided a comprehensive update on the recent advancements within Ontario’s mining industry and highlighted the critical importance of maintaining Ontario-U.S. relations, particularly with respect to critical minerals for the fortification of North American supply chains.

I was pleased to have met with Vikki Hodgkins, owner of Pizza Hut franchises in my district. She provided me an update regarding the strong presence of Pizza Hut and its affiliates have across the district and their intent to grow in the communities that they serve. We also discussed the importance of bonus depreciation as we begin to look ahead at potential tax reform coming later down the road. I look forward to collaborating with small business owners as we pursue tax reform in Congress!

I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune from the University of Florida College of Engineering. As an engineer myself, I was excited to hear about the advancements the college is making in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Training future generations on new and upcoming technologies is a passion of mine. To compete in the technology sector on a global scale, I am committed to making sure our workforce is trained on the remarkable developments we are making each day in the areas of science and technology.

Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative for Lake County, recently attended the South Lake Chamber 3rd Annual First Responders Breakfast. Thank you, Deputies, Police, Fire, and EMS, for your service and dedication to our Community!

Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for the City of Fruitland Park, was delighted to join with members of the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce, Fruitland Park Elected officials, and Nadia Remy-Venord, owner and RN, BSN, at the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of American Nurses Assisted Living Facility. Congratulations, Nadia and your team at American Nurses Assisted Living, for providing a compassionate, home-like ALF, owned and managed by Registered Nurses, and serving residents in North Lake County. 

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress