In the News

For the last two years, the U.S. has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, shutdowns, mandates, and public health orders. In Florida, we’re fortunate to have Governor DeSantis leading the way to keep Florida free and open, fighting back against the orders to which blue cities and states have become accustomed.

The past two years presented some very challenging situations for U.S. businesses, families and workers. Millions were locked down and forced to work remotely, and access to the internet and broadband infrastructure continues to be a critical underpinning of the U.S. economy and everyday life. According to Pew Research, nearly 90 percent of U.S. adults surveyed say “the internet has been essential or important for them during the coronavirus outbreak.” That is quite a testament to the reliance Americans have on the internet.

The last two years have tested us all. No part of American life has been left untouched or unchanged by this pandemic, forcing us to adapt and assimilate to a “new normal.”

We’ve learned how to stay safe and healthy, using the information and science available to us to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families. In Florida, we’ve been fortunate to forge ahead and resume our lives, even setting an example for other states.

Over the last year, it has been my honor to represent Florida's Third Congressional District in Congress. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and ring in 2022, I'm reflecting with gratitude and joy to have been your voice in Washington, D.C.

While we still have a lot of work to do during the second session of the 117th Congress, I'm grateful to lead North Central Florida with its dozens of communities that inspire me and our team daily.

For almost two months, there has not been a day without reference to the Biden administration’s unilateral action to put the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on track to cost taxpayers in excess of $1 trillion.

The press and its inside-the-beltway, pro-poverty advocates curated a delicate and coordinated effort to ensure that people applaud this administration rather than question it. That appears to be the Biden way across myriad issues, including the crumbling supply chain, vaccine mandates, and our fledgling foreign policy.

Two weeks ago, the House passed the Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755), a bill sponsored by California Representative Judy Chu. Speaker Pelosi brought it to the House Floor in response to Texas' SB 8, but H.R. 3755 does anything but protect women. Instead, it guarantees abortion on-demand in every state across the U.S., undoing state protections for life and destroying any protections for the unborn, no matter how reasonable they may be.

In 2020, agriculture became the No. 1 economic driver for the state of Florida. As the COVID pandemic shut down tourism and fewer people made the trek to the Sunshine State for their annual vacations, farmers and producers across the state kept moving forward, keeping our families fed during uncertain times.

My generation grew up in the shadow of September 11th. The memory of that day has forever shaped us as Americans. During my time as a graduate student at the Naval War College and now as a member of Congress who sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, I am constantly reminded of the evil that terrorism brought to our doorstep and of the countless heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in protection of our freedom and our Republic.