Florida State Wide
This week was the second in a three-week stretch before the October recess. It was an action-packed week, so take a look below to read all about the latest from D.C.
On Wednesday, Senator Rand Paul and I introduced the REINS Act with several important updates that protect Americans from the overwhelming federal bureaucracy. The original REINS Act passed the House last June. Click here to read more.
On the Floor this week, my colleagues on the Left prioritized illegal immigrants over our own American citizens. I am continuously disgusted by the border crisis, but this week 158 Members of Congress voted against the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act. I went live on Facebook to share more about what the news didn’t show. You can watch it below.
This week also marked several important celebrations and observances for our great country. This week we celebrated the birthday of the Constitution and Air Force, and the hard work of truck drivers everywhere that keep America running! Today, we honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and I pray for those we’ve lost and the families still searching for answers.
Finally, I encourage all students in the district to put their tech skills to the test in this year’s Congressional App Challenge. Our winners last year designed an app that helps endangered species. I was so proud of them and am looking forward to seeing the creativity of this year’s winner! Interested students can learn more below or call our Gainesville Office at (352) 505-0838 to learn more.
With all that’s happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we’ve been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website , and on X , Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube .
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Congress was back in session this week! After six weeks of August recess back home in the district, the House returned to session with a busy schedule.
I spent most of my days running from one committee hearing to another where I had the opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to our region in North Central Florida. I tackled issues including fairness for our citrus and dairy farmers, rural broadband accessibility, and patients with disabilities in need of organ transplants. Read below to find out more and watch the subcommittee hearing clips.
On Wednesday, we joined our neighbors across the country as we remembered and honored the Americans we lost on September 11, 2001. At the Capitol, I visited the Memorial to United Flight 93 just off the Capitol Rotunda to pay my respects. I also had the privilege of helping Young America’s Foundation place flags on the Capitol Grounds as part of their 9/11 Never Forget Project. As we get farther away from this fateful day with each passing year, I pray that we continue to share the stories, memories, and feelings from that day with future generations.
On Thursday, we recognized our policewomen as part of National Police Woman Day. Thank you to the women who put on their uniforms every day and protect our communities. I am so appreciative for all that you do. Continue reading
Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced their updates to the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act to put power back in the people’s hands instead of the administrative state.
The REINS Act would return legislative power to Congress, check federal overreach, and ensure Americans have the tools needed to defend their rights. The REINS Act requires Congress to approve major federal agency rules and rules with an impact of $100M or more before they take effect.
The original REINS Act most recently passed the House of Representatives in June 2023. The bill stipulates that once major rules are drafted, they must then be affirmatively approved by both chambers of Congress and then signed by the President, satisfying the bicameralism and presentment requirements of the Constitution. Currently, regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves.
The updated REINS Act includes the following changes: Continue reading
Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced the arrest of the owner of a caregiving company for more than $20,000 in Medicaid fraud. According to Attorney General Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigation, Jasmine Victoria Stanley double booked and charged Medicaid for medical services never requested by a recipient.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This owner of a caregiving company intentionally double billed the Florida Medicaid program for services not requested or rendered by the recipient. These fraudulent representations and charges resulted in nearly $21,000 in fraud for Florida Medicaid. Thanks to our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, this owner is now arrested, and her scheme is shut down.”
Stanley owned Prestige Comfort Care, a personal care services provider for Medicaid recipients based in Duval County. The MFCU investigation revealed that Stanley knowingly billed Medicaid for services not rendered by a recipient or the recipient’s family. The recipient’s father provided a detailed explanation of the fraudulent claims to investigators, as well as travel documents and communication messages between the two parties showing that the recipient did not require services over certain time periods due to being out of town or sick. Continue reading
Attorney General Ashley Moody and 41 other attorneys general are calling on congressional leaders to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The letter comes amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in causing generational harm to young people’s mental health.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Studies show that there is a link between youth’s use of social media and psychological harm. We are fighting to protect our youth online by calling on Congress to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on these platforms. This warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms.”
Attorney General Moody and the coalition cited growing bodies of research that link young people’s use of algorithm-driven social media platforms to psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in kids and teens. The attorneys general also note how platforms feature irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications that are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platforms, even at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping. Continue reading
In recognition of National Preparedness Month and with storms brewing in the Atlantic Ocean, Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging all Floridians to take proactive steps to be ready for potential storm strikes. September is also the peak of hurricane season, and it is important that Floridians review emergency plans, gather essential supplies and stay informed about possible threats.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is National Preparedness Month, and we are in the peak of hurricane season. With multiple tropical disturbances currently being tracked in the Atlantic, it is crucial for every Floridian to assess emergency plans, update disaster kits and remain alert.”
Attorney General Moody is issuing the following tips during National Preparedness Month: Continue reading
Everyone has heard the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen where a very vain emperor obsessed with his appearance is approached by two weavers who claim they can weave the finest clothes imaginable. So fine that they are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid. Eager to flaunt these magical garments, the emperor commissions the weavers who proceed to pretend to work at their looms but
producing nothing. Fearing to be seen as unfit or stupid, the emperor pretends to see the nonexistent clothing and decides to give a formal parade to show off his new garments.
For a time, all the parade observers are eager to show that they are not stupid so they exclaimed how wonderful the emperor’s new clothes seem. However the ruse is exposed when a child points out to his mother that the emperor is wearing nothing at all. Hearing the child, others begin to say the same thing and the embarrassed emperor is hurried back to his castle.
What does this fairytale have to do with reform of the U.S. tax system? Since 1913, the Elites have told the American people that only people “unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid” would question the logic and benefits of a system that: Continue reading
From the Desk of Senator Dennis Baxley—-
Good morning, friends-The Primary elections are over. The General election is just around the corner, including the Presidential election and six Constitutional Amendments. Make sure you have read and understand about the amendments. They include Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards; The Right to Fish and Hunt; Adult Personal Use of Marijuana; Limit Government Interference with Abortion; Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions; and Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement.
For more information you can reach out to your Supervisor of Elections office.
Initial mailout of Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the November 2024 General Election for Military and Overseas Voters is September 20, 2024, Initial Mailout of Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the 2024 November General Election is September 27, 2024. Vote-By-Mail Ballot Mailouts and Counter Pickups continue for the November 2024 General Election September 30-October 4, 2024.
Early Voting dates and times for the General Election are October 21st – November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The General Election is on November 5th, voting is from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
GET OUT THE VOTE!!!
Onward & Upward
SARASOTA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced “Activate Hope,” an expansion of Hope Florida to serve Floridians recovering from the impacts of disasters. Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more.
“The state of Florida leads the nation in storm preparation and disaster response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The launch of Activate Hope through Hope Florida and the Florida Division of Emergency Management will enable us to strengthen our recovery efforts and rebuild stronger communities by utilizing the existing Hope Florida network to help those impacted by disasters find the help they need.”
“With today’s launch of Activate Hope, we can now bring Hope Florida directly to a community in exceptional need—like those dealing with the impacts of a storm,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This new Hope Florida expansion will ensure that in the future, Floridians impacted by storms or other emergency situations can readily connect with Hope Navigators and receive the help, services, and supplies they need. On the flip side, Hope Florida can rally communities and empower them to help their fellow Floridians in need, especially during a disaster.” Continue reading
Dear Neighbor,
Where did the time go? Just like that, August is nearly over and the House will reconvene on September 9.It’s been an incredibly productive district work period and I’m thrilled to keep the momentum going into the fall.
This week marked the three-year anniversary of the deaths of 13 American heroes at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan. After the Biden-Harris administration hastily removed troops from Afghanistan with no withdrawal plan, we lost 13 service members in a deadly attack that could have been prevented. As we remembered them this week, we keep their family members and friends in our thoughts as they embark upon another year without their loved ones.
Back in Florida, our community remembered the life of USPS Carrier Pam Rock. Pam Rock served as a postal worker in Putnam County and was tragically killed in 2022 after being attacked by dogs while on her mail route in Interlachen. Together with Representative Aaron Bean and Senators Rubio and Scott, we passed legislation to rename the Melrose Post Office after Pam. Take a look at photos from the ceremony earlier this week below. Continue reading
