The House finished October with a new Speaker of the House and restored vigor to keep our commitment to America. October also included some significant moments for Florida’s Second Congressional District.
October 10 marked five years since Hurricane Michael devastated much of our district. Somehow, that storm feels like it was both yesterday and decades ago. In the past five years, we’ve rebuilt many structures destroyed by the storm. Mexico Beach no longer looks like a war zone, and we’ve welcomed the F-35 Lightning II to Tyndall AFB, which will significantly boost our local economy. I’ll never forget the resilience and selflessness displayed in the weeks and months following the storm. That same generosity is still being displayed following Hurricane Idalia. If we’ve proven anything since 2018, it’s that this district is one-of-a-kind and will always fight back when faced with adversity.
The truth is, in Florida, we do things differently. We’re not afraid to roll our sleeves up and get things done. My office, Governor Ron DeSantis, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) are doing just that while helping Floridians evacuate Israel. Last month, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida was offering flights for Floridians stuck in Israel. This outstanding operation ensured the safety of hundreds of Floridians, including families from our district. I can’t thank Governor DeSantis and FDEM enough for putting Floridians first and ensuring they’re out of harm’s way.
While the FDEM flights cost Floridians nothing, the U.S. State Department flights involve repayment. Americans can contact the federal government for help returning to America from dangerous situations; however, once brought to safety, they’re hit with a bill for the services. I introduced a bill that seeks to waive this cost for these individuals and any American who needs evacuation from a warzone. No American should have to hesitate to ask for help when they are escaping terrorist attacks.
Towards the end of October, I joined Eastern Shipbuilding in celebrating the launch of the U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Argus. The story of this cutter is truly unique and one of perseverance. In the days that followed Hurricane Michael, not only did neighbors lean on neighbors, but Eastern Shipbuilding workers returned to their yard with shovels and saws in hand to do their part. Eastern’s leadership self-funded temporary homes for employees impacted by this once-in-a-generation storm. This offshore patrol cutter means so much more than many realized. It’s a reminder of how proud Eastern Shipbuilding and Florida’s Second Congressional District should be. I have no doubt this cutter will protect our homeland admirably. Thank you, Eastern Shipbuilding, for allowing me to be a part of this momentous occasion!
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