No Pensions for Perpetrators

On Tuesday, I addressed the media alongside Rep. Suhas Subramanyam to announce the bipartisan Congressional Pension Integrity Act and set a clear standard for consequences in Congress. Right now, it is unacceptable that Members who commit serious crimes or abuse their staff can still walk away with taxpayer-funded pensions.

I am proud to co-lead this legislation to deliver basic accountability and ensure the privileges of office do not outlast the abuse of it. Regardless of party, we should all agree that public office is not a safety net for those who break the law or exploit their position.

Florida Leads While Washington Stalls

With John Thune refusing to advance the SAVE America Act, the path forward is becoming clear: the only way to pass the SAVE America Act is to attach it to FISA. Without SAVE America attached and other necessary reforms, we will block FISA.

If leadership in Washington won’t act, then states will. Florida is already stepping up and leading the charge with the SAVE Florida Act, setting the standard for election integrity nationwide. That’s the kind of decisive leadership the country needs right now. God bless the Free State of Florida!

Congressional Ethics Needs an Overhaul

When corruption is this clear, accountability should not take years. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was found guilty of 25 violations, including campaign finance abuses and misuse of millions in FEMA funds, yet only stepped down minutes before the House convened a public hearing to air her misdeeds. Otherwise, I was prepared to vote to expel her.

There needs to be a complete overhaul of the Ethics process to ensure that corrupt Members are removed swiftly. It should not have taken three years to act on corruption of this magnitude, and even now, she should not be allowed to walk away with a taxpayer-funded pension. The American people deserve a Congress that confronts misconduct head on, not one that drags its feet and delays consequences.

An Invitation From Harvard

Last week, I was honored to accept the invitation to visit Harvard, where I had the opportunity to speak with the students' Conservative Coalition, including some of the brightest young conservatives in our nation. As we continue to invest in the next generation of leaders, I was privileged to join the conversation and to hear from the voices shaping our future.

While on campus, I also met with Professor Avi Loeb to hear about the latest experimental results from the Galileo Project and to learn more about their scientific search for extraterrestrial technological artifacts near Earth. It was an honor to be a part of an insightful discussion on innovation, discovery, and the importance of their research in advancing our understanding of the universe.

Click the picture below to read Professor Loeb's article regarding my visit.

District Spotlight

Mobile Office Hours in St. Petersburg

On Wednesday, my staff was happy to host mobile office hours in St. Petersburg, meeting directly with constituents to provide hands-on assistance. Whether it involves VA benefits, Social Security, or resolving issues with federal agencies, we are committed to helping cut through the bureaucracy. If you need support, my office is here to serve you where you are.

Congressional Art Show

Hosting the Congressional Art Show is one of my favorite events of the year. Congratulations to Valeria Flores Gonzalez for winning Best in Show with her fantastic piece, “The Virgin,” which will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year!

Sincerely,