Dear Friend:

I trust that you are staying safe and healthy as we head into the Thanksgiving season. Public health experts advise that COVID-19 infections are on the rise, and it is vital that we do everything possible to protect our families and our communities. As part of that effort, I am pressing congressional leaders to finalize the coronavirus emergency aid package so we can avoid layoffs and harm to small businesses, and crush the virus.

With an eye to our neighbors who work in restaurants, cultural attractions and hospitality, I am pleased to report that the House passed my bill yesterday to help the travel and tourism industries bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic. House Democrats remain committed to getting much-needed aid into the hands of families, seniors, businesses, schools, hospitals and frontline workers.

Our Tampa community has benefited from the CARES Act, a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress and signed into law in March. Senate Republicans must meet us at the table to pass comprehensive legislation that truly meets the needs of the American families, small businesses and our slowing economy.

Far too many families in Florida and across the country continue to struggle with opioid addiction, and the COVID-19 pandemic only has exacerbated this ongoing public health crisis. Last week, I introduced the bipartisan Preventing Pill Mills Through Data Sharing Act with Rep. David McKinley (WV-01) to equip the Drug Enforcement Agency with necessary tools to hold drug distributors, manufacturers and pharmacies accountable and identify, report and halt suspicious orders of controlled substances. This bill will increase transparency and hold all companies and pharmacies on the supply chain accountable. Most importantly, it will go a long way in keeping our communities informed and ensure our neighbors are safe. Read more on this new bill here.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and please follow CDC guidance, which can be found here.  Enjoy a day of rest and Zooms and FaceTime visits. We will work together to get back to normal soon. Until that bright day comes, though, it’s critically important to keep ourselves and our families safe by wearing masks, social distancing when possible, and keeping gatherings small to prevent community spread.

If you are in need of food assistance throughout the holiday season, I continue to support Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and other food distribution networks and they continue to host grocery distribution events throughout our community. Find out more regarding upcoming events at Feeding Tampa Bay here and Metropolitan Ministries here.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns at 813-871-2817. Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. And, please know how that one of the things I’m most thankful for is your support through the years!