H.R. 1836 – Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021: Active duty and Reserve service members serve side-by-side, often doing the same jobs and incurring the same risks, but receive different pay and benefits.  We believe that every day that someone serves in uniform should count toward their benefits. I am proud to have voted for legislation that takes an important step toward ensuring that the sacrifice of all members is honored appropriately through earned equal access to the GI bill, including almost 40,000 Florida National Guard Members and reserves in Florida. With this bipartisan bill, we are one step closer to making it a reality and ensuring that every day in uniform counts.

Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746 – Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act ensures safe, secure and accessible elections for all Americans equally without interference. Important provisions include streamlined voter registration, restoration of rights for returning citizens, early voting and vote-by-mail safeguards, and Justice Department review of changes in jurisdictions with a history of discrimination. Hopefully, the Senate will actually proceed to a floor debate that has been blocked by Senate Republicans for too long. 

Debate is essential in a free society, as is the right to vote. To protect our freedoms and the power of the “people” over corporate special interests, we must address unnecessary and costly barriers to the ballot box – the House has done its job, and the Senate must act now.