Dear Friend,

I work every day to ensure America's veterans receive the benefits they have earned. The House of Representatives recently passed three important to support veterans - all driven by the needs I hear from our community that is so rich in veterans who have served our country.

H.R. 3967 – I cosponsored the Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021 (Honoring Our PACT) Act to authorize VA health care to more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits and establish a presumption of service connection for over 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers. When our servicemembers deploy to defend our nation, the United States promises to serve them as well as they served us once they return. Yet, many veterans have not enjoyed the fulfillment of that promise due to current restrictions on toxic-exposed veterans' access to VA care and benefits. With the Honoring our PACT Act, we will make good on the pact we made to provide veterans with the health care and services they have earned. 

Tampa Bay veterans, including my friend, retired Army Colonel DJ Reyes, are national leaders in the fight to secure care for toxic-exposed veterans. Listen to DJ - as I do - as he also has spearheaded the Veterans Treatment Court and other local initiatives. I am grateful that he shared just how important this bill is, and I proudly voted yes on behalf of DJ and other Tampa neighbors who served our nation. 

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.

One of my most important duties as a U.S. Representative is helping neighbors with federal agencies. Although I cannot override the decisions made by a federal agency, I can often intervene on a person's behalf to answer questions, find solutions, or just cut through the red tape. If you need immediate help with a federal agency (i.e. Social Security, Veteran's Administration, immigration, passports, or other government agencies) please contact my office at 813-871-2817 for assistance.