Dear friend,

I am grateful for everyone who has reached out to check on me and my team over the last 24 hours. We are all safe.

Early this morning, Congress certified the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The results of our fair and free election - the will of the American people - is respected and effectuated. But yesterday’s events were shocking to the conscience.

It’s outrageous that people attempted to disrupt a peaceful transfer of power from one president to another. That's what makes America America. This domestic terrorist attack was incited by a president who continues with his lies and attacks the very heart of our democracy - a peaceful transition of power under our Constitution. Trump has always thumbed his nose at the Constitution, but this was egregious, and I am angry and I'm saddened by it still.

The first order of business was to ensure that the electors of the Electoral College from each state were accepted here in the Congress. Now it is evident that Trump cannot remain in office any longer. The Congress will have a lot of debate over what is next over the next two weeks. Unfortunately, Trump will always put his personal interest over the interest of America. He will not be satisfied and he will continue with his unlawful, unhinged conduct. And impeachment or the 25th Amendment may be a remedy. I am cosponsoring such resolutions.

I am hopeful that dangerous political distractions will end so that the country can focus on a speedy, fair and equitable COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The latest emergency relief package provided significant funds to states and local communities to ramp up the vaccine distribution effort.  The Haley VA is administering vaccinations and Hillsborough County began scheduling appointments for residents 65 and over. While, the County filled its vaccine appointments, additional appointments are expected next week, and you can visit the county’s website for updates.

I am extremely frustrated over the lack of a comprehensive plan to tackle COVID-19 in the State of Florida, and the vaccine rollout is yet another example of Governor DeSantis’ inability to meet this moment. I have voted time and time again to rush resources home to crush the virus and will continue to press for a thoughtful and equitable vaccination plan..

Former Governor Rick Scott and Governor DeSantis spent years devaluing our public health system and demonizing the role of government. Now we are left with a hollow shell and leaders who are not up to the job. They fly by the seat of their pants and fail to help our neighbors whether in normal times or in emergencies. Even at this late hour, I urge the governor to come up with a coherent plan and increase his communication and transparency with leaders on the ground so that all of our neighbors have the latest and most accurate information available and the hope and confidence that can come with it. I am grateful for my local partners at Hillsborough County, the Haley VA, local hospitals, USF and the City of Tampa who continue to try to do their best with little support from the State to keep our neighbors safe and healthy. 

 Important for our community, a fifth coronavirus aid package was signed into law on December 28 that will address many of the ongoing needs of our neighbors, small businesses, schools, hospitals and more.

House Democrats fought for the inclusion of a second direct cash payment of $600 to many adults and children, averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work. This legislation includes over $280 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, including funds that will be targeted for underserved communities, nonprofits, and the mom and pops shops we know and love here in Tampa.

Hope is on the horizon with the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and I pushed to ensure over $73 billion in public health investments to keep the foot on the gas and support the free, safe and equitable vaccine distribution that is necessary to crush the virus.

While the bill meets many needs of working Floridians, there is far more to be done to address the ongoing health and economic crises facing our nation. President-elect Biden has made clear his commitment to crushing the virus, listening to public health experts, and getting money into the pockets of the American people, and I will work with his administration from day 1 to bring this crisis to an end.

You can read more about this legislation here.

You can check the status of your direct cash assistance payment on the IRS’ website here. 

In the previous Congress, the House directed that a Select Committee on the Climate Crisis develop a roadmap for America’s clean energy future. I was honored to be chosen to chair the Committee by Speaker Pelosi, and look forward to continuing our work in the 117^th Congress.

With a broad cross section of ideas and input, the Committee developed a majority staff report that provides a detailed roadmap for action. Some of our recommendations already have been adopted into law through bipartisan legislation, but we have much more work to do. Our bipartisan Select Committee intends to advance clean energy solutions that unleash American innovation, promote environmental justice, and create good family sustaining jobs in Florida and all communities across our great country. The Georgia Senate election results should buoy everyone that progress on clean energy jobs and environmental justice is at hand.  Floridians have so much at stake here.

As we start a new year, I want to remind all of our neighbors that my team is here to cut through red tape and bureaucracy on behalf of families and neighbors across the Tampa area. I’m proud to share that in 2020, my office worked to deliver nearly $1.6 million to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2020; almost $1.5 billion in federal grants to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support the important work of local partners; and $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for Tampa businesses.

Don’t hesitate to call my Tampa office for assistance at 813-871-2817. Stay safe, remember to continue following the advice of public health experts and wear a mask and social distance as we continue to fight the coronavirus.