Dear Neighbors, This week was focused on strengthening the industries, institutions, and values that make Florida and our nation strong. I was proud to welcome Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Florida’s 15th Congressional District to announce an important step forward for Florida's citrus growers, while also advancing legislation to protect consumers online, supporting American energy independence, celebrating our creative economy, and working to preserve our nation's history. As always, it is an honor to represent you in Congress. Highlights from This Week - Supported Florida's citrus industry with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s FDA announcement
- Discussed Florida citrus on Real America's Voice with John Solomon
- Welcomed Broadway creators to the bipartisan Creative Rights Caucus
- Defended an accurate and balanced telling of American history during a House Administration hearing
- Met with Department of Energy leadership on strengthening America's energy future
- Advanced the STOP FRAUD Act during a consumer protection hearing
- Met with University of South Florida President Moez Limayem to discuss innovation and workforce development in the 15th Congressional District
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Supporting Florida's Citrus Industry
Last week, I welcomed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Senator Ashley Moody, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and Florida citrus growers to the 15th Congressional District to announce an important step forward for one of our state's signature industries.
Together, we highlighted the FDA's proposed rule to modernize the federal Brix standard for not-from-concentrate orange juice by lowering the minimum requirement from 10.5° to 10.0°. This commonsense update reflects today's agricultural realities while maintaining the quality, taste, and nutrition consumers expect.
For too long, an outdated federal standard has made it more difficult for Florida growers to use their own high-quality oranges in premium not-from-concentrate juice, often forcing processors to rely more heavily on imported juice. Modernizing this regulation will help more Florida-grown oranges qualify for premium juice products, strengthen domestic production, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and support the long-term success of Florida's citrus industry.
I was proud to host this announcement and work alongside the Trump Administration, my Florida colleagues, and our agricultural partners to advance a science-based solution that gives our growers the opportunity to compete on the strength of the exceptional products they have produced for generations. This proposal is an important step toward ensuring Florida citrus remains a cornerstone of our state's economy for years to come. |
Real America’s Voice Interview
On Monday, I joined John Solomon on Real America’s Voice to discuss Secretary Kennedy’s important announcement for Florida’s Citrus.
Watch my interview here: |
Celebrating America's Creative Economy
Tuesday, I joined my colleagues as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Creative Rights Caucus to welcome the creative team behind the Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical Death Becomes Her to Capitol Hill.
The discussion highlighted the talented writers, composers, designers, directors, and other professionals who work behind the scenes to bring productions to life and support one of America's most important industries. Our creative economy generates more than $2 trillion in economic activity and supports nearly 12 million jobs across the country.
By bringing together creators and lawmakers, the Creative Rights Caucus continues to promote policies that protect intellectual property, encourage innovation, and ensure America's artists and creators can continue sharing their work with audiences around the world. |
Preserving America's Story
Wednesday, I participated in a House Administration Committee hearing examining oversight of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to ensure the museum presents a complete and accurate account of American history.
During the hearing, I emphasized that telling America's story means acknowledging both our challenges and our triumphs—from the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution to our nation's innovation, military service, and enduring pursuit of freedom. Our museums should educate, not promote political bias, and Americans deserve confidence that these institutions reflect our shared history fairly and objectively. I will continue working to ensure our national institutions preserve America's history with accuracy, integrity, and respect for the values that have shaped our nation.
Watch my Committee Questioning here: |
Strengthening America's Energy Future This week, I met with Greg Beard, Director of Energy Dominance Financing at the U.S. Department of Energy, to discuss efforts to strengthen America's energy security, modernize our electric grid, and lower energy costs for families. We discussed how the Department is partnering with the private sector to accelerate investment in reliable American energy, including expanding nuclear energy production, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and supporting the infrastructure needed to meet our nation's growing energy demands. As our country faces increasing energy needs driven by manufacturing, technological innovation, and artificial intelligence, it is critical that we continue investing in reliable, affordable, and secure energy sources that keep America competitive and protect our national security. |
Protecting Consumers Online I recently participated in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on strengthening consumer protections in a changing marketplace. During the hearing, I highlighted my STOP FRAUD Act, which would increase transparency on online marketplaces controlled by foreign adversaries and help keep counterfeit and unsafe products from reaching American families. Consumers deserve to know who they are buying from and have confidence that the products arriving at their doorstep are safe. I also discussed the PACK Act, legislation I cosponsor to establish clear national standards for recycling and packaging claims. This bill would ensure consumers receive accurate information while providing businesses with greater certainty. I will keep working to protect consumers, improve transparency, and hold bad actors accountable. Watch my full committee remarks here: |
Building the Future with USF This week, I met with University of South Florida President Moez Limayem to discuss the university's vision for the future and opportunities to strengthen partnerships that benefit students, researchers, and our community. USF is a nationally recognized leader in education, research, and innovation, and plays an important role in driving economic growth throughout the Tampa Bay region and Florida's 15th Congressional District. I look forward to continuing our work together to support workforce development, research, and educational opportunities that help our region thrive. |
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