Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds

byrbyronbybWeekly Wrap-Up with
Congressman Byron Donalds
August 23, 2021

Last week, the United States House of Representatives remained in recess, giving me ample time to meet with constituents, local leaders, and America’s Governor, Ron DeSantis.

As Americans, our allies, and the rest of the world continue to witness the devastating consequences of Biden’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal, thousands of Americans and our Afghan partners remain trapped under Taliban control in Afghanistan. American foreign policy under the Biden-Harris Administration is a global embarrassment and has left our allies questioning our allegiance to them and further emboldening our enemies like the Taliban, the Chinese, and the Russians. Although our commander-in-chief has failed our brave servicemen and women, they need our prayers and unwavering support during this difficult time. I encourage everyone to reach out to their loved ones who have served our currently serving and let them know we honor and appreciate what they have done for the greatest country in the world.

While President Biden sabbaticals at Camp David and is forced to cancel plans to vacation in Delaware, the White House remains defiant and unwilling to admit their catastrophic failure. Just as bad, the United States Vice President is utterly silent on the issue and went through with plans to visit Asia amongst this global crisis she and Biden created. America lacks leadership, and our national security, relationship with allies, and safety of our diplomatic and military service members are on this line.

My office stands ready to assist any constituent attempting to help their loved ones in the region who meet the qualifications for rescue. If you or someone you know in Florida’s 19th Congressional District needs assistance, please reach out to my district offices:

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OFFICE STAFF
(239)252-6225 – COLLIER COUNTY OFFICE
(239)599-6033 – LEE COUNTY OFFICE

Lastly, as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to commend the efforts of all our medical personnel working around the clock to help save lives. Vaccine rates in our state and our community amongst the most vulnerable are significantly high, which aides us in our fight against the pandemic. I encourage everyone to consult their physicians and consult themselves on whether getting vaccinated is the right decision for you and your family. I support everyone’s decision to make the health decisions suitable for them, not for the government. As the Biden-Harris Administration, liberal school boards, corporations, and blue cities and counties continue to impose burdensome mandates and protocols; we must not abridge the freedoms of the American people for the sake of public safety. I continue to commend Governor DeSantis for standing for liberty and taking power away from government and into the hands of the people who elected us to office.

Continue reading for a legislative update on Capitol Hill, recent community events in Southwest Florida, information about my upcoming Town Hall, and more!

Town Hall in Southwest Florida

I’m hosting a Town Hall!

Join me on Thursday, August 26th, in Estero for a Town Hall to receive an update on everything happening on Capitol Hill, ways in which I can better serve you, and to discuss the most significant issues impacting our community and your families.

For more information, please visit my website.

Updated August Town Hall

Anti-CRT Press Conference

In support of our children’s education, I’m hosting a Press Conference on Friday, August 27th in Fort Myers. Held at the Lee County School District Administration Building, Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman and State Representative Spencer Roach will be joining me to discuss the dangers of Critical Race Theory and how it has never been more imperative or crucial to step up in defense of our children. For more information, visit my website.

Join me on Friday at 11 AM to stop Critical Racde Theory in our schools!

Lee County CRT Press Conference

Community Engagement

I was thrilled to join the Naples Area Professional League of Executive Services (NAPLES) Group last week to meet several of the hardworking & talented business leaders and executives here in Southwest Florida. Our community and its businesses are growing daily, and entrepreneurs like the ones I met with are making Florida’s 19th Congressional District the best place to live, work, & play!

Florida’s citrus growers and the entire agriculture community are crucial to the health and success of Florida’s economy. I was honored to serve as the Keynote Speaker at the Gulf Citrus Growers Association Banquet that took place last week. Florida’s farmers and growers not only feed millions of Floridians, but millions around the country and I’m proud to support their efforts and their industry.

citrus banquet 2

Last week, the Lee County School Board held a meeting to vote on a proposed measure that would implement a mask mandate for our children while in school. I proudly spoke in opposition to this proposal. Parents should decide what healthcare is best for their children, not over-reaching and power-hungry government leaders. It is past time to end the political theatre and stop using our young children as pawns.

I will always stand for individual freedom and I’m proud of the Lee County School Board Members who voted ‘No’ on this ridiculous mask mandate.

Governor DeSantis in Southwest Florida

I was proud to join Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis as he announced the opening of a monoclonal treatment site in Bonita Springs. Early treatment against COVID-19 saves lives, and because of Governor DeSantis’s strong leadership, Southwest Floridians are more equipped to successfully combat COVID-19.

For information on how to find clinics nearest to you, please visit the link below:

Florida’s COVID-19 Response: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatments

DeSantis in Bonita

Passing of Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff First Class Steven Mazzotta

The news of Deputy Mazzotta’s passing is a heartbreaking tragedy.

The men and women in uniform who protect our communities are the bravest among us, and I thank Deputy Mazzotta for a lifetime of dedicated and devoted service.

EOW: 8/16/2021
deputy mazzotta

In the Media

ICYMI: I joined Fox Business’s ‘The Evening Edit’ this past week to discuss why Americans are sick of the top-down, heavy-handed COVID-19 mandates.

It is time we embrace freedom and liberty – two things that define our great nation. The American people deserve answers, not mandates. Click the link below to watch the full interview:

Rep. Byron Donalds weighs in on vaccine and mask mandates in states like California

Last week, I joined Will Cain on ‘Fox News Primetime’ last week to discuss the never-ending COVID-19 lockdowns, mandates, and over-reaching government tyrants. Our children shouldn’t be forced to wear a mask during the school day – that choice should be determined by parents, not power-hungry politicians. More on my thoughts on the freedom of choice below:

Last week, I was a guest on Newsmax’s ‘American Agenda’ to discuss President Biden’s failed leadership in the Middle East. We have a President too busy vacationing in Delaware to avoid taking questions from the press, instead of creating an evacuation plan that prioritizes the safety of all American lives. The humanitarian crisis occurring in Afghanistan falls upon the hands of President Biden.

Last week, I sat down with Jan Jeffcoat, host of ‘The National Desk’ to discuss Biden’s abysmal handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This global embarrassment starts at the top with the commander-in-chief; we cannot forget who had the final word in this. Joe Biden is responsible, period. Click the link below for the full interview:

Rep. Donalds: “If You’re Going to Withdraw, You Withdraw Your Military Last”

Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida’s 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It’s time Washington works for our community’s values, and every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.

Sincerely,

Byron Donalds Signature
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress

Office Locations

WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
523 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2536
NAPLES DISTRICT OFFICE
3299 Tamiami Trail East
Suite 105
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-6225
LEE COUNTY OFFICE
1039 SE 9th Ave
Suite 308
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 599-6033