As published in Highlands-News Sun.

It’s been a busy month on Capitol Hill. As we march through June, my colleagues and I on the House Appropriations Committee are turning our attention to next years’ budget bills. I am working hard to secure wins in these bills that cut spending, rollback job-killing regulations and help our veterans. I want to take a moment to update you on a recent legislative accomplishment as well as steps I’ve taken to protect Florida’s Heartland.

Honoring Sebring WWII Combat Pilot: On June 3, H.R. 6810, my bill to rename the downtown Sebring post office after top ace, WWII fighter pilot Major Thomas McGuire, unanimously passed the House. Major McGuire was a graduate of Sebring High School and studied aeronautical engineering before answering the call to serve his country. He destroyed 38 total enemy planes before being killed in action.

In an attempt to save another pilot who was under attack, Maj. McGuire risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude. Tragically, he crashed and was reported missing in action. In 1947, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions to save his wingman’s life.

Sadly, we are losing more and more of these greatest generation veterans every day. Their stories and inspiring examples should be preserved. Maj. McGuire’s story inspires me as I am sure it will many to in the generations to come. It is my sincere hope this bill helps preserve his legacy and honor his sacrifice.

Blocking Burdensome Agricultural Labor Regulations: The Biden Department of Labor’s (DOL) newly finalized H-2A unionization rule, a 600-page behemoth set to take effect June 28, 2024, allows temporary, non-citizen agricultural employees to unionize and threatens agricultural producers’ property rights.

The regulation allows legal and labor activists to trespass onto private farmland to meet with, organize and recruit members, even if unwelcome by the owner. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling held that this kind of policy threatens agricultural producers’ sacred private property rights. I introduced H.J. Res. 135 alongside 17 of my colleagues to block this overreach and protect private property rights. The federal government should be engaging with industry to learn how to optimize the H-2A program to benefit both producers and workers, not pursuing Washington-focused mandates that put Americans last.

Protecting U.S. Farmland from CCP Influence: Last year, when a Chinese spy balloon flew across the U.S., potentially gathering information about weapons silos and other military sites, it heightened concerns the Chinese Communist Party may be actively working inside the U.S. to undermine our country.

Over the last decade, Chinese investors with ties to the CCP have purchased large amounts of U.S. farmland, skyrocketing 454% since 2011. Most of these purchases lie near key military installations. Allowing parties close or connected to the CCP—our chief adversary— to control land near strategically important facilities is a serious national security threat.

That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 3357 to prohibit individuals associated with the Chinese government and other foreign adversaries from purchasing or leasing U.S. agricultural land. This critical bill will also ensure transparency and accurate reporting of foreign land ownership.

I will continue to fight for commonsense initiatives that improve the lives of Florida families and businesses. If you need assistance with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to my local office at (863) 644-8215.