In the News
U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi Returns Home
After spending seven grueling months in Mexican prison, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is now on U.S. soil. Two-time combat war veteran, Sgt. Tahmooressi, who mistakenly entered Mexico, was arrested on March 31, 2014, by Mexican authorities after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border with three firearms in his possession. Sgt. Tahmooressi honorably served our country, and out of concern for his well-being and the substantial evidence in the case demonstrating how he mistakenly entered Mexico, I joined my colleagues earlier this summer in sending letters to both Sgt. Tahmooressi’s lawyer, Mr. Fernando Benitez, and Judge Escobedo, urging them to address his case quickly and to reunite this American patriot with his family as soon as possible. Sgt. Tahmooressi was released on humanitarian grounds, and while his release is without question welcome news, I’m extremely disappointed in the Administration’s lack of urgency towards resolving this case in a more timely manner. I welcome Sgt. Tahmooressi home and wish him all the best.
Survey shows doctors give Obamacare failing grade
By virtually any measure, Obamacare continues to be an unmitigated disaster. Millions of Americans have seen their health care costs increase, their provider networks shrink, and the projected premiums for next year are only set to rise even further. It is no wonder then that the majority of Americans surveyed oppose the law. But it isn’t just patients that think Obamacare is failing. In fact, when a recent poll carried out by the Physicians Foundation asked doctors to grade Obamacare; 46 percent gave the law a failing “D” or “F” grade. Just like patients, doctors are frustrated with the flawed Obamacare philosophy that puts Washington bureaucrats in between doctors and their patients. House Republicans have shown time and time again that we are committed to protecting the American people by repealing Obamacare and replacing it with commonsense patient centered reforms.
In the District
NAS Whiting Field Military community update
I had the distinct privilege of attending the Military Community Update Breakfast at Naval Air Station Whiting Field on Thursday. This event serves as a great opportunity to celebrate not only the 239th birthday of our great Navy, but also to discuss the strong partnerships enjoyed between Whiting Field and the Northwest Florida community and update interested community members on what’s going on at the Naval Air Station. Additionally, the breakfast allowed us to welcome fleet helicopters to the base for the Fleet Fly-In, as more than 20 military aircraft were on display. I thank Whiting Field for allowing me to participate in this event, and I thank all members of our military community for their service to our great Nation.
Constituent Voice
Warrior Care Month
To honor those wounded, ill, and injured service members, we observe November as Warrior Care Month. In addition to these heroes, we also recognize the fleet of loved ones—caregivers, families, friends, and professionals—who support them in a multitude of ways, oftentimes on a daily basis. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Military and Veteran Caregivers, and as Congressman of the First District of Florida, I want to thank all of these folks for their continued service to our Nation. I also invite all Americans to visit the newly-dedicated Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C., which provides an opportunity to reflect upon the human cost of freedom, and the eternal hope and tenacity displayed by our wounded warriors.
Diabetes Awareness Month
November is American Diabetes Awareness Month, which helps shed light on a chronic disease that impacts nearly 30 million Americans. Diabetes is already one of the most expensive diseases in the country, with nearly $250 billion spent annually on diabetes care and treatment. What many individuals do not realize is that approximately 7 million people have undiagnosed diabetes today, and more than 80 million are at risk of developing the disease of the next few decades. During November, I encourage you to take a moment to visit the American Diabetes Association’s website to see what you can to do fight diabetes.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: US Congressman Jeff Miller's Washington update