Congressman Jimmy Patronis last night issued a statement on the U.S. House of Representatives voting to re-open the federal government after Congressional Democrats held the country hostage and the government shutdown for 43 days. Also, Congressman Patronis announced $355 million in new investments for Northwest Florida’s military instillations included in the appropriations package to re-open the government.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “Tonight, House Republicans did what Democrats in Washington have refused to do for the past 43 days. We stepped up, spoke out, and voted to re-open our federal government. History will not forget the pain that Democrats have caused hardworking American families during this shutdown while they played politics in Washington. In Northwest Florida, this news means everything. Our community is home to thousands of dedicated federal employees, military families, and small business owners who keep our local economy strong. Let’s get this straight: Democrats weaponized a government shutdown in an attempt to advance their radical spending, elect a socialist mayor, and fight for illegal immigrants’ healthcare; yet it’s our neighbors, the people of Florida’s First District, who pay the price. With our government re-opening, our servicemembers in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties can stay focused on their missions. Civilian workers can return to their jobs. Families across Northwest Florida can finally breathe easier knowing stability has been restored. Even during the shutdown, the hard work never stopped. In Congress, I’ve made it my mission to always fight for our community, and new investments in Northwest Florida are proof of that commitment.
$355.5 million in new investments for Northwest Florida’s military installations include:
- $41 million for a Child Development Center at Eglin;
- $125 million for F-35-related facilities at Eglin;
- $91 million for barracks at Eglin; and
- $98.5 million for an advanced helicopter hangar at Whiting Field.
The Congressman continued, “These projects will strengthen our military bases, improve local infrastructure, and create jobs across our community. I will continue to stand up against reckless spending and broken priorities, fighting for the values, freedom, and security that make Northwest Florida the best place in America to live, work, and serve.”
