Veterans

Northwest Florida is home to strategic military installations such as Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Pensacola NAS. Home to diverse mission sets like Special Operations, Test and Evaluation, and training the next generation of pilots, we owe our freedom to the brave men and women that serve in Florida’s First District. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Matt has fought for increased funding for the F-35 program to ensure its extraordinary capabilities are protecting our Nation as quickly as possible. He has also worked to enhance readiness by securing $27.4 million to fund Gulf Coast Test Range enhancements that will enable our aviators to train on up-to-date technology as well as continue critical testing of air-to-air missiles, drone targeting, and hypersonic weapons.
In the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House of Representatives in May, Matt secured authorization for $31.9 million in further funding for Gulf Coast Test Range Enhancements, $10 million for an Air Traffic Control Tower at NAS Whiting Field, and $60 million for F-35 spares. He will continue to be an advocate for our military to ensure it is ready and able to fight the wars of today and tomorrow.
When it comes to caring for our veterans Matt has worked diligently to improve the quality of care America’s heroes receive. He supported the Choice Act which provided an additional $2.1 billion in mandatory funding for the Veterans Choice Program. This program allows veterans to be seen by a community provider if the VA cannot provide care in a timely manner. Matt has also worked with the VA on reducing missed appointments by using ride share apps, using Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries and PTSD, and using Telemedicine options for treating mental health.