WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after voting “no” on Democrats’ tax and spend agenda:

“Tonight’s vote was just the start of Democrats’ attempts to jam through a multitrillion dollar socialist wishlist with the largest tax increase in decades to pay for it. Their reckless spending habit has already caused massive inflation and labor shortages, and I will do everything in my power to stop them from continuing down the path toward socialism.

“Our country needs an investment in critical infrastructure that is done responsibly and without raising taxes. For nearly a year, I’ve been asking for the plan to include full funding to restore America’s Everglades, which is a priority that has broad bipartisan support. Instead, Democrats have chosen to prioritize partisan pet projects like $200 million for a park around the corner from Nancy Pelosi’s house.

“What is happening now is not a serious attempt at improving our nation’s infrastructure. It is a socialist boondoggle, and the American people should not be forced to pay the bill.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Mast has been advocating for the inclusion of Everglades restoration since President Biden took office:

• On March 4th, Congressman Mast sent a letter to President Biden to include $725 million for Everglades restoration in the budget.
• On March 26, Congressman questioned the Biden Administration during the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing about its commitment to putting Everglades restoration in the infrastructure package.
• On March 29, Congressman Mast led a bipartisan letter calling on President Biden and congressional leadership to fully fund Everglades Restoration.
• On June 10, Congressman Mast spoke to the House Appropriations Committee urging them to fully fund the Everglades restoration.

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