Jimmy Patronis

Congressman Patronis Demands Answers from the ACC on Sports Betting Policies as the Conference Seeks Congressional Action on NIL

Position: The release requests that the ACC disclose its policies on staff, referee, and other interested parties' online sports betting activity, and asks what the conference is doing to protect competitive integrity, ahead of possible House consideration of the Protect College Sports Act.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) sent a letter to ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips and the conference’s Board of Directors demanding transparency on online sports betting policies as the ACC seeks congressional action on NIL. To read the full letter, see below or click here. Dear Commissioner Phillips and Board of Directors, Normally, I don’t believe in involving the affairs of Congress with sports, and I like to maintain a separation between entertainment and policy. However, seeing as the ACC is asking Congress for help with NIL, I believe we must have transparency regarding each body’s policies and how they navigate online betting. As there has been discussion that the House will consider the Protect College Sports Act, I think it is important to better understand how conferences approach the phenomenon of online sports betting and how it could negatively impact their competitiveness. This is particularly relevant given that you are requesting special congressional authority and protections that other organizations don’t get. At your convenience, prior to Congress returning in November, please provide your policies as they relate to staff, referees, and other interested parties and their ability or limitations regarding online gambling. Seeing as we’ve entered a Wild West of sports betting, the risks have only increased. So, what is your conference doing to protect the integrity of the sports that families love? Sincerely, Jimmy Patronis Member of Congress ### Issues: Congress

Congressman Patronis Files House Companion Bill Curtailing Drilling in the Gulf of America

Position: The release supports filing a House companion bill that would stop new oil and gas activity in the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range, citing military readiness and protection of the Panhandle economy and coast. It states existing leases would remain in place and the moratorium could end if the Secretary of War determines the range is no longer critical.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Patronis (R-FL) filed in the House of Representatives a companion bill introduced by Senators Scott and Moody, which would curtail oil drilling in the Gulf of America on the basis of protecting the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR). Congressman Patronis said, “This bill is intended to protect the military test range for our military readiness. It should go without saying that while the Panhandle is facing a major hurricane, Hurricane Isaias, and the economy is tethered to tourism, this region needs to be protected from future oil and gas explorations.” The EGTTR is a critical national security asset that supports vital military testing and training. This legislation strengthens protections for the range, ensuring uninterrupted access for military operations and helping keep our armed forces prepared for emerging threats. The Protecting Florida’s Offshore Military Readiness Act would: Stop new oil and gas activity in the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range. Protect Eglin’s military testing and training from outside interference. Leave existing leases in place. Allow the moratorium to end if the Secretary of War determines the range is no longer critical. To view the Protecting Florida’s Offshore Military Readiness Act click here. To view information from Senator Scott click here. To view information from Senator Moody click here. ###

Congressman Patronis Introduces Legislation to Expand GI Bill Benefits for Military Families

Position: Introduces legislation to remove the four-year service commitment requirement for transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child, allow transfers at any time including after leaving service, and let children born after separation receive transferred benefits.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) introduced the GI Bill Transferability Act to give servicemembers more freedom to use their hard earned Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to support their families. “Our military families have sacrificed enough. If a servicemember earns the GI Bill, they should have the freedom to use it for their family,” said Congressman Patronis. “Right now, Washington makes servicemembers jump through hoops and commit to four more years just to transfer it. That’s not right. We should be making life easier for the men and women who put on the uniform, not putting more roadblocks in their way. This bill is about keeping our promise to them and putting military families first.” Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), who is leading the legislation in the Senate, said, “Our veterans and servicemembers deserve the freedom to use their education benefits in ways that work for their families. My GI Bill Transferability Act gives military families more flexibility to use their benefits to meet their unique educational needs. I thank my friend, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, for leading this bill in the House. Our nation’s heroes earned these benefits; they shouldn’t face unnecessary hurdles in using them. Let’s get this done.” The GI Bill Transferability Act would: Remove the four year service requirement to transfer GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child. Allow servicemembers and veterans to transfer their benefits at any time, including after leaving the military. Allow children born after a servicemember leaves the military to receive transferred benefits. To view the GI Bill Transferability Act click here. ### Issues: Congress Veterans

Congressman Patronis Votes to Advance Legislation to Protect Consumers from Rising Utility Costs Driven by AI Data Centers

Position: The congressman voted to advance H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, and supports requiring large-load customers such as AI data centers to pay for the power and grid upgrades they require rather than passing those costs to residential and small-business ratepayers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Late Wednesday evening, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) voted to advance H.R. 9340 the Ratepayer Protection Act to ensure hardworking Americans aren’t footing the bill for AI data centers. Congressman Patronis said, “If Big Tech wants to build a massive data center and use massive amounts of electricity, they should pay for the power and infrastructure they need, not hardworking families and small businesses. I don’t want families in Northwest Florida footing the bill for someone else’s investment opportunity.” The Ratepayer Protection Act would: Give states the tools to protect ratepayers. Create a federal standard for large-load customers, like data centers, to pay for the power and grid upgrades they need. Create a framework to protect families from the bill if a data center leaves. The Ratepayer Protection Act passed the House by a vote of 417-3 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. To view the Ratepayer Protection Act, click here. ### Issues: Congress Economy

Congressman Patronis Introduces Legislation to Rename Lake Ontario ‘Lake America’

Position: Congressman Patronis introduced the Lake America Act to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' and to require federal agencies to update maps and official records accordingly. He frames the renaming as an expression of American pride following the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) introduced the Lake America Act, legislation to officially rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. The legislation follows President Trump’s official renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a change that was met with strong support across Northwest Florida. “President Trump put America back on the map. Now we’re putting America on Lake Ontario,” said Congressman Patronis. “Canada can call it whatever they want, but here in America, I say we call it Lake America. I’m a proud American, and I’ve always believed there’s nothing wrong with a little more American pride. So I figured, why stop at the Gulf? Lake America sounds a whole lot better.” The Lake America Act would: Rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Replace references to Lake Ontario with “Lake America” across federal laws, maps, regulations, and official records. Direct the Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Board on Geographic Names to oversee implementation. Require federal agencies to update their maps and documents within 180 days. Congressman Patronis continued, “Representing Florida’s First Congressional District, including Destin and Pensacola, I saw firsthand the pride and patriotism that came with the Gulf of America. I love that energy, and I think this is another opportunity to build on it. This is another tool in President Trump’s toolbox to put America First and restore pride in our great country.” To view the Lake America Act click here. ###

Congressman Patronis Applauds $9 Million Investment in Pensacola Shipbuilding Industry

Position: The release applauds a $9 million state investment to expand shipbuilding infrastructure at the Port of Pensacola and supports a Water Resources Development Act study to deepen and widen Pensacola Harbor.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) applauded a $9 million investment from the State of Florida through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to strengthen shipbuilding infrastructure at the Port of Pensacola and create approximately 2,000 manufacturing and related jobs. The $9 million investment will help expand shipbuilding at the Port of Pensacola, allowing the Port to construct a facility where parts for Navy submarines and warships up to 400 feet long will be constructed. The project will strengthen America’s shipbuilding industry while bringing more jobs and economic opportunities to Pensacola. “Pensacola has always answered the call to support our military, and this investment will help carry that proud tradition into the future,” said Congressman Patronis. “As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to address the Australian Embassy in July with officials from Birdon to help promote this relationship and continue the work of growing jobs and opportunities for the Pensacola area. Northwest Florida has a longstanding history of protecting our nation, and I’m grateful to President Trump and Governor DeSantis for their work to defend America’s shores.” The investment comes as the United States works to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity and strengthen the maritime industrial base to meet growing national security demands. In July, Congressman Patronis fought to include key provisions in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to study deepening and widening Pensacola Harbor. A deeper channel would allow larger ships to access Pensacola, creating new opportunities for commercial activity while strengthening the port’s ability to support the Navy and national security missions at NAS Pensacola. To view information on the Water Resources Development Act click here. To view information on the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund click here. ###

Congressman Patronis Joins House Republicans in Calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to Restore Second Amendment Rights on Federal Property

Position: Congressman Patronis supports revising Army Corps of Engineers policies to allow lawful firearm carry on federally managed public lands, arguing that current restrictions create inconsistency with other federal agencies and infringe on Second Amendment rights.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Patronis (R-FL) joined more than two dozen House Republicans in calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revise its policies and allow lawful firearm carry on approximately 12 million acres of federally managed public lands. In a letter led by Congressman Fallon (R-TX), lawmakers urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to align its policies with the Constitution and ensure consistent rules across all federal lands. While most federal agencies respect state law and allow lawful firearm carry, the Army Corps maintains stricter restrictions, creating inconsistency and unequal treatment for law-abiding gun owners. Congressman Patronis said, “I’ve always fought to defend the Second Amendment. It is a fundamental constitutional right, not a privilege that changes from one place to another. Americans shouldn’t have to navigate conflicting rules just to exercise that right. I’m grateful for Congressman Fallon’s leadership and proud to stand with my colleagues in defending the freedoms so many Americans have fought to protect.” To view the letter in full click here.

Congressman Patronis to Lead Discussion on Big Tech’s Impact on Children and the Fight to Repeal Section 230

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Patronis will host a telephone town hall to discuss the growing impact of Big Tech on American families and ongoing efforts to repeal Section 230. The event will give constituents in Florida’s First Congressional District an opportunity to share their experiences and speak directly about how these platforms are affecting their children and communities. DETAILS: WHO: Congressman Jimmy Patronis WHAT: Telephone Town Hall WHEN: Monday, April 27 at 6:30 PM CST DIAL IN: 833-305-1733 If you or someone you know have been harmed by Big Tech, contact the office of Congressman Jimmy Patronis by clicking here to share your experience. ###

Congressman Patronis Calls for Accountability as Lawsuit Linked ChatGPT in Florida State University Shooting

Position: Congressman Patronis calls for repeal of Section 230 to hold technology companies accountable for harmful content, citing a mass shooting allegedly linked to ChatGPT interactions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) is calling for urgent action to hold Big Tech accountable following new reports that victims of the April 17, 2025, mass shooting at Florida State University allege the shooter had links to ChatGPT prior to the attack, which resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to six others. Congressman Patronis said, “What happened at Florida State University was a tragedy that shook our entire state. As a father, I can’t stop thinking about what those victims and their families are going through. My prayers are with every single person impacted by this heinous act.” Patronis continued, “Now we’re learning the shooter may have interacted with ChatGPT before carrying this out. That should raise serious red flags and is exactly why I’ve been fighting to repeal Section 230. For years, Big Tech has been allowed to profit from dangerous content with zero accountability, while victims are left with nowhere to turn. The reality is that plaintiffs face an uphill battle, and as long as Section 230 stands, they’re denied the justice they deserve.” The PROTECT Act aims to repeal Section 230, ending the legal shield that has long allowed Big Tech companies to avoid accountability for the harm they cause children. Our most vulnerable should not bear the cost while corporations profit from their exploitation. To view H.R. 7045, the PROTECT Act, click here. If you or someone you know has been harmed by Big Tech, click here to contact the office of Congressman Jimmy Patronis. ###

Congressman Patronis Demands Action to Cut Red Tape and Fast-Track Critical Projects Amid Woke Permitting Decision

Position: Congressman Patronis opposes federal environmental permitting delays that he argues stall infrastructure projects. He supports the PERMIT Act, which would streamline federal permitting processes while maintaining environmental protections.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Patronis criticized a court ruling that has stalled critical infrastructure projects, yet another example of federal overreach standing in the way of essential projects that benefit hardworking Americans. Florida has proven that cutting bureaucratic red tape works by streamlining permitting and maintaining environmental protections. But a March 27th, 2026 rulingby the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2020 Biden-era decision claiming that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the Endangered Species Act by allowing Florida to fast track wetlands permits. This politically motivated decision threatens jobs, stalls critical infrastructure projects, and punishes Americans trying to grow and thrive. “Washington’s overreach is holding up housing, fire stations, and school projects”, said Congressman Patronis. Projects that families and communities depend on every day. It’s time to put power back where it belongs, with the states and the American people. We need bold, commonsense policies that get things done and put Americans first.” Bureaucratic delays and endless lawsuits are raising costs, slowing essential infrastructure, and creating uncertainty for builders, farmers, and small businesses across the country. The PERMIT Act tackles these problems head on, cutting unnecessary red tape, ending drawn-out litigation, and allowing vital projects to move forward while keeping strong environmental protections in place. Congressman Patronis continued, “I’m proud to back the PERMIT Act, which will cut bureaucratic delays, speed up permitting, and ensure our communities and environment are protected without holding progress hostage.” To view H.R. 3898 the PERMIT Act, click here. ###