Jimmy Patronis

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. ###

Congressman Patronis Calls on VA for Hospital Update and Improved Community Care Access in Northwest Florida

Position: Congressman Patronis requests that the VA conduct a strategic market analysis on establishing a full-service VA hospital in Northwest Florida and review whether current Community Care guidelines adequately serve the region's veterans, citing long travel distances and access gaps for inpatient and specialty care.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Late Thursday evening, Congressman Patronis sent a formal letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins requesting a strategic analysis on the need for a new Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Northwest Florida, as well as a comprehensive review of whether current Community Care guidelines are adequately meeting the region’s needs. To start Veterans Affairs related casework with Congressman Patronis’ office, visit jimmyhelpsva.com. To view the formal letter to Secretary Collins, see below or click here. Dear Secretary Collins: I urge you to conduct a strategic market analysis for establishing a full-service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Florida’s First Congressional District and to assess whether existing Community Care (CC) guidelines and operational results are meeting the needs. For veterans seeking inpatient and other specialty care in my district, their options are to travel nearly two to three hours one way to receive treatment at a VA hospital, including facilities such as the VA hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi, or, when deemed eligible, to seek care through the CC program at a private facility. For those unable to obtain CC, nearly two-thirds or approximately 140,000 individuals in the VA service area covering my district must travel great distances for same-day surgeries or acute inpatient care. This figure represents the largest number anywhere in the country in the last assessment. Due to provider shortages, a lack of specialists, as well as administrative delays, I am concerned veterans are unable to receive timely inpatient and other specialty care in the Florida Panhandle from the VA or CC providers. Recognizing this deficiency, the Department of Veterans Affairs previously recommended building a full-service, VA hospital in my district. For my constituents, these realities delay necessary care and burden our veterans, especially older individuals and those with complex medical needs who lack local inpatient and specialty care options in the Florida Panhandle. A strategic market analysis would help determine whether the VA is adequately positioned to meet the region’s growing veterans’ healthcare needs, would provide valuable insight into how existing and planned resources can meet these growing demands, and would ensure veterans continue to receive timely, comprehensive, and high-quality healthcare. Our veterans made tremendous sacrifices for our country. I look forward to working with you throughout this process to ensure these heroes have access to the care and support available to veterans across the country. Thank you and I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Jimmy Patronis Member of Congress ###

ICYMI:Congressman Patronis’ Op- Ed in The Washington Times: Protect America’s ‘Warrior Roads’

Position: Congressman Patronis advocates for the Warrior Road Act, legislation that would prioritize federal funding for critical infrastructure projects in each state that support military readiness and public safety, citing congestion at key military installations as a national security concern.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Congressman Patronis' Op- Ed in The Washington Times: Protect America’s ‘Warrior Roads’ Congressman Patronis' Op-Ed “Protect America’s ‘Warrior Roads’” Congressman Jimmy Patronis, The Washington Times March 26, 2026 FULL LINK HERE ... Northwest Florida may be one of America’s best-kept secrets. … Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Okaloosa counties are home to about 25,000 active-duty service members and nearly 100,000 veterans, not including their families. I’m proud to represent a community that continually puts service before self. I fight for them every day in Washington, because the policies coming out of Washington affect them directly. For too long, Democrats focused on political games while our veterans were left behind. President Donald Trump took a different approach. His administration made historic investments in veterans by strengthening the Department of Veterans Affairs, expanding access to care, increasing funding for veteran health services and improving accountability for those who failed our warfighters. … Northwest Florida is home to critical installations like Hurlburt Field, headquarters of the 1st Special Operations Wing, which includes 10,000 active-duty airmen, 4,000 civilian contractors and nearly 25,000 family members. From Hurlburt Field, our airmen stand ready to respond to threats anywhere in the world. At a time when adversaries like Iran are testing America’s strength, the men and women serving from Northwest Florida remain on the front lines defending our country. Despite the critical nature of these missions, access to Hurlburt Field relies heavily on a single route, Highway 98, a vital corridor for service members, their families and the civilians who live and work in the surrounding community. And that’s not the only concern. Eglin Air Force Base also relies heavily on Highway 85, a mostly two-lane road that carries roughly 42,000 vehicles in daily traffic. Anyone who drives it knows the problem. A single accident can bring traffic to a standstill. With more than half of our service members living off base, congestion isn’t just frustrating; it can also slow the movement of personnel and resources essential to national security. … That’s why I introduced the Warrior Road Act, legislation that prioritizes federal funding for the three most critical infrastructure projects in each state supporting military readiness and public safety. Too often, vital projects compete with lower-priority spending, leaving military communities waiting years for solutions. This bill takes a smarter approach by recognizing that infrastructure isn’t just a local issue, but critical to the safety of Americans. … Northwest Florida gives so much to this country. Ensuring the roads that support our service members are reliable and secure is a simple but vital way to return that commitment. ###