Patronis Covers Veteran Legislation, NAS Pensacola Shooting, Campus Guardian Bill and More
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Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis joined Pensacola Morning News Monday with a full agenda — from veteran benefits legislation to the ongoing NAS Pensacola shooting case and a newly signed campus safety law.
Two Veteran Bills Moving Before Memorial Day
Patronis says two pieces of veteran legislation are advancing in Congress and he hopes both clear before Memorial Day. The Never Fight Alone Act would expand mental health community care access — giving veterans more flexibility to choose their own providers rather than waiting for VA appointments. The Richard Starr Act addresses long-overdue benefits for disabled veterans. Patronis says he spoke directly with bill sponsor Congressman Gus Bilirakis following a veterans town hall this week that drew more than 3,000 participants — and says the Richard Starr Act is expected to come to a vote shortly.
NAS Pensacola Shooting — Six Years, Still No Answers
The DOJ filed another response Friday refusing to hand over evidence in the NAS Pensacola shooting case — and attorneys for victims' families are calling on Congress to intervene. Patronis says the case has now spanned three administrations and three different U.S. Attorneys for the Northern District — creating a significant lack of continuity. He says his office is pushing as hard as it can within the appropriate boundaries of the legislative branch. A judge will make the final decision on whether the DOJ must disclose the evidence. Patronis says the community deserves closure after six years.
Campus Guardian Bill Signed
Governor DeSantis signed the Campus Guardian bill Friday — expanding Florida's existing Guardian program to college campuses including UWF and Pensacola State. Unlike the K-12 version where guardians are visibly identified, college guardians will carry concealed. The program is voluntary and requires the same training standards. Patronis called it common sense policy — especially in the wake of the FSU campus shooting earlier this year.
USS Gerald Ford
Patronis also highlighted the return of the USS Gerald Ford after a 326-day deployment — the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War. The carrier strike group received the Presidential Unit Citation, the top collective military honor in the U.S. armed forces. Patronis said the achievement couldn't have happened without Northwest Florida.
