Press Release
By Congressman Aaron Bean
10/25/25
It’s day 26 of the Senate-led shutdown. Senate Democrats have voted 12 separate times to keep the government closed, and innocent Americans are paying the price. More than 500,000 civilian federal employees have already missed a paycheck. That includes 13,000 air traffic controllers—some of the most highly trained professionals in the country—who are still working without pay. Many have taken on second jobs just to make ends meet.  WATCH MY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ACTION NEWS JAX HEREI sent an open letter to utilities and financial institutions across Northeast Florida urging them not to impose service shutoffs or penalties on active-duty service members, air traffic controllers, federal law enforcement, and other federal workers who aren’t receiving pay. These folks are doing their jobs, and they shouldn’t be punished for Washington’s gridlock. I’m asking local institutions to step up, pause the penalties, and help these families stay afloat until the government reopens. VISITING CLAY COUNTY’S BUSINESS LEADERS  This week, I had the privilege of meeting with local leaders at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable. These conversations are always energizing, and this one was no exception. The room was filled with passionate small business owners who are innovating, expanding, and investing in Northeast Florida’s future. Even amid a Senate-led shutdown and political gridlock in Washington, their optimism hasn’t wavered. These entrepreneurs remain focused on what they do best: creating jobs, serving their communities, and driving economic growth. Their resilience is a powerful reminder that while D.C. may stall, small businesses keep America moving forward. CUTTING THE RIBBON ON DEFENSE INNOVATION  This week, I joined CGI Federal in Jacksonville to celebrate the opening of their new office, bringing more high-tech jobs to the region and supporting the U.S. military. Their latest innovation, the Marine Corps Platform Integration Center (MCPIC), is changing the game in tracking military equipment and ensuring our troops have what they need, when they need it. Here’s what that means in real terms: what used to take 100 Marines an entire year to inventory—like 16,000 vehicles—can now be done by just two Marines in a single day. That’s faster, smarter, and more cost-effective. And it’s all happening right here in Northeast Florida. VISITING NIAGARA BOTTLING  I had the privilege this week of visiting Niagara’s Middleburg bottling facility. Founded in 1963 and still family-owned and operated, Niagara has grown into one of the largest bottled water manufacturers in the country. Their plant in Clay County employs about 150 people, and to date, Niagara’s capital investments in the county total over $129 million, ensuring the jobs and economic benefits they bring will be sustained for years to come. During my visit, we discussed Niagara’s history, how its plant functions, its economic model, and connections to the community. We also spoke about how the Working Families Tax Cut is propelling manufacturing investments in our community, and the benefits it will continue to bring to Northeast Florida. I enjoyed getting to see first-hand Niagara’s work to quench our thirst while boosting our local economy. REAL QUESTIONS, REAL CONVERSATIONS  Our town hall this week was a powerful reminder that even when Washington shuts down, your voice doesn’t. More than 5,900 constituents joined the conversation, and I had the opportunity to hear your concerns live—from healthcare subsidies, to why Congress struggles to compromise, to how military families are being adversely affected. In moments like these, open dialogue is more than just helpful—it’s essential. When federal agencies pause, families still need answers, and communities still need support. That’s why the Bean Team continues working around the clock to assist you with casework, and to make sure Northeast Florida isn’t left in the dark. If you missed this town hall, don’t worry, we’ll be hosting another one soon. SUPPORTING OUR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS  CLICK HERE FOR AN INSTANT REPLAYAir traffic controllers have one of the most demanding jobs in America—responsible for keeping our skies safe with 100% accuracy, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Yet during this Senate-led shutdown, they’re being asked to work longer hours, juggle second jobs, and maintain the same level of excellence, all without a paycheck. Recently, I joined The Real Story with Riley Lewis on OANN to talk about my bill, the Aviation Funding Stability Act. It’s a commonsense solution to keep flights moving and protect the professionals who make it possible. ATTENTION CODERS: IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN  The 2025 Congressional App Challenge is open for middle and high school students in the Fourth Congressional District, but time is running out. Put your STEM skills to work and create an original app using any coded language for a chance to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. The deadline to register for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is next Thursday, October 30, 2025 , so if you haven’t started yet, now’s the time. Questions? Reach out to our office or click here to learn more and get started. CASEWORK CORNER A Nassau County constituent retired earlier this year after serving over 20 years in the Air Force. Upon his retirement, he discovered that he was not receiving his benefits and that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) had incorrect information. After fixing the issue, he spent months trying to recover his lost benefits before reaching out to my office. My team quickly got in touch with DFAS staff, who recovered over $10,000 in outstanding amounts!Are you in need of casework assistance? My staff and I are here to help you. Call us today at 904-830-3933. Sincerely,  Congressman Aaron Bean Proudly Serving Florida’s Fourth Congressional District |
Contact Me Washington 2459 Rayburn Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-0123 Nassau 501 Centre Street, Suite 107 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Phone: (904) 557-9550 Clay 4465-6 US Highway 17 Fleming Island, FL 32003 Phone: (904) 830-3933 Duval 117 W Duval St. #230 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 319-9433 |
