Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL – Republican)

Anna Paulina Luna has served as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 13th Congressional District since January 3, 2023. A Republican and the first Latina woman elected to Congress from Florida, Luna represents a district that includes parts of Pinellas County, Pasco County, and the Tampa Bay area. Prior to her congressional tenure, she worked as a military veteran and community organizer, focusing on veterans’ affairs and conservative grassroots activism.

Policy Effectiveness and Legislative Record

In her time in Congress, Rep. Luna has prioritized border security, veterans’ services, and election integrity. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, where she has advocated for increasing funding for military readiness and protecting domestic energy production. Luna introduced the Border City Safety Act, which would allow local law enforcement agencies near the southern border to request additional federal support and funding when they face security threats related to illegal crossings. She also sponsored the Veteran Funeral Protection Act, aimed at strengthening penalties for desecration of veterans’ headstones and ensuring prompt repairs for damaged memorials. Her legislative efforts reflect a focus on national security, veterans’ issues, and conservative policy priorities.

Key Votes and Voting Record

Rep. Luna’s voting record aligns closely with the Republican caucus. She voted in favor of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, supporting a balanced-budget amendment requirement for future debt ceiling increases. On appropriations, she backed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which included increases in military pay and funding for shipbuilding. Luna opposed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, citing concerns that its tax increases and regulatory provisions would hinder economic growth. She also voted against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2023 due to disagreements over certain funding allocations. In committee, she voted to approve a water-resource development bill that supports infrastructure improvements for coastal flood prevention in Florida. Through her first two years, her attendance rate on the House floor has been above 95%, reflecting consistent participation in roll-call votes.

Ethics and Controversies

There are no formal ethics violations or investigations currently against Rep. Luna. During her 2022 campaign, she faced scrutiny over a past protest event where she appeared at a rally that included a demonstration at a government building; opponents alleged it crossed legal boundaries. However, no charges were filed, and subsequent fact-checks determined she did not participate in any violent or destructive actions. Luna has also been criticized for the use of campaign funds for certain advertising expenditures; however, Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show those expenditures fell within permissible categories. To date, no ethics panels in the House have issued findings of wrongdoing.

Constituent Service and Public Engagement

Rep. Luna actively engages with constituents through monthly town halls, frequent social media updates, and a robust district office operation. Her district offices in St. Petersburg and Clearwater handle casework related to veterans’ benefits, Social Security, and immigration inquiries. Luna has hosted “Veterans Roundtable” events to solicit feedback from local veterans’ organizations about service gaps and facilities on Florida bases. She also organized a “Small Business Listening Tour,” visiting over a dozen small businesses countywide to discuss regulatory burdens. Despite occasional criticism from opponents regarding accessibility, her staff reports resolving over 1,200 constituent cases in her first year, including securing benefits back-pay and expediting VA claims.

Bipartisanship and Collaboration

While maintaining a conservative voting record, Luna has shown limited willingness to reach across the aisle on select issues. She co-sponsored the Federal Land Water Conservation Trust Fund Clarification Act with a Democratic colleague from New Mexico, ensuring that a portion of federal conservation funding could be used to restore coastal habitats in both states. She also joined members of both parties in calling for increased cybersecurity measures for election systems after breaches in several county boards in 2023. However, most of her high-profile bills and amendments have been introduced or co-sponsored exclusively with Republican colleagues.

Recent Focus and Public Stances

In recent months, Rep. Luna has concentrated on strengthening southern border policies, advocating for stricter asylum criteria and additional funding for border patrol. She introduced a resolution condemning unauthorized “sanctuary city” policies in Florida and calling for nationwide standardization of immigration enforcement. Luna has also been vocal in her opposition to federal carbon pricing proposals and has promoted expanded domestic oil and gas drilling on federal lands, arguing it is essential to lower energy costs. On social issues, she consistently supports legislation restricting federal funding for abortion and co-sponsored a measure to block taxpayer dollars from funding gender-transition surgeries for minors. Her public messaging emphasizes a “America First” approach, focusing on national sovereignty, veterans’ welfare, and traditional values.

Conclusion

Representative Anna Paulina Luna’s tenure in Congress is characterized by her strong advocacy on border security, veterans’ issues, and conservative fiscal policy. Her legislative efforts, committee assignments, and constituent outreach demonstrate a focus on national defense, economic growth, and local service. While she remains aligned with the Republican caucus on most votes, her occasional bipartisan collaborations suggest a pragmatic streak on specific policy areas. As she continues to represent Florida’s 13th District, Luna’s performance reflects her commitment to her stated priorities: secure borders, robust support for veterans, and limited government.