Peter Schorsch
As year winds down, Congress on the clock facing big issues
As Congress returns this week from the Thanksgiving recess, a daunting agenda confronts them. The Senate is scheduled to be in session for 15 more days in 2017, while the House is slated for 12.
Several critical issues need some resolution between now and December 15, with yet another debt ceiling rise coming first. Were he still alive, country music singer Jerry Reed could have summed things up just as succinctly as any politician in his song East Bound and Down:
“We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.”
First up is the debt ceiling. D-Day is December 8, the result of a Congress-approved three-month reprieve negotiated between President Donald Trump, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California in September.
Some Democrats wish to link extending the debt ceiling to passing the DREAM Act, which is legislation that would legalize younger undocumented immigrants brought into this country by adults. Republicans wish to address the issues separately, preferring to clear the decks for the tax reform bill.
“I have heard rumors we would set aside negotiating an omnibus (multi-issue) and do a (continuing resolution) instead because Republicans are so hellbent on passing tax cuts for the wealthiest and corporations that they simply don’t have time to walk and chew gum at the same time,” said Weston Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Some Democrats are reportedly favoring a strategy that would force Republicans to add the DREAM Act to any raise of the debt ceiling or else face a government shutdown.
Wasserman Schultz is correct that the tax bill is dominating the GOP agenda. Republicans believe they must pass this legislation or perhaps lose their majorities on Capitol Hill in next year’s elections.
According to an op-ed written by Republican Dan Webster of Orlando, passing the bill “will unleash thirty years of pent-up prosperity.” Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson says the bill is aimed to benefit the wealthy at the expense of small businesses and individuals.
If Republicans are to get this bill through, the Senate must first pass it, then get together in conference with the House and hopefully — for them — pass the final bill and send to the president. The Senate bill contains a controversial provision to end the requirement for Americans to purchase health, something not included in the House bill.
Other agenda items include the December 31 expiration of the National Security Agency’s warrantless surveillance program. Privacy concerns are still unaddressed leaving Okeechobee Republican and Intelligence Committee member Tom Rooney not sure how it will turn out.
“There is genuine concern among those of us that support the program that it might not pass the House,” Rooney told The Hill. “I don’t know what you do in that case.”
Another must-pass is the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Senate has not yet taken up a recently passed House bill, which would extend the program for five years.
St. Petersburg Democrat Charlie Crist, speaking for many Democrats, claims the House bill makes flood insurance “unaffordable” for too many Floridians. Instead, he points to a bill in both the House and Senate co-sponsored by himself, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and GOP Sen. Marco Rubio.
Meanwhile, tick-tock, tick-tock.
Rubio: Franken should ‘consider resigning’
As revelations of harassment or other improper behavior seem to surface every day on Capitol Hill, no one is in a hurry to resign. Florida’s junior senator believes that one of his Democratic colleagues should seriously think about that.
In an interview with CBS Miami’s Jim DeFede, Rubio is urging Minnesota Democrat Al Franken to “consider resigning” over conduct involving behavior toward multiple women. Franken has admitted to many of the details reported by the media.
“The things he’s already admitted to, I find to be outrageous and offensive — and I do think he should consider resigning,” Rubio told DeFede.
The second-term Republican also had some words for the embattled Roy Moore, the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“If he’s elected to the Senate … he will find himself immediately in an ethics situation or some other hearing where perhaps even more will be revealed,” Rubio said. “[Franken] is going to go through the same process. I think the accusations against him, including many of which he’s admitted, are horrifying.”
Franken has repeatedly apologized for his actions but does not intend to resign. Moore faces Alabama voters on December 12.
Nelson seeks to upgrade nation’s 911 system
Florida’s senior Senator sees significant flaws in the system designed to help those in emergency situations. He recently introduced legislation that would modernize the 911 system and prevent breakdowns such as those which occurred during Hurricane Irma.
It specifically calls for expanding an existing federal grant program designed to help state and local governments deploy next generation 911 systems.
Nelson cited Federal Communications Commission statistics which showed 29 of Florida’s emergency 911 centers, along with others around the country, suffered impaired service. In Florida, 14 centers went entirely offline.
“Upgrading the nation’s 911 system is literally a life or death matter that must become more of a national priority,” he said. “No plea for help should go unanswered because a call center doesn’t have the technology to receive a text, video or picture.”
Nelson’s bill is co-sponsored by New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand and California Democrat Kamala Harris.
Happening Wednesday: Live Rubio roundtable
Rubio will join POLITICO Playbook’s Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at approximately 8:45 a.m. for a live discussion sponsored by the Financial Services Roundtable. Interested media can RSVP here. The interview will be at The Liaison Capitol Hill, 415 New Jersey Ave NW in Washington, D.C.
Delegation’s intervention on behalf of Haitian TPS refugees a futile effort
Last week, a bipartisan group of delegation members urged President Trump to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to thousands of Haitian refugees. Most of the Haitians have been in this country since the devastating earthquake rocked the country on January 12, 2010.
Writing to acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, they pointed out that Haiti was not yet ready to absorb the return of such a massive influx of people. After thanking Duke for meeting with them recently, they made the case that returning the refugees at this point could be deadly.
“To this day, Haiti struggles to combat an outbreak of cholera introduced by United Nations relief workers following the earthquake that has already killed more than 10,000 people,” they wrote.
Joining Democratic Sen. Nelson and Republican Sen. Rubio were several of their colleagues from the delegation in a letter urging Trump to let the refugees stay longer. Rubio made the case in an op-ed for the Miami Herald.
Also signing on were Democrats Ted Deutch of Boca Raton, Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach, Alcee Hastings of Miramar, Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston and Frederica Wilson of Miami Gardens. Republicans signing the letter included Republicans Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, both of Miami and Carlos Curbelo of Kendall.
It was all in vain as Duke, speaking on behalf of the Trump administration, announced TPS for the Haitians would end in 18 months. The deadline would allow an “orderly transition,” Duke said.
Nelson expressed outrage over the decision.
“There is no reason to send 60,000 Haitians back to a country that cannot provide for them,” he said in a statement. “This decision today by DHS is unconscionable.”
Frankel called the move “mean-spirited and inhumane.”
Diaz-Balart called on the administration to “reconsider,” while Ros-Lehtinen urged Congress to pass a permanent solution.
“I can personally attest that Haiti is not prepared to take back the nearly 60,000 TPS recipients under (Haiti’s) difficult and harsh conditions.”
Gaetz latest from delegation to join Climate Solutions Caucus
The first-term Republican from Fort Walton Beach confounds his critics and perhaps creates an eye-roll from some of those covering him. Some of his supporters likely have quizzical looks following his most recent actions involving the environment.
In February, Gaetz introduced a bill to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Last week he joined the Climate Solutions Caucus, a group designed to offer policies to combat the problems caused by climate change.
Gaetz believes it is possible to hold both positions rationally. The EPA has “exceeded their original mission substantially” and needs to be reined in, or in this case, shut down.
After soaking in a recent report involving 13 federal agencies, Gaetz is convinced climate change is occurring and debating the validity of the issue is a waste of time.
“We should be focused on solutions,” he told the Pensacola News-Journal.
The report details a temperature rise of 1.8 degrees over the past 115 years and predicts catastrophic events over the coming years.
“I don’t think there’s a scientific debate left to be had on if it’s happening,” Gaetz said. “I also think history is going to judge very harshly climate change deniers, and I don’t want to be one of them.”
Skeptics are quick to point out votes by Gaetz, which they say goes against the environmental health of the country. They also mention his praise for President Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accords.
Gaetz joined the caucus, founded by Boca Raton Democrat Deutch and Kendall Republican Curbelo, in tandem with New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer. The membership now exceeds 60 members even split between Republicans and Democrats.
Dunn spends Thanksgiving in Afghanistan
The first-term Republican from the 2nd District was in the Middle East and Central Asia last week meeting and dining with members of the American military. During his time overseas, Dunn met with officers and enlisted personnel.
“Serving Thanksgiving dinner to our deployed troops at several Forward Operating Bases abroad alongside the leader of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, General [John] Nicholson, was an incredibly humbling experience,” Dunn said.
Dunn met with several officers and enlisted men based in Florida, including those from Tyndall Air Force Base.
“The young men and women on the front lines work hand in glove with Afghan forces and are the best ambassadors any nation could have,” he said. “I am very thankful for all of those who are away from their families this holiday season and fighting for our freedom.”
Murphy announces federal law enforcement grants
The first-term Democrat from Winter Park revealed last week that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had awarded over $6.2 million to law enforcement agencies in central Florida to help keep families safe. The funding is through the DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant.
Recipients include the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the city of Orlando, the city of Sanford, and the city of Casselberry. The funding will enable these local law enforcement agencies to hire a total of 50 law enforcement officers.
“More officers on the streets will help make our families safer and our communities stronger, which is why this funding is an important boost to our local law enforcement agencies,” said Murphy. “We owe our law enforcement community a debt of gratitude as they put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s office will receive $3.125 million to hire 25 officers; the city of Orlando will receive $1.875 million for 15 officers; the Sanford Police Department is to receive $875,000 to hire seven officers, and the Casselberry Police Department will receive $325,967 to hire three officers.
Wilson reacts to more grim news on Niger ambush victim
Last week, the Democrat from Miami Gardens reacted to the news military investigators and the FBI found additional remains in Niger belonging to murdered soldier La David Johnson. Johnson and his family were friends of Wilson.
“It is difficult to find the words to describe how dismaying it was to learn that some of Sgt. La David Johnson’s remains were found in Niger weeks after his funeral,” Wilson said in a statement. “My heart breaks for his widow, Myeshia, and the rest of his family, who upon hearing this news must have felt like they were losing him all over again.”
Wilson, Trump and his chief of staff John Kelly were embroiled in a bitter back-and-forth about Trump’s call to Myeshia Johnson intending to offer condolences. Twitter wars and anonymous threats against Wilson followed.
Last week’s news also brought comments from Wilson that nearly all Americans would agree upon. The Pentagon, the White House, Congress and the Johnson family wants to know what happened to Johnson and his three comrades who were also killed.
“I urge all Americans to join me in the push to find out when the government will be able to present a full explanation of the circumstances that led to his death and three other American soldiers,” she said. “We owe it to their families and to every military family.”
Curbelo receives award named for JFK
The Republican from Kendall was recently honored for some of his bipartisan work on Capitol Hill. He received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award for his leadership role in promoting solutions to the effects of climate change.
Curbelo received his award from Jack Schlossberg, son of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and grandson of the award’s namesake. The presentation came during a ceremony at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Institute of Politics in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“Congressman Curbelo’s work on climate demonstrates the impact that young leaders, who dare to think differently, and challenge tradition, can have on our national politics,” Schlossberg said while presenting the award. “As a young man and a member of the new generation, one that expects more out of our politics, that believes we aren’t as divided as we may seem, that welcomes climate change as an opportunity for American triumph, I am grateful that Representative Curbelo is representing us in Congress.”
Curbelo joined with Boca Raton Democrat Deutch to form the House Climate Solutions Caucus to take a bipartisan approach to the issue. The group now includes more than 60 members broken down almost evenly.
“As I reflect on this honor, I am reminded of how much President Kennedy did to open our nation to the pursuit of scientific knowledge,” Curbelo said in his acceptance speech. “For me, my knowledge of climate change and confronting the reality of a sea that is rising is of critical importance as I serve my constituents. Like President Kennedy, we need to both know and act — we must take steps now — not tomorrow — to address the environmental challenges that lie before us.”
Paulson’s Politics: Florida’s two most vulnerable congressional districts
No moderate or large state had a higher congressional turnover in 2016 than Florida. Eight of the 27 seats, or 30 percent, had a new representative after the election. Normally, over 90 percent of House members are re-elected.
Will massive turnover be the norm again in 2018? Will Florida Democrats be able to flip the three seats needed to win control of the delegation for the first time in three decades?
Several Democratic groups have already targeted Republican seats for 2018. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced its Republican Retirement Watch List in April 2017. Number two on the list was Vern Buchanan of Florida’s 16th Congressional District. Number three on the hit list was Diaz-Balart in CD 25. They may be targets, but they will be tough to defeat.
Emily’s List, a liberal political group, supports female candidates and issued its “hit list” of 50 members of Congress who are targeted “due to their anti-women and anti-family positions.”
Floridians on Emily’s List of targeted candidates include Ron DeSantis in CD 6, Brian Mast in CD 18 and Curbelo in CD 26. All three of these won the 2016 election by margins ranging from 10 to 17 percent.
This week we will look at the two most vulnerable congressional districts in Florida, Districts 26 and 27 in Miami-Dade County. Republicans currently hold both seats, Democrats must win each if they hope to regain control of the Florida congressional delegation.
Florida’s two most vulnerable congressional districts: CD 27 in Miami is regarded as the most vulnerable district in the nation, let alone Florida. Republican Ros-Lehtinen is the dean of the Florida delegation having held the seat for 29 years. Ros-Lehtinen easily won re-election in 2016 but has announced she will retire at the end of her current term.
So, why is a district that the Republicans have held since 1989 considered the most vulnerable district in America? The reason is that it is a “Democratic” district held by a Republican. The district has a +5 Democratic Partisan Voting Index (PVI). It is a district Hillary Clinton won by 19 percent.
As soon as Ros-Lehtinen announced her retirement, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed the rating from “leans Republican” to “likely Democrat.” Seven Democrats and three Republicans are scrambling to replace Ros-Lehtinen.
Neighboring CD 26, represented by Republican Curbelo, is vulnerable for the same reasons as District 27. It has a +6 Democratic PVI, making it the most Democratic district in America held by a Republican. Clinton carried the district by 16 percent, improving on President Obama’s 7-point margin in 2012.
Curbelo is vulnerable, but will not be a pushover. Curbelo was awarded a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee after his 2016 victory over Democrat Joe Garcia, who outspent Curbelo by $1.5 million. Curbelo has almost $1.4 million in his 2018 campaign account.
CD 26 includes all of Monroe County (the Keys) and the Southwest part of Miami-Dade. Miami-Dade has always been essential to Democratic success in statewide races, but the party has had trouble winning local races. Until recently.
Annette Taddeo, who had lost four political races between 2008 and 2016, defeated Republican candidate Jose Felix Diaz 51-47 percent in a special election to replace Republican Frank Artiles, who was forced to resign his state senate seat due to racist and anti-women remarks against fellow legislators.
Miami-Dade is increasingly friendly to Democratic candidates across the board, and Democrats hold a commanding 42 to 27 percent advantage over registered Republican voters.
Curbelo was recently rejected for membership in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus because of his support for “repeal and replace” of Obamacare and his support for the Trump tax reform plan. Curbelo criticized the all-Democratic Hispanic Caucus for its “unbelievably petty partisan politics,” which has led the Caucus “to formally endorse the segregation of American Hispanics.”
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has just listed Curbelo’s district as part of its “Majority Maker” plan for 2018. Public Policy Polling released a mid-November poll showing that only 37 percent of his constituents approved of Curbelo, while 46 percent disapproved.
The demographic trends in CD 26, along with the dislike of President Trump and his policies, has led Charlie Cook to revise the rating for the district from “leans Republican” to “tossup.”
Democrats have never had a better opportunity to flip two Republican congressional seats. Even if they flip both, they still need to find one more district to flip if they want to regain political control of the Florida delegation. That is the focus of next week’s edition of Paulson’s Politics.
Next Week: Can Democrats turn Florida’s congressional delegation blue?
One federal agency; two acting directors
The personnel operation of the Trump administration has received its fair share of criticism both before and since the president took office. Multiple senior positions remain unfilled.
In a twist of irony, one federal agency now has two individuals claiming to be the acting director. That is proving to be a bit awkward.
When Richard Cordray announced his resignation as director of the (CFPB), he announced the appointment of deputy director Leandra English as interim director. When Trump was informed, he quickly appointed White House budget director Mick Mulvaney to the post.
On Saturday, the CFPB’s general counsel, Mary McLeod (appointed by Cordray), sent a memo to the bureau’s leadership team stating her opinion that Mulvaney is the lawful acting director.
English filed a lawsuit on Sunday naming Trump and Mulvaney as defendants. She seeks a temporary restraining order and claims the president’s appointment of Mulvaney unlawful.
Both Mulvaney and English showed up Monday claiming to be the acting director. After English sent an email to employees using the acting director title, Mulvaney emailed them with instructions to ignore any directions from English.
No matter what happens, all of this will be moot when Trump names a permanent director. No one, at least at this point, is challenging the president’s authority in that regard.
Trump may see himself on Fox News
Trump has said (on multiple occasions) that he is a big fan of Fox & Friends, the cable channel’s three-hour morning program. Starting Tuesday, he may see himself or someone paid to look like him.
The progressive group Not One Penny is launching a “six-figure” television ad buy that takes on the GOP tax reform plan. Republican Senators are the target, especially those on the fence and/or are not particularly fond of Trump.
The ads are slated to run mostly on Fox News, including Fox & Friends.
