Phil Ammann
Nelson rhetoric sent signal tax bill was about to pass … or was it?
There were telltale signs the GOP tax reform measure was about to cross a threshold. On the day before the final vote was scheduled to take place, the rhetoric from Senate Democrats ratcheted upward.
When moderate Republicans John McCain of Arizona said he would vote for the measure, the writing was on the wall. These announcements followed comments by Maine Republican Susan Collins that her concerns were being addressed (see “Nelson Unhappy” below).
Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson is known for his vocal opposition when he is passionate on an issue. He does not try to hide his disdain for this bill for purely economic reasons, but on Wednesday he sent a message to the large (and growing) contingent of Puerto Ricans living in Florida that all could hear.
Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, he said: “Passing this GOP tax bill would be like sending another hurricane to Puerto Rico.”
Comparing Congressional legislation to a storm that killed people, destroyed homes and livelihoods and reduced Puerto Rico to an almost primitive existence, is quite a rhetorical leap. At the same time, few, if anyone, called out Nelson for the hyperbole.
When it became nearly certain the measure would pass, Nelson asked his colleagues to “reconsider their vote.”
While Nelson would have liked to kill the tax bill, The Wall Street Journal editorial board basically accused Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of trying to do just that. In an editorial called “The Rubio-Schumer Amendment,” the newspaper says “Florida’s Republican tries to blow up tax reform.”
Rubio and Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah are fighting to further hike the Child Tax Credit as part of the tax bill. They proposed cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 to 22 percent (instead of 20 percent called for in the bill) to pay for the increase.
The Journal’s opening argument says Rubio was someone, “who contributed nothing to the Obamacare repeal, and now aspires to dilute the tax bill.” The White House remained firm that it would not accept anything other than a 20 percent rate.
Most believe that in the end, Rubio will support the bill even if no further action is taken on the tax credit. The vote was scheduled to occur Tuesday night, but Tennessee Republican Bob Corker, Arizona Republican Jeff Flake, and Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson nearly blew up the bill with last minute demands.
Debate is set to resume again on Friday morning and it would be wise to The drama is far from over. If it does pass, the House and Senate need to appoint members of a conference committee to come up with a final bill.
Democrats are so irrelevant in this process that it would not be a big surprise to see either House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, or Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — or both — decide to not even appoint conferees to represent their party. It would at least represent a symbolic protest sure to get plenty of media attention.
There would be little to lose. The remaining battles will be strictly Republican vs. Republican.
After a short respite, the rhetoric will commence next week. Perhaps Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will make things interesting by appointing Rubio as a Senate conferee.
If they get that far.
Nelson unhappy with Collins’ reasoning for softening stance on tax bill
As the GOP effort to make sweeping changes to the way Americans pay income taxes, Florida’s senior senator has been a staunch opponent. As the debate on the bill began, it became possible that Nelson could indirectly help the bill pass after working with a swing vote senator on an unrelated bill.
Maine Republican Sen. Collins can be counted upon to be a contrarian when partisan legislation is involved. The tax bill is no exception as Collins has expressed concerns with the provision that would end the health care mandate contained in the Affordable Care Act.
Collins has worked with Nelson on a bill to create a reinsurance pool to provide a health insurance backstop to make sure people do not lose health insurance if their insurance company fails. President Donald Trump told Collins this week he would support that bill, prompting a lessening of her concerns, holding out the possibility she might vote for the bill.
Nelson made it clear in a Wednesday interview on CNN, that Collins should not be making such a deal. He pointed out that Collins, a former state insurance commissioner like himself, should in no way consider voting to end the health care mandate.
“If she trades that off, that is not an even trade,” he said. “(Health) insurance premiums, out of necessity, go through the roof. That can’t be offset by all of these other good things that Susan and I are doing in our bipartisan legislation.”
Rubio, colleagues introduce bipartisan education bill
The second term Republican joined with Democrat colleagues to introduce updated legislation to help Americans better understand the costs and outcomes of higher education. Rubio, Virginia Democrat Mark Warner and Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden filed the Student Right to Know Before You Go Act to arm prospective students with information to help them make choices about college.
The bill makes data available concerning schools’ graduation rates, debt levels, how much graduates can expect to earn and other critical education and workforce-related measures of success. Under the bill, these outcome measures would be available and broken down by individual institution and program of study.
It also protects student privacy by requiring the use of privacy-enhancing technologies that encrypt and protect the data that are used to produce this consumer information to students and families.
“A college education is one of the most important investments that many students and families will make in their lifetime,” Rubio said. “Students could benefit from a comprehensive system detailing the projected costs and financial outcomes of the school and area of study the student is planning to pursue — before they take out thousands of dollars in student loans.
A bipartisan group of House members, including California Republican Duncan Hunter, also filed a companion bill in that chamber. Rubio, Wyden and Hunter have filed this legislation in every session since 2012.
Delegation all in to protect Florida agriculture
In a significant move, the entire Florida delegation has put the Trump Administration and Congressional appropriators on notice that Florida’s agriculture industry is being shortchanged when it comes to disaster relief. During a delegation meeting this week, the members indicated they would withhold support for the upcoming disaster aid bill unless the state’s agriculture industry is included.
“The Florida Delegation is in agreement that Congress must include relief for Florida agriculture in the upcoming aid package,” said Lakeland Republican Dennis Ross. “As representatives of Florida, it is our duty to advocate for those who have been devastated by Hurricane Irma and citrus greening. We must join together to ensure that Florida is not left behind.”
If the delegation holds firm, 16 Republican votes and 11 Democrats would not be available to leadership to pass the measure. California’s delegation, with 14 Republicans and 39 Democrats, is also reportedly not happy with the lack of any funding following the devastating wildfires that state has endured over recent months.
Florida has requested $27 billion in assistance and the current request from the White House contains no money for agriculture.
Two House gun bills advance for floor vote
The House Judiciary Committee has advanced two bills involving firearms to the House floor for final consideration. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which passed by a 19-11 vote, would allow citizens with state concealed carry permits to have the same privileges in other states.
As a committee member, Jacksonville Republican John Rutherford hailed its passage as common-sense and true to the second amendment. He is a former sheriff and one of 213 co-sponsors, all but three of whom are Republicans.
“We want good people carrying guns,” he said. “In my years in law enforcement, I have seen good, law-abiding citizens use legal firearms to stop dangerous people from harming themselves, their families, their neighbors, and other innocent lives. Law-abiding citizens who are authorized to carry firearms should have the ability to stop a violent incident before law enforcement can intervene.”
Boca Raton Democrat Ted Deutch offered an amendment to address his concern that those who harm animals would be able to carry around the country.
“This terrible bill allows animal abusers to take advantage of reciprocity in spite of their violent history,” he said in a statement. “Unfortunately, my amendment was voted down on a party-line vote.”
The Fix NICS Act would strengthen gun background checks by requiring federal agencies and states to have plans ensuring they properly update the federal NICS database. This bill, forwarded by a 17-6 committee vote, is in response to the mass shootings in Sutherland Springs, Texas, where the gunman was able to purchase firearms after the U.S. Air Force failed to provide vital information to the database.
“Following the horrific acts of violence in Sutherland Springs and Las Vegas, we must do all we can to prevent these tragedies from happening again,” Rutherford said. “Had our existing background check laws been enforced, the tragedy in Sutherland Springs could have been avoided altogether.”
Committee members include Republicans Ron DeSantis of Ponte Vedra and Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach. Deutch is the only Florida Democrat.
Gaetz, judiciary colleagues demand answers from FBI
The first-term Republican from Fort Walton Beach is asking the new FBI director to look into what happened with the Hillary Clinton email investigation conducted by his predecessor and whether President Trump treated unfairly.
In a letter to Director Christopher Wray, Gaetz and fellow Republicans Louis Gohmert of Texas and Andy Biggs of Arizona ask for an explanation why Deputy Director Andrew McCabe tagged the investigation as “special.”
“As you are aware, the FBI has recently released emails in which the Hillary Clinton email investigation was called “special” by current FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe,” they wrote. “The substance of these emails triggers the oversight function of the Judiciary Committee upon which we serve. Specifically, special treatment for any American undermines the cherished principle of equal treatment for all under the rule of law.”
They referred to the way the so-called “Trump Dossier” was handled, asking specific questions of Wray. Among the questions was whether the FBI helped pay for some of the information in the dossier and was it used to obtain wiretap warrants.
Gaetz and his colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee have previously called for a special counsel to look into the Uranium One deal as well as any role played by the Clinton Foundation. They also seek special counsel Robert Mueller’s removal from the ongoing Russia probe.
Wray is set to appear before the Judiciary Committee on Thursday. The letter asks for answers to their questions before that time.
Spotted
Gaetz on FOX Business Network’s “Making Money with Charles Payne” discussing the new developments in the GOP tax reform proposal.
Tyndall AFB gets new drone warfare wing
Florida will now be the headquarters of an important new drone warfare unit. The U.S. Air Force announced this week that Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City will be the location of its new MQ-9 Reaper wing.
Panama City Republican Neal Dunn was understandably thrilled with the announcement. Tyndall is part of Dunn’s 2nd Congressional District.
“The Air Force’s decision is a wise one for our national defense, and it will bring a tremendous boost to our region,” Dunn said in a statement. “Tyndall is a perfect location for this new wing, and this community will welcome the new airmen and their families who come to live and work here with open arms.”
Tyndall was chosen over a number of other bases in South Carolina, California, and Florida. Among those bases in contention was Eglin Air Force Base, located in the Panhandle District represented by Fort Walton Beach Republican Matt Gaetz.
Both Florida Senators praised the Air Force’s decision.
“This is a big win for not only for Panama City, but for the entire state of Florida,” Nelson said in a statement. “The 1,400 airmen and their families that will soon be heading to the area will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy.”
“I have long advocated for the Air Force to base the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft in Florida, so I am very pleased it decided to do so,” Rubio said in a release. “Florida’s military community plays a vital role in defending our nation, and the Reaper system is a key component of the Air Force’s global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.”
According to Rubio, 24 drone aircraft are part of the new wing.
DeSantis wants to end secret payouts by members
With more revelations involving sexual harassment coming out seemingly every day, Capitol Hill is struggling to figure out what to do. The Republican from Ponte Vedra is certain on one thing lawmakers must do.
The accusations against Michigan Democrat John Conyers revealed another subplot. Over the last two decades, more than $15 million in taxpayer funds were used to settle harassment claims and other misconduct.
DeSantis, along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, believe the payouts are bad enough, but Congress keeps the details secret. He believes that must change.
“The American people need to know why is their money being paid out for these settlements,” he told Fox News’ Sandra Smith. “And it’s not all sexual harassment. There are other claims that are made under this system. We have to bar tax dollars that are going to pay for effectively private misconduct of members and staff.”
He is joining with bipartisan members to pass legislation to make these changes.
Delegation colleagues target weapons sales to Iran
With the problems constantly caused by the radical regime in Iran, the two Tampa Bay area representatives seek to discourage U.S. allies from lending any assistance. St. Petersburg Democrat Charlie Crist and Palm Harbor Republican Gus Bilirakis this week introduced the No Arms Sales to Iran Act.
The bill would prohibit U.S. military assistance to any country that sells restricted weapons or technology to Iran. Its purpose is to discourage other nations from derailing efforts to isolate or contain the rogue nation’s aggressive actions.
“Iran’s aggressive actions remain a threat to America, Israel, and the rest of the world, said Crist. “As the top state sponsor of terrorism, Iran’s nefarious pursuit of restricted weapons further destabilizes the region.
Bilirakis spoke of a worldwide commitment.
“Despite the Iran Deal, Iran continues to demonstrate its commitment to tyranny through its continued support and spread of terror in an effort to destabilize the Middle East,” he said. “As we work with allies to keep the pressure on Iran, we must ensure that our efforts are not being undermined by other nations and, if so, that they are exposed and held accountable.”
Soto pushes Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands rebuild bill
The first-term Democrat from Orlando is joining with colleagues to help introduce a bill in the House that would seek to provide comprehensive rebuilding money and resources for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands beyond what is needed to address just the devastated from Hurricanes Maria and Irma.
Soto announced this week he would be joining fellow Democrats Stacy Plaskett from the Virgin Islands and Nydia Velázquez from New York in sponsoring the House version of a U.S. Senate bill announced late Tuesday. The Senate bill, dubbed by some as the “Marshall Plan for Puerto Rico,” is sponsored by independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and co-sponsored by several Democratic U.S. senators.
The Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act goes beyond just providing immediate humanitarian relief from the storms, which is still needed two months after the storm. Instead, it addresses long-term rebuilding of infrastructure including the schools and power systems, and equity in how the islanders are eligible for federal benefits, including Medicaid and Medicare.
“The people of Puerto Rico have been living in a nightmare for far too long,” Soto said. “We talk about power to the people. The people of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands need power! I am proud to support this legislation that will help the islands get the lights back on and their economies going again. As we look to rebuild the islands, we have an opportunity to become an energy model for the 21st century if we invest right.”
Among the bill’s benefits would be addressing Puerto Rico’s massive debt, replacing the island’s antiquated power grid, and putting Puerto Rico on equal footing with the 50 states when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid benefits, among others.
“We will stand with the American citizens of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” Sanders said in introducing his bill Tuesday. “We will rebuild those islands better than before the disasters devastated them.”
Soto joins LGBT seniors’ bill
A bill aimed at offering some specialized senior services for gay elders picked up Soto‘s cosponsorship to go along with four other Florida Democrat members of Congress, who’ve already signed on, sponsors Crist and Deutch of Boca Raton, along with co-sponsors Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston and Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach.
The “The Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act of 2017” recognize that gay senior citizens likely have spent a lifetime in the shadows or faced harsh discrimination, and sets out to amend the 1965 Older Americans Act to provide study and services specific to the conditions of elderly gay people.
“With inadequate access to support and health care services, LGBT Americans are more likely to face isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as they age,” Crist explained.
All the sponsors and co-sponsors are Democrats, however, A similar bill in 2015 never even got assigned to a committee.
Murphy touts defense bill
There was Stephanie Murphy, Winter Park’s Democrat in Congress, standing beside Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, smiling at his quips, applauding his signature. When it comes to military spending, Democrats and Republicans at least try to look like they’re getting along.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee Murphy, Murphy joined Democrats and Republicans Thursday for Ryan’s certification of passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. Besides the photo op, the ceremony gave Murphy a chance to tout her own contributions.
The bill includes money she got inserted for Defense Department simulation and modeling research that is centered in her District 7 in Orange County, as well as other provisions that make it easier for small businesses to do business with the Defense Department, and to improve treatment of servicemen and women, she said.
Save the date
Curbelo gets another boost from AAN
The second-term Republican from South Florida’s 26th District is being applauded for supporting the GOP tax plan in a new ad produced by American Action Network (AAN).
Curbelo is one of the most vulnerable House incumbents in the nation and has been the subject of several TV and radio ads this year by the group, which has ties to Republican House leadership.
American Action Network announced earlier this year that they would spend $20 million attempting to get the GOP tax plan passed. This is at least the fourth ad in some form (radio, digital and/or television) directed toward voters in CD 26, which spans a part of Miami down to Key West.
AAN previously targeted Curbelo and other Republicans to support proposals in the House of Representatives that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
“What a country and what a day,” Curbelo said two weeks ago after casting a vote in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “Today we are one step closer for tax relief for every American family.”
Curbelo is one of 29 House Republicans being thanked by the group in the latest $2.5 million ad buy.
DC’s Florida House is getting face-lift
The home-away-from-home for Floridians visiting Capitol Hill is in need of some upkeep. To help raise the necessary funds, they have started a campaign called “Shake, Rattle, and Roll.”
Each year 10,000 people visit Florida hands to shake hands or just drop by “for a cold glass of Florida orange juice.” The 44-year-old building has developed a rattle or two as it ages, therefore requiring repairs.
The pitch comes when Floridians are asked if they “will help us roll to a face-lift goal of $5,000.”
Florida House is located at Number One Second Street, near East Capitol Street near the U.S. Supreme Court.
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