Peter Schorsch
Dueling intelligence memos dominate Capitol Hill agenda
Even before the Republican four-page intelligence memo was released, the acrimony on Capitol Hill reached a new high. It is no exaggeration to say the rhetoric was more hostile than the effort to repeal Obamacare or the tax cut bill of December.
Even after a weekend to absorb the action taken first by Intelligence Committee Republicans to release the memo, then President Donald Trump’s declassification of its contents, the bitterness continues. Both sides talk about a “constitutional crisis,” but for far different reasons.
Republicans wanted the memo released in the interest of transparency. Democrats, as well as the FBI, said letting the world see its contents gave them “grave concerns.”
“Not only has the FBI expressed grave concerns about the memo’s accuracy, but Justice Department officials believe its release endangers our national security,” said West Palm Beach Democrat Lois Frankel. “Republican efforts hands yet another win to Vladimir Putin. The Democrats’ memo must be released so that the public can get to the truth.”
“Trump and Republicans in Congress are undermining American law enforcement, the Department of Justice and intelligence professionals in an attempt to discredit the Special Prosecutor’s investigation into Russian interference with our election, financial payoffs and obstruction of justice,” claimed Tampa Democrat Kathy Castor.
Republicans, of course, had an opposite view, claiming it was individuals within the FBI and Justice Department who were undermining the rule of law.
“The memo demonstrates how politicized federal law enforcement had become during the Obama Administration,” said Neal Dunn of Panama City. “We must return to a Federal Bureau of Investigation and a Department of Justice we can trust.”
Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, one of the leading voices in urging the release of the memo, said the contents “should cause all Americans to be outraged, regardless of political affiliation. Truth justice and transparency are not partisan concepts.”
Another Republican making numerous appearances on the issue, Ron DeSantis of Marineland, said: “It answers the question about did the FBI use this Democrat Party-funded dossier to obtain surveillance — and the answer to that question is yes.”
Frankel’s statement mentioned a Democratic memo, which referred to the minority view of the House Intelligence Committee. While many on the Democratic side believed that Republicans would block its release, the Committee voted unanimously on Monday to release it.
Like the process that saw the release of the GOP memo, President Trump has five days to decide whether to approve it. Okeechobee Republican Tom Rooney, a member of the Intelligence Committee, said the Democratic memo is inaccurate and will only “muddy the water,” but he is all for “letting the people see it.”
With the dueling memos taking up nearly 100 percent of the political discussion, two significant issues are being ignored in the media. The government runs out of money, again, on Thursday night and a promised vote on DACA is also approaching.
All of this while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 1,000 points on Monday. It promises to be another noisy week.
Nelson calls out Trump’s lack of commitment to opioid crisis
With the opioid crisis showing no signs of slowing down, Florida’s senior senator is calling out the Trump administration for not putting proper funding toward the effort. Nelson maintains Trump has spoken of the urgency, but not put forward any new funding to combat the crisis.
He joined with seven other Democratic senators to write to the Comptroller General of the United States asking for a review of the administration’s budgetary actions on the issue. They specifically asked for the Government Accountability Office to do the analysis.
“More needs to be done to combat the opioid crisis,” Nelson said. “The administration declared a public health emergency in October, but allocated no new funding.”
The letter pointed to Trump’s October 26 remarks calling the opioid crisis a “public health emergency.” Despite that, “we have grown increasingly concerned by reports that the President has done little to make use of his public health emergency declaration, leaving state and local communities without the resources they need to fight the opioid epidemic.”
They ask the GAO to look into four areas where they believe the President has authority to act but has not done so.
Rubio joins Ivanka to push paid family leave
Florida’s junior senator is again teaming up with first daughter Ivanka Trump to pitch an issue traditionally associated with Democrats. Two months ago, it was their push to expand the Child Tax Credit while now it is paid family leave.
Rubio is working to convince fellow Republicans of the wisdom of providing a non-mandatory expansion of the benefit to employers without raising taxes. The expectation is that it will make the idea more palatable to the conservative wing of the party.
“We still have to work on members of my own party,” Rubio told POLITICO. “I think there will be significant initial resistance to it because it’s just not an issue that’s been identified with the Republican Party.”
Rubio, along with Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee, has been in discussions on the issue with the President’s daughter. President Trump mentioned the idea in last week’s State of the Union address.
It comes as a policy reunion for Rubio, Lee and Ivanka. As negotiations on the GOP tax bill intensified late last year, the three pushed for increasing the Child Tax Credit as a way to provide help for lower-income Americans.
The final bill saw the CTC doubled from $1,000 to $2,000.
Nelson, Rubio continue advocacy for Puerto Rico
Florida’s U.S. senators continued their recent bipartisan efforts toward assisting the citizens of Puerto Rico. Last week Democrat Nelson and Republican Rubio, in separate letters, urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help the beleaguered people of the island commonwealth in the areas of public safety and necessary communications.
In a letter to Sessions, they expressed concern over the rise in crime in the months following Hurricane Maria. They urged him to use the resources of the federal government “to best determine how law enforcement can assist the territory in these trying times.”
“According to media reports, there were at least 46 homicides in Puerto Rico last month alone, twice the rate of this time last year,” they wrote. “It is crucial that the resources of the federal government are properly used to ensure the safety and security of Americans in Puerto Rico.”
In the letter to the FCC, the Senators urged the Commission to “continue to work with the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board (PRTRB) in addressing restoration and connectivity issues on the island.”
“Reports indicate that 92 percent of cell sites and 67 percent of wireline services have been restored, but residents still face significant challenges, including data and power outages,” they wrote. “The ability to communicate with friends and loved ones is critical in the aftermath of a major storm. We strongly urge you to consider the unique challenges residents of the island continue to face, and work closely with the government of Puerto Rico to expedite the restoration of telecommunications services.”
UF law professor: Zinke announcement makes drilling more likely
What a difference a couple of weeks make. After Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke first announced drilling off the coast of Florida was on the table, he flew to Tallahassee to stand with Gov. Rick Scott to declare drilling around the state was “off the table.”
While many Floridians were relieved, environmentalists and Democrats, especially Democratic Sen. Nelson, described the series of events as a “political stunt” designed to help Scott. A University of Florida law professor believes Zinke’s announcement is far worse.
Alyson Flournoy, a professor with UF’s Levin College of Law, said Zinke’s announcement was not an official decision and therefore has no meaning. Flournoy maintains that since Zinke’s comment came on the fifth day of a 60-day comment period, it is basically null and void.
“An announcement on the fifth day of the comment period is jumping the gun,” Flournoy said during a conference call late last week.
Taking it a step further, Flournoy maintains Zinke’s “premature” declaration now makes Florida more vulnerable to offshore drilling than if he had merely remained silent since a final decision could be interpreted as being “tainted.”
The original plan announced by the Trump administration would reverse the Obama-era order placing 94 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf off-limits to drillers. Obama’s 2017-2022 plan would be replaced by the new program when finalized.
Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, encouraged Floridians to oppose Trump’s proposal by contacting the Interior Department before the 60-day comment period ends March 9.
Castor is also co-sponsoring a bill in the House with Naples Republican Frances Rooney to make permanent a moratorium on offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Murphy joins with Republicans to help homeless vets
The Democrat from Winter Park joined with colleagues from both parties to file legislation designed to address the problem of homelessness among veterans. The Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2018 would reauthorize key programs that provide outreach and services to homeless veterans across the country.
Those joining Murphy in sponsoring the bill include Republicans Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Elise Stefanik of New York, and Bruce Westerman of Arkansas.
“No American — and especially no military veteran — should have to live on the streets,” Murphy said in a joint news release. “Ending veteran homelessness requires serious and sustained efforts. Men and women who wore the uniform have earned our support, especially when they are down on their luck.”
The bill reauthorizes several existing programs targeting homeless veterans. Among those include the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, Mental Health Care for Homeless Veterans, and Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans.
Despite lack of official opponent, Posey builds war chest
The five-term Republican from Rockledge did not have a huge fourth quarter fundraising haul, but he brought his re-election campaign account to just under $600,000 in the bank. He reported raising $84,660 between October 1 and December 31.
While no one has officially announced to run against him, two have opened campaign accounts. Sanjay Patel, state committeeman for Brevard County Democrats, and Dr. Dena Grayson, a previous congressional candidate in neighboring Florida’s 9th Congressional District, have only taken the first step in running for the seat.
Grayson filed her papers early in 2017 as she and her husband, former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, reserved the possibilities of running this year. Alan Grayson has a campaign account open in District 11, a seat currently held by Republican Daniel Webster.
Posey was first elected in 2008.
Bilirakis announces veterans’ hospital enhancements
After a multiyear effort, the Republican from Palm Harbor was able to announce the awarding of a contract to bring enhancements to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in north Tampa. When completed, the hospital will add 245,000 square feet of new construction and 5,000 feet of renovated space.
The hospital, originally opened in 1971, will add 96 medical surgical single-patient rooms and 40 intensive care beds. The construction plan, revised from earlier plans, not only enhances patient coverage but saves the Veterans Affairs Department $500 million over 30 years.
“This project is an example of using common sense to do the right thing for those who have bravely defended our country,” Bilirakis said in a statement. “I have always said that they should have access to the highest quality care in the very best facilities, and today we are one step closer to making that a reality.”
The VA, in consultation with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began its lengthy procurement process before finally awarding the $148 million contract to begin construction of the bed tower project. Construction is expected to be completed by 2021.
Calls for Labor inquiry by Crist, both senators, leads to action
Following a report in the Tampa Bay Times, the first term Democrat from St. Petersburg raised further questions on CareerSource operations in the Tampa Bay area. From those reports, Crist asked U.S. Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta to use his department’s oversight authority to investigate the charges.
“Given that Department of Labor funding may have been used to fund these activities, it would seem the Department has an important role to play in that oversight of the process,” Crist wrote to Labor Secretary Acosta.
Crist also asked other members of Congress to open their own inquiry into how the two operations used the $32 million in federal dollars.
On Thursday, both Democratic Sen. Nelson and Republican Sen. Rubio did just that, asking Acosta to get involved. In a letter to Acosta, the Senators also reminded Acosta the CareerSource boards “are funded with taxpayer dollars, and your Department should ensure there are sufficient practices in place to deter fraud and abuse.”
On Friday, Acosta announced his agency would launch an inquiry. On the same day, Ed Peachey, the CEO of both CareerSource agencies, was suspended without pay.
Ros-Lehtinen, Deutch warn Polish President on Holocaust legislation
Strong reaction quickly came from the Congress and State Department to the Polish legislature’s passage of a new law deemed anti-Semitic in Israel in the U.S. Critics claim the legislation, if approved by Polish President Andrzej Duda, would silence those speaking the truth about what happened in Poland during the Holocaust.
Among the loudest critics is Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami and Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch of Boca Raton. Both are co-chairs of the Congressional Anti-Semitism Task Force.
The two Florida lawmakers joined with their fellow co-chairs to send a letter to Duda, urging him not to sign the law. Among its provisions is making it a crime to refer to Nazi concentration camps as “Polish death camps” and referring to documented Polish complicity in Nazi war crimes.
Offenders would face up to three years in prison. Auschwitz, one of the most notorious death camps, is located in what was then Nazi-occupied Poland.
“We are deeply concerned that this legislation could have a chilling effect on dialogue, scholarship, and accountability in Poland during the Holocaust, should this legislation become law,” they wrote. “Additionally, it is highly troubling that this law was passed on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day in which the world speaks openly about the horrors of the Holocaust to ensure such atrocities never happen again.”
The State Department has similar concerns.
“We encourage Poland to reevaluate the legislation in light of its potential impact on the principle of free speech and on our ability to be effective partners,” spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We all must be careful not to inhibit discussion and commentary on the Holocaust. We believe open debate, scholarship, and education are the best means of countering inaccurate and hurtful speech,” she continued.
Trump to host RNC fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago
The government shutdown may have forced postponement of a $100,000 per couple gala fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago last month, but Trump’s Palm Beach mansion will host another event next month. On March 3, Trump will join with Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and newly-installed RNC Finance Director Todd Ricketts for an event to beef up RNC coffers.
For those interested in attending, $2,700 will get an invitation to a reception, while those bundling $25,000 are invited to the reception and provided two seats to a dinner that follows. Anyone bundling $50,000 gets a picture with Trump thrown in.
Proceeds go to Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee composed of Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the RNC. Handling the financial logistics are Florida Republican political fundraisers Meredith O’Rourke and Kris Money.
Gruters nominated for spot on Amtrak board
GOP State Rep. Joe Gruters will soon be appointed to the Amtrak Board of Directors by Trump late last week. A release from the White House announced the “intent to appoint” Gruters and other nominees to various boards.
Gruters, an accountant from Sarasota, was the co-chair of Trump’s 2016 campaign for President in Florida. He is also a member of the Florida State University Board of Trustees and a former campaign manager of Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan of Longboat Key.
He revealed the pending appointment on Twitter saying he was “Honored and incredibly grateful to be nominated” by Trump. Gruters and his soon-to-be fellow board members face a daunting situation with four fatal Amtrak wrecks within the past two months.
The nomination is the second recent federal appointment in the Gruters family. In November, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed Gruters’ wife, Sydney, to the position of Rural Development State Director for USDA.
Federal bureaucracy gets a dose of James Madison
It is not often a federal government bureaucracy is presented with the principles of James Madison as it relates to smoking, but those two came together recently. The Food and Drug Administration invited James Madison Institute President and CEO Bob McClure to Washington for a discussion on innovative technologies developed by Phillip Morris to reduce tobacco addiction and use.
“Time and time again, the principles of the free market have proved to be the best solution for advancing human prosperity,” McClure said. “Over the past 25 years, more than two billion people have been lifted out of poverty because of the expansion of free market systems. Unlike massive government bureaucracies, free markets encourage innovation to solve problems.”
Phillip Morris recently announced they were eventually getting out of the cigarette business.
McClure also visited a totally friendly audience at a meeting of Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform, presenting the “The Florida Story.”
