Delegation for 2.23.18 — Insights from the Beltway to the Sunshine State

Gun control advocates dominating the national agenda

Wednesday was unlike any other day in recent memory. With Congress out of session, the aftermath of the deadly shootings in Parkland continues with a focus on gun control.

On that day, three significant news events took place with two of them in Florida. The movement to force action on gun control came to Tallahassee with a march on the Capitol, which included students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, site of the tragedy.

While that was going on, President Donald Trump was hosting a group of parents and students from Douglas High School, including Andrew Pollack, whose daughter, Meadow, was one of the victims.

While the theme of the marchers was gun control, the White House group sought more restrictions on buying guns, but also demanded greater school security. Among the ideas discussed was training and arming school officials.

“How many schools, how many children have to get shot?” Pollack said in a raised voice in the State Dining Room of the White House. “It stops here with this administration and me.”

As he does so often, Trump promised to fix the problem.

That same evening, the push for gun control was the topic of a CNN town hall in South Florida near the site of the shootings. The mood among the audience members ranged from continuing grief to boiling anger over the lack of gun control laws.

Verbally pummeling the National Rifle Association, who was represented by spokeswoman Dana Loesch, was high on the list. Politicians taking campaign contributions from the NRA also drew their ire.

Perhaps Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who the NRA has supported, knew what he was getting into by attending the town hall. But his call for limited action on gun rights met with boos from the crowd which at one point prompted moderator Jake Tapper to let Rubio continue with his right to speak.

“The problems we are facing here today cannot be solved by gun laws alone,” he told Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was among the 17 victims. “My belief remains that rather than continue to try to chase every loophole that’s created, we instead should make sure that dangerous criminals, people who are deranged, cannot by any gun of any kind.”

Loesch focused on school safety and mental illness and missing warning signs, where she roundly criticized Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. On Thursday, Loesch said she could hear some attendees saying they would like “to burn” her and without a security detail, she would not have been able to safely exit the venue.

The media coverage focused almost exclusively on Rubio and Loesch, but Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, who represents Parkland, was there along with Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.

Nelson called for more gun laws, but also praised Rubio “for having the guts” to take part in the forum. Nelson took a jab at his likely Senate opponent, Gov. Rick Scott, for skipping the event.

Deutch confronted the notion that it is too soon after the tragedy to talk about gun control.

“It’s not too soon, it’s too late for the 17 lives that were lost,” Deutch said during his remarks.”

Other issues, including immigration and finding a solution for the DREAMers, still await Congress when they return next week. The Trump-imposed March 5 deadline is rapidly approaching.

But gun control appears to be the main topic for the immediate future.

Nelson, Orlando delegation briefed on airport’s beef with TSA

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board of Directors is not happy with the federal Transportation Security Agency (TSA). They are upset enough to consider replacing TSA with a private security company.

On Wednesday the board essentially told TSA to replace local leadership with someone who will better communicate with the airport authority. If not, the board would look to take steps toward making Orlando the third domestic airport to replace TSA screeners with a private company.

Before Wednesday’s meeting, the board briefed Sen. Nelson and Democratic Representatives Val Demings and Darren Soto. The Orlando delegation, with Demings taking the lead, has sought increased funding for security for the airport.

The board basically gave TSA 60 days to improve. More than 1,000 TSA employees at Orlando International Airport could find their jobs at risk if Orlando switches to a private company.

Supreme Court allows gun restrictions to stand

This week the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a lower court decision concerning gun rights. By their refusal to take the case, restrictions imposed by a state were allowed to stand.

The traditionalist-leaning Court decided not to hear a challenge to California’s 10-day waiting period before purchasing a firearm. Legal observers postulated this was a sign the Court did not wish to weigh into the ongoing national debate on gun control.

Traditionalist Justice Clarence Thomas decried the decision, saying gun rights were not given equal billing to that of other constitutional rights.

“If a lower court treated another right so cavalierly, I have little doubt this court would intervene,” Thomas wrote. “But as evidenced by our continued inaction in this area, the Second Amendment is a disfavored right in this court.”

RNC continues record-breaking fundraising

Despite polls showing Republicans trailing in the generic Congressional ballot and President Trump hovering around 40 percent, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is having little difficulty raising money.  In January, the RNC revealed it raised $12.4 million in January, leaving $40.7 million cash on hand.

These figures represent four times as much cash on hand as they had in 2014, when the GOP regained a majority in the Senate. The party has zero debt and has raised $144.9 million or the 2018 cycle.

“We are working hand-in-hand with Republicans in Congress and President Trump to enact a pro-growth agenda on behalf of the American people,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said.

Some credit the RNC with making the difference in getting Trump elected in 2016. The party funded a massive voter turnout program in several states, including Florida, that helped him win a narrow victory.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has yet to release their January numbers, but they ended 2017 with $6.5 million in the bank and a debt of $6.1 million. However, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) had raised $9.5 million through December, more than twice the total of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

Despite protests, Gaetz stands with NRA

The Republican from Fort Walton Beach was the target of protesters in front of his Pensacola district office on Tuesday. A group of about 30, organized by the Escambia County Women’s Club, gathered to protest Gaetz’ opposition to gun control.

Among the messages carried by the protesters were “Vote Matt Gaetz out” and “Vote Republicans Out.” Others said “Save our kids” and “Ban assault rifles.”

“It does not have to be this way, Congressman Gaetz,” said Meghan Moorhouse, a Virginia school counselor who happened to be in town. “You have the power to change this and it starts with us; it starts with you.”

Gaetz was mockingly dismissive of the effort, belittling the size of the crowd.

“It appears tens were gathered,” he told the Pensacola News-Journal. He also spoke of the enormity of the tragedy that took place in Parkland last week.

“I think many of us are still processing the carnage at Parkland,” he said. “I know I am.”

But the first-term representative made it clear via a tweet that he takes the side of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“The @NRA is an organization that takes 100% of the blame for the conduct of 0% of its members,” he said. “BTW — nobody reads about violence that is stopped by RESPONSIBLE gun ownership. I’m as proud of my NRA A+ as I am of bipartisan legislation I’ve passed to keep crazy ppl away from guns.”

The @NRA is an organization that takes 100% of the blame for the conduct of 0% of its members. BTW – nobody reads about violence that is stopped by RESPONSIBLE gun ownership. I'm as proud of my NRA A+ as I am of bipartisan legislation I've passed to keep crazy ppl away from guns https://t.co/DAmDJmUKnE

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) February 21, 2018

Lawson facing attacks on guns and the NRA

While Republicans are normally attacked for their position on guns and fundraising from the gun lobby, freshman Democrat Al Lawson of Tallahassee is taking heat. Former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is blasting Lawson for a recent statement about “decrying the stranglehold of the gun lobby”, while allegedly taking $2,500 from the National Rifle Association (NRA) last year.

Lawson denies taking contributions from the NRA.

Over the coming months until the August primary, Brown is certain to remind Democratic voters of past positions Lawson held on the issue of gun control. For example, in 1993 Lawson essentially proposed that every household should have a firearm and told the Orlando Sentinel that it would “absolutely work.”

Brown aims to make Lawson’s old positions part of the campaign rhetoric. If gun control is still a prominent issue in the coming months, Lawson will frequently be playing defense.

Castor wants to get the truth on diplomat injuries in Cuba

The Tampa Democrat has returned from a trip to Cuba along with 5 other Democratic colleagues. She left Havana without joining the other lawmakers for a meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro.

Part of the trip was designed to learn more about the mysterious illnesses experienced by two dozen American diplomats stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Havana. The Cuban government has denied any role or knowledge of the matter.

The symptoms were first reported in late 2016 but not disclosed by the State Department until August of 2017. In response, Washington expelled 17 Cuban diplomats from Washington, and ordered most of its own diplomatic personnel from Havana back to U.S. soil and limited travel there to emergency personnel.

If the Cubans were not involved, Castor had little idea who might have been behind the cyberattacks.

“Some rogue element? Some other country? There simply isn’t any evidence to point in any one direction or another,” she said, adding that she hopes U.S. intelligence agencies can ultimately learn the truth.

Castor wanted to meet with Miguel Diaz-Canel, the first vice-president of the Council of the State, to discuss economic issues that could be of benefit to West Central Florida. Diaz-Canel is expected to succeed Castro in April.

“I’m focused on the future and I think the Tampa area community is as well,” she said.

Immigration activists target South Florida Republicans

An immigration advocacy group on Tuesday launched a series of digital ads targeting Republicans Brian Mast of Palm City and Carlos Curbelo of Kendall, as well as their GOP colleagues, for their role in failing to protect “Dreamers.”

iAmerica Action announced it will spend $250,000 in 27 House districts on the ads, many of which have large Latino populations.

Democrats are targeting both seats in their quest to regain the majority in the House. Curbelo’s race is considered a tossup while Mast is in a district that “leans Republican” according to election guru Larry Sabato.

The ads encourage voters to call House Speaker Paul Ryan. One reads, “It’s not fair for Dreamers to lose the only home they’ve ever known.” Another says, “The party of family values should not separate families.”

The ad comes as moderate Republicans like Curbelo have previously said that they support a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, but instead voted in favor of a large budget bill two weeks ago that did not include any immigration provisions.

“While the fight is about protecting young Americans who live here, work here, go to school here, and pay taxes, at its core it’s about something far greater, “says iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz.  “Will we become an isolated nation that fears outsiders? Or continue with a rich tradition of welcoming immigrants who help make our country innovative and more competitive,” he added.

iAmerica Action ran ads targeting GOP Senators last month after Trump reportedly referred to some countries as “sh*thole” countries during an immigration discussion.

Poll: Mental illness biggest factor in mass shootings

A recent poll suggests Trump and Congress are not doing enough to prevent mass shootings. According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll, 62 percent believe Trump is not doing enough, while 77 percent believe Congress is negligent.

Perhaps the most surprising result of the survey is respondents’ opinions on the main cause of mass shootings. The failure to recognize and treat mental illness was the choice of 57 percent, while a lack of gun control was cited by 28 percent.

To support their opinions, a whopping 77 percent believe the tragedy could have been prevented by more effective mental health screening. A total of 58 percent of respondents believe stricter gun laws could have prevented the shootings.

Conservative back the idea of arming some teachers and administrators with guns to help stop school attacks. Among poll respondents, 42 percent believe arming school employees could have stopped the shooter, while 51 percent believe that would not have prevented the shootings.

 The poll surveyed 808 adults from February 16-18. Among respondents, 31 percent are Democrats, 24 percent Republicans, 40 percent independents, and five percent “other” or no opinion.

Veterans groups still show support of Shulkin despite errors

Three key veterans’ organizations are urging Trump to keep Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin in place despite accusations of misuse of the taxpayer’s dollars during a European vacation last year. The VA’s inspector general found his wife had improperly accepted tickets to accompany Shulkin during a 10-day European trip last year.

The groups ticked off a list of accomplishments such as modernization of the appeals process, improved patient satisfaction, decreased wait times, and increased access to mental healthcare are just some of the reasons these organizations wish to keep Shulkin in his current position.

“We have been encouraged by the great progress Secretary Shulkin has made and believe that he remains the best person to lead this important federal public institution on the behalf of the American people,” Denise Rohan, the American Legion’s national commander, said in a statement Monday.

Shulkin at first said the findings were unfair and inaccurate but then expressed regret for the errors made by he and his staff and reimbursed the government. In light of the mini-scandal, The VA’s chief of staff, Vivieca Wright Simpson, announced her retirement after 32 years at the agency.

Investigators had determined Simpson misled ethics officials by doctoring an email to get proper clearance for Shulkin’s wife to travel with him at the taxpayer’s expense.

Other groups are taking the wait and see approach. For example, Garry Augustine, executive director of Disabled American Veterans, said he is generally supportive of Shulkin but is waiting to learn more about what has transpired.

On this date in the headlines

February 23, 2000 — Arizona Sen. John McCain wins the GOP Michigan and Arizona primaries, throwing the race for president into uncertain territory. McCain handily took his home state and edged Texas Gov. George W. Bush by six points in Michigan.

In recent polls, Bush led Vice-President Al Gore by 5 points in a head-to-head matchup, while McCain would beat Gore by 24 points.

February 23, 2013 — The U.S. Department of Justice has joined a lawsuit against disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. The 7-time Tour de France winner champion concealed his use of performance-enhancing drugs. He was also accused of defrauding his sponsor, the U.S. Postal Service.