Staff Reports
GOP could pay a high price for spending bill
Over the past three election cycles, Republican candidates have asked voters to give them majorities in the House and the Senate followed by a Republican president. Voters around the country, along with the Electoral College, did what they asked.
On the campaign Republicans railed against Obamacare and “tax and spend” Democrats who would waste taxpayer money on bloated spending projects. They urged Americans to give them a majority so the federal government could return to “fiscal sanity.”
They castigated Democrats for the huge Obamacare bill, taunting them with chants of “read the bill!” before voting on it. Congress has approved a 2,232-page, $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill dropped on their desks less than 24 hours before.
On Thursday, the House passed the bill by a vote of 256-167. More Republicans (90) voted against the bill than Democrats (77).
Among the delegation, Darren Soto of Orlando was the only Democrat to vote no. Republicans Carlos Curbelo, Ron DeSantis, Matt Gaetz, Brian Mast, Bill Posey, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Dan Webster and Ted Yoho voted against it.
The GOP has been unwilling or unable to keep most of their pledges, with the December tax cut bill and the confirmation of conservative Supreme Court Justice Neal Gorsuch being the exceptions. They are likely to pay a hefty price for that.
While Republicans tout the increased spending on the military, Democrats came to the table demanding (and receiving) billions more in domestic spending.
The minority party is happy for both policy and political reasons.
Pundits are predicting a Democratic wave election in November. With the GOP further demoralizing their base, it could very well turn into a tsunami.
Gaetz, the Republican from Fort Walton Beach, summed up the feelings of fiscal conservatives.
“This is bipartisanship at its worst, and unfortunately deficit spending is the glue that is holding together Republican leadership and Democrats in Congress,” Gaetz told Lou Dobbs on Fox Business Network.
“It is absurd that under Republican control of the government, we would see the biggest increase in spending since the Obama stimulus package,” he continued. “That’s not what we promised people.”
Democrats got the bill to the finish line in the House and did the same in the Senate, offsetting numerous Republicans who voted no for a 65-32 margin after midnight Thursday. Both Florida Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio voted for the bill.
President Donald Trump said he would sign the measure despite a lack of funding for a border wall, despite saying on Twitter Friday morning he is “considering a veto.”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/977166887493799936
Trump’s support among his base has remained steady despite the daily drama in the media and on Twitter. Not standing up for his signature issue — the wall — could give him more problems than the flood of almost daily leaks ever could.
If his core support also begins to leak, it could be a sign the GOP could be looking at a November catastrophe.
Nelson laments plight of Puerto Ricans on hurricane anniversary
As the 6-month anniversary of Hurricane Maria approached, renewed attention to the difficulty of Puerto Rico increased after a lull. News outlets and elected officials reacted to the fact that after those six months, an estimated 100,000 on the island commonwealth are still without power.
Democrat Nelson frequently commented on the plight of these American citizens. Last Friday, he joined 12 of his Democratic Senate colleagues in writing to the Pentagon and the Army Corps of Engineers asking why the Corps is drawing down its presence before fully restoring power.
On Tuesday, he criticized FEMA as being “too slow,” reminding his followers that “you’d be upset” if it took six months to restore power. That same day, he met with the Hispanic Federation to discuss the issue.
“It is totally unacceptable that more than 100,000 people are still without electricity,” he tweeted. “They’re our fellow citizens!”
Governor Ricardo Rosello agrees with Nelson’s assessment, telling Fox News “we are being treated like second-class citizens. You’re talking about Puerto Rico that’s in fiscal distress, and on top of that we are waiting four months to get money when it took one or two weeks in Texas and Florida.”
Rubio launches Facebook page for Venezuelans
A great deal of news has been coming out of Venezuela over the last few days, but the citizens of the economically-ravaged country are mostly unaware. Rubio is seeking to get the news to everyday Venezuelans via Facebook.
This week, Rubio announced the launch of “Rubio Supports a Free Venezuela” that is designed to get the word out on what is happening in the country and what the U.S. is trying to do to help. Another segment of the audience is Venezuelan dissidents living abroad.
“The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is entirely a product of the (Nicolas) Maduro regime’s incompetence and corruption, but we are going to punish the Venezuelan authorities, the members of the regime that are keeping humanitarian aid out of Venezuela and have totally destroyed the country,” Rubio said in a video message. “And this is a way to be able to effectively communicate directly.”
Rubio provided a broadcast quality video of his message in both English and Spanish.
Click the image below to hear Rubio’s message in Spanish:
Bipartisan Florida quartet files bill raising age for gun purchases
A bipartisan group of four Florida delegation members joined with two colleagues to introduce a bill raising the required age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21. Democrats Ted Deutch of Boca Raton and Charlie Crist of St. Petersburg joined with Republicans Tom Rooney of Okeechobee and Curbelo of Kendall to file the legislation.
“As I pledged to the Stoneman Douglas community, I will look for every opportunity to take action that can help keep our communities safe,” said Deutch. “Most Americans want to raise the minimum age to buy a firearm. This legislation isn’t perfect and is only one piece of what Congress must consider. But it represents one more important bipartisan step toward our ultimate goal of comprehensive gun safety laws.”
Exceptions would be made for law enforcement, members of the military and correctional officers. It would not prohibit someone under 21 from possessing a firearm.
“Florida is often considered the starting point for gun laws in the United States, and this year’s state legislative session saw the passage of one of the most comprehensive gun control reforms in Florida’s history,” Rooney said. “This wasn’t accomplished by one party’s votes over another. We need to show we can cut through the partisan divide and do the same in Washington.”
Current federal law requires those purchasing handguns to be 21, but 18-year-olds may buy shotguns and rifles.
“Leaders on both sides of the aisle must show the political courage necessary to improve our nation’s gun laws. I’m proud our bipartisan bill demonstrates that leadership, bringing needed reform to keep our children safe,” said Crist.
“This bill is a common-sense proposal that could mitigate some of the violent tragedies being seen in communities like Parkland, without infringing upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Curbelo. “Americans are calling for and deserve meaningful action to ensure public safety. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to answer that call.”
Joining the Floridians in filing the bill was Democrat Pramila Jaypal of Washington and Republican Peter King of New York.
Yoho introduces bill to strengthen State Department cybersecurity
On Tuesday, the Gainesville Republican joined with California Democrat Ted Lieu to introduce a bipartisan bill designed to enhance cyber defenses for the U.S. State Department. The Hack Your State Department Act would authorize ethical hackers to tap into the system as a way to uncover vulnerabilities.
“Vulnerability to cyberattacks has been and continues to be a serious threat to our national security,” Yoho said in a joint news release. “It is vital that we do all we can to find the weak links in our government systems and fix them as fast as possible. Hack the State Department enables us to effectively identify our vulnerabilities and use the brightest cybersecurity minds to strengthen our defenses.”
The bill will include a “bug bounty,” which will provide compensation to those who can enter the State Department system, identify and then disclose weaknesses.
“As one of only four Computer Science majors in Congress, I recognize we have a lot of work to do to ensure the U.S. Government is on the cutting edge of combating cyber threats,” Lieu said. “We’re a global leader on so many fronts, and that should include cybersecurity. I’m proud of this bill because the vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty programs are innovative ways to solve what is one of our government’s most pressing concerns: data security.
Rutherford picks up third Democratic challenger
Defeating the first-term Republican from Jacksonville in November will be a tough mountain to climb, but that is not stopping Democrats from lining up to take their chance. This week, Rutherford picked up his third challenger when Joceline Berrios announced her candidacy.
Berrios became the third Democrat seeking to replace the former sheriff. She is not a household name but is all-in on impeaching Trump, stricter gun laws and universal health care.
While she has filed to run, Berrios has not conducted a formal campaign launch. To have a chance to defeat Rutherford, Berrios will have to compete with lawyer Ges Selmont and author Monica DePaul.
Rutherford, who saw his high-profile STOP School Violence Act pass the House last week, heads into the fall campaign with $183,000 in the bank as of January.
Save the Date
Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa will be among those commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. She will hold an event to honor veterans in conjunction with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Tuesday, March 27 at 10 a.m.
The location is the new Hillsborough County Veterans Resource Center at 3602 Highway 301 North. Vietnam War veterans who served between 1955 and 1975 are encouraged to sign up to attend by visiting castor.house.gov or by calling 813-871-2817.
Murphy lauded for small business efforts
The first-term Democrat from Winter Park was recognized this week for her efforts on behalf of small business. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Murphy, a member of the House Small Business Committee, with its Spirit of Enterprise Award for her support of small businesses and for streamlining federal regulations.
During her short time in Congress, Murphy has seen her bill on microloan modernization passed unanimously; had two of her provisions making it easier for small businesses to obtain defense contracts and grants; and passed a measure in the House to help bring a Women’s Business Center to Orlando.
“As a former businesswoman, I know how difficult it can be to start and grow a business, which is why I’m working hard to pass bipartisan legislation that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners create more and better-paying jobs in central Florida,” said Murphy. “The spirit of enterprise is alive and well in Central Florida, and I’m pleased the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the results we’re getting for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and working families here in Florida and around the nation.”
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said Murphy was a worthy recipient.
“It’s a good time to be doing business in America, thanks to a slate of legislative accomplishments that laid the groundwork for more economic growth and job creation,” said Donohue. “These efforts to advance common-sense, growth-oriented legislation will help Main Street American businesses thrive. We commend Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy for her commitment to promoting and protecting American free enterprise and economic prosperity.”
Former Fla. Senate President backing Sturgill in CD 7
Republican congressional candidate Scott Sturgill announced this week he has picked up the endorsement of former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos. Sturgill’s campaign announced Monday the support of Haridopolos.
“Scott is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress right now,” Haridopolos said in a news release issued by Sturgill’s campaign. “He’s a successful businessman with deep ties to his community with the talent to do a lot of great things for his district, while doing his part to fix a broken system in Washington.”
Sturgill is part of a crowded Republican primary. State Rep. Mike Miller, Vennia V. Francois, and Patrick Weingart all hope to challenge incumbent Democratic Rep. Murphy Winter Park in November. The district covers Seminole and Central Orange County.
Sturgill welcomed the support.
“Mike Haridopolos was a champion for Floridians during his time in the state legislature, and I’m grateful for his support,” Sturgill said in the release. “The culture in Tallahassee and Washington is much different now with gridlock tying up the process to a point where lawmakers can’t even pass a budget on time. When I’m in Congress, I’ll put the interest of my constituents ahead of the special interest and do my part to fix a broken system.”
The primary is August 28.
Soto bill seeks maximum participation in 2020 census
With the 2020 census approaching, the Democrat from Orlando has launched a bill designed to promote maximum participation, especially in minority communities. Last week Soto introduced the 2020 Census Accountability Act that would create a task force to ensure census questions would not hinder participation.
“It is imperative to get an accurate count of all persons in the United States, regardless of race, citizenship, or legal status,” Soto said in a statement. “A decrease in participation from immigrant communities due to fear would discredit the accuracy of the census.”
The task force would “review all new census questions and report to Congress potential decrease in participation and negative impact on census outcome.” Soto also targeted the Trump administration as a reason for needing his legislation.
“The current administration’s discriminatory immigration policies continue to instill fear among immigrant communities — they are less likely to report crimes or enroll their eligible U.S. citizen children in government health and nutrition programs,” Soto said. “We must ensure this trend does not repeat during the critical census count.”
Soto’s proposal earned the support of congressional Democrats including Democratic Rep. Al Lawson of Tallahassee, who is a co-sponsor.
Assignment Editors
Orlando Democratic Rep. Val Demings will hold a town hall on gun violence on Friday night. It is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Valencia College Special Events Center located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando.
Media contacts: Wendy Anderson (202) 823-1194; email: [email protected]
Aimee Collins-Mandeville (202) 823-1598; email [email protected]
Frankel co-chairs hearing on sexual harassment
On Monday, the West Palm Beach Democrat joined several of her colleagues from the bipartisan Congressional Women’s Caucus to hold a hearing on sexual harassment in a segment of the private sector. The hearing, “Beyond the Headlines, Combating Service Sector Sexual Harassment in the Age of #MeToo,”
The service industry includes restaurants, hotels, flight attendants, and other hospitality establishments. Presenters and witnesses included the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the international president of the flight attendants’ union, along with hotel and restaurant employees.
“This bipartisan hearing was shocking and sad, as it put a spotlight on what has been a dark secret in our workplaces, often preventing women from reaching their full economic potential,” said Frankel, the caucus co-chair, in a joint statement. “While #MeToo headlines are dominated by stories of abuse from famous men, sexual harassment runs rampant in all industries, depriving workers of a safe and dignified environment, and interfering with their ability to support their families.”
Republican Rep. Susan Brooks of Indiana, the other caucus co-chair, explained why the service industry was the target of the hearing.
The service industry “has the highest rates of sexual harassment charges filed of any industry, accounting for 14.2 percent of sexual harassment claims filed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 2005-2015,” she said.
Florida farmers still waiting for hurricane relief funds
Despite Congress authorizing $2.36 billion in emergency funds following Hurricane Irma, citrus farmers are still waiting for help. Trump signed the disaster-relief package in February, five months after Hurricane Irma slammed into Florida.
The approval came after months of lobbying by the entire Florida delegation and state officials.
“We’ve got to get this money,” said Florida Citrus Commission Chairman G. Ellis Hunt. “Growers are hanging by a thread, and it’s going to make a difference for a lot of people whether they survive or not.”
Florida Democrat Nelson tweeted on March 6 he had been assured by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue that help was coming “within weeks, not months.”
Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice-President Mike Sparks was part of a delegation in Washington this week trying to get things moving. He left Washington frustrated.
“It’s been over six, seven months since the hurricane, coming up on eight, and we are still on hold,” said Sparks. “We’ve just got to get something out of USDA.”
The Florida Legislature provided some patchwork state assistance, but that is awaiting the signature of Gov. Rick Scott.
National Hurricane Center gets new director
The National Hurricane Center in Miami has a new director, and he is no stranger to hurricanes and disasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Thursday that Meteorologist Kenneth Graham would assume leadership of the center on April 1.
Graham comes to Miami after serving as the Meteorologist in Charge of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge office for the National Weather Service. In 2010, he played a crucial role in making forecasts in advance of emergency response operations following the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
“We ended up issuing some 4,300 spot forecasts that helped authorities make the go, no-go decisions for every boat and flight operation,” Graham said in a 2011 article by The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service. “There were some 30,000 people responding to the disaster on boats, on the beaches and in aircraft that could be in danger, and their safety was paramount.”
In 2005, he led Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts at the weather service’s regional headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Graham succeeds Rick Knabb, who returned to The Weather Channel in 2017.
“His reputation among his colleagues and across the weather, water, and climate enterprise is unparalleled, which will ensure his continued success in this critical position,” said Louis Uccellini, director of the weather service.
He will have some extra support when Congress passes, and Trump signs, the huge spending bill under consideration. It includes $122 million for additional “hurricane hunter” jets.
RNC to hold spring meeting and Trump resort
The Republican National Committee (RNC) will hold their next quarterly conference in Florida. The spring meeting will take place from May 2-5 at Trump National Doral Miami, one of many golf resorts owned by the president.
The 168-member RNC will conduct regular business and make plans for the 2018 midterm elections and begin discussions on a site for the 2020 Republican National Convention. Advertised room prices start at $282, but RNC members are offered a $189 discounted rate.
Last spring, the Republican Governor’s Association also held an event at Trump Doral.
On this date in the headlines
March 23, 1995 — As the new GOP majority in the House rushes to complete their ambitious Contract with America agenda, a bill reforming welfare is getting mixed reviews. Because of a ban on most legal immigrants receiving welfare benefits, Miami Republicans Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen have indicated they will vote against the bill.
(After President Bill Clinton vetoed two bills, he finally signed a less drastic measure sponsored by Ohio Republican Rep. John Kasich in August 1996)
March 23, 2003 — Now that Democratic Sen. Bob Graham recovered from double bypass surgery, his pending announcement of a run for president in 2004 faces another obstacle. Graham and his fellow Democratic competitors are now waiting while the war in Iraq moves closer to Baghdad. He had planned for a Feb. 3 campaign launch in Tallahassee, but the surgery and war is forcing Democrats to pick a more suitable time.
(Graham formally announced in June and dropped out in October, giving way to eventual nominee Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts.)
