Staff Reports
The resurrection of Blue Dog Democrats?
When last seen in public, the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition went off to lick its wounds following the 2010 elections. The uproar from the passage of Obamacare wiped out most of the moderate-to-conservative Democrats and lurched their caucus further to the left.
A Roll Call profile reminds that in its heyday, the coalition boasted 54 members. While progressives increased, so did Republican conservatives further polarizing Capitol Hill.
Florida’s most prominent Blue Dog at the time was Allen Boyd of Monticello. He was swept away in that 2010 red wave by Republican Steve Southerland of Panama City.
While the group did not entirely disappear over the last two cycles, they seemed to stay in their doghouse as the House Democratic leaders that presided over the disaster maintained their roles.
But this year, the group wants the political establishment to know the Blue Dogs are barking again. Membership is on the rise with the latest being Pennsylvania’s Conor Lamb, who won the shocking upset in a Pennsylvania special election a few weeks ago.
The Florida delegation is again represented with first-term Democrats Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park and Charlie Crist of St. Petersburg. The membership now stands at 19.
There are some hurdles. Over their two-decade history, Blue Dogs have been described as staunch defenders of gun rights with members also falling into the pro-life camp.
In this era of school shootings that is a problem, with any contributions from the NRA a ticket for defeat in a Democratic primary. The Blue Dog PAC had accepted NRA money in the past, but Murphy was among the first to object to that in 2017, leading to an outright ban.
While one of the group’s longtime members, Minnesota’s Collin Peterson, acknowledges “we’re irrelevant, that’s true,” they still see an expanding role going forward. They hope to win enough seats to approach the numbers of the GOP’s Freedom Caucus, who hold 30 seats and a great deal of leverage with leadership.
The PAC will undoubtedly be trying to further increase their membership by spreading around endorsements and financial help to candidates that fit their criteria. More than $1 million has been raised to this point.
Should Democrats win back control of the House, Blue Dogs are certain to be among those flipping Republican seats. That would provide them with the clout needed to influence legislation.
If Democrats fail to win a majority, a leadership upheaval would inevitably follow. A Blue Dog on the leadership team would be a wise move.
Nelson proposes increased spending on mental health at schools
Following the Valentine’s Day shootings in Parkland, the narrative mostly focused on gun control. Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson was part of a South Florida town hall that talked about getting assault weapons off the street.
Last week’s mass murders in Texas, carried out with a shotgun and a pistol, has elicited a broader desire for greater access to mental health care. Nelson revealed earlier this week he will file legislation to hire more mental health professionals on campuses across the country.
“We can’t allow what happened in Parkland and in Texas to become the new normal in this country,” Nelson said. “We have to do more to protect our kids in school and ensure that any student who needs mental health services is able to get them.”
The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Education to determine which areas of the country have a shortage of school mental health professionals. It also would provide federal education grants to colleges that partner with low-income school districts to train mental health professionals, and it would forgive student loans for those who work at least five years in low-income schools.
Nelson said last week’s shootings in Santa Fe, Texas created a new sense of urgency. He did not provide an immediate cost estimate, but following the Florida shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which left 17 dead, Florida lawmakers approved spending $69 million to provide additional mental health resources in the state’s schools.
Rubio, GOP push back against Trump trade plans with China
The ongoing back-and-forth between the U.S. and China on tariffs has brought the Chinese communications giant ZTE to the forefront. Trump’s apparent willingness to ease the impact on ZTE has several Capitol Hill Republicans, especially Sen. Marco Rubio, both incredulous and angry.
Rubio went to the Senate floor and offered impassioned remarks about the Trump team’s approach to ZTE and trade with China. While he has supported Trump’s moves involving North Korea, he reminded that the stakes are high.
“This is not a political game … do we not understand where we are headed?” he said. “You know why China wins these negotiations? Because they don’t play these games. They know what this is about. They have a 10-year plan, a 20-year plan, 50-year plan. We can’t think 48 hours ahead.”
Some critics on Capitol Hill understand what the administration is doing regarding trade, but are puzzled by others. Legislation is circulating that would limit Trump’s ability to lift sanctions on ZTE.
“I would vote for that,” said GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. “I’m all for the president making a deal with China, but I don’t like the ZTE part.”
Rubio put it in big picture terms.
“And if we allow China to cheat and steal their way into dominance, there will be more dictatorships and less democracies on this planet, and we will all pay a price for that,” he said.
Rubio, Nelson lament likely next round of Russian interference
Investigations into Russian interference continues on Capitol Hill, but that does not mean Vladimir Putin and those seeking to cause mischief in the U.S. are planning to stop. In fact, Rubio is among those warning Florida is especially vulnerable to hacks and possible vote-changing.
Trump administration officials held a closed-door briefing on Tuesday about another potential wave of threats targeting state and local elections. Florida was not specifically mentioned, but Rubio, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, bluntly warned Florida officials more than a month ago not to be overconfident.
“I don’t think they fully understand the nature of the threat,” he said. “These are not people sitting in the basement of their mom’s house. These are nation-state threats. They have significant resources and assets at their disposal to do this.”
The Center for American Progress gave Florida an “F” for its readiness, citing the lack of paper backups and post-election audits. Indiana was the only other state that earned an unqualified failing grade.
Nelson sounded a note of pessimism when he said, “a private industry or a state or local government can’t prevent a sophisticated hacker if they are intent on hacking.” Okeechobee Republican Tom Rooney talked of the potential devastation and shared Nelson’s acceptance of what is likely coming.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” Rooney said. “And if we don’t prepare ourselves now, it’s going to be our fault. And all hell will break loose if they start changing numbers — especially in Florida where it’s purple.”
Gov. Rick Scott was quick to react. On Wednesday, Scott, who is challenging Nelson for the latter’s Senate seat, directed state officials to speed up the acquisition of a $19 million federal grant aimed at protecting the state’s elections systems from a cyberattack.
Floridians divided on cancellation of Kim summit
As word began to circulate that Trump had canceled the Singapore summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, the reaction within political circles began to pour in. As expected, Florida leaders had differing views.
“The cancellation of this summit reveals the lack of preparation on the part of President Trump in dealing with a totalitarian dictator like Kim Jong Un,” said Nelson. “We’ve seen similar lack of preparation by the president in dealing with the leaders of China and Russia,” Nelson asserted.
Nelson’s fall opponent saw it another way.
“Governor Scott believes the interests of the United States must always remain our first priority and he is sure the president and our military and diplomatic leaders made the right decision,” asserted Lauren Schenone on behalf of the Scott campaign.
Within 24 hours after blasting the Trump administration for its negotiations with China, Rubio offered effusive praise for Trump’s move.
“I one hundred percent support the President’s decision,” said Rubio. “For two weeks now, North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un has been trying to sabotage the summit and set the United States up to take the blame. He made a big show of freeing hostages and supposedly dismantling a nuclear site to make himself appear reasonable and conciliatory,” Rubio asserted.
Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch dealt directly with the stated reasoning for the cancellation.
“But today he canceled the summit because a low-level vice minister was not nice to VP Pence and called him a ‘dummy,’” Deutch asked. “This is not a show of strength, and this is not an adult way to conduct foreign policy.”
Gaetz, DeSantis to receive campaign help from Trump, Jr.
Two of Trump’s favorite Florida politicians will receive boosts to their campaigns from the First Family. Donald Trump, Jr. will appear sometime in June at a rally in The Villages with both Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach slated to be on hand.
A re-election rally is tentatively slated for August 2 somewhere in the Panhandle that is part of Gaetz’s district. DeSantis will also be in attendance.
“I know Ron and I are very grateful to have the support of the Trump family,” Gaetz said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times. “Don Jr. and other members of the Trump family draw great crowds.”
President Trump has often provided flattering comments toward Gaetz and reportedly calls the Congressman on occasion to talk policy. The president has already endorsed DeSantis for governor over Commissioner of Agriculture and former Congressman Adam Putnam.
Dunn’s veterans opioid bill passes House
A veteran-related bill sponsored by Panama City Republican Neal Dunn has cleared the House of Representatives. By a 377-2 vote (both “no” votes were from Republicans), the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act now heads to the Senate.
Dunn’s bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect VA health care providers to a national network of state-based Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). These programs help track prescribing data to identify abuse patterns in patients.
Before the vote, Dunn went to the House floor to extol its virtues. He made the case that it is “unacceptable” the way the country is failing those who served in uniform.
“That’s why I introduced the Veterans Opioid Abuse Prevention Act — to ensure no veteran slips through the cracks,” Dunn said. “My bill increases opioid prescribing transparency at the VA and allows VA doctors to do what most private sector physicians already do — they access state databases listing all opioid prescriptions from all providers.”
Among the bill’s 40 co-sponsors were Republicans John Rutherford of Jacksonville, Ted Yoho of Gainesville, and Democrat Darren Soto of Orlando.
Murphy bill seeks personal accountability on Capitol Hill
Few argue that members of Congress end their careers much wealthier than they began. In fact, a 2011 book by Tallahassee-based author Peter Schweizer called “Throw Them All Out” detailed how politicians from both parties enriched themselves while in office.
Winter Park Democrat Stephanie Murphy has filed legislation designed to end perks by some members of Congress and move bipartisan bills higher on the pecking order. Murphy has joined with Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick to file the Fostering Accountability, Integrity, Trust and Honor [FAITH] in Congress Act.
The bill resurrects Murphy’s previous efforts to require Congress to forgo their salary if they fail to pass a budget. It would also require a recorded vote before any pay raises would go into effect.
One of the more dramatic provisions would prevent members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists once their careers in elected politics came to an end.
“Members of Congress should be working for the people who sent them there, not lining their own pockets or refusing to do their jobs,” Murphy stated in a news release. “My bill would hold members of Congress accountable to the American people by reducing the power of special interests, promoting bipartisanship, rolling back congressional perks, and forcing them to do their jobs or they don’t get paid.”
Demings honors fallen officers during National Police Week
Last week, Capitol Hill and locations around the country celebrated National Police Week. First-term Congresswoman, and former Orlando Chief of Police, Val Demings, honored those that have fallen in the line of duty.
Demings revealed four central Florida police officers who will have their names included at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington. They will join those already etched into the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall.
Those remembered include Lt. Debra Clayton of the Orlando Police Department, Deputy Norman Lewis of Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Matthew Baxter of the Kissimmee Police Department, and Sgt. Sam Howard of the Kissimmee Police Department.
Demings welcomed family members of the fallen to her Washington office and mixed with officers from around the country.
“It was my honor to welcome law enforcement officers from Central Florida to Washington, D.C., pay tribute to our fallen officers, and discuss legislation to keep officers safe and improve police-community relations,” she said in an email to constituents.
The first-term Democrat had other things to discuss during National Police Week. For example, the first-term Democrat recently teamed with Rutherford to gain House passage of the Protect and Serve Act, which provides enhanced penalties for the targeting of law enforcement officers.
Also, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, which she also co-sponsored alongside Indiana Congresswoman Susan Brooks, was signed into law. This bill is designed to help local law enforcement agencies address mental health challenges faced by officers.
Crist laments blockage of his fair lending amendment
Normally, members of Congress issue releases celebrating the passage of one of their bills or a key provision being included in a larger bill. That was not the subject of a release from Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist.
Crist released a scathing statement after his amendment to protect data collection that prevents racial discrimination was blocked from inclusion in the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, otherwise known as the Dodd-Frank overhaul bill.
“At a time when banks are still being penalized for redlining and other discriminatory practices, we need more data, not less, to fully address this problem,” said Crist. “We should be working together to move fairness forward, not rolling back protections for vulnerable communities.”
The bill went on to pass the House by a vote of 258-159. Many of the Blue Dogs, excluding Crist, wound up being among the 30 Democrats voting to send the measure to Trump. Also voting in favor was Alcee Hastings of Miramar and Al Lawson of Tallahassee (something that Lawson’s opponent, Alvin Brown, was happy to talk about).
Trump signed the bill on Thursday.
Buchanan constituent touts tax cuts before congressional committee
On Wednesday, restaurant owner John Horne of Bradenton appeared before the Tax Policy Subcommittee today to highlight the benefits of the recently enacted Tax Cut and Jobs Act.
Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan, who chairs the Ways and Means subcommittee, invited Horne to Capitol Hill to discuss the impact the tax cuts have had on his business.
Horne employs more than 300 people at his four Anna Maria Oyster Bars in Manatee County. He testified that the tax cut has allowed him to purchase new equipment and give bonuses to his workers.
“Everyone’s feeling the effects of a stimulated economy,” said Horne, who was one of several small business owners invited to testify at today’s hearing. “Small businesses can get their staffs and their customers involved locally like no other business can. They’re already in their communities and they know the needs of their communities and they have a vested interest to make their communities better.”
According to figures provided by Buchanan, Wages are growing at their fastest pace since 2008; consumer confidence is at its highest level since 2000, unemployment claims are at their lowest since the 1960s and the economy grew 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2018. Growth is expected to rise to 3.3 percent by the end of the year — a dramatic departure from the prior 2 percent growth status quo.
Also, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create 900,000 jobs, raise wages by $1.2 trillion, and boost investment by $600 billion.
Mast, Dunn tapped for new Veterans Affairs Committee roles
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe of Tennessee had some big announcements on his committee’s structure this week and both involved delegation Republicans. Roe announced Dunn, representing District 2 in the Panhandle, would serve as chairman of the subcommittee on Health and also revealed Brian Mast of Palm City would join the committee immediately.
Dunn, a medical doctor from Panama City, earned a rare appointment for a first-term lawmaker. In this capacity, Dunn will oversee the Veterans Health Administration, which includes medical services, research, facilities, and compliance.
“I am honored to continue to serve America’s heroes in this leadership role on the Health Subcommittee,” Dunn said in a news release. “As a doctor and Army veteran, I have seen firsthand the red tape our veterans face on a daily basis. From problems getting treatment at local facilities to traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles to qualify and receive organ transplants — our service members return from war only to find they have to fight government bureaucracy.”
Mast, a first-term representative and combat wounded warrior, replaces another Floridian, Jacksonville Republican John Rutherford, on the committee. Rutherford’s departure coincides with his appointment to the House Appropriations Committee.
“Our first-of-its-kind Congressional office in the West Palm Beach VA has resulted in more than 100 new cases that we’re taking a look at to help veterans in our community,” Mast said in a news release provided by the committee. “I’m excited that being on this committee will give me an even better platform to advocate for these veterans and my fellow veterans around the country.”
Mast will serve on both the Health and the Economic Opportunity Subcommittees.
On this day in the headlines
May 25, 1961 — In a pre-Memorial Day address before a joint session of Congress, President John F. Kennedy set an ambitious goal of sending a man to the moon before the end of the decade. Kennedy asked for a commitment of billions of dollars to put the U. S.into the lead in the space race.
“I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth,” Kennedy said. “We go into space because whatever mankind must undertake, free men must fully share.”
May 25, 2010 — South Korea’s president ordered a slashing of trade to Communist North Korea and pledged Monday to haul Pyongyang before the United Nations for a torpedo attack that killed 46 sailors. President Barack Obama offered his full support for South Korea, while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conferred with China, the top ally of the North Korean regime led by Kim Jong-il.
President Lee Myung-bak said North Korea “will pay a price” for the attack. Obama put American forces on alert, while U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he expects the U.N. to take “measures appropriate to the gravity of the situation.”
— 150 years of Memorial Day —
Monday (actual date is Wednesday) will mark the 150th anniversary of the first celebration of what is today called Memorial Day. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month.
“The 30th of May 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed.
The remembrance was first known as Decoration Day. On the first Decoration Day, General, and future president, James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery followed by the decoration of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.
May 30 was chosen, among other reasons, because it was not an anniversary of any particular battle. In 1968, Congress mandated Memorial Day would be observed on the last Monday in May, effective in 1971.
(NOTE: Delegation will not publish Tuesday, but will return Friday, June 1)
