Staff Reports
Further into the abyss
Four decades ago, comedian Dan Aykroyd performed a sketch on Saturday Night Live playing President Jimmy Carter. During a period of high interest rates and high unemployment, the sketch involved the “President” addressing the nation about the dilemma.
“My fellow Americans,” Aykroyd/Carter said solemnly, “our economy is screwed, blued and tattooed.”
Forty years later it would have seemed somehow appropriate for President Donald Trump to have begun a State of the Union (SOTU) address using Aykroyd’s words to describe the current state of politics. Unfortunately, things are so bad, the country’s elected leaders can’t even sit in the same room long enough to continue a tradition laid out in the Constitution.
The official postponement of the State of the Union came with speaker Nancy Pelosi withdrawing the invitation to Trump and the President agreeing to wait until after the shutdown is over. Delays have happened only rarely, but this year marks the first time acrimony was the reason.
Pelosi was visibly pleased to have had her way with this encounter, while Trump was mocked for having “backed down and folded” to the speaker’s pressure. Conservative commentator Laura Ingraham called it a “bad decision.”
Supporters willing to give Trump the benefit of the doubt speculated he was removing a distraction from his commitment to getting the desired funding for a barrier at the border. With a fight over SOTU off the table, for now, eyes turned toward Thursday’s pair of votes in the Senate where either would reopen the government if they could receive 60 votes to break filibusters.
In the end, neither reached the plateau that would bring a bill to the floor, so the shutdown continues. The Democratic bill gained 52 votes with 6 GOP crossovers while the Republican bill earned 50 votes with two Republicans voting no and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia voting yes.
A day before the Senate votes, the House passed a measure providing for $1.6 billion for “border security,” while defeating a Republican-backed measure.
The Republican bill earned 13 Democratic votes, but none from the delegation Democrats.
“I want this shutdown to end,” Sen. Marco Rubio said in a statement. “The only way that happens is through a compromise in which both sides make concessions. I hope Speaker Pelosi will change her mind and sit down and negotiate with the White House.”
With a complete standoff in place, Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy said what a growing number of Americans are beginning to feel.
“We need to work together because only a bipartisan solution will get us out of this mess,” she tweeted.
In the meantime, the state of the union is … screwed, blued and tattooed.
Rubio supports staying in NATO
With recent reports revealing Trump considered trying to pull the U.S. out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Capitol Hill took notice and went on the record opposing the idea. A Senate resolution designed to prevent Trump from taking such action without Senate approval won the backing of Rubio.
The resolution is a product of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which Rubio is a senior member. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia was concerned enough by the report to refile the resolution initially launched in the last Congress.
“NATO is more important than ever with Russia’s growing subversive activities in the region and beyond,” Rubio said. “It is critical to our national security and the security of our allies in Europe that the United States remain engaged and play an active role in NATO.”
In addition to Kaine and Rubio, other Senators joining the effort were Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Susan Collins of Maine. Democratic supporters included Rhode Island’s Jack Reed, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Chris Coons of Delaware.
On Wednesday, a similar measure passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 357-22. Among those among the delegation casting votes, only Republicans Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach and Greg Steube of Lakewood Ranch. Gaetz expressed concern the resolution could leave the U.S. open paying a higher share of NATO’s costs.
While campaigning against former Sen. Bill Nelson, Sen. Rick Scott spoke about “making Washington work.” One of the changes he promised to support was imposing term limits on House and Senate members.
This week, he followed through on that pledge by signing on to a bill filed by Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz that would limit Senators to two, 6-year terms and House members to three terms of two years.
The legislation would require a Constitutional amendment approved by supermajorities in the House and Senate, as well as approval by three-quarters of the states.
“I spent a career in business, and one thing is clear: career politicians are never going to change Washington,” Scott said. “That’s evident now more than ever. I’m proud to be working to implement term limits for all members of Congress to make sure elected officials work for Americans, not for themselves.”
While Scott is taking a leading role, another Floridian is out in front of the effort in the House. Republican Rep. Francis Rooney of Naples is the lead sponsor of legislation filed in that chamber.
Poll: Scott, Rubio favorable, Trump underwater
The 116th Congress is less than three weeks old, and parts of the government have been shut down the entire time, so is there a better time to gauge public opinion of elected leaders? According to a Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, both U.S. Senators from Florida have a net positive rating, but Trump has some work to do.
Rubio earned a 44 percent favorable rating with a 23 percent unfavorable response for a net positive of 21 percent. Respondents had a 32 percent neutral rating.
Scott had a 42 percent favorable rating, but a 38 percent unfavorable response for a net positive of four percent. Only 20 percent responded with a neutral rating.
Trump also showed a favorable response of 42 percent, but 45 percent responded unfavorably for a net negative of 3 percent. Among Floridians, 45 percent believe he should be re-elected, while 46 percent called for an unnamed Democrat to win in 2020.
The star of the poll was Gov. Ron DeSantis. The former congressman had a 48 percent favorable rating, with only 17 percent viewing him unfavorably and 31 percent holding a neutral view.
The poll had some surprising results involving Trump. His re-elect numbers were underwater in Southeast Florida and Tampa Bay, but positive territory in the other parts of the state, including a 49-38 margin in Central Florida.
He earned the support of 40 percent of Hispanics, but only 13 percent of African-Americans. Independents slightly favored re-election by 44-41 percent and men by 51-40, but women offset that result by supporting a Democrat by 52-39 percent.
The poll surveyed 625 registered voters around the state. The breakdown was 36 percent Democrat, 34 percent Republican and 30 percent independent.
Delegation supports Trump on Venezuela
While much of the U.S. is fixated on the events surrounding the shutdown, a major story is taking place in Venezuela. After opposition leader Juan Guiado declared President Nicolás Maduro was no longer in charge, Trump took the extraordinary step of publicly recognizing Guiado as the legitimate head of state.
Rubio, who has been the leading critic of Maduro in Congress, praised Trump for taking the step.
“This president understands that cancer in Caracas is led by the cancer in Havana and has also spread to the cancer in Managua,” Rubio said. “It is a cancer that is a threat to our national security.”
Against the backdrop of tens of thousands in the streets of Caracas, other countries began to take similar steps. In addition to some Central and South American countries, others such as Canada and France announced the recognition of Guiado.
The delegation was firmly behind those in Venezuela seeking new leadership.
“In solidarity with the millions of Venezuelans protesting today against Maduro’s dictatorship, on the #23Ene anniversary,” tweeted Democratic Rep. Darren Soto. Freedom & Democracy will be restored in #Venezuela! Unidos
Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said on Twitter “I commend the Trump admin. for taking a strong stand in support of democratic aspirations of the VZ people by recognizing the legitimacy of @jguaido as democratically elected interim leader of VZ.”
Scott posted a response directly to Maduro that said: “Your time is up.”
Several countries, including Canada and France, and many in Central and South America, followed suit. China, Russia and Turkey all backed Maduro, with Russia warning the U.S. not to get involved.
After Maduro ordered U.S. diplomats out of the country, but the U.S. will ignore that order. It could be a tense weekend.
Soto seeks deportation protection for military spouses
The case of the deported spouse of a Central Florida U.S. military veteran was again in the news this week as another attempt is underway to return her to the U.S. and prevent future occurrences. Soto filed a private bill that, if enacted, would return Alejandra Juarez and her daughter to Davenport and the rest of her family.
Her husband is retired Marine Cuauthemos “Temo” Juarez, an Iraq War veteran and American citizen. Alejandra Juarez entered the U.S. illegally in 1998.
Soto has also filed H.R. 557, entitled the Protect Patriot Spouses Act. The bill, originally filed last year, would give priority for green cards to military spouses and to allow for some discretion in deportation procedures involving these individuals.
“The bill is more generous this year than last year’s bill because it’s a new Congress,” Soto said. “And because we believe strongly in second chances. So, this bill would specifically address Alejandra’s specific situation and many others,” Soto said.
Since Alejandra was deported year, her oldest daughter, Pamela Juarez has lived with her father in Davenport while 8-year-old Estela lives with her mother in Mexico.
“There are over 11,800 active U.S. military service members who are dealing with family members facing deportation. That’s 11,800 too many, for folks who are defending our country,” Soto said.
Castor, Crist call to end shutdown
Before heading back to Washington earlier this week, two Tampa Bay area representatives put faces of real people affected by the government shutdown front and center.
Democratic Reps. Kathy Castor of Tampa and Charlie Crist of St. Petersburg invited reporters to Tampa International Airport to hear from union leaders representing about 700 airport workers for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The workers are considered essential, therefore required to continue their duties without pay despite the shutdown. With bills mounting, Friday was the second paycheck missed by workers, with their representatives calling for an immediate reopening of the government.
“This is having a trickle-down effect that is making us less safe, and it’s a real black eye on America,” Castor said. “We have the capacity and the ability to negotiate. But the bottom line is the government must be opened right away, and our public servants must be paid.”
While dueling bills in the Senate came up on Thursday, both of which would open the government, neither were supportive of the Trump-inspired measure of offering DACA and Temporary Protected Status extensions in exchange for border wall funding. Both parties blocked the other party’s bill.
“(Trump’s) the one that ripped the protections away from our dreamers. He’s the one that ripped immigration protections away from our neighbors that came after the earthquake in Haiti,” Castor said.
Ross’ new gig
Less than three weeks after his last official day as a member of Congress, former Rep. Dennis Ross has found a landing-place in the private sector. Ross will join Orlando-based GrayRobinson as part of their Government Affairs and Lobbying Practice.
Ross, who spent eight years in Congress representing district 15, will provide his expertise in legal, policy, and economic affairs issues working from an office in Lakeland. He is not permitted to lobby Congress directly until January 2020.
“I planned on 10 years, but after eight — with both my sons getting married within the year and having accomplished what I had hoped — it’s time,” Ross said.
As a veteran of both Congress and the Florida Legislature, Ross will also work with the firm’s state and federal lobbying teams. He was elected to Congress in 2010 after eight years in the Florida Legislature.
“Dennis’ experience and reputation in both Florida and Washington will further enhance our abilities to accelerate our business growth and advance our clients’ interests,” said Mayanne Downs, the firm’s president and managing director. We’re honored to have him on our GR team.”
Ross was succeeded in Congress by Ross Spano of Dover, a former Republican member of the Florida House who won a hard-fought but controversial race against Democrat Kristen Carlson in November.
Buchanan, Deutch reintroduce animal cruelty bill
Two bipartisan members of the delegation have reintroduced legislation designed to punish those who engage in cruelty to animals severely. Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan of Longboat Key and Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch of Boca Raton joined with more than 100 House colleagues to launch the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act to close loopholes by prohibiting the underlying acts of animal torture.
In so-called “animal crush videos,” individuals brutally kill, mutilate and torture small and defenseless animals as a perverse form of entertainment to be shared over the internet. And while Congress passed legislation in 2010 to prohibit the creation and distribution of these horrific videos, the underlying acts themselves are still legal under federal law.
“The torture of innocent animals is abhorrent and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Buchanan, who chairs the House Animal Protection Caucus. “Protecting animals from cruelty is a top priority for me, and I look forward to working with Congressman Deutch on this important issue.”
Specifically, the PACT Act will amend the federal criminal code to prohibit the intentional acts of crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling or otherwise subjecting animals to serious bodily harm. Those convicted would face federal felony charges, fines and up to seven years in prison.
“For many Americans, animal welfare is an important policy issue, and the idea of animal abuse is abhorrent,” Deutch said. “By building on state and local laws, Congress should act to guarantee a level of protection for animals across the country by criminalizing these inhumane acts.”
Steube’s district faces tragedy
A high-profile mass shooting took place in the backyard of Greg Steube, perhaps the delegation’s most vocal defender of gun rights. Highlands County law enforcement officials say suspect Zephen Xaver entered a Sebring SunTrust on Wednesday and killed all five individuals inside, including Cynthia Watson and Marisol Lopez.
The Sarasota Republican issued a statement commending law enforcement’s response to the tragedy, where Xaver was apprehended alive.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s tragic shooting in Sebring,” Steube said. “We will stand by law enforcement as they continue their investigation. Thank you to Sheriff Blackman and the brave men and women of Highlands County Sheriffs Office. To the people of Sebring, we are with you.”
But if anyone expects Steube to become a champion of firearm restrictions, a look at his record as a Florida legislator should dispel the notion. He pushed for state statutes allowing campus carry, the right to carry in courthouses and suggested that shootings like the 2016 Pulse shooting may not have occurred but for gun-free zones. As a Congressional candidate, he skipped at least one forum because organizers wouldn’t let him bring his gun on premises.
Deutch touts federal employee shutdown protection bill
As the federal government shutdown nears the end of its fifth week, concern for federal workers has been expressed by both sides. As they miss their second paycheck, Deutch has joined with two Democratic colleagues to co-sponsor a bill designed to protect federal workers from foreclosures, repossessions and other owed debts.
According to Deutch and his colleagues, the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act is designed to address the real problems faced by furloughed employees. Protections would also include protections for those paying student loans, paying bills or missing insurance premiums.
“Why should federal workers and their families be punished for the President’s stubborn refusal to reopen the government? We can and should have a debate on border security, but not while 800,000 workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet,” Deutch said in a news release. “This bill will provide important relief for these families as we continue to push the President and Republicans to reopen the government immediately.”
The protection would last during and 30 days following a shutdown to give workers a chance to keep up with their bills. This partial government shutdown affects more than 800,000 federal workers in all 50 states.
Wasserman Schultz appointed to Oversight
After the November elections, Capitol Hill observers felt the House Oversight Committee would feature prominently in Democrats’ promises to bring “accountability” to the Trump administration. Appointments made this week ensure fireworks will be the norm.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz was named to the panel now chaired by Maryland Democrat Elijah Cummings. Among other Democrats chosen included media darling Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who famously indicated her preference to “impeach the mother****er” when referring to Trump.
“I am extremely honored and eager to work alongside Chairman Elijah Cummings to demand swift accountability from this White House, and to aggressively investigate the array of critical issues impacting the American people every day,” the former chair of the Democratic National Committee said.
“From skyrocketing prescription drug prices and lax hurricane recovery responses, to the administration’s despicable child separation policy, the long neglect of meaningful House oversight into our nation’s most serious problems in recent years, ends now with Democrats serving in the majority in the House.”
Along with this appointment, Wasserman Schultz will also sit on the House Appropriations Committee. The congresswoman from Florida’s 23rd District also became the first woman to chair the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.
While outspoken Democrats either join or continue on the committee, equally outspoken Republicans also serve on the panel. Those include Freedom Caucus members Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Mark Meadows of North Carolina.
The committee has already launched an investigation into the Trump administration’s handling of White House security clearances.
Diaz-Balart: Trump ‘game changer’ on Cuba
Along with his action this week involving Venezuela, Trump is preparing to take an important step regarding Cuba. Among those highly anticipating Trump’s pending action is Diaz-Balart.
According to Diaz-Balart, Trump is getting ready to place an unprecedented amount of economic pressure on Cuba’s communist regime and some of the non-U.S. companies that have invested there.
“This is a very, very big deal,” the Miami Republican said in a statement. “I think really good things are coming from this. And so, you can’t minimize the impact.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Americans who long ago had property stolen by the Castro regime and sold to other foreign companies may soon be able to sue those companies to recoup those losses.
“We call upon the international community to strengthen efforts to hold the Cuban government accountable for 60 years of repression of its people,” Pompeo’s team said in a statement. “We encourage any person doing business in Cuba to reconsider whether they are trafficking in confiscated property and abetting this dictatorship.”
Diaz-Balart was asked about the possibility of the lawsuits and responded with a question.
“Should people be able to steal private property owned by Americans and profit from it with impunity?” he asked. “Even if it’s only those certified claims, it’s a game changer.”
Bondi joins Ballard Partners
As her second term wound down, speculation rose that Attorney General Pam Bondi would be appointed to a senior position in the Trump administration. Instead, she is joining join the ever-growing team of professionals at Ballard Partners.
Bondi will lead the firm’s newly-formed Corporate Regulatory Compliance practice. She will have the opportunity to use her experience as Florida’s chief legal officer to advise clients on addressing issues such as human trafficking, opioid abuse and personal data privacy.
“Pam Bondi has been one of Florida’s most accomplished Attorneys General and has earned a reputation among her colleagues as one of the toughest law enforcement officials in the country,” said Brian Ballard, the firm’s president and founder. “With her unique perspective, experience and stellar reputation, there is no one better to launch and lead our firm’s national Corporate Regulatory Compliance practice.”
This week’s announcement continues a rapid expansion by Ballard Partners. Earlier this month, Ballard announced the creation of the firm’s media group headed by former White House spokesman Raj Shah and former State Department spokesman Jamie Rubin.
On this day in the headlines
Jan. 25, 2002 — Propelled by the Enron scandal, advocates of curbing the influence of big money in politics defeated House Republican leaders by forcing a vote on the most significant campaign reforms since Watergate. It took more than six months for supporters to gather the 218 signatures needed to force a vote on the House companion bill to one in the Senate sponsored by Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.
Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown of Jacksonville, said the Enron scandal was the catalyst that led her to support the bill, the last of the delegation Democrats to jump on board. On the other side, Republican Rep. Cliff Stearns of Ocala said “I will not support a bill imposing a gag rule on political speech.
Jan. 25, 2012 — Though he had been out of office for a year, former Gov. Crist was featured prominently in the previous night’s Republican presidential debate held in Tampa. Former speaker Newt Gingrich likened former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to Crist, noting they shared campaign advisers.
Rubio, who defeated Crist for the open Senate seat a little more than a year before, stood up for Romney saying the front-runner was “no Charlie Crist” because Romney was the only conservative among the two. Democrats also attacked Romney for enjoying the low tax rate revealed by his 2010 tax returns.
