Delegation for 4.8.25: Drillin’ — drugged up — debt spiral — DOGE — Krome

U.S. Capitol at sunrise. Image via AP.

Driving away drilling

On his first day back in power, President Donald Trump revoked former President Joe Biden’s executive order protecting Florida’s coastline from oil drilling. Democrats in the Florida congressional delegation reacted with horror, as Republicans optimistically reminded them that the Mar-a-Lago Republican prevented drilling off the coastline during his first term.

Florida lawmakers now plan to work across the aisle to impose statutory restrictions to prevent another Deepwater Horizon disaster. Democratic Reps. Kathy Castor and Darren Soto filed a bipartisan bill with Republican Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Vern Buchanan to permanently forbid oil and natural gas exploration and development off Florida’s shores.

“Florida is a special but fragile place, and our way of life depends on clean water. Dangerous offshore drilling can devastate both our environment and our economy, posing huge risks to everything that makes Florida special,” said Castor, a Tampa Democrat.

“Our Florida coasts are beloved by people across the globe. Tourism and fishing are the lifeblood of our coastal economy in the Sunshine State, so we must ensure our water, beaches, and wildlife in the Eastern Gulf are sustained. Together we can permanently protect these waters, our planet, our pocketbooks and our people from costly oil disasters and pollution.”

Buchanan said the nation’s energy needs can be satisfied without threatening Florida’s beaches and ecosystem.

“While I support responsible investments in American energy, we must also recognize the unique importance of protecting Florida’s coastline,” said Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican. “The Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 showed just how devastating an offshore spill can be to our economy, environment and way of life. As co-Chair of the bipartisan Florida congressional delegation, I remain committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to safeguard our state’s beautiful beaches and coastal waters.”

The Florida Coastal Protection Act would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish firm protections in sensitive areas denoted in the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program south of the 30 degrees 43 minutes latitude line, and the Straits of Florida Planning Area.

“We’ve seen the long-lasting harm that can come from oil spills, including damage to the environment, disruption to marine life and the paralysis of local economies that depend heavily on fishing, tourism and recreation,” said Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican. “Protecting Florida’s pristine coastline from future oil spills is crucial for preserving its unique ecosystems. Ensuring the health of the coastline will safeguard not only the environment but also the livelihoods of communities that rely on its natural beauty and resources.”

Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, League of Conservation Voters, Environment America, Surfrider Foundation, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Nassau Hiking & Outdoor Club, Lee (MA) Greener Gateway Committee, South Shore Audubon Society (Freeport, NY), Sierra Club, and The CLEO Institute are among the groups endorsing the bill.

“Florida’s coastline is more than a beautiful backdrop — it’s a vital part of who we are. Our beaches and marine ecosystems support hundreds of thousands of jobs, drive tourism, sustain our fishing industries, and provide a home to some of the most unique and fragile wildlife in the world,” said Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat.

“Offshore drilling puts all of that at risk. One spill could devastate our economy and irreparably damage ecosystems that took generations to build. This bipartisan legislation reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding our waters — not just for today but for every generation that comes after us. Floridians deserve clean beaches, thriving marine life, and a resilient coastal economy — and that starts with keeping oil rigs off our shores for good.”

Safe drugs

Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott are sounding the alarm about the quality of medication used by seniors.

Florida’s Senators, along with Republican Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia, sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary raising concerns about whether medical imports from China and India meet global standards for drug quality.

“Our nation’s current reliance on foreign-made drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients necessitates thorough quality assurance processes and routine inspections to ensure that American standards are being met for all products entering our country,” the Senators wrote.

“Unfortunately, this is not the case for a number of products made by Chinese and Indian manufacturers. Drug and API manufacturers in China and India have received the most FDA warning letters for violations which include, but are not limited to, carcinogens in medicines, destroying or falsifying data and non-sterile manufacturing. Incidents involving poor drug quality have resulted in injury and even death, such as the three tragic deaths that occurred due to contaminated eye drops from an Indian manufacturer in 2023.”

The three Republicans said Biden’s administration did little to police the quality of overseas drug imports and that the Trump administration should correct course. As members of the Senate Aging Committee, which Scott chairs, the lawmakers inquired about several subject areas, including the number of inspection sites and funding needed for personnel.

Debt spiral?

Concerns about housing policy under Biden also prompted another letter from Scott, this one to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. The Naples Republican said the Federal Housing Administration had insured too many policies for low-income buyers, putting families in a “dangerous debt spiral.”

“Last year, nearly two-thirds of all borrowers whose mortgages were insured by the FHA had a debt-to-income ratio greater than 43%, with some as high as 57% — a level of debt that makes such borrowers particularly susceptible to being unable to absorb unexpected expenses,” Scott wrote.

“As reflected in the (American Enterprise Institute) report, allowing heavily debt burdened borrowers to take on more debt, and providing a government guarantee for those mortgages, resulted in a higher rate of serious delinquencies (more than 90 days past-due without payment) within the first 12 months after issuance than we saw during the peak of the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis. Ordinarily, such serious defaults would lead to foreclosure.”

Instead, Scott said the agency launched a program to mitigate losses in February 2024. The program paid mortgage servicers the value of a borrower’s missed payments to bring the mortgage current while also paying the servicer to reduce the monthly mortgage payments for delinquent borrowers by 25% for three years.

“Continuing this disastrous federal policy would be a complete disservice to borrowers and taxpayers alike,” Scott wrote. “Immediate action is needed to address this growing subprime mortgage bubble and ensure the financial solvency of the FHA insurance fund from which the amounts are drawn.”

Delegation, assemble

The Florida congressional delegation will convene in Washington to discuss the state’s recovery efforts and how to improve resiliency.

Reps. Buchanan and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, co-Chairs of the delegation, called a hearing for 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Rayburn House Office Building. The bipartisan delegation leaders said it was important for lawmakers to come together after three hurricanes — Debby, Helene and Milton — struck Florida in a single year.

“Our constituents deserve the full support of the federal government as they continue to recover and rebuild from last year’s devastating hurricanes,” Buchanan said. He represents a Gulf Coast district touched by multiple storms.

“Many of my constituents incurred thousands of dollars in disaster-related expenses, and we must do everything we can in Washington to help those still suffering. Our congressional delegation is committed to supporting those still rebuilding and prioritizing efforts to prepare for future hurricanes.”

Even parts of the state far from where storms made landfall saw damage from related rain and tornadoes.

“Thousands of Florida residents are still putting their lives back together after hurricanes Helene and Milton upended them last year,” said Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat.

“Getting them fully back on their feet remains a top priority. And with the next hurricane season just two months away, I’m committed to working closely with our entire delegation to make sure Florida has the tools and resources we need, including stronger recovery efforts and better forecasting and preparation, to weather the storms ahead.”

A panel of experts from Florida and Washington, including Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Florida Chief Resilience Officer Wesley Brooks, will testify to the delegation.

DOGE streamlining

Rep. Neal Dunn wants to streamline the process for slashing federal spending spotlighted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The Panama City Republican filed the 10th Amendment Restoration Act, which would establish a constitutional Government Review Commission to help eliminate powers claimed unlawfully by federal agencies.

Dunn said the legislation would also expedite floor proceedings for any congressional action that reined in executive agencies and programs.

“President Trump and DOGE are doing an outstanding job at keeping their promise to the American people by closing wasteful federal agencies that are doing almost nothing to serve the interests of the American people,” Dunn said.

“Congress must do its part to support the administration. I am proud to pave the way for DOGE’s efforts by providing a clear statutory process to rein in, and when necessary, close federal agencies that go beyond the scope of their power.”

The Congressman praised DOGE for attracting attention to several foreign aid programs, including $12.2 million for worker empowerment in South America and $3 million for safe and inclusive work environments in Lesotho.

Critical minerals

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Florida is just one state with active phosphate mining. Rep. Kat Cammack says the U.S. needs to recognize the value and rarity of these production capabilities.

She co-led a bipartisan letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum asking that both phosphate and potash be reinstated to the U.S. Critical Minerals list.

“Potash and phosphate are essential to growing the food that sustains our nation,” said Cammack, a Gainesville Republican. “Our farmers in Florida rely on these minerals to ensure soil fertility and high crop yields that feed our state and nation. It’s important we ensure their availability, so our producers have the tools needed to continue their important work.”

She led the bicameral letter with Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, and with Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta of California.

“At the very heart of this issue are the American farmers who work tirelessly to feed Americans and much of the world. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphate are essential to maintaining soil fertility, improving crop yields, and ensuring consistent food production,” the letter reads.

“Without access to a stable and affordable supply of these minerals, farmers face higher costs, reduced yields, and increased uncertainty — challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the food security of millions of American families.”

In play

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) just added Rep. Cory Mills to its list of Republican targets in 2026.

In announcing a national list of GOP-held “Districts in Play,” House Democrats put Florida’s 7th Congressional District on the charts. That places Mills among Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and María Elvira Salazar as the Florida delegation members in the sights of the House Democrats’ campaign arm.

“Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna and María Elvira Salazar are running scared, and they should be,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.

“From tanking the economy, gutting Medicaid, abandoning our veterans, to making everything more expensive, they’ve broken their promises to Floridians, and it’s going to cost them their seats. The DCCC is already working to recruit authentic and battle-ready candidates in Florida who reflect these districts and will work to better Floridians’ lives, not line Elon Musk’s and their D.C. party bosses’ pockets.”

In all Districts in Play, the DCCC has set up a fund to support Democratic challengers in the General Election next year, including in Florida’s 7th, 13th and 27th Congressional Districts.

DCCC officials say national Democrats felt galvanized by two Special Elections for Florida seats last week. That included a race in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, adjacent to Mills’ district, where Republican Randy Fine won but Democrat Josh Weil overperformed by 16 percentage points compared to party performance in the November election.

Mills won re-election in 2024 over Democrat Jennifer Adams by 13 points.

Additionally, Mills has earned negative attention, particularly over an assault initially reported by Iranian American activist Sarah Raviani, who later pulled back from accusations and said she suffered bruises from a trip to Dubai. Raviani and Mills listed the Washington high-rise where the incident occurred as their home, though Mills is married and lives in New Smyrna Beach.

Wild and scenic

Another Congress means a fresh attempt by Soto to designate the Kissimmee River as a Wild and Scenic River.

The Kissimmee Democrat filed a bill to classify a segment of the water body as a “recreational river.” That follows the lawmaker’s successful inclusion in a federal budget in 2023 of language requiring the Interior Secretary to complete a study on issuing a Wild and Scenic River designation to the Florida waterway.

“It is critical for us to preserve the historic Kissimmee River as it is home to many of Florida’s endangered species, key for recreation, and protects the Everglades from harmful nutrients,” Soto said.

“As we continue working on initiatives to protect our environment for future generations, we must ensure that this natural treasure can sustain the growth around it. We saw parts of our bill to complete a study passed in FY23, and it will soon be time to designate the Kissimmee River as Recreational River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.”

The Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District completed an effort in 2021 to restore more than 40 acres of the Kissimmee River’s floodplain ecosystem, 20,000 acres of wetlands and 44 miles of river channel. The $1 billion environmental effort was the largest river restoration project in the world.

Eye on Iran

Any militia group tied to the Iranian government should be treated as terrorists, according to Rep. Greg Steube.

The Sarasota Republican filed a bill, the Iranian Terror Prevention Act, which would require the Secretary of State to designate and codify 29 Iranian-backed militias and terror groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill would also apply to any foreign entity or organization controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“For far too long, Iran has employed proxy militias to carry out its terrorist agenda across the Middle East,” Steube said. “These groups are responsible for attacking American forces, threatening our allies, and destabilizing the region. My bill directs the State Department to formally recognize the threat these groups pose and treat them as the terrorists they are.”

VA access

Rep. Brian Mast had an office in the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center for more than two years, a first-in-the-nation setup later mimicked by House members from both parties. However, the federal administration evicted him in 2019. He has received permission under the new administration to reopen the office.

Now, the Stuart Republican wants greater access to meet with constituents there. He filed the Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act that would guarantee the right of members of Congress to utilize VA-operated locales to meet with veterans and assist them on-site with claims.

“When we opened an office in the West Palm Beach VA back in 2017, we created a one-stop-shop for veterans who needed our help cutting through red tape,” Mast said. “This is a proven model that improves care for veterans in our community, and thanks to VA Secretary Doug Collins, we’re back in business. But let’s take it one step further: this shouldn’t just be an option for veterans in Palm Beach — veterans across the country deserve this same kind of care and assistance. That’s what this bill is about.”

Krome conditions

Following reports of overcrowding and “inhumane” treatment at the Krome Detention Center, Rep. Frederica Wilson and other Miami-Dade Democrats are demanding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant them a tour of the facility so they can witness the conditions firsthand.

Wilson and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava penned letters to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem requesting visits to the Homestead-based center, which immigrant women detained there have reportedly described as “Hell on Earth.”

They complained, among other things, of being crammed into cells, denied the ability to bathe regularly, forced to sleep on concrete floors and chained for hours without food, water or bathroom access.

In her letter, Wilson referenced a March 30 report by the Miami Herald about protests outside the detention center last month, following news of deteriorating conditions and the deaths of two detainees.

Wilson said she had also heard “directly from immigration lawyers about the unacceptable conditions at Krome,” including the aforementioned indignities and “female detainees being held in a facility designated for men.”

“These alarming accounts illustrate the urgent need for me to exercise my duty of congressional oversight and intervention,” she said.

Wilson cited Article 1 of the Constitution, which she said grants federal lawmakers the authority to access federal facilities to verify compliance with federal laws and policies.

On this day

April 8, 1935 — “Works Progress Administration established by Congress as part of Franklin Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’” via History.com — The WPA was established under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act to create government jobs for some of the nation’s many unemployed. Under the direction of Harry L. Hopkins, the WPA employed more than 8.5 million people on 1.4 million public projects before it was disbanded in 1943. The program chose work that would not interfere with private enterprise, especially vast public building projects like highways, bridges and dams. However, the WPA also provided federal funding for students who were given work under the National Youth Administration.

April 8, 1987 — “George Shultz condemns Soviet on spying but presses talks” via The New York Times — Secretary of State Shultz said the reported entry of Soviet agents into the United States Embassy in Moscow had ”cast a heavy shadow” on the talks with Soviet leaders and added that it would also exact a toll on Soviet-American relations in general. Nevertheless, he said he would not accept suggestions to postpone the trip. The administration, he explained, remained committed to creating ”a more constructive and stable relationship with the Soviet Union.” Shultz told a news conference at the State Department he had received negotiating instructions from President Ronald Reagan.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by Jesse Scheckner.