Delegation for 4.11.25: Budgets — VA — student visas — homelessness — arms deal

The U.S. Capitol building reflected in a water body, divided into red and blue hues, symbolizing political balance and contrast.

Framework in place

A budget framework cleared the House on a near party-line vote, ending fiscal tension that loomed since the start of a new Congress. The budget narrowly passed the House on a 216-214 vote, with only two Republicans joining all Democrats to vote against the plan.

However, Florida’s House delegation held every Representative to party lines.

The lower chamber voted to advance a budget that funds Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and provides $175 billion for President Donald Trump’s mass deportation operation, while Republican leaders promised to make tax cuts passed in Trump’s first term permanent.

The close margin of passage in the House notably means the arrival of GOP Reps. Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis, sworn in just a week before the budget vote, made the difference between passage and a deadlocked House.

Republicans in the delegation said the framework would empower the Trump agenda.

“This marks a significant step forward in fulfilling President Trump’s agenda to restore fiscal responsibility, strengthen our military, secure our borders and put America First,” said Rep. Daniel Webster, a Clermont Republican.

“By passing this budget resolution, my House Republican colleagues and I are one step closer to delivering President Trump one, big, beautiful bill that will unleash American energy, make the historic tax cuts permanent and reinvigorate the American economy to usher in the next great American century.”

But Democrats held a contrary view, seeing the worst excesses of the Elon Musk-headed Department of Government Efficiency locked into place.

“The Republican budget is a dangerous road map — laying the groundwork for the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in U.S. history, all to fund massive tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations,” said Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat.

“That means millions of Americans will lose their health care and struggle to put food on the table. A responsible budget should lower costs for hardworking families. That’s what I’m fighting for.”

However, in the Senate, where only Republicans represent Florida, the new framework was celebrated as a victory for fiscal conservatism and an opportunity to rein in federal spending.

“Private sector jobs are growing, inflation is slowing and American manufacturing is back,” posted Sen. Rick Scott. “Now, it’s time to balance the budget, cut taxes and streamline government to Make America Great Again.”

VA access

Veterans sometimes lose limbs in service to their country. Scott wants to ensure they can easily access medical facilities that provide appropriate care.

The Naples Republican reintroduced the Veterans Accessibility Act, legislation that would establish an Advisory Committee on Equal Access responsible for evaluating Veterans Affairs (VA) compliance with disability laws. The panel would also recommend ways that facilities can improve accessibility. The 150-member board would include veterans with disabilities, disability experts and representatives of advocacy organizations.

“It is unthinkable that federal programs intended to support our veterans would be inaccessible to so many who live with disabilities and rely on these essential services,” Scott said.

“Our veterans are American heroes who showed up to serve our nation, and they deserve a federal government who shows up for them and a VA that stands ready to support them. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this vital bipartisan legislation to ensure the VA is fully prepared to meet the needs of every veteran, who have made countless sacrifices to defend and protect the freedoms of our nation.”

Scott filed the bipartisan bill with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat. Gillibrand also serves as a ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, which Scott chairs. “All veterans — regardless of ability — deserve access to VA services, facilities and benefits,” she said.

Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chair, and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, that committee’s ranking member, also cosponsored the bill. Several veterans groups endorsed the legislation, including Paralyzed Veterans of America, Blinded Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, National Association of the Deaf, National Disability Rights Network, United Spinal Association/VetsFirst, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Student visa crackdown

Weeks after Sen. Ashley Moody filed legislation to deny student visas to Chinese nationals, China issued a travel warning advising students to assess personal risks before traveling to the United States.

“Good,” Moody posted on X. “They got the message.”

The Wall Street Journal characterized the Chinese change in policy as a sign that “Beijing wants to put pressure on America’s tourism and education sectors.” But the Plant City Republican, in remarks in the Senate, said the eastern government has given U.S. authorities little choice but to crack down on students from abroad.

“China has just passed a law that now requires every national to gather intelligence, including Chinese students here studying, gather intelligence and report back,” she said.

“How do we not pass a law that prevents student visas? In that respect, I mean, in the past few years, we’ve had an explosion of Chinese students that were caught gathering evidence or gathering information on military bases on college campuses. How do we as lawmakers, policymakers, not do that?”

Interest disaster

At a meeting of the Florida congressional delegation this week, Rep. Neal Dunn noted that many local governments in his district are still waiting to be made whole after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The Panama City Republican wants Congress to provide loan relief to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Dunn said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) often proves so slow in paying out funds that communities take another economic blow from interest rates on loans.

He filed the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, which would provide financial assistance to local governments and electric cooperatives by reimbursing interest payments on loans used for disaster recovery activities.

“Communities impacted by natural disasters are often left with staggering financial burdens while waiting for federal reimbursements on their disaster loans,” Dunn said.

“Municipal governments and electric coops should not have to face undue financial burdens for the sluggish response from FEMA. This bill ensures that our communities are reimbursed for the interest on loans they need to make a full recovery. By lifting this financial strain, we are empowering communities to focus on what truly matters after disaster strikes — rebuilding and recovery.”

Spike in homelessness

The latest point-in-time survey published by the Homeless Services Network found that more than 40% of the homeless population in Central Florida were children or seniors aged 55 and older. Rep. Maxwell Frost blamed the spike in transients in those groups on policy shifts that increasingly abandon low-income families and individuals relying on now-gutted welfare services.

“It’s unacceptable that in one of the richest countries in the world, thousands of children and seniors are sleeping on the street,” the Orlando Democrat said.

“This report comes at a time when Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to gut Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and food programs that our most vulnerable children and seniors count on to survive. For so many folks, these benefits are the difference between making rent and sleeping on the street. And while this administration paves the way to make the rich richer, countless folks in Orlando and across the country have nowhere to sleep at night — and are even criminalized for it.”

Frost, in February, was among those who helped to conduct this year’s survey. The survey aims to gather data on all local homeless people at a particular date each year. He notes that this was the first survey done since Florida enforced a ban on public camping.

“We have to address the homelessness crisis in our region with the urgency it demands — and the answer isn’t criminalizing homelessness or taking away federal funds from organizations like the Homeless Services Network,” Frost said. “It’s finding and investing in solutions that lift people out of poverty and ensuring everyone has the dignity of having a safe place to call home.”

Online, rain or shine

As Gulf Coast communities recover from back-to-back hurricanes, Rep. Gus Bilirakis wants Congress to step up broadband offerings for communities in floodplains. He filed the Coastal Broadband Deployment Act, which would provide resources to improve access to the internet infrastructure.

“Several parts of my district lie within flood zones,” the Palm Harbor Republican said. “I want to be sure that all of my constituents have access to 21st century technologies, enabling them to harness the potential power that these capabilities offer. Being left behind is not an option.”

Bilirakis’s office said 21 million Americans still have no access to broadband. Still, the legislation could help cut through the red tape and bureaucracy to ensure the service is available to more homes.

Meanwhile, Rep. Laurel Lee offered her legislation to protect existing broadband lines. The Thonotosassa Republican filed the bipartisan Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act with Rep. Marc Veasey, a Texas Democrat. The bill would increase penalties for individuals whose larceny or destructive action causes a loss of service.

“American consumers use broadband for a wide range of uses and expect to have uninterrupted service. In collaboration with government agencies, broadband providers work tirelessly to defend against a constant barrage of external threats. However, when it comes to the intentional theft or damage of communications facilities, weak and ineffective laws often allow perpetrators to escape justice,” she said.

“To safeguard critical infrastructure and protect consumers, we need stronger, clearer laws and enhanced enforcement, ensuring that those who maliciously harm our networks face severe criminal penalties.”

AI forecasting?

Can artificial intelligence better predict the weather or help prepare communities before disasters?

Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, just filed the Transformational Artificial Intelligence to Modernize the Economy against Extreme Weather and Wildfires (TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires) Act. The legislation would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a domestic global weather dataset to help support AI-driven weather forecasting.

He wants to see that data used to improve forecasting models and other products for predicting paths of storms, wildfires and other events. Franklin is joining Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawaii Democrat, on the bipartisan bill.

“As devastating weather events continue to threaten lives, homes, and communities across the country, the need for faster, more accurate forecasting is critical,” said Franklin, Chair of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Environment Subcommittee.

“The TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act leverages emerging AI technologies to enhance forecasting systems and bolster disaster preparedness. By encouraging American innovation and uniting the efforts of the federal government, academia and the private sector, our bill ensures we can respond swiftly to natural disasters here at home without relying on foreign data. I’m pleased to join Sen. Schatz in leading this bipartisan effort to protect Americans and modernize our national weather capabilities.”

Deterring arms dealers

Gang violence continues to destabilize the country of Haiti. Now, the only Haitian American currently serving in Congress wants the U.S. to stop gun runners from trafficking weapons to the island.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick filed the Caribbean Anti-Smuggling of Trafficked Arms (CAST) Act, which would require a Defense Department report on how best to combat illicit firearms trafficking in the region. This would expand on the mandate of the Joint Interagency Task Force South.

“Weapons trafficking by way of the United States is a major contributor to crime in the Caribbean and Haiti’s growing gang crisis, driving the ongoing instability that plagues the country,” the Miramar Democrat said. “All potential options must be on the table to effectively curtail the flow of arms. Our nation’s national security depends on it.”

Cherfilus-McCormick filed the bill with Rep. Wesley Bell, a Missouri Democrat.

About 49% of Haitians living in the U.S. reside in Florida.

Ecuadoran partnership

According to the Pew Research Center, about 10% of Ecuadorians in the U.S. also reside in Florida, and South Florida’s lawmakers have remained focused on relations with the South American nation.

Three Republican lawmakers in Miami-Dade County — Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar — commended Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa for recent partnerships in enforcing the law in the Western Hemisphere.

“We commend President Daniel Noboa’s leadership and continued commitment to advancing regional security and stability. Under his administration, Ecuador has become a valued partner in combating transnational drug trafficking, countering Communist China’s malign influence, and addressing the illegal and damaging fishing activities near the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador,” the statement reads.

“As the people of Ecuador prepare to cast their votes in this crucial election on Sunday, April 13, it is imperative that Ecuador continue strengthening its democratic institutions and deepening its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. We look forward to our countries continuing to expand our defense and security cooperation, which will enhance joint efforts to address critical challenges in the region while upholding our shared democratic values.”

TPS hopes

Recent decisions to cancel or limit temporary protected status for several communities concentrated in South Florida significantly roiled immigrant communities there. Salazar hopes to convince the Trump administration to change course.

The Coral Gables Republican sent a letter directly to the President urging him to offer Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status for immigrants in the U.S. from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who were legally paroled here.

“We must protect the promises made to the people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela with both compassion and security in mind,” Salazar said. “These countries are plagued by communist, repressive dictatorships and gang violence. While we restore law and order here at home, DED will allow us to vet these individuals thoroughly, deport those who don’t qualify, and uphold America’s legacy as a beacon of hope.”

Of course, Trump campaigned on heavily restricting immigration, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has openly pushed for ending the parole programs since immediately after the election.

Game time

As the Miami area prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, federal officials are focusing on keeping the state safe and secure.

In addition to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel meeting with the soccer organization’s leadership about security, Giménez, as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, held a hearing to keep travel in and around the U.S. safe.

“Beginning this Summer, the United States will step onto the global stage by hosting the FIFA Club World Cup,” Giménez said at a hearing this week. “This tournament will feature elite professional clubs from around the world, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Inter Miami FC, and will take place at select venues throughout the United States. This event will provide an early opportunity to stress-test our travel systems, infrastructure and security coordination ahead of ever more significant events on the horizon.

“In 2026, our country will host the FIFA World Cup with matches played by national teams in cities across the nation, and I am thrilled that this includes my home city of Miami. At the same time, we will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in July 2026, followed by the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028. When I was Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I witnessed firsthand just how much planning and hard work goes into ensuring these major events run smoothly. As a member of Congress, I intend to do all I can to make sure these international events are safe for the millions of Americans and those traveling here who are planning on attending.”

While Giménez said national security must stay sharp at events like the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, he said the coming tournament was a pressing concern.

“I’m currently working on a bill that would take this a step further by creating a federal task force to focus on all major international events occurring in the U.S. over the next four years,” Giménez said. “That includes the World Cup, America’s 250th, and the 2028 Olympics. We need to make sure every agency involved is working together and that our policies and resources are aligned.”

On this day

April 11, 1865 — “War’s end: Abraham Lincoln gives final speech” via Smithsonian — A large crowd gathered again at the White House to celebrate Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. President Lincoln had prepared an address. It was not triumphant but contained an earnest appeal for a “righteous and speedy peace whose joyous expression cannot be restrained.” He closed by broaching the issue of civil rights for the freedmen, declaring his support for at least a qualified suffrage for freedmen. John Wilkes Booth was in the crowd, and at these words, he seethed in anger that this meant citizenship for Blacks: “now, by God, I’ll put him through.”

April 11, 1970 — “Apollo 13 launches to the moon” via History.com — The third lunar landing mission was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, carrying astronauts James Lovell, John Swigert and Fred Haise. The spacecraft’s destination was the Fra Mauro highlands of the moon, where the astronauts were to explore the Imbrium Basin and conduct geological experiments. After an oxygen tank exploded, however, the new mission objective became to get the Apollo 13 crew home alive. On April 13, Apollo 13 was just over 200,000 miles from Earth. Oxygen tank No. 2 had blown up, reducing the regular supply of oxygen, electricity, light, and water. Lovell reported to mission control: “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”

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Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Patronis, who turns 53 on Sunday, April 13.

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