Delegation for 5.2.25: Icy — Waltz — imports — Moody — flooded EVs

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ICE chills

As President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda turns into rapid action in Florida communities, Democrats in the state’s congressional delegation are furious over the impact on constituents’ lives. In one case, a Florida lawmaker is demanding answers about whether the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state ended one immigrant’s life.

The death of a Haitian immigrant in the care of ICE in Pompano Beach prompted outrage from Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The Miramar Democrat led a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pushing for information on the death of 44-year-old Marie Blaise.

“According to ICE’s own statement, Ms. Blaise was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. by medical staff. Prior to her death, she had been moved through at least three different ICE facilities in a span of just over two months — from initial apprehension in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, then to Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana, and finally to the Broward Transitional Center,” the letter reads.

“The federal government holds a solemn responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in its custody, including those detained by ICE. The circumstances of Ms. Blaise’s death raise serious questions about the quality of medical care provided during her detention, as well as the toll such frequent transfers may have taken on her physical and mental health.”

Every Democrat in Florida’s congressional delegation co-signed the letter, which calls for an audit of the Broward Transitional Center and assessing conditions for other detainees. Cherfilus-McCormick and Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat, visited the Broward County ICE facility Friday morning and demanded answers about Blaise’s treatment there.

Meanwhile, Rep. Kathy Castor voiced anger after the deportation of a Cuban woman from Tampa. She wrote a letter to Trump after ICE sent Heidy Sánchez to the communist nation, separating the mother from her 17-month-old.

“It is unconscionable and wrong for your ICE personnel to harm families in this way. Ms. Sánchez is entitled to due process, and her husband and daughter (both U.S. citizens) deserve to be treated with the dignity we value as Americans,” wrote Castor, a Tampa Democrat.

“Ms. Sánchez’s husband, Carlos Yuniel Valle, advised me that the separation of mother and daughter was so sudden and traumatic that their infant daughter was taken to the hospital. The baby was still breastfeeding at the time your administration tore them apart, and the baby’s ongoing health issues require her mother’s return to the U.S. as soon as possible. Ms. Sánchez, a mother and home health aide, was complying with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement request to regularly check in at the local Tampa office.”

But Republicans want to step up the removal of undocumented migrants in the state.

Rep. Greg Steube wants Florida to provide a national model for police cooperation with ICE. The Sarasota Republican sent letters to every Police Chief in Florida’s 17th Congressional District urging them to enroll in 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to enforce federal statutes.

“After four years of disastrous border and immigration policies under the former Biden administration, the American people overwhelmingly entrusted President Trump to secure our border and protect the American homeland from the violence that criminal illegal aliens have brought to our country,” Steube said.

“This is not just a duty for our law enforcement and Border Patrol partners at the southern and northern borders, but for every single law enforcement agency in Florida and the United States.”

Steube said illegal immigration poses a safety concern, pointing to the recent arrest in Punta Gorda of an undocumented Mexican man on charges of raping a 13-year-old.

D.C. to NYC

One former Florida congressional delegation member rode a roller coaster of headlines Thursday.

Sources in the White House reported early Thursday that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and key staff around him had been ousted from their roles with the National Security Council. That meant the St. Augustine Republican, who resigned his seat in Congress in January, appeared out of a job after giving up elected office.

But before the close of the business day, Trump offered Waltz a new, arguably more prominent position as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

“From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress, and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I know he will do the same in his new role.”

By Thursday evening, Waltz still had not updated his social media bio but had publicly acknowledged the change in position.

“I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation,” he posted on X.

But the announcement also opens Waltz to more scrutiny. While Waltz did not need to go through Senate confirmation to become National Security Adviser, all Ambassador appointments run through Congress. The scandal that spotlighted Waltz during the last two months will likely provide fodder for Democrats during hearings.

The former Congress faced heavy criticism over his role in adding Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, to a Signal chat updating key administration figures on an impending strike on the Houthis. In an interview on Fox News, Waltz took responsibility for including a journalist in the conversation, but said he did not know Goldberg and was investigating how the contact was “sucked” into his phone. The Atlantic later released an unedited transcript of the Signal chat, showing that Waltz added Goldberg.

That fueled speculation for weeks afterward that Waltz could be fired. But for now, Trump still wants Waltz serving the administration in some capacity.

Meanwhile, Waltz’s move from Washington to New York means another administration member from Florida moves into yet another duty. Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim National Security Adviser. That’s on top of his work as acting administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development and as the acting archivist for the National Archives; his leading role is heading the State Department.

Rubio also left a job in Congress, in his case, a Senate seat for which he won election to a third term in 2022. At this point, he holds sweeping influence over foreign policy from a diplomatic and national security perspective while controlling all foreign aid.

Disclosing imports

If consumers buy goods from China, Sen. Rick Scott wants them to know it.

The Naples Republican filed the bipartisan Country of Origin Labeling Online (COOL) Online Act with Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat. The legislation would require online retailers to clearly disclose the country of origin for any product sold and the seller’s location.

“Right now, it is clear that the United States’ businesses are competing against adversaries like Communist China that will do everything in its power to destroy the American economy, American businesses, and our way of life,” Scott said.

“During my time as Senator, I have pushed legislation including the COOL Online Act to require online retailers to list the country of origin for every product they sell because Americans have every right to know where products are being made and where their dollars are going — and whether that means funding an adversarial regime or supporting American businesses.”

Of note, Scott just voted to uphold tariffs Trump has threatened on trade from most nations, including massive levies on goods from China. Florida’s senior Senator has regularly questioned the reliance of U.S. consumers on goods from China, and said he supports the administration’s economic policies.

“I’m glad to see President Trump is standing strong against Communist China and fighting for American jobs, and American families and businesses want to do their part by buying American, too,” he said. “It’s time to pass the COOL Online Act to bring more transparency for consumers as they make decisions for themselves and their families.”

Baldwin, along with all Democrats, tried to shut down tariffs this week, but has backed better education on imports for the public.

“Regardless of where we buy something, Americans have the right to know if the product they are purchasing was made in America or a foreign country,” she said.

100 days

As national media looked back at the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Sen. Ashley Moody, the Senate’s junior-most member, also marked the first 100 days of her own time as a Senator.

The Plant City Republican released a video looking back at the period since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to succeed Rubio in the Senate. Set to audio of Vice President JD Vance administering the oath of office, the clip shows footage from town halls and news conferences she held on to the fight against fentanyl, illegal immigration and other matters.

“100 days of working hard for Floridians, and we’re just getting started,” a caption reads to end the video.

Electric boogaloo

When he still served as Florida’s Fire Marshal, Rep. Jimmy Patronis sounded alarms on the risks from electric vehicles left in flooded areas after hurricanes. Now, he’s bringing those concerns to Congress.

The Fort Walton Beach Republican voted this week for legislation directing the promulgation of consumer standards for lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on micromobility devices like scooters and electric bikes. He said that it should be the start of better regulation of electric cells in vehicles.

“We learn something from every major storm. In 2022, Hurricane Ian taught us just how dangerous vehicles and personal devices powered by lithium-ion batteries were when submersed in saltwater due to storm surge,” Patronis said.

“It became apparent that these batteries could be hazardous to Florida consumers and presented a real danger to our first responders who work these fires. When I served as Florida’s CFO and State Fire Marshal, I was proud to champion fire safety protections and made sure we deployed every tool in the toolbox to develop new rules to prevent lithium-ion battery fires.”

The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act (HR 973) passed on a 365-42 vote.

“If this common-sense measure passes the Senate, it will establish new safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and protect consumers and small-business owners who rely on devices, such as eBikes, to make a living,” he said. “The bill would also assist first responders. In passing H.R. 973, Congress has taken a large step in a bipartisan fashion toward protecting American consumers, families, and firefighting professionals.”

Space ports

Florida lawmakers say the IRS needs to treat spaceports with the same economic respect as other government authorities.

Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, introduced the bipartisan Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act in the House with Rep. Salud Carbajal, a California Democrat. Moody, meanwhile, filed a Senate companion bill with Sen. Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat.

The legislation would allow space facilities to qualify for municipal bonds.

“The United States must invest heavily in its space infrastructure to maintain our economic dominance and national security interests in space,” Dunn said. “Florida communities are eager to expand investments in space infrastructure, and Congress must be willing to facilitate these efforts. This bipartisan legislation will help secure our commercial and defense interests while paving the way for American dominance in space.”

Moody said public-private partnerships at launch sites will benefit from the legislation if it becomes law.

“I have seen firsthand how public and private entities can come together to make great strides in innovation on Florida’s Space Coast,” Moody said.

“It is vital to incentivize these partnerships and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of the space industry to not only build upon Florida’s economic successes but protect national security interests as well. I am thankful for my colleagues who have joined me in introducing this important legislation and look forward to bolstering Florida’s position as the leader of space exploration.”

Space industry leaders in Florida quickly endorsed the bill, calling it a game-changer for American space infrastructure.

“By giving spaceports access to tax-exempt financing, just like our airports and seaports, we’re unlocking private capital to accelerate infrastructure upgrades for our economy and national security,” said Ron Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. “This isn’t just about competition in the space economy — it’s ensuring America, and Florida, leads it.”

Chief of Staff

Rep. Randy Fine served in the Florida Legislature before his recent election to Congress. Now, he’s bringing a former Statehouse colleague to the nation’s capital.

The Northeast Florida Republican hired former Florida House member Jason Fischer as his Chief of Staff.

“As we stand everything up, I am incredibly lucky to have a secret weapon as my Chief of Staff, my friend, roommate, and legislative classmate, Jason Fischer,” Fine posted. “The only better experience than one legislator is two.”

 Cleaning the slate

Once felons finish serving their time, Rep. Laurel Lee wants them to become productive members of society. The Thonotosassa Republican this week filed the Fresh Start Act, which would provide employment, housing, and educational resources for returning citizens.

“People who have worked to turn their lives around after a criminal conviction deserve the opportunity to move forward, not be held back by administrative barriers,” said Lee, a former Judge.

“Today, nearly one-third of Americans have a criminal record that can prevent them from getting a job, finding housing, or pursuing education — even when they qualify for record-sealing or expungement. The Fresh Start Act of 2025 modernizes and streamlines these processes for states, helping more individuals access the opportunities they’ve earned. I look forward to seeing my colleagues come together to pass this important legislation and ensure that everyone who deserves a second chance has the opportunity to build a better future.”

Lee filed the bipartisan bill with Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a California Democrat.

As written, the proposed legislation would allow states that don’t already have automatic record-sealing and expungement laws to apply for federal help to conduct the processes. That builds on efforts already in place in California and 11 other states to enact “Clean Slate” policies. Florida is not among those with such a program. Such policies make criminal records private without any action by the individual once they complete all sentencing requirements.

“The Fresh Start Act recognizes what we’ve seen on the ground: Clean Slate has the power to change lives,” said Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative. “This legislation is an essential component of modernizing state infrastructure, making sure federal support is spent on common-sense solutions that are serious about safety and benefit communities across the country. A fresh start should be more than a promise; it should be a reality. With the Fresh Start Act, it can be.”

Wild horses

Is it time to apply more government efficiency to the Bureau of Land Management? Rep. Vern Buchanan led a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum calling for the agency to review the Wild Horse and Burro Program and how it could better incorporate cost-effective, humane fertility control measures.

“Wild horses are a beloved symbol of the American spirit and deserve our protection,” the Longboat Key Republican said. “Secretary Burgum’s experience and appreciation for our Western landscapes and wild horses make him the right person to lead these common sense reforms to safeguard these beautiful creatures. I am confident that under his leadership, we can move toward a more humane and fiscally responsible future for America’s wild horses and burros.”

Buchanan serves as Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus. He sent the letter with Rep. David Schweikert, an Arizona Republican, who said fertility controls were both humane and reversible. The letter said implementation could result in millions in savings just by reducing holding costs for the agency.

Look up bias

The Anti-Defamation League last year alleged in a report that Wikipedia editors made numerous antisemitic changes, particularly to entries about the Israel-Hamas conflict in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.

Now, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, wants answers from the publisher of the community-sourced platform.

“Evidence points to a startling lack of enforcement of Wikipedia’s most basic rules and editorial safeguards. Given the immense influence that Wikipedia articles have over our online and real-life global conversations, far more editorial responsibility and transparency are needed, immediately,” Wasserman Schultz said.

She led a letter with Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, asking Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander what is being done to enforce the online encyclopedia’s own rules against pro-terrorist content and anti-Jewish hate.

“One particularly egregious example of this manipulation involves distorting history with an aim to hide certain groups’ and figures’ support for terrorism and violence,” the letter reads.

“Editors have deliberately removed evidence of public figures’ support of political violence and overt antisemitism, as well as erasing references across multiple articles that document terrorist violence. This is especially evident on Wikipedia’s entry for Hamas, where significant edits have downplayed and de-emphasized the organization’s terror activities.”

The letter notes that a board of senior editors banned eight individuals from making changes to articles related to the conflict in Israel last year.

“My hope is that our bipartisan questions and concerns can curb a suspected coordinated campaign to manipulate Wikipedia content that drives antisemitic content and biases,” Wasserman Schultz said.

On this day

May 2, 2011 — “Osama bin Laden killed by U.S. forces” via History.com — Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, was killed by U.S. forces during a raid on his compound hideout in Pakistan. The 54-year-old leader of al-Qaida, the terrorist network of Islamic extremists, had been the target of a nearly decadelong international search. The raid began around 1 a.m. local time, when 23 U.S. Navy SEALs in two Black Hawk helicopters descended on the compound in Abbottabad, a military center north of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. During the raid, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, five people, including bin Laden and one of his adult sons, were killed by U.S. gunfire.

May 2, 2000 — “Bill Clinton acts to make GPS more accurate” via The New York Times — The President approved letting boaters, motorists and hikers use a satellite-navigation system with the same pinpoint accuracy that the military has long enjoyed. Clinton ordered the United States military to stop scrambling satellite signals used by civilians. The decision should mean that Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers will be 10 times more accurate. The decision, made after four years of deliberation, will likely be a boon to the GPS industry, which is expected to double from $8 billion to more than $16 billion in the next three years.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Daniel Webster, who turned 76 on Sunday, April 27.

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