Delegation for 5.6.25: Tension — royalties — chill — transplants — pro-growth

Venezuelan tension

Florida officials have fought to preserve temporary protected status (TPS) for Venezuelans who fled the regime of Nicolás Maduro. However, while a court decision in March required President Donald Trump’s administration to allow Venezuelans to stay in the U.S. for now, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem intends to fight that decision.

Noem sent a letter to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Democratic co-Chair of Florida’s congressional delegation, acknowledging the Congresswoman’s request to extend protections. But Noem said she remains unconvinced.

“Given the current conditions in Venezuela, as explained in the Federal Register notice, DHS has every intention of ending 2023 Venezuela TPS as soon as it obtains relief from the court order,” Noem wrote.

Wasserman Schultz said that’s a bad stance for the administration.

“TPS holders pass background checks and pay taxes,” the Weston Democrat said. “Instead of going after real criminals, Trump wants to subject hardworking families to a criminal regime.”

It’s a fight that disproportionately impacts Florida. According to the Migration Policy Institute, about 49% of all Venezuelan immigrants in the U.S. reside in the Sunshine State.

As a result, Florida delegation members from both sides of the aisle remain engaged in immigration policy around Venezuela. The U.S. has seen an influx of individuals fleeing the Maduro regime, one that the State Department considers illegitimate after the socialist leader claimed victory in elections last year despite independent observers saying opposition leader Edmundo González won the race.

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, praised the court decision in March to extend TPS for Venezuelans until March 2026. In a Spanish-language social media post last month, he voiced faith that the administration remains with the Venezuelan people in the fight against Maduro.

“I will continue to support those forced into exile and will continue working with the Trump Administration to ensure that those affected by Biden’s grotesque and irresponsible border policies — policies that have left so many in immigration limbo and who have legitimate asylum claims — can present their cases and receive the consideration they deserve,” reads a translation of his post.

“Furthermore, I remain firmly committed to defending the cause of freedom, and there is no greater ally in this fight than President Trump.”

Royalty transparency

Many federal workers earn both a salary and royalties for their work. Sen. Rick Scott wants agencies to provide more information.

“Various federal laws allow government agencies and employees listed as the inventor or co-inventor of a patented product to receive royalty payments for the use of that invention,” Scott, a Naples Republican, wrote in letters to several Cabinet members.

“For far too long, there has been a lack of transparency surrounding licensing agreements and royalty payments within the federal government. Under current law, federal employees are not required to report the source or amount of royalty payments they receive for their government-related work. This lack of transparency prevents taxpayers from holding individuals accountable within the federal government for potential conflicts of interest and other abuse.”

Conservative activists criticized government workers, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, over patent royalties received for work done at the National Institutes of Health.

Scott’s letter asks each agency how many employees collect royalties and how many receive the maximum payment of $150,000 annually in royalties authorized by federal law. The message also seeks information on licensing arrangements between agencies and third parties.

The Senator also wants a rundown of how money moves between agencies and the U.S. Treasury.

“Transparency and accountability within the federal government, agencies, and employees are critical to public trust,” Scott wrote.

Chill bill

The Senate passed a Congressional Review Act filed by Sen. Ashley Moody to chill the overregulation of freezers and refrigerators. The “Green New Scam” initiative passed 52-45.

The Plant City Republican said the bill will shift the federal government from “irresponsible and illogical” governance under former President Joe Biden.

“The Biden-Harris administration attempted to force costly and burdensome regulations onto the American people and their businesses in an effort to advance their Green New Scam agenda,” Moody said in remarks on the floor.

“I am proud to take this fight head-on to ensure that small businesses and American families are not shouldering the cost of the last administration’s nonsensical regulatory state. Thank you to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support. I look forward to this legislation heading to the President’s desk to become law.”

Manufacturers cheered the action by the Department of Energy (DOE).

“As DOE acknowledges in its own analysis, the increased capital expense costs caused by these standards may take customers more than 10, 75 and up to 93.9 years in many instances to match cost reductions achieved through energy-efficiency gains,” reads a statement from the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers.

“More expensive equipment translates into higher costs for consumers. This is simple economics. As the cost of inputs and doing business increases, a restaurant’s or grocer’s prices also must increase to make enough of a profit to stay in business.”

Transplant bias

The current organ transplant system in the U.S. can sometimes move individuals with disabilities down on the list of recipients. But Rep. Kat Cammack hopes that the bipartisan legislation she just carried through the House Energy & Commerce Committee changes that.

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act would prohibit discrimination based on disabilities when it comes to transplant decisions. Cammack has run the bill with Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat.

The bill bears the name of National Down Syndrome Society outreach associate Charlotte Woodward, who received a lifesaving heart transplant a decade ago and advocates for others with her condition. She attended the markup Committee, which included the bill in a larger legislative package.

Cammack said she has championed the bill in tribute to Zion Sarmiento, an Ocala infant born with Down syndrome who died at 40 days old after being denied a heart transplant.

“His family was told that his life didn’t hold the same value simply because of his disability,” Cammack said in Committee. “They were told by doctors, hospital systems and others that they couldn’t ‘waste a heart.’ That is unacceptable. That is why this bill matters. It ensures that individuals with disabilities are not denied access to organ transplants based solely on their diagnosis.”

App store safety

New legislation from Rep. Gus Bilirakis could make it safer for children to open the App Store on their parents’ mobile devices.

The Palm Harbor Republican, who chairs the House Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee, filed the App Store Accountability Act with Rep. John James, a Michigan Republican. The bill aims to increase parental control over purchases and bolster restrictions on what applications children can access in stores.

“Requiring parental consent before kids can download apps is a common sense measure that ensures parents have the ability to stay informed and engaged in their children’s digital lives, helping to prevent exposure to harmful apps and privacy risks,” Bilirakis said.

“By equipping parents with effective, easy-to-use tools and resources, we empower them to better protect their children while fostering open communication and digital literacy within families.”

The bill would impose age verification requirements with App Store identification, require consent on any purchase from parents for those younger than 18 and require a link for mobile devices used exclusively by children to those controlled by a guardian.

Children’s safety advocates cheered the legislation.

“The App Store Accountability Act is a common sense solution to an acute problem created by tech companies,” said Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute.

“The fact is that contracts signed by minors are unenforceable, but the app stores, including Apple’s and Google’s, make all users, including children, sign a user agreement entitling the companies to collect data and limiting their liability. We wouldn’t accept this from a bank. We wouldn’t accept this from a car dealership. Why are we accepting this on an iPhone?”

Delay on ID?

A May 7 deadline before Americans are required to present a REAL ID for domestic flights has sent privacy concerns flying high. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a St. Petersburg Republican, sent a letter to Noem calling for the delay of any implementation.

“Real ID, though good in theory, brings serious privacy concerns,” Luna said. “I am asking for a pause on implementation to ensure that all privacy concerns can be addressed. This was a lapse in responsibility of previous Congresses and should have been addressed when the Real ID Act was passed almost two decades ago.”

The REAL ID program first passed Congress in 2005, following recommendations from the Congressional 9/11 Commission and inspired by heightened concerns about air safety and terrorism. However, the wide-scale implementation of REAL ID has seen regular delays since 2008.

Business champion

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Rep. Vern Buchanan with its Advocate for American Business Award. The plaque was presented last week at an event held by the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

“As a businessman and entrepreneur for over 30 years before coming to Congress, I know how integral our local businesses and employees are to a thriving economy,” the Longboat Key Republican said.

“I’ve spent my time in Congress fighting for policies that create jobs, rein in burdensome regulations and support American manufacturing. I look forward to passing pro-growth tax policy in the coming months that locks in tax cuts for small businesses and American families.”

Before his time in Congress, Buchanan owned a chain of car dealerships and chaired the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Prison conditions

Two South Florida Congresswomen toured the Pompano Beach Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment facility where immigrant Marie Blaise died in U.S. custody. Both lawmakers expressed disappointment in what they saw.

“Leaving the Broward Transitional Center, I have no faith in the leadership of the facility or ICE,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat.

“They don’t even view the immigrants detained in there as humans and didn’t want to answer any questions on Marie. But Marie’s dying in the Broward Transitional Center is just an example of what is going to continue to happen if we let this administration go unchecked. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is wrong, and as a people, we must and can do better. We are an immigrant-rich society, especially in South Florida.”

Similarly, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, a Miramar Democrat, voiced anger at conditions.

“I failed to see any evidence that there were proper procedures in place and that adequate health care was provided. One single doctor to care for hundreds of detainees, with some being forced to sleep on the floor, is inhumane. Marie Blaise’s tragic death will not be a one-off if these cruel conditions persist.”

ICE announced Blaise’s death on April 29, four days after the 44-year-old was pronounced dead.

“ICE remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments,” a statement reads. “Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay.”

Standard mapping

Rep. Brian Mast wants standard procedures to provide reliable protection nationwide when emergencies happen on school campuses.

The Stuart Republican filed the Uniform School Mapping Act to help. The legislation would provide federal funding for school maps to be drawn consistently so that law enforcement anywhere in the country can utilize them.

“In an emergency, every second counts,” Mast said. “If our children are in danger, first responders shouldn’t be forced to rely on outdated or confusing information. This bill is a straightforward, common sense solution that ensures every taxpayer-funded school map is clear, accurate and up-to-date.”

Mast’s Office said 15 states already have uniform mapping standards following national guidelines. However, authorities often rely on dated records that sometimes remain in difficult-to-access data formats.

His new legislation has support from House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green.

“Public safety and effective emergency response rely on up-to-date maps. Often, maps produced with federal funds are outdated and lack key details first responders need in an emergency,” said Green, a Tennessee Republican (and Florida native).

“As a veteran, I know how crucial the full picture is in a crisis situation. That’s why I’m proud to serve as an original co-sponsor of Rep. Mast’s Uniform Public Safety Emergency Response Mapping Act. This legislation meets the needs of first responders nationwide while ensuring compatibility with existing platforms used by local, state and federal public safety agencies. It’s a win for our first responders.”

Think of the children

Meanwhile, Rep. Jared Moskowitz wants to ensure that school districts don’t risk a different kind of disaster through poor staff vetting. The Parkland Democrat filed the Comprehensive Health & Integrity in Licensing and Documentation (CHILD) Act, which would impose nationwide background checks on school workers similar to those in place for caregivers.

“Parents shouldn’t have any question that the teachers, staff, and other personnel taking care of their kids at school have been thoroughly vetted,” Moskowitz said. “That’s why I’m helping lead the CHILD Act, a bipartisan bill to fix an oversight in the law and ensure contractors who work with kids are subject to nationwide background checks. It’s the right thing to do for our kids and a common sense fix to help keep our schools safe.”

He filed the legislation with Rep. Russell Fry, a South Carolina Republican.

“Parents shouldn’t have to wonder if individuals who have unsupervised contact with their kids, such as after-school tutors, nurses, school bus drivers, transportation providers or other contracted personnel, have been fully vetted or not,” Fry said. “The CHILD Act would fix this loophole and provide parents with peace of mind and students with a safe environment.”

Public health influence

Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos was just named acting Chief of Staff and senior adviser to the U.S. Surgeon General.

“In my new position, I’ll continue my work with public health, but on the federal level,” she said.

The Florida physician was recently honored as the University of South Florida’s 2024 Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health.

In 2023, Haridopolos led an effort to increase eligibility for Florida KidCare from 200% of the federal poverty level to 300%. Before that, she was heavily involved in lobbying for Florida’s pill mill law.

“Getting involved in statewide health policy has driven me to help more people,’’ she said. “When the opportunity arose with this administration, I felt that the stars were aligned for me to take all this experience I had on the front lines and funnel it into a federal position. That’s why I’m here.’’

In her new role, Haridopolos will promote the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a group of 5,400 multidisciplinary officers working in the federal government to protect, promote and advance the nation’s health.

Her husband, Mike Haridopolos, won election to Congress last year. The couple have three children.

USAID assistance

JoAnn DeBartolo, a former Collier County Republican State Committee member, was appointed senior adviser to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She also served as a County Chair for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

She will work for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a former Senator for Florida, who has been serving as Acting Administrator for USAID. Rubio has announced plans to make the agency part of the State Department.

On this day

May 6, 1960 — “Dwight Eisenhower signs Civil Rights Act” via African American Civil Rights Movement — The Civil Rights Act of 1960 did not introduce a new law. Still, it aimed to strengthen and cover loopholes in the Civil Rights Act of 1957. It established federal inspection of local voter registration polls by appointed referees to oversee southern elections and ensure that African Americans were permitted to vote; penalties for anyone who obstructed someone’s attempt to register to vote or vote; provisions extending the life of the Civil Rights Commission, which would oversee voter registration and practices and was previously limited to two years; and prosecution for interfering with court orders regarding school desegregation.

May 6, 1935 — “Franklin Roosevelt creates Works Progress Administration (WPA)” via History.com — The WPA was one of many Great Depression relief programs created under the auspices of the Emergency Relief Appropriations Act, which President Roosevelt signed the month before. The WPA, the Public Works Administration and other federal assistance programs put unemployed Americans to work in return for temporary financial assistance. Of the 10 million jobless men in the United States in 1935, 3 million were helped by WPA jobs alone. While FDR believed in the elementary principles of justice and fairness, he also expressed disdain for giving welfare to otherwise able workers. WPA workers built highways, schools, hospitals, airports and playgrounds in return for monetary aid.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Luna, who turns 36 today, May 6.

___

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