Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersApril 19, 2018

Brightline’s use of federal tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds, to build the privately owned and operated higher-speed passenger railroad that would connect Orlando to South Florida, was sharply criticized Thursday during a congressional hearing. Brightline, also known as All Aboard Florida, is planning to use $1.5 billion worth of the federally authorized bonds to pay for […]

Scott PowersJune 22, 2017

The Treasure Coast’s U.S. Rep. Brian Mast and a key railroad executive behind the proposed Brightline high-speed train clashed in Congress Thursday with Mast contending the company is getting public tax dollar subsidies despite claims to the contrary. The sparring came between Mast and Florida East Coast Industries’ executive director Mike Reininger during a hearing of […]

Scott PowersJuly 15, 2016

Whose fault was it that Orlando did not qualify for federal funding to shore up anti-terrorism efforts the past few years? U.S. Rep. John Mica called a congressional hearing Friday to see, and several officials concluded it was at least partly because of Congress. Mica was not entirely convinced and countered with several reasons why he is […]

Tag: congressional hearing

Brightline’s financing challenged in congressional hearing

Brian Mast, Brightline exec clash over public money for railroad

John Mica congressional hearing on Orlando’s lost federal anti-terrorism money aims some blame at Congress