SOTU — fraud — chilled — puppies — Shariah — startups

Guest list

The State of the Union will bring all branches of the federal government together as President Donald Trump delivers an address to Congress. As is tradition, many members of Florida’s congressional delegation will bring guests to highlight the impact of federal policies on American citizens.

Sen. Rick Scott, Florida’s senior Senator, will bring a famous constituent, Shark Tank host and prominent investor Kevin O’Leary. “Mr. Wonderful,” a Canadian citizen who recently starred in Marty Supreme, recently moved to South Florida for its business climate.

“Kevin is a fellow Floridian, a successful entrepreneur, and has long been a voice for economic growth in America. Kevin understands what the American Dream means and, like me, has lived his dream building businesses and creating jobs,” Scott said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic co-Chair of the delegation, will bring a constituent facing economic hardship under Trump. Steve Reyes, a South Florida business owner, says his own health care costs skyrocketed from $1,000 a month to $3,400 a month for his family, he recently told South Florida press alongside the Congresswoman.

“We need to hear the President talk about how he’s going to work with Democrats to bring grocery, utility and housing costs down,” Wasserman Schultz said. “We should be working together. But every day I put battle armor on to take on the Republicans in Congress, who are only fighting to make the rich richer.”

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, announced that Rosa María Payá, daughter of Cuban dissident leader Oswaldo Payá, will attend as her guest to spotlight the fight for freedom on the island.

“Her father stood up to the Cuban dictatorship and paid the ultimate price for choosing freedom over fear. That sacrifice did not end his legacy; it shaped Rosa María into a fearless voice for human rights and for a free Cuba,” she said.

“Let me be clear: the regime is living its final chapter. The cry for libertad grows louder every day, and the world is watching. Rosa María will be in that chamber not only as my guest, but as a powerful symbol of courage over tyranny, truth over repression, and the unwavering fight for a free Cuba.”

Many will bring family members, though Rep. Randy Fine noted that, in his case, includes his father Alan’s guide dog, Sadie. “Dogs Make America Great. I will fight like hell against anyone who wants to take them away,” Fine posted, remarks related to a controversy surrounding the Congressman (see below).

Notably, Alex Vindman, a Democrat challenging Sen. Ashley Moody for her Senate seat, will appear as a guest of his brother, Rep. Eugene Vindman of Virginia.

But other Florida Democrats are sending messages by not attending. Rep. Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat, plans to attend an alternative rally at the National Mall instead.

“I will not be attending the State of the Union,” Frost posted on X. “Instead, I’ll be at the People’s State of the Union, because while this administration may desperately try to suppress the opposition and consolidate authoritarian power, it cannot silence the truth or the people determined to share it. History has shown us that when We the People Organize, we win.”

Focused on fraud

As congressional Republicans lean in on investigating fraud, Florida lawmakers rushed to be the tip of the spear.

Scott just introduced the SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act, which would give the U.S. Department of Agriculture faster access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding administered in the states.

“The American people are sick and tired of seeing their tax dollars, intended for critical programs like SNAP, completely wasted and abused instead of being used to help families in need,” the Naples Republican said.

“Even worse, Democrat-run states like California seem totally fine with being complicit in the fraud instead of allowing the federal government the necessary oversight to address it. That should end now. My bill requires states to provide the necessary data for stronger oversight and accountability, so we do not allow bureaucracy or political agendas to stand in the way of preventing fraud and protecting taxpayer funds.”

Rep. Aaron Bean filed legislation in the House cracking down on health care fraud. His Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act (HR 7569) would impose punishments, including up to 25 years in prison for general health care fraud and up to 30 years for cases involving bodily injury. He also wants fines for fraud committed against federal plans to jump from $100,000 to $250,000, and the maximum prison sentence to jump to 25 years.

Illegal kickback schemes under Bean’s bill carry $250,000 penalties, and Medicare providers caught in repeated scams could also face $100,000 fines and a year in prison.

“Health care fraud steals directly from hardworking Americans and weakens the integrity of our health system,” said Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican. “Taxpayers are tired of getting ripped off, and I’m fed up, too. Every dollar stolen from taxpayers is one dollar too many. With the introduction of this bill, the days of soft penalties and leniency for fraudsters are over. If you defraud the federal government, be prepared to face serious consequences.”

That bill serves as a companion to Senate legislation (S 3593) filed by Moody in January.

Relief from the cold

During a week away from Washington, Moody met with Florida farmers facing a very real threat: a deep freeze. She toured properties in Polk City that had taken catastrophic damage.

“This historic freeze damaged crops from Pensacola to South Florida, and when our farms are hurt, we all feel the pain. That is why I am meeting with Florida farmers affected by this agricultural disaster — to see the destruction firsthand and discuss ways to support recovery,” Florida’s junior Senator said.

“Our farmers are some of the most resilient and hardworking individuals around and have shown remarkable dedication and care, working at all hours to protect their crops. I will continue to fight for this vital industry responsible for feeding Americans and supporting Florida families.”

She recently joined a letter signed by the entire congressional delegation to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins seeking disaster relief for growers impacted by the February frost.

Dog fight

As Fine faces a growing threat of a censure resolution, the first-termer has leaned into his most recent controversy, landing him in trouble.

The Atlantic Coast Republican filed the Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act, which would pre-empt any ban on owning dogs as pets. No states, counties or cities in the entire U.S. impose such a ban. But an online post by a Muslim supporter of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shows the need for one, Fine said.

“In America, we will not allow anyone to tell us that we cannot have dogs. My bill protects Americans’ right to own a dog and would not allow federal funding to be given to any state or local government that bans them as Haram,” he said. “There are 57 countries that are Sharia compliant; the United States will not be the 58th.”

The legislation follows a tweet that generated outrage across the political spectrum, including from independent Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Fine posted: “The choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”

Several members of the Sharia Free America Caucus, however, rallied around Fine and co-sponsored his legislation.

Duty free

Democrats in the delegation celebrated a Supreme Court ruling confirming that Trump does not have the unilateral power to impose tariffs.

“Today is a good day for the American people who deserve relief from Trump’s wallet-busting tariffs. Floridians are grappling with higher prices for groceries, housing, appliances and electric bills — made worse by Trump’s illegal tariffs. Families are paying up to $1,700 more per year under the Trump tariffs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat.

“I’ve spoken with families and small-business owners across Tampa Bay who have been squeezed by Trump’s import taxes. Republicans in Congress voted last week to keep tariffs and higher costs in place, so I hope that the decision today will lead to significant financial relief for my neighbors. I will do everything to ensure hardworking Tampa Bay families and small-business owners get a break.”

Trump, for his part, called a 6-3 ruling against him “disloyal” while still pledging new tariffs through alternative means.

Of note, no Republicans in the delegation entered the debate on social media or in public statements after a ruling. But earlier this month, all House members from the Sunshine State sided with the President in a House vote to reject Trump’s tariffs in Canada. That measure did pass, with six Republicans joining almost all Democrats, but awaits action in the Senate.

Rep. Darren Soto, meanwhile, expressed frustration that Trump continues to pursue duties even after rebukes from the House and the Supreme Court.

“Trump’s tariff tyranny continues. He just raised new tariffs by 15% across the board on the American people,” he posted. “After suffering a historic Supreme Court defeat last week, Congress must REJECT this unlawful taxation.”

Startup boost

Small-business groups came out in support of a pro-business bill championed by Rep. Vern Buchanan.

The Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee has worked with Rep. Mike Kelly, a Pennsylvania Republican who chairs the Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, to craft the American Innovation Act (HR 1778). The bill would quadruple the Small Business Start-up Deduction and allow more businesses to retain S corporation status.

“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American Dream,” Buchanan said. “During National Entrepreneurship Week, we should be focused on removing barriers for the job creators who drive the American economy. My American Innovation Act cuts taxes on startup costs so small businesses can reinvest in their companies, hire workers and strengthen their local communities.”

The S Corporation Association agrees, as do the National Electrical Contractors Association, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Venture Capital Association, Angel Capital Association and National Taxpayers Union.

“Expanding the ability for early-stage small businesses to deduct their startup costs will provide entrepreneurs with a much-needed capital boost,” said Pat Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association. “The American Innovation Act provides help for startup companies at their most critical early stage. As Congress continues to look for ways to support fast-growing USA-based innovative companies, this legislation is an important part of the equation.”

The legislation, as written, specifically increases the tax deduction allowance from $5,000 to $20,000 and raises the phaseout threshold from $50,000 to $120,000. Buchanan noted that this should ease startup costs for many new companies, creating a greater positive impact on the overall economy.

Sparking debate

America shouldn’t be running on Chinese batteries, according to Rep. Greg Steube. That’s especially true for the increasingly powerful ones charging entire electric grids and potentially beaming back critical information on U.S. infrastructure to hostile foreign powers.

The Sarasota Republican just filed the Countering Harmful Adversarial Rechargeable and Generative Energy (CHARGE) Act, which would prohibit the importation of energy storage systems containing remote monitoring capabilities from Chinese entities.

“China has made its intentions known with its rapidly growing surveillance state and blatant disregard for the security of the United States. As the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has made clear in their 2025 Annual Report to Congress, the United States cannot afford the risk of China spying on our power grid and the energy consumption of Americans with remote monitoring capabilities,” Steube said.

“That is why I have introduced the CHARGE Act to prohibit the importation of energy storage systems from China that contain remote monitoring capabilities and compromise our national security.”

Steube’s Office pointed to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2025 Annual Report, which showed growing Chinese capacity to equip energy sources with remote monitoring capabilities.

Railroaded

As Brightline lays more track on the Treasure Coast, Rep. Brian Mast took to the mic at the Florida Inland Navigation District Board meeting last week to raise public concerns.

The Stuart Republican previously complained that the share of infrastructure costs borne by public tax dollars is for property ultimately owned by Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway.

“This infrastructure could benefit our community and ease maritime traffic,” Mast said. “But if taxpayers are paying for the bridge, taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and clarity about who actually owns it and who’s responsible.”

The costs of the work include replacing a 100-year-old drawbridge across the St. Lucie River, which is being partly funded by a $208.5 million federal grant. That’s on top of other spending, like a $90 million railway station planned in Stuart. Mast’s office figures public dollars cover 90% of the drawbridge project alone.

“If a Florida family applies for a mortgage or a car loan, they are required to disclose their financial standing,” Mast said. “Any private company asking for hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars should have to meet this same standard.”

Disabled job market

A new report, first demanded by Rep. Frederica Wilson, shows challenges remain for disabled people looking for work across the country.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) published findings that from 2021 to 2024, there were more than half a million disabled people actively pursuing jobs but unable to find them.

“Disabled job seekers are employed at far lower rates than anyone else in this nation, and that is unacceptable. The GAO’s report shows that while progress has been made under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, too many barriers still block the path, especially when training providers fail to provide proper accommodations,” said Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat.

“That is not fairness, and it is not justice. True workforce development means real access for everyone. It is our shared responsibility to remove these barriers, strengthen our workforce programs, and close the employment gap so that disabled job seekers have a full and equal chance to contribute, thrive, and succeed in today’s economy.”

She referenced the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a law first enacted in 2014, meant to streamline access and assistance for disabled Americans pursuing work. The bill was reauthorized in 2024.

Stopping Christian persecution

Months after leading a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart led an investigation of Christian persecution in the nation. This week, he was part of a joint report for the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees supporting Trump’s designation of the nation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

“During my official travel to Nigeria, I heard directly from witnesses and experts about the horrific violence being carried out against Christians. No one should face persecution or death for practicing their faith. President Trump’s America First foreign policy makes clear that defending fundamental freedoms, including religious liberty, is a core U.S. priority at home and abroad,” said Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican.

“I am proud to aid in that mission through the FY26 National Security and Department of State legislation, which withholds assistance to the Government of Nigeria until action is taken to stop these atrocities. We must stand with vulnerable communities, including Christian communities, and ensure those responsible for this violence are held accountable.”

Rep. Scott Franklin visited Africa alongside Díaz-Balart and held a similar position.

“During our visit to Nigeria, I saw firsthand the devastating impact of religious persecution on Christian communities,” the Lakeland Republican said. “Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and no one should live in fear for practicing their faith. Congress has a responsibility to ensure strong oversight and real accountability. The United States must continue standing for religious liberty and confronting extremist violence wherever it occurs.”

Mast chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee and promised action based on the delegation’s findings. “The U.S. will not turn a blind eye to Christian persecution. This report shows the unrelenting plight Christians have faced for years in Nigeria,” he said.

On this day

Feb. 24, 1868 — “The impeachment of Andrew Johnson” via U.S. House History, Arts and Archives — The House voted 126-47, the culmination of a showdown between the President and Radical Republicans in the 40th Congress. The President’s leniency toward the former Confederate states threatened Radicals’ drastic southern policy seeking immediate citizenship, enfranchisement and economic aid for formerly enslaved people. Congress overrode his vetoes more than any other President. To protect Republican members of his Cabinet, Congress barred the President from removing them without the Senate’s consent. Yet Johnson, bent on challenging congressional Republicans, twice fired War Secretary Edwin Stanton. Witnessing what it believed were “high crimes and misdemeanors” by the President, the House adopted 11 articles of impeachment.

Feb. 24, 1988 — “Supreme Court defends right to satirize public figures” via History.com — The Supreme Court voted 8-0 to overturn the $200,000 settlement awarded to Rev. Jerry Falwell for his emotional distress at being parodied in Hustler magazine. In 1983, the pornographic magazine ran a piece parodying Falwell’s first sexual experience as a drunken, incestuous, childhood encounter with his mother in an outhouse. Falwell, the founder of Moral Majority, sued Hustler and its publisher, Larry Flynt, for libel. Falwell won, but Flynt appealed. The Supreme Court unanimously overturned the lower court’s decision, ruling that, although in poor taste, Hustler‘s parody fell within the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of speech and the press.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Soto, who turns 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

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