Politics

Florida Congressman Mike Waltz sets scene for Donald Trump approach to Ukraine and Israel

Published

3 weeks ago

January 12, 2025

Florida U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz stepped up to signal President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to intense situations including resolving the war between Ukraine and Russia along with addressing the conflict between Israel and Gaza on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

Waltz, a Republican from St. Johns County representing the Florida’s 6th Congressional District and Trump’s pick to serve as National Security Advisor for the incoming administration, fielded questions from interim host Jonathon Karl Sunday morning during an extensive interview about pressing foreign affairs facing the administration once Trump takes office Jan. 20.

Waltz, a former green beret, took a hawkish stance when pressed on ending the two-year war between Russia and Ukraine. When asked about Trump’s announced plans to set up a meeting between Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Waltz pivoted to increasing sentiments to bring the conflict to an end.

“it’s been striking to me just since the President’s (Trump) election, how many people have gone from, ‘an unqualified blank check, as long as it takes,’ whether that’s months, years in terms of perpetuating this war… ,” Waltz said. “To now even President Zelenskyy walking in the room in Paris and saying, ‘Ready to work with you to end this war.’ Let’s end it justly, responsibly in a way that protects Ukraine’s future, but ends this thing… .”

Waltz went on to say that from Trump’s perspective, they need both sides to come to the table for negotiations to lead to a resolution and Waltz said he believed that process is underway. Though Waltz added “we haven’t set the exact framework yet.”

He also pointed out that Ukraine could raise more soldiers to fight the war if the nation lowered its draft age from its current minimum of 26 years old to 18.

“This thing could expand and that’s what we have to stop,” Waltz said.

On the Israeli front, Waltz was asked what Trump is doing to wrangle some agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian nationalist organization locked in conflict with Israel over the Gaza territory, to free Americans being held hostage in that region.

“Those negotiations are literally happening as we speak,” Waltz said. “Hamas is completely isolated.”

Given that Hamas has little to no allies in the region, Waltz said the organization will have to deal with the United States and return any Americans the organization took captive in the middle of the conflict.

“Let’s have a cease fire. Let’s allow our hostages to be set free. I want to see them walking across the tarmac. (There should be) at a minimum some type of agreement before inauguration (Jan. 20) because President Trump is serious.

“Any deal will only get worse for Hamas and there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East if we continue to have this kind of hostage diplomacy,” Waltz said.

Post Views: 0

Source link

Politics

Scott Franklin to head House Environment Subcommittee

Published

26 minutes ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

Another Florida lawmaker will have a gavel for one of the U.S. House science subcommittees

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, will chair the House Environment Subcommittee.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Brian Babin, a Texas Republican, picked the Florida lawmaker for his expertise in the fields and the role the subcommittee would play on policy affecting the Sunshine State.

“I’m excited about our SST Committee assignments for this Congress,” Babin said. “The valuable expertise and diverse backgrounds that each member brings will be instrumental in strengthening U.S. leadership and competitiveness in science, space, and technology. We have a full agenda ahead that will prioritize advancing critical scientific research, fostering technological innovation, leading the world in space exploration, addressing regulatory burdens across industries, and more. Through our shared efforts, I am confident we can achieve our objectives and drive meaningful progress in our scientific endeavors. Let’s get to work!”

Franklin said he was enthusiastic about the assignment.

“I’m eager to tackle environmental research related to weather forecasting and ensuring disaster readiness,” Franklin said. “I thank Chairman Babin for this opportunity and look forward to advancing America First policy priorities to remain at the forefront of innovation and boost job growth.”

Babin praised Franklin’s conservative record on business issues.

“I’m confident Congressman Franklin will provide strong leadership for our Environment Subcommittee this Congress,” Babin said. “He has been a steadfast advocate against burdensome government regulations that stifle innovation and fail to address states’ needs. His perspective will be critical as we consider key weather legislation in the months ahead. I look forward to working with him to advance commonsense environmental policies and legislation.”

The same day, Babin assigned Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbor Beach Republican, to head the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommitee.

“Since the earliest days of our space program, Florida’s Space Coast has been the launchpad for America’s journey to the stars,” Haridopolos said. “From the Apollo missions that first carried Americans to the Moon to today’s groundbreaking private sector launches, our skies have always been at the forefront of space exploration. Space is central to our district’s identity and economy, providing countless high-paying jobs and opportunities.”

He praised Haridopolos’ knowledge of the Space Program.

“Over the past several years, the SST Committee has diligently worked to support and advance our nation’s space endeavors,” Babin said. “As the representative of Florida’s Space Coast, the Congressman brings valuable expertise and leadership that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to keep America at the forefront of exploration and development. I am excited to work alongside him to propel our space agenda forward.”

Post Views: 0

Source link

Politics

Disney plans to convert Star Wars hotel into Imagineers’ offices

Published

57 minutes ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

It’s going to be an office far, far, away.

Disney World is converting the shuttered Star Wars hotel into office space for the famous Imagineers who will be designing new lands and projects at the theme parks.

The hotel’s update was reported by The Wrap and confirmed by other media outlets.

Disney closed the hotel September 2023 less than two years after it opened. The company had said it took a $300 million tax write off for shutting down the hotel after it reportedly had low occupancy.

At the hotel near Hollywood Studios, guests who were willing to pay nearly $5,000 for a two-night stay could pretend to be in their own Star Wars story at the hotel. Lightsabers included.

“Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms,” Disney said in a statement when it announced it was closing.

Why did it fail?

YouTuber Jenny Nicholson explained the list of reasons in a four-hour video called “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel” which captured 11 million views. The cost, the marketing, and not fully embracing the cosplay concept all likely hurt the hotel, she said.

The Wrap reported Disney had been considering using the empty hotel for a dinner theater-type experience but Disney ultimately settled on keeping the space closed to the public.

The Imagineers’ new office space comes as Disney World is starting a major expansion across several of its Orlando theme parks. Disney plans to build a Villains land and add “Cars” attractions at the Magic Kingdom as well as “Encanto” and Indiana Jones to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and “A Monsters, Inc.” land at Hollywood Studios. Disney is closing several longtime attractions in the process.

Post Views: 0

Source link

Politics

Holland & Knight launches National Security & Defense Industry Group

Published

2 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

D.C.-based partner Jason Klitenic will lead the 100-person team.

Holland & Knight is launching a National Security & Defense Industry Group led by D.C.-based partner Jason Klitenic.

The multinational law firm headquartered in Tampa said it’s taking on the new endeavor due to clients’ increasing demands amidst a complex national security landscape and rising global defense investments.

H&K expects the new practice will benefit from its already-established expertise in the defense, aerospace, cybersecurity and technology sectors. The 100-person team of practitioners led by Klitenic will cater to security and defense clients based the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

“To confront emerging global threats, our clients are continuing to create and fund the development of innovative defense solutions that support the U.S. and its allies around the world,” Klitenic said. “… Our team’s deep government connections in the U.S. and abroad, coupled with our firm’s established reputation for collaborating with government policymakers and operators on meaningful issues, enables us to advise clients on the full spectrum of legal, political and operational issues in this space.”

Klitenic’s background includes serving as General Counsel to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Industry Group will also include former U.S. Intelligence Community members, high-ranking law enforcement officials and military veterans — Holland & Knight said the team’s diverse expertise will allow it to effectively navigate the intricacies of the national security landscape.

“In the many years that we have represented companies in the national defense and security sectors, we have built a substantial bench of premier practitioners across our geographic platform,” said Holland & Knight Chair and CEO Bob Grammig.

“We are excited to bring all of our global resources — comprising a unique mix of first-rate legal capabilities, a robust public policy and federal lobbying practice, and trusted relationships with U.S. government officials and foreign partners — under the umbrella of this new group. Together, this multidisciplinary team will continue to help our clients advance their strategic objectives.”

Post Views: 0

Source link