Ceasefire praise

The signing of a ceasefire deal between the Israeli government and Hamas brought world leaders together to celebrate. It also brought rare bipartisan praise for President Donald Trump from Florida’s congressional delegation.

“A weight has been lifted off the world as the remaining hostages are released. Amazing day for the families, and for President Trump and all the negotiators who made this day possible,” Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, posted on social media. “Let’s honor their return by staying committed to lasting peace so another Oct. 7 never happens again.”

The parties differed in their enthusiasm and degree of credit awarded to Trump. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, argued the peace accords merited Trump a long-desired Nobel Peace Prize.

“After 738 days of being held by evil monsters, the innocent Israeli hostages have finally been released. None of this would have been possible without President Trump’s strong leadership and persistence to bring peace to the Middle East,” Moody posted.

“President Trump truly deserves the nomination to receive the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and there is no doubt — absolutely no doubt — that President Trump should receive the next Nobel Peace Prize. This is a great day for mankind.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, co-chairs the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus. The group issued a statement of praise naming both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But it reminded us that any push for peace has come over generations of work.

“We are grateful for strong U.S. leadership across Democratic and Republican Administrations and staunch bipartisan support for Israel throughout the war, including by helping bring dozens of hostages home during the November 2023 ceasefire, as well as dozens more in early 2025,” the statement reads.

“We are also appreciative of the efforts of the mediators who helped get the deal over the line. Our hearts are with the families of the hostages in Israel as they anxiously await reunification with their loved ones, and we share in the hope of Israelis and Palestinians alike as they look forward to a peaceful future and the end of Hamas’ reign of terror.”

Some didn’t name Trump in statements but gave credit to all involved in the truce — and also sounded caution about the sustainability of any agreement.

“I commend the mediators and parties who have labored to bring all sides to the table. But let me be clear: this deal must not be just a temporary pause in violence — it must mark the end of violence across the region,” said Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat. “Too often, ceasefires have stopped and started, hostages have suffered in captivity and innocent civilians have borne the heaviest consequences of war.”

But Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, felt more confident that this treaty would endure.

“There’s finally a chance to change the Middle East for good. President Trump’s Gaza peace deal is proof that American strength creates stability and respect,” he told Fox News. “I agree with the President: there will not be a World War III in the Middle East when America leads with purpose.”

Rubio’s role

Another political leader calling Florida home also earned accolades from Trump over the deal. In a speech at the Israeli Knesset, the President made special remarks about Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Marco will go down — I mean this — as the greatest Secretary of State in the history of the United States,” Trump said.

Florida colleagues who served for years when Rubio represented the state in the Senate have made it clear that they concur.

“Couldn’t agree more. Our community in South Florida is incredibly proud of the brilliant work coming from Secretary Rubio,” posted Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican and dean of Florida’s congressional delegation.

“World leaders recognize his leadership, and Secretary Rubio truly understands every corner of the world. No one is better suited to carry out President Trump’s vision of foreign policy than our very own Marco Rubio.”

Rubio, for his part, made sure the Commander in Chief received credit.

“Today is a new day in the Middle East,” Rubio posted. “Thank you, President Trump, for your unwavering commitment to peace. The world is safer because of your leadership.”

Exiled to Miami

Amid the attention on the Middle East, a significant development involving Cuba also occurred with the arrival of dissident political prisoner José Daniel Ferrer in South Florida. At the request of the U.S., Ferrer was allowed to be exiled to Miami rather than remain imprisoned in Cuba.

“Freedom fighter José Daniel Ferrer has been wrongfully jailed in Communist Cuba’s concentration camps for years,” Moody posted. “Today, he began his exile in Miami after countless attacks on his life and well-being. He finally lives in freedom and is being given a hero’s welcome thanks to the work of President Trump and Secretary Rubio. I am proud to fight alongside Florida’s Cuban American community and look forward to welcoming José Daniel Ferrer to our nation’s capital very soon.”

South Florida lawmakers were present as Ferrer arrived in Miami.

“José Daniel Ferrer is a FEARLESS CHAMPION for freedom. He was forcibly exiled today after suffering years jailed in (Fidel and Raul) Castro’s concentration camp,” posted Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican. “Now, he’s being given a hero’s welcome in the United States thanks to the work of President Trump, Secretary Rubio and (human rights activist) Rosa María Payá.”

Díaz-Balart has championed Ferrer’s cause for decades and rejoiced at seeing his arrival.

“Alongside Rep. Carlos Giménez, I had the great honor of welcoming to the United States — land of freedom — the Cuban political prisoner and hero José Daniel Ferrer, after he was forced into exile by Cuba’s murderous regime,” he posted.

“José Daniel Ferrer has endured years of physical and psychological torture at the hands of that regime. Despite this, he has demonstrated extraordinary courage by standing firm alongside the oppressed Cuban people in their struggle against constant human rights violations and injustices. The United States receives him as the hero he is and will continue its unwavering solidarity in the face of the cruel and repressive dictatorship in Cuba.”

Kirk Way?

Could a street in Washington, D.C., soon be named after slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk? Sen. Rick Scott wants to redesignate a portion of H Street after the part-time Longboat Key resident. Scott led a group of Republican Senators in filing legislation to do just that.

“Charlie loved our nation and its ideals and dedicated his entire life to discussing how to make our nation better and encourage others to share and discuss their ideas to do the same,” said Scott, a Naples Republican.

“Like our Founders, he engaged in debate not with anger, but with conviction, respect and a deep love for this country, inspiring so many Americans to get involved and help shape the future of the nation. I’m proud to lead this effort to dedicate a street in our nation’s capital as Charlie Kirk Patriot Way — a place where every American can come to pay tribute to Charlie’s life, and a reminder to us all to continue his legacy by standing strong in what you believe: peacefully, purposefully, and proudly.”

Scott previously filed a resolution that passed, designating today, Kirk’s 32nd birthday, as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, introduced the companion bill in the House. As part of the day, Trump is posthumously presenting a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Kirk.

No smoking, please

Reps. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, and Laurel Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican, have joined the House Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus. They added their names to a bipartisan coalition aimed at adopting harm reduction methods and innovation as part of a comprehensive approach to tobacco control.

Their addition comes after Republican Reps. Aaron Bean and Byron Donalds joined the caucus in August. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat, also previously joined.

Dunn had participated in the caucus before and has now rejoined for the 119th Congress.

Rather than solely pushing for a quit-only approach — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that only about 10% of adult smokers successfully quit each year — the caucus pushes for policy that emphasizes harm reduction, such as vaping, nicotine pouches or heat-not-burn products.

Additionally, the caucus works to tackle underage use, promote smoking prevention and identify methods to improve public understanding of less harmful products available.

The Surgeon General continues to recommend that consumers quit smoking altogether. The caucus is formed on the idea that less harm is better than full harm, and it encourages the CDC to educate adult consumers and health care professionals about the benefits of harm reduction, particularly for those who have trouble kicking the habit.

Pay delay

The federal shutdown has now lasted for two weeks. As time lapses, some members of the delegation say they won’t accept a paycheck until other federal workers outside the legislative branch also get paid.

“I cannot in good conscience receive compensation during the shutdown while our American service members, air traffic controllers, and homeland defenders go without pay, nor while Northeast Floridians endure a disruption to essential services from federal agencies,” said Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican. “That’s why I am withholding my pay until Senate Democrats vote on the House bill to reopen our government.”

Rep. Jimmy Patronis, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, told Newsweek he also would decline his salary. “If our servicemen and women aren’t getting paid, then I don’t want to be paid,” he said.

Moody, for her part, will take a check but is donating the money to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

“For weeks, Republicans have invited our Democrat colleagues to pass a clean, bipartisan bill that keeps the government open at spending levels previously set under President (Joe) Biden and Sen. (Chuck) Schumer. But now, at the 11th hour, we have been met with unserious demands that add over $1 trillion in unrelated and highly partisan priorities just to keep our government functioning,” Moody said.

“I will not take a paycheck while Sen. Schumer denies one to our military service members, law enforcement and government employees. Each day the government remains closed, I will be donating my salary to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, which provides help to vulnerable populations who may be impacted by this reckless choice.”

Breaking the ice

The Trump administration this week announced a new agreement with Finland to build icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard. Rep. Daniel Webster, a Clermont Republican who chairs the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, said that would provide valuable gains for the U.S. military.

“I understand the strategic necessity of restoring America’s icebreaking capability and have fought to assert our leadership in the Arctic. This region has fast become a theater for global competition, and investing in the ships and infrastructure necessary to secure America’s dominance in the region is vital to our national interests. That’s why I worked to ensure critical funding for the U.S. Coast Guard’s polar security cutter program, which is being built on American soil by American workers,” he said.

“I look forward to reviewing the full details of this agreement. I am encouraged that President Trump has also made this a priority, recognizing the importance of establishing America’s dominance in the region. Unlike China, the United States is an Arctic Nation and President Trump’s leadership is ensuring the Coast Guard has the resources necessary to carry out its missions.”

Health care crisis

Miami-Dade County could be the epicenter of a health care crisis if Congress doesn’t address the loss of tax credits, according to Rep. Frederica Wilson.

The Miami-Dade Democrat’s Office noted that the top 10 congressional districts in the country with the highest enrollment in the Insurance Marketplace through the Affordable Care Act are all located in Florida, and they are just Democratic-leaning seats. GOP Rep. Díaz-Balart’s right-leaning district has the highest concentration of ACA enrollment, followed by Democratic Rep. Darren Soto from Kissimmee. Her own district ranks third nationwide, and every Miami area lawmaker has a constituency in the top 10.

“Can you believe the top 10 districts in the nation are all in one state — Florida?” she said. “Why is South Florida leading the nation? Florida Republican Legislatures never accepted federal government funding to expand Medicaid, leaving millions uninsured. The Affordable Care Act tax credits offered Floridians a safety net and the coverage they deserved.”

She scoffed at Republican assertions that Democrats were to blame for the shutdown when the minority caucus had opposed allowing an across-the-board rise in premiums for their constituents and those in Republican seats.

“If the health care tax credits expire, premiums will double and, in some cases, triple. Health care will be unaffordable and Floridians will die,” she said.

“Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House. The Speaker has canceled votes. That means the House cannot vote on any bipartisan solution to reopen the government or reduce the cost of health care. Why are Democrats still in D.C.? Democrats have been clear: We want to negotiate a bipartisan agreement that reopens the government while lowering health care costs. We’re pushing Republicans to negotiate and extend the tax credits to protect Americans’ health care.”

Marine task force

U.S. Southern Command announced the creation of a new joint task force under the II Marine Expeditionary Force focused on combating the drug trade in the Western Hemisphere.

“Transnational criminal organizations threaten the security, prosperity, and health of our hemisphere,” said Adm. Alvin Holsey, SOUTHCOM commander. “By forming a JTF around II MEF headquarters, we enhance our ability to detect, disrupt, and dismantle illicit trafficking networks faster and at greater depth — together with our U.S. and partner-nation counterparts.”

The effort aims to identify narcotics trafficking patterns to seize illegal shipments of narcotics before they reach the U.S., expand real-time intelligence between all agencies fighting the drug shipments, increase rapid response abilities and enhance counter-narcotic operations among allied countries.

“Our team is trained, equipped, and ready to lead this joint task force,” said Lt. Gen. Calvert Worth, Commanding General of II MEF and designated JTF Commander. “This is principally a maritime effort, and our team will leverage maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, precision interdictions, and intelligence sharing to counter illicit traffic, uphold the rule of law, and ultimately better protect vulnerable communities here at home.”

The move was applauded by Giménez, who represents Florida’s and the nation’s southernmost point.

“Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) play a vital role in protecting America’s national security, and I’m proud to see the creation of a new Counter-Narcotics Joint Task Force,” the Miami-Dade Republican said.

“Every day, our service members and law enforcement partners at JIATF-South and SOUTHCOM lead the fight against transnational criminal organizations, terrorist cartels, and narco-traffickers that threaten our homeland. As the murderous regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua continue to enable these criminal enterprises, this investment will strengthen our ability to detect, deter, and defeat these threats — while reinforcing South Florida’s role as America’s front line of defense.”

On this day

Oct. 14, 1960 — “Impromptu campaign speech launches Peace Corps” via the National Peace Corps Association — Sen. John F. Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for President, rolled into Ann Arbor very early in the morning. The campaign got word that students had been waiting outside the Michigan Union, where Kennedy was to spend the night, for three hours. They hadn’t prepared a speech, but Kennedy was good at extemporizing in a pinch. He did not actually propose a program. He issued a challenge. “How many of you are willing to work in the Foreign Service and spend your lives traveling around the world?” he asked.

Oct. 14, 1977 — “Anita Bryant is hit in the face with a pie” via History.com — While speaking at an event in Iowa to promote her campaign to roll back anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ people, Bryant is hit in the face with a pie. The spokesperson for Florida Orange Juice was also a pop singer and performed at the halftime show of Super Bowl V in 1971. She gained national notoriety as a political campaigner in 1977 when she took a stand against a local ordinance in Dade County, Florida, where she lived with her husband and children. When gay activist Tom Higgins pied Bryant in the face, she quipped, “At least it’s a fruit pie.”

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by Janelle Irwin Taylor.