Bolsonaro behind bars

A court in Brazil convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro, sentencing him to decades in prison for plotting a coup to keep power after losing re-election in 2022, as reported by Reuters.

Bolsonaro, after leaving power, ended up living for a time in Osceola County, though he returned home for the trial. Now, some members of the delegation are criticizing the conviction.

“I’m concerned, but not surprised, that Brazil’s Supreme Court, in a case led by Justice (Alexandre) de Moraes, a sanctioned human rights abuser, has sentenced former President Bolsonaro to a draconian 27 years and three months in prison,” said Rep. Brian Mast. The Stuart Republican issued the statement as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“De Moraes is known for arbitrary detentions and the suppression of freedom of expression — and this conviction proves exactly that. By sentencing Brazil’s leading opposition figure, he has effectively silenced the voice of every Brazilian, setting a dangerous precedent in the largest democracy south of the U.S. border.”

Of note, The New York Times reports some lawmakers in Brazil are already discussing potential amnesty for Bolsonaro and allies convicted of plotting to overturn a national election there.

Meanwhile, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, hammered Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro and pursued charges.

“The political persecution against former President Jair Bolsonaro raises serious questions about the rule of law under President Lula,” Díaz-Balart posted.

All of South Florida’s Republicans on social media similarly said Bolsonaro was being unfairly persecuted.

But Democrats in the delegation have largely stayed silent about the trial. Several heavily criticized Bolsonaro when the conservative held power in Brazil and condemned the riots that broke out in Brazil.

Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat who represents the Florida community where Bolsonaro lived, hasn’t commented on the outcome. But he did denounce rioters who tried to stop Lula from coming to power in 2023.

“We strongly condemn the violent insurrection in Brazil,” Soto posted in 2023. “Like January 6th, this was another blow to democracy caused by another ‘Big Lie.’ U.S. supports the peaceful transfer of power there and will continue to work with the duly elected.”

The same year, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, condemned the Brazilian leader’s policies impacting the Amazon rainforest and cheered his political defeat. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, pilloried President Donald Trump in his first term for working with the nationalist leader and “betraying alliances” elsewhere in Latin America to do it.

But among conservatives in the delegation, Bolsonaro was always more popular. Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Carlos Giménez, both Republicans, greeted the right-wing leader when he visited South Florida as Brazil’s President.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, called his sentencing “Injustice.” “This is NOT justice. This is persecution,” she posted. “Brazil is dangerously close to becoming a dictatorship, where political opponents are silenced, not tried. We must raise our voices before it’s too late.”

Giménez, who, after the Jan. 6 riots in 2021, refused to support a certification of President Joe Biden’s defeat in 2020, slammed the entire legal process in Brazil.

“Today, democracy in Brazil went dark with the indictment of the opposition leader, former President Jair Bolsonaro,” Giménez posted. “They did to Bolsonaro what they wanted to do to President Trump. I hope that the Brazilian people can recover their freedom.”

Sea ya, carbon tax

Florida’s Senators are banding together to stop a global carbon tax from impacting the Sunshine State’s ports.

Sens. Ashley Moody and Scott sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding a proposal by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The goal of the tax is to achieve net-zero emissions in the industry.

Rubio and Lutnick already issued a joint statement with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, making clear the administration won’t go along with any such plan.

Florida’s Republican Senators said they agree with that stance and also asked the administration to use its leverage and position to reestablish the U.S. as a dominant force on the world’s oceans.

“The administration has made clear that President Trump rejects this proposal and will not tolerate any action that harms Americans and increases costs on our citizens and businesses. To protect American economic and maritime interests, we ask that the administration immediately apply trade leverage to block the IMO framework. As many of the countries supporting this tax are currently engaged in critical trade negotiations with the United States, timing is critical and this requires immediate action,” the letter reads.

“This is a historic opportunity not only to stop the IMO carbon tax, but to restore our influence in global maritime policy and rapidly reassert American global maritime dominance. The stakes for American workers, our industries, and our national security could not be higher, and we are committed to working together to protect American interests, defend our economic sovereignty, and strengthen the future of U.S. maritime power.”

Florida defense wins

Key amendments authored by Rep. Neal Dunn made it into the National Defense Authorization Act as passed by the House last week. Those could bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Florida military installations, the Panama City lawmaker said.

His office pointed to $381 million set aside for Naval Surface Warfare Centers, which should benefit the Naval Support Activity Panama City. The bill also includes $43 million for a deployment center, flight line dining, and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Dunn also specifically championed language requiring the Air Force Secretary to assess the feasibility and advisability of incorporating additional federal, commercial or state-operated spaceports into the Department of Defense’s national security launch infrastructure.

“I’m pleased that my colleagues and I in the House have signaled that the United States will not back down in the face of growing hostility,” Dunn said. “This legislation represents a significant investment in our military that will benefit Northwest Florida, enhance defense procurement, and improve the lives of our service members.”

Bed, barracks and beyond

The state of housing for service members in Northeast Florida has Rep. Aaron Bean calling in for reinforcements.

“Our service members put everything on the line to defend this nation — the very least we can do is ensure their families have safe, healthy homes,” Bean said.

“The stories I’ve heard are heartbreaking and unacceptable. Mold, toxins, and neglect have no place in military housing. Congress must act swiftly to hold bad actors accountable and restore dignity to the families who serve alongside our troops. This is about readiness, responsibility, and doing right by those who sacrifice for us every day.”

Bean sent a letter to House Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chair John Carter and to House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chair Jack Bergman.

Of note, the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House last week included $1.4 billion to expand and improve military housing.

Influencing influencers

The number of anonymous social media accounts commenting on politics has long irked those elected officials putting their names on the ballot. Now, Rep. Randy Fine wants to unmask the financial backing behind the handles.

He announced, in the wake of the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, that he would file legislation treating the funding of social media similarly to other electioneering.

“This nation is being poisoned by left-wing agitators and foreign enemies seeking to tear us apart. And it is time to fight back,” said Fine, an Atlantic Coast Republican.

“I am filing a bill requiring protesters and ‘influencers’ to disclose when they are being paid and by whom. These are political actors, no different than candidates who have to disclose where their support comes from. George Soros, Iran, China, and Qatar aren’t going to be happy.”

But observers of Florida politics may also suspect he has a few right-wing targets in mind with the bill as well. In the Florida Senate, Fine discussed similar legislation and a demand to find out whether the Governor’s Office was funding social media influencers to promote its messaging, including against Republicans in the Legislature who disagreed with Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Lab test access

Should there be an age limit on medical care? Rep. Gus Bilirakis doesn’t like the idea. The Palm Harbor Republican was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who filed legislation this week preserving access to essential laboratories regardless of patient age.

The Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act would put those protections in place ahead of deep payment systems that lawmakers fear will threaten timely access.

“Strong clinical laboratories are vital to delivering high-quality care, especially for seniors who depend on timely testing to maintain their health,” Bilirakis said. “The RESULTS Act will protect access to these essential services and help ensure that families in Florida — and across the country — can continue to receive the care they need.”

He filed the bill with Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Richard Hudson of North Carolina, as well as Democratic Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Scott Peters of California.

Till it’s gone

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna wants to reduce farm pesticides and leave more to the birds and bees.

The Pinellas Republican filed the Protect Our Farmers and Families Act. While Joni Mitchell once urged farmers to put away the DDT, Luna’s bill cancels the registration for any products using the toxic pesticide diquat.

“Florida’s farmers and families deserve protection from harmful chemicals that threaten our food supply, water and health,” Luna said. “Diquat has been linked to dangerous side effects and poses unreasonable risks to the environment. By banning this pesticide once and for all, we’re standing up for public health, supporting safe agriculture, and ensuring that our families and communities are no longer exposed to this toxic substance.”

She wants the chemical barred entirely and for the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke any existing food residue tolerances associated with it.

“America’s agricultural strength depends on safe practices that protect our farmers while producing the best food in the world,” Luna said. “This bill makes sure we are protecting people first — not chemical companies.”

Fighting for FEMA

Democratic lawmakers are sounding alarms on the potential end of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Castor and Wasserman Schultz in Tampa last week hosted Rep. Tim Kennedy, Ranking Democrat of the House Homeland Security Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, to discuss the need for the agency to continue.

Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton battered the Tampa Bay area in 2024, breaking records and severely impacting the lives and businesses of my neighbors. Recovering from hurricanes is not easy or immediate, but the actions of President Trump are exacerbating the pain the Tampa Bay area is feeling one year later,” Castor said.

“As storms continue to gain strength each year due to the overheating ocean waters, the federal government must invest in FEMA and retain expert staff who understand the science behind these storms so we can predict and mitigate life-threatening impacts from flooding. I am grateful for my colleagues who visited with my neighbors from Shore Acres, Riviera Bay and Progress Village to hear their firsthand stories as homeowners.”

Wasserman Schultz serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Wasserman Schultz said changes need to occur at FEMA, but it would be folly to eliminate it.

“We know FEMA needs reforms, like speedier delivery of resources and local coordination. But we also know FEMA shouldn’t be gutted or wrapped in paralyzing red tape,” Wasserman Schultz said. “On Monday, we got feedback directly from the Tampa community and its emergency management agencies to be sure we can rise to the challenge to provide relief, resiliency, and recovery for all Floridians when the next storm comes. With our climate and waters warming, it’s no longer if, but when Florida will next need help.”

Kennedy said it was important to hear feedback from around the country. “Every region experiences its own form of extreme weather, from blizzards to hurricanes, but we are united as a country in supporting our fellow Americans when disaster strikes.”

Castor said the public must make its voice heard.

“I know this valuable insight will guide their policy work in Congress to ensure not just Florida, but our entire country, is equipped with the necessary tools to protect themselves against extreme weather events — not partisan messaging from President Trump for clickbait and benefits to his billionaire friends,” she said.

Nutrition education

If you are what you eat, Americans represent quite a bit of unhealthy junk food. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, would like that to change.

The Chair of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee co-led a letter with Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education calling for a greater stress on nutrition in medical teaching.

“As we work to combat the rising chronic disease epidemic, increased nutrition education is critically important for professionals working in the medical field,” Buchanan said. “We need to ensure that medical practitioners provide patients with the knowledge and resources necessary to help them lead longer, happier and healthier lives.”

A total of 14 lawmakers, including Thonotosassa Republican Rep. Laurel Lee, signed onto the letter. It follows up on a Health and Human Services initiative urging America’s medical schools to implement and embed comprehensive nutrition education and training within U.S. medical education.

ESOL support

Last month, the Department of Education rescinded guidance in place since former President Barack Obama’s administration to support teaching English as a second language. Rep. Frederica Wilson said the change has already detrimentally impacted South Florida families.

The Miami-Dade Democrat co-led a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon voicing outrage about erasing 2015 guidance “that provided critical, legally grounded direction to states and school districts on how to comply with laws and Supreme Court decisions” impacting the education of English learner students.

“I represent an immigrant-rich community. In South Florida — and across the nation — many of our children in schools are English learners simply trying to build their futures. America is built by immigrants from every walk of life. Yet, this administration will stop at nothing to terrorize immigrants through every possible avenue, even targeting children in the classrooms,” Wilson said.

“Ripping away resources and guidance for English learners is a cruel and foolish decision. Our education system has always had an obligation to welcome every child who comes through our doors. Stripping away these English learning resources undermines the rights of millions of children, weakens our ability to help them become the English speakers the President claims to want, and betrays this nation’s commitment to immigrants. This decision must be reversed immediately.”

She co-led the letter with Democratic Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García of Illinois and Adriano Espaillat of New York, with 77 other lawmakers signing on.

On this day

Sept. 16, 1920 — “The day Wall Street exploded” via PBS — Resentment of industrial capitalism and unrest inspired by the Russian Revolution led to a Wall Street bombing. Just before noon, a horse-drawn cart pulled up near the J.P. Morgan bank headquarters on Wall Street. The explosion from the dynamite on the wagon killed 38 people and wounded 143 more. Until the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, it was the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. And yet this attack, coming at a time of enormous social and economic tumult, is little known and little marked in our history books.

Sept. 16, 1940 — “United States imposes the draft” via History.com — The Burke-Wadsworth Act was passed by Congress by wide margins in both houses, and the first peacetime draft in the history of the United States was imposed. The Selective Service was born. The registration of men between the ages of 21 and 36 began exactly one month later, as Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, who had been a key player in moving President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration away from a foreign policy of strict neutrality, began drawing draft numbers out of a glass bowl. The numbers were handed to the President, who read them aloud for public announcement.

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

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