Florida figures in Comey controversy

As a fresh conversation erupted around the weaponization of government, legal figures with ties to Florida were once again at the center of controversy. However, following the grand jury indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, the members of President Donald Trump’s administration this time were on the side of bringing charges.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who served as Trump’s personal attorney during his first impeachment in 2020, defended the decision to pursue charges against Comey for lying to Congress.

“No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people,” the former Florida Attorney General posted on X.

The probe of Comey was headed by Lindsey Halligan days after being named the new U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan, a University of Miami Law School graduate, became a member of the Florida Bar in 2013 and was a partner in the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale East offices of the Property Group, according to USAttorneys.com, before being tapped for this job, her first as a prosecutor.

Halligan has worked on the defense side of criminal law, interning for the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office and later working for the Miami Innocence Clinic. But most notably, she joined Trump’s legal team in 2022 as he faced investigations over an alleged attempt to overthrow the 2020 election of Democratic President Joe Biden, as well as charges of falsifying business records in a New York case involving hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Of course, Trump and his allies throughout the President’s own legal troubles often argued prosecutors were wrongly using the court system and the Justice Department for political retribution. Indeed, Bondi promised during her confirmation hearings.

But following the news that Halligan obtained a grand jury indictment despite prosecutors in the office reportedly saying there was no probable cause to charge him, sparking new allegations about the weaponization of government.

“The rule of law — not politics — must guide our justice system,” posted Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat. “The Comey indictment is deeply scary for our democracy.”

Comey himself also posted a video statement implying the system was corrupted by political motives.

“My heart is broken for the Department of Justice. I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I am innocent, so let’s have a trial and keep the faith,” he said.

Current FBI Director Kash Patel, a former federal public defender in Miami, defended the investigation leading to charges against Comey.

“Career FBI agents, intel analysts, and staff led the investigation into Comey and others. They called the balls and strikes and will continue to do so,” Patel said.

“The wildly false accusations attacking this FBI for the politicization of law enforcement come from the same bankrupt media that sold the world on Russia Gate- it’s hypocrisy on steroids. Their baseless objections tell us now, more than ever, that we are precisely over the target and will remain on mission until completion.”

Iran away

The United Nations may be meeting, but Florida’s Senators don’t want officials from Iran’s regime at the party.

Both Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody were introducing co-sponsors of the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions (SEVER) Act.

That bill, introduced by GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, would deny entry to the U.S. for any Iranian official sanctioned for supporting the government there, including as representatives of the U.N.

“As President Trump and his administration have taken decisive action to secure our border and protect the American people, the SEVER Act is another critical step in closing dangerous loopholes in our visa and border security system,” said Scott, a Naples Republican.

“The United States must never become a safe haven for terrorists or those enabling the Iranian regime’s violent and destabilizing agenda. Anyone sanctioned for supporting Iran’s threats against America or our allies should be automatically denied entry – we must put our national security first.”

Only Republicans have co-sponsored the legislation to date. But Florida’s senators say the restrictions proposed have merit thanks to Iran’s record of supporting terrorism.

“The SEVER Act is straightforward and common sense legislation. Those associated with the Supreme Leader of Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, who spreads violence and supports Hamas financially, should not be allowed to enter the United States of America,” said Moody, a Plant City Republican.

“These individuals represent a regime that is openly oppressive to their own people and poses threats to our national security. I urge my colleagues to take up this legislation immediately.”

Radio ga ga

On the home front, Moody also took time to urge passage of bipartisan legislation ensuring cars remain equipped with traditional radio systems in the event of a disaster.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S. 315), sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, would require new automobiles to be equipped to play amplified modulation radio signals. AM radio, although it has lower sound quality than FM radio or satellite radio, has a more extensive range and remains useful for governments to send out emergency alerts.

At a news conference in Treasure Island on the anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, Moody stressed the need for people to stay connected in times of crisis.

“The one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton left widespread flooding and storm surge damage across our state,” Moody said. “I am in Treasure Island today to speak with folks affected by these tragic storms last year, as well as promote important legislation that would sustain a vital emergency information source. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would ensure all new vehicles remain equipped with this lifesaving technology.”

She supported the bill when she served as Florida’s Attorney General and hopes to vote for its passage now as a member of the Senate.

Local government leaders joined Moody in supporting the bill.

“Treasure Island Fire and Police Departments support Sen. Ashley Moody’s legislation to require AM radios in all vehicles, recognizing AM radio as a vital, resilient source of emergency communication — especially in rural areas or during disasters,” said Treasure Island Fire Chief Trip Barrs.

“AM signals travel long distances, require minimal power and remain operational when internet, cell service and power grids fail. As a core part of the Emergency Alert System, AM radio delivers real-time, verified information that can save lives when every second counts.”

Raise a flag

Days after the August removal of security cameras at the Newberry Veterans Memorial, flags were stolen from flagpoles, as reported by WCJB. This week, Rep. Kat Cammack helped to replace them.

The Gainesville Republican joined Newberry Mayor Tim Marden, City Commissioner Mark Clark and City Manager Jordan Marlowe for an event at Lois Forte Park to replace the missing stars and stripes.

“Our flag represents freedom, sacrifice, and the values that unite us as Americans. Seeing that the flags at Newberry’s Veterans Memorial had been taken was outrageous, and I knew we had to act quickly,” Cammack said.

Now, these flags can once again fly high as symbols of the courage and service of our nation’s heroes. I am honored to stand with the City of Newberry and our veterans in restoring dignity to this memorial.”

The memorial at the park flies the American flag alongside those of every branch of the military.

“Having Congresswoman Cammack return the flags to our Veterans Memorial was an incredible honor,” said Clark, a Marine veteran. “These flags aren’t just high quality — they represent the pride, sacrifice and service of our veterans.”

Shooting down Shariah law

A new bill from Rep. Randy Fine would ensure that Islamic law is never the law of the land in the United States.

The Atlantic Coast Republican’s “No Shariah Act” targets the legal code imposed in many Muslim-majority countries. Fine maintains that code is an affront to Western civilization itself.

“Let me be crystal clear: Shariah law has no place in the United States of America,” Fine said. “We cannot and will not allow for foreign values to overtake our country’s legal system. We’ve seen what has happened in the U.K. and across Europe with the spread of Shariah, and it is not an exaggeration to say it is coming here next. Well, we are not going to let that happen.”

There is currently no location in the U.S. considering the adoption of Shariah law. A press release from Fine’s Office nevertheless maintains that Shariah “practices undercut the American values of freedom and undermine the idea of assimilation into American culture, which has been the bedrock for immigrants’ success in this country.”

Furthermore, Shariah law “strips away the rights of women, children, and religious minorities that are central to the American way of life.”

“If you think an adolescent girl in a wedding dress next to a 50-year-old man is ‘cultural,’ you’ve lost your soul. This is America,” Fine said.

“We don’t stone women for speaking. We don’t hang people in the streets for the world to watch and celebrate. We don’t force little girls into marriage or mutilate their genitals in the name of religion. This is not and will never be our America, and the fact that we even have to consider passing a preemptive bill to protect our families and communities from it is disturbing, but this is the world we live in today.”

Turning down Turkey?

As the Trump administration begins negotiations with Turkey to participate in the U.S. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, Rep. Gus Bilirakis and other members of Congress urged caution.

Bilirakis issued a joint statement with fellow caucus chairs, including GOP Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York and Democratic Reps. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire and Dina Titus of Nevada.

“The United States must be very careful when engaging in negotiations, particularly as it relates to discussions surrounding Turkey’s potential reentry into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Turkey was rightfully removed from the program in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system — a clear violation of U.S. law under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA),” the statement reads.

“President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan’s decision to pursue military collaboration with the Russian Federation, despite Turkey’s NATO obligations, directly undermines the security of U.S. defense technology and poses a threat to the strategic integrity of allied defense cooperation.”

Turkey has maintained a tense relationship with its neighboring country, Greece, a European Union member and U.S. ally, for decades. The caucus statement said Turkey’s continued possession of Russian S-400 missile systems while trying to obtain U.S.-made fighter jets brings a serious risk of exposing U.S. military capabilities to enemies.

“Erdogan’s government has consistently demonstrated a disregard for international norms and democratic principles — from crackdowns on press freedom and political dissent, to aggressive military actions in the regions that have drawn international condemnation,” the statement reads.

“Upholding CAATSA sanctions is not only a matter of legal compliance but a necessary step to protect American defense assets and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to accountability and the rule of law in international relations. Rewarding Erdogan’s government without meaningful changes in behavior would set a dangerous precedent and weaken the credibility of U.S. foreign policy. The United States must stand firm in defending its laws, its alliances, and the international order.”

What’s new Buenos Aires

As Trump and U.S. leaders met with Argentine President Javier Milei at the United Nations, Rep. Vern Buchanan led a congressional delegation to Argentina.

The Longboat Republican from there voiced support for continued economic support with the conservative government.

“It’s clear that Argentina, one of America’s most important allies in Latin America, will benefit from American support behind President Milei’s mission to make long-term, sustainable reforms. I fully support efforts to strengthen Argentina’s stability, growth and partnership with the United States,” Buchanan said.

He cited Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s promise of U.S. support for Argentina. Bessent posted on social media this week that the U.S. “stands ready to do what is needed within its mandate to support Argentina” and that “All options for stabilization are on the table.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with senior leaders in the Milei government and Argentine parliament this week, and it’s clear that Argentina is committed to restoring economic growth and deepening its partnership with the United States,” Buchanan said.

“I look forward to tomorrow’s meeting between President Trump and President Milei and am confident that there are great things to come for Argentina following the meeting.”

NASA at the Capitol

Leadership from NASA visited Capitol Hill this week to discuss the agency’s missions and research. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Naples, hosted the event, which drew staff from the legislative and executive branches, as well as members of the public.

“It was an honor to host NASA at the United States Capitol,” Donalds said. “Thank you to the Director of Kennedy Space Center, Janet Petro, for joining us in Washington and a special thank you to our heroic astronauts, Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams and Nick Hague for sharing your stories alongside NASA HQ staff.”

The visit comes amid conversation about relocating NASA’s headquarters from Washington to one of its key facilities, such as Kennedy Space Center, across the country.

Colombia antisemitism

Antisemitism in South America has Reps. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, and Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Coral Gables, joined forces to criticize the Colombian government.

The lawmakers co-led a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the administration to act after Colombian President Gustavo Petro made remarks at the United Nations defending late Russian dictator Josef Stalin. That follows a pattern of rhetoric that the American Jewish Committee already called out as antisemitic. The letter to Rubio outlined some of those concerns.

“President Petro’s ongoing antisemitic remarks on social media, along with his aggressive criticism of Israel that resulted in the severing of diplomatic ties, have contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for Colombian Jews,” the letter reads.

“In April 2025, in what one can only view as a deliberate provocation aimed at legitimizing antisemitic perspectives within government institutions, President Petro appointed Richard Gamboa, a self-proclaimed ‘rabbi’ with anti-Zionist views and dubious credentials who lacks ties with Colombia’s Jewish institutions, as Director of Religious Affairs at Colombia’s Ministry of the Interior. This appointment demonstrates a calculated effort by President Petro to normalize anti-Jewish hatred for political gains, as Gamboa has repeatedly directed harmful and disturbing rhetoric toward the local Jewish community.”

The Florida lawmakers suggested Petro could go further and actively persecute Jewish populations in the nation.

“There is genuine concern that Mr. Gamboa will continue to accelerate the deteriorating situation facing Colombian Jewry,” the letter reads. “With relations between the U.S. and Colombia at an impasse and as our government redefines the parameters of engagement with President Petro and his government, we urge you to take into consideration President Petro’s continued provocations and embrace of antisemitic rhetoric and policies as inconsistent with our shared values and interests.”

Seeking dignity

In a politically difficult quest to advance bipartisan immigration reform, Salazar this week convened religious, veteran and community leaders for a roundtable in Miami. There, she promoted the Dignity Act, legislation that could create a pathway to citizenship for longtime residents while also strengthening Border Patrol.

“America was built on faith, family, and freedom. But right now, too many of our neighbors are afraid to go to work or send their children to school,” the South Florida Republican said.

“This crisis is not theoretical; it is lived every single day in our schools, hospitals, farms, and businesses. Every sector of our economy depends on immigrants, and when they live in fear, our entire community suffers. That is why I brought us all together today, to face this reality and find solutions.”

Salazar said her bill remains the only viable immigration proposal with bipartisan support filed this Congress.

Local leaders endorsed the bill and voiced hopes that lawmakers in Washington would give it due consideration.

“At a time when instances of bipartisan cooperation seem to be few and far between, especially related to immigration, I am deeply grateful to Congresswoman Salazar, Congresswoman Escobar, and their colleagues for this sustained commitment to working across the aisle. Bipartisan collaboration is not only possible, it’s absolutely necessary. The Dignity Act is a step in the right direction, one that should begin and end with respect for the God-given dignity of every person,” said Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami.

Stephanie Torres, Florida Director of Grassroots Operations for The LIBRE Initiative, also cheered the legislation.

“The Dignity Act represents a courageous, bipartisan, important step toward restoring both order and dignity to our immigration system, a system that has for too long fallen behind the needs of our country and the hopes of families pursuing the American Dream,” Torres said. “By strengthening border security and improving legal pathways, this legislation tackles a key aspect of our broken, outdated immigration system.”

On this day

Sept. 26, 1960 — “John Kennedy, Richard Nixon square off in first televised presidential debate” via History.com — for the first time in U.S. history, a debate between major party presidential candidates is broadcast on live television. Kennedy emerged as the apparent winner from this first of four televised debates, partly owing to his greater ease before the camera than Nixon, who, unlike Kennedy, seemed nervous and declined to wear makeup. Weeks later, on Nov. 8, Kennedy won 49.7% of the popular vote in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history, surpassing by a fraction the 49.6% received by his Republican opponent.

Sept. 26, 1986 — “Ronald Reagan vetoes sanctions against South Africa” via The Washington Post — Saying the United States cannot “turn its back and walk away” from South Africa, the President vetoed legislation that would impose new economic sanctions against Pretoria and set the stage for a significant foreign policy confrontation with Congress. “Black workers — the first victims of apartheid — would become the first victims of American sanctions,” Reagan said in his veto message. But Reagan lacks the votes needed to sustain the veto in the Republican-controlled Senate, where a showdown is expected next week. The House is expected to override the veto.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by A.G. Gancarski.

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