Politics
Delegation for 9.18.26: D.C. sprinkle list — Rescuing America — credit renewal — Big Tech tab — airspace saga
Onboarding
GrayRobinson has added Matthew Jennings as a senior government affairs adviser on the firm’s federal lobbying team in Washington.
Jennings brings more than two decades of federal advocacy experience focused on aerospace, transportation and global business, according to the firm. He previously led international and government affairs for Etihad Airways and held senior legislative roles with the International Air Transport Association.
Earlier in his career, Jennings worked on Capitol Hill, including with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Matthew’s immersion in the aviation, transportation and global commerce sectors makes him exactly the kind of advocate our clients need in Washington,” said John Ariale, managing director of GrayRobinson’s Washington office.
“He has spent his career transforming complex international and regulatory challenges into solutions and opportunities for airlines, federal agencies and businesses of every size. Our clients will benefit from that experience from day one.”
The firm said Jennings’ portfolio will include aviation and advanced air mobility, airspace integration, transit, infrastructure, defense, travel and tourism and technology. His work will involve federal policy and appropriations, regulatory strategy, procurement and funding opportunities and engagement with Congress and federal agencies.
Jennings will also work with nonprofit and educational organizations on initiatives involving public- and private-sector stakeholders and issues with both domestic and international reach.
“GrayRobinson gives me the platform to serve clients of every size, from established companies to the startups and emerging businesses I’ve always enjoyed working with,” Jennings said. “I believe in meeting clients where they are, and I’m looking forward to continuing that approach alongside this top-notch team of advisers.”
Jennings earned a master’s degree from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree from Elon University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Business Council and as Board treasurer for World Class Scholars.
D.C.’s sprinkle list
Among the last bills to pass before Congress broke for recess was the Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 9497), or WRDA. The legislation includes projects in the state of Florida and passed on a 415-9 vote, with every Florida representative present in favor.
“Water management isn’t an abstract issue in Florida. Decisions involving Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, flood control and our coasts directly affect our communities, agriculture, environment and economy. WRDA is one of the most important tools Congress has to set priorities for the Army Corps and keep critical water infrastructure projects moving,” said Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.
“This bill advances several major Florida priorities. It moves the Central Everglades Planning Project and Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir forward, supports continued work on Lake Okeechobee and strengthens federal support for beach renourishment and flood-risk reduction. It also includes reforms to Corps project delivery and coordination so important projects aren’t held up by unnecessary delays.”
It also funds projects like the Pasco County Ecosystem Restoration and Water Supply and the Lower Withlacoochee River Watershed Restoration, priorities of Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican. He cheered the $29.6 million for Hernando County water infrastructure and $100 million for other projects in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
“I worked closely with our local partners to identify their most pressing water infrastructure and resiliency needs, and I’m pleased that the House-passed WRDA includes each of the priorities we submitted,” Bilirakis said.
“These provisions will help address water and wastewater needs, strengthen our defenses against hurricanes and flooding, protect and restore important ecosystems and lay the groundwork for future investments throughout our region. I’ll keep working to get these priorities across the finish line.”
Democrats have been just as effusive about the flow of environmental spending to the state.
“When I first got to Congress, WRDA lacked consistency, so I brought Democrats and Republicans together to restore it,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat, earlier this year. “Today in Committee, I stood on that record of leadership, fighting for Florida’s ports, protecting the Everglades, and building stronger, more resilient communities.”
Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican from Stuart, noted that the bill also includes accountability measures for the Army Corps of Engineers, requiring notice whenever discharges flow from Lake Okeechobee. He also celebrated securing funding for the reservoir, long a priority for lawmakers from both parties in South Florida.
“The EAA Reservoir is the most important project when it comes to restoring the Everglades and sending water south,” he posted. “My amendment puts the project’s purpose in writing as the official stance of the United States Congress so nobody can rewrite history down the road.”
On the Space Coast, Rep. Mike Haridopolos cheered the dollars that would allow the expansion of Port Canaveral through the purchase of federal land.
“Port Canaveral is growing, and we need to make sure it has the space to meet its future needs,” the Indian Harbour Beach Republican said. “This provision gives the Port an opportunity to put unused federal land to better use, supporting future expansion, new jobs and economic growth in Central Florida. I will continue working to ensure Port Canaveral has the resources it needs to succeed.”
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, secured $90.5 million for the Miami Harbor Deep Dredge project.
“Despite Miami-Dade County’s many challenges at the Port, I have always understood the need to provide our ports with adequate resources to fit the needs of our growing economy, and the Miami Harbor Deep Dredge project did just that,” he said.
“This project created and continues to support thousands of jobs, has furthered the Port’s cargo growth, surpassed one million TEUs for 11 consecutive years, and made its mark as the 11th-largest container port in the United States of America.”
Another Midterm agenda
When Sen. Rick Scott chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee, he published a controversial 11-point plan to “Rescue America.” He isn’t on the ballot this year but once again offered an agenda heading into the Midterms.
The Naples Republican’s new “Rescuing America” plan just launched as a video series and will outline his road map to counter the rising popularity of socialism and make the American Dream attainable. The focus on economic freedom has long been central to his agenda as Senator and before then as Governor.
“The generation coming of age today has inherited Washington’s failures and are paying for them every day. They’re walking into a world where the starter home their parents bought doesn’t exist for them anymore. They’re abandoning the idea of having children because they simply cannot afford it. More young Americans are following socialists like Zohran Mamdani because the status quo has failed and they’re desperate for change. We must be clear that socialism isn’t the answer. It will kill the American Dream,” he said in the first installment of the series.
“I put together a project with one goal: to be honest with the American public about how our economy has drastically changed, how the American Dream is out of reach for so many, and most importantly — how we can fix it. Socialism will destroy America if we let it take root. If we don’t act now, the American Dream will not exist for young people today, our kids or our grandkids.”
Constitution Day
Meanwhile, Sen. Ashley Moody brought her own messaging about socialism to the Senate floor this week. She delivered a speech on Constitution Day celebrating the government and economic systems established by the Founding Fathers.
“As our nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, Constitution Day reminds us that the promise of liberty declared in 1776 was preserved through the Constitution just a few short years later. Through this transformational document, our Founders created a system of limited government, separated powers and checks and balances designed to protect our God-given rights and preserve liberty for generations to come,” Moody said.
“While there is a growing movement on the left that seeks to dismantle the guardrails to liberty enumerated in the Constitution, we as Americans must continue to defend the freedom it secures and pass on its principles to the next generation.”
Her office noted legislation focused on specific constitutional rights, including a concealed-carry reciprocity bill and a religious-freedom bill, that the Senator filed during her first two years in the Senate.
Of course, her message also comes as she stands for election to the Senate and faces Democrat Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Credit renewal?
No state saw as big an impact from the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credit last year as Florida. Now, Democrats in the state want the financial supplement reinstated.
Rep. Darren Soto led a letter, signed by all seven Democratic members of Florida’s congressional delegation, urging Speaker Mike Johnson to restore tax credits in upcoming budget proposals.
“Around 4.7 million Floridians were enrolled in ACA insurance plans before the tax credits expired. Many of our districts had 30% or more residents enrolled. However, as a result of the expired funding, about 443,000 Floridians dropped their ACA plans this year so far, more than in any other state, and the system saw a 13% drop in enrollment from one year to the next,” the letter notes.
“These subsidies bridged a vital gap in access to care for hard-working Americans. Over half of adult marketplace enrollees are small business owners or self-employed — the very backbone of our great country. Now many of these individuals are either uninsured or struggling to afford premiums that have risen by more than 58% since last year, a direct result of the expiration of ACA EPTCs.”
The letter suggests that a spike in uninsured rates could increase emergency room visits, impacting the entire healthcare system.
“Our constituents can no longer afford to pay for health insurance or for the healthcare that they need,” the letter states. “We therefore urge you to reinstate the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and address the American people’s healthcare needs.”
Veteran services
Bilirakis will host a veteran’s resource fair in Pasco County this month, along with Scott and Moody.
The Palm Harbor Republican said the annual Veterans Resource Fair, which he has hosted for two decades, will bring together government agencies and community organizations to connect constituents with the benefits, services and support “they have earned.” The event will be held Sept. 26 at Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Serving those who have served our nation is one of my highest priorities, and I’m incredibly proud that we are celebrating the 20th year of bringing this important event directly to our local veterans and their families,” Bilirakis said.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms, and we have a responsibility to ensure they can access the benefits, healthcare, opportunities and support they have earned. Too often, veterans simply don’t know about all of the resources available to them or where to turn for help. That’s exactly why we bring these organizations together under one roof — to make it easier for veterans and their families to get answers, make connections and access the assistance they deserve. I’m grateful to Senators Scott and Moody for joining me this year as we continue working together to serve those who have served us.”
The Senators said they were eager to jointly host.
“As a Navy veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the service and sacrifice our veterans and their families make — and the toll those sacrifices can take long-term,” Scott said. “As Florida’s U.S. Senator, it is crucial to me that our federal government stands with them and that every veteran can access the benefits he or she has earned.”
Added Moody: “Our veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we have a responsibility to stand with them when they return home.”
Passed by recess
Two of the bills passed in the House before Representatives left Washington for the Midterms were introduced by members of the Florida delegation.
That included a guardrail on data centers introduced by Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, and embraced on both sides of the aisle. The Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340) requires that any power grid improvements needed to accommodate hyperscale data centers be absorbed by tech companies themselves. The bill passed 417-3.
“Floridians already are dealing with sky-high electric bills. They should not be forced to subsidize the enormous energy demands of the world’s richest corporations,” Castor said.
“If Big Tech builds a massive AI data center, the Big Tech company — not hard-working families, farmers or small businesses — should pay for their power and grid upgrades. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act is an important first step that can help lower costs for our neighbors back home and empower states to set strict guardrails.”
Another bill from Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, also cleared the lower chamber of Congress. The Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (H.R. 9498), or TAPA, was approved without objection. If it becomes law, the legislation will authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate to appear as amicus curiae in federal tax cases on issues that may broadly affect taxpayer rights.
“American taxpayers deserve someone in their corner when their rights are at stake in federal court,” Steube said.
“The National Taxpayer Advocate already fights for taxpayers across the country, but current law does not authorize the Advocate to weigh in on court cases that could impact millions of Americans. My bill closes that gap and makes sure the taxpayer’s voice is heard. I’m pleased to see the House pass TAPA, and I urge the Senate to get it to President (Donald) Trump’s desk.”
Pipeline push
The pathway for natural gas through the continental U.S. could get smoother under a bill introduced by Rep. Laurel Lee, at least on the regulatory front.
The Thonotosassa Republican just introduced the Unleash American Pipelines Act, which would limit legal challenges to federally approved pipeline projects. While not eliminating any cause of action, the bill as written would require a clear and convincing evidence standard to overturn the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) expert determinations and direct all actions to federal courts in Washington, D.C.
“Florida families and businesses depend on affordable, reliable energy, and natural gas powers nearly three-quarters of our state’s electricity,” Lee said.
“When a pipeline has undergone extensive federal review and received approval from FERC, outside groups should not be able to use endless litigation to delay critical energy infrastructure indefinitely. The Unleash American Pipelines Act will bring greater certainty to the permitting process while preserving judicial review for those directly affected. This is a commonsense step to strengthen American energy infrastructure, lower costs and ensure Florida has the reliable energy supply we need to continue growing.”
Several Florida-based utility providers immediately endorsed the legislation.
“Florida relies on interstate pipelines for nearly all of the natural gas that powers homes and businesses across the state,” said Scott Bores, CEO of Florida Power & Light. “Reliable pipeline infrastructure is essential to providing affordable, reliable electric service for our customers and supporting Florida’s continued growth. We appreciate Congresswoman Lee’s leadership on this important issue.”
Florida leaders for Duke Energy and executives at TECO, the state’s next-largest power providers, also endorsed the legislation.
“Ensuring customer affordability and reliability has been and remains at the heart of everything Duke Energy does — from our operations to investments to our public policy engagement,” said Louis Renjel, Chief Executive Officer of Duke Energy Florida and Midwest.
“To that end, this legislation will help increase access to lower-cost gas supplies, strengthen energy reliability for Floridians and keep customer costs as low as possible.”
Airspace saga
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will accept comments all this month on making airspace restrictions around Mar-a-Lago permanent, and Rep. Lois Frankel wants Palm Beach County residents to speak their minds.
The West Palm Beach Democrat has long warned that restrictions, originally implemented to address security concerns when Trump is at his Mar-a-Lago estate, should not remain in place year-round. At a news conference, she said limits on airspace mean specific communities and neighborhoods bear the brunt of all traffic in and out of the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
“The planes are overhead as much as every 90 seconds. Imagine that at all times, day and night. Imagine trying to sleep through that, having a conversation in your backyard — that’s impossible — or being in a classroom with kids trying to learn,” she said.
Frankel sent a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stating that there is no need to make the restrictions permanent and that national security measures can be taken without expansion. The current restrictions are supposed to expire on Oct. 20.
“Circumstances change. The President will not always be in office. Threats can change or disappear. Security technology can improve, and the Secret Service may determine that today’s size, height or configuration is no longer necessary,” Frankel wrote.
“Any permanent rule should therefore include an expedited mechanism to modify, reduce, suspend or terminate the restrictions when circumstances warrant, rather than requiring Palm Beach County to wait through another lengthy rulemaking process.”
Residents can offer comment through an online portal until Oct. 2.
Flooding the zone
Rep. María Elvira Salazar delivered $2.4 million for flood and coastal resilience projects in Key Biscayne and to keep water away from a school there.
“Leadership means seeing a problem before it becomes a crisis and doing the work to solve it,” Salazar said.
“When our streets flood, and our coastline is threatened, families feel the consequences. In Congress, my job is to turn those challenges into action: secure the resources, hold federal agencies accountable and deliver results on the ground. That is the standard I have set across South Florida, and I will keep raising it.”
The Coral Gables Republican secured the dollars in two big funding wins. That includes $2 million to help install a pump-based drainage system to address flooding at the Key Biscayne K-8 Community School. That should move water effectively and improve safety at the school and surrounding neighborhoods.
Another $412,500 was delivered for the Village’s Offshore Barrier Reef for Shoreline Stabilization Study, a cooperative effort of the town and the University of Miami. That will explore whether a hybrid offshore reef could help reduce beach erosion in the coastal area.
Local officials welcomed the federal investment.
“These investments give Key Biscayne the opportunity to address the flooding challenges we face today while planning responsibly for the future of our shoreline,” said Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco.
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for securing these federal resources and to the University of Miami for bringing its expertise to this effort. Strong partnerships like these are essential to keeping Key Biscayne safe and resilient for generations to come.”
On this day
Sept. 18, 1895 — “Booker T. Washington and the ‘Atlanta Compromise’” via the National Museum of African American History and Culture — Washington believed once it was apparent to Whites that Black people would “contribute to the marketplace of the world,” and be content with living “by the production of our hands,” the barriers of racial inequality and social injustice would begin to erode. At the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Washington’s speech emphasized accommodation rather than resistance to the segregated system in which African Americans lived. He renounced agitation and protest tactics and urged Black people to subordinate demands for political and equal rights to improving job skills and usefulness through manual labor.
Sept. 18, 1960 — “Fidel Castro arrives in New York” via History.com — As head of the Cuban delegation to the United Nations, Castro addressed the General Assembly. He and his entourage caused an immediate sensation by deciding to stay at the Theresa Hotel in Harlem. While there, Castro met with African American leaders, including Malcolm X from the Nation of Islam and the poet Langston Hughes. Then Castro delivered a blistering attack on what he termed American “aggression” and “imperialism.” For over four hours, Castro lambasted U.S. policy toward Cuba and other nations in Latin America, Asia and Africa. The United States, he declared, had “decreed the destruction” of his revolutionary government.
___
Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.
The post Delegation for 9.18.26: D.C. sprinkle list — Rescuing America — credit renewal — Big Tech tab — airspace saga appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..