NDAA caps off 2025

Congress has officially wrapped up its business for 2025. While several issues remain pending in the new year, including health care and the federal budget, Congress has reached an agreement on a key national defense budget.

President Donald Trump last week signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which dedicates about $900 billion in federal spending across the country.

Sen. Ashley Moody noted more than $851 million in wins for Florida military families at installations across the State.

“The passage of this year’s NDAA is a victory for the strengthening of our national security and Florida’s military bases. It is vital for the protection of our great nation that our military has the resources needed to deter evil and stay mission-ready,” she said.

Members of Florida’s congressional delegation from both sides of the aisle found items to celebrate in the final package.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick noted that two amendments she authored were included in the bill. That included language to permanently codify the Office of Haitian Affairs within the State Department and to strengthen oversight of government criminal activity. Importantly, 49% of Haitians in the U.S. live in Florida, according to the Migration Policy Institute, with the bulk in South Florida.

“By incorporating these provisions, this legislation takes meaningful steps to protect the Haitian people, promote transparency and enhance regional stability,” said Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat. “I am proud to have fought for these measures and will continue working to ensure that our policies deliver real results for Haiti and the Haitian American community.”

Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, praised increases in troop salaries and the strengthening of the U.S. border. He also cited procurement funding for four E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, large aircraft built by Northrop Grumman in Florida.

“Additionally, this bill includes support for vital construction projects at Northeast Florida military installations that will improve readiness and service member quality of life,” Rutherford said. “If we want to keep America safe, we must provide for our military and their families. I was proud to vote in favor of this year’s NDAA and look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Rep. Kat Cammack, a Gainesville Republican, said the bill would preserve and improve military readiness. The final bill includes an amendment she filed to ensure National Guard units have the equipment they need to execute homeland defense missions.

“From strengthening deterrence to rebuilding our industrial base, the FY26 NDAA restores America’s military advantage and ensures our service members have the tools, training and support they deserve,” Cammack said.

“America relies on the National Guard every single day — whether in natural disaster response or homeland defense. They cannot do their jobs without the right equipment, and this provision gives Congress the transparency needed to address these shortfalls and ensure our Guard is fully prepared to meet any mission.”

Battling sexploitation

Moody is also focusing her efforts this week on two bills that aim to protect children from online predators.

The Plant City Republican was part of a bipartisan group of Senators introducing the Sunset Section 230 Act, which would eliminate legal protections in the Communications Decency Act for social media platforms regarding criminal activity like sex abuse of children facilitated online.

“As a former prosecutor and the mother of a school-aged child, I know firsthand the dangers our children face online. We are the first generation of parents having to deal with predators getting to our children under our own roofs through their devices,” Moody said. “The old rules — stranger danger, don’t get in the van — aren’t enough to protect them anymore. That is why I am throwing my full support behind the Sunset Section 230 Act, and I urge my colleagues to get off the sidelines and finally do something to protect our kids.”

She also co-sponsored the Stop Sextortion Act, which targets the growing trend of individuals threatening to release sexually sensitive information online for minors. Her office noted a 33% increase in 2024 of “financially motivated sextortion” recorded by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, along with 40 suicides this year believed to be connected to such schemes.

“Today, children face threats like never before. We have seen shockingly drastic increases in sextortion — where criminals trick children into sharing explicit images and threaten to release the pictures if the victim doesn’t pay a ransom,” she said.

“The effects are catastrophic, and young lives are being lost because of these heinous acts committed by sick individuals and even organized groups online. It is past time for Congress to get off the sidelines and start protecting our kids. Just as I did when I was Florida’s Attorney General, I am fighting here in the United States Senate to keep our kids safe and put these monsters behind bars, where they can never again get to a child.”

Rep. Laurel Lee filed her own legislation aimed at stopping sextortion. Her Combating Online Predators Act explicitly criminalizes threats to distribute child sexual abuse material.

“Sextortion is a devastating crime that preys on fear, shame and vulnerability — especially among children,” the Thonotosassa Republican said.

“When predators threaten to distribute explicit images of minors, the harm is real and often irreversible. Congress has a duty to ensure our laws keep pace with the tactics used by online predators, and this legislation closes a critical gap to protect children and deliver justice for victims.”

Investment transparency

When American firms invest in Russia or China, Sen. Rick Scott said they should inform account holders.

The Naples Republican just filed the Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act. The legislation requires private equity, mutual funds, and electronic funds transfers to annually disclose the percentage of any assets invested in those and others to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Our adversaries, like Communist China and Russia, benefit from the current status quo that grants them a complete lack of transparency, and currently, our financial markets enable and often help fund their bad behavior,” Scott said.

“These foreign adversaries lie, cheat, steal and abuse their own people using the power of American investment dollars, and without public disclosure and accountability, they can get away with it. I am proud to lead this bill to provide Americans with transparency on how their savings are being invested and which companies and regimes they may be supporting. We have to stop sending Americans’ hard-earned dollars to fuel our enemies’ hate against us.”

Scott introduced the bipartisan bill with Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

“You work hard for your money, and you should absolutely know how it’s being invested, especially if it boosts the economies of our adversaries,” Fetterman said. “This bill protects the interests of hardworking Americans and our great country, while making sure firms publicly disclose what they are doing. When I think of ‘America first,’ this bill is a good example.”

WMD

Days after Trump issued an executive order reclassifying fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction,” Rep. Neal Dunn urged Congress to take the same stance.

The Panama City Republican introduced a House resolution (HR 959) expressing the sense of Congress’ agreement with the President. That would cheer the effort to mitigate the illicit narcotic trade.

“I am thankful to President Trump for his decisive action and for recognizing what I’ve been saying for years. As the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States, it is time we call this drug what it is: a Weapon of Mass Destruction,” Dunn said.

“That is why I am again introducing legislation to designate illicit fentanyl-related substances as such. This designation will provide law enforcement with the tools and authority needed to protect our communities from this deadly poison.”

American welfare

Social welfare programs should only aid American citizens, according to Rep. Randy Fine. The Atlantic Coast Republican filed the No Welfare for Non-Citizens Act, which would impose strict requirements preventing immigrants, whether they are in the nation legally or not, from accessing any benefit programs.

He also criticized some foreign individuals who have recently come under Trump’s scrutiny.

“Americans are being robbed,” Fine said. “Somalis, illegals, and even legal immigrants are getting free handouts at the expense of American taxpayers. That is insane, it is immoral, and it must stop.”

He said the legislation would close loopholes and eliminate carve-outs for publicly funded welfare programs.

“Taxpayer-funded benefits are for Americans, not the world,” Fine said. “We cannot save this country while continuing to reward illegal immigration and subsidize non-citizens with borrowed money from our children.”

Onshore defense contracting

American contractors should be first in line when it comes to bids to boost national security, according to Rep. Cory Mills.

The New Smyrna Beach Republican filed the Securing American Firms & Expertise in Services (SAFE Services) Act, which would require the War Department to prioritize U.S.-owned businesses when awarding professional service contracts.

“American tax dollars should strengthen American companies and protect American security,” Mills said. “When foreign-owned firms are designing, advising on, or managing sensitive defense projects, we expose ourselves to unnecessary economic and national security risks. The SAFE Services Act closes that gap and puts American expertise first. America has the talent. America has the companies. It’s time our defense procurement policies reflect that reality.”

Notably, Mills owned a defense contracting firm before his election to Congress.

Mills’ office said that while laws like the Buy American Act prioritize domestic providers of goods, no such law applies to services. In the 2024 Fiscal year alone, $1 billion in professional services contracts were awarded to 616 foreign-owned companies.

“The people in my district elected me to put America first. That means supporting American workers and revitalizing American industry. It’s why I prioritized Arizona military communities and our local manufacturers in my amendments to the defense bill,” he said. “This legislation by Rep. Mills helps codify that spirit. It requires the Department of War to prioritize American companies during the procurement of professional services. The economic and national security implications alone should demand a preference for American companies, but this bill will ensure it is more than a suggestion.”

Accountability for Azerbaijan

Meanwhile, Rep. Gus Bilirakis filed bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Armenia while holding the government of Azerbaijan accountable for human rights violations.

The Armenia Security Partnership Act would demand that Azerbaijan withdraw all military forces from Armenia, release all Armenian prisoners and end hostilities, and allow ethnic Armenians to return to their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and continue traditional customs.

“Armenia is a key partner in a volatile region and deserves meaningful support as it faces continued threats to its sovereignty and security,” Bilirakis said. “This legislation sends a clear message that the United States will not turn a blind eye to aggression, human rights abuses, or the forced displacement of ethnic Armenians. Accountability must be at the center of our foreign policy.”

He filed the bill with Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., a New Jersey Democrat, and several other bipartisan co-sponsors.

“For far too long, Azerbaijan has been allowed to act with impunity to destabilize the South Caucasus, commit horrific human rights abuses, and threaten the Armenian people,” Pallone said. “Our bill is a great step in the right direction to finally hold the Aliyev regime accountable for ongoing crimes against humanity and threats to lasting peace in the region. I look forward to working with Congressman Bilirakis and the rest of my colleagues to pass it into law.”

AI forecasting

Can artificial intelligence (AI) help the nation better prepare for weather disasters? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) just unveiled a suite of new global weather models aimed at doing just that, and Rep. Scott Franklin said he hopes Florida will benefit.

“Integrating artificial intelligence into weather forecasting has the potential to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of forecasts relied upon by states like Florida and the nation as a whole,” Franklin said.

“NOAA’s launch of these AI-driven models represents meaningful progress in modernizing forecasting capabilities and equipping forecasters and emergency managers with better tools to prepare for severe weather and wildfire risks. I’ve long supported responsibly incorporating AI into NOAA’s work, including through my TAME Extreme Weather Act and provisions advanced in the Weather Act, and I encourage the House to pass the Weather Act to continue this momentum.”

Tools include new forecasting systems that craft predictions more quickly, providing recommendations up to 24 hours sooner, while using dramatically less computing energy.

Defense for the future

Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also turned his focus to AI, specifically to address foreign threats. Through his Committee position, he introduced the Artificial Intelligence Oversight of Verified Exports and Restrictions on Weaponizable Advanced Technology to Covered High-Risk Actors (AI OVERWATCH) Act.

The legislation expands congressional oversight of AI use while blocking adversary militaries from accessing weapon-enabling AI and accelerating American AI exports to allies and partners worldwide.

“As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how adversaries exploit our technology to enhance their military capabilities. The AI OVERWATCH Act ensures Congress has oversight over the sale of advanced AI chips to adversary nations, just as it does with arms sales. It also supercharges exports of American AI to allies and partners,” said Mast. “America must win the AI arms race.”

Preserving benefits

Personal emergencies should not impact whether veterans receive their benefits, according to Rep. Jared Moskowitz. The Parkland Democrat filed a bill to prevent recipients from losing Veterans Affairs pension benefits due to a one-time medical or injury-related payment.

“If a veteran is injured or experiences a serious loss, the last thing they should worry about is losing their pension,” Moskowitz said. “This legislation draws a clear line: compensation for harm is not income, and veterans deserve stability, dignity, and support during recovery.”

The bill, as written, would amend the federal code governing pension eligibility and exclude reimbursements for medical expenses, including insurance settlement payments and compensation for pain and suffering, from income calculations.

Moskowitz said that without the change, temporary payments to families following accidents or injuries will raise income levels and result in a loss of coverage.

Giving shelter

Rep. María Elvira Salazar focused on protecting businesses and homeowners facing rising insurance premiums.

The Shelter Act would allow Americans to write off 25% of qualifying mitigation expenses up to $3,750 to help homes and businesses reinforce their properties against natural disasters such as flood, wildfire, hail and wind.

“A single storm shouldn’t be able to erase a lifetime of work. The Shelter Act empowers families and small businesses to fortify their property before disaster strikes, making our communities safer, stronger, and more resilient,” Salazar said. “Miami families know the cost of preparedness all too well, and this bill helps ensure they’re not facing those challenges alone.”

She filed a House bill with Sen. Brittany Pettersen, a Colorado Democrat, while Sens. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, and Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, filed a companion bill in the upper chamber.

“Coloradans are all too familiar with increasingly devastating wildfires and other natural disasters that threaten their homes and businesses and drive up insurance costs,” Bennet said. “We can’t focus solely on helping communities recover after these disasters. Congress must do more to help them prepare. This bill helps taxpayers invest in tools and materials to safeguard their homes, businesses, and families from natural disasters before they occur.”

On this day

Dec. 22, 2001 — “Shoe-bomber attempts detonation on Paris-Miami flight” via History.com — Richard Reid, a British citizen and al-Qaida member, attempted to detonate homemade bombs hidden in his shoes while aboard American Airlines Flight 63 headed to Miami from Paris. During the flight that included 197 passengers and crew members, Reid used matches in an attempt to light his black high-tops on fire while in his window seat. After smelling sulfur, a flight attendant saw what he was doing, and fellow crew members and passengers restrained him. He was sedated and strapped down with belts, and the plane was diverted to Boston’s Logan International Airport, where he was taken into custody.

Dec. 22, 1807 — “Thomas Jefferson signs Embargo Act” via ThoughtCo — The Embargo Act of 1807 was an attempt by President Jefferson and Congress to prohibit American ships from trading in foreign ports. It was intended to punish Britain and France for interfering with American trade while the two major European powers were at war. The embargo was precipitated primarily by Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1806 Berlin Decree, which announced that neutral ships carrying British-made goods were subject to seizure by France, thus exposing American ships to attacks by privateers. A year later, sailors from the USS Chesapeake were forced into service by officers from the British ship HMS Leopard, the final straw.

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

A new, bipartisan political action committee focused on strengthening U.S. global aid is throwing its support behind Democrat Elijah Manley’s bid for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

The Alliance 4 American Leadership, founded by Palm Beach resident Asher Moss after the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), endorsed Manley at its launch party in the county over the weekend.

A press note from Manley’s campaign said the PAC now has more than 1,000 volunteers nationwide, including “a significant presence” in South Florida.

“We are the political force that will restore global aid,” Moss, who serves as Executive Director of the PAC, said in a statement. “We believe America should be a humanitarian leader on the world stage. A force for good.”

Manley, accepting the endorsement, agreed foreign aid is important, calling South Florida “the gateway to the rest of the world.”

“It matters for trade, for immigration and for our economy,” he said. “What’s happening in Haiti and Venezuela shows why the United States must lead on the global stage, not just through military force, but by supporting people who are going through the struggle.”

Manley has called for the federal government to restore USAID and increase its spending on programs to 2% of the federal budget.

He is one of two Democrats running to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who was indicted last month on charges that she stole federal COVID funds to finance her 2021 congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick maintains she is innocent and has separately sued Manley and Primary opponent Dale Holness for defamation for including the accusations she faces in campaign communications.

Two Republicans, Sendra Dorce and Joseph Rodenay, are also running this cycle.

CD 20 spans a majority-Black area in and around western and central Broward County, with a small portion of southeast Palm Beach County. It includes all or part of Fort Lauderdale, Lake Park, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Riviera Beach, Sunrise and Tamarac.

It’s Florida’s most Democratic-leaning congressional district, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of D+22.

The 2026 Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.

Katy Sorenson, who served on the Miami-Dade County Commission from 1994 to 2010 and founded the Good Government Initiative at the University of Miami, is backing fellow Democrat Robin Peguero for Congress.

Peguero’s campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar in Florida’s 27th Congressional District announced Sorenson’s support.

The campaign included a statement from Sorenson, who called Peguero “genuine, intelligent, thoughtful and experienced.”

“His can-do spirit radiates positivity and, in these dark times, it gives us hope for the future,” she said.

Peguero, a former prosecutor, has also been endorsed by  Miami-Dade School Board member Joe Geller, Key Biscayne Council member Franklin Caplan, Coral Gables Commissioner Melissa Castro, Cutler Bay Council member B.J. Duncan, former U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala, and former state Reps. Annie Betancourt and J.C. Planas.

Ex-Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey, who withdrew from the race for Florida’s 27th Congressional District and immediately endorsed Peguero in August.

Peguero also carries support from the political arms of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus.

Peguero will face at least two Primary opponents in CD 27: accountant Alexander Fornino and entrepreneur Richard Lamondin.

CD 27 — one of three Florida districts that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has highlighted as “in play” — covers Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, North Bay Village, South Miami, West Miami and several unincorporated areas.