Open for business — spaced — Iran — Artemis — whales

Open government

A partial government shutdown quickly ended this week when President Donald Trump signed a budget deal negotiated over recent weeks.

That means funds were allocated across five budget silos.

But the budget for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was approved only on a short-term basis.

Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, said it was only partisan action by Democrats preventing the full approval of all parts of the federal budget. The House approved the budget deal on a 217-214 vote.

“Funding our military, protecting our national security, and keeping critical services operating is essential,” Franklin said.

“The House previously passed full-year funding for the entire government. Yet Senate Democrats refused to fund Homeland Security, forcing the House to vote again on the same spending bills. This measure keeps the government open, protects paychecks and prevents a longer shutdown. Funding the government is a constitutional responsibility. Now we must address Homeland Security funding (again), which includes FEMA, to keep our nation secure.”

But at the same time, Florida’s House delegation split evenly on the final budget, and not along straight party lines. While all of Florida’s Democrats in the delegation voted against a deal, so did Republican U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack, Byron Donalds, Randy Fine, Anna Paulina Luna, Cory Mills and Greg Steube.

Democrats defended their position on the budget, citing abuses by ICE that have drawn bipartisan condemnation.

“This is a moral moment for America. After the brutal murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the widespread abuse of power by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I cannot support one penny more for the lawless actions of the DHS,” said Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat.

“DHS is building huge new detention camps and using technology to spy on and intimidate Americans. More people have died in DHS custody than ever before, and children are being ripped away from parents and communities. DHS is routinely violating constitutional rights to free speech, freedom of the press, due process and the right to be secure from unreasonable search and seizures.”

Cammack expressed frustration that the House didn’t follow through with demands that the Senate pass an election reform package. In an online video, she expressed frustration that the budget still contained massive spending out of step with Republican priorities.

“This entire appropriations package is riddled with billions of dollars of earmarks for woke, progressive programs that DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) rooted out and that have fundamentally against what we’ve been talking about,” she said.

“It’s got gender mutilation, gender ideology, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), NGO (non-governmental organization) funding, all this stuff, and to add the final Insult to injury, nearly half the programs that are being appropriated have not received an authorization from Congress or their authorizations expired over a decade ago.”

Space Coast arsenal

A national tour of Defense Department facilities brought War Secretary Pete Hegseth to Cape Canaveral, where Sen. Ashley Moody joined him for a walk-through of Patrick Space Force Base. The day’s events also included an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony at the Valiant Warbird Museum, a national defense discussion with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman at Kennedy Space Center, and a visit to the nearby Blue Origin facilities.

“Under President Trump, America will lead — and dominate — the space domain,” Hegseth posted with photos of facilities. “Godspeed, NASA.”

Moody emphasized Florida’s importance to that mission and to other military operations. Her office noted that the state hosts 21 military installations, three combatant commands and more than 90,000 active and reserve members of the armed forces. It also has served as home to most of the growing number of private and government rocket launches, and Moody said that should continue to be the case.

“I’m honored to join Secretary Hegseth and Administrator Isaacman at today’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour here in Florida,” she said.

“From supporting job creation and our military readiness, to launching the next generation of innovation, our state plays a major part in our nation’s defense and leadership in space. I will continue working every day in Washington to protect the Sunshine State’s critical role in keeping our nation safe and secure.”

Rep. Cory Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, also participated in the event.

“Great spending the day with our Secretary of War, fellow warfighter and brother, to discuss the Arsenal of Freedom,” he posted.

Tavern talk

A video series focused on Florida entrepreneurs brought Sen. Rick Scott to conduct a sit-down with Jon Taffer, founder of Taffer’s Tavern in Orlando. It’s the first in the “American Dream at Work” series, where Scott plans to spotlight business owners on the increasing challenges of pursuing the American Dream.

“I was lucky to grow up in a time where anybody willing to work hard could achieve their American Dream,” Scott, a Naples Republican, said.

“I could open my doughnut shop and get to work to make a better life for myself and my family. Now, the government’s burdens have made owning a business more difficult. Jon Taffer knows, both from his own businesses and his work with others, what makes it hard for people to succeed these days.”

At the Orlando restaurant, Scott showed off fry cook skills from his first job at 13. “I want to see your old skills,” Taffer told the Senator as he flipped chicken cutlets on a griddle.

The videos feel reminiscent of the late Democratic Sen. Bob Graham’s “work days,” but with a focus on the business founders. In the recent spot, Taffer talks to the Senator about how it took nearly two years to open the Orlando tavern. By comparison, it took him six or seven months to open his first restaurant.

“I remember when I had to make decisions of doing something for my family or paying business insurance, paying employee taxes, all of the things that are very difficult to do,” he said.

Scott said he wants Congress to focus on streamlining the process for starting a business, which in turn will create jobs.

To watch the video, please click the image below:

One job down

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has developed a reputation and the Trump administration’s greatest multitasker, but he just handed off one of his jobs.

The former Senator from Florida has served as acting National Archivist since last year, but he just named James Byron to the post, according to the Federal News Network. That means his headshot no longer appears in the lobby of the National Archives.

But he continues to spin plenty of plates. In addition to leading Foggy Bottom, he remains Trump’s National Security Adviser, a title he has held since the ouster of Michael Waltz, a former Florida Congressman who has since landed as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

He also previously headed the U.S. Agency for International Development, but that program is being sunset and will be under the Office of Management and Budget.

Repurposing 529s

Two members of Florida’s House delegation want to allow more Americans to direct their college funds toward home ownership.

Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Jimmy Patronis introduced the Save for Success Act (HR 7393), which would allow distributions from 529 plans dedicated to tuition and qualified housing expenses for first-time homebuyers.

“For too many young families, saving for a first home feels further out of reach every year,” said Patronis, a Panhandle Republican.

“The Save for Success Act makes it more affordable for first-time homebuyers to purchase their first home by giving them greater flexibility to use the savings they have already set aside. Homeownership does not just benefit families, it strengthens our communities because when people have a stake in their neighborhood, they care more about schools, public safety and local infrastructure. It is time to give our younger generations the opportunity to live the American Dream and build stronger, more vibrant communities.”

Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican, said this could make the prospect of buying a home at an early age possible again. And it will do it using a fund already employed by families to give their children a brighter future.

“Families are budgeting carefully, saving responsibly and planning for their future, yet rising costs continue to put homeownership beyond their grasp,” he said.

“The Save for Success Act provides a practical solution by giving first-time buyers greater access to the savings they have already earned and set aside. Owning a home offers more than shelter — it provides stability, pride, and a lasting connection to a community. This legislation is about expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and ensuring the American Dream remains attainable for the next generation.”

Foreign investment

Fine wants to stop the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board from directing any money to hostile nations like China, Iran or North Korea.

The Atlantic Coast Republican just introduced the TSP Fiduciary Security Act in the House. That would prevent any investment in nations dubbed countries of concern by the War or Commerce Departments.

“It is in the United States’ best interest to prevent the TSP from being invested in countries of concern, such as China,” Fine said. “My bill would prevent excess funds from falling into the hands of our adversaries and stop them from being used to develop weapons that could be turned against the United States.”

The bill includes exceptions for the defense industry and for emerging and critical technology investments. But otherwise, the bill prohibits TSP investments in any Chinese-based companies through the mutual fund window.

Scott has carried a version of the bill in the Senate.

“Americans’ retirement dollars should never fall into the hands of Communist China; a self-declared enemy nation bent on destroying America and our way of life. Doing so puts Americans’ futures at risk,” Scott said.

“Our TSP Fiduciary Security Act builds on our work to ensure the hard-earned money that our federal workers invest in their retirement is kept out of enemies’ reach by further preventing the TSP from investing in companies based in Communist China.”

Condemning Iran

Meanwhile, Mills is introducing a resolution condemning the recent actions of the Iranian regime against protesters, with thousands reportedly killed in the last two months.

“America must remain steadfast in defending human rights and standing with those fighting for freedom,” the New Smyrna Beach Republican said.

“This resolution sends a clear message: the Iranian people are not alone, and their bravery in the face of tyranny deserves global support. Peaceful protest is a universal right, and the Iranian people deserve freedom, safety, and justice. The Iranian regime’s use of lethal force against civilians, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of fundamental freedoms is unacceptable. The United States must stand with the Iranian people in their pursuit of dignity, liberty, and the rule of law.”

The resolution specifically mentions counterprotest actions by the Iranian regime starting in December, including censorship, mass incarceration, limitations on any international communication and the suppression of civil liberties. Most harshly, it condemns the killings of thousands of protesters and the continued support of terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

It calls for an end to such action by Iran and for the administration to seek accountability through targeted sanctions, diplomatic action and other multilateral efforts.

Artemis authorization

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee advanced legislation (HR 7273) to reauthorize NASA, welcome news for the Florida House delegation.

Rep. Daniel Webster, a member of the Committee, secured several amendments in the markup Committee related to Sunshine State activity. That includes continued development of the Artemis Space Launch System, which will be used to send astronauts to the Moon in March. Under the legislation, NASA will retain complete oversight of the project of work undertaken by partner nations.

“As the United States works with international partners in space, we must ensure that cooperation does not come at the expense of national security,” Webster said. “My amendments strengthen accountability and help protect sensitive American technologies while preserving the integrity of the Artemis Accords.”

Charting change

Will climate change push whales into areas heavily used now by boaters?

Rep. Vern Buchanan wants the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to start tracking the movements of the sea creatures. The Longboat Key just co-introduced the Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies (CHARTS) Act, which would require improvement of predictive maps forecasting the movement of whales based on environmental conditions.

Buchanan co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus but said this was also about preventing potentially deadly collisions between vessels and large baleen or sperm whales.

“With a thriving global maritime industry, it’s critical that vessels can travel alongside whale populations without risking dangerous collisions,” Buchanan said.

“The Whale CHARTS Act strengthens NOAA’s ability to map baleen and sperm whale habitats using better data and modern technology, protecting marine wildlife while keeping recreational and commercial boaters safe. As co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I will always fight for solutions that safeguard animals without disrupting mariners and the public who rely on and enjoy our oceans.”

He filed the bipartisan bill with Democratic Reps. Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Sarah Elfreth of Oregon and Doris Matsui of California and with GOP Reps. Buddy Carter of Georgia and Nicole Malliotakis of New York.

“For too long, whale protection has been treated like a zero-sum fight. This bill is about choosing a better way,” Matsui said. “With clearer whale maps and near real-time detection tools, we can help captains avoid whales before a collision happens, protect endangered species, and keep fishermen on the water doing the work they love.”

Nicaragua on notice

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has increased pressure on other Latin American leaders, and Rep. María Elvira Salazar said nations persecuting religious expression are on notice.

During opening remarks at a House Western Hemisphere Subcommittee she chaired, the Coral Gables Republican directed several remarks at Nicaraguan co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.

“They are trying to substitute God for their regime. And this is not an opinion. This is the empirical evidence. Two hundred and sixty religious figures have been expelled for just preaching or praying in public. A thousand Catholic Churches have been attacked, according to the Vatican,” Salazar said.

“In 2024, evangelical pastors belonging to this group called the Mountain Gateway Ministries were arrested on fake charges and were sentenced to decades in prison just for bringing the gospel. That is what Ortega and Murillo do to their people and to those who are close to God.”

She said that hasn’t stopped Nicaraguan evangelicals and Catholics from practicing their faith despite the Sandinista regime.

“The Nicaraguan people, as I said, along with the Chileans, that’s the first situation that Murillo and the Ortega Murillo are facing,” she said.

“And the second one is Donald Trump. Everyone saw what happened in Venezuela. Everyone is understanding what’s happening in Cuba right now, that, apparently, we’re talking to the regime. These are three tyrannies … Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba in the Western Hemisphere that have not allowed for decades for the faith-based community to flourish and to preach in whichever way they want to.”

Canceling flights

Meanwhile, Rep. Carlos Giménez said commercial airlines should be pressuring Cuba by canceling flights to the communist nation.

The Miami-Dade Republican, who chairs the House Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, sent letters to CEOs of American carriers asserting that landing in Havana invites national security risks to the U.S.

“I just sent letters to American Airlines and all major U.S. carriers urging them to cancel all flights to the brutal regime in Cuba,” Giménez said. “Continued commercial flights to Cuba directly benefit the regime, not the Cuban people, and contradict U.S. law and decades of bipartisan policy designed to deny the dictatorship resources and legitimacy.”

He noted the executive order Trump signed last month, saying the Cuban government posed an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to American security.

“The Cuban regime is currently designated by the United States Department of State as a State Sponsor of Terrorism,” he said. “This designation reflects the regime’s long record of supporting hostile actors, harboring U.S. fugitives, and aligning itself with adversarial governments that actively undermine American national security interests.”

On this day

Feb. 6, 1778 — “Franco-American alliances signed” via History.com — During the Revolutionary War, representatives from the United States and France signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance in Paris. The first recognized the United States as an independent nation. It encouraged trade between France and America, while the latter provided for a military alliance against Great Britain, stipulating that the absolute independence of the United States be recognized as a condition for peace and that France would be permitted to conquer the British West Indies. With these treaties, the first by the U.S. government, the Bourbon monarchy of France formalized its commitment to assist the American colonies.

Feb. 6, 1985 — “Ronald Reagan supports ‘freedom fighters’” via POLITICO — Just over two weeks into his second term, President Reagan declared in a State of the Union address his administration’s intent to support “freedom fighters” battling communism throughout the world. The policy of backing anti-Communist insurgents wherever they might be came to be known as the “Reagan Doctrine.” It remained in place until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, which halted the Cold War. Toward the end of his 4,226-word speech, Reagan said: “And tonight, we declare anew to our fellow citizens of the world: Freedom is not the sole prerogative of a chosen few; it is the universal right of all God’s children.”

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who turns 62 on Sunday, Feb. 8.

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