Parkland — clawback — elections — FirstNet — Douglass

Honoring them with action

The eighth anniversary of the Parkland shooting led members of Florida’s congressional delegation to both commemorate and legislate in the victims’ honor.

Sen. Rick Scott, who served as Governor when the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took place in 2018, introduced a resolution in the Senate to honor the 17 killed.

“No matter how many years pass, the heartbreak of the day remains as we remember the students and educators whose lives were stolen by pure evil. I often think about who they would be today and the bright futures they never had the chance to pursue,” the Naples Republican said.

“While nothing can undo the pain their families, friends, and loved ones continue to endure, we are committed to honoring the lives lost, preserving their memory, and fighting to make sure this never happens again.”

Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, co-introduced the measure this year.

Meanwhile, lawmakers also tackled a range of school safety matters named for individuals lost on campus.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, held an appearance in Florida with Parkland father Fred Guttenberg to promote “Jaime’s law,” named for victim Jaime Guttenberg. The legislation would require a license or a background check to purchase ammunition.

“I’m proud to reintroduce Jaime’s Law, named in honor of Fred’s talented and compassionate daughter,” Wasserman Schultz said. “This crucial legislation is part of the multifaceted legal approach we need to finally end the gun violence epidemic. A required background check to buy ammunition is already in place. But closing this loophole, to actually enforce that law, can and will save lives.”

From across the aisle, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, promoted his own bill with the support of Lori and Ilan Alhadeff, parents of victim Alyssa Alhadeff. “Alissa’s Law” would set lifesaving standards for emergency response in schools nationwide.

“I’m proud to continue my work in school safety, this time as co-sponsor of Alyssa’s Act, which will establish national school safety standards, including silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement,” Díaz-Balart said.

And early last week, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, held a news conference alongside Parkland parents Tony Montalto and Tom Hoyer to promote the Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act. Montalto’s daughter, Gina and Hoyer’s son Luke were among those killed in the shooting.

Moskowitz, who, in the state Legislature, helped shape Florida law after the tragedy at his alma mater, expressed frustration that so many years later, many of the fortifying measures in his bill have yet to be heard. In Congress, such measures have simply struggled to advance, even on noncontroversial policies.

“I’ve never had a negative conversation with a member when we’re talking about school safety,” he said. “No one’s ever said to me, ‘No, no, no. That’s not important,’ or

We shouldn’t invest in it,’ or I don’t know, ‘Let’s not have alert systems in our schools.’ No one’s ever said that to me. But now putting it into action, putting a bill in Committee, deciding that you’re going to take money and put that into it. That’s where we’re not making enough progress. We’ve made some, but we’re not making enough.”

Obamacare clawback

Moody wants the Justice Department to claw back fraudulent subsidies paid out to insurance companies as part of the Affordable Care Act.

The former Florida Attorney General signed onto a letter with 16 other Republican Senators to Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division, arguing that fraud during former President Joe Biden’s administration must be addressed.

“President Biden’s expansion of ACA subsidies in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan Act allowed $0 premiums in silver plans on the ACA marketplace, emboldening certain brokers and agents who sought to profit from enrolling as many consumers as possible onto ACA insurance plans, even without consumer consent,” the letter states.

“While some brokers and agents have faced prosecution for fraudulently securing plans without customers’ knowledge, the Senators suggested the federal government needs the money back. Americans deserve to know that their taxpayer dollars are not being spent in furtherance of fraudulent ACA marketplace enrollment schemes,” the letter states.

Nationalizing elections

The House passed a bill establishing national election standards before leaving Washington, with Republicans from Florida urging passage ahead of the Midterms.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act (HR 7296) would, notably, impose nationwide requirements for photo ID and citizenship verification. It was fast-tracked to the House floor after a different version was passed last year.

“Secure elections are a hallmark of our republic,” said Rep. Dan Webster, a Clermont Republican.

“More than 80% of Americans support common sense requirements to ensure that only American citizens decide federal elections. The SAVE America Act strengthens election security by establishing clear verification standards that protect every lawful vote. And yet most of my Democrat colleagues are opposing this bill. Americans deserve better.”

Democrats in the delegation say the bill undermines election integrity and makes voting more difficult.

“The SAVE Republicans Act is a self-serving disaster that would disenfranchise millions of legal voters, including married women and Americans who move to another state,” said Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat. “Requires passports to vote (which most Americans don’t have) rather than driver’s licenses. If they can’t win fairly, they try to cheat.”

It remains unclear whether the bill has any chance of passage in the upper chamber, where some Republicans have joined Democrats to oppose nationalizing elections, and whether the majority can bypass the 60-vote threshold to end a filibuster.

Scott said he and other conservatives are pushing for the measure to reach the floor and pass.

“We need to make sure that Democrats don’t destroy our elections with illegal voting,” he said.

Upgrading FirstNet

The upgrade of a national broadband network for first responders made significant progress this week. Rep. Neal Dunn’s First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act (HR 7386) advanced as part of a markup by the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

The legislation would update and reauthorize FirstNet, a preemptive broadband network used exclusively by first responders on the ground during emergencies and disaster responses. FirstNet was first created in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and has evolved with each subsequent re-up of legislation.

“Our nation’s heroes and public servants who put their lives on the line to protect Americans need robust and reliable communications,” Dunn said.

“Since 2017, we have seen success from the First Responder Network Authority. Our job in Congress includes critical oversight of the program, including transparency over the contract and maintaining accountability at all levels. FirstNet is imperative to Florida’s Panhandle before, during and after a disaster.”

Dunn worked on the bipartisan bill with Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a Virginia Democrat.

“Born out of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, FirstNet plays a critical role in helping first responders stay connected during emergencies. With increasingly frequent extreme weather events like the recent Winter storm that swept through much of the East Coast and the South and cost three lives here in Virginia, this could easily mean the difference between life and death,” McClellan said.

“Congressman Dunn and I are working across the aisle to not only extend FirstNet’s current authorization, but strengthen the program’s governance, transparency and accountability measures. We have a responsibility to those we serve to not only ensure FirstNet continues to fulfill its core mission, but also to improve it for years to come.”

 No room?

Any hotels discriminating against federal officers should not benefit from government contracts, according to Rep. Cory Mills.

The New Smyrna Republican just introduced the Halting Inappropriate Limits Targeting Officers Now Act (HILTON) Act, which would restrict any taxpayer dollars from going to businesses and organizations refusing service to any federal law enforcement.

The bill hits the hopper after the Hampton Inn Lakeville in Minnesota was turning away Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. While Hilton, which owns the Hampton Inn flag, has said the hotel in question was independently owned, the name of Mills’ bill makes clear he doesn’t love having agents there.

“Our law enforcement officers deserve respect, not political targeting,” Mills said. “If a business chooses to discriminate against those who enforce our laws, it should not expect to do business with the federal government. This legislation reinforces fairness, accountability, and support for those who protect our freedoms.”

He said, regardless of politics, officers deserve fair treatment.

“Federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and defend our nation. It is unacceptable that any entity benefiting from federal contracts would deny basic services to these brave men and women simply because of the badge they wear,” he said. “The HILTON Act makes clear that discrimination against law enforcement will not be subsidized by the American taxpayer.”

North American travel

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Vern Buchanan want all of North America to join the party.

The two Gulf Coast Republicans introduced the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, which aims to strengthen cross-border tourism during the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The legislation would direct the U.S. Trade Representative to establish a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group to engage the tourism and travel industries in treaty negotiations for the first time.

“Travel and tourism are major drivers of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs, generating significant export revenue, and strengthening communities across the country,” Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican who co-chairs the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, said.

“As we prepare to welcome the world for America’s 250th anniversary, establishing a dedicated Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group will provide a focused forum to address trade barriers, expand market access and enhance cooperation, ensuring this critical sector continues to contribute to economic growth, competitiveness and resilience.”

Buchanan, co-chair of Florida’s congressional delegation, said it’s important to harness the economic impact that will generate millions of trips to the nation.

“For districts like ours that welcome millions of visitors each year, tourism isn’t just an industry, it’s a driver of jobs and economic growth,” Buchanan said. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ensuring seamless, efficient travel between the United States, Canada and Mexico is essential to keeping our tourism industry strong. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act to ensure travel and tourism are fully represented during the upcoming USMCA joint review and to keep our economy open for business.”

What pollution?

President Donald Trump and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin last week announced the elimination of a greenhouse gas endangerment finding, a rule dating back to Democratic President Barack Obama’s Administration.

While the administration touted the change as the “single largest deregulatory action” in U.S. history, Rep. Kathy Castor slammed the action as a “gift to polluters.”

“Trump has cemented his legacy as the most pro-polluter, anti-health President in history. He’s inflicting costly and dangerous harm on Americans and our way of life. It’s a corrupt decision that guts vital Clean Air Act protections and flies in the face of established science,” said Castor, who previously chaired the House Climate Crisis Special Committee.

The Tampa Democrat said coastal Florida could particularly suffer from the federal government turning away from regulating pollution.

“Florida is uniquely vulnerable to unabated climate pollution and the enormous costs we pay in property insurance, high electric bills and more intense hurricanes. The escalating cost of living does not matter to Trump. He sides with polluters and their profits every day over the health and well-being of our neighbors,” she said.

“In 2024, Floridians experienced 11 extreme weather disasters that caused more than $135 billion in damage and claimed at least 286 lives. Across the Tampa Bay area, neighbors were hit by back-to-back hurricanes, and many families are still rebuilding their homes and businesses. Last Summer’s record-breaking heat sent more construction workers and outdoor employees to the hospital and cost Florida an estimated $11 billion in lost annual productivity. At the same time, insurance companies are raising rates or pulling out of our state altogether, leaving families with fewer choices and higher costs.”

Castor said the change would give polluters a “free pass” to poison the air, which will lead to higher health care costs and greater risks to the state’s economy.

Love for veterans

Buchanan’s office partnered with schools and youth groups in the Bradenton area to send Valentine’s Day cards to more than 6,800 veterans in Florida’s 16th Congressional District.

“Valentines for Veterans continues to grow each year. We nearly doubled the number of cards students created compared to last year and welcomed six new schools to the effort,” the Longboat Key Republican said.

“At its heart, this program is about honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women who answered our nation’s call to service. Seeing the smiles on veterans’ faces when they receive a card is exactly why I started it. I am especially proud of our young students, who put so much thought and creativity into their valentines. Their artwork reflects the very best of our community.”

The cards were sent to more than 10% of the district’s 64,000 veterans. The cards were made by children at 31 different schools and organizations in Manatee and Hillsborough counties.

Elevating Douglass

The press gallery for the House now bears the name of Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and influential writer from the 19th century. The commemoration of arguably history’s most famous Black Republican resulted from legislation sponsored by Rep. Byron Donalds, the only Black Republican currently representing Florida in Congress.

Donalds spoke alongside Speaker Mike Johnson at a dedication event.

“It is an honor to be here as we dedicate this gallery to a man who truly understood the weight of words. Today, in the U.S. Capitol, we pay a debt of gratitude to a quintessential American hero,” Donalds, a Naples Republican said. “When we talk about Frederick Douglass, we are talking about a man who possessed a profound and unshakable faith in America’s founding.”

An exhibition in the gallery shows some of Douglass’ journalistic contributions.

“By putting his name here, we are setting a standard for every journalist who occupies those seats,” Donalds said.

“Let today be a reminder to all of us that we are stewards of a republic that was bought with the courage of men and women like Frederick Douglass. Let us all make sure that we strive to live up to that example. God bless you all. Thank you for being here today. God bless America.”

Indicting Castro?

Republicans in South Florida say the time may be now to pressure a communist government in Cuba out of power.

Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez and Maria Elvira Salazar, all Miami-Dade Republicans, sent a letter last week to Trump calling for the indictment of longtime Cuban leader Raúl Castro, specifically for his role in the death of Americans in 1996 who were rescuing refugees from the island.

“It is our understanding, based on public information, that on Feb. 24, 1996, Raúl Castro ordered a Cuban MiG fighter jet to engage and obliterate two Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft over international waters,” the letter reads. “Flying those planes were three American citizens, Armando Alejandre, Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Pena and Pablo Morales, a legal U.S. resident,” the letter details.

“Those four brave men were flying small civilian aircraft over the Straits of Florida to identify and help rescue Cuban rafters making the perilous escape from totalitarian Cuba.”

Castro, brother of the late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, served as Defense Minister when the plane was shot down. He later served as President of Cuba and has long been considered its effective political head.

The letter was co-signed by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a New York Republican and Cuban American, and a copy also went to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office.

The lawmakers argue that courts already held Cuba responsible for the killing of Americans. That justifies an indictment, similar to the one used to justify the deposing and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.

On this day

Feb. 17, 1801 — “Thomas Jefferson is elected third President” via History.com — The election constituted the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in the United States. Jefferson had served in two Continental Congresses, as minister to France, as secretary of state under George Washington and as John Adams’ Vice President. Vicious partisan warfare characterized the campaign of 1800 between Democratic-Republicans Jefferson and Aaron Burr and Federalists Adams, Charles C. Pinckney and John Jay. After a bloodless but ugly campaign in which candidates and influential supporters on both sides used the press, often anonymously, as a forum to fire slanderous volleys at each other, the then-laborious and confusing process of voting began in April 1800.

Feb. 17, 1964 — “Supreme Court rules one person, one vote in congressional districts” via The American Redistricting Project — Several Georgia voters filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s congressional redistricting plan, which was enacted in 1931 and contained a district with two to three times more population than other districts, as diluting their voting strength in violation of the U.S. Constitution, which required representatives be “apportioned among the several states … according to their respective numbers.” Justices struck down the congressional plan as unconstitutional and explained that Art. I, § 2 requires that “as nearly as is practicable, one man’s vote in a congressional election is to be worth as much as another’s.”

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Reps. Kat Cammack, who turned 38, and Neal Dunn, who turned 73 on Monday, Feb. 16.

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