SAVE Act — clock block — shark attack — nutrition — war?

SAVE standoff

Tight margins in the House have made it difficult to pass any legislation this Congress. But could disagreement with the Senate over an election bill shut down the legislative branch entirely?

Multiple members of Florida’s congressional delegation say the push for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) America Act (HR 7296) needs to move in the upper chamber.

“I’m not voting for a single Senate bill until the SAVE America Act passes the Senate,” posted Rep. Randy Fine, an Atlantic Coast Republican.

He was among several GOP lawmakers to take that stance after President Donald Trump said he won’t sign any legislation unless the election bill lands on his desk. Trump took that position in a Truth Social post.

“I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed, AND NOT THE WATERED DOWN VERSION — GO FOR THE GOLD: MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. & PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS EXCEPT FOR MILITARY — ILLNESS, DISABILITY, TRAVEL: NO MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS: NO TRANSGENDER MUTILIZATION FOR CHILDREN! DO NOT FAIL!!!” Trump posted.

But the call to action has some Florida lawmakers trying to push the bill through the Senate despite Democrats’ plan to filibuster and multiple Republicans in the upper chamber opposing nationalizing elections.

Most notably, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Pinellas Republican, wants to attach the SAVE Act to the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

“The Senate is corrupt,” she posted. “Too many Senators are owned by special interests and corporations. Why do you think they are working so hard against one of the most popular issues in the country? Voter ID. The President understands how important VOTER ID is. FISA is a must-pass piece of legislation. The House MUST ATTACH SAVE AMERICA ACT to FISA.”

For what it’s worth, Florida Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, both Republicans, support the SAVE America Act.

But every Democrat representing Florida in the House voted against the bill when it cleared the House, with the caucus dismissing the bill as an attempt at voter suppression.

Lock the clocks

It’s been close to a decade since Scott, as Governor, signed legislation supporting a permanent switch to daylight saving time. But the idea continues to face resistance in Congress.

As millions of Floridians this weekend woke up wondering how it could already be such-and-such o’clock, Scott renewed his push for the Sunshine Protection Act (S 29).

“Floridians and families across the country are counting down the days until they can spring forward and enjoy more sunshine,” Scott said.

“Even just an extra hour in the evening means more time to play with your kids, walk your dog, and, for those in the Sunshine State, enjoy all that our beautiful beaches, parks, and cities have to offer. With support from President Donald Trump and a bipartisan group of colleagues, it’s clear that now is the time for Congress to pass my Sunshine Protection Act. Together, we can finally lock the clock and make daylight saving time permanent so that families can enjoy brighter evenings all year long.”

He noted the legislation now boasts 17 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle and from 16 states.

Shark bait

Fishermen in Florida have seen an increase in shark attacks on hooked fish. Moody wants to know why.

The Plant City Republican signed on as a co-sponsor to the Scott’s Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act (S 2314). The legislation would create a task force of experts to research the rising instances of shark depredation, which have left many an angler cutting bait.

“Encounters between sharks and anglers are on the rise, affecting catch for food, safety of anglers, and balance of fisheries,” Moody said. “I’m proud to support the SHARKED Act to find ways we can mitigate these challenges and keep Florida’s fishing and tourism economy strong.”

Scott filed the bipartisan bill last year with Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii.

Moody’s Office cited a University of Massachusetts study showing that 77% of anglers in North America experienced shark depredation, and 43% of Florida fishermen reported sharks or other predators stealing their catch.

VPS to JFK

Rep. Jimmy Patronis cheered the news of direct flights from Destin to Boston and New York City.

The Fort Walton Beach Republican welcomed news from JetBlue that it would begin nonstop service between Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to both Logan International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

“Destin-Fort Walton Beach is known nationwide for its white sand beaches and emerald-green waters,” said Patronis, a Fort Walton Beach Republican.

“Millions of visitors travel to the Emerald Coast every year, and these new nonstop flights make it even easier for folks to visit Northwest Florida, support our local businesses, and enjoy everything our community has to offer.”

He specifically praised the Okaloosa County Commission and Tracy Stage, Director of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, for their efforts to land the flights.

Nutrition school

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Education Secretary Linda McMahon honored five Florida medical schools for their commitment to nutrition training.

“This landmark reform will transform medical education, equip future physicians to prevent and treat chronic disease, and advance President Donald Trump’s commitment to end the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy said.

Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the University of South Florida were among 53 schools honored at a Washington event.

Members of the delegation cheered the push to improve nutrition and to shift the focus of health care toward prevention.

“As Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, I have been proud to lead the conversation in Congress about the critical role nutrition plays in preventing chronic disease and improving long-term health,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican.

“Just months ago, I led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter urging the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to strengthen nutrition training for future physicians. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon for bringing together educators, physicians and policymakers to ensure tomorrow’s doctors are equipped with the knowledge they need to treat patients through prevention as well as medicine.”

Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican and longtime physician, said his district should be proud to host one of the schools honored.

“As one of just 53 schools nationwide requiring at least 40 hours of nutrition education in undergraduate medical programs, Florida State is leading the way in addressing the often-overlooked public health crisis of poor nutrition. Proud of their commitment to excellence in preparing future health care providers,” Dunn posted.

Fair Medicare

Reimbursement for Medicare payments can vary by medical provider, creating disparities in the system. But Rep. Gus Bilirakis wants to even the playing field for everyone relying on the system.

The Palm Harbor Republican reintroduced the Promoting Fairness for Medicare Providers Act, which would align Medicare payment rates regardless of the setting for care.

“Medicare beneficiaries deserve reliable access to high-quality care in the setting that is most appropriate for them,” Bilirakis said. “Seniors should not lose access to convenient, community-based services because of outdated payment policies. This legislation is about putting patients first, protecting access, and ensuring that Medicare works the way it was intended to work for America’s seniors.”

He crafted the bipartisan bill with Rep. Raul Ruiz, a California Democrat and medical doctor. GOP Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina and Democratic Rep. Danny Davis of Illinois also co-sponsored the bill.

“When Medicare payment policies fail to reflect the cost of certain procedures, it can unintentionally limit where seniors can receive care,” Ruiz said. “This bipartisan bill helps ensure physicians and community-based surgical centers can continue offering these services, so patients don’t face unnecessary delays or travel for treatment.”

The bill includes safeguards to limit the high out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries and ensures that participating facilities meet strong safety and quality standards, Bilirakis’ Office said.

Cloud preservation

Rep. Laurel Lee wants a safe way for law enforcement to use the cloud to store evidence in child porn cases.

The Thonotosassa Republican introduced the Safe Cloud Storage Act (SCSA). The bipartisan bill, a companion to one already filed in the Senate by Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, would establish liability protections for vendors contracted to store digital evidence.

Right now, many Departments still rely on local, insecure methods like thumb drives and external hard drives to store sensitive evidence. But they can’t load certain materials associated with child exploitation on cloud storage, where it could remain intact even if an entire physical evidence locker were destroyed.

“Identifying victims and bringing predators to justice requires modern investigative tools,” Lee said. “The Safe Cloud Storage Act updates how law enforcement securely handles digital evidence, allowing investigators to partner with trusted technology providers while maintaining strong safeguards and accountability.”

Lee wants liability protections similar to those created by her Revising Existing Procedures On Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act in 2024. That provided protections specifically to vendors working with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The new bill would also extend the liability to child sex abuse material kept by law enforcement.

Extending incentives

Opportunity zones across the country spurred development in areas in need of revitalization. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick wants the zones to last longer and have stronger incentives.

The Miramar Democrat filed the Housing Opportunity Act, which would extend the lifetime of Qualified Opportunity Zone designations from 10 to 20 years. Her bill would also allow deferral of capital gains invested in Qualified Opportunity Funds until the end of 2036, instead of the close of this year.

“Communities across our nation deserve access to investment that creates real opportunities and affordable places to live,” Cherfilus-McCormick said. “The Housing Opportunity Act of 2026 builds on the promise of Opportunity Zones by encouraging long-term investment while ensuring that development includes affordable housing for working families.”

As written, Cherfilus-McCormick’s bill will provide enhanced incentives for residential rental projects if they meet income-qualified occupancy requirements for individuals earning the area median income or less. She also wants rules governing rent increases and tenant protections for residential projects treated as Qualified Opportunity Zone property.

What war?

Most House lawmakers are not in Washington right now. But with a war escalating in Iran, Rep. Jared Moskowitz said Congress should still be in Session.

The Parkland Democrat led a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of this week’s recess, stressing the need for lawmakers to be responsive and flexible about the ongoing military operations in the Middle East.

“The Constitution vests Congress with the sole authority to declare war, and the American people expect us to conduct thorough oversight of the executive branch’s military operations,” the letter reads.

‘“Our authority has not and must not be delegated in absentia. Not only should the House join the Senate and remain in Session next week, but the Committees of jurisdiction with oversight authority over our nation’s foreign policy, national security, and military operations should be meeting regularly.”

He serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican from Stuart, chairs. The Democrat said he was troubled that the panel abruptly canceled a markup last week despite the high-stakes operations taking place around the globe.

“By the President’s own admission, current military operations against Iran could be sustained for weeks,” the letter reads. “The rapid developments of such an operation, and its potential impact here at home, require a firm commitment to legislative engagement. If the House of Representatives is absent during such a pivotal moment in our foreign policy, we will be failing our constituents.”

Epstein associates abroad

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz says Congress should force consequences for the many foreign nationals implicated in recently released files relating to Palm Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

The Weston Democrat filed the No Escaping Justice Act, which would require the administration to provide all information on foreign individuals who aided, financially benefited or personally trafficked minors for sex, as well as anyone who actively tried to obstruct investigations of crimes.

“After House Democrats successfully forced the Trump administration to release the Epstein Files, there remains a glaring absence of real transparency and a total lack of accountability,” Wasserman Schultz said.

“Trump’s Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is too focused on covering up Trump’s relationship with Epstein and refuses to investigate the wealthy, powerful individuals who were clearly complicit in these abuses. This is a first step to bring some measure of justice for foreign nationals who conspired with Epstein to sexually exploit American children.”

Wasserman Schultz’s bill would impose a visa ban blocking anyone involved in Epstein’s crimes from entering the U.S. and would also impose financial sanctions. And if Trump tries to exempt anyone from these consequences, the bill will require him to report his reasons to Congress.

Retreat in Doral

Most Republicans in the House visited Florida this week for a policy retreat in Doral, where Trump addressed the room.

At the event, the President discussed the recent action in Iran, a matter about which lawmakers are frequently asked about the motivation. While the administration has cited several reasons, Trump stressed one justification above all.

“Within a week, they were going to attack us, 100%. They were ready,” he said, as reported by PBS. He also suggested the U.S. had learned the Iranian government had more missiles ready than previously thought.

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, said he was proud to hold the House Republican Issues Conference in his district. He gave a speech at the event, kicking off the retreat.

Course correction

A group of business-focused Republicans sent a letter to Trump supporting Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary. But the group also urged reforms in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency most often in the negative headlines during former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure.

“We agreed there should be clear communication from ICE to the American people and to Congress regarding its success in deporting the worst criminal offenders — individuals with records of assault, battery, rape, DUI, and other serious crimes,” reads the letter from the Republican Main Street Caucus, first reported by Fox News. “Smart enforcement and coordination are key to making our communities safer.”

The letter praised the changes Border Czar Tom Homan instituted after taking the lead at ICE following tremendous unrest in Minnesota.

“We believe his leadership will continue to strengthen the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws in a targeted and effective manner,” the letter reads. “As a caucus committed to responsible governing, we are eager to continue working with your administration to advance policies that strengthen immigration enforcement while maintaining public trust in our system.”

Signatories include more than 40 Republicans, including five from Florida: Reps. Carlos Giménez, Mike Haridopolos, Lee, John Rutherford and María Elvira Salazar.

Giménez shared the letter on social media, stressing the need for change throughout DHS.

“DHS is in need of course correction!” the Miami-Dade Republican posted.

Another Florida Ambassador

The White House announced that yet another Florida leader has been appointed to be an Ambassador representing the U.S. in a Latin American nation.

Trump nominated Juan Rodriguez, a South Florida lawyer, as U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala. The announcement was among a batch of important nominations, including the formal appointment of Mullin as the next DHS Secretary.

Rodriguez hails from South Florida’s Cuban American community.

On this day

​​March 10, 1982 — “Ronald Reagan orders total ban on Libyan oil imports” via UPI — President Reagan cut off virtually all U.S. sales to the North African nation in retaliation for strongman Moammar Gadhafi’s support of international terrorism. In announcing the steps, the State Department issued a statement saying the actions were taken because of “a continuing pattern of Libyan activity which violates accepted international norms of behavior.” The crude oil cutoff is not expected to have a measurable effect on American consumers, officials said, since the amount of Libyan oil the United States imports is negligible. The sanctions, long under study by the administration, are the latest installment of an escalating battle of nerves between the administration and Gadhafi.

March 10, 2009 — “Billy Corgan speaks before Congress” via Pitchfork — The Smashing Pumpkins frontman, along with Recording Industry Association of America Chair and CEO Mitch Bainwol, spoke before the House Judiciary Committee during a hearing on the Performance Rights Act. The proposed law would require radio stations to pay royalties to the musicians who play the songs they broadcast, as well as the songwriters. As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, internet, TV and satellite broadcasters all currently pay royalties to musicians, but terrestrial radio stations only pay royalties to songwriters. “The change to the law we are here to discuss only redresses an outmoded, unfair practice that favors one participant’s needs over another,” Corgan said.

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

Editor’s note: There will be no Delegation published on Friday. The next issue will be on March 16.