TPS — Housing Act — Medicaid — Ranger HOF — open carry

TPS in Florida

A Supreme Court decision allowing President Donald Trump’s administration to end temporary protected status (TPS) for thousands of Syrians and Haitians could disproportionately impact Florida.

The state is home to more TPS holders than any other state, according to the National Immigration Forum, with around 404,000 living here, compared to the next-highest state, Texas, with around 147,000.

That includes being the primary choice of home for displaced Haitians, the largest group directly impacted by the 6-3 ruling issued Thursday in Mullin v. Doe. The case addressed roughly 350,000 Haitians and 4,000 Syrians who had been living in the U.S. legally before the Department of Homeland Security revoked their status. The high court ruling reversed lower court rulings that said the administration wrongly ignored ongoing crises in individuals’ countries of origin.

About 49% of Haitians living in the U.S. reside in Florida, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat representing one of the nation’s highest concentrations of immigrants, immediately responded by introducing the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act to specifically restore protections for those from the violence-struck island.

“My constituents are already receiving emails telling them to self-deport or face arrest, deportation, and permanent exile,” Wilson said. “For Haitian families, this is not immigration policy. It is cruelty. It is inhumane. It is a death sentence. Haiti remains in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, and families who have lived, worked and contributed to this country for years deserve certainty, stability and the opportunity to become permanent members of the country they already call home. I will never stop fighting to keep families united.”

Original co-sponsors include Democratic Reps. Maxwell Frost and Debbie Wasserman Schultz but the legislation lacks Republican co-sponsors.

Of note, the House already voted in April for legislation to extend TPS for Haitians. A Democratic bill was brought to the floor through a discharge petition and passed with the support of 10 GOP lawmakers, including South Florida Republican Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar.

Any path forward in the Senate could be more difficult, given the 60-vote threshold to advance legislation, even with leadership on board.

While the immediate attention turned to Haitians, the ruling could have broader impacts on the state of Florida. The greatest number of TPS holders in the country isn’t Haitians, but Venezuelans, who represent about 605,000 of the 1.3 million people currently in the U.S. with that protection. Again, Florida hosts the bulk of those, with 49% of Venezuelans in the country choosing the Sunshine State as home.

Miami-Dade County is also one of the top five counties in the country for Central Americans. That includes El Salvadorans, who constitute 170,000 TPS holders; Hondurans, who make up 51,000 with TPS; and Nicaraguans, about 3,000 of whom have enjoyed the protections.

No show

Trump’s cancellation of a signing ceremony at the Capitol for a bipartisan bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, left GOP allies confused and Democratic lawmakers angry.

Frost, an Orlando Democrat, rushed to the site of the planned event anyway, co-opting props and décor that had been set up for the President to sign the bill. “I came all the way from my office to see the President of the United States sign a bill to bring down housing costs,” Frost said, “but he’s not here.”

Some celebrated the passage of the bill by Congress anyway, including Salazar. The bill can go into effect without Trump’s signature.

“In South Florida, housing costs are one of the biggest concerns I hear about. Too many families are working hard, playing by the rules, and still struggling to afford a home,” the Coral Gables Republican posted on Facebook.

Others cheered the bill and hoped to talk up its signing with national media at the event, but that would not come to be. Instead, many voiced fear that Trump may veto the bill after saying he could not support it unless the Senate passes a version of the election-reform priority, the SAVE America Act.

That’s not a good reason to stop all legislation, according to Rep. Kathy Castor. The Tampa Democrat said Trump needs to enact the legislation.

“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes several policies I championed, including limiting the ability of hedge funds to buy a large number of homes while driving costs through the roof. The bipartisan bill also incentivizes the permitting and construction of new homes and residences. Homes are for people, not for hedge fund managers,” Castor said.

“The President’s last-minute decision today to cancel the signing of the critical 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to push a bill to limit access to the ballot box ignored the real needs of American families and young people trying to buy a home in an increasingly unaffordable economy. I urge President Trump to reverse course and sign the bill to rein in the cost of housing for American families.”

Of note, while the bill boasted broad support, there were members of Florida’s congressional delegation who had voted against it. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, was among five “no” votes in the Senate, and posted online that he couldn’t support the bill after the body failed to consider an amendment requiring annual progress on how the program works.

Meanwhile, six Florida House members, more than any other state, voted “no.” All were Republican: Aaron Bean, Kat Cammack, Byron Donalds, Randy Fine, Anna Paulina Luna and Greg Steube. Many signaled solidarity with the President over the SAVE America Act.

“The House has done our Job,” Luna posted. “The Senate is refusing to do theirs. Pass SAVE America Act.”

Medicaid fraud

Scott wants to crack down on fraud in Medicaid.

The Naples Republican, in his capacity as Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, just introduced the Medicaid RAC Improvement Act, which would close loopholes in the Recovery Audit Contractor.

“When waste, fraud, and abuse siphon off resources from programs that hard-working Americans rely on, it hurts everyone. We’re seeing it happen in real time, from Ohio to California, and all while our country has $40 trillion in debt, we can’t afford to be handing out a single dime in bad payments,” Scott said.

“The American people deserve accountability and efficiency in how we use their hard-earned money. This bill will add oversight to Medicaid, ensuring resources are going to the people who need it the most — not fraudsters who scam the system. This will boost confidence in these programs and protect Americans who need an extra hand.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Gus Bilirakis will champion the companion bill in the House. The Palm Harbor Republican said the bill would ensure funding for the program was available to help those most in need.

“Medicaid serves as a vital lifeline for millions of Americans, and we have a responsibility to ensure every dollar dedicated to the program is used appropriately and reaches those it is intended to help. Unfortunately, gaps in oversight and inconsistent enforcement have left taxpayers vulnerable and weakened our ability to identify improper payments,” Bilirakis said.

“The Medicaid RAC Improvement Act strengthens transparency, accountability, and oversight so we can better safeguard taxpayer resources while preserving the integrity of this essential program. Protecting Medicaid’s integrity is not only about safeguarding taxpayer dollars — it is about ensuring the program remains strong and sustainable for the individuals and families who depend on it.”

Bean and Cammack, both Republicans, signed on as originating co-sponsors.

Extraordinary valor

A Florida veteran is being inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame, and Sen. Ashley Moody made sure to celebrate the soldier’s service in the Congressional Record.

Douglas Philippone of West Palm Beach served in the Army from 1991 to 2008, including deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. He also commanded joint special operations in support of the global war on terror. Philippone’s time in Iraq included a period when suicide bombers were coming from Syria and trying to disrupt the elections. Over the course of his service, Philippone’s commendations included three Bronze Stars with two valor awards and the joint commendation medal with valor award.

Moody recognized Philippone’s accomplishments.

“Congratulations to Douglas Philippone for being inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame! Over the course of a distinguished military career, Doug served with extraordinary valor, leading critical operations in support of the global war on terror and helping protect our nation during some of its most challenging moments,” the Plant City Republican said.

“As a 5th-generation Floridian, someone in an Army family, and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m honored to enter Douglas’s story into our Congressional Record to commemorate his exceptional service.”

Carry anywhere

A Supreme Court ruling expanding the rights of concealed carry permit holders to bring weapons onto private property prompted applause from Rep. Jimmy Patronis. Now, he wants Congress to let Americans buy machine guns.

The Fort Walton Beach Republican cheered the 6-3 court ruling in Wolford v. Lopez, which tossed a Hawaii law requiring gun owners to obtain permission before bringing firearms onto property open to the public, including private land.

“Today’s ruling is a major victory for the Second Amendment and sends a clear message that the Constitution isn’t selective,” Patronis said. “I’ve always believed the right to bear arms shouldn’t come with conditions and be limited by woke regulations that undermine our freedoms. This decision reaffirms that the right to keep and bear arms is not a second-class right and must be protected just like every other freedom guaranteed by our Constitution.”

Patronis earlier this year filed the Firearm Freedom Act (HR 9009), which would fully repeal a ban on possession or ownership transfers of any machine guns registered after 1986.

Steube also praised the ruling.

“The Constitution doesn’t come with a ZIP code,” the Sarasota Republican said. “Hawaii thought it could treat the Second Amendment like a privilege instead of a right. The Supreme Court just reminded every anti-gun liberal state: that the Second Amendment shall not be infringed!”

Congressional gallery

Hundreds of high school students enjoyed a moment in the Capitol as their own artworks hung in the tunnels connecting House office buildings. Each painting won a Congressional Art Competition in its home District, meaning 28 paintings from Florida were added to the collection.

“Proud to host the winner of the FL-06 Congressional Art Competition and her family in the office today,” posted Fine alongside a photo of Addyson Weaver, whose picture “Racing for the Win” won the accolade among entries in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. “Congratulations on this outstanding achievement — your talent represents our District well.”

Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, hosted Bryan Santizo, a sophomore from Hialeah attending Florida’s iMater Charter Middle and High School, whose artwork “Horse” will adorn the halls in Washington for a year.

Saving horses

After the Trump administration suspended the export of any horses to Mexico, Rep. Vern Buchanan led a letter supporting that policy as both a way to combat the spread of New World Screwworm in livestock and prevent the commercial slaughter of American steed.

Now, Buchanan wants the U.S. to go a step further.

“We respectfully urge your administration to build on these efforts by issuing an Executive Order permanently prohibiting the export of American horses to Mexico for slaughter,” the letter states.

Buchanan, co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, has supported for years the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (HR 1661), which would ban the export of horses to be slaughtered for meat. About 25,000 horses leave the country for that purpose each year, according to Buchanan.

A ban on shipping horses would follow similar stances against exporting other animals considered cuisine outside the U.S., but beloved family members by many Americans.

“The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act reflected the strong bipartisan view that animals traditionally regarded as companions should not be slaughtered for human consumption. Horses likewise have never been raised for food in the United States,” the letter reads. “We believe the export of American horses for slaughter is inconsistent with the values held by most Americans, and we hope this issue is viewed through that same lens.”

A total of 16 Republicans also signed the letter, including Fine and Giménez.

Sneaker celebration

The halls of Congress turned briefly into a sneaker museum as Rep. Jared Moskowitz hosted Sneaker Day on the Hill.

It’s the fourth year the Parkland Democrat hosted the event, one which also featured a panel discussion on the significance of the footwear industry to American culture and the economy. But while the event proved jovial, Moskowitz shared that he has faced resistance from those upset at him for wearing rubber soles through the Capitol.

“People were really offended when I first started doing it, like it was somehow hurting decorum. I was like, based on some of the things that get said around here, I don’t think decorum is really our problem,” Moskowitz said.

“We don’t wear powdered wigs here anymore. Styles change, right? Things change.”

But he has found a love of footwear that transcends standard political lines. The staff marching through office buildings and up flights of stairs in Washington almost universally wear sneakers for comfort.

Moskowitz’s own shoes, a pair of Union LA Air Jordan 4s, show retro kicks, tell a personal story, one of a connection with his late father, who would take him to the mall each day when Air Jordans were released.

“I’m a sneakerhead, and I wear them in the Capitol to show some individuality up here,” he said, “but also, it was a good way for me to, like, bring my dad and my memories of my dad through the process.”

Women’s rights

As co-Chair of the Women, Peace, and Security Caucus, Rep. Lois Frankel introduced legislation this week that would specifically honor State Department employees advancing women’s rights.

Her bill, introduced with Democratic Rep. Sydney Kai Kamlager-Dove of California, would establish the Esther Coopersmith Award. It’s named for Esther Coopersmith, the late diplomat who served at the agency for seven decades, championing women’s causes and supporting efforts until her death in 2024. Coopersmith’s achievements included being the second woman to earn the U.N. Peace Medal and being named by President Ronald Reagan as an adviser to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

“Women are the backbone of families and communities — and when they have a voice in decisions about peace and security, the world is safer and stronger,” Frankel said. “Esther Coopersmith spent her life bringing people together and opening doors for women leaders. This award honors her remarkable legacy and the dedicated diplomats and public servants carrying that mission forward.”

Capsule dedication

Congress officially dedicated a time capsule this week in a ceremony at Emancipation Hall, sealing objects that provide a snapshot of America at its 250th anniversary to be opened on its 500th.

Salazar, who co-led the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, celebrated the initiative’s enactment.

“Every generation inherits America from those who came before, and every generation has the responsibility to protect it, strengthen it, and leave it better than they found it,” the Coral Gables Republican said.

“That is what makes this time capsule so special. It is a gift to the future and a reflection of who we are as a people. As the daughter of Cuban exiles who lost everything to tyranny and found freedom and opportunity in the United States, I have always understood that America’s greatest strength is not its wealth or its power, but the hope it gives ordinary people. My hope is that 250 years from now, when this capsule is opened, future generations will see a nation that stayed true to that promise, a country that remained a beacon of freedom and opportunity and never stopped striving to become even better.”

Florida’s contributions, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, include challenge coins from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Cabinet members, a Florida House pin and a Florida Senate booklet.

On this day

June 26, 1934 — “Franklin Roosevelt signs Federal Credit Union Act” via GE Credit Union — It was the throes of the Great Depression, and Americans were searching for help wherever possible. Many turned to the nation’s first federal credit unions, established in response to workers’ financial needs. As more of these financial institutions took hold, Congress acted to provide a legal framework. In signing this Act, President Roosevelt enabled credit unions to be organized under charters approved by the federal government. That laid the groundwork for an unparalleled era of financial empowerment. Most recently, it enabled credit unions to provide a staggering $23 billion in direct benefits to 140 million members in 2023.

June 26, 1993 — “Bill Clinton punishes Iraq for plot to kill George H.W. Bush” via History.com — After Kuwaiti authorities foiled a car-bomb plot to assassinate former President Bush, 14 suspects, most of them Iraqi nationals, were arrested. The next day, their massive car bomb was discovered in Kuwait City. Citing “compelling evidence” of the direct involvement of Iraqi intelligence in the assassination attempt, President Clinton ordered a retaliatory attack against their alleged headquarters in the Iraqi capital. Twenty-three Tomahawk missiles, each costing more than $1 million, were fired off the USS Peterson in the Red Sea and the cruiser USS Chancellorsville in the Persian Gulf, destroying the building and, according to Iraqi accounts, killing several civilians.

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