Welcome to D.C. — Israel — blame game — health care — Nobel Peace Prize

Delegating from D.C.

This jam-packed edition of Delegation is making a little history as the first edition filed from Washington, D.C.

With the relocation of Delegation editor Jacob Ogles to the nation’s capital, readers can expect coverage of Florida’s federal officials from close up, whether in the items covered in this twice-a-week newsletter or in day-to-day coverage at FloridaPolitics.com.

If you have a scoop or advance on which hallways he should be lurking around each day, feel free to send tips to [email protected].

And just because the federal government has remained shut down for more than a week doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of news emanating from Capitol Hill.

So, without further ado …

Eyes on Israel

Much of the delegation focused on Israel, both in recognition of the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and the apparent ceasefire deal just reached.

Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, praised President Donald Trump for his role in bringing together Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas on an arrangement to end the conflict.

“President Trump just did what career diplomats never could — he brought the world closer than it’s ever been to peace in Gaza,” Mast said. “This deal only works if Hamas follows through. We don’t trust terrorists, we trust results.”

And it wasn’t just Republicans celebrating the achievement. After Israel and Hamas signed off on the peace plan, Rep. Lois Frankel cheered.

“My heart is full of hope and joy that after more than two years of devastating war, the remaining hostages held by Hamas may finally return home and the fighting will end,” she said. “May this moment lead to lasting peace, security and long-awaited relief to all innocent people who have suffered since Oct. 7.”

Days prior, the West Palm Beach Democrat issued a rare statement welcoming Trump’s initial framework of a deal.

But members of the Florida delegation also remained cautious. Support for Israel has long been a bipartisan issue among Florida’s elected officials, and many said they want to see Hamas follow through on its agreement to release all hostages, including those killed whose remains have been kept as bargaining chips.

Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, issued a joint statement with other co-Chairs of the Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, expressing desire for a deal but tempering expectations of Hamas.

“We are hopeful that ongoing negotiations will result in an agreement that frees the remaining hostages, living and deceased, and ends the Hamas terror threat. The United States’ unwavering, bipartisan solidarity with our ally Israel will endure,” the statement reads.

Similarly, Rep. Gus Bilirakis, in his capacity as co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance and of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, demanded the release of hostages on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack.

“It is unconscionable that Hamas continues to delay progress toward peace by refusing to accept the Trump-negotiated peace plan. The immediate release of all hostages is essential for any meaningful path forward,” he said.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, signed onto three different bipartisan bills related to the conflict. That included one commemorating the Oct. 7 attacks with a call for unconditional surrender, another honoring all American victims of the attacks, and a third calling for the U.S. Holocaust Museum to memorialize the attacks and educate about subsequent antisemitism.

“Two years ago, the world watched in horror as innocent lives were taken, and families were torn apart by Hamas’ unspeakable attack on Israel. We can never forget what happened that day,” the Jewish lawmaker said.

“I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support of these bipartisan bills that will help us remember Oct. 7, honor victims of this attack, and educate our next generation about the scourge of antisemitism. Oct. 7, 2023, was the single deadliest day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust, and we have to make clear that it can never happen again.”

In the dark

The biggest statewide story in Washington remains what isn’t happening, which includes most work conducted by the federal government.

Democrats and Republicans in the delegation took steps to publicize just how long the government has been shut down, with each side blaming members of the opposing party.

Rep. Jimmy Patronis has sent a daily report on the “Schumer Shutdown,” claiming that the blame rests primarily on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Patronis and every other House Republican from Florida supported a resolution last month that, if passed by the Senate, would end the shutdown, he said.

On Thursday, Day Nine of the shutdown, the Fort Walton Republican issued a release noting how the Transportation Security Administration has been impacted.

“Our air traffic control system is already in crisis: it’s understaffed, outdated, and long overdue for modernization. Now, thanks to this shutdown, TSA agents and air traffic controllers are working without pay, while critical upgrades are delayed,” Patronis said.

“The consequences are real, such as longer flight delays and stalled infrastructure projects, which create risks to both travelers and the economy. Choosing far-left politics over public safety isn’t leadership, it’s reckless and dangerous.”

But Rep. Maxwell Frost has made the rounds on national and local media slamming Republican inaction, saying the GOP is choosing federal furloughs and layoffs over preserving health care credits tied to the Affordable Care Act.

“I am working to keep critical services up and running for families in our community while lowering health care costs. Democrats have made clear that we support government funding legislation that cancels the cuts, lowers the cost, and saves health care for the American people,” the Orlando Democrat posted on his website.

“As your member of Congress, I want to ensure you have the information you need regarding any potential 2025 federal government shutdown and how it might affect you.”

Republicans scoffed at Democrats for continuing to hold up the budget, given that the GOP had majorities in both chambers and Trump was awaiting a budget deal to sign.

“The House did our job two weeks ago to keep the government open for the taxpayers we serve,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican and co-Chair of the Florida congressional delegation. “I’m disappointed that Senate Democrats have chosen to needlessly shut it down over unrelated partisan demands. While we await more information on agency closures, there will likely be consequences for our service members, federal employees and their families, as well as Floridians who rely on the National Flood Insurance Program.”

But Democrats said it’s incumbent on Republicans, when they control both chambers of Congress and the White House, to find a way toward a deal that can pass in both chambers.

“Listen, if the President can make a deal with Hamas, the guy who wrote ‘The Art of the Deal’ can definitely make a deal with Democrats on health care,” Moskowitz told Fox News.

Health care heat

At the heart of the disagreement is a seemingly genuine philosophical break. Sen. Rick Scott on Fox News directly addressed the issue around health care costs, saying Democrats’ demands would mean the federal government covering care for illegal immigrants and unaccountable payouts to insurance companies, all to paper over the failures of former Democratic President Barack Obama’s signature health care policy.

“Premiums are up since ‘Obamacare’ came in by 140%,” the Naples Republican said. “Co-payments and deductibles are up. So, what they did — and they only did it for this period of time — but the Democrats, when they were in charge, said it was tied to COVID. No, they put these subsidies in to mask the unbelievable cost of health care.”

But Democratic members held roundtables with medical professionals around Florida that informed a different take.

“Over 200,000 people right here in my district will face a massive hit to their monthly budget or lose health care coverage entirely. Kaiser estimates that premiums will double for our families. Who can possibly afford that?” Wasserman Schultz said.

“In the conversations I just had with health care leaders in my district, they were very clear that there were thousands and thousands of people in our community who will cease being able to have affordable health care.”

Without a fix, a 60-year-old couple earning $82,800 a year in Florida’s 25th Congressional District could see annual premiums rise by $18,217, or 259%.

Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, said some 4.1 million Florida families have already received notice that their premiums will soon shoot up in price.

“I am committed to standing up for affordable health care and working families,” Castor said. “Republicans must end their obstruction, join us in lowering costs and keep the government functioning for our people.”

But Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, said Democrats should have thought of that when they controlled the White House and both chambers of Congress.

“In 2022, Democrats controlled the Presidency, the House, and the Senate,” he posted. “If they were so concerned about Obamacare credits, they could’ve made it permanent, but they chose not to. Why? They wanted to wield it as a political weapon. House GOP did our job, and we will not back down.”

Women speaking out

Meanwhile, Rep. Kat Cammack, in her capacity as co-founder of the Republican Women’s Caucus, led a letter to female Democrats in the Senate. It urges an end to the shutdown and carries the signatures of multiple Representatives from the Sunshine State.

“This isn’t just a shutdown — it’s a $1.5 trillion shakedown,” said Cammack, a Gainesville Republican. “True legislating means putting people ahead of politics — and right now, this shutdown is hurting those most vulnerable: children, single mothers, and working families. The women of Congress have an opportunity to lead where others have stalled and to show the country that compassion and common sense can come before partisanship.”

Other Republicans representing potential battleground states chimed in with statements and signed onto the letter.

“Programs like WIC are vital for families working to make ends meet. I appreciate the White House’s efforts to provide short-term relief and ensure that mothers and children continue receiving support — but that is not a substitute for doing our job,” said Rep. Laurel Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican.

“The House has already passed a straightforward, bipartisan bill to reopen the government and protect these families. It’s time for Senate Democrats to act so we can restore stability and provide lasting security for those we serve.”

Added Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican: “Behind every political showdown are real people. There are mothers who don’t know how they’ll feed their babies without WIC, and military families afraid their next paycheck won’t come on time. These families deserve certainty, not chaos. The House did its job to keep the government open by passing a clean funding bill, which I strongly supported. Now it’s time for Senate Democrats to stop the political games and put the American people first.”

All work, no pay

Several members of the delegation have focused their energy on ensuring the politics in Washington don’t leave federal workers struggling financially.

Rep. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, introduced the Pay Our Troops Act (HR 5401), which would require that service members continue to be paid on time, deal or no deal.

“Our nation’s warriors selflessly serve our nation. As a member of Congress, it is my solemn duty to honor their service and heroism,” Bean said.

“That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation to pay our troops and ensure the men and women who are on the front lines do not suffer financial distress as a result of Washington’s dysfunction.”

At the same time, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat, went a step further and dropped her Stop Stealing Our Jobs Act in the hopper. That bill would block the President and any agency head from permanently firing government workers during the shutdown.

“Federal employees are dedicated public servants who ensure seniors and veterans receive the benefits and health care they deserve, keep our communities safe and healthy, and manage programs that help lower costs for working families. They’re the heartbeat of our government and the backbone of our nation,” Cherfilus-McCormick said. “Using a government shutdown to fire hardworking federal workers is unprecedented and cruel.”

Patronis, for his part, urged Florida bankers not to penalize workers who aren’t being paid now. He noted that checks will be reduced on Oct. 10 for many federal employees, while service members waiting for an Oct. 15 payday are not expected to receive further compensation until the shutdown ends.

“Just because Democrats in D.C. are acting like a bunch of knuckleheads doesn’t mean you should too,” he wrote in a letter to the Florida Bankers Association.

Cheering religious education

As Florida Attorney General, Sen. Ashley Moody petitioned the Supreme Court to allow coaches to lead prayers. As a Senator, she has supported the use of education vouchers at religious institutions.

Now, the Plant City Republican has joined a resolution celebrating the contributions of religious schools.

“Parents should have the option to choose whichever education model they believe is best for their children — this is something we have fought for and delivered in Florida, and a mission I’m proud to continue in Washington today,” Moody said.

“I’m recognizing Religious Education Week to shine a light on the role that private religious institutions can play in preparing our children to lead productive and purpose-driven lives.”

She cosponsored a resolution introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, designating Oct. 5-11 as Religious Education Week.

“I am proud to introduce this resolution to emphasize the importance of continued religious education and the organizations that provide it,” Graham said.

Scott and 24 other Republican Senators were also among the co-sponsors for the bill.

ICE case

Rep. Randy Fine said he plans to file legislation that creates consequences for anyone trying to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting raids.

“Under my ICE Act, we’re going to treat thugs that sabotage ICE and aid criminal aliens the same as illegal immigrants themselves,” the Atlantic Coast Republican posted on social media. “If you want to help criminal aliens, you can share a cell block with them.”

He posted the explanation of his proposal after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said impeding any ICE activity risked felony prosecution.

Russian olive branch

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said she has no problem meeting with the Russian government about normalizing relations with what Ronald Reagan once called the “Evil Empire.”

The Pinellas Republican said she will meet with Kirill Dmitriev, Special Envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, later this month.

“It is important, not just for my fellow Americans, but to the world, that we continue to foster the relationship and conversations of peace and trade between Russia and the United States as President Trump has so openly called for,” Luna posted on social media.

“Our two countries do not need to be enemies. Allies in trade benefit everyone. I know I am not the only member of Congress or American who believes that maintaining this open dialogue is essential.”

While Trump has drawn criticism for years for his own willingness to meet with Russia, Luna’s meeting is happening at a point of particular iciness between Putin and the Republican leader. At the United Nations last month, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and shifted from discussing a peace treaty with Ukraine and Russia to saying the eastern European nation could retake all land invaded by Russia in a yearslong war.

But Luna said she wants to see continued talks between Russian and U.S. leaders and is pursuing these discussions.

“As elected officials, we owe this not just to our own people, but to humanity to ensure that talk of peace and a willingness to extend an olive branch be maintained and never ends, as war is the default to failed policy,” she said. “My colleagues and I look forward to this meeting.”

SEA legs

A trip back home allowed Rep. Greg Steube to be present at the ribbon-cutting for the Mote Science Education Aquarium. The Sarasota Republican attended the event at Nathan Benderson Park a week ago.

“I am honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mote Science Education Aquarium,” said Steube, a Sarasota Republican.

“This new facility will offer people of all ages the chance to learn about aquatic animals and wildlife with an up-close and immersive experience. Above all, I believe this new aquarium will teach young people to be responsible stewards of their environment. From their critical research and conservation efforts to the opportunities they provide to local K-12 students, I thank the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for continuing to invest in the Suncoast community. I am hopeful that this new, state-of-the-art complex will open eyes to the beauty of God’s creation and the importance of conservation.”

Sweet dreams

Members of the delegation from both sides of the aisle joined together on behalf of Florida’s farmers.

Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, joined Cammack to lead a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins asking that Florida’s specialty crop growers receive any economic assistance being developed.

“Florida’s specialty crop producers keep America fed and our local economies strong, yet they’re frequently last in line for federal relief,” Franklin said. “With labor shortages, higher input costs, and repeated hurricane losses, our growers need programs that fit specialty agriculture. USDA should deliver equitable, timely assistance so Florida farmers can recover and rebuild.”

Industry leaders said access to programs was essential. That’s because specialty crop producers face additional costs when it comes to purchasing fuel and fertilizer, and fierce competition when it comes to hiring seasonal workers. In Florida, plant diseases, hurricanes and imports have also had a disproportionate effect on the market.

While many federal programs are typically aimed at row crops and other year-round production, the letter said the non-Title I commodities grown seasonally need particular attention. And Florida is one of the leading sources for many such crops, including citrus, tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries and ornamental plants.

“Specialty crops account for a significant portion of crop value in Florida, contribute substantially to the state’s economy, and are cultivated in rural communities across the region. In the face of ongoing challenges, these family farms produce foods essential to the nation’s health and well-being,” said Michael A. Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.

“We appreciate Congressman Franklin’s leadership and collaboration with the Florida Congressional Delegation to champion the inclusion of specialty crops in any agricultural economic aid package.”

Co-signers on the letter include Republican Reps. Bilirakis, Donalds, Neal Dunn, Carlos Giménez, Mike Haridopolos, Lee, Cory Mills, John Rutherford and Daniel Webster, along with Democratic Reps. Moskowitz, Darren Soto and Wasserman Schultz.

“Florida Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representatives Franklin and Cammack for recognizing the importance of Florida’s specialty crop industry and ensuring our producers are included in USDA’s upcoming economic aid discussions,” said Jeb Smith, President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

“Specialty crops are vital to our state’s economy and to the diversity of American agriculture, and it’s critical that they receive equitable treatment in any relief efforts.”

Job hunting season

Rep. Frederica Wilson hosted a job fair on a college campus in her Miami-Dade district.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs — that has always been my mantra, and I’m proud to partner with Miami-Dade College and CareerSource South Florida to host a job fair here in South Florida,” the Miami-Dade Democrat said. “We’re not just filling positions at this fair; we’re building futures and strengthening our community.”

She held the event with Miami-Dade College and CareerSource South Florida at Miami-Dade North Campus.

“As the workforce engine of the community, we are excited to host Congresswoman Wilson’s Job Fair on our campus, as it offers an opportunity for students and the community to explore career pathways. The fair connects employers with a talented pool of skilled professionals while strengthening partnerships between Miami-Dade College and local businesses,” said Fermin Vazquez, President of MDC North Campus.

The event drew many employers, including those from all branches of the U.S. military and local government agencies such as the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami’s 911 division, Florida’s Department of Corrections and Department of Children and Families. Major private employers like Hyatt, Turner Construction and Waffle House were also hiring.

“CareerSource South Florida is proud to partner with Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Miami-Dade College to connect our neighbors with real career opportunities. With more than 30 employers on-site, jobseekers can meet decision-makers, explore immediate openings, and take the next step toward a family-sustaining career,” said CareerSource South Florida Executive Director Rick Beasley.

Cheering Machado

News broke early Friday that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize. In the state with the highest concentration of Venezuelans — 49% of all Venezuelans in the United States — the news was shared by Florida lawmakers across the political spectrum.

Castor, a Tampa Democrat, and Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, shared news through their social media accounts. Salazar posted personal congratulations.

“Congratulations to María Corina Machado, a fearless and relentless leader who has faced tyranny without weapons, hatred, or surrender,” Salazar wrote.

“Today, the world honors her courage and the indomitable spirit of the Venezuelan people who still believe in freedom and a better future. The Nobel Peace Prize is a tribute to their struggle and a promise that Venezuela will be free again.”

In October 2023, Machado won an opposition Primary but was later disqualified from the ballot by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s judicial allies. Maduro later claimed victory and was sworn into a new term despite international election observers saying opposition candidate Edmundo González, whom Machado supported after her disqualification, likely received more votes.

“Venezuela’s authoritarian regime makes political work extremely difficult,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced.

“As a founder of Súmate, an organization devoted to democratic development, Ms. Machado stood up for free and fair elections more than 20 years ago. As she said: ‘It was a choice of ballots over bullets.’ In political office and in her service to organizations since then, Ms. Machado has spoken out for judicial independence, human rights and popular representation. She has spent years working for the freedom of the Venezuelan people.”

On this day

Oct. 10, 1973 — “Spiro Agnew quits as Vice President, admits to tax evasion” via The New York Times — Agnew resigned under an agreement with the Department of Justice to admit evasion of federal income taxes and avoid imprisonment. The stunning development, which ended a federal grand jury investigation of Agnew and terminated his political career, shocked his closest associates and precipitated an immediate search by President Richard Nixon for a successor. Minutes later, Agnew stood before U.S. District Judge Walter Hoffman in a Baltimore courtroom, his hands barely trembling, and read from a statement in which he pleaded nolo contendere, or no contest, to a charge of failing to report $29,500 of income received in 1967.

Oct. 10, 1957 — “Dwight Eisenhower apologizes to Ghana diplomat at White House” via Ghana Web — Ghanaian Finance Minister Komla Agbeli Gbedemah and his secretary went to the counter of a Howard Johnson in Delaware. They were served juice but told by a server they could not sit inside the restaurant because “colored people are not allowed to eat in here.” Gbedemah showed an identity card introducing himself as the Minister of Finance, but the server would not budge. The incident was picked up by the press and spread in the diplomatic community. It eventually reached the ears of President Eisenhower, who invited Gbedemah to the White House to offer him an official apology for the racist treatment.

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