Florida Congressman Ted Deutch (D) took to Twitter and joined the bipartisan chorus of congressional representatives (all of them) to oppose the Trump administrations move to seek oil drilling off the coast of Florida. Every single one of Florida's congressional delegation opposes the president's energy exploration measure, including some of this staunchest Republican supporters, Reps. Ted Yoho and Matt Gaetz.
Even the pro-business Florida Governor Rick Scott, who is expected to challenge Deutch's friend and colleague Sen. Bill Nelson for his senate seat later this year, vehemently opposes the proposed drilling measure.
I’m proud to join @SenBillNelson in fighting against this terrible decision. In Florida, we love our beautiful beaches, and our state’s economy relies on our vibrant tourism sector and a clean environment.
— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) January 4, 2018
"I have already asked to immediately meet with secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. My top priority is to ensure that Florida’s natural resources are protected, which is why I proposed $1.7 billion for the environment in this year’s budget."-Gov.Rick Scott
Here are what a couple of other members of Florida's congressional delegation have said about the proposed move to drill:
"I strongly oppose the Administration’s plan to open nearly all federal waters to oil and gas drilling, including the eastern Gulf of Mexico and areas off Florida’s Atlantic coast. I will work across party lines in Congress to prevent this plan from taking effect, because it would harm quality of life in Florida, our state’s unique natural resources, jobs in our tourism-reliant economy, and the military training ranges that are essential to our nation’s security.”–Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D)
“Given Florida’s gulf coast is a world-renowned tourist attraction and the base of important military training and weapons testing, I have long opposed drilling off Florida’s Gulf Coast. This plan underscores the critical need to renew the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area moratorium that expires in 2022. I have expressed my opposition to opening these waters to drilling to Secretary Zinke. I look forward to continuing to work with him and my colleagues in Florida Delegation to extend the moratorium and protect Florida’s unique ecosystem.”–Rep. Daniel Webster (R)
With so many members of the U.S. Congress opposing the move, could the Trump administration buckle under the pressure and leave Florida off its oil exploration agenda?
