JUICE — Florida Politics' Juicy Read — 5.21.2021 — Florida's Most Vulnerable Congressional Seats — Mast Says Dems Want to Sanction Israel — More...

Salazar Votes Against Funding Capitol Security  by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Although the House passed House Bill H.R. 3237 with a final vote of 213 in favor and 212 against, Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) voted against providing additional funding to improve Capitol Security.

Poll Specifies Four 2022 Competitive House Races by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—In the upcoming 2022 midterm election, both Democrats and Republicans are looking to expand their number in the House and in the Senate. Although a recent Greenberg Poll indicated that the GOP is “defining the battle for 2022,” Democrats are hopeful that they’ll be able to turn the state blue by defeating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (D) and by also defeating Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R). However, in a recent prognostication of the most competitive House districts heading into 2022, four lawmakers are expected to take part in competitive House races that could ultimately determine who takes control of Congress.

Tell Your Legislator to Vote Yes on Tort Reform by Opinion

Israel, Hamas Agreed To Bilateral Ceasefire by The Floridian's Mona Salama

House Democrats Look To Sanction Israel, Not Hamas by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres —Washington, D.C.—Florida Rep. Brian Mast (R) has announced that House Democrats are actively looking to sanction the state of Israel instead of the Hamas terrorist group that is responsible for launching thousands of rockets into heavily populated Israeli areas over the past two weeks.

Rick Scott Says Apple Fails to Defend American Freedoms, Sells out to China by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

Trump Slams Democrat New York AG and Manhattan DA For Joint ‘Witch Hunt’ Criminal Investigation Into Trump Organization by The Floridian's Mona Salama

Two Florida Republicans Vote In Favor of Investigating Capitol Riot by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives voted and passed H.R. 3233, the measure to convene a national 9/11 style commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol riot that took place, but while the 252-175 vote was expected to come down along political party lines, some thirty or so of their members voting alongside Democrats to push the vote through, including two Florida Republicans.

Biden Scolds Coast Guard Cadets as ‘Really Dull Class’ When His Joke Doesn’t Land by The Floridian's Mona Salama—In his first commencement speech as commander-in-chief, President Biden branded this year’s Coast Guard graduate group as a “really dull class” after they failed to clap in response to making a lame joke that fell flat.

House Passes Bill To Create 9/11-Style Commission On Jan. 6 Capitol Riot by The Floridian's Mona Salama

Rick Scott: ‘Biden has to get a Backbone’ by The Floridian's Jim McCool —Washington D.C.– Amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that continues to dominate the world news, many Democratic politicians have been hesitant to publicly support Israel, including President Joe Biden, who Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) claims “doesn’t have a backbone” after he appeared to remain complacent to the “radical left” Congresswomen who are advocating for Palestinians.

ll: Republicans Say Biden Is Illegitimately Elected” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – A new CBS/YouGov poll of 951 national Republicans shows that 80% surveyed support the ouster of Rep. Liz Cheney from her leadership position last week and that 67% of them do not see President Joe Biden as the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election between him and former President Donald Trump. To Republicans, Biden is illegitimately elected. And of course, President Donald has weighed in on the poll. In one of his daily emails to media and supporters, Trump doubled-down on his belief (belief of many Americans) that he won the election and Biden and Democrats stole it.

“House Democratic Leadership Holds Up Defund Hamas Legislation” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Florida Rep.Brian Mast (R), the U.S. Army combat veteran who lost both his legs and a digit while serving in Afghanistan, is accusing Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leadership of siding with the terrorist group Hamas the state of Israel. During his weekly video update to constituents, Rep. Mast said that he believes “it is a dark day in our nation’s history when Democrat leadership seemingly sides with Hamas a terrorist organization over our ally Israel” because House Democrats, particularly Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D), continue to hold up legislation he has introduced that would sanction “financial backers of Hamas.” Mast, who also served alongside the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after recovering from his injuries, points out the defunding Hamas is a priority since the group is now part of the Palestinian Authority or government. In 2006, Palestinians elected members of Hamas to their governing body, and now have control of any and all monies they receive in aid from the U.S. and other countries.

“Cruz Calls Out Indecisive Democrats Continuing Israeli Military Aide” by The Floridian’s Jim McCool – While tensions rise in the Middle East, politicians at home are continuing to grapple with the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which has prompted Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to call out Democrats’ indecisive action on Israel. Although President Biden (D) has claimed he backs Israel, little to nothing has been done, including no plans to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome missile program according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

“Scott Questions Mayorkas on ‘Enforcing Current Immigration law’” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – President Joe Biden (D) appointed Vice President Kamala Harris (D) with leading the response to immigration concerns at the border. However, the Vice President is now facing criticism for not holding a press conference or touring the southern border. As the Biden Administration moves forward in resuming construction of the border wall, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Alejando Mayorkas how they are “enforcing current immigration law & protecting American families.” In January, President Biden issued an executive order that immediately halted the construction of the border wall. However, the President and his Administration received criticism when it was hinted that construction of the wall would resume.

“Trump Wants Credit for ‘Modern day Miracle of the Vaccines’” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – On the heels of the CDC’s announcement that fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks in most places, President Donald Trump (R) has released a statement expressing that he is not receiving the credit from the current administration on the success of the COVID-19 vaccination’s distribution. Commenting that his administration came up with the vaccine “ahead of schedule.” The 45th President of the United States feels that he should be credited in reference to “the modern-day miracle of the vaccines.” In the release to supporters, President Trump made it clear that he felt his administration and Operation Warp speed contributed to almost 36% of the country that has been fully vaccinated.

“Mast Calls Out Army Corps for ‘Poisoning’ Floridians” by The Floridian’s Jim McCool – Earlier today, Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL), called out Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon, the Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers, in a letter to visit the communities affected by toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee. This great neglect has led to the potential poisoning of many Floridians. Lieutenant General Spellmon has said as early as 2018 that he would be willing to work with Mast to prioritize public health in the Army Corps’ operations. Then in 2019, the same Lieutenant General testified before Congress where he admitted to knowingly discharging toxic water from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. But this week, satellite images have shown that the algal bloom on Lake Okeechobee covered more than 500 square miles, and tested to be 100 times too toxic for human contact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“DeSantis Signs Alcohol-to-go SB 148 to Help Struggling Restaurants” by The Floridian’s Jim McCool – Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed the alcohol-to-go SB 148 into law, authorizing vendors of alcoholic beverages who also hold a public food license to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages prepared by the vendor in sealed containers. The signing of this bill will help struggling businesses get important sources of revenue to, “survive during the pandemic,” according to the Governor. Under Senate Bill 148, an eligible vendor that sells or delivers alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption must hold a public food service license, ensure the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages is accompanied by the sale of food in the same order, and comply with sealing and packaging requirements established in the bill. The vendor, or the agent or employee of the vendor making the delivery, is also responsible for verifying and documenting valid proof of the recipient’s identity and age at the time of delivery pursuant to provisions of Florida’s Beverage Law regarding deliveries.

“House Democrats Given Ultimatum: ‘Either you Stand With Israel or you Stand with the Terrorists.”” By The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R) becomes the latest member of the U.S. House of Representatives to join the bipartisan call for members to “Stand with Israel” and had given House Democrats like Reps. Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib an ultimatum: “Either you stand with Israel or you stand with terrorists.” The line in the sand has been drawn. Rep. Gimenez, who joins Jewish lawmakers and fellow Florida Reps. Ted Deutch(D) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) in denouncing the terror attacks and calling and defending Israel’s right to defend itself, tweeted his ultimatum along with a House Resolution he introduced condemning the latest acts of terrorism by Hamas against Israel. “Each Member of Congress now has a decision to make. Either you #StandWithIsrael or you stand with the terrorists.”- Rep. Carlos Gimenez.

“Israeli-Palestinian Violence Divides Congressional Democrats” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – As the chasm between Israelis and Palestinians deepens as a result of the ongoing terrorist attacks by the Gaza Strip-based Hamas terror group, the Israeli-Palestinian violence divides congressional Democrats, particularly the pro-Israel Democratic and anti-Israel Democratic factions within the U.S. House of Representatives. The House’s only two Muslim-American legislators, Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib spoke out against the “Apartheid” state of Israel, the “occupation” of Palestinian territories, and expressed their support of the BDS movement, a movement that has been widely dismissed as anti-Israel.

“The fight to draw Florida's new district is on” by Politico’s Matt Dixon – Conservative and liberal organizations are starting to press Florida lawmakers on the state’s soon-to-be allocated new seat ahead of a fight that could determine control of Congress. Conservative nonprofit Democracy Now, led by former Trump administration official Carlos Trujillo, is set to use Florida as the staging ground to rebuild a Republican majority in Congress, which would require flipping three seats nationally. “Florida is the most competitive swing state by population and electoral votes,” Trujillo said. “And selfishly, I know this state better than Pennsylvania or Ohio, and it gets one more competitive seat next cycle.” On the Democratic side, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, chaired by former Attorney General Eric Holder, has already met with Democratic members of the state legislature, and created an affiliated group called All on the Line to focus on influencing lawmakers in key states like Florida.

“Florida lawmakers reconvene for special session on gambling” by AP – Florida lawmakers reconvene Monday for a special session to consider a new 30-year gaming compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe that would expand gambling and legalize sports betting in the country’s third most populous state. But the fate of the new compact is uncertain because of opposition from some business groups and legislative conservatives who object to expanding gambling on moral grounds and because of concerns over increased crime. The deal would give the state at least $2.5 billion over the first five years and at least $6 billion from the Tribe by 2030. State officials say the pact would create 2,200 new jobs. If the Legislature ratifies the agreement reached last month by the Tribe and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Seminoles would be allowed to offer sports gambling at their casinos in South Florida and near Tampa.

“FPL's solar addition makes DeSoto County Florida's leader” by The Arcadian’s Nancy J. Semon – Florida Power & Light Company recently completed its fifth solar energy center in DeSoto County, giving it the distinction of “having more FPL solar centers than any other county,” said spokesperson Andrew Sutton. Putting DeSoto County on the map, so to speak, is the 74.5 megawatt (MW) Rodeo Solar Energy Center comprising some 300,000 panels on land FPL purchased in the 1960s, he said. It is also the county’s second solar energy center built to support the nation’s largest community solar program called “FPL SolarTogether,” according to the company. DeSoto County served as FPL’s launching pad for solar investments when, in 2009, the company constructed the FPL DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center.

“Florida’s amusement parks loosen pandemic mask requirements” by AP – Florida’s major theme parks are adjusting their face mask policies after the federal government loosened its recommendations as more people get vaccinated for the coronavirus. Visitors to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios-Orlando were allowed Saturday to remove their masks when they are outdoors except when they are on attractions, in line or riding a tram or other transportation. Masks remain mandatory indoors except in restaurants when seated. Disney requires they be worn except when actively eating and drinking. SeaWorld Orlando and its sister park, Tampa’s Busch Gardens, are going even further, allowing guests who say they are fully vaccinated to to remove their masks throughout the parks. The two parks will not require proof of vaccination, but are asking guests to “respectfully comply.”

“Billion-dollar missile defense satellite ready for launch Monday in Florida” by Space Flight Now’s Stephen Clark – A sophisticated combat-ready U.S. military missile warning satellite moved to its launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, ready for liftoff Monday afternoon. The U.S. Space Force’s fifth Space Based Infrared System, or SBIRS, satellite was built by Lockheed Martin and cost approximately $1 billion, military officials said. The spacecraft carries infrared sensors to detect and track hot plumes from missile launches around the world, giving warning to U.S. and allied military forces of an impending attack. The SBIRS GEO 5 satellite is heading for a perch in a circular geosynchronous orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) over the equator, joining a fleet of infrared sentinels spread around the world watching for missile launches. “SBIRS capability really remains an on-orbit guardian for us against global ballistic missile threats,” said Col. Erin Gulden, mission director for the SBIRS GEO 5 mission at the Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center, which manages procurement of military satellites.

“Accused Florida deputy denies planting drugs in stopped cars” by AP – A former Florida sheriff’s deputy on trial for allegedly planting drugs during traffic stops testified that he is innocent, saying he found a stash of narcotics discovered in his patrol car but could not explain why he never reported it. Fired Jackson County deputy Zachary Wester testified at his trial Friday that he found the methamphetamine, marijuana and syringes inside a box at a park restroom while investigating a report of suspicious activity. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Wester guessed that it had been placed there to be found by an inmate work crew so it could be smuggled back inside the prison. Internal affairs investigators found the drugs hidden inside his patrol car in the summer of 2018, shortly before he was suspended. Prosecutors say it was ready-to-plant evidence that Wester used during his traffic stops.

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