JUICE—Florida Politics' Juicy Read —12.01.2022 — Congressional Democrats Pick New Leaders —Rick Scott Goes to bat for Military Servicemen —More...

JUICE—Florida Politics' Juicy Read —12.01.2022 — Congressional Democrats Pick New Leaders —Rick Scott Goes to bat for Military Servicemen —More...

Florida Politics' Daily Political Read

Javier Manjarres
Javier Manjarres
|
December 1, 2022

 

Have a tip, story, new job, or announcement for The JUICE?  Reach out: Javier@floridianpress.com

House Democrats Elect a New Colorful Bunch of Leaders

After losing their majority in the House of Representatives to Republicans by a narrow margin, Congressional Democrats are looking forward to one day taking back that majority, and have elected a new diverse group of individuals to lead them.

Florida Reps. Kathy Castor, Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and others, praised the new “colorful” slate of leaders.

House Minority Leader—Rep. Hakeem Jeffries

Minority Whip—Rep. Katherine Clarke

Caucus Chairman—Rep. Pete Aguilar

If you haven’t noticed yet, Democrats voted in the trifecta—voting in a “woman and people of color”—to the top spots in their caucus.

Those are the New York Times's words, not ours.

With Republicans holding such a slim majority in the House, and with infighting within their caucus sucking all the air out of the room, the GOP majority could be short-lived if they do not play their cards right in the upcoming election cycle.

Uncle Sam and his COVID Jabs

Both Senate and House Republicans are attempting to hold the Biden administration and the US military accountable for their prosecution of servicemen and women who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccinations.

The military has booted some 3,400 or so soldiers, airmen, and sailors, over their vaccination status.

Now Senate Republicans, led by Sens. Rick Scott, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio, are demanding their leaders to fight for that military personnel who have unjustly terminated from service because they did not get vaccinated.   READ MORE

Squeezers

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-So proud of our new, history-making Leadership team! @TheDemocrats have a sharp, tough, vibrant top lineup with Leader-designate @RepJeffries Whip-designate @RepKClark and Chairman-designate @RepPeteAguilar at the helm.

Senator Lori Berman-So proud of our Democratic Party for electing the first Black Congressional Leader in US History!

This country is diverse, and exclusion is a choice.

Rep. Brian Mast-Growing up listening to the stories of my dad & uncles in the military is one of the reasons I enlisted in the @USArmy after high school. Operation Sacred Legacy lets veterans share their stories & inspire the next generation.

Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez-I stand with the protestors in #China as they stand up to the atrocities of the #CCP.

Sen. Rick Scott
Sen. Rick Scott

"Scott Introduces the Afghan Vetting Accountability Act" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced the Afghan Vetting Accountability (AVA) Act after a September report from the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that they have “failed to properly vet and screen Afghan evacuees coming into the U.S.”

"Steube Pressures US Naval Academy on Vaccine Mandates" by The Floridian's Jim McCoolUS Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) is pressuring the US Navy for transparency over their denial of diplomas to US Naval Academy students over their vaccine status.

"GOP Senators Demand Senate Vote to end Military Mandated COVID-19 Vaccine" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Washington—Florida Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, Rob Johnson, and Mike Braun, expressing their opposition to Senate Republican leadership moving forward with the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), demanding an amendment be introduced prohibiting the discharging of U.S. military personnel simply because of their COVID-19 vaccination status is not attached to the military funding measure.

"Wildlife Officials Take Aim at Pythons" by The News Service of Florida and Floridian

"Shevrin Jones Praises Passage of Same-Sex Marriage Bill in Senate" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Respect for Marriage Act, which codifies same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law, passed in the U.S. Senate this week.

"Abortion Battle Continues, Clinic Fights Waiting Period Fine" by News Serviee of Florida—In one of a series of similar cases, a Broward County abortion clinic is fighting a $56,000 state fine stemming from allegations that it did not properly comply with a law requiring 24-hour waiting periods before abortions can be performed. East Cypress Women’s Center, Inc. is challenging the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration at the state Division of Administrative Hearings, according to documents posted online Monday.

"Gimenez Slams Biden for Not Deporting Criminal Aliens" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The southern border crisis continues to bring nothing but bad news. There have been some 30,000 border crossers encountered in 2022 that have criminal records.

"Rubio Amendment Rejected by Democrats in Senate" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Democrats in the Senate have officially struck down an amendment brought forth by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) concerning religious freedoms and the Respect for Marriage (RFMA) Act. According to Rubio, the act’s vague wording does not protect religious organizations that look to make decisions through faith.

Sen. Marco Rubio

Sen. Marco Rubio"Rubio Slams CCP's Zero Covid Policy, Supports Protests" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) directed choice words at the Chinese government this week during an interview on FOX News. The comments come as Chinese residents take to the streets to protest the Chinese Communist Party.

"Trial Lawyers Abusing Bad Faith Laws in Florida"— Opinion

"DeSantis Blasts China, Apple for 'Draconian' Measures During Protests" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Jacksonville – While speaking in an airplane hangar addressing infrastructure improvements, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for a few moments sidestepped the issue and brought forth a statement concerning the protests in China and the tech company Apple’s alleged nefarious actions concerning them.

"Florida Congressman Calls Apple CEO 'Apologist' for Communist China" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Michael Waltz has taken his wrath out on Apple CEO Tim Cook, calling him an “apologist” for Communist China, and for leading the Big Tech giant in “aiding a murderous regime.”

"Could There be Congressional Showdown Between Cory Mills and 'The Squad?'" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Rep. Cammack Promises Impeachment for Mayorkas" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With a new gained majority in the House of Representatives, many Republicans have been eager to show to the country what they are going to do with the control of the lower chamber. And while Republicans have called for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to resign, now there are possible plans to impeach him, should the resignation not come to fruition. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) is one of those Republicans promising that circumstance.

"Wasserman Schultz Looks to Secure $55 Million for South FL Courthouse" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) has announced that she has "rallied" members of the  South Florida delegation in order to request over $50 million in the next fiscal year for a new federal courthouse in Ft. Lauderdale, citing both unsafe and financially burdensome conditions of the current courthouse.

"Crenshaw Introduces Declaring War on Cartels Act" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Lawmakers Support China's Zero-COVID Policy Protests" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The world watches as the Chinese people take to the streets to protest China’s zero-COVID policy. What’s striking is that thousands of people are defying Chinese authorities by protesting on the streets and at universities.

"Republicans Slam Biden Administration's Chevron-Venezuela Deal" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Ever since President Biden (D) took office, Republicans have taken fierce umbrage at the administration's policies. Energy production, in particular, remains a key talking point. Recently, the Biden administration has allowed Chevron to reengage in "limited" oil production in Venezuela. Such a move invites criticism from Florida Republicans, who take to Twitter to voice their opposition to the plan.

"DeSantis First to Question McCarthy's Leadership in Republican-led House" by The Floridian's Michelle Rosenberg—The pushback against House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s leadership continues and it appears that the case against the embattled and potential future Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives was first made by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"Soto Calls for Investigation into Cryptocurrencies" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The recent scandal over cryptocurrency company FTX has led to questions regarding digital money. Specifically, Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-9) calls on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate and regulate cryptocurrencies and blockchain systems. More surprisingly, his request has received bipartisan support in Congress, with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) listed as a signer of the March 16, 2022, along with several other Democrats and Republicans.

Rep. Michael Waltz
Rep. Michael Waltz

"Waltz Asks 'Where's Pete Buttigieg?" on Rail Strike" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) is one again taking issue with the Biden administration, signaling that it’s absent amidst the ongoing rail strike concern. Specifically, Waltz questioned “Where’s Pete Buttigieg?” on trying to negotiate a path forward.

"Gaetz Endorses Jim Jordan as House Speaker" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—,While the Republican Party has won majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, tensions have arisen over who will be the new Speaker. While House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is the presumptive, new Speaker. there has been a contingent of those opposed to him. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL-1) is easily one of the most vocal members of this opposition, voicing support for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) instead.

"Gimenez Raises Alarm About Chinese Drones Over Washington" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—More than any other country, Communist China is the largest foreign threat to the United States, with no facet of American society being off-limits as a target. Recently, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-26) appeared on Fox's Evening Edit to discuss Chinese-manufactured drones possibly engaging in espionage.

"House Democrats Will Continue to Target Guns in the Minority" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—25-year-old Congressman-elect Maxwell Frost will continue taking up an anti-gun position in the upcoming Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which is to be expected considering his past position as one of the founders of the March for our Lives movement. House Democrats will push for control and abortion.

"Rubio Addresses Dependence on Foreign Pharmaceuticals" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—During the initial coronavirus outbreak in 2020, many Americans were shocked to find out that a vast majority of United States’ medicine came from China. In fact, it has become a national security risk. Since 2019, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has led the effort to address this issue, such as combatting supply chain inadequacies and attempting to pass the Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability (MMEDS) Act.

"Wasserman Schultz Leads New Bipartisan Family Building Caucus" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—On Tuesday, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) announced the Family Building Caucus which looks to bring attention to the many struggles Americans face in attempting to start families, according to Wasserman Schultz’s press release regarding the news.

"Rick Scott Headlines Meeting in The Villages on Protecting Seniors" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—The Villages – On Monday, several statewide elected officials such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) led a special meeting about protecting aging seniors and their needs concerning their peace of mind both physically and fiscally.

"Cammack Accuses White House of 'Ignorance' for Calling Border Visit a 'Publicity Stunt'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Florida Republicans continue to be among the most ardent opposition to the overall Biden agenda. The ongoing border crisis is of particular focus, with calls for Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to resign. Meanwhile, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3) has recently visited the border, and spoke with Julie Banderas on Fox's Faulker Focus about the experience.

Brian Mast
Rep. Brian Mast

"Mast Introduces Bill Cutting Red Tape for Veterans" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

"Gimenez Support Student Protestors Against Oppressive Iranian Regime" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

"Eskamani Warns of 'Complete Control' of House by Republicans" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Bidenflation Blamed for Most Expensive Thanksgiving in Decades" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Book, Senate Democrats Badly Outnumbered in Florida Legislature" by The News Service of Florida

Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio

"Republican Senators Condemn Possible Revamp of Disinformation Board" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Earlier this year, the Biden administration received major pushback after considering the implementation of the “Disinformation Governance Board.” The institution’s main goal was to stop the spread of false information online, but many believe that it would be heavily politicized. With rumors of the board being reinstated, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and other Republican Senators have come out against the establishment of it once again.

"AmeriHealth Caritas Florida Still Helping Victims of Hurricane Ian" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"McCormick Commends Sylvester Cancer Center, Promotes Cervical Cancer Elimination" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

"If Russia is Banned from the World Cup, Why Not Iran?" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—As the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar kicked off this past weekend, it was hard not to ask why the Islamic Republic of Iran was not banned from the sporting event.

"Steube Discusses House Investigation Into Democrats; Biden" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The new Republican majority in the House of Representatives looks to engage in a multitude of investigations. For starters, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) announces the launching of a probe into Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17) appeared on Newsmax's John Bachman Now to discuss the full extent of investigations House Republicans intend to begin in January.

"Florida Congressman Looks to Revamp VA Home Loan Program" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Brian Mast, who served in the U.S. Army and was wounded in Afghanistan, is drafting legislation that could change the Veteran Affairs Home Loan program by allowing veterans to buy farmland.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis
Gus Bilirakis

"Bilirakis Leads Bipartisan Push for INFORM Act" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—With the rise of online retail, the government has been slow to catch up to the changing pace of the internet, which often invites a lot of problems.  US Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has applauded a recent bill that protects consumers from counterfeit, stolen products online.

"Florida Lawmaker Interested in Heading up State Republican Party" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who was crushed in the 2022 Republican primary congressional race in Florida’s 7th District by now Congressman-elect Cory Mills, appears to be desperately trying to keep his political dreams alive and is said to be eyeing the chairmanship of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF).

"Garcia Sets 2024 Path for Miami-Dade County" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Though the topic of a “red wave” is still up for debate, one thing is clear – Florida decidedly voted Republican. Moreso, Miami-Dade County, a county that is still blue regardless of the election results, voted in favor of Republican leadership for the first time in many elections.

"Mast Applauds Passage of PAST Act in House" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich–Just weeks following Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) demanding answers concerning inhumane dog experiments that were approved by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Florida Congressman is now looking to take action against another form of animal cruelty.

"Donalds, House Oversight Committee Launches Investigation into Joe Biden" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Now that the Republicans have officially retaken the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, they now control various committees and have the ability to launch investigations on a Congressional scale. And despite their slim majority, the failure of Republicans to take back the Senate puts them in a position to scrutinize the Biden administration through the House Oversight Committee much like Democrats did the Trump administration between 2018-2020.

"Florida Sees 30th Straight Month of Job Creation in October" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Perhaps Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) should modify his campaign slogan to "Keep Florida Free and Thriving." A recent economic data update shows October is Florida's 30th month straight in job creation, even when accounting for Hurricane Ian. Not only that, but Florida remains a leader in job growth and in reducing unemployment levels.

"Fox News Moving To DeSantis's Free State of Florida?" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Mills Demands Audit of Ukraine Funds in First Congressional Press Conference" by The Floridian's Grayson BakichThe soon-to-be Republican majority in the House of Representatives is on the warpath. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has introduced a bill demanding an audit of the funds sent to aid Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. In a press conference introducing the bill, Rep. Greene introduced Congressman-elect Cory Mills (R-FL-7), who has extensive knowledge in international affairs.

Sen. Marco Rubio

Sen. Marco Rubio"Rubio, Cruz Introduce 'Restoring Military Focus Act'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With the threats of China and Russia on the horizon, many have worried about America's ability to keep politics out of the armed forces and maintain the mission of preparing an ultimate fighting force. Within the military, progressive initiatives such as diversity training have been implemented on a broad scale. Rep. Marco Rubio (R-FL) as well as other Senators have introduced a bill to combat the spending of taxpayer dollars towards woke approaches.

"Waltz Chairs Panel Looking to Address Military Recruitment" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—On Wednesday, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) took part as the chair of the Heritage Foundation meeting for its National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness (NIPSMR). Especially with tensions rising all throughout the world right now, military readiness is a major concern.

"Judge Blocks DeSantis' Stop WOKE Act" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) Stop WOKE Act has been blocked after receiving opposition through two lawsuits. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who’s previously blocked portions of the Stop WOKE Act in different cases, announced the ruling.

"Florida Congressional Democrats Praise Pelosi's Leadership as she Steps Down" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—With Republicans securing a slight majority in the House, and with California Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R) being elected the new Speaker of the House, previous Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) has announced that she will no longer serve in a leadership role for Democrats. Pelosi will however still serve as a member of Congress.

"Tavares City Council Candidate Reports Mistake in Election Administration" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

"Waltz Leads Congressional Military Readiness Panel" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R), who easily won reelection on November 8th chaired the Heritage Foundation meeting of its National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness (NIPMSR). The panel Waltz chairs, which was created last month, is focused on examining concerns related to military recruitment and retention.

"Lawsuit on Guns, Pot Going to Appeals Court" by News Service of Florida—Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and other plaintiffs will appeal the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging federal prohibitions on medical-marijuana patients buying and possessing guns, according to a court notice filed Wednesday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis

"Why DeSantis Shouldn't run for President" —OPINION

"Mast Adds His Support to Mayorkas' Impeachment"

by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Republicans expected to take back the House of Representatives, curbing the Biden administration's agenda is a big priority. Of note is that the border crisis looks like it will come to a head. Earlier this week, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3) grilled Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas about the border.

"McConnell Defeats Scott for GOP Senate Leadership" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Despite opposition from some Republican Senators, Mitch McConnell (R) has been reelected as the GOP Senate leader. His reelection comes the same week that Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) announced that he would challenge McConnell for the position.

"Trump Quickly Snags Endorsements, Future of GOP Not So Black and White" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Former US President Donald Trump (R) made history last night by announcing that he will be running for the Presidency of the United States once again. Now that the news is official, the former President has already picked up many endorsements.

"Rubio Scathes Biden for Lackluster Meeting With Xi" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Just days after Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) came forward and said that the social media giant TikTok should be banned in the United States due to personal and national security risks, the Florida Senator is also giving his thoughts about the recent meeting between President Joe Biden (D) and the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), General Secretary Xi Jinping.

"Gimenez Latest to Demand Mayorkas' Resignation" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina

 

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Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres is a nationally renowned award-winning political journalist and Publisher of Floridianpress.com, Hispolitica.com, shark-tank.com, and Texaspolitics.com He enjoys traveling, playing soccer, mixed martial arts, weight-lifting, swimming, and biking. Javier is also a political consultant and has also authored "BROWN PEOPLE," which is a book about Hispanic Politics. Follow on Twitter: @JavManjarres Email him at Diversenewmedia@gmail.com

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