JUICE—Florida Politics' Juicy Read —12.06.2022 — House Same-Sex Marriage Bill in Jeopardy —DeSantis: 'Person of the Year?' — Diaz-Balart, Moody, Pizzo, Rubio—More...

JUICE—Florida Politics' Juicy Read —12.06.2022 — House Same-Sex Marriage Bill in Jeopardy —DeSantis: 'Person of the Year?' — Diaz-Balart, Moody, Pizzo, Rubio—More...

Florida's Daily Political Read

Staff Report
Staff Report
|
December 6, 2022

 

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

Ron DeSantis: ‘Person of the Year?’

 

The mere thought that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could be named Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” is enough to make every single Florida Democratic head explode.

Gov. DeSantis is the undisputed political boogeyman in the state outside of former President Donald Trump.

Actually, Florida Democrats will argue that DeSantis is President Trump’s offspring and that the two men are one and the same.

Wait, didn’t wasn’t Trump named Time’s “Person of the Year?” READ MORE

Same-Sex Marriage

 

Several members of Florida’s Republican congressional caucus voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, but now it appears the version of the measure that came back over from the Senate may not find the same support it received in the past.

Is same-sex marriage dead on arrival in the House of Representatives? READ MORE

Squeezers

Rick Scott-Republicans can't continue turning a blind eye while Democrats bankroll their woke passion projects with taxpayer dollars. We must pass a FULL BALANCED BUDGET that gets America's finances in order. Anything less is a blow in the face to millions being CRUSHED by #Bidenflation.

US Rep Kathy Castor-Students deserve time to make up for lost ground and boost their success in school. In addition to the help from the American Rescue Plan, my bill, the ASSIST Act, would establish a grant initiative to retain mental health care providers in schools.

Congressman Greg Steube-DAYS before the 2020 election, the Biden campaign colluded with Big Tech to stop Americans from finding out about Hunter Biden’s laptop. You can’t call it anything but election interference!

Sen. Jason Pizzo-Last legislative session, I was able to amend an animal abuse statute to increase the penalty for bestiality from a misdemeanor, to a felony. “Florida man accused of having sex with dog, destroying property near Tampa.”

U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court

"Diaz Balart Pivots, Opposes Senate Version of Same-sex Marriage Bill" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"DeSantis on Time 'Person of the Year' Shortlist" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"AG Moody Files Action Against Miami Robocall Enabler" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Few would disagree that robocalls are a plague. According to Scientific American, 8 billion messages were sent out in 2018 alone. In Florida, Smartbiz Telecom, located in Miami, is enabling foreign robocalls to be routed into the country. As such, Attorney General Ashley Moody is filing a court action against them.

"Lesson Learned From Hurricane Ian—Let's Embrace Nuclear" —OPINION by Rep. Byron Donalds—On September 28th, 2022, life in Florida’s 19th District changed forever. After rapidly intensifying over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the infamous eye of Hurricane Ian approached Florida’s shoreline.

"Cammack Leads Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Military Women's Memorial" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The contributions our nation's military women make to national defense are no less valuable than those of men. They too lose their lives in the line of duty, and it is the responsibility of Military Women's Memorial to ensure their memory survives. This past week, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3) teamed up with Women's Caucus Chair Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) to introduce a resolution honoring the Memorial's 25th anniversary.

"Gaetz, DeSantis Showcase Divide Within Republican Party" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—There is no question that former President Donald Trump's presidency and the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement turned the political world on its head. Hillary Clinton’s loss to the former The Apprentice host will probably go down as the greatest upset in political history. However, the ripple effects – from what seemed the most improbable moment – are still being felt today within the Republican Party, and not necessarily in a good way.

"Congressional Democrats Continue Pushing for Supreme Court Term Limits" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—California Progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D) is once again calling for term limits for U.S. Supreme Court justices less than a month after Democrats lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Brian Mast
Rep. Brian Mast

"Jacksonville City Council Candidate Raul Arias Struggles to pay his Business Sales Taxes" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Considered by some a rising star in Duval County Republican politics, the proprietor of the Mambo’s Cuban Café restaurant, Raul Arias, Jr. has decided to run for the City of Jacksonville city council.

"AmeriHealth Caritas Florida Awarded the Multicultural Healthcare Distinction" by The Floridian's Jim McCool— AmeriHealth Caritas Florida has been quite active this year, assisting in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts around the state of Florida. Now the health care plan is being recognized by the NCQA with the Multicultural Healthcare Distinction.

"Wasserman Schultz Accuses DeSantis of Complicity Concerning Antisemitism" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Recently, Ye or the artist formally known as Kanye West, has provided a flurry of antisemitic comments. These statements have included admiration for Hitler, Nazis, and a disdain for those who rush to criticize the former. The national outrage prompted President Joe Biden (D) to release a statement condemning the rapper’s utterances, going as far as saying that “silence is complicity.” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) is calling out Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and has accused him of being complicit due to his lack of vocalization on the matter.

"FIU Hosts U.S. Dept. of Health, Cheryl Campbell" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Elon Musk's Twitter Platform Still Censoring Conservative Congressional Lawmakers" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—After Elon Musk took over Twitter, full transparency into the embattled Big Tech company was expected after numerous conservatives and conservative lawmakers were reported to have been either banned from the platform or “shadow-banned.”

"Mast Disappointed in EAA Reservoir Delay" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—In what most would consider disappointing news, the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir has been handed an additional delay. This project is considered a top-notch concern by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) calling it “the single-most important project when it comes to cleaning up our waterways” and that “anyone who claims to support Everglades restoration should be fighting tooth and nail to get the reservoir finished.”

"Scott and Rubio Denounce Kanye West's Antisemitic Remarks" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Rapper Kanye West breaks headlines once more, and not for the reasons anyone should. Ye, of all people, seems to have embraced Neo-Nazism. In a deranged interview with Alex Jones, a hooded Ye says "I like Hitler" and mocks Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu. President Biden responds to the incident in a tweet, stating, "I just want to make a few things clear: The Holocaust happened. Hitler was a demonic figure." The tweet then insinuates that "instead of giving it a platform, our political leaders should be calling out and rejecting antisemitism wherever it hides. Silence is complicity."

"DeSantis Not Backing Down on Disney" by News Service of Florida

"GOP Lawmakers Press Mayorkas on Cuban Repatriations" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R) has joined his Republican colleagues to press the Biden administration on immigration concerns. Florida Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) and Carlos Gimenez (R) have joined Rep. Diaz Balart in directing a letter to  Alejandro Mayorkas, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, where they urge Biden to implement a system that would help individuals being deported because of repatriations.

"DeSantis Proposal Could aim to Restrict Protests in Capitol" by News Service of Florida

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Debbie Wasserman Schultz

"New Poll Suggests Georgians Would Vote DeSantis in 2024" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Georgia is the talk of the town in the political world, and now it’s causing even more of a stir. In just 5 days, Georgians will once again take to the polls to elect either Senator Raphael Warnock (D) or Herschel Walker (R).

"New Poll Shows Voters Prefer DeSantis Over Trump in 2024" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—A new Marquette Law School poll shows that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is preferred by voters over former President Donald Trump to be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

"Rubio, AOC Come Together in Rare Moment of Political Harmony" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Pigs are flying. Hell has frozen over. The sky has fallen. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have agreed on something.

"Rubio Weighs in on Biden's Railroad Strike Crisis" by The Floridian's Daniel MolinaWith Christmas fast approaching and the Biden administration failing to properly negotiate the ongoing railroad labor strike, the White House is calling on Congress to step in to avert what could be an economy-cripping strike.

"U.S. Lawmakers Keep Close Watch on Honduras's Leftist President Castro, Government" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Wasserman Schultz Praises Jeffries, new Democratic Leadership" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—After her husband was attacked at home and Republicans won the Majority in the House of Representatives, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) signaled that her role as a Democratic party leader had come to a close.

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 regar

ding 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.

 

 

 

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

 

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