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Sticks and Stones
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is used to being called all kinds of names and compared to past and current international despots and dictators
He said it himself the other day when a reporter asked him about former President Donald Trump attacking him for considering a run for President in 2924.
“Well, look, what I would just say is this: I roll out of bed, I have people attacking me from all angles,” said Gov. DeSantis “If you take a crisis situation like COVID, the good thing about it is when you’re an elected executive, you have to make all kinds of decisions, you got to steer that ship.”
“The good thing is the people are able to render a judgment on that, whether they re-elect you or not,” DeSantis added. “I’m happy to say in my case, not only did we win reelection, we won with the highest percentage of the vote that any Republican governor candidate has in the history of the state of Florida.”
Now Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), the top elected Democrat in the state of Florida, has compared DeSantis to a dictator or “autocrat.”
We have heard this before.
During the 2022 midterm election cycle, all of DeSantis’s Democratic gubernatorial opponents and just about every Progressive Democratic activist in the state called him and compared him to Nazi Adolf Hitler, Dictators Fidel Castro, and Nicolas Maduro, not to mention Satan himself. READ MORE
Bipartisanship in Washington
Members of Congress don’t always seem to get along, but there are instances where they do, and they come together to file meaningful bipartisan legislation.
This is the case with Reps. Darren Soto (D) and Vern Buchanan (R), have introduced a bill that would help American farmers combat the aggressive and hostile trade practices of Mexico. READ MORE
Save the Date
Fort Lauderdale-based Tripp/Scott will be hosting Fox News Host Pete Hegseth on February 15th as he promotes his new book, “Battle for the American Mind.”
Lauren Book-Horrible story, horrible headline A child cannot consent to a “romantic, sexual relationship” — this is SEXUAL ABUSE and must be named as such! The media has a responsibility to use appropriate, accurate language when reporting on the crime of child sexual abuse
Paul Renner-It’s time to give parents full customization of their child’s education. Under HB 1, opportunities are endless and educational outcomes have no limit. #YourKidsYourChoice
Gus Bilirakis-In the first few months of FY 23, border agents have already encountered 38 people on the terrorist watchlist. God only knows how many dangerous people haven’t been stopped. President Biden’s border policies have failed. The American people deserve accountability!
"Wasserman-Schultz Compares DeSantis to Socialist Dictators" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The historical cruelties of socialism are too great to deny. As such, the House passes a resolution condemning the ideology. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz nonetheless uses this as an opportunity to take a shot at Governor Ron DeSantis. READ MORE
"Anthony Rubio Will Play College Football at University of Florida" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—READ MORE
"Moskowitz Says Antisemitism Poses Threat to Jewish Community, Society" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Jewish members of Congress continue to demand action against the rise of antisemitism across the U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) wrote a letter to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) this week, urging him to form a Select Committee on Combating Antisemitism. READ MORE
"Republicans Continue to Overshadow Democrats With Massive Voter Registration Advantage" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the embattled Florida Democrats, Republicans now hold a 384,000 voter registration edge over them going into 2023. READ MORE
"Ilhan Omar Booted off Foreign Affairs Committee over Past Antisemitic Remarks, Democrats cry Racism" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With a final floor vote of 218-211, the Republican-led House of Representatives voted to boot Rep. Ilhan Omar from her seat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. READ MORE
"FIU Ranks Among Top 10 Colleges in America" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—University education has become a hotly contested political issue over the years in regard to high costs for students. Florida looks to be ahead of the game nationwide with multiple schools nationally recognized, but surprisingly Florida International University (FIU) is ranked as one the Top 10 schools in the country. READ MORE
"Buchanan, Soto Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Combating Mexican Trade Practices" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation looking to counter Mexico’s one-sided trade practices, especially when it relates to fruit and vegetable growers. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the upper chamber. READ MORE
"DeSantis Accused of Declaring War on Blacks in Florida" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—February is Black History Month in America, and Black lawmakers, alongside activists, are playing the race card against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers for acknowledging the monthly celebration of African-American history in the U.S. Gov. DeSantis is being accused of declaring "war on Black people." READ MORE
"Haley Expected to Announce Presidential Run" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R) has long been rumored to be mulling a presidential run. This week, Haley signaled that she would be making a special announcement on February 15th, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina, presumably announcing her 2024 presidential bid. READ MORE
"Scott Questions Why Leader McConnell Removed him From Top Senate Committee" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With Republicans taking back the House of Representatives during the 2022 midterm election cycle, several House Democrats have cried foul after being removed from their respective committees. However, in the upper chamber, after Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) was removed from the Senate Commerce Committee, the former Florida Governor is now pointing the finger at his own party leadership.
"Rubio Reintroduces Bills to Fight Against China in 2023" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has announced that he has reintroduced eight bills in order to combat the exploitations of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and to protect American companies and consumers from them. READ MORE
"Cubans 'Throwing Themselves to the Sharks' to Find Freedom in Florida" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres READ MORE
"DeSantis Unveils Framework for Freedom Budget" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has unveiled his 2023-2024 fiscal year budget, dubbed it the "Framework for Freedom." This ambitious $114.8 billion plan covers multiple areas, from tax relief to education to environmental and infrastructure projects to law enforcement.
"House Democrats Oppose Pledge of Allegiance Recitation in House Judiciary (VIDEO)" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz has reintroduced an amendment in the House Judiciary Committee to allow for the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited before every meeting of the committee, and Progressive Democratic Ranking member Rep. Jerry Nadler opposed the measure. READ MORE
"Rubio Demands Blinken, Yellen Hold China Accountable in Upcoming Visit" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Countering the threat of China is an international priority that America cannot overlook. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen gear up for a visit to Beijing, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) urges them to hold China accountable not only for its aggression abroad but its human rights abuses within. READ MORE
"Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Create Bicameral Committee to Investigate Afghanistan Withdrawal" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced a bill that looks to create a bipartisan and bicameral committee into President Joe Biden (D) and his administration’s withdrawal of Afghanistan. READ MORE
"Waltz Urges DOD to Investigate School Military Programs" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina READ MORE
"Donalds: 'COVID is Over Now'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has become more than just a popular U.S. House Congressman among other legislators, but a nationally recognized name, and is now railing against the federal overspending tied to the COVID pandemic. READ MORE
"DeSantis Releases 2023. Education Agenda, Looks to ban CRT and Diversity and Equity Curriculums" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) held a press conference in Bradenton today, and later released a statement regarding the introduction of his agenda for the 2023 Session, particularly his intentions to “further elevate civil discourse and intellectual freedom in higher education.” READ MORE
"DeSantis, Florida Lawmakers Target Unanimous Jury Recommendations in Death Cases" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE — With backing from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida lawmakers could scrap a requirement that unanimous jury recommendations are needed before death sentences can be imposed. READ MORE
"Rubio Comments on Biden's Classified Documents" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) appeared on the Fox News "Hannity" TV Show this week to discuss a number of issues, including the ongoing investigation into the classified documents President Joe Biden (D) had over several locations. READ MORE
"Buchanan, Wasserman Schultz Introduce Bipartisan Human Trafficking Bill" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich READ MORE
"Ashley Moody Issues Consumer Alert on Identity Theft" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Identity theft is not a new obstacle that Floridians have had to deal with. Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) has issued a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians this Identity Theft Awareness Week about the billions of dollars lost to identity theft each year. READ MORE
"Gimenez Demands Mayorkas Allow Border Agents Testify About Migrant Crisis" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Rep. James Comer (R-KY) recently invited four Chief Patrol Agents of four U.S. Border Patrol sectors to testify about the southern border crisis in a hearing scheduled for February 7th. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas refused to let the four speak. READ MORE
"Trump Intends to One-Up DeSantis on Education in New Campaign Video" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Governor Ron DeSantis' (R-FL) ongoing battle to reform education in Florida continues to draw attention on the national stage. More specifically, from former President Donald Trump and his campaign. READ MORE
"Florida Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against DeSantis Administration over Illegal Immigrant Flights" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE — A Leon County circuit judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the Florida Department of Transportation and a contractor did not fully comply with public-records requests about controversial state-funded flights of illegal migrants to Martha’s Vinyard in Massachusetts. READ MORE
"Florida Grand Jury Seeks to Curb Immigrant Releases" by The News Service of Florida—A Florida statewide grand jury is urging lawmakers to curb the releases of undocumented immigrants from county jails. A presentment released Friday alleged that a law has been “intentionally and flagrantly abused,” resulting in the release of inmates who had been held in county jails under detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. READ MORE
"Florida Lawmaker Reasserts That Criminal Justice System is Built on Racism" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—When Tyre Nichols was pulled over by five Memphis Police officers and brutally beaten and killed, Americans were rightfully disgusted by the police brutality, but was the tragic incident anchored in racism? READ MORE
"Waltz Calls on Biden to Pressure Others in Funding Ukraine" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—As the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, providing further funding for Ukraine has become a topic of contention in the United States. Congressional Democrats support sending more funding and resources to Ukraine, but Republicans have grown weary of the measures. Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) discussed sending tanks to Ukraine on Fox News this weekend, questioning recent support from Germany. READ MORE
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"Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Shuns Former State Legislators" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres READ MORE
"Gimenez Heads Subcommittee on Transportation & Maritime Security" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Over the weekend, Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R) announced that he will serve as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. READ MORE
"Eskamani Fights for Public-School Funding" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) has shared a blog post of her third week of committee meetings. Rep. Eskamani shared certain issues that have been discussed such as public school funding. READ MORE
"Wasserman Schultz Calls Out DeSantis for Censorship of Classroom Material in Schools" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Democrats around the state have been calling out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) since his signage of the controversial school transparency law HB 1467 in March. Some Democrats, like Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) say that the bill is “censorship.” READ MORE
"Maxwell Frost Addresses Week of Violence in America" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—In a week of violence across the nation that saw 3 mass shootings in less than 2 days, and a viral video of police brutality in which five Memphis officers beat and killed a man, there was natural outrage from members of Congress, including freshman Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL). READ MORE
"Rubio Writes Pfizer CEO Over Alleged Purposeful Virus Mutation" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to Pfizer President and CEO Albert Bourla to address the report from Pfizer’s own Director of Research and Development, Jordan Walker, detailing the possibility that the company was conducting “directed evolution,” known by some as gain-of-function research. READ MORE
"Mills Calls for House GOP to Start Investigating Biden for Documents Debacle" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Freshman Congressman and newly selected member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) recently went on Fox Business to discuss President Joe Biden’s (D) scandal concerning the found documents containing classified information at various locations, including the President’s Delaware home. READ MORE
"Strategic Production Act Passes Along Party Lines" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Increasing domestic energy production has been a priority of Republicans since retaking the House of Representatives. Now it looks like they have made some progress towards that goal as the Strategic Production Act (H.R. 21) passed in the chamber late last week. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3) stated about the measure, "this bill is a huge win for American energy independence, and Rep. Cammack was proud to support it. @HouseGOP is consistently delivering on our commitment to America, and Republicans have only just begun." READ MORE
"Trump Proposes Iron-Dome-Like Missile Defense System" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With former President Donald Trump out on the reelection campaign trail, videos detailing his domestic and foreign policy plans are making the rounds. A recent video, tweeted by Trump War Room, features President Trump speaking about implementing an Iron Dome-like missile defense system. READ MORE
Gaetz Introduces PENCIL Resolution, Looks to Bar Adam Schiff from Classified Info" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has announced the introduction of the “Preventing Extreme Negligence with Classified Information Licenses” (PENCIL) Resolution, which looks to prevent Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) from receiving security clearances to classified information as well as launching an investigation by the House Ethics Committee. READ MORE
"Rubio Threatens Biden Administration for Denying Intelligence Committee Access to Secret Documents" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—After a recent closed-door Senate Intelligence Committee briefing with National Intelligence Director Avril Haines, where the entire committee of U.S. Senators in attendance was denied access to the classified documents recently found at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home... READ MORE
"Salazar Reintroduces Resolution Denouncing Socialism" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Republicans have been vocal critics of socialism. Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) has now joined forces with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R) to reintroduce a resolution denouncing the failures of socialism. READ MORE
"House Republican Cory Mills Passes out Grenades to House Members" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—When House Republicans took control of the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month and vowed to thoroughly investigate the Biden administration, Democratic political heads began to blow up around the nation. Now, newly sworn-in Rep. Cory Mills has decided to take the exploding Democratic head gasket undertaking to a whole other level. READ MORE
"DeSantis Draws Fire Over Rejection of African American Course" by The News Service of Florida
"Waltz Reintroduces Bill on Drug and Human Trafficking" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) has teamed up with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce legislation cracking down on drug and human trafficking. The Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act provides several government organizations with the jurisdiction to push back against drug and human traffickers. READ MORE
The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina
