WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) hosted a public hearing regarding the State of Florida’s “anti-democratic abuses.” This hearing was orchestrated after House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) denied bringing this issue to Capitol Hill.
Both Rep. Frost and House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD) published a memo regarding the ad-hoc hearing, arguing that the DeSantis administration is following the blueprint for creating a “fascist state.”
“Through these actions, members of the Florida legislative and executive branches have collaborated to consolidate power, punish dissent, and strip the rights and freedoms of Floridians. Together, these three steps are characteristic of creating a fascist state and are antithetical to the principles and practices of democracy,” the memo reads.
The hearing included the likes of State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-FL) and former State Attorney Andrew Warren, whose position was terminated by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Both of the Florida public servants gave testimonies regarding the alleged democratic abuses.
Rep. Eskamani brought up the notion that the state legislature has created new rules to “create a culture of fear” among dissenting members.
“They also added a process to expel members, which we can assume is inspired by what works in other states, but really to create a culture of fear among their colleagues for us not to dissent or call out some of this behavior,” said Rep. Eskamani, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Former State Attorney Warren mentioned that DeSantis has “exploited cracks in the system.”
“Gov. DeSantis has weaponized Trump’s authoritarian approach by elevating words to deeds,” Warren said. “He’s exploited cracks in the system and trampled both the spirit and the letter of the law to punish those who disagree with him.”
Rep. Frost said in an interview on Capitol Hill that “Democracy is not something we can agree to disagree on,” and that “we’re going to fight to expose what’s going on in the state of Florida.”
He would also release a statement regarding the ad-hoc hearing on Twitter.
The FL Gov. & GOP ban books, threaten teachers, take over universities, reward corrupt cronies, attack our LGBTQ+ communities, & more.
Yesterday, I held an emergency ad-hoc hearing to allow my colleagues to hear directly from people targeted by these fascist, abusive acts. pic.twitter.com/eNkeT5lGax
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) June 23, 2023
“The FL Gov. & GOP ban books, threaten teachers, take over universities, reward corrupt cronies, attack our LGBTQ+ communities, & more. Yesterday, I held an emergency ad-hoc hearing to allow my colleagues to hear directly from people targeted by these fascist, abusive acts.”
Frost recently made headlines when he said “F– Ron DeSantis” at a Paramore concert.
