Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urging them to oppose any Democratic resistance to President Donald Trump (R) and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The goal of the initiative is to cut waste and abuse in the federal government.

The letter, which comes as the government funding deadline quickly approaches, was sent alongside a multitude of Sen. Scott's colleagues in the Republican Conference of both chambers. It begins by providing a rationale to defend DOGE and its goals.

"President Trump campaigned on a promise to the American people to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and his resounding victory last November confirms he has been given a mandate by our constituents to make good on that promise," began Sen. Scott and his colleagues. "His clear message that taxpayers deserve to know not only how their money is being spent, but also that it is being spent responsibly, resonated with voters."

Later in the letter, Scott and his cohorts shared that they are "deeply concerned" with the prospect of Democrats maintaining the "unsustainable status quo" related to DOGE's government spending efforts with the deadline less than two weeks away.

"Rather than negotiating in good faith to find a solution that keeps the government open, we understand that Democrats are insisting that any government funding deal include policy provisions that would tie the hands of the President and prohibit DOGE from continuing their efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government spending," the Republicans wrote. "It has become clear that many Congressional Democrats would prefer a government shutdown rather than even attempt to rein in bloated federal bureaucracies."

The Republicans then told their party leadership that they would not support a funding package that would "be weaponized against President Trump" and that they should reject any effort aimed at diminishing DOGE.

They concluded their correspondence by saying the United States of America cannot allow the left side of the aisle to interfere with Trump and Musk's initiative.

"A bloated federal bureaucracy and unsupervised, unaccountable federal spending have contributed to the existential fiscal threat our country faces, with a $36 trillion national debt growing because of perennial budget deficits. Our country cannot afford to allow Democrats to frustrate President Trump’s work to rein in government spending and bring needed and long-overdue accountability to Washington. We look forward to working with you to resist these attempts, and ensure that the President can continue to deliver on his mandate," the letter concludes.

Senator Scott and Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) were joined by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Mike Lee (R-UT), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), along with Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Mark Harris (R-NC), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Barry Moore (R-AL) and Ralph Norman (R-SC).

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Representative Al Green (D-TX) spoke to the media following his removal from the House Chamber during President Donald Trump's (R) Address to the Joint Session of Congress last night.

Almost immediately, Rep. Green stood up and began heckling President Trump during his speech, and after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) reminded Rep. Green to keep decorum, Green heckled again and again, leading the Sergeant of Arms to remove him.

Vice President JD Vance (R) was seen smiling throughout the fanfare and was physically motioning for hecklers to get out of the chamber.

Following the display, Rep. Green shared with reporters that his outbursts toward President Trump were about his belief that Trump does not have a "mandate to cut Medicaid," and that he wanted to make those thoughts known. Green acknowledged that he would face any punishment given to him.

NEW: Rep. Al Green says he is working on articles of impeachment after being kicked out of Trump's speech.

"I have other things I'm protesting. And I'm also working on my articles of impeachment. This president is unfit."

I've never seen someone so butthurt. pic.twitter.com/QQ6Ws93yq7

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 5, 2025

"The President said he had a mandate, and I was making it clear to the President that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid," began Green. "I have people who are very fearful. These are poor people, and they only have Medicaid in their lives when it comes to their health care. And I want him to know that his budget calls for deep cuts in Medicaid. He needs to save Medicaid, protect it. We need to raise the cap on Social Security. There's a possibility that it's going to be hurt, and we've got to protect Medicare."

The Texas congressman continued, sharing that his constituents rely on these programs and that President Trump does not care about them.

"These are the safety net programs that people in my congressional district depend on, and this President seems to care less about them and more about the number of people that he can remove from the various programs that have been so helpful."

Furthermore, Rep. Green mentioned that he was willing to "suffer whatever punishment" that is levied upon him, and said it was "worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this President's desire to cut Medicaid."

Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX) announced that he has moved to censure Rep. Green.

Finally, Green shared that he is "working on [his] Articles of Impeachment."

Al Green represents Texas' 9th Congressional District.

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Florida Chief Financial Officer and Congressional District 1 Republican congressional nominee Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) spoke to The Floridian regarding the persistent antics of House Democrats during President Donald Trump's Address to the Joint Session of Congress last night. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-FL) also called out his fellow Democrats over their behavior.

For context, one of President Trump's special guests for his address to Congress included a young boy who has battled brain cancer but has dreamed of serving in law enforcement. During the speech, Trump declared him an honorary United States Secret Service agent, bringing forth thunderous applause.

You can view the moment below:

13-year-old D.J. Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer and given five months to live — and that was six years ago.

Since then, D.J. and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true — and tonight, President Trump made him an honorary member of the Secret Service. pic.twitter.com/9FuDCUIfos

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2025

This sparked little to no reaction from House Democrats, as it seemed planned that they were not going to clap for anything in Trump's speech. He even called them out for it, too.

However, CFO Patronis shared his thoughts on the issue with The Floridian.

WATCH: Florida CFO @JimmyPatronis TORCHES Democrats' reaction to last night's Presidental Speech. The Floridian asked, and he didn’t hold back.

"The #Trump Derangement Syndrome is a real thing."
"Transparency's the best disinfectant."#flpol via- @JavManjarres -… pic.twitter.com/cz5DcKdImh

— The Floridian (@Floridianpress) March 5, 2025

"You know, it's unfortunate," Patronis began. "I think when you look at a young man who's fighting cancer who was given an honorary Secret Service status, or the young man who was given his notice that he was going to be accepted into the Naval Academy (Patronis meant West Point)."

The congressional hopeful continued, sharing that a lot of the stories President Trump highlighted should be celebrated in a bipartisan fashion, not along party lines.

"Those are achievements we should be excited about as a nation, not a partisan fight. You know, the Trump derangement syndrome is a real thing, and the Democrats are just eaten up with it," said Patronis. "Unfortunately, how they stand and accept the type of expenditure that this previous administration was doing is unacceptable, but I'm glad it seemed right like again like I said, transparency is the best disinfectant."

Moreover, State Sen. Pizzo shared his displeasure with the Democrats who refused to stand up for the child with brain cancer.

To @TheDemocrats in Congress, who couldn’t stand to applaud a 13-year-old boy who survived brain cancer, shame on you.

— Sen. Jason Pizzo (@senpizzo) March 5, 2025

To the Democrats in Congress, who couldn’t stand to applaud a 13-year-old boy who survived brain cancer, shame on you.

The post Patronis, Pizzo Scathe U.S. House Democrats for Antics During Trump's Address appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Al Green (D-TX) has been kicked out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump's (R) address to the joint session of Congress.

Almost immediately, Rep. Green stood up and began heckling President Trump, and after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) reminded Rep. Green to keep decorum, Green heckled again and again, leading the Sergeant of Arms to remove Green.

President Trump then scorned the Democrats, saying he could cure tumultuous diseases, provide the greatest economy ever, or perform superhuman events, and they still wouldn't cheer for him or his administration.

During the broadcast, Democrats on the left side of the aisle were shown holding small placards saying things such as "Musk Steals," "That's a Lie," "Save Medicaid," and other phrases in defiance.

One of the biggest jeers from Democrats came when President Trump described former President Joe Biden (D) as one of the worst Commanders-in-Chiefs in history. He also called out the Democrats for attempting to keep him from returning to the Oval Office through lawfare.

Vice President JD Vance (R) was seen smiling throughout the fanfare and was physically motioning for hecklers to get out of the chamber.

This speech from President Trump comes just days after his spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the White House and sat down with President Donald Trump (R) and Vice President JD Vance (R) as negotiations between the United States and Russia to possibly end the war carry on.

During the exchange, President Trump and Vice President Vance both described President Zelenskyy as "disrespectful" to the American people and the Oval Office, with Vance accusing Zelenskyy of attempting to "litigate" his case in front of the American media.

President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance put AMERICA FIRST. pic.twitter.com/AkAvzKpcpb

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2025

Vance then asked Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian military is facing problems with recruitment numbers and then asked if it was respectful to come to the Oval Office and "attack the administration trying to prevent the destruction of your country."

Zelenskyy responded by saying that everyone has problems during wars, even the United States. However, Zelenskyy noted that while the U.S. has a "nice ocean" that serves as a protective barrier against attacks, it will "feel" the pains of war in the "future."

This prompted Trump to immediately step in, saying:

"You don't know that. Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel...You don't have the cards right now. You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III."

Vance then called out Zelenskyy with a rhetorical question, asking whether he had "said thank you" during the entirety of the meeting. He then called out Zelenskyy again for campaigning with Democrats in Pennsylvania during the 2024 election cycle.

Trump added that it would be hard to do business with their disagreements.

On social media, Trump released the following statement after the meeting:

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” said Trump.

The press conference between Trump and Zelenskyy was subsequently canceled.

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Lay off my Coke! In the latest polling from Public Opinion Strategies, a majority of Americans, including Trump voters, support the usage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly referred to as food stamps) for soft drinks, including those sweetened with sugar. Changing this policy has been a focal point not just for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but also for another Trump appointee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Granted, Secretary Rubio doesn't appear to be super focused on the issue as of now in his role in the State Department, it is one of RFK Jr.'s priorities. In September, RFK Jr wrote this in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.

"Stop allowing beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to use their food stamps to buy soda or processed foods. Nine percent of all SNAP funding goes to sweetened drinks, according to 2011 data," Kennedy wrote. "It's nonsensical for U.S. taxpayers to spend tens of billions of dollars subsidizing junk that harms the health of low-income Americans."

Moreover, in May of 2023, while he was still a senator, Rubio introduced a bill, the Healthy SNAP Act, to eliminate junk food from food stamps and “make diet quality a primary objective of the SNAP program,” as 20% of the program’s purchases are junk food and unhealthy beverages, according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Not only did Rubio believe that cutting sweets from food stamps would be more conscious of taxpayers in the short term, but it would also “in the long run, reduce medical expenses.”

However, despite a majority of Americans voting for President Donald Trump, it appears the citizens of the United States do not want "Big Brother" deciding how to spend their tax dollars.

An argument can be made for the idea that the taxpayers are funding unhealthy habits and stress on the healthcare system, as RFK Jr. and Rubio have pointed out.

But, not a single majority of any demographic from the polling suggests that Americans have a problem with their tax dollars going toward the less fortunate to buy sweets. The overall polling showed nearly 2 to 1 support for this notion.

At the same time, the United States is a representative republic, and the American people voted to put RFK Jr and Rubio in charge. If every issue was left up to the American people, then it would not, in fact, be a republic, but a pure democracy. However, if RFK Jr. wants to win on this issue in the court of public opinion, then polling suggests that the HHS will have some work to do in the communication sphere.

It doesn't appear that this issue will be set in stone any time soon.

The post Poll: Majority of Americans Disagree with RFK Jr., Rubio Over Using Food Stamps to Buy Soft Drinks appeared first on The Floridian.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) appeared on Sean Hannity's show to discuss national political strategy and Democrats' appearing to not alter their ways, such as supporting the DOGE initiative following the 2024 election. The Democrats failed to hold the Senate or take back the House of Representatives and lost the White House, losing all seven battleground states along the way.

However, there does not seem to be any sense of reflection from the left side of the aisle.

Democrats and the media are doubling down on failed policies and woke ideologies.

They want to see men competing in women's sports and billions wasted in reckless spending! pic.twitter.com/Tc98G6TB5u

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 26, 2025

"It's amazing," Sen. Cruz began. "It seems like Democrats and the media, they didn't learn anything from this election. Normally, when you get your rear end whipped in an election, you stop and say, 'Hey, what went wrong, what did we do wrong? Let's recalibrate.' The Democrats are not. They're doubling down."

The Texas senator continued by admonishing the Democrats for not supporting Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative to cut wasteful spending, and are instead opposing it.

"They are the party of waste, fraud, and abuse. You don't see a single elected Democrat saying, 'This is great, that Elon Musk is tracking this down.' Instead, they are defending sex change surgeries in Guatemala, $20 million," said Cruz. "They are defending $58 million in FEMA funds meant for disaster recovery, used to house illegal aliens. And they're defending open borders. They're attacking Israel, and they're defending boys in girls sports."

Finally, Cruz asked if the Left is even acknowledging their decisive defeat.

"And you look at the Democrats, you're like, did you hear a word, the voters said? And they're not. This is their agenda. I gotta say, Sean, the waste, fraud and abuse that most needs to be cut, is the Democrats! That's who they are," concluded Cruz.

Moreover, Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) spoke at a press conference just outside the Capitol on Tuesday and defended President Donald Trump (R) and Elon Musk's aggressive Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.

Musk and his DOGE team made headlines this week when they sent an email to government employees demanding they respond with five examples of what they accomplished at their job last week. Failure to respond to the email would be considered a resignation by the employee.

Some have criticized Musk's tactic, while Republicans such as Rep. Van Duyne hold the view that government employees, such as herself, should be held accountable. She also vowed for Musk in his role as an advisor to President Trump.

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Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) held a press conference just outside the Capitol on Tuesday and defended President Donald Trump (R) and Elon Musk's aggressive Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.

Musk and his DOGE team made headlines this week when they sent an email to government employees demanding they respond with five examples of what they accomplished at their job last week. Failure to respond to the email would be considered a resignation by the employee.

Some have criticized Musk's tactic, while Republicans such as Rep. Van Duyne hold the view that government employees, such as herself, should be held accountable. She also vowed for Musk in his role as an advisor to President Trump.

"I'm having a hard time understanding why people are upset that Elon Musk is not elected," began Rep. Van Duyne. "All the bureaucrats in government are unelected. They're the ones who are writing the regulations. Elon Musk is merely an advisor to the president. He has given some advice to the President, saying these are the things that we are finding that we are covering at breakneck speed. That's it. And presidents throughout history have had advisors. I don't think that that's a problem. I think the problem is, is that the American people and federal workers have gotten so complacent with the government not doing anything."

The Texas congresswoman continued, sharing that the Trump administration keeping its campaign promises shouldn't shock anyone, but the notion that it does is troubling.

"The fact that you actually have somebody who ran for election saying, this is what we're going to do, getting in office, and actually doing it is such a shock to many. And we've got federal employees who are being asked to say, what did you do last week? I'll tell you ... If anybody asked me what I did last week, I have - since I got elected - I have been passing out, emailing a newsletter," said Rep. Van Duyne. "Go to my website. You can find out exactly what I do on a day-to-day basis. It is not beneath me to do that. I am accountable. I am accountable to my constituents. I am accountable to [the] American people, because we are getting taxpayer dollars to do this role. We have a job to do, we should not be ashamed of telling people what we're doing. It should not be a shock to the system."

Later in Van Duyne's remarks, the representative mentioned that the DOGE initiative is moving at such fast speeds because President Trump had four years to prepare for it.

"And to think that this was like a split second, 'oh, you're doing it so fast,'" said Van Duyne. "I will keep in mind this is a president who has already served four years in office, had four years to look at what all the various abuses were in our federal bureaucracy ... He then had another four years to put together an experienced team that was ready to execute on those promises and that is exactly what you're seeing."

Beth Van Duyne represents Texas' 24th Congressional District.

The post Van Duyne Defends Elon Musk's DOGE Initiative, Role in White House appeared first on The Floridian.

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) have reintroduced a bill to curb the sale of fentanyl online. The legislation is known as the Stopping Online Confusion for Investigative Agencies and Law-enforcement by Maintaining Evidence Determined Interparty Arrangements (SOCIAL MEDIA) Act.

The SOCIAL MEDIA Act aims to promote collaboration and improve comprehensive strategies between law enforcement agencies and social media companies to grant the platforms the best chances to stem the sale of fentanyl online.

According to the previous versions of the bill, the SOCIAL MEDIA Act would allow for better law enforcement coordination in criminal cases with social media platforms by requiring 24/7 staffed-in-the-U.S.A. call centers for fielding information requests with clear guidelines for agencies to best expedite the process.

Sen. Scott declared that Congress must rise to the occasion and attempt to stop the "heartbreaking epidemic" that is the fentanyl crisis.

“As parents and grandparents, we do everything in our power to keep our kids safe, from the dangers in the world, including deadly drugs like fentanyl," said Sen. Scott. "The fentanyl crisis is a heartbreaking epidemic that’s killing more than 70,000 Americans every year – and while President Trump works hard to stop the flow of these drugs into our nation, Congress must take action on our end to address this crisis on every level."

Scott continued, sharing that social media has been a major player in the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl and the time to do something about it is now.

"I’ve talked to so many parents and law enforcement officers about how these drugs are now making their way to our communities and in our kids’ hands through social media apps, with dealers specifically targeting kids, causing deadly overdoses and getting away with it," said Scott. "Enough is enough. Our bipartisan bill, the SOCIAL MEDIA Act will give law enforcement additional tools to combat deadly fentanyl sales online, hold drug dealers accountable and fight this epidemic to save lives.”

Moreover, Sen. Shaheen added, “The substance use crisis continues to wreak havoc in communities across New Hampshire – and tragically, we’ve seen how social media apps make it easier for young people to get their hands on deadly drugs like fentanyl. Our bipartisan SOCIAL MEDIA Act would crack down on the illicit drug sales happening on social media by strengthening coordination between law enforcement and social media companies to prevent future overdoses.”

The SOCIAL MEDIA Act has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) recently praised U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for her work just weeks since taking the oath of office as the head of the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump (R).

As a United States Senator, Ted Cruz mentioned that he had interviewed Bondi since becoming Attorney General and asked whether she accomplished her plan in the first two weeks upon entering the position.

Cruz's Statement on Bondi

.@AGPamBondi has an enormous task in front of her.

She is working around the clock to restore law and order and keep our country safe. pic.twitter.com/8yLAyMYOPF

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 23, 2025

"So, we interviewed her, and I asked her, 'Alright, first fifteen days, what has been accomplished, what needs to be done?,'" said Sen. Cruz.

Cruz continued, sharing that AG Bondi has taken the appropriate steps to American's safety and a commitment to law and order.

"And I'll tell you, she is very focused on number one, keeping us safe, putting murderers and rapists and child molesters and gang members and terrorists; putting them in jail, securing the border, going after the cartels, going after the people who are threatening our safety, and she is also laser-focused on ending the politicization and weaponization of the Department of Justice and the FBI. Both of those are desperately, desperately needed," said Cruz of Bondi.

AG Bondi offered a plethora of newsworthy moments during her confirmation hearings in the Senate. You can find key moments below:

Bondi's Attorney General Confirmation Hearing

During her confirmation hearing on Jan. 16, Bondi was asked about the 2020 election, the potential pardoning of January 6th protestors, and whether she would be more loyal to the Constitution or President Donald Trump (R).

During the hearing, multiple Democrats reiterated the question of whether President-elect Trump lost the 2020 election. Bondi repeatedly answered by saying that President Joe Biden (D) is currently the Commander-in-Chief, he was "duly sworn in" and that there was a "peaceful transfer of power" in the Oval Office.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) followed up with Bondi by asking if she had "any doubts" that Biden had the majority of electoral votes to win in 2020.

She answered by saying that she accepted President Biden as the Commander-in-Chief but witnessed a lot of irregularities during her time on the ground in Pennsylvania during the 2020 election.

Additionally, Durbin asked if Bondi is prepared to pardon those who've been prosecuted for "violent assaults on police officers" during the events of January 6th, 2021.

Her response:

"Senator, if confirmed as Attorney General of the United States, the pardons, of course, fall under the President. But if asked to look at those cases, I will look at each case and advise on a case-by-case basis, just as I did my entire career as a prosecutor."

President Trump granted clemency to nearly 1,600 Jan. 6 protestors on his first day in office.

Furthermore, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) asked Bondi if she would follow an order from President Trump even if it was deemed "unethical or illegal," and questioned her motives when giving responses in order to be confirmed by the committee.

Bondi responded:

"Senator, first, I need to clarify something that you said, that I have to sit up here and say these things. No, I don't. I sit up here and speak the truth. I'm not going to sit up here and say anything that I need to say to get confirmed by this body, I don't have to say anything. I will answer the questions to the best of my ability, and honestly."

The post Cruz Praises Attorney General Pam Bondi for Performance so far appeared first on The Floridian.

Senator Rick Scott has reintroduced the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act, a bill that aims to solidify President Trump’s CCP Initiative under the Department of Justice (DOJ) to "prevent spying from the Chinese Communist Party on U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions."

This program looks to protect America’s best interests by fighting back against the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) attempts to take U.S. data, intellectual property, and trade secrets as well as protect the United States' "critical infrastructure and supply chains from foreign investments."

According to Sen. Scott, the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act would accomplish the following for against China:

• CCP Initiative: Establishes the CCP Initiative within the DOJ’s National Security Division to counter national security threats to American interests.
• Enforcement:
  • Targets trade secret theft, economic espionage, and cyberattacks by CCP-affiliated entities, including Chinese companies engaged in unfair competition with U.S. businesses, while investigating their investments in the U.S.
  • Strengthens the enforcement of the CFIUS regulations, particularly those related to Chinese investments, by collaborating with the DOT to implement amendments from the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act.
• Coordination with Federal Agencies: Mandates collaboration between the DOJ, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other federal agencies to ensure coordinated efforts to safeguard American infrastructure from foreign threats, particularly in technology and supply chains.
• Resources and Independence: Ensures independent operation with dedicated resources, distinct from other national security programs within the DOJ, allowing for specialized attention on CCP-related threats.

Sen. Scott shared that this move to reinstate President Donald Trump's (R) policies on China protects American national security and reverses former President Joe Biden's (D) "blind-eye" leadership on the issue.

“The Chinese Communist Party is one of the greatest threats to America’s national security and way of life as it seeks global domination by any means necessary," said Sen. Scott. "President Joe Biden recklessly ended the China Initiative that President Trump established during his first term, turning a blind eye as Communist China committed at least 60 known cases of espionage on the United States and our citizens during his administration."

The former Florida governor continued by saying that this bill will codify President Trump's intentions to hold China accountable for its hostilities against the United States.

"Now, President Trump is back in action to hold Communist China fully accountable for its exploitation of the United States. Our bill, the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act, will bring back the successful CCP Initiative to help President Trump face this threat head-on and Make America Safe Again," concluded Scott.

The post Scott Reintroduces Bill to Protect American Data from Communist China appeared first on The Floridian.

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and 42 of their Republican colleagues have introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act, a bill that would do away with the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the "death tax." Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has joined the large number of GOP senators in reintroducing this legislation as well.

The legislators want this bill to end the "surprise" tax on businesses, families, and farms and ranches when a loved one passes away. The Death Tax Repeal Act would also end the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax, it would modify the Gift Tax for inflation, and treat transfers into trusts as taxable gifts.

Sen. Scott shared that Americans who've sacrificed their time, talent, and treasure have helped the nation's economy and their children and/or businesses shouldn't be punished for it upon their death.

“Florida families who have dedicated their lives to starting small businesses, like farms and ranches, help put food on tables and fuel the state’s economy," said Sen. Scott. "The families who own these businesses are working hard to support their own livelihoods while building legacies for future generations."

Scott continued by saying, "We can’t let that effort be crippled by a sudden, overwhelming financial burden like the death tax. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this commonsense legislation to make sure family-owned businesses, farms and ranches can flourish for generations to come.”

Moreover, Sen. Cornyn said that while families are grieving, they shouldn't be dealing with hardship such as the death tax.

“An added financial burden is the last thing families should have to deal with in the wake of a loved one’s passing,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By repealing the death tax, this legislation would alleviate unnecessary hardship and offer greater financial opportunities for Texas families, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.”

Furthermore, Leader Thune mentioned that every farm and ranch is "vital" to the economy and the culture of South Dakota, and a death tax is not worth losing any of them.

“Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota. Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many," said Leader Thune. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability.”

This move from the Republican legislators comes after Representatives Sanford Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) and House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Estate Tax Reduction Act to cut the estate tax rate in half.

The congressmen want to help American families retain their family businesses by reducing the penalties for "death taxes" and allowing for an easier transition of ownership, financially. This bipartisan solution wouldn't eliminate the death tax entirely but could be a more feasible way to get legislation of this sort across the finish line.

The post Scott, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to End the Death Tax appeared first on The Floridian.

On Wednesday, Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) appeared on the Ruthless Podcast and compared the Republican Party's stark national identity with core principles and positions to the Democrat Party. Gov. Kemp believes the Left's policy positions are mostly reactionary, and with the speed of President Donald Trump's (R) administration, it is hard for Democrats to decide what they are for and against in response to the President's moves.

Congrats to the @RuthlessPodcast fellas on 500 episodes! Glad to celebrate last night and talk about the stark difference in Republican and Democrat leadership. pic.twitter.com/UbmXKIy4Gd

— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) February 20, 2025

"[The Democrats] have just been so out of touch on those kind of issues. I mean, they really don't understand what their principles are," said Gov. Kemp. "So now, with President Trump throwing so much out and the administration, throwing so much out every day, they don't know what to target, because they first have to decide, like, we got to figure out what we believe in, and then we can figure out what to go after."

Kemp continued, sharing that people can oppose the ideals of the Republican Party, but they cannot dispute the GOP's willingness to be upfront and transparent about how they approach and view core issues. He also mentioned that the Democrats do not necessarily have a leader at the moment, either.

"I mean, look, you may not like some Republicans positions, but at least you know what they think," said the Georgia governor. "You know, they will tell you honestly what their principles are, what they believe in. And I think the biggest problem the Democrats have right now is they just don't understand what their principles are, and they have to have somebody in leadership tell them, like, what is it that we believe in?"

Finally, Kemp confirmed that while Republican governors include a geographically diverse group, their policies are well-known to their constituents.

"Well, that's not the case with Republican governors, I mean, we've got Republican governors from across the spectrum, whether it's from New Hampshire to Texas to Florida, Oklahoma, but at least you know what these people believe in," concluded Kemp.

The Georgia governor is term-limited, but he could be gearing up to challenge Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) for his seat in 2026. According to the latest polling from Tyson Group, Kemp holds a significant advantage against Ossoff and polls 10% better than other Republicans such as Georgia Representatives Buddy Carter and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

The post Kemps Blasts Democrats, Says they have No Leadership, National Message appeared first on The Floridian.

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced the Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025, a bill designed to end DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) hiring practices, and a restore merit-based system for selecting government employees. The legislation attempts to codify President Donald Trump's (R) Executive Order relating to this very issue.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) co-sponsored this bill.

Sen. Scott began by saying that the left side of the aisle had successfully exercised radical DEI practices in the federal government, but President Trump's Executive Order and this bill are looking to change the status quo.

“For years, Democrats have pushed radicalized policies into the innermost workings of our government, spending tax dollars against Americans’ own best interests. President Trump is right — in order to make the federal government work best for the American people, the federal workforce must hire based on merit above all else," said Sen. Scott.

The Florida senator continued by saying the federal government should be operating like small businesses, not vice versa.

"Just like in any business and any job outside of the federal government, our federal agencies should be choosing the best-qualified candidate to show up and get to work for the American people. I encourage my colleagues to pass this good bill that codifies the President’s action so we can make Washington work better for American families," said Sen. Scott.

According to Scott's press release, Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025 will attempt to accomplish the following:

• Restores Merit to the Hiring Process: Prioritizes the recruitment of individuals who are committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, upholding the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States and are passionate about the ideals of our nation.
• Eliminates DEI Hiring: Prevents the appointment of any individual based on race, sex or religion.
• Updates Hiring Procedures: Improves the overall hiring process for individuals by establishing a hiring timeline of no more than 80 days, offers a more streamlined communications process with candidates and integrates modern technology to support agencies with the recruitment and selection process. This legislation ensures that the heads, or designees, of agencies are active participants in the new processes.
• Holds Agencies Accountable: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish performance metrics to evaluate the success of the new hiring procedures.

The post Scott Introduces Bill to 'Restore Merit' and end DEI Hiring in Government appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump (R) released a message on his social media app, Truth Social, regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the negotiations between the United States and Russia regarding the Ukrainian-Russian War.

President Trump has accused President Zelenskyy of being a "dictator" who "wants to keep the 'gravy train' going," referring to the hundreds of billions of dollars the United States has sent Ukraine amidst this conflict during the Biden administration.

The 45th and 47th President began by stating the war could've never been won by Ukraine, nor should it have ever started. However, President Trump believes only the United States can bring the conflict to a resolution.

"Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and 'TRUMP,' will never be able to settle," said Trump.

He continued, sharing his belief that President Biden did not look after the United States' best interests during the war, comparing the U.S. and Europe's aid packages and how they are repaid, if at all.

"The United States has spent $200 Billion Dollars more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back," said Trump. "Why didn’t Sleepy Joe Biden demand Equalization, in that this War is far more important to Europe than it is to us — We have a big, beautiful Ocean as separation. On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is 'MISSING.'"

Furthermore, Trump accuses Zelenskyy of being a dictator who manipulated America and plans to continue the flow of billions of dollars to Ukraine under the guise of foreign aid.

"He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden 'like a fiddle.' A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only 'TRUMP,' and the Trump Administration, can do," said the President. "Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring Peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the 'gravy train' going."

Trump concluded by saying he supports Ukraine, but the entire situation has been wrongly handled from the beginning.

"I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues….." Trump said.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022.

The post Trump Calls Zelenskyy a 'Dictator' Amidst War Negotiations appeared first on The Floridian.

Over the weekend, Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ed Markey (D-MA), and 48 other senators introduced the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a piece of legislation requiring automakers to include AM radios in every new car produced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would require automakers to install AM radios "at no additional charge." The rationale is that during emergencies, AM radios are the most reliable form of communication in dire situations.

Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced the companion legislation in the House.

Sen. Scott mentioned that Florida residents need this legislation action, especially during hurricane season.

“When hurricanes hit or weather approaches, Floridians rely heavily on AM radio for updates and life-saving messages from their local authorities," said Sen. Scott. "I’m proud to join Senators Cruz and Markey on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to ensure families in my state and across the nation have access to critical information when they need it most.”

Furthermore, Sen. Cruz shares that AM radio also serves a purpose besides communication during disasters. It also allows another avenue for free speech in the United States.

“During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe," said Sen. Cruz. "AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades. I am honored to once again partner with Sen. Markey on this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our constituents who depend on AM radio and public airwaves for access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts.”

Finally, Representative Bilirakis mentioned that "rural and underserved Americans" still utilize AM radio, and that the medium deserves to be preserved for that reason.

“In order to maximize public safety and ensure continued access to every available option, it is critical to have a robust and widely accessible communication infrastructure in place to alert Americans during emergency situations and natural disasters,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Each hurricane season, Floridians rely upon the ability to gain access to information needed to make timely and potentially lifesaving decisions to evacuate, stay in place, seek shelter, or contact first responders. Further, rural and underserved Americans still enjoy listening to AM radio broadcasts for their diverse views ... I’m proud to work with Ranking Member Pallone on this initiative and look forward to moving it through Congress.”

The post Scott Co-Sponsors Bilirakis Companion Bill Requiring AM Radio in New Cars appeared first on The Floridian.

Governor Ron DeSantis' (R-FL) Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier, has officially been sworn in as Florida's newest Attorney General. The Florida governor shared that Uthmeier was "a bulldog" within his administration.

With a bit of sarcasm, Gov. DeSantis shared the role of Chief of Staff under his leadership is so hectic and fast-paced that a transition to state Attorney General for Uthmeier could be a "reward" for his time in the DeSantis administration.

DeSantis, Moody Congratulate Uthmeier

Gov. DeSantis complimented former Florida Attorney General and now-Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) for her time in the position and stated that Uthmeier can take the role to new heights.

"When we had the [state Attorney General] decision, obviously, we put our former Attorney General as a U.S. Senator, and she did a great job for us here in Florida," said DeSantis. "She's doing a great job now representing there, but we had an opportunity to make a selection for a very important statewide office, and an office that can really make a difference in the lives of Floridians; an office that was obviously prominent when we were battling Washington during the Biden administration, but also is going to be very important as we're here in this new era of American governance."

Furthermore, Sen. Moody shared congratulatory remarks for now Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

Congratulations to @JamesUthmeierFL on being sworn in as Florida’s 39th Attorney General! He has been a steadfast supporter of our efforts to protect Floridians and uphold conservative principles. A BIG thank you to our Chief Deputy John Guard for his leadership in holding down…

— Senator Ashley Moody (@SenAshleyMoody) February 17, 2025

"Congratulations to @JamesUthmeierFL on being sworn in as Florida’s 39th Attorney General!" began Sen. Moody. "He has been a steadfast supporter of our efforts to protect Floridians and uphold conservative principles. A BIG thank you to our Chief Deputy John Guard for his leadership in holding down the fort since my appointment to the U.S. Senate."

Uthmeier is Now Florida's Attorney General: How did we get here?

Well, after President Donald Trump (R) appointed former Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for the Secretary of State position, it left Gov. DeSantis (R-FL) with a vacancy to fill. He chose the Florida Attorney General at the time, Ashley Moody, for Rubio's Senate seat and picked his Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier, to be Florida's AG.

Moreover, President Trump initially chose former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to run the Department of Justice (DOJ), but he withdrew from the process, leading Trump to pick former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to be the U.S. Attorney General. She has since been confirmed.

Throughout this process, two former Florida Attorneys General have catapulted into the national spotlight.

Uthmeier has been a longtime advisor to Gov. DeSantis, working in the Executive Office of the Governor since 2019 and assuming the role of Chief of Staff in 2021.

The post Former DeSantis Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier, Sworn in as FL Attorney General appeared first on The Floridian.

Protecting Americans Consumers Together (PACT) is a legal reform advocacy group that is looking to make the legal system more affordable, accessible, and transparent for everyday Americans. Lauren Zelt, PACT's Executive Director, spoke to The Floridian regarding the advocacy group's mission concerning legal (especially "tort") reform.

These reforms, PACT believes, will save Americans upwards of hundreds or thousands of dollars on legal fees per citizen in some states.

According to the Legal Information Institute, a tort is "an act or omission that gives rise to injury or harm to another and amounts to a civil wrong for which courts impose liability." Tort reform aims to limit the ability to file a lawsuit or cap the amount of damages that can be received.

The State of Georgia - under the leadership of Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) and Lt. Governor Burt Jones (R-GA) - has made this issue one of the top priorities of the latest legislative session in the Peach State, perhaps following the lead of the State of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

When asked what is currently the main problem with the legal system, Director Zelt shared that the system is "unaccountable and unethical at times" and that PACT is working to address these problems through the state and federal legislatures.

"PACT really has a core mission that has three specific elements to it," began Zelt. "The first is protecting consumers; we believe very strongly that Americans deserve to be able to access a fair and transparent legal system and have confidence that they won't be exploited. Unfortunately, the current system is unaccountable and unethical at times, and people who are often accessing the legal system for the first time get taken advantage of. At PACT, we're trying to stop that practice from happening."

With Florida having already addressed tort reform in the last few years and Georgia making it a priority, we asked Zelt if legal abuse is most egregious in the Southeast, or if it's nationwide.

Zelt shared that it's a state-by-state, case-by-case basis, with states like Nevada, California, and South Carolina recently throwing their hat in the legal reform ring. She also shared that federal efforts could be on the horizon as well.

"Candidly, President Trump campaigned on lowering prices for all Americans, and Americans across the country are facing a hidden tax from exorbitant legal fees that are kind of baked into the system overall," said Zelt. "So, it's possible that we will have advocacy efforts at the federal level. And honestly, if President Trump wants to save consumers money, tort reform would be a very good place to start."

Moreover, Zelt shared that the legal reform is a relevant necessity because it helps make things more affordable from car insurance to Uber rides. Additionally, without tort reform, small businesses can face higher insurance premiums and those costs get passed down to consumers. She believes Floridians are already seeing the results from legislation that went into effect in the Sunshine State last year.

According to the latest polling from PACT (conducted by Public Opinion Strategies), 82% of Georgians who have used a personal injury lawyer "believe the system needs reform." Moreover, nearly three-quarters of voters say that lawsuit abuse increases the cost of living for Georgia families. This includes 88% of Republicans, 64% of independents, and 62% of Democrats.

When asked if Republicans or Democrats have been more or less receptive to legal reform, Zelt cited this poll, saying conversations on this issue have received "bipartisan support across the board" with elected officials.

Finally, PACT's Executive Director mentioned that she hopes Georgia follows in Florida's footsteps and enacts reforms to save Peach State residents money.

"What we're hoping for at PACT is for Georgia to follow the lead that Florida set last year and pass lawsuit abuse reform into law this year so that regular Georgia families can feel the same financial relief that Florida families are feeling today," concluded Zelt.

The post Legal Reform Advocacy Group, PACT, Wants Georgia to Follow in Florida's Footsteps appeared first on The Floridian.