In the hot seat
Secretary of State Marco Rubio returned to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings. As a former Florida Senator for more than a decade, he frequently answered questions from former colleagues in the state’s congressional delegation.
Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, spoke in favor of the recent indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro and the arrest this year of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
“Raúl Castro’s indictment sparked renewed hope for a free Cuba with government accountability, improved economic conditions, and political freedom,” Scott said. “It also sent a message to the world: America will not allow an adversarial regime just 90 miles off our shores.”
Marco Rubio returns to Capitol Hill, where old colleagues provide fresh homework.
Scott asked Rubio about the timeline for transitioning away from Maduro’s government. Rubio noted that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is serving as acting President and stated she is operating under U.S. oversight.
“It’s been five months, and I think Venezuela is in a better place today, and in a better trajectory today than it was five months ago,” Rubio said. “Now, is it where it needs to be? Is it where it needs to ultimately wind up? The answer is, of course, no. Ultimately, in order to truly transition, they have to have multiparty, free, and fair elections.”
Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, also inquired about the timeline for change in Cuba, noting that the Castro family continues to control the economy despite indictments. “There can be no democratic future for Cuba that leaves the Castro family in power, and there can be no lasting stability in Venezuela without free and fair elections,” she stressed.
Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, welcomed Rubio but raised concerns that GOP lawmakers have not addressed in public discussions. She questioned Rubio about administration pressure on the Gavi Alliance to limit international vaccine availability, citing disagreements with the positions of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
“I can’t even imagine this man knows what he’s talking about. But the fact is we need to get these vaccines out,” Frankel said.
Rubio disagreed with the characterization of Kennedy and clarified that the State Department, not the HHS Secretary, would oversee the Gavi Alliance moving forward. “We’ve now reached the stage where the State Department will become more engaged in making sure we can reach an outcome, because we have to get to an outcome here,” Rubio said. “We do want the reforms that (Kennedy) supports.”
Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican, said he was pleased with administration efforts, particularly in the Americas.
“I also want to thank you for the work that you’ve done to reset the Western Hemisphere,” he said. “While you’ve been focused on bettering our relationships in places like Panama, Cuba, Venezuela, throughout the Gulf of America, the (former President Joe) Biden and (former Secretary of State Antony) Blinken administration focused on funding drag shows in Ecuador and transgender operas in Colombia. I would say your work is significantly better.”
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, urged Rubio to consider measures to limit China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere.
“What do you need to make sure that this hemisphere continues to see, and seriously sees clearly, that choosing America over China actually pays off for their people?” he asked.
Rubio said American contractors need to be available to provide for infrastructure needs as readily as Chinese competitors.
“This is the important work of our embassies that they’ve been focused on, and they’ll continue to do so. I think continued support for those efforts is important,” Rubio said.
Protecting K9s
Assaulting a law enforcement officer serves as an aggravating factor when it comes to criminals already facing other charges. Sen. Ashley Moody wants violence against police animals treated the same way.
The Plant City Republican filed the LEO K-9 Protection Act, which strengthens penalties for anyone who intentionally harms animals, including canine officers and patrol horses.
“These highly trained animals help law enforcement apprehend dangerous criminals, detect narcotics and explosives, assist with searches, find missing persons, and save lives,” she said.
K-9 Leo’s legacy fuels Ashley Moody’s push to protect police animals.
“Anyone who intentionally harms police animals in the line of duty should face serious consequences. Law enforcement animals that serve with brave men and women protect our communities, and they, in return, deserve to be protected.”
The legislation is named for a Marion County canine deputy, K-9 Leo, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2024.
In addition to increasing penalties for using deadly weapons against law enforcement animals, the legislation directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue regulations permitting emergency medical service providers to transport injured police animals at their discretion.
The bill mirrors legislation already introduced in the House by Rep. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican.
Precision gift
The Blue Angels now enjoy a spot in the White House collection of gifts.
During a recent Oval Office visit, Rep. Jimmy Patronis presented President Donald Trump with a scale model of a Blue Angel F/A-18 Super Hornet to commemorate the Panhandle flying force’s 80th anniversary.
“Northwest Florida is proud to be the home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels,” Patronis said.
Jimmy Patronis brings Donald Trump a Blue Angels keepsake, because subtlety never flies solo.
“For generations, families across our region have looked to the skies and watched the Blue Angels fly overhead. They represent the very best of our military and the patriotic spirit that runs deep in Northwest Florida. It was an honor to share that pride with President Trump and bring a piece of our community to the White House as we celebrate 80 years of the Blue Angels.”
The model includes an inscription thanking Trump for his support. Patronis’ sons, Theo and Johnny, also attended the presentation.
Freeze fund
Severe freezes earlier this year impacted Florida farmers, leading the Department of Agriculture to declare a federal disaster in February. Members of the congressional delegation are now seeking relief funding.
Reps. Kat Cammack and Scott Franklin led a bipartisan group of 18 Florida House members in introducing the Freeze Disaster Assistance Act. The bill requests $3.5 billion in disaster assistance for producers directly affected by the freeze, covering revenue losses, prevented planting, and damage to trees, bushes, and vines, including multiyear crop losses.
“Food security is national security. Right now, Florida’s farmers need us to deliver,” said Cammack, a Gainesville Republican.
Kat Cammack and Scott Franklin seek freeze relief for Florida growers.
“As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve seen up close what this freeze did to our growers — entire seasons gone — families who don’t know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner (Wilton) Simpson’s disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington.”
Added Franklin, “Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality. When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multiyear commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one-size-fits-all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.”
GOOOAL
Lawmakers participated in the Congressional Soccer Match at Audi Field this week, a bipartisan competition. Republicans, including Rep. Mike Haridopolos, won 7-5 over Democrats, including Rep. Darren Soto.
“REPUBLICANS WIN!” posted Haridopolos, an Indian Harbour Beach Republican. “Team GOP took home the title at the 2026 Congressional Soccer Match! A great night at Audi Field, a hard-fought game, and a well-earned victory.”
Soto shared a photo from the event, expressing enthusiasm despite his caucus not winning.
Mike Haridopolos and Darren Soto trade House votes for soccer cleats.
“Thrilled to play in the Bipartisan Congressional Soccer Game tonight,” the Kissimmee Democrat posted. “Thanks to U.S. Soccer Foundation and Audi Field for hosting us!”
Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat who co-chairs the Congressional Soccer Caucus, attended the event and said it marked a valuable bipartisan tradition.
“Our bipartisan Congressional Soccer Match tonight is a great opportunity for members across the aisle to support a good cause and raise resources for kids in underserved communities,” she posted. “Sports like soccer help transform communities and ensure kids reach their full potential.”
Shark bait
Shark feeding could soon be outlawed in a zone off Florida’s shores. The House just passed the Florida Safe Seas Act, legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Webster, a Clermont Republican.
The bill bans shark feeding in the exclusive economic zone off Florida, aligning with the state’s ban on hand-feeding sharks in state waters. The federal legislation would also apply similar rules to federal waters around Hawaii.
Shark feeding faces a federal timeout off Florida’s coast.
“As a Floridian and member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to the responsible stewardship of our marine ecosystems and the safety of our waters,” Webster said.
“The Florida Safe Seas Act takes a commonsense step to help protect swimmers, anglers, beachgoers, and visitors by prohibiting shark feeding in federal waters off Florida’s coast. This legislation mirrors long-standing Florida law, promotes responsible conservation of marine wildlife, and helps prevent interactions that place Floridians and visitors at risk.”
Sustainable Social Security?
Rep. Gus Bilirakis said new legislation he filed could strengthen and protect two safety-net programs, which often come up in discussions of entitlement reform.
The Palm Harbor Republican said his Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act would establish an independent, bipartisan panel of experts to identify solutions to ensure the long-term financial stability of both federal programs.
But the bill also opens the door for the newly created Commission to review financial outlooks, formulas and policy options.
Gus Bilirakis wants Medicare and Social Security solvency talks before panic becomes policy.
“Medicare and Social Security represent a sacred promise to America’s seniors, disabled individuals, and working families who have paid into these programs throughout their lives,” Bilirakis said.
“We have a moral responsibility to preserve and strengthen these vital programs, not only for today’s beneficiaries but for future generations as well. The longer we wait to address these challenges, the fewer options we will have and the more difficult the solutions will become.”
He said the goal is to preserve the benefits of the programs and ensure sustainability.
“By bringing together experts from across the political spectrum, we can remove partisan politics from the conversation and focus on practical, responsible solutions,” Bilirakis added.
“We have done this before. In the early 1980s, President Ronald Reagan and Speaker Tip O’Neill worked across party lines to preserve Social Security through a similar Commission process. Their efforts succeeded because they put the American people ahead of politics. I believe we can do so again.”
Bipartisan bicycling
Rep. Vern Buchanan, known for cycling on Sarasota County’s barrier islands, has introduced legislation to improve cyclist safety and encourage domestic vehicle manufacturing.
“Investing in safe, reliable transportation is essential for families, workers and seniors across Florida’s 16th District and communities nationwide. That is why, as co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, I joined Rep. Mike Thompson to introduce the bipartisan America Bikes Act,” Buchanan said.
Vern Buchanan pushes bike safety, proving Congress can occasionally stay in its lane.
“This legislation delivers stronger investments in bicycle infrastructure and expands access to safer transportation networks. From neighborhood streets to daily commutes, bicycles remain a simple and effective way for Americans to get around, and this bill will support practical improvements that reduce congestion, improve mobility and keep cyclists safe.”
The legislation outlines several policy goals, including funding for local governments to improve road safety, increasing youth bicycle safety education, and expanding bike access on federal lands. It also promotes bike-to-school accessibility by supporting more transit stations and bikeshare programs, and incentivizes domestic bicycle manufacturing.
Buchanan and Thompson have also introduced the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act (HR 3904), which would suspend tariffs on imported components used for bicycle assembly nationwide.
“Cycling is good for people and good for our planet. It just makes sense that we’d invest in expanding bike access and road safety so more Americans can benefit from cycling,” said Thompson, a California Democrat.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus and an avid cyclist myself, I know that these sensible measures will improve and expand access to safe, healthy transportation for decades to come.”
Attacking antifa
Although most experts view antifa as a disorganized anti-government movement, Rep. Greg Steube is seeking a federal statute to designate the group as a terrorist organization.
The Sarasota Republican introduced the Stop ANTIFA Act, a companion to legislation filed by Scott in the Senate, which directs federal agencies to investigate and dismantle antifa operations.
“ANTIFA has spent years terrorizing communities, attacking law enforcement officers, and targeting ICE agents,” Steube said.
Greg Steube targets antifa with a bill built for cable news oxygen.
“These are not peaceful protesters. They are organized extremists who use violence and intimidation to advance a radical political agenda. The Stop ANTIFA Act ensures the federal government has the tools necessary to dismantle these violent networks and hold those responsible accountable.”
Scott said it’s important to target the group.
“Antifa has gotten away with its evils and terrorized cities across our country for far too long. Violence against our brave law enforcement officers and ICE agents will not be tolerated — especially when it’s domestic terrorists like Antifa wreaking havoc on our communities,” the Naples Republican said.
“These people actively work to destroy the American way of life and call for the overthrow of American government and society. President Trump was right to fearlessly call them out as the domestic terrorists they are and to take action to stop their evils around the nation and uncover the funding behind it. I am proud to codify the President’s actions and stand with the American people with the Stop ANTIFA Act.”
Antifa, short for anti-fascists, refers to often violent, left-wing individuals, but lacks a central organization. The movement has gained prominence since the 2017 Charlottesville Unite The Right protests.
Coordinating research
The House Science, Space and Technology Environmental Subcommittee held a hearing headed by Franklin.
The Lakeland Republican emphasized the importance of the new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions coordinating research at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This represents a shift from previous practices, where many researchers worked independently of the agency’s enforcement division, leading to inefficiencies.
“This shift is not only structural; it is strategic. When scientific experts work side-by-side with program staff, EPA can evaluate complex submissions more effectively, respond to emerging risks more quickly, and base regulatory decisions on the best available science,” Franklin said.
Scott Franklin presses EPA to make research coordination less bureaucratic and more useful.
“Embedding scientists and technical experts in program offices encourages earlier engagement, supports more efficient review processes, and improves communication about data and analytical needs. This approach limits duplication and allows the EPA to direct its research investments where they will have the greatest impact.”
Franklin said it was also important that work by environmental researchers be done efficiently.
“The EPA must avoid stretching its scientific workforce too thin, as maintaining scientific excellence requires adequate staffing and reliable resources,” he said.
“My goal is to ensure the EPA has the support it needs to fulfill its mission and maintain the United States’ position as a global leader in science and technology. A strong scientific workforce ensures that EPA’s research remains responsive and innovative.”
Naloxone awareness
Ahead of National Naloxone Awareness Day, the Florida-based Victoria’s Voice Foundation held an event on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
“Naloxone saves lives, and we must do everything we can to increase access and awareness,” said Jackie Siegel, the Orlando foundation’s co-founder. “I am truly grateful to the U.S. Senate for once again standing with us on this, and to all those who fight this crisis every single day. Victoria’s memory lives on in every life saved by naloxone – and that is what fuels our purpose.”
Jackie Siegel brings naloxone awareness to Capitol Hill before another family runs out of time.
Siegel and her late husband, David Siegel, founded Victoria’s Voice Foundation after the death of their 18-year-old daughter, Victoria, from an accidental drug overdose. First responders who found Victoria unresponsive were not equipped with Naloxone, a drug that counters the effects of an opioid overdose, and the Siegels have committed themselves to making the nasal spray drug more available.
Scott introduced a bipartisan resolution this year raising awareness of the lifesaving drug, one that the Centers for Disease Control said helped create a 14% drop in fatal overdoses from 2024 to 2025 nationwide.
On this day
June 5, 1968 — “Robert F. Kennedy dead, victim of assassin” via The New York Times — Sen. Kennedy, the brother of a murdered President, died at 1:44 a.m. from an assassin’s shots. The New York Senator was wounded more than 20 hours earlier, moments after he had made his victory statement in the California Primary. At his side when he died today in Good Samaritan Hospital were his wife, Ethel; his sisters, Mrs. Stephen Smith and Mrs. Patricia Lawford; his brother-in-law, Stephen Smith; and his sister-in-law, Mrs. John F. Kennedy, whose husband was assassinated 4 and a half years ago in Dallas. In Washington, President Lyndon Johnson issued a statement calling the death a tragedy.
June 5, 2013 — “Edward Snowden discloses U.S. government operations” via History.com — Americans learned that their government was spying broadly on its own people. The Guardian, and later The Washington Post, published the first in a series of reports based on documents leaked by an anonymous source. The material exposed a government-run surveillance program that monitored the communications records of not just criminals or potential terrorists, but law-abiding citizens. Three days later, the source unmasked himself as Snowden, a National Security Agency contractor. But the question remained: Was he a whistleblower or a traitor? In the wake of the 9/11 attacks and the perceived need for heightened national security, the U.S. government relaxed its rules around surveillance.
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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.