Fostering family environments
Florida lawmakers are making a bipartisan push to provide better funding to house foster children.
Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, introduced the Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act, which would amend the Social Security Act’s language on cottage family homes.
“Every son and daughter of America deserves a roof over their head with patient and supportive parents to guide them,” Steube said. “I am honored to introduce the Create Accountable Respectful Environments for Children Act to expand options for foster youth and improve overall access to care in child welfare.”
He’s not alone in the sentiment. Democratic Reps. Darren Soto and Debbie Wasserman Schultz both serve as introducing co-sponsors, as do Republican Reps. Kat Cammack and Neal Dunn, making it an all-Florida lineup behind the legislation.
“It is essential we protect children and give them every opportunity to thrive. The Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act addresses the health, safety and well-being of youngsters who face difficult challenges,” said Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic co-Chair of the Florida congressional delegation. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues so we can provide children with a normalized home and community environment when times are most difficult.”
The Baptist Children’s Village, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, and the Coalition of Residential Excellence have also voiced support for the legislation. The advocacy groups said that by creating flexibility in the distribution of federal funding, the bill could help keep families together that can be broken apart by the current foster care status quo.
“We believe the CARE Act not only expands the number of residential placement resources for children, but at the same time ensures safeguards and accountability to keep children safe,” said Don Forrester, Executive Director of the Coalition of Residential Excellence.
“An additional strength of cottage family care is the ability to keep sibling groups together. We are grateful that Rep. Steube is sensitive to the unmet needs of children in harm’s way and for the safeguards he has included in this legislation to ensure the safety and well-being of children.”
Dunn, a Panama City Republican, said child welfare organizations in Florida have shown the value of cottage family living for children in the system.
“The Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches program has been highly successful at providing safe, structured, and nurturing environments for vulnerable children,” Dunn said. “The Sunshine State is a national leader in providing top-notch programs for children in need, and I’m eager to expand them nationwide.”
Cammack, a Gainesville Republican, also saw virtue in making more opportunities to provide secure homes for foster children instead of cutting off avenues.
“The CARE for Children Act aims to create safe, healthy environments for children by promoting capacity-building, keeping sibling groups together, and providing a normalized home and community environment for our youth in Florida,” she said. “At a time when foster homes are in short supply, this bill ensures that cottage family homes keep children safe, nurtured, and cared for to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. I’m glad to join Rep. Dunn and my Florida colleagues in supporting the CARE Act.”
It’s enough to bring lawmakers from across the political spectrum together despite deep divides in modern Washington.
“Every child deserves a safe, stable and loving home. I’m proud to co-sponsor the CARE for Children Act to help address the shortage of foster homes, keep siblings together, and strengthen protections to ensure every child’s safety and well-being,” Soto said. “Together, we can build a foster care system that puts children first and gives them the supportive environment they need to thrive.”
Bringing sanctions back
Before the end of President Donald Trump’s first term, the Commerce Department named China to an Entity List, limiting trade between the Eastern nation and the U.S. That lasted only a short period before former President Joe Biden’s administration reversed course.
But with Republicans back in charge of the agency, Sen. Rick Scott hopes the designation returns as well. He and Rep. John Moolenaar, Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sent a letter to Jeffrey Kessler, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, encouraging the party to put China’s Institute of Forensic Science (IFS) back on the list.
“This designation was previously made by President Trump in 2020 during his first term in direct response to IFS’ central role in the surveillance, internment, and abuse of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” the letter states.
“This designation ensured that BIS would need to issue a license for most exports of controlled items to the IFS, thereby restricting the flow of sensitive American technology that could be used in the CCP’s campaign of repression. However, this decision was foolishly reversed by the Biden administration in exchange for false promises of cooperation from the CCP on the fentanyl crisis, which was not accompanied by any evidence that the IFS had ceased its involvement in the ongoing genocide and human rights abuses.”
The letter said the IFS continues to play a key role in China’s surveillance state, enabling mass internment, forced labor and high-tech oppression through biometric data harvesting and forensic tracking. That deserves a spot on the Entity List again, Scott said.
Space race
Sen. Ashley Moody held a town hall with Space Coast residents and workers to promote her commitment to space program legislation on Capitol Hill. That included employees of L3Harris, a Melbourne-based technology company working on space program projects.
Moody highlighted priorities she has set for Florida’s space industry and national defense. She fielded questions about Florida’s leadership in those fields and highlighted the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, which she helped draft and became law as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that Congress approved in July.
Moody also outlined her concept of moving NASA headquarters to the Space Coast through her legislation called the Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently (CAPE) Canaveral Act.
“Florida’s space industry is fueling our economy and bolstering our national defense. I am happy to report a few recent legislative victories that I was able to help achieve, like my Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, which will ensure Florida and the U.S. remain leaders in space exploration and innovation,” Moody said.
“Since being sworn into the Senate, supporting our Space Coast has been a priority of mine, and I enjoyed speaking about our legislative priorities in this field with employees of L3Harris today.”
Peak season
While hurricane season technically starts June 1, Rep. Jimmy Patronis reminded Panhandle residents that the worst storms often strike in the Fall. At an event alongside Moody in DeFuniak Springs, the Fort Walton Beach Republican urged Floridians to prepare for the peak season.
“With record numbers of new Floridians who call our state home, be a good neighbor and check in on those living next to you, especially new residents, to ensure they don’t need extra assistance in case of an evacuation,” Patronis said.
“During an evacuation, don’t forget to make a plan for your pets as well — they’re part of the family, too. Our first responders work 24/7/365 to keep Floridians safe. Show your appreciation for them by ensuring they don’t have to come to your rescue because you chose not to heed local warnings and make the appropriate disaster preparations. Follow the tips below to ensure that you and your family are prepared for anything this hurricane season.”
He released a tip sheet on prep and reminded residents that, despite no major storms making landfall yet, five named storms have already formed in the Atlantic and forecasters predict an above-average season.
Moody, who previously served in Florida’s Cabinet with Patronis, said residents in the Sunshine State are wise to prepare now instead of waiting for storm paths to point at Florida coastlines.
“Floridians know well the destruction and devastation that a tropical cyclone can inflict upon our communities,” she said. “As we enter the peak phase of hurricane season, I am urging everyone to make preparations now to ensure their families and homes are ready for a potential storm strike. When Florida is prepared, we can weather anything that comes our way.”
Pretty in pink
Cammack last week became the 14th member of Congress to give birth in office.
The Gainesville Republican and her husband, Gainesville firefighter-paramedic Matthew Harrison, announced the birth of their first child. Daughter Augusta Dair was born Aug. 14 at 7:44 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 10.5 inches.
“We’d like to formally introduce Ms. Augusta Dair, aka Baby Peanut!” reads an announcement from Cammack’s Office. “Baby Auggie (as mom calls her, or Gussasaurus as Dad calls her) made her debut on Aug. 14 after a very long & tough labor. Baby is doing great and already showing us her sweet and sassy personality while Mom is speedily recovering. Mom and baby have turned into cuddling machines, while Dad has become a baby burping/diaper changing expert. He’s now Superman and doing phenomenal, taking care of his girls.”
Cammack, 37, has been open about difficulties with a past ectopic pregnancy, to great public scrutiny and controversy. She thanked her medical team for seeing her through the delivery of her daughter.
“We would like to thank the most incredible team of doctors and nurses that saw us through a very tough and emotional six days,” the announcement reads. “Never could we have asked for a better team to take care of our family. Our hearts are so full, and we feel so blessed beyond measure. Sending everyone lots of love and gratitude for all their well wishes, thoughts and prayers. We truly love you guys, and we can’t wait to see you all very soon.”
Senior savvy
Rep. Gus Bilirakis led a bipartisan push against fines for seniors signing up for Medicare.
Filed on the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) 2.0 Act (HR 4960) would protect eligibility to the program for seniors and eliminate specific “confusing enrollment penalties.”
“I’ve heard from many constituents who were confused by their Medicare options and ended up paying significant penalties due to simple misunderstandings about how the program works,” the Palm Harbor Republican said.
“We addressed some of those challenges with the original BENES Act, which is now law. BENES 2 builds on that progress by ensuring every American receives a clear, written explanation of their eligibility before they have to choose a plan. This will empower seniors to make better-informed decisions about their health care. I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to simplify Medicare and make it more accessible and user-friendly for older Americans.”
He filed the bill with Democratic Reps. Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania, Raul Ruiz of California and Brad Schneider of Illinois. That makes Bilirakis the only Republican lead on the legislation, which comes as Democrats criticize a recently signed tax bill that aims to cut Medicaid costs by eliminating waste.
But Medicare, a program primarily serving Americans age 65 and older, holds broad support on both sides of the aisle. Of note, all of its sponsors represent districts with a high concentration of retirees.
“Our Medicare system exists to ensure our seniors have access to quality, affordable health care, but for too many older Americans, the enrollment process can be a source of stress, confusion and even lifelong financial penalties,” Schneider said.
“The BENES Act — which I co-authored and is now law — made common sense updates to improve education, fix the fragmented enrollment periods, and make sure fewer seniors fall through the cracks. I am proud to again join my colleagues in introducing BENES 2.0 to proactively provide seniors with better information about enrollment as they near Medicare eligibility.”
Eternal control?
Emergency powers allowed for Trump’s high-profile takeover of Washington, D.C., law enforcement, but only for 30 days. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna would like to give that power to the President permanently.
The St. Petersburg Republican filed a resolution authorizing Trump to maintain control of the Metropolitan Police Force indefinitely.
“Our resolution is straightforward: if the President determines that continued federal control is necessary to keep D.C. safe, he should have the authority to do so,” Luna said. “This is about restoring safety, enforcing the law, and cleaning up the streets of our capital city. We should not tie the President’s hands when the stakes are this high.”
If passed, it would leave it to Trump to decide when to give up oversight of policing in the nation’s capital city.
Worm wars
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled a plan to stop a screwworm already savaging Mexican livestock from infecting Florida’s cattle farmers.
“We have assessed the information on the ground in Mexico and have determined we must construct an additional sterile fly production facility in the United States to stop the northward advancement of this terrible pest that is threatening American cattle production,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“President Trump has made it clear that we must take all necessary steps to protect our country from foreign pests and diseases that threaten our economy and way of life. Today, we are announcing a major investment to further America’s existential role in protecting our country and secure our borders from this national security threat.”
The plan involves the construction of a domestic sterile fly production facility and strengthening border security. The proposal was welcomed by Florida Republicans, many of whom represent major farming areas.
“The New World Screwworm is a deadly parasite that could cripple Florida’s cattle industry if it ever reached our pastures. Today’s announcement is the strongest action we’ve seen to keep this pest from destroying herds and inflicting severe economic damage. By building a sterile fly facility here in the United States and stepping up border monitoring, USDA is putting the right tools in place to protect our cattle before an outbreak occurs,” said Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican.
“Florida’s cattle producers play a critical role in our state’s economy. I commend Secretary Brooke Rollins and President Trump for moving quickly to address this threat. Taking these steps now strengthens our defenses and gives ranchers the support they need to protect their livestock and sustain their operations. I will keep working in Congress to ensure our agriculture community is protected from foreign pests and diseases. With the right leadership and early action, we can keep Florida’s cattle industry strong and prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Monitoring moms
Modern technology allows for far more knowledge about the health of babies while still in the womb. Rep. Lois Frankel wants to make sure as many expectant mothers as possible have access to that level of care.
The West Palm Beach Democrat introduced the bipartisan Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act, which would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to state programs on coverage of remote monitoring for high blood pressure and other conditions and to check for life-threatening complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.
“As a mom and now a grandmother, I know how important it is for expectant mothers to feel safe and supported every step of the way,” Frankel said. “Too many women in our country face preventable complications during pregnancy and after childbirth, especially women of color. By giving doctors the tools to monitor moms virtually, we can catch problems early, save lives, and give families the healthy start they deserve.”
A similar bill passed in the Senate last year, but not in the House.
Numerous medical groups cheered the reintroduction of the bill this Congress.
“There are several states where pregnant patients have to drive nearly an hour or more to a hospital with a labor and delivery unit, and we will likely see an increasing number of patients experience challenges in accessing prenatal care in their communities in the years ahead. The timely reintroduction of the bipartisan Connected MOM Act would provide states with resources to help make it easier for pregnant patients to access care by allowing them to monitor their blood pressure and glucose levels through remote medical devices,” said Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Speeding up restoration?
A new agreement between the Army Corps of Engineers and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration allows Florida’s state government to lead on key components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. That includes construction of the long-awaited Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir.
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican who represents the bulk of the Everglades, said he had confidence the deal would speed up the project, which could eliminate the need for discharges from Lake Okeechobee into neighboring rivers.
“Throughout my public service career, I have remained steadfast in my dedication to restoring and preserving America’s Everglades. Gov. DeSantis’ recent announcements build on the groundwork I laid over the years. As I have consistently worked to cut bureaucratic red tape across federal agencies, I applaud Gov. DeSantis for leading the State of Florida in negotiating a crucial agreement with the Corps to accelerate a monumental project within the Central Everglades Restoration Plan; this project is essential for protecting the drinking water of over 9 million Floridians,” Díaz-Balart said.
“With President Trump at the helm, and Florida’s strong leadership committed to restoring the Everglades, I look forward to advancing President Trump’s America First vision. This includes securing $461 million for Everglades Restoration in the FY26 Energy & Water House Appropriations bill, passed by the Committee on July 17, which exceeds the $446 million requested — the largest presidential budget request in U.S. history for Everglades Restoration.”
DeSantis in July suggested state control would mean more efficient progress in bringing the reservoir online, not long after the state finished construction of the smaller C-43 Reservoir.
“The completed EAA Reservoir will deliver major benefits for Florida’s coastal communities, fishermen, tourism industry, and our unique natural environment that we’re conserving for generations to come,” DeSantis said.
On this day
Aug. 19, 1914 — “Woodrow Wilson appeals to people on maintaining neutrality” via the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations — Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Austro-Hungarian government opted to declare war on Serbia. A local war quickly became a European and then a World War. Within a week, Serbia was allied with Russia, Britain and France against Austria-Hungary and Germany. President Wilson addressed Congress to call for American neutrality in the conflict — a position that would be challenging, given that so many Americans came from the European countries at war. Wilson stressed that rational Americans would place their loyalty to the United States first and be “impartial in thought as well as in action.”
Aug. 19, 2010 — “U.S. troops pull out of Iraq” via The Guardian — It began with shock and awe and ended with a silent trickle across the border in the dead of night. As the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, arrived at their staging post in the sands of Kuwait, Sergeant Donald Wilms got out of his battle truck and high-fived friends in his platoon. A few hours earlier, they had rumbled across the dusty border, becoming the last U.S. combat unit to leave Iraq. The military plans to implement “Operation New Dawn,” a period when it wants to change the relationship between the U.S. and Iraq from that of master and servant to a partnership of civilian, democratic equals.
Happy birthday
Best wishes to Rep. Kathy Castor, who turns 59 on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by Drew Wilson.
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