Delegation for 7.10.26: Haiti — FEMA — scams — Athens — Sun-Sentinel

Handling Haiti

Florida leaders moved this week to address the safety of Haitians, both those living in the state and those still on the island, as instability continues to grip Haiti.

Most notably, Mike Waltz, a former Florida Congressman now serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, traveled to the island in support of an international peacekeeping force. On behalf of President Donald Trump’s administration, Waltz said he wants “thugs and gangs” on notice on the island, which has seen gang violence disrupt government functions.

“I’m here with a badass unit of soldiers from Chad, trainers from Jamaica. This is part of the new gang suppression force that is deployed to Haiti under the United Nations and is going to come kick the snot out of the gangs,” Waltz said in a video posted from his official U.N. Ambassador account on X. “So, Barbecue, you better watch out, brother, because these guys are coming for you.”

Jimmy Chérizier, known as ‘Barbecue,’ leads a coalition of armed groups in Port-au-Prince. In recent years, Haiti has faced political assassinations, widespread hunger, and the collapse of transitional governments unable to restore order.

Waltz expressed confidence that the new U.N. police force, led by a Mongolian commander and staffed with police from multiple nations, would restore order and make it safe.

“This was authorized by the United Nations. We have 10 different countries that are now on the ground,” he said. “They just completed their first operation, clearing out neighborhoods, taking on the gangs, locking up those, or even worse, that need bad things done to bad people. The bottom line is, this is the entire international community coming into Haiti to wrest it from these gangs and to bring stability for the Haitian people.”

These international moves come as the U.S. government continues to push for the authority to deport Haitians who have lived here for years under temporary protected status, despite ongoing turmoil in Haiti. South Florida Democrats have strongly opposed efforts to send people back, citing the dangerous conditions on the ground.

Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, held a public event with Haitian leaders in Palm Beach County this week. She noted the House has already passed legislation to override the Trump administration’s suspension of TPS for Haitians, something that required several South Florida Republicans to join with Democrats in a forced vote on the floor. Frankel urged the Senate to do the same, something that will also require Republican support.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, nearly half the estimated 731,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States live in Florida. That figure may understate the true number, as both the Coast Guard and Border Patrol have reported sharp increases in Haitians intercepted while trying to reach U.S. shores.

In South Florida, Frankel said Haitians have become part of the community fabric and should not be told to leave now and return to an unsafe situation.

“TPS was always meant to be used for humanitarian purposes,” Frankel told CBS 12. “They are everywhere in the fabric of our workplace, in our nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, restaurants and construction.”

FEMA funds

Sen. Ashley Moody and Rep. Greg Steube announced this week that Florida will receive several major grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support ongoing disaster recovery and restoration projects.

Moody, a Plant City Republican, said the state will receive nearly $2 billion, much of it reimbursing costs from hurricanes and other natural disasters.

“Florida has been waiting on essential disaster assistance funds for hurricane recovery since 2017 – I’ve been in the Senate for less than a year and a half and have worked hard to bring nearly $2 billion of outstanding FEMA funds back home to Florida,” Moody said. “I’ll continue fighting to deliver the federal support Floridians need while making the disaster recovery process more transparent, efficient, and accountable.”

The package also includes $64 million earmarked for restoration work in Charlotte County, part of Steube’s Sarasota-area district.

“Charlotte County has waited years for the money FEMA already agreed to pay. That’s not how disaster recovery is supposed to work,” Steube said. “I’m grateful to President Trump, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and FEMA for helping cut through the bureaucracy and get these long-overdue dollars moving.”

FEMA officials said the agency remains committed to aiding communities in a timely fashion.

“This reflects our ongoing partnership with state and local leaders, with more than $1.2 billion to Florida communities in the last 90 days,” said Rob Ashe, FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator. “Our FEMA team in Florida continues to fulfill President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s promise to deliver effective federal assistance to the state. Thank you to Rep. Steube for being a valued partner in supporting ongoing recovery efforts.”

Stopping scammers

Sen. Rick Scott says the federal government needs to step up efforts to combat scammers. The Naples Republican urged Congress to pass a slate of bills aimed at curbing financial crimes.

“Whether it’s in the form of phone calls or sophisticated cybercrime, scammers are running rampant through our country. Criminals are weaponizing new technologies like artificial intelligence to swindle Americans out of their life savings,” Scott said. “These criminals must be stopped and held accountable. These bills will go a long way to turn the tide on the scam epidemic. These are all commonsense solutions to a glaring problem; let’s get to work.

As Chair of the Senate Special Aging Committee, Scott has focused on crimes targeting seniors.

He is pressing Congress to take up four bills he has introduced.

The Strengthening Targeting of Organized Predatory Scammers (STOP Scammers) Act would require the Treasury Department to designate foreign entities engaging in financial crimes against U.S. citizens as “Foreign Financial Threat Organizations” subject to sanctions.

The Secure America’s Finance Exchanges (SAFE) Act would impose financial disclosure requirements through the Securities and Exchange Commission for Chinese companies seeking access to the U.S. market through initial public offerings.

The Trusted Foreign Auditing Act would require all Chinese companies doing business in the U.S. to allow outside audits.

Finally, the ReportScams.gov Act would establish a centralized online hub for Americans to report scams and get assistance after being targeted by fraudsters.

Veterans town hall

Rep. Kat Cammack will host a town hall on veterans’ issues this week at the College of Central Florida, joined by a congressional colleague with expertise in the field.

The Gainesville Republican invited Rep. Morgan Luttrell, a Texas Republican who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee. The two will hold a fireside chat-format conversation on veterans’ services, followed by a question-and-answer session.

“We’re lucky to represent so many incredible veterans in this District, and they deserve real answers about the issues they’re facing,” Cammack said. “Morgan is coming to Ocala to talk about the work he’s leading on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and to hear directly from our veterans. I want every one of them in that room Friday night.”

The event will take place from 6 to 7:05 p.m. at the Harvey R. Klein Conference Center. Organizers encourage attendees to RSVP, as seating is capped at 350, with priority given to veterans.

Athenian address

One member of Florida’s delegation gave a speech at the birthplace of democracy. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbour Republican who co-chairs the Hellenic Caucus, was a featured speaker at the 30th Annual Government Roundtable, hosted in Athens, Greece, by The Economist.

Bilirakis addressed economic challenges facing Europe and the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of strong trans-Atlantic partnerships.

“The relationship between the United States and Greece has never been stronger,” Bilirakis said. “As two nations founded upon the principles of freedom and democracy, we have an obligation to work together to confront today’s global challenges while creating new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and security. Our partnership serves as a cornerstone for stability in an increasingly complex world.”

He also highlighted national security concerns for both nations and noted Greece’s role as a reliable NATO ally.

“Energy security has become national security, as you know. and the Eastern Mediterranean, a region that sits at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, has become one of the most strategically important areas in the world,” he said.

Athlete safety

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Rep. Vern Buchanan, serving as Vice Chair, questioned sports, tax, and economic experts about the health risks athletes face and the importance of financial planning.

The Longboat Key Republican stressed the physical toll exacted on many athletes for the sake of sports.

“There are a few kids getting rich. They’re doing pretty good, but there’s a lot of kids putting themselves at risk,” he said.

He also shared a taste of what he felt at home. His son, James Buchanan, recently touted his time as a Florida State fullback in an ad for his state Senate campaign, but that activity also took a physical toll.

“In my situation, my son had a concussion for two months. He couldn’t go out of the house. He had to stay inside,” Buchanan recalled. “But that happened with a lot of these kids, and we just must keep that in mind. As people are making billions of dollars on the other side, what are we doing for the kids? We should have a way of making sure they get taken care of.”

ESPN analyst Sam Acho, a former NFL linebacker, said that’s an issue that loomed large in negotiations between professional athletes and team owners.

“I sat down in front of the billionaire owners, negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, and so this idea of player safety means very much to me. I also currently sit on the side as an ESPN analyst. And so, I understand that TV contracts are also helping to increase the revenue for these teams,” he said.

“The problem with these TV contracts is, well, how do you make more money? Well, you need more games. Well, that means players have to play in these games. And now players are accepting the brunt of not just a 10- or a 12-game season.”

Buchanan proposed creating a system that ensures athletes receive fair compensation for the risks they take. He argued that student-athletes should be paid a net amount, with taxes managed by the organizations profiting from their efforts.

Sports earnings

Steube, also a member of the Ways and Means Committee, recently introduced legislation focused on sports, particularly the use of name, image and likeness (NIL) by college players. The Sarasota Republican filed the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE) Act, a bipartisan bill with Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania.

“College athletes in Florida and across the country are generating real income from their NIL rights, many for the first time in their lives, but earning income and knowing how to make it last are two very different things,” Steube said.

“The HUSTLE Act gives student-athletes a real pathway to invest those earnings, plan for life after athletics, and build long-term financial stability. This is about making sure the opportunity they worked for actually follows them beyond the field or court.”

The proposal arrives as more athletes look to manage their own careers from an early age. Florida’s higher education leaders have backed the plan, which would establish tax-advantaged investment accounts that would allow college athletes to grow their NIL earnings without federal tax liability.

“At Florida State, we are committed to preparing our student-athletes for success not only in competition, but throughout their lives. As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve, that responsibility extends beyond the field of play to include financial literacy, long-term planning and providing the resources necessary to help student-athletes make informed decisions about their futures,” said Michael Alford, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida State University.

“We appreciate Rep. Steube’s leadership on the HUSTLE Act and support legislation that encourages financial education, promotes responsible stewardship of NIL earnings, and creates opportunities for student-athletes to build lasting financial security. Empowering young people with the tools to invest in their futures is consistent with our mission to develop graduates who are prepared to thrive long after their playing careers have ended.”

Editorial support

While Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has drawn some criticism for seeking re-election in a plurality Black seat, she landed a critical endorsement from Broward County’s largest newspaper.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel endorsed the Weston Democrat as she runs in a Democratic Primary in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, noting her decades of influence in the House.

“For voters, and for this editorial board, the ultimate question is which of the five is best qualified to fight effectively in Congress for values they all share, such as affordability, humane immigration policy, and protecting our democracy from a heartless and ruthless President,” the editorial board wrote.

The newspaper also endorsed Brad Andersen in a Republican Primary. Still, the tone of the write-up signaled that the paper will most likely support a Democrat in the deep-blue District in November.

Wasserman Schultz said she was honored to have the endorsement. The newspaper supported her in a field that includes former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, rapper-turned-activist Luther Campbell, former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and progressive activist Elijah Manley.

Medical trafficking

Amid speculation about what pressure the Trump administration may apply to end communism in Cuba, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart said Congress already passed a critical tool. In an op-ed published by Fox News, the Hialeah Republican touted a bill he authored and Congress passed this year, punishing countries that assist Cuba in the trafficking of physicians.

“Since 2010, State Department reports have called the program exploitative. Appropriately, State labeled the practice ‘human trafficking’ or ‘forced labor’ run by the Cuban regime in 2020,” Díaz-Balart wrote.

“A new provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 targets countries that pay the authoritarian dictatorship for these exploited medical workers. The State Department must now list every country or group that pays for these personnel and notify them they’re on the list.”

He said that it will force even coming Democratic administrations to deliver punitive consequences for what he described as an exploitative practice.

“The law also strongly supports the oppressed Cuban people by protecting Cuban doctors from exploitation and abuse, while cutting off a critical financial lifeline to the regime,” he wrote.

Díaz-Balart National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee in the House.

Resigning in protest

Rep. Carlos Giménez has helped lead efforts to bolster relations between the U.S. and Spain. But he stepped away from a role in protest thanks to Spain’s actions undermining Israel.

Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, resigned as co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus and blamed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s policies, including imposing sanctions limiting arms trades to Israel over the Middle Eastern nation’s handling of a conflict with Palestinian groups.

“Spain has long been an important ally of the United States, but Prime Minister Sánchez’s government has chosen political posturing over moral clarity,” Giménez said.

“I cannot continue serving as Co-Chair of a caucus dedicated to strengthening ties with a government that is actively undermining one of America’s closest allies. I stand firmly with Israel and with every democracy fighting terrorism.”

In a letter to Sánchez, Giménez said he did not reach his decision lightly. But he said now is not the moment to turn a cold shoulder to Israel.

“At a moment when Israel faces existential threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other terrorist organizations, your government has repeatedly chosen political grandstanding over moral clarity,” he wrote. “Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism, serving as an enabler for movements that explicitly seek the extermination of the Jewish people.”

On this day

July 10, 1934 — “Franklin Roosevelt visits Colombia” via POLITICO — President Roosevelt became the first U.S. President to visit South America when, at 9:30 a.m., the heavy cruiser USS Houston, along with her destroyer escorts, arrived off the entrance to Cartagena Harbor. Two Colombian destroyers, accompanied by military planes, escorted the American squadron to the anchorage. The nation’s 32nd President, who had taken office in 1933, boarded the Houston on July 1 in Annapolis, Maryland, for a working-vacation cruise of nearly 12,000 nautical miles. The ship sailed through the Caribbean, returned to the continental United States via Hawaii and finally docked at Portland, Oregon, with the presidential flag flying atop her mainmast.

July 10, 1925 — “Scopes Monkey Trial begins” via History.com — John Thomas Scopes, a young high school science teacher, was accused of teaching evolution in violation of a Tennessee state law that made it a misdemeanor punishable by fine to “teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals.” Scopes had conspired to get charged with this violation, and after his arrest, the pair enlisted the aid of the American Civil Liberties Union to organize a defense. Hearing of this coordinated attack on Christian fundamentalism, William Jennings Bryan, three-time Democratic presidential candidate, volunteered to assist the prosecution.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Brian Mast, who turns 45 today, July 10.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.