Alligator aftermath
The future of a controversial detention facility in the Everglades remains unclear amid growing concerns about its operating costs.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin denied that his agency has imminent plans to close Alligator Alcatraz. “That’s not been an announcement we’ve made,” he said in an interview with CBS News.
Yet the facility, opened by the state of Florida and celebrated by Mullins’ predecessor, Kristi Noem, has seen reports of its impending closure appear in several national outlets. The New York Times reported the facility will shutter in June, citing vendors and at least one federal official. CBS News in Miami confirmed the 1,400 inmates staying there will be relocated to other facilities in a matter of weeks.
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ faces uncertain future amid mounting scrutiny over costs, conditions and looming closure reports.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis effectively confirmed at a news conference in Titusville that the facility will close as early as next month. ”Look, we always said it was going to be temporary,” he said.
He added that it will likely take years for Florida to be reimbursed for running the operation at a reported cost of $1 million a day, which he said isn’t unusual when funding comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. DeSantis defended the operation, including its stunning expense.
“The media, they’re very concerned about the cost of detaining and deporting illegal aliens,” he said. “They never talk about the cost of having illegal immigration.”
But Mullin, even while declining to discuss specifics of when Alligator Alcatraz’s days will end, discussed vulnerabilities with keeping hundreds housed in temporary facilities at an otherwise unused airstrip in Collier County.
“We have fires that are within 20 miles of it,” Mullin said. “Florida is pretty susceptible to hurricanes.”
He stressed the need for more flexible housing options if DHS must deal with a large influx of migrants for a brief period, suggesting the facility may remain available even if its day-to-day use drops.
Regardless, the reported closure of Alligator Alcatraz less than a year after its high-profile opening had Democrats representing Florida toasting its end.
“From the day ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ opened, I was on the ground conducting oversight into the inhumane conditions inside this facility — and I went back again and again to expose what was happening and fight to shut it down,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat.
“Now, after wasting millions in taxpayer dollars and facing ongoing environmental lawsuits, this failed experiment in human suffering is finally closing. Human beings were subjected to horrific conditions, denied dignity, and treated as less than human in a facility that never should have existed in the first place. Floridians deserve accountability for every dollar wasted and every abuse that took place behind those doors.”
Ending the iron triangle
Should lawmakers ever be allowed to become lobbyists when they leave their seats?
Sen. Rick Scott proposed a lifetime ban on former members of Congress lobbying the body. The Naples Republican joined forces with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, to file the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act.
“When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street is a big part of that,” Scott said.
Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren push a lifetime lobbying ban targeting Congress’ revolving-door culture.
“We need to restore the American people’s trust in their government, and that’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to put government clearly back on the side of the people. Our founders never intended public service to become a training ground for a lifetime of lobbying.”
The bill restricts becoming a registered lobbyist as defined by the Lobbying Disclosure Act. But even if individuals just work with firms, they cannot make official lobbying contacts. That includes any communications or appearances before members of Congress, staff or legislative offices with the intent to influence official action on behalf of private parties.
The bill also tackles “shadow lobbying” by expanding existing lobbying restrictions to cover former lawmakers paid to lobby, even if they never register to do so.
Violations of the law, as written, would risk $50,000 fines per violation.
“It’s simple: Members of Congress should spend their time in Washington serving the American people, not preparing to cash in big time with a cushy lobbying career after they leave office,” Warren said. “It’s long past time to close the revolving door that’s corrupted our government and destroyed public trust in elected officials. This bipartisan bill is a no-brainer that Congress should pass now.”
Clear the way
After working on a series of bills regarding protecting children online, Sen. Ashley Moody delivered a message to any lawmakers fighting the effort: “Get out of the way.”
She offered that message to any colleagues defending legal protection for companies behind social media platforms and other digital forums that exploit children.
Ashley Moody vows a tougher crackdown on social media companies accused of exploiting and addicting children online.
“As a mom, I understand the challenges parents face every single day when it comes to protecting their kids online,” the Plant City Republican said at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
“These online platforms should not be using our kids as a piggy bank for their next quarterly earnings call, which is why, as Attorney General, I fought to end these abusive practices and shut down intentionally designed features that addict our kids. I held social media companies’ feet to the fire as Attorney General, and I won’t stop as Florida’s newest U.S. Senator.”
Moody, since her appointment to the Senate last year, has pushed to criminalize sextortion of minors through the James T. Woods Act, and is currently a co-sponsor of the Kids Online Safety Act requiring internal restrictions on social media tools for accounts with underage users.
Mental health access
More than 600 veterans committed suicide in Florida in 2023. Now, several Florida lawmakers are pushing to improve access for veterans to mental health services.
Rep. Jimmy Patronis led the introduction of the Never Fight Alone Act, which would require the Veterans Affairs administration to ensure veterans can access urgent mental-health care through community providers.
“Northwest Florida is home to one of the largest veteran and military communities in the country,” said Patronis, a Fort Walton Beach Republican.
Jimmy Patronis leads push to expand veterans’ mental health care access and reduce delays in critical treatment.
“Heroes that answered the call to serve our nation and protect our freedoms shouldn’t come home to red tape from the very country they risked everything to defend. President Trump and (VA) Secretary (Doug) Collins have made historic strides in reforming the VA, and this legislation builds on those efforts. Our heroes deserve care that is fast, local and trusted, and I’m proud to file legislation that ensures no veteran is ever left to fight alone.”
Co-sponsors included GOP Reps. Gus Bilirakis of Palm Harbor, Anna Paulina Luna of St. Petersburg and Dan Webster of Clermont.
“As a veteran myself, I understand that access to these kinds of crucial treatment programs should never be lost in bureaucratic delay when qualified care is available in our own communities,” Luna said. “If the system built to serve our veterans cannot meet their needs in time, it should not also stand in the way of their ability to choose the care they deserve. Removing those barriers is part of our duty to stand with those who stood for us.”
The bill would still preserve veterans’ ability to choose a provider while aiming to reduce appointment wait times.
“Too often, veterans struggling with mental health or substance-use challenges are forced to wait for care they urgently need. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay, but this legislation takes an important step to putting veterans first by strengthening accountability and removing bureaucratic red tape to ensure they receive timely access to quality treatment — whether through the VA or a qualified community provider of their choice,” Webster said.
AI literacy
The next generation of students needs to understand how to work in an environment driven by artificial intelligence, according to Rep. Randy Fine.
The Atlantic Coast Republican just introduced the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act, an effort to modernize education and to offer clear authority to prepare students and teachers for the AI-driven economy using existing federal resources.
Randy Fine pushes a nationwide AI literacy plan aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing digital economy.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy and our kids’ futures faster than anything since the internet, yet too many schools still don’t have the authority or the resources to keep up,” Fine said.
“That’s why I’m introducing the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act — to let states and districts use existing federal dollars for AI instruction, train our teachers, and make sure every student learns to use this technology safely and responsibly. Florida has shown we can modernize education without new spending or Washington interference — this bill takes that common sense approach nationwide so our kids are ready to compete and win.”
The bill includes professional development skills and student curriculum guidelines regarding AI.
The Computer and Communications Association (CCIA) supports the legislation.
“With AI literacy quickly becoming a core workforce skill, students should have the opportunity to learn how to use these tools with confidence so the United States can fully capture the benefits of AI,” said Michael Marn, CCIA senior manager. “CCIA commends Rep. Fine for advancing the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act, which would help schools use existing federal education funds for AI instruction, teacher training and responsible classroom adoption.”
Africa crackdown
After a Judicial Watch whistleblower raised concerns about fraud at the U.S. African Development Foundation, Luna called for a criminal investigation. The Pinellas Republican sent a letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche this week slamming Foundation head Travis Adkins for his retaliatory actions.
Anna Paulina Luna demands a criminal probe into alleged misconduct and whistleblower retaliation at the U.S. African Development Foundation.
“Credible information indicates that. over several years, senior officials, including former President Travis Adkins and finance official Mathieu Zahui. encased in misconduct including steering contracts to associates, bypassing procurement safeguards, and misusing agency funds,” Luna wrote.
“Credible information also indicates that Mr. Adkins sought to conceal this mismanagement from the agency’s Board. For example, a whistleblower, Jasmine Battle, reported firsthand observations of these activities, including the movement of funds through an overseas account tied to sole-source contracts and alleged bribery in contract awards. After raising concerns, she was terminated and now faces civil litigation by Mr. Adkins to silence her.”
A day after the letter was sent, Judicial Watch said the Justice Department had confirmed it opened an investigation into the matter.
Landing FAA funding
Another nearly $11 million just landed at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Rep. Kathy Castor announced the grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program.
“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” the Tampa Democrat said.
Kathy Castor announces nearly $11 million federal grant for runway and taxiway upgrades at Tampa International Airport.
“These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA by repaving taxiways and runways, improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on TPA every year. Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing.”
The money will be used for the first phase of a project to repave 9,100 feet of existing taxiway at the airport and 8,300 feet of existing runway.
“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements at Tampa International Airport,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens.
“TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. This Airport Improvement Program grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”
Medicare waste
Rep. Vern Buchanan wants to see guardrails protecting the integrity of Medicare.
The Longboat Key Republican, in his capacity as House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair, sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. The message, sent jointly with House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith, praised Oz for an initiative to flush out waste, fraud and abuse.
“We appreciate CMS’s leadership and its ongoing commitment to protecting the Medicare program while advancing innovative models of care,” wrote Buchanan and Griffith. “We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure that program integrity efforts and accountable care initiatives work in tandem to strengthen Medicare for beneficiaries, providers and taxpayers alike.”
Vern Buchanan urges Dr. Mehmet Oz to strengthen Medicare oversight while protecting accountable care programs and providers.
The lawmakers encouraged Oz to explore targeted protections for accountable care organizations affected by high-spending categories and to establish guardrails that limit the impact of inaccurate trend calculations on payment benchmarks.
“These considerations are particularly important for primary care providers and other clinicians who rely on stable benchmarks to sustain investments in care coordination, patient outreach, and other services that improve outcomes but are not traditionally reimbursed under fee-for-service Medicare,” the letter reads.
“Maintaining a predictable and accurate benchmarking environment will help preserve these investments and support continued participation in accountable care models.”
ICE raises
The costs of enforcing the administration’s deportation policies have quickly caused controversy, but Rep. Greg Steube feels those enforcing the law day-to-day deserve a raise.
The Sarasota Republican filed the Increased Compensation for Enforcement and Federal Retention for Officers in Strategic Theaters (ICE FROST) Act, which would increase pay for federal law enforcement officers performing immigration enforcement operations in high-risk areas.
“Federal law enforcement officers performing immigration enforcement operations are being sent into increasingly dangerous environments created by sanctuary city policies, violent criminal activity, and the consequences of the (Joe) Biden administration’s open-border crisis,” Steube said.
Greg Steube proposes major pay raises for ICE officers enforcing immigration laws in high-risk U.S. cities.
“While radical Democrats continue attacking ICE officers for enforcing federal law, these men and women are risking their lives to protect American communities. The ICE FROST Act ensures officers are properly compensated for the dangers they face while enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.”
The bill gives a 25% raise for all federal officers performing immigration duties, then 15% more for those serving in hazardous duty areas with elevated violent crime levels, transnational criminal organizations, significant concentrations of illegal aliens and documented threats against law enforcement.
That would mean raises for workers in areas like Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis and Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington-Baltimore.
Medal of sacrifice
Congress unanimously passed a Medal of Sacrifice bill, which will allow the President to recognize law enforcement and first responders killed in the line of duty.
Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican, championed the bill after the deaths of three Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies, Butch Waller, Dan Diaz and Cpl. Luis Paez, in a traffic collision in 2024. The accident happened in Trump’s home county.
Brian Mast honors fallen Palm Beach deputies after Congress approves national Medal of Sacrifice recognition bill.
“I will never forget Nov. 21, 2024, the day three lions of my community were taken after being struck on the side of the road,” Mast said.
“After we laid Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies Waller, Diaz, and Paez to rest, President Trump and I agreed that their sacrifice can never be forgotten. That’s what the Medal of Sacrifice is all about, and I’ve worked every single day since then to pass this bill to honor every officer and first responder killed in action. In the face of incomprehensible loss, families of the fallen will now know they have a nation standing firmly behind them, directed by the highest office of our land.”
The Senate passed the bill this week, sending the matter to Trump’s desk.
Improving cancer treatment
Legislation aimed at closing gaps in cancer care was reintroduced this week by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, and a group of bipartisan lawmakers.
The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act would reform coverage and payment models, establish grants to improve the quality of care and provide workforce assistance to survivors. It is named for Lainie Jones, a recently deceased cancer patient advocate who lived with several types of cancer before her death this year.
The issue is close to Wasserman Schultz, a breast cancer survivor herself.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz reintroduces sweeping cancer survivorship bill honoring late advocate Lainie Jones.
“As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Wasserman Schultz, co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus.
“From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.”
Still alive
The absence of Rep. Frederica Wilson from several days of voting this week fueled speculation that the Miami-Dade Democrat may retire at age 83.
But after holding a fundraiser just this week, Wilson issued a statement detailing that a medical issue had sidelined her during May.
“Following left eye surgery, my priority has been ensuring a full and responsible recovery. Although I am currently unable to fly under my doctor’s orders, my work has not stopped for a single day,” she said.
Frederica Wilson dismisses retirement speculation, citing eye surgery recovery while continuing district work from South Florida.
“While recovering in the district, I have continued carrying out my official duties, meeting with leaders, local organizations, city and county officials, and constituents. This past Thursday, I presented checks to members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to help complete youth centers in Miami. This upcoming Friday, I will honor principals, including principals with the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence programs in their schools, as well as honor the Principal of the Year, who leads the school I once attended.”
She noted that she has held check presentations and other local events during her time in South Florida, even while missing votes.
“Whether in Washington or in the district, the work never stops for me. Serving the people of Florida’s 24th Congressional District has been the work of my entire adult life. This is my footprint, and this is what I do, and my constituents know my commitment to them is unwavering,” Wilson said.
“I look forward to returning soon and continuing to deliver for the people of Florida’s 24th Congressional District with the same dedication, strength and commitment they deserve.”
On this day
May 15, 1869 — “The birth of women’s suffrage and a new era of equality” via Arcadia Publishing — Susan B. Anthony, alongside her longtime collaborator Elizabeth Cady Stanton, founded the National Woman Suffrage Association — an organization that would go on to shape the future of women’s rights in the United States. At a time when women were largely excluded from political life, Anthony and Stanton were bold visionaries. They believed that the right to vote was not just a political issue, but a moral imperative — a symbol of women’s full citizenship in a democratic society. Their new association was more than an advocacy group; it was a rallying call to generations of women who had been denied a voice.
May 15, 1972 — “Alabama Gov. George Wallace shot” via History.com — During an outdoor rally in Laurel, Maryland, 21-year-old Arthur Bremer shot the presidential candidate. Three others were wounded, and Wallace was permanently paralyzed from the waist down. The next day, while fighting for his life in a hospital, he won major Primary victories in Michigan and Maryland. He remained in the hospital for several months, bringing his third presidential campaign to an irrevocable end. Wallace, one of the most controversial politicians in U.S. history, was elected Governor in 1962 under an ultra-segregationist platform. During the 1980s, Wallace’s politics shifted dramatically, especially regarding race.
Happy birthday
Best wishes to Rep. Lois Frankel, who turns 78 on Saturday, May 16.
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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.