BAY POST INTERNET

From Florida to Capitol Hill ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Battle of the bands

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

A Super Bowl halftime show continues to spark controversy within Florida's congressional delegation, with one lawmaker saying he wants performers locked away for Bad Bunny's Spanish-language show.

Rep. Randy Fine, an Atlantic Coast Republican, said he wants the Federal Communications Commission to severely fine Bad Bunny at a minimum. He posted a translation of the song featured in the show that included sexually graphic lyrics.

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show sparks backlash from Randy Fine and María Elvira Salazar, while Democrats celebrate massive viewership.

"You can't say the f-word on live TV. Bad Bunny's disgusting halftime show was illegal. Had he said these lyrics — and all of the other disgusting and pornographic filth in English on live TV — the broadcast would have been pulled down, and the fines would have been enormous. Puerto Ricans are Americans, and we all live by the same rules," Fine posted.

"We are sending (FCC Commissioner) Brendan Carr a letter calling for dramatic action, including fines and broadcast license reviews, against the NFL, NBC and 'Bad Bunny.' Lock them up."

Commenters noted that only one verse of the song "Safaera," the one Fine spotlighted in his tweet, was included in the set, and it was heavily censored. The broadcast did not appear to include curse words that cannot be said on public broadcasts, but did include strong sexual content.

Meanwhile, Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, took flak for criticizing the fact that the show was entirely in Spanish. However, that's also the language predominantly spoken in Florida's 27th Congressional District as well.

"The Super Bowl is the biggest game of America's most iconic sport. It's a national moment to bring the whole country together. And let's be honest — it should not be a multicultural fair," the Coral Gables Republican posted.

"Its audience is overwhelmingly English-speaking, and they deserve a halftime show they can understand and enjoy. To have a fully Spanish-language halftime show, with no subtitles, isn't inclusive. It's exclusive. In Miami, we listen to Spanish music, but we put America First. Unfortunately, today, instead of talking about the great contributions Hispanics make to our country — the legal ones and the undocumented — we are debating how poorly this event missed the mark. A very big opportunity lost!"

Salazar frequently holds English- and Spanish-language portions of news conferences to reach both audiences. She also worked for years in Spanish-language media before her 2020 Election to Congress.

"Your entire career was in Spanish media, communicating in Spanish, seeking votes in Spanish … but when Bad Bunny's Spanish appears in the Super Bowl, it's a threat to the nation," posted former Democratic opponent Annette Taddeo.

Democrats in the delegation, though, were more celebratory of the Bad Bunny show. Many predictions made clear that the competition between the Puerto Rican performer and an alternative show produced by conservative Turning Point USA was the real competition they were tuning in for this year.

"For the Super Bowl, I predict that Americans will enjoy time with family and friends, that Bad Bunny will bring down the house, and that guacamole will rule the day," said Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat.

"My Super Bowl prediction: Bad Bunny by 100M+ viewers over Kid Rock," posted Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat.

Both also accurately predicted the Seahawks would win. Wasserman Schultz's ratings prognostication also won out. Kid Rock drew about 5 million concurrent viewers and 6.1 million total viewers to the Turning Point USA show on YouTube. But, while minute-by-minute Nielsen ratings are not yet available, early estimates peg the viewership for the Bad Bunny-led halftime show at between 128 million and 135 million viewers.

Home school equality?

Shortly after co-chairing the National School Choice Week event in Washington, Sen. Ashley Moody pushed for legislation ensuring fairness with financial aid for homeschooled students.

The Plant City Republican filed the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, which would require federal recognition of homeschool diplomas as high school diplomas.

Ashley Moody is pushing federal legislation to recognize homeschool diplomas, aiming to ensure equal access to college financial aid.

"Homeschooled students who work hard to meet rigorous standards and graduate from their programs should not be discriminated against while applying for college," Moody said. "I'm proud to introduce the Home School Graduation Recognition Act to help qualified students take advantage of the financial aid process."

While Congress and the Education Department recognize homeschool education, some colleges and universities don't offer the same recognition, making it challenging for students to access financial aid.

"Homeschooled students work just as hard as any student in Indiana — but their diplomas don't always carry the same weight," said Sen. Jim Banks, an Indiana Republican also sponsoring the legislation. "This bill ensures they're treated equally and are given the same opportunities as every high school graduate."

It also has the support of the Home School Legal Defense Association.

Jock taxes

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl on Sunday, but because the game was played in California, players' $178,000 in winnings will be subject to a jock tax.

Sen. Rick Scott says that has a poor ring to it.

Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl win revives Rick Scott's call to move the game to no-income-tax Florida.

"These guys just won the biggest game of their lives, and they're being taxed so much they're losing?!" Scott posted. "You don't have to be a Seahawks fan to see why this is INSANE."

He said the National Football League can avoid that problem with site decisions.

"The NFL should move the game to low-tax Florida," he posted on X a day after the championship.

Florida, of course, has no income tax.

Farm bill future

The House is years overdue in passing a complete Farm Bill. Now, Rep. Kat Cammack wants to hear from Florida stakeholders about what a new bill would look like.

"Florida has more than 44,000 family farms, and the importance of this Farm Bill cannot be overstated. This is make-or-break for them. Getting the Farm Bill right is the difference between a family's final crop before land gets sold for development or another generation being able to carry on the family business," Cammack said.

Kat Cammack launches statewide listening sessions to gather input from Florida farmers as Congress works toward a long-delayed Farm Bill.

"Whether we're talking about conservation programs, production agriculture or the latest technology that helps farmers sustain their operations, increase yields and trim costs, these conversations shape smarter policy. And at the end of the day, the Farm Bill should be built from the ground up, not dictated from Washington. Food security is national security, and getting these right matters for Florida and for the country."

The Gainesville Republican, the only Florida lawmaker on the House Agriculture Committee, announced a series of listening sessions with farmers, ranchers and agriculture community leaders throughout the state.

"As Congress prepares to reauthorize the Farm Bill, these listening sessions ensure Florida farmers and producers have a seat at the table," Cammack's Office announced in a press release. "Feedback gathered will help inform policy decisions impacting food security, rural economies, and the future of American agriculture."

She will hold three events on Feb. 13 in remote locations across the state. Her first 90-minute stop will be in Alachua at 8 a.m. at the Santa Fe River Ranch, followed by a 1:30 p.m. visit to Warner University's Swindle Agricultural Complex in Lake Wales, then finally a session at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston at 5 p.m.

Housing stock

Rep. Mike Haridopolos led a group of lawmakers from the House Financial Services Committee in championing the Housing for the 21st Century Act (HR 6644). The Indian Harbour Beach Republican led a push to increase the housing supply in America.

Mike Haridopolos touts bipartisan House passage of housing bill aimed at cutting red tape and boosting supply.

"Starting today, we are moving in the right direction so that we might reduce those barriers to affordability and simply rely on the great economic mission of increasing supply or reducing the costs," Haridopolos said.

The bill ultimately passed on a vote of 390-9. The legislation aims to streamline the Housing and Urban Development agency's approval and cut red tape to bring more units online.

ICE in Orlando?

The Democrats representing Orlando in Congress don't want to see immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) opening a detention facility in the City Beautiful.

Reps. Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat, and Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons adamantly opposing any plans. For starters, neither thinks the record for detention centers in Florida has been good.

Maxwell Frost and Darren Soto oppose a potential ICE detention facility in Orlando, citing past abuses and court-ordered releases.

"Abuse and injustices in Florida at the hands of ICE are well-documented," the letter reads.

"At the Everglades Detention Center ('Alligator Alcatraz'), there have been numerous reports of pest infestations, poor nutrition, and packing of detainees into crowded cages. Recent reports have exposed ICE agents' efforts to skirt detention rules by indefinitely rebooking detainees after temporary transport from Orange County Jail to other detention sites."

The message was sent after WFTV spotted a warehouse in Orlando being scouted, and ICE confirmed the locale was under consideration.

"These actions have raised concerns among many, including multiple federal judges who have ordered the immediate removal of immigrants being held at the Orange County Jail due to this illegal ICE policy," Frost and Soto wrote.

"Additionally, U.S. District Judge (Paul) Byron ordered the release of a local Cuban immigrant who was being detained but is not accused of a crime and has no order of deportation. Fundamentally, ICE has stripped immigrants living in our community of their rights and humanity. We will not stand for any furthering of this injustice."

High energy

The House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee advanced legislation championed by Rep. Laurel Lee that could strengthen America's power grid.

The Thonotosassa Republican said her Energy Emergency Leadership Act (HR 7258) would boost cybersecurity and power source protections by the Department of Energy.

"America's electric grid is essential to our economy, our national security, and our daily lives," Lee said.

Laurel Lee's Energy Emergency Leadership Act advances in Committee, aiming to strengthen grid security and cybersecurity oversight.

"As our energy infrastructure becomes more interconnected and digitized, the risks we face are growing. The Energy Emergency Leadership Act ensures the Department of Energy treats grid security as the top-tier priority it must be, with clear leadership, stronger coordination, and accountability to Congress."

If passed, the responsibilities imposed in the bill would fall upon an Assistant Energy Secretary, a position appointed by the President. That official would provide technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to help prevent and respond to energy security threats.

"This bill reinforces DOE's role as the Sector Risk Management Agency for energy and ensures the security of our electric grid remains a core mission of the Department," Lee said. "By clarifying leadership and oversight, we are better preparing our nation to confront both today's threats and those we know are coming."

The bill, passed by a voice vote, will next be heard by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Keeping the lights on

Meanwhile, Reps. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, and Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, introduced a new bill that would allow electric utilities in federally declared disaster areas to transfer select general business credit carryforwards to future years.

"After devastating hurricanes like Helene and Milton, Florida families are trying to rebuild, and high-power bills are the last thing they need," said Buchanan.

Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube introduce disaster-focused energy tax credit bill aimed at lowering costs and speeding storm recovery.

"The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act gives electric utilities the flexibility they need to restore service faster following major disasters while passing savings on to consumers. By allowing electric utilities in disaster zones to transfer existing tax credits, this bill frees up capital to invest in recovery and repair damaged energy infrastructure. Our bill helps communities recover stronger and prepares Florida for the next hurricane season."

The communities represented by the two Congressmen know well the impact of power on recovery, as both have Districts hit by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

"Natural disasters and emergencies often complicate the delivery of public utilities, including electricity," said Steube.

"My bill would increase financial flexibility and savings for producers and customers alike by making the tax code more responsive to the on-the-ground needs of Americans living in disaster zones. From reducing the cost of storm restoration efforts to guaranteeing market liquidity in disaster areas, the Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act will better prepare Florida for the next hurricane season."

The bipartisan bill also counts Reps. Soto and Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, are among its co-sponsors.

Reviewing bids

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Byron Donalds and Moskowitz will now head to the floor that could increase flexibility and competition for government contracts.

"It's time to Make Government Efficient Again," said Donalds, a Naples Republican. "The General Services Administration's (GSA) 'Lowest Overall Cost Alternative Standard' is burdensome, has resulted in higher costs, government waste, and we need change. I have reintroduced the bipartisan 'Value Over Cost Act' to solve this problem once and for all. Last Congress, this common sense legislation was passed with unanimous support in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I once again look forward to the successful passage of this proposal in the 119th Congress."

Byron Donalds and Jared Moskowitz advance the Value Over Cost Act to expand flexibility and competition in federal contracting.

The Value Over Cost Act (HR 1118) would change a federal standard and allow the federal government to select the bid in its "best interest."

"An agency must use an evaluation method … for a reasonable assessment of the price of performance under competing quotations, so as to establish whether one vendor's quote would be more or less costly than another's," the legislation reads.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee advanced the bill 44-0.

Exiling H-1Bs

Meanwhile, Steube also filed legislation to end the H-1B visa program.

The Sarasota Republican this week filed the Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions (EXILE) Act, a program used primarily by Chinese and Indian foreign nationals. And he cited some Florida-specific consequences of allowing foreign labor in the country legally.

"Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests," Steube said.

Greg Steube files legislation to end the H-1B visa program, arguing it displaces American workers and hurts U.S. job prospects.

"Our workers and young people continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program that awards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce. We cannot preserve the American dream for our children while forfeiting their share to non-citizens. That is why I am introducing the EXILE Act to put working Americans first again."

He noted that in 2015, Disney laid off 250 employees, including at its theme parks, only to replace them with foreign workers brought to the U.S. through the H-1B program. But he also pointed to similar actions by Microsoft, which last year displaced 15,000 workers while bringing on 9,000 visa employees. He also said 10,000 trained U.S. physicians have had difficulty gaining admission to residency programs, even as 5,000 foreign-born doctors receive visas.

The program puts him at odds with Tesla founder Elon Musk and a number of other industry leaders who have been protective of or personally benefited from the program.

American arms

Trump issued an executive order urging the U.S. to prioritize military weapons manufacturing. As House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, Rep. Brian Mast praised the America First Arms Transfer Strategy.

"America's defense industry is the backbone of our military dominance and essential to operational integration with our allies. President Trump is taking decisive action to protect and extend our military's technological advantage for decades to come and remove inefficiencies to streamline our defense sales process," the Stuart Republican said.

Greg Steube files legislation to end the H-1B visa program, arguing it displaces American workers and hurts U.S. job prospects.

"At its core, this strategy is about strengthening the American defense industrial base and ensuring the United States maintains the most lethal, capable fighting force in the world. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to codify these critical reforms into law and lock in America's strategic edge."

Mast noted a bipartisan Foreign Military Sales Task Force he launched in March pursued a similar goal, engaging extensively with foreign partners, defense industry stakeholders and government officials to reform and modernize its foreign arms sales program.

Iran online

As the Iranian regime cracks down violently against protests, world media attention proved limited, in part thanks to the government shutting down internet access there. Salazar wants to ensure the public can still log on online.

She and a group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act (HR 7380), which would require the State Department to implement a comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran. That would include evaluating the use of virtual private networks, satellite internet and direct-to-cell satellite technologies by civil society and human rights activists in Iran and developing strategies to increase access there.

María Elvira Salazar leads bipartisan push to expand internet access in Iran amid government crackdowns.

"There is nothing dictators fear more than an educated and connected people," Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, said.

"That is why the Ayatollah's regime always moves first to shut down the internet — to silence the Iranian people's cry for freedom. The IRAN Act creates a permanent strategy to keep Iranians connected, expand access to VPNs and satellite internet, and push back against regime censorship. From Iran to Cuba, access to information is the first step toward breaking the chains of tyranny."

The bipartisan bill would also call on an evaluation of the Iranian government's ability to cut off access to the internet for the population and develop ways to circumvent such blackouts. As written, it would allocate $15 million over the next two fiscal years to develop strategies to counter access restrictions.

"Oppressive regimes fall when the illusion of their power breaks, and the people of Iran are ready to break through," said Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat.

On this day

Feb. 10, 1966 — "Auto safety crusader Ralph Nader testifies before Congress" via History.com — By the mid-1960s, U.S. automakers were still largely unregulated. Nader's book, Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile, accused car companies of designing vehicles with an emphasis on style and power at the expense of consumer safety. One chapter focused on handling problems with the Chevrolet Corvair, a car produced by auto giant General Motors. Shortly after Nader's congressional testimony, news media reported Nader had been followed by detectives. It was later determined that starting in early February 1966, GM sent investigators to spy on Nader and look into his personal life in an effort to discredit him.

Feb. 10, 1868 — "Reconstruction effort thwarted in Florida" via Truthout — Moderate and conservative delegates to the Florida constitutional convention kidnapped two sleeping Radical Republican delegates and dragged them to the Tallahassee convention hall, where they helped establish a quorum to rewrite the constitution. A week later, federal soldiers barred all Radical Republican delegates from entering because President Andrew Johnson had "urged conciliation and getting the deed done." Florida's conservatives feared that if the Radical Republicans could fairly participate, they would meet the minimum requirements for reentry into the Union and write a truly transformative document. Before the midnight coup, the Radical Republicans — about one-third of whom were formerly enslaved Black men — already drafted a constitution that was likely to pass.

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