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Congresswoman Val Demings Cosponsors Inherent Contempt Bill

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ORLANDO, FL – Today, Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) helped introduce new legislation to enable Congress to independently enforce subpoenas and other Congressional actions by directly levying penalties against people who refuse to comply.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ted W. Lieu and cosponsored by Rep. Demings, is also cosponsored by Reps. David Cicilline (D-RI), Jaime Raskin (D-MD), Madeline Dean (D-PA) and Joe Neguse (D-CO). All are members of the House Judiciary Committee.

The bill amends House rules to provide a clear and fair method to implement Congress’ inherent ability to hold individuals in contempt and levy penalties for failure to comply with subpoenas.

Said Rep. Demings, “The Department of Justice prosecutes cases of Contempt of Congress. But what happens when the person in contempt is the head of the Justice Department? The Trump Administration’s refusal to cooperate with Congress is a threat to Congress’ position as a co-equal branch of government. It is clear that if America is going to survive as a nation of laws, Congress must renew its legal authority to unilaterally hold government officials in inherent contempt. I’m glad to join Rep. Lieu and other colleagues to help restore the fundamental principle of checks and balances to our government.”

Said Rep. Lieu, “It doesn’t require a lot of imagination to see why this bill is necessary. Nearly every House committee has been blocked by the Trump Administration at one point or another from getting testimony and documents needed to conduct oversight. We’re over a year into litigating multiple Congressional subpoenas in court. We have already held two cabinet officials in criminal contempt. All of this, and the American public still doesn’t have answers about the extent of the Trump Administration’s abuses of power. As a co-equal branch of government, it’s our responsibility to serve as an independent check of the Executive branch. This bill enables us to hold those who refuse to abide by the law accountable.”

Said Rep. Cicilline, “The Framers designed a system of government rooted in three co-equal branches – legislative, executive, and judicial. In spite of this, Donald Trump has tried to make the executive branch supreme to Congress and the courts. Restoring our inherent contempt powers to enforce subpoenas will ensure that neither he nor any future president ever again tries to deny Congress the ability to conduct lawful investigations on behalf of the American people.”

Said Rep. Raskin, “The Supreme Court has said throughout history that Congress has the full power to enforce its own orders by holding violators in contempt, just as the Court itself has this power. The Administration’s continuing defiance of the Congressional oversight power, a fundamental attribute of our constitutional rights and duties, is intolerable and we must act to end it. This legislation is urgently needed and constitutionally compelled.”

Said Rep. Dean, “In the past few years we’ve seen a President and an administration that has very little regard for Congress’s oversight powers, co-equal branches of government, and the rule of law – by refusing to testify, produce documents, and even respond to our letters. It is clear that the norms that kept our system of checks and balances functioning need to be strengthened with concrete rules and laws, and this legislation is a necessary step in restoring the balance of power between co-equal branches of government as the founders intended.”

Said Rep. Neguse, “As members of the House Judiciary Committee, we’ve witnessed firsthand the repeated obstruction of Congress by the Trump administration. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight, and if this administration — or any other administration — refuses to cooperate, there are other lawful mechanisms at our disposal that Congress can and should exercise. By reasserting Congress’ historical inherent contempt powers, we can restore the ability of the legislative branch to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.”

What the Congressional Inherent Contempt Power Act does:

  • Creates a process for dialogue and accommodation between a senior responsible official at an agency or with a private individual, in pursuit of requested documents or witnesses;
  • Allows agencies or persons to register objections, and allows Congress to hold public hearings to consider specific objections, where agency officials or persons can make their case;
  • Allows the President to register objections and assert executive privilege where appropriate, in writing and directly;
  • Allows the Committee to report a resolution of contempt, privileged under Rule XI of the House, to the full House for consideration;
  • Allows for the Chairman of the Committee to present the case for passage before the full House, with time allotted for questions from Members on the floor;
  • Allows for one floor vote on passage of the resolution of contempt, including the imposition of monetary penalties against the contemnor;
  • Caps the total monetary penalties for noncompliance at not more than $100,000;
  • Sets the initial penalty at not more than $25,000, with a one-time compliance period of 20

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Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

  • Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
  • Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
  • Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
  • Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

 

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

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Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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