Florida GOP leaders: DeSantis' session on Trump deportation plan is 'premature'
Share and Follow


“It is completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make,” the Florida Senate president and House speaker said.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s legislative leaders say Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plans to hold a special session are “premature.”

“Today, I called for a special session of the Florida legislature the week of January 27 to prepare Florida to lead on the Trump Administration’s deportation program,” the governor announced Monday on social media.

Just hours later, Florida Senate President Ben Albritton and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez issued a joint memorandum pushing back on DeSantis’ decision.

The leaders said they’re ready to follow President-elect Trump’s lead on immigration programs, adding that it’s “completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make…”

Albritton and Perez stressed that they hadn’t received any guidance about what state legislature can do to prepare for any forthcoming federal action.

“While the Governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider,” the memorandum read.

During his announcement, DeSantis said that while state lawmakers are meeting to discuss Trump’s deportation program, they should also address “ballot initiative integrity, disaster relief, and condominium regulations.”

However, Albritton and Perez said these are “complex subjects” that should be considered during the regular session which is set to begin March 4.

Their concerns echoed those previously voiced by Florida Democratic leaders.

“The problem with special session is that things move too quickly. There’s not the opportunity for bills to be fully vetted for the public to have the sort of input they typically will,” State Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said.

“There is no reason for us to have this special session right now, to deal with issues related to immigration or the ballot collection and petition gathering process,” State Sen. Carlos Smith (D-Orlando) said.

Albritton and Perez said that while they are required to be at the special session, they also hold power in dictating its direction.

“As the people’s elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider,” the legislative leaders’ memorandum read.

Read the full memorandum below.


Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Grateful Dead singer who also worked with Elvis Presley dies at 78

Legendary Grateful Dead Vocalist and Elvis Presley Collaborator Passes Away at 78

Donna Jean Godchaux, a beloved singer who graced the stage with the…
What's on the ballot in the first general election since Donald Trump took office

Decoding the 2023 Ballot: Key Issues in the First Post-Trump General Election

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the nation marks one year since Donald Trump…
FILE -- In this June 1, 2009 file photo, former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks at the National Press Club in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a pivotal and controversial figure in U.S. politics, passes away at 84

Dick Cheney, a formidable figure in American politics known for his staunch…
DoorDasher's car used in Jacksonville police chase after being stolen mid-delivery, driver says

Stolen Car Sparks Police Chase in Jacksonville During DoorDash Delivery, Driver Reports

A Jacksonville resident found himself at the center of an unexpected criminal…
Missing hunter Ron Dailey of Selma found alive near Swamp Lake Trail after 20 days lost in Sierra wilderness

Miraculous Survival: Missing Hunter Ron Dailey Rescued After 20 Days Lost Near Swamp Lake Trail in Sierra Wilderness

A hunter who had been missing for nearly three weeks in California…
NCSO: Armed bank robbery suspect arrested in Yulee following investigation

Yulee Law Enforcement Takes Down Armed Bank Robbery Suspect: Inside the High-Stakes Investigation

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a suspect in connection to…
Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd dead at 89

Oscar-Nominated Icon Diane Ladd Passes Away at 89: A Tribute to Her Remarkable Legacy

Diane Ladd, the Oscar-nominated actress cherished for her iconic portrayal of the…
Top Heritage Foundation staffer departs after Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes controversy

Senior Heritage Foundation Official Resigns Amidst Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes Controversy

Ryan Neuhaus, the former chief of staff to Heritage Foundation President Kevin…