Jump to content

Political positions of Ron DeSantis

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by GoldUSA (talk | contribs) at 03:12, 17 December 2023 (→Environment: Rewrote a sentence and reference to improve factuality in description of DeSantis' position on fracking). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This article is part of a series about
Ron DeSantis
US House of Representatives
Governor of Florida

The political positions of Ron DeSantis have been recorded from his 2012 election to the United States House of Representatives and his tenure as Representative, the 2016 United States Senate election in Florida, and during his tenure as governor of Florida. DeSantis is considered a conservative Republican.[1][2]

Foreign relations

DeSantis watches as President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the Venezuelan American community in February 2019.

He has described himself as a follower of the "Reagan school" in foreign policy.[3] During his three terms serving in the US House, he was a member of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs.[4]

Afghanistan

DeSantis condemned the U.S. military pullout from Afghanistan in 2021, saying it was poorly planned. He placed much of the blame on President Biden and accused him of making the country vulnerable to exploitation by China, Russia, North Korea and other geopolitical rivals of the United States. "After 9/11, we needed to go in and rout the Taliban and al-Qaida. But I think in hindsight, we should have come home after that. I think trying to do the democracy and all that, I think has been very problematic", DeSantis said.[5] He also condemned the 2021 Kabul airport attack that killed 13 American soldiers.[6] The governor's office sent an email to U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on August 30, 2021, asking which Afghan refugees would be coming to Florida and the fates of those Floridians who were still in Afghanistan.[7]

Australia

DeSantis supports the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the "Quad") between Australia, India, Japan and the United States, having called it a "good framework".[8]

Bahamas

After Hurricane Dorian struck The Bahamas, DeSantis told reporters that the U.S. federal government, not Florida, should bear responsibility for hurricane assistance. He encouraged donations to those affected by the hurricane through the Volunteer Florida website and urged Floridians not to cancel vacations to the country's less-affected islands. DeSantis took an aerial tour of The Bahamas with the state's two U.S. senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, on September 6, 2019. After the tour, he said the Coast Guard was "doing a great job". When asked on September 9, 2019, if he would lobby President Trump to support Rubio's and Scott's request to either waive or suspend visa requirements to allow Bahamians to temporarily live with families in the U.S., he said he did not support that idea.[9]

China

Ron DeSantis regards China as a "hostile country", and he came up with many policies to contain Chinese influence.[10] For example, DeSantis signed legislation banning Confucius Institutes (cultural centers funded by the Chinese government) from Florida's public universities. He also signed a law increasing penalties for corporate espionage conducted on behalf of foreign entities.[11] DeSantis also stated that Chinese investors making a large amount of real estate investments in the state is not in Florida’s best interest.[12]

Cuba

DeSantis introduced the Guantanamo Bay Recidivism Prevention Act, which would end foreign aid to countries that receive detainees if they reappear on the terrorism recidivism list, in 2015.[13]

DeSantis opposed President Obama's plan to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, saying, "Bringing hardened terrorists to the U.S. homeland harms our national security."[14]

Regarding the formal restart of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, DeSantis said, "Raising the Cuban flag in the United States is a slap in the face to those who have experienced the brutality of the Castro regime."[15]

On July 15, 2021, during the Cuban protests, DeSantis called for the Cuban military to stage a coup in Cuba. He also urges the Biden administration to "restore internet access to Cuba".[16]

Iran

DeSantis opposed the Iran nuclear deal framework, calling it "a bad deal that will significantly degrade our national security".[17] He added, "the Iran deal gives Ayatollah Khamenei exactly what he wants: billions of dollars in sanctions relief, validation of the Iranian nuclear program, and the ability to stymie inspections."[18]

During a line of questioning, DeSantis told Secretary of State John Kerry that the executive branch had a legal obligation to provide Congress with the details behind any side deals made between world leaders and Iran.[19] He accused Obama of treating Cuba's Raul Castro and Iran's ayatollah Ali Khamenei better than Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu.[20]

Israel

DeSantis with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in May 2019

DeSantis introduced the Palestinian Accountability Act, which would halt U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority until it formally recognizes Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and severs all ties with the militant group Hamas, in 2013.[21]

DeSantis co-introduced the Non-Discrimination of Israel in Labeling Act, which would defend the right of Israeli producers to label products manufactured in the West Bank as "Israeli", "Made in Israel," or "Product of Israel", in 2016.[22] He supported the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.[23]

As governor, DeSantis pledged to be "the most pro-Israel governor in America".[24] In light of Airbnb's decision to no longer allow rentals of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, on January 15, 2019, DeSantis directed the Department of Management Services to no longer reimburse state employees and state contractors for travel expenses incurred with Airbnb;[25] later that month he accepted the State Board of Administration's recommendation to place Airbnb on Florida's "Scrutinized Companies List".[26] DeSantis visited Israel – accompanied by Sheldon Adelson, a megadonor to his 2018 gubernatorial campaign – in May to attend a ceremony held by Florida Atlantic University and Ariel University, celebrating the agreement of a plan to exchange and research opportunities between the universities' respective students.[24][27]

Russia and Ukraine

Russian invasion of Ukraine

In 2014 and 2015 he supported sending weapons to Ukraine to counter Russia, and reproached President Obama, saying he had no effective strategy in the face of Putin's aggression on Eastern European countries. In 2023, he questioned US involvement in Crimea or the borderlands of Ukraine, and described Russian military action against NATO countries as not imminent. At the same time, he reiterated criticism that the Obama administration did not deliver lethal weapons to Ukraine at the time and thus the U.S. did not show strength against Russia.[28][29]

DeSantis denounced the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and praised the Ukrainian resistance.[30] On March 1, he said that President Biden was going too easy on Russia,[31] and that Biden should apply sanctions to the Russian oil industry.[32]

In a February 20, 2023 appearance on Fox & Friends, DeSantis said he thought the Biden administration had a blank check policy regarding its support toward Ukraine and that Russia has not come close to attacking NATO countries. He called on the Biden administration to articulate a clear strategic objective and not to pursue a policy of open-ended funding for Ukraine. Also during the interview he criticized President Joe Biden for visiting Ukraine without doing “anything to secure our own border here at home”, and said he thought Russia was hostile but that China was a larger threat.[33] DeSantis has also expressed support in the belief that Putin would refrain from other invasions, particularly into NATO countries; his comments notably contrasted from Mike Pence, who took a more hawkish view onto Ukraine and believed that Putin would attack other countries regardless of their membership in NATO.[34]

After the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, DeSantis mirrored the ICC in deeming Putin a war criminal. DeSantis clarified that his prior statements were not meant to excuse Russia or reduce U.S. involvement but rather to oppose more involvement and to oppose American troops in the Ukraine conflict, and he said the world should hold Putin accountable.[35]

Russia investigation

According to the Tampa Bay Times, DeSantis "made a name for himself [in 2017] attacking special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election".[36]

DeSantis proposed an amendment that would halt funding for Mueller's 2017 Special Counsel investigation probe six months after the amendment's passage.[37] In addition, the provision would prohibit Mueller from investigating matters that occurred before June 2015, when Trump launched his presidential campaign.[38] In December 2017, DeSantis asserted that if there were any evidence of collusion between members of the Trump campaign and Russian officials, it would already have been leaked.[39]

In January 2018, while on the House Intelligence Committee, DeSantis voted, along with every other Republican on the committee, to release a classified memo authored by Republicans on the committee which purported to show that the FBI abused its surveillance powers in the Russia investigation.[40] He voted not to release a memo authored by Democrats on the committee that accused Republicans on the committee of playing politics with national security.[40] Democrats described the Republican-authored memo as grossly distorted and intended to discredit Mueller's investigation, and said that the Republicans on the committee had begun an investigation into the FBI and Department of Justice.[40]

In April 2018, DeSantis called on FBI director Christopher Wray to criminally investigate a number of officials involved in investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, including former FBI director James Comey, former acting director of the FBI Andrew McCabe, FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI counsel Lisa Page.[41] He also called for investigations of a number of former Obama administration officials, including Loretta Lynch and Hillary Clinton.[42]

On October 10, 2019, a spokesman for DeSantis announced that DeSantis would return a political contribution from two Soviet-born businessmen, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, through their company Global Energy Producers. Parnas and Fruman are accused of funneling foreign cash into U.S. elections to increase their influence and promote their business interests; they are central figures in the Trump-Ukraine scandal and impeachment inquiry. They made the donation a day before Trump tweeted his "full endorsement" of DeSantis.[43]

Syria

In 2013, DeSantis opposed President Obamas proposals to use military force in the Syrian civil war.[44][45] Discussing Syria in 2014, DeSantis said he disagreed with the idea that "Americans are war weary".[46] DeSantis opposed the temporary amnesty for Syrian refugees.[47] DeSantis argued against arming Syrian rebels against President Bashar Assad.[48]

United Kingdom

In 2023, DeSantis called himself a supporter of Brexit.[49] With Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch he discussed the prospect of a state-level economic Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Florida.[50]

Domestic policy

Abortion and contraceptives

DeSantis opposes abortion[51] and has denounced Planned Parenthood.[52] He has supported restrictions to abortion and on April 14, 2022, DeSantis signed into law a bill that regulated elective abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, limiting the period of viability from 24 weeks.[53] In 2023, DeSantis signed a bill that shortened the restriction to abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy. The bill has an exception to save the life of the woman and exceptions in the case of pregnancy caused by rape or incest until 15 weeks of pregnancy. [54][55][56]

DeSantis agreed with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., saying, "This case does not concern the availability or legality of contraceptives, and individuals can obtain and use these as they see fit. The question is simply whether the government can force the owners of Hobby Lobby to pay for abortifacients in violation of their faith."[57]

Cannabis

DeSantis supports the implementation of a medical marijuana program in Florida, but opposes legalizing recreational marijuana.[58] In a June 2019 interview, he said that recreational marijuana legalization will not become law "while I'm governor."[59] He voted against the Veterans Equal Access Amendment, which would give veterans access to medical cannabis if recommended by their Veterans Health Administration doctor and if it is legal for medicinal purposes in their state.[60]

DeSantis and Representative Matt Gaetz held a press conference with John Morgan, a prominent medical cannabis advocate and former Democrat, in early 2019 to persuade the Florida legislature to lift a ban on smokable medical cannabis. According to sources involved, it was orchestrated by Gaetz, whom DeSantis trusted.[61]

COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, DeSantis resisted imposing restrictions including face mask mandates, stay-at-home orders, and vaccination requirements. In May 2021, he signed into law a bill that prohibited businesses, schools, cruise ships, and government entities from requiring proof of vaccination.

Death penalty

DeSantis supports the death penalty. In 2022, he said that the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting perpetrator Nikolas Cruz deserved the death penalty after Cruz instead received 34 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.[62][63][64]

In 2023, DeSantis supported moves to end jury unanimity for death penalty cases.[65][66] In April 2023, DeSantis signed a bill that ended jury unanimity for death penalty cases.[67][68][69]

DeSantis also supported a bill to have the death penalty for child rapists. In current federal jurisdiction, the death penalty is prohibited for non-fatal crimes under Kennedy v. Louisiana.[70][71][72] In May 2023, DeSantis signed the bill, which has been speculated to serve as a future challenge to Kennedy.[73][74][75][76][77]

Disaster relief

In January 2013, after DeSantis had just been sworn into the House of Representatives, he voted against providing federal disaster relief for Hurricane Sandy to the impacted states of New York and New Jersey. DeSantis stated his rationale as being that increasing federal "debt by another $9.7 billion with no plan to offset the spending with cuts elsewhere is not fiscally responsible", criticizing a "put it on the credit card mentality".[78][79]

In September 2022, as governor of Florida, DeSantis requested for federal disaster relief for Florida due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, arguing that in spite of living "in a very politicized time ... when people are fighting for their lives, when their whole livelihood is at stake, when they've lost everything — if you can't put politics aside for that, then you're just not going to be able to."[80]

Economy

DeSantis has said that the debate over how to reduce the federal deficit should shift emphasis from tax increases to curtailing spending and triggering economic growth.[81] He supports a "no budget no pay" policy for Congress to encourage the passage of a budget.[82] He believes the Federal Reserve System should be audited.[83]

In the wake of the alleged IRS targeting controversy, DeSantis called for IRS commissioner John Koskinen's resignation for having "failed the American people by frustrating Congress's attempts to ascertain the truth".[84][85] He co-sponsored a bill to impeach Koskinen for violating the public's trust.[86] Citizens Against Government Waste, a conservative think tank, named DeSantis a "Taxpayer Superhero" in 2015.[87]

DeSantis supported the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would require that regulations that have a significant economic impact be subject to a vote of Congress prior to taking effect.[88]

DeSantis sponsored the Transportation Empowerment Act, which would transfer much of the responsibility for transportation projects to the states and sharply reduce the federal gas tax.[89][90]

DeSantis has opposed legislation to require online retailers to collect and pay state sales tax.[91]

DeSantis voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.[92] He said the bill would bring a "dramatically lower tax rate", "full expensing of capital investments", and more jobs to America.[93]

During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, DeSantis pledged to lower corporate income taxes to 5% or lower.[94] During his tenure, corporate income taxes in Florida got as low as 3.5% in 2021, but by 2022 they had increased to 5.5%.[95] DeSantis has maintained Florida's low-tax status during his time as governor.[96]

In June 2019, DeSantis signed a $91.1 billion budget the legislature passed the previous month, which was the largest in state history at the time, though he cut $131 million in appropriations.[97][98] In June 2021, he signed a $101.5 billion budget that included $169 million in tax relief.[99]

Throughout most of 2019, Florida's unemployment rate hovered below 5%.[100] During the COVID-19 lockdown in early to mid-2020, Florida, and most other states, saw unemployment rates near 15%.[100][101][102] DeSantis partially blamed his gubernatorial predecessor, Rick Scott, for leaving behind a dejected unemployment system that created backlogs as COVID-19 damaged the state economy.[103] Afterward, Florida's economy swiftly started recovering, and the unemployment rate fell below 7% by the latter half of 2020.[104] Since May 2022, Florida's unemployment rate has sat around 2%, below the national average.[96][100]

As a result of a significant increase in gas prices, DeSantis would announce on November 22, 2021, that he would be temporarily waiving the state's gas tax in the next legislative session in 2022.[105]

In June 2023, DeSantis banned most vehicle manufacturers (except Tesla) from selling vehicles directly to consumers in Florida, thus guaranteeing that franchised dealerships would remain as part of the sales process.[106][107]

Education

Further information: Florida Parental Rights in Education Act and Florida House Bill 999

DeSantis opposes federal education programs such as No Child Left Behind Act and Race to the Top, saying that education policy should be made at the local level.[83]

DeSantis introduced the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act, which would allow states to create their own accreditation systems, in 2016. In an op-ed for National Review, he said his legislation would give students "access to federal loan money to put towards non-traditional educational opportunities, such as online learning courses, vocational schools, and apprenticeships in skilled trades".[108]

In June 2021, DeSantis led an effort to ban the teaching of critical race theory in Florida public schools (though it had not been a part of Florida public school curriculum). He described critical race theory as "teaching kids to hate their country", mirroring a similar push by conservatives nationally.[109] The Florida Board of Education approved the ban on June 10. The Florida Education Association criticized the ban, accusing the Board of trying to hide facts from students. Other critics claimed the ban was an effort to "politicize classroom education and whitewash American history".[110]

On December 15, 2021, DeSantis announced a new bill, the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (WOKE) Act, which would allow parents to sue school districts that teach their children critical race theory. The bill is designed to combat "woke indoctrination" in Florida businesses and schools by preventing instruction that could make some people feel that they bear "personal responsibility" for historic wrongdoings because of their race, gender or national origin, preventing instruction that teaches that individuals are "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.", and preventing instruction that teaches that groups of people are oppressed or privileged based on their race, gender or national origin. He said of the bill: "No taxpayer dollars should be used to teach our kids to hate our country or hate each other."[111][112][113][114] On August 18, 2022, a Florida judge blocked the act, saying that it violates the First Amendment and is too vague.[115]

DeSantis signed three education bills into law on June 22, 2021,[116] and suggested that state colleges and universities could lose funding if they were found to promote "stale ideology" and "indoctrination". He offered no specific examples of students being indoctrinated by Florida higher education institutions.[117] House Bill 233 requires institutions to annually “assess the intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity at that institution using a survey adopted by the State Board of Education", while House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 1108 introduce new requirements for civics education, including lessons on the "evil of communist and totalitarian regimes".[118] Critics of the laws, including the Florida Education Association, claim they will have a "chilling effect on intellectual and academic freedom" and that the bills were designed to intimidate educators and suppress the free exchange of ideas.[119][120]

DeSantis announced that Florida would replace the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) test with a system of smaller tests scattered throughout the year on September 14, 2021. He said the replacement would be three tests for the fall, winter and spring, each smaller than the FSA. Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran agreed with the decision, calling it a "huge victory for the school system". The new system is to be implemented by the 2022–2023 school year.[121] DeSantis signed a bill (SB 1048) ending the FSA testing on March 15, 2022. The new bill mandates a "progress monitoring system" that tests students three times a year, at the beginning, middle and end of each school year. The Florida Education Association criticized the bill, saying it failed to reduce the standardized testing done on students or "eliminate the big make-or-break test at the end of year."[122] Corcoran praised the bill, saying the monitoring caters to students, gives teachers more easily available data, and is "much more helpful to parents, and most importantly, it's beneficial to students".[123]

On March 22, 2022, DeSantis signed into law bill SB 1054, which requires students entering high school starting in the 2023–2024 school year to take a financial literacy course. Florida is the largest U.S. state to mandate a financial literacy course.[124]

The Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, a bill which prohibits the instruction of gender identity and otherwise "sexual" issues up until the third grade was introduced by DeSantis supporters Joe Harding and Dennis Baxley, and was signed into law on March 27, 2022; it became effective July 1 of that year. The bill became subject to protests and student walkouts, receiving condemnation from various organizations as well as the United Nations OHCHR and the US federal government for being seen as targeted against the LGBT community. The law received the nickname of the Don't Say Gay Bill prior to its passage, and the Don't Say Gay Act or Don't Say Gay Law after it.[125][126][127][128] DeSantis in 2023 supports Senate Bill 1320 which is an expansion to the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act. This bill would prohibit teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity from pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade (Higher than the third grade of 2022 bill). DeSantis has made comments supporting the bill, signaling that if it passes the legislature, he will likely sign it.[129][130][131]

On May 9, 2022, DeSantis signed House Bill 395, mandating that schools observe Victims of Communism Day (which is held on November 7, the same day as the traditional Soviet October Revolution Day) by devoting 45 minutes to teaching about communism, the role of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engles, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, and other communist leaders in history, and "how people suffered under those regimes".[132]

On February 14, 2023, DeSantis suggested that an organization other than the College Board should run Florida's AP classes.[133]

DeSantis also supported and continues to support Florida House Bill 999, pending Florida legislation which would restrict and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion in state universities. The bill further raises the power of university board and presidents, and blocks school funds from being used in diversity, equity and inclusion programs run by faculty. Likewise to the Parental Rights in Education Act, DeSantis' proposed restrictions have become subject to numerous protests by students.[134][135]

Entitlements

As a congressman in 2015, DeSantis introduced the Let Seniors Work Act, which would have repealed the Retirement Earnings Test and exempted senior citizens from the 12.4% Social Security payroll tax. He also co-sponsored a measure to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits.[136]

In 2013, then-congressman DeSantis voted for a non-binding resolution that urged raising the age to qualify for Social Security to 70; this was a symbolic statement of a policy preference, and therefore would not have become law if it had passed.[137][138]

Environment

Further information: Climate change in Florida and Plug-in electric vehicles in Florida

DeSantis has called himself a "Teddy Roosevelt conservationist". During his 2018 gubernatorial run, he said that he did not deny climate change's existence, but did not want to be labeled a "climate change believer",[139] adding, "I think we contribute to changes in the environment, but I'm not in the pews of the global warming left."[140]

In 2019, DeSantis signed an executive order that included a variety of components relating to the environment. These included a promise to spend $2.5 billion over four years on restoring the Everglades and "other water protection", and the creation of a Blue-Green Algae Task Force, an Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency, and a Chief Science Officer.

DeSantis supported the successful 2018 ballot initiative that amended the Constitution of Florida to ban offshore drilling, and encouraged the Florida legislature and Department of Environmental Protection to work towards banning fracking in Florida.[139] On July 10, 2020, he announced that Florida would spend $8.6 million out of $166 million received by the state from a legal settlement between Volkswagen and the United States Department of Justice relating to emission violations to add 34 charging stations for electric cars. The stations would be along Interstates 4, 75, 95, 275 and 295.[141] On June 16, 2021, DeSantis signed into law House Bill 839, which bans local governments in Florida from requiring gas stations to add electric car charging stations.[142]

DeSantis called climate change "left-wing stuff".[143] In 2023, the state of Florida under DeSantis approved a public school curriculum including videos produced by conservative advocacy group PragerU, likening climate change skeptics to those who fought Communism and Nazism, implying renewable energy harms the environment, and saying current global warming occurs naturally.[143]

Gun law

DeSantis opposes gun control. He received an A+ rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund.[144][145][146] He generally opposes firearm regulation, saying, "Very rarely do firearms restrictions affect criminals. They really only affect law-abiding citizens."[147]

After the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, DeSantis expressed his support for hiring retired law enforcement officers and military veterans as armed guards for schools.[148] He disagrees with legislation Governor Rick Scott signed that banned bump stocks, added a mandatory three-day waiting period for gun purchases, and raised the legal age for purchases from 18 to 21. He has expressed support for measures to improve federal background checks for purchasing firearms and has said that there is a need to intervene with those who are exhibiting warning signs of committing violence instead of waiting until a crime has been committed.[148]

In November 2020, DeSantis proposed an "anti-mob" extension to the preexisting stand-your-ground law in Florida that would allow gun-owning residents to use deadly force on individuals they believe are looting. It would also make blocking traffic during a protest a third-degree felony and impose criminal penalties for partaking in "violent or disorderly assemblies".[149]

Health care

As of 2013, DeSantis opposed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[150][151] He has called for its "full and complete repeal".[150]

DeSantis said he was not ready to support the American Health Care Act, the House Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, in March 2017.[152] He did vote for the May 2017 Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.[153][154]

Immigration

DeSantis was a critic of Obama's immigration policies; he opposed Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and accused Obama of failing to enforce immigration laws.[155][156] DeSantis has sought to ban "sanctuary cities".[157] He is a co-sponsor of the Establishing Mandatory Minimums for Illegal Reentry Act of 2015, also known as Kate's Law, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties applicable to aliens who unlawfully reenter the United States after being removed.[158] DeSantis spoke at ACT! for America, an anti-Muslim advocacy group designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Center for American Progress, in 2017.[159]

After the November 2015 Paris attacks, DeSantis "called for urgent recognition that Islamic extremism is to blame for the Paris attacks and should be seen as an enemy for America". He has said, "The enemy is an ideology rooted in militant Islam" and that ISIS must be stopped and its members kept away from America.[160] Of U.S. policy toward refugees, DeSantis said, "the prudent policy is to err on the side of protecting the American people".[161]

DeSantis encouraged Florida sheriffs to cooperate with the federal government on immigration-related issues.[162] In June 2019, he signed an anti-"sanctuary city" bill in law; the legislation required law enforcement "to honor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers for undocumented immigrants who are arrested or convicted" of crimes. There were no sanctuary cities in Florida before the law's enactment, and immigration advocates called the bill politically motivated.[163][164][165][166] Florida became the 12th state to adopt legislation requiring local governments to aid federal immigration-enforcement efforts.[167] In June 2020, DeSantis signed a bill requiring government employers and private companies that contract with the government to use E-Verify.[168][169][170] He had originally called for all employers to be required to use it.[171]

DeSantis' administration destined $12 million for relocating migrants to other states, and by 2022 he considered busing undocumented immigrants to Joe Biden's home state, Delaware, for almost a year. However, on September 7, 2022, he stated that neither Cubans nor Venezuelans would be sent out of the state. On September 15, DeSantis sent two charter planes with undocumented immigrants (mostly Venezuelans, at least 50) to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Attorneys representing them declared that they were lied to, being promised jobs and housing.[172][173] The air carrier was paid $615,000 on September 8 for the transport, and received another $980,000 less than two weeks later. The destination community was not notified of the refugees' impending arrival and requirements.[174][175][176][177][178]

Law enforcement

DeSantis opposes efforts to defund the police, and as governor has introduced initiatives to "fund the police".[179] In September 2021, DeSantis introduced a $5,000 signing bonus for Florida police officers in a bid to attract additional out-of-state police recruits.[180]

LGBT issues

DeSantis has a "0" rating from the Human Rights Campaign for his voting record on LGBT-related issues and legislation.[181][182] In 2018, he told the Sun-Sentinel that he "doesn't want any discrimination in Florida, I want people to be able to live their life, whether you're gay or whether you're religious."[183] Throughout his political career, DeSantis has opposed bills and judicial rulings upholding the legitimacy of same-sex marriage, and his political campaign has refused to clarify his position on the subject.[184]

In January 2019, less than a week after taking office, DeSantis issued a non-discrimination order for state employees reiterating former governor Scott's order; the order included race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, marital status, and disability, but had no protections for sexual orientation or gender identity. Scott had pledged to sign an LGBT-inclusive order as governor, but did not follow through on the grounds that proper federal protections existed.[185]

In June 2019, DeSantis's office issued a proclamation honoring the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting at the Pulse nightclub, a gay bar where 49 people were killed and 50 others were injured on June 12, 2016. The proclamation did not include any reference to the LGBT community, sparking criticism and accusations that DeSantis may have intentionally omitted it from the message. DeSantis later reissued the proclamation with revisions including mentions of the LGBT community, and a spokesperson said the earlier omission was an error by DeSantis's staff.[186] Two years later, he vetoed mental health funding for the shooting's survivors from the state budget.[187] The vetoed funds for those Orlando organizations would have helped make up for termination of federal grant money, and those vetoed funds were .06% of the total vetoed funds statewide.[188]

On June 1, 2021, DeSantis signed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act (SB 1028). It bans transgender girls and women from participating and competing in middle-school and high-school girls' and college women's sports competitions in Florida. The law took effect on July 1.[189][190][191][192][193][194]

In February 2022, DeSantis voiced his support for the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, often called the "Don't Say Gay" law by its opponents, which would prohibit instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in school classrooms from kindergarten to grade 3. He said it was "entirely inappropriate" for teachers and school administrators to talk to students about their gender identity.[195][196][197] DeSantis signed the bill into law on March 28, 2022, and it took effect on July 1.[198] This statute also includes a provision “requiring school district personnel to encourage a student to discuss issues relating to his or her well-being with his or her parent or to facilitate discussion of the issue with the parent”.[199][200][201][202]

In response to The Walt Disney Company's opposition to the bill, and amid an ongoing feud between DeSantis and Disney, DeSantis suggested that the Florida legislature revoke Disney World's special self-governing privileges over its 25,000-acre (10,000-hectare) property—privileges granted to the company in 1967. On April 22, 2022, he signed a bill to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which allows Disney to self-govern its district, by June 2023.[203]

In March 2022, DeSantis signed a proclamation stating that runner-up Emma Weyant was the "rightful winner" of the women's 500-yard freestyle NCAA Division I championship,[204] after the race had been won by Lia Thomas, a trans woman.[205] DeSantis criticized the NCAA for allowing trans women to compete in women's events.[206][207][204] The proclamation was a symbolic one, as governors do not have the power to alter the results of college sporting events.[208]

In April 2022, DeSantis's Department of Health released new official guidance advising that neither social transition (reported by NBC as "pronouns, hair and dress in accordance with their gender identities") nor medical transition or puberty blockers be allowed for transgender teenagers.[209][210]

In April 2023, social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is transgender, published a video sponsored by the Bud Light beer brand, which featured a can of beer commemorating a milestone in her gender transition.[211] Later that month, DeSantis responded by blaming a trend of "woke companies" that were "trying to change our country", stating that "pushback is in order across the board including with Bud Light", and indicating that a conservative boycott of Bud Light would be effective.[212] Later in June 2023, DeSantis said at an event that he would "serve you anything except Bud Light. I just can’t do that."[213] By July 2023, after a boycott from conservatives and others, Bud Light's sales fell by 24% compared to the previous year, and Bud Light's parent company AB InBev's shares had fallen to $58 per share, despite being at $66 in March 2023.[211][214] With Florida's pension fund holding over 680,000 shares in AB InBev, DeSantis in July 2023 called for AB InBev to be investigated by Florida's pension fund agency for breaching duties to shareholders, as "there's got to be penalties when you put business aside to focus on your social agenda at the expense of hardworking people", despite supporting the boycott that caused the fall in shares himself.[214][215]

In June 2022, DeSantis's Department of Health ordered gender-affirming health care banned for Medicaid recipients of all ages and issued a request to the state medical board that it be banned for transgender youth regardless of Medicaid status.[210]

Pardon power

Following the federal indictment of Donald Trump in June 2023, DeSantis tweeted criticism of the indictment and promised to "bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all", but did not say whether or not he would offer to give Trump a presidential pardon if elected, as fellow candidate Vivek Ramaswamy had done.[216] Several weeks later, DeSantis offered this: “I’m going to do what’s right for the country. I don’t think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison. It doesn’t seem like it would be a good thing”.[217] DeSantis also believes that Trump "of course" lost the 2020 election.[218]

Technology companies

In response to social media networks removing Trump from their platforms, DeSantis and other Florida Republicans pushed legislation in the Florida Legislature to prohibit technology companies from de-platforming political candidates.[219] A federal judge blocked the law by preliminary injunction the day before it was to take effect, on the grounds that it violated the First Amendment and federal law.[220]

Term limits and pensions

DeSantis opted not to receive his congressional pension, and filed a measure that would eliminate pensions for members of Congress.[83] After introducing the End Pensions in Congress Act, DeSantis said, "The Founding Fathers envisioned elected officials as part of a servant class, yet Washington has evolved into a ruling class culture."[221]

DeSantis supports a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of Congress, so that U.S. representatives would be limited to three terms and senators to two.[222] As of 2022, he has served three terms as a U.S. representative.[223]

Transportation

In December 2022, DeSantis signed a bipartisan bill approving a $500 million measure reducing the price of using toll roads.[224][225]

Veterans

DeSantis has sharply criticized the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014, in which veteran deaths were linked to wait times. He co-sponsored the VA Accountability Act, which aims to increase accountability by providing for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct.[226][227] He is a member of the Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus.[228] DeSantis worked with a Marine Corps veteran of Afghanistan, Cole Lyle, and a nonprofit in his district, K9s for Warriors, to advance the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act of 2016.[229] The bill sought to expand veteran access to service dogs as a form of treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at the VA. The bill did not pass in the 115th Congress, but a modified version passed the House of Representatives in 2019.[230][231]

Voting rights

DeSantis expressed support for the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative after it passed in November 2018, saying that he was "obligated to faithfully implement [it] as it is defined" when he became governor. After he refused to restore the voting rights for felons with unpaid fines, which voting rights groups said was inconsistent with the results of the referendum, he was challenged in court. The Florida Supreme Court sided with DeSantis on the issue,[232] and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit also sided with DeSantis in a 6–4 ruling.[233]

In April 2019, DeSantis directed Florida's elections chief to expand the availability of Spanish-language ballots and Spanish assistance for voters. In a statement, DeSantis said "It is critically important that Spanish-speaking Floridians are able to exercise their right to vote without any language barriers."[234]

DeSantis instructed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to investigate allegations of voter fraud perpetrated by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg after he announced a $16 million investment to pay off the financial obligations for felons so they may vote ahead of the 2020 presidential election in Florida. The allegations asserted Bloomberg had broken the law by offering incentives to vote.[235]

After Donald Trump lost the 2020 election and refused to concede while making claims of widespread voter fraud, DeSantis and other Republicans proposed changes to restrict voting rights in Florida. DeSantis called for eliminating ballot drop boxes, as well as limiting voting by mail by requiring that voters re-register every year to vote by mail and requiring that signatures on mail-in ballots "must match the most recent signature on file" (rather than any of the voter's signatures in the Florida system).[236][237] The changes to mail-in voting were notable given that Republicans had traditionally voted by mail more than Democrats, but Democrats outvoted Republicans by mail in 2020.[236]

References

  1. ^ Allen, Greg. Fla. Gov. DeSantis Takes A Conservative Approach To Controversial Issues, NPR (Mar 6, 2019).
  2. ^ "Ron DeSantis is Donald Trump with brains and without the drama". Financial Times. October 20, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  3. ^ Steck, Em; Kaczynski, Andrew; Olivia, Alafriz (February 26, 2023). "Ron DeSantis wanted to send weapons to Ukraine when he was a congressman – as a presidential hopeful he questions US involvement". CNN politics (Digital). Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  4. ^ Greenwood, Max (March 22, 2023). "DeSantis wades into foreign policy, Ukraine". The Hill (Digital). Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  5. ^ Gancarski, A. (August 18, 2021). "Ron DeSantis casts doubt that Joe Biden can lead in wake of Afghanistan debacle". Florida Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  6. ^ Gancarski, A. (September 10, 2021). "Ron DeSantis blasts 'humiliating' Afghanistan exit at 9/11 event". Florida Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  7. ^ Gancarski, A. (August 31, 2021). "Ron DeSantis presses Afghanistan messaging on official, political sides". Florida Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  8. ^ https://www.ussc.edu.au/where-the-other-2024-republican-candidates-stand-on-australia-and-the-world
  9. ^ Klas, Mary (September 9, 2019). "Ron DeSantis says feds, not Florida, have role to play in Bahamian crisis". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  10. ^ Content, Newswire (September 23, 2022). "Gov. Ron DeSantis targets China, other 'hostile' countries". WINK NEWS. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  11. ^ "Ron DeSantis Signs Bills Cracking Down on China". WTSP (CBS News affiliate station). June 7, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  12. ^ Altus, Kristen (January 12, 2023). "DeSantis warns over China real estate investments: 'Gobbling up land' not in Florida's best interest". FOXBusiness. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  13. ^ Derby, Kevin (January 14, 2016). "Ron DeSantis: Releasing Guantanamo Detainees is a Security Threat". Sunshine State News. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  14. ^ Derby, Kevin (February 23, 2016). "Obama's GITMO Proposal Draws Fire From GOP Candidates Vying to Replace Marco Rubio". Sunshine State News. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  15. ^ Leary, Alex (July 20, 2015). "Florida reaction to Cuba news". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  16. ^ https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/07/15/desantis-urges-cuban-military-to-overthrow-government/
  17. ^ Cotton, Tom; DeSantis, Ron (July 30, 2015). "Congress Must Reject the Iran Deal". Time. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  18. ^ "DeSantis Condemns Deal as a Gift to Iran's Ayatollah". Congressman Ron DeSantis. July 14, 2015. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  19. ^ Torres, Frank (July 29, 2015). "DeSantis and Kerry get contentious over Iran Deal". Orlando Political Observer. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  20. ^ Man, Anthony (August 24, 2015). "'We need to save the country', conservative U.S. Senate candidate tells Broward activists". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  21. ^ Kredo, Adam (March 20, 2013). "House Bill Would Cut Aid to Palestinian Authority". Washington Free Beacon. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  22. ^ Ganckarski, A.G. (February 16, 2016). "Ron DeSantis co-introduces non-discrimination of Israel in labeling act". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  23. ^ "Scott, DeSantis in Israel for U.S. Embassy opening". Tampa Bay Times. May 13, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  24. ^ a b Woellert, Lorraine (May 27, 2019). "GOP megadonors accompany DeSantis on Israel trip". Politico. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  25. ^ "Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Actions to Affirm Florida's Support of Israel". Flgov.com. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  26. ^ "Governor Ron DeSantis' Statement on Cabinet Decision Placing Airbnb on Scrutinized Companies List". Flgov.com. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  27. ^ McFadden, Robert D. (January 12, 2021). "Sheldon Adelson, Billionaire Donor to G.O.P. and Israel, Is Dead at 87". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  28. ^ Em Steck, Andrew Kaczynski and Olivia Alafriz (February 26, 2023). "Ron DeSantis wanted to send weapons to Ukraine when he was a congressman – as a presidential hopeful he questions US involvement". CNN. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  29. ^ Blake, Aaron (February 21, 2023). "DeSantis and Haley highlight 2024 chasm on Ukrain". February 27, 2023.
  30. ^ Gary Fineout (March 1, 2022). "DeSantis takes a position on Russia". Politico. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  31. ^ Moline, Michael (February 28, 2022). "DeSantis praises Ukrainian 'moxie' against Russia, hits Biden's 'lack of leadership'". Florida Phoenix (Digital). Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  32. ^ Stofan, Jake (March 1, 2022). "Calls grow for Florida to dump $300M in Russian investments". WJAX-TV (Digital). Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  33. ^ Olander, Olivia (February 20, 2023). "DeSantis downplays Russia threat after Biden visit". Politico. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  34. ^ Samuels, Brett (February 24, 2023). "Pence breaks with DeSantis over Ukraine position: Putin will not stop at Ukraine". The Hill. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  35. ^ Haberman, Maggie; Swan, Jonathan (March 22, 2023). "DeSantis Calls Putin a 'War Criminal,' Clarifying Earlier Comment on Ukraine". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  36. ^ Mower, Lawrence. "Rep. Ron DeSantis declares run for Florida governor". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  37. ^ "Amendment to Division C of the Rules Committee Print 115–31 Offered by Mr. DeSantis of Florida" (PDF). Amendments-rules.house.gov. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  38. ^ Wright, Austin (August 28, 2017). "Republican floats measure to kill Mueller probe after 6 months". Politico.
  39. ^ Manchester, Julia (December 31, 2017). "Judiciary Republican: If there was any Trump-Russia collusion, it would have leaked months ago". The Hill. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  40. ^ a b c "House intelligence panel votes to release classified Nunes memo about FBI eavesdropping". NBC News. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  41. ^ Shelbourne, Mallory (April 22, 2018). "Trump to lawmakers pressing Sessions to investigate Comey and Clinton: 'Good luck with that'". The Hill. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  42. ^ Cheney, Kyle (April 18, 2018). "Trump allies urge criminal investigations of Clinton, Comey, Lynch". Politico. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  43. ^ Swisher, Skyler; Chokey, Aric; Rohrer, Gray (October 10, 2019). "Gov. Ron DeSantis to return campaign cash from indicted South Florida businessmen with Giuliani ties". South Florida Sun Sentinel. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  44. ^ "Rep. DeSantis explains opposition to military strike in Syria". 104.5 WOKV. September 5, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  45. ^ "Rep. DeSantis: No to Intervention in Syria - Former Rep. Ron DeSantis Official Press Release | LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  46. ^ "Opinion | Ron DeSantis Could Decide Republicans' Foreign Policy". January 9, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  47. ^ Gancarski, A. G. (August 2, 2016). "Ron DeSantis slams temporary amnesty for Syrian refugees". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  48. ^ "What the world looks like to Ron DeSantis". POLITICO. March 23, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  49. ^ Sabur, Rozina (March 1, 2023). "Ron DeSantis has good news for Brexiteers – but bad news for Tories". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  50. ^ "Ron DeTedious: DeSantis underwhelms Britain's business chiefs". POLITICO. April 29, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  51. ^ Gehkre, Joel (September 29, 2015). "Planned Parenthood Head: An Abortion Survivor is a 'Baby' Entitled to Medical Care". National Review. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  52. ^ Gancarski, A.G. (July 15, 2015). "Ron DeSantis denounces Planned Parenthood's alleged "loathsome practice"". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  53. ^ Fineout, Gary. "Florida's new abortion law halted as DeSantis vows to fight on". POLITICO. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  54. ^ "Ron DeSantis Confirms He'll Happily Sign Bill Banning Abortion After 6 Weeks". Vanity Fair. March 7, 2023.
  55. ^ "Proposal to ban abortions at six weeks advances in Florida". ABC News.
  56. ^ Sarkissian, Arek (April 13, 2023). "DeSantis signs Florida's 6-week abortion ban into law". Politico. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  57. ^ Derby, Kevin (March 26, 2014). "Florida Congressmen Divide Over Hobby Lobby Case". Sunshine State News. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  58. ^ Post, George Bennett Palm Beach. "Legalizing cannabis divides candidates for governor". Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  59. ^ Service, Capitol News. "DeSantis against recreational marijuana despite 65% approval". wctv.tv. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  60. ^ "2016 Congressional Scorecard". Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  61. ^ Dixon, Matt (May 27, 2021). "How Matt Gaetz helped make Ron DeSantis". Politico. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  62. ^ "DeSantis says Parkland shooter deserves the death penalty". Politico.
  63. ^ "Gov. DeSantis wants death penalty speeded up in light of Parkland shooting life verdict". October 17, 2022.
  64. ^ "Ron DeSantis said it's a 'miscarriage of justice' that the Parkland shooter got a life sentence instead of the death penalty".
  65. ^ Pengelly, Martin (January 24, 2023). "DeSantis calls to end jury unanimity for Florida death penalty cases". The Guardian.
  66. ^ "Florida could end unanimous jury requirement for executions". ABC News.
  67. ^ Fineout, Gary. "DeSantis signs bill to end unanimous death sentence requirement". POLITICO. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  68. ^ Kashiwagi, Sydney (April 20, 2023). "DeSantis signs bill eliminating unanimous jury decisions for death sentences | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  69. ^ Cohen, Miles. "Gov. DeSantis signs controversial death penalty legislation". ABC News. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  70. ^ "Gov. Ron DeSantis in South Florida to announce law & order legislation". CBS News.
  71. ^ "DeSantis proposes death penalty for certain sex crimes, increased punishment for fentanyl".
  72. ^ "DeSantis-backed death penalty bill flouts Supreme Court precedent — for now". MSNBC.
  73. ^ "DeSantis signs law allowing death penalty for child rape, defying US Supreme Court ruling". USA TODAY. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  74. ^ Ray, Siladitya. "DeSantis Signs New Death Penalty Bill—Setting Up Possible Supreme Court Clash". Forbes. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  75. ^ "The Washington Post - Breaking news and latest headlines, U.S. news, world news, and video - The Washington Post". Washington Post. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  76. ^ Maher, Kit (May 1, 2023). "DeSantis signs bill making child rapists eligible for death penalty at odds with US Supreme Court ruling | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  77. ^ Reyes, Yacob. "DeSantis signs new death penalty bill, vowing Supreme Court showdown". Axios. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  78. ^ Leary, Alex (January 5, 2013). "New Reps. Ron DeSantis, Ted Yoho vote against Hurricane Sandy aid". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  79. ^ Shapero, Julia (September 29, 2022). "NY public officials criticize DeSantis for voting against Hurricane Sandy relief". The Hill. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  80. ^ Flegenheimer, Matt (September 29, 2022). "DeSantis, Once a 'No' on Storm Aid, Petitions a President He's Bashed". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  81. ^ Jordan, Douglas (December 16, 2012). "DeSantis emphasizes importance of economic growth". St. Augustine Record. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  82. ^ Wexler, Gene (January 3, 2013). "New St. Johns Rep. opens up on financial and governmental reforms". WOKV. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  83. ^ a b c "Ron DeSantis, R-Fla. (6th District)". Roll Call. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  84. ^ DeSantis, Ron; Jordan, Jim (July 27, 2015). "The Stonewall at the Top of the IRS". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  85. ^ Perry, Mitch (July 28, 2015). "Ron DeSantis wants Obama to remove IRS commissioner – or else". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  86. ^ "Resolution Introduced to Impeach IRS Commissioner". House Oversight Committee. October 27, 2015. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  87. ^ Gancarski, A.G. (July 31, 2015). "Email insights: Ron DeSantis, "Taxpayer Superhero"". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  88. ^ Siefring, Neil (August 4, 2015). "The REINS Act will keep regulations and their costs in check". The Hill. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  89. ^ Laing, Keith (June 10, 2015). "Bill filed to sharply reduce the gas tax". The Hill. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  90. ^ Lee, Mike; DeSantis, Ron (June 10, 2015). "Economy Commentary Let America Fix the Highways Washington Broke". The Daily Signal. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  91. ^ Dixon, Matt (June 28, 2013). "Retail group assails DeSantis over Internet sales tax". St. Augustine Record. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  92. ^ Almukhtar, Sarah (December 19, 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  93. ^ Brown, Stephanie (December 19, 2017). "Northeast Florida lawmakers divided on impact of tax reform plan". Wokv.com. WOKV Radio. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  94. ^ Millsap, Adam A. (October 22, 2018). "The Economic Policies Of Florida's Gubernatorial Candidates". Forbes. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  95. ^ Djinis, Elizabeth (October 17, 2022). "DeSant-O-Meter: Dip in corporate income tax rate was only temporary". PolitiFact.
  96. ^ a b Halaschak, Zachary (May 10, 2023). "DeFlorida Blueprint: DeSantis's economic record as governor". Washington Examiner.
  97. ^ Wilson, Drew (June 22, 2019). "Ron DeSantis signs 2019-20 budget, issues $131 million in line-item vetoes". FloridaPolitics. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  98. ^ "Gov. DeSantis signs $91 billion state budget". WFLA-TV. June 21, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  99. ^ "Governor DeSantis Signs the Florida Leads State Budget". Flgov.com. June 2, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  100. ^ a b c "State unemployment rates over the last 10 years, seasonally adjusted". Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  101. ^ Buczyner, Michael; Sutton, Scott (May 22, 2020). "Florida unemployment rate skyrockets to 12.9%". WPTV. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  102. ^ "Florida unemployment rate jumps to 14.5%". Florida Politics. June 20, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  103. ^ Lane, Sylvan (August 5, 2020). "DeSantis blames Rick Scott for 'pointless roadblocks' in Florida unemployment system". The Hill.
  104. ^ Carollo, Malena; Mahoney, Emily L.; DiNatale, Sara (October 22, 2020). "Florida's economy has entered a 'partial recovery.' Here's how that's playing out". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  105. ^ Park, Clayton (November 22, 2021). "DeSantis visits Daytona Buc-ee's to announce proposal to waive Florida's gas tax". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  106. ^ Lancaster, Joe (June 15, 2023). "Florida Doubles Down on Anti-Competitive Car Dealership Law". Reason. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  107. ^ Hodder, Paige (June 15, 2023). "Florida law strengthens dealership protections but will allow Tesla model". Automotive News. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  108. ^ DeSantis, Ron; Lee, Mike (March 4, 2015). "Break Up the Higher-Ed Cartel". National Review. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  109. ^ Postal, Leslie (June 10, 2021). "Florida board votes to ban critical race theory from state classrooms". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  110. ^ Samee Ali, Safia (June 10, 2021). "Florida Board of Education passes rule banning critical race theory in classrooms". NBC News. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  111. ^ Finn, Teaganne (December 15, 2021). "DeSantis pushes bill targeting critical race theory in schools". NBC News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  112. ^ Walsh, Susan (December 16, 2021). "Florida's DeSantis pitches 'Stop WOKE Act' – as in 'Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees' – to banish perceived influence of critical race theory from schools and workplaces". MarketWatch. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  113. ^ Migdon, Brooke (August 19, 2022). "What is DeSantis's 'Stop WOKE Act'?". The Hill. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  114. ^ "Florida's Governor Just Signed the 'Stop Woke Act.' Here's What It Means for Schools". Time. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  115. ^ "Judge blocks Florida's 'Stop WOKE Act' pushed by Gov. DeSantis". NBC News. Associated Press. August 19, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  116. ^ Mates, Thomas (June 24, 2021). "Gov. DeSantis signs civics education bills into law". Click Orlando.com. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  117. ^ Ceballos, Ana (June 23, 2021). "State university faculty, students to be surveyed on beliefs". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  118. ^ Fradette, Rachel (June 22, 2021). "Gov. Ron DeSantis signs education bills on 'viewpoint diversity,' new civics curriculum in Florida". Naples Daily News. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  119. ^ Anders, Caroline (June 24, 2021). "In push against 'indoctrination,' DeSantis mandates surveys of Florida college students' beliefs". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  120. ^ Villarreal, Alexandra (June 24, 2021). "Backlash after Florida governor signs bill against 'indoctrination' at colleges". The Guardian. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  121. ^ Beals, Monique (September 14, 2021). "DeSantis calls for end to standardized testing in Florida". The Hill. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  122. ^ Gibson, Travis; Isom, Brie (March 15, 2022). "Gov. DeSantis signs bill that eliminates FSA in public schools, but state teachers union not happy". WJXT (Digital). Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  123. ^ Dailey, Ryan (March 15, 2022). "Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill eliminating FSA testing". WKMG-TV (Digital). Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  124. ^ Reinicke, Carmen (March 23, 2022). "Florida just became the largest state to mandate personal finance education in high school". CNBC. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  125. ^ Luneau, Delphine (March 28, 2022). "BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign, Equality Florida Vow to Fight for Full Repeal of Vile, Dangerous New Law Signed by Florida Governor DeSantis". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  126. ^ "Statement by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Law Taking Effect". The White House. July 1, 2022. Archived from the original on January 2, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  127. ^ "Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on "Don't Say Gay" Law Going into Effect Today". United States Department of Education. July 1, 2022. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  128. ^ "Human Rights Campaign on DeSantis's "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Law Going into Effect, Targeting LGBTQ+ Youth and Turning Back the Clock on Equality". Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  129. ^ Gancarski, A. G. (March 7, 2023). "Gov. DeSantis warms to proposed expansion of 'Parental Rights in Education' law". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  130. ^ "Three "Don't Say Gay" expansion bills introduced by Florida Republicans". www.cbsnews.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  131. ^ "Senate Bill 1320 (2023) - The Florida Senate". www.flsenate.gov. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  132. ^ Ocasio, Bianca Padró (May 7, 2022). "DeSantis signs bill mandating communism lessons in class, as GOP leans on education". MSN. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  133. ^ Anderson, Nick. "DeSantis threatens to rid Florida of Advanced Placement classes". Washington Post. Nash Holdings. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  134. ^ Akers, Kinsey. "Protests ensue across Tallahassee in response to controversial HB 999". FSView. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  135. ^ Alfonseca, Kiara. "Florida students walk out to protest DeSantis race education policies". ABC News. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  136. ^ Derby, Kevin (March 16, 2015). "Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis Restore 'Let Seniors Work Act'". Sunshine State News. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  137. ^ Reyes, Yacob. “DeSantis takes different tack on Social Security, Medicare than when he was in Congress”, Politifact via Tampa Bay Times (17 Mar 2023).
  138. ^ Contorno, Steve. ”DeSantis says GOP will not 'mess with Social Security,' as Democrats and Trump slam his past support for privatization”, CNN (2 Mar 2023).
  139. ^ a b McDuffie, Will (September 28, 2023). "A closer look at DeSantis' record on fracking: Florida voters banned it as he took office". ABC News (Digital). The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  140. ^ Man, Anthony. "Ron DeSantis sells himself as environmentalist with 12-point plan and Everglades tour". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  141. ^ "DeSantis Orders More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations On Florida Highways". WUSF. July 11, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  142. ^ Brown, Haley (June 17, 2021). "Gov. DeSantis signs law preempting gas station regulations". Florida Politics. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  143. ^ a b Milman, Oliver (August 10, 2023). "Videos denying climate science approved by Florida as state curriculum". The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023.
  144. ^ "NRA Endorses Ron DeSantis for Governor of Florida". nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. September 7, 2018. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  145. ^ "Vote Freedom First. Vote Ron DeSantis For Florida Governor!". nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  146. ^ Keller, Michael (February 11, 2013). "This is Your Representative on Guns". The Daily Beast. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  147. ^ Maddock, Preston (February 20, 2013). "Ron DeSantis Put On Spot By Sandy Hook Parents At Florida Town Hall". HuffPost. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  148. ^ a b Bennett, George (February 20, 2018). "Ron DeSantis: Enlist retired military, cops to prevent school shootings". The Palm Beach Post. Palm Beach, Florida. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  149. ^ Williams, Jordan (November 11, 2020). "DeSantis proposing 'anti-mob' legislation to expand Florida's 'stand your ground' law". The Hill. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  150. ^ a b "Rep. DeSantis Statement on ObamaCare Repeal" (Press release). Office of Congressman Ron DeSantis. May 16, 2013. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  151. ^ Moorhead, Molly (January 24, 2013). "Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis says 'Obamacare' tax is cheaper than insurance". PolitiFact. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  152. ^ Tony Perry. "GOP's Darrell Issa represents a clear test for anti-Trump Democrats trying for electoral gains in 2018". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  153. ^ "Democrats launch website attacking 'DeSantisCare'". Politico PRO. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  154. ^ Aisch, Gregor (May 4, 2017). "How Every Member Voted on the House Health Care Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  155. ^ Derby, Kevin (February 24, 2015). "Ron DeSantis Turns Up the Heat on Obama for Failing to Enforce Immigration Laws". Sunshine State News. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  156. ^ Scanlon, Kate (June 17, 2015). "Before Skeptical Lawmakers, Officials Defend 'Legality' of Obama's Immigration Actions". The Daily Signal. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  157. ^ Fineout, Gary. "DeSantis opens new fight with Biden over immigration". Politico PRO. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  158. ^ "HR3011 Kate's Law". TrackBill. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  159. ^ Aaronson, Trevor (September 17, 2018). "Florida's Ron DeSantis spoke to group whose founder says devout Muslims can't be loyal Americans". USA Today. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  160. ^ Powers, Scott (November 14, 2015). "GOP Senate candidates call for fight against Islamic militants after Paris attacks". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  161. ^ "Rep. Ron DeSantis on refugee debate: 'Err on side of protecting the American people'". Fox News Channel. November 27, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  162. ^ "Sheriffs look at options amid DeSantis immigration push". WINK-TV. March 12, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  163. ^ "Advocates say Florida governor's 'sanctuary bill' politically motivated". NBC News. Associated Press. June 16, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  164. ^ "Florida Governor Signs Bill Banning Sanctuary Policies". HuffPost. June 14, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  165. ^ Dorman, Sam (June 14, 2019). "Florida's DeSantis signs controversial sanctuary cities ban into law". Fox News. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  166. ^ Koh, Elizabeth (June 14, 2019). "Gov. DeSantis signs 'sanctuary cities' ban into law. There aren't any in Florida". Miami Herald. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  167. ^ Shoichet, Catherine E. "Florida becomes 12th state to ban sanctuary cities". FOX Carolina. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  168. ^ Ceballos, Ana (June 30, 2020). "DeSantis (quietly) signs requirement for electronic verification of immigration status". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  169. ^ Caina Calvan, Bobby (July 1, 2020). "Without fanfare, Florida governor signs E-Verify legislation". Associated Press. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  170. ^ Lemongello, Steven (June 30, 2020). "DeSantis quietly signs abortion consent, E-Verify immigration laws". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  171. ^ Kennedy, John (March 12, 2020). "Legislature deals Gov. Ron DeSantis a setback on E-Verify". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  172. ^ "Venezuelans slam DeSantis after migrants flown to Martha's Vineyard". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  173. ^ "Gov. DeSantis defends decision to fly migrants to Martha's Vineyard: 'We're not a sanctuary state'". CBS News. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  174. ^ Sandoval, Edgar; Jordan, Miriam; Mazzei, Patricia; Goodman, J. David (October 4, 2022). "The Story Behind DeSantis's Migrant Flights to Martha's Vineyard". The New York Times.
  175. ^ "Florida flies migrants to 'sanctuary' of Martha's Vineyard". CTV News. September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  176. ^ "Venezuelans slam DeSantis after migrants flown to Martha's Vineyard". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  177. ^ "Gov. DeSantis defends decision to fly migrants to Martha's Vineyard: 'We're not a sanctuary state'". CBS News. September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  178. ^ Osío Cabrices, Rafael (September 15, 2022) [September 15, 2022]. "Using Migrants as a Political Weapon". Caracas Chronicles. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  179. ^ Volz, Brianna (May 5, 2021). "'We're funding the police and then some:' Gov. Ron DeSantis promises $1,000 checks for Florida's first responders". WKMG. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  180. ^ "Ron DeSantis unveils $5,000 signing bonus to draw police officers to Florida". The Independent. September 8, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  181. ^ Johnson, Chris (October 7, 2016). "Rubio's score plummets to '0' in HRC congressional ratings". Washington Blade. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  182. ^ "Measuring Support for Equality in the 114th Congress | Congressional Scorecard" (PDF). Human Rights Campaign. p. 14.
  183. ^ Jean, Carline (September 24, 2018). "Ron DeSantis answered question on his stance on gay rights". Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 6, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  184. ^ "Republican opposition to LGBTQ rights erupts in backlash to Pride Month". Washington Post. July 1, 2023.
  185. ^ Cordeiro, Monivette (January 10, 2019). "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis excludes LGBTQ protections from anti-discrimination order". Orlando Weekly.
  186. ^ Dixon, Matt; Fineout, Gary (June 12, 2019). "DeSantis does about-face after omitting LGBTQ from Pulse proclamation". Politico.
  187. ^ "Florida Gov DeSantis vetoes mental health funding for Pulse shooting survivors", The Hill, June 3, 2021
  188. ^ Loomar, Ava. “Tensions Remain High Between Florida Governor, State’s LGBT Community”, WUFT (TV) (June 18, 2021).
  189. ^ "UPDATE 1-Florida joins states to ban transgender girls from sports". Reuters. June 1, 2021.
  190. ^ DeSantis, Ron [@GovRonDeSantis] (June 1, 2021). "The Fairness in Women's Sports Act will empower Florida women & girls to be able to compete on a level playing field. This will help ensure that opportunities for things like college scholarships will be protected for female athletes for years to come" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  191. ^ DeSantis, Ron (June 1, 2021). Fairness in Women's Sports. Rumble (Videotape).
  192. ^ McCain, Emily (June 1, 2021). "DeSantis signs bill banning transgender athletes from playing on certain teams into law". ABC Action News.
  193. ^ Wilson, Kirby; Ceballos, Ana (June 1, 2021). "Ban on transgender athletes in girls' and women's scholastic sports is now Florida's law". Miami Herald. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  194. ^ Atterbury, Andrew (June 1, 2021). "DeSantis signs controversial bill banning transgender women and girls from sports". Politico. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  195. ^ Diaz, Jaclyn (March 28, 2022). "Florida's governor signs controversial law opponents dubbed 'Don't Say Gay'". NPR.
  196. ^ "Florida House passes controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill". ABC News. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  197. ^ Contorno, Steve (February 7, 2022). "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signals support for 'Don't Say Gay' bill". CNN. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  198. ^ O'Connor, Lydia (March 28, 2022). "Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Into Law". Huffington Post. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  199. ^ Goldstein, Dana. “Opponents Call It the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill. Here’s What It Says”, The New York Times (18 Mar 2022).
  200. ^ Staver, Anna. “Compare Ohio House Bill 616 to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' law”, The Cincinnati Enquirer (5 Apr 2022).
  201. ^ Klas, Mary Ellen. ”A breakdown of the language in Florida’s so-called ‘don’t say gay’ bill”, Tampa Bay Times (29 May 2022).
  202. ^ Alfonseca, Kiara. ”Florida's controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill: What's inside the proposed law”, ABC News (23 Mar 2022).
  203. ^ Whitten, Sarah (April 22, 2022). "Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill revoking Disney's special district status". CNBC. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  204. ^ a b Guzman, Joseph (March 22, 2022). "DeSantis rejects transgender swimmer Lia Thomas's NCAA victory". The Hill. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  205. ^ Rushing, Ellie (March 21, 2022). "Penn swimmer Lia Thomas didn't dominate the NCAA championships. That hasn't stopped the debate over trans athletes". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  206. ^ "Florida Governor declares Weyant winner over transgender athlete". Reuters. March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  207. ^ Contorno, Steve; LeBlanc, Paul (March 23, 2022). "DeSantis courts further controversy by honoring swimmer who finished second to Lia Thomas". CNN. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  208. ^ Edwards, Johnathan (March 23, 2022). "A transgender swimmer won an NCAA championship. DeSantis proclaimed a Florida resident the 'rightful winner.'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 23, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  209. ^ "Treatment of Gender Dysphoria for Children and Adolescents" (PDF).
  210. ^ a b "DeSantis moves to ban transition care for transgender youths, Medicaid recipients". NBC News.
  211. ^ a b Wiener-Bronner, Danielle (July 21, 2023). "Here's how Bud Light became the latest corporate bogeyman for Ron DeSantis". CNN. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  212. ^ Abad, Dylan (April 18, 2023). "DeSantis comments on controversial Bud Light partnership". WFLA-TV. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  213. ^ Blake, Aaron (July 21, 2023). "DeSantis postures on Bud Light — wielding heavy hand of government again". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  214. ^ a b Contorno, Steve; Wiener-Bronner, Danielle (July 21, 2023). "DeSantis calls for state investment manager to consider action against Bud Light's parent company". CNN. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  215. ^ Sykes, Stefan; Breuninger, Kevin (July 21, 2023). "DeSantis orders probe into Bud Light's deal with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney". CNBC. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  216. ^ Piper, Jessica (June 8, 2023). "Trump's 2024 GOP opponents rush to his defense, post indictment". Politico.
  217. ^ Gans, Jared. “DeSantis on Trump pardon: Not good ‘for almost 80-year-old former president’ to serve time”, The Hill (28 July 2023).
  218. ^ Terkel, Amanda. "'Of course he lost': Ron DeSantis rejects Trump's 2020 election claims". NBC News. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  219. ^ "In nod to Trump, Florida is set to ban 'deplatforming' on social media". NBC News. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  220. ^ "Federal judge blocks Florida law targeting social media platforms". CNN Business. July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  221. ^ Harper, Jennifer (February 2, 2015). "No more 'ruling class culture': New legislation would jettison pensions for Congress". The Washington Times. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  222. ^ Farrington, Brendan (May 5, 2015). "Republican Congressman DeSantis to run for Rubio Senate seat". Sun-Sentinel. Associated Press. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  223. ^ Man, Anthony (January 12, 2021). "DeSantis calls insurrection 'really unfortunate' and 'really a sad thing to see'". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  224. ^ Downey, Renzo (December 15, 2022). "Gov. DeSantis signs bipartisan toll relief bill, citing inflation". Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  225. ^ "Gov. DeSantis signs toll savings bill". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  226. ^ Winslow, Hailey (May 5, 2014). "Congressman Ron DeSantis pushes legislation to hold Veterans Affairs accountable". News 4 Jax. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  227. ^ Davis, Clifford (May 5, 2014). "Rep. Ron DeSantis pushes for VA reform in St. Augustine". Florida Times Union. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  228. ^ Porter, Thomas. "IAVA Team Continues to Seek Path Forward for 9/11 First Responders". Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  229. ^ "H.R. 4764, Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act of 2016". Congress.gov. March 16, 2016. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  230. ^ "H.R. 4305, the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act". Congress.gov. February 10, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  231. ^ "'PAWS Act' Would Provide Wounded Warriors With Service Dogs". Fox News. March 17, 2016. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  232. ^ Calvan, Bobby Calina (January 16, 2020). "Florida high court sides with governor on felon voter rights". Associated Press News. Associated Press. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  233. ^ Mazzei, Patricia (September 11, 2020). "Ex-Felons in Florida Must Pay Fines Before Voting, Appeals Court Rules". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  234. ^ CBS Miami (April 11, 2019). "Gov. DeSantis Directs Action On Spanish-Language Ballots". CBS News. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022.
  235. ^ "Florida seeks investigation on Bloomberg donation on voting". The Independent. Associated Press. September 23, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  236. ^ a b "Florida is a model for voting. The GOP wants change anyway". Associated Press. 2021.
  237. ^ Contorno, Steve (April 13, 2021). "DeSantis wants voters' signatures to match. Would his pass the test?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Political_positions_of_Ron_DeSantis&oldid=1190299863"