Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned state lawmakers who might be contemplating a relatively quick and unproductive special session of the legislature.
DeSantis early last week called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to address several issues, including how the state will deal with illegal immigration under President Donald Trump.
During a roundtable in Jacksonville on Thursday, DeSantis said state House and Senate leaders have not told him what they plan for the session, including whether they may just convene and then adjourn. The session will begin Jan. 27.
"They haven't said anything," DeSantis said. "I can tell you the members privately are telling us that they want to get to work, the rank-and-file members. I don't think the idea that you would go in and just gavel out is sustainable because people would have to go on the record saying that they think they should gavel out and ignore this.
"That would be very, very hazardous politically, I think, for these members to do, and I have my constitutional authority to wield in this process, and I will continue to wield it as appropriate so that we're able to get the job done."
DeSantis was asked if that meant he would repeatedly call for special sessions until legislation for immigration and election integrity is produced.
"I said the other day, it's like a junkyard dog," he said. "You got the chain. As soon as someone comes in that junkyard you jump on them and just don't let go, you don't let go. These issues, immigration and the election integrity, I'm not letting go."
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton have said it was "premature" for legislators to tackle undocumented immigration and other issues so close to the March regular session, Politico reported.
Since being sworn in Monday, Trump and his administration have prioritized addressing national security and the migrant crisis that escalated under President Joe Biden.
DeSantis said the special session offers lawmakers the opportunity to "put their money where their mouth is."
"Everyone has been complaining about Biden for four years. Now we have a new sheriff in town, now we have an opportunity to make a difference," DeSantis said.
"We want our localities, municipalities, counties, and of course, state, which I can just order, we want all them to help facilitate this important mission. Not displace the federal government's role, obviously it's their primary responsibility, but to complement that and to work with them."
DeSantis also warned local and state officials who might be inclined to block federal efforts to deport illegal migrants.
"We banned sanctuary cities my first year as governor, and we're not a sanctuary state," he said. "So, local officials, state officials … you don't have the right to block any type of immigration enforcement, and if you do that, you can lose your job. Certainly, if I have any authority over it, you will lose your job."
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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