On Wednesday night, the U.S. House backed U.S. Rep David Jollys, R-Fla., amendment ensuring federal funds are not used to close the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Jolly took to the floor to explain why the base should remain open.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., part of the House leadership as senior deputy whip, with the Spirit of Enterprise award on Wednesday.

The federal government does not create jobs, small businesses in our local communities do, said Ross. Today, I am honored to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award, and proud to support pro-growth policies that strengthen our economy and create jobs across Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region.

The U.S. Humane Society honored U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., with its Legislative Leader award on Tuesday night. Last week, Buchanan introduced a bill looking to ban slaughtering horses for human consumption and he has co-sponsored bills cracking down on animal fighting, restricting puppy mills being able to sell dogs on the Internet and other legislation regarding animals.

Americans for Prosperitys (AFP) Florida chapter cheered the Florida House for adjourning ahead of schedule on Tuesday as it continues to oppose Medicaid expansion leading to a stalemate with the Senate over the budget.

"The House stood strong and negotiated in good faith," stated Chris Hudson, AFPs director in Florida. "Meanwhile, the Senate continues to stall a tax cut package that would help Floridians. The Senate should follow the House's leadership, pass the tax cut package, and go home!"

In an unexpected move on Tuesday. Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, adjourned his chamber ahead of the end of session on Friday. With differences over Medicaid expansion, the House and the Senate have yet to reach an agreement on a budget. On Tuesday, Crisafulli said a special session would be needed before the end of June

U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., the chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, urged business owners impacted by the fire at the Pecan Park Flea and Farmers Market in Jacksonville to work with the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) on recovery assistance.

Krogers, the nations largest supermarket, has teamed up with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to promote Fresh From Florida groceries at more than 300 stores in seven states.

We are excited to launch this new partnership with Kroger to spread the word about Florida sweet corn, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said on Tuesday. We continue to see growth in our Fresh From Florida campaign, proving that consumers in this state and other states across the country know there is nothing better than what we grow right here in Florida.

Floridians pay less taxes than residents of most other states with a new report finding state tax collections per capita are low, 48th in the nation, even as local taxes -- which make up almost almost 55 percent of government revenues -- are the highest across the nation.

Florida TaxWatch released How Florida Compares on Tuesday which looks at state and local taxes in the Sunshine State.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., came out swinging on Sunday against former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clintons comments on religious freedom. Clinton is the favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination. Bush started an exploratory bid for the presidency in December and is expected to officially enter the race soon.

Bush took aim at comments Clinton made last week that women in Africa and less developed parts of the world need more health care and legal protection.

Florida Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Orange Park, was named on Monday by GOPAC as part of its Class of Emerging Leaders, which the Republican PAC defines as talented state legislators who have demonstrated potential to have a positive impact in their state and in the Republican Party. Bradley is one of less than 25 Republican state legislators from around the country to be named to the program which will hold a summit in June.