The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) named Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Brooksville, as its Legislator of the Year in the Senate on Thursday.

As a small-business owner himself, Sen. Simpson has distinguished himself with his understanding and commitment to issues important to Floridas retailers, said Rick McAllister, president and CEO of the FRF. Sen. Simpson is a tireless public servant who is willing and able to tackle big statewide problems while never losing sight of the needs of his constituents. We are very proud to recognize him for his leadership.

U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., took to the floor of Congress on Wednesday, insisting the measure would help improve national defense and help the First Coasts military community. Crenshaw said the following in his speech:

When you look at the world today, it certainly hasnt gotten any smaller. It certainly hasnt gotten any safer. But, I think this bill balances the priorities that we need to balance and focuses on being able to meet the many, many challenges that we face in terms of our national security.

From his seat on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., pressed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray on federal loan regulations.

Now there is a 17 billion-dollar business out there in consumer loans and small dollar credit, Ross said. Operation Choke Point, if it were to eliminate due to reputational risk this particular supply, if you will, the demand will remain -- what will happen to those? What will happen to those consumers who need this particular market niche?"