Duval Times

Rep. John Rutherford, representing Florida’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2017, recently shared several insights via social media. Drawing on his background as a former sheriff and career law enforcement officer, Rutherford highlighted issues affecting police operations and addressed judicial actions under the Biden administration.

On April 9, 2025, Rutherford emphasized challenges faced by small and rural police forces, noting their lack of operational equipment and services, which can lead to staffing and retention difficulties. "Small and rural police forces often suffer the most from a lack of necessary operational equipment and services, which can lead to staffing and retention challenges." He mentioned collaborating with fellow lawmakers Rep. Josh and Sen. Cortez Masto on addressing these issues.

In a tweet dated April 10, 2025, Rutherford criticized the increased number of universal injunctions and temporary restraining orders issued by district courts, suggesting that judges are being used to further political agendas rather than ruling according to the law. "District courts issued more universal injunctions and temporary restraining orders in February alone than during the first THREE years of the Biden Admin. Judges are supposed to rule according to the letter of the law, not be used as pawns to further political agendas."

Additionally, later on April 10, 2025, Rutherford expressed his gratitude to Speaker Johnson for advancing a budget resolution through the House, which aligns with President Trump’s "America First" agenda. He acknowledged the completion of a significant step but underlined the need for crucial decision-making for upcoming challenges. "Thank you @SpeakerJohnson for your leadership & hard work getting the budget resolution passed through the House. We're one step closer to delivering President Trump's America First agenda."

John Rutherford, aged 70, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1952 and resides in Jacksonville. An alumnus of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, he replaced Ander Crenshaw in Congress and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives.