{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398353", "Hastings Commends U.S. Supreme Courts Refusal to Block Same-Sex Marriage in Florida", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u200bToday, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement applauding the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s decision to deny the extension of a stay on Florida\u2019s same-sex marriage ban, found unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida:\r\n\u201cI am pleased and heartened by the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s denial of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi\u2019s request that Justice Clarence Thomas, who oversees emergency appeals from Florida, extend a stay preventing the state from recognizing the marriages of gay and lesbian couples.\u00a0 Beginning January 6, 2015, Florida may issue same-sex marriage licenses and must recognize all same-sex marriages performed out of state.\u00a0 This is truly an exciting and long awaited day for all Americans.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cFlorida Attorney General Pam Bondi\u2019s failed appeals to the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to extend the January 5, 2015 stay on U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle\u2019s August ruling serve as evidence that her view is not shared by a majority of Americans and represents an affront to equality for all of our nation\u2019s citizens.\r\n\u201cThe Court\u2019s refusal to keep the stay in place is a historic victory for gay and lesbian Americans who have endured discrimination and have, along with their families, been denied critical rights and benefits under the law for far too long.\u00a0\u00a0 We have a responsibility to ensure that that our laws recognize the equal rights of all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. I celebrate the Court\u2019s decision and hope that our nation as a whole will continue to recognize the equal rights of all Americans and reflect this in our laws at the federal, state, and local levels.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397830", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announces Tampa/Cuba Forum in 2015 and Posts New, Important Info on Impending Legal Changes", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that she will host a Community Forum early in 2015 with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to educate Tampa Bay families and businesses on the evolving landscape tied to President Barack Obama\u2019 historic announcement to normalize relations with Cuba last week.   \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that she will host a Community Forum early in 2015 with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to educate Tampa Bay families and businesses on the evolving\u00a0landscape tied to President Barack Obama\u2019\u00a0historic\u00a0announcement to normalize\u00a0relations with Cuba last week. \u00a0\r\n\u201cWe will engage the entire community work toward positive change that America\u2019s policy shift will provide - whether it is travel, trade or cultural exchange opportunities,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \r\n\u201cThis community is about building opportunities and we do that best when we come together proactively to pave a pathway towards that,\u201d said Bob Rohrlack, President of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. \r\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen steady, continued growth in the number of people traveling to Cuba even in a restricted environment,\u201d said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. \u201cI anticipate those numbers will be even stronger when it\u2019s easier to travel to Cuba. There\u2019s clearly a demand for the flights.\u201d\r\nU.S. Rep. Castor continued:\u00a0 \u201cAt the turn of the 20th Century\u00a0Tampa was central to the Cuban independence movement. \u00a0Similarly, Tampa will lead the way in the coming years on the new opening for normalization of relations with Cuba. We have already made much progress, especially with establishing direct flights from Tampa to Cuba and our numerous arts and cultural exchanges to build business and cooperative ties with Cuba. Now, we must continue working together to ensure the type of positive change that benefits our all of our community, including our local small businesses, travel and tourism industry, Cuban American families and the people of Cuba. I have already heard from many in our area who are excited and want to be proactive. It is also important that Cuba hear from Tampa on our expectations for human rights reform.\u201d\r\nPresident Obama\u2019s announcement last week charts a new course in U.S./Cuba relations by lifting restrictions on travel, commerce and financial activities. Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Roberta Jacobson is scheduled to travel to Cuba in January for the next round of migration talks, which are key to Tampa residents with families in Cuba.\r\nFederal agencies already are providing new information and updates pursuant to the President\u2019s announcement:\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n    The Treasury Department will increase the amount of money that can be sent to Cubans each quarter, from $500 to $2,000, and loosen banking restrictions. Treasury\u2019s\u00a0Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which regulates the travel and trade restrictions placed on Cuba, has already announced that implementation will begin within coming weeks through regulatory changes issued through the Departments of Treasury and Commerce. OFAC will broaden and ease travel to Cuba. OFAC normally updates Cuba-Related FAQ section as regulatory changes are announced:\u00a0 http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/cuba.aspx#cuba_new\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397831", "Tampa plays vital role in enlightened approach toward Cuba", "2014-12-21", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Once again the people of Tampa were central to a historic, positive change for the Western Hemisphere.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      By U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, published in the Tampa Bay Times on Dec. 21, 2014. Once again the people of Tampa were central to a historic, positive change for the Western Hemisphere.\r\nTampa's ties with Cuba are centuries old. Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ed called upon the people of Tampa in the late 1800s to support Cuba's independence from Spain, and Tampa changed history. Near Mart\u00ed's statue in Ybor City is a marker, \"La Casa de Pedroso,\" which commemorates where he stayed \u2014 at Paulina Pedroso's home. It is said that she would shine every light in the house on Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ed to keep him safe.\u00a0 \r\nPresident Barack Obama's historic announcement last week once again was spurred on by Tampa's advocacy for change and normalization. Our community has continued to shine a light on the ideals of Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ed and keep them safe for the benefit of our country and Cuba.\r\nOur Cuban-American neighbors called for family reunification and the ability to support their relatives in Cuba. Many have lived in Tampa for generations and been frustrated by governments that have kept them apart and from sending financial support. Together we pressed then President-elect Obama to make significant changes early in his first term.\u00a0 \r\nTampa's cultural and business leaders also led the charge for change as they capitalized on the Obama administration's reforms of 2011, including flights from Tampa International Airport and cultural exchanges. The Florida Orchestra's multi-year exchange, University of Tampa's baseball game with the Cuban National team, the Florida Aquarium discussions, and Ybor business leaders' Sol Y Son concert series demonstrated the desire to turn the page on outdated Cold War policies. St. Lawrence Catholic Church's mission to build the first Catholic church since 1959 also gained national attention.\r\nThe Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and local officials traveled to Cuba to position Tampa as a gateway and build ties, boost jobs and assess future economic opportunities. Upon their return, they took the cause directly to Vice President Joe Biden and urged change. I helped build a new coalition to demand more travel opportunities for all Americans to Cuba.\u00a0 \r\nMeanwhile, heads turned when a U.S. congresswoman from Florida traveled to Cuba with the Center for Democracy in the Americas and returned to advocate for lifting of the 50-year-old embargo. During this trip, I saw firsthand the economic reforms underway in Cuba. I met with entrepreneurs and discussed opportunities and challenges. The fact that I represented Tampa gave them hope. Subsequently, Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry heard from me even more often: It is time to change. Without America's engagement with Cuba, further reform would be difficult.\r\nIt also is important that Cuba hear from Tampa on our expectations for human rights reform. Earlier this year, I invited Cuban Ambassador Jos\u00e9 Caba\u00f1as to Tampa to discuss greater engagement and reform. Tampa leaders offered to help Cuba through its transition and urged Cuba to change as well.\u00a0 \r\nA few days ago, Obama answered our community's call for change with his historic announcement to re-establish diplomatic relations, expand travel opportunities and support for Cuban people. Engagement by our great nation will encourage Cuba to go further and faster, and the Tampa community will again lead the way and continue to shine the light of freedom and peace among peoples.\r\nThere is an accumulation of essential truths that would fit on to a hummingbird's wing and yet they hold the key to civic peace, spiritual elevation and national greatness. \u2026 People must live in the natural and inescapable enjoyment of freedom, just as they enjoy light and air \u2026 (and) being educated is the only way to be free. \u2014 Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ed", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398352", "Hastings Urges Florida AG Pam Bondi to Withdraw Support of States Gay Marriage Ban", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) sent the following letter to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging her to immediately withdraw her support of the State\u2019s ban on marriage between same-sex couples (letter attached):\r\n\r\nDecember 18, 2014\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Pam Bondi  \r\nAttorney General  \r\nState of Florida  \r\nThe Capitol PL-01  \r\nTallahassee, FL 32399-1050 Dear Attorney General Bondi: Both as a citizen and a Member of Congress, I write to oppose your misguided decision to defend Florida\u2019s ban on marriage between same-sex couples.\u00a0 I find it shameful that you insist on spending taxpayer money to argue on the wrong side of history, while the State of Florida continues to discriminate against gay and lesbian Americans and deny them and their families critical rights and benefits under the law. \u00a0 It has become increasingly clear that your view, and that of the State of Florida, is not shared by the majority of Americans.\u00a0 Since the historic June 26, 2013 Supreme Court decisions dismissing California\u2019s Proposition 8 and ruling as unconstitutional Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), 35 states across our great nation, as well as the District of Columbia, have recognized the freedom of committed same-sex couples to marry. \u00a0 Furthermore, in 10 additional states, judges have also ruled in favor of marriage equality.\u00a0 They include Chief Circuit Judge Luis M. Garcia of Florida\u2019s 16th Judicial Circuit, Judge Sarah Zabel of Florida\u2019s 11th Judicial Circuit, and U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida, who have all ruled the State\u2019s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.\u00a0 Your failed appeal to the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and subsequent appeal to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to extend the January 5, 2015 stay on Judge Hinkle\u2019s ruling serve only to delay justice, and represent an affront to equality for all Americans. Our country faces many pressing challenges, and I fail to see how denying committed same-sex couples and their families the rights and benefits of marriage creates jobs, increases access to affordable, quality health care and educational opportunities, builds infrastructure, or provides any other solution to improve the lives of Americans.\u00a0 In fact, it does quite the opposite by making it harder for these individuals to realize their goals in life.\u00a0 The refusal of a state to even recognize the rights of same-sex couples legally married in other states constrains their ability to move freely within their own country, buy homes, and start families.  As public servants, it is our duty to do everything in our power to uphold the rights of our constituents, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.\u00a0 Therefore, I urge you to immediately withdraw your support of Florida\u2019s same-sex marriage ban, and of all laws that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Sincerely, Alcee L. Hastings  \r\nMember of Congress Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398350", "Hastings Statement on Release of Alan Gross from Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding the release of Alan Gross, an American aid worker imprisoned in Cuba since 2009 for working to expand internet access for the Cuban people: \u201cAfter spending five long years in a Cuban prison, Alan Gross is now free to return home to his family.\u00a0 Both he and his family have paid an enormous personal price, and I am pleased that his unjust detainment has finally come to an end.\u00a0 I would like to commend my colleagues in Congress and all those who have fought tirelessly for Mr. Gross\u2019 release in making today possible.\u201d \u00a0 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397825", "U.S. Representative Kathy Castor Statement on Historic Change in U.S./Cuba Polic", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced strong support for historic changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba.  President Obama detailed the changes which include reestablishing diplomatic relations, expanding travel opportunities and support for the Cuban people. U.S. Rep. Castor has been working for years to encourage the changes announced by the President today.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced strong support for historic changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba.\u00a0 President Obama detailed the changes which include reestablishing diplomatic relations, expanding travel opportunities and support for the Cuban people. U.S. Rep. Castor has been working for years to encourage the changes announced by the President today.\n\u201cTampa Bay area families and businesses played an\u00a0important role in the normalization of relations with Cuba announced today. \u00a0For years, I have advocated engaging, modernizing diplomatic relations and promoting economic reforms in Cuba, especially after traveling there on a\u00a0fact-finding mission in 2013. \u00a0President Obama has again answered the calls for change from this community. \u00a0Thanks to the President, the State of Florida and the Tampa Bay area can seize\u00a0the opportunity to lead on engagement and encourage human rights and economic reforms in Cuba,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cAs Americans, we fought two wars with Germany, experienced a terrible conflict with Vietnam and have been able to move forward each time based on concerns for the people of those countries. It is long past time that we do the same for the people of Cuba.\u201d\u00a0 \nIn 2013, upon her return from Cuba, U.S. Rep. Castor sent the following detailed letter to President Obama and Secretary Kerry outlining the changes, challenges, and opportunities she saw for modernizing relations with the island (see letter). \u00a0The President\u2019s announcement addresses all of what Castor advocated for in her letter. \u00a0Earlier this year, Castor brought the Cuban Ambassador Jose Caba\u00f1as to Tampa to discuss greater engagement and economic reforms. \u00a0Castor also met with and encouraged the new U.S. Ambassador to Cuba,\u00a0Jeffrey DeLaurentis,\u00a0this summer to modernize relations.\u00a0\n\u201cCuban-Americans and our entire community already have benefited from travel and remittances \u2013 changes\u00a0 that have enabled families to visit and support their relatives on the island,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said.\u00a0 \u201cSmall businesses, the tourism industry and Tampa International Airport also have seen a boost in jobs and\u00a0economic opportunities and are poised to take further advantage of broadening travel and trade to the island nation.\u201d\u00a0 \nU.S. Rep. Castor has been working with the Obama administration since he was elected to modernize relations with the island, writing to then President-Elect Obama about travel to Cuba, calling for him to lift the restrictions that limit family travel to the island nation.\u00a0\u00a0 She also advocated for increasing travel \u00a0through broadening general licenses and successfully pushed the Administration to\u00a0designate Tampa International Airport as an entry/exit point for charter flights to the island nation.\u00a0 \n\u201cToday is truly an historic day in U.S./Cuban relations,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor continued.\u00a0 \u201cSo much of what we have been hoping for and working on for families and the U.S. are included in this announcement.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398353", "Deutch Statement on Release of Alan Gross from Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Deutch Statement on Release of Alan Gross from Cuba \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Boca Raton, FL,\r\n        December 17, 2014 | \r\n      Ashley Mushnick\r\n      (202-225-3001) \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued this statement on the release of Alan Gross, an American development worker jailed in Cuba since 2009:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cFor five years, Alan Gross has been unjustly imprisoned by the Cuban government simply for working to expand Internet access and promote freedom of information for the people of Cuba. In those five years, not a day has gone by where the Gross family gave up hope for Alan\u2019s safe return home. Having worked with my colleagues and all those throughout America who fought for Alan and pressed for his release, I am overjoyed that after five harrowing years held captive in Cuba, Alan Gross will be spending this holiday season at home with his wife and children and all those who love him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398354", "Statement by Rep. Ted Deutch on Cuba Policy", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued this statement in reaction to the President Obama's remarks on Cuba:\u00a0\u201cWhile I am overjoyed that Alan Gross and 53 additional political prisoners have finally been freed by the Cuban government, this regime does not deserve any humanitarian awards for releasing individuals who should never have been imprisoned in the first place. The Cuban regime continues to brutally imprison political dissidents, block access to the Internet and the free flow of information, and deny the people of Cuba free and fair elections. As Congress reviews the President\u2019s proposals in the weeks and months ahead, I will do everything I can to make sure these critical human rights issues remain front and center in this debate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1090", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Updated U.S. Policy Toward Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Updated U.S. Policy Toward Cuba \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 17, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Like the President, I too envision a bright future for the Cuban people where their basic human rights are respected and they can access information freely. While I have always been opposed to unearned changes in the status of our relationship with Cuba, I will continue to work with the Administration, my colleagues, and community activists to support policies that benefit the Cuban people and do not further entrench the Castro regime.\"\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after President Obama announced the United States will update its policy approach to Cuba: Like the President, I too envision a bright future for the Cuban people where their basic human rights are respected and they can access information freely. While I have always been opposed to unearned changes in the status of our relationship with Cuba, I will continue to work with the Administration, my colleagues, and community activists to support policies that benefit the Cuban people and do not further entrench the Castro regime. ###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=869", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Alan Gross Release", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Alan Gross Release \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 17, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        I am thrilled that Alan Gross is coming home today after five long, difficult years for him and his family. The Castro regime's detention of Alan put his health and life at unnecessary risk for shameful political purposes. I thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on his release, and I am particularly moved by the fact that Alan will be home to celebrate Chanukah and the New Year with his family.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced the release of Alan Gross from a Cuban prison: I am thrilled that Alan Gross is coming home today after five long, difficult years for him and his family. The Castro regime's detention of Alan put his health and life at unnecessary risk for shameful political purposes.  I thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on his release, and I am particularly moved by the fact that Alan will be home to celebrate Chanukah and the New Year with his family. ###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=253", "Frankel Wishes for a Happy Hanukkah", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Wishes for a Happy Hanukkah \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 16, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today released the following statement on Hanukkah, which begins tonight at sundown:\r\nJewish families across South Florida and the world will gather together to celebrate eight nights of Hanukkah, when we recall the powerful story of the Maccabees who liberated the Jewish people from persecution and rededicated the holy Temple. During this Jewish Festival of Lights, we celebrate miracles and appreciate the blessings in our lives, while keeping in mind all those still suffering at the hands of oppression. Wishing all a Hanukkah sameach, happy hanukkah.\r\n###\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1117", "Wasserman Schultz Wishes Families Happy Chanukah", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Wishes Families Happy Chanukah \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 16, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Along with Jewish families across the country and the world, my family will gather tonight to light the first Chanukah candle. We will recall the great miracle that happened in Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago, and the power of a few against many. As we light another candle each night, we will think about the ways in which we, too, can be shining examples of hope and righteousness in the face of tumult and darkness.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Along with Jewish families across the country and the world, my family will gather tonight to light the first Chanukah candle. We will recall the great miracle that happened in Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago, and the power of a few against many. As we light another candle each night, we will think about the ways in which we, too, can be shining examples of hope and righteousness in the face of tumult and darkness.  During this holiday season, we will reflect on the blessings of the past year, and keep in mind those less fortunate than we are. We will recommit ourselves to our values and continuing to work to make the world around us a better place. Along with my family, I wish you and yours a happy Chanukah and a meaningful holiday season.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=543", "Campaign to Educate Young Women About Breast Cancer Risks Reauthorized by Senate  heads to President Obama's desk.", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or the EARLY Act, was reauthorized for five years today by the Senate by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 5185 was introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) in the House and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and David Vitter (R-LA).\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or the EARLY Act, was reauthorized for five years today by the Senate by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 5185 was introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) in the House and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and David Vitter (R-LA). Authored by Rep. Wasserman Schultz and originally signed into law in 2010, the EARLY Act created an education and outreach campaign administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to highlight the breast cancer risks facing young women and women of higher-risk ethnic and racial backgrounds, while empowering them with the tools they need to fight the disease. The EARLY Act also targets health care providers with education and information to ensure they are better equipped to catch breast cancer in young women, as well as providing a grant program for organizations doing work targeting the unique challenges faced by young breast cancer survivors. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act means the important work the CDC has done educating young women about the breast cancer risks they face will continue. We will continue supporting state-led initiatives helping identify high-risk women, collecting family histories and educating doctors, saidWasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41 and learned she was at high risk as a carrier of the BRCA2 genetic mutation. After undergoing seven surgeries during that year, she is now seven years cancer-free. My deepest thanks go toCongresswoman Renee Ellmers and my colleagues in the House for their support. \"Thanks go toSenators Klobuchar, Vitter and Leader Reid for their dedication to this initiative and moving this bill through the Senate. I look forward to this going to President Obama's desk to be signed into law.\"We've made enormous strides forward in the fight against breast cancer, but more work remains to ensure all women  and especially young women  have the tools and support they need to protect themselves from this disease,Klobuchar said. Our bipartisan bill will go a long way toward elevating breast cancer awareness and supporting critical research, and today's action means this important legislation will now become law.   \"My wife Wendy tragically lost her mother to breast cancer when she was just 6. Her loss serves as a continual reminder to our family, including our three daughters, of how important it is to raise awareness about breast cancer and increasing resources to fight the disease. Elevating breast cancer prevention and early detection, increasing research, and expanding access to care will help combat this disease that affects all of us,\" said Vitter. \"I am so proud to have joined my colleague, Rep. Wasserman Schultz in passing the reauthorization of the EARLY Act. This important piece of legislation has touched a countless number of lives and will give hope to women everywhere who are still courageously fighting their battle against breast cancer. It is important that we do everything we can to aid women during their fight and give them the information and resources they need to overcome this disease. \"I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law, and want to thank my colleague, Rep. Wasserman Schultz, for making the EARLY Act a reality,\" said Ellmers. Over the last four years the CDC has already accomplished a number of objectives through the EARLY Act: identifying where the gaps exist in education and awareness among young women and health care providers about breast health; supporting young survivors through grants to organizations focused on helping these survivors cope with the many unique challenges they face, including fertility preservation, and long-term survivorship challenges; and implementing a targeted media campaign, including through innovative social media efforts, to reach women at the highest risks, including those at risk for cancers caused by genetic mutations. I look forward to another five years of the EARLY Act helping young women acquire the knowledge and resources they need to not just survive, but thrive, addedWasserman Schultz. With this continued work, we can all look forward to a day when young women will no longer face this disease. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=897", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Cromnibus Vote", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Cromnibus Vote \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 12, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know that House and Senate appropriators worked hard on a spending package to fund our government for the rest of the fiscal year. As in any difficult compromise, the parties involved will find some items hard to accept, but I am proud of Democratic efforts to keep dozens of additional extreme GOP measures out of this bill. Faced with the alternative of a government shutdown and the reality of a Republican majority in the next Congress, I voted to ensure that the values of my constituents are more fully reflected in this budget that passed with Democratic input.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement this evening regarding her yea' vote on the cromnibus bill: As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know that House and Senate appropriators worked hard on a spending package to fund our government for the rest of the fiscal year. As in any difficult compromise, the parties involved will find some items hard to accept, but I am proud of Democratic efforts to keep dozens of additional extreme GOP measures out of this bill. Faced with the alternative of a government shutdown and the reality of a Republican majority in the next Congress, I voted to ensure that the values of my constituents are more fully reflected in this budget that passed with Democratic input.\" ###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397824", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on the House Republican Spending Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on the House Republican Spending Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 11, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) issued the following statement regarding the House Republican Spending Bill:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) issued the following statement regarding the House Republican Spending Bill:\r\n\u201cBuried in the 1,600 pages of the House Republican spending bill is a provision that would put American taxpayers back on the hook for the risky behavior of Wall Street.\u00a0 The provision would repeal an important section of the Wall Street Reform law entitled, \u2018PROHIBITION AGAINST FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS OF SWAPS ENTITIES.\u2019\u00a0 This special interest power grab at the end of the dysfunctional 113th Congress does not meet the smell test and puts America squarely in the same spot that led to the meltdown of America\u2019s economy.\u00a0 Instead, I sided with American middle-class families, small businesses and all those who do not want to put America\u2019s economy and its recovery at risk.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=251", "Frankel Calls on Congress to Debate ISIL Mission", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Calls on Congress to Debate ISIL Mission \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 11, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      strongCongresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) called on the House to debate the mission against ISIL. The following remarks are as prepared for delivery and to watch Frankel's speech on the House floor click here.\r\rMr. Speaker, on August 8th we went to war with ISIL. Since that day we have launched over 1,700 airstrikes.\r\rWe have put thousands of our men and women in harm's way. We have committed BILLIONS of dollars. And the President has said this effort will take YEARS.\r\rMany of my colleagues and I have waited patiently for Congress to deliberate on the authorization of this military force. And yet, all these months later we have still not had a single debate.\r\rWe recessed in the summer without debate. We passed a defense bill last week without debate. And now, once again, we are leaving town without debate.\r\rMr. Speaker, it is the duty of Congress to make determinations of war and peace. And we have shamefully ducked this responsibility. America deserves better.\r\r###\r\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=252", "Frankel Opposes CRomnibus", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Opposes CRomnibus \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 11, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today voted against a spending bill that allows the return of risky financial activity that led to the country's recent economic recession.\r\rThis spending bill puts hard working taxpayers on the hook for Wall Street's riskiest behavior, said Congresswoman Frankel. Big bank gambling caused Americans to lose their homes, their jobs, and retirement funds.\"\r\rThe $1.01 trillion omnibus spending bill repeals a critical provision of the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that prohibited financial institutions from engaging in derivatives trading that allowed banks to push out risky trades to institutions not covered by insurance. That practice was a precursor to the collapse of the housing market, crushing Florida's homeowners and economy.\r\r\r\r###\r\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398349", "Hastings Introduces African Descent Affairs Act on Occasion of UN Human Rights Day", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced the African Descent Affairs Act on the occasion of the United Nations\u2019 Human Rights Day and beginning of the International Decade for People of African Descent (Legislation Attached): \u201cThe Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 was a clarion call to the world that inspired, and continues to inspire, all of us to work together in order to establish and maintain an international standard of human rights. On the occasion of the United Nations\u2019 Human Rights Day, I am proud to recognize the beginning of the International Decade for People of African Descent by introducing the African Descent Affairs Act. \u201cThe International Decade provides an opportunity to join efforts with countries around the globe to, over the next 10 years, develop and implement national strategies honoring the vast contributions of people of African Descent and to combat continuing issues of prejudice and discrimination such as those currently gripping our nation. My legislation seeks to improve the situation of people of African descent around the world by establishing within our State Department a Global Office of African Descent Affairs in order to establish global foreign policy and assistance strategies for people of African descent. Furthermore, it creates a fund to support anti-discrimination and empowerment efforts by African descent-led civil society organizations, and requires annual State Department human rights reports to include a section on discrimination faced by people of African descent. \u00a0 \u201cAs we reflect on the progress made in the promotion of human rights around the globe, we are also reminded of the work that remains to be done to ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms are protected both at home and abroad.\u00a0 It is my strong belief that the United States must continue to demonstrate leadership in the advancement of human rights.\u00a0 In doing so, we must also be honest with ourselves and acknowledge the ongoing challenges we face as a nation in upholding the human rights and civil rights of all people. We must acknowledge that we undermine rather than fortify our commitment to human rights when we allow human beings to be tortured. And we must also acknowledge that we fail in our dedication to human rights when we allow excessive force to be used against our own citizens.  \u201cIt is my fervent hope that over the course of the International Decade we will bring increased attention to, and solutions for, the racism, xenophobia and countless other forms of injustice that have for far too long plagued individuals of African descent. While much progress has been made in the 55 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, injustices continue to plague our nation, and indeed the world.\u00a0 We must embrace the challenges that lie ahead and continue to work with the global community to ensure that each and every single individual\u2019s humanity and dignity are recognized and respected. \u201cI encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating Human Rights Day, as well as the collective history and achievements made by people of African descent on the occasion of the beginning of the International Decade by supporting the African Descent Affairs Act.\u201d \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0   \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398352", "PRESS RELEASE: Deutch Leads Fight Against Massive Erosion of Campaign Finance Limits Included in Omnibus Bill", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (FL-21), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Donna Edwards (MD-4), Jim McGovern (MA-2), Jared Polis (CO-2), and John Sarbanes (MD-3) have submitted an amendment to the House Rules Committee striking language included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill that drastically increases how much money America\u2019s wealthiest donors can give to political party committees. If Division N, Section 101 of H.R. 83 were to become law, a single individual could donate over $777,000 a year or $1.5 million per federal election cycle to the three Democratic and Republican party committees, directly undermining the McCain-Feingold reforms passed by Congress in the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002.\u00a0\u201cIt is downright appalling that congressional negotiators, without public debate or even fair warning, tucked language into the Omnibus Appropriations bill that gives more influence to wealthy donors and special interests who have more than plenty already,\u201d said Congressman Deutch. \u201cAmericans overwhelmingly want their leaders to fight efforts to gut laws limiting the influence of big money in politics. They do not want Congress to be complicit in the dismantling of our campaign finance system.\u201d \u201cI find it unconscionable that House Republicans have sought to bury this incredibly damaging provision among a 1,600 page spending bill. \u00a0We must limit the power of wealthy political donors and special interests in our elections, not render ineffective laws that were rightfully enacted to place checks on their influence,\u201d said Congressman Alcee Hastings. \u00a0 \u201cAlmost $4 billion was spent on the 2014 midterms, making them the most expensive in our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Congresswoman Donna Edwards. \u201cNow, under a deadline to keep the federal government open and at a time when our political system is already overwhelmed by outside money, we cannot allow even more access for the superrich at the expense of working families. I urge the Rules Committee and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment and join the overwhelming majority of Americans who want their voices heard over the roar of big corporations and special interests. \u00a0We cannot allow outside money to dominate our elections, to do so would be both undemocratic and unfair to ordinary citizens.\u201d \u201cThe American political system is already drowning in special interest money,\u201d said Congressman McGovern. \u00a0\u201cThe last thing Congress should do is make the problem worse. \u00a0But that\u2019s exactly what this backroom deal would do. \u00a0It\u2019s outrageous.\u201d \u201cOur political system is already overwhelmed by money from special interests and the superrich, even with our current campaign contribution limits,\u201d said Rep. Polis. \u201cThere is no conceivable reason that we should be increasing contribution limits by 1000% when the voices of so many hard working Americans across the nation are already being \u00a0drowned out by mega-donors.\u201d \u201cIt is breathtakingly cynical to give even more power to the wealthy and well-connected on the heels of an election that ushered in a new, dangerous era of big money politics,\" said Congressman Sarbanes. \"Everyday Americans want Congress to listen to their concerns, not just big money donors and special interests.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=250", "Frankel and Deutch Congratulate Congressional Gold Medal Recipient from Boca Raton", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "strongRepresentatives Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Ted Deutch (FL-21) today congratulated WWII Veteran Col. Buddy Harris of Boca Raton on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. Col. Harris was one of the founding members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. It is with pride that we honor Col. Harris for his outstanding service and dedication to our country, said Congresswoman Frankel. The Civil Air Patrol helped our country in a time of great need and they served with unwavering dedication.\r\rIt was a great honor to meet Col. Harris today and join all of my colleagues in Congress in recognizing the service and sacrifice of the men and women who volunteered as members of the Civil Air Patrol, said Congressman Deutch. Volunteering to serve at their own peril, the Civil Air Patrol saved countless American lives and bravely defended our nation.\r\rIn 1942, at the age of 15, Col. Harris joined the volunteer service, along with over 120,000 others, in order to support the military effort and keep our nation secure. He and his fellow members of the Civil Air Patrol defended our coastlines, provided combat services, and flew dangerous humanitarian missions often in their own planes.\r\rCol. Harris remains an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, on call for a search-and-rescue mission should the need arise. He also volunteers at Boca Helping Hands, where he leads computer training for the food pantry and soup kitchen's job-training program.\r\rIn May, Congress passed legislation to award the founding members of the CAP a Congressional Gold Medal for their valiant service during WWII. Frankel and Deutch were cosponsors of this legislation.\r\rThe Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor our nation can bestow. It is awarded as a national expression of gratitude to men and women who perform outstanding acts of service that advance the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States of America.\r\r\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=858", "Wasserman Schultz Statement in Support of Venezuela Sanctions Bill", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Through our action here today, we signify the determination of the American people to stand for freedom and democracy and this bill reinforces the sentiments and actions of the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration. Along with my colleagues, I stand in solidarity with those brave Venezuelans continuing to advocate for their rights. I look forward to this measure's passage, and working with the Obama Administration and our allies to hold these perpetrators of injustice accountable for their crimes. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) delivered the following statement on the House floor this evening in support of the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014. The bill has now passed both the House and the Senate: Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014. As a representative of one of the largest communities of Venezuelans and Venezuelan Americans in the United States, I am proud to speak out against the continued, unconscionable abuses of the Maduro government against innocent citizens.  Earlier this year, facing a repressive government and crushing economic conditions, thousands of Venezuelans peacefully protested to demand their basic human rights and dignity.  In response, President Maduro and his security forces brutally suppressed their own citizens in the streets and used the judiciary to squash voices championing freedom of expression and democracy. Although President Maduro has tried to further silence these voices by limiting media coverage of the ongoing repression and terrible economic conditions of his country, we can still hear the demands for justice and for dignity. This bill would impose sanctions on those individuals in Maduro's regime who have ordered the arrest or prosecution of anyone exercising their right to peacefully assemble or protest, or those who supported those actions. Through our action here today, we signify the determination of the American people to stand for freedom and democracy and this bill reinforces the sentiments and actions of the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration. Along with my colleagues, I stand in solidarity with those brave Venezuelans continuing to advocate for their rights, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who outrageously remains in prison. I look forward to this measure's passage, and working with the Obama Administration and our allies to hold these perpetrators of injustice accountable for their crimes. Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=542", "Campaign to Educate Young Women About Breast Cancer Risks Reauthorized by House", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The fact remains that too many young women are unaware of their breast cancer risks. I was once one of them. I thank Congresswoman Ellmers and my colleagues for their support today, which allows the EARLY Act to build on its successful track record of reaching and serving more women and health practitioners with the tools and information necessary to detect and fight the disease early.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or the EARLY Act, was reauthorized for five years today by the House of Representatives. H.R. 5185 was introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.). Authored by Rep. Wasserman Schultz and originally signed into law in 2010, the EARLY Act created an education and outreach campaign administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to highlight the breast cancer risks facing young women and women of higher-risk ethnic and racial backgrounds, while empowering them with the tools they need to fight the disease. The EARLY Act also targets health care providers with education and information to ensure they are better equipped to catch breast cancer in young women. The fact remains that too many young women are unaware of their breast cancer risks. I was once one of them, said Rep. Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41 and after seven surgeries is now seven years cancer-free. I thank Congresswoman Ellmers and my colleagues for their support today, which allows the EARLY Act to build on its successful track record of reaching and serving more women and health practitioners with the tools and information necessary to detect and fight the disease early.  I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan EARLY Act and thrilled to see this reauthorization pass in the House of Representatives. The EARLY Act has a proven record of successsaving countless lives through both preventive and early detection measures, said Rep. Ellmers. This legislation ensures that all womenyoung and old have the information and resources necessary to protect themselves, both throughout the battle and into remission. Over the last four years the CDC has already accomplished a number of objectives through the EARLY Act: identifying where the gaps exist in education and awareness among young women and health care providers about breast health; supporting young survivors through grants to organizations focused on helping these survivors cope with the many unique challenges they face, including fertility preservation, and long-term survivorship challenges; and implementing a targeted media campaign, including through innovative social media efforts, to reach women at the highest risks, including those at risk for cancers caused by genetic mutations. I look forward to another five years of the EARLY Act helping women acquire the knowledge and resources they need to not just survive, but thrive, added Rep. Wasserman Schultz. I thank Senators Klobuchar and Vitter for their leadership on the companion bill, and I call on my Senate colleagues to take up and reauthorize the EARLY Act before the end of the 113th Congress. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398347", "Hastings Statement on Extension of Iran Nuclear Negotiations", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in response to a seven-month extension through July 1, 2015 on nuclear talks with Iran, after negotiations to reach a comprehensive deal on the country\u2019s nuclear program by the P5+1 surpassed the self-imposed deadline of November 24, 2014:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cWhile I agree that all efforts to secure a diplomatic solution must be continued, providing sanctions relief without considerable progress and assurances sets a dangerous precedent and threatens to eliminate the very leverage that brought Iran to the negotiating table to begin with.\u00a0 Moreover, as talks remain ongoing, Tehran continues to support international terrorism around the globe, most notably against the State of Israel. \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cI have remained committed to supporting a wide range of efforts in Congress to prevent a nuclear Iran, as well as strengthen Israel\u2019s enduring partnership with the United States and ability to protect itself.\u00a0 These include the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, Iran Threat Reduction Act, Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act, and Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, among many other pieces of legislation. \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cThe United States must work with its allies around the world and partners in the region to hold a firm line against Iran\u2019s acquisition of these dangerous, destabilizing weapons, while simultaneously continuing to support the Iranian people\u2019s efforts to reform their government and uphold the rights of all citizens.\u00a0 And, should any further sanctions relief be on the table during the course of these continued negotiations, Congress has a duty to weigh in.\u00a0 I urge members of the international community to support every effort to keep pressure on the Iranian regime to dismantle its nuclear weapons program in compliance with international law.\u201d \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=933", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on French Rail Holocaust Settlement", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While no amount of money can bring back loved ones lost to the murderous Nazi regime nor erase the horrific memories of such hardship for survivors, the settlement reached late last week is a very welcome milestone in the never-ending quest for justice, reconciliation, and accountability. The extent of Nazi persecution knew no boundary, and survivors and their descendants as well as the families of victims have struggled for decades to reclaim what was lost. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after the U.S. and French governments announced an agreement late last week to compensate American citizens who were transported to Nazi death camps aboard SNCF, the French national railway, during the Holocaust: While no amount of money can bring back loved ones lost to the murderous Nazi regime nor erase the horrific memories of such hardship for survivors, the settlement reached late last week is a very welcome milestone in the never-ending quest for justice, reconciliation, and accountability. The extent of Nazi persecution knew no boundary, and survivors and their descendants as well as the families of victims have struggled for decades to reclaim what was lost. At a time when alarming anti-Semitic acts are on the rise in Europe and the U.S., but particularly in France, their government's support for education programs, memorials, and financial arrangements are essential to righting the wrongs of the past and to promoting tolerance and understanding among current and future generations. I am honored to represent one of the largest Jewish communities in the United States, and I have worked to address the unique quality-of-life needs of Holocaust survivors throughout my career. I thank my colleagues who have joined me in such legislative efforts, particularly Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for her outspoken push for this agreement, and the many survivors, advocates, and government representatives who have collaborated to make an important difference in the lives of those who experienced humanity's darkest chapter. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-s-statement-on-grand-jury-decision-in-0", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilsons Statement on Grand Jury Decision in the Eric Garner Case", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami, FL  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement following the grand jury's decision in the Eric Garner case:\nI am truly disappointed and stunned by the Staten Island grand jury's decision not to return an indictment in the death of Eric Garner, who died after being placed in a chokehold by police officer Daniel Pantaleo.\nAgain, the justice system has failed yet another unarmed Black man and in this case whose violent death was videotaped, leaving no doubt that this was a clear-cut case of use of excessive force.\nI expose children on a daily basis to techniques on how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project that I founded 22-years-ago. This program teaches boys how to interact with law enforcement and has paid huge dividends in the salvation of human life.\nWe must break this tragic pattern of predictability. We cannot afford a repeat of the past.\nAs we pray for the Garner family, let us continue to wage a peaceful battle to put an end to injustice and racial profiling.\n                             ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397820", "House passes National Defense Authorization Act", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced that the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today, includes a pay increase for servicemembers, important new investments for special operations, authorizes replacement of the Air Force\u2019s KC-135 tankers with new KC-46 aerial refueling tankers, and provides significant polices for MacDill Air Force Base and servicemembers.\u00a0 The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for a vote and then to the President\u2019s desk. \r\n\u201cMacDill Air Force Base and its missions are strengthened and our men and women in uniform and their families remain a top priority under the 2015 Act,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cSpecifically for our community, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will receive greater investments to develop the unique skills, agility and equipment necessary to address the unconventional and complicated threats to America\u2019s national security.\u201d\u00a0 The Act authorizes $7.7 billion for SOCOM.\u00a0 \r\nThe Act also authorizes $26 million in additional funding for behavioral and psychological health programs and initiatives, specifically for special operations forces.\r\n\u201cWe are concerned about higher suicide rates among special forces compared to military overall. Additional resources for behavioral and psychological health for special forces will build upon our community efforts to seek solutions in military and veteran suicides,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cNumerous organizations in Tampa Bay \u2013 from mission commanders at MacDill to USF mental health researchers to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay looking to reach more than 300,000 veterans and military members in our region \u2013 came together at a roundtable discussion I hosted recently. Many had never met but want to further collaborate to prevent more suicides in our community.\u201d \r\nThe Act also authorizes $2.2 billion in procurement and development funds for the KC-46A \u2013 the Air Force\u2019s next generation aerial refueling aircraft \u2013 and the replacement for KC-135. U.S. Rep. Castor shared good news relating to the MacDill Means Mobility effort earlier in the year when she announced that MacDill would receive additional KC-135 aircraft in future years as the Air Force begins the multi-decade tanker replacement.  \r\nOther important provisions of the Act:\u00a0  \r\n \r\n    Authorizes a number of specific activities relating to the Islamic State in Iraq, but none of these are considered a broader authorization to use military force (AUMF) against ISIL.\u00a0Despite Rep. Castor\u2019s view that debate on an AUMF relating to ISIS should have taken place this fall, Congress will likely debate the matter in January.\u00a0The NDAA authorizes the $3.4 billion request for sustaining U.S. personnel forward-deployed to the Middle East, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, replenishing munitions expended while conducting airstrikes against ISIL, and financing operations and maintenance costs for air, ground and naval operations to date. \r\n    Authorizes and extends a critical special operations counterterrorism authority \u2013 the so-called 1208 authority \u2013 which permits special operations forces to work with indigenous or surrogate forces in support of ongoing U.S. operations. The authority is used throughout the Middle East and Africa, and the NDAA would extend the authority through 2017 and raise the authorized amount from $50 million to $75 million. The NDAA also provides the Commander of United States Special Operations Command with enhanced rapid acquisition authority.\r\n    Sexual assault, sexual harassment and domestic violence policies are modernized in the Act, while U.S. Rep. Castor believes they could be stronger still.\r\n    The busy Mission Support Facility at MacDill Air Force Base also should be in line for review under a Castor priority to address the black mold in the building. The Act encourages the \u201cDepartment of Defense and the military departments to continue taking cost-effective, timely, and appropriate actions to prevent the formation of, and remediate reported cases of, indoor mold in facilities located on military installations.\u201d\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=249", "Frankel Statement on Vote Against the Defense Bill", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "strongCongresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following statement today after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\rWhile the NDAA has many important provisions that I support, I cannot in good conscience vote for this bill because of the failure of Congress to take up and debate the authority of the President to conduct a war in Iraq and Syria, said Frankel. It is a disgrace that we are sending our children into harms way and spending billions of dollars without having a debate about whether and to what extent we should be involved in this war.\r\rEvery year, Congress must pass a defense bill, the NDAA, to fund all military-related activities. The 2015 NDAA allows $513.4 billion in funding for Department of Defense. Among its many parts, the NDAA gives President Obama the authority to expand U.S. military operations against the terrorist group ISIL in Iraq and Syria. It also provides continued funding to train and equip Syrian rebels, which would otherwise expire on December 11.\r\rIn September, Frankel voted against training these Syrian rebels because the legislation did not allow for a debate on the full scale and scope of U.S. involvement in Iraq and Syria. Congress still has not held that debate.\r\rSince August, the U.S. has conducted more than 1,700 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. The Administration is carrying out these activities under congressionally approved authority as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. The President has indicated that the campaign to combat ISIL will take years and has said there are situations that could require the deployment of U.S. ground forces. Frankel believes Congress has an obligation to debate a new authorization in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.\r\r\r\r\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398350", "Deutch Statement on Passage of Retroactive Tax Extenders Bill", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) issued this statement after the House of Representatives passed\u00a0H.R. 5771, a retroactive extension of certain tax provisions for 2014:\"From day one, the 113th Congress has been mired in dysfunction, and there\u2019s no better example than today\u2019s passage of a bill that restores tax provisions that expired a year ago only to have them expire again on January 1, 2015.\u00a0  \r\nThe passage of this retroactive tax extenders package will bring a sigh of relief to many businesses and families who rely on these provisions to file their taxes and make financial plans, but the sad reality is that with the New Year will come a new wave of uncertainty inflicted by a Congress that continues to cater to extremists and govern exclusively by crisis.\u00a0 \"Indeed, many of my colleagues who preach fiscal responsibility and rail against uncertainty have spent this entire year advancing radical proposals to permanently extend a trillion dollars\u2019 worth of tax breaks for corporate special interests while excluding measures critical for working families and small businesses, like mortgage debt forgiveness and portions of the Child Tax Credit.\u00a0 \"Failing to pass today\u2019s retroactive fix would have wreaked havoc on millions of Americans filing their income taxes for 2014. Yet avoiding disaster and actually moving this country forward are two very different things. It is my hope that next Congress, Republican leaders will encourage rather than demonize bipartisan cooperation, so that members of both parties can work together on reforms that simplify our tax code, incentivize innovation, and give working families a real shot in today\u2019s economy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=247", "Frankel Statement on Passage of U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Statement for the Congressional Record on passage of U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act:\r\n\"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of theU.S. Israel Strategic Partnership Actto designate our Israeli ally as a major strategic partner of the United States.\r\nTo the casual observer, it seems that Israel is nothing more than a war zone. The only time Israel appears to be discussed in the news is when something bad happens. A Palestinian terrorist attacks worshipers at a synagogue in Jerusalem. Peace negotiations break down. War in Gaza.\r\nBut Israel is so much more than the conflict.\r\nIsrael is a thriving, prosperous, and beautiful country with citizens living rather ordinary lives despite the violence of the surrounding region.\r\nWhen you visit Israel, as millions of tourists do every year, you find a country that is fun, free, and a little too hot in August.\r\nIsraelis sip coffee at outdoor cafes, meet friends at shopping malls, go to the movies, get stuck in traffic, listen to concerts, and spend long nights at the office.\r\nWhen you visit Tel Aviv, nicknamed the city that never sleeps, you find a beautiful coastal metropolis over-looking the Mediterranean, named the best beach party destination in the world by USA Today Travel.\r\nIsrael has established a vibrant and democratic political system, which includes the same freedoms we in America value so much: freedom of speech, religion, press, and a robust electoral system.\r\nIsrael has developed some of the leading universities in the world and boasts the highest ratio of university degrees to population. It has built a remarkably advanced entrepreneurial high-tech economy that invented voicemail, instant messenger, and the computer chip  giving the country the title start-up nation.\r\nIsrael made the desert bloom with transformative technology - drip irrigation - that has allowed Israelisto grow vineyards and vegetable farms on seemingly uninhabitable land.\r\nThat is why today's legislation not only helps enhance Israel's security in a dangerous region, but also builds on our mutually beneficial relationship to improve cooperation on a range of policy areas including energy, water, homeland security, and alternative fuel technologies.\r\nI am proud that the House and Senate are coming together to strengthen our bond with Israel and I look forward to this bill being signed into law by the President.\r\nThank you Mr. Speaker.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=248", "Frankel Statement on the extension of P5+1 negotiations with Iran", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement in response to the extension of P5+1 negotiations with Iran over the nation's illicit nuclear program:\r\n\"We cannot afford to lose sight of the threat that a nuclear Iran would pose to the U.S. and our allies. Iran is the world's most active state-sponsor of terror, lending support to Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Assad regime in Syria. As disturbing, if Iran becomes a threshold nuclear state other countries in the Middle East will rush towards the bomb too, leading to massive nuclear proliferation in an already unstable and dangerous region.\r\nCongress has a significant role to play moving forward in order to remind the Iranian regime that there are consequences for violating established international law. Now is the time for leaders in Iran to decide whether they are serious about reaching an agreement that verifiably removes all doubt about their intention to build a nuclear weapon. A final deal will need to include dismantlement of centrifuge infrastructure, intrusive international monitoring, and a solution to the possible military dimensions of Iran's nuclear program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398348", "Deutch, Edwards, McGovern Lead 43 Democrats Calling for Judiciary Hearings on Overturning Citizens United", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21), Donna Edwards (MD-4), and Jim McGovern (MA-2) sent a letter signed by 43 of their colleagues to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-6) and Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13) requesting hearings at the start of the 114th Congress on amending the Constitution to overturn Supreme Court cases like\u00a0Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC.\u00a0Reps. Deutch, Edwards, McGovern are the lead sponsors of H.J. Res 119, the Democracy for All Amendment. Cosponsored by 128 Members of Congress, the Democracy for All Amendment restores constitutional legitimacy to laws that limit the influence of money in politics.\u00a0\u00a0H.J. Res 119 is the House companion to Senator Tom Udall's S.J. Res 19, which received hearings and a full debate in the U.S. Senate earlier this year.\u00a0\u201cWith Americans of all political persuasions fed up by the growing influence of special interests in government and frustrated by the partisan gridlock in Congress, we believe the House Judiciary Committee can help start the 114th Congress off right by holding hearings on a constitutional amendment to reduce the influence of big money in politics,\u201d the Members write.\u00a0 They continue, \"Most Americans agree that the rise of big money in politics undermines the basic guiding principle of our democracy\u2013that every citizen enjoys equality under the law and an equal voice in our elections.\u00a0 While we believe that amending the Constitution should be reserved only for times when no other recourse will do, we have seen the impact of these decisions, and we are convinced that an amendment is ripe for consideration.\" A copy of the letter is available below and for download here. Joining Deutch, Edwards, and McGovern on the letter were Reps.\u00a0Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Sam Farr (CA-20), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), John B. Larson (CT-01), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-1), Susan A. Davis (CA-53), Steve Israel (NY-03), James R. Langevin (RI-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Peter Welch (VT- AT Large), John A. Yarmuth (KY-03), Niki Tsongas (MA-03), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Rick Nolan (MN-08), James A. Himes (CT-04), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Judy Chu (CA-27), Bill Foster (IL-11), David Cicilline (RI-01), Cedric L. Richmond (LA-02) Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Donald M. Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Alan Grayson (FL-09), Matt Cartwright (PA17), Elizabeth H. Esty (CT-05), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-04), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Beto O\u2019Rourke (TX-16), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mark Takano (CA-41), and Kathrine M. Clark (MA-05)\u00a0 Hon. Bob Goodlatte\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hon. John Conyers, Jr.\nChairman \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ranking Member\nHouse Judiciary Committee\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 House Judiciary Committee\n2138 Rayburn House Office Building\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B-351 Rayburn House Office Building\nWashington, DC 20515\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, DC 20515\n\nDear Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers:\nThe 113th Congress is coming to a close on the heels of an election season that once again shattered all previous records for midterm election spending. With Americans of all political persuasions fed up by the growing influence of special interests in government and frustrated by the partisan gridlock in Congress, we believe the House Judiciary Committee can help start the 114th Congress off right by holding hearings on a constitutional amendment to reduce the influence of big money in politics.\nIn the nearly five years since the Supreme Court issued its 5-4 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, Americans have witnessed each election cycle grow more expensive than the last as wealthy donors, corporations, and other special interests take advantage of a newfound right to spend unlimited sums of money through Super PACs and secretive 501(c)(4) groups. The Supreme Court only further diminished the influence of ordinary voters in our elections with this year\u2019s 5-4 ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, which struck down federal aggregate donation limits and declared that wealthy donors have just as much of a right to influence public officials as the voters they were elected by. The access to public officials gained by large dollar donors is well-documented and only destined to intensify now that wealthy individuals are able to donate $6 million to federal candidates, political parties, and joint election funds during a single election cycle. The end of the aggregate limit means that one person can spend nearly 120 times the median household income to donate to candidates across the country, and only the most overt forms of bribery will remain off limits. \nWhile our campaign finance system has been flawed for some time, it is no surprise why so many of our constituents feel as though their voices are not being heard in the post-Citizens United era. These highly controversial Supreme Court decisions have unleashed unprecedented spending in our elections. During the 2012 presidential election \u2013 the most expensive cycle in our nation\u2019s history \u2013 it took just 32 wealthy Super PAC donors to outspend the small donations of nearly 3.7 million ordinary Americans. Likewise, the 2014 elections \u2013 now the most expensive midterm election cycle in our nation\u2019s history \u2013 saw nearly $4 billion spent by candidates, political parties, Super PACs, and outside groups.\nMore than 120 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have cosponsored H.J. Res 119, a proposed constitutional amendment that restores legitimacy to reasonable limits on election spending. Likewise, the U.S. Senate engaged in a worthwhile and spirited debate on this constitutional amendment earlier this year, and thus far sixteen states and over 550 municipalities nationwide have passed resolutions calling for an amendment overturning Citizens United and related rulings. \nMost Americans agree that the rise of big money in politics undermines the basic guiding principle of our democracy\u2013that every citizen enjoys equality under the law and an equal voice in our elections.\u00a0 While we believe that amending the Constitution should be reserved only for times when no other recourse will do, we have seen the impact of these decisions, and we are convinced that an amendment is ripe for consideration.\nWe respectfully request that you allow for consideration of a constitutional amendment to limit the influence of money in politics in the House Judiciary Committee. These issues are so essential to the health of our democracy and they deserve a full and open debate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=246", "House Passes Bill to End Social Security Benefits for Nazis", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Bill to End Social Security Benefits for Nazis \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Frankel is a cosponsor of the No Social Security for Nazis Act \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 2, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) applauded the House for passing bipartisan legislation to terminate Social Security benefits for Nazi criminals who receive them because of a loophole in current law.\r\nNazis should never get Social Security benefits  it's an insult to those who suffered at the hands of these war criminals and to American taxpayers who are unknowingly supporting them, said Frankel. I'm proud the House is taking action to stop these payments. Due to legal hurdles years ago, suspected Nazi criminals were given the opportunity to leave the United States and continue receiving Social Security benefits. The No Social Security for Nazis Act stops payments to these individuals. The legislation now goes to the Senate where it is expected to pass and be signed into law by the President.\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-statement-on-extension-of-negotiations", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Statement on Extension of Negotiations with Iran", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement on the extension of negotiations with Iran:\nI am concerned about the extension of the P5+1 nuclear negotiations. While an extension of discussions is preferable to a bad deal, it is unacceptable that Iran will continue to enjoy sanctions relief without making any new concessions, said Congresswoman Wilson.\nThe goal has been and must continue to be that Iran never achieves nuclear weapons capability. As a result, any final deal must lead to the dismantling of Iran's nuclear arms infrastructure, and include intensive monitoring mechanisms.\n                                                                      ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398345", "Hastings Statement in Commemoration of Rosa Parks", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in commemoration of Rosa Parks on the anniversary of her historic refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955:\u00a0 \r\n\u201cFifty-nine years ago today Rosa Parks\u2019 courageous refusal to give up her seat to a white individual on a segregated bus, and subsequent arrest, sparked a bus boycott that became one of the most significant milestones in the Civil Rights movement.\u00a0\u00a0 It was Ms. Parks\u2019 bravery and conviction to her cause that inspired citizens of Montgomery, Alabama to boycott bus transportation for 381 days, often times at great costs.\u00a0 Her actions were directly responsible for the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s eventual decision to ban segregation on public transportation and paved the way for the enactment of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin and ended racial segregation in public facilities and accommodations.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cToday as we commemorate the life and dedication of the woman often called the \u2018Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement\u2019 let us not forget to continue to serve not only ourselves, but also our community.\u00a0 Nearly six decades later, injustices continue to plague our society and more work must be done to ensure that all American\u2019s enjoy equal rights under the law.\u00a0 Ms. Parks\u2019 life and legacy are truly exemplary of what an ordinary citizen with extraordinary vision can do to change the course of a nation\u2019s history and will continue to serve as inspiration for generations to come.\"\r\n\r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398346", "Hastings Commemorates 26th Annual World AIDS Day", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in commemoration of World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Month: \u201cSince its establishment by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988, World AIDS Day has served as a call to action and a living memorial to all those whose lives have been lost to the disease across the globe.\u00a0 According to WHO, an estimated 39 million people have died since the first cases were reported in 1981 and 1.5 million people died of AIDS-related causes in 2013. \u00a0 \u201cIn the United States, more than 1.2 million people are currently living with HIV, with almost one in seven (14 percent) unaware of their infection.\u00a0 Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that only 25 percent of Americans living with HIV are virally suppressed and successfully making it through the HIV care continuum.\u00a0 This means that about 825,000 people living with HIV are not receiving the full benefits of treatment, and may be unknowingly passing the virus on to others. \u201cTreatment remains the most promising tool we have to creating an AIDS-free generation.\u00a0 Because of continued advancements in antiretroviral drugs and efforts to link individuals to care, more people living with HIV are able to manage the disease and lead active, productive lives.\u00a0 If we can increase the number of individuals living with HIV who are on treatment, then we can achieve global AIDS control. \u00a0 \u201cUltimately, however, the future is in our hands.\u00a0 We know how to stop the transmission of HIV and help people living with AIDS stay as healthy as possible.\u00a0 It starts with raising public awareness, knowing your status, and challenging the stigma that prevents so many within our communities from accessing the care they need. \u00a0 \u201cAs we look to the start of the 114th Congress, it is imperative that we remain committed to continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS, and address the ongoing effects of sequestration on HIV care in the United States.\u00a0 I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Month, as well as supporting vital HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programs, including the Ryan White Program and Affordable Care Act (ACA).\u201d Congressman Hastings is a staunch advocate for the HIV/AIDS community and a member of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.\u00a0 He continues to support robust funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program, Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative, and National AIDS Strategy, as well as HIV/AIDS research. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397814", "2014 Trouble in Toyland Survey Released", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) , the Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Florida Consumer Action Network (FCAN) and All Children\u2019s Hospital teamed up to urge parents and shoppers to remain vigilant about hazardous toys currently on shelves. In addition, practicing toy safety \u2013 such as using helmets and fastening belts correctly \u2013 is just as important when it comes to keeping kids safe and out of the emergency room.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) , the Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Florida Consumer Action Network (FCAN) and All Children\u2019s Hospital teamed up to urge parents and shoppers to remain vigilant about hazardous toys currently on shelves. In addition, practicing toy safety \u2013 such as using helmets and fastening belts correctly \u2013 is just as important when it comes to keeping kids safe and out of the emergency room.\n\u201cI want families to have a happy and safe holiday. I highlight reports like Trouble in Toyland every year to empower today\u2019s consumers with the information they need to keep their little ones safe. This is also an annual reminder of the additional tools consumers have year-round at their fingertips since the landmark Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in 2008,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Castor, who championed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. \u201cThis includes saferproducts.gov, where consumers can submit reports and search the database for product hazard reports.\u201d Parents can also subscribe to government announcements of recalled products at www.recalls.gov\u00a0 \nAmong the toys surveyed this year, PIRG found numerous choking hazards and five toys with concentrations of toxics (lead, chromium, phthalate) exceeding federal standards. The report also describes the potential hazards in toys and children\u2019s products. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission does not test all toys, and not all toys on store shelves necessarily meet the Commission\u2019s standards. The toys included in the 2014 Trouble in Toyland report are presented as examples, and other hazards may exist. That\u2019s why parental vigilance is an important part of toy safety. \n\u201cAs parents venture into crowded malls and browse for the perfect toy on the Internet this holiday season, they should remain vigilant about often\u2010hidden hazards posed by toys on store shelves, particularly as more and more toys are imported from countries where toy safety is not as stringent,\u201d FCAN\u2019s Olivia Babis said. \u201cPIRG's report provides safety guidelines for parents when purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety hazards.\u201d\u00a0 \nThe Florida Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition at All Children\u2019s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine was on hand to demonstrate the safe use of toys as a step towards keeping kids safe this holiday season. \n\u201cFrom choking hazards to exposure to toxic chemicals, there are many injuries and medical problems seen in emergency departments across the nation due to children\u2019s toys,\u201d said Joe Perno, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director for care coordination at All Children\u2019s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine. \u201cWe want to help parents know and understand the safety risks in order to protect their children year-round.\u201d\u00a0 \nThe entire report can be found in the \u201cProtecting Consumers\u201d section of castor.house.gov\n\u201cLet\u2019s not roll back on the progress we\u2019ve made in protecting our littlelist consumers. Store shelves are replenished with new toys constantly \u2013 especially during the holidays -- and I urge families to use the resources on toy safety and remain vigilant.\u201d\u00a0 \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-statement-on-world-aids-day", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Statement on World AIDS Day", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami, FL  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement in observance of World AIDS Day:\nAs we observe World AIDS Day and remember the devastating toll HIV/AIDS has had on our communities and honor those who've lost their lives to the disease, I urge everyone to take this opportunity to learn the facts about HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and research.\nAccording to the Florida Department of Health, Miami-Dade County ranks #1 in the state of Florida for number of new HIV cases and AIDS cases and Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale) ranks #2 in the state of Florida for number of new HIV cases and AIDS cases.'\nThese grim and frightening statistics are a call to action to recommit ourselves and resources to combating this epidemic. We must remain united and relentless in our fight to increase awareness, prevention and in finding a cure.\nI urge everyone to do his or her part to combat HIV/AIDS and to get tested.\n                                            ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398344", "Hastings Thanksgiving Day Statement", "2014-11-27", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings\u2019 Thanksgiving Day Statement  \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Fort Lauderdale, FL,\r\n        November 27, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of Thanksgiving:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cThanksgiving gives us a chance to spend time with our family and friends, as well as to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. In the midst of this holiday season and as the end of the year approaches, it is important to keep in perspective our accomplishments, while remaining steadfast in our determination to take on the challenges that we still face.   \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cToo often, progress is overshadowed by politics. But our efforts make a real difference in people\u2019s daily lives all across our nation. Because of health care reform, 10 million people who did not have health insurance this time last year now receive the vital coverage that they need and deserve. Furthermore, our economic recovery continues, with the unemployment rate falling below 6 percent for the first time since before the financial crisis. And, more and more states \u2013 now 32 in total \u2013 have embraced marriage equality.   \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cHowever, as a nation, our work is far from over. As we continue working to create jobs, make education more affordable and accessible, and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in our society, let us be thankful for our blessings and remember those who are less fortunate. I wish you and your loved ones a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.  \r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398346", "PRESS RELEASE: Deutch to Hold Reception for Military Academy Applicants", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This Friday, November 28th at 11:00 am, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) will host a reception honoring students from Florida's 21st district pursuing admission into one of our nation's four prestigious Military Academies. Four cadets returning home to South Florida will join Congressman Deutch at the reception to talk about their experiences studying at the\u00a0U.S.\u00a0Air Force Academy, the U.S Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. \u00a0Each year, Congressman Deutch has the privilege of nominating a limited number of students applying to one of our country's elite military academies. Admission is highly selective, but offers young men and women the opportunity to serve our country and attain an extraordinary education.\u00a0DETAILS:\r\n  \r\n2014 U.S. Service Academy Nominee Reception\u00a0  \r\nFriday, November 28, 2014 at 11:00 am  \r\nWest Boca Executive Suites Lobby  \r\n7777 Glades Road,\u00a0Boca Raton, FL \u00a033434", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397812", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on Extension of Negotiations over Iran's Nuclear Program", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on Extension of Negotiations over Iran's Nuclear Program \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 25, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement regarding the extension of negotiations over Iran's nuclear program: \"While the delay in negotiations relating to Iran's nuclear disarmament is disappointing, it is vital that the lead negotiators -- United States, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- continue to press for a diplomatic resolution to ensure that Iran fully commits to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions. A seven-month extension should not be an excuse for inaction. \u00a0Otherwise, additional economic sanctions will come up for discussion. All parties should re-engage again quickly. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is correct when he says that the 'talks are not going to get easier just because we extend them.' The context of a resolution will become more difficult, however, and will feed insecurity and instability that should be avoided.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-s-statement-on-grand-jury-decision-in", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilsons Statement on Grand Jury Decision in the Michael Brown Case", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami, FL  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement following the grand jury's decision in the Michael Brown case:\nI am left numbed and saddened by the Ferguson Grand Jury's decision not to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager. How many more young black men will have to die before there is an end to the mistreatment of people of color? Where is the justice for Michael Brown and the thousands of black men who have died in a similar manner?\nWe must break this tragic pattern of predictability. We cannot afford a repeat of the past.\nBlack lives matter. People of color have the right to feel safe in their neighborhoods or wherever they may be and not fear the very people sworn to serve and protect them.\nAs we pray for the Brown family and the people of Ferguson, let us continue to wage a peaceful battle to put an end to injustice and racial discrimination. Let us honor Michael Brown not with violence, but by getting involved, showing up at the polls, electing people who represent our best interest and who uphold the laws that guarantee justice and equality for all.\n                                                     ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398349", "Deutch Statement on Extension of Nuclear Talks with Iran", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the extension of Iranian nuclear negotiations:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\"Today's announcement that nuclear negotiations will extend with no new concessions from Iran while providing continued sanctions relief is disappointing. While continued discussions are preferable to a bad deal, such extensions without Iran making any public concessions on any of the key points is unsatisfactory. I don't believe that any additional sanctions relief is currently warranted, necessary, or appropriate.\"I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to develop new sanctions that will be triggered should Iran fail to agree to a satisfactory framework in the coming months or reject an acceptable final deal by the June 30th deadline. \"Iran must feel the urgency to reach a final deal that halts all pathways to a bomb, dismantles centrifuge infrastructure to prevent Iran from becoming a threshold nuclear state, addresses the regime's past work on possible military dimensions, and provides a robust verifiable monitoring mechanism to ensure Iran cannot breakout undetected.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-calls-for-calm-in-ferguson-missouri-ahead-of-darren", "Congresswoman Wilson Calls for Calm in Ferguson, Missouri Ahead of Darren Wilson Verdict", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  In anticipation of the Darren Wilson grand jury decision, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement today asking the citizens in Ferguson, Missouri to remain calm and peaceful, regardless of the outcome:\nHaving grown up in the 1960s, I have experienced the horrific consequences of violent protests and riots, as well as the positive outcomes brought about by peaceful, nonviolent means. There are no winners when a protest turns violent. The police, the cities, and most importantly the citizens all lose. Protestors are brutally slaughtered, arrested, and left to deal with criminal records that follow them for the rest of their lives, said Congresswoman Wilson.\nI deeply understand the feelings of unrest that can accompany gross injustice. I admire Sybrina Fulton, the mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, who bravely called for peace after the disappointing verdict in her son's case, and Michael Brown Sr.'s call for non-violence as the nation awaits the grand jury decision. I am asking that regardless of the outcome, that those working on the ground continue to organize and convene peacefully. I am asking for peace and calm in Ferguson, Missouri because there is no victory in violent protest.\nI also ask that those of us who lived through difficult times of social change in our country take the time to teach the younger generation how to affect change through peaceful means. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was our example. Through his leadership, we were able to accomplish some of the greatest social advances in this country's history. Regardless of which way the Darren Wilson grand jury decides, we must carry out Dr. King's message of peace and nonviolence.\nI personally witnessed the riots that devastated Liberty City, Miami in 1980. The violence resulted in senseless deaths, injuries, thousands of arrests, and over $100 million in damages to the community. Thirty years later, Liberty City is still struggling to recover.\nHistorically, citizens are the most negatively affected by violent protests. During the Los Angeles riots in 1992, at least 53 people were reported killed, approximately 2,000 were injured, and there was more than $1 billion in property damage. As a result of the 1967 Detroit Riots, 43 people were reportedly killed, approximately 7,000 people were arrested, and over 2,000 buildings were destroyed.\nI expose children on a daily basis to techniques on how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project that I founded 22-years-ago. This program teaches boys how to interact with law enforcement and has paid huge dividends in the salvation of human life.\nWe must break this tragic pattern of predictability. We cannot afford a repeat of the past.\n                                                                        ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397811", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castors statement on Presidents Immigration Accountability Executive Actions", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cFlorida families, businesses, universities, law enforcement agencies, churches and faith leaders have urged Congress\u00a0for years\u00a0to fix America\u2019s broken immigration laws. I have listened to their stories and together we have pressed for change.\r\n\u201cBut time after time, Republicans who control the U.S. House failed to act, failed to allow debate on the floor and blocked a vote \u2013 even after two-thirds of the U.S. Senate voted to pass a bipartisan reform bill a year and a half ago. Speaker Boehner said\u00a0many times\u00a0that the House would act, but it never did.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cThe U.S. Senate passed its bipartisan immigration reform bill in June of 2013 by a vote of 68-32. Since that time, House Republicans blocked any action on the House companion, the\u00a0Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act\u00a0(H.R. 15), which has 200 cosponsors. Aside from the humanitarian benefits to immigrant families, a report from the Congressional Budget Office found that HR15 would reduce the deficit by $900 billion over the next two decades, including $200 billion in the first decade alone.\u00a0 HR15 would provide an earned pathway to citizenship, reduce the deficit and create jobs. In Florida, commonsense immigration reform would directly benefit a range of industries that are central to our economy \u2013 including technology, agriculture, tourism\u00a0and construction.\r\n\u201cIn the face of interminable obstruction, it\u00a0is\u00a0necessary for President Obama to act by executive order, just as he did in 2012 when he granted temporary relief to DREAM Act students who were born outside America but know no other country and have no other home. Such temporary relief for DREAM Act students paved the way for many young people to become productive individuals for our local communities, like Jose Godinez-Samperio who will be sworn into the Florida Bar this evening by a Florida Supreme Justice in Tampa. The executive order inspired even the Republican-led Florida Legislature to allow a non-citizen with new legal status to realize his dream to the benefit of our state. If any pathway or application process existed, that would have been preferable.\u00a0However, no such process exists until Congress changes the law to allow it.\r\n\u201cAn executive order is no substitute for congressional action \u2013 unless over time Congress fails to act \u2013 so I urge my Republican colleagues to end the threats of lawsuits and impeachment, and instead allow debate, amendments and a vote on an immigration reform bill as soon as possible. Immigration reform would lift our state\u2019s economy and provide a tough, but fair path to citizenship that does not exist today.\u201d\u00a0 \r\nHere are a few examples of important executive orders also brought about by other failures of Congress to act on the central issues of their time:\r\n \r\n    On January 1, 1864, President Lincoln\u2019s Emancipation Proclamation took effect per Executive Order.\r\n    In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt laid the foundation for our National Park System through a series of Executive Orders.\r\n    \u00a0In 1948, President Truman desegregated the Armed Forces by Executive Order.\r\n    \u00a0In 1957, President Eisenhower issued Executive Orders to ensure desegregation in Little Rock,\u00a0Arkansas.\r\n    \u00a0In 1961, President Kennedy established the President\u2019s Commission on Equal Employment through Executive Order.\r\n    \u00a0In 1987, President Regan initiated a blanket deferral of deportation (similar to today\u2019s DACA program) for children under 18 who were living in households where parents were legalizing.\r\n    \u00a0In 1990, President George H.W. Bush expanded the blanket deferral initiated by President Reagan to as many as 1.5 million spouses and children of immigrants who were legalizing, provided they met certain criteria. President Bush expanded this deferral after related legislation passed in the Senate, but stalled in the House.\u00a0 \r\n    In 2010, President Obama used an Executive Order to adopt many of the safety precautions recommended for deep water oil drilling by the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission after the Gulf of Mexico disaster after Congress failed to do so.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398343", "Remarks by Rep. Ted Deutch at Hearing on Negotiations over Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, delivered remarks on the upcoming deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran at a hearing entitled, \"Examining the Impact of a Nuclear Deal on Global Security.\" The complete video and an excerpt of his statement is available blow.\u00a0\r\nExcerpt:\u00a0\r\nI don\u2019t think any of us are under the illusion that a satisfactory, comprehensive deal will be reached by Monday. But let me be clear - any deal must cut off all of Iran\u2019s pathways to a nuclear weapon and this specifically includes the Arak reactor. A deal must dismantle Iran\u2019s centrifuge program to prevent Iran from becoming a threshold nuclear state, create robust verification and monitoring mechanisms to prevent undetectable breakout, force Iran to come clean on its past nuclear activities including possible military dimensions and cover a long enough duration that the regime won\u2019t simply \"wait it out.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398345", "Rep. Ted Deutch Issues Statement on President Obama's Immigration Accountability Executive Orders", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued this statement regarding President Obama's Immigration Accountability Executive Actions.\"The Senate passed historic and bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform well over a year ago, only to have Speaker John Boehner deny the bill an up-or-down vote in the House of Representatives. This unprecedented obstructionism has left us with a broken immigration system that tears apart families and hinders our economy. \"The commonsense steps announced tonight by President Obama fall within precedents established by previous presidents. While these bold actions will bolster border security and provide some temporary relief to millions of undocumented immigrants and their families, it is ultimately Congress that must finish the job. \"Republican leaders in the House now have a choice. They can preserve the broken status quo and assail the President for taking action, or they can put families ahead of politics and our economy ahead of partisanship and finally pass comprehensive immigration reform.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=244", "Frankel Statement on President Obamas Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) tonight released the following statement after President Obama announced executive action on immigration. The President's action will shield approximately five million undocumented immigrants from deportation, but will not include a path to citizenship.\r\nAs we approach Thanksgiving, I am pleased that President Obama has followed the precedent of prior Republican and Democratic presidents by announcing a re-prioritization of deportation policies, said Frankel. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will now focus on the deportation of criminals and allow millions of hardworking undocumented immigrants toraise families, pay taxes, start businesses, contribute to their communities  and live without constant, unrelenting fear of losing everything.\r\nComprehensive immigration reform passed by the Senate in June 2013 included a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, modified visas to attract workers across the world, and provided extensive resources for security along the U.S.-Mexico border. The legislation has not been brought up for a vote in the House.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=245", "House Passes the Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House passed the bipartisanMalala Yousafzai Scholarship Act yesterday to expand scholarship opportunities for students in Pakistan. The legislation included a provision sponsored by Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) encouraging scholarship recipients to commit to improving their local communities.\nBy educating young women, we advance democracy in countries threatened by extremism, Frankel said.\nTheMalala Yousafzai Scholarship Act authorizes continued funding over the next three years for USAID's Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships for university study to academically talented, financially needy Pakistani students. It also directs USAID to ensure that 50 percent of the scholarships are awarded to women.\nIn Pakistan, literacy rates are dangerously low and contribute to insecurity and economic instability. Sixty percent of Pakistani women, and 30 percent of Pakistani men, cannot read and write. Expanding access to education, particularly for women, helps strengthen families, grow economies, and allow communities to better combat threats from local terrorist groups. USAID's scholarship program does just this, empowering Pakistanis to combat extremist ideologies like that of the Taliban.\nThe legislation is named after Malala Yousafzai, a 17-year-old Pakistani girl who has been an outspoken advocate for girls' education in Pakistan. She was shot in the head on her way home from school by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her increasingly influential voice. In October,Malalawas awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest recipient in history. Last year, Congresswoman Frankel led 50 of her bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to Malala lauding her dedication to increasing access to education for women and girls across the globe. For the full text of the letter to Malala clickhere.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206031059/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-the-malala-yousafzai-scholarship-act", "House Passes the Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 The House passed the bipartisan\u00a0Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act yesterday to expand scholarship opportunities for students in Pakistan. The legislation included a provision sponsored by Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) encouraging scholarship recipients to commit to improving their local communities.\n\u201cBy educating young women, we advance democracy in countries threatened by extremism,\u201d Frankel said.\nThe\u00a0Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act authorizes continued funding over the next three years for USAID\u2019s Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships for university study to academically talented, financially needy Pakistani students. It also directs USAID to ensure that 50 percent of the scholarships are awarded to women.\nIn Pakistan, literacy rates are dangerously low and contribute to insecurity and economic instability. Sixty percent of Pakistani women, and 30 percent of Pakistani men, cannot read and write. Expanding access to education, particularly for women, helps strengthen families, grow economies, and allow communities to better combat threats from local terrorist groups. USAID\u2019s scholarship program does just this, empowering Pakistanis to combat extremist ideologies like that of the Taliban.\nThe legislation is named after Malala Yousafzai, a 17-year-old Pakistani girl who has been an outspoken advocate for girls\u2019 education in Pakistan.\u00a0 She was shot in the head on her way home from school by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her increasingly influential voice. In October,Malala\u00a0was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest recipient in history.\u00a0 Last year, Congresswoman Frankel led 50 of her bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to Malala lauding her dedication to increasing access to education for women and girls across the globe. For the full text of the letter to Malala click\u00a0here.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-to-be-inducted-into-miami-dade-county", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson to be Inducted into Miami Dade County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MIAMI  Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) will be inducted into Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame along with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lethinen (FL-27), on Friday, November 21, 2014. Congresswoman Wilson is a graduate of Miami Northwestern Senior High School and will receive the Singular Achievement Award. Congresswoman Ros-Lethinen is a graduate of Southwest Miami Senior High School and will also receive the Singular Achievement Award. The 2014 inductees have made great strides in the areas of Arts and Entertainment, Business, Public Service, Science, Technology, Engineering & Math, Sports and Singular Achievement.\nWHO: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson\nWHAT: Miami Dade County Public Schools 2014 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees Ceremony\nWHEN: Friday, November 21, 2014, 7:00 p.m.\nWHERE: Miami Senior High School 2450 SW 1st Street, Miami, Florida\n                                                                 ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398341", "Reps. Hastings and Johnson Highlight National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressional Homelessness Caucus Co-Chairs Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement highlighting National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is held the week before Thanksgiving:\u00a0 \r\n\u201cThis Thanksgiving as many of us prepare to spend the holiday with family let us not forget the millions homeless individuals and families that will go hungry with no home to call their own,\u201d said Congressman Hastings. \u201cEach year, we set aside the week before the Thanksgiving to mark National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Though progress has been made in reducing hunger and homelessness, we must remain diligent to ensure that every American has access to the most basic human needs. The issue of homelessness is exacerbated by the high rate home foreclosure and socio-economic difficulties faced by many of our working poor. I will continue to work to bring renewed attention to the ending hunger and homelessness in America, through outreach, advocacy and creation of public policy to protect this venerable population. Collectively, the Congressional Homeless Caucus will continue to make progress in ensuring that all Americans have food to eat and permanent shelter over their heads.\u201d \u201cHomelessness is a multifaceted issue that can affect individuals and families of all backgrounds,\u201d said Congresswoman Johnson. \u201cIt is an issue that transcends all Congressional districts or political boundaries, and can severely impact the lives of individuals and families indefinitely. In addition to the difficulties homeless individuals face on a daily basis, homelessness has also put tremendous financial pressure on municipalities all across the United States, as the state provides police and medical assistance to individuals left to fend for themselves on the streets. While steps taken by the Federal Strategic Plan have been extremely positive, there is more that Congress can do.\u201d\r\nABOUT: National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is held each year the week before Thanksgiving. This is a time for us all to start to think about what we are thankful for, and a perfect time to share our compassion with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. This year, National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is held from November 15-23, 2014.\u00a0 For more information, please visit: http://nationalhomeless.org/about-us/projects/awareness-week/\r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398342", "Hastings Statement on Jerusalem Synagogue Murder", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding an attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem, which took the lives of four individuals, including three Americans, as well as left six people wounded: \u201cToday\u2019s vicious attack on a Jerusalem synagogue is an affront to peace and our common humanity.\u00a0 The four individuals murdered, Rabbi Moshe Twersky, Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, and Rabbi Kalman Levine, were faith leaders in their community.\u00a0 It is truly a sad day when places of worship become the target of such acts of hate and terror. \u00a0 \u201cThe people of Israel deserve to live in peace \u2013 free from fear and the perpetual threat of violence.\u00a0 Today\u2019s senseless crime, like the several deadly stabbings and vehicle incidents in recent weeks, will not be tolerated.\u00a0 Extremism represents a growing danger to nations all around the world, and the United States will continue to stand with its ally Israel in the face of attacks on its borders and people.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this great time of sadness.\u00a0 It is my sincere hope that their sacrifice and faith through example will bring the Israeli people together in spirit and healing.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398339", "Statement by Rep. Ted Deutch on Attack on Jerusalem Synagogue", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued this statement on today's terrorist attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem:\"The gruesome murder of four innocent civilians, including three Americans, in the midst of Morning Prayer at a Jerusalem synagogue is an act of terror that demands universal condemnation from the United States and the entire international community. Palestinian leaders must put an end to the incitement of violence.\u00a0 Attacks on innocent worshippers gathered for prayer at a synagogue or any other holy place is despicable, inhumane, and barbaric. During this time of mourning, my thoughts are with the people of Israel and the families of those lost to this senseless violence, American-born Rabbi Moshe Twersky, Rabbi Kalman Levine, Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky, and British-born Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, and I offer my prayers to the injured victims.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398340", "PRESS RELEASE: Reps. Deutch and Roskam Introduce Bipartisan Stop SCAMS Act to Combat Medicare Fraud", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21) and Peter Roskam (IL-6) introduced the Stop Schemes and Crimes Against Medicare and Seniors Act (Stop SCAMS Act) of 2014. The bipartisan bill seeks to prevent Medicare fraud by requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to verify that a provider enrolling in the program does not have a record of defrauding Medicare in a previous practice.\u00a0 Additionally, the Stop SCAMS Act would encourage private sector insurance companies to increase communication with each other and with Medicare about potentially fraudulent providers.\r\n\u201cIn South Florida and across the country, investigators uncover elaborate Medicare fraud schemes every year that cheat taxpayers out of billions of dollars and undermine the integrity of a system that 54 million seniors and disabled Americans rely on for quality care,\u201d said Congressman Deutch. \u201cAs historic numbers of Americans approach retirement and enroll in the Medicare system, bolstering our ability to stop fraud before it happens has never been more important. The Stop SCAMS Act will keep providers with a known history of fraud out of the Medicare system for good, and I look forward to working with Congressman Roskam to bring this commonsense, bipartisan bill to the House floor as soon as possible.\u201d \r\n\u201cTaking common-sense measures to prevent Medicare fraud on the front-end makes all the sense in the world,\u201d said Congressman Roskam.\u00a0 \u201cEach year, Medicare and Medicaid lose as much as $60 billion to waste, fraud, and abuse.\u00a0 In many cases, CMS has both the resources and capability to prevent fraudsters from fleecing the programs that so many of our nation\u2019s seniors rely upon--it is our obligation as lawmakers to force these simple fixes and pressure both the agencies and the private sector to step up to preserve and protect Medicare.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe Stop SCAMS Act also enjoys bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, with Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Susan Collins (R-MA) leading this effort to keep known fraudsters out of the Medicare system. Several organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association,\u00a0Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, America\u2019s Health Insurance Plans, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. A brief summary of the bill is available below.\r\nThe Stop SCAMS Act\r\nThe Stop SCAMS Act of 2014 helps safeguard taxpayer dollars and reduce fraudulent payments by:\r\nPARTNERING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO REDUCE MEDICARE FRAUD\r\nThe legislation encourages private insurers to share information about potentially fraudulent providers with Medicare and each other to prevent health care fraud through the Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership.\r\nREQUIRING INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OF PROVIDER OWNERSHIP INTERESTS\r\nUnder Medicare currently, providers who previously had an ownership interest in an organization that defrauded the Medicare program could potentially get back into the program by using a different name and failing to disclose their interest in the previous organization. The bill would require Medicare to verify provider ownership interests using other databases, including information that will be obtained under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act.\r\nTESTING MEDICAL CODES BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION\r\nRequires full end-to-end testing of new code sets used by doctors and other health care providers for procedures, diagnoses, and drugs before implementation.\u00a0 New billing code sets are important because they allow healthcare providers and Medicare to better coordinate patient care across providers, to better capture quality measurements, and to better analyze data for use in the prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse.\u00a0 Improved procedures for using new billing codes will ensure greater accuracy in reimbursement for medical services and help in the detection of errant claims and billing behavior.\r\nHARNESSING EXISTING RESOURCES TO BETTER TARGET FRAUD PREVENTION EFFORTS\r\nAllow the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to make recommendations regarding fraud prevention, and require the Medicare program to develop a strategy for reliably estimating the effectiveness of the fraud prevention system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=241", "Frankel Condemns Attack at Jerusalem Synagogue", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Condemns Attack at Jerusalem Synagogue \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 18, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today issued the following statement in response to the deadly terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem.\r\nThe horrific attack this morning that killed four Israeli civilians in a house of worship is appalling. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, as well as those still mourning the deaths of Israeli civilians killed in several recent acts of terror. I join with leaders around the world in condemning this attack in the strongest possible terms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=242", "Important Bipartisan Child Care Legislation Passed by Congress", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today applauded the bipartisan work of Congress to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG), which will improve child care quality and help parents find and sustain employment. On Monday night, the Senate agreed to the House-passed version of the legislation and it will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.\r\nContinuing this program ensures that parents across the country can go to work with peace of mind that their children are left in safe nurturing environments,\" said Frankel\r\nThe legislation requires states to spend a greater portion of their CCDBG funding on quality improvement activities, such as implementing a quality rating system and increasing training for child care staff. Background checks will also be required for all child care providers receiving grants, as well as be subject to a least one annual inspection.\r\nEarlier this year, Frankel introduced The Working Families Child Care Act to address long waiting lists and make child care accessible to more working families. It would increase the mandatory funding that serves families with infants and toddlers by $2 billion and provide $500 million annually to the CCDBG for states to improve the quality of child care.\r\nFrankel's legislation has 72 co-sponsors and is supported byAmerican Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Children's Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Early Childhood and Education Consortium, Fair Share, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association for Family Child Care, National Black Child Development Institute, National Women's Law Center, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Zero to Three.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=243", "Frankel Elected to Serve on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) was elected by members of the Florida and Georgia region to the United States Congress House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.\r\nThe primary purpose of the Committee is to assign fellow Democrats to other House Committees and to shape Democratic policies. It is made up of a diverse membership, some selected by region and some appointed by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.\r\nIt is an honor to represent Florida and Georgia on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, said Frankel. This is a great opportunity to bring forth a positive agenda that protects our seniors, stands up for veterans, and advances middle class families.\r\nPast Steering and Policy Committees have held hearings on topics that Republicans have refused to hear including gun violence prevention and women's health and contraception. Last year, the panel heard testimony from the Newtown Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Janet Robinson, where the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting took place.\r\nIn 2012, the Committee heard testimony from Sandra Fluke, a young woman who was blocked from participating in an Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on access to contraception under the Affordable Health Care Act.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206060703/http://frankel.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/frankel-elected-to-serve-on-the-house-democratic-steering-and-policy", "Frankel Elected to Serve on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) was elected by members of the Florida and Georgia region to the United States Congress House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.\nThe primary purpose of the Committee is to assign fellow Democrats to other House Committees and to shape Democratic policies. It is made up of a diverse membership, some selected by region and some appointed by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.\n\u201cIt is an honor to represent Florida and Georgia on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee,\u201d said Frankel. \u201cThis is a great opportunity to bring forth a positive agenda that protects our seniors, stands up for veterans, and advances middle class families.\u201d\nPast Steering and Policy Committees have held hearings on topics that Republicans have refused to hear including gun violence prevention and women\u2019s health and contraception. Last year, the panel heard testimony from the Newtown Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Janet Robinson, where the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting took place.\nIn 2012, the Committee heard testimony from Sandra Fluke, a young woman who was blocked from participating in an Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on access to contraception under the Affordable Health Care Act.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206062558/http://frankel.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/important-bipartisan-child-care-legislation-passed-by-congress", "Important Bipartisan Child Care Legislation Passed by Congress", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today applauded the bipartisan work of Congress to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG), which will improve child care quality and help parents find and sustain employment. On Monday night, the Senate agreed to the House-passed version of the legislation and it will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.\n\u201cContinuing this program ensures that parents across the country can go to work with peace of mind that their children are left in safe nurturing environments,\" said Frankel\nThe legislation requires states to spend a greater portion of their CCDBG funding on quality improvement activities, such as implementing a quality rating system and increasing training for child care staff.\u00a0 Background checks will also be required for all child care providers receiving grants, as well as be subject to a least one annual inspection.\nEarlier this year, Frankel introduced The Working Families Child Care Act to address long waiting lists and make child care accessible to more working families. It would increase the mandatory funding that serves families with infants and toddlers by $2 billion and provide $500 million annually to the CCDBG for states to improve the quality of child care.\nFrankel\u2019s legislation has 72 co-sponsors and is supported by\u2013American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Children\u2019s Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Early Childhood and Education Consortium, Fair Share, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association for Family Child Care, National Black Child Development Institute, National Women\u2019s Law Center, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Zero to Three.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206065828/http://frankel.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/frankel-condemns-attack-at-jerusalem-synagogue", "Frankel Condemns Attack at Jerusalem Synagogue", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today issued the following statement in response to the deadly terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem.\n\u201cThe horrific attack this morning that killed four Israeli civilians in a house of worship is appalling. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, as well as those still mourning the deaths of Israeli civilians killed in several recent acts of terror. I join with leaders around the world in condemning this attack in the strongest possible terms.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398337", "Deutch Leads Letter Urging CDC to Issue Guidance on BMI Screenings in Schools", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) and twenty-three of his House colleagues wrote a letter to Dr. Tom Friedman, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urging additional guidance be provided on in-school Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings and their potential to increase the risk of deadly eating disorders if conducted without appropriate safeguards. The letter commends the CDC\u2019s commitment to reducing childhood and adolescent obesity rates while highlighting the need to ensure such efforts do not inflict unnecessary trauma on students that may contribute to the development of dangerous eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa.\u00a0\u201cWe believe that in-school BMI screening resources provided by CDC should be accompanied by information regarding best practices and safeguards to help mitigate those risks and prevent eating disorders,\u201d write the Members of Congress.\u00a0 They continue, \u201cWe continue to hear reports of BMI screening programs in schools that do not follow appropriate safeguards. Screenings are conducted by untrained personnel, are not conducted in a safe, supportive, and private environment, and schools are unprepared to provide additional support to ensure a safe and healthy response from students and parents. In the most troubling cases BMI calculations are read aloud in front of other students and the students with the lowest BMI are applauded. These reports indicate that there is a lack of awareness of appropriate safeguards to reduce the risk of harm from BMI screening.\u201d Cosigning the letter with Rep. Deutch were Reps. John Lewis (GA-05), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), James P. Moran (VA-08), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rush Holt (NJ-12), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Susan Davis (CA-53), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Leonard Lance (NJ-07), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Lois Frankel (FL-22), David P. Joyce (OH-14).\u00a0 The text of the letter is available below.\u00a0 November 13, 2014\r\nTom Frieden, MD, MPH\r\nDirector\r\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention\r\n1600 Clifton Road\r\nAtlanta, Georgia 30333 We write as members of Congress to share concerns we have received from our constituents regarding Body Mass Index screenings conducted in schools. We respectfully request that CDC make additional efforts to ensure that schools are aware of potential harm associated with BMI screening that could increase the risk of eating disorders. We believe that in-school BMI screening resources provided by CDC should be accompanied by information regarding best practices and safeguards to help mitigate those risks and prevent eating disorders.  \r\nWe acknowledge the serious health risks associated with obesity, and the importance of obesity surveillance for children and adolescents. Recent studies of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data have found that 17 percent of Americans between ages 2 and 19 years are obese, and one-third are overweight. We appreciate your leadership in addressing childhood and adolescent obesity as a serious public health challenge.\u00a0 Concern regarding the health impact of obesity has led a number of states and school districts to enact legislation and policy that requires schools to measure and report a student\u2019s BMI either directly to students, or to their parents, through \u201cBMI report cards\u201d or \u201cFitnessgrams.\u201d We appreciate CDC\u2019s work to review BMI screening practices in the 2007 article Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools published in the Journal of School Health. In that article an expert panel concluded that there was insufficient research available to support the efficacy of BMI reporting in schools as a tool to prevent increases in obesity among youth, and identified several strategies that may assist schools in mitigating potential harms.\u00a0 In spite of these published findings, we continue to hear reports of BMI screening programs in schools that do not follow appropriate safeguards. Screenings are conducted by untrained personnel, are not conducted in a safe, supportive, and private environment, and schools are unprepared to provide additional support to ensure a safe and healthy response from students and parents. In the most troubling cases BMI calculations are read aloud in front of other students and the students with the lowest BMI are applauded. These reports indicate that there is a lack of awareness of appropriate safeguards to reduce the risk of harm from BMI screening. While there is not yet a scientific consensus regarding the benefits of BMI screenings, some studies have found that, unless safeguards are in place, in-school screening could result in stigma, teasing, and bullying. Such weight-based teasing contributes to decreased self-esteem, increased risks of eating disorders, lower levels of physical activity, and increased weight gain over time. We commend CDC for its efforts to investigate this issue, but are concerned that the best practices and safeguards published in 2007 are not being implemented in schools that are currently administering these programs. Eating disorders, including binge eating disorder, bulimia, anorexia, and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), are serious mental health disorders, and carry the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses. People with eating disorders are 57 percent more likely to commit suicide than their peers. Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents, and the rates of serious complications have grown rapidly in recent years.\u00a0 The number of children under the age of 12 admitted to the hospital for eating disorders rose 119 percent in less than a decade. Due to the seriousness of eating disorders and the lack of scientific consensus regarding the benefits and costs associated with BMI screening in schools, we respectfully request that CDC: (1) continue to investigate the risks of eating disorders associated with in-school BMI screening practices, and (2) ensure that in-school BMI screening resources provided by CDC are accompanied by information regarding risks and safeguards, and (3) coordinate with the Department of Education to ensure that schools have access to information regarding the potential for harm, necessary training, best practices, and safeguards to reduce the risk of eating disorders associated with BMI screening. Sincerely, Reps. Ted Deutch (FL-21), John Lewis (GA-05), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), James P. Moran (VA-08), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rush Holt (NJ-12), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Susan Davis (CA-53), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Leonard Lance (NJ-07), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Lois Frankel (FL-22), David P. Joyce (OH-14).\u00a0  \r\n  \r\n- - -\u00a0 The following organizations and advocates expressed their support for the letter: The Eating Disorders Coalition, for Research, Policy & Action; Delia Aldridge, MD , CEDS, Service Director, Center for Eating Disorders; Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital; Academy for Eating Disorders; Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital; American Association of Pastoral Counselors; American Dance Therapy Association; Angela Grassi, MS, RDN --PCOS Nutrition Center; Anna M. Lutz, MPH, RD, CEDRD; Felton & Lutz Nutrition Therapy; Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare; Beth McGilley, P.A.T.H. Clinic, LLC; Bridget Whitlow, LMFT; Carolyn Costin MFT, MA, Med. CEDS FAED; Charlotte Caperton-Kilburn, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN; Nutrition For Life Performance; Chase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS; Christina Scribner MS RD CSSD, Owner, Encompass Nutrition LLC; Christine Loeb, LMFT, RD; Clinical Social Work Association; Dawn Hynes, MSW, Founder, Hynes Recovery Services; Debra Gill, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Mindful Therapy and Weight Coaching; Delia Aldridge, MD,\u00a0 CEDS, Service Director, Center for Eating Disorders; Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH, RD, Professor; EndangeredBodies.org; Jennifer Harriger, Ph.D; Jessica Betts, Program Director REbeL, Inc.; Kathy Kater, LICSW, Psychotherapist, Author, Health Promotion Specialist; Kelly L. Wright, MPAS, PA-C, ATC; Laura Eickman, Psy.D., Founder, REbeL, Inc.; Laura Roberts, Ph.D., CEDS, Licensed Psychologist; Lindsay Krasna, MA, EdM, RD, CDN; Lisa Pearl, MS, RD, LDN, Owner, Counseling and Nutrition Center 360; Mardie Burckes-Miller, Director, Eating Disorders Institute Graduate Certificate program, Plymouth State University; MEDA \u2013Multi-Services Eating Disorder Association; Michael P. Levine, Ph.D., FAED; Monte Nido and Affiliates Treatment Center; NAADAC \u2013 The National Association for Addiction Professionals; National Association for Children\u2019s Behavioral Health; National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems; National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery; Professor Susan Paxton PhD, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University; Rhonda Lee Benner, LCSW; Sara Wilburn, MS, RD, LD; Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America; Southwest Michigan Eating Disorders Association (SMEDA); Stephanie K. Glassman, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist, Glassman Psychological Services, LLC; Susan D. Engle, MOE, RD, LD --Nutrition Matters; Susan E. Belangee, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS; Susan Shapiro, PhD, MS, MS, RDN, FAND; Sydney Messick, RD, LD; Taryn A. Myers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology, Virginia Wesleyan College; The Body Balance Coalition; The Body Balance Coalition; Therese S. Waterhous PhD/RDN, President, Willamette Nutrition Source, LLC; Tracy L. Tylka, Ph.D., Professor, The Ohio State University; Veritas Collaborative, A Specialty Hospital for the Treatment of Eating Disorders; and Women's Therapy Centre Institute, NYC", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398338", "Hastings Introduces Resolution Honoring Malala Yousafzai, Recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced a resolution honoring Malala Yousafzai on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to advancing gender equality in education (Legislation Attached):  \n\u00a0  \n\u201cAt age 17, and the youngest Nobel laureate in history, Malala Yousafzai has distinguished herself as a courageous and tireless activist for global equality in education despite being met with great adversity.\u00a0 After surviving a 2012 assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while on her way to school, she has emerged as a leading and outspoken advocate for gender equality in education.\n\u201cTo date, approximately 13 million school age girls in Ms. Yousafzai\u2019s home country of Pakistan remain deprived of an education where girls\u2019 schools continue to be targeted by militants.\u00a0 This resolution not only celebrates Malala Yousafzai\u2019s contributions to education equality and congratulates her on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, but also reaffirms support for the safety and education of children all around the globe.\u201d  \n\u00a0  \nJoining Congressman Hastings as original co-sponsors of the resolution are Representatives (13): James McGovern (D-MA), Corrine Brown (D-FL), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Robert Scott (D-VA), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Curt Clawson (R-FL), and Kathy Castor (D-FL).  \n\u00a0  \nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\n\u00a0\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398340", "Hastings Introduces Resolution Honoring Kailash Satyarthi, Recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced a resolution honoring Kailash Satyarthi on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to the protection of children\u2019s rights and the promotion of peace (Legislation Attached):  \n\u00a0  \n\u201cIn his 34 years as a children\u2019s rights advocate and social activist, Kailash Satyarthi has saved over 80,000 children from forced labor, has vigorously worked to call international attention to the scourge of same by spearheading global initiatives, and has been instrumental in launching local programs to teach trades to Indian youth and rescue girls sold into abusive forced marriages.\u00a0 His courageous and tireless efforts to combat child labor, forced servitude and human trafficking are deserving of recognition.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \n\u201cThis resolution not only celebrates Kailash Satyarthi\u2019s commitment to ending child labor and human trafficking around the globe and congratulates him on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, but also emphasizes that violations of human rights in general, and the abuse of children specifically, are matters of legitimate concern to all nations.\u201d\nJoining Hastings as original co-sponsors of the resolution are Representatives (8): James McGovern (D-MA), Corrine Brown (D-FL), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Robert Scott (D-VA), and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI).  \n\u00a0  \nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398331", "Village of Wellington Council Meeting", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Join Congressman Ted Deutch at this month's Wellington Council\u00a0meeting! The Congressman will\u00a0provide\u00a0will provide an update on what's happening in Washington and address questions from the Council.When:  \r\nTuesday, November 11, 2014, at 7:00 pm\u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nWHERE:  \r\nWellington City Hall  \r\n12300 W Forest Hill Blvd  \r\nWellington, FL 33414. THE MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC\r\n No Tickets or Reservations Required", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398336", "Hastings Observes Veterans Day", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings Observes Veterans Day \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Fort Lauderdale, FL,\r\n        November 11, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) issued the following statement in observance of Veteran\u2019s Day:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cAs we celebrate Veteran\u2019s Day, let us honor those men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage and sacrifice have not only protected and advanced the freedoms of Americans, but peoples all around the world.\u201cWe must not forget that these men and women \u2013 who have risked their lives for their country \u2013 endure physical wounds, traumatic brain injury, or mental health illnesses such as PTS when they return home. It is our duty as a nation to ensure that our wounded warriors receive the respect and care they so rightly deserve. Let us also remember the alarming and unacceptable number of\u00a0 67,000 veterans who remain homeless.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cOur service members deserve our deepest gratitude for their enduring sacrifice, and I will continue to work tirelessly to support the rights of veterans and their families. As a Member of Congress since 1993, I have worked diligently to protect the interests of military personnel and help veterans when returning from the battlefield. Please join me in thanking our veterans today, and extend a helping hand in any way that you can.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398334", "Village of Valor Community Groundbreaking and Dedication Ceremony", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch is proud to join Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc. at the groundbreaking and dedication ceremony for The Village of Valor, a fist-of-its-kind permanent supportive housing complex specifically designed for veterans and veteran families. This\r\nfacility will be a beautiful place for veterans to be able to receive everything they need to succeed, from social services, counseling, job training, child care, and emotional support. Please join us in building this community for our local heroes.\r\nWhen:  \r\nTuesday, November 11th, 2014\u00a0at 10 am\r\nWhere:  \r\n2431 2nd Avenue North  \r\nLake Worth, FL\u00a0 33461\r\n\u00a0\r\nRSVP at 561-968-1612 or ccrockett@standown.org", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398336", "Deutch Statement on Veterans Day 2014", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Deutch Statement on Veterans Day 2014 \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Boca Raton,\r\n        November 11, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \u201cOn Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who throughout our history and to this day have defended our nation and our values through service in our armed forces. This year we were reminded once again that honoring our veterans requires action over words. When our servicemen and women complete their tours of duty, they deserve first class treatment upon returning home. That is why I voted for major bipartisan reforms earlier this year to restore accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs, hire new doctors and medical personnel, and help more veterans access the health care they need. The debt we owe to our veterans is immeasurable, and we must always strive to be a nation worthy of their heroic sacrifice.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398335", "Hastings Statement on the Nomination of Loretta Lynch as Attorney General", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings\u2019 Statement on the Nomination of Loretta Lynch as Attorney General  \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Fort Lauderdale,\r\n        November 10, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on President Obama\u2019s nomination of Loretta Lynch to serve as the next Attorney General of the United States:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cI applaud President Obama\u2019s decision to nominate Loretta Lynch to serve as the next Attorney General of the United States, who if confirmed, will be the first African American woman to hold the position.\u00a0 Throughout her varied and impressive career as a federal prosecutor, in private practice, and as the current U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, she has distinguished herself as a proven leader and a champion of fair and equal justice.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cI have no doubt that Loretta Lynch has the experience and commitment required to excel as the nation\u2019s chief law enforcement officer, and join in congratulating her on her nomination.\u00a0 I am hopeful that the Senate will undergo a swift confirmation process and look forward to working with her.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=239", "Frankel Unveils Legislation to Provide Resources to Student Veterans at Roundtable with Local Colleges & Universities", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today hosted a roundtable at Florida Atlantic University with local colleges and universities about resources available to student veterans in South Florida. Frankel focused on theVeterans Education Empowerment Act, legislation that would allow the Department of Education to help establish veteran student centers.\r\nVeterans have stood up for us, now it's time for us to stand up for them, said Congresswoman Frankel. Creating on-campus communities for student veterans will help ease the transition from military to student life by providing networking opportunities, assistance with federal benefits, and career services.\r\nTheVeterans Education Empowerment Act, bipartisan legislation Frankel introduced with Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Mark Takano (CA-14), creates a grant program through the Department of Education for colleges and universities to implement veteran student centers. Institutions enrolling more than 15,000 students, where more than one percent of students are veterans, would be eligible for these grants and would be capped at $500,000 per school.\r\nThese centers would help student veterans obtain federal and state benefits, succeed in school, and find a job after graduation.\r\nIn Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Florida Atlantic University, Nova Southeastern University, Palm Beach State University, and Broward College would all be eligible for the Department of Education grants.\r\nTheVeterans Education Empowerment Act hasbeen endorsed by over a dozen veteran service organizations including the Student Veterans of America, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Mission United, and Veterans Trust\r\nFull text of the legislation can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/ANu5.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=240", "Frankel Statement on Veterans Day", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, observed Tuesday, November 11.\r\nOn Veterans Day, we remember and honor the veterans who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms.As the mother of a United States Marine veteran, I understand the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families have made. I will continue to stand up for veterans, by working to make sure they get the benefits they deserve and the chance to build their own career, support a family, and pursue their passions when they return home.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141110205003/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-unveils-legislation-to-provide-resources-to-student-veterans-at", "Frankel Unveils Legislation to Provide Resources to Student Veterans at Roundtable with Local Colleges & Universities", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today hosted a roundtable at Florida Atlantic University with local colleges and universities about resources available to student veterans in South Florida. Frankel focused on the\u00a0Veterans Education Empowerment Act, legislation that would allow the Department of Education to help establish veteran student centers.\n\u201cVeterans have stood up for us, now it's time for us to stand up for them,\u201d said Congresswoman Frankel. \u201cCreating on-campus communities for student veterans will help ease the transition from military to student life by providing networking opportunities, assistance with federal benefits, and career services.\u201d\nThe\u00a0Veterans Education Empowerment Act, bipartisan legislation Frankel introduced with Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Mark Takano (CA-14), creates a grant program through the Department of Education for colleges and universities to implement veteran student centers. Institutions enrolling more than 15,000 students, where more than one percent of students are veterans, would be eligible for these grants and would be capped at $500,000 per school.\nThese centers would help student veterans obtain federal and state benefits, succeed in school, and find a job after graduation.\nIn Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Florida Atlantic University, Nova Southeastern University, Palm Beach State University, and Broward College would all be eligible for the Department of Education grants.\u00a0\nThe\u00a0Veterans Education Empowerment Act has\u00a0been endorsed by over a dozen veteran service organizations including the Student Veterans of America, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Mission United, and Veterans Trust\nFull text of the legislation can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/ANu5.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141111011018/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-veterans-day", "Frankel Statement on Veterans Day", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, observed Tuesday, November 11.\n\u201cOn Veterans Day, we remember and honor the veterans who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms.\u00a0As the mother of a United States Marine veteran, I understand the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families have made. I will continue to stand up for veterans, by working to make sure they get the benefits they deserve and the chance to build their own career, support a family, and pursue their passions when they return home.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397805", "U.S. Rep. Castor announces Hillsborough County Public Schools is finalist for $3M innovation grant", "2014-11-06", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that Hillsborough County Public Schools is one of 26 nationwide finalists for the U.S. Education Department\u2019s $129 million Investing in Innovation (i3) 2014 competition aimed at developing innovative approaches to improve student achievement and replicating effective strategies across the country. Hillsborough County is scheduled to receive $3 million and was selected from 434 applications.\r\n\u201cHillsborough County has the eighth largest school district in the country and it is very diverse. We need innovative programs to ensure achievement by each student so they are prepared for college and to compete for jobs,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cAt the heart of this are effective teachers who help their students understand their individual potential so that this translates into successful academics.\u201d\r\nThe $3 million grant would fund Hillsborough County Public Schools\u2019 proposal for an Urban Teacher Residency Partnership Program. Features of this program, in partnership with the University of South Florida, would include integrated university coursework and field experiences rooted in data-driven decision making; coaching; professional development; exposure to culturally relevant practices and content; and opportunities for collaborating teachers to pursue a teacher leader certificate. This program is aimed at increasing the number of effective teachers for low-income and high-need students, and has the potential to positively impact nearly 3,000 students in six schools. UTRPP graduates are expected to demonstrate higher effectiveness ratings and retention rates, fewer classroom management issues and improved student attendance. \r\nHillsborough County must secure matching funds by Dec. 10 in order to secure this grant. All finalists in previous years have secured matching funds and become grantees. To date, the U.S. Education Department has funded 117 unique i3 projects that seek to provide innovative solutions to pressing education challenges. A list of the 2014 highest-rated applications may be found here: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-arne-duncan-announces-highest-rated-applications-investin \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-hosts-town-hall-meeting-tonight-to", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Hosts Town Hall Meeting Tonight to Address Escalating Violent Crime at a Miami-Dade County Housing Project", "2014-11-06", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami, FL  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will host a town hall meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Liberty Square Community Center to talk with residents about the Miami-Dade County and City of Miami Police Departments' efforts to combat rising violent crime in and around the Liberty Square Housing Project. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, City of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Miami-Dade County Police Director J.D. Patterson, other community leaders and activists will join Congresswoman Wilson to address residents' concerns and find solutions.\nToo many lives have been lost, and families destroyed by senseless violence. Our police departments must utilize all resources available to clean-up our streets and rid our communities of criminals who prey upon the innocent. As a community, we must come together to find real solutions and form lasting partnerships to make our communities safe places to live, work and raise a family, said Congresswoman Wilson.\n                                                                ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-presents-1000000-crime-fighting-grant", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Presents $1,000,000 Crime Fighting Grant to the Miami-Dade County Police Department", "2014-11-05", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami, FL  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will present the Miami-Dade County Police Department (MDPD) with a $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help reduce crime and violence in the county's highest crime area, the Northside District. The check will be presented at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2014, at the Northside District Station located at 799 NW 81 Street Miami, Florida 33150. Congresswoman Wilson worked closely with the MDPD to secure the grant issued under the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program (BCJI). In a May 2014 letter, Congresswoman Wilson described the challenges facing the Northside District and urged the U.S. Department of Justice to fund MDPD's proposed solutions\nThis is much-needed funding that will support cross-sector partnerships and innovative strategies to tackle crime and violence in the Northside District. I commend the Miami-Dade County Police Department and their partners for their work to make the Northside District a safer place to live, work, and raise a family, said Congresswoman Wilson.\nWHO: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez,\n Miami-Dade Police Department Director J.D. Patterson\nWHAT: Miami-Dade Police Department Receives $1,000,000 Grant\nWHEN: Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.\nWHERE: Northside District Station, 799 NW 81 Street, Miami, Florida 33150\nIn 2013 alone, the Northside District recorded over 1,000 aggravated assaults and nearly 50 homicides. The $1,000,000 grant will bolster MDPD's ability to combat crime and violence in the District. The Department of Justice's Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program, a part of President Obama's strategy to turn neighborhoods of distress into neighborhoods of opportunity, supports cross-sector partnerships that employ data-driven strategies to reduce crime and violence in neighborhoods with chronic hot spots of violent and serious crime. Miami-Dade County is one of 17 communities across the country to receive this type of funding under the U.S. Department of Justice BCJI Program.\n                                                                                     ###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398333", "Reps. Maloney, Bilirakis & Deutch lead bipartisan letter urging state department action on Turkeys invasion of Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone", "2014-11-03", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Ted Deutch (FL-21) and 14 of their House colleagues are calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to strongly oppose the invasion of waters off the southern coast of Cyprus by Turkish ships performing seismic tests for natural gas. As a result of Turkey\u2019s provocation, reunification talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders are on hold. The bipartisan letter was sent last week after a Turkish research ship escorted by military vessels began exploration in Cypriot waters. Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis are co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. Representative Deutch co-chairs the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance with Representative Bilirakis.\u201cThese illegal incursions by Turkey do nothing to further the ultimate goal of reunifying the nation of Cyprus,\u201d said Representative Deutch. \u201cThe United States and our European partners must urge Turkey to act responsibly and refrain from further provocation so that negotiations can continue without interference.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cI am deeply troubled by Turkey\u2019s irresponsible and illegal encroachment into Cypriot waters,\u201d said Representative Maloney. \u201cNot only is this action an affront to Cypriot sovereignty, but it has forced further delay in reunification negotiations. After 40 years of Turkish occupation, Cypriots have waited long enough for peace and stability. I urge Secretary Kerry to act quickly to call on Turkey to reverse its actions so that talks may resume.\u201d \u201cAfter the signing of an agreement delineating their Exclusive Economic Zone in December 2010, it has been the sovereign right of Cyprus and Israel to engage in energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean without interference or threats from any third party. Yet once again, Turkey is actively obstructing the path to reunification of the island of Cyprus and we must not let them continue with this most recent illegal encroachment,\u201d said Representative Bilirakis. \u201cIt is time that we hold Turkey accountable for its actions so that meaningful negotiations may resume to reach the goal of a reunified Cyprus.\u201d A copy of the letter follows: Dear Secretary Kerry: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We write to express our deep concerns about the Republic of Turkey\u2019s provocative and illegal encroachment into the Republic of Cyprus\u2019s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). \u00a0On October 3, 2014, the Turkish government issued a Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) indicating its intention to begin exploration for gas and oil off the southern shores of Cyprus on October 20. The Cypriot government has already contracted ENI, an Italian oil and gas company, to perform drilling off its coast. Turkey\u2019s actions are both an affront to the sovereignty of Cyprus and a clear violation of international law. In response to a Turkish seismic survey ship escorted by three Turkish warships performing tests in Cyprus\u2019s EEZ, President Anastasiades of Cyprus temporarily, yet justifiably, suspended Greek Cypriot participation in the reunification negotiations on October 7, 2014. We urge you to take action to convince the Turkish government to withdraw its warships from Cypriot waters so that reunification talks can resume. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 After 40 years of Turkish military occupation in Cyprus, neither Greek nor Turkish Cypriots can afford further setbacks to the reunification negotiations. As members of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, we are deeply troubled by Turkey\u2019s provocation, and hope that the U.S. will exert its influence by calling on Turkey to respect Cyprus\u2019s autonomy and jurisdiction over the exploration of its natural resources. Prolonging this standoff between the negotiating parties could imperil the necessary momentum in the process. The European Union and the United Nations have rightly condemned Turkey\u2019s actions and urged restraint in the region. Now, we believe it is critical for the U.S. to reinforce its support for the Republic of Cyprus\u2019s sovereignty.\u00a0 The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2168 and Joint Statement of February 2014 in which both parties agreed to pursue a solution \u201cbased on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality\u201d marked a significant milestone in the negotiations. However, recent Turkish actions have unnecessarily increased tension in an already volatile region and further destabilize the Eastern Mediterranean at a time when there is greater need for stability and cooperation. It is more important than ever that the U.S. and the international community maintain their strong commitment to the peace process and ensure that all sides remain honestly engaged in negotiations. In the interest of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem that will benefit all Cypriots, we urge you to swiftly and strongly oppose Turkey\u2019s movements in Cyprus\u2019s internationally recognized EEZ. These incendiary actions must be immediately addressed. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398329", "Veterans Benefits and Job Fair", "2014-11-01", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Veterans\u2019 Benefits Expo and Job Fair\r\nHosted by\r\nCongressman Ted Deutch\r\nVeterans, after all that you have given to your country, let your country give back to you.\u00a0 Congressman Ted Deutch  \r\nwill be hosting a VETERANS\u2019 BENEFITS AND JOB FAIR exclusively for our Veterans.\u00a0 Come learn about what  \r\nbenefits may be available to you and your family and take the opportunity to talk to some employers who are hiring. This event is free!\r\nSaturday, November 1, 2014\r\n10:00 AM \u2013 12 PM\r\nWest Palm Beach Armory\r\n3193 Gun Club Road\r\nWest Palm Beach, Florida\r\nFor additional information please call Jill Benson at (561) 470-5440 or (561) 732-4000", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398328", "Press Conference for Gabrielle Edrich", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Deutch will\u00a0attend\u00a0a press conference to officially announce the selection of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Gabrielle Edrich to the 2015 US Army All American Marching Band! Gabrielle will join an elite group of musicians and color guard members who will perform during halftime at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio,Texas.\r\nFor more information on this press conference, contact Donna Hartley, public relations for Stoneman Douglas Marching Band @ donnah2016@gmail.com or call (954) 234-9001.\u00a0 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is located at: 5901 Pine Island Road, Parkland, FL\u00a0 33076. For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and its related events visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com and www.goarmy.com/events/aab or the official Facebook and Twitter pages located at http://www.facebook.com/USArmyAllAmericanBowl, http://www.facebook.com/USAAAMB and www.twitter.com/armyallamerican.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398334", "Hastings Statement on Lawyers Fleeing Speaker Boehners Toxic Lawsuit", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings Statement on Lawyers Fleeing Speaker Boehner\u2019s Toxic Lawsuit \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Fort Lauderdale, FL,\r\n        October 30, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the latest lawyers to flee Speaker Boehner\u2019s toxic lawsuit:\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs I predicted in the Rules Committee when Speaker Boehner proposed this political stunt to quiet the extremist end of his caucus, House Republicans cannot find any credible lawyers willing to take up their lawsuit against President Obama, even for $500 an hour. \r\n\u201cThat two firms have already quit on them in a town as partisan and divided as Washington tells you how little merit there is in this whole debacle. Republicans have deliberately hamstrung our economic recovery with their political games. It\u2019s time for them to quit wasting taxpayer time and money. It\u2019s time for Congress to get back to the business of leading this nation.\u201d \r\n\u00a0Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398327", "Alliance of Retired Americans", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DON\u2019T MISS THIS VERY SPECIAL MEETING! The Alliance of Retired Americans have invited\u00a0Congressman Deutch\u00a0to speak at their upcoming meeting in the Kings Point Main Clubhouse. The Congressman will provide a Washington update followed by a Q&A with the audience.  \r\n\u00a0\u00a0 When:\u00a0  \r\nThursday,\u00a0October 30, 2014 at 1:30 pm  Where:  \r\nKings Point Main Clubhouse\u00a0\r\n7000 W. Atlantic Ave\r\nDelray Beach, FL 33446\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSpeaking Alliance\u00a0of Delray Residential Associations\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nKings Point - Main Club House\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nContact: Sid 561-312-4349 or 561-865-0679\r\nFormat: Speak for 15 minutes take a & A\r\nTopic: Update for seniors", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398325", "25th Annual AutumnFest Luncheon", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALZHEIMER\u2019S FAMILY CENTER\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAUTUMNFEST\u201d \r\n25th Annual Luncheon\r\nNoon, Tuesday, October 28, 2014\r\nWoodlands Country Club\r\n4600 Woodlands Blvd., Tamarac\r\nHonoring\r\nCongressman Ted Deutch\r\nVisiting Angels of SE Florida\r\nBridget \u201cBrie\u201d Parks \r\nHarborChase Memory Care \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Alzheimer\u2019s Family Center is holding its 25th Annual Alzheimer\u2019s \u201cAutumnFest\u201d Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at Woodlands Country Club, 4600 Woodlands Blvd. in Tamarac.\u00a0 Our fabulous shopping boutique is held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. so be sure to get there early to secure those wonderful gift items, a sparkling piece of jewelry, stylish fashions and some truly great bargains. A great opportunity to start that Holiday shopping.\u00a0 Lunch is served at noon.\u00a0\u00a0 We still have space for a few more boutique vendors; if interested, please call our office.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nIt is part of the tradition of this event to honor those who share our conviction and who have made a loyal, steadfast commitment to our mission.\u00a0 Our honorees have supported the Alzheimer\u2019s Family Center for many years, helping us extend the services we offer to our clients. It is with great pleasure that the Center announces its prestigious 2014 Honorees:\u00a0 \r\nCongressman Ted Deutch\r\nVisiting Angels of SE Florida\r\nBridget \u201cBrie\u201d Parks\r\nHarborChase Memory Care\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis past year we have provided over 39,950 hours of in-home respite, volunteer companionship, case management, counseling and support groups to those individuals stressed by the day-to-day care of a loved one stricken with Alzheimer\u2019s.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe luncheon is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, with all monies raised used to underwrite vital services for Broward County families struggling with the effects of this disease.\u00a0 Won\u2019t you please join us and help promote our cause? \r\n\u00a0\r\nDon\u2019t miss the \u201cAutunmFest\u201d Luncheon on October 28th!\r\n\u00a0\r\nCost to attend is $50 per person; a cash bar will be offered.\u00a0 Tables of eight or ten are available.\u00a0 Unable to attend? You can support us by placing an ad in our souvenir journal or purchase raffle tickets with three cash prizes. You do not have to be present to win.\u00a0\u00a0 Please call our office if you are interested:\u00a0\u00a0 954.971.7155.\u00a0\u00a0 Major credit cards accepted.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398326", "Palm Isles Community Meeting", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The community of Palm Isles in Boynton Beach have invited\u00a0Congressman Deutch to speak at a special meeting on Tuesday, October 28th.\u00a0The\u00a0Congressman will provide an update on what's happening in Washington and address questions from the audience.When:  \r\nTuesday, October 28th, 2014, at 4pm\u00a0 Where:\u00a0  \r\nPalm Isles Clubhouse  \r\n9545 Palm Isles Drive  \r\nBoynton Beach, FL 33437", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398330", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Deutch Hosts Veterans Jobs Fair This Saturday", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Deutch Hosts Veterans Jobs Fair This Saturday \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        West Palm Beach, FL,\r\n        October 28, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) is pleased to announce a Veterans Benefits and Jobs Fair this Saturday, November 1, 2014.\u00a0This free event will offer our servicemen and women the opportunity to connect with dozens of local employers and explore what benefits may be available to them. The Veterans Benefits and Jobs Fair is part of Congressman Deutch's ongoing efforts to help our veterans build successful careers at home and ensure our heroes receive the services and benefits they earned. Complete details are below.\u200bVeterans Benefits and Jobs Fair\r\n\u200bSaturday, November 1st from\u00a010:00 am to 12:00 pm\r\nWest Palm Beach Armory\r\n3193 Gun Club Road,West Palm Beach, FL For additional information please call Jill Benson in the office of Congressman Ted Deutch at (561) 470-5440 or (561) 732-4000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398291", "The Forum at Deer Creek", "2014-10-27", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ted Deutch will be speaking at the Forum at Deer Creek retirement community on Monday, October 27th. The Congressman will provide a Washington\u00a0update followed by a Q-&A with the audience. \u00a0  \r\nWhen:  \r\nMonday,\u00a0October 27, 2014, at 2:30 pm\u00a0\r\nWhere:  \r\nThe Forum at Deer Creek  \r\n3001 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd  \r\nDeerfield Beach, FL 33442", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398332", "Hastings Celebrates United Nations Day", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in celebration of United Nations Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations in 1945: \u201cCelebrated on October 24th each year, United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations in 1945 with the ratification of its founding document, the UN Charter.\u00a0 Since its inception 69 years ago, the United Nations has worked tirelessly to implement international peacekeeping initiatives; provide conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance; promote democracy, human rights and gender equality on a global scale; and employ myriad other initiatives ranging from disaster relief to counter-terrorism.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cAs the Ranking Democratic Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), I am acutely aware of the challenges that many countries face and of the urgent need for the international community to address issues of violence, sustainable development, and health while helping foster freedom and tolerance. The importance of the UN\u2019s work has never been more relevant as our world deals with multiple crises \u2013 from the ongoing ISIS threat to the spread of the Ebola virus.\u00a0 On this United Nations Day, I commend the UN for its continued commitment to maintaining international peace and promoting social progress, improved living standards, and human rights.\u201d  Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=238", "Frankel Fights for Marriage Equality in Florida", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) this week sent a letter urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to drop the State of Florida's appeal in Scott v. Brenner and treat all Floridians equally under the law. We live in a country where we cherish the right to pursue happiness. Any person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should be allowed to live in a committed relationship with the one they love. It is time for Florida to join the more than thirty states that are now on the right side of history and recognize same-sex marriage, said Rep. Frankel.\r\nFlorida Judge Robert Hinkle recently ruled that Florida's same-sex marriage ban is a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. Attorney General Bondi appealed the ruling, denying LGBT Floridians the right to marry.\r\nAs the United States Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges to several federal court decisions overturning same-sex marriage bans, more than half the U.S. population will soon live in a marriage equality state.\r\nAttorney General Bondi's refusal to drop the appeal is preventing same sex couples from receiving federal benefits, including Social Security payments.\r\nFull text of the letter follows:\r\nOctober 22, 2014 The Honorable Pam Bondi\r\nAttorney General of the State of Florida\r\nThe Capitol PL-01\r\nTallahassee, FL 32399-1050\r\nDear Attorney General Bondi:\r\nNow that the United States Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges to several federal court decisions overturning same-sex marriage bans, I strongly urge you to immediately drop the State of Florida's appeal in Scott v. Brenner. As a result of the Supreme Court's action, eleven more states now recognize same sex marriage, and more than half the U.S. population lives in a marriage equality state. It is time for Florida to join these states in treating all of its citizens equally under the law.\r\nNumerous Florida courts have held that Florida's same-sex marriage ban is a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. This includes courts in Monroe, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Unfortunately, in the midst of this wave of pro-equality rulings in Florida and across the country, you have appealed Judge Robert Hinkle's ruling in Scott v. Brenner to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable. Today, more than a year after the Supreme Court handed down its historic ruling on marriage equality in United States v. Windsor, over half a million LGBT Floridians lack the right to marry. This is a constitutional embarrassment.\r\nWe live in a country where we cherish the right to pursue happiness. Any person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should be allowed to live in a committed relationship with the one they love. It is time for Florida to join the more than thirty states that are now on the right side of history and recognize same-sex marriage. I strongly urge you to drop the State's appeal in Brenner today.\r\nSincerely,\r\nLois Frankel\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024165059/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-fights-for-marriage-equality-in-florida", "Frankel Fights for Marriage Equality in Florida", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) this week sent a letter urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to drop the State of Florida\u2019s appeal in Scott v. Brenner and treat all Floridians equally under the law. \u201cWe live in a country where we cherish the right to pursue happiness. Any person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should be allowed to live in a committed relationship with the one they love. It is time for Florida to join the more than thirty states that are now on the right side of history and recognize same-sex marriage,\u201d said Rep. Frankel.\nFlorida Judge Robert Hinkle recently ruled that Florida\u2019s same-sex marriage ban is a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. Attorney General Bondi appealed the ruling, denying LGBT Floridians the right to marry.\nAs the United States Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges to several federal court decisions overturning same-sex marriage bans, more than half the U.S. population will soon live in a marriage equality state.\nAttorney General Bondi\u2019s refusal to drop the appeal is preventing same sex couples from receiving federal benefits, including Social Security payments.\nFull text of the letter follows:\nOctober 22, 2014 The Honorable Pam Bondi\nAttorney General of the State of Florida\nThe Capitol PL-01\nTallahassee, FL 32399-1050\nDear Attorney General Bondi:\nNow that the United States Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges to several federal court decisions overturning same-sex marriage bans, I strongly urge you to immediately drop the State of Florida\u2019s appeal in Scott v. Brenner. As a result of the Supreme Court\u2019s action, eleven more states now recognize same sex marriage, and more than half the U.S. population lives in a marriage equality state. It is time for Florida to join these states in treating all of its citizens equally under the law.\nNumerous Florida courts have held that Florida\u2019s same-sex marriage ban is a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution.\u00a0\u00a0 This includes courts in Monroe, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Unfortunately, in the midst of this wave of pro-equality rulings in Florida and across the country, you have appealed Judge Robert Hinkle\u2019s ruling in Scott v. Brenner to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable.\u00a0 Today, more than a year after the Supreme Court handed down its historic ruling on marriage equality in United States v. Windsor, over half a million LGBT Floridians lack the right to marry. This is a constitutional embarrassment.\nWe live in a country where we cherish the right to pursue happiness. Any person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should be allowed to live in a committed relationship with the one they love. It is time for Florida to join the more than thirty states that are now on the right side of history and recognize same-sex marriage. I strongly urge you to drop the State\u2019s appeal in Brenner today.\nSincerely,\nLois Frankel\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-announces-increased-benefit-payments-to", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Announces Increased Benefit Payments to Social Security Recipients", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miami, Florida  Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after the Social Security Administration announced that starting in January 2015, Social Security's automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), designed to help meet increasing consumer prices, will increase benefit payments to Social Security recipients by 1.7 percent:\nWith the Social Security Administration's announcement, over 100,000 Social Security beneficiaries in my district and over 4,000,000 in the State of Florida will receive the critical assistance they need to face the rising cost of basic necessities, including food and housing, said Congresswoman Wilson. Social Security is a fundamental promise to our seniors: After a lifetime of work, a reliable source of income is available to retire with dignity and live independently. COLA increases are essential to keeping that promise.\nSince 1975, Social Security benefits have been adjusted to ensure that beneficiaries purchasing power is not eroded by inflation, keeping millions of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries from falling into poverty.\n                                                                   ###\n                         \nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-applauds-the-us-department-of-education-s-decision", "Congresswoman Wilson Applauds the U.S Department of Educations Decision to Provide Relief to Students and Their Families and Keep College Attainable", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) says new guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Education will make college more affordable for more students. Today, the U.S. Department of Education published new rules that relax eligibility requirements for students and parents of students with debt who apply for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program.\nAs a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson urged Secretary Arne Duncan and the Department to reexamine eligibility requirements to assist families in paying for their child's tuition. Congresswoman Wilson issued the following statement:\nFor many years, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program provided a vital lifeline to students and their families to achieve their dreams of academic and professional success. The U.S. Department of Education's previous changes to the rule unfairly placed an enormous burden on low-income and first-generation college students, specifically those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, by tightening credit checks and expanding the review of credit history. I commend the Department for working with lawmakers and advocates to improve eligibility requirements in the best interest of our students.I believe that today's announcement is a great step towards keeping college within reach for all students.\n                                                      ###\n\n                             \nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus and serves as co-chair along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=237", "Constituent Guide on Ebola", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today released the following constituent guide on Ebola. The information below provides an overview of the virus and links to helpful resources.\r\nWHAT IS EBOLA?  \r\nEbola is a disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. The 2014 outbreak is the largest since the disease was discovered in 1976. There is widespread transmission of the disease in three West African countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.\r\nHOW DOES EBOLA SPREAD?  \r\nEbola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membraneseyes, nose, mouth) with bodily fluids of an infected person.\r\nWHO IS AT RISK FOR EBOLA?  \r\nHealthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with infected blood or body fluids of sick patients.\r\nWHAT SHOULD TRAVELERS KNOW ABOUT EBOLA?  \r\nThere are no direct flights from the affected West African countries to the United States. Passengers travel to the United States from the affected West African countries using connecting flights are required to arrive in one of five U.S. Airports: JFK, Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago-O'Hare, and Atlanta International. Upon arrival, these passengers are screened for Ebola. You can find more information about passenger screening at the Customs and Border Patrol website.\r\nWHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING TO ADDRESS EBOLA?  \r\nPresident Obama has appointed Ron Klain to serve as the federal government's Ebola response coordinator. He will coordinate the efforts of several agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to respond to and contain the disease in the United States and internationally.\r\nLINKS TO EBOLA INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES  \r\nCenters for Disease Control  \r\nU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)  \r\nU.S. Department of Defense  \r\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security  \r\nU.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  \r\nU.S. Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024025835/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/constituent-guide-on-ebola", "Constituent Guide on Ebola", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today released the following constituent guide on Ebola. The information below provides an overview of the virus and links to helpful resources.\nWHAT IS EBOLA?  \n\tEbola is a disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. The 2014 outbreak is the largest since the disease was discovered in 1976. There is widespread transmission of the disease in three West African countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.\nHOW DOES EBOLA SPREAD?  Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes\u2014eyes, nose, mouth) with bodily fluids of an infected person.\nWHO IS AT RISK FOR EBOLA?  Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with infected blood or body fluids of sick patients.\nWHAT SHOULD TRAVELERS KNOW ABOUT EBOLA?  \n\tThere are no direct flights from the affected West African countries to the United States. Passengers travel to the United States from the affected West African countries using connecting flights are required to arrive in one of five U.S. Airports: JFK, Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago-O\u2019Hare, and Atlanta International. Upon arrival, these passengers are screened for Ebola. You can find more information about passenger screening at the Customs and Border Patrol website.\nWHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING TO ADDRESS\u00a0 EBOLA?  \n\tPresident Obama has appointed Ron Klain to serve as the federal government\u2019s Ebola response coordinator. He will coordinate the efforts of several agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to respond to and contain the disease in the United States and internationally.\nLINKS TO EBOLA INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES  Centers for Disease Control  U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)  U.S. Department of Defense  U.S. Department of Homeland Security  U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  U.S. Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398331", "Hastings Denounces Supreme Court Decision to Allow Texas to Enforce New Voter ID Law", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow Texas to enforce its restrictive voter ID law in next month\u2019s elections: \u201cI am deeply disturbed by the Supreme Court\u2019s order permitting Texas to implement its new voter ID law.\u00a0 The Court\u2019s decision, released early Saturday morning, marks the first time in more than two decades that it has permitted a law restricting citizens\u2019 access to the voting booth to be enforced after a federal court found that law unconstitutional because of its intentional discrimination against minorities. \u00a0 \u201cThe law requires registered voters to show one of seven types of photo identification to cast a ballot in November\u2019s election, a measure which may prevent over 600,000 individuals from voting for lack of accepted identification.\u00a0 A sharply disproportionate percentage of those voters are African-American or Hispanic.\u00a0 I find this incredibly troubling.\u00a0 We should be making it easier for Americans to vote, not harder. \u201cAny law that limits the ability of certain groups to vote undermines our nation\u2019s electoral process.\u00a0 The enforcement of Texas\u2019 voter ID law before its merits are determined to be constitutional undercuts the very principals and efforts the Voting Rights Act was enacted to protect by limiting ballot access to minority voters.\u00a0 Its implementation is a step backward in the fight to create an open and transparent electoral process for all Americans.\u201d  Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\u00a0\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-and-haitian-families-to-host-press-0", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Haitian Families to Host Press Conference on the New Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MIAMI, FL  Today, Tuesday, October 21, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will host a press conference to discuss the recent announcement of a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.\nThe Haitian Family Reunification Parole program will expedite family reunification for eligible Haitian relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents. The program will also promote safe, legal, and orderly emigration from Haiti to the United States. These steps will reunite tens of thousands of Haitian families and provide a vital lifeline to Haiti's economy.\nAs a lifelong champion for Haiti, Congresswoman Wilson has led the effort to establish the Haitian Family Reunification Program by directly engaging with President Obama, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and her colleagues in Congress.\nWHO:        \n\tCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24)  \n\tMarleine Bastien, Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami/Haitian Women of Miami  \n\tHaitian Families  \n\tElected officials, community leaders, advocates and stakeholders\nWHAT:   \n\tPress Conference on the Implementation of the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program\nWHEN:   \n\tTODAY  \n\tTuesday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m.\nWHERE:     \n\tThe Torch of Friendship at Bayfront Park  \n\t301 Biscayne Blvd  \n\tMiami, Florida 33132\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson's Letter to President Obama\nThe Department of Homeland Security's Response Letter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398324", "Hastings Lauds DHS Announcement to Create Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program in 2015", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding the recent announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create in 2015 a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program in order to expedite the issuance of residency visas for those Haitians who have already been approved to join their family members in the United States, and whose visa priority dates will become current within two years.\u00a0 Complete information on the program is available through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cDue to annual caps, more than 100,000 Haitians with approved family-based petitions remain on waiting lists of up to more than 12 years in Haiti.\u00a0 In creating a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program next year, the Obama administration has reaffirmed its commitment to reuniting Haitian families, saving lives, and accelerating Haiti\u2019s recovery efforts following the devastating 2010 earthquake.\u00a0 This will not only help ensure that migration from Haiti is safe and legal, but strengthen Haitian families and provide them with greater opportunities to succeed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cThroughout my lifetime of public service, I have always been committed to protecting the rights of Haitians.\u00a0 As a federal judge and now Member of Congress, I have worked over the past several decades to reverse the double-standard policies that so often confront our nation\u2019s Haitian community.\u00a0 Most recently, on May 30, 2014, I was proud to send along with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and 61 other Members of Congress a letter to President Obama, urging him to direct DHS to create a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cI would like to thank my colleagues in the South Florida Congressional delegation, community leaders, and grassroots organizations in Haiti for their continued advocacy and support of this critically important program.\u00a0 It is my sincere hope that it will be expanded, so that all Haitians with approved petitions may join their families in the United States as soon as possible.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=397864", "AJC 2014 Judge Learned Hand Award", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Deutch is pleased to join the American Jewish Committee of Palm Beach County in honoring Gary Lesser with the 2014 Judge Learned Hand Award for his outstanding accomplishments in the legal profession and exemplary service to the community.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nWhen:  \r\nMonday  \r\nOctober 20th, 2014  \r\nat 6:00pmWhere:  \r\nKravis Center for the Performing Arts  \r\nin the Cohen Pavilion \u00a0  \r\n701 Okeechobee Blvd  \r\nWest Palm Beach, FL 33401 For more information, contact the AJC of Palm Beach County at 561-994-7286 or palmbeach@ajc.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398323", "U.S. Senator Nelson, U.S. Reps. Deutch, Frankel, and Murphy Host Ebola Response Roundtable with Health Officials", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) held a roundtable discussion on ongoing efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to respond to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and to keep Americans safe at home. Participants included Nancy Lindborg, Assistant Administrator for USAID's\u00a0Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance; Dr. J. Glenn Morris Jr., Director of the University of Florida's Emerging Pathogens Institute; Vernon Foret, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami; and leaders from several local hospitals, universities, and health departments.\u00a0\u201cIf we\u2019re confronted with the spread of this disease, it\u2019s important that preparations are made now at the community level,\u201d said Sen. Nelson.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no nation more prepared to lead the global response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa than the United States, and the federal government must use every resource available to get this deadly outbreak under control,\u201d said Rep. Deutch. \u201cWhat today\u2019s roundtable discussion showed us is that alongside these critical international efforts, our federal agencies must coordinate closely with state and local health officials, hospitals, and emergency response teams to ensure that our communities are prepared to effectively and safely respond to any potential infections here at home.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cWhile we must intensify efforts to contain Ebola in West Africa, it is important to make sure that our local health care personnel and hospitals have the necessary protocols and equipment in place to properly handle patients presenting with the disease,\u201d said Rep. Frankel.\u00a0  \r\n\u201cThis heartbreaking humanitarian crisis in Western Africa must not become a public health crisis in America,\u201d said Rep. Murphy. \u201cPreparedness for our health officials across the community, state, and nation are vital in this effort, which is why I thank all of the health officials here today for participating in this important discussion.\u201d The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) granted Florida\u2019s requests to repurpose $7 million in existing grant funds to help the state prepare for a possible outbreak of Ebola. The federal money will be used to purchase additional high-level personal protective equipment for health care workers and other Ebola preparedness supplies.\u00a0Additionally, Florida requested that the CDC provide 30 Ebola testing kits, three of which have already been issued. Also, later today, the CDC will hold a conference call with Florida hospitals about how to identify and react to an infected patient.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=236", "U.S. Senator Nelson and U.S. Reps. Deutch, Frankel, and Murphy Host Ebola Response Roundtable with Health Officials", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) held a roundtable today on efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to respond to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and to keep Americans safe at home.\r\nIf we're confronted with the spread of this disease, it's important that preparations are made now at the community level, said Sen. Nelson.\r\nThere is no nation more prepared to lead the global response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa than the United States, and the federal government must use every resource available to get this deadly outbreak under control, said Rep. Deutch. What today's roundtable discussion showed us is that alongside these critical international efforts, our federal agencies must coordinate closely with state and local health officials, hospitals, and emergency response teams to ensure that our communities are prepared to effectively and safely respond to any potential infections here at home.\r\nWhile we must intensify efforts to contain Ebola in West Africa, it isimportant to make sure that our local health care personnel andhospitals have the necessary protocols and equipment in place to properly handle patients presenting with the disease, said Rep. Frankel.\r\nThis heartbreaking humanitarian crisis in Western Africa must not become a public health crisis in America, said Rep. Murphy. Preparedness for our health officials across the community, state, and nation are vital in this effort, which is why I thank all of the health officials here today for participating in this important discussion.\r\nThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) granted Florida's requests to repurpose $7 million in existing grant funds to help the state prepare for a possible outbreak of Ebola. The federal money will be used to purchase additional high-level personal protective equipment for health care workers and other Ebola preparedness supplies.\r\nAdditionally, Florida requested that the CDC provide 30 Ebola testing kits, three of which have already been issued. Also, later today, the CDC will hold a conference call with Florida hospitals about how to identify and react to an infected patient.\r\nRoundtable participants included the Assistant Administrator of USAID Nancy Lindborg, the Director of UF Emerging Pathogens Institute Dr. J. Glenn Morris Jr., and officials from Miami Customs and Border Patrol; Port of West Palm Beach; Port Everglades; Fort Lauderdale Airport; the Florida Department of Health, Florida Atlantic University; West Palm Beach VA Medical Center; JFK Medical Center; Jupiter Medical Center; the Health Care District of Palm Beach County; St. Mary's Hospital; and the Memorial Health Care System.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024030939/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-senator-nelson-and-us-reps-deutch-frankel-and-murphy-host-ebola", "U.S. Senator Nelson and U.S. Reps. Deutch, Frankel, and Murphy Host Ebola Response Roundtable with Health Officials", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) held a roundtable today on efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to respond to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and to keep Americans safe at home.\n\u201cIf we\u2019re confronted with the spread of this disease, it\u2019s important that preparations are made now at the community level,\u201d said Sen. Nelson.\n\u201cThere is no nation more prepared to lead the global response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa than the United States, and the federal government must use every resource available to get this deadly outbreak under control,\u201d said Rep. Deutch. \u201cWhat today\u2019s roundtable discussion showed us is that alongside these critical international efforts, our federal agencies must coordinate closely with state and local health officials, hospitals, and emergency response teams to ensure that our communities are prepared to effectively and safely respond to any potential infections here at home.\u201d\n\u00a0\u201cWhile we must intensify efforts to contain Ebola in West Africa, it is\u00a0important to make sure that our local health care personnel and\u00a0hospitals have the necessary protocols and equipment in place to properly handle patients presenting with the disease,\u201d said Rep. Frankel.\n\u201cThis heartbreaking humanitarian crisis in Western Africa must not become a public health crisis in America,\u201d said Rep. Murphy. \u201cPreparedness for our health officials across the community, state, and nation are vital in this effort, which is why I thank all of the health officials here today for participating in this important discussion.\u201d\nThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) granted Florida\u2019s requests to repurpose $7 million in existing grant funds to help the state prepare for a possible outbreak of Ebola. The federal money will be used to purchase additional high-level personal protective equipment for health care workers and other Ebola preparedness supplies.\nAdditionally, Florida requested that the CDC provide 30 Ebola testing kits, three of which have already been issued. Also, later today, the CDC will hold a conference call with Florida hospitals about how to identify and react to an infected patient.\nRoundtable participants included the Assistant Administrator of USAID Nancy Lindborg, the Director of UF Emerging Pathogens Institute Dr. J. Glenn Morris Jr., and officials from Miami Customs and Border Patrol; Port of West Palm Beach; Port Everglades; Fort Lauderdale Airport; the Florida Department of Health, Florida Atlantic University; West Palm Beach VA Medical Center; JFK Medical Center; Jupiter Medical Center; the Health Care District of Palm Beach County; St. Mary\u2019s Hospital; and the Memorial Health Care System.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-and-haitian-families-to-host-press", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Haitian Families to Host Press Conference on the New Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MIAMI, FL  On Tuesday, October 21, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will host a press conference to discuss the recent announcement of a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.\nThe Haitian Family Reunification Parole program will expedite family reunification for eligible Haitian relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents. The program will also promote safe, legal, and orderly emigration from Haiti to the United States. These steps will reunite tens of thousands of Haitian families and provide a vital lifeline to Haiti's economy.\nAs a lifelong champion for Haiti, Congresswoman Wilson has led the effort to establish the Haitian Family Reunification Program by directly engaging with President Obama, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and her colleagues in Congress.\nWHO:       \n\tCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24)  \n\tMarleine Bastien, Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami/Haitian Women of Miami  \n\tHaitian Families  \n\tElected officials, community leaders, advocates and stakeholders\nWHAT:      \n\tPress Conference on the Implementation of the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program\nWHEN:      \n\tTOMORROW  \n\tTuesday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m.\nWHERE:      \n\tThe Torch of Friendship at Bayfront Park  \n\t301 Biscayne Blvd  \n\tMiami, Florida 33132\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson's Letter to President Obama\nThe Department of Homeland Security's Response Letter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-announces-haitian-family-reunification", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Announces Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the implementation of the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program. This program will expedite family reunification for certain eligible Haitian family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents and will promote safe, legal, and orderly migration from Haiti to the U.S.\nThis action will provide a lifeline to Haiti's economy, and reunite tens of thousands of Haitian families.\nA lifelong champion for Haiti, Congresswoman Wilson has repeatedly led the effort to establish the Haitian Family Reunification Program by engaging the President, the Department of Homeland Security, and her colleagues in Congress.\nAll of the hard work and advocacy has paid off, said Congresswoman Wilson. This is a great win for my Congressional District which is home to the largest Haitian community in the U.S.\nI look forward to personally welcoming and rolling out the red carpet for the first wave of recipients of this program.\nCurrently, more than 100,000 Haitians with approved family-based immigrant visa petitions are forced to wait for years in Haiti. Today's action will provide a lifeline to Haiti's economy, and reunited tens of thousands of Haitian families.\n###\nCongresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus. The Florida Ports Caucus is a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 605, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "FL", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 605, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 605, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 605, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 605, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-10-17,https~3A~2F~2Fwilson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-announces-haitian-family-reunification", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2014&_next=2014-10-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwilson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-announces-haitian-family-reunification&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 426.7557088751346, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}