{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1346", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration's Actions against Russia", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration\u2019s Actions against Russia\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced its response to Russian interference in the 2016 election:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cRussia\u2019s unprecedented assault on our democratic process demanded a strong response, and the sanctions announced by the Obama Administration have sent a much-needed message to Moscow that we will punish anyone who meddles in our elections.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThat response was backed by a joint F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security report that concluded Russian intelligence services were involved in 'an ongoing campaign of cyber-enabled operations directed at the U.S. government and its citizens.'\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNow Congress must take up its responsibility, and immediately launch a bipartisan, public investigation into these cyberattacks. Not only will it more fully uncover how the Kremlin hacked their way into our democratic process, but just as importantly it will show us how to stop this from ever happening again.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAmericans deserve to feel confident that a foreign power isn\u2019t interfering with how we elect our most powerful leaders. Only a bipartisan, public Congressional investigation into this historic cyberattack on our democracy can help restore that faith.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tDavid Damron, David.Damron@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=999", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration's Actions against Russia", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Americans deserve to feel confident that a foreign power isn't interfering with how we elect our most powerful leaders. Only a bipartisan, public Congressional investigation into this historic cyberattack on our democracy can help restore that faith.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration's Actions against Russia U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced its response to Russian interference in the 2016 election: Russia's unprecedented assault on our democratic process demanded a strong response, and the sanctions announced by the Obama Administration have sent a much-needed message to Moscow that we will punish anyone who meddles in our elections. That response was backed by a joint F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security report that concluded Russian intelligence services were involved in 'an ongoing campaign of cyber-enabled operations directed at the U.S. government and its citizens.' Now Congress must take up its responsibility, and immediately launch a bipartisan, public investigation into these cyberattacks. Not only will it more fully uncover how the Kremlin hacked their way into our democratic process, but just as importantly it will show us how to stop this from ever happening again. Americans deserve to feel confident that a foreign power isn't interfering with how we elect our most powerful leaders. Only a bipartisan, public Congressional investigation into this historic cyberattack on our democracy can help restore that faith. ### Contact: David Damron, David.Damron@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398851", "Rep. Deutch Responds to Secretary Kerry's Middle East Speech", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Deutch Responds to Secretary Kerry's Middle East Speech \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 28, 2016\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), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued the following statement following Secretary of State John Kerry's speech on the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians:\u201cSecretary Kerry spoke with specificity during a small part of his speech today about the impediments to peace caused by Palestinian incitement, the glorification of murder on Fatah websites, the naming of streets and squares after terrorists, and Palestinian efforts to delegitimize Israel. Unfortunately, the \u2018all sides must fight terrorism\u2019 language in the one-sided UNSC Resolution he defended did no such thing, which is why the United States should have vetoed it. Peace and the hope for a two state solution will only come with both parties at the negotiating table. That was true Friday at the Security Council, and it is still true today.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398717", "Hastings Statement on the U.S. Abstention from U.N. Resolution Vote on Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the United States\u2019 abstention from a U.N. resolution vote on Israel:\r\n\u201cThe Obama administration\u2019s abstention at the United Nations today is extremely troubling.\u00a0 It is irresponsible and reckless for the United States to have gone against its longstanding policy to veto one-sided, biased resolutions that undermine efforts to bring us closer to a two-state solution. \r\n\u201cWe can only achieve a lasting and permanent solution with two-states by direct and bilateral negotiations between the parties. Unfortunately, this dangerous resolution will only encourage the Palestinians to avoid dialogue with Israel in the future.\r\n\u201cJust hours before this resolution\u2019s adoption, an Israeli man was stabbed in an act of terrorism \u2013 just one of hundreds of recent acts of terror carried out in Israel over the past year. And, just like it has so many times before, the international community remained silent. Staying silent only encourages further terror, which is why I introduced resolutions earlier this year condemning Palestinian terrorism and calling on the United States\u2019 representative to the United Nations to veto absurd resolutions like the one adopted tonight. \r\n\u201cWith the adoption of this destructive and irresponsible resolution, the United Nations has once again acted to isolate and delegitimize Israel.\u00a0 The United States\u2019 actions were completely unacceptable, and I stand in strong opposition to the administration\u2019s reckless decision.\u201d \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"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=524", "Frankel Celebrates Hanukkah", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Celebrates 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,\r\n        December 23, 2016\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 tomorrow at sundown:\r\nJewish families across South Florida and the world will gather to light the Menorah and celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah. During this joyous holiday, we retell the story of the Maccabees who liberated the Jewish people from persecution and rededicated the Jewish Temple. The Festival of Lights reminds us to appreciate the blessings in our life while keeping in mind those still suffering at the hands of oppression. Wishing all who celebrate a very 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/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1345", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of Anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of Anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the United Nations Security Council\u2019s passage of an anti-Israel resolution:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI condemn in the strongest of terms the United Nations Security Council's passage of\u00a0this one-sided, anti-Israel resolution, as well as the United States' reckless\u00a0abstention.\u00a0As\u00a0a Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I opposed this resolution\u00a0because our nation has consistently supported direct, bilateral negotiations as the only viable method to achieve a lasting peace. In fact, this irresponsible\u00a0action moves us further away from peace and hastens the likelihood that we lose the trust of our allies around the world.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLet me be clear: the only way to resolve this conflict is - and will always be - through direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. \u00a0It is baffling and unacceptable that\u00a0the Obama Administration would abstain on this blatant attempt to internationalize this conflict and perpetuate the UN's atrocious\u00a0and biased\u00a0record\u00a0against our only true and dependable ally in the Middle East, the State of\u00a0Israel.\u00a0Simply put, today's vote did nothing to bring us any closer to a lasting peace. Instead, it has accomplished just the opposite.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1007", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of Anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I condemn in the strongest of terms the United Nations Security Council's passage of this one-sided, anti-Israel resolution, as well as the United States' reckless abstention. As a Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I opposed this resolution because our nation has consistently supported direct, bilateral negotiations as the only viable method to achieve a lasting peace. In fact, this irresponsible action moves us further away from peace and hastens the likelihood that we lose the trust of our allies around the world.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of Anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the United Nations Security Council's passage of an anti-Israel resolution: I condemn in the strongest of terms the United Nations Security Council's passage ofthis one-sided, anti-Israel resolution, as well as the United States' recklessabstention.Asa Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I opposed this resolutionbecause our nation has consistently supported direct, bilateral negotiations as the only viable method to achieve a lasting peace. In fact, this irresponsibleaction moves us further away from peace and hastens the likelihood that we lose the trust of our allies around the world. Let me be clear: the only way to resolve this conflict is - and will always be - through direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. It is baffling and unacceptable thatthe Obama Administration would abstain on this blatant attempt to internationalize this conflict and perpetuate the UN's atrociousand biasedrecordagainst our only true and dependable ally in the Middle East, the State ofIsrael.Simply put, today's vote did nothing to bring us any closer to a lasting peace. Instead, it has accomplished just the opposite. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398840", "Rep. Deutch Opposes UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington) Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, issued the following statement on a possible vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity:\"Once again, I urge the Administration to veto this one-sided resolution that will do nothing to further peace efforts. As 393 of my colleagues and I stated unambiguously in a letter to President Obama in April, the UN Security Council is not the venue for advancing conditions for peace. Achieving a lasting and permanent solution with two states for two peoples will only come through direct, bilateral negotiations between the parties.\"In April, Congressman Deutch led a letter to President Obama, urging him \"to continue to insist that it is only at the negotiating table \u2013 and not at the UN \u2013 that the parties can resolve their complicated differences. Your continued commitment to longstanding U.S. policy to veto one-sided UN Security Council resolutions remains fundamentally critical.\"Following the vote, Congressman Deutch issued the following statement:\"This resolution passed by the UN Security Council does not take us closer to peace between Israel and the Palestinians nor does it make two states for two peoples more likely. That's why I am so disappointed that the United States did not veto it today.\"You can find Congressman Deutch's Facebook posts before and after the resolution\u00a0here and here.12/28/2016 Update:  \r\nRep. Deutch released a statement following Secretary Kerry's Middle East speech. You can read his statement here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1344", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on One-Sided UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on One-Sided UN Security Council Resolution\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement regarding the decision to delay a vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs a Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I strongly oppose this one-sided resolution, which obstructs the road to peace, and welcome the decision to pull it from consideration today. One-sided, anti-Israel resolutions thwart the peace process, and have no place at an international forum such as the UN. The only way to resolve the conflict is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and the United States should oppose any efforts short of that, which will only delay us and move us further away from a lasting peace.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1002", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on One-Sided UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on One-Sided UN Security Council Resolution \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 22, 2016\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 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I strongly oppose this one-sided resolution, which obstructs the road to peace, and welcome the decision to pull it from consideration today. One-sided, anti-Israel resolutions thwart the peace process, and have no place at an international forum such as the UN. The only way to resolve the conflict is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and the United States should oppose any efforts short of that, which will only delay us and move us further away from a lasting peace.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on One-Sided UN Security Council Resolution U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement regarding the decision to delay a vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity: As a Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I strongly oppose this one-sided resolution, which obstructs the road to peace, and welcome the decision to pull it from consideration today. One-sided, anti-Israel resolutions thwart the peace process, and have no place at an international forum such as the UN. The only way to resolve the conflict is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and the United States should oppose any efforts short of that, which will only delay us and move us further away from a lasting peace. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\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/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1342", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia\u2019s Cyber Attacks\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the need for a bipartisan Congressional investigation into Russia\u2019s cyber attacks:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI join President Obama and senior leaders of both parties in calling for a bipartisan, public congressional investigation into apparent Russian cyber attacks, potentially approved by President Vladimir Putin personally, designed to affect the outcome of U.S. elections. To uncover the truth, we must hold public hearings similar in scope to those we saw after the Watergate break-in and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is also crucial that any public inquiry look at the full scope of this Russian cyber espionage. That must include addressing what awareness or involvement, if any, President-Elect Trump had in it, given his supportive statements regarding Putin, his direct calls during the campaign appealing to Russia to\u00a0 attack the network of his opponent and steal data, and most recently, his selection of a nominee for Secretary of State with close ties to Putin. This cyberthreat is not going away. Any bipartisan investigation must not only uncover what happened in the 2016 Election, it also must include recommendations for how to fight this new form of modern warfare. Only then can we restore the public's faith in our democratic process, and seriously deter any future cybertreachery.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=882", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks \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 20, 2016\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 join President Obama and senior leaders of both parties in calling for a bipartisan, public congressional investigation into apparent Russian cyber attacks, potentially approved by President Vladimir Putin personally, designed to affect the outcome of U.S. elections. To uncover the truth, we must hold public hearings similar in scope to those we saw after the Watergate break-in and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is also crucial that any public inquiry look at the full scope of this Russian cyber espionage. That must include addressing what awareness or involvement, if any, President-Elect Trump had in it, given his supportive statements regarding Putin, his direct calls during the campaign appealing to Russia to  attack the network of his opponent and steal data, and most recently, his selection of a nominee for Secretary of State with close ties to Putin. This cyberthreat is not going away. Any bipartisan investigation must not only uncover what happened in the 2016 Election, it also must include recommendations for how to fight this new form of modern warfare. Only then can we restore the public's faith in our democratic process, and seriously deter any future cybertreachery.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the need for a bipartisan Congressional investigation into Russia's cyber attacks: I join President Obama and senior leaders of both parties in calling for a bipartisan, public congressional investigation into apparent Russian cyber attacks, potentially approved by President Vladimir Putin personally, designed to affect the outcome of U.S. elections. To uncover the truth, we must hold public hearings similar in scope to those we saw after the Watergate break-in and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is also crucial that any public inquiry look at the full scope of this Russian cyber espionage. That must include addressing what awareness or involvement, if any, President-Elect Trump had in it, given his supportive statements regarding Putin, his direct calls during the campaign appealing to Russia to attack the network of his opponent and steal data, and most recently, his selection of a nominee for Secretary of State with close ties to Putin. This cyberthreat is not going away. Any bipartisan investigation must not only uncover what happened in the 2016 Election, it also must include recommendations for how to fight this new form of modern warfare. Only then can we restore the public's faith in our democratic process, and seriously deter any future cybertreachery. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\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=398296", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on Russian cyberattacks", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on Russian cyberattacks  \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 15, 2016\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 (FL14) issued the following statement on Russian cyberattacks against the United States:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on Russian cyberattacks against the United States:\r\n \u201cThe United States must hold Russia accountable for cyberattacks against our country, our electoral system and the private intellectual property of American businesses. These Russian cyberattacks were not a move against any one party, they were a move against our nation and all Americans. The United States also should consider broader sanctions against the Russian government following a robust, bipartisan investigation to confirm the extent and identities of responsible individuals, including Vladimir Putin himself. \u00a0\r\n\u201cAmerica must strike back at any foreign country or non-state actor that interferes in America\u2019s most sacred exercise of democracy. Cyberwarfare against the United States demands retaliatory measures and defensive steps to protect computer systems from malevolent hacking.\r\n\u201cFinally, President-Elect Trump should reassess his knowledge and rhetoric towards Russia and be more circumspect in maintaining the dignity of the office upon which he is about to enter.\u00a0America must stand strong and not capitulate to Russia and President Putin and their often malicious ends.\u201d\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/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1343", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia\u2019s Cyber Attacks\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the need for a bipartisan Congressional investigation into Russia\u2019s cyber attacks:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI join President Obama and senior leaders of both parties in calling for a bipartisan, public congressional investigation into apparent Russian cyber attacks, potentially approved by President Vladimir Putin personally, designed to affect the outcome of U.S. elections. To uncover the truth, we must hold public hearings similar in scope to those we saw after the Watergate break-in and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is also crucial that any public inquiry look at the full scope of this Russian cyber espionage. That must include addressing what awareness or involvement, if any, President-Elect Trump had in it, given his supportive statements regarding Putin, his direct calls during the campaign appealing to Russia to\u00a0 attack the network of his opponent and steal data, and most recently, his selection of a nominee for Secretary of State with close ties to Putin. This cyberthreat is not going away. Any bipartisan investigation must not only uncover what happened in the 2016 Election, it also must include recommendations for how to fight this new form of modern warfare. Only then can we restore the public's faith in our democratic process, and seriously deter any future cybertreachery.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=883", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks \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 15, 2016\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 join President Obama and senior leaders of both parties in calling for a bipartisan, public congressional investigation into apparent Russian cyber attacks, potentially approved by President Vladimir Putin personally, designed to affect the outcome of U.S. elections. To uncover the truth, we must hold public hearings similar in scope to those we saw after the Watergate break-in and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is also crucial that any public inquiry look at the full scope of this Russian cyber espionage. That must include addressing what awareness or involvement, if any, President-Elect Trump had in it, given his supportive statements regarding Putin, his direct calls during the campaign appealing to Russia to  attack the network of his opponent and steal data, and most recently, his selection of a nominee for Secretary of State with close ties to Putin. This cyberthreat is not going away. Any bipartisan investigation must not only uncover what happened in the 2016 Election, it also must include recommendations for how to fight this new form of modern warfare. Only then can we restore the public's faith in our democratic process, and seriously deter any future cybertreachery.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Investigation into Russia's Cyber Attacks U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the need for a bipartisan Congressional investigation into Russia's cyber attacks: I join President Obama and senior leaders of both parties in calling for a bipartisan, public congressional investigation into apparent Russian cyber attacks, potentially approved by President Vladimir Putin personally, designed to affect the outcome of U.S. elections. To uncover the truth, we must hold public hearings similar in scope to those we saw after the Watergate break-in and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is also crucial that any public inquiry look at the full scope of this Russian cyber espionage. That must include addressing what awareness or involvement, if any, President-Elect Trump had in it, given his supportive statements regarding Putin, his direct calls during the campaign appealing to Russia to attack the network of his opponent and steal data, and most recently, his selection of a nominee for Secretary of State with close ties to Putin. This cyberthreat is not going away. Any bipartisan investigation must not only uncover what happened in the 2016 Election, it also must include recommendations for how to fight this new form of modern warfare. Only then can we restore the public's faith in our democratic process, and seriously deter any future cybertreachery. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\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://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-senate-report-raises-privacy-concerns-associated-with-use-of-smart-toys", "New Senate report raises privacy concerns associated with use of smart toys", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 With the holiday shopping season in full swing, a new Senate report unveiled today by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is cautioning parents about the privacy risk associated with so-called smart toys.\nSmart toys, which can interact with a child by connecting to the internet, can become a target for hackers and identity thieves looking to steal a parent or child\u2019s personal information often stored by the toymaker.\nThese toys, and the companies that make them, often collect and store a wide range of personal information about the consumers who use them, including names, addresses, birthdates, physical locations, credit card information and Wi-Fi passwords to name a few.\nThe report noted that, if improperly secured, criminals can use the information stored on these devices in a variety of ways. For example: a child's Social Security number can be used by identity thieves to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts or apply for a loan. Additionally, a child\u2019s name, home address, online contact information or physical location can be used to contact or even abduct that child.\nThe report cites three incidents in which smart toy manufacturers failed to adequately secure a child\u2019s personal information.\u00a0\nOne such incident involved a data breach at VTech Electronics, a leading manufacturer of electronic learning toys and baby monitors. The breach, which occurred last year, reportedly exposed the personal information of more than six million children around the globe, including their names, genders and birthdates, as well as photographs and account passwords. \u00a0\nThe report went on to cite security flaws found in two other popular children\u2019s toys \u2013 Fisher-Price\u2019s Smart Toy Bear and hereO\u2019s GPS watch \u2013 which could have exposed not only a child\u2019s personal information, but in the case of the GPS watch, a child\u2019s real-time physical location as well.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s frightening to think that our children\u2019s toys can be used against them in this way,\u201d said Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee. \u201cThe companies that make these toys have to do more to safeguard the parents and children who use them.\u201d \u00a0\nThe report recommends several measures parents can take both before and after purchasing a smart toy to help secure their child\u2019s information, including:\nBefore purchasing a toy:\n Learn what personal information the toy will collect, how that information will be used, whether it will be shared and how long it will be retained.\u00a0This information can usually be found in the device\u2019s privacy policy. If a toy\u2019s privacy policy is too long and confusing, parents may want to reconsider giving that product to their child.\n\tCheck whether the manufacturer of a particular toy has been the subject of a previous data breach and how the company handled that breach.\n After purchasing a toy:\n Change the default passwords that come with the toy and install any available updates to the toy\u2019s software.\n\tIf possible, change the toy\u2019s default privacy settings to limit the amount of personal information it provides to the manufacturer. Parents should allow a toy to collect only the information that is necessary for it to properly function.\n A copy of the report is available here: https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/sites/default/files/12.14.16_Ranking_Member_Nelson_Report_on_Connected_Toys.pdf.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1341", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of WRDA", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of WRDA\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after the passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for The Nation Act (previously known as the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, or \u201cWRDA\u201d) is a critical step forward in protecting and restoring our state\u2019s environmental treasures and key resources. In particular, I am proud that with our South Florida congressional delegation's advocacy, WRDA contains $1.9 billion for the Central Everglades Project (CEP), which will improve water flow in and around the Everglades and help restore the health of our \u201cRiver of Grass.\u201d Port Everglades, which is in my congressional district, is the centerpiece of economic activity in Broward and South Florida. I'm proud to have helped secure, after nearly 18 years of teamwork, funding of more than $335 million for the Port Everglades Harbor Dredging Project, which will help South Florida\u2019s economy maintain and expand its position as a hub of international trade and commerce.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIn addition, WRDA and the Continuing Resolution contain more than $145 million for programs to address the Flint water crisis. I visited Flint earlier this year to hear firsthand from its residents how this tragic crisis has impacted them. I was devastated to hear from the mothers of Flint, who had to worry about bathing and washing their children in lead-contaminated water. I am glad that the families of Flint will finally receive the funding they need, but I am appalled that this aid is coming many months later than it should have. The people of Flint did not deserve to wait this long, or any longer, for programs that will help their community rebuild from a tragedy of epic proportions.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan,\u00a0Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,\u00a0202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1011", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of WRDA", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for The Nation Act (previously known as the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, or \"WRDA\") is a critical step forward in protecting and restoring our state's environmental treasures and key resources. In particular, I am proud that with our South Florida congressional delegation's advocacy, WRDA contains $1.9 billion for the Central Everglades Project (CEP), which will improve water flow in and around the Everglades and help restore the health of our \"River of Grass.\" Port Everglades, which is in my congressional district, is the centerpiece of economic activity in Broward and South Florida. I'm proud to have helped secure, after nearly 18 years of teamwork, funding of more than $335 million for the Port Everglades Harbor Dredging Project, which will help South Florida's economy maintain and expand its position as a hub of international trade and commerce. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of WRDA U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after the passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act: The passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for The Nation Act (previously known as the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, or WRDA) is a critical step forward in protecting and restoring our state's environmental treasures and key resources. In particular, I am proud that with our South Florida congressional delegation's advocacy, WRDA contains $1.9 billion for the Central Everglades Project (CEP), which will improve water flow in and around the Everglades and help restore the health of our River of Grass. Port Everglades, which is in my congressional district, is the centerpiece of economic activity in Broward and South Florida. I'm proud to have helped secure, after nearly 18 years of teamwork, funding of more than $335 million for the Port Everglades Harbor Dredging Project, which will help South Florida's economy maintain and expand its position as a hub of international trade and commerce. In addition, WRDA and the Continuing Resolution contain more than $145 million for programs to address the Flint water crisis. I visited Flint earlier this year to hear firsthand from its residents how this tragic crisis has impacted them. I was devastated to hear from the mothers of Flint, who had to worry about bathing and washing their children in lead-contaminated water. I am glad that the families of Flint will finally receive the funding they need, but I am appalled that this aid is coming many months later than it should have. The people of Flint did not deserve to wait this long, or any longer, for programs that will help their community rebuild from a tragedy of epic proportions. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan,Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398714", "Hastings Statement on Trump Rejection of CIA Assessment", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings\u2019 Statement on Trump Rejection of CIA Assessment \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        December 12, 2016\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, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement in response to President-Elect Trump\u2019s rejection of the Central Intelligence Agency\u2019s (CIA) assessment that Russia interfered with the U.S. election:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cLast weeks\u2019 CIA assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 Presidential Election is extremely alarming. Equally alarming is President-Elect Trump\u2019s rejection of these findings and continuous denigration of the American intelligence community. Whether it is due to naivety or arrogance, the leader of the free world cannot afford to neglect facts for fiction.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cFor President-Elect Trump to question the competence of the CIA and then appear on Fox News to boast that he declines daily intelligence briefings, because he is \u2018like, a smart person\u2019 is disgraceful. These intelligence briefings keep Americans safe, both here at home and abroad, and flippantly ignoring them is a callous dereliction of duty. President-Elect Trump has not even taken office, yet he is already playing games with American security and the safety of our citizens.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cAs Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and the former Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am deeply disturbed by the incoming administrations\u2019 admonition of the intelligence community. Congress must prioritize investigating and responding to Russia\u2019s actions, and ensure that the incoming Commander-in-Chief has the best interests of America in mind.\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    \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=398290", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announces $1.6 million in recovered federal benefits for Tampa Bay families", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With the help of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), hundreds of veterans, seniors, troops, families and neighbors in the Tampa Bay area recovered more than $1.6 million in unpaid federal benefits in 2016. Nearly half\u2014$773,132\u2014was owed to our local veterans for benefits they have earned. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      With the help of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), hundreds of veterans, seniors, troops, families and neighbors in the Tampa Bay area recovered more than $1.6 million in unpaid federal benefits in 2016. Nearly half\u2014$773,132\u2014was owed to our local veterans for benefits they have earned.  \r\n\u201cMy team and I are here to cut the red tape. Families and neighbors can count on me to assist with matters regarding Social Security, IRS, passports, immigration, VA, Medicare, military or any other federal agency. I am here to help,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said.  \r\nU.S. Rep. Castor also worked to secure more than $300 million in federal grants this year to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, and bolster the important work of local partners. Among the federals grants won this year are $6 million to boost STEM education opportunities for Hispanic students at Hillsborough Community College, nearly $10 million for upgrades at Tampa International Airport and HART, and $5.8 million to the University of South Florida as part of the largest HHS navigator grant in Florida to support 2017 enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplace.  \r\n\u201cI intend to be just as determined in 2017 to stand up for our community and fight for the benefits veterans and others have earned.\u00a0My hard-working neighbors and students are my top priority,\u201d\u00a0U.S. Rep. Castor added. \r\nResidents in Florida Congressional District 14 can call U.S. Rep. Castor\u2019s Tampa office at 813-871-2817 or visit www.Castor.house.gov for assistance. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398292", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castors statement on first regular commercial flight today between Tampa and Cuba", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cNew commercial airline service between Tampa and Cuba marks another important milestone for families on both sides of the Florida Straits. I am proud that the Tampa community has been at the forefront of positive change in America\u2019s relationship with the Cuban people. We must turn the page on the Cold War policies of the past and build new bridges to jobs and economic opportunities for Tampa residents and the Cuba people. The regular Southwest Airline flight from Tampa International Airport is the culmination of years of advocacy with the Obama Administration. The flight is affordable and will connect families, students, cultural institutions at a pivotal time in the history of U.S./Cuba relations.\u201d\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \u201cNew commercial airline service between Tampa and Cuba marks another important milestone for families on both sides of the Florida Straits. I am proud that the Tampa community has been at the forefront of positive change in America\u2019s relationship with the Cuban people. We must turn the page on the Cold War policies of the past and build new bridges to jobs and economic opportunities for Tampa residents and the Cuba people. The regular Southwest Airline flight from Tampa International Airport is the culmination of years of advocacy with the Obama Administration. The flight is affordable and will connect families, students, cultural institutions at a pivotal time in the history of U.S./Cuba relations.\u201d\r\nCuba Travel Timeline \r\n12/16/2008 \u2013 Castor letter to President-elect Barack Obama\r\n \r\n    Requesting a fresh look at U.S.-Cuban relations, call to expand family travel opportunities\r\n \r\n2/3/2009 \u2013 Castor letter to Mr. Tom Winkowski, Assistant Commissioner of United States Customs & Border Protection \r\n \r\n    Requesting that he consider adding Tampa to the list of designated cities so that it can act as a port of entry/exit in U.S.-Cuba air charter flights\r\n \r\n04/13/2009 \u2013 President Obama lifts travel restrictions for families\r\n4/14/2009 - Letters to Secretary Locke, Secretary Clinton, Secretary Geithner \r\n \r\n    Requesting addition of Tampa Airport to the current list of cities designated under Title 19 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 122, Section 122.153 as authorized port of entry/exit for U.S.-Cuba air charter flights.\r\n \r\n7/20/2010 \u2013 Castor signs on to bill to lift travel ban for all Americans (first in Florida delegation to do so)\r\n1/14/2011 \u2013 President Obama expands airports and travel opportunities\r\n2/3/2011 \u2013 Castor letter of support for Tampa International Airport\u2019s application for permission to accept Cuba charter flights \r\n3/7/2011 \u2013 Tampa International Airport Gets Federal OK for Charter Flights to Cuba \r\n7/27/2011 \u2013 ABC Charter receives landing rights from TIA to Havana\r\n9/8/2011 \u2013 First charter flight from Tampa to Havana\r\n3/9/2016 \u2013 Castor letter to Secretary Foxx supporting applications for direct commercial flights from Tampa International Airport to Cuba\r\n8/31/2016 \u2013 Final selection of U.S. airlines, cities for new service to Havana, including Southwest Airlines direct service from Tampa to Havana\r\n12/12/2016 \u2013 Inaugural Southwest Airlines flight from Tampa to Havana\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-received-honorary-doctoral-degree-from", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Received Honorary Doctoral Degree from Bethune-Cookman University", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DAYTONA BEACH, FL \u2013 Congresswoman S. Wilson was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) for her contributions to society and commitment to service at BCU's fall commencement ceremony on Saturday December 10, 2016, in the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center in Daytona Beach.\u00a0 The honorary doctoral degree was presented by BCU president, Dr. Edison O. Jackson, and board of trustees chairperson, Dr. Joe Petrock.\n\u201cI am so grateful to President Jackson, Dr. Petrock and the board of trustees, the faculty and students for this amazing accolade,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m beaming with pride to receive this honor from the university, which continues to uphold the same values of academic excellence as its founder, the legendary Mary McLeod Bethune.\u00a0 I am especially pleased to share this very special moment with my family \u2013 especially my grandchildren.\u201d\nCongresswoman Wilson is a voice for the voiceless who has fought for change in her community and beyond.\u00a0 Her achievements include working with Governor Jeb Bush to remove the Confederate flag from the Florida state capitol, mandating HIV/AIDS testing for newly-released prisoners, opposing high-stakes standardized testing, pushing for a ban of the term 'illegal alien' in state public records, and partnering with Governor Charlie Crist to restore voting rights for ex-felons.\u00a0 She sponsored a bill taking aim at the deadly terrorist group Boko Haram, introduced the American Jobs Act of 2013, the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights, and the Youth Corp Act of 2013. \u00a0Congresswoman Wilson is widowed and the proud mother of three children: Nicole, LaKesha, and Paul.\u00a0 She has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Fisk University, a Master of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Miami, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Florida Memorial University.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=523", "Congresswomen Frankel and Brooks Selected as Chairs of Bipartisan Congressional Womens Caucus", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-IN) have been elected by the women of the House as Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues for the 115th Congress. Congresswomen Mimi Walters (R-CA) and Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) will serve as Co-Vice Chairs.I look forward to working with my colleagues on finding common ground and advocating issues important to the advancement of women and girls, Frankel said. The Congressional Women's Caucus is an important, bipartisan forum to discuss major policy issues of our day with a focus on how these issues impact women and families, Brooks said. In the past, this caucus has been a driving force for a strong Violence Against Women Act and for the Children's Health Insurance Program. There is more work to be done, and I'm proud to have been selected by my colleagues to serve as Co-Chair with my friend, Congresswoman Lois Frankel. Together, we will work with our colleagues as strong advocates for women and families in the upcoming Congress. Today, women in America still face serious obstacles in the workplace and academia, Walters said. In the House, we are working to address this by expanding opportunities, increasing flexibility, removing barriers, and empowering the next generation. I am humbled to serve as the Congressional Women's Caucus Vice Chair, and I look forward to serving with Representatives Brooks, Frankel, and Lawrence, and all of the members of our caucus to ensure that girls and women across the country have equal access to the tools they need to pursue their American dream. I am honored to be a part of this bipartisan caucus advocating on behalf of women nation-wide, Lawrence said. Working together to support the needs of women and families is a cornerstone of our country's overall success and I am committed to collaborating in creating legislation that supports the goals of this Caucus. When women succeed America succeeds, and I'm excited to be a part of this Caucus and this continued movement supporting fairness and equality for women. Founded in 1977, the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues has been a leading advocate on issues advancing the lives of women and families. Caucus members have helped pass legislation securing tougher child support enforcement, promoting women's health, helping women business owners, and protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The caucus works closely with the Women's Policy Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization whose mission is to bring women policymakers together across party lines to work on issues of importance to women and their families. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1340", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on New District Office Leadership", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on New District Office Leadership\r\n\r\n\tPembroke Pines, FL \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today announcing the hiring of Lori Green as the Congresswoman\u2019s new District Director to serve Florida\u2019s 23rd\u00a0Congressional District and its residents:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI am proud to announce that Lori Green, a community leader and lifelong resident of Broward County, will join me in serving the people of Florida\u2019s 23rd\u00a0Congressional District as my District Director.\u00a0She is an extraordinarily active member of the South Florida community, having served on the Board of Directors and as President of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center. She became a leader in the JCC Maccabi Games in 2005 and helped grow this program tremendously. Last year, she co-chaired the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest when it came to Greater Ft. Lauderdale. More than 10,000 people attended the Games, including more than 1,500 teens from more than 40 delegations from around the world. She has also served as the Davie / Cooper City American Cancer Society\u2019s Relay for Life Community Co-Chairperson for the past several years.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cEarly in her career, Lori had a passion to help women in childbirth and became a registered nurse. She helped many women throughout her more than 20 years in nursing, including work in a women\u2019s clinic providing birth control, reproductive counseling, pregnancy adoptions and terminations.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLori has been married to her husband Mitch Green for 32 years and they have two adult children. She attended the University of Miami and lives in Cooper City.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI am deeply grateful to my outgoing District Director, Jodi Bock Davidson. Her service has extended far beyond office walls or district boundaries; she has become a pillar in the South Florida community in her own right and has served as a mentor and advisor to many. She has been an exemplary employee and true friend.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=993", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on New District Office Leadership", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am proud to announce that Lori Green, a community leader and lifelong resident of Broward County, will join me in serving the people of Florida's 23rd Congressional District as my District Director. She is an extraordinarily active member of the South Florida community, having served on the Board of Directors and as President of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center. She became a leader in the JCC Maccabi Games in 2005 and helped grow this program tremendously. Last year, she co-chaired the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest when it came to Greater Ft. Lauderdale. More than 10,000 people attended the Games, including more than 1,500 teens from more than 40 delegations from around the world. She has also served as the Davie / Cooper City American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Community Co-Chairperson for the past several years.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on New District Office Leadership Pembroke Pines, FL U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today announcing the hiring of Lori Green as the Congresswoman's new District Director to serve Florida's 23rdCongressional District and its residents: I am proud to announce that Lori Green, a community leader and lifelong resident of Broward County, will join me in serving the people of Florida's 23rdCongressional District as my District Director.She is an extraordinarily active member of the South Florida community, having served on the Board of Directors and as President of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center. She became a leader in the JCC Maccabi Games in 2005 and helped grow this program tremendously. Last year, she co-chaired the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest when it came to Greater Ft. Lauderdale. More than 10,000 people attended the Games, including more than 1,500 teens from more than 40 delegations from around the world. She has also served as the Davie / Cooper City American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Community Co-Chairperson for the past several years. Early in her career, Lori had a passion to help women in childbirth and became a registered nurse. She helped many women throughout her more than 20 years in nursing, including work in a women's clinic providing birth control, reproductive counseling, pregnancy adoptions and terminations. Lori has been married to her husband Mitch Green for 32 years and they have two adult children. She attended the University of Miami and lives in Cooper City. I am deeply grateful to my outgoing District Director, Jodi Bock Davidson. Her service has extended far beyond office walls or district boundaries; she has become a pillar in the South Florida community in her own right and has served as a mentor and advisor to many. She has been an exemplary employee and true friend. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-approves-major-everglades-restoration-project", "Congress approves major Everglades-restoration project", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate today, by a vote of 78 \u2013 21, approved a new water bill that, among other things, authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin work on a $1.9 billion Everglades-restoration project known as the Central Everglades Planning Project.\nOnce complete, the nearly $2 billion series of engineering projects will help reduce the need for harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee by sending more water south into the Everglades instead of east and west into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.\nU.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, a long-time supporter of restoring the Everglades, was among a handful of lawmakers who pushed to get the project included in this year\u2019s water bill.\n\u201cThe toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee are devastating our waterways and doing real damage to our local economies,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been fighting for a long time to get this project approved, and once it\u2019s complete we\u2019ll be able to send more water south as nature intended and provide more relief to the communities along the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.\u201d\nIn addition to CEPP, the broader water bill passed today also includes several other projects important to Florida, such as:\n Port Everglades dredging \u2013 the bill authorizes $337 million to deepen the main shipping channels at Port Everglades from 42 feet to 48 feet.\n\tFlagler County Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project \u2013 the bill authorizes a $31.6 million beach renourishment project that will extend an existing dune in central Flagler Beach 2.6 miles to help protect State Road A1A, which is the only north-south hurricane evacuation route for communities along the coast.\n\tPicayune Strand Restoration Project \u2013 the bill authorizes an additional $121 million for the Picayune Strand Restoration Project to fund new features and improvements to the original design. This amount is on top of the funds originally approved in 2007, bringing the project\u2019s total authorized cost to $626 million.\n\tDaytona Beach Flood Protection project \u2013 the bill authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for the Daytona Beach Flood Protection project.\n The bill, which the House passed Thursday, now heads to the president for his signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=521", "Giant Step Forward For Everglades Restoration and Port Everglades Expansion", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Giant Step Forward For Everglades Restoration and Port Everglades Expansion \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 10, 2016\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      WASHINGTON, DC  Today Congress gave the go ahead to two major South Florida infrastructure projects with passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016. The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and Port Everglades expansion were both authorized for federal funding after years of advocacy.  \r\n  \r\nThis legislation is a big win for South Florida. Both these projects will boost South Florida's economy and most importantly CEPP continues efforts to keep our drinking water plentiful and clean, said Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that produced the bill.  \r\n  \r\nCEPP is major step forward for the restoration of the flow of the Everglades, the home to extraordinary natural habitat and storage for the water supply of seven million Floridians and visitors. It is a $2 billion series of engineering projects that will direct water south from Lake Okeechobee into Central Everglades, keeping the drinking water in South Florida safe and plentiful, and minimizing future algae outbreaks like those in the Treasure Coast last year.   \r\n  \r\nPort Everglades, one of Florida's most important ports will be allowed to expand so that it may accept large post Panamax ships into its harbor. Expansion is expected to create thousands of new, good-paying jobs, with a half-billion dollar economic impact in South Florida.  \r\n  \r\nWIIN authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to proceed on water infrastructure projects across the country. It now goes to the President to be signed into law. CEPP and the Port Everglades expansion can obtain federal funds through future presidential budgets and the Congressional appropriations process as well as state and local financing.###  \r\nContact: Rachel Huxley-Cohen, rachel.huxley-cohen@mail.house.gov, 202-258-0743", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=522", "Frankel, Weber Provision to Protect Americans Abroad Passes Congress", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congress passed the Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017, including a critical embassy security provision, authored by Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Randy Weber (TX-14). The measure allows the State Department to use best-value contracting, the flexibility to consider factors beyond just cost, when hiring security firms to protect our diplomats and embassy personnel abroad.In early 2013, Frankel attended her first hearing of the Foreign Affairs Committee, in which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified on the tragic attack in Benghazi that killed four brave Americans. Clinton pointed out an arcane technicality that required the State Department to award security guard contracts to the cheapest bidder. Teaming up with colleagues from across the aisle, Frankel embarked on an effort to allow the State Department to consider other factors, such as past performance, reliability, and quality of service. Protecting our diplomats and embassy personnel who serve our country overseas is a moral imperative and a national security necessity, Frankel said. In these times of violence in the world, I am proud of this bipartisan effort that will allow us to better protect Americans serving abroad. There are 15,000 Americans who selflessly serve our country overseas. Many of those places are in dangerous pockets of the world, said Weber. The least the government can do is invest in the best security possible-- ensuring these men and women can work without fear for their safety. I am pleased the House and the Senate passed this important legislation, and I encourage the President to quickly sign this bill into law. Since 2014, Frankel and Weber have successfully inserted their provision into annual spending bills. Today's passage of the Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017 is significant because it makes permanent law the State Department's authority to use best-value contracting for security guards at all diplomatic posts. ###\r\n\r\nContact: Rachel Huxley-Cohen, rachel.huxley-cohen@mail.house.gov, 202-258-0743", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-averts-shutdown-approves-41-billion-in-emergency-disaster-funds", "Congress averts shutdown, approves $4.1 billion in emergency disaster funds", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate today, by a vote of 63 \u2013 36, approved a short-term spending bill that funds the government through April 28 and avoids a government shutdown.\nIn addition to keeping the government funded at its current level for the next five months, the bill provides $4.1 billion in emergency funding to several states recovering from recent natural disasters, including Florida.\nAmong the lawmakers pushing to get the emergency funding provision included in the bill was U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, of Florida, who sent a letter to President Obama last month urging him to request the funding before Congress adjourned this week so it could be included in the bill. \u00a0\n\u201cThere are several communities in Florida that are still recovering from Hurricane Matthew,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cThe emergency funding in this bill will help the hardest-hit communities make some much-needed repairs.\u201d\nOf the total $4.1 billion in emergency funding, $1.8 billion will go to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help low-income communities affected by the storm, $1 billion will go to the Federal Highway Administration to repair highways damaged by the storm such as State Road A1A in Flagler Beach and $1 billion will go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood prevention and beach restoration projects. \u00a0 \u00a0\nAlso included in the $4.1 billion total is $74 million for NASA to repair storm-related damage at the Kennedy Space Center.\nThe bill, which the House passed yesterday, now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398710", "Hastings Statement on the Passing of Former Senator John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Former Senator John Glenn \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, D.C.,\r\n        December 8, 2016\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) released the following statement on the passing of former United States Senator John Herschel Glenn, Jr. of Ohio, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, one of the original \u201cMercury Seven\u201d astronauts, and winner of the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom:  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cIt is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of former Senator John Glenn. Senator Glenn was an American hero: \u2018the last true national hero America has ever made,\u2019 in the words of author Tom Wolfe. He served with distinction throughout his entire life, as a decorated veteran of WWII, a pilot, one of the original \u2018Mercury Seven\u2019 astronauts, and as a United States Senator. A brave and devoted patriot, Senator Glenn represented the very best of America. I was proud to co-sponsor legislation awarding Senator Glenn with a Congressional Gold Medal in 2009, an award befitting his exemplary service to our nation.   \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cToday, I join with all Americans in honoring his life and legacy. My thoughts and my prayers are with his wife of 73 years and high school sweetheart Annie, and his children, family, and friends during this time of great sadness.\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  \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=398288", "Castor:  Short-term budget measure a fitting symbol of U.S. House Republicans failure to govern", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Castor:  Short-term budget measure a fitting symbol of U.S. House Republicans\u2019 failure to govern \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 8, 2016\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 (FL14) released the following statement on the short-term funding bill:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement on the short-term funding bill:\r\n\u201cHouse Republicans end the session with a fitting symbol of their failure to govern -- a funding bill that fails to meet the needs of our hardworking neighbors and families and covers only a few months in the new year. Speaker Ryan and House Republicans adjourned the House in mid-July and spent only a few days since then doing the job to which they were elected.\u00a0The Congressional Republican funding measure creates uncertainty for communities like mine and all across the country and hamstrings agencies -- especially those established to keep our country safe.\u00a0Short-term measures do not allow an opportunity to plan for the future or to make educated, timely, tough decisions about where to cut or augment.\r\n\u201cCongressional Republicans appear ready to inflict greater economic damage to hardworking families in the new year as Republicans are poised to return to the days of trickle-down economics where the wealthy special interests receive major tax cuts, while the vast majority of Americans pay and the growing debt becomes a shell game.\u00a0President-Elect Trump\u2019s cabinet nominees certainly set the table for that to happen.\u00a0I intend to shine a bright light on the inequities driven by special interests who intend to make Washington work for them, now that the backstop of a Democrat in White House will be gone.\u201d\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"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-bill-nelson-on-the-passing-of-john-glenn", "Sen. Bill Nelson on the passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOLLOWING IS U.S. SEN. BILL NELSON\u2019S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JOHN GLENN\n\u201cJohn Glenn is the last of the original seven American astronauts who truly had the \u2018right stuff.\u2019 On top of paving the way for the rest of us, he was also a first-class gentleman and an unabashed patriot. He leaves his wife Annie, who always stood by him as he ventured into the unknown cosmos.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=520", "NDAA Advances Efforts to Protect Military Trainees from Sexual Assault", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NDAA Advances Efforts to Protect Military Trainees from Sexual Assault \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 8, 2016\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      WASHINGTON, DC  Today, with passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress advanced Congresswoman Lois Frankel's efforts to protect military personnel from sexual abuse by their supervisors or commanding officers. The legislation creates a new offense in the Uniform Code of Military Justice that will prohibit a person in a training leadership position or serving as a military recruiter from engaging in prohibited sexual activity with a military recruit.  \r\n  \r\nThis law advances the fight to protect our men and women from sexual abuse while serving our country, said Frankel, a mother of a United States Marine war veteran. Those in uniform selflessly protect us and we must do everything possible to protect them.  \r\n  \r\nInspired by the traumatic story of constituent Elisha Morrow, a former Coast Guard recruit, Frankel has been advocating for a change in military law in order to better protect military personnel from abuse at the hands of their superiors. In Morrow's case, her Company Commander used boot camp tactics to sexually harass female recruits, including Morrow, and, in at least one situation, ordered a recruit to have sexual relations with him.After complaints by the recruit, a military prosecutor determined that the current sexual assault law did not apply to circumstances where physical force was not used and charged the perpetrator with minor offenses that led to a sentence of only one year confinement. Shocked by the injustice, Morrow brought the story to Frankel. The duo teamed up to amend the law, testifying in front of two different military panels and Frankel joining forces with Senator Bill Nelson and Congresswoman Jackie Speier to champion the cause. Though we still have work to do, it is encouraging to see movement in the right direction, Morrow said. I cannot thank Congresswoman Frankel and her staff enough for their efforts to fix our broken military justice system.  \r\n  \r\nNDAA 2017 now goes to President Obama's desk to be signed into law. The new legislation will give the President the authority to determine what is considered a prohibited sexual activity and the corresponding penalties.                 ###  \r\n\r\nContact: Rachel Huxley-Cohen, rachel.huxley-cohen@mail.house.gov, 202-258-0743", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-combat-boko-haram", "House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Boko Haram", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In a long-awaited victory, the U.S. House of Representatives today by a voice vote passed \u00a0H.R. 3833/S. 1632, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-Florida) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to help combat Boko Haram.\nThe measure directs the U.S. secretaries of State and Defense to jointly develop a five-year strategy to aid the Nigerian government; members of the Multinational Joint Task Force created to combat Boko Haram; and international partners who\u2019ve offered their support to counter the regional threat posed by the insurgents. The strategy also would address the crushing humanitarian and education crises the terrorists have created.\n\u201cBoko Haram captured my attention and the headlines when the terrorist group kidnapped 276 Nigerian schoolgirls from their dormitory rooms 968 days ago. For most of the world, the Chibok girls symbolize the horror that is Boko Haram, but the damage its members have wrought goes far deeper,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson.\u00a0\nIn addition to killing more than 20,000 innocent people, sexually abusing women and girls, and also sending them on suicide bomb missions, Boko Haram has turned more than 3 million Nigerians into refugees in their own homeland, tens of thousands of whom are at risk of starving to death. Two thousand schools have closed, depriving one million children of the opportunity to get an education.  \n\t\u201cBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to ISIS and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against civilians in Nigeria as well as in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger,\u201d said Senator Collins, who authored and originally introduced the bill. \u00a0\u201cRep. Frederica Wilson was a willing and able partner in the effort to pass this bipartisan legislation, which requires a five-year strategy to pursue Boko Haram and will bolster U.S. efforts throughout the region.\u00a0 I urge the president to immediately sign this bill into law and send an international signal that we will never forget the girls of Nigeria who were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education.\u201dFor more than two years, House lawmakers have stood united in raising awareness of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, demanding the safe return of the missing Chibok girls and the end of Boko Haram\u2019s carnage. Members from both parties have held policy forums and press conferences to discuss strategies to combat the terrorists.\nEvery week that Congress is in session, a bipartisan group of lawmakers participates in Wear Something Red Wednesday, during which lawmakers wear a red outfit or accessory and take group photos to share on social media. This campaign, led by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Congresswoman Wilson, is the lawmakers\u2019 way of reaffirming their commitment to find the girls and defeat Boko Haram.\n\u201cWe will continue to wear red every Wednesday until the last Chibok girl being held hostage has returned home,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson. \u201cIf the world does not act and come to Nigeria\u2019s aid, the trickledown effect on the rest of the continent and other parts of the world could cause a level of damage that will take years to repair. More important, it is simply the right thing to do and will help save millions of lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1339", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 75thAnniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in observance of the 75thanniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cToday we mark seventy-five years since our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor. We responded to that attack with a determined resolve and fierce spirit that has always marked our character, especially in turbulent times. We fought for freedom and democracy, justice and peace, and the rights of all those who could not defend themselves. Our brave men and women \u2013 our Greatest Generation \u2013 fought all across the world, and here at home so many people, including millions of women, rolled up their sleeves to fuel our nation\u2019s efforts by joining the workforce. We owe an indelible debt to that courageous generation, and I am so deeply grateful for their service and the lessons they passed onto us. We will always honor those who serve our nation in uniform, in times of both war and peace.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=864", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor \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 7, 2016\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 we mark seventy-five years since our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor. We responded to that attack with a determined resolve and fierce spirit that has always marked our character, especially in turbulent times. We fought for freedom and democracy, justice and peace, and the rights of all those who could not defend themselves. Our brave men and women  our Greatest Generation  fought all across the world, and here at home so many people, including millions of women, rolled up their sleeves to fuel our nation's efforts by joining the workforce. We owe an indelible debt to that courageous generation, and I am so deeply grateful for their service and the lessons they passed onto us. We will always honor those who serve our nation in uniform, in times of both war and peace.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on 75thAnniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in observance of the 75thanniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: Today we mark seventy-five years since our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor. We responded to that attack with a determined resolve and fierce spirit that has always marked our character, especially in turbulent times. We fought for freedom and democracy, justice and peace, and the rights of all those who could not defend themselves. Our brave men and women  our Greatest Generation  fought all across the world, and here at home so many people, including millions of women, rolled up their sleeves to fuel our nation's efforts by joining the workforce. We owe an indelible debt to that courageous generation, and I am so deeply grateful for their service and the lessons they passed onto us. We will always honor those who serve our nation in uniform, in times of both war and peace. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\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=398287", "U.S. Rep. Castor travels with POTUS to Tampa", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) is accompanying President Barack Obama on Air Force One to travel to Tampa, FL in support of his visit with active duty members at MacDill Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Special Operations Command,  the 6th Air Mobility Wing and U.S. Central Command. Rep. Castor is also traveling with the President in support of the counterterrorism campaign he has directed as Commander-in-Chief. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) is accompanying President Barack Obama on Air Force One to travel to Tampa, FL in support of his visit with active duty members at MacDill Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Special Operations Command, \u00a0the 6th Air Mobility Wing and U.S. Central Command. Rep. Castor is also traveling with the President in support of the\u00a0counterterrorism campaign he has directed as Commander-in-Chief. \r\n\u201cThe security and safety of my community and our nation is paramount and President Obama has been committed to a broad framework for counterterrorism to preserve our security while upholding our country\u2019s highest ideals,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cThe responsibilities of Special Operations forces at MacDill AFB have been central to counterterrorism and our ability to stay out of reckless wars. I will be vigilant in working to ensure that our Special Operations forces receive the resources they need to fulfill their critical missions and keep us safe. \r\n\u201cThe men and women in uniform who serve at MacDill are outstanding and I am enormously proud of them.\u00a0They have shouldered the weight of America's national security in a chaotic world full of threats and challenges.\u00a0President Obama remained committed throughout his presidency to the security of America. He redeployed ground troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan as promised, killed Osama bin Laden, strengthened the special operations mission, built vital international coalitions, and boosted military families along the way. I am proud to accompany him to Tampa and MacDill today.\u201d\r\nPresident Obama and U.S. Rep. Castor departed Joint Base Andrews, arrive at Tampa International Airport and will return to Washington, D.C. after the visit.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-mark-50th-anniversary-of-the", "House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Mark 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with Commemorative Coin", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), John Culberson (R-TX), Gene Green (D-TX), and Rod Blum (R-IA) to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing with a commemorative coin. (July 20, 2019 is the actual anniversary.)\nI am honored to be a co-sponsor of the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. In addition to honoring the Apollo 11 crew members and everyone else who made this historic mission possible, the coins are a testament to America's innovative spirit, said Representative Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). More important, proceeds from the sale of the coin will help fund college scholarships for future astronauts, scientists and engineers, ensuring our great nation's place as a leader of scientific and technological discovery.\nThe United States remains the only country to have ever landed humans on a celestial body off the Earth and brought them home safely, said Representative Bill Posey (FL-08) who worked on the Apollo program as a young man. Passage of this bill honors that great feat and recognizes astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins, who made the historic journey. I would like to thank all of our cosponsors who worked to make this possible.\nThe Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin celebrates the innovative spirit and resolve that defined the Apollo program and the estimated 400,000 Americans across the country who contributed to its extraordinary success.\nProceeds from the coin will support college scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degrees, educational initiatives that promote space exploration, the Astronauts Memorial that honors the astronauts whom have fallen in the line of duty, and the National Air and Space Museum's new Destination Moon exhibit all at no cost to taxpayers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398286", "U.S. Rep. Castor's Statement Regarding the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.\u201cI am pleased that a number of provisions in the bill passed today could benefit the Airmen and their families who serve at MacDill Air Force Base, including a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops and their families and an authorization for an Army Reserve Center/Aviation Support Facility on base.\u00a0  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cI have talked with many MacDill families who want to send their children to Tinker Elementary School on base since it provides students with a support system, counselors and administrators who understand the unique needs and challenges of military families. I have worked with a number of people in the community to expand Tinker to include grades six, seven and eight, but more work needs to be done to address the overcrowding and build permanent structures for students. I was able to have language included in the final NDAA bill that would update a 2011 assessment of public schools on Department of Defense installations. This reassessment will hopefully give Tinker a fighting chance at moving up on the list to receive resources to build permanent structures for students to learn in the best possible environment.\u201cI was also pleased that the 2017 NDAA did not include a number of provisions that politicized the usually bipartisan bill. The bill I voted on today did not include a budget gimmick that my Republican colleagues used in the House version earlier this spring, which took $18 billion from Overseas Contingency Operations to spend on items not requested by the Administration. This would have meant that our troops in combat would have run out of money by April 30, 2017, which was unacceptable. Additionally, a provision that was included in the House version was stripped, which would have allowed discrimination against LGBT and other individuals by federal contractors and grant recipients.\u201d###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=517", "Frankel Announces Availability of Presidential Inauguration Tickets", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel announced that her office will conduct a lottery for constituents who are interested in obtaining standing tickets for the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20. The lottery will take place Wednesday, December 7, and all participants will be notified thereafter. One-hundred and sixty tickets will be available.Interested constituents who live in the new 21st Congressional District may apply. Persons can find out if they reside in District 21 by reviewing their most recent voting card, visiting this map, or calling our office. If you live in another district, please contact your congressperson. For those who have already requested tickets, your names will be included in the lottery.If you have not yet requested your tickets, please contact our office at 202-225-9890 or 561-998-9045 by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7. Each individual can request up to two tickets. Tickets must be picked up from the DC office located at 1037 Longworth House Office Building from January 17 through January 19.Please note: The weather in Washington DC is very cold in January and attendees should expect to be standing in frigid weather for many hours and encounter unusually large crowds. Travel arrangements may be difficult and, sorry, our office cannot assist in any reservations for flights or accommodations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398832", "Reps. Deutch, Roskam Introduce Bill to Improve Investigations of  Anti-Semitism in Schools", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Deutch, Roskam Introduce Bill to Improve Investigations of  Anti-Semitism in Schools \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 2, 2016\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      (Washington)\u00a0Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) and Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) introduced the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, legislation to help the Department of Education\u2019s investigations into incidents of anti-Semitism in schools and universities. The co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism have joined as cosponsors of the legislation.Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) filed the companion legislation (S. 10), and the Senate passed the bill today by unanimous consent.\u201cAnti-Semitism is surging across the country, and Jewish students are facing the brunt of it,\u201d said\u00a0Congressman Deutch. \u201cThey shouldn\u2019t have to hide their identity or repress their views for fear of verbal or physical attack. This important bill will help the Department of Education address anti-Semitism on our college campuses by arming them with a clear definition of anti-Semitism.\u201dIn April, Congressman Deutch\u00a0led a letter to the Department of Education\u00a0requesting additional information about its efforts to investigate cases of anti-Semitism on college campuses.The Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Kay Granger (TX-12), Steve Israel (NY-03), Peter Roskam (IL-06), and Ted Deutch (FL-21).\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://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-partners-with-walgreens-to-provide-free", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Partners with Walgreens  to Provide Free Health Screenings and HIV Testing on World AIDS Day", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Partners with Walgreens to\n\tProvide Free Health Screenings and HIV Testing on World AIDS Day\nMIAMI \u2013 Hundreds of people across Miami-Dade and Broward counties lined up to get free, confidential HIV/AIDS tests on World AIDS Day, a global health day observed annually on December 1.\u00a0 The multi-site testing event was hosted by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, in partnership with Walgreens and several local health clinics.\u00a0\n\u201cI am grateful to everyone who came out to get tested,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson.\u00a0 \u201cI have long said that the best way to stop the spread of this epidemic is to get tested and receive treatment if you are positive.\u00a0 I thank Walgreens and our community partners for helping to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.\u201d\nTesting was available at four Walgreens locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Frederica Wilson and Juanita Mann Health Center, Borinquen Health Care Center, and New Horizons Community Mental Health Center.\u00a0 The testing was done in rapid testing mobile units provided by Miami-Dade and Broward County Florida Department of Health, Care Resource, Empower U, and Jessie Trice Community Health Center.\u00a0 Walgreens provided giveaways to individuals who were tested.\nCongresswoman Wilson is a committed advocate of HIV/AIDS prevention.\u00a0 She sponsored several bills to boost HIV/AIDS education and awareness throughout her career in public service. \u00a0This year marks the 14th anniversary of a bill she sponsored in the Florida legislature to mandate HIV testing for prisoners upon their release from Florida prisons.\u00a0 The purpose of the bill was to confirm prisoners\u2019 HIV status as they re-enter society and connect them to care if they were HIV positive.\n\u201cThe CDC reports that African-Americans are the largest ethnic group of new HIV cases, and Miami-Dade and Broward counties are numbers 1 and 2 in the country for new cases.\u00a0 The changing face of HIV/AIDS has brought about a change in public response.\u00a0 We have to raise awareness and keep working to end HIV.\u00a0 The cost in human capital and lost talent is too high,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-s-statement-in-response-to-the-un-s", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson\u2019s Statement in Response to  the U.N.\u2019s Apology for Haiti\u2019s 2010 Cholera Epidemic", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson\u2019s Statement in Response to\n\t\u00a0the U.N.\u2019s Apology for Haiti\u2019s 2010 Cholera Epidemic\nWashington, D.C.\u2014Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson released the following statement in response to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon\u2019s formal apology to the people of Haiti for the U.N.\u2019s role in a cholera epidemic that has been attributed to improper wastewater disposal by U.N. peacekeepers sent to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Approximately 800,000 people contracted the infectious bacterial disease and at least 10,000 died. In October, Rep. Wilson traveled to Haiti to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, which included a fresh cholera outbreak.\n\u201cUnited Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon this week expressed long-overdue regret for the role his organization played in the 2010 cholera outbreak that killed 10,000 people. While I am sure that Haiti\u2019s citizens appreciate his words, what they most want and need is action,\u201d said Congresswoman Wilson. \u201cI commend the U.N. for acknowledging its mea culpa but urge it to take meaningful steps to collect the $400 million pledged to fix Haiti\u2019s water and sanitation system and provide treatment and material assistance to the outbreak\u2019s victims. I also hope that U.N. nations will do the right thing through financial contributions to this critical mission.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1338", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's Meeting with President-Elect Trump", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi\u2019s Meeting with President-Elect Trump\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement this morning ahead of a meeting between President-Elect Trump and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cDonald Trump campaigned on promises to hold government officials accountable by \u2018draining the swamp\u2019 \u2013 but apparently those pledges don\u2019t apply to Mr. Trump or his cronies. In fact, his meeting with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is anything but that. Earlier this year, alarmed Floridians raised questions about whether Bondi \u2013 our state\u2019s highest ranking law enforcement official \u2013 had engaged in a troubling and potentially illegal pay-to-play scandal with the President-Elect over Trump University, his higher education sham over which he\u2019s since had to pay an unprecedented $25 million fine. Attorney General Bondi declined to pursue a similar case in Florida after Mr. Trump made an illegal donation to her campaign, in which he made a political contribution from his charitable foundation. Now, they are meeting behind closed doors, ostensibly to discuss a job. It\u2019s time to come clean. The Attorney General and the President-Elect need to once and for all speak honestly about Trump University and his campaign contributions \u2013 instead of rewarding illegal behavior with the spoils of victory.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=930", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's Meeting with President-Elect Trump", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's Meeting with President-Elect Trump \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 2, 2016\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        Donald Trump campaigned on promises to hold government officials accountable by draining the swamp'  but apparently those pledges don't apply to Mr. Trump or his cronies. In fact, his meeting with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is anything but that. Earlier this year, alarmed Floridians raised questions about whether Bondi  our state's highest ranking law enforcement official  had engaged in a troubling and potentially illegal pay-to-play scandal with the President-Elect over Trump University, his higher education sham over which he's since had to pay an unprecedented $25 million fine. Attorney General Bondi declined to pursue a similar case in Florida after Mr. Trump made an illegal donation to her campaign, in which he made a political contribution from his charitable foundation. Now, they are meeting behind closed doors, ostensibly to discuss a job. It's time to come clean. The Attorney General and the President-Elect need to once and for all speak honestly about Trump University and his campaign contributions  instead of rewarding illegal behavior with the spoils of victory.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's Meeting with President-Elect Trump U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement this morning ahead of a meeting between President-Elect Trump and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi: Donald Trump campaigned on promises to hold government officials accountable by draining the swamp'  but apparently those pledges don't apply to Mr. Trump or his cronies. In fact, his meeting with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is anything but that. Earlier this year, alarmed Floridians raised questions about whether Bondi  our state's highest ranking law enforcement official  had engaged in a troubling and potentially illegal pay-to-play scandal with the President-Elect over Trump University, his higher education sham over which he's since had to pay an unprecedented $25 million fine. Attorney General Bondi declined to pursue a similar case in Florida after Mr. Trump made an illegal donation to her campaign, in which he made a political contribution from his charitable foundation. Now, they are meeting behind closed doors, ostensibly to discuss a job. It's time to come clean. The Attorney General and the President-Elect need to once and for all speak honestly about Trump University and his campaign contributions  instead of rewarding illegal behavior with the spoils of victory. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931    \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=398709", "Hastings Statement on World AIDS Day", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "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:\r\n\u201cEvery first of December for the past 28 years, we have commemorated World AIDS Day to increase awareness, improve education, combat prejudice, remember those who are no longer with us, and celebrate how far we have come in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.\u00a0 Thanks to the dedication of countless scientists, health care providers, government officials, organizations, and activists, more and more people can live with HIV/AIDS rather than die from it.\r\n\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 35 million people have died since the first cases were reported in 1981 and 1.1 million people died of AIDS-related causes in 2015.\r\n\u201cHIV/AIDS is an international issue, however it has taken a particularly devastating toll on my district.\u00a0 Florida continues to rank among the top-three states in the nation in reported HIV/AIDS cases, with nearly 24 diagnosed cases per 100,000 people according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Broward County has the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS in Florida.\r\n\u201cThere is hope. New HIV diagnoses continue to decline, and research continues to improve the outlook of those suffering from this terrible disease. These successes are encouraging, and if we continue to fight, I am confident we will reach our goal of ridding the world of the HIV/AIDS by 2030.\r\n\u201cOn this World AIDS Day, my thoughts and prayers are with those across this nation and around the world who live with HIV/AIDS and their families. As we approach the beginning of the 115th Congress, I stand committed to working with my colleagues to continue protecting the rights of HIV/AIDS patients and increasing access to testing and treatment. Today, let us recommit ourselves to the fight to rid the world of this disease once and for all.\u201d\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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398282", "21st Century Cures passes U.S. House with a boost for medical research", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Medical researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida are likely beneficiaries as are families who struggle with cancer, Alzheimer's and opioid addiction of the 21st Century Cures legislation that passed last night in the U.S. House with overwhelming bipartisan support, announced U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14). \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Medical researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida are likely beneficiaries as are families who struggle with cancer, Alzheimer's and opioid addiction of the 21st Century Cures legislation that passed last night in the U.S. House with overwhelming bipartisan support, announced U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14).\u00a0\r\nThe 21st Century Cures bill includes $1.5 billion for President Obama\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative, $1.8 billion for Vice President Biden\u2019s cancer \u201cmoonshot\u201d initiative, $1.5 billion for a program focused on enhanced understanding of brain-related diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and $1 billion for communities struggling with opioid addiction.\r\n\u201cThese initiatives will save lives and provide hope for the cures of tomorrow,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cPlus, because Tampa Bay is home to prestigious research institutes\u00a0and a growing biomedical sector, such\u00a0investments should boost higher-wage jobs.\u201d\r\nView all of U.S. Rep. Castor\u2019s remarks made on the House floor yesterday on the need for America to remain on the cutting edge of medical innovation and increase higher-wage jobs. \r\nDr. Bill Dalton, CEO of M2Gen, a Moffitt Cancer Center biotechnology company, also expressed support for these initiatives included in the 21st Century Cures bill: \u201cIn this time of unprecedented promise in medical research and innovation, we are especially grateful for the infusion of funding to the NIH that the Cures bill would bring. It will allow us to seize the scientific opportunities that lie before us, especially in exciting areas such as Precision Medicine Initiative and the cancer \u2018moonshot\u2019 program.\u201d\r\nIn addition, the legislative package includes the bipartisan Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act, which was introduced by\u00a0U.S. Reps. Castor and Herrera Beutler (R-WA).\r\n\u201cThe Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act ensures that expectant mothers and their doctors have adequate and accurate information about medications used during pregnancy and when nursing to facilitate the best health outcomes,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cExperts advised that we need focused research to assess the risks of current medications on the market to mothers and babies. U.S. Rep. Herrera Beutler has been a champion for families and I am grateful to her for leading this effort to improve the quality of data and information on medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.\u201d\r\nWhile new investments in research are welcome, U.S. Rep. Castor expressed concern that the Cures bill does not address the price hikes of prescription drugs, especially after many lawmakers recently called out Mylan corporation during a congressional hearing for its outrageous price increases of EpiPen:\u00a0 \u201cLife-saving treatments should not be out of reach for our neighbors. This should have been opportunity to stand up for families and consumers by reigning in record-setting prescription drug spending.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1337", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 35th Anniversary of World AIDS Day", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 35thAnniversary of World AIDS Day\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today in observance of World AIDS Day:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFor 35 years, World AIDS Day has united the globe in raising awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS.\u00a0 Today, an estimated 36.7 million people are living with this tragic disease worldwide and we know that this number will grow unless we work fearlessly and tirelessly on this civil and human rights issue.\r\n\r\n\t\"Now more than ever, it is imperative that lawmakers fight for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is currently providing access to preventative care, testing, and treatment to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.\u00a0No one should have to choose between financial stability and lifesaving medication and procedures, especially those with pre-existing conditions. As a legislator, I will continue to support the ACA and funding for research, education, and health care facilities in the South Florida community and beyond.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIn the fight against this epidemic, we must denounce policies that continue to stigmatize this disease and the communities affected. After the horrific shooting at the\u00a0Pulse night club\u00a0in Orlando this June, I urged the Food and Drug Administration to expedite their elimination of the discriminatory restrictions on gay men donating blood. We know that we must break down every physical, psychological, and social barrier that bars\u00a0too many\u00a0Americans from getting the care they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan,\u00a0Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,\u00a0202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=862", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on 35th Anniversary of World AIDS Day", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For 35 years, World AIDS Day has united the globe in raising awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Today, an estimated 36.7 million people are living with this tragic disease worldwide and we know that this number will grow unless we work fearlessly and tirelessly on this civil and human rights issue. Now more than ever, it is imperative that lawmakers fight for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is currently providing access to preventative care, testing, and treatment to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. No one should have to choose between financial stability and lifesaving medication and procedures, especially those with pre-existing conditions. As a legislator, I will continue to support the ACA and funding for research, education, and health care facilities in the South Florida community and beyond.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on 35thAnniversary of World AIDS Day U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today in observance of World AIDS Day: For 35 years, World AIDS Day has united the globe in raising awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, an estimated 36.7 million people are living with this tragic disease worldwide and we know that this number will grow unless we work fearlessly and tirelessly on this civil and human rights issue. \"Now more than ever, it is imperative that lawmakers fight for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is currently providing access to preventative care, testing, and treatment to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.No one should have to choose between financial stability and lifesaving medication and procedures, especially those with pre-existing conditions. As a legislator, I will continue to support the ACA and funding for research, education, and health care facilities in the South Florida community and beyond. In the fight against this epidemic, we must denounce policies that continue to stigmatize this disease and the communities affected. After the horrific shooting at thePulse night clubin Orlando this June, I urged the Food and Drug Administration to expedite their elimination of the discriminatory restrictions on gay men donating blood. We know that we must break down every physical, psychological, and social barrier that barstoo manyAmericans from getting the care they need and deserve. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan,Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1336", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement tonight after the passage of H.R. 34, the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs a breast cancer survivor and a legislator, the 21st Century Cures Act is deeply personal to me, because too many of my constituents and I have learned firsthand just how badly we need to find cures for deadly diseases like cancer. I am proud that this bill provides $1.8 billion in funding for Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s \u201cCancer Moonshot,\u201d which is yet another shining example of the Obama Administration\u2019s determination to improve the health care of all Americans. This critical legislation will fuel the development of cancer vaccines and more sensitive diagnostic tests for cancer, immunotherapy and the development of combination therapies. Cancer affects people of every background and faith and this funding will go to urgently needed research, which is the only way for us to once and for all beat cancer. I am deeply grateful to Vice President Biden for his tireless advocacy on this issue.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI also supported the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act because of its $2 billion commitment to tackling our nation\u2019s opioid epidemic. This epidemic is reaching dangerous levels across America, including in South Florida. Recent news reports found that the 12-month death total from heroin or opiate-related drug overdoses will exceed 800 people in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties, which should be alarming to every public official and citizen in our area. This bill provides critically-needed funding to combat the crisis in our community and hopefully save South Florida lives.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis legislation, like most bills that pass Congress in this era of divided government, is not perfect. I share the concerns of my colleagues and advocates that the funds provided in this bill could be supplanted, in the years to come. As an Appropriator, I will hold my Republican colleagues and the incoming Administration accountable for protecting these funds. Additionally, this bill does not adequately address the rising cost of prescription drugs, which is alarming and needs a solution. However, I firmly believe this bill\u2019s positives \u2013 billions of dollars in dedicated funding to speed up life-saving research and make greater progress in combatting disease \u2013 outweigh these concerns and do a substantial amount of good for those who need it the most.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan,\u00a0Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,\u00a0202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1006", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a breast cancer survivor and a legislator, the 21st Century Cures Act is deeply personal to me, because too many of my constituents and I have learned firsthand just how badly we need to find cures for deadly diseases like cancer. I am proud that this bill provides $1.8 billion in funding for Vice President Joe Biden's \"Cancer Moonshot,\" which is yet another shining example of the Obama Administration's determination to improve the health care of all Americans. This critical legislation will fuel the development of cancer vaccines and more sensitive diagnostic tests for cancer, immunotherapy and the development of combination therapies. Cancer affects people of every background and faith and this funding will go to urgently needed research, which is the only way for us to once and for all beat cancer. I am deeply grateful to Vice President Biden for his tireless advocacy on this issue.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of 21stCentury Cures Act U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement tonight after the passage of H.R. 34, the 21stCentury Cures Act: As a breast cancer survivor and a legislator, the 21st Century Cures Act is deeply personal to me, because too many of my constituents and I have learned firsthand just how badly we need to find cures for deadly diseases like cancer. I am proud that this bill provides $1.8 billion in funding for Vice President Joe Biden's Cancer Moonshot, which is yet another shining example of the Obama Administration's determination to improve the health care of all Americans. This critical legislation will fuel the development of cancer vaccines and more sensitive diagnostic tests for cancer, immunotherapy and the development of combination therapies. Cancer affects people of every background and faith and this funding will go to urgently needed research, which is the only way for us to once and for all beat cancer. I am deeply grateful to Vice President Biden for his tireless advocacy on this issue. I also supported the 21stCentury Cures Act because of its $2 billion commitment to tackling our nation's opioid epidemic. This epidemic is reaching dangerous levels across America, including in South Florida. Recent news reports found that the 12-month death total from heroin or opiate-related drug overdoses will exceed 800 people in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties, which should be alarming to every public official and citizen in our area. This bill provides critically-needed funding to combat the crisis in our community and hopefully save South Florida lives. This legislation, like most bills that pass Congress in this era of divided government, is not perfect. I share the concerns of my colleagues and advocates that the funds provided in this bill could be supplanted, in the years to come. As an Appropriator, I will hold my Republican colleagues and the incoming Administration accountable for protecting these funds. Additionally, this bill does not adequately address the rising cost of prescription drugs, which is alarming and needs a solution. However, I firmly believe this bill's positives  billions of dollars in dedicated funding to speed up life-saving research and make greater progress in combatting disease  outweigh these concerns and do a substantial amount of good for those who need it the most. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan,Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398829", "House Passes Resolution Rejecting UN Efforts to Impose Resolution of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Resolution Rejecting UN Efforts to Impose Resolution of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict \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 29, 2016\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      (Washington) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H. Con. Res. 165, a resolution reaffirming longstanding U.S. policy of supporting direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians as the only path to achieving a durable and lasting settlement to the conflict. The resolution also reiterates Congress\u2019 opposition to any outside effort to impose an agreement on the parties, through the United Nations or any other body, and encourages the U.S. government to continue to block such efforts.Upon the resolution\u2019s passage, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, issued the following statement:\u201cThere should be no pause or hesitation in the minds and hearts of Israelis that the United States Government and a unified Congress stand steadfastly with Israel. This means that we must continue to block any effort to impose a settlement of the conflict from the outside. This resolution reaffirms the position by the U.S. House of Representatives that this conflict will not be resolved by a UN resolution or unilateral declaration. Peace will only be achieved through direct, bilateral negotiations.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-s-statement-on-haiti-s-november-20-0", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson\u2019s Statement on Haiti\u2019s November 20 Elections", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement on Haiti\u2019s presidential and legislative elections:\n\u201cUnder less than ideal circumstances, the citizens of Haiti on November 20 helped their nation take an important step toward governance. I applaud Haiti for achieving its goal to hold the election in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and congratulate Jovenel Mo\u00efse, the apparent winner of the presidential contest. District 24 includes one of the nation\u2019s largest Haitian communities and I look forward to working with Haiti as it continues moving forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1334", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Nomination of Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Nomination of Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC\u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after President-Elect Donald Trump tapped U.S. Rep. Tom Price (GA-06) to be U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe President-Elect is making it abundantly clear that he will attempt to dismantle the progress we have made under President Obama. As HHS Secretary, Congressman Price, an avowed opponent of the Affordable Care Act, will lead the charge to take health care away from the 20 million people who gained access to coverage thanks to Obamacare. He will drag us back to the dark times when 129 million Americans who live with a pre-existing condition like me, a breast cancer survivor, could be dropped or denied coverage.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cCongressman Price is also a national leader on turning Medicare, a bedrock program of our retirement safety net, into a voucher program that will leave our seniors paying thousands more for their health care.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cActions speak louder than the President-Elect's words. The nomination of U.S. Rep\u00a0 Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services puts the most virulent opponent of ensuring that all Americans have access to health care in a position to jeopardize the health of millions of Americans. Congressman Price and President-Elect Trump have one goal in mind: break our nation\u2019s promises to our seniors and go back to the days when millions of Americans went without health care coverage.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1335", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Colombian Plane Crash", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Colombian Plane Crash\r\n\r\n\tPembroke Pines, FL \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after a plane crashed in Colombia, killing at least 75 people:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMy heart goes out to the victims and the victims\u2019 families of this heartbreaking and tragic airline disaster. There are no words today that can fully heal the loss of the victims\u2019 loved ones and all of the fans and supporters of Chapecoense, a soccer team that had players traveling on board the plane. I join the people of Colombia and Brazil and every nation affected by this disaster in mourning this tragic loss. May the memory of those who lost their lives be a blessing.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWasserman Schultz Declaraci\u00f3n Sobre el Accidente A\u00e9reo Colombiano\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013U.S. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) emiti\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n despu\u00e9s de que un avi\u00f3n se estrell\u00f3 en Colombia, matando a 75 personas:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMi coraz\u00f3n se dirige a las v\u00edctimas y a las familias de las v\u00edctimas de este desolador y tr\u00e1gico desastre a\u00e9reo. No existen palabras que puedan sanar por completo la perdida de los seres queridos de las v\u00edctimas y de todos los aficionados y seguidores del Chapecoense, el equipo de futbol que viajaba a bordo del avi\u00f3n. Me uno al pueblo de Colombia y Brasil en el duelo por esta tr\u00e1gica perdida. Que la memoria de los que perdieron la vida sea una bendici\u00f3n.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=893", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Colombian Plane Crash", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "My heart goes out to the victims and the victims' families of this heartbreaking and tragic airline disaster. There are no words today that can fully heal the loss of the victims' loved ones and all of the fans and supporters of Chapecoense, a soccer team that had players traveling on board the plane. I join the people of Colombia and Brazil and every nation affected by this disaster in mourning this tragic loss. May the memory of those who lost their lives be a blessing.\"\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Colombian Plane Crash Pembroke Pines, FL  U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after a plane crashed in Colombia, killing at least 75 people: My heart goes out to the victims and the victims' families of this heartbreaking and tragic airline disaster. There are no words today that can fully heal the loss of the victims' loved ones and all of the fans and supporters of Chapecoense, a soccer team that had players traveling on board the plane. I join the people of Colombia and Brazil and every nation affected by this disaster in mourning this tragic loss. May the memory of those who lost their lives be a blessing. ###  Wasserman Schultz Declaracin Sobre el Accidente Areo Colombiano U.S. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) emiti la siguiente declaracin despus de que un avin se estrell en Colombia, matando a 75 personas: Mi corazn se dirige a las vctimas y a las familias de las vctimas de este desolador y trgico desastre areo. No existen palabras que puedan sanar por completo la perdida de los seres queridos de las vctimas y de todos los aficionados y seguidores del Chapecoense, el equipo de futbol que viajaba a bordo del avin. Me uno al pueblo de Colombia y Brasil en el duelo por esta trgica perdida. Que la memoria de los que perdieron la vida sea una bendicin.  ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=997", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Nomination of Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Actions speak louder than the President-Elect's words. The nomination of U.S. Rep  Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services puts the most virulent opponent of ensuring that all Americans have access to health care in a position to jeopardize the health of millions of Americans. Congressman Price and President-Elect Trump have one goal in mind: break our nation's promises to our seniors and go back to the days when millions of Americans went without health care coverage.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Nomination of Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after President-Elect Donald Trump tapped U.S. Rep. Tom Price (GA-06) to be U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services: The President-Elect is making it abundantly clear that he will attempt to dismantle the progress we have made under President Obama. As HHS Secretary, Congressman Price, an avowed opponent of the Affordable Care Act, will lead the charge to take health care away from the 20 million people who gained access to coverage thanks to Obamacare. He will drag us back to the dark times when 129 million Americans who live with a pre-existing condition like me, a breast cancer survivor, could be dropped or denied coverage. Congressman Price is also a national leader on turning Medicare, a bedrock program of our retirement safety net, into a voucher program that will leave our seniors paying thousands more for their health care. Actions speak louder than the President-Elect's words. The nomination of U.S. Rep Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services puts the most virulent opponent of ensuring that all Americans have access to health care in a position to jeopardize the health of millions of Americans. Congressman Price and President-Elect Trump have one goal in mind: break our nation's promises to our seniors and go back to the days when millions of Americans went without health care coverage. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398280", "U.S. Rep. Castor announces her 2016 nominations to U.S. military academies", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced the high school students who received her official nomination for admission into the nation\u2019s military academies:\u00a0 Air Force (USAFA), Naval (USNA), Military (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA).\u201cI am proud to have so many students who are interested in serving America,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cThese impressive students are tomorrow\u2019s leaders and by applying to a military academy are demonstrating their commitment to working hard for an excellent education and serving our country. \u00a0Nominations are earned based upon an interview with the Congressional District 14 Nomination Committee and each student\u2019s individual academic record, extracurricular activities and leadership qualities.\u00a0 Because of the stringent application requirements, most students begin preparing for their application as early as their first years of high school.\u201cI am appreciative of the time and effort of the Nomination Committee \u2013 members reviewed each nomination application and met with students individually.\u201dU.S. Rep. Castor will announce official \u201cappointments\u201d at a later date per notification by the military academies.\u00a0Today\u2019s announcement completes U.S. Rep. Castor\u2019s 2016 competitive nomination process and nominated students who receive an appointment from a military academy will begin for the 2017-2018 school year.All military academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, based upon U.S. law, require a nomination from their congressional representative, senator or the Vice President of the United States as part of the application process. Parents and students interested in the nomination process will find more information at www.castor.house.govU.S. Rep. Castor granted her nomination to the following students for one or more of the U.S. military academies:\r\n \r\n    Ryan Acevedo, Middleton HS \u2013 USAFA\r\n    Alexander Bremmer, Plant HS \u2013 USAFA\r\n    Jacob Dennis, Osceola Fundamental HS \u2013 USMMA, USNA\r\n    Devon Gadarowski, Plant HS \u2013 USAFA, USMA\r\n    Brittney Gray, Middleton HS \u2013 USNA\r\n    Roberto Grimaldi, Tampa Catholic HS \u2013 USNA \r\n    Matthew Hafer, Plant HS \u2013 USMA, USNA\r\n    Erin Hanson, Lennard HS \u2013 USMA\r\n    Kaiser Hartmann, Jesuit HS \u2013 USNA \r\n    Desmond Henderson, Benedictine College Preparatory \u2013 USAFA, USMA \r\n    Nicholas Hobson, Plant HS \u2013 USMA, USNA\r\n    Clayton Hurd, Plant HS \u2013 USAFA, USNA\r\n    Justin Jaikaran, East Bay \u2013 USAFA, USMMA\r\n    Destiny Johnson, Plant HS \u2013 USMMA \r\n    Katherine Kraemer, Robinson HS \u2013 USAFA, USMA\r\n    Jacob Kuzmick, Plant HS \u2013 USAFA, USNA\r\n    Anna LoGrande, Plant HS \u2013 USAFA \r\n    Alesandro Maxwell, Berkeley Preparatory School \u2013 USAFA, USMA\r\n    Payton Paro, Plant HS \u2013 USNA \r\n    Herbert Saumell, Lennard HS \u2013 USMA, USNA\r\n    Maria Somrah, Newsome HS \u2013 USMMA \r\n    Adam Swanson, Alonso HS \u2013 USMA\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-to-partner-with-walgreens-to-provide", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson to Partner with Walgreens to Provide Free Health Screenings and HIV Testing on World AIDS Day", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson to Partner with Walgreens to Provide Free Health Screenings and HIV Testing on World AIDS Day\nMIAMI  In observance of World AIDS Day, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will partner with Walgreens and several health clinics throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties to offer free health screenings and HIV/AIDS testing on Thursday, December 1, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Giveaways for individuals who are tested will be provided by Walgreens.\nI have long said that the best way to end the spread of HIV/AIDS is to get tested and receive treatment if you are HIV positive, said Congresswoman Wilson. Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the highest number of new HIV cases in the country, and if we can end the spread of HIV in South Florida it will make a huge difference. I am appealing to everyone to get tested and know your status.\nCongresswoman Wilson sponsored several bills to boost HIV/AIDS education and awareness throughout her career in public service. This year marks the 14th anniversary of a bill she sponsored in the Florida legislature to mandate HIV testing for prisoners upon their release from Florida prisons. The purpose of the bill was to confirm prisoners' HIV status as they re-enter society and connect them to care if they were HIV positive.\nFree health screenings and confidential HIV/AIDS testing will be provided at the following locations:\n\t\t\t\tHealth Screenings\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHIV/AIDS Testing at Mobile Testing Units\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #3250, 18300 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFrederica Wilson and Juanita Mann Health Center, 2520 NW 75th Street, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #3371, 7910 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBorinquen Health Care Center, 3601 NE 4th Court, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #3679, 161 NE 54th Street, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew Horizons Community Mental Health Center, 1469 NW 36th Street, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #4386, 5999 Pembroke Road, Hollywood, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #3371, 7910 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #3679, 161 NE 54th Street, Miami, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWalgreens #4386, 5999 Pembroke Road, Hollywood, FL\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\nHeld for the first time in 1988, World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 each year. World AIDS Day was the first global health day, and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died.\nAccording to the CDC, 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States is unaware that they have the disease. Miami-Dade and Broward counties were numbers 1 and 2 in the U.S. in new HIV infections in 2014 per 100,000 residents, according to state and federal data.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398708", "Hastings Statement on the Death of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the death of Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro:\r\n\u201cFor the first time in decades Cuba has awoken to a world free of the tyrant Fidel Castro, who spent his lifetime brutalizing his people.\u00a0 Fidel Castro abused the human rights of Cuban citizens and watched Cuba sink further and further into poverty.\u00a0 Even as families were torn apart and millions fled to the shores of America through whatever means possible, the Castro regime refused to yield power.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cThe current ruling regime is still governing the island with an iron grip.\u00a0 It is time to bring hope where hope has been limited, and it is time for the people of Cuba to choose a government through free and fair elections.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cThe United States must continue to pressure the current regime to promote a free and open democratic society that allows for political, social, and economic freedom for all.\u201d\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###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398279", "Statement by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14):", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14): \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        Tampa,\r\n        November 26, 2016\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        \u201cCuban families and small business owners are eager to accelerate economic and human rights reforms and America must continue to support them, especially Tampa Bay area community leaders who have been at the forefront of progress and change. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \u201cCuban families and small business owners are eager to accelerate economic and human rights reforms and America must continue to support them, especially Tampa Bay area community leaders who have been at the forefront of progress and change.\r\n\u201cWith the election of Donald Trump, hardliners opposed to diplomatic relations and engagement with everyday Cubans have urged an end to new flights, travel, and cooperative efforts. Slamming the door shut at this point in time would be disastrous. Instead, Fidel Castro's death should encourage all of us to meet the challenge of better diplomatic relations, economic opportunities for Cubans and Americans, expanded travel, and support for the dignity of the Cuban people.\u201d\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"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-bill-nelsons-statement-on-the-death-of-fidel-castro", "Sen. Bill Nelson's statement on the death of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cNow that Fidel is gone, the U.S. should continue to press hard against his brother Raul and continue to take steps to support the Cuban people until he provides basic rights and freedoms to all the people of Cuba. In the meantime, the new Trump administration should continue the policy of opening travel and communication with Cuba.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1333", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Fidel Castro\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0Pembroke Pines, FL \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after Cuban dictator Fidel Castro passed away at 90:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFidel Castro\u2019s death ends his personal tyranny of the Cuban people and ushers in the possibility of a new era for Cuba. However, the legacy of his oppression continues today in Cuba and as we look ahead to the future, the Cuban government should hold free and fair elections that allow all Cubans a true voice in their government, fully embrace human rights, recognize opposition parties, cease imprisoning people for expressing their views and release all political prisoners. I look forward to working with the Cuban-American community and my colleagues to ensure a bright, prosperous and free future is a reality for all Cubans.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1012", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Fidel Castro \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 26, 2016\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        Fidel Castro's death ends his personal tyranny of the Cuban people and ushers in the possibility of a new era for Cuba. However, the legacy of his oppression continues today in Cuba and as we look ahead to the future, the Cuban government should hold free and fair elections that allow all Cubans a true voice in their government, fully embrace human rights, recognize opposition parties, cease imprisoning people for expressing their views and release all political prisoners. I look forward to working with the Cuban-American community and my colleagues to ensure a bright, prosperous and free future is a reality for all Cubans.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Fidel Castro Pembroke Pines, FL  U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after Cuban dictator Fidel Castro passed away at 90: Fidel Castro's death ends his personal tyranny of the Cuban people and ushers in the possibility of a new era for Cuba. However, the legacy of his oppression continues today in Cuba and as we look ahead to the future, the Cuban government should hold free and fair elections that allow all Cubans a true voice in their government, fully embrace human rights, recognize opposition parties, cease imprisoning people for expressing their views and release all political prisoners. I look forward to working with the Cuban-American community and my colleagues to ensure a bright, prosperous and free future is a reality for all Cubans. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\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/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1332", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving", "2016-11-24", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in honor of Thanksgiving:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cToday, Americans of all backgrounds, cultures, faith traditions and orientations will come together to give thanks and spread love to their families, friends, and significant others.\u00a0 It is in this time of gratitude that I reflect on the many people and values for which I am grateful \u00a0- family and friends, colleagues and constituents, freedom and fairness, humility and hope. More than ever before, it is crucial that we embrace the compassionate spirit of the holiday season. So as we come together today, we cannot be oblivious to the plight of this nation. We have an obligation to extend these values to all Americans, to show that division, hatred and bigotry will never outshine unity, love, tolerance and support for our fellow woman and man. I wish everyone a healthy, safe and meaningful holiday and a little more love and kindness in everyone's life.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan,\u00a0Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,\u00a0202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1065", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving", "2016-11-24", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Americans of all backgrounds, cultures, faith traditions and orientations will come together to give thanks and spread love to their families, friends, and significant others.  It is in this time of gratitude that I reflect on the many people and values for which I am grateful  - family and friends, colleagues and constituents, freedom and fairness, humility and hope. More than ever before, it is crucial that we embrace the compassionate spirit of the holiday season. So as we come together today, we cannot be oblivious to the plight of this nation. We have an obligation to extend these values to all Americans, to show that division, hatred and bigotry will never outshine unity, love, tolerance and support for our fellow woman and man. I wish everyone a healthy, safe and meaningful holiday and a little more love and kindness in everyone's life.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in honor of Thanksgiving: Today, Americans of all backgrounds, cultures, faith traditions and orientations will come together to give thanks and spread love to their families, friends, and significant others. It is in this time of gratitude that I reflect on the many people and values for which I am grateful - family and friends, colleagues and constituents, freedom and fairness, humility and hope. More than ever before, it is crucial that we embrace the compassionate spirit of the holiday season. So as we come together today, we cannot be oblivious to the plight of this nation. We have an obligation to extend these values to all Americans, to show that division, hatred and bigotry will never outshine unity, love, tolerance and support for our fellow woman and man. I wish everyone a healthy, safe and meaningful holiday and a little more love and kindness in everyone's life. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan,Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398277", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on passing of local Olympian, Theresa A. Manuel", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on passing of local Olympian, Theresa A. Manuel \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        Tampa,\r\n        November 23, 2016\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 (FL14) issued the following statement on local Olympian, Theresa A. Manuel, who passed away in Tampa on Nov. 21. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on local Olympian, Theresa A. Manuel, who passed away in Tampa on Nov. 21. \r\n\u201cThe Tampa community has lost a history-maker and long-time educator, Theresa Manuel. She shattered barriers by becoming the first African-American woman from Florida to compete in the Olympics. She then spent her lifetime championing students as an educator and coach at Middleton and Hillsborough high schools \u2013 motivating them to win on the field and in life. Tampa has been dubbed a City of Champions, and Ms. Manuel was one of them.\u201d\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-s-statement-on-the-obama-administration", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilsons Statement on the Obama Administrations Overtime Regulation", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to the injunction placed on the Obama Administration's Overtime Regulation:\nOn behalf of the millions of hardworking Americans who would have benefitted from the Obama administration's regulation that would have raised the salary limit below which workers would automatically qualify for overtime pay, I was extremely disappointed to learn of Judge Amos L. Mazzant's decision to issue an injunction to prevent it from going into effect next week. The regulation would have raised the annual salary limit from $23,660 to $47,476 and ensured that millions of mothers and fathers who must work long hours each week are at least able to increase their families' economic security.\nAs the representative of a severely economically depressed district with some the highest rates of income inequality in the nation, I strongly supported this long overdue update to overtime protections. It is both unfair and cruel to deny workers earning $23,660, which is below the poverty line for a family of four, what is essentially a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. And, as the Ranking Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, I will continue to fight to strengthen the wage and hour protections that Americans both deserve and are entitled to receive.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398278", "31st Annual \"Trouble in Toyland\" Survey Spotlights Recalled Toys", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As shoppers set out to buy holiday gifts, colorful toys will catch the eye of children and adults. However, some toys can have hidden dangers, exposing children to dangerous chemicals or injury-causing hazards.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      This news release was issued by Johns Hopkins All Children's HospitalAs shoppers set out to buy holiday gifts, colorful toys will catch the eye of children and adults. However, some toys can have hidden dangers, exposing children to dangerous chemicals or injury-causing hazards.\r\nAt a November 22 toy safety press conference at Johns Hopkins All Children\u2019s Hospital, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor urged families to pay close attention to information available online to guide them in choosing safe toys this holiday season. Held at Johns Hopkins All Children\u2019s, the event highlighted Trouble in Toyland: the 31st Annual Survey of Toy Safety by the Florida PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) Education Fund. The survey has resulted in more than 150 recalls and regulatory actions during its more than 30 years.\r\n\u201cToys continue to be a challenge on a daily basis,\u201d said Dr. Wassam Rahman, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Johns Hopkins All Children\u2019s Hospital, during the event.\r\nEven with labeling requirements and structurally safer toys, the reality is that some 200,000 children are treated every year in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries. With so many toys available, consumers should remain alert as they browse shops and the internet for hazardous recalled toys that may still be available for purchase.  \r\n\r\n\u200e\"Playing it safe \u00a0with a quick and easy check to\u00a0recalls.gov\u00a0will help keep families safe and our smallest consumers out of the emergency rooms this holiday season and year-round. Last year there were 254,200 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments,\" said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14)\u200e.\u00a0\"The number of recalled toys has decreased dramatically since the landmark Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in 2008, but toy purchases have expanded beyond the shelves of traditional stores to online communities of sales and exchanges, where parents, grandparents and other caregivers should remain vigilant about hazardous toys.\"\r\nAs more consumers shift to online shopping, Trouble in Toyland has shifted its focus to look at previously recalled toys that may still be available for purchase through Internet retailers or that families may already have at home. The latest survey, now available on the Florida PIRG site, looks at toys recalled from January 2015 to October 2016 and investigates if these toys are still available for purchase online. Of the 44 items detailed in the report, 8 items were still able to be obtained from online retailers.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nToy recalls, such as the ones noted in the report, happen for a variety of reason, but they can be organized into a few main categories:\r\n \r\n    High levels of chemicals \u2013 Phthalates (often found in certain plastics) and lead (commonly in paint and jewelry items) can adversely affect development.\r\n    Excessive noise \u2013 Young children have delicate eardrums and toys that are too loud can damage hearing. If it sounds too loud, it probably is.\r\n    Choking hazards from small parts including small balls/marbles \u2013 If a toy part can fit through a standard toilet paper roll it is a potential choking hazard for children age 3 and younger. Balloons and small balls should not be given to children younger than 6.\r\n    Magnets \u2013 Magnets are becoming smaller and more powerful. When two or more are ingested they can bind together and cause serious intestinal damage. Keep magnetic items intended for adults, as well as toys with magnets that could come loose, away from children.\r\n    Batteries \u2013 If swallowed, batteries can leak acid causing severe injury. Button batteries are in many toys and are easy for young children to swallow. Additionally, some toys have rechargeable batteries that require USB charging cables which can cause burns if overheated.\r\n    Other hazards such as falls or lacerations resulting from the toy breaking. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n \r\nWhile it is easy to track down consumers who purchased items such as automobiles and car seats when they are recalled, many caregivers may not know if a toy they own or are considering purchasing has been recalled unless they are diligently checking websites such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website.\r\nIt takes the combined effort of advocates, legislators and parents/caregivers to ensure that playtime is safe for all children. Consumers can use these resources to search for and report unsafe toys:\r\n \r\n    USPIRGEdFund.org has tips for selecting safe toys for children.\r\n    Check the CPSC website for the latest information about toy recalls or call their hotline at (800) 638-CPSC to report a toy you think is unsafe.\r\n    Visit SaferProducts.gov to search for recalls and report unsafe toys.\r\n    Sign up for recall alerts from Recalls.gov.\r\n    Safe Kids Worldwide offers an up-to-date list of recalled items.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1331", "Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Brownley and Larsen Lead Bipartisan IVF Letter", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Brownley and Larsen Lead Bipartisan IVF Letter\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) led a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald to support the adoption of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) coverage, specifically, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), as a covered benefit:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs Members of Congress, we must uphold our commitment to care for the veterans who risked their lives to protect our essential freedoms. In passing the 2017 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act, the promise of comprehensive health care will finally include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for veterans who sustained a service-connected injury impacting their fertility. We now strongly urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to swiftly adopt and implement the necessary regulations to eliminate this longstanding gap and ensure permanent coverage and nationwide access to this important service,\u201d said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, and have been wounded in the line-of-duty, deserve the opportunity to start a family and the support of a grateful nation in that endeavor,\u201dsaid Congresswoman Julia Brownley. \u201cI am pleased Congress enacted legislation to lift the ban on providing IVF treatment for service-connected veterans, but it is imperative that they have reliable and consistent access to this service year-to-year. That is why we strongly urge Secretary McDonald to support the intent of the law and ensure permanent and continued access to these critical health care services. Our nation\u2019s veterans deserve no less.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAfter years of fighting to provide reproductive healthcare for wounded veterans who dream of becoming parents, earlier this year we successfully passed a provision to circumvent the 1992 ban on in vitro fertilization services for veterans,\u201d said Larsen, a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee. \u201cI will continue fighting to ensure swift implementation of the healthcare to which veterans are now entitled and for a permanent repeal of the ban,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02).\r\n\r\n\tAfter\u00a0years\u00a0of fighting to expand reproductive care for veterans, in September Larsen helped pass a provision in the Congressional spending bill to provide in vitro fertilization services for veterans for the first time since the 1992 ban was enacted.\r\n\r\n\tThe bipartisan letter has been signed by 46 Members of Congress.\r\n\r\n\tThe following groups have endorsed the letter: American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, AMVETS, American Urological Association, Blue Star Families, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Quality of Life Foundation, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, Service Women\u2019s Action Network, The Veterans Health Council, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tView the signed letter here.\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tWasserman Schultz: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\r\n\r\n\tBrownley: Darwin Pham, Darwin.Pham@mail.house.gov, 202.225.5811\r\n\r\n\tLarsen: Doug Wagoner, Douglas.Wagoner@mail.house.gov, 202.225.2605", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=691", "Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Brownley and Larsen Lead Bipartisan IVF Letter", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Members of Congress, we must uphold our commitment to care for the veterans who risked their lives to protect our essential freedoms. In passing the 2017 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act, the promise of comprehensive health care will finally include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for veterans who sustained a service-connected injury impacting their fertility. We now strongly urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to swiftly adopt and implement the necessary regulations to eliminate this longstanding gap and ensure permanent coverage and nationwide access to this important service.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Brownley and Larsen Lead Bipartisan IVF Letter U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) led a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald to support the adoption of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) coverage, specifically, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), as a covered benefit: As Members of Congress, we must uphold our commitment to care for the veterans who risked their lives to protect our essential freedoms. In passing the 2017 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act, the promise of comprehensive health care will finally include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for veterans who sustained a service-connected injury impacting their fertility. We now strongly urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to swiftly adopt and implement the necessary regulations to eliminate this longstanding gap and ensure permanent coverage and nationwide access to this important service, said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, and have been wounded in the line-of-duty, deserve the opportunity to start a family and the support of a grateful nation in that endeavor,said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. I am pleased Congress enacted legislation to lift the ban on providing IVF treatment for service-connected veterans, but it is imperative that they have reliable and consistent access to this service year-to-year. That is why we strongly urge Secretary McDonald to support the intent of the law and ensure permanent and continued access to these critical health care services. Our nation's veterans deserve no less. After years of fighting to provide reproductive healthcare for wounded veterans who dream of becoming parents, earlier this year we successfully passed a provision to circumvent the 1992 ban on in vitro fertilization services for veterans, said Larsen, a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee. I will continue fighting to ensure swift implementation of the healthcare to which veterans are now entitled and for a permanent repeal of the ban, said U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02). Afteryearsof fighting to expand reproductive care for veterans, in September Larsen helped pass a provision in the Congressional spending bill to provide in vitro fertilization services for veterans for the first time since the 1992 ban was enacted. The bipartisan letter has been signed by 46 Members of Congress. The following groups have endorsed the letter: American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, AMVETS, American Urological Association, Blue Star Families, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Quality of Life Foundation, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, Service Women's Action Network, The Veterans Health Council, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project. ### View the signed letter here. Contact: Wasserman Schultz: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Brownley: Darwin Pham, Darwin.Pham@mail.house.gov, 202.225.5811 Larsen: Doug Wagoner, Douglas.Wagoner@mail.house.gov, 202.225.2605", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nelson-asks-feds-to-investigate-state-s-sale-of-driving-records", "Nelson asks feds to investigate state\u2019s sale of driving records", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Bill Nelson", "N000032", "www.billnelson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is calling on the federal government to investigate the state of Florida\u2019s practice of selling residents\u2019 personal information to private companies.\nNelson made the request in a letter sent today to Attorney General Loretta Lynch. The move comes after reports that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has sold the personal information of more than 15 million licensed Florida drivers to at least 75 companies in the last two years. The state was paid more than $150 million for the information.\n\u201cIn this new era, when identity thieves are causing real damage to millions of hardworking families, the fact that the state is making a profit by selling Floridians\u2019 personal information on the open market is simply unconscionable,\u201d Nelson wrote.\nNelson is asking the Department of Justice to investigate whether the State of Florida is violating a decades-old federal law that prohibits private companies from accessing an individual\u2019s driving record for marketing purposes without their express consent.\nThe law, known as the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, was passed by Congress in 1994 to respond to growing concerns about states\u2019 use of the personal information contained in the millions of drivers records kept on file. While the law does allow states to sell a driver\u2019s information for some limited purposes including statistical analysis, it forbids the sale of this information for marketing purposes without an individual\u2019s express consent.\nFollowing is a copy of Nelson\u2019s letter to DOJ and a recent background article on the issue:\nNovember 18, 2016\nLoretta Lynch  \n\tAttorney General  \n\tU.S. Department of Justice  \n\t950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  \n\tWashington, DC 20530-0001\nDear Attorney General Lynch,\nI am concerned that the State of Florida may be violating the Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S. Code \u00a7 2721) by selling the personal information of more than 15 million licensed drivers in Florida without their express consent.\nThe Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 was enacted to protect Americans\u2019 personal information after the brutal murder of Rebecca Schaeffer, a 21-year old actress who was brutally shot and killed in 1989 by a fan who tracked her down using her California driver registration records. In an attempt to limit the disclosure of such information, the act now prevents a state from selling someone\u2019s personal information to a private company for marketing purposes without their express consent.\nIn this new era, when identity thieves are causing real damage to millions of hardworking families, the fact that the state is making a profit by selling Floridians\u2019 personal information on the open market is simply unconscionable. I ask that your agency investigate whether the State of Florida is fully adhering to the intent of the law, as any deviation could be severely harmful to the millions of people who trusted the state to keep their information safe.\nI appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.\nSincerely,  \n FOX 13 Investigates: The state's license to sell your driver records \nBy Tina Jensen  \n\tPublished: Oct. 31, 2016\nTAMPA (FOX 13) - The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles sells your private driver records in bulk to more than 75 companies -- large and small -- without knowing how the federally protected information is actually being used by the buyer, a FOX 13 investigation has found.\nIn the past two years, the state DHSMV brought in $150 million from bulk sales of driver information about its 15.5 million licensed drivers and 18 million registered vehicles, data that is transmitted to most of the buyers on a periodic basis.\nDespite the department's repeated claims that the DHSMV \"heavily vets\" any company that wants a pipeline to private data to ensure the company meets one of the federally allowable reasons to access the information under the Driver Privacy Protection Act, a FOX 13 investigation has found the department's background checks primarily consist of staffers looking up whether the company has an active business registration with the state.\nThe extent of Florida's driver data sales practices, reported for the first time by FOX 13 Investigates, raises questions about why the department is putting private information in the hands of third parties without providing oversight as to how the data is actually being used by the buyer.\n\"I firmly believe the state really needs to take a more proactive approach in screening these people, verifying why they're using the information and that they're using the information for the proper purposes,\" said attorney Brandon Robinson with Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg.\nFOX 13 spent more than four months researching who has been buying your driver information.\nSome of the 75 entities who receive driver data from the state of Florida on a regular basis are major, global companies such as Acxiom and Experian.\nOthers on the list were difficult to identify: there were businesses that seemed to have no websites, no storefronts, and no answers when we tried to contact them.\nAmong the findings:\nNo state registration: Despite the state's self-described heavy vetting process, some of the businesses are not registered in the state of Florida. At least one business owner who signed contracts with the state had only expired, out-of-state business registrations.\nBuilding a mystery: Some of the companies purchasing bulk data from the state DHSMV seem to have no footprint apart from a business registration. In some cases, even the building out of which the business is said to operate raises more questions.\nOne of the businesses, according to its state registration, operates out of a condominium near Fort Lauderdale. There was no response to voicemails left on a number connected with the business.\nClass action lawsuits: Some of the companies on the state's sales list have been sued over allegations they misused driver data purchased from several states, including Florida.\nFOX 13 first started investigating whether the state is truly vetting data buyers after noticing a concerning correlation between Florida residents' transactions with the DHSMV and then receiving direct marketing ads.\nThe mailers utilize private driver information -- make, model and year of the car an individual drives -- and seem to be mailed to a person's home address soon after a driver provides information to a motor vehicle office.\nUnder the federal DPPA law, companies are not supposed to access private driver records for marketing purposes without an individual's expressed permission.\nOne would have to take the initiative to put the permission in writing to allow for this, because you are automatically opted out.\nRobinson started receiving similar direct marketing ads after he recently bought and registered a car.\n\"It had to have been through the state records,\" he said. \"Within a week? I mean, no one else could get the information that fast.\"\nThe risk goes beyond junk mail. If marketers got a hold of your private information, then who else can?\nApart from traffic citations, all the information pertaining to your driver record -- including your home address, date of birth, and details about the car you drive -- is private and protected under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act.\nCongress enacted the DPPA in the mid-'90s, responding to growing concerns that states were using sales of citizens' motor vehicle information as a revenue generator and that the practice posed considerable risks to an individual's privacy, financial security, and physical safety.\nLawmakers carved out several wide-ranging exceptions to the law, allowing certain business interests to access the information under certain conditions.\nFor instance, the data can be obtained for a research or statistical report, though the DPPA neither defines who qualifies as a researcher, nor who qualifies as a statistician.\nAccording to the state DSHSMV, many businesses qualify for the DPPA exemptions.\n\"Heavily Vetted\"\nThe DHSMV, through a spokesperson, repeatedly denied a connection between the direct marketing mailers and insisted the department vets any entity that wants to buy private information from the department.\n\"Anyone who comes to the department and requests that is heavily vetted,\" said DHSMV spokesperson Alexis Bakofsky in a June interview in Tallahassee.\n\"We go through numerous processes to vet,\" she later repeated.\n\"And all those agencies are heavily vetted by the department,\" she repeated yet again.\nShe was unable to provide details.\nFOX 13 repeatedly asked the state to describe how they screen these companies to make sure they'll use your information legally.\nSeveral weeks after the interview, the department sent an email saying DHSMV staffers vet the companies by confirming they have a registered business name with the state.\nAnd that's it.\nRobinson with Stetson Law says that's a problem.\n\"All they had to do to get the records is basically swear by penalty of perjury that they're using that information for an allowable purpose,\" he said, adding that it's relatively easy to register a business name with the state. Registrations usually do not include a description of what kind of services the businesses provide.\nDriver Data to Data Brokers\nThe state of Florida sells your data to Acxiom and Experian, two large data brokers.\nBoth have been the subject of multiple congressional inquiries about how they use the information they collect.\n\"The average American is almost certainly unaware of the largely unregulated space in which these companies have been operating while they've been amassing detailed information about individuals' lives,\" said Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., during a hearing of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary last November.\nPatrick Tucker, a technology expert and the author of \"The Naked Future: What Happens in a World that Anticipates Your Every Move,\" says the sales of private and protected driver data to data brokers deserve extra scrutiny, because the DPPA specifically prohibits use of driver data for marketing.\n\"The entire point [of data brokering] is to connect people that are creating data to people who want to sell them thing,\" he said. \"That is marketing. That is their entire business model.\"\nTucker questions how data brokers could keep driver information entirely separate from their marketing operations, no matter what the stated reasons were for the purchase.\n\"Why would you collect all this information from all these places,\" he said, \"if not for creating better, more specific, more responsive groups of people that you can then sell people when doing targeted marketing?\"\nNeither Acxiom nor Experian responded to requests for comment.\nFederal Class Action Lawsuits\nThe DPPA contains criminal punishments and civil remedies for violations. On the civil side, the law contains a provision for $2,500 per violation.\nSome of the companies on the states sales list have been involved in lawsuits alleging misuse of driver data. Two federal class action lawsuits have been filed in the past few months:\nCross-Sell: In 2014, the state of Florida signed a three-year agreement to sell protected driver records to Cross-Sell, a business that describes itself as a \"market research and analytics company.\"\nAccording to a federal class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act, the state of Nebraska banned the company from buying private driver records after the state found evidence they had been released to marketing companies.\nCross-Sell did not respond to requests for comment.\nNational Recall and Data Services: According to a federal class action lawsuit filed against the business and its owner Charles Holley, the company released private driver data to marketing companies in violation of federal law.\nThe lawsuit also says Holley has been banned from buying driver information from several other states after those states found evidence he was misusing it. Holley did not respond to requests for comment.\nThe DHSMV was giving National Recall and Data Services a direct pipeline to your personal information -- until one day after FOX 13 asked about it.\nAccording to an email from Bakofsky, the department requested an \"attestation regarding their data use\" six months ago, but National Recall and Data Services did not send one.\n\"Not having received any notice from the company within the 180-day period, the department has revoked the MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] within the rights of the agreement,\" Bakofsky said.\nFOX 13 sent several the DHSMV several requests for a copy of his entire contract with the state, specifically asking for the public record that detailed how Holley planned to use your private and protected driver records.\nLast Friday, the DHSMV it could not provide the public record because it was \"not in the vendor file.\"\n\"As you are aware, the department has continued to examine the process related to data records,\" a spokesperson said in an email. \"This part of the process is certainly something that the department will review closer to ensure clerical errors like this do not happen in the future.\"\nDuring the course of this investigation, FOX 13 asked DHSMV Executive Director Terry Rhodes about companies that buy Floridians' driver records from her department, but have been found to be in violation of the DPPA by other state DMVs. Neither Rhodes, nor a spokesperson, responded to the question.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-co-hosts-usaid-briefing-on-relief", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Co-Hosts USAID Briefing on Relief Efforts in Haiti", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, joined by Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida), John Conyers (D-Michigan), Maxine Waters (D-California), Barbara Lee (D-California), and Yvette Clark (D-New York), on Wednesday, November 16, served as honorary co-hosts of a briefing on USAID-led efforts to help Haiti recover from the extensive damage wrought by Hurricane Matthew.\nTim Callahan, leader of USAID's Disaster Assistance Response Team, offered detailed accounts of the Category 4 storm's impact on the Caribbean nation's already fragile infrastructure and Haitians' daily lives, and the steps taken so far to help Haiti get on a sure footing toward recovery. Ensuring clean water, preventing a cholera outbreak, and creating access to hard-to-reach rural areas are among his agency's biggest challenges, Callahan noted, adding that USAID and the Department of Defense have put a very strong team on the ground and every effort is being made to save lives and relieve those who are suffering.\nReps. Wilson and Ros-Lehtinen traveled to Haiti at the end of October to assess the damage and recovery efforts and determine how best to help. In her remarks, Rep. Wilson recalled how heartbreaking, the trip was because there was so much loss and urged those who wish to make a contribution to help recovery to do so monetarily so that relief groups can buy what's actually needed and to help boost Haiti's economy. Trusted organizations accepting donations include USAID's Center for International Disaster Information (www.cidi.org), Santia (www.santia.org), and Haiti Renewal Alliance (www.hra-intl.org).\nThe Florida lawmaker also expressed concern about the presidential and legislative elections slated to take place on Sunday, November 20, and the obstacles that the hurricane damage presents to a smooth process. Schools that would normally be used as polling places, for example, are instead serving as shelters for people who have been made homeless by the storm. In addition, voting cannot take place in areas that are still cut off and receiving food and other supplies by airdrop.\nI know what it takes to hold an election in a developing nation like Haiti. In my view, Haiti is not ready and there may be some serious challenges to the election because there will be so many people who won't get to vote because one, they didn't have the appropriate credentials; two, they couldn't get to the polling place to vote; and three, they didn't know where their polling places are, Rep. Wilson sad.\nRep. Wilson reiterated her objections to the Department of Homeland Security's decision to resume deportation flights to Haiti.\nIn October she led more than 50 House Democrats and Republicans in a letter to President Obama urging him to delay the deportations because Haiti is not equipped to care for the planned biweekly arrival of deportees or to provide the resources they will need to rebuild their lives. She also called on the administration to hold full and fair asylum hearings; provide effective counsel and other forms of relief; re-designate Haiti's temporary protective status due to expire next July to include Haitians already in the United States; and to expand the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program, which promotes safe and legal migration to the U.S.\nThe deportations must stopthat's the bottom line, Rep. Wilson said to applause.", 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-haiti-s-november-20", "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilsons Statement on Haitis November 20 Elections", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement on Haiti's upcoming presidential and legislative elections:\nI applaud Haiti's citizens for finding the strength to set their struggles aside and wish them the best as they pursue the Herculean task of conducting an election in the aftermath of the hurricane. The sooner a new government is in place, the quicker Haiti will be able to recover from the various natural disasters it has faced and begin to grow and thrive.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398274", "U.S. House passes HR985, local manufacturers win big", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As lead cosponsor of the bipartisan Concrete Masonry Products, Research, Education and Promotion Act, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) hailed this week\u2019s 355-38 vote for passage of her bill by the U.S. House of Representatives as a big win for local manufacturers and jobs in Tampa Bay area, Florida and throughout the country. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      As lead cosponsor of the bipartisan Concrete Masonry Products, Research, Education and Promotion Act, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) hailed this week\u2019s 355-38 vote for passage of her bill by the U.S. House of Representatives as a big win for local manufacturers and jobs in Tampa Bay area, Florida and throughout the country. \r\n\u201cLocal manufacturers and many across Florida worked diligently with me to boost jobs in the concrete masonry industry through this legislation.\u00a0If signed into law, businesses will have the ability to pool resources for research and to develop safer, more durable and more efficient products which would be a boon for building construction,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor said. \u201cThis bill supports an industry made up of primarily small, local businesses that create local jobs in the competitive construction market.\u201d\r\nU.S. Rep. Castor added:\u00a0 \u201cBuildings made of structurally-strong materials, such as concrete block, are vital to reduce the impacts of property insurance losses as the climate changes and Florida experiences more extreme weather events. Producers also will be able to develop durable, energy-efficient and affordable products that are better able to withstand volatile weather conditions in their particular regions, such as seismic events in the West or extreme weather in the Southeast. \r\n\u201cThis legislation is a win for jobs and our local manufacturers. Nationwide, construction workers average higher wages and this legislation will bolster Florida\u2019s construction employment made up of nearly half-million workers \u2013 which is already up by 6 percent over last year and outpacing the nation\u2019s 3\u00a0 percent increase. Our numerous small manufacturers across the state can now seek to develop more resilient and more energy efficient building materials, remain competitive and most importantly create local manufacturing and construction jobs.\u201d \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=513", "Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon\r\nWashington, DC U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following joint statement today:  \r\n\r\nPresident-Elect Donald Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Senior Counselor is an incendiary decision that shows the President-Elect is not committed to healing our nation after a hard-fought and divisive election. Bannon is a leader of the Alt-Right Movement, a breeding ground for anti-Semitism, white nationalism, and bigotry, and his association with this movement should disqualify him to serve in the White House in any capacity. We do not simply disagree with Bannon's legislative or political agenda and philosophy; we have grave misgivings about his professional career history, in which he provided a megaphone for intolerance and hatred of the diversity that makes our nation truly great. Bannon's allies include the American Nazi Party, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and a variety of other white nationalist groups. As Jewish-American leaders and policy-makers, we cannot stand silently by while Steve Bannon assumes a senior position at the highest level of our government. We call on President-Elect Trump, in the interest of all Americans, to withdraw his choice because rewarding anti-Semitism, bigotry and misogyny with such a position of power and influence is tantamount to embracing it.  \r\n\r\n###  \r\n\r\nContact:  \r\n\r\nWasserman Schultz: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931  \r\n\r\nFrankel: Rachel Huxley-Cohen, Rachel.Huxley-Cohen@mail.house.gov, 202.225.9890", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1330", "Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013\u00a0U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following joint statement today:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cPresident-Elect Donald Trump\u2019s appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Senior Counselor is an incendiary decision that shows the President-Elect is not committed to healing our nation after a hard-fought and divisive election. Bannon is a leader of the \u201cAlt-Right\u201d Movement, a breeding ground for anti-Semitism, white nationalism, and bigotry, and his association with this movement should disqualify him to serve in the White House in any capacity. We do not simply disagree with Bannon\u2019s legislative or political agenda and philosophy; we have grave misgivings about his professional career history, in which he provided a megaphone for intolerance and hatred of the diversity that makes our nation truly great. Bannon\u2019s allies include the American Nazi Party, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and a variety of other white nationalist groups. As Jewish-American leaders and policy-makers, we cannot stand silently by while Steve Bannon assumes a senior position at the highest level of our government.\u00a0 We call on President-Elect Trump, in the interest of all Americans, to withdraw his choice because rewarding anti-Semitism, bigotry and misogyny with such a position of power and influence is tantamount to embracing it.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tWasserman Schultz: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\r\n\r\n\tFrankel: Rachel Huxley-Cohen, Rachel.Huxley-Cohen@mail.house.gov, 202.225.9890", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=608", "Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President-Elect Donald Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Senior Counselor is an incendiary decision that shows the President-Elect is not committed to healing our nation after a hard-fought and divisive election. Bannon is a leader of the \"Alt-Right\" Movement, a breeding ground for anti-Semitism, white nationalism, and bigotry, and his association with this movement should disqualify him to serve in the White House in any capacity. We do not simply disagree with Bannon's legislative or political agenda and philosophy; we have grave misgivings about his professional career history, in which he provided a megaphone for intolerance and hatred of the diversity that makes our nation truly great. Bannon's allies include the American Nazi Party, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and a variety of other white nationalist groups. As Jewish-American leaders and policy-makers, we cannot stand silently by while Steve Bannon assumes a senior position at the highest level of our government.  We call on President-Elect Trump, in the interest of all Americans, to withdraw his choice because rewarding anti-Semitism, bigotry and misogyny with such a position of power and influence is tantamount to embracing it.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following joint statement today: President-Elect Donald Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Senior Counselor is an incendiary decision that shows the President-Elect is not committed to healing our nation after a hard-fought and divisive election. Bannon is a leader of the Alt-Right Movement, a breeding ground for anti-Semitism, white nationalism, and bigotry, and his association with this movement should disqualify him to serve in the White House in any capacity. We do not simply disagree with Bannon's legislative or political agenda and philosophy; we have grave misgivings about his professional career history, in which he provided a megaphone for intolerance and hatred of the diversity that makes our nation truly great. Bannon's allies include the American Nazi Party, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and a variety of other white nationalist groups. As Jewish-American leaders and policy-makers, we cannot stand silently by while Steve Bannon assumes a senior position at the highest level of our government. We call on President-Elect Trump, in the interest of all Americans, to withdraw his choice because rewarding anti-Semitism, bigotry and misogyny with such a position of power and influence is tantamount to embracing it. ### Contact: Wasserman Schultz: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Frankel: Rachel Huxley-Cohen, Rachel.Huxley-Cohen@mail.house.gov, 202.225.9890", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398815", "House Passes Rep. Deutch's Bill Extending Sanctions Against Iran", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Rep. Deutch's Bill Extending Sanctions Against Iran \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 15, 2016\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      (Washington)\u00a0Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Iran Sanctions Extension Act (H.R. 6297) introduced by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. This bill extends existing sanctions law to guarantee that the United States can easily re-impose nuclear-related sanctions if Iran is found to have violated the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.\u201cThe Iran Sanctions Act has served as the backbone of our Iran policy for two decades and ultimately helped force Iran to the negotiating table,\" said Rep. Deutch. \"Now that the deal is in effect, the Iranian regime must fully understand that violations of the deal will be met with swift and painful snap-back sanctions. By extending this sanctions program, we will continue to lead the international community in ensuring full compliance and vigorous enforcement of the deal.\u201dH.R. 6297 was co-introduced by Congressman Ed Royce (CA-39), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-25), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa; Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade; and Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), House Democratic Whip.\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/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1329", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Passage of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Passage of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cToday I cast my vote in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that is intended to bolster the safety and security of the United States and her allies, including the Jewish state of Israel. It is critical that we have this sanctions infrastructure in place, so that Iran understands that we are carefully monitoring its performance under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that there will be serious consequences for any transgressions. By reauthorizing this important law, we will be able to hold Iran accountable for its actions, and ensure that there are sanctions in place to \u201csnap back\u201d in the event of any non-compliance by the Iranian regime. The safety and security of the United States and Israel are a top priority for me, and I am proud to have stood up for this priority tonight by casting my vote in support of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1069", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Passage of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Passage of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act \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 15, 2016\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 I cast my vote in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that is intended to bolster the safety and security of the United States and her allies, including the Jewish state of Israel. It is critical that we have this sanctions infrastructure in place, so that Iran understands that we are carefully monitoring its performance under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that there will be serious consequences for any transgressions. By reauthorizing this important law, we will be able to hold Iran accountable for its actions, and ensure that there are sanctions in place to \"snap back\" in the event of any non-compliance by the Iranian regime. The safety and security of the United States and Israel are a top priority for me, and I am proud to have stood up for this priority tonight by casting my vote in support of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Passage of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act: Today I cast my vote in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that is intended to bolster the safety and security of the United States and her allies, including the Jewish state of Israel. It is critical that we have this sanctions infrastructure in place, so that Iran understands that we are carefully monitoring its performance under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that there will be serious consequences for any transgressions. By reauthorizing this important law, we will be able to hold Iran accountable for its actions, and ensure that there are sanctions in place to snap back in the event of any non-compliance by the Iranian regime. The safety and security of the United States and Israel are a top priority for me, and I am proud to have stood up for this priority tonight by casting my vote in support of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\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/briefing-and-exhibit-hurricane-matthew-recovery-efforts-in-haiti", "Briefing and Exhibit: Hurricane Matthew Recovery Efforts in Haiti", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 16, 2016\n2261 Rayburn House Office Building   Washington, DC 20515  Exhibit:10:00 am  2:00 pm |Briefing:11:00 am  12:00 pm\nFor more information or to RSVP, please email kcrosby@usaid.gov\nHonoraryCo-Hosts  Rep. Frederica S. Wilson| Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Rep. John Conyers |Rep. Maxine Waters | Rep. Barbara Lee | Rep. Yvette Clarke\nPlease join us fora briefing and photo exhibit on USAID-led efforts to help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew. The event will feature agency leaders on the frontline of the recovery efforts, members of Congress who recently traveled to Haiti, and other workers and experts in the fields of humanitarian and disasterrelief assistance. Staff from USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs (DCHA) will be on hand from 11:00 am-12:00 pm to answer questions on the Hurricane Matthew response.\nKey Facts\n \nHurricane Matthew made initial landfall in southwestern Haiti on October 4 as a powerful Category 4 storm.\n\tThe Government of Haiti reports that 546 people were killed as a result of the storm and an estimated 1.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.\n\tUSAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the agency responsible for leading the U.S. government's response to international disasters.\n\tIn anticipation of the storm, USAID activated a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) with staff in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Bahamas on October 3. The team continues to work with the government of Haiti and USAID's partners to deliver humanitarian assistance to communities in need.\n\tThe United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance for Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. Total U.S. government assistance now stands at more than $53 million. This includes nearly $40 million from USAID and more than $13 million from the U.S. Department of Defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/briefing-and-exhibit-hurricane-matthew-recovery-efforts-in-haiti-0", "Briefing and Exhibit: Hurricane Matthew Recovery Efforts in Haiti", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 16, 2016\n2261 Rayburn House Office Building   Washington, D.C.  Exhibit:10:00 am  2:00 pm |Briefing:11:00 am  12:00 pm\nFor more information or to RSVP, please email kcrosby@usaid.gov\nHonoraryCo-Hosts  Rep. Frederica S. Wilson| Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Rep. John Conyers |Rep. Maxine Waters | Rep. Barbara Lee | Rep. Yvette Clarke\nPlease join us fora briefing and photo exhibit on USAID-led efforts to help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew. The event will feature agency leaders on the frontline of the recovery efforts, members of Congress who recently traveled to Haiti, and other workers and experts in the fields of humanitarian and disasterrelief assistance. Staff from USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs (DCHA) will be on hand from 11:00 am-12:00 pm to answer questions on the Hurricane Matthew response.\nKey Facts\n \nHurricane Matthew made initial landfall in southwestern Haiti on October 4 as a powerful Category 4 storm.\n\tThe Government of Haiti reports that 546 people were killed as a result of the storm and an estimated 1.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.\n\tUSAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the agency responsible for leading the U.S. government's response to international disasters.\n\tIn anticipation of the storm, USAID activated a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) with staff in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Bahamas on October 3. The team continues to work with the government of Haiti and USAID's partners to deliver humanitarian assistance to communities in need.\n\tThe United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance for Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. Total U.S. government assistance now stands at more than $53 million. This includes nearly $40 million from USAID and more than $13 million from the U.S. Department of Defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398706", "Hastings Urges House Leadership to Bring H.Res.752, Condemning the Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, China, and Urging China to End the Dog Meat Trade to the Floor For a Vote", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) sent the following letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, once again urging them to bring H.Res 752, Condemning the Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, China, and urging China to end the dog meat trade to the floor for consideration. (Please see below and attached a copy of the letter):\r\nNovember 14, 2016\r\nThe Honorable Paul Ryan  \r\nSpeaker  \r\nU.S. House of Representative  \r\nH-232, the Capitol  \r\nWashington, DC\u00a0 20515\r\nThe Honorable Kevin McCarthy   \r\nHouse Majority Leader   \r\nU.S. House of Representatives   \r\nH-107, the Capitol   \r\nWashington, D.C. 20515\r\nDear Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McCarthy: \r\nI write once again regarding H.Res.752, Condemning the Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, China, and urging China to end the dog meat trade, which I introduced with bipartisan support on May 25, 2016. I respectfully ask that you bring my resolution to the floor for a vote without delay. \r\nThe Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China dates back to 2009-2010, when it was launched by dog meat traders as a commercial enterprise to boost flagging sales of dog meat. More than 10,000 dogs are reported to be captured, transported and slaughtered every year for this Dog Meat festival, with more than 10 million dogs killed annually in China for the dog meat trade. Animal welfare groups have found that a number of these dogs are stolen pets taken from their homes, still wearing their collars when they reach the slaughterhouse. Many dogs die during transport to the slaughterhouses after days or weeks without food or water, and others suffer illness and injury during transport, such as broken bones. These dogs suffer mentally from watching other dogs being disemboweled and blow-torched in front of them.\r\nYulin's dog slaughter takes place in residential areas and public marketplaces, imposing scenes of extreme animal cruelty on local residents, including young children who may, as a result, suffer psychological trauma and desensitization.\u00a0 The capture, transport, and butchering of dogs and the consumption of dog meat poses a risk to human health by exposing people to a multitude of diseases, including rabies and cholera. This practice, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable, and can be stopped by the diligent efforts of members of the Chinese government. Although the Yulin city government withdrew as a sponsor of the Dog Meat Festival, it has taken no meaningful action to enforce China\u2019s existing laws and regulations on animal disease control, food safety, trans-provincial dog transport, or youth protection, all of which are breached by the dog meat trade.\r\nTens of millions of people around the world have called upon the Government of China, the Governor of the Guangxi Autonomous Region, and the Mayor of Yulin to officially end the Dog Meat Festival and stop the mass slaughter of dogs all year round in Yulin. In addition, the majority of people in China do not consume dog meat and dog meat is not a part of mainstream Chinese culinary practice.\u00a0 Millions of Chinese citizens recently voted in support of a legislative proposal by Zhen Xiaohe, a deputy to the National People\u2019s Congress of China, to ban the dog meat trade.\u00a0 Alongside these voices, I have already written a letter to the Chairman of the National People\u2019s Congress Standing Committee urging him to draft legislation to prohibit this festival from taking place ever again. I respect the traditions of the Chinese people, but these events and activities tarnish China\u2019s reputation across the world.\r\nOn September 14th, I held a briefing on the Yulin Dog Meat Festival and the global dog meat trade. Scores of people from around the country attended the briefing and it was viewed by over 40,000 people worldwide. To date, 142 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives, both Democrats and Republicans, have co-sponsored the resolution.\r\nAgain, I respectfully ask that you allow H.Res.752 to be brought to the floor for consideration before the end of the 114th Congress.\u00a0 I thank you for your time and consideration of my request, and stand ready to do all that I can to assist with bringing this critically important resolution to the floor.\u00a0 \r\n  \r\nSincerely,\r\n  \r\nAlcee L. Hastings  \r\nMember of Congress \r\n  \r\nCc: \r\nThe Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives   \r\nThe Honorable Steny Hoyer, Democratic Whip, U.S. House of Representatives   \r\nThe Honorable Jim Clyburn, Assistant Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives  \r\nThe Honorable Ed Royce, Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs  \r\nThe Honorable Eliot Engel, Ranking Member, U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs \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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398273", "New AARP report highlights significant out-of-pocket costs for family caregivers", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A new AARP report issued today details the out-of-pocket costs for caregivers in the United States \u2013 on average, family caregivers are spending 20 percent of their total income on caregiving expenses. This builds on last year\u2019s AARP family caregiving report, which revealed the number of family caregivers in the United States \u2013 about 40 million, with Florida home to nearly 2.7 million of these caregivers. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      A new AARP report issued today details the out-of-pocket costs for caregivers in the United States \u2013 on average, family caregivers are spending 20 percent of their total income on caregiving expenses. This builds on last year\u2019s AARP family caregiving report, which revealed the number of family caregivers in the United States \u2013 about 40 million, with Florida home to nearly 2.7 million of these caregivers. \r\n\u201cAddressing family caregiving is becoming a new normal in health care because family caregivers are making startling personal sacrifices in time as well as out-of-pocket expenses. A closer look at the work-related effects as well as the personal financial hardships shows the increasing need to come together to better understand the needs of our caregivers,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), who filed the bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act to create a much-needed National Family Caregiving Strategy with recommendations by experts related to support services, training, workplace policies and others to better support caregivers. \r\n\u201cIn Florida, 2.7 million caregivers are providing 2.5 billion of unpaid hours taking on a wide range of activities from managing finances, transportation and housework to medication management, bathing and dressing. On top of that, this new report on out-of-pocket costs shows us that on a nationwide average, 20 percent of caregivers\u2019 income is devoted to caregiving expenses.\u201d\r\nThe report shows that baby boomers (ages 51-70), who themselves are approaching retirement, make up the largest percentage of caregivers \u2013 46 percent. In addition, 85 percent of care recipients are 50 years or older, and the annual average spending to care for someone with dementia is $10,697, or nearly twice as much as the annual average spending for other care recipients. This means a big impact for our neighbors and families:\u00a0 More than 3 million of Florida\u2019s population are 50 years or older and by 2025, Hillsborough County is projected to have more than 30,000 cases of dementia, according to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. \r\n\u201cWe must ensure that family caregivers have the resources and tools they need to face the demands of their current work, can take family leave when they need to, and ensure that their loved one receives the care he or she needs. I am proud to work with AARP to elevate the role of caregivers, but as the complexity and intensity of family caregiving increases, a nationwide blueprint will help boost families and be smart and efficient with our resources,\u201d U.S. Rep. Castor added.\r\n(RAISE = Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=511", "Frankel Statement on Veterans Day", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Frankel Statement on 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        Washington,\r\n        November 11, 2016\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 released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, observed Friday, November 11.  \r\n\r\nOn Veterans Day, we honor those who have served us to keep our nation secure and to protect our liberties. I thank their families for their support for their loved ones. As a proud mother of a U.S. marine war veteran, I understand the selfless sacrifices our men and women in uniform are willing to make. It's a privilege to continue advocating for the healthcare, benefits, and education our veterans deserve when they return home. Our veterans have stood up for us. Now it is our turn to stand up for them.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1328", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Veterans Day", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Veterans Day\r\n\r\n\tPembroke Pines, FL \u2013\u00a0U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cToday we honor the courageous women and men who have served in our nation\u2019s armed forces, and offer them our heartfelt gratitude for putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.\u00a0 Their strength and bravery in protecting our guiding principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity \u2013 principles for which our Founding Fathers fought so relentlessly, and which we hold so dear \u2013 cannot be overstated.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cOur debt of gratitude is one we can never fully repay. We must always be vigilant in caring for and supporting\u00a0our veterans,\u00a0which means continuing to reform the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals process; ensuring that our veterans have the health care coverage they need, including coverage\u00a0for in vitro fertilization; and guaranteeing that they are able to live their lives with dignity and respect.\u00a0I am proud to represent the 33,000 veterans in my Congressional district, Florida\u2019s 23rd,\u00a0and to ensure they have the opportunities, care, and services they deserve.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan,\u00a0Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,\u00a0202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1096", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Veterans Day", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Our debt of gratitude is one we can never fully repay. We must always be vigilant in caring for and supporting our veterans, which means continuing to reform the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals process; ensuring that our veterans have the health care coverage they need, including coverage for in vitro fertilization; and guaranteeing that they are able to live their lives with dignity and respect. I am proud to represent the 33,000 veterans in my Congressional district, Florida's 23rd, and to ensure they have the opportunities, care, and services they deserve.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Veterans Day Pembroke Pines, FL U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day: Today we honor the courageous women and men who have served in our nation's armed forces, and offer them our heartfelt gratitude for putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. Their strength and bravery in protecting our guiding principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity  principles for which our Founding Fathers fought so relentlessly, and which we hold so dear  cannot be overstated. Our debt of gratitude is one we can never fully repay. We must always be vigilant in caring for and supportingour veterans,which means continuing to reform the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals process; ensuring that our veterans have the health care coverage they need, including coveragefor in vitro fertilization; and guaranteeing that they are able to live their lives with dignity and respect.I am proud to represent the 33,000 veterans in my Congressional district, Florida's 23rd,and to ensure they have the opportunities, care, and services they deserve. ### Contact: Geoff Burgan,Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=512", "Frankel Announces Breakthrough on Group Homes in Neighborhoods", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "West Palm Beach, FL  Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) is pleased to announce that today's Joint Statement from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide cities with the legal clarity they need to maintain the safety and character of their communities while protecting the rights and needs of people with disabilities, including those recovering from drug addiction.\r\nThis Joint Statement should give local governments the necessary guidance to help them keep neighborhoods safe and healthy and protect persons with disabilities, Frankel said.  \r\n\r\nI appreciate Rep. Frankel's dogged efforts on behalf of all cities looking for rational and defensible solutions that protect our citizenry and a vulnerable class that needed protection, said Cary Glickstein, Mayor of Delray Beach. I also appreciate HUD and DOJ officials for recognizing this is a national problem. I'm pleased with the Joint Statement in that it recognizes zoning and land use are inherently local decisions best determined by local government.   \r\n\r\nI am pleased that the Department of Justice and Department of Housing and Urban Development have listened to our cities, recovery residence industry members, and other community stakeholders, and followed through to provide additional guidance that will help our cities uphold the Fair Housing Act as they implement their zoning and land use policies, said Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21).  \r\n\r\nThe Joint Statement makes three key points:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    A city can deny an accommodation request for a group home if granting it would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on local government or would fundamentally alter the city's zoning scheme. Factors include the nature and extent of the burden, proximity of group homes to one and other, the cost of the requested accommodation, the financial resources of the local government, and the benefits of the accommodation to the disabled individual. \r\n    Licensing and other requirements for group homes for health and safety purposes may be permitted if they are not based on stereotypes, equally apply to all homes with a minimum number of unrelated residents, and do not target homes based on the presence of individuals with a disability.\r\n    The Fair Housing Act does not prevent state or local government from taking action in response to criminal activity, insurance fraud, Medicaid Fraud, neglect or abuse of residents, or other illegal conduct occurring at group homes.\r\n \r\nDue to the opioid crisis, there has been significant proliferation in South Florida of group homes for recovering addicts that in some instances has interrupted the peace and enjoyment of residential neighborhoods. Today's announcement will provide local governments with transparency on how to promote public health and safety, uphold the civil rights of individuals in recovery, and maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.  \r\n\r\nIf you have any questions, please contact Grant Dubler at 202-226-1762 or grant.dubler@mail.house.gov.  \r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398704", "Hastings Statement on the Passing of Janet Reno", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Janet Reno \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 7, 2016\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 passing of former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno:  \r\n\r\n\"I was deeply saddened to learn of Janet Reno's passing. She was truly a trailblazer, and as our nation\u2019s first woman Attorney General, she served with honor, integrity and respect.\r\n\"Janet Reno was recognized as one of a kind by her associates because of her \u2018do the right thing\u2019 way of thinking. She once said, \u2018I hope I do the women of America proud,\u2019 and advocated strongly for the advancement of women's rights. As Attorney General, Janet Reno implemented historic legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act and the Brady background check bill, policies that have positively impacted millions of Americans and will continue to benefit generations to come.   \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cI join with so many around the nation in mourning the loss of my friend and fellow Floridian, Janet Reno.\u00a0 My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this time of great sadness.\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  \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=398703", "Hastings Statement on Second FBI Director Comey Letter", "2016-11-06", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today,\u00a0 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on FBI Director Comey\u2019s follow-up letter to Republican Chairmen, in which Director Comey stated that the review of additional emails\u00a0 had\u00a0 \"not changed our conclusions that we expressed in July\" regarding Secretary Clinton:\r\n\"Once again, FBI Director James Comey has\u00a0made it\u00a0unequivocally clear that no reasonable prosecutor would pursue charges against Hilary Clinton. \r\n\"Since Director Comey announced that additional emails would be reviewed late last month, Republicans have spent every waking moment blatantly mischaracterizing the decision as proof of malicious action. This purposefully loose interpretation of the facts was spun to influence Tuesday's election, and that is shameful. \r\n\"Even though today's announcement comes as no surprise to me, I strongly disapprove of the manner in which this review was publicly announced with so little information. Voters deserve facts, not hyperbole, and the decision to review additional emails without providing further details, even as ballots were being cast, should be reviewed.\"\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"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=510", "Broward County Congressional Delegation Announces Step Forward for New Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  The Broward County Congressional Delegation, which includes Representatives Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Ted Deutch (FL-21), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), and Lois Frankel (FL-22), today announced that construction of a new federal courthouse for Broward County has taken a major step forward with a decision by the Judicial Conference of the United States ranking the Southern District of Florida's Fort Lauderdale federal courthouse third on the national Courthouse Project Priorities list. Historically, courthouses recommended by the Judicial Conference are included in the next President's Budget.\r\nOnce the courthouse is in the President's Budget, the General Services Administration (GSA) will send to Congress the prospectus of estimated costs. Next, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which Frankel is a member, and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will need to authorize the courthouse, marking the last step before Congress can appropriate funding. Reps. Diaz-Balart and Wasserman Schultz are members of the House Appropriations Committee, which typically approves spending measures before they are voted on by the entire House. Assuming timely authorization and appropriation, site-selection, design, and construction can begin as soon as Fiscal Year 2018.  \r\n\r\nLocal stakeholders and the Broward County Congressional Delegation have been pushing for a new federal courthouse for close to a decade. In response, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a resolution in 2015, introduced by Rep. Frankel, requiring the GSA to conduct a study on the feasibility of building a new federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. GSA completed this study in May 2016, finding that a new publicly-funded courthouse is the best and most cost-effective solution. Following the study, the Judicial Conference of the United States, the federal court system's national policymaking body, placed the courthouse on its national Courthouse Project Priorities list.  \r\n\r\nThrough the hard work of both the South Florida Congressional Delegation and our partners in the judiciary branch, the Fort Lauderdale federal courthouse project is taking an important step forward. I am very happy to hear that funding for a new federal courthouse will be recommended for inclusion in the next President's Fiscal Year 2018 budget, said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Replacing this facility will allow the Southern District of Florida, one of the largest federal judicial districts in the country, to continue to operate safely and successfully.  \r\n\r\nI am pleased that another hurdle has been cleared for the new federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. For the last several years, I have worked with my colleagues in the South Florida delegation to emphasize its necessity, said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. The current building is dilapidated and has not been able to properly serve our community for quite some time. I look forward to continue working with Representatives Frankel, Wasserman Schultz, Deutch, Hastings, and Wilson to see its construction through.  \r\n\r\nThis is yet another critical step forward in our quest for a badly needed new Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Our hard work as representatives of this community has paid off and I'm proud to continue working closely with my colleagues Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, Alcee Hastings, Frederica Wilson and Mario Diaz-Balart to ensure that everyone in our community has a courthouse that is a safe and functional place to work which will make us all proud.  \r\n\r\nThis announcement is welcome news to the South Florida community, said Congressman Ted Deutch. The priority ranking reflects our long-overdue need, and it brings us one step closer to getting a new federal courthouse.  \r\n\r\nCourthouses are where critical decisions are made and justice is served. Our constituents deserve a building that is safe, secure, and functional and I am proud to join my colleagues in the Florida delegation in the fight for a new federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson.  \r\n\r\nHaving a federal courthouse in Broward that is safe and secure where disputes can be resolved peacefully is an important component of our democracy and way of life, Frankel said.  \r\n\r\nThe United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida is one of the largest federal judicial districts in the country, spanning 15,000 square miles and serving 6.3 million people from nine counties. In 2015, nearly 9,000 civil cases were filed in this district, making it one of the busiest jurisdictions in the country. Plagued by mold, chronic roof leaks, persistent flooding, and significant space constraints, the 40-year-old building lacks basic structural safeguards to protect judges and courtroom personnel.  \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=398269", "U.S. Rep. Castor helps launch Cross-Bay Ferry", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This morning, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) participated in the launch of the Cross-Bay Ferry and released the following statement:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      This morning, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) participated in the launch of the Cross-Bay Ferry and released the following statement:\r\n\u201cThe Cross-Bay Ferry has great potential to connect our neighbors to jobs, events and attractions.\u00a0Cross-Bay Ferry service also would provide an important new transit option to a growing and vibrant urban area. We cannot rely on cars alone in the future. \u00a0\r\n\u201cIn 2009, I secured $485,000 for a feasibility study for ferry service through a U.S. DOT grant. In 2014, we built on that investment with another $4.8 million federal grant for ferry service to expand transportation options for Tampa Bay, grow jobs and remain competitive. I am hopeful that with the foresight and leadership of St. Petersburg Mayor Kriseman, Hillsborough County and other local leaders, we can put these funds to work before they expire in 2019.\r\n\u201cTampa Bay commuters are eager for more transportation alternatives, and I will continue to champion these investments which bring about higher-paying jobs for our community and keep Tampa Bay moving.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398701", "Hastings Raises Concerns Over Treatment of Animal Welfare Activists by Police in China", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) sent the following letter to Cui Tiankai, Ambassador of the People\u2019s Republic of China to the United States, expressing concern over reports of Chinese police officers aiding in the trafficking of dogs and standing by as traffickers attacked animal rights activists. (Please find below and attached a copy of the letter.)\r\nOctober 31, 2016\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Cui Tiankai  \r\nAmbassador   \r\nEmbassy of the People\u2019s Republic of China  \r\n3505 International Place, NW  \r\nWashington, D.C. 20008  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nDear Ambassador Cui:\r\nI write to you today to draw your attention to a shameful event that occurred in the Chengde Pingquan County of China on October 26th \u2013 police standing by and doing nothing as innocent animal rights activists were attacked by illegal dog traders. According to reports, police officers were actively aiding the traffickers in the assault. These brave activists were only working to ensure that the dogs had come from legal sources and had health certificates in accordance with Chinese law. Luckily, Buddhist Monks from the local area were able to step in and succeeded in recovering the animals. In May, I wrote you a letter drawing your attention to H.Res.752, which I introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 25, 2016. My bipartisan resolution condemns the Yulin Dog Meat Festival and respectively calls on your government to end the festival and, more generally, the dog meat trade.\r\nAs you know, this year\u2019s Dog Meat Festival took place in June. In order to save thousands of innocent dogs from being grossly mistreated and slaughtered, I once again implore you to do all that you can to see to it that all future Dog Meat Festivals are banned. It is notable that the Yulin city government has itself withdrawn as a sponsor of the festival. Disappointingly, however, city government officials have not yet taken meaningful action to enforce China\u2019s already well established laws regulating animal disease control, food safety, trans-provincial dog transport, or youth protection, all of which are violated by the dog meat trade and by many of those taking part in the Dog Meat Festival. I believe that with your leadership, and the leadership of President Xi, city officials in Yulin can be convinced that their best course of action is to fulfill their respective duties to see to it that Chinese law is followed thereby saving thousands of dogs from a certain and tortuous death.\r\nThe grotesque festival, and the dog meat trade more generally, serve as a call to action for not only the millions of Chinese citizens who care for and love animals, but for all such people around the world. I fully understand that the majority of people in China do not consume dog meat and that your government has sound and well established laws under which those who engage in and perpetuate the dog meat trade could be prosecuted. I respectfully ask that you join me in standing with the millions of Chinese citizens who are on record denouncing the dog meat trade, and ensure that this terrible trade and festival ends swiftly through the just adjudication of Chinese law.\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nSincerely,\r\n  \r\nAlcee L. Hastings  \r\nMember of Congress\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=398699", "Hastings Statement on FBI Letter to Congressional Leaders", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hastings\u2019 Statement on FBI Letter to Congressional Leaders \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 28, 2016\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) released the following statement in response to FBI Director James Comey\u2019s letter to eight Republican Congressional Committee Chairmen:\r\n\u201cThe review of Secretary Clinton\u2019s personal email server that concluded months ago yielded no charges. FBI Director James Comey himself said that no reasonable prosecutor would move forward with a case like this one. I don\u2019t expect we will learn anything new that will change this assessment. \r\n\u201cI am very concerned and surprised at the manner in which Director Comey has inserted the FBI into this election. With just 11 days until Election Day, it is extraordinary to announce this decision without providing any additional information. Republicans have spent months second-guessing the FBI with baseless partisan accusations, and have already seized upon this announcement with blatant mischaracterizations. While the FBI has not even indicated that this review involves Secretary Clinton\u2019s own use of emails, Republicans have, once again, already drawn their own conclusions. Director Comey should provide the full details of this new investigation to the American people. This action demands full and complete transparency. Anything else at this time would be reckless.\u201d\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  \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://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-frederica-wilson-and-ileana-ros-lehtinen-will-travel-to-haiti-on", "Reps. Frederica Wilson and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Will Travel to Haiti on Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Examine Hurricane Relief Efforts", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Miami, Florida) \u2013 A bipartisan congressional delegation comprised of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) will travel to Haiti on Saturday, October 29, 2016, and return to Miami on Sunday, October 30, 2016, on a commercial flight. The purpose of the trip is to examine hurricane relief efforts after Hurricane Matthew. The two lawmakers are scheduled to receive briefings by the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations Mission in Haiti on the emergency relief operations and cholera response, travel to one of the hardest hit areas of J\u00e9r\u00e9mie to observe distribution of food and health care services, meet with the Haitian prime minister, and hold discussions with key stakeholders in Haiti regarding the upcoming elections.\u00a0\nStatement by Wilson:\n\u201cThis trip to Haiti is very important to me for different reasons. I represent members of one of the nation\u2019s largest Haitian-American communities. Many of my constituents still have deep ties to Haiti and are desperate for accurate accounts of the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew from sources they can trust. More important, witnessing and assessing the damage firsthand is the best way to determine the different types and levels of support Haiti will need to rebuild from this latest natural disaster and how I can advocate on the nation\u2019s behalf as it fights to fully recover from both Hurricane Matthew and the 2010 earthquake.\u201d\nStatement by Ros-Lehtinen:\n\u201cI am thankful to have Frederica join me on this bipartisan congressional delegation to Haiti to get an on the ground assessment of our hurricane relief efforts. With about 1.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance, including approximately 175,000 in evacuation shelters and 806,000 in need of immediate food aid, Hurricane Matthew has had devastating consequences on the people of Haiti. Haiti has suffered through an earthquake and hurricanes in recent years and the U.S. will remain committed to help in the humanitarian response but it is crucial that our assistance is getting to those most affected who are in desperate need of food, water, shelter, and sanitation services. I look forward to meeting with U.S. and UN officials, as well as relief workers, to examine the distribution of essential humanitarian services.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398697", "Hastings Statement on National Bullying Awareness Month", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement recognizing National Bullying Awareness month, which takes places every year during the month of October: \r\n\u201cDuring National Bullying Awareness Month, we highlight the need to raise awareness of bullying prevention. Bullying is defined as any behavior that hurts, harms, or humiliates a student, either physically or emotionally. It can happen while at school, online, or in communities away from school grounds. Bullying behavior is often repeated by individuals or groups that have more social or physical \u2018power\u2019 with the intent of harassing others. \r\n\u201cToday, bullying and abuse has become a serious concern. This form of intimidation significantly affects our nation\u2019s youth and their families. Roughly 32 percent of 12-18-year-olds say they have been bullied, and suicide has risen to become the second-largest cause of death in teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) students who experience bullying are at increased risk for poor academic performance, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression.\r\n\u201cWhile we have taken steps to improve school safety and inclusiveness, we need to continue building on efforts to end bullying. I remain committed to working with our country\u2019s youth, parents, educators, and communities to protect the safety of our children and ensure a welcoming environment at schools across the country.\u201d\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=398698", "Hastings Statement on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: \r\n\u201cDuring National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we highlight the painful reality of intimate partner abuse in our country. Domestic violence takes many forms: it can include emotional abuse as well as physical, psychological, and sexual violence, with the intention of intimidating, abusing, or otherwise exerting control of one intimate partner over another. \r\n\u201cNearly 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute in the United States. On a typical day, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. While rates of domestic violence have dropped significantly over the past two decades, far too many women and men struggle to free themselves from abusive situations. \r\n\u201cAs we observe this month, we work to let victims know that they are not alone. I was proud to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013, which expanded protections and services for Native Americans, immigrants, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. All people deserve to feel safe and secure, and I will continue to work in Congress to protect victims of domestic violence.\u201d\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"], ["https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/happening-this-friday-october-21st-congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-and", "HAPPENING THIS FRIDAY OCTOBER 21st: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Commissioner Barbara Jordan to Host Drivers License Reinstatement Event", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Frederica Wilson", "W000808", "wilson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MIAMI  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, in conjunction with the Public Defender, Eleventh Judicial Circuit County Court Criminal Division, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, will host a driver's license reinstatement event this Friday, October 21, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building.\nMore than 1.5 million people in Florida have had their licenses suspended for a variety of reasons including seat belt violations, unpaid traffic tickets, and broken tail lights. The reinstatement event will help more than 400 Miami-Dade County residents restore their driving privileges. \nA suspended license prevents many people from getting to work or school which can affect their ability to provide for their family and improve their quality of life, said Congresswoman Wilson. This event will allow many to pay a reinstatement fee and have their driving privileges restored. This is an opportunity for redemption for many. \nWhat:Driver's License Reinstatement Event\\\nWho:Rep. Frederica S. Wilson and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, in conjunction with the Public Defender, Eleventh Judicial Circuit County Court Criminal Division, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles\nWhen: Friday, October 21, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.\nWhere: Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, 1351 NW 12 Street, Miami 33125 at the main entrance", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398267", "U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on reported deceptive strategy behind FL's solar amendment", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the statement below following the reported deceptive strategy behind Florida\u2019s solar amendment. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the statement below following the reported deceptive strategy behind Florida\u2019s solar amendment. \r\n\u201cI represent the State of Florida on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and have a bird\u2019s-eye view of energy policy across America.\u00a0Florida lags far behind other states in unleashing the potential of solar power, renewable energy and energy efficiency that would save consumers money and reduce carbon pollution.\u00a0Electric utility monopolies are working to kill cost-saving solar power installed by businesses and residents.\u00a0 Electric monopolies want to control solar and renewable energy generation and use, and have consistently put their corporate profits ahead of the best interests of Florida consumers.\r\n\u201cNow new press reports show what so many suspected -- the proposed Amendment 1 on the general election ballot is an anti-consumer sham.\u00a0 I agree with the executive director of the Energy and Policy Institute -- the electric utility corporations are trying to confuse voters into believing Amendment 1 is pro-solar. It is not.\u00a0It is a dirty trick.\u201d\r\nU.S. Rep. Castor represents the Tampa Bay area in Congress and serves on the Energy and Power Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In June, she hosted representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy and other stakeholders for a forum at the University of South Florida Patel Center for Global Solutions on the Future of Solar Energy & Jobs in the Sunshine State.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 563, "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": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-10-19,http~3A~2F~2Fcastor~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D398267", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=FL&year=2016&_next=2016-10-19%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fcastor~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D398267&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 484.76500110700727, "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"}