{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403759", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Announces Historic Federal Emergency Aid Delivered to Tampa Bay Families and Businesses in 2021", "2021-12-29", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today a breakdown of federal investments and assistance delivered to the Tampa Bay community:\n\n$2.9 billion in Covid19 grants to support small businesses and nonprofits, including $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection small business loans, $74.6 million in Restaurant Revitalization Fund awards and $46.8 million in Shuttered Venue Operators Grant;\n\nA record $1.9 billion in federal grants secured for this Tampa/Hillsborough congressional district to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, and support the important work of local partners as Tampa Bay Builds Back Better;\n\nA record $3.4 million recovered for veterans, seniors, small businesses and families of this congressional district who were stuck in red tape before requesting assistance from U.S. Rep. Castor;\n\nThanks to the American Rescue Plan and President Biden, Rep. Castor delivered ~$206M in tax cuts for most families with children (per the new expanded Child Tax Credit) which helped 86,000 Tampa area families at a time they needed it most with child care, groceries, diapers and school supplies.\n\n\u201cI am enormously proud of my Tampa constituent services team led by Tery Sanchez, my aide since 2002 when we joined forces to serve our neighbors on the Hillsborough County Commission. Team Castor worked tirelessly to cut through red tape and bureaucracy on behalf of families, veterans and neighbors across the Tampa area at a record level in 2021.\n\n\u201cThe millions of dollars returned to our neighbors in our Tampa area District is a testament to the dedication and level of expertise with which Team Castor tackles complex cases on a daily basis to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned and to guarantee that Social Security and Medicare are delivered on time to our older neighbors. Tampa families are facing unique and time-sensitive issues due to the coronavirus, and my team\u2019s top priority remains serving our neighbors with respect and care.\u201d\n\nIn FY2021, Florida\u2019s 14th Congressional district in Tampa and Hillsborough County saw 779 grant awards for a total of $1.9 billion.\n\n\u201cThe $1.9 billion in federal grants serve as a lifeline for our hospitals, small businesses, schools, renters and more as they work through ongoing challenges of the Covid19 pandemic. Through American Rescue Plan federal grants, we have kept children learning safely, met the urgent needs of our Tampa health heroes, allocated funds to connect Tampa and make our roadways safer, and much more. I will continue championing our local partners to ensure that I continue to work to secure federal grants that ensure the health, wellbeing and economic success of our neighbors and greater Tampa Bay community.\n\n\u201cI am proud to continue delivering for our Tampa Bay community, especially as we build back from the pandemic era with President Biden signing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law and House passage of the Build Back Better Act. Paired with the lifesaving American Rescue Plan, we are working to ensure a level playing field that provides opportunity for all of our neighbors.\u201d\n\nAmong the $1.9B in federal grants that U.S. Rep. Castor delivered for Tampa Bay are an $18 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant for Tampa Heights, $1.7 million American Rescue Plan Capital Improvements Award for Tampa Family Health Centers, and a $6.1 million Head Start Emergency Supplemental grant for Lutheran Services Florida.\n\nThanks to federal Covid19 aid, Florida\u2019s 14th Congressional District received over $2.9B in grants for local businesses, including $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans, $74.6 million in Restaurant Revitalization Fund Awards and $46.8 million in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants.\n\n\u201cThese federal dollars have done exactly what we intended when crafting these aid packages in the Congress \u2013 they have helped our local businesses, the heart of our community, keep the lights on and employees paid over the past two years and will continue to aid them in bouncing back in the days ahead.\n\n\u201cI am also incredibly heartened to know that over $200 million in Child Tax Credit boosted the bank accounts of 86,000 Tampa area families thanks to the American Rescue Plan. These payments have been lifelines for families across our community, providing food, diapers, clothes and other essentials when they needed it most. In 2022, I will continue to work with our incredible local and federal partners to ensure that all of our neighbors have the tools they need to succeed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403755", "Rep. Castor Statement on MacDill AFB Being Chosen as Preferred Location to Host KC-46 Tanker Aircraft", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released a statement following a press conference announcing that the Department of the Air Force selected Tampa\u2019s MacDill Air Force Base as the preferred location to host 24 KC-46As, which will replace the base\u2019s 24 KC-135s. The decision was made after conducting site surveys that assessed locations based on factors related to mission, infrastructure capacity, community support, environmental considerations and cost.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that MacDill was chosen to be the new main operating base for 24 KC-46s Pegasus aircraft. The patriotic Tampa Bay community embraces the mission and the outstanding men and women who serve here. Tampa is \u201ctanker town,\u201d and we are thrilled to upgrade our tankers and cement the air mobility mission at MacDill for decades to come,\u201d said Rep. Castor.\n\n\u201cMacDill Air Force Base is proud to be chosen to become the next preferred location to host the KC-46 Pegasus. The selection ensures that the 6th Air Refueling Wing will provide next generation aerial refueling support and AirPower for our nation\u2019s defense for decades to come,\u201d said Colonel Benjamin R. Jonsson, Commander, 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the MacDill Means Mobility Task Force, we are thrilled that the Air Force has chosen MacDill Air Force Base to host the KC-46. Tampa Bay and Florida's unrivalled support for military servicemembers, their families, and our veteran community makes MacDill the perfect home for this new squadron. With a premier location for global power projection and global reach, MacDill is ready for the KC-46,\u201d said Kelly Flannery, President & CEO, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.\n\nThe announcement follows years of advocacy from Rep. Castor and local leaders on the placement of these next generation tanker aircraft. In 2012, when MacDill was considered by the Air Force for KC-46 tankers, Rep. Castor led a \u201cMacDill Means Mobility\u201d campaign with local and state leaders to highlight the strengths of the base to national policymakers. Castor convened community and business leaders for a meeting at the Pentagon to highlight MacDill\u2019s strength and reputation as a \u201ctanker town.\u201d\n\nThe next step is an environmental impact assessment, expected to be completed by fall 2023, then the Air Force will confirm the decision for its sixth and newest KC-46 Main Operating Base.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-meijer-bipartisan-members-congress-write-letter-urging-us-department-state", "Soto, Meijer, Bipartisan Members of Congress Write Letter Urging US Department of State to Restore Visa Processing Operations", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Limited visa processing capacity and extended wait-times are a legacy of measures taken in the early days of the pandemic that are no longer appropriate or necessary as testing and vaccines become more widely available,\" wrote the Members. \"Furthermore, they disrupt the reopening of American businesses. According to the U.S. Travel Association, international visitor spending in the U.S. dropped by 76% in 2020, leading to the loss of $141 billion and 1.1 million American jobs. As international and domestic travel begin to recover, many travel businesses rely on H-2B and J1 visas to meet short-term and seasonal workforce demands that cannot otherwise be filled. With such a significant portion of U.S. visa processing sites fully or partially closed, travel businesses will not have the international visitors or the temporary workers they need to generate a speedy and robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.\"\n\n\"My constituents in Florida's Ninth Congressional District are feeling the negative effects of lowered visa processing operations more than ever,\" said Congressman Soto. \"Whether they're families waiting to reunite with loved ones or small business owners missing employees and customers, this issue is affecting our community greatly and needs to be addressed quickly. I hope the Department of State will consider our proposals, take the necessary steps to shorten wait times, and ease the tension felt by so many people in Central Florida and across the country.\"\n\n\"Swift and efficient visa processing is critical to restoring the United States as a top destination for global travelers,\" said U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Barnes. \"With 60% of U.S. embassies and consulates partially or completely closed for visa processing\u2014and average appointment wait times climbing to more than a year in some locations\u2014a commitment to restoring visa operations and reducing the appointment backlog is necessary to ensure the U.S. inbound travel market will recover more quickly to pre-pandemic levels. We applaud the letters' co-signers for their leadership on this issue and respectfully urge the State Department to fully resume visa processing operations worldwide, which will help sustain an even recovery across all sectors of travel.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-menendez-introduce-bicameral-resolution-recognize-historical-significance", "Soto, Menendez Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Recognize the Historical Significance of Roberto Clemente\u2019s Place of Death", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced a bicameral resolution which urges the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to recognize the historical significance of Roberto Clemente's place of death near Pi\u00f1ones in Lo\u00edza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.\n\n\"In Central Florida, Roberto Clemente's legacy lives on in our renamed streets and schools, in little league field murals, as well as in the morals we teach our children to follow,\" said Congressman Soto. \"Clemente once said, 'Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.' From his efforts to reform American baseball to his humanitarian work, he demonstrated that he practiced what he preached and dedicated his life to helping others overcome adversity. Though his life was tragically cut short, we will keep fighting to keep his spirit alive.\"\n\n\"Roberto Clemente not only made his mark on the game of baseball as a Puerto Rican professional baseball right fielder, but he also left behind a legacy for his advocacy and commitment to the equitable treatment of Latino and Black baseball players,\" said Senator Menendez. \"Clemente's story is a true American story, and that's why I am proud to be leading this resolution in the Senate. It is long overdue for the Interior Department to recognize the historical significance of his humanitarian efforts in his place of death near Pi\u00f1ones in Lo\u00edza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.\"\n\nRoberto Clemente began playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League in Major League Baseball in 1955 and went on to play for them for 18 seasons, becoming a baseball legend. Throughout his distinguished career, he won two Major League Baseball World Series Championships in 1960 and 1971, was named World Series Most Valuable Player in 1971, and was an All-Star for 15 seasons from 1960-1967 and from 1969-1972. Clemente also hit the only walk-off, inside-the-park grand slam home run in professional baseball history on July 25, 1956.\n\nClemente enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and served as an infantryman for six years until 1964 when he was honorably discharged. He embodied the values of a model citizen through his acts of service and humanitarian efforts toward those in need, regardless of their location. On December 31, 1972, he was on his way to provide humanitarian aid in Nicaragua after it was hit by a massive earthquake when the airplane he was on crashed into the ocean, leading to his tragic death. This resolution would honor one of baseball's greatest players and his legacy.\n\nIn the House of Representatives, in addition to Rep. Soto, the resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (PR-At Large), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07). In the Senate, in addition to Sen. Menendez, it is co-sponsored by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nClick here for the full text of the resolution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403754", "Rep. Castor Touts Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Announces $2.5B in New Funding for Roads and Bridges Headed to Florida, First Round of Highway Funding Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "On Wednesday, Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) updated Tampa Bay area residents on the details of projects and resources made available through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act during an infrastructure telephone town hall. She also listened to constituent priorities and hosted experts to answer questions on the law. Castor was joined by Emily Feenstra, Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives for the American Society of Civil Engineers and Beth Alden, Executive Director of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization.\n\nThe telephone town hall can be found here.\n\nOn Thursday, Rep. Castor and Port Tampa Bay president and CEO Paul Anderson underscored the significance of this investment for Port Tampa Bay \u2013 an economic engine that supports over 85,000 jobs annually and has an economic impact of $17.2 billion \u2013 and businesses that rely on this important economic engine. The law will help modernize the port, alleviating supply chain bottlenecks, lower costs for families and increase the flow of goods through Tampa Bay. More than many other ports, Port Tampa Bay will provide the bulk construction materials for infrastructure projects across Florida.\n\nA video of this event can be found here.\n\nFollowing this event, Rep. Castor announced that the State of Florida will receive $2,510,041,078 in new federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create good-paying jobs for Floridians improving roads and bridges across the state. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Florida highways authorized by this new law.\n\n\u201cWith this new infusion of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we\u2019re putting Floridians to work rebuilding roads and bridges in Tampa Bay communities,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThese federal dollars are a strong first step toward strengthening our state\u2019s essential infrastructure \u2013 and with them, we\u2019ll cut down commute times, help small businesses get goods to market and keep travelers safe on our roads. This is how we Build Back Better for our community and future generations.\u201d\n\nThe historic and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Biden on November 15th, secured new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for the construction, reconstruction or improvement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403753", "Tampa International Airport to receive $21M early dollars under Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement today following the announcement that $21,711,252 in new federal funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is headed to Tampa International Airport:\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help ensure that Tampa International Airport remains one of the one best airports in the world. Tampa Airport is one of our most important economic engines and the gateway to the dynamic Tampa Bay region. These investments will help build a safer and more sustainable airport while creating jobs and connecting Tampa Bay to the world.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to deliver for our neighbors and businesses and I am more determined than ever to replace the outdated FAA air traffic control tower. Thanks to President Biden, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the FAA for announcing the good news today - a holiday gift for travelers and workers alike.\u201d\n\nTampa International Airport will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. In addition to these guaranteed funds, Tampa Airport can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.\n\nOn Nov. 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $15 billion in formula funding to help redevelop airports across the country. Projects that qualify for funding include: improvements to runways and taxiways, terminal development and noise prevention. The law also includes an additional $5 billion nationally for FAA towers and facilities funding, which the FAA will distribute among airports in need.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3379", "Reps. Frankel, Bilirakis, Dingell Introduce Bill to Improve Public Health Programs for Older Adults", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-21), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) introduced the Protecting the Health of America\u2019s Older Adults Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve the health and well-being of older adults and provide grants to state and local health departments to implement age-friendly public health programs.\n\n\u201cAs people age, they face unique health challenges including dementia, food insecurity, balance, and isolation,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will provide the CDC and state and local health departments with resources to address these, and other critical health issues older Americans confront every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe it to our seniors to ensure they have access to the best possible health care,\u201d said Rep. Bilirakis. \u201cAs the population continues to age, it only makes sense that public health officials are working closely with senior advocacy organizations to identify and address unmet needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years. We have the power to prepare for this through strategic legislation that supports critical resources for older Americans,\u201d said Rep Dingell. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work with my colleague Rep. Lois Frankel to introduce the Protecting the Health of America\u2019s Older Adults Act to create a Healthy Aging program at the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. From lowering health care costs to improving health equity, this program will be a lifeline to the American people as they age.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe last year underscored how important it is for public health agencies to be at the table when it comes to promoting the health of older adults,\u201d said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for America\u2019s Health. \u201cWhile health departments have been critical to the COVID-19 pandemic response when it comes to older adults, their active engagement in addressing many other issues faced by the aging population across the public health spectrum, including transportation and housing access, chronic disease, and mental health will promote better aging outcomes and benefit our entire society. This new grant program would be a step in the right direction to ensure that state and local health departments have the resources to do exactly that.\u201d\n\nThis CDC program would provide grants and technical assistance to state, local, territorial, and tribal health departments for:\n\nImproving the coordination of public health interventions that improve the health and well-being of older adults;\n\nDisseminating and implementing evidence-based best practices and programs with respect to promoting the health and well-being of older adults;\n\nCoordinating multisectoral efforts to improve the health and well-being of older adults across governmental and nongovernmental health agencies;\n\nImproving coordination of interventions to identify gaps and reduce duplication of efforts at federal, local, and state agencies and with other aging services organizations.\n\nThe Protecting the Health of America\u2019s Older Adults Act has been endorsed by The Florida Public Health Association, Trust for America\u2019s Health, Alliance for Aging Research, Society for Women\u2019s Health Research, American Association on Health and Disability, American Public Health Association, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Society for Public Health Education, Coalition of National Health Education Organizations, Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE), National Network of Public Health Institutes, Society for Public Health Education, Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to the Youth, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, Gerontological Partnership of America, Common Threads, Urban Health Partnerships, We All Rise, and more.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3377", "Rep. Frankel Statement on the Last Round of Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments Hitting Bank Accounts", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement as the last disbursement of 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments hit bank accounts.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from families all across Palm Beach County who tell me how these Child Tax Credit payments allowed them to put food on the table for their children,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cNo parent should be working two jobs and still struggling to keep a roof over their family\u2019s heads. That\u2019s why the expanded Child Tax Credit\u2014which has lifted more than 5 million children out of poverty and delivered over $188 million in assistance to more than 80,000 families in our community\u2014is so critical. It\u2019s time for the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act so we can continue providing these monthly tax credits and give families the help they need in the new year.\u201d\n\nUnder President Biden\u2019s American Rescue Plan, Congress increased Child Tax Credit payments up to $3,600 per year per child under 6, and $3,000 per year per child ages 6-17 and provided monthly installments. The Build Back Better Act would extend this increase and the monthly payments through the end of 2022. The bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2766", "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Supports Port Everglades Expansion Plans, Supply Chain Relief and Job Creation", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "**MEDIA ADVISORY for Today, Dec. 15 at 10:15 AM**\n\nFort Lauderdale, Fla. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) will join Port Everglades and union officials to discuss how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law stands to help with the local port\u2019s expansion plans, aid in relieving national supply chain issues, and generate quality new local jobs.\n\nThe Biden Infrastructure Law invests $17 billion in America\u2019s port infrastructure and waterways to address repair and maintenance backlogs, and reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and Port Everglades will be at the forefront of applying for those funds. The new transformational law is part of a broader effort to support the middle class, grow the economy, create good-paying American jobs, and show the American people that good governance works.\n\nThe legislation not only tackles the nation\u2019s neglected infrastructure needs, but it also confronts supply-chain issues caused by the global pandemic, helping keep everyday costs down for all Americans. Today, Rep. Wasserman Schultz and other officials will discuss these solutions, and how South Florida\u2019s international cruise and cargo hub is a key to unlocking them.\n\nWHO: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)\n\nRepresentatives from:\n\nInternational Longshoremen's Association Local 1526\n\nPort Everglades\n\nWHEN: Today, December 15, 2021\n\nArrive no later than 10:15 a.m. News conference starts at 10:30 a.m.\n\nWHERE: Media should meet in the parking lot at the Port Everglades Administration Building\n\n1850 Eller Drive\n\nFort Lauderdale, FL 33316", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3376", "Rep. Frankel Announces Nearly $1.4 million to Delray Beach for Hurricane Irma Expenses", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced that Delray Beach will receive $1,395,121 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for protective measures in response to Hurricane Irma. The money will reimburse the city for costs relating to emergency sewage pumping, sandbagging at police stations, safety inspections, supplies and commodities to citizens, and the purchase of generators to supply temporary power to multiple areas citywide.\n\n\u201cFour years ago, Hurricane Irma brought flood waters, strong winds, and deadly destruction to our state, and cities like Delray Beach spent millions of dollars to keep their communities safe and recover from the storm,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThankfully, Congress has been able to provide billions in relief to areas like ours, and this new round of funding will help Delray Beach continue to heal and prepare for future hurricane seasons.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403747", "Rep. Castor Statement on House Passage of FY22 NDAA", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement upon the House\u2019s second passage of the bipartisan FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cOur men and women in uniform risk their lives daily to protect our families, our nation and our interests across the globe. We owe them the support necessary to meet ever-changing national security threats, and that\u2019s why I am pleased that we have a path forward to overcome Senate Republican obstruction of the passage of the NDAA. Republican inaction is costly to our ever-evolving national security missions and leaves the military unable to plan operations effectively and confidently. When Republicans block a pay raise for our troops and fuel economic turmoil, it impacts everyone, businesses large and small and our incredible military families. Doing so as we enter the holiday season simply to score political points is cynical and wrong.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan defense bill will bolster our national security and invest in new, innovative technologies to maintain America\u2019s competitive edge over our adversaries including Russia and China. The Senate must do everything in its power to send this bill to President Biden\u2019s desk without delay.\n\n\u201cInvestments including a 2.7 percent pay raise for our troops and an air purification assessment for base housing and other on-base facilities will better the lives of service members and their families. This follows up on my work to ensure that housing is safe and free from mold and shoddy construction \u2013 Congress is committed to continuing to ensure that housing is improved for MacDill families.\n\n\u201cThis legislation will also help us make progress on some of our climate goals, as we do more to help military installations reach net-zero on energy, water, and waste by 2035. It also takes steps to boost climate resilience across our military installations, to advance military preparedness to the growing threat of wildfire, and to expand long-duration energy storage.\n\n\u201cFunding that I championed for Special Operations Forces also is contained in the bill, including an increase in funding to mitigate undiagnosed, untreated traumatic brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The NDAA will also invest in the Joint MISO WebOps Center (JMWC), which I visited earlier this year at MacDill AFB, to help modernize their work in the global information space.\n\n\u201cImportant for all members of our military, this package follows up on the establishment of new diversity requirements for the Department of Defense, including the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Council, and direction to change the names of military bases named after Confederate soldiers last Congress, this year\u2019s NDAA takes further action to meet this moment and ensure our military is reflective of our nation. This includes the establishment of a basic needs allowance for low-income service members to ensure their families are taken care of while they serve our nation. Importantly, we also increase the allowable parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers, including foster parents, and an expansion of the in-home child care pilot program and financial assistance for in-home child care. These are important steps to serving our service men and women as well as they serve us. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this year\u2019s NDAA in order to better serve our heroes at MacDill and around the globe.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA includes the following priorities for MacDill Air Force Base and Tampa residents:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3375", "Rep. Frankel Statement on the House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement after the House passed the 61st consecutive National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. This bipartisan, bicameral negotiated bill includes key provisions to strengthen America\u2019s security and meet the needs of our servicemembers.\n\n\u201cThis National Defense Authorization Act is a big win for our men and women in uniform,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis bipartisan bill modernizes our defenses, strengthens our national security, and provides a pay raise for members of the military. It acknowledges the importance of family by improving paid leave and increasing access to child care. It takes the decision to prosecute a sexual assault case out of the chain of command, better protecting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. This NDAA also includes a historic acknowledgement of the importance of women\u2019s participation in peace and security efforts to advance gender equality around the world.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act passed the House by a vote of 363 to 70 and will go to the Senate for final approval. For Rep. Frankel\u2019s previous statement on the NDAA, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-applauds-environmental-protection-agency-funding-florida-through", "Soto Applauds Environmental Protection Agency Funding for Florida Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KISSIMMEE, FL \u2013 Last week, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that Florida will receive $275,420,000 from the recently passed Bipartisan Build Back Better Infrastructure Law to protect clean water, upgrade their aging water infrastructure, and address key challenges like lead, excess nutrients in drinking water, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances contamination. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) issued the following statement in response to the announcement:\n\n\"President Joe Biden and Congress are delivering results from Washington, D.C., to our home state of Florida. Through the funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, we will have the opportunity to make desperately needed upgrades to our water infrastructure and deliver results to the vulnerable populations who have been historically underserved in our community. My constituents in Florida's Ninth Congressional District are unfortunately too familiar with the dangers posed by unsafe drinking water. In the City of St. Cloud specifically, we have seen multiple issues over the years stemming from aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance. Additionally, toxic \"forever chemicals\" known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances have been found in our water, air, and soil around Florida, leading to serious health concerns. These conditions are unacceptable and do not live up to the promises made to Americans in the Clean Water Act. Sadly, while 32 Republicans voted \"yes,\" not a single Florida Republican voted for the bill. It is my hope that our state will use these funds to make safe drinking water a reality for every Floridian.\"\n\nOver the following weeks and months, Florida will receive notice of more funds reaching the state as a result of the Bipartisan Build Back Better Infrastructure Law.\n\nTo view a more detailed breakdown of EPA funds, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403742", "Rep. Castor Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cToday, the House of Representatives passed legislation to fund the government following months of Senate Republican obstruction and inaction. CRs are no way to govern, but today\u2019s vote was necessary to avoid a needless government shutdown \u2013 caused by Congressional Republicans - that would harm Floridians and our ongoing economic recovery from Covid19 as Americans return to work in higher numbers and we look forward to the holidays. The Congressional GOP\u2019s refusal to negotiate on a routine annual appropriations adversely impacts our armed forces\u2019 ability to effectively and confidently plan for military operations, and throws a wrench into improving American economy. Today, I wrote Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell underscoring the harm that the GOP Senate\u2019s obstruction will wreak on Florida families and the men and women who serve at MacDill Air Force Base and around the globe.\n\n\u201cIt is time for Senate Republicans to stop playing politics with the lives of our neighbors, increasing costs on families, and complicating the safety of our nation. Congressional Democrats and President Biden stand ready to work with them to make meaningful investments that create jobs, lower costs on consumers, strengthen our schools, protect our air and water and advance environmental justice, and much more.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3374", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization Arguments at U.S. Supreme Court", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement as the Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization, a case that will provide a major test for whether the U.S. Supreme Court will continue to uphold 50 years of precedent defending the constitutional right to abortion.\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves the freedom to make personal decisions about their bodies without politicians trying to control them\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe Mississippi case before the Supreme Court today poses the most direct threat to Roe v. Wade in decades and jeopardizes access to abortion across the country. The personal decision of whether and when to become a parent should be in the hands of people, not politicians. And, regardless of the Court\u2019s action, this is a clarion call for the Senate to follow the House\u2019s lead and pass the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act.\u201d\n\nThe State of Mississippi explicitly, and repeatedly, asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and rule there is no right to abortion in the United States in its opening brief. If upheld, this law would enable states across the country to ban abortion care, even though the Supreme Court ruled in favor of upholding Roe as recently as 2020 in June Medical Services v Russo. A final decision is not expected until at least the spring of 2022.\n\nIn September, the House passed the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act to push back on dangerous state laws such as this one. This bill would prohibit states from enacting medically unnecessary restrictions that unfairly target abortion providers and prevent patients from getting the care they need.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403739", "U.S. Rep. Castor announces her 2021 nominations to U.S. military academies", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 26 students representing more than ten local high schools received nominations for admission into our nation\u2019s military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA).\n\n\u201cI am proud to nominate a diverse, impressive group of students from the Tampa Bay area to attend our nation\u2019s prestigious service academies,\u201d said Castor. \u201cThese dedicated students are the leaders of tomorrow, and I\u2019m grateful for their commitment to serving our nation.\n\n\u201cMy dedicated Nomination Committee puts in careful thought and time every year to thoroughly review each application and meet with each interested student individually, and I appreciate their important contribution,\u201d Castor continued. \u201cTampa Bay is a patriotic community, and our committee members are devoted to developing bright young leaders that will shape the future of America\u2019s armed forces and our nation.\u201d\n\nPhotos of the nominees can be found here.\n\nReceiving a nomination to one of our nation\u2019s military academies is an essential step towards receiving an appointment to the academies. Nominations are earned based upon each student\u2019s interview with Castor\u2019s Nomination Committee, their academic record, participation in extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership qualities. Because of the stringent application requirements, many students begin working on what it takes to apply as early as their first year of high school.\n\nBased upon the process established by federal law, all U.S. military academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, require either a service-connected or Congressional nomination (from their member of Congress, U.S. Senator or the Vice President of the United States). Parents and students interested in the nomination process can work with their school guidance counselors and find more information at https://castor.house.gov/constituentservices/serviceacademynominations.htm.\n\nCastor will announce official appointments at a later date after being notified of appointments by the academies. Today\u2019s announcement is the conclusion of Castor\u2019s 2021 competitive nomination process. The nominees who receive an appointment from a U.S. military academy will attend their respective academies in the 2022-2023 school year.\n\nU.S. Rep. Castor granted her nomination to the following students for one or more of the U.S. military academies:\n\nScott Larguier, Berkeley Prep \u2013 USMA\n\nAmani Haskins, Robinson High School \u2013 USMA\n\nArchie Dennis, The Lays School, Cambridge, UK \u2013 USMA\n\nRyan Maney, Plant High School \u2013 USMA\n\nJohn Overton, King High School \u2013 USMA\n\nGabriel Slater, Carrollwood Day School \u2013 USMA + USAFA\n\nMaxwell Fuller, Robinson High School \u2013 USMA\n\nMadison Lawrence, Plant High School \u2013 USNA + USMA\n\nGabrielle Hernandez, Middleton High School (Georgia Military College) \u2013 USMA\n\nJacob Ellis, Hillsborough High School \u2013 USAFA\n\nMadeline Frank, Robinson High School \u2013 USNA\n\nAdrianna Cook, Ramstein High School \u2013 USNA + USAFA\n\nLauren McCain, Wharton High School \u2013 USNA\n\nConrad DuFault, Steinbrenner High School \u2013 USNA\n\nSara Arroyave, Robinson High School \u2013 USAFA\n\nDavid Switzer, Freedom High School \u2013 USNA + USAFA\n\nPate Griffey, Cambridge Christian School \u2013 USNA\n\nAlexis Baez, Leto High School \u2013 USNA\n\nRichard Gonzalez, Steinbrenner High School \u2013 USNA\n\nJamison Ringvelski, homeschooled \u2013 USMMA\n\nKatherine Dingwall, Robinson High School \u2013 USAFA\n\nSolei Montalvo, Gaither High School \u2013 USAFA\n\nMichael Watson, Cocoa Beach High School \u2013 USMMA\n\nDante Des Rosier, Berkeley Prep \u2013 USAFA\n\nJoseph Pleinis, Plant High School \u2013 USAFA\n\nCamilla Quintero, Steinbrenner High School \u2013 USAFA", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403740", "Reps. Castor, Schrier Legislation to Prevent HPV Cancers Passes House", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL14) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA08) celebrated House passage of the Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for HPV Cancers Act (PREVENT HPV Cancers Act).\n\nThe human papillomavirus (HPV) causes six types of cancers, which leads to nearly 36,000 cases of cancer each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The World Health Organization established a goal last year of total eradication of cervical cancer due to the highly effective HPV vaccine and commitment by countries around the world. HPV vaccinations help prevent cancers and save lives, yet many families remain unaware of the important cancer-preventing vaccine. The aim of the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act is to increase vaccination rates with an eye to populations that lag far behind in vaccination rates.\n\nRep. Castor\u2019s speech on the House Floor can be viewed here.\n\n\u201cIf Dr. Francis Collins, the head of the NIH, called a press conference today and announced that we had found a cure for cancer, there would be cause for celebration. Well, since 2006, there's been a safe and effective vaccine that prevents six types of cancer, including cervical cancer and throat cancer. It's been a remarkable development, and with today\u2019s passage of the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act, we will equip communities across the country will the tools they need to vaccinate, educate and empower our neighbors to receive these lifesaving vaccinations. According to data from the CDC, more than one million doses of HPV vaccinations were missed last year. This falling off is worrisome, but we can tackle this problem by helping educate families and parents all across America to avoid these catastrophic diagnoses and save lives in doing it.\n\n\u201cThe PREVENT HPV Cancers Act builds on work the CDC is already doing to raise awareness about gynecologic cancers through Johanna's Law, and includes HPV and HPV-related cancers in a national public awareness campaign to educate providers, parents, and the general public about the life saving HPV vaccine. This is especially important in rural areas where there's also been a very dramatic drop off. I want to thank my friends back home at the Moffitt Cancer Center, including, Dr. Anna Giuliano, for educating me and for bringing together advocates across the country, and Rep. Schrier, a pediatrician, for her support for this legislation. I\u2019m confident we can increase health equity and positive outcomes through public education and research, and I\u2019m now calling on my Senate colleagues to take up and pass this critical legislation,\u201d said Rep. Castor.\n\n\u201cAs a parent and pediatrician, I want to keep my child and my patients safe and healthy. The HPV vaccine prevents cancer! My son has gotten his HPV vaccine, as have my patients; and I know that the most important factor in whether a parent chooses to immunize their child is a conversation with their healthcare provider. There is so much mistrust and vaccine hesitancy out there, and while immunizations are one of the greatest public health tools we have, they work best when there is widespread use. That\u2019s why I\u2019m excited that this bill passed the House and is hopefully on its way to getting signed into law. It will help spread awareness so more people get vaccinated, and also fund research to prevent death from HPV related cancers. I am proud to support Rep. Castor in this effort,\u201d said Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D.\n\n\u201cMoffitt Cancer Center celebrates this important step toward passage of the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act. The science has been clear for years \u2013 we have the tools to eliminate HPV related cancers globally, starting with cervical cancer. Rep Castor has had a long standing collaboration with us at the Moffitt Cancer Center in promoting interventions to prevent HPV cancers. We applaud Rep Castor for her leadership on PREVENT HPV Cancers Act, which could save tens of thousands lives among U.S. men and women per year,\u201d said Anna Giuliano, PhD, Professor and Director, Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer (CIIRC) at the Moffitt Cancer Center, American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professor.\n\n\u201cThe passing of the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act is great for HPV-related cancers that have gone so long without a major spotlight for awareness and prevention. This is especially beneficial in closing the health disparities gap and ensuring that patients have resources, access to care, and ultimately ending cancer diagnoses,\u201d said Tamika Felder, founder of Cervivor, Inc. and a cervical cancer survivor.\n\nH.R. 1550, the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act will:\n\nCreate a CDC-run national public awareness campaign to increase HPV vaccination rates (especially among males and communities most impacted by HPV cancers) and increase Americans understanding of HPV-associated cancers", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3373", "Rep. Frankel Statement on House Passage of Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act.\n\n\u201cToday is a historic and exciting day for families across America,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cNow that this transformational bill has passed the House, we are one step closer to delivering on the President\u2019s promise to Build Back Better. This bill is a once-in-a-generation investment in the care economy, universal pre-K education, paid leave, clean energy, and lower health care costs, all being fully paid for by making sure big corporations & the wealthiest pay their fair share of taxes. I urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill immediately.\u201d\n\nThe Build Back Better Act will:\n\nLower health care costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug costs for seniors, halting Big Pharma\u2019s outrageous price hikes above inflation, and expanding the Affordable Care Act to make coverage more affordable for those who buy insurance on their own;\n\nLower child care & family care costs by expanding the basic promise of free schooling in America for the first time in 100 years with universal pre-school for all 3- and 4-year-olds, cutting families\u2019 child care costs, extending the landmark Biden Child Tax Credit, and expanding access to affordable home care for older adults and those with disabilities;\n\nSecure the largest investment to combat climate crisis in history by cutting pollution, reducing energy costs, creating good paying jobs with a transformational investment to ensure America leads the clean energy economy, and;\n\nFight inflation, as it is fully paid for by making sure that big corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share, and ensuring no one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-votes-pass-historic-build-back-better-act", "Soto Votes to Pass Historic Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) voted to pass H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. This historic investment in America's future lowers prescription drug prices and caps costs for seniors, extends the Child Tax Credit, creates paid family leave, expands the ACA exchange to nearly one million Floridians, closing the Medicaid gap, boosts affordable housing, includes immigration reform, and works to combat climate change, among other things.\n\nDuring a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives last night, Congressman Soto gave the following remarks:\n\n\"HEADLINE: Democrats deliver for the American people\u2026 again. Democrats deliver for Central Florida\u2026 again. Lowering prescription drug prices and capping costs for seniors, extending Child Tax Credit payments, paid family leave, and lower childcare costs for Central Florida families. Providing nearly one million Floridians with an expansion of the ACA, boosting affordable housing, immigration reform, the largest effort to combat climate change in history. And unlike the GOP tax scam that busted the deficit by $400 billion and $4 trillion in debt, we pay for ours with major corporations and the wealthy paying their fair share. The Republicans are doing nothing but divide, the Democrats are delivering for America. I yield back.\"\n\nClick here for a video of his remarks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2763", "Wasserman Schultz Joins Democrats to Pass Historic Build Back Better Legislation", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) proudly joined her Democratic colleagues in passing the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), historic legislation that will transform the American economy and put the United States on the path towards shared future prosperity. This once-in-a-generation legislation will make immediate and sizable positive impacts on the lives of Florida\u2019s seniors, families and businesses. Listen to the Congresswoman\u2019s floor remarks on this historic legislation:\n\n(click on the image above to watch the video)\n\nThe key BBB provisions that will make life dramatically better for Florida\u2019s families include:\n\n\u2022 Negotiating lower drug costs for seniors by curbing Big Pharma\u2019s obscene price hikes, and ensure Americans with diabetes don\u2019t pay more than $35 per month for insulin;\n\n\u2022 Create a new, out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 on what seniors pay for Medicare Part D drugs;\n\n\u2022 Expand coverage and lower premiums in the ACA Marketplace, and help cover those in the states like Florida that refused to adopt the Medicaid expansion;\n\n\u2022 Help older Americans access affordable hearing care by expanding Medicare.\n\n\u2022 Expand free schooling in America with universal pre-school for all 3- and 4-year olds;\n\n\u2022 Slash child care costs so families pay no more than half what their current spending levels are, and ensure the vast majority pay no more than 7 percent of their income on child care;\n\n\u2022 Extend the landmark Biden Child Tax Credit, and deliver real financial help to millions of working families every month to pay for the groceries, gas and utilities that parents face;\n\n\u2022 Expand access to affordable home care for older adults and those with disabilities;\n\n\u2022 Steers billions in funding into green energy and resiliency programs, including clean vehicle and carbon-reduction efforts, as well as improvements to the energy grid.\n\n\u2022 Other funding priorities include clean-pipe water programs, broadband expansion and\n\nThe costs of this legislation are offset by making corporations and the wealthy finally pay their fair share. The BBB legislation will now go to the U.S. Senate.\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403736", "Rep. Castor Statement on House Passage of the Historic Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cWe made a promise to our neighbors that we would Build Back Better in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic. The past two years have underscored the urgent, tangible needs of Florida families and small business owners \u2013 access to quality, affordable health care and child care, good-paying jobs, clean air to breathe and clean water to drink, and affordable housing. Today\u2019s passage of the Build Back Better Act is a historic step towards bolstering our economy and making our government work for all Americans once more. The benefits will be felt across the Tampa Bay area.\n\n\u201cThis means providing universal, high-quality pre-kindergarten to three- and four-year-olds, expanding affordable health care and lowering costs to millions of Floridians, lowering the costs of prescription drugs, improving Medicare, making the single largest and most comprehensive investment in affordable housing in history, extending the tax cut for most families with children, and much more. While making monumental progress for families and working Americans, the Build Back Better Act lowers costs and fights inflation because it is fully paid for by making big corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share. No one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes.\n\n\u201cWe are aiming to help parents get back to work and bring the United States in line with other nations through paid family and medical leave. No one should have to grapple with the impossible questions that American men and women have been asking for years. Do I quit my job to care for an ailing loved one? Will I have to leave my job to care for my newborn child? Through our plan, all workers will be eligible for up to four weeks of paid leave for new parents, workers dealing with their own serious medical conditions, and workers who need leave to care for a loved one with a serious medical issue. This commonsense provision is long overdue and will help ensure we can keep American workers on the job with comprehensive paid leave policies.\n\n\u201cThis plan invests in our veterans through the VA, which will allow us to restore veterans\u2019 faith by literally rebuilding the outdated physical infrastructure of the VA system, investing in VA\u2019s workforce, and providing much-needed updates to the support structures that serve our proud veteran community in Tampa.\n\n\u201cThe Affordable Care Act remains popular in Florida, and as we begin another open enrollment period, Congress is making meaningful strides towards getting even more uninsured Floridians covered and lowering the cost of care for Americans of all ages.\n\n\u201cAfter two years that have shown us the importance of health care and popularity of the Affordable Care Act in Florida, we lower costs and improve coverage for our neighbors in life-saving ways. In Florida, Republicans at the state level have refused to expand Medicaid, costing the state billions of dollars while leaving almost 1 million of our neighbors without affordable health care coverage. The Build Back Better Act will reduce health inequalities by expanding Medicaid in states like Florida where governors have refused to act, lower health care costs by investing in programs that reduce health care premiums and deductibles for all Americans, and permanently extend the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which will ensure that low-income children will always have access to quality, affordable health insurance.\n\n\u201cNew comprehensive hearing benefits for Medicare beneficiaries including coverage of hearing aids will put more money in the pocketbooks of many Florida seniors and improve their overall health. We also invest $150 billion to expand access to quality home-based services and care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities, strengthening our nation\u2019s care infrastructure and workforce.\n\n\u201cIn a response to the concerns across the political spectrum, this bill will also finally allow for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices and stop Big Pharma from ripping off American families and seniors. This bill also enacts a new, out-of-pocket cap in Medicare on prescription drug costs at $2,000, adding important financial protection for Medicare beneficiaries. For years, I have heard from my neighbors about the high cost of insulin. Good news \u2013 Build Back Better lowers insulin prices so that Americans with diabetes don\u2019t pay more than $35 per month for their insulin. This is a long-overdue, all-American proposition that makes sure everyone can afford the cost of their prescription drugs and have access to the care they need.\n\n\u201cImportant for Floridians, our economy and our way of life, I have fought to ensure that a provision permanently banning oil drilling off of Florida\u2019s coast was included in this bill. Florida\u2019s beautiful beaches and our economy are tied to clean water and clean air, and this ban is an incredible victory for our state and environment.\n\n\u201cPaired with the bipartisan infrastructure package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on Monday, we are enacting the most significant clean energy, infrastructure and resilience package in the history of America. By cutting greenhouse gas pollution by well over one gigaton in 2030, we will reduce consumer energy costs, give our kids cleaner air and water, create hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs, and advance environmental justice by investing in a 21st century clean energy economy.\n\n\u201cI am especially inspired to see large investments in children and families through high quality universal Pre-K (UPK) and child care. UPK will give children a strong start and put them on a path to succeed in school and in life. More affordable child care will help women return to the workforce at a critical time as well.\n\n\u201cWe Build Back Better by ensuring a level playing field that provides opportunity for ALL of our neighbors \u2013 this historic legislation does just that. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill quickly \u2013 our nation and neighbors can\u2019t wait.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3368", "Rep. Frankel Votes to Pass 13 Bipartisan Bills to Support Veterans", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 This week, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after the House passed 13 bipartisan bills that will support veterans.\n\n\u201cService members returning to civilian life should have an opportunity for success,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe bills passed this week will expand access for veterans, and their families, to quality education and health care.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Rep. Frankel helped advance many of these bills out of committee before voting for them on the floor. A full list is available here and includes Rep. Frankel\u2019s priorities such as:\n\nH.R. 5671, which authorizes the VA to provide seasonal influenza vaccines to all veterans who want one, even if they don\u2019t ordinarily receive care through the VA.\n\nH.R. 2433, the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, which strengthens and enhances the VA registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.\n\nH.R. 958, the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, which strengthens the VA\u2019s maternity care programs to ensure veterans receive high-quality maternal health care and support.\n\nH.R. 4626, the VA AIM Act, which assesses VA health care services, operations, budget, and delivery to uphold the highest standards for the veterans who rely on them.\n\nH.R. 5603, the Protections for Student Veterans Act, which ensures that veterans in every state can continue their education without penalty if they are called to serve.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3369", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Dangerous DeSantis Bills Advancing in Florida State Legislature", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in response to the steps taken by the Florida State Legislature to advance Governor DeSantis\u2019 dangerous proposals to limit the use of masks and vaccines during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\u201cBy ignoring CDC guidance from public health experts and reputable scientists, Governor DeSantis is putting politics over the health and safety of Floridians,\u201d said Rep. Frankel.\n\nEarlier this month, Rep. Frankel was joined by colleagues representing Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Arizona to introduce the LOCAL HEALTH Act, to give local governments, agencies, and businesses the freedom to follow CDC guidance\u2014including requiring vaccines or mask mandates\u2014in order to keep workers, students, and the broader community healthy and safe, and combat these dangerous political tactics by Governors like DeSantis.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403735", "Rep. Castor Announces $18M Infrastructure Grant for Tampa Heights", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced a major new infrastructure investment in the heart of Tampa. The Florida Department of Transportation received an $18M FY21 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant from the Biden Administration for the Tampa Heights Mobility Corridor. This funding will assist the City of Tampa in its \u201ccomplete streets\u201d initiative, while leading to more jobs and boosting local businesses.\n\n\u201cThis $18M grant is important for the growing, dynamic neighborhoods of Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights. We are connecting Tampa neighborhoods, decreasing vehicle traffic and improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. I championed this grant, with Mayor Castor, to lift our neighborhoods, increase equity, create jobs, build mobility, and provide needed revitalization to our streets. We are united in our commitment to Build Back Better for our neighbors, for our environment, and for future generations,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor.\n\n\u201cThis is huge news for Tampa and our ability to better connect historic neighborhoods just north of downtown and to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. We\u2019re so grateful to Rep. Kathy Castor for championing the federal funding, which will tangibly improve residents\u2019 quality of life,\u201d said Mayor Jane Castor.\n\nThe Tampa Heights Mobility Corridor aims to make multimodal safety improvements focusing on creating a community asset that will connect downtown Tampa to the Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights neighborhoods and businesses. This includes widening sidewalks, creating two-way bicycle paths, making a dedicated rapid bus lane between USF and downtown, and more. The RAISE grant was previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant and the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary grant. Last year, Rep. Castor announced over $50 million in BUILD grants for the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County.\n\nThe Tampa Heights Mobility grant is separate and apart from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal passed by Rep. Castor and signed by President Biden yesterday, but it is a hopeful sign of more to come for the Tampa Bay area.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3365", "Rep. Frankel Celebrates Signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after attending President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signing ceremony at the White House.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a historic win for Florida and for all Americans,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI was honored to be in attendance as President Joe Biden signed this legislation into law to create millions of good paying jobs, modernize our bridges, roads, and public transportation systems, and make historic investments in broadband, electric vehicles, green infrastructure and clean drinking water. I look forward to working to pass the rest of the Biden Administration\u2019s Build Back Better Agenda soon.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework:\n\nMakes the largest federal investment in public transit ever;\n\nMakes the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak;\n\nMakes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system;\n\nMakes the largest investment in clean drinking water and waste water infrastructure in American history, delivering clean water to millions of families;\n\nMakes high-speed internet accessible to all Americans;\n\nMakes the largest investment in clean energy transmission and electric vehicle infrastructure in history; electrifying thousands of school and transit buses across the country; and creating a new Grid Deployment Authority to build a resilient, clean, 21st century electric grid;\n\nIncludes at least $19 billion for Florida.\n\nClick here to see all the ways the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework will impact the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3366", "Rep. Frankel Announces Next Round of Payments for Families with Children", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement as the next payments of the Child Tax Credit hit the bank accounts of families across America.\n\n\u201cThe Child Tax Credit payments have been life-changing for parents across Palm Beach County and for millions of other parents around the country,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cIn Florida alone, more than two million payments were sent last month, putting money directly in the pockets of working families to help pay for food, child care, school supplies, and more. This is a middle-class tax cut and every eligible parent in Palm Beach County should make sure they are getting these critical payments.\u201d\n\nThe American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit for eligible families to $3,600 annually per child ages 0-5, and $3,000 annually per child ages 6-17. This expanded credit is being delivered in monthly installments of up to $300 per child on the 15th of every month, through the end of the calendar year, with a final lump sum of up to $1,800 per child on families\u2019 2021 tax returns.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act would extend these increased payments for American families through 2022 and ensure that the families most in need would receive the maximum benefits.\n\nPlease click here for more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Child Tax Credit.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403734", "Statement from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor in Support of the Cuban People\u2019s Fundamental Rights Ahead of Planned November 15th Peaceful Protests", "2021-11-14", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "As Cubans and Cuban Americans gather in peaceful protest, I stand with them in solidarity \u2013 for freedom and fundamental human rights in the face of worsening oppression from the communist regime.\n\nAutocratic Cuba has failed its people. It is time for the Cuban people to be able to freely choose their leadership and their future, and for a peaceful transfer of power. Cuban citizens must be allowed to demonstrate peacefully for fundamental freedoms. I condemn the Cuban regime\u2019s acts of repression and call for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained Cuban citizens.\n\nThe Tampa community has been central and supportive of human rights and Cuban independence since the days when freedom fighter Jose Marti rallied cigar workers in Tampa for support for Cuban independence over one hundred years ago. It is no different now. My neighbors are lending their voices and rallying in the streets in support of their families and friends who are in living in desperation on the island.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2760", "Wasserman Schultz, Bice Join House Members, Breast Cancer Advocates to Press CDC to Address Decline in COVID-era Screenings", "2021-11-12", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and more than forty House Members joined in urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address the pandemic-era decline in routine breast exam screenings and collaborate with Congress to develop solutions to reverse the troubling drop-off in these life-saving procedures.\n\nVarious public health, economic and advocacy groups have documented that the COVID-19 virus disproportionately affected women. Often, it forced women from the labor force or resulted in them taking on more family and childcare responsibilities as daycares and schools closed for in-person instruction. These responsibilities, along with other health and economic factors, have caused women to forego necessary routine preventative and diagnostic medical testing.\n\n\u201cEarly detection, more than anything, saves lives. Any decline in breast cancer screenings means more suffering and heartache for the women and families who battle this deadly disease, and tragically dwindling mammography rates means more of them will die,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cThat is why I am calling on the CDC to pro-actively take action to reverse this drop-off and lessen the emotional, health, and financial toll it will take on millions of women.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical that we address this alarming decline in breast cancer screenings,\u201d said Bice. \u201cI look forward to working with my colleagues to find solutions to end this life-threatening trend.\u201d\n\nThe onset of the pandemic saw a drastic drop of more 80 percent in breast cancer screenings, with rates among women of color declining even more. When detected early, breast cancer survival rates are over 95 percent\u2013 but when detected in later stages, survival rates can be as low as 66 percent.\n\nThe Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screening (PALS) Act Coalition members worry that the 84% drop in breast cancer screening due to the pandemic will have a significant impact on early detection. In July, Carolyn Aldig\u00e9, Founder and CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation stated: \"If diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99%\u2014that's why breast cancer screening is so critical.\"\n\n\u201cKnowing that screenings save lives, we can\u2019t let down our guard and we urge the CDC to double its efforts collect screening data, improve education and awareness, and to find better ways to reduce barriers to breast cancer screening \u2013 all are critically important priorities to reverse the drop in screening rates,\u201d Marilyn Yager, PALS Act Coalition Coordinator. \u201cWe thank Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Stephanie Bice for leading this time sensitive congressional message to the CDC.\u201d\n\n\u201cEarly cancer detection saves lives. Getting more American\u2019s screened for cancer means earlier detection, better quality of life, and much better outcomes\u201d said Kashyap Patel, MD, president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and a practicing medical oncologist in Rock Hill, South Carolina. \u201cUnfortunately, access to cancer screenings is not equitable for our nation\u2019s minority or underserved populations, creating unacceptable disparities in cancer outcomes. We can, and must, do better.\u201d\n\nAmong the House Members who signed on to today\u2019s CDC letter were U.S. Reps.: Fred Upton (MI-6), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Bobby Rush (IL-1), Ron Kind (WI-3), Tom Cole (OK-4), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Doug Lamborn (CO-5), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Derek Kilmer (WA-6), Grace Meng (NY-6), Markwayne Mullin (OK-2), Buddy Carter (GA-1), John Katko (NY-24), David Valadao (CA-21), Don Bacon (NE-2), Anthony G. Brown (MD-4), Liz Cheney (WY-At-Large), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Al Lawson (FL-5), Tom O\u2019Halleran (AZ-1), Kevin Hern (OK-1), Kelly Armstrong (ND- At-Large), Cindy Axne (IA-3), Jason Crow (CO-6), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Elaine Luria (VA-2), Elissa Slotkin (MI-8), Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), Bryan Steil (WI-1), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Kathy Manning (NC-6), Deborah K. Ross (NC-2), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Michelle Steel (CA-48), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24).\n\nRead the entire letter below:\n\nDr. Rochelle P. Walensky\n\nDirector\n\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention\n\n1600 Clifton Road, NE\n\nAtlanta, GA 30333\n\nDirector Walensky,\n\nWe write to express our concern regarding the decline in routine breast cancer screenings throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially troublesome because early detection, preventive care, and treatment are critical to improving patient outcomes and the chances that they will survive the disease. As such, we urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide an update on and address this concerning trend, as well as work with members of Congress on immediate solutions.\n\nBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women in the United States. The average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. It is concerning to see data from an October 2020 study from the Community Oncology Alliance, which examined the billing frequencies before and after the onset of the pandemic, showing a nearly 85% drop in breast cancer screenings. Furthermore, the same study found a corresponding decline in mastectomies over the same period, of up to 56% of pre-pandemic levels. Further, we are especially concerned about the lack of screenings available in underserved and minority communities, as data from the CDC\u2019s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program showed breast cancer screening declined by 84% among Hispanic women and 98% among American Indian/Alaskan Native women.\n\nIt is clear that the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on women, forcing many of them to leave jobs to care for children and family members, and forego routine health screenings, such as those for breast cancer. Many women are faced with difficult choices, and factors like cost, access, and education must be addressed. In addition, preventative health screenings were reduced due to screening site closures, temporary suspension of breast cancer screening services, and health departments shifting resources to fight COVID-19, as well as families needing to stay home to tend to their own health and safety. These trends are reflective of what has been happening across the country and it is critical that we address this backlog in screenings and treatment moving forward to protect the millions of women across the country who are at risk of developing breast cancer.\n\nTherefore, we write to inquire about the CDC\u2019s actions to date in response to this concerning trend. Further, to reverse these trends, we urge the CDC to take the following actions: first, continue tracking and frequently provide data and updates on breast cancer screenings; second, focus on improving the number of breast cancer screenings through the Early Detection Program by continuing to encourage health care professionals to conduct routine cancer screenings; third, develop a plan to address barriers preventing women from accessing breast cancer screenings from their healthcare providers, and inform Congress of this plan; And fourth, work with Congress to determine whether legislation or additional funding are necessary to ensure not only that breast cancer screenings resume to pre-pandemic levels, but that health inequities preventing women from accessing these screenings are also addressed.\n\nAs the pandemic continues to impact communities and the healthcare system across the country, it is critical that routine breast cancer screenings are available to all women who need them to improve outcomes and save lives.\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403733", "Chair Castor, Committee Members Highlight U.S. Climate Action at COP26, Bolster Speaker's Congressional Delegation", "2021-11-09", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Chair Kathy Castor of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released the following statement on Tuesday after arriving in Glasgow, Scotland, for the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, alongside Speaker Nancy Pelosi, other members of the Select Committee, and the rest of the Speaker's congressional delegation:\n\n\u201cThe United States is increasing its commitment to clean energy and climate action - and we are sharing our plan with the world. It's such an honor to attend this historic climate summit alongside Speaker Pelosi, who has cemented her legacy as the most ambitious climate leader in the history of the House of Representatives,\u201d said Chair Castor. \u201cThanks to the Speaker's leadership and tenacious vision, we are poised to pass nearly a trillion dollars in investments to start solving the climate crisis - the largest single investment in climate and clean energy in our history. And over the next few days, we will proudly join President Biden's team here in Glasgow to show the world that we're ready to partner on solutions and unleash the clean energy economy.\u201d\n\nThe Select Committee Members on the delegation are:\n\nChair Kathy Castor (D-FL),\n\nCongresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR),\n\nCongresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA),\n\nCongressman Jared Huffman (D-CA),\n\nCongressman Mike Levin (D-CA),\n\nCongressman Sean Casten (D-IL),\n\nCongressman Joe Neguse (D-CO), and\n\nCongresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX).\n\nIn Glasgow, the delegation will participate in bilateral meetings, panel discussions and other engagements with global leaders on top climate priorities, including the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, gender equity and public-private sector coordination on climate action.\n\n\u201cThe climate crisis is the existential threat of our time, and America must continue to bring our boldest ambitions to the table to meet and beat our climate action goals,\u201d said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. \u201cTogether with this outstanding, experienced and diverse delegation including Committee Chairs, Members of the House Select Committee on Climate Crisis and respected Members of Congress, I am honored to once again return to the United Nations Climate Change Conference to convey the strong commitment of the U.S. Congress in addressing this crisis and doing so in a way that puts justice and equity \u2013 particularly for indigenous communities \u2013 first.\u201d\n\nThe Members will highlight the work done in Congress to help President Biden meet his goal of slashing emissions in half by 2030, including recent passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as progress on moving forward with the Build Back Better Act.\n\nChair Castor lauded the historic passage of the IIJA last week, saying: \u201cWith this vote, the House of Representatives has delivered a historic investment in America\u2019s infrastructure. This bipartisan bill makes progress on recommendations in our Climate Crisis Action Plan and takes steps to strengthen the grid, support electric vehicles, advance environmental justice, and prepare communities for costly weather disasters. Now it\u2019s time to finish the job by passing the Build Back Better Act.\u201d\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act advances a number of priorities in the Select Committee\u2019s Climate Crisis Action Plan, including:\n\nNew investments in Electric Grid Resilience and Expansion, including grid hardening ($5 billion), grid reliability and resilience research, development, and demonstration ($5 billion), a revolving loan fund to facilitate the construction of transmission lines ($2.5 billion), and the deployment of technologies to enhance grid flexibility ($3 billion). The IIJA also improves inter-state transmission siting so more Americans can access clean energy, creates a new Grid Deployment Authority to help build a resilient and clean electric grid, and increases the borrowing authority of the Bonneville Power Administration by $10 billion which could help build new transmission lines.\n\nHistoric investments in Transportation Infrastructure, including rail ($66 billion), transit ($39 billion), and a carbon reduction program to reduce transportation emissions ($6.4 billion).\n\nInvesting in our Children, including $7.5 billion for clean school buses and ferries, grants for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean vehicles at public schools ($500 million), and historic investments in broadband ($65 billion).\n\nInvestments in Environmental Justice (EJ) Communities, including historic funding for cleaning up legacy pollution ($21 billion), funding for Tribal Climate Resilience ($216 million), and a $1 billion program to reconnect EJ communities divided by highways.\n\nDoubling down on Electric Vehicles (EV), including the largest Federal investment ever in EV charging ($7.5 billion), funding for the Low or No Emission Vehicle (\u201cLow-No Bus\u201d) program ($5.25 billion), and support for developing a U.S. battery processing industry and EV battery recycling ($6.3 billion). The IIJA also requires states to consider establishing rates that promote transportation electrification and affordable and equitable EV charging.\n\nReducing Emissions through Energy Efficiency, including by renewing the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) ($550 million), funding an energy efficiency revolving loan fund within the State Energy Program ($250 million), funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) to support implementation of updated building energy codes ($225 million), and enhanced funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program ($3.5 billion). The IIJA also requires states to consider promoting demand response to reduce electricity consumption during peak times.\n\nResilience to Climate-Fueled Disasters, including enhanced funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coastal resilience programs ($1.5 billion), funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program ($1 billion), $3.5 billion for FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance, and $17 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers including funding for ecosystem restoration and coastal resilience.\n\nReducing Wildfire Risk, including funding for hazardous fuels reduction, controlled burning, and community defense resources ($3.3 billion), ecosystem restoration on public and private lands ($2 billion), and burying power lines and building microgrids ($5 billion).\n\nCritical Water Infrastructure investments, including funding for water storage, recycling, and desalination ($2.5 billion), environmental programs for Western water ($980 million), and funding for the Twenty-First Century Dams Act ($2.5 billion).\n\nClean Drinking Water for All, including the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history, including $23.4 billion for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), $15 billion to replace lead service lines, $10 billion to address dangerous PFAS chemicals, and $3.5 billion for Indian Health Service water and sewer infrastructure and resilience.\n\n###\n\nBackground:\n\nIn June of 2020, the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Democrats released the majority staff report Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America. This report provides a roadmap for Congress\u2014a Climate Crisis Action Plan\u2014to build a prosperous, clean energy economy that values workers, advances environmental justice, and is prepared to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.\n\nHouse Democrats have already passed more than 250 of the recommendations in the Climate Crisis Action Plan, and have successfully worked to turn over 100 of them into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3364", "Rep. Frankel Response to DeSantis Detailing his Plans for Upcoming Special Session", "2021-11-08", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after Governor DeSantis asked the Florida State Legislature to introduce legislation during the upcoming special session to prohibit mask and vaccine mandates for workers and students.\n\n\u201cFloridians want to keep their families healthy and safe,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe governor should not bully or threaten employers who want to use commonsense recommendations from the CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19\u2014the main cause of job loss, school closures, illness, and death in this state and across the country over the past 20 months.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403724", "Rep. Castor Votes To Pass Transformational Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, released the following statement as the House of Representatives voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:\n\n\u201cWith today\u2019s vote, the House of Representatives has delivered a historic investment in America\u2019s infrastructure,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cOur Tampa Bay neighbors deserve modern and safe infrastructure, especially major investments in transit. Rebuilding our infrastructure is especially important to Florida, where 408 bridges and over 3,564 miles of highway are in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 11.6 percent in Florida and on average, each driver pays $425 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. We are also long overdue for major, climate-forward investments in our public transit systems to ensure that all of our neighbors are able to travel safely and efficiently. To protect what makes the Sunshine State special and grow good-paying jobs in Tampa, we are strengthening the investments that support our economy and build more resilient infrastructure.\n\n\u201cWith $25 billion allocated for American airports and air traffic controllers, this legislation could help replace the Tampa International Airport air traffic control tower, which is welcome news. The air traffic controllers at TPA are critical to the safety and efficiency of those who travel through our amazing airport and replacing this tower \u2013 one of the oldest in the country \u2013 will protect travelers and TPA employees.\n\n\u201cWe are also making the largest investment in clean drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in American history. We must protect Tampa Bay and Gulf communities from sewage spills and contaminated runoff pollution. This bipartisan package will help modernize our local wastewater systems to keep our water clean and safe. Plus Democrats championed replacement of all of the nation\u2019s lead pipes and service lines \u2013 an important way to improve public health and create jobs.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill makes progress on recommendations in our Climate Crisis Action Plan and takes steps to strengthen the grid, support electric vehicles, advance environmental justice, and prepare communities for costly weather disasters.\n\n\u201cAs this year\u2019s relentless climate disasters have proven, we are in a \u2018code red\u2019 moment that requires us to act urgently and ambitiously to solve the climate crisis. That\u2019s why this bipartisan bill is matched with the critical investments in the Build Back Better Act, which will unleash America\u2019s clean energy economy and protect vulnerable Americans who are suffering the consequences of inaction.\n\n\u201cThis is it \u2013 this is our moment. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver on President Biden\u2019s agenda to create millions of good-paying union jobs, to build resilience across America, and to protect future generations from the growing costs and risks of the climate crisis. Inaction is not an option. I\u2019m ready to keep up the fight to help President Biden deliver this vision \u2013 for my daughters, for our economy, and for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThis bipartisan package will help the state of Florida Build Back Better by:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2759", "Wasserman Schultz Votes to Repair Florida\u2019s Crumbling Infrastructure and Advance Historic Health, Child, Climate, Job Building Legislation", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Last night, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) voted to deliver a historic, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to President Joe Biden\u2019s desk that will put thousands of Floridians to work and modernize the state\u2019s ailing infrastructure. The Congresswoman also voted to advance the Build Back Better (BBB) Act, which when signed into law, will boldly confront climate change, and make the largest investment in America\u2019s working families and safety net since the New Deal.\n\n\u201cFlorida\u2019s tourism economy relies on a strong, modern travel network and Democrats sent bold, job-producing legislation to President Biden that will repair our dilapidated water systems and fix our crumbling roads and bridges. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will do all that by putting thousands of Floridians to work with union and good-paying jobs,\u201d Wasserman Schultz said. \u201cAs for our hard-working families, the Build Back Better Act will help cover health and childcare costs and offer paid family leave, universal pre-k programs and extends a child tax credit, putting more money in the pockets of parents and caretakers. Seniors struggling to pay for home care or prescriptions would see lower costs by allowing Medicare to cover hearing care and begin negotiations for lower drug prices. BBB represents the most significant federal investment to confront climate change in American history, and will produce high-paying, green jobs. The package is fiscally responsible, requiring corporations and the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.\u201d\n\nFlorida has more than 400 bridges and 3,500 highway miles in need of repair. This Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be swiftly signed into law, and revive Florida\u2019s aging roadways, ports, airports and water systems. Based on federal formulas, Florida can compete for or receive:\n\n$13.1 billion for federal-aid highway programs over five years.\n\n$245 million for bridge replacement and repairs over five years.\n\nA $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program\n\n$2.6 billion over five years to upgrade our public transit systems.\n\nApply for a $2.5 billion grant to expand its electric vehicle charging network.\n\n$1.6 billion to improve its water infrastructure.\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3362", "Reps. Frankel, Wasserman Schultz, Crist, Deutch, Gallego, Garcia, Johnson, Kirkpatrick, Soto, Veasey Introduce Legislation to Defend Businesses, Local Governments that Implement Commonsense COVID-19 Safety Measures", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced the Let Our Cities And Local businesses Help Employees Achieve Long-Term Health Act (LOCAL HEALTH) Act. This bill would protect the ability of local governments, agencies, and private businesses to implement common sense public health and safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. This includes requirements such as social distancing, masks, vaccination, and testing.\n\n\u201cWe should not just stand by and let Governors put politics over the health and safety of our communities by restricting critical tools like vaccines and masks,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cLocal governments, agencies, and private businesses in our communities that want to follow CDC guidelines should be supported not punished. This bill would protect them from dangerous state overreach that we\u2019ve been seeing across the country, including in my home state of Florida.\u201d\n\n\u201cBusiness owners and school leaders need the flexibility to adopt smart, CDC-backed pandemic measures to keep children, customers and all our residents safe,\u201d said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. \u201cWhen authoritarian governors bully mom-and-pop shops and educators into risking people\u2019s health or hurting their bottom lines, we need added protections. Congresswoman Frankel\u2019s bill does that, and Florida needs it. Our governor handcuffs and threatens businesses and local communities just for adopting common-sense safety measures for face coverings, vaccines and social distancing. People and businesses deserve security and flexibility, and know-nothing, overreaching governors need to stop jeopardizing our public health.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s simple. If a business wants to say no shirt, no shoes, no vax, no service \u2013 they should be able to. If a parent or local school board wants to follow expert advice to keep children safe, healthy, and in school \u2013 they should be able to,\u201d said Rep. Crist. \u201cNo Governor should defund our public schools just because parents and school boards are doing what they can to keep schools open and safe. Why does Governor DeSantis think he knows better than Florida parents and the school boards they elect? It\u2019s about respect. I\u2019m proud to support legislation that keeps local decision-making where it belongs: locally. We\u2019re here to give school boards, parents, and business owners back their power that Governor DeSantis is taking away.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe all want to experience life as normal. Ensuring communities are able implement the public health measures they need to keep people safe, without threats of retaliation from their state governments, is how we move toward that,\u201d said Rep. Deutch. \u201cSchool districts, cities, and businesses in my district and across Florida have faced millions of dollars in bogus fines for implementing mask and vaccine mandates to keep children, residents, employees, and customers safe from COVID-19. Enough is enough. Thank you to my friend and colleague, Representative Lois Frankel, for her work on this important bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cArizona is still very much in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we need to make sure that schools, businesses, and local governments feel empowered to protect themselves, their employees, and their constituents,\u201d said Rep. Gallego. \u201cGovernor Ducey\u2019s record of political grandstanding against public health guidance only hurts Arizonans\u2019 health and economic wellbeing. Arizonans can\u2019t afford for our state to keep playing politics with a pandemic. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to be a leader on the LOCAL HEALTH Act to give school districts, local governments, and businesses the protection they need to keep people healthy and help end this pandemic.\u201d\n\n\"We have the tools we need to end the Coronavirus pandemic, but many politicians in GOP-controlled state governments are putting the public's health at risk for political gain and tying business owners\u2019 hands through overbearing restrictions on common-sense safety measures such as mask mandates,\u201d said. Rep. Garcia. \u201cThe LOCAL Health Act gives businesses the freedom they need to provide their employers and customers with a safe environment that will help America to get back to work.\"\n\n\u201cI support Rep. Frankel\u2019s LOCAL Health Act because people, especially essential frontline workers, need protection from politicians who put politics ahead of public health,\u201d said Rep. Johnson. \u201cVulnerable people should not be put at risk because state officials ban employers from implementing Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. People have a right to be safe in their workspaces and in public settings, and this commonsense legislation will help accomplish that objective. Politicians should be the first to help stop the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 750,000 Americans. We must pursue policies that protect as many people as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe only way we are going to recover from this pandemic is by implementing smart and science-driven mitigation efforts, which is exactly what so many of our local communities have had to step up and do,\" said.\" Rep. Kirkpatrick. \"With Arizona top of mind, this legislation is especially personal and important, and I am proud to support a bill that affirms the right of public and private employers to be leaders on COVID-19 mitigation efforts.\u201d\n\n\u201cTime and time again, we have seen that masks, vaccines, and social distancing save lives,\u201d said Rep. Soto. \u201cIt is dangerous for the governor to threaten businesses and continue to put politics over the safety of Floridians. The LOCAL HEALTH Act will prevent his policies from getting in the way and allow businesses to make choices that consider public health safety measures.\u201d\n\n\"We must defend the rights of local businesses to protect employees, especially in states that are basing public safety on politics rather than science,\u201d said Rep Veasey. \u201cThat is why I am proud to co-lead Rep. Frankel\u2019s legislation, which will allow employers to enact commonsense safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and get our economy back on the right track.\"\n\nThe LOCAL HEALTH Act would supersede any state law that limits local governments, agencies, and private businesses from implementing safety precautions. The bill makes it clear that employers may take measures to protect employees and patrons from COVID-19 including through vaccine and masking requirements.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3363", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Historic Infrastructure Deal", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n\u201cThis package will create millions of good paying jobs, modernizing our bridges, roads, and public transportation systems while making historic investments in broadband, electric vehicles, green infrastructure and clean drinking water,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI look forward to passing the rest of President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better agenda to create an economy that works for all Americans.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:\n\nMakes the largest federal investment in public transit ever;\n\nMakes the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak;\n\nMakes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system;\n\nMakes the largest investment in clean drinking water and waste water infrastructure in American history, delivering clean water to millions of families;\n\nEnsures every American has access to reliable high-speed internet, and;\n\nHelps us tackle the climate crisis by making the largest investment in clean energy transmission and EV infrastructure in history; electrifying thousands of school and transit buses across the country; and creating a new Grid Deployment Authority to build a resilient, clean, 21st century electric grid.\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed the House by a vote of 228-206. It now goes to the President for his signature.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2757", "Wasserman Schultz: To Beat COVID, Schools, Businesses Need Flexibility \u2013 Not State Intrusion", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) joined U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) to unveil legislation to allow local governments, agencies, and private businesses to implement common sense public health and safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, including requirements such as social distancing, masks, vaccination, and testing.\n\nWasserman Schultz joined with Reps. Charlie Crist (FL-13), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Hank Johnson (GA-04), and Darren Soto (FL-09) to introduce Frankel\u2019s Let Our Cities and Local businesses Help Employees Achieve Long-Term Health (LOCAL HEALTH) Act.\n\nClick on the photo to watch the press conference.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2758", "Wasserman Schultz Lauds Swift Decision to Reverse UF Policy Barring Professor Testimony", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement based on reports that University of Florida President Kent Fuchs would move to reverse UF\u2019s decision to bar professors from testifying against the state:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m truly thankful to President Kent Fuchs for having the fortitude and humility to push for a swift reversal of this misguided conflict of interest policy, and especially for not ultimately caving to the political pressures that Gov. Ron DeSantis regularly inflicts on Florida\u2019s education system. The governor\u2019s incessant hostility to facts and science, combined with non-stop bullying and threats directed at education leaders who just want to protect children, created this chilling climate of fear and suppression that, sadly, found its way on to one of the nation\u2019s premier public university campuses. The rapid reversal of this ill-advised policy will restore the pride and integrity of the Gator Nation of which I am so incredibly proud. Go Gators!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3360", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Confirmation of Tom Nides as U.S. Ambassador to Israel", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Thomas R. Nides as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel.\n\n\u201cIsrael is a critical ally that contributes so much to U.S. innovation and defense,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe confirmation of Ambassador Nides will continue to strengthen our partnership. Having an Ambassador to Israel in place that understands the special relationship our two countries share is critical to the advancement of shared goals, and I am confident that Ambassador Nides will excel in this new role.\u201d\n\nAmbassador Nides was nominated for his position by President Biden in June. He previously served as deputy secretary of state for management and resources under Secretary Clinton between 2011 and 2013.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3358", "Reps. Frankel, Katko, Underwood, Fitzpatrick, Blunt-Rochester, Nadler, Sen. Hirono Introduce Comprehensive Workplace Harassment Legislation", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill will Empower Employees to Speak Out Against Harassment\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-21), John Katko (R-NY-24), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10), along with 60 additional cosponsors, re-introduced the Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace Harassment Through Education and Reporting (EMPOWER) Act. This bipartisan bill will lift the veil of secrecy surrounding workplace harassment, strengthen employee protections, and increase transparency and accountability to create safer workplaces across America. A companion bill will be introduced in the Senate by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI).\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves to work with dignity in a safe workplace, said Rep. Frankel. \u201cSurvivors of harassment should not be silenced. This bill allows workers to speak out against hostile work environments without penalty, provides them fairer compensation, and holds liable employers accountable.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to help lead the bipartisan EMPOWER Act to end the culture of silence around workplace harassment. Employers are increasingly using non-disclosure agreements to force workers to sign away their rights to speak out about harassment,\u201d said Rep. Underwood. \u201cBy prohibiting this practice, the EMPOWER Act will help ensure that everyone has a safe and dignified work environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time to put an end to the culture of silence surrounding workplace harassment, which has only perpetuated hostile work environments,\u201d said Rep. Fitzpatrick. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will hold perpetrators accountable and provide victims with the resources and support they need to report harassment or abuse in the workplace without fear of retribution.\u201d\n\n\u201cEveryone has the right to a harassment-free workplace, and from our farms to our factory floors, we cannot allow sexual misconduct and cultures of silence to continue,\u201d said Rep. Blunt Rochester. \u201cWith the goal of creating workplaces and a society where all are safe to thrive, this bill clearly defines sexual harassment, creates transparency and accountability, and aims to remove the fear of retribution for victims speaking out. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that empowers victims and ultimately makes meaningful strides in ending sexual harassment and creating cultures of respect at companies everywhere.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a nation, we have failed to provide every person with a safe and fair work environment,\u201d said Rep. Nadler, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. \u201cCongress now has the long overdue opportunity to rectify this injustice. We must act. The EMPOWER Act will make meaningful progress toward ending workplace harassment. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bipartisan, bicameral legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe #MeToo movement exposed the ways powerful people and corporations used non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements to hide workplace harassment,\u201d said Sen. Hirono. \u201cThe EMPOWER Act will level the playing field by outlawing these agreements, enabling workers to speak out and hold their harassers to account.\u201d\n\nThe EMPOWER Act is the most comprehensive bipartisan bill on workplace harassment. Specifically, the legislation would:\n\nBan the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) as a condition of employment, which will empower workers to speak out about harassment;\n\nHold workplaces accountable by requiring publicly-traded companies to disclose harassment-based settlements and awards on annual financial filings;\n\nClose loopholes in the tax code that put taxpayers on the hook for the costs companies incur litigating harassment claims;\n\nEnd the tax penalty on survivors of workplace harassment who receive damages, and;\n\nDirect the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to create and disseminate resources to help foster safe and respectful workplaces.\n\nThe EMPOWER Act has been endorsed by American Association of University Women, Economic Policy Institute, Human Rights Campaign, Justice for Migrant Women, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Employment Law Association, National Women\u2019s Law Center, and The Urban League.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here and a summary can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3359", "Rep. Frankel Statement on DeSantis Threatening Florida Voters", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement in response to Governor DeSantis\u2019 announcement that he would be creating a fully-staffed statewide law enforcement office devoted to election crimes. DeSantis also threatened to crack down further on voting rights in Florida, including advising the State Legislature to get rid of drop boxes, and increase the penalty for violating new restrictions on collecting mail-in ballots.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s crazy to me that our Governor is so set on scoring political points, that he is willing to manufacture a crisis about voter fraud that simply doesn\u2019t exist,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cVoting is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it is our job as elected officials to protect it. That means ensuring that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, not making it harder for people to access the ballot box.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2755", "Bipartisan House Vote Proclaims Solidarity with Cuban Freedom Movement", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, in a rare display of bipartisanship, an overwhelming majority of the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution authored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) that vows solidarity with Cuban citizens demanding freedom, condemns the Communist regime\u2019s repressive acts, and calls for swift release of its arbitrarily detained citizens.\n\nThe resolution passed by a 382-40 vote, with strong support from both sides of the aisle \u2013 a rare occurrence in a closely divided Congress. This unified House message comes in the run-up to peaceful grassroots protests planned for Nov. 15 in Cuba. Today\u2019s House resolution was passed with crucial support from Democrat Rep. Albio Sires, Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was also crucial in bringing this resolution to the floor.\n\n\u201cToday, Congress sends a strong, unified message to the brave Cubans who risked so much on July 11 to strive for real freedom and true self-governance: the American people are firmly by your side,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cA vast bipartisan majority of House Members today agreed that we needed to clearly say that we hear the passionate human cry for self-determination ringing out from the streets of Havana. That cry has united Democrats and Republicans behind the just and urgent demands for freedom from the tyranny of this oppressive regime.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe citizen awakening that began in July in San Antonio de los Ba\u00f1os, just ten miles from the town where I was born, continues to spread through Cuba. Cubans are clamoring for political freedom, economic opportunity, and a different future in which they choose their own leaders,\u201d said Sires. \u201cThe regime has responded with brutal beatings of journalists and protesters and by cutting off internet access in a desperate effort to hide the reality in Cuba from the rest of the world. I thank Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for her leadership and commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this pivotal resolution and defending Cubans\u2019 right to protest peacefully on July 11th, November 15th and every day thereafter.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Cuban people have faced 62 years of a brutal, oppressive, and murderous dictatorship that has silenced, imprisoned, and even killed anyone who has dared to speak against them,\u201d said Diaz-Balart. \u201cOn July 11, 2021, they bravely took to the streets demanding freedom. Unfortunately, many of the brave peaceful protesters remain imprisoned and threatened simply for demanding their God-given liberty. It is time for the United States and the international community to stand up for those who have been silenced for far too long. I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, for her steadfast support, leadership, and solidarity with the Cuban people. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution for the cause of freedom and human rights in Cuba.\u201d\n\nClick here for the text of the resolution.\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403723", "Rep. Castor: New Report on Child Tax Credit for Tampa Bay families Shows $172.6M Delivered in October", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released a new report from the Joint Economic Committee today on the impact of the new tax cut for most families with children, showing a total of $172.6 million in payments went into the pockets of hardworking families in the region.\n\nAcross Florida, 2,283,000 monthly tax cuts went to families in October for a total of $938.6M. The average payment per household was $411.\n\n\u201cOur children are back in the classroom learning and parents are looking ahead to the holiday season \u2013 there is truly no more critical time for these lifeline payments to land in the bank accounts of our Tampa Bay neighbors. The historic child tax credit payments are helping parents put food on the table, gas in their cars, purchase diapers, clothes, school supplies, and so much more. I am heartened to hear from our neighbors about how the tax cut for families is helping them while also giving the Tampa economy a boost as we bounce back from the Covid19 pandemic,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cPutting Florida families and children first is how we Build Back Better in the days ahead.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2752", "Florida Members of Congress Call on UF to Lift Gag on Professors in Voting Rights Suit", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, Florida\u2019s entire Democratic congressional delegation sent a letter to University of Florida President Kent Fuchs condemning the school\u2019s attempt to block three professors from testifying in a state voting rights lawsuit and the federal lawmakers requested that school administrators reverse any attempts to stifle the instructors\u2019 academic freedoms and free speech rights.\n\n\u201cAs a delegation, there are few values we want to foster and protect more in our public university system than the freedom to speak out against laws that infringe on our fundamental rights as citizens,\u201d said the letter, led by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), a University of Florida graduate. \u201cWe urge you to reconsider this \u2018prior restraint\u2019 on speech that violates the First Amendment as well as the deeply rooted principles of academic freedom that we know you and the University of Florida community hold so dear.\u201d\n\nAdministrators at UF contend that the professors\u2019 testifying in a lawsuit challenging the discriminatory impact of a new voting rights law would pose a conflict and be \u201cadverse to UF\u2019s interest.\u201d However, the professors participated in a similar 2019 legal challenge to a Florida law that also placed restrictions on voting rights.\n\n\u201cOn matters of public concern, state university professors should not be punished or prohibited from speaking if they do not disrupt the educational environment or proper functioning of the University,\u201d the Democrat lawmakers wrote to Fuchs. \u201cIn this instance, it is hard to envision a matter of greater public concern than whether Florida\u2019s citizens can exercise their right to vote.\u201d\n\nNo Florida Republican representative in Washington signed the letter to defend the professors\u2019 academic freedoms and free speech rights. Among the Florida Members signing the letter: Wasserman Schultz, and Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Val Demings (FL-10), Al Lawson (FL-05), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), and Darren Soto (FL-09).\n\nThe lawmakers noted that any action to restrict the professors\u2019 free speech rights would undermine the school\u2019s claims to academic freedom, and its ability to recruit and retain top academic talent. And given the law they are challenging, the professors\u2019 efforts should be encouraged.\n\n\u201cProfessors Smith, McDonald, and Austin are lending their voice and expertise to oppose this unconstitutional and undemocratic effort, one that most disturbingly, will disproportionately inhibit Black and Latino citizens from exercising their fundamental right to vote,\u201d the legislators wrote. \u201cRather than standing in the way, the University of Florida should encourage faculty in efforts that prevent the infringement of fundamental rights. Assisting political actors in carrying on Florida\u2019s ugly vestige of minority voter suppression would be a historic stain on the university and this Administration\u2019s legacy.\u201d\n\nRead the entire letter below:\n\nNovember 2, 2021\n\nDr. W. Kent Fuchs\n\nPresident\n\nUniversity of Florida\n\nGainesville, FL 32611\n\nDear President Fuchs,\n\nWe write to express our profound disappointment with the decision to prevent three University of Florida professors from serving as expert witnesses in a lawsuit challenging Florida\u2019s new, restrictive and undemocratic voting rights law. As a delegation, there are few values we want to foster and protect more in our public university system than the freedom to speak out against laws that infringe on our fundamental rights as citizens. We urge you to reconsider this \u2018prior restraint\u2019 on speech that violates the First Amendment as well as the deeply rooted principles of academic freedom that we know you and the University of Florida community hold so dear.\n\nThe First Amendment safeguards expression from regulation by public institutions, inside and outside the classroom. On matters of public concern, state university professors should not be punished or prohibited from speaking if they do not disrupt the educational environment or proper functioning of the university. In this instance, it is hard to envision a matter of greater public concern than whether Florida\u2019s citizens can exercise their right to vote. By offering their expert testimony, in no way do these professors interfere with an efficient academic workplace. In fact, they greatly enhance the University of Florida\u2019s academic standing, both by demonstrating their superior understanding of the issues and by setting an example for students in defending such a sacred tenet of democracy. Regardless, the faculty at the University of Florida do not give up their rights as citizens by virtue of their public employment. The decision to prevent their expert testimony clearly infringes on the First Amendment rights of Professors Smith, McDonald, and Austin.\n\nFurther, any action to muzzle these professors also contradicts the University of Florida\u2019s own claim to honor academic freedom. Since its founding over 160 years ago, the University of Florida has been a premier public research university, with distinguished faculty and top-ranked academic programs. Along with educational rigor, the university also measures its success on community impact and improving lives. According to school regulations, faculty must be \u201cfree to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and scholarly criticism\u201d and \u201cpublish the results in a manner consistent with professional obligations.\u201d These regulations are consistent with well-established principles of academic freedom developed by educational associations and implemented nationwide. The scholarship conducted at the university is done, as its own mission states, to serve \u201cthe public good,\u201d and institutional censorship on political grounds must not be tolerated.\n\nIn some of its public statements, the university also seems to have taken a modified position that participation in this voting rights lawsuit would not constitute a conflict of interest, but only if the professors were working pro bono. This distinction is troubling for many reasons. Most importantly, it is common practice in the legal profession to compensate experts when they contribute to testimony or written reports. The ability to exercise their academic freedom and First Amendment rights should not be dependent on forgoing payment. Second, it appears to be applied inconsistently. This latest pro bono position seems to represent a sharp break from past precedent at the University of Florida and would position the university firmly outside the mainstream of elite academic institutions. Since 2012, Professor Smith has repeatedly testified in voting rights cases against the state of Florida. In each instance, it is our understanding that his participation has been approved by the university, and he has been paid for his work. The decision to change course and only permit pro bono participation provides even greater credence to the assumption that this decision involved politically-motivated viewpoint discrimination.\n\nThe University of Florida also indicated in a public statement that permitting faculty to participate in this lawsuit would be \u201cadverse to the University\u2019s interests as a Florida institution.\u201d Nothing could be further from the truth. The passage of SB 90 will make voter registration harder, limit voting-by-mail, and curb the secure ballot drop boxes that 1.5 million Floridians used in 2020. Professors Smith, McDonald, and Austin are lending their voice and expertise to oppose this unconstitutional and undemocratic effort, one that most disturbingly, will disproportionately inhibit Black and Latino citizens from exercising their fundamental right to vote. Rather than standing in the way, the University of Florida should encourage faculty in efforts that prevent the infringement of fundamental rights. Assisting political actors in carrying on Florida\u2019s ugly vestige of minority voter suppression would be a historic stain on the university and this Administration\u2019s legacy.\n\nIt is our hope that you simply reverse your current positions and allow these professors to participate with compensation in this voting rights lawsuit. The prospect that the University of Florida would stand on an academic island in this respect would undoubtedly chill its ability to retain and recruit top talent. Additionally, since similar free speech and academic freedom issues like this will emerge with regularity, we request that you promptly respond to the following questions:\n\n1. How specifically would testimony from these professors be \u201cadverse to the interests\u201d of the University of Florida? Could you please enumerate which university \u201cinterests\u201d are implicated and harmed by allowing such faculty participation?\n\n2. Why has there been a change from past precedent that allowed University of Florida professors to participate in lawsuits against the state of Florida? Has the university ever previously prevented faculty participation in a lawsuit against the state of Florida because it deemed it a conflict of interest? If so, can you please provide examples?\n\n3. If there was indeed a recent change in policy, can you please provide information indicating the timing and notification that was provided to the faculty of this change?\n\n4. If, as you claim, this testimony is \u201cadverse to the interests\u201d and therefore constitutes a conflict of interest, how would permitting pro bono participation mitigate this conflict? Have there been other instances of denying professors the ability to testify for pay, and a pro bono alternative was offered instead? Again, can you please provide examples?\n\nWe appreciate your consideration and look forward to your response.\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3355", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Supreme Court Hearing Oral Arguments Over Texas Abortion Law", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the merits of the Texas abortion law, S.B. 8.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s arguments before the Supreme Court will have a dramatic impact on the lives of millions of Americans,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe Texas law was written to intentionally undermine the judicial protection of a person\u2019s access to legal abortion by allowing rogue citizens to take the law into their own hands. If upheld, this law would not only take the decision of becoming a parent away from individuals, but also set a dangerous precedent for skirting the judicial review process for any law.\u201d\n\nS.B. 8 bans all abortions after six weeks, before most patients even know they are pregnant, including in cases of rape or incest. It allows private citizens to sue abortion providers a minimum of $10,000 for each abortion they provide after six weeks, with no limit on how many lawsuits per procedure. By giving individuals the power to enforce this law, Texas lawmakers are attempting to get around the State Action Requirement, which requires a plaintiff to demonstrate that a government, not an individual, is responsible for the violation of their Constitutional right. This ultimately makes it more difficult for patients, providers, and advocates to sue to block this dangerous law.\n\nThe Supreme Court heard two challenges to the case. The first appeal came from a coalition of abortion providers aiming to sue the state over implementation of the law. The second appeal came from the U.S. Department of Justice, which holds that the Texas law undermines a federally protected Constitutional right and impedes on the ability of federal actors in the state to carry out their role in protecting this right.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2751", "Wasserman Schultz: UF Must Reverse Free Speech Restraints on Professors", "2021-10-31", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Sunrise, Fla. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement in response to University of Florida administrators informing its professors that they could not testify in a voting rights lawsuit challenging the discriminatory impact of a new state law on minorities because it was \u201cadverse to UF\u2019s interests.\u201d The Congresswoman is a University of Florida graduate:\n\n\u201cUF\u2019s decision to prevent its professors from speaking out in court against a state law that suppresses minority voting rights is appalling. As one of three generations of Gators, this action brings nothing but shame to our alma mater. It is deeply embarrassing. We must speak out and renounce it. If allowed to stand, the restraint of these professors\u2019 speech will undermine every UF claim to honor academic independence and free speech. It will damage UF\u2019s ability to recruit and retain top faculty and stifle fundraising. UF will stand out in anti-academic exile, rather than an exemplar of higher learning. My hope is that President Kent Fuchs swiftly reverses this egregious action. Laws meant to suppress minority voting rights and undermine democracy are not in the interest of UF, its students or the state of Florida. Nor is gagging professors brave enough to speak out and oppose such laws. The university must serve the public, not its politicians.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403722", "Rep. Castor Statement on President Biden\u2019s Historic Build Back Better Framework", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "\u201cThe Build Back Better Act will put our nation and our neighbors on a stronger, more prosperous path as we recover and rebuild from the Covid19 pandemic. As we Build Back Better, we will lift all of our neighbors by investing in families, our children, and our environment to lower costs for consumers, create family-sustaining jobs and grow our economy. This means providing universal, free preschool to 3 and 4-year-olds, expanding Medicaid to nearly 1 million Floridians, making the single largest and most comprehensive investment in affordable housing in history, extending the Earned Income Tax Credit for 17 million American workers and much more.\n\n\u201cIn Florida, rising temperatures have escalated into a code-red moment for our way of life as we face fiercer storms, rising tides and higher costs due to climate change. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll do: we are going to deliver the largest investment in clean energy and resilience in our nation\u2019s history through the Build Back Better Act. Solving the climate crisis provides an incredible opportunity to grow good-paying jobs, lower costs for consumers and improve the air we breathe.\n\n\u201cFlorida\u2019s failure to expand Medicaid has cost our state billions of dollars while leaving almost 1 million of our neighbors without health care coverage. I am proud that we are taking action to reduce health inequalities and providing meaningful health care coverage with $0 premiums, finally making health care affordable and accessible. And we will do it through the Affordable Care Act that is popular across our state.\n\n\u201cI am especially inspired to see large investments in children and families through high quality universal Pre-K and child care. UPK will give children a strong start in life and put them on a path to succeed in school and in life. More affordable child care will help women return to the workforce at a critical time as well.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe promised to work with the president to Build Back Better for ALL Americans, and this framework does just that. We are only getting started.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3354", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Build Back Better Framework", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in response to President Biden\u2019s announcement of the Build Back Better framework.\n\n\u201cThis framework is the most transformative investment in children and caregiving in generations\u2014transforming the lives of millions of children, saving parents thousands of dollars, and adding two years of free, universal schooling to our education system for the first time in over 100 years,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cIt will be the largest effort to combat climate change in history. It will cut taxes for tens of millions of middle-class families. It is the biggest expansion of affordable health care in a decade. I\u2019m looking forward to voting for it.\u201d\n\nThe House plans to vote on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act later this week. After passing the House, it will go to the President\u2019s desk for his signature. The rest of the agenda will follow in the coming weeks.\n\nMore information on the Build Back Better Framework can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3353", "Rep. Frankel Cosponsors Legislation to Strengthen Social Security", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after joining Congressman John Larson (CT-01) to introduce the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act as an original cosponsor.\n\n\u201cSocial Security is our nation\u2019s most important program for millions of older Americans, and it is our responsibility to ensure it is protected for future generations,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis important legislation follows through on our promise to take care of our seniors by providing a bump in benefits to older Americans who rely on this program today and protects the longevity of the Social Security by asking millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share.\u201d\n\nThe Social Security 2100 Act would:\n\nProvide a benefit bump for current and new beneficiaries of around 2 percent to help address the current retirement crisis.\n\nProtect against inflation by improving the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) formula to better reflect the costs incurred by seniors.\n\nExtend the depletion date for when a 20 percent cut to benefits would occur to 2038, giving Congress more time to ensure the long-term stability of the program.\n\nProtect low-income workers to ensure that anyone who paid into Social Security over their lifetime can retire with dignity.\n\nEstablish a Social Security Trust Fund to ensure all benefits are paid.\n\nImprove benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households.\n\nEnd the five-month waiting period for disability benefits.\n\nProvide caregiver credits to ensure that caregivers are not penalized in retirement for taking time off to care for children or other dependents.\n\nExtend benefits for students through the age of 26.\n\nIncrease access to benefits for children who live with grandparents or other relatives.\n\nEnsure that millionaires and billionaires pay the same rate as average Americans, a provision that would only impact the top 0.4 percent of wage earners.\n\nThe bill now goes to the Ways and Means Committee for review.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3352", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Gov. DeSantis\u2019 Attempt to Ban Vaccine Mandates", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after Governor DeSantis announced that he would call for a special session next month to attempt to pass legislation that would ban local governments and agencies from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for their employees, and strip liability protections from any businesses that impose them.\n\n\u201cThe Governor continues to put politics above the health and safety of Floridians,\u201d said Rep Frankel. \u201cThe COVID-19 vaccines are FDA approved and have saved countless lives\u2014we should be applauding leaders in our community that have been pushing for others to get vaccinated, not punishing them. I will be introducing legislation to protect the rights of local governments, agencies, and employers from this kind of gross political overreach by the state.\u201d\n\nVaccine mandates are a critical tool for keeping employees and patrons safe, and they are effective. For example, after announcing its vaccination requirement, more than half of United Airlines unvaccinated workers went out and got vaccinated, and Tyson\u2019s vaccination rate jumped from 45 percent to 72 percent within weeks. Governor\u2019s proposed policies would not only undermine local governments that are doing their best to keep their communities safe but make businesses that require vaccinations liable for any adverse reaction to the vaccine itself.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-crist-bilirakis-dingell-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-bill-protect-seniors-and", "Soto, Bilirakis, Crist, Dingell, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Protect Seniors and People with Disabilities Under Care of Guardians", "2021-10-19", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, October 15, 2021, Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced bipartisan legislation that supports the approximately 1.3 million adults, mostly seniors and people with disabilities, who are currently under the care of guardians by enacting protections from the risks of abuse or neglect. The Guardianship Accountability Act of 2021 implements further oversight and enacts data collection measures to hold guardians accountable in response to reports indicating an increasing number of fraud cases and financial exploitation from guardians towards vulnerable populations.\n\n\"Congress must act to protect our most vulnerable community members and ensure that they receive the support they deserve,\" said Congressman Darren Soto. \"Our Central Florida community has experienced firsthand how inadequate protections against bad actors can lead to tragedy. In 2019, abuse by a former guardian led to the horrible, preventable death of one of our seniors. We must pass this bipartisan legislation to strengthen safeguards against abuse and address the failings of our nation's guardianship system.\"\n\n\"It is said that the strength of a society can be judged based upon how it treats its most vulnerable populations. We've seen from recent examples in the news, and alarming rates of elder abuse throughout Pasco and Pinellas counties, that guardianship is an area where we can and must do better to protect seniors,\" said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. \"Our bill will provide additional resources, strengthen protections, and improve intergovernmental coordination to achieve this paramount objective.\"\n\n\"Toxic guardianships, like that of entrapped Britney Spears, are sadly prevalent across Florida and the country. Lack of data and accountability is one of the biggest hindrances in our fight to protect those in the guardianship system. As the son to two senior parents, I can't fathom either of them being caught in these horrific circumstances,\" said Congressman Charlie Crist. \"That's why I'm proud to co-introduce this legislation with Rep. Soto that directs the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to collect and publish data on guardianships and conservatorships. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to provide grants to states for guardianship oversight programs and establishes a federal guardianship resource center \u2014 all towards the goal of eliminating guardianship fraud abuse.\"\n\n\"Safeguarding our nation's seniors from abuse and exploitation must be a priority, and too often our current guardianship system fails to protect older Americans,\" said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. \"The Guardianship Accountability Act will put in place commonsense protections to address these deficiencies, and I am thankful for the bipartisan efforts on this issue.\"\n\n\"We must protect seniors and individuals with disabilities from exploitative bad actors who seek to take advantage of vulnerable groups through guardianships. Especially during these uncertain times, it is critical that we put in place needed safeguards at the state and local level to protect our seniors and individuals with disabilities from any potential injustice they may incur,\" said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. \"I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Guardianship Accountability Act, which provides additional resources to assist states and localities in cracking down on those who seek to harm our society's most vulnerable. This bill is a first step to proactively fixing the shortcomings of our broken guardianship system.\"\n\nThe Guardianship Accountability Act of 2021 would help ensure individuals under the care of guardians are not at risk of abuse or neglect by expanding the availability of federal demonstration grants to be used for developing state guardianship databases to assist with the collection of information on guardians, training of court visitors, and sharing of background check and other information with appropriate entities. It would also establish a National Resource Center on Guardianship, which would be tasked with:\n\nCollecting and publishing information relevant to guardianship for use by guardians, individuals subject to guardianship, as well as courts, states, local governments, and community organizations;\n\nPublishing model legislation and best practices developed pursuant to the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act;\n\nCompiling and publishing training materials for guardians;\n\nSharing research related to guardianship; and\n\nMaintaining a database on state laws regarding guardianship and the use of less restrictive alternatives, and the restoration of rights.\n\nA companion bill has been filed in the Senate by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME).\n\nFor the full text of the bill, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3350", "Rep. Frankel Announces Next Round of Payments for Families with Children", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement as the next payments of the Child Tax Credit hit families\u2019 bank accounts.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve already heard from so many local parents who have told me how life-changing these payments have been,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThey have helped them pay for everything from child care while they go back to work, to groceries, to diapers for their children. This tax cut is putting money directly in the pockets of millions of American families and helping our economy grow. That is why we are working hard in Congress to extend these payments with the Build Back Better Act.\u201d\n\nThe American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit for eligible families to $3,600 annually per child ages 0-5, and $3,000 annually per child age 6-17. This expanded credit is being delivered in monthly installments of up to $300 per child on the 15th of every month, through the end of the calendar year, with a final lump sum of up to $1,800 per child on families\u2019 2021 tax returns. Families who do not normally file taxes can still receive money using the IRS Non-Filer Sign Up Tool.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act would extend these payments for American families through 2025.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-bipartisan-members-florida-congressional-delegation-send-letter-opposing", "Soto, Bipartisan Members of Florida Congressional Delegation Send Letter Opposing Proposed Oil Drilling in Florida Everglades", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Members of the Florida congressional delegation have written to the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service regarding this issue before,\" wrote the members. \"We echo these sentiments and renew our convictions encouraging your administration to conduct a full environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for these proposals and deny any operations permits needed to advance any new oil drilling sites within the Everglades.\"\n\n\"Congress is investing billions of dollars to restore the Everglades under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Act; to allow oil drilling in the Everglades would put these investments in direct jeopardy. There is fierce local opposition from the Seminole Tribe and other local communities. The recent California oil spill is the latest example of the irreparable harm oil drilling can have to our communities and environment. For these reasons, we believe the proposed oil extraction activity should not be authorized.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3348", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Raising Debt Limit", "2021-10-13", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to raise the debt limit.\n\n\u201cAddressing the debt limit is not about future spending, it\u2019s about meeting obligations that we already made to everyday Americans, like Social Security payments, veterans\u2019 benefits, and COVID-19 economic relief,\u201d said Rep. Lois Frankel. \u201cToday, we took a stand to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. Now we need to turn our attention to passing the Build Back Better agenda and delivering the assistance working families need to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe bill raises the debt limit by $480 billion, which the Treasury Department estimates will keep the country under the debt limit until at least December 3rd. It passed the House by a vote of 219-206, and now goes to the President for his signature.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403716", "Rep. Castor Welcomes Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statue to Florida Before Final Journey to U.S. Capitol", "2021-10-12", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) helped unveil the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune statue for the first time in Florida and the U.S. since arriving from Italy. The Dr. Bethune statue will soon represent the State of Florida in the United States Capitol\u2019s National Statuary Hall Collection. Dr. Bethune will be the first African American to represent any state in the collection. Dr. Bethune takes the place of an obscure confederate general who has represented Florida in the state collection since 1922 and will be one of only a few women to represent a state in the 100-statue collection. The confederate statue that has represented Florida since the Jim Crow era was removed from the Capitol in the beginning of September.\n\nPhotos are available here.\n\n\u201cDr. Mary McLeod Bethune is an outstanding representative of the State of Florida. The long-awaited arrival of Florida\u2019s newest statue in the United States Capitol is now on track for early 2022 after her visit to Daytona Beach where she founded Bethune-Cookman University and embarked on her impactful career on equal rights, education, the advancement of veterans and so much more. I am grateful to the many friends who I\u2019ve worked alongside for years in order to reach this momentous moment. Dr. Bethune embodies the very best of the Sunshine State \u2013 Floridians and all Americans can take great pride in being represented by the great educator and civil rights icon. This exhibit in Daytona Beach \u2013 Dr. Bethune\u2019s home and the home of Bethune-Cookman University \u2013 provides an important and special opportunity to learn about Dr. Bethune\u2019s life, and I am glad that she is being rightfully recognized here in Florida before she travels to her place of honor and recognition by all of America in the U.S. Capitol.\u201d\n\nIn attendance at the unveiling with Rep. Castor were many of the partners in the years long journey \u2013 master sculptor Nilda Comas, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. Hiram Powell, Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee, Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Committee Chair Nancy Lohman and Vice Chair Bob Lloyd, State Senator Perry Thurston, Florida Cultural Affairs Director Sandy Shaughnessy, Rep. Michael Waltz, US Capitol Historical Society President and CEO Jane Campbell, and many proud BCU alumni and friends.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2750", "Wasserman Schultz, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Curb Youth E-Cigarette, Tobacco Use", "2021-10-08", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASSERMAN SCHULTZ & BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CURB YOUTH E-CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO USE\n\nMore than 2 million youth used e-cigarettes in the past year & majority use flavored e-cigarettes\n\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the bicameral Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act to address the tobacco epidemic harming millions of teens across the country. E-cigarettes and other nicotine-containing tobacco products have been linked to adverse effects on long-term health and harms to adolescent brain development. According to the newly released 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, more than 2 million youth used e-cigarettes in the past year, with 1 in 4 high school students reporting daily use. Disposable e-cigarettes, inexpensive and designed for single use, were the most commonly used e-cigarette device among young adults, and nearly 85 percent of youth users reported using flavored e-cigarettes.\n\n\u201cThis bill will help prevent yet another generation from getting hooked on tobacco,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cThe scourge of e-cigarette and tobacco use among teens and young adults poses a real, dangerous threat to their long-term health and development. JUUL, Puff Bar, and other e-cigarette manufacturers have taken a page right out of Big Tobacco\u2019s playbook, using deceptive marketing tactics and preying on impressionable youth by promoting extravagant flavors and products. By improving research, education, and outreach, the PROTECT Act would equip the CDC as well as states and localities with the funds and tools necessary to protect young people from the e-cigarette industry\u2019s manipulative practices.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe profit-driven, predatory assault to hook America\u2019s young people on e-cigarettes and tobacco products demands an aggressive counterattack, and this bill would arm parents, healthcare providers, schools, and policy makers with the vital tools we need to defeat the perils young people face with this ongoing epidemic,\u201d Rep. Wasserman Schultz said. \u201cThrough research, guidance, and messaging this legislation would develop promising strategies to aggressively address the dangers caused by e-cigarettes. At all costs, we need to ensure our young people do not become addicted to these harmful products. I am eager to collaborate with Senator Blumenthal on this important legislation that takes a bold step toward addressing this urgent public health issue.\u201d\n\nThe PROTECT Act would establish a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative that authorizes $500 million over five years for enhanced research and education about the harmful effects of tobacco products. The bill would also identify effective messaging aimed at teens and young adults, and allocate funds via grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to state, local, tribal, and national organizations for preventing and reducing youth e-cigarette use.\n\nThe bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA).\n\nThe PROTECT ACT is endorsed by a wide range of advocacy groups, including the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Academy of Pediatrics, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Parents Against Vaping (PAVe), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.\n\n\u201cOver the past five years, we have seen an alarming rise in youth vaping. In fact, almost 20% of high school students use e-cigarettes, according to the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Steps must be taken by parents, educators and especially policymakers to end the youth e-cigarette epidemic,\u201d said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. \u201cThe introduction of the PROTECT Act will give us the tools we need to help kids quit and prevent another generation of Americans from becoming addicted to tobacco.\u201d\n\n\u201cPediatricians across the country have witnessed the harmful health impacts of e-cigarette use in their patients. Young people are using e-cigarettes at alarming rates, leading to dangerous short- and long-term health consequences, including nicotine addiction. The PROTECT Act will help confront the issue of youth e-cigarette use through increased public health research and support for evidence-based policies to keep young people safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls on Congress to advance this legislation, and thanks Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) for their leadership,\u201d said AAP President Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP.\n\n\u201cThe Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids strongly supports the Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act. The CDC has a critical role to play in addressing the youth e-cigarette epidemic, and this legislation recognizes it needs additional resources given the severity of this public health crisis,\u201d said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. \u201cWe applaud the sponsors of the legislation, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), for their leadership in working to reverse this epidemic and prevent e-cigarettes from addicting a new generation of kids.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe PROTECT Act would fund what the tobacco industry has spent years working to prevent: independent, rigorous scientific research on e-cigarette use and effective interventions that health providers and schools can use with youth and young adults addicted to e-cigarettes,\u201d said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. \u201cWe thank Rep. Wasserman Schultz for her leadership in confronting the e-cigarette epidemic and working to protect our nation\u2019s children from a lifetime of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.\u201d\n\n\"NASSP is proud to endorse the PROTECT Act, which would develop guidance for schools on intervening with and treating youth and young adults who use electronic cigarettes or other tobacco products,\u201d said NASSP President Gregg Wieczorek. \u201cThis is a huge step forward in addressing the tobacco and nicotine issues that continue to impact our students and schools. Reducing teen e-cigarette and tobacco use and addiction rates is a key priority of educators across this country, and we thank members of Congress for their work on this legislation\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403715", "Rep. Castor, FL Dems to Gov. DeSantis: Expedite Distribution of Federal K-12 Emergency Funding to School Districts", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) led Florida Congressional Democrats in urging Governor Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to expeditiously distribute the $4.7 billion in federal COVID-19 aid to K-12 schools that they have had since March.\n\nThe state has finally submitted its application for the remainder of American Rescue Plan ESSER, some $2.5 billion in funding today, though it was due to the Department of Education on June 7. Florida is the last state in the nation to apply for these additional crucial funds. Students and public schools are in dire need of additional resources to operate safely in the pandemic, address student academic achievement, and keep teachers and other essential personnel on the job. The Members last wrote DeSantis in August inquiring on the status of the already received two-thirds in American Rescue Plan funds for public school districts.\n\nThe letter can be read below:\n\nOctober 7, 2021\n\nGovernor Ron DeSantis The Honorable Richard Corcoran\n\nState of Florida Commissioner\n\nThe Capitol Florida Department of Education\n\n400 S. Monroe Street Turlington Building, Suite 1514\n\nTallahassee, FL 32399 325 West Gaines Street\n\nTallahassee, FL 32399\n\nRE: Urge Expeditious Distribution of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Funds Now that State has Finally Applied for All Federal Emergency Relief\n\nDear Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran:\n\nAfter many months of inexplicable delay by the State of Florida, we are pleased that the State of Florida has finally submitted a plan to draw down the federal emergency aid for public schools that was passed by Congress in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) seven months ago. Under ARP, Congress and President Biden provided Florida students, educators and schools $7.4 billion to support school districts\u2019 efforts to lift Florida K-12 public schools and address gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress required that \u201c[e]ach State shall make allocations to local educational agencies in an expedited and timely manner, and, to the extent practicable, not later than 60 days after the receipt of such funds\u201d. Despite constant pleas from parents and educators, the State unfortunately slow-walked these dollars.\n\nWe are grateful that the U.S. Department of Education nudged the State of Florida on Monday to draw down these vital resources as Florida was the only state that had failed to apply for the remainder of the ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding. The delay was fiscally irresponsible and wrong. It needlessly put Florida children at a disadvantage compared to children in other states. These resources are especially important in a state that is ranked 46th in per pupil support for students.\n\nKeeping our children and educators safe in the middle of the pandemic is paramount. The State\u2019s misguided focus on penalizing local school board members and educators for temporary safety protocols during a pandemic also is misguided. Instead, Florida should be doing all it can to use all available resources to lift our students and educators in a myriad of beneficial ways by getting out the first 2/3 of ESSER funds to school districts.\n\nWe once again urge you to make up for lost ground. Put the health and the safety of our Florida students first and release all of our federal funds to schools today.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3346", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Federal Judge Blocking Enforcement of Texas Abortion Law", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pittman granted the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s request to halt enforcement of S.B. 8, the recently-enacted Texas law that bans nearly all abortions in the state.\n\n\u201cThe Texas abortion law empowers anti-abortion bounty hunters to exert control over pregnant people who are trying to make the deeply personal, life-changing decision about whether to become a parent. I\u2019m relieved that it\u2019s been temporarily blocked,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cLast night\u2019s ruling was a win for reproductive justice; however, with more court action to come, women\u2019s reproductive freedom is still at risk.\u201d\n\nTexas\u2019 S.B. 8 law bans abortions at six weeks, before most individuals even know they are pregnant. It does not include any exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The law also allows citizens to bring civil suits against anyone who assists a patient seeking abortion, without having to show any connection to the person being sued. Judge Pittman\u2019s ruling puts a temporary halt on the enforcement of the law; however, abortion recipients and providers fear they could still be penalized retroactively should the halt be lifted.\n\nIn September, the House passed the Women\u2019s Health Protect Act, which Rep. Frankel helped introduce. This critical bill would establish patients\u2019 right to abortion, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans, anywhere in the United States, effectively undoing the harm done by Texas\u2019 S.B. 8 and other abortion bans that have been introduced across the country. It is currently awaiting approval in the Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3347", "Rep. Frankel Statement on State Punishing Additional School Districts over Mask Mandate", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after state education officials voted to punish the Palm Beach County school district, and additional Florida counties, for implementing mask mandates for students.\n\n\u201cThe Florida State Board of Education has again put politics ahead of the health and safety of students, teachers, and school staff,\u201d said Rep. Lois Frankel. \u201cI am alarmed by the state\u2019s decision to withhold funding from more school districts, including Palm Beach County, who are simply trying to keep our students safe. It\u2019s time for the Governor to stop this dangerous game and let our school boards do their jobs.\u201d\n\nThe State Board of Education voted to impose penalties equal to the monthly salaries of the local school board members. Palm Beach County will lose $27,284 per month as long as mandates are in place. The State also voted to withhold additional funding from Broward and Alachua school districts, equal to the amount received from federal grants.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3344", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Biden Administration\u2019s Reversal of Harmful Title X Rule", "2021-10-05", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services reversed a harmful Trump-era policy that cut off Title X funding from health care providers who offer abortion services or refer patients for abortion. This new rule re-instates critical funding for clinics like Planned Parenthood and the Presidential Women\u2019s Center in West Palm Beach, which provide reproductive health services, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, for millions of low-income patients across America.\n\n\u201cMillions of Americans rely on Title X funded health care providers to access the resources they need to stay healthy, including family planning tools that would otherwise be out of reach for low-income patients. Yet, the Trump Administration cut off funding for nearly 1,000 of these clinics by not allowing grantees to provide abortions or abortion-related services, even with their own private funding,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis new rule from the Biden-Harris Administration rights this terrible wrong and ensures that the needs of patients are once again prioritized over the personal beliefs of politicians looking to undermine their health care. Abortion care is a critical aspect of reproductive health care, and I\u2019m grateful this Administration has taken this important step to ensure its accessible for all Americans.\u201d\n\nThe Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s new rule reinstates eligibility for Title X funds to be given to organizations, like Planned Parenthood, that provide abortions or abortion referrals, with non-federal funds. It also reverses the requirement that Title X grantees not share a physical space with an abortion provider and requires Title X clinics to use culturally and linguistically appropriate language, offer referrals for primary care providers, and offer prescriptions for a full range of contraceptive methods. It also discusses the goals of equity and racial and socioeconomic justice.\n\nWhile the new rule takes a critical step to address the harm done to Title X under the previous administration, there is still work to do to ensure the needs of patients are always put first, especially when it comes to their reproductive health.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3345", "Rep. Frankel Statement on State Threats to Local School Board Over Mask Mandates", "2021-10-05", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement, after state education officials scheduled a hearing to determine whether schools in Palm Beach County, and eight additional counties, violated State Department of Health rules by implementing mask mandates for students. School board members stand to lose portions of their salaries depending on the outcome of the hearing.\n\n\u201cGovernor DeSantis has put politics ahead of the health and safety of Floridians since the start of the pandemic, and now it\u2019s our students here in Palm Beach County that are in the crosshairs. Our school board members are doing their best to keep our children\u2014many of whom are too young to be vaccinated\u2014safe from COVID-19. Threatening to withhold school board members\u2019 salaries for doing their job is shameful,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe good news is that the Biden Administration recently announced a new federal grant program to support school districts being unfairly punished by state governments for implementing commonsense safety measures, and some Florida districts have already received this funding. I encourage other school boards, including my own, to make sure they have applied for these Project SAFE grants as soon as possible, so we can make sure all our kids are healthy and safe, regardless of the Governor\u2019s threats. I will work with the Biden Administration to push back on any additional penalties inflicted by Governor DeSantis.\u201d\n\nThe Biden Administration recently announced the start of the Project SAFE Grants program, which is designed to assist school districts facing retribution for instituting mask mandates or other measures to protect students and teachers. School districts that have adopted policies following CDC guidance to prevent the spread of COVD-19 and have incurred a financial penalty from the state for the implementation of these policies can apply here.\n\nMeanwhile, Florida continues to be the only state that has yet to apply for American Rescue Plan funding for public education, effectively leaving over $2 billion dollars on the table. The state is now also threatening to further punish school districts who have received grant funding from the federal government while taking no action to protect the health and safety of students.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2746", "New Law Would Reveal True Horror of America\u2019s Deadly School Shootings", "2021-10-04", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Lucy McBath (GA-06) announced that the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act has been filed, legislation that will allow the public and policy makers to gain a complete and accurate picture of gun violence in and around our school campuses, and provide actionable data to build effective strategies to prevent bloodshed at America\u2019s places of learning.\n\nCrucially, this law would create a definition for \u2018school shooting,\u2019 which does not exist in federal law. Currently, policy makers rely on media reports of \u2018school shootings,\u2019 which can vary widely. With a standard definition, lawmakers would have a reliable way to measure incidents, trends, and the impact of reforms and strategies designed to save lives.\n\nThis bill would also direct the Department of Education to consult with the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce comprehensive annual reports on school safety indicators, such as shooting and fatality statistics, shooter and victim demographics, shooter motivations, the types of firearms and ammunition acquired and used, and more. It would also track prevention efforts, such as building designs, and communication and response plans. Without that, a true understanding of the problem remains as elusive as the best solutions we need to finally end it.\n\n\u201cWe will never loosen the chokehold opponents of gun safety have on solving this public health crisis until we fully understand the carnage that firearms inflict on Americans, especially on our school campuses, \u201c said Wasserman Schultz. \u201cThe more we know about the dangers that guns pose to our classrooms, the more likely we are to prevent the next Marjorie Stoneman Douglas or Sandy Hook massacre. Protecting students and teachers, and understanding the real dangers they face from firearms, is yet one more political space where all sides can agree that we need to make swift, substantial progress. We just need the data to help identify trends and gaps, and then we can work toward solving it. This legislation would build a sturdy foundation to make schools safer.\u201d\n\n\"Gun violence prevention is a top concern for me, and my constituents. Every day we continue to see these tragedies occur impacting the safety of our schools. In 2018 and 2019, there were 24 and 25 school shootings respectively.The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act is a key prevention measure providing the framework to obtain the data needed to be pro-active,\" said Congresswoman Hayes. \"By analyzing the history of school shootings, we can identify shooting and fatality statistics; shooter and victim demographics, shooter motivations; the firearms and ammunition acquired and used; and maintain a database, so we can attempt to get to the core of why this phenomenon continues to occur.\"\n\n\u201cSchool shootings and mass shootings have become far too common in our country,\u201d said McBath. \u201cThere is not currently a federal definition for a \u2018school shooting,\u2019 yet far too many of our young people have witnessed one firsthand. We must understand the extent of this heartbreaking tragedy before we can find the solutions necessary to solve it, and I thank all those who continue to stand with us in the fight to end gun violence.\u201d\n\nVarious gun safety and education groups are also backing this critical legislation:\n\n\u201cCongress must take a comprehensive and holistic approach to keep youth safe from gun violence. Ensuring we have the best data possible on violence in schools is necessary to save lives,\u201d said Mark Barden, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. \u201cWe applaud Reps. Hayes, Wasserman Schultz and McBath for introducing this critical legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act is a step in the right direction as the first piece of federal legislation to define and produce data on school shootings,\u201d said Elizabeth Brown, principal of Forest High School in Ocala, FL, and a member of the NASSP Principal Recovery Network. \u201cI know from firsthand experience how devastating these school shootings can be \u2014 their reverberations impact not only students, staff and educators, but entire communities. As school leaders, it\u2019s critical that we have up to date information that will allow us to make the best decisions to ensure our schools are the safe and welcoming places they need to be.\u201d\n\n\u201cSchool shootings are not an inevitable part of American life. In fact, they are avoidable tragedies. Instead of traumatizing our children with active shooter drills, we should find solutions to prevent gun violence in our nation\u2019s schools,\u201d said Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords\u2019 Federal Affairs Director. \u201cThe School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act would help do just that by creating the federal framework for collecting and sharing data about school shootings, including establishing a federal definition for school shootings and ensuring regular reporting on these incidents. We thank Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz, McBath, and Hayes for their leadership in introducing this bill and working to keep our students, educators, and communities safe from gun violence.\u201d\n\n\u201cKeeping our children and educators safe from gun violence in schools requires comprehensive solutions, which must be bolstered by additional data and analysis from the federal government,\u201d said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. \u201cMoms Demand Action and our grassroots army of volunteers is proud to support this common sense legislation and grateful for the continued leadership by gun sense champions Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lucy McBath, and Jahana Hayes.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will never forget the strange feeling of my first school shooter drill my senior year of high school in Pembroke Pines, FL, and how it felt to think about preventing my own murder. It was only the day before the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting 23 miles away,\u201d said Bella D\u2019Alacio, policy associate at March For Our Lives. \u201cWhen we talk about common sense gun violence prevention, bills like this are exactly what we mean. Defining \u2018school shootings\u2019 should be a no brainer \u2013 to ensure our government is empowered and resourced in order to prevent horrific shootings and generations of trauma. I am grateful to Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Hayes and McBath for their leadership and hope Congress will not hesitate to pass this legislation.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403712", "Rep. Castor, Bicameral Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Children and Teens From Online Manipulation and Harm", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Reps. Jennifer Wexton (VA10), Lori Trahan (MA03) and Yvette Clarke (NY09) reintroduced the Kids Internet Design and Safety (KIDS) Act, legislation to stop online practices such as manipulative marketing, amplification of harmful content, and damaging design features, which threaten young people online.\n\n\u201cResearch has made it clear that our increasingly online world is unsafe for children, with popular apps pushing kids to spend unhealthy amounts of time on their devices and negatively affecting the mental health of teens. It\u2019s past time to take action. I\u2019m proud to reintroduce the KIDS Act with my House and Senate colleagues to implement safeguards to protect our children online and hold Big Tech and manipulative marketers accountable for their dangerous actions. Let\u2019s get this bill over the finish line and provide our kids the 21st century online protections they deserve,\u201d said Rep. Castor.\n\n\u201cThe handful of powerful online platforms where kids and teens spend most of their online time are inherently harmful to them,\u201d said Senator Markey, co-author of the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). \u201cBig Tech continues to blatantly prioritize raking in revenue over protecting children and teens, and that must stop. We know that these companies won\u2019t change their ways unless Congress forces them to. That\u2019s why I am proud to re-introduce the Kids Internet Design and Safety Act. I thank my partners in the Senate and House of Representatives for their continued leadership on this important issue and will work to get this legislation passed.\u201d\n\n\"Our kids are spending more and more time in front of their screens, which means more time being bombarded by inappropriate ads and uncensored content,\" said Rep. Jennifer Wexton. \"Big tech companies have an incentive to get more views, more clicks, and more revenue, and right now there are minimal guardrails to protect children from that manipulative business model. As founder of the Congressional Task Force on Digital Citizenship, I'm proud to join Rep. Castor in introducing the KIDS Act to establish common sense regulations on these online platforms and keep kids safe.\"\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s clearer than ever that online protections for children have lagged behind the rapid expansion of the Internet and withered under the dominance of social media platforms,\u201d said Rep. Trahan. \u201cIt\u2019s long past time for Washington to catch up and do what companies like Facebook have proven unwilling to \u2013 protect our kids. I\u2019m proud to partner with Congresswomen Castor, Wexton, and Clarke, as well as Senators Markey and Blumenthal to reintroduce the KIDS Act. This legislation will finally deliver the safeguards and reassurance that children and their parents should be able to expect when they log on.\u201d\n\n\"The tech industry continuously makes it clear profit is always preferable over people, and tragically, children are no exception. These unscrupulous marketers have targeted online spaces to exploit kids and teens and to cultivate their addiction to the platforms. Enough is Enough,\u201d said Rep. Clarke. \u201cThe internet should serve as a resource for children to learn and grow and form communities \u2014 not as a deliverable for whatever toxic substance, new product, or disturbing content Silicon Valley boardrooms deem relevant. As long as Big tech does not prioritize the safety of our children, the KIDS Act will remain a necessary means to an end.\n\n\u201cOnline platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have repeatedly prioritized profits over children\u2019s safety. By cracking down on harmful content and manipulative marketing, this legislation will stop proliferating the bad practices of these tech giants. They pose a serious threat \u2013 immediate and long term \u2013 to young users. As Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, I\u2019m proud to cosponsor this legislation to protect our children and hold these apps accountable,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\nA copy of the legislation can be found HERE.\n\nThe KIDS Act creates new protections for online users under 16 by:\n\nDamaging Design Features:\n\nBanning \u201cauto-play\u201d settings that lead to prolonged and unhealthy viewing sessions on websites and apps for kids and young teens.\n\nBanning push alerts that encourage kids and young teens to pull out their devices and increase screen-time.\n\nBanning badges that reward kids and young teens for increasing their time spent on an app or website.\n\nBanning interface features, such as \u201clike\u201d buttons and follower counts, that quantify levels of popularity for children and teens\n\nAmplification of Harmful Content:\n\nProhibiting websites for kids and teens from amplifying violent, inappropriate, and dangerous content.\n\nRequiring websites to implement mechanisms for users to report instances in which the websites recommend harmful content to kids and young teens.\n\nManipulative Marketing:\n\nProhibiting websites from recommending content that includes host-selling, or influencer marketing, such as \u201cunboxing videos\u201d to children and young teens.\n\nProhibiting websites from recommending content that involves nicotine, tobacco, or alcohol to children and young teens.\n\nProhibiting websites from exposing children and young teens to marketing with imbedded interactive elements.\n\nDigital media and popular social media platforms are increasingly embedded in young people\u2019s lives. Research shows that children under the age of 8 consume digital media for almost two and a half hours a day, on average; over two-thirds of 5- to 8-year-olds have their own tablet or smartphone, and three-in-ten parents of children aged 9 to 11 report their children use TikTok. While kids are increasingly living their lives online, new reports have highlighted the variety of threats to young people online, including algorithms that serve dangerous and inappropriate content to young users, the damaging mental health effects of influencer content, and platform designs that keep kids on social media platforms for lengthy periods of time.\n\nIn April, Representatives Castor and Trahan and Senators Markey and Blumenthal wrote to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding Facebook\u2019s announcement that the company is \u201cexploring\u201d plans to develop a version of Instagram for. In May, after the company failed to make meaningful commitments to protect kids online, the lawmakers released a statement calling on Facebook to abandon its plans for the children\u2019s platform. Earlier this month, following reports Facebook has conducted and reviewed research showing a connection between Instagram and mental health problems among young users, Representatives Castor and Trahan and Senator Markey wrote to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, demanding answers and renewing their call for Facebook to abandon its plans to develop an Instagram for kids platform. Facebook has since announced its intention to \u201cpause\u201d its plans to develop this app.\n\nEndorsers of the KIDS Act include: Common Sense Media, Center for Digital Democracy, Fairplay, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.\n\n\u201cCommon Sense is deeply grateful to Sen. Markey and Rep. Castor for their continued commitment to prioritizing kids' digital well-being. Online platforms should support kids and families, not exploit them for profit,\" said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense. \u201cThe KIDS Act would help to protect young people from addictive and manipulative design, platform features designed to make kids feel bad about themselves, inappropriate commercial exhortations, and other unhealthy online content that is increasingly pushed on kids, such as violence and self-harm.\u201d\n\n\"This landmark legislation is an important step towards creating the online environment that children deserve,\" said Josh Golin, Executive Director, Fairplay. \"Far too often, platforms are designed for monetization at the expense of young people's wellbeing. The KIDS Act will provide critical safeguards so that children using online and mobile platforms to learn and connect won't be exposed to unfair influencer marketing or manipulative design designed to extract their family's money and keep them online far longer than is good for them. We applaud Senator Markey and Representative Castor for the ongoing commitment to protect young people from the Internet's harmful business model.\"\n\n\u201cThis groundbreaking bill will provide young people with the 21st Century safeguards they urgently need today,\u201d said Katharina Kopp, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Center for Digital Democracy. \u201cChildren and teens are being subjected to an unprecedented array of harmful digital marketing practices that undermine their health, privacy, security, and development. Unaccountable and sophisticated commercial data-driven interactive applications are designed to manipulate their emotions and behaviors. Youth of color and low-income communities are particularly vulnerable to this onslaught of exploitive practices. The \u201cKids Act\u201d will ensure that young people will grow up in a world where they are no longer held captive by these unaccountable outside forces.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403713", "Rep. Castor Statement on U.S. Dept. of Labor Finding Gopher Resource \u2018Willfully Exposed Workers to Unsafe Environment\u2019", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released citations against Gopher Resource LLC with a willful violation \u2013 the highest violation possible - for exposing workers to serious workplace hazards. OSHA has proposed $319K in penalties to address violations.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s damning OSHA report and penalties confirm that Gopher lead smelting plant sacrificed the health and lives of Tampa workers and their families for corporate profit. This is a failure on all levels \u2013 violations including toxin exposure above the permissible limit, broken respirators and damaged equipment should have been addressed immediately. Now, our neighbors will deal with the consequences of Gopher\u2019s greed. These violations by Gopher make it clear that the health of our neighbors was jeopardized every day they came to work with damaged, lead-exposed equipment. No one should be forced to choose between a paycheck and a hazardous workplace. I will continue to work diligently in Congress and with local partners to help our neighbors who are suffering from Gopher\u2019s failures.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s report is another urgent warning that we need to update the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. While the Tampa Bay Times' outstanding investigative journalism brought these working conditions to light, it should not take a newspaper expose for our workers to be safe on the job. A 50-year-old law cannot meaningfully oversee the 21st century workplace, and I\u2019ll continue advocating to update the law, increase OSHA\u2019s resources and increase allowable civil penalties. The civil fines and penalties allowed by OSHA are woefully inadequate and too many companies like Gopher can just chalk it up to the cost of doing business. That\u2019s why I am proud that we have included a provision in the Build Back Better package to provide for a 10-fold increase in allowable OSHA civil penalties. No monetary penalties against the company will fully rectify the harm our neighbors have suffered, but today\u2019s OSHA citation is an important step in holding Gopher responsible for their misdeeds.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3343", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Government Funding Extension", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to pass the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, which prevents a government shutdown by extending funding for critical education, health, housing, and public safety programs through December 3rd. This legislation also delivers $28.6 billion in desperately needed relief to the survivors of recent natural disasters and provides $6.3 billion to help resettle Afghan refugees.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote was a critical step forward, but there\u2019s still more to do. This legislation will keep the government funded and ensure that the services families across our country rely on\u2014like nutrition assistance, services for veterans, and more\u2014continue to run without interruption,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis bill will also deliver assistance to Americans who have been struggling to make ends meet due to COVID-19, survivors of devastating natural disasters, and Afghan refugees. Now, I\u2019m look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to deliver on the President\u2019s Build Back Better agenda.\u201d\n\nThe Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act is comprised of three key elements:\n\nA Continuing Resolution which extends funding for vital federal agencies, including education, health, housing, and public safety programs through December 3rd.\n\nEmergency disaster funding which includes $28.6 billion to address the rising cost of climate change while providing relief for survivors of recent natural disasters such as Hurricanes Ida, Delta, Zeta, and Laura, wildfires, severe droughts and winter storms.\n\nEmergency assistance for Afghan evacuees which includes $6.3 billion in support for temporary housing, necessary security screenings, the resettlement of eligible evacuees in the United States, and funding to provide humanitarian assistance for Afghan refugees in neighboring countries.\n\nThe Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, which is Senate amended, passed the House by a vote of 254-175. It now goes to the President for his signature.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3342", "Rep. Frankel Announces Health Care Funding for Palm Beach County Clinics", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), released the following statement announcing over $1.5 million in critical grant funding for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County and Genesis Community Health through the American Rescue Plan.\n\n\u201cThese clinics have been absolutely crucial in the fight against COVID-19 in Palm Beach County thanks to the incredible work they do in our underserved communities,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis funding will help the Health Care District and Genesis Community Health expand and renovate their spaces to continue delivering exceptional care\u2014including COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination\u2014to those who need it most.\u201d\n\nThe Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has released nearly $1 billion in awards from the American Rescue Plan for local clinics. The Health Care District of Palm Beach County will receive $1,010,224 and Genesis Community Health will receive $567,859 through this grant program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2745", "Wasserman Schultz Secures Surfside Investigation in Final Continuing Resolution Funding Package", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 The final continuing resolution package that funds federal agencies through early December and buys time to avoid a government shutdown, includes $22 million to conduct a Surfside building collapse investigation, a measure that was already approved in the House, and should arrive to President Biden\u2019s desk later this week.\n\nAs part of the ongoing federal response into the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, FL, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) in July secured $22 million in funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct a technical investigation into the cause of the collapse that claimed nearly 100 lives. From her position on the House Appropriations Committee, Wasserman Schultz included this funding in the Fiscal Year 2022 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. Last week, Wasserman Schultz secured the funding in the House Emergency Supplemental attached to the Continuing Resolution (CR), which has now been included in the Senate version of the \u201cclean\u201d CR.\n\nThese funds will allow NIST to conduct an unprecedented investigation into the sources of failure, and provide recommendations to rectify shortcomings in existing building standards to prevent future similar disasters. It can also inform future building codes for similar structures. NIST began investigating soon after the tragic collapse. This funding will give NIST resources it needs to continue its full, scientific investigation through the upcoming fiscal year.\n\n\u201cAs we still mourn all those we lost, it\u2019s crucial to assess just how widespread these building vulnerability issues may be. In South Florida and across the United States, thousands of condos just like Champlain Towers may face similar structural problems,\u201d said Wasserman Schultz, whose district includes Surfside, and roughly 15 miles of coastal Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. \u201cThis NIST investigation can help unlock the scope of those issues and saves thousands more lives by averting similar tragedies. I\u2019m proud my Congressional colleagues saw the urgent need to allow NIST to conduct this in-depth, potentially life-saving investigation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403709", "Reps. Castor, Long Introduce Bipartisan National Voter Registration Day Resolution", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) and Billy Long (MO07) led 36 colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 28, 2021 as National Voter Registration Day. Castor introduced a similar resolution during the 116th Congress.\n\nNational Voter Registration Day was created in 2012 to raise awareness about the need for Americans to register to vote and keep their registration current.\n\n\u201cI am honored to introduce the bipartisan National Voter Registration Day resolution with Rep. Long to reaffirm Congress\u2019 shared commitment to our bedrock democratic values. A strong democracy and exercising one\u2019s fundamental right to vote should not be a partisan issue. Public participation in American elections ensures that our nation\u2019s grand experiment can continue, and I encourage all of our neighbors, here in Tampa and across the nation, to take time today to register to vote today and encourage friends and family members to do the same,\u201d said Rep. Castor.\n\n\u201cVoting is the backbone of our democracy. When people vote, they are doing their civic duty to elect people who will best represent them at all levels of government. Voting gives the people the power to change policy, build better communities, and hold government officials accountable. I am proud to co-lead this resolution with my colleague as getting people to vote is crucial to ensuring that our democracy lives on. On National Voter Registration Day, I encourage all Americans that aren\u2019t registered to vote to register today,\u201d said Rep. Long.\n\nCurrent Signers (38): Castor, Long, Adams, C\u00e1rdenas, Carson, Case, Cicilline, Cleaver, Cohen, Correa, Costa, Crist, Dean, Foster, Green, Grijalva, Hayes, Holmes Norton, Horsford, Jackson Lee, Kildee, Lawson, Meng, Neguse, Phillips, Roybal-Allard, Scanlon, Soto, Spanberger, Suozzi, B. Thompson, M. Thompson, Titus, Tonko, Wasserman Schultz, Watson Coleman, Wild and Williams\n\nSupporting Organizations: National Voter Registration Day, National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the League of Women Voters and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403710", "Rep. Castor Announces $1.7M American Rescue Plan Grant for Tampa Family Health Centers", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that the Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) has been awarded $1,700,386 through the FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Capital Improvements Award, the second largest grant in the State of Florida. This initiative provides health centers funding for COVID-19-related capital needs, constructing new facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities to enhance response to pandemics, and purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment, including telehealth technology, mobile medical vans, and freezers to store vaccines.\n\n\u201cThe health heroes at Tampa Family Health Centers have provided excellent care and critical services, including Covid19 vaccinations, to our neighbors throughout the pandemic,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThis American Rescue Plan award will allow them to continue to expand their top-of-the-line health services across the Tampa Bay community, including a new center for pediatrics north of Carrollwood in Lutz. From drive-thru vaccinations and testing to telehealth services, Tampa Family Health Centers has adapted to this moment and ensured that the health needs of our diverse community have been met. I join my neighbors in our gratitude for TFHC\u2019s continued service to keeping Floridians healthy and safe, and will continue my work to secure federal resources and investments for Tampa in the days ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis $1.7 million dollar grant will allow TFHC to build a new stand-alone pediatric and pediatric dental office targeting our youth population. These funds will also allow TFHC to enhance an existing building to include traditional behavioral health to increase access to care.\u201d, said Sherry Hoback, President and CEO of Tampa Family Health Centers. \u201cAs a patient centered medical home providing healthcare to our community for over 37 years, it is essential to continue to bring the most advanced systems and cutting-edge care to our patients. \u201c\n\nIn February 2021, Rep. Castor announced that Tampa Family Health Centers was one of an initial 250 health centers across the country to directly receive vaccines through the Health Resources and Services Administration\u2019s COVID-19 Vaccination Program in order to increase vaccinations for marginalized and disproportionately affected populations. Rep. Castor announced a $3.4M grant for TFHC through the CARES Act in April 2020.\n\nThe $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the fourth Covid19 aid package passed by Congress and signed into law, was enacted on March 11, 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3341", "Rep. Frankel Statement on House Passage of the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after the House passed the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act, which would protect access to safe legal abortion care, regardless of where a person lives.\n\n\u201cThe decision of whether, if, and when to become a parent is one of the most personal life decisions we can make, and it\u2019s a decision that should be between a patient and the people they trust\u2014not politicians or vigilante strangers,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cLaws like what we are seeing in Texas and proposed legislation in my home state of Florida are meant to put power, money, and politics over the health and safety of people who need abortion care. That\u2019s why this bill is so important. It is a beacon of hope in the fight for reproductive freedom and will protect both patients and health care providers.\u201d\n\nThe Women\u2019s Health Protection Act would prohibit states from enacting medically unnecessary restrictions that unfairly target abortion providers and prevent patients from getting the care they need, including the recently enacted S.B. 8 in Texas and recently introduced legislation in Florida.\n\nThe Women\u2019s Health Protection Act passed by a vote of 218-211. The bill now heads to the Senate for its approval.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403707", "Rep. Castor Statement on Passage of Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act and Pay Raise for U.S. Military Service Members", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cThe men and women in uniform who serve our country, including at Tampa\u2019s MacDill Air Force Base, deserve the support necessary to meet ever-changing national security threats. This bipartisan defense bill will bolster our national security and invest in new, innovative technologies to maintain America\u2019s competitive edge over our adversaries including Russia and China.\n\n\u201cInvestments that I championed for our service members are included in the bill, including a 2.7 percent pay raise for our troops and an air purification assessment for base housing and other on-base facilities. This follows up on my work to ensure that housing is safe and free from mold and shoddy construction \u2013 Congress is committed to continuing to ensure that housing is improved for MacDill families.\n\n\u201cCongress is hard at work crafting transformative legislation to help Build Back Better and protect families from increasing climate-fueled threats, so I am glad to see many climate-forward investments included in the NDAA. By providing the Department of Defense funds to help us reduce pollution, improve water conservation and protect military communities from PFAS \u2018forever chemicals,\u2019 and prepare our military against the impacts of our warming climate, our nation will be safer, and our military members better prepared to protect and defend.\n\n\u201cFunding that I championed for Special Operations Forces also is contained in the bill, including an increase in funding to mitigate undiagnosed, untreated traumatic brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The NDAA will also invest in the Joint MISO WebOps Center (JMWC), which I visited earlier this year at MacDill AFB, to help modernize their work in the global information space.\n\n\u201cOver the years, our Afghan allies have worked with U.S. troops at great personal risk to themselves, and we must fulfill our promise to provide them safety in our country after years of their loyalty and service. Substantial funds are allocated to assist our allies and at-risk Afghans in the days ahead, an important measure of respect for those who have been faithful partners to our military over the years.\n\n\u201cFollowing up on the establishment of new diversity requirements for the Department of Defense, including the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Council, and direction to change the names of military bases named after Confederate soldiers last Congress, this year\u2019s NDAA takes further action to meet this moment and ensure our military is reflective of our nation. This includes the establishment of a basic needs allowance for low-income service members to ensure their families are taken care of while they serve our nation. Importantly, we also increase the allowable parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers, including foster parents, and an expansion of the in-home child care pilot program and financial assistance for in-home child care. These are important steps to serving our service men and women as well as they serve us. I look forward to swift, bipartisan passage of this year\u2019s NDAA and the enactment of initiatives to better serve our nation\u2019s heroes at MacDill and around the globe.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA includes the following priorities for MacDill Air Force Base and Tampa residents:\n\nMeeting the Needs of Our Troops and Our Military Families\n\nProviding A Pay Raise for Our Troops\n\nBuilds on previous attempts to close the pay gap by funding a 2.7 percent pay increase for our service men and women.\n\nBasic Needs Allowance for Low-Income Service Members\n\nAuthorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay a basic needs allowance to a qualified service member.\n\nParental Leave for Service Members\n\nIncreases the allowable parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers, including foster parents.\n\nChild Care\n\nExpands the in-home child care pilot program, providing financial assistance for in-home child care.\n\nExceptional Family Members\n\nEstablishes an Exceptional Family Member Program Advisory Council to better support military families who have members with special needs.\n\nImpact Aid\n\nAuthorizes $50.0 million for the purpose of aiding local educational agencies with military dependent students, and $20.0 million for local educational agencies eligible to receive a payment for children with severe disabilities.\n\nEnhanced Protection Against Debt Collector Harassment of Servicemembers\n\nProhibits a debt collector from using unfair or threatening practices in connection with the collection of debt from servicemembers and veterans.\n\nBasic Allowance for Housing (BAH)\n\nRequires a report by the Department of Defense on family size within the military, including if BAH accurately assesses the needs of military families.\n\nClimate and Energy\n\nAuthorizes combatant commander initiative funds to be used for the purpose of enhancing extreme weather resilience of infrastructure.\n\nRequires the Department of Defense to incorporate consideration of the risks of extreme weather into certain existing Department of Defense strategies and planning documents.\n\nRequires the Department of Defense to institute a process for ensuring accurate and effective analytical tools are used to project life-cycle costs and performance potential of energy resilience measures.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program to implement mitigating actions to address vulnerabilities in defense critical electric infrastructure.\n\nAddressing the Scourge of Extremism\n\nCountering Extremism\n\nEstablishes an Office of Countering Extremism responsible for training and education about extremist activities; data collection and analysis; and countering extremism within the Department of Defense.\n\nAfghanistan\n\nAfghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV): Expresses the sense of Congress about the importance of the program and honoring our commitments to those Afghan partners, who at great personal risk, supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. Further clarifies legislation with regard to Afghans and their families who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.\n\nAuthorizes $500 million for Department of Defense relocation support to SIVs and at-risk Afghans.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to provide in-depth reports and briefings to Congress, providing critical information on the U.S. ability to counter terrorism in Afghanistan, accountability on the military equipment left in the country, and the plan to rescue American citizens and Afghan allies who remain in the country, ensuring transparency and ongoing oversight of the security situation in Afghanistan.\n\nProvides for a sense of Congress recognizing the men and women of the Armed Services for securing Hamid Karzai International Airport and supporting the largest Noncombatant Evacuation Operation in United States history. The sense of Congress also recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of the 11 Marines, the sailor, and the soldier who gave their lives for this mission.\n\nCongressional Oversight of the Use of Force\n\nRequires the President to submit a report to Congress not later than 48 hours after any incident in which the United States Armed Forces are involved in hostilities, if the incident was not otherwise recorded under the requirements of the War Powers Resolution or pursuant to an authority for the use of force that was reported to Congress under section 1264 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.\n\nCounter-ISIS & Counter-Terrorism\n\nContinues U.S. military support to our partners in Iraq and Syria to fight ISIS, while directing the Secretaries of Defense and State to submit security cooperation and security sector reform plans for U.S. military partners in Iraq.\n\nMaking Historic Changes to the UCMJ In Order to Better Combat Sexual Assault in the Military\n\nSpecial Victims\u2019 Prosecutors\n\nRemoves the Commander from decisions related to the prosecution of special victim crimes: creating an Office of Special Victim Prosecutor within each Service and ensuring their independence by requiring they directly report to the Service Secretary. The provision also defines the role of Special Victim Prosecutors and special victim offenses. Special Victim Offenses includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, and all offenses against a child under the age of 18, among others.\n\nCriminalizes sexual harassment and violent extremism under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).\n\nRacial Disparities\n\nRequires improved reporting requirements on demographics of offenses under the UCMJ.\n\nImproving Military Health Care\n\nPost-Partum Care Improvements\n\nRequires a pilot program in support of post-natal care, to include pelvic health rehabilitation, and the issuance of policy guidance to develop and to implement standard protocols across the Military health System to treat obstetric hemorrhage.\n\nMental Health", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3338", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Iron Dome Supplemental Bill", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to replenish Israel\u2019s Iron Dome missile interceptors through a supplemental funding bill.\n\n\u201cThe Iron Dome is a life-saving missile defense system that protects innocent civilians from rocket attacks by terrorist groups who want to see Israel wiped from the map,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cImagine what life would look like in Israel right now if the 4,000+ rockets fired at Israeli schools, parks, airports, and hospitals this summer hadn\u2019t been intercepted by this remarkable system. Iron Dome saves lives, prevents war, and is in America\u2019s national interest. That\u2019s why funding for Iron Dome has always had overwhelming bipartisan support and today\u2019s vote reflects our continued commitment to our ally, partner, and friend\u2014Israel. I urge the Senate to immediately take up and pass this critical measure.\u201d\n\nThis funding is consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Obama-Biden administration in 2016 between the United States and Israel to re-fund the Iron Dome, a defense system developed jointly by both countries. The funding will replenish the Iron Dome\u2019s missile interceptors that were used to protect civilians from rocket fire this summer. Congresswoman Frankel shared stories on the House Floor in May, of an Israeli grandmother, a five-year-old boy, and an Arab-Israeli teenage girl, all of whom were murdered by Hamas rockets. Without Iron Dome, there could be thousands more heartbreaking stories just like those.\n\nThe bill passed by a vote of 420-9.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3339", "Frankel Provisions Advancing Women Included in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, a strong, bipartisan bill that strengthens America\u2019s national security, upholds our values, supports our servicemembers and their families, and advances our leadership around the world.\n\nImportantly, the bill includes key Frankel provisions to advance women\u2019s participation in national security forces at home and abroad. Specifically, the bill includes language to create a pilot program to assess the barriers preventing women\u2019s participation in national security forces of six partner countries. It also requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage admitting diverse individuals, including women, to each military service academy and to engage with elementary schools, secondary schools, postsecondary educational institutions, and nonprofits to support activities related to supporting women and peace around the world.\n\n\u201cWhen women are given the opportunity to lead and are at the table for decisions about peace, security, and the wellbeing of their communities, the world is a safer and more prosperous place,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cIncreasing women\u2019s participation in peace and security efforts is not only crucial to advancing gender equality around the world, but also critical to advancing a broader national security strategy that is inclusive, diverse, and reflective of our values. This bill brings us one step closer to achieving these important goals.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the Frankel provisions on gender equity included in the NDAA, the bipartisan bill also included a number of critical defense priorities including:\n\nAdvances our national security:\n\nEstablishes a bipartisan U.S-Israel Technology Working Group to increase collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technology in cyber, space, artificial intelligence, and energy, and;\n\nProvides new tools to deter aggression from Russia and China and action against transnational threats.\n\nMeeting our responsibility to our servicemembers and their families:\n\nProvides a pay raise for members of the military;\n\nStrengthens parental leave for caregiving servicemembers;\n\nExpands access to child care for servicemembers;\n\nImproves financial security of low-income military members and those with family members living with a disability;\n\nProtects military communities from Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) chemicals, commonly known as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019,\n\nStrengthens access to health care including mental health care and reproductive care, and;\n\nCombats sexual assault and harassment in the military.\n\nBrings our defense into the modern era:\n\nIncreases defense-wide Research and Development by 32 percent;\n\nFixes aging defense infrastructure;\n\nInvests $1 billion in new cybersecurity technology including over $1 billion for artificial intelligence efforts, and;\n\nInvests in new partnerships with the private sector and academia, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU\u2019s) and Minority-Serving Institutions.\n\nHonors our values:\n\nBuilds on Congress\u2019s bipartisan action in passing Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) legislation to provide for the relocation of our Afghan allies and partners and requires the Secretary of Defense to continue to provide in-depth reports and briefings to Congress on the situation in Afghanistan.\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 passed by a vote of 316-113. The bill now heads to the Senate for their approval. Full text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/seven-soto-amendments-pass-annual-house-defense-bill", "Seven Soto Amendments Pass in Annual House Defense Bill", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which includes seven amendments introduced by Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). H.R. 4350 authorizes FY2022 appropriations for military activities and programs of the Department of Defense (e.g., personnel; research, development, test, and evaluation; and procurement of items such as aircraft, missiles, and ammunition). It also prescribes military personnel strengths for FY2022. This much-needed piece of legislation addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, promotes transparency, invests in military infrastructure, and supports our service members.\n\n\"Our military represents the very best of America,\" said Congressman Soto. \"Every year, the NDAA brings us one step further in enhancing the national and economic security of the American people while providing unwavering support for our troops. The passage of my amendments will support technological advances impacting Central Florida and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind on research and development. Today and always, I will proudly support a strong national defense that honors our values, protects our citizens and strengthens our leadership in the world.\"\n\nThe following amendments introduced by Rep. Soto were included in the bill text:\n\n#159 Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress within a year of implementing the plan developed in response to GAO recommendations on tracking, response, and training for civilian employees of the Department of Defense regarding sexual harassment and assault.\n\n#645 Adds related technologies like advanced storage capacity to the renewable or clean energy resources that can be considered to further data center energy efficiency and resiliency.\n\n#733 Requires military service academies and senior reserve officer's training corps to report on their plans to increase the number of minority cadets and midshipmen.\n\n#659 (Soto/Schweikert) Adds \"distributed ledger technologies\" to the definition of \"digital talent\" when specifying the responsibilities of the digital talent recruiting officer and the technologies they are trying to identify future talent and closing any skills gaps. Further encourages workforce pipeline and technical skills needed for potential distributed ledger technology within the Department in the future.\n\n#688 (Soto/Schweikert) Adds \"blockchain and cryptographic technologies\" to the list of technologies that are included in the Department's support for industry participation in global standards organizations.\n\n#721 (Soto/Schweikert) Adds blockchain technologies in the consideration of technologies to use to assist in the technology pilot program transmission absent uniform services and overseas votes that builds on successful state-based initiatives for overseas servicemember voting.\n\n#732 (Soto/Schweikert/Blunt Rochester) Adds blockchain technologies to the technologies considered to help improve and development the Department's digital health strategy in order to improve digital health care strategy & data organization.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3337", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Florida Surgeon General Emergency School Rule", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after Florida\u2019s newly appointed Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, issued an emergency rule that undermines the ability for school districts to keep students safe from COVID-19 by allowing parents to decide whether children attend school after being exposed to people who have COVID-19, and opt out of mask mandates at their sole discretion.\n\n\"This decision will allow one parent to jeopardize the health and safety of not only their child, but everyone their child comes into contact with at school,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cMask requirements and quarantining when exposed to COVID-19 keep children, teachers, staff, and their families safe. The Surgeon General\u2019s new rule is dangerous.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3335", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Florida Job Growth", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in response to a new jobs report from the Joint Economic Committee which details an increase of 284,700 new jobs in the state of Florida since President Biden took office.\n\n\u201cThe investments Congress and the Biden Administration made in working families through the American Rescue Plan are already paying off as more Americans return to work, dropping the unemployment rate to a pandemic-era low,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cHere in Florida, nearly 300,000 jobs have been created; jobs that are helping keep families in their homes, put food on the table, and get our economy back on track. I look forward to voting for the bipartisan Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act next week to continue to grow our economy from the bottom-up and from the middle-out, and help our working families get through these challenging times.\u201d\n\nThe Joint Economic Committee compiles state-by-state data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, following the Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 monthly jobs report. In the month of August, the latest for which state-level data is available, Florida created 15,500 jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403706", "Reps. Castor, Bowman Lead 21 Colleagues in Urging HUD to Prioritize Increased Access to Broadband", "2021-09-17", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL14) and Jamaal Bowman (NY16) led 21 House Members encouraging the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help provide all Americans with accessible broadband, particularly our neighbors who live in public housing. The Covid19 pandemic has exposed many of the challenges our most vulnerable communities face, including inaccessibility to reliable internet service.\n\nCosigners of the letter include: Reps. Kathy Castor, Jamaal Bowman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, G. K. Butterfield, Brenda L. Lawrence, Al Lawson, Yvette Clarke, Earl Blumenauer, Anna G. Eshoo, Carolyn B. Maloney, Kaiali\u02bbi Kahele, David N. Cicilline, Nikema Williams, Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez, Dina Titus, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Ed Case, James P. McGovern, Mondaire Jones, Steve Cohen, Alan Lowenthal, Andr\u00e9 Carson and Tony C\u00e1rdenas.\n\nThe letter can be read here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Marcia L. Fudge\n\nOffice of the Secretary\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\n\n451 7th Street, S.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20410\n\nRE: HUD Coordination with the FCC on Broadband Data\n\nDear Secretary Fudge,\n\nThank you for your work fighting on behalf of our marginalized neighbors throughout your career. We write to encourage the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help provide all Americans with accessible broadband, particularly for our neighbors who reside in public housing. We have been concerned about the consequences to students and families who lack home internet connections, and the coronavirus pandemic made it clear that we must do all that we can to achieve universal, affordable, high-speed broadband for all.\n\nThere are several compelling reasons to make this a priority. Studies have shown that middle and high school students without home internet have worse educational outcomes compared to students with home internet access. Internet availability facilitates telehealth applications, allowing for better health outcomes. Internet access has also been shown to boost individual and community economic prosperity and improve social outcomes.\n\nAs you may know, the FCC is currently in the process of creating detailed broadband data maps, as required by the Broadband DATA Act, enacted last year. These detailed maps will show, on a location-by-location basis, whether and what kind of internet service is available to each residence, school, or business across the country.\n\nDuring this process it is critical for the FCC to include all Americans, but we are concerned that our neighbors in public housing may get overlooked. The Commission needs to fully understand the state of broadband availability and access in public housing.\n\nBecause of our longstanding support for folks living in public housing, we urge HUD to work with the FCC to ensure that public housing and the broadband availability in such residences are reflected on these maps, including sharing relevant data to the fullest extent possible. It is crucial that we not leave behind these economically underserved Americans.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3333", "Rep. Frankel Announces New Child Tax Credit Tool as Third Round of Assistance Arrives", "2021-09-15", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced a new simplified, bilingual, and mobile-friendly tool for parents who are eligible for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) but who have not yet received a payment or need to update their status. GetCTC.org has been rolled out just in time for the third round of CTC payments to hit the bank accounts of American families.\n\nMost families will receive up to $3,600 per child ages 0-5, and $3,000 per child ages 6-17. The money is being delivered in monthly installments of up to $300 per child on the 15th of every month, through the end of the calendar year, with a final lump sum of between $1,500 and $1,800.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from so many parents in our community who have told me how life-changing this extra money has been. Over 2,296,000 monthly payments, totaling more than $933.5 million have been sent to families in our state, but there are still parents who have not yet gotten this critical assistance,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis new tool will help us make sure that every family gets the help they need to keep their children healthy and safe during this challenging time.\u201d\n\nGetCTC.org includes information in English and Spanish, resources for navigators that are helping others apply, and extends the contact methods to email and text message.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3334", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Anniversary of Historic Israel Peace Agreements", "2021-09-15", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL - Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in honor of the one-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords.\n\n\u201cOne year ago today, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain took a historic and courageous step toward peace,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cMorocco and Sudan have since joined the Abraham Accords, and I am encouraged that the Biden Administration is committed to strengthening Israeli-Arab relations even further to advance peace and prosperity throughout the region.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2743", "Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month", "2021-09-15", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month:\n\n\"The immense contributions Hispanics make to this nation are, to this day, too often undervalued or ignored, a pattern of disregard that echoes throughout American history.\n\nYet from the resilience of our economy, to keeping us all faithful to our founding principles of freedom, opportunity and equality, we all owe deep political debts to the hard work and principled activism of generations of Hispanic Americans, including the current one.\n\nAs we begin to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month today, let us honor that rich history, culture, and legacy of contributions. And let\u2019s all draw strength from the powerful and inspiring examples of courage, innovation, artistry and effort that the Hispanic Community has given to allow America\u2019s grand experiment in democracy to thrive.\n\nFrom the COVID-19 medical front lines to the nation\u2019s most critical labor and immigration fights, our Hispanic communities are tough and compassionate. Every day, they hold America true to its promise of creating a more perfect union. For that, I will always fight for the rights, respect, and resources that all our Hispanic communities deserve, this and every month.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403701", "Rep. Castor Statement on U.S. Department of Education Support for Florida Students and Educators in Face of Penalties and Retribution by Governor", "2021-09-13", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s (U.S. ED) Office for Civil Rights\u2019 investigation into whether the Florida Department of Education may be preventing school districts in the state from considering or meeting the needs of students with disabilities as a result of Florida\u2019s mask opt-out policy in public schools. This week, the U.S. ED also announced Project SAFE (Supporting America's Families and Educators), a grant initiative to provide additional funding to school districts, including Hillsborough County, that have funds withheld by their state or are otherwise financially penalized for implementing strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, such as universal indoor masking.\n\n\u201cKeeping our children and educators safe in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic is paramount. The American Academy of Pediatrics, public health experts in Florida as well as the CDC recommend universal masking in K-12 schools, yet Gov. DeSantis is failing our students and our state by exacting retribution on educators and fighting in the courts to prevent local school boards from taking steps to keep kids and educators safe. Health experts have advised that Gov. DeSantis\u2019s actions could lead to higher cases of transmission in the classroom as well as keep higher-risk students with disabilities out of the physical classroom for another schoolyear \u2013 in opposition to a federal civil rights law. The governor\u2019s misguided actions against health protocols in schools comes as August marks our state\u2019s deadliest month of the pandemic with over 5,700 deaths.\n\n\u201cInstead of fighting local educators in court, Gov. DeSantis should be prioritizing getting out the billions in federal Covid19 relief funding, that by law were mandated to be sent to local school districts months ago, so that we can safeguard all of our students and educators\u2019 health. While the governor focuses on punishing school districts that are prioritizing safety, U.S. ED\u2019s Project SAFE will provide much-needed funds to keep our schools running, our children safe and our incredible teachers and faculty on the job. I\u2019m grateful to President Biden for standing up for our students and educators. This is a critical, all-hands-on-deck moment for all of us to listen to our public health professionals and our pediatricians.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3332", "Rep. Frankel Urges DeSantis to Aid Hungry Children", "2021-09-13", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement urging Governor DeSantis to apply for food assistance for poor children fully paid for by the federal government at no cost to the state. Florida is the only state refusing to extend this program known as Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). The P-EBT program has been critical for helping food-insecure Floridians feed their children for the past year.\n\n\u201cThere has been so much suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have hungry children in Florida, including thousands in Palm Beach County, yet inexplicably Governor DeSantis has blocked our neediest families from getting food aid from the federal government,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe governor should stop playing politics with children\u2019s lives and apply for the funds immediately.\u201d\n\nRep. Frankel joined the rest of the Florida Democratic delegation to write a letter to Governor DeSantis demanding he take action to get this funding.\n\nClick here for the Members\u2019 letter on federal food assistance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3330", "Rep. Frankel Statement on President Biden\u2019s New Vaccine Mandate", "2021-09-10", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement applauding President Biden\u2019s announcement that federal employees and healthcare workers will be required to get vaccinated and all employers with over 100 employees will need to mandate a vaccine-or-test policy.\n\n\u201cThis decision by our President will save lives and finally get our nation to the other side of this pandemic,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI have been speaking to local business owners in South Florida for months who want to do the right thing but have been concerned about the political repercussions\u2014now they have the backing and the blueprint to help protect their employees, safeguard their community, strengthen our economy, and get us back to our lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3331", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Department of Justice Response to Texas Abortion Ban", "2021-09-10", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement applauding the Department of Justice\u2019s decision to sue the state of Texas over its harmful abortion ban that went into law last week.\n\n\u201cThe decision about whether, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important decisions we make, yet this Texas abortion law wants to leave this life-changing, personal decision in the hands of anti-abortion bounty hunters,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see the Department of Justice take action to stop this terrible law. Now it\u2019s time for Congress to do our part and pass the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act which would protect health care providers\u2019 ability to deliver abortion services and patients\u2019 access to those services free from medically unnecessary and onerous restrictions.\u201d\n\nTexas\u2019s S.B. 8 law bans abortions at six weeks, before most individuals even know they are pregnant. It does not include any exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The law allows citizens to bring civil suits against anyone who assists a patient seeking abortion, without having to show any connection to the person being sued.\n\nIn June, Rep. Frankel, a lead sponsor, introduced the Women\u2019s Health Protect Act, bicameral legislation that would establish patients\u2019 right to abortion, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans, anywhere in the United States. This critical legislation would undo the harm done by Texas\u2019s S.B. 8 and other abortion bans that have been introduced across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3327", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Restrictive Abortion Ban in Texas", "2021-09-01", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after the Supreme Court failed to stop Texas\u2019s radical six-week abortion ban, the most restrictive abortion ban since Roe V. Wade, from going into effect.\n\n\u201cThe Texas abortion ban puts politics over the health and safety of pregnant people and inserts politicians into the deeply personal decision of if and when to become a parent,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cWomen need the freedom to control their own reproductive destinies in order to lead full, healthy lives, and, at the end of the day, the decision to bring a child into this world should be one they make for themselves with their loved ones and doctors, not with their governor or local representative.\u201d\n\nTexas\u2019s S.B. 8 law bans abortions at six weeks, before many individuals even know they are pregnant. It does not include any exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The law also allows citizens to bring civil suits against anyone who assists a patient seeking abortion, without having to show any connection to the person being sued.\n\nIn June, Rep. Frankel helped introduce the Women\u2019s Health Protect Act, bicameral legislation that would establish patients\u2019 right to abortion, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans, anywhere in the United States. This critical legislation would undo the harm done by Texas\u2019s S.B. 8 and other abortion bans that have been introduced across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3328", "Rep. Frankel Calls for Department of Education to Help Florida\u2019s Children, Fund School Districts Directly", "2021-09-01", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement requesting the Department of Education to send federal funding directly to school districts in order to counter Governor DeSantis\u2019 decision to withhold funding from local school districts that have implemented mask mandates.\n\n\u201cGovernor DeSantis\u2019 efforts to withhold funding from school districts that have put mask requirements in place to protect our children is dangerous and irresponsible. We must ensure that our school districts can make the best decisions to keep our children safe,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI\u2019ve been in communication with Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education, on this pressing issue, and I look forward to working with his team to find avenues for direct funding from the federal government to school districts being penalized by governors for taking common sense measures to keep our children healthy this school year.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403693", "Rep. Castor Urges Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, FAA Administrator Dickson to Expedite Replacement for TPA Air Traffic Control Tower Due to Deteriorating Conditions", "2021-08-31", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) urged U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Steve Dickson to expedite the replacement of a new Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control tower at Tampa International Airport due to its deteriorated condition. A bipartisan infrastructure package passed by the Senate and soon to be considered by the House allocates $25 billion to address our nation\u2019s airports.\n\n\u201cThe Tampa Airport air traffic control tower and dedicated controllers have served us well for almost fifty years, but the tower is at the end of its useful life and is in need of replacement as soon as possible. In fact, the tower has been seriously deficient for a number of years. I toured the tower personally several years ago and was shocked at the state of the tower. I relayed my concerns to FAA at that time, and spoke with FAA officials in July 2015, and rather than proceed with replacement, the FAA chose to make repairs. Since that time, the conditions in the tower have deteriorated. At a time when the Congress and President Joe Biden are poised to make major investments in critical American infrastructure, the Tampa Airport air traffic control tower must be a top priority,\u201d wrote Rep. Castor.\n\n\u201cSome air traffic control facilities suffer from major physical infrastructure issues, while others have long exceeded their lifespan. TPA Tower is one of the oldest and in most need of replacement of all of FAA\u2019s Core 30 airport air traffic control towers,\u201d said Jen McCoy, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Local President.\n\nThe letter can be read here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Pete Buttigieg The Honorable Steve Dickson\n\nOffice of the Secretary Office of the Administrator\n\nU.S. Dept of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration\n\n1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 800 Independence Avenue, SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20590 Washington, DC 20591\n\nRE: Urgent Need for New Air Traffic Control Tower at Tampa International Airport\n\nDear Secretary Buttigieg:\n\nI am very concerned with the deteriorating condition of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control tower at Tampa International Airport (TPA) and respectfully request your assistance in expediting replacement for the fifty-year-old tower, particularly now that the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed the U.S. Senate and is poised to be approved by the House of Representatives. As you know, the bipartisan infrastructure package invests $25 billion in airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions, and drive electrification and other low-carbon technologies. Of that, $5 billion would be available for FAA facilities with an allocation of about $1 billion per year from fiscal 2022 through 2026 for air traffic control and tower equipment. Importantly, the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States, also strongly supports the bipartisan infrastructure package for American airports and air traffic control towers.\n\nThe Tampa Airport air traffic control tower and dedicated controllers have served us well for almost fifty years, but the tower is at the end of its useful life and is in need of replacement as soon as possible. In fact, the tower has been seriously deficient for a number of years. I toured the tower personally several years ago and was shocked at the state of the tower. I relayed my concerns to FAA at that time, and spoke with FAA officials in July, 2015, and rather than proceed with replacement, the FAA chose to make repairs. Since that time, the conditions in the tower have deteriorated. There are multiple documented hazards including:\n\n\u2022 Water intrusion issues resulting from old and broken pipes, some near electrical wiring.\n\n\u2022 Black and brown water in toilets and sinks.\n\n\u2022 Sewage and wastewater odors so pungent they have resulted in controllers taking sick leave.\n\n\u2022 Unreliable and dirty HVAC system; often not adequately controlling the climate in Florida\u2019s hot and humid weather.\n\n\u2022 Outdated and inadequate safety procedures; including a lack of required emergency exit routes.\n\n\u2022 Unreliable elevator transportation to the tower.\n\n\u2022 Cracked windows and rust on the surrounding support beams.\n\nRather than spend any additional funds on repairs, the most efficient use of tax dollars is to proceed with a full replacement of the tower as soon as possible. While the average age of FAA towers is 30 years, the TPA tower is 50 years. The multiple safety and quality of life hazards are a danger to the air traffic controllers and should be addressed before the flying public is put at risk. The air traffic controllers at TPA are critical to the safety and efficiency of this important Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility and the hundreds of flights that traverse the Florida and Gulf of Mexico airspace every day. The FAA must ensure that they are able to do their job without unsafe working conditions.\n\nAt a time when the Congress and President Joe Biden are poised to make major investments in critical American infrastructure, the Tampa Airport air traffic control tower must be a top priority. Please advise how we expedite the replacement of the FAA tower in collaboration with Tampa International Airport as soon as possible. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me or Jake Barr at 813-871-2817 or 202-225-3376. Thank you.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2740", "United States Ends Military Presence in Afghanistan", "2021-08-31", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "wassermanschultz", "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement on the end of the United States military presence in Afghanistan:\n\n\"Today, America\u2019s longest war comes to an end. Yet the commitment to all who fought there is still not complete, as we work to ensure safe passage for any Americans, Afghan partners, and foreign nationals who still want to leave Afghanistan. Our deepest thanks go to our brave men and women in uniform who served courageously, and at great cost, over this two-decade conflict. We owe special gratitude to those who just executed the largest airlift in U.S. history, with over 120,000 U.S., Afghan and ally citizens evacuated \u2013 a truly remarkable feat. Ending this mission now, while extremely difficult, is the surest way to avoid increasingly dangerous conditions for our troops and allies on the ground. Going forward, we will continue to work with our partners in the region to ensure continued departures and humanitarian assistance. We must also help welcome our Afghan allies to their new homes around the globe, and here in the United States. Today, a brutal conflict ends, but the debt of gratitude to the courageous men and women who served and made the ultimate sacrifice to complete this mission, will forever be owed by our nation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3325", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Mask Mandate Ruling", "2021-08-27", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper ruled in favor of parents seeking to overturn Governor DeSantis ban on mask mandates in schools.\n\n\u201cThis decision confirms the common sense and legal decision of the Palm Beach County School Board to require students to wear masks with limited exceptions,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cKeeping our children in a safe, healthy environment for learning is a top priority for most Americans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3326", "Rep. Frankel Highlights Mortgage and Rental Assistance for Palm Beach County Residents Despite Supreme Court Decision", "2021-08-27", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court overturned President Biden\u2019s eviction moratorium.\n\n\u201cNo parent should have to worry about exposing their child to COVID-19 because they fell behind on rent,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cDespite the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to allow evictions to proceed, the good news is that help is available for those who are struggling through federal money provided to Palm Beach County.\u201d\n\nPalm Beach County has been dispersing rental assistance since December and has helped over 5,700 families stay in their homes while paying landlords their rent through the county\u2019s rental assistance portal. The portal remains open and additional assistance is available for residents who meet eligibility requirements. Applicants can also call 561-355-4792. The State of Florida has also opened a separate rental assistance portal, which can be accessed here.\n\nThe county is also offering mortgage assistance to eligible persons. That application portal is open now until September 7th. Mortgage holders should also check with their lenders for options to delay loan payments without penalty.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403688", "Rep. Castor: Florida Health Workers Overburdened While Gov. DeSantis Still Refuses to Issue Covid19 Emergency Order", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "On August 11, in response to reports of understaffed and at-capacity hospitals in the Tampa Bay area, Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) urged Governor Ron DeSantis to reissue a Covid19 emergency order to allow more flexibility for a surge of nurses and medical professionals from out-of-state to treat patients as well as stabilize costs for our health facilities.\n\n\u201cFlorida is in the midst of a Covid19 public health emergency with a record number of cases since the pandemic began. 1 in 5 Covid deaths nationwide are occurring in Florida, and our hospitals, doctors and nurses are overwhelmed. An NBC report from St. Joseph\u2019s in Tampa underscores the grim reality at hospitals across our state \u2013 there are not enough beds or staff to care for the skyrocketing number of individuals contracting serious Covid19 cases.\n\n\u201cOnce more, I am strongly urging Governor DeSantis to use his emergency powers to bring more medical professionals and resources to Florida as soon as possible. There is no time to waste. I have been urging the Governor to act on this for weeks, but he has refused. His failure to encourage public health protocols and vaccinations, and to use his full authority to aid hospitals and medical professionals is costing lives.\n\n\u201cAn emergency order would allow for suspension of certain requirements on out-of-state health professionals and enable the state to better coordinate staffing needs for hospitals to combat price gouging by staffing agencies and burnout by our medical professionals. There are medical professionals ready and willing to come and serve in Florida, but arbitrary regulations hinder that possibility\u2026 this is frustrating and easily fixable. With the stroke of a pen, Governor DeSantis could alleviate some of the burden on our hospital staff and ensure Floridians are receiving the medical care they need.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3322", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Terrorist Attack in Afghanistan", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in response to the terrorist attack outside the Kabul airport which killed and injured dozens of people, including U.S. servicemembers.\n\n\u201cI join those condemning the horrific attacks that claimed so many innocent lives, including those of American servicemembers. As the mother of a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan, my heart is grieving for the families of those who were injured or killed,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cLike so many Americans, I am grateful to our military, and our diplomatic and intelligence communities for their courage and patriotism.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403686", "Rep. Castor Applauds House Passage of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act", "2021-08-25", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted in support of H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore the critical protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). H.R. 4 would prevent states, including Florida, and localities from restricting the right to vote.\n\nRep. Castor\u2019s remarks on the House Floor can be found here.\n\n\u201cAs Florida and other states continue to enact restrictive, anti-voter laws, it\u2019s more important than ever to fully restore the vital protections of the Voting Rights Act and improve access to the ballot box for our neighbors,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cToday, in honor of my late, great friend John Lewis and countless other Civil Rights leaders, the House voted to restore the full promise of our democracy for all Americans.\n\n\u201cFollowing the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, states including Florida have engaged in blatant voter suppression campaigns, voter roll purges and created insidious barriers to the voting booth, especially for our neighbors of color. Americans should not be subjected to harmful and unreasonable voting restrictions, and passage of H.R. 4 will make great strides to secure the sacred right to vote for generations to come.\u201d\n\nH.R. 4 restores Section 4 of the VRA by establishing a modern-day formula that requires states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice before making changes to their voting laws.\n\nThe John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act also:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-introduces-bipartisan-bills-encourage-consumer-protection-and-regulatory", "Soto Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Encourage Consumer Protection and Regulatory Competitive Developments Within the US Virtual Currency Market", "2021-08-25", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) introduced two bipartisan bills, the Virtual Currency Consumer Protection Act of 2021 and the U.S. Virtual Currency Market and Regulatory Competitiveness Act of 2021, to help prevent virtual currency price manipulation and position the United States to be a leader in the cryptocurrency industry.\n\n\"Virtual currencies and the underlying blockchain technology have a profound potential to be a driver of economic growth. That's why we must ensure that the United States is at the forefront of protecting consumers and the financial well-being of virtual currency investors, while also promoting an environment of innovation to maximize the potential of these technological advances,\" said Congressman Soto. \"These bills will provide data on how Congress can best mitigate these risks while propelling development that benefits our economy.\"\n\nThe Virtual Currency Consumer Protection Act of 2021 directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to describe how price manipulation could happen in virtual markets and make recommendations for regulatory changes to improve the CFTC's price manipulation prevention procedures.\n\nThe U.S. Virtual Currency Market and Regulatory Competitiveness Act of 2021, co-sponsored by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), directs the CFTC to conduct a comparative study of the regulation of virtual currency in other countries and make recommendations for regulatory changes to promote competitiveness in the U.S. by providing regulatory clarity and examining alternatives for current burdensome regulations that may inhibit innovation.\n\nBoth bills are also co-sponsored by Reps. Ted Budd (R-NC-13), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), and Warren Davidson (R-OH-08). They direct the CFTC and other financial regulators to make critical recommendations to improve the regulatory environment for both the consumer and business development sides. These pieces of legislation are crucial in light of concerns raised in the New York Attorney General's recent report on virtual exchanges' risk of manipulation and the Wall Street Journal's description of potentially abusive software of bots manipulating the price of Bitcoin.\n\nThese bills have been introduced in the past two Congressional sessions and have had success through the appropriations process. First, funding increases of $3 million to LABCFTC were included in the final FY20 appropriations package, included below, and signed into law. Additionally, report language based on portions of these bills was also included in the final FY20 appropriations package and resulted in a subsequent reportby the CFTC. The language directs the commission to prepare a report on how to better protect virtual currency investors and promote American competitiveness in the realm of cryptocurrency. Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-NJ-12) was essential in drafting the original consumer protection bill and assisting to get the final language in the final appropriations package.\n\nFY20 Appropriations Language:\n\nAgriculture:\n\nVirtual Currency Monitoring \u2014 The advent of virtual currency markets has presented several new challenges for the Commission in its efforts to carry out its mission. Each virtual currency derivatives contract currently ties its price in some way, through various settlement processes, to prices of virtual currency on certain cash market platforms. This underlying virtual currency cash market is relatively nascent, and the platforms operating in the cash market remain largely unregulated, with the Commission having only limited enforcement authority over the cash market. Those features of the underlying cash market platforms have led the Commission to note multiple risks to the markets. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Commission's ongoing efforts, in coordination with other financial regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, to continue monitoring virtual currencies, including Bitcoin futures contracts, and to detect, investigate, and prosecute fraud and manipulation in these markets. The Commission is directed to prepare a report on how to better protect virtual currency investors and promote American competitiveness in this evolving global marketplace. This report should include, but is not limited to, a discussion of how to protect investors against fraud and manipulation involving virtual currency. This report is to be made available on the Commission website within 270 days of the date of enactment of this Act.\n\nClick here for the full text of the Virtual Currency Consumer Protection Act of 2021\n\nClick here for the full text of the U.S. Virtual Currency Market and Regulatory Competitiveness Act of 2021\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3320", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Passage of Build Back Better Budget Resolution", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to advance President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better Plan.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote paves the way for President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better plan, a transformative agenda that will deliver more jobs, tax cuts for working families, and lower costs for everyday Americans,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThe legislation makes access to child and home care more affordable while creating thousands of good jobs in the care industry. It expands the Child Tax Credit to deliver an extended tax cut for working families, and lowers the cost of prescription drugs. I look forward to voting for the final bill later this year.\u201d\n\nNow that the budget resolution has passed in both Chambers, the House Budget Committee will finalize the text of the bill, which will then come to the floor in the coming months.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3321", "Rep. Frankel Statement on Passage of John Lewis Voting Rights Act", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 4, The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which will restore the power of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote.\n\n\u201cWe have seen a relentless assault on our democracy, with more than a dozen states, including Florida, taking steps to make it more difficult for people to vote,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis bill sets the stage to prevent and challenge those who restrict access to the ballot box. It honors the legacy of the late, great John Lewis, and the many other civil rights leaders who put their lives on the line to make sure that all American voices are heard. I urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation immediately.\u201d\n\nThe John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act passed the House by a vote of 219-212. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3319", "Rep. Frankel Statement on FDA Full Approval of First COVID-19 Vaccine", "2021-08-23", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.\n\n\u201cThe FDA\u2019s approval of a COVID-19 vaccine underscores what we have known for a long time: that the shots are safe, effective, and the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cMy hope is that this approval could help anyone who was reluctant to get the vaccine have confidence in its safety and encourage more employers to require rigorous testing requirements or proof of vaccination for their employees.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3317", "Rep. Frankel Statement on State Board of Education Withholding Salaries of School Board Members over Mask Mandates", "2021-08-20", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in response to the State board of Education withholding the salaries of local school board members over mask mandates.\n\n\u201cThis is getting beyond ridiculous,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cPunishing school board members who are trying to keep our children safe is another dangerous action by the Governor and his political cronies.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3314", "Rep. Frankel Statement on DeSantis Pushing COVID Treatment Over Prevention", "2021-08-19", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement in response to Governor DeSantis\u2019 stop in West Palm Beach to promote the treatment of COVID-19 with Regeneron.\n\n\u201cRegeneron is an expensive, experimental COVID-19 treatment, and access to it should be part of our response to this virus. With that said it is urgent that we be more focused on prevention, especially since we know there are steps that we can take to stop people from getting COVID-19 in the first place,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThat means following CDC guidelines on mask wearing and social distancing, and most importantly, making sure that every eligible person gets their COVID-19 vaccine.\u201d\n\nVaccination sites can be found at vaccines.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3315", "Rep. Frankel Announces Start of Annual Congressional App Challenge", "2021-08-19", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced the start of the annual Congressional App Challenge for students from Palm Beach County and around the country. The yearly program encourages middle and high school students to learn to code and inspires them to pursue careers in computer science.\n\n\u201cGetting students invested in STEM at a young age sets them on the path to varied and exciting jobs one day,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI\u2019m always impressed by the talent displayed by all the students who participate in this exercise, and I look forward to seeing this year\u2019s submissions.\u201d\n\nEvery year, Members of Congress invite students who live in their districts to create and submit original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge. Last year\u2019s local winner created an app that connects users in need of emotional support to uplifting conversations over text message. Representatives publicly recognize their winning teams, and each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year.\n\nApplications are due November 1st, students can apply here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3316", "Rep. Frankel Announces Leadership Opportunity for Palm Beach County Students", "2021-08-19", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced a new opportunity for high school students in Palm Beach County. Local juniors and seniors that want to get a glimpse of how the government works and hear from experts on various topics of interest are invited to apply to this year\u2019s Congressional Youth Leadership Council.\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with our local students as they learn and grow,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis will be an exciting opportunity of civic engagement for our teens.\u201d\n\nThe Council is an initiative that was created at the request of local high school students. It will give students the opportunity to learn more about Congress and the policy-making process. Council members will hear from community leaders and discuss issues that matter most to them. The students selected to form part of the Council will meet monthly with the Congresswoman, her staff, and guest speakers facilitated by the office of Rep. Frankel, all while following CDC guidelines. Students may receive community service hours or credits toward graduation for their participation.\n\nIn addition to discussing how a Congressional office operates, students will also participate in professional development opportunities, including how-to seminars on writing cover letters and resumes, and interview skills that will improve their skill sets for future endeavors.\n\nThe Council begins October 13th and ends in April 2022. Applications are open through September 30th.\n\nFor more information, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3311", "Rep. Frankel Announces Opening of Military Academy Nomination Process", "2021-08-17", "2021", "2021-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "frankel.house.gov", "frankel", "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "West Palm Beach, FL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced the beginning of the military academy nomination process for the upcoming academic year. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Frankel has the distinct privilege of nominating students from Florida\u2019s 21st Congressional District to some of America\u2019s most prestigious military academies, including: The U.S. Naval Academy, The U.S. Military Academy, The U.S. Air Force Academy, The Merchant Marine Academy, and The U.S. Coast Guard Academy*.\n\n\u201cAs a mother of a U.S. Marine War Veteran and the daughter of a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, I have a deep appreciation of our men and women in uniform,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cI am honored to have the opportunity to nominate the best and brightest from our community to our nation\u2019s military academies and wish this year\u2019s applicants the best of luck.\u201d\n\nThe academies provide a tuition-free, four-year undergraduate education and prepare successful applicants to be officers of the U.S. uniform services. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.\n\nTo apply for nomination, please send an email to Trevor.Fleming@mail.house.gov. 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