Press releases
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1,194 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "FL" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending
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| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402283 | Hastings Statement on West Palm Beach VA Shared Congressional Space Closure | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made the following statement on the closing of the shared Congressional space at the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC-WPB), effective December 31, 2019(Please find attached the letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs): I am truly honored and privileged to represent the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC-WPB) in my Congressional district.Thus, I find it most regrettable that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made an extremely short-sighted decision to terminate the shared-space agreement at the VAMC-WPB, effective December 31, 2019.This was the the first-of-its-kind agreement, which enabled the entire Palm Beach Congressional delegation to hold office hours at the VAMC-WPB, helping to improve constituent access to our Congressional offices.While appeals have been made to the VA to reconsider this decision, it is extremely unfortunate that veterans in our region will be hurt by this decision.I remain committed to serving our veterans and their families with the dignity and respect they rightly deserve, said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20). Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402284 | Hastings Condemns Violent Anti-Semitic Attack on Jewish Community in New York | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Hastings Condemns Violent Anti-Semitic Attack on Jewish Community in New York f t # e Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 30, 2019 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) issued the following statement on the attack in Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg's home in Monsey, New York: I was heartbroken to learn of the heinous anti-Semitic attack during a Hanukkah celebration in Rabbi Rottenberg's home. I condemn in the strongest possible terms this horrific act of violence and the many recent anti-Semitic attacks in the New York metro area, during this holiday season. There is no doubt that the forces of anti-Semitism are not only affecting our nation, but also are on the rise across the globe, and must be unequivocally denounced.People of all faiths deserve to feel safe in their place of worship.We must condemn all forms of hatred and strengthen our resolve to make it clear that bigotry and hate have no place in our society. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2226 | Congresswoman Donna E. Shalala Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners | 2019-12-26 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | Miami, FL Today, Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement to announce the winners of her district's 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a yearly competition for middle and high school students encouraging them to learn to code and pursue careers in computer science and STEM fields: This year we had an overwhelming amount of submissions from across South Florida. As a lifelong educator, the ingenuity and hard work of our students is truly inspiring. This year's winner is AED Locator, an application by Kamal Kay-Ramos, Joshua Delgado, Jake Charron and Jordan Schmidt of Gulliver Schools. This application assists those who are near a victim of cardiac arrest to find the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) device available. Tied for second place are Volunteerio and Shleep Helper. Volunteerio, an app by Mike Hickey and Paloma Hickey of Miami Beach Senior High School, seeks to streamline the volunteering process by allowing students and teachers to log and verify volunteer hours within the same application. Meanwhile, Shleep Helper, by Anthony Pena of Miami Senior High School, seeks to help those who have difficulty falling asleep through music and interactive games. The talent of our South Florida students is truly remarkable. Their creativity and dedication is clear in the many submissions that our office received. I would like to thank our judges, Professor Geoff Sutcliffe of the University of Miami and Sarah Jacob, Senior Director of Product Management at CareCloud for their time and effort to reviewing each individual application. Thank you to all the dedicated students who entered this year's competition. I look forward to seeing what great ideas our students have in the years to come. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403162 | Castor Announces $1.2 Million Returned to Tampa Area Families and Veterans in 2019, $1.3 Billion in Federal Grants | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that Tampa area families, veterans and seniors received over $1.2 million though the work of her constituent service team in 2019. Castor also worked to secure more than $1.3 billion in federal grants in 2019, including $958 million for medical research that demonstrates that Tampa Bay continues to grow as a national hub in health care innovation. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that Tampa area families, veterans and seniors received over$1.2 millionthough the work of her constituent service team in 2019. Castor also worked to secure more than$1.3 billionin federal grants in 2019, including $958 millionfor medical research that demonstrates that Tampa Bay continues to grow as a national hub in health care innovation. The federal dollars returned to our neighbors and invested in our community are creating jobs, boosting education and infrastructure, and supporting the important work of local partners. Under the leadership of my District Director, Marcia Mejia, my Tampa constituent services team, Tery Sanchez, Dee Gonzalez, Tania Fernandez, and Steven Angotti work to cut bureaucratic red tape and to ensure citizens receive the benefits they have earned, U.S. Rep. Castor said. Team Castor tackles complex cases like that ofMs. Mamie Walkerthat garnered attention earlier this year. Our talented caseworkers advocate for our neighbors day in and day out - whether it's for our veterans, our seniors who rely on Social Security and Medicare, or individuals with disabilities. In 2019, U.S. Rep. Castor's office handled over 1,200 individual cases for Tampa area neighbors to ensure they received the assistance they earned and deserve. About half of the$1.2 millionin federal benefits recovered by Team Castor were for veterans and current service members and their families. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Hillsborough County has the highest veteran population in Florida wit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2225 | Rep. Shalalas Venezuela Legislation is Signed into Law as Part of Government Funding Package | 2019-12-21 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after President Trump signed the federal government's 2020 Fiscal Year funding bills into law: Today is a momentous day in the Venezuelan people's struggle for freedom. The government spending bills that were just signed into law includes the landmark Menendez/Rubio VERDAD Act, vital provisions to address the crisis in Venezuela and to aid the resistance to Maduro's illegitimate band of thugs. I am proud of having introduced the Venezuela Arms Restriction Act, which bans the export of defense and crowd control materials to the Maduro regime's forces, that was included in the VERDAD Act. This and other provisions aiding the Venezuelan patriots was the direct result of tireless, bipartisan efforts by Reps. Diaz-Balart, Mucarsel-Powell, and Wasserman-Schultz to help secure peace, prosperity, and the return of democracy to Venezuela. Though we should applaud this victory, we cannot rest until liberty is restored to the people of that once great but now humbled country. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1828 | CRIST, BILIRAKIS LEAD LETTER TO DESANTIS ON VETERAN SUICIDE | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) sent aletterto Governor Ron DeSantis requesting the State of Florida's assistance to improve the accuracy of data on veterans mortality and life expectancy. Specifically, Congressmen Crist and Bilirakis ask that the state of Florida establish a policy requiring medical examiners and investigators to indicate whether a victim of suicide is a veteran on their death certificates. In cases where there are missing or incomplete service records, medical examiners and investigators can partner with Veteran Service Organizations to improve accuracy. The letter to Governor DeSantis comes after a joint meeting of Congressmen Crist's and Bilirakis' Veteran Advisory Boards raised concerns that veteran suicide data may not be as accurate as it should be. Congressmen Crist and Bilirakis are proud to represent the more than 110,000 veterans.The full letter to Governor Ron DeSantis can be foundhere, the text of which appearing below. December 18, 2019 Office of Governor Ron DeSantis State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399 Dear Governor DeSantis, We write to request your help in obtaining a true and accurate count of the annual number of veteran suicides in Florida. As Members of Congress from Florida's 12thand 13thCongressional Districts, we are honored to represent more than 110,000 of the 1,500,000 veterans who call the Sunshine State home. At a joint meeting of our Veterans Advisory Boards, local veteran leaders raised concerns that veterans suicide data may not be as up-to-date or accurate as it could be. We need the most accurate data possible to effectively tackle this epidemic facing our veteran community. As you know, Congress tasks the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report annual veterans suicide data, along with general data on mortality and life expectancy. However, because not all veterans use the VA, they also rely on a combination of U.S. Department of Defense servi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=339 | Mucarsel-Powell Urges Army Corps of Engineers to Increase Environmental Infrastructure Funding to Key West | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC On December 20,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26),Vice Chair of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, led a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer requesting additional reimbursements for the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program, which has helped transition the Keys from a septic system to a proper sewage system. The letter was signed byReps. Donna Shalala, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ted Deutch, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Federica Wilson. Text of the letter can be found below: December 20, 2019 The Honorable Rickey Dale "RD" James Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 108 Army Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20310-0108 Dear Assistant Secretary James: We write in strong support of the City of Marathon, Village of Islamorada, and the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District, Florida in their efforts to obtain Fiscal Year 2020 Environmental Infrastructure funding for the ongoing Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (FKWQIP). FKWQIP is replacing sewage treatment systems with state-of-the-art central sewer collection and wastewater treatment systems in the ecologically sensitive area of the Florida Keys. The project benefits both residents and visitors to South Florida and the National Marine Sanctuary ecosystem. To date, FKWQIP local sponsors have received $63.467 million in federal funding for this project. This funding, coupled with substantial local funding, has helped to meet the required water quality standards designed to protect and restore the near shore waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. All three local sponsors have the demonstrated ability to obligate Fiscal Year 2020 funds within the fiscal year and to complete separable elements with the funds allocated. Established in 1990, the Sanctuary is a flag-ship marine space in the federal sanctuary program and is the world's third largest coral reef system, protecting the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States. Mitigating … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402714 | Deutch Statement on House Passage of USMCA with Improvements by House Democrats | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Deutch Statement on House Passage of USMCA with Improvements by House Democrats f t # e Washington, December 19, 2019 Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) voted in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which included significant improvements negotiated by House Democrats to strengthen the deal for American workers.Upon passage of the USMCA trade agreement, Congressman Deutch issued this statement: "The American people voted for a Democratic majority in the House to fight for their best interests. Democrats negotiated a stronger USMCA trade agreement by securing labor protections for American workers, ensuring environmental protections by establishing environment-focused monitors, and eliminating provisions that would unfairly lock in high prescription drug costs for American families. "While the USMCA is far from perfect, the goal of any trade agreement should be to create good-paying American jobs with strong protections for American workers, lower prices for American consumers, and contribute to local communities and our national economy. International trade is a particularly important part of our local economy in South Florida due to our major ports, three international airports, and a vibrant business community engaged every day with the world. "Because of the improvements negotiated by House Democrats, I voted for the USMCA trade deal for the benefits it can have for consumers, workers, and businesses in our South Florida community." f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1821 | CRIST INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO CLOSE PENSACOLA LOOPHOLE | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced introduction of theForeign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act. The bill, co-led by Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL) and Val Demings (D-FL) would close the Pensacola loophole', an exception in federal law that allows foreign nationals to purchase guns if they first acquire a valid state hunting license. The Pensacola loophole is what allowed a Saudi foreign national to purchase a gun and open fire at the Naval Air Base Pensacola on December 6th, injuring eight and killing three people. As communities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama mourn the loss of three of our best and brightest young airmen, Congress has a responsibility to step in and close the loophole that made this tragedy possible, saidRep. Crist. Foreign nationals should not be able to buy a firearm through the purchase of a hunting license. We need tougher vetting than that, and requiring them to petition the Attorney General directly would provide greater scrutiny and security for the American people. Following the tragedy at Naval Air Station Pensacola, it is clear that Congress must act to close a loophole in federal gun laws that allowed a foreign visitor to legally purchase a firearm and kill three Americans,said Rep. Rutherford.As the former Sheriff of Duval County and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe thatall foreigners seeking to purchase a firearm must be vetted both here in the U.S. and in their country of origin. This bipartisan bill is crucial to strengthening our national security and keeping communities safe. Thank you to Representatives Crist and Demings for their bipartisan work on this legislation. Guns in the wrong hands lead to tragedy, like the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola this month. It's simply common sense that people shouldn't be able to get a gun anywhere, anytime. Nearly every American agrees with this basic principle, yet the gun lobby has left federal gun laws riddled with loopholes,said Rep. Demin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1826 | CRIST TO SUPPORT USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | CRIST TO SUPPORT USMCA f t # e Washington, December 19, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (USMCA). The agreement will modernize and replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It includes stronger protections for American workers and enforceable labor standards, as well as environmental protections. It eliminates the Trump Administration's threat that the United States could walk away entirely from the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, which would devastate U.S. jobs and our economy. In Florida alone, trade with Canada and Mexico supports 750,400 jobs and $12.2 billion in exports.Thanks to the hard work of our negotiators in the People's House, USMCA has vastly improved since the beginning of this process,said Rep. CristThe renegotiated agreement will bring generic drugs to market sooner and includes strong new enforcement standards to hold our trading partners accountable. These hard won provisions will help level the unfair playing field created by the original NAFTA agreement. That's important because we know that in a fair fight, Florida workers will always win. This victory sets a critical new standard for fairness in our trade agreements. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/demings-introduces-bipartisan-bill-close-pensacola-loophole | Demings Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Close Pensacola Loophole | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) joined Reps. Charlie Crist (D-FL) and John Rutherford (R-FL) to introduce the Foreign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act. The bill would close the Pensacola loophole,' an exception in federal law that allows foreign nationals to purchase guns if they first acquire a valid state hunting license. The Pensacola loophole allowed a Saudi foreign national to purchase a gun and open fire at the Naval Air Base Pensacola on December 6th, injuring eight and killing three people. Said Rep. Demings, Guns in the wrong hands lead to tragedy, like the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola this month. It's simply common sense that people shouldn't be able to get a gun anywhere, anytime. Nearly every American agrees with this basic principle, yet the gun lobby has left federal gun laws riddled with loopholes. This legislation, like other bills already passed by the House and awaiting a vote in the Senate, will close a loophole and bring our laws back in line with common sense. As communities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama mourn the loss of three of our best and brightest young airmen, Congress has a responsibility to step in and close the loophole that made this tragedy possible, said Rep. Crist. Foreign nationals should not be able to buy a firearm through the purchase of a hunting license. We need tougher vetting than that, and requiring them to petition the Attorney General directly would provide greater scrutiny and security for the American people. Following the tragedy at Naval Air Station Pensacola, it is clear that Congress must act to close a loophole in federal gun laws that allowed a foreign visitor to legally purchase a firearm and kill three Americans, said Rep. Rutherford. As the former Sheriff of Duval County and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that all foreigners seeking to purchase a firearm must be vetted both here in the U.S. and in their country of origin. This bipartisan bill is crucial to strengthening our national securi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/demings-introduces-bipartisan-bill-close-pensacola-loophole-0 | Demings Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Close Pensacola Loophole | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) joined Reps. Charlie Crist (D-FL) and John Rutherford (R-FL) to introduce the Foreign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act. The bill would close the Pensacola loophole,' an exception in federal law that allows foreign nationals to purchase guns if they first acquire a valid state hunting license. The Pensacola loophole allowed a Saudi foreign national to purchase a gun and open fire at the Naval Air Base Pensacola on December 6th, injuring eight and killing three people. Said Rep. Demings, Guns in the wrong hands lead to tragedy, like the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola this month. It's simply common sense that people shouldn't be able to get a gun anywhere, anytime. Nearly every American agrees with this basic principle, yet the gun lobby has left federal gun laws riddled with loopholes. This legislation, like other bills already passed by the House and awaiting a vote in the Senate, will close a loophole and bring our laws back in line with common sense. As communities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama mourn the loss of three of our best and brightest young airmen, Congress has a responsibility to step in and close the loophole that made this tragedy possible, said Rep. Crist. Foreign nationals should not be able to buy a firearm through the purchase of a hunting license. We need tougher vetting than that, and requiring them to petition the Attorney General directly would provide greater scrutiny and security for the American people. Following the tragedy at Naval Air Station Pensacola, it is clear that Congress must act to close a loophole in federal gun laws that allowed a foreign visitor to legally purchase a firearm and kill three Americans, said Rep. Rutherford. As the former Sheriff of Duval County and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that all foreigners seeking to purchase a firearm must be vetted both here in the U.S. and in their country of origin. This bipartisan bill is crucial to strengthening our national securi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-votes-usmca | Rep. Demings Votes for USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) voted in favor of the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). Said Rep. Demings, This deal is not perfect, but after Democrats in Congress negotiated numerous substantial changes to the unacceptable initial draft, I will support it. America's workers and businesses can create endless opportunities when they are able to complete on an even playing field. However, increased economic output must translate to real quality of life gains for Americans. USMCA includes important new mechanisms to lower the cost of prescription drugs, defend the environment, and strengthen worker rights. Going forward, I remain concerned about defending American workers, as well as the high cost of prescription drugs for American families, and do not believe that this should be a model for future deals. Additionally, I have concerns regarding copyright protections for American companies and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which gives internet platforms overly-broad immunity from liability, enabling a swath of illegal and destructive online behavior. While I look forward to future reforms around these issues, the USMCA overall is a constructive agreement which will open a door to future opportunities for Central Florida while protecting American workers from unfair competition. Background The original USMCA, as proposed by the White House, included major giveaways to the pharmaceutical industry and failed to protect American workers. It was rejected by trade negotiators in the House of Representatives, who negotiated over the course of several months for significant reforms. The deal's main components are: Creates certainty in the North American market and between the United States and its two largest trading partners in the wake of destabilizing trade action by this administration Closes enforcement loopholes and streamlines the dispute settlement system, bolstering the strength of the underlying rules in each chapter Significantly increases labor s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2214 | Rep. Shalala Statement on Voting in Favor of the Impeachment of President Donald Trump | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Shalala Statement on Voting in Favor of the Impeachment of President Donald Trump Washington, December 19, 2019 | Carlos Condarco (2022253931) WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement: My vote for impeachment is not a matter of politics; it is a matter of protecting the integrity of our democracy for future generations. Despite unprecedented obstruction from the president, the evidence in this case is so powerful that voting against impeachment would risk the permanent erosion of our system of checks and balances. We in Congress take an oath to defend the Constitution because the framers knew that democracy is precious, but fragile. They understood that its survival depends on the strength, courage, and commitment of the people to maintain it. For over 200 years, honesty and vigilance have won out as generations of public servants have adhered to their oaths of office and met the standards of service that our democracy necessitates. Today, my colleagues and I rose to meet that standard to preserve our democracy and the future of our republic. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2218 | Reps. Shalala and Spano Introduce NCAA Commission Bill to Fully Examine the State of Intercollegiate Athletics | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Donna Shalala (D-FL) and Ross Spano (R-FL) introduced the Congressional Advisory Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics (CACIA) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a Blue-ribbon Congressional Commission to identify and examine issues of national concern related to the conduct of intercollegiate athletics and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). College sports, as overseen by the NCAA, have undergone a massive transformation in recent years. As profits, compensation for coaches, and spending on luxurious athletic facilities have ballooned, the association has repeatedly failed to address systemic problems with respect to the health and well-being of student athletes. The demands of year-round training, sacrificing study time and sleep to clock more hours at the gym, and pushing through exhaustion have taken a toll athletes' physical and mental health, said Rep. Shalala. Our higher education institutions receive a substantial amount of federal student support funding. There is little oversight, and as a result, we have little insight into how the funding is being spent and if the students' best interests are being prioritized. This commission would fill that gap. College students deserve to have the best possible education, especially considering the cost. I'm excited to join Rep. Shalala in her effort to ensure that our students are being put first, said Rep. Spano. A Congressional commission is needed to examine the complicated relationship of higher education and intercollegiate athletics in the 21st century. It is past time for an outside entity to do a top to bottom review of intercollegiate athletics to assess academic integrity, athlete safety, budgeting and spending, athletes' rights and anti-trust issues just to name a few points a commission will consider and potentially issue recommendations and future legislation, said David Ridpath, President of the Drake Group. The CACIA Act will empower an independent commission to fully review, analyze and rep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2223 | Shalala Statement on the Passage of USMCA Trade Deal | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after U.S. House of Representatives voted to the pass the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA): South Florida has long been recognized as the crossroads of Americas. The USMCA trade deal will strengthen the foreign trade that drives our community's economic engine by leveling the playing field, providing necessary protections, and laying the foundation for the expansion of our prosperity. That said, we must be mindful that we not sacrifice our country's long-term health for short-term economic profit. We must continue to expand environmental protections and make investments in green technologies to limit the effects of climate change. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1193 | Murphy on House Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Stephanie Murphy | M001202 | stephaniemurphy.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) on a bipartisan 385-41 vote: I was proud to vote for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a bipartisan trade deal that will create more good-paying jobs and help more Florida businesses and farmers sell their goods abroad. USMCA was the product of thoughtful, bipartisan negotiations between the White House and Congress, and, as a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade, I'm proud of the work we did to help get it done. Today's strong bipartisan vote is a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we put people over politics to deliver results. USMCA will strengthen America's relationship with our two closest neighbors, bolstering our national security through increased trade cooperation. In my congressional district alone, trade with Canada and Mexico supports over 45,000 jobs, and businesses export over $530 million a year in goods and services to those two countries. While not perfect, this trade deal is good for Florida and good for America, and I'm pleased to support it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-slams-court-ruling-in-gop-lawsuit-attacking-americans-health-care | Wilson Slams Court Ruling in GOP Lawsuit Attacking Americans Health Care | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson responded to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling against the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and asking of the district court, which had previously struck down the entirety of the ACA, to determine next steps. Rep. Wilson highlighted the devastating impact that this ruling could have on the 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, including 7,810,300 Floridians. Today's ruling in support of the Trump Administration's all-out assault on health care in the courts is a grave blow to the health and financial security of Florida families who rely on the Affordable Care Act's life-saving protections, said Rep. Wilson. On day one of this Congress, our House Democratic Majority voted to throw the full legal weight of the House of Representatives into the fight against this lawsuit, and we will continue to fight in the courts and the Congress to protect and strengthen Americans' health care. The ruling could have disastrous consequences on the health and financial well-being of Florida families: 7,810,300 Number of Florida men, women and children who have pre-existing conditions and will lose their protections. 1,600,000 Number of Floridians who will lose all health care coverage. 132,000 Young Floridians under age 26 who will lose the ability to remain on their parents' insurance. $4,007 Amount of a new Age Tax that insurance companies could charge Floridians over the age of 50. 5,587,000 Number of Floridians who face reinstated lifetime and annual limits on coverage. 1,432,332 Number of Floridians who will pay more for coverage without access to health insurance affordability tax credits. 334,343 Number of Floridian seniors who will have to pay more for their prescription drugs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403153 | Castor Statement on Articles of Impeachment Votes | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | Castor Statement on Articles of Impeachment Votes f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement ahead of today's votes in the House of Representatives on articles of impeachment share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement ahead of today's votes in the House of Representatives on articles of impeachment: The president abused his power. He violated his oath of office. He sought to elevate himself as a dictator or a king, but we are not a monarchy. We are the United States of America. We are a republic, a democracy where the executive doesn't have absolute power. America was founded on a system of checks and balances. When the president withheld military aid to vulnerable Ukraine and pressed for a personal favor to manufacture dirt against a political opponent, he went too far. He undermined America's national security. He sought to sabotage our elections. He elevated his personal interests over the interests of America. Then he tried to cover up his scandalous behavior and he obstructed the investigation. The president violated his oath of office, but I intend to uphold mine to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. I will vote to impeach President Trump. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402713 | Deutch Bill Supporting Iranian People's Right to Protest Regime Passes Foreign Affairs Committee | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Deutch Bill Supporting Iranian People's Right to Protest Regime Passes Foreign Affairs Committee f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 This morning, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously approved Chairman Ted Deutch's (FL-22) resolution supporting the people of Iran's peaceful and legitimate protests against the oppressive and corrupt regime in Tehran.This resolution was jointly introduced with Ranking Member Joe Wilson (SC-02). "Congress has long expressed bipartisan support for the human rights of the Iranian people, including the rights to peaceably assemble and protest," Congressman Deutch said. "In the face of popular protests across the country against the regime, Iranian authorities shut down the Internet and security forces used lethal force to kill hundreds of people and arrest at least 7,000. This resolution condemns the Iranian regime's serious human rights abuses and reaffirms our support for the Iranian people and their right to live in a free society." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402715 | Deutch Statement on Passage of Articles of Impeachment against President Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | After Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) voted in favor of the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, he issued this statement:"I have an obligation to uphold my oath of office to the Constitution. I've sat through hours of testimony from fact witnesses, read through hundreds of pages of evidence and legal analysis, and consulted with constitutional scholars to determine whether President Trump's abuses of power amount to impeachable offenses. I have also heard from thousands of constituents. "I do not take my vote lightly; this vote on impeachment is one of the most serious votes I will ever cast. But when the President abused his power to solicit foreign interference in our election, when he put his personal and political interests above our national interest, he was cheating the American voters before they even had a chance to vote in the 2020 election. And the President's obstruction of the United States Congress is unprecedented in our nation's history. "American presidential power comes from the people through elections. The Constitution requires that Congress protect those elections. "Impeachment is the remedy provided by our Constitution for grave moments like today. I voted to impeach President Trump because his abuse of power and obstruction of Congress forced this action to protect our elections, our democracy, and our Constitution." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-impeached | President Trump Impeached | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (FL-10), a member of the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees, voted as a Member of the whole House for two Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump. Said Rep. Demings, the United States is one nation, under God, and our President takes a sacred oath to hold our national security and our elections as a public trust, not exploit them for his own gain. This president abused his power, jeopardizing our national security in an extortion scheme to cheat in the 2020 election. He continues to be an active and ongoing threat to our democracy. Today we exercised our constitutional duty to protect the constitution, uphold the rule of law, and hold the President accountable. In a government of the people, no one is above the law. Article I: Abuse Of Power President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In so doing, President Trump used the powers of the Presidency in a manner that compromised the national security of the United States and undermined the integrity of the United States democratic process. President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law. Article II: Obstruction Of Congress The House of Representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump's corrupt solicitation of the Government of Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In the history of the Republic, no President has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the House of Representatives to investigate high Crimes and Misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the President's own repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a v… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3022 | ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Supports Bipartisan Funding Bills on the House Floor | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC On Tuesday, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to support the bipartisan collection of funding bills which will provide $200 million for restoring the Evergladesthe largest federal investment in the project to date. The bill passed the house by a vote of 297 to 120 and now goes to the Senate. Below are Rep. Frankel's remarks as delivered: Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you to our illustrious chair for your great work. Madam Speaker, later today in the Energy and Water Resources bill, it will include significant funding for a critical, bipartisan environment issue for my home state of Florida. Known as the River of Grass, the Everglades is a 100-mile-long natural region of tropical wetlands that is the main source of water for millions of Floridians and visitors. It contains one of Florida's, and America's, most popular national parks, it is home to hundreds of animal species. The state of Florida and the federal government are engaged in a long-term undertaking to restore its natural flow and improve water quality. This bill, Madam Speaker, includes $200 million to Everglades restoration, the largest allocation ever, by the federal government for this project. It will help protect South Florida's magnificent ecosystem, keep our water safe, and drive our economy. Thank you, and I yield back. For video of the speech, click here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3023 | ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Speaks on House Floor Ahead of Impeachment Vote | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC On Wednesday, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to support the articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump for his abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Below are Rep. Frankel's remarks as delivered: In 1787 at the conclusion of the constitutional convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked, do we have a republic or a monarchy? He responded: a Republic, if you can keep it.' Madam Speaker, a republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a public matter not the private concern or property of the rulers. In a republic no person is above the law. In a republic the president may not abuse his power by withholding critical foreign assistance for his own personal, political gain. Nor may he stop witnesses from talking. I did not come to Congress to impeach a president, but I did take an oath to keep the republic. For our children and grandchildren, we should do nothing less. One day I will tell my grandson that I stood up for our democracy. I will vote yes to impeach the President. For video of the speech, click here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3024 | Rep. Frankel Statement on Voting to Impeach President Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Frankel Statement on Voting to Impeach President Trump f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 Washington, DC Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after voting to impeach President Trump on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress: The President of the United States abused his power by withholding critical foreign assistance for his own personal political benefit and then stoppingwitnesses from talking to Congress during a lawful investigation. His actions threatened our national security and undermined our elections. In a republic, no person is above the law. One day I will tell my grandson that I stood up for our democracy. Both articles of impeachment passed the House. Article I on abuse of power passed by a vote of 230 to 197; Article II on obstruction of Congress by a vote of 229 to 198. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congress-passes-future-act-to-help-fund-hbcus-msis | Congress Passes FUTURE Act to Help Fund HBCUs, MSIs | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Al Lawson | L000586 | lawson.house.gov | legacy | December 18, 2019 Congress Passes FUTURE Act to Help Fund HBCUs, MSIs WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (Fl-05) recently joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress for the enrollment signing of H.R. 2486, the Fostering Undergraduate Talent Using Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act. The bipartisan proposal would make permanent $255 million in annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by eliminating up to 22 questions and allowing the Internal Revenue Service to share applicants' tax information directly with the U.S. Department of Education. It would also eliminate paperwork for federal student loan borrowers who use income-based repayment plans. Millions of our nation's best and brightest students rely on FUTURE Act funding to create pathways of opportunity for millions of Americans, many of whom are first generation college students, said Rep. Lawson.In Florida's 5th District, these funds will help to propel students at Florida A&M University and Edward Waters College for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future. The FUTRE Act would provide the following: $85 million annually to HBCUs; and $15 million to PBIs, respectively HSIs would continue to receive $100 million in competitive grants American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) would receive $30 million. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs) would receive $15 million. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) would receive $15 million. Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) would receive $5 million. MSIs serve nearly 4 million students, accounting for more than one-quarter of all undergraduates. These institutions enroll a significant share of all students of color. For example, Hispanic Serving Ins… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-al-lawson-statement-on-impeachment | U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Statement on Impeachment | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Al Lawson | L000586 | lawson.house.gov | legacy | December 18, 2019 U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Statement on Impeachment WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Al Lawson released the following statement regarding the impeachment of President Trump: It is with no small measure of regret that Congress was forced to impeach the President of the United States. His continued abuse of power compelled us to take action and hold him accountable. The Senate should approach this with the seriousness it deserves and consistent with their oath. We have faced difficult times in the past, and today is no different.While this is a somber moment in our nation's history, I am hopeful that all of us -- Democrats and Republicans -- can begin to heal the divide across our country. ### Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=287 | Mucarsel-Powells Statement on the Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powellvoted in favor of H.Res 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors. The Congresswoman issued the following statement on the House floor during the debate of the resolution: I did not have the privilege of being born into this country. My mother brought me here from Ecuador for freedom and opportunity. This is not just my story. It is the story of so many people in Florida's 26th congressional district and across the country. As immigrants, we have experienced corruption in our countries of birth, where brutal dictatorships have choked their potential to benefit those in power. But this President elected by the American people violated his oath of office and the rule of law. The evidence is overwhelming that he withheld military aid approved by Congress and leveraged a White House meeting to extract a political favor from a foreign government, only releasing the aid when he was caught. The President actively sought election interference to benefit himself. It's undeniable that he has abused his power and obstructed Congress. He presents a clear and present danger to the future of our democracy. We, in Congress, must abide by our oath to defend our Constitution. That is my duty as a member of this body and that is my duty as a mother. It is because of these reasons that today I voted in favor of both articles of impeachment. For House floor speech clickHERE ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2212 | Rep. Shalala Statement on President Trumps Proposal to Allow States to Import Drugs from Canada | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Shalala Statement on President Trump's Proposal to Allow States to Import Drugs from Canada Washington, December 18, 2019 | Carlos Condarco (2022253931) WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the Trump administration released a proposed rule on drug importation: President Trump is again asking a foreign country for assistancethis time on drug prices. The House of Representatives passed a bill to allow the federal government to negotiate for lower drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies that is safer and better for the American people than this plan, but apparently the President doesn't have the courage to negotiate on his own as he promised during his campaign. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2213 | Rep. Shalala Statement on the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court Ruling in Texas v. United States | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the U.S.Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling declaring the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate unconstitutional: I am deeply disappointed with the ruling handed down by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. More than 100,000 people in my district, alone, rely on this law for access to quality, affordable health insurance. From the moment the Affordable Care Act was passed into law, the Republican party has led a continuous assault on its lifesaving provisions that impact millions of Americans. Those with preexisting conditions, whether they get their health insurance through the marketplaces or from their employers, are especially at risk. We must keep fighting to protect the ACA for our fellow citizens whose health care and lives depend on it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1191 | House Approves Government Funding Bills that Include Key Murphy Priorities | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Stephanie Murphy | M001202 | stephaniemurphy.house.gov | legacy | House Approves Government Funding Bills that Include Key Murphy Priorities Legislation is likely to become law in the coming days f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTONThe U.S. House of Representatives this week approved two bipartisan bills to fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2020, which contain numerous measures spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla. These include Murphy-led measures to fund gun violence research, to help states secure their election infrastructure, to combat harmful algae blooms, to empower the people of Venezuela as they seek to reclaim their country from the regime of Nicols Maduro, to prevent youth suicide, to protect seniors and other consumers from fraud, to crack down on drug trafficking in Florida and Puerto Rico, to support English-language learners in Florida schools, to support Orlando's modeling and simulation community, and to help workers save for retirement. The funding bills also included a historic pay raise for service members, something Murphy has long supported.The U.S. House of Representatives passed the two spending bills with bipartisan support, which will now be considered by the U.S. Senate. Current funding for the federal government expires at midnight on Friday.Keeping the government open and investing in our defense and domestic priorities is our most basic responsibility as Members of Congress,said Murphy.I'm proud to have secured these critical federal investments that will help make our communities safer, our environment cleaner, our elections more secure, and our local economy more prosperous for all. This is why bipartisan cooperation is so important; it's the only way to get results for the people I represent. From pay raises for our troops to bringing home federal dollars, I will never stop fighting for central Florida… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-vote-to-impeach-trump | Wilson Statement on Vote to Impeach Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement after the House voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump: President Trump had to be impeached. He does not deserve to occupy the highest office in this land. He is a disgrace to our Founding Fathers, our constituents and our children. The elephant (pun intended) in the room is Russia. My regret is that we do not yet know what Russia and Putin have on Trump to cause him to serve as a puppet for the communist nation. I eagerly await the answer to that question. But whatever this foreign adversary has on Trump, he is now the third president in U.S. history to be impeached by the House. And, I believe that when Trump ultimately leaves office, he will be indicted in federal court and we will get our answers. He will face trial for financial crimes and collusion with Russia and will ultimately be found guilty and sentenced to prison. I await that day. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403152 | Castor Statement on House Passage of 2020 Appropriations Bills | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on the passage the FY2020 appropriations bills. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement on the passage the FY2020 appropriations bills: Hardworking families, service members, seniors, students and veterans in Tampa Bay stand to benefit from investments in their lives reflected in the federal appropriations package. Our major economic engines like Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Port Tampa Bay, and Tampa International Airport are poised to grow with good-paying jobs, medical research funding, environmental protection and a strong commitment to public education. Importantly, Congress rejected President Trump's misguided cuts to schools, health care, infrastructure, and environmental protection and clean energy programs - and thankfully he did not shut down the government over policy disagreements this year. The Democratic-led House secured priorities to ensure our national and domestic security and support our neighbors, including: appropriating gun violence prevention research funding for the first time in more than 20 years, prioritizing the Environmental Protection Agency with a record-level budget, providing election security grants for states including Florida, fully funding the 2020 census, providing record-level funding for the National Institutes of Health, which will bolster cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center, and increasing funding for initiatives that support the next generation, including Head Start, Child Care and Development Block Grants. My hometown, Tampa, is a patriotic community, and this spending package secures critical funding for MacDill Air Force Base, the two combatant commands headquartered there, veterans, service members and their families. I am pleased that my language to provide relief to military families, including those at MacDill, who have been harmed by mold in base housing due to shoddy construction by… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402712 | Deutch Statement on Passage of Bipartisan FY20 Spending Agreement | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Following passage of the bipartisan spending agreement for fiscal year 2020, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) issued this statement:"The American people elected a new majority in the House, one that would work with Republicans while standing firm on Democratic values to make our country healthier and stronger. With this bipartisan spending bill, Congress is investing in initiatives to prevent gun violence, protect our environment, expand access to healthcare, and care for our veterans at risk of homelessness and suicide. "Our gun safety majority secured historic wins to keep communities safe from gun violence. After more than 20 years of being blocked from basic research, Congress will fund $25 million for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health. We are devoting $125 million to STOP School Violence Act grants, a bipartisan bill I introduced that first passed Congress one month after the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, Congress is providing the Department of Justice $78.3 million to improve the NICS firearms background check system. "This spending bill affects us directly in Florida. Congress is extending the National Flood Insurance Program, which helps stabilize flood insurance premiums for Floridians. It also provides $1.8 billion for disaster relief for natural disasters, including hurricanes that devastated our state. We emphasize the growing threats of climate change by increasing the budgets for NOAA's National Ocean Service, National Weather Service, and climate research initiatives. And continuing our commitment to strengthen our democracy, we directed $425 million for election security grants. "Congress is making investments to improve the health, education, and well-being of Americans. For example, we are raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco to 21. In addition, we are making important investments in medical research to continue progress toward the next generation of treatments and cures for diseases like Alzheimer's, HIV/A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1824 | CRIST HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL WINS IN APPROPRIATIONS BILLS | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on House passage of the 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2020. The bipartisan, bicameral bills, represent a commonsense compromise and consist of two packages. The first package, the domestic priorities and international assistance minibus, consists of the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills. It passed 297-120. The second package, the national security minibus, consists of the Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security appropriations bills, which passed 280-138. Today, the People's House completed the fiscal work of the people. Congress came together, set partisan differences aside, and passed commonsense legislation to keep government funded and operational,said Rep. Crist. These 12 appropriations bills reflect nearly a year's worth of oversight, outreach, and compromise. No legislation is perfect, but I'm proud of the incredible work that went into completing this package. In these bills we put Pinellas first doubling funding to $10 million to fight red tide, providing over $140 million to clean up mold in military housing, and investing in America's Veterans by providing the largest VA budget ever. I am proud to support passage of this critical legislation and look forward to it being signed into law. As a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Crist secured a wide range of funding for critical local programs, projects, and oversight efforts impacting the greater Pinellas community and the families that call our area home: $10 million within NOAA for research to combat red tide and other harmful algae blooms $23 million to expand and support Veterans Treatment Court programs $140.8 mi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1825 | CRIST STATEMENT ON IMPEACHMENT | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | CRIST STATEMENT ON IMPEACHMENT f t # e Washington, December 17, 2019 Washington, DC - Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL) released the following statement regarding tomorrow's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on whether to impeach President Donald Trump. "I take no joy in my decision to vote to impeach President Trump. "But given the facts presented, I've come to the grave conclusion that the President abused his position of power to such a degree that we have no choice but to act. "No President, Republican or Democratic, is above the law. No President should be allowed to leverage our national security for their personal political benefit. No President should ask foreign governments to interfere in our elections. No President should obstruct Congress' constitutionally mandated duty to provide oversight of the Executive Branch. "I want to thank the brave men and women from the State Department and National Security Council who were willing to put their careers and reputations on the line to bear witness to the misdeeds of this President and his administration. Without their courage none of this information would have come to light. "This is a sad, painful, and divisive situation for our nation. But impeachment is the direct result of the President's own words and actions. And we have a duty to our Oath of Office and the Constitution to not stand silent." f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/2020-appropriations-victories | 2020 Appropriations Victories | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed an appropriations package with federal funding for 2020. Said Rep. Demings, Today, we passed a comprehensive spending bill to prevent a government shutdown. We are proving that with responsible leadership, Congress can conduct oversight and demand accountability while continuing to fund and reform vital government programs. I am proud that this legislation includes full funding for many of my priorities, including enhancing security at our airports, protecting the integrity of our elections, increasing Alzheimer's research, childcare, and education programs for young children. I will continue to work for a government that serves all of us and for expanded economic fairness, affordable health care, good education, and effective public safety. Included in today's package are multiple initiatives led or supported by Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) during the negotiation process. These include: Airport Security Programs (Led by Rep. Demings) The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will receive $4.9 billion ($53.1 million above the FY2019 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President's budget request). This includes: Full funding for Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams (VIPR) Full funding for K9 teams at airports Full funding for exit lane staffing Full funding for the Law Enforcement Officer reimbursement program $40,000,000 for TSA to continue reimbursement of airports that installed in-line baggage explosives detection systems before August 3, 2007. This includes MCO and multiple other Florida airports. Airport Security Programs (Supported by Rep. Demings) $68,600,000 for deployment of computer tomography (CT) machines for checkpoints, covering 320 new units. $2 million for R&D on a smaller CT unit to support airports with space limitations (essentially any pre-9/11 airport that has not completely rebuilt their concourse). Early Childhood Programs (Supported by Rep. Demings) An overall increase of $1.1 billion, bringing t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3021 | Rep. Frankel Votes for Funding Bills That Invest in Families | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) issued the following statement after voting for a collection of funding bills for FY 2020: This bipartisan funding deal makes many For The People investments, including robust funding for hard-working families through early learning programs, medical research, and veteran's education, and makes smart investments in our country's infrastructure, including restoration of Florida's Everglades to keep the drinking water for over eight million residents and millions of visitors clean and safe. It includes reimbursements for local law enforcement for overtime costs of protecting President Trump in South Florida and for businesses at Lantana Airport, which lose business when the President is in town due to airport closure for security reasons. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Frankel advocated for an array of programs, many of which will positively impact South Florida, including: Labor-Health and Human Services-Education $7million in new funding for Veterans Student Service Centers, which provide resources and give a boost to student veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. $41.7billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a more than $2.6billion increase over FY19 to this agency that provides life-saving research and care, including: o $2.8billionfor Alzheimer's disease research, o $195 million for the Cancer Moonshot project. $25million for firearm injury and mortality prevention research, divided evenly between the NIH and the Center for Disease Control. This is new funding, not included in last year's budget. $5.8billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an increase of $550 million from FY19 that will help low-income families afford quality child care. $10.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $550 million from FY19 to provide comprehensive early childhood education for low-income families. $12 million for the National Domestic Violence Hotline… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-lawson-announces-2018-19-recipients-of-the-gilman-international-scholarship | U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces 2018-19 Recipients of the Gilman International Scholarship | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Al Lawson | L000586 | lawson.house.gov | legacy | December 17, 2019 U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces 2018-19 Recipients of the Gilman International Scholarship U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces 2018-19 Recipients of the Gilman International Scholarship WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) today announced that ten outstanding students from the Florida's Fifth Congressional District have been awarded the highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad during the 2018-2019 academic year. More than 13,000 students nationwide applied for the Gilman scholarship, and 10 students from Rep. Lawson's district were among the those awarded scholarships. This scholarship provides a valuable opportunity for learning and growth through cultural exchange, Rep. Lawson said. These scholars have the chance to engage with their world and academic disciplines through this experience, and I look forward to the new global perspectives and conversations they will bring back to our community. The scholarship program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education. In the academic year 2018-19, over 3,000 U.S. students benefited from the Gilman Program, 56 percent gaining language skills in languages deemed critical by U.S. national security. Since the scholarship's inception, 31,000 American students from more than 1,335 colleges and universities, and diverse backgrounds have studied or interned abroad in 151 countries. The recipients are: Kenia Alcy of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Host location: Ghana Freadrika Curry of Jacksonville School: University of South Florida Host location: Italy Myah Freeman of Tallahassee School: Florida State University Host location: Senegal Colleah Gilbert of Jacksonville School: Florida A&M University Host location: Ecuador Rain Kwan of Jacksonville School: New College of Florida Host location: Japan Dyvonier Larcheveaux of Tallahassee School: Florida State… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=286 | Mucarsel-Powell Delivers on Local Priorities in Latest Appropriations Legislation | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell(FL-26) applauded the passage of the two funding packages for Fiscal Year 2020, H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158. The legislation provides $200 million for Everglades Restoration, extends and increases funding for Community Health Centers, and funds gun violence research for the first time in over two decades. Earlier this year, Mucarsel-Powell joined her South Florida colleagues in pushing forfull funding for Everglades Restoration. She alsochampionedincreased funding forthe Army Corps Environmental Infrastructure, which received $100 million in today's legislation. Additionally, this funding supports the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (FKWQIP), a crucial program that reimburses Monroe County as the Keys transition away from septic tanks. Also important to South Florida is the $3.1 billion funding for HIV/AIDS research. Furthermore, the legislation includes Mucarsel-Powell'sHumanitarian Assistance for the Venezuelan People Act of 2019, which provides for much-needed assistance for Venezuelans suffering from the worst humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. Every week I come to Washington, D.C. and work with my constituents in mind, and the latest appropriations bills approved by the House of Representatives reflect the local priorities I have advocated for all year, saidMucarsel-Powell. From fighting for Everglades Restoration, to improving water infrastructure, to making our communities safer with gun violence research, I am proud of the work we have done to make sure the priorities of South Florida's residents are top of mind for our country's leaders. Someadditionalprovisionsinclude: $10.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $550 million $29.5 million for NOAA's Coral Reef Program, a $1.9 million increase A new, dedicated carve out of $10 million for research to combat harmful algal blooms Raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 $7.56 billion for the Census Bureau, an increase of mor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2210 | Rep. Shalala Scores Major Victories for South Florida in the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Bills | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY)2020 Appropriations bills: The provisions of the government funding bills are a victory for the present and future well-being of our community. My colleagues and I fought hard to make sure these bills would address many of the most pressing challenges facing South Florida: rising inequality, expanding access to affordable housing, curbing gun violence, protecting our environment, and making investments in stronger, more resilient infrastructure. When I ran for Congress, I promised I would deliver results for our community on day one. The funding priorities in these bills are a testament to my commitment to fulfilling that promise. The FY 2020 Appropriations bills will fund the government's priorities for the 2020 fiscal year. Highlights of this year's funding priorities for South Florida are: South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (Everglades Restoration) - $200 million in funding for Everglades restoration; National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER/BUILD) $1 billion for infrastructure investments; Pell Grants A $150 increase in the maximum award for federal Pell Grants, compared to the 2019 enacted level. The maximum award will now be $6,345. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance - $23.9 billion for Tenant-based Rental Assistance and for all tenant-based Section 8 activities; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention Research For the first time in twenty years, funding - $12.5 million - to conduct research on gun violence, firearm injury, and mortality prevention; Head Start $11.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $1.5 billion from last year, to provide comprehensive early childhood education for low-income families in Miami-Dade County. SNAP $67.8 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); WIC $6 billi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-votes-keep-government-open-secures-37-legislative-wins-spending-bill | Rep. Soto Votes to Keep Government Open, Secures 37 Legislative Wins in Spending Bill | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | soto | https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Image December 17, 2019 Rep. Soto Votes to Keep Government Open, Secures 37 Legislative Wins in Spending Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) voted to keep the federal government open and fund key priorities for the fiscal year 2020. The spending bill includes the following 37 funding provisions which were led by Congressman Soto: Department of Defense Secured $110 million for Peer-Review Prostate Cancer Research Secured $22 million for Peer-Reviewed Gulf War Illness Research Secured $30 million within the Defense Wide Manufacturing Science and Technology Program for BRIDG Secured $10 million within the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support Program for BRIDG Secured $10 million within the High Performance Computing Modernization Program for UCF Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Secured $592.8 million for the NASA ground crawler that transports the SLS rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad. Secured $592.6 million for the Jupiter Europa NASA Mission. Financial Services and General Government Secured $11 million for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program within the IRS. Secured $12 million for the low-income taxpayer clinic grants program within the IRS. Secured $25 million for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA clinic) program within the IRS. Secured $5.5 million for Identity Theft and Refund Fraud casework within the IRS. Department of Homeland Security Secured $850 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under section 2003 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6. U.S.C. 604) Secured $511,265,000 for Research and Development within Science and Technology Directorate, and $40.5 million for University Programs Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Secured $4.0 million for Early Child Care Collaboratives – lead a multimember letter on this Secured $622,372,000 for the Center for Disease Control's Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Program Secured $38,603,000 fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1186 | Murphy, LaHood Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Financing Tools for Farmers and Manufacturers | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Stephanie Murphy | M001202 | stephaniemurphy.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Reps. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., and Darin LaHood, R-Ill., introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize decades old financing tools used by farmers and manufacturers to grow and create more jobs. TheModernizing Agriculture and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA), H.R. 5422, would streamline private activity bonds to help small manufacturers and first-time farmers grow their businesses, invest in new equipment, and hire more workers. These bonds are a key economic tool for state and local development agencies to help finance small- to mid-sized manufacturers. Florida farmers and manufacturers deserve to have innovative and updated financing tools to invest in their local community and hire more workers,said Murphy.I'm proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Rep. LaHood that will modernize the way farmers and manufacturers across the country acquire capital, providing them with the resources they need to grow, create more jobs, and bring their businesses into the 21stcentury. Farming and manufacturing are critical to economic success of the constituents I represent in central and west-central Illinois,said LaHood.Our legislation will help entrepreneurs and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create good-paying jobs, and bolster our economy in the Midwest. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague Rep. Stephanie Murphy in this bipartisan effort, and I'll continue to work in Congress to ensure farmers and manufacturers have the necessary tools to be successful in our 21st-centruy economy. The legislation is endorsed by development finance agencies, private sector entities, and key industry stakeholders including the Florida Development Finance Corporation, Illinois Finance Authority, the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), and the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs. These proposed changes will make a big difference to businesses in Florida. These provisions would help many American small manufacturers and first-time farmers receive the financin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-the-future-act-signing-ceremony | Wilson Statement the FUTURE Act Signing Ceremony | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement after a signing ceremony for the bipartisan, bicameral FUTURE Act, which permanently funds HBCUs and MSIs: I was honored today to participate in the bill signing ceremony for the FUTURE Act, a measure that permanently guarantees more than $250 million in mandatory funding per year for the nation's historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. The legislation, which has been approved by the Senate, also simplifies the federal student aid applications process, which means more students will be able to pursue a college education and repay their loans. The FUTURE Act will enable HBCUs and MSIs to build on their storied legacies of providing and expanding opportunities for students of color and low-income students who might otherwise find higher education beyond their reach. In addition to offering top-notch educations that prepare students to successfully compete with the best in their chosen fields, these institutions also provide nurturing environments in which self-confidence is boosted and lifelong friendships are formed. This legislation, which will soon head to the White House to be signed into law, is an all-too-rare example of the immeasurable good that lawmakers on Capitol Hill can achieve when members of both chambers and both parties work together. As a proud HBCU graduate, I am grateful that we were able to find common ground on such a monumental issue and hopeful that we can do so again. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1819 | CRIST REQUESTS CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON UNSAFE MILITARY HOUSING | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) sent aletterto Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of the Appropriations subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, requesting a congressional hearing on family housing in military installations. Congressman Crist voiced his continued concern for the health and safety of military families, include those residing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, as they suffer from unsafe living conditions in poorly maintained family housing. Congressman Crist has been a champion of military housing reform after reporting by theTampa Bay Timesuncovered serious issues with privately managed on-base housing, including mold and other health hazards, that are putting military families at risk. The full letter to Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz can be foundhere, the text of which appearing below. December 12, 2019 The Honorable Debbie Wasserman Schultz Chairwoman Appropriations Committee Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee HT-2 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz, I request a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on family housing on military installations. Military families around the country, including at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, continue to suffer from mold and other health hazards in poorly maintained and neglected family housing. I understand the military has taken actions to improve oversight and accountability of privatized housing. However, I remain concerned and more must be done. Under your steadfast leadership, the MilCon-VA Subcommittee conducted its first hearing of the 116thCongress on this topic, and I support your continued attention to this critical issue. As we approach the FY2021 budget cycle, I believe our Committee's oversight responsibilities would be bolstered by another hearing, with witnesses appropriate for conducting proper oversight. Thank you so much for your leadership fighting… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1822 | CRIST CHAMPIONS SENIORS, INTRODUCES BILL PREVENTING FRAUDSTER GUARDIANS FROM STEALING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC- U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced theSenior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act(H.R. 5380). The bill would direct state courts to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) when a court-appointed guardian is removed for cause, so they can be blocked from collecting Social Security benefits on behalf of the seniors under their care.The legislation comes on the heels ofreportsrevealing unscrupulous guardians who drained the assets of seniors in their care. In Pinellas County, aleaderin the guardian community is facing criminal charges for stealing more than $500,000 from one of the 31 seniors under her care. Along with Reps. Soto and Bilirakis, H.R. 5380 is the second piece of legislation Rep. Crist has led aimed at tacklingguardianship abuse. Abuses within the professional guardianship system are finally coming to light, and it's abundantly clear that the system, and oversight of it, is broken,said Rep. Crist. This legislation is another way we can help crack down on abusive practices and better protect our seniors from bad actors in the guardianship system. This important bill provides one more layer of protection to ensure our most vulnerable citizens do not become victims of exploitation,said Rep. Bilirakis. I am proud to co-lead the Senior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act. This is the first step in ensuring the reduction of the increasing cases against those elderly and vulnerable from abuse and fraud,said Rep. Soto. It is imperative that there is open communication between Social Security Administration and state government in order disable those with negative intentions. There must be accountability for guardians deemed unfit but continue to abuse the system because of the lack of communication between SSA and state governments. Background onSenior Guardianship Social Security Protection Act: As a general practice, state courts appoint a guardian for individuals when a judge or other court of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=285 | Venezuela Legislation Introduced by Rep Mucarsel-Powell and South Florida Democrats Included in Appropriations Bill | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congress released the negotiated fiscal year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill that includes three pieces of legislation to support the Venezuelan people introduced by South Florida Reps.Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26),Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27),Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23). The bill includesMucarsel-Powell'sHumanitarian Assistance for the Venezuelan People Act of 2019, which provides for much needed assistance for Venezuelans suffering from the worst humanitarian crisis in the western hemisphere. The bill authorizes $400 million in aid directly to the Venezuelan people both in Venezuela and in neighboring countries that are impacted by the refugee emergency the situation has created. The Venezuelan people need our help. The crisis in that country is now the most underfunded refugee crisis in modern history,said Mucarsel-Powell.I am pleased that our legislation to aid the Venezuelan people will be included in FY 2020 appropriations bill that will not only help the people in Venezuela but also their neighbors that have been taking in hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees. We must not turn a blind eye to human suffering at the hands of a corrupt regime. When I ran for office, I made a promise to the Venezuelan community in South Florida to stand up to the tyranny of the Maduro regime,said Shalala. From the moment I was sworn in, my Democratic colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to help the Venezuelan people. The legislation being included in this year's government funding bill is the culmination of months of hard work and it will hopefully help bring about the end of a regime that has long overstayed its welcome. I am grateful to Representatives Shalala, Wasserman Schultz and Mucarsel-Powell for their impressive leadership in authoring innovative legislation that increases U.S. pressure on Nicols Maduro. Venezuela is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. By increasing humanitarian aid, holding the Russian government more accountable and stopping the transfer of de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2208 | Venezuela Legislation Introduced by South Florida Democrats Included in Appropriations Bill | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives began considering a fiscal year (FY) 2020 Appropriations bill that includes three pieces of legislation to support the Venezuelan people introduced by South Florida Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26). When I ran for office, I made a promise to the Venezuelan community in South Florida to stand up to the tyranny of the Maduro regime, said Shalala. From the moment I was sworn in, my Democratic colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to help the Venezuelan people. The legislation being included in this year's government funding bill is the culmination of months of hard work and it will hopefully help bring about the end of a regime that has long overstayed its welcome. I am grateful to Representatives Shalala, Wasserman Schultz and Mucarsel-Powell for their impressive leadership in authoring innovative legislation that increases U.S. pressure on Nicols Maduro. Venezuela is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. By increasing humanitarian aid, holding the Russian government more accountable and stopping the transfer of defense and crime control items to Venezuela, my colleagues are ensuring that we put our country's best foot forward in supporting the long-suffering Venezuelan people, said Chairman Engel, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Venezuelan people need our help. The crisis in that country is now the most underfunded refugee crisis in modern history, said Mucarsel-Powell. I am pleased that our legislation to aid the Venezuelan people will be included in FY 2020 appropriations bill that will not only help the people in Venezuela but also their neighbors that have been taking in hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees. We must not turn a blind eye to human suffering at the hands of a corrupt regime. The people of my district know all too well the dire humanitarian needs of Venezuela. The Maduro regime's repeated failures to address the suffering of its own people … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1183 | House Passes Future Forum-Backed Measure to Support the Next Generation of Public Servants | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Stephanie Murphy | M001202 | stephaniemurphy.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to increase the number of young Americans entering public service championed by Future Forum, an influential group of young Democratic Members of Congress who advocate for issues and opportunities important to younger Americans. The measure, spearheaded by Future Forum Chair StephanieMurphy, D-Fla.,and Representative Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., addresses a potentially debilitating shortage of government workers in the coming decades by authorizing federal agencies to expedite the hiring of college graduates and post-secondary students.The amendment was included in theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, whichwaspassedbythe House and is likely to soon be approved by the Senate and sent to the President to be signed into law. Murphy worked on this provision with Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who has been a leader on this issue. Our federal workforce is desperately in need of young talent to drive innovation and lead our country towards a brighter future,said Murphy.I'm proud that Future Forum successfully worked to include this commonsense measure that will increase access to public service jobs for young Americans who wish to serve their country. The federal government's ability to attract and retain talented young workers has steadily declined,said Kilmer.Forty years ago, more than a fifth of the federal workforce was under 30 years old. Today, that figure hovers between five and seven percent. We need to do a better job of making sure that young people with new, innovative ideas and perspectives who will ultimately form the backbone of the federal service are welcomed into civilian service to our country. Successful American companies routinely recruit and hire employees under 30, and would find themselves greatly disadvantaged if they had to operate with the federal government's weak pipeline of young talent,saidMax Stier, President of the Partnership for Public Service. Now, thanks to a bipartisan, bicameral effort, Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401283 | Hastings Statement on Introducing the FAA Family and Medical Leave Act | 2019-12-14 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after introducing H.R.5431, the FAA Family and Medical Leave Act, legislation that will ensure employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are extended the same paid parental leave benefits afforded to other government employees under the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (Please find a copy of the bill attached): The conference report to the NDAA, which passed in the House of Representatives earlier this week, secured a critical provision for federal employees that will provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering. The provision will help the federal government retain talent and remain competitive with private industry. Unfortunately, the paid parental leave provisions apply to employees under Title 5 only, which has resulted in FAA employees being left out of this very important benefit. More than 35,000 federal employees across our nation are responsible for managing air traffic control, aircraft, and airport safety. I believe we must move quickly to address this oversight and ensure that FAA employees receive the paid parental leave benefits they rightly deserve under the NDAA agreement," said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Every federal employee deserves paid parental leave period, said Congressman Jim McGovern. I'm proud to join Congressman Hastings in this important step toward making that a reality for all federal workers. It's the right thing to do, and I urge all my colleagues in the House to support this important bill. Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors include: Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA), Adam Smith (D-WA), and Tom Cole (R-OK). Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1817 | CRIST INTRODUCES REGIONAL OCEAN PARTNERSHIP BILL, ADDRESSES OCEAN AND COASTAL CONCERNS | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCU.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), along with Representatives Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), and Chris Smith (R-NJ), introduced the Regional Ocean Partnership Act (H.R. 5390). The bill would formally authorize Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROP) as partners with the federal government to address ocean and coastal concerns. This will provide ROPs with more consistent funding to help them perform their critical mission of supporting ocean and coastal health, sustainability, and resiliency. ROPs have been operating for years as regional organizations voluntarily convened by state governors. They foster collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as other stakeholders, to address ocean and coastal issues unique to each region. ROPs currently receive funding through an assortment of grants and in-kind donations, making their funding levels unstable.As Floridians, we know it is our duty to preserve our way of life by keeping our oceans and coasts clean and thriving. The work of Regional Ocean Partnerships, such as the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, is critical in achieving that goal,said Rep. Crist. These partnerships need more consistent and predictable funding, and by formalizing this arrangement, we help ensure our oceans and coasts are better supported for generations to come. When the coastal communities in my district face an issue in the Mississippi Sound, it is often times not exclusive to Mississippi and impacts large portions of the Gulf Coast region,said Rep. Palazzo. Our legislation fosters collaboration between coastal states through information and data sharing related to the oceans. We are introducing this bill today to better understand our oceans while working together to protect our resources for years to come. Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) have a long history of success at dealing with issues revolving around managing and restoring our ocean and coastal regions. This bill would allow us to continue to build on the tremendou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-votes-articles-impeachment | Rep. Demings Votes for Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, voted for two Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump. Short Summaries: Article I: Abuse Of Power President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In so doing, President Trump used the powers of the Presidency in a manner that compromised the national security of the United States and undermined the integrity of the United States democratic process. President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law Article II: Obstruction Of Congress The House of Representatives has engaged in an impeachment inquiry focused on President Trump's corrupt solicitation of the Government of Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 United States Presidential election. In the history of the Republic, no President has ever ordered the complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry or sought to obstruct and impede so comprehensively the ability of the House of Representatives to investigate high Crimes and Misdemeanors. This abuse of office served to cover up the President's own repeated misconduct and to seize and control the power of impeachment and thus to nullify a vital constitutional safeguard. Both articles passed the House Judiciary Committee. They will be considered by the House of Representatives. Rep. Demings gave multiple remarks during the debate, including an opening statement, remarks throughout, and as the final speaker of the debate. Here is Rep. Demings' Opening Statement, delivered Wednesday evening: This is a defining moment in our history and a challenging time for the nation. But America has been through tough times before. And I am sure that we will go through tough times again. So, I do not fear this moment, or this time. I grew up in Florida. I am the y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/senator-mcconnell-must-recuse | Senator McConnell Must Recuse | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed two Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump. Said Rep. Demings, The President has abused his power and obstructed Congress' ability to hold him accountable for his actions. His use of military assistance to pressure another country to interfere in our election put our national security and our democracy at risk. The Constitution requires that after articles of impeachment pass the House of Representatives, the president must be given a fair trial in the Senate. Senator McConnell has promised to sabotage that trial and he must recuse himself. No court in the country would allow a member of the jury to also serve as the accused's defense attorney. The moment Senator McConnell takes the oath of impartiality required by the Constitution, he will be in violation of that oath. He has effectively promised to let President Trump manage his own impeachment trial. The Senator must withdraw. Background Yesterday, in a televised interview, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell a member of the same political party as President Trump said, Everything I do during this, I'm coordinating with the White House counsel. There will be no difference between the president's position and our position as to how to handle this to the extent that we can. The United States Constitution, Article 1, Section 3, says, The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. The Senate Rules provide the oath to be sworn by each Senator: I solemnly swear (or affirm) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of President Donald John Trump, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-lawson-announces-2019-district-wide-congressional-app-competition-winners | Rep. Lawson Announces 2019 District-Wide Congressional App Competition Winners | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Al Lawson | L000586 | lawson.house.gov | legacy | December 13, 2019 Rep. Lawson Announces 2019 District-Wide Congressional App Competition Winners WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (Fl-05) is proud to announce Florida's 5th Congressional District App Challenge winners are Tallahassee School of Math and Science students Liam Tolia, Issa Allison, Atianda Broadnax and Zoie Gray. The Congressional App Challenge's mission is to inspire, include and innovate efforts around STEM and computer science education. The app, Future Beans, was created to help enlighten children on the skill of coding while providing an interactive experience in the form of a 2-D tactical game. Each winning student will also be awarded $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and their work is eligible to be featured for one year on the permanent display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the House.gov website. The Congressional App is a great chance for our students to work together on challenging and creative coding projects, Rep. Lawson said. I am excited to recognize Liam, Issa, Atinda and Zoie for their work on creating this fun and engaging app. I look forward to seeing where their hard work takes them in the future. In spring 2020, Tolia, Allison, Broadnax and Gray will showcase their apps to members of Congress and members of the tech community at #HouseOfCode, a reception in Washington, DC. Their work is eligible to be featured for one year on permanent display in the U.S. Capitol and on the House.gov website. More than 5,000 students coded original apps as part of the district-wide competitions hosted by their members of Congress. Since 2015, more than 4,000 functional apps have been created by over 14,000 students. The Congressional App Challenge spans 48 states and aims to engage students in computer science. Winners: 1st place: Future Beans; by Liam Tolia, Issa Allison, Atianda Broadnax, and Zoie Gray 2nd place: Meteor Smash; by Blake Rehbein, Joshua French, and Kylie Newcombe 3rd place: Math Invasion; by Jackson Flowers and Jayda Malcolm ### … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=284 | Rep. Mucarsel-Powell & Rep. Katie Porter Introduce Bill to Tackle Unconscious Bias in the Medical Field | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), will introduce theMedical Education for a Diverse America Act.This bill will give medical school residents the opportunity to take courses in cultural competency to better serve patients from communities of color.U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (CA-45)is a co-lead of this legislation. This important bill is supported by multicultural healthcare organizations and advocacy groups working to empower doctors to provide care in a manner that is linguistically appropriate and sensitive to the culture of their patients. These groups include the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and MANA - A Latina Organization. In spite of significant advances in medicine and technology in the past 30 years, health disparities remain for patients from communities of color,said Mucarsel-Powell. From maternal mortality rates, to inaccurate drug prescriptions, to cardiovascular procedures, minority groups experience worse health outcomes when seeking care. These disparities are exacerbated by the unconscious bias of even the most well-intentioned healthcare professionals. In order to reach true health equity, we must give our physicians opportunities to pursue culturally appropriate care. Healthcare decisions for families are deeply personalthat's why it's essential that medical providers are trained to give the best possible care to patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, or primary language, saidCongresswoman Porter, a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. I'm proud to partner with my colleague Congresswoman Murcasel-Powell on this legislation that will ensure providers receive training in language literacy and cultural competency. This could not be more important in Orange County, which is home to a vibrant multitude of communities of color. The National Hispanic Medical Association supports the bill introduced by Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell and Cong… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403141 | U.S. Rep. Castor: National Defense Authorization Act Contains Priorities for MacDill AFB and Tampa Bay | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the passage of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report by a vote of 377 to 48 yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the passage of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report by a vote of 377 to 48 yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives: The needs of our military service members and their families are paramount and I am delighted that the Democratic-led House delivered for service members and their families: a 3.1 percent pay raise which is the largest in a decade, improvements to base housing, and a new 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. For months, I have worked with military families who reside on MacDill Air Base in housing that contains mold and who have pressed for accountability from derelict contractors. The NDAA establishes a bill of rights for military families in base housing and ensures that contractors are held accountable for housing issues that are not addressed quickly. These resources will help empower military families and address mold and shoddy construction in privatized base housing at MacDill and across the country. I will continue to work with MacDill families to ensure they have high quality homes on base. In addition to the salary increase, the NDAA goes further than providing for our service members and their families, it also secures 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for all workers across the federal government and ends the unjust widow's tax'. As the climate crisis increases costs for military installations and exacerbates threats to our nation's security, I am pleased that meaningful resiliency measures are included in the NDAA. Wins include increasing funds for military construction projects that improve energy resiliency, requiring water conservation targets for the DO… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403143 | U.S. Rep. Castor announces her 2019 nominations to U.S. military academies | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 20 high school students received nominations for admission into our nation's military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA). share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced 20 high school students received nominations for admission into our nation's military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA) and Merchant Marine (USMMA). Every year I am proud to nominate high school seniors to attend our nation's prestigious service academies, Castor said. I am impressed by their high caliber and keen interest in serving America. These inspiring students are tomorrow's leaders. Receiving a nomination to one of our nation's military academies is an essential step towards receiving an appointment to the academies. Nominations are earned based upon each student's interview with Castor's 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. Based upon the process established by federal law, all U.S. military academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, require a 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 athttps://castor.house.gov/constituentservices/serviceacademynominations.htm. I am always very thankful of the time and effort my Nomination Committee puts in every year to thoroughly reviewed each application and meet with each student individually, Castor continued. Tampa Bay is a patriotic community and my neighbors and I are proud of our role to develop strong and impressive young leaders that will shape the future of our armed forces and our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1816 | CRIST HAILS PASSAGE OF LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill, which passed 230-192, provides the authority, mandate, and tools to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices, and caps annual out-of-pocket costs for people in Medicare Part D. The savings generated from lowering drug costs in H.R. 3 will be reinvested into a new Medicare vision, dental, and hearing benefit, and for critical innovative new treatments at NIH. Finally, the savings will create a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs. In the 13thCongressional District alone, 134,876 seniors enrolled in Medicare and 456,082 people with private insurance will pay significantly less under H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. For too long, Americans have been squeezed by high drug prices, while drug companies make record profits,said Rep. Crist. For too long, too many Americans have had to ration their medications, risking illness, injury, and death because their life saving drugs cost too much. But with passage of the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, a new day is dawning, one in which the playing field is leveled, and the buying power of the American people is brought to bear on the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in lower prices for all. Summary of Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: Establishes a fair price drug negotiation program to reduce the cost of certain high-priced drugs without competition; Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs under Medicare; Reverses years of price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare; Adds Medicare Part B comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing benefits; Increases the number of seniors who qualify for financial support in order to afford their prescription drugs and other health expenses through improvements to Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program and Medica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-legislation-lower-medical-costs | New Legislation to Lower Medical Costs | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) voted for H.R. 3, a bill to lower prescription drug costs for American families, and to cover dental, vision, and hearing services under Medicare for the first time. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives and will now go to the Senate, was named in honor of U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings, who passed away earlier this year. One Ocoee mother, Victoria Sullivan Eaton, said As a family personally impacted by type one diabetes (T1D)a chronic, autoimmune disease not caused by lifestyle or dietwe feel the significant impacts of the rising cost of insulin daily. Having an affordable and predictable out-of-pocket cost for insulin is critical for families like mine, and we are grateful that Congress is looking carefully into this issue to support their constituents who live with, or love those with T1D. Said Rep. Demings, When America elected Democrats to the majority in the House of Representatives, we promised transformative legislation to bring down health care costs for the American people. Today we are continuing to keep that promise, passing groundbreaking legislation to allow Medicare to use its massive influence to negotiate with drug companies and force them to bring down costs for all Americans. This bill will also finally expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services, which are vital to our health and quality of life. No American should ever be priced out of lifesaving medical treatment, yet one third of Americans report that they or a loved one has had to skip doses, leave prescriptions unfilled, or simply forgo treatment entirely. Other countries do not have these same struggles, and I believe that in the greatest country on Earth, we shouldn't either. While our Congress has been one of the most productive in history, many of the bipartisan bills we have passed have been locked up in the Senate. I urge Senator McConnell, for the sake of our families and our communities, to allow a vote on this legislation. Background… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3020 | Tri-Caucus Chairs Announce New Initiative to Promote Diversity of House Committee Witnesses | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus which represents over half of the Democratic Caucus and includes the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced a new diversity initiative to track outside witnesses and experts invited to testify before House Committees beginning in January 2020. This initiative aims to ensure that a diversity of voices and perspectives are considered by committees as we work toward inclusive policies and legislation for the American people. The letter, which was sent to all committees and subcommittees in the House, was led by Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and co-signed by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Judy Chu (CA-27) and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37). Right now, we have our most diverse Congress in history and as Chairs of the Tri-Caucus, it is our responsibility to ensure that this House is doing everything possible to represent the full diversity of the American people. That is why we are calling on our own Committees, our own colleagues, to join us by inviting witnesses that reflect all the communities we represent: urban and rural, from every socioeconomic class, of every racial background, and evenly include experts of every gender, stated the Tri-Caucus Chairs. People of color and women are experts in their fields, but are not always called as witnesses before Congress. We hope that the Committees of the House will join us and keep diversity in the forefront of their work beginning in 2020. As Speaker of the House, I am proud of the historic diversity and dynamism of our Members and their staffs, which enrich our institution and strengthen our Majority's ability for fight For The People said Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12). We are grateful to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for taking this critical step to build on Hous… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-lawson-votes-to-pass-the-lower-drug-costs-now-act | Rep. Lawson Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Al Lawson | L000586 | lawson.house.gov | legacy | December 12, 2019 Rep. Lawson Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act WASHINGTON DC Today, U.S. Rep. Lawson (FL-05) voted to pass landmark legislation that would help to lower prescription drug cost for millions of Americans ---the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (HR 3). The skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs remain a real crisis for too many hard-working Americans who every day are forced to make the unthinkable choice between filling a prescription and paying their bills, Rep. Lawson said. This bill makes critical investments in both the largest expansion of Medicare benefits since its creation, as well as an expansion of lifesaving research for the groundbreaking cures of the future. This bill would deliver substantial savings to the 87,041people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, in Florida's Fifth District, and the 405,334 people individuals enrolled in private health insurance. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies, and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies from ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs, limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price in countries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs and admit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental and hearing benefi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=283 | Rep. Mucarsel-Powell Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, For The People | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON TODAY,U.S.Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26)voted to pass H.R. 3, theElijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act bold, transformative legislation to strengthen the health and financial security of America's seniors and families. This legislation finally stops brand name pharmaceutical companies from forcing Americans to pay significantly more than those in other countries pay for the same drugs. The number one concern I hear from my constituents in Florida's 26thcongressional district is the high cost of healthcare, especially the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs. From Kendall to Key West, I've heard stories of patients forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving drugs. Meanwhile, Big Pharma has raked in billions in profits each year. This cannot continue, saidMucarsel-Powell. In addition to curbing the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs, theElijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Actwould cut Medicare spending by up to four hundred billion dollars. These savings would be used to strengthen life-saving health services, including Community Health Centers like Community Health of South Florida, or CHI, which plays a vital role in providing care to the uninsured and underinsured. The Lower Drug Costs Now Actfinally levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers. The bill: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companiesand creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs andadmit they still make a pro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2205 | Rep. Shalala Statement on the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Shalala Statement on the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act Washington, December 12, 2019 | Carlos Condarco (2022253931) WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): I am proud to have voted to pass a bipartisan defense bill that will strengthen America's national security. I'm particularly proud that the House and Senate conferees agreed to include several of my amendments in the final conference report. This NDAA will ensure that DOD tuition assistance for active duty service members is protected, that stronger accountability measures are implemented towards predatory for-profit colleges, and that requirements in the U.S. Air Force contracting process are expanded so that small businesses in South Florida can compete on a level playing field with our nation's largest defense contractors. For more information on the provisions included in the NDAA, please click here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2207 | Rep. Shalala Statement on the Passage of the H.R. 3, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: H.R. 3 is a historic bill that will lower the cost of prescription drugs by empowering the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices directly with the drug companies. It takes a monumental step to improve Medicare benefits by adding dental, hearing, and vision benefits and cap the out-of-pocket cost for drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Hubert Humphrey once said that the moral test of a government is how we treat children, seniors, the sick, the needy, and the disabled. Today, we met that moral test by passing H.R. 3. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment-against-trump | Wilson Statement on Articles of Impeachment Against Trump | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump: I was initially one of the holdouts on impeachment, preferring instead to see the committees that have jurisdiction over this issue make a strong, defensible case that would compel the American public to endorse such a serious step. When the whistleblower came forward with information about how President Trump abused the power of his office by trying to extort information from the Ukraine government about a political rival and withheld nearly $400 million that Congress had appropriated to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia, it became clear that our only choice was to move forward on impeachment. That information was a gift that opened people's eyes and set us on the right path. Mr. Trump also has consistently obstructed Congress by prohibiting current and former White House officials from testifying at hearings on the Ukraine issue, which begs the question of why. If he's as innocent as he proclaims, what is he afraid they will say? Abusing the power of office and obstructing Congress are crimes. These actions threaten our national security and our democracy. The president's fealty to Russian President Vladimir Putin is frightening and who knows what other foreign governments he might be trying to make deals with? We cannot allow him to believe that he is above the law because if we do, there's no telling what Mr. Trump will try to do during a second termand that's the scariest thought of all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-votes-to-pass-the-lower-drug-costs-now-act | Wilson Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, bold, transformative legislation to strengthen the health and financial security of America's seniors and families by finally stopping Americans from having to pay more for their medicines than what Big Pharma charges for the same drugs in other countries. For hard-working Americans in Florida and across the country, the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs remain a real crisis that threatens their health and financial security, said Rep. Wilson. While Big Pharma pads its profits with drug prices in the United States that are three, four, or even ten times higher than what they charge for the same drugs in other countries, too many American seniors and families are being forced to make the unthinkable choice between filling a prescription and paying their bills. This status quo is unsustainable, which is why House Democrats ran and won on our promise For The People, to lower health care costs by lowering the price of prescription drugs. By passing H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, that is exactly what we are doing. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act finally levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companiesand creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs andadmit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare benef… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401282 | Hastings Statement on Passage of H.R.729 | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the passage of H.R.729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, a package of ten bipartisan bills reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee which aims to protect vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities impacted by the climate crisis. H.R.729 included several amendments Hastings offered to ensure the inclusion of projects to address the immediate and long-term degradation or loss of coral and coral reefs and to address harmful algal blooms. (Please find attached a copy of Hastings Amendment #30, Hastings Amendment #31, and Crist/Rooney/Bonamici/Kaptur/Hastings Amendment #4) As a Representative of the State of Florida, which has almost 8,500 miles of coastline, I am proud to have voted in favor of H.R.729. This bipartisan legislative package is the start of a comprehensive effort to make our vulnerable coastal communities and economies responsive and resilient to the devastating effects of climate change. As we stand on the precipice of irreparable damage to our ecosystems, it is incumbent on us to respond aggressively and immediately to the threats of climate change. As one of our coastal safeguards of biodiversity and against severe oceanic events, coral reefs are currently under severe stress due to numerous threats such as pollution and warming waters. We must empower stakeholders to work to understand and combat the causes of the degradation and loss of coral. These habitats provide a site for biodiversity to flourish and an opportunity for communities to be directly involved in restoration and conservation projects that will bolster economic activity. My amendments ensure a clear message of Congressional intent to encourage partnerships to respond to the deterioration of coral reefs along our coasts. Additionally, I was pleased to join my colleagues, Representatives Charlie Crist (D-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) in offering Amendment #4 relating to the p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1807 | NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT INCLUDES CRIST AMENDMENT ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT INCLUDES CRIST AMENDMENT ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE f t # e Washington, DC, December 11, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on inclusion of his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act directing the Secretary of Defense to make fortifying our military installations against the threat of flooding and sea level rise a top priority. The Crist Amendment, approved by the House earlier this year, and protected in the final conference agreement coming to the floor today, would require the military to work with agencies that track climate change, like NOAA and NASA, to incorporate flooding and sea level rise projections into their plans for building new military installations and fortifying current ones. The NDAA conference agreement is slated to be voted on by the House today and is expected to be signed into law before the new year.Inclusion of this requirement will make America safer by fortifying bases like MacDill Air Force Base against rising sea levels and other impacts from climate change,said Rep. Crist. If we are not planning for sea level rise, we're putting national security and military readiness at risk. My amendment will strengthen American security assets from the threat of climate change, making bases and Pinellas families safer.We appreciate Congressman Crist's leadership on this important issue and applaud his commitment to protecting Florida's military communities from flooding and sea level rise, said Melissa Roberts, President & Executive Director of American Flood Coalition Action. With six of the ten AirForce installations most vulnerable to severe weather located in Florida, including Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base,it is critical that the Department of Defense take… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1815 | NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE PASSES HOUSE | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE PASSES HOUSE f t # e Washington, DC, December 11, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on House passage of the Conference Report for the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This comprehensive bill to protect our country, our servicemembers, and military families raises military pay by 3.1 percent the largest in history and provides 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers. The bill also allows servicemembers to receive compensation in cases of medical malpractice for the first time in history; repeals the Widow's Tax, which prevents surviving spouses from receiving the full benefits they are entitled to; creates a nationwide U.S. Coast Guard JROTC program that will kickstart a program at Pinellas Park High School; and reforms privatized military housing, like those at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, to include a Military Family Tenant's Bill of Rights. The NDAA House-Senate agreement was passed by a vote of 377-48 and is expected to be signed into law before the new year. With passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress has secured major victories for those in uniform and their families, said Rep. Crist. For Pinellas and MacDill Air Force Base families, the NDAA also marks a major victory as the federal government steps in to reform unsafe, poorly maintained privatized military housing like those plagued by mold. Additionally, the NDAA provides our community with the incredible opportunity to groom the next generation of Coast Guard leaders in our own backyard. This NDAA puts our servicemembers, their families, and my constituents first. The National Defense Authorization Act includes the follow provisions: Raises military pay by 3.1 percent; P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3018 | Frankel Measures Preventing Arms Race, Advancing Womens Contributions to Peace Security Included in Strong Democratic NDAA | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, two measures introduced by Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) to strengthen national security passed in the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The first provision prevents President Trump from plunging the United States and Russia into a new nuclear arms race. It prohibits funding to produce or deploy missiles that were banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and requires the Administration to demonstrate that it is pursuing diplomatic and strategic options to lessen the risks following Trump's withdrawal from the treaty. The world already has enough nuclear weapons to destroy civilization. With this provision, we're opting for diplomacy instead of nuclear proliferation, said Congresswoman Frankel. The bill also includes a section from the Women and Countering Violent Extremism Act, which Representative Frankel co-introduced. This piece of the legislation authorizes research on the intersection of gender and violent extremism and terrorism, including the relationship between terrorism and gender-based violence, women's empowerment at the household level, and adolescent girls' empowerment. This proposal will improve U.S. counterterrorism and peacebuilding efforts by focusing on women's roles as victims, perpetrators, and preventers of violent extremism, said Frankel. Frankel continued, This NDAA works For The People to strengthen our national and economic security. It ensures 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for workers across the federal government and keeps us safe by empowering women around the world, reducing wasteful spending, and advancing our leadership on the global stage. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 337 to 48. It will now go to the Senate for final passage. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3019 | DEMOCRATIC WOMENS CAUCUS AND THE DEMOCRATIC POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE LEAD 84 CONGRESSWOMEN IN DEMANDING SENATE ACTION ON KEY LEGISLATION IMPACTING WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Co-Chairs of the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21) and Jackie Speier (CA-14), Vice Chairs Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01), and House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-12) led 84 Congresswomen in a letter demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to act on bipartisan legislation that benefits American women and their families. Several Congresswomen marched with the DWC and DPCC from the House Floor to Senator McConnell's office today and hand-delivered the letter, including: Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark (MA-5) and Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-3). House Democratic Women are not only fighting for the economic opportunity and the health of individuals, but we are also fighting for legislation that would empower women globally, combat the climate crisis, support women servicemembers and veterans, provide equality for all, and ensure women and families are able to live free from violence. For too long, women and their families have been held back. House Democrats recognize that when women and girls have equal access to the tools needed to succeed, communities across our country are more prosperous. It is time for Senate Republicans to stop obstructing and expeditiously take action on House-passed legislation that would strengthen the well-being of more than half of all Americans. Women and girls deserve better, the Congresswomen wrote. WATCH Complete text of the letter to Senator McConnell is attached and below. December 11, 2019 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader S-230 United States Capitol Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator McConnell, We write to urge swift Senate action on House of Representatives-passed legislation that would directly benefit women and their families across this country. In 2018, a record number of women, including a historic number of women of color, were … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1182 | House Approves Defense Bill that Includes Four Murphy-Led Measures to Strengthen National Security | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Stephanie Murphy | M001202 | stephaniemurphy.house.gov | legacy | House Approves Defense Bill that Includes Four Murphy-Led Measures to Strengthen National Security In total, over 20 Murphy-authored measures have already passed the House in 2019 f t # e Washington, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTONThe U.S. House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation that authorizes funding for the U.S. military and intelligence community and includes four provisions spearheaded by U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., to strengthen national security. In addition, theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020(NDAA) provides the largest pay increase for military service members in a decade. It is likely to be approved by the Senate soon and then sent to the President to be signed into law. The Murphy-led provisions will require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to develop a strategy to combat the use of deep fake technology by foreign adversaries to undermine American security and democracy, which will be the first deep fakes federal legislation ever to become law; require the DNI to craft a plan to prevent Iran from establishing an enduring presence in Syria that could threaten U.S. and Israeli interests; establish a notification process to Congress that will deter executive branch officials, including the President, from sharing highly-sensitive information with foreign adversaries like Russia; and make it easier for younger Americans to get jobs in public service working for the federal government. I proudly voted for the House-passed bipartisan legislation to provide a well-deserved pay increase to our service members and support the quiet heroes in the intelligence community who help keep our nation safe and free,said Murphy, a former national security specialist at the Pentagon.I am especially pleased this critical defense bill includes … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402710 | Deutch, Wilson Introduce Resolution Supporting Iranian People's Right to Protest Regime | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), respectively the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism, introduced a resolution (H.Res. 752) supporting the people of Iran's peaceful and legitimate protests against the oppressive and corrupt regime in Tehran.The resolution can be accessed here. "As Iranians from across the country take to the streets to protest their oppressive government, they are met with violence and live fire by Iranian authorities leading to the deaths of hundreds of innocent people," Chairman Deutch said. "The Iranian regime has an infamous reputation for egregious human rights abuses against its own people, including by censoring the internet, restricting both religious freedom and political participation, imprisoning journalists, and torturing political dissidents. Congress stands with the Iranian people. The Iranian government must end its violent suppression of the protests and respect the Iranian people's right to live in a free society." With this resolution, Congress is sending the strong, bipartisan message to the people of Iran that we support their democratic aspirations and will do everything in our power to hold this regime accountable for its deliberate human rights violations, said Congressman Joe Wilson. I am grateful to my colleague Chairman Ted Deutch for introducing this important measure and working together on behalf of freedom and democracy for the people of Iran. The United States must always stand with the people of Iran in their struggle for liberty. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402711 | Reps. Deutch, Luria Call on White House to Condemn Anti-Semitic Website TruNews | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) sent a letter to White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney asking him to condemn the anti-Semitic comments by TruNews founder and host Rick Wiles and deny TruNews any future access to the White House.In a video posted to the TruNews website on November 22, 2019, founder and host Rick Wiles denigrates Jews and repeats vicious anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, saying, "That's the way the Jews work. They are deceivers. They plot, they lie, they do whatever they have to do to accomplish their political agenda. This impeach Trump movement is a Jew coup. And the American people better wake up to it really fast. As the Members state in the letter, "An extremist website that frequently attacks Jews and other minorities has no place in the White House. President Trump and other officials in this Administration should publicly condemn these anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and make clear that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated by this White House, including from its supporters." Click here to access the signed letter. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1806 | CRIST AMENDMENT SECURES RED TIDE FUNDING IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH BILL, PASSES HOUSE | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | CRIST AMENDMENT SECURES RED TIDE FUNDING IN CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH BILL, PASSES HOUSE f t # e Washington, DC, December 10, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist released the following statement on inclusion of his amendment to H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, which passed the House this afternoon by a vote of 262-151. The Crist amendment, which passed by a vote of 297-121, would clarify that projects to address harmful algae blooms, such as red tide, are eligible for, and more likely to receive, funding from the new grant program created by the underlying bill. This grant program awards funds to states to promote coastal resiliency and address climate change.Last year, Pinellas County was hit hard by red tide harming our beaches, our wildlife, and our economy. As Floridians, we must pursue all avenues to combat this threat head-on,said Rep. Crist. This amendment prioritizes red tide mitigation and eradication projects as we redouble our efforts in The People's House to fight climate change and its impact on our coastal communities. H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, is a bipartisan package of bills protecting vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. The bill creates programs to support Tribal, state, and community projects that protect, restore, and preserve coastal zones and working waterfronts; as well as helping communities prepare for and respond to climate change. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mucarsel-powell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=282 | House Passes Mucarsel-Powell Amendment Providing Grants for Coral Reefs | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell | M001207 | mucarsel-powell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today,U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell(FL-26)applauded bipartisan House passage of her amendment toH.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act.H.R. 729 creates a federal grant program under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assist states, local governments, and non-governmental organizations in the construction of living shorelines. Rep. Mucarsel-Powell's amendment ensures that coral reefs are eligible for these grants. Coral reefs have a tremendous amount of biodiversity that is unparalleled under the surface. They are the rainforest of the ocean and they are essential for our tourism industry and for our fishing industry both recreational and commercial,said Mucarsel-Powell. With this amendment, we will be taking an important step forward in our efforts to protect and restore our reefs. H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, is a package of ten bipartisan bills passed by the House of Representatives today, December 10, 2019. Floor Speech can be foundHERE. Bill text can be foundHERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2204 | Shalala Statement on House Reaching an Agreement on USMCA | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement on Speaker Pelosi's announcement that the House of Representatives has reached an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) with United States Trade Representative Lighthizer: I am happy to hear that Congressional leadership and Ambassador Lighthizer have reached a deal on the USMCA. For months now, I've been hearing from businesses and workers in my district about the importance of improving our trade relationship with our largest trading partners. I plan to carefully review the provisions of this agreement, but if it levels the playing field, provides necessary protections, and lays the foundation for expansion of American prosperity, I will support it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/miami-constituent-and-haitian-activist-leonie-m-hermantintestifies | Miami Constituent and Haitian Activist Leonie M. HermantinTestifies Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson welcomed Haitian activist and community leader Leonie M. Hermantin to the nation's capital where she testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs today. She was one of several experts invited to speak at a hearing on Haiti on the Brink: Assessing U.S. Policy Toward a Country in Crisis. Haiti has for the past year been embroiled in a political crisis that is creating a humanitarian one. Ongoing protests have blocked roads, businesses are going bankrupt, thousands of children have for months been unable to attend school, and more than three million Haitians are struggling to meet their daily food requirements. Today's hearing was the first time a House committee has focused issues related to the island nation, even though it has been struggling to recover from various natural and man-made disasters for nearly a decade. Although Congresswoman Wilson does not sit on the Foreign Affairs Committee, she represents one of the nation's largest Haitian communities and was invited to recommend a witness and to also speak at the hearing. In October, Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined the Florida lawmaker in Miami for a roundtable discussion on Haiti. As a nation of values and the rule of law, we cannot remain silent when there are credible allegations of corruption, human rights abuses and other atrocities in Haiti, Congresswoman Wilson said. We must speak up. But first we must listen. That's why today's hearing is so important and timely. I hope it is the first of many congressional hearings on Haiti. Hermantin, who is the director of development, communication and strategic planning for Miami's Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, urged U.S. policymakers to increase support for cross-border anticorruption programs, which she said will have an immediate effect on local governance and yield positive impacts on social and economic policies. She also recommended that the Unites States partner Haitians and diaspora experts on programs to aid Haiti instead of large developm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3017 | ICYMI: Rep. Frankel Defends Voting Rights on the House Floor | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Lois Frankel | F000462 | frankel.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC On Friday, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) took to the House floor to support H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation to restore the strength of the Voting Rights Act to combat voter discrimination. The bill passed the house by a vote of 228 to 187 and now goes to the Senate. The House has passed more than 275 bipartisan bills this Congress that are now stuck in the Senate, where Mitch McConnell refuses to bring them to the floor for a vote. Below are Rep. Frankel's remarks as delivered: Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. It has been a hard-fought right, because we must ensure that every American that is eligible to vote can make their voice heard. And this right has been trampled on after the Shelby County v. Holder court decision which has unleashed a flood of state and local voter suppression laws and silencing targeted voters, particularly communities of color. And in my home state of Florida, laws and policies have cut back early voting, established English-only ballots, and are now trying to thwart efforts to restore voting rights to ex-felons, hurting the access to the ballot box for Floridians. H.R. 4 will push back against suppressive voting laws, restoring the great equalizer for democracy, and for our people. For video of the speech, click here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2203 | Media Advisory: Reps. Shalala, Frankel, Mucarsel-Powell, and Wilson to Hold Press Call Ahead of this Weeks Vote to Lower Drugs Costs | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Tomorrow, Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) along with Reps. Lois Frankel(FL-21), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) will host a press call for Florida reporters Tuesday, December 10, at 4 PM EST ahead of a Thursday vote in the U.S House of Representatives to pass the landmark Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drugs Costs Now Act. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies to bring down prices and make those savings available to Floridians with private insurance too, not just those on Medicare. The Members will highlight data on how the bills will help Florida patients. WHO: Representatives Donna Shalala (FL-27), Lois Frankel(FL-21), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) WHAT: Call with Florida media ahead of historic passage of Lower Drug Costs Now Act. WHEN: Tuesday, December 10, at 4 PM EST Dial-in number: 425-436-6200 Access Code: 546782 THE LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT WOULD LOWER DRUG COSTS AND EXPAND BENEFITS: The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would: Give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies to bring down prices and create powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions; Make the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance too, not just those on Medicare; Stop drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs by limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug; Create a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for people on Medicare; Save taxpayers approximately $500 billion over the next ten years and reinvest that savings into: Expanding Medicare benefits to cover things like dental, vision and hearing, Combatting the addiction crisis, and Researching new cures and treatments. THE LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT WOULD SAVE MONEY: Independent experts found the Low… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402707 | Rep. Deutch Op-Ed: The US should adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism | 2019-12-07 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Op-Ed: The US should adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism The Times of Israel December 7, 2019Click here to access the op-ed on the Times of Israel website. After more than 100 Jewish graves were desecrated in the French city of Westhoffen this week, French leaders condemned the anti-Semitic graffiti and vowed to take action. Anti-Semitism is a crime and we will fight it in Westhoffen as everywhere until our dead can sleep in peace, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Strong words by national leaders can help delegitimize bigotry and send messages of support to at-risk communities. But strong actions can help prevent the violence and punish the perpetrators. In the United States, we are by no means exempt from the growing and troubling trend of anti-Semitic incidents, from graffiti to vile language to physical attacks. It was just over one year ago that the deadliest attack on American Jews occurred when a gunman killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. It was earlier this year that Lori Gilbert-Kaye was killed as she attended Shabbat services at the Chabad of Poway, California. Jews have been targeted, harassed, and even attacked while walking in their neighborhoods and heading to school in New York City. According to the FBI's 2018 Hate Crime Statistics Act report, 57.8% of hate crimes motivated by religious bias were against Jews. Conspiracy theories that Jews control the government, the media, and global finance have found their way into daily discourse and political advertisements and are spread far and wide on the internet. In Congress, we have not been silent. Four years ago, we launched the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism as a forum for understanding the threats against Jews at home and abroad and developing legislative ways to address them. After hearing firsthand accounts of the worsening climate for Jewish students on college campuses, I introduced the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act to strengthen the US Department of Education's ability to respon… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403122 | U.S. House Passes the Voting Rights Advancement Act | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement on the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), H.R. 4, that would restore the protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act: share: f t U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement on the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), H.R. 4, that would restore the protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act: The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. Many brave men and women marched, bled and died to secure this fundamental right. Today, the House acted to restore the vital protections of Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act and improve access to the ballot box, said Castor. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted voting protections in Shelby County v. Holder and paved the way for states - including Florida - to interfere with the right to vote. Voter suppression campaigns, voter roll purges and insidious barriers to the voting booth, including elimination of preclearance' requirements in Florida, swept the country. The Voting Rights Advancement Act passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives today will help ensure that Floridians and all Americans are not subjected to harmful and unreasonable voting restrictions. The right to register, vote, and be assured that our vote counted equally to all other Americans' vote, for more than 110 years, been crucial to the national NAACP, the state of Florida, and the people of Hillsborough County, said Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP. Because of our sad history of racism and discrimination, when it came to who could register and vote in our area, Hillsborough County has, since the mid- 1970's, been required to obtain preclearance before making any changes to the time, place, or manner of casting a vote. Those who proposed the changes in the voting process had to demonstrate that there would be no racial or ethnic discrimination or d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2201 | Congresswoman Shalala Introduces Legislation to Increase Number of Green Cards Available, Eliminate the Backlog, and Keep Families Together | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) introduced the Resolving Extended Limbo for Immigrant Employees and Families (RELIEF) Act, a bill that would eliminate the family and employment green card backlog by increasing the number of green cards available for those purposes. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) is an original cosponsor of the bill. The Relief Act is the House companion to S.2603, a bill filed earlier this year in the Senate by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Leahy (D-VT). For years now, businesses in my district and across America have been hamstrung when trying to attract the world's best talent because of our outdated family and employment-based green card policies said Shalala. This bill is a commonsense solution that will keep families together, streamline our immigration processes, and make America more competitive in our increasingly globalized world. In Florida, the green card backlog breaks up too many families, sidetracks too many careers and constrains too many businesses to leave unaddressed. These outdated policies benefit no one, and this bill would modernize this flawed system, Wasserman Schultz said. The RELIEF Act would make America more competitive and help keep the families of our friends and co-workers together. The RELEIF Act would eliminate the family and employment-based green card backlog within five years. Additionally, it would help keep American families together by reclassifying spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (LPR) to be exempt from annual green card limits, protect aging out children who qualify for LPR status based on a parent's immigration petition, and lift country caps on the number of available green cards. Nearly four million future Americans are on the immigrant visa waiting list, in addition to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the United States who are also waiting for green cards. However, under current law only 226,000 family green cards and 140,000 employment green cards are available annually. You can find the fu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-joins-house-democrats-pass-voting-rights-advancement-act | Rep. Soto Joins House Democrats to Pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | soto | https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Rep. Soto Votes to Pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) joined House Democrats in passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), legislation that restores voting protections in states with a recent history of discrimination. Five years after the Supreme Court's Shelby County v. Holder decision that gutted the Voting Rights Act, the VRAA creates a modern-day formula to determine which jurisdictions have had a recent history of voter discrimination. The VRAA addresses a wave of voter ID laws, racial gerrymandering and other voter suppression tactics enacted at the state level. The VRAA restores preclearance enforcement of jurisdictions that have had repeated voting rights violations within the last 25 years. "The fight for voting rights is as urgent today as it was over 50 years ago when the VRA was first enacted," said Rep. Soto. "The passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act is just one step further in our work to prevent discrimination, protect the rights of all voters and restore the promise of voter equality for all Floridians." The VRAA seeks to restore full protections to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by reinstating the legislative enforcement arm. Specifically, the bill will take into account the Shelby ruling and update the VRA pre-clearance provision to focus on states with a recent history of discrimination. There are three ways to become a covered jurisdiction: States with a history of 15 or more violation at any level in the previous 25 years; States with a history of 10 or more violation, if one violation occurs at the state level in the previous 25 years; Subdivisions with 3 or more violations in the subdivision in the previous 25 years. Should the VRAA become law, 11 current states are expected to require the Justice Department to pre-clear changes to state voting laws: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1803 | CRIST LEADS FLORIDA DEMOCRATS TO STOP SOLAR SUNSET | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) led alettersigned by all 13 Democratic members of the Florida Congressional delegation urging an extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) before the end of the year. In the letter, the Members cite the solar credit's unique and critical role in the health of Florida's environment, economy, and future. In addition to being extremely vulnerable to climate change, Florida is #2 in the nation for solar jobs and projected solar deployment over the next five years. The Solar ITC is scheduled to begin to sunset from 30 percent to 26 percent at the end of this year just 27 days from now.Allowing this phase-down to begin would stunt the continued growth of the solar industry something that will be particularly harmful in Florida,the Members wrote. Failure to extend the ITC will also make it more difficult to reach net zero emissions by 2050. According to Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, extending the ITC would drive $87 billion in economic activity, create 113,000 jobs, and offset 363 million metric tons of carbon emissions over the next ten years or roughly 21% of all U.S. electric emissions. The Members continue, It's no secret that Florida is already feeling the impacts of climate change. Rising seas, severe weather events, and harmful algae blooms have become daily realities for our constituents. A 2018 report from the International Panel on Climate Change found that rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented policy reforms are needed in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This includes reaching net zero emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050. One of the fastest and simplest ways to do this is to incentivize a transition to a clean energy economy and the ITC is a powerful federal tool available to help us meet that goal. The Members' full letter can be viewedhere, the text of which appearing below. December 4, 2019 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Steny Hoyer Speaker Majority Leader U.S. House of Represen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://soto.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-soto-pushes-national-memorial-pulse-nightclub-shooting-victims | Rep. Soto Pushes National Memorial for Pulse Nightclub Shooting Victims | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | legacy | 12/4/2019 647 S.151 Yea 12/4/2019 646 H.RES.739 Yea 12/4/2019 645 H.RES.739 Yea 12/3/2019 644 S.178 Yea 12/3/2019 643 H.RES.546 Yea | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-speaks-out-against-hud-illegal-withholding-puerto-rico-aid | Rep. Soto Speaks Out Against HUD Illegal Withholding of Puerto Rico Aid | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | soto | https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) joined other Members of Congress for a press conference to mark 90 days since the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) broke the law. The Department ignored a statutory deadline to issue a Federal Register notice detailing how Puerto Rico can use $8.2 billion in disaster relief aid appropriated by Congress through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and continues to withhold $1.9 billion for electric grid upgrades. Puerto Ricans continue to suffer from major hurricanes that made landfall more than two years ago while HUD illegally withholds this aid. Rep. Soto delivered the following remarks at the press conference: "Puerto Rico suffered the disaster that was Hurricane Irma. They suffered the disaster that was Hurricane Maria, and now they suffer from the disaster of the lawless Presidency of Donald J. Trump. We know the games they're playing. They're requiring local governments with no money to try and put up funding when they have no ability to do that. They're slow-rolling contracts, asking for additional details, beyond additional details, beyond additional details, that states like Texas and Florida have already been able to rebuild with. When you land in San Juan like I've done many times, much of the city looks back to normal, other than a few buildings, but when you go out to the suburbs and the countryside, it's unmistakable. It looks like the hurricane just happened last week. When you go to places like Canóvanas, or Lares, or Utuado, where more than half the homes there are in disrepair and people are waiting for funds to rebuild. You go to Vieques, they got a hospital that hasn't been open in years and cancer patients and diabetes patients need to go on a boat just to get back to the island for healthcare. When you look at schools that have been closed and mold has set a hold on these places where they can't even be opened right now, you truly understand the devastation that is withholding these funds… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-soto-demings-and-murphys-pulse-memorial-bill-gets-heard-natural-resources | Reps. Soto, Demings and Murphy's Pulse Memorial Bill Gets Heard at the Natural Resources Committee | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | soto | https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) spoke at the Natural Resources Committee's legislative hearing on H.R. 3094 that calls for the designation of Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized National Memorial Site. This bill was introduced in June of this year on the two-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting which directly targeted members of the LGBTQ and Hispanic community. "This memorial will be critical for our nation to remember those 49 angels we lost, providing a place for reflection and to pay respects, and educate future generations on combatting hate against our LGBTQ and LatinX communities," said Rep. Soto. Rep. Val Demings said, "This important legislation is one step closer to law. The victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting deserve to be remembered in a special way. We lost so much on June 12, 2016, but we must continue to stand united as we work to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community for all people." "I'm proud to be part of this joint effort to designate Pulse as a National Memorial Site," said Rep. Stephanie Murphy. "We owe it to the families and loved ones of the 49 victims to honor their memories by dedicating a national memorial that reflects the same love, hope, and respect that showed the world why we are Orlando Strong. I will keep working with Reps. Soto and Demings to ensure that this bill moves forward in the House and can soon be passed into law." On June 12, 2016, 49 lives were tragically taken and 68 others were injured at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Following the tragedy, the site of the Pulse Nightclub has become a permanent symbol in the Central Florida community. The creation of this memorial will ensure that not only the city of Orlando, but the Nation never forgets the need for love, acceptance and hope. Rep. Soto's remarks at the hearing are here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402705 | Deutch Statement on Judiciary Committee Impeachment Inquiry Hearing | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Deutch Statement on Judiciary Committee Impeachment Inquiry Hearing f t # e Washington, December 4, 2019 Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued this statement following the impeachment inquiry hearing on "Constitutional Grounds for Presidential Impeachment":"Over the last few weeks, the American people heard directly from witnesses of the President's misconduct, including longtime civil servants, respected diplomats, and a Purple Heart veteran. The impeachment inquiry report details the scope of this misconduct, including the President's abuse of power for his own political gain and his unprecedented obstruction of the investigation. Now, the House Judiciary Committee has the profoundly solemn responsibility of determining whether the offenses amount to impeachable offenses. "I took an oath of office to put the interests of the nation above my own, just as my late father did 75 years ago when he fought for our nation in the Battle of the Bulge. Our Constitution lays out the remedy for violations of this oath and abuses of power, including bribery, and prescribes this authority to Congress. Today, we continued our work as a co-equal branch of government to weigh the evidence and decide whether President Trump's actions, which have undermined our national security and obstructed our investigations, are impeachable offenses." Click the image below to view Congressman Deutch's statement. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://crist.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1801 | CRIST BILL FIGHTING SPAM CALLS WILL SOON HEAD TO PRESIDENTS DESK | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Charlie Crist | C001111 | crist.house.gov | legacy | CRIST BILL FIGHTING SPAM CALLS WILL SOON HEAD TO PRESIDENT'S DESK f t # e Washington, DC, December 4, 2019 Washington, DC U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on passage of his Spam Calls Task Force Act (H.R. 721) by both chambers of the United States Congress. The legislation, which was included in the TRACED Act (S. 151), introduced by Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Senator John Thune (R-SD), passed the House this afternoon by a vote of 417-3 and is expected to soon head to the President's desk. In 2018 alone, Floridians experienced close to 4 billion spam calls invading their privacy and putting their personal information at risk. Today we say, enough is enough', putting the full weight of the federal government behind ending this scourge on the American people,said Rep. Crist. I am proud of this bipartisan, bicameral effort, and look forward to seeing the Spam Calls Task Force Act signed into law." Background on the Spam Calls Task Force Act: The legislation directs the Attorney General to work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convene an interagency working group with other federal and state agencies to address the following issues relating to spam calls: Determine if any Federal laws, regulations, or policies inhibit the enforcement of section of the Telephone Consumer Protections Act that prohibits spam/scam calls; Identify existing and potential policies and programs that encourage and improve coordination among departments, agencies, and states; Identify existing and potential international policies and programs; Consider if additional resources would be helpful; Consider if formal agreements between states and the federal government and/or foreign governments would be helpful; and Consider if i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shalala.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2199 | Congresswoman Donna Shalala to Lead Hearing on Human Trafficking | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Donna Shalala | S001206 | shalala.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) announced today that Congressman Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Chairman of the Rules Committee's Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, has invited her to lead a subcommittee hearing on human trafficking Wednesday, December 11th at 10:30 AM EDT in H-313, the Capitol. Solving an Epidemic: Addressing human trafficking around major events like the Super Bowl and the need for cross-jurisdictional solutions will focus on the complexities of combatting human trafficking, ways the federal government is assisting local law enforcement, and the additional resources needed to increase prevention. Sadly, human trafficking affects communities all across our nation, but the Super Bowl is a day that could help shine a light on something that persists largely in the shadows. The United States has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the world and it only increases in local communities that are home to major events and heavy tourism. I am painfully aware that my home state of Florida is not alone in facing this epidemic, which is why I have introduced several bills to address this urgent issue, including H.R.4388, a bipartisan bill to prevent youth human trafficking and exploitation, which would provide prevention training in our high-need school communities. As preparations for Super Bowl LIV continue in Miami, I welcome my esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Donna Shalala's leadership on this important hearing, which will examine how the federal government can better fight this heinous form of modern-day slavery, said Chairman Hastings. I want to thank Chairman Hastings for the opportunity to lead this hearing. Human trafficking is a challenge that countless communities across America - including my own - are struggling with every day, said Congresswoman Shalala. Congress has the power to provide real solutions to this problem, but we need to understand how to best address the challenges that human trafficking presents. I look forward to hearing the testimony of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402706 | House Passes Deutch Bill to Allow Nonviolent Elderly Prisoners to Serve Remaining Sentence at Home | 2019-12-03 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Ted Deutch's (FL-22) legislation (H.R. 4018) that would allow nonviolent elderly prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentence in a home detention program.H.R. 4018 was co-sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Doug Collins (GA-09), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Chairwoman Karen Bass (CA-37), and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). The Elderly and Family Reunification for Certain Non-Violent Offenders Pilot Program, which was reauthorized by the FIRST STEP Act of 2018, permits the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to transfereligible nonviolent elderly prisoners into a home detention pilot program based on the prisoner serving two-thirds of their sentence. However, as the statute is currently interpreted, the two-thirds sentence does not include good time credit. This bill would clarify the law to allow eligible nonviolent elderly prisoners to include good time credit as part of their two-thirds sentence requirement. Prisoners in the federal system can earn up to 54 days per year in good time credits that subtract from their total sentence. "I'm grateful for the support of Ranking Member Collins, Congressman Jeffries, Chairwoman Bass, and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers on this bill," Congressman Deutch said. "With its passage, we are making an important clarification to the pilot program that allows elderly prisoners to transition to home confinement for the remainder of their sentence. As elderly prisoners are among the most vulnerable populations in prisons, this fix to include good time credit will allow more of them to benefit from this program. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it will also reduce federal costs in our prison system." When the FIRST STEP Act was signed into law last year, it represented monumental bipartisan reform to our prison system. Today's bill builds upon that momentum because it promotes fairness in t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-announces-more-15-million-repair-hurricane-irma-damage-osceola | Rep. Soto Announces More Than $1.5 Million to Repair Hurricane Irma Damage to Osceola Government Buildings | 2019-12-02 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | soto | https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding to defray costs to Osceola County to restore damage sustained in Hurricane Irma. The funding is being granted under FEMA's Public Assistance Program and will be used to reimburse the county for expenses made to repair the administration building, parking structure and courthouse building. "Two years after Hurricane Irma made landfall, Central Florida is still recovering from long-term damages," said Rep. Soto. "With this funding, official sites will be able to function at their best capacity by first and foremost ensuring safety for its visitors and residents. This is a major step forward in our effort to restore our community!" In response to the damage, the county utilized Force Account Labor (FAL), Force Account Equipment (FAE), purchased materials, and contracts to repair / replace roof systems, ceiling tiles, drywall, carpet, lighting, signs, books and baseboards within the county owned and maintained buildings. All repairs will be made utilizing the same type of materials that were damaged. Funding for this Public Assistance (PA) project is authorized under Sections 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act for Florida to cover Hurricane Irma-related expenses, reimbursing eligible applicants for the cost of debris removal; life-saving emergency protective measures; and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities like buildings, roads and utilities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-to-host-forum-featuring-author-isha-sesay-and-a | Congresswoman Wilson to Host Forum Featuring Author Isha Sesay and a Former Chibok Girl | 2019-12-02 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Frederica Wilson | W000808 | wilson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. There is an African proverb that says, If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family and a whole nation. More than five years after the horrifying kidnapping of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls captured the world's attention, 112 of the young women are still unaccounted for. And, as Boko Haram's ten-year reign of terror continues to wreak havoc in Nigeria and its neighboring nations, countless girls and women are being robbed of the educational and other opportunities that would enable them to invest in themselves, their families and their communities. On Thursday, December 5, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will host a forum titled Educate a Girl, Empower a Nation, featuring Isha Sesay, award-winning former journalist and author of Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram; Patience Bulus, a former Chibok girl who has not allowed the traumatic ordeal to diminish her determination to go as far as her desire to learn will take her; Dr. Jacob Udo Udo Jacob, visiting international scholar at Dickinson College and director of the institution's college bridge program; and Oge Onubogu, senior program officer for Africa Programs at the United States Institute of Peace. Reps. Lois Frankel, Brenda Lawrence; Karen Bass, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Carolyn Maloney have been invited to participate. This event is an unparalleled opportunity to hear from a group of people with unique experiences and perspectives that center around issues they collectively care about. Attendees will learn why, more than five years later, the Chibok girls kidnapping still matters and the challenges and rewards of providing educational, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to girls and women across the African continent. We may soon mark six years since the kidnapping and while the headlines have died down, my commitment to the #BringBackOurGirls movement burns as brightly today as it did in 2014, says Congresswoman Wilson. I am excited to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-soto-against-implementation-safe-third-country-agreement-guatemala | Rep. Soto Against the Implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala | 2019-11-27 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | FL | Darren Soto | S001200 | soto.house.gov | soto | https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC— This week, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) joined Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and several of their colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf that condemns the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement between the United States and Guatemala. The agreement allows the U.S. government to deport asylum seekers to Guatemala if they have passed through the country on their way to the U.S. border. This agreement falsely claims that Guatemala is a safe country. Nevertheless, Guatemala does not have the resources to accept migrants who are sent to the country and have several conditions that pose a risk to the safety and well-being of asylum seekers. Reports of violence are still high in Guatemala and sending migrants there would put them at extreme risk. Guatemala holds one of the highest female homicide rates at 2 homicides per 100,000 females, and evidence shows that conditions in the country are still unsafe. This agreement is not only wrong, but it violates protocols that the U.S. has signed that bans the deportation of migrants to areas where there is a high chance they could be harmed. "The ‘Safe Third Country' agreement is yet another ploy by the administration to undermine our asylum laws while closing the door on migrants fleeing violence and persecution," said Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). "In the face of a humanitarian crisis, we should be welcoming migrants with open arms, not sending them back to the very conditions they're trying to escape. This complete lack of leadership could have devastating consequences." "This agreement is just another racist attempt by this administration to refuse migrants access to asylum. We must fight for those applying for asylum, many who are women and children, and protect them from the dangerous conditions this administration is forcing upon them," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). "This agreement will not help migrants and will instead send them to dangerous and violent conditions. We… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:43:09Z |
| http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402701 | Deutch Statement on Animal Cruelty Bill Signed into Law | 2019-11-25 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | FL | Ted Deutch | D000610 | teddeutch.house.gov | legacy | Deutch Statement on Animal Cruelty Bill Signed into Law f t # e Washington, November 25, 2019 This afternoon, Congressman Ted Deutch's (FL-22) legislation to make animal cruelty a federal crime was signed into law. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 724), introduced with Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), criminalizes certain acts of animal cruelty.The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the PACT Act on October 22. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the legislation on November 5. Congressman Deutch: "With President Trump signing the PACT Act, animal cruelty is no longer just unacceptable, it is now illegal. We can now finally say that animal abuse is a federal crime in the United States. Americans have long stood in support of animal welfare protections, and now our national laws reflect these values. This bipartisan achievement has been years in the making, and I am proud to have been a part of this great effort alongside Congressman Buchanan and so many advocates and passionate citizens who made this possible." In 2010, Congress passed the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which made the creation and distribution of animal crushing videos illegal. However, the underlying acts of cruelty against animals were not included. The PACT Act closes this loophole by prohibiting certain cases of animal abuse. A fact sheet for the PACT Act can befound here. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stephaniemurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1174 | Murphy, Fitzpatrick, Kuster Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Addiction Treatment Options | 2019-11-25 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | FL | Stephanie Murphy | M001202 | stephaniemurphy.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Reps. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), have re-introduced theRoad to Recovery Act bipartisan legislation that would improve addiction treatment options under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and help combat the growing opioid epidemic. This bill would repeal a federal lawcalled the IMD exclusionand authorize Medicaid and CHIP to cover treatment at licensed, accredited residential facilities for individuals addicted to opioids and other drugs. The IMD exclusion is a long-standing policy that prohibits federal Medicaid matching funds to states for services rendered to Medicaid-eligible individuals who are patients for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Some states have used an in lieu of services provision allowing for inpatient treatment, but with limitations on patient population, facility size, and length of stay. These limitations disproportionately affect Medicaid beneficiaries. Opioids have destroyed lives, families and communities throughout central Florida and this country,said Murphy.Congress must pursue bipartisan solutions to end the opioid epidemic, which is why I'm proud to partner with Reps. Fitzpatrick and Kuster to introduce legislation that will help ensure that men and women addicted to opioids can obtain the high-quality treatment they need and deserve. I am proud to re-introduce the Road to Recovery Act with Reps. Kuster and Murphy. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation would remove the IMD exclusion for substance use disorder and help states expand access to inpatient addiction services for Medicaid enrollees in a fiscally responsible manner while not intruding on a state's flexibility to implement care. The IMD exclusion' blocks access for the most vulnerable in our society, saidFitzpatrick.Pennsylvania has been overwhelmed by the opioid epidemic, and an important part of combatting this epidemic is by ensuring that more Americans can receive life-saving care. Our constituents need tr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401277 | Hastings and Wilson Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging the Establishment of a Regional FDA Office in Israel | 2019-11-22 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) led the following letter to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, urging the establishment of a regional office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the State of Israel. Joining Hastings and Wilson in sending the letter include: Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Grace Meng (D-NY), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Darren Soto (D-FL), W. Gregory Steube (R-FL), David Trone (D-MD), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Ron Wright (R-TX), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), and Charlie Crist (D-FL). (Please find below and attached a copy of the letter): November 22, 2019 The Honorable Alex Azar Secretary United States Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20201 Dear Secretary Azar: As Members of the House of Representatives who are committed to the U.S.-Israel relationship, we write to urge you to use your authorities under 21 USC 2242 to establish a regional office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the State of Israel. As a global leader in innovation, Israel's world class medical research programs have spurred breakthrough developments in medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and other advancements in medicine that have positively impacted the global health system. We believe establishing an FDA office in Israel would facilitate collaboration in life-saving research and is a natural step for strengthening the special relationship between our countries. As you know, products regulated by the FDA come from more than 300,000 facilities in more than 150 countries. As the FDA continues its important work of ensuring product integrity to protect U.S. consumers, the ever-increasing volume of imported products continues to pose new challenge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403103 | Castor: This $200k EPA grant ensures pathways to opportunity, success, good-paying jobs for East Tampa neighbors | 2019-11-22 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | FL | Kathy Castor | C001066 | castor.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) was joined by Ernest Coney, CEO and President of Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc (CDC of Tampa), Wanda Jennings of EPA Region 4 and other leaders to announce a $200,000 grant for the CDC through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant. share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) was joined by Ernest Coney, CEO and President of Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc (CDC of Tampa), Wanda Jennings of EPA Region 4 and other leaders to announce a $200,000 grant for the CDC through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant. Castor championed the grant for critical environmental workforce training to bring our East Tampa neighbors into higher-paying jobs. The grant aims to create a skilled workforce in communities where EPA brownfields assessment and cleanup activities are taking place. Video is available here. Photos are available here. We need a shot in the arm in this community to make sure that everyone has a path to opportunity, success and a good paying job- that's what this grant is all about. The EPA has been a very good partner for us here in Tampa to create partnerships that allow properties to be redeveloped and cleaned up. But when we clean up and develop our neighborhoods, we want to hire from our neighborhoods, said Castor. We want to make sure that our neighbors right here in Tampa are getting the good-paying jobs grants like this provide. One of the reasons that I love this partnership so much is because we bring in University of South Florida to help train these young people everyone is playing a role in making our community safer and more prosperous. Good things are happening right here in East Tampa if you think back to over 10 years ago, we were really hurting. People were losing their jobs, their homes, we were in the worst recession of our life… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-introduces-digital-evidence-bill | Rep. Demings Introduces Digital Evidence Bill | 2019-11-22 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | FL | Val Demings | D000627 | demings.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) today introduced new bipartisan legislation to enable law enforcement to adapt to a rapidly-digitizing world. Her bill is cosponsored by Conor Lamb (D-PA), Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), and John Rutherford (R-FL). The Technology in Criminal Justice Act of 2019 would help state and local law enforcement modernize their digital evidence procedures and equip them with the resources, knowledge, and support to access, decipher, and use data when they have legal authority to do so. Rep. Demings said, as a former law enforcement officer, I have seen first-hand the importance of digital evidence as we work to keep our communities safe and hold people accountable. Digital evidence has been crucial in cases ranging from financial crimes to child endangerment. Only with proper training can we ensure that communities are being kept safe and that officers know both the techniques and the most up-to-date practices to protect both the safety and the privacy of the communities they serve. It is critical that law enforcement agencies ranging from the federal level to local cities and towns have the tools and training needed to follow the evidence, physical or digital, wherever it leads. Jennifer Daskal, Professor and Faculty Director of the Tech, Law, Security Program at American University Washington College of Law, said, This bipartisan, common-sense solution is exactly what is needed to modernize law enforcement. It will ensure that there is adequate resourcing, training and dissemination of knowledge to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. And it will help to ensure the effective and appropriate use of digital evidence in law enforcement cases, consistent with respect for civil liberties and the authorities that exist. It is exactly the kind of much needed reform that I and others have urged in the follow-up to this CSIS report, Low-Hanging Fruit: Evidence Based Solutions to the Digital Evidence Challenge. It is time that our state and local law enforcement finally rec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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