url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365150,Hastings' Statement on the Expiration of Unemployment Benefits,2013-12-28,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings' Statement on the Expiration of Unemployment Benefits f t # e Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 28, 2013 Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after emergency unemployment benefits lapsed for the first time since 2008:   “Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for having left so many Americans out in the cold this holiday season.   “Starting today, an estimated 1.3 million Americans will face new hardships because of Republicans’ failure to extend unemployment benefits. Millions more may lose their unemployment in the upcoming year, if Republicans do not allow Congress to extend these vital benefits.   “Unemployment compensation is neither reckless nor wasteful spending – it is a lifeline for millions of families struggling to recover from the worst economic recession of our time. Congress’ first order of business in the new year must be to address this failure, and to ensure that Americans facing difficult times are provided with the support they need as they continue to look for work.”   Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=112,President Obama Signs Frankel Provision on Military Sexual Assault into Law,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Barack Obama today signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes Congresswoman Lois Frankel's provision that directs the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses their position in the Military Chain of Command. Frankel's provision was inspired by constituent Elisha Morrow, a former Coast Guard recruit and victim of sexual harassment in the military, who brought her harrowing story to Frankel and they worked together to try to strengthen the flawed military justice system. The measure in the national defense bill seeks to address a flaw in current military law, which requires proof of physical harm or threat of life in order to prosecute a commanding officer for serious sexual crimes. The current law does not account for situations in which the superior abuses his or her position to take advantage of victims. Senator Bill Nelson introduced a companion measure to Frankel's. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House earlier this month and the Senate last Thursday night. Our sons and daughters who put on the military uniform deserve a new day for justice, said Frankel, who is the mother of a Marine war veteran. No military recruit or service member should endure what Elisha and countless other men and women have. This national defense bill is a significant step forward, however we cannot rest until the men and women who protect us know that we will protect them. I cannot put into words how much it means to see this bill signed into law, said Elisha Morrow, a Boynton Beach resident. Though the opportunity for justice in our case has passed, it is truly healing to know future military members will now be able to receive the justice due to them. Additional resources on Frankel's provision: Sun-Sentinel Boot-camp hell leading to new law WFLX-Elisha Morrow's Quest for Justice for Military Sexual Assault Victims with Rep. Frankel Frankel's Floor Speech on the Provision Inspired by Elisha Morrow ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301153307/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-signs-frankel-provision-on-military-sexual-assault-into,President Obama Signs Frankel Provision on Military Sexual Assault into Law,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"President Barack Obama today signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s provision that directs the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses their position in the Military Chain of Command. Frankel’s provision was inspired by constituent Elisha Morrow, a former Coast Guard recruit and victim of sexual harassment in the military, who brought her harrowing story to Frankel and they worked together to try to strengthen the flawed military justice system. The measure in the national defense bill seeks to address a flaw in current military law, which requires proof of physical harm or threat of life in order to prosecute a commanding officer for serious sexual crimes. The current law does not account for situations in which the superior abuses his or her position to take advantage of victims. Senator Bill Nelson introduced a companion measure to Frankel’s. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House earlier this month and the Senate last Thursday night. “Our sons and daughters who put on the military uniform deserve a new day for justice,” said Frankel, who is the mother of a Marine war veteran. “No military recruit or service member should endure what Elisha and countless other men and women have. This national defense bill is a significant step forward, however we cannot rest until the men and women who protect us know that we will protect them.” “I cannot put into words how much it means to see this bill signed into law,” said Elisha Morrow, a Boynton Beach resident. “Though the opportunity for justice in our case has passed, it is truly healing to know future military members will now be able to receive the justice due to them.” Additional resources on Frankel’s provision: Sun-Sentinel Boot-camp hell leading to new law WFLX-Elisha Morrow’s Quest for Justice for Military Sexual Assault Victims with Rep. Frankel Frankel’s Floor Speech on the Provision Inspired by Elisha Morrow       ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364822,Hastings and Posey Call for Transparency in CFPB Auto Lending Guidance,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Bill Posey (R-FL), along with 14 members of the Florida Congressional delegation, sent the following letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray, expressing concerns regarding the agency’s March 21, 2013 guidance and its potential impact on the auto dealer industry, indirect vehicle financing market, and consumers nationwide. (Please also find below and attached a copy of the letter). Joining Hastings and Posey as co-signers of the letter were: (14) Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Corrine Brown, John L. Mica, Jeff Miller, Mario Diaz-Balart, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Theodore E. Deutch, Richard B. Nugent, Dennis A. Ross, Frederica S. Wilson, Ron DeSantis, Lois Frankel, Joe Garcia, and Patrick E. Murphy The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) supported the letter. December 18, 2013 The Honorable Richard Cordray Director Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 1700 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20552 Dear Director Cordray: As members of the Florida Congressional delegation, we write to express our concerns regarding guidance issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on March 21, 2013 that could negatively impact the auto dealer industry, indirect vehicle financing market, and consumers in our state and nationwide.  It is our understanding that the CFPB issued this guidance based on an assessment of disparate impact under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), and that it believes there to be the potential for pricing disparities based on race, national origin, and other prohibited factors.  Allegations of discriminatory lending practices are deeply troubling, and therefore it is extremely important that we understand the methodologies and analyses used to reach this conclusion.  With that in mind, we ask that the CFPB fully respond to all Congressional requests for the raw data and specific methodology used to determine instances of “disparate impact” and formulate the new guidance. The auto dealer industry contributes greatly to our nation’s economy and that of our state and local communities.  In particular, auto dealer sales represent about $47 billion annually.  Florida ranks as the third-largest state in the country in terms of number of vehicles, the sale of which account for 16 percent of retail sales tax.  Furthermore, there are approximately 850 new car dealers in Florida, providing tens of thousands of direct jobs and supporting millions more in related sectors.  Auto lending, including the indirect auto financing market, helps many hardworking individuals afford the vehicles they need to access job opportunities and support their families.  As a result of the CFPB’s new guidance, we understand that 17,000 price discounters stand to be eliminated from the auto finance marketplace.  Prior to the CFPB’s fair lending guidance bulletin, auto dealers have been able to offer consumers a competitive interest rate through indirect vehicle financing with a third-party lender, such as a bank, credit union, or other financial institution.  The ability of auto dealers to negotiate their retail margin in order to provide this service empowers consumers to make an informed decision regarding their financing options.  Frequently, it results in them obtaining a lower cost of credit than they would otherwise be able to secure from other creditors.  Although the compensation afforded to auto dealers is capped by contract, the totality of the CFPB’s guidance, press release, and reported enforcement actions suggests efforts to remove or significantly limit an auto dealer’s ability to negotiate competitive financing for their customers, and pressure lenders to replace the system of compensation with a flat fee per transaction or other mechanism. We have a responsibility to ensure that consumers are best served by a competitive and efficient credit market.  While we commend the CFPB for its commitment to addressing unlawful lending practices, we are concerned that Congress has yet to be provided with the complete data and other information necessary to conduct proper oversight of this matter.  For example, we note that it is unclear from your responses to date whether the Bureau is including the amount financed amongst the “appropriate analytical controls” used to determine whether a specific policy results in unlawful differences on a prohibited basis. We fear that the CFPB’s decision to issue guidance, without public comment or a formal rulemaking process, will significantly restrict consumer choice and services.  As you know, a bipartisan majority of the House Financial Services Committee, as well as 22 of our colleagues in the Senate, have written to you expressing similar concerns.  We share their request for specific explanations detailing the CFPB’s assessment of disparate impact in the indirect auto financing market, especially the extent to which it studied and considered the potential effects of its guidance on the cost of credit to consumers, auto dealers, and competition in the auto loan market.     In order to meet the highest levels of transparency and maximize access to credit for consumers in a manner that is fair and equitable, we urge the CFPB to respond to the aforementioned Congressional inquiries as soon as possible.  Without finality regarding this guidance, consumers will ultimately bear the cost as auto dealers will remain restricted in their ability to offer them the most competitive auto loan rates.  We thank you for your cooperation and look forward to your response.     Sincerely,                      Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress       Bill Posey Member of Congress           Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Member of Congress       Corrine Brown Member of Congress           John L. Mica Member of Congress       Jeff Miller Member of Congress           Mario Diaz-Balart Member of Congress       Debbie Wasserman Schultz Member of Congress           Theodore E. Deutch Member of Congress       Richard B. Nugent Member of Congress           Dennis A. Ross Member of Congress       Frederica S. Wilson Member of Congress           Ron DeSantis Member of Congress       Lois Frankel Member of Congress           Joe Garcia Member of Congress       Patrick E. Murphy Member of Congress           Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=362916,Town Hall Meeting with Reps. Deutch and Frankel,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"​TOWN HALL MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN TED DEUTCH and CONGRESSWOMAN LOIS FRANKEL! DON’T MISS THIS VERY SPECIAL MEETING! The Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations have invited Congressman Deutch and Congresswoman Frankel to speak at their upcoming delegation meeting in Valencia Shores. The Representatives will provide an update on what's happening in Washington and address questions from the COBWRA Delegation. When: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 9:30 am Where: Valencia Shores 7751 Valencia Shores Drive Lake Worth, FL 33467 (On the east side of Lyons Rd. between Boynton Beach Blvd. and Hypoluxo Rd.)   THE MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC No Tickets or Reservations Required ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221022948/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=349233&,"Nelson: I will go to Iran if it will help bring Bob Levinson home",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Nelson: I will go to Iran if it will help bring Bob Levinson home December 17, 2013      WASHINGTON, D.C. -  A U.S. lawmaker is offering to travel to Iran and meet with top Iranian officials over the fate of a missing American.  Such a trip would be the first for a member of Congress in at least three decades.   U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) made the offer through Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations in a telephone call with him on Sunday.     Nelson told Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee that he would be willing to go to Iran in the case of Bob Levinson, the retired FBI agent and Florida resident, who disappeared on Kish Island off the coast of Iran in March 2007.   The senator told the ambassador that he would go if it would help lead to Levinson’s safe return home.     In response, the ambassador told Nelson that he would pass his comments along to the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.    “I am willing to go to Iran if in any way that it would secure his release,” Nelson said today in a speech on the Senate floor. “If the Iranian authorities took him, somebody in the government of Iran knows of his whereabouts.”      This week, the last man to allegedly see Levinson before he disappeared said he believes it was Iranian security officials who took him.       Several major news organizations disclosed late last week that Levinson had ties to the CIA.  His family last received proof that he was alive in 2011.     Levinson’s wife, Christine, traveled to Kish Island in Dec. 2007 to retrace Bob’s steps and met with officials from Iran who pledged to help.     Nelson first got involved in the case when Levinson’s family contacted his office and asked for his help.     The senator is well-known for his advocacy in individual cases.     For example, Nelson was credited with helping to get Jon Hammar, a 27-year-old former Marine from Florida, released from a prison in Matamoros, Mexico after he had been detained there for months without a hearing on a disputed weapons charge.      And recently, he was instrumental in getting criminal charges dropped against two elderly American tourists who were briefly detained in the Turks and Caicos after authorities at the airport there claimed in separate incidents they found a single bullet in their luggage.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364547,Hastings and 29 Democrats Send Letter to ED Secretary Duncan Regarding Gainful Employment,2013-12-14,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Stay Connected Use the form below to sign up for my newsletter and get the latest news and updates directly to your inbox.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=111,Frankel Statement on the Anniversary of Newtown Tragedy,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Statement on the Anniversary of Newtown Tragedy f t # e Boca Raton, FL, December 13, 2013 On the eve of Saturday's one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting in Newtown, Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement. One year after the heartbreaking tragedy of Newtown, students again are victims of a horrific shooting, this time in aColoradohigh school. Once more we have another reason for Congress to pass common-sense laws to reduce gun violence. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023002/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=349202&,Senate approves 3-year launch indemnity extension,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senate approves 3-year launch indemnity extension December 12, 2013      WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate today approved a 3-year extension of a long-standing third-party indemnification regime for U.S. commercial launch companies.  As considered earlier this year in a Senate Science and Space Subcommittee hearing chaired by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the U.S. commercial launch indemnification regime helps domestic launch companies compete in the global launch market.  Many international competitors enjoy similar protections in their various home nations.   The legislation, led by Nelson, would extend the expiration date of commercial launch indemnification from Dec. 31, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2016.   Supporting Nelson’s initiative were Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Thune (R-SD), Mark Udall (D-CO), Tom Udall (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).    “A competitive launch industry is critical to our national space program, so this legislation is a common sense move,” said Nelson. “The certainty of a three year extension will help the U.S. commercial space industry continue to grow and thrive, both here in Florida and around the country.”    The measure passed unanimously in the Senate and now goes to the House. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223416/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-newtown-tragedy,Frankel Statement on the Anniversary of Newtown Tragedy,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Boca Raton, FL – On the eve of Saturday’s one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting in Newtown, Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement. “One year after the heartbreaking tragedy of Newtown, students again are victims of a horrific shooting, this time in a Colorado high school. Once more we have another reason for Congress to pass common-sense laws to reduce gun violence.”      ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364225,Hastings Honored with “Defenders of Children” Award,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after receiving the First Focus Campaign for Children’s “Defenders of Children” award. First Focus honors the top 100 Members of Congress every year for leadership on issues important to the education and development of our nation’s children. “I am proud to accept this year’s Defenders of Children award from the First Focus Campaign for Children.  Issues affecting children are critical, and Congress must continue to act to reduce child poverty, improve children’s health and nutrition, and increase access to quality education. “No child should live without a home, and no child should live in fear of abuse or neglect. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. As co-chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus and a member of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus, as well as the Congressional Children's Caucus, I have made improving the well-being of our nation’s children one of my top priorities in Congress. “I will continue to advocate for our nation’s future generations, be it better schools, increased access to health services, or working towards putting an end to childhood and family homelessness once and for all.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023006/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=349193&,Feds target disease threatening citrus,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Feds target disease threatening citrus December 12, 2013      WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal officials today unveiled a stepped-up effort to combat a citrus-killing disease that’s threatening to decimate Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry.   The plan, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and urged by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), creates the framework for a new coordinated effort between federal, state and industry officials to fight the deadly disease that has infected crops in Florida, California, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina.     The disease, commonly known as citrus greening, produces green, bitter and misshapen fruit.  According to a study done last year by the University of Florida, citrus greening has cost the state’s economy $4.5 billion and 8,000 jobs between 2006 and 2012.      “If we don’t find a cure soon, we won’t be growing oranges in Florida much longer,” Nelson said.     The Florida lawmaker, two years ago, helped secure $11 million to fund the research into finding a cure.  In a teleconference with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last year, they announced the remaining $9 million of that money would be available right away and not spread out over four years as originally planned.   Nelson, meantime, is also pushing for a provision in the Senate Farm Bill that would create a trust fund to pay for the war on citrus greening.  It would get another $30 million a year.     On the House side, a strong advocate of the effort to combat greening has been U.S. Rep. Patrick  E. Murphy (D-FL).  ""I applaud today's announcement and the USDA's commitment to this pressing issue, and remain committed to working with them on efforts to help alleviate the harm caused by this disease,"" Murphy said in a statement issued today.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094208/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=456,Congresswoman Wilson Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement after the US House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: “Budgets are moral documents.  While this budget deal takes some important moral stands by safeguarding entitlements including Social Security and softening Sequestration’s savage cuts—which fall on teachers, firefighters, medical researchers, and other hardworking Americans—it fails to uphold Congress’s moral obligation to millions who have been locked out of the job market. Even as America recovers from the Great Recession, the plight of the long-term unemployed remains as serious as ever.  My top priorities for 2014 are to restore unemployment insurance and—above all else—to return Congress to its rightful focus: Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!”                                                                                                                       ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094219/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=455,Congresswoman Wilson Statement on Passage of Legislation to Improve Transparency and Accountability in US Assistance to Haiti,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement after the US House of Representatives passed the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, H.R. 3509 on which she served as an original co-sponsor: “Four years ago, Haiti suffered a tragic earthquake that claimed over 220,000 lives and devastated almost 3 million livelihoods.  While the United States has played an essential role in Haiti’s recovery—allocating $651 million to reconstruction activities—a recent report by the Government Accountability Office revealed that only $229.5 million, or 35% of the total funds, have been disbursed.  After nearly four years of recovery efforts, there’s still a serious deficit of transparency and accountability.  The bipartisan Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2013 is an important win for effective foreign assistance and for the people of Haiti.  The legislation, which overwhelmingly passed the House, extends and strengthens essential oversight and accountability by requiring the State Department to provide detailed progress reports every 6 months through September 30, 2016.”                                                                                                                                                                 ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-statement-on-passage-of-bipartisan-budget-deal,Congresswoman Wilson Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement after the US House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: Budgets are moral documents. While this budget deal takes some important moral stands by safeguarding entitlements including Social Security and softening Sequestration's savage cutswhich fall on teachers, firefighters, medical researchers, and other hardworking Americansit fails to uphold Congress's moral obligation to millions who have been locked out of the job market. Even as America recovers from the Great Recession, the plight of the long-term unemployed remains as serious as ever. My top priorities for 2014 are to restore unemployment insurance andabove all elseto return Congress to its rightful focus: Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-statement-on-passage-of-legislation-to-improve,Congresswoman Wilson Statement on Passage of Legislation to Improve Transparency and Accountability in US Assistance to Haiti,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement after the US House of Representatives passed the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, H.R. 3509 on which she served as an original co-sponsor: Four years ago, Haiti suffered a tragic earthquake that claimed over 220,000 lives and devastated almost 3 million livelihoods. While the United States has played an essential role in Haiti's recoveryallocating $651 million to reconstruction activitiesa recent report by the Government Accountability Office revealed that only $229.5 million, or 35% of the total funds, have been disbursed. After nearly four years of recovery efforts, there's still a serious deficit of transparency and accountability. The bipartisan Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2013 is an important win for effective foreign assistance and for the people of Haiti. The legislation, which overwhelmingly passed the House, extends and strengthens essential oversight and accountability by requiring the State Department to provide detailed progress reports every 6 months through September 30, 2016. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364272,U.S. Rep. Castor announces $4.4M in outreach & enrollment assistance for community health centers in Florida,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"To help expand the capacity of community health centers serving our communities, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced that 46 centers in Florida will receive $4.4 million in federal grant awards. “These outreach grants will create employment in Tampa Bay and assist our community health centers in their effort to enroll uninsured Americans in the new health insurance coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act,” Rep. Castor said.  “This grant will allow us to hire extra people and we should see significant increases in enrollment,” said Charlie Bottoms, CEO of Tampa Family Health Centers, Inc., which will receive $240,908 from the grant. Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc. will receive $177,974; Pinellas County will receive $35,458; and Suncoast Community Health Centers, Inc. (in Ruskin) will receive $148,480. A complete list of all of Florida’s grantees is available here:  www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2013tables/outreachandenrollment/ “Despite Florida Republican legislators blocking the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at nearly every turn, these grants will allow health centers to meet the immediate needs of their enrollment efforts, including expanding the hours of existing outreach and enrollment assistance workers, and hiring new or temporary outreach and enrollment assistance workers.”  These grants build upon the Affordable Care Act’s $8.1 million invested earlier this year into Florida’s health centers. “With nearly 4 million Floridians who are uninsured and millions more who stand to benefit from the patient protections of the Affordable Care Act, community health centers are undertaking a large role in not only assisting with enrollment but also educating neighbors interested in learning about their health care rights,” Rep. Castor said. “Our neighbors turn to these community health centers as a trusted and familiar resource to provide face-to-face assistance with health care options.”  Florida has 48 health centers with 410 sites that served 1.1 million patients last year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=110,Frankel Joins Colleagues in Letter to Speaker Boehner: Dont Adjourn Congress without Extending Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Lois Frankel joined colleagues today in urging Speaker John Boehner to immediately bring up an extension of unemployment insurance and not to adjourn Congress for the year without extending it. Federal unemployment insurance is scheduled to expire on December 28 for 1.3 million Americans. According to a House Ways & Means Committee report, if Congress fails to extend emergency unemployment benefits, 73,000 Floridians will lose benefits on December 28. Another 1.9 million Americans, including 95,800 Floridians, who are projected to be eligible for federal unemployment insurance in the first half of 2014, would lose access to that coverage. Failure to extend this insurance would cause a loss of an additional 310,000 jobs in America due to the loss of spending power of those cut off. The letter that Frankel and colleagues sent to Speaker Boehner reads in part: We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year...Now is certainly not the time to further decimate vital federal assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who must actively seek work in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits. We therefore strongly urge you to immediately bring up a one-year extension of the current EUC program. It is imperative for Congress to act now, otherwise thousands of Floridians, through no fault of their own, will have no income to pay for food, shelter, and other necessities, Frankel said. The full text of the group's letter is below: December 11, 2013 The Honorable John Boehner Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives H232, U.S. Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner: We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year. Without swift Congressional action, 1.3 million jobless workers will have their benefits cut off on December 28th, and nearly another 1.9 million will lose their unemployment benefits over the first half of next year. This would not only be a devastating blow for millions of Americans who are already struggling, but it would also hurt our economy. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program is scheduled to immediately and completely stop at the end of 2013, during the holiday season, with the last payable week ending on December 28th. All current EUC beneficiaries will lose their benefits, and individuals exhausting their limited state unemployment benefits will no longer be eligible for EUC benefits in 2014. This cutoff will affect over 3 million Americans over the next six months, and thereby also negatively impact our economic growth. In fact, recent estimates indicate that the expiration of the EUC program would cost our economy 310,000 jobs and drain roughly four-tenths of a percentage point from first-quarter economic growth. While unemployment benefits remain a critical lifeline for dislocated workers and their families, these benefits have recently been significantly scaled back. According to the Congressional Research Service, the total amount of weeks of unemployment benefits has dropped by more than a third across the states, and by more than 50 percent in some states, compared to two years ago. Furthermore, the recipients have seen their weekly benefit payment provided by the EUC program cut under sequestration. Even with the progress our economy has seen since the depths of the recession, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs today than when the recession started six years ago. Additionally, approximately 4 million Americans are considered long-term unemployed, and have been looking for work for more than six months. Now is certainly not the time to further decimate vital federal assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who must actively seek work in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits. We therefore strongly urge you to immediately bring up a one-year extension of the current EUC program. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Sincerely, Sander Levin Barbara Lee Lloyd Doggett Steny H. Hoyer James Clyburn Xavier Becerra Joe Crowley Steve Israel Robert Andrews Karen Bass Joyce Beatty Ami Bera Sanford Bishop, Jr. Tim Bishop Earl Blumenauer Suzanne Bonamici Robert A. Brady Bruce Braley Corrine Brown Julia Brownley Cheri Bustos G.K. Butterfield Lois Capps Michael Capuano Tony Cardenas Matt Cartwright Joaquin Castro Kathy Castor Donna M. Christensen Judy Chu David Cicilline Yvette Clarke Wm. Lacy Clay Emanuel Cleaver Steve Cohen John Conyers, Jr. Gerald E. Connolly Jim Cooper Jim Costa Joe Courtney Elijah E. Cummings Danny K. Davis Peter DeFazio Diana DeGette John Delaney Rosa L. DeLauro Suzan DelBene Ted Deutch John D. Dingell Donna F. Edwards Keith Ellison Eliot L. Engel William Enyart Anna Eshoo Elizabeth H. Esty Sam Farr Chaka Fattah Bill Foster Lois Frankel Marcia L. Fudge John Garamendi Alan Grayson Al Green Gene Green Raul Grijalva Michelle Lujan Grisham Luis V. Gutierrez Janice Hahn Colleen Hanabusa Alcee L. Hastings Denny Heck Brian Higgins James A. Himes Ruben Hinojosa Rush Holt Michael Honda Steven Horsford Jared Huffman Hakeem S. Jeffries Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr. Marcy Kaptur William Keating Joseph P. Kennedy, III Daniel Kildee Derek Kilmer Ron Kind Ann Kirkpatrick Ann McLane Kuster James R. Langevin John B. Larson Sheila Jackson Lee John Lewis Daniel Lipinski Dave Loebsack Alan S. Lowenthal Nita Lowey Ben Ray Lujan Stephen F. Lynch Carolyn Maloney Carolyn McCarthy Betty McCollum Jim McDermott James P. McGovern Patrick E. Murphy Grace F. Napolitano Gloria Negrete McLeod Rick Nolan Gregory Meeks Michael H. Michaud George Miller Gwen Moore James P. Moran Jerrold Nadler Richard E. Neal Eleanor Holmes Norton Beto O'Rourke Frank Pallone, Jr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Ed Pastor Donald M. Payne, Jr. Ed Perlmutter Gary C. Peters Chellie Pingree Pedro R. Pierluisi Mark Pocan David Price Mike Quigley Nick J. Rahall Charles Rangel Cedric Richmond Lucille Roybal-Allard C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Bobby L. Rush Tim Ryan Linda T. Sanchez Loretta Sanchez John P. Sarbanes Janice D. Schakowsky Adam B. Schiff Allyson Y. Schwartz Brad Sherman Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott Jose E. Serrano Terri A. Sewell Carol Shea-Porter Kyrsten Sinema Albio Sires Louise M. Slaughter Jackie Speier Mark Takano Bennie Thompson Mike Thompson John F. Tierney Dina Titus Paul Tonko Marc Veasey Nydia Velzquez Chris Van Hollen Juan Vargas Debbie Wasserman Schultz Maxine Waters Melvin L. Watt Henry A. Waxman Peter Welch Frederica Wilson John A. Yarmuth ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023016/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=349184&,"Lawmakers pressure Iran to intensify aid in Levinson case",2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Lawmakers pressure Iran to intensify aid in Levinson case December 11, 2013      WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today marks 2,470 days in captivity for Bob Levinson, the retired FBI agent and Florida resident, who disappeared on Kish Island off the coast of Iran in March 2007.     The time eclipses that of former AP journalist Terry Anderson, who was reportedly held by the terrorist organization Hezbollah for six years and nine months.  Anderson was abducted in 1985 in Beirut while covering the Lebanese civil war, and was released in 1991.    Evidence that Levinson was still alive and being held captive surfaced in 2010 and again in 2011 when the family received a video and series of photos of Mr. Levinson, indicating that he was being held somewhere in southwest Asia.     As part of an ongoing effort to keep up pressure on Iran, a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week introduced a resolution calling on the government there to fulfill its promises of assistance in this case.      Following is a copy of the resolution offered by U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL):     S. RES. 312   Calling on the government of Iran to fulfill their promises of assistance in this case of Robert Levinson, one of the longest held United States  civilians in our Nation's history.                                                             _____________________   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES   Mr. Nelson (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on ______________   ______________________   RESOLUTION   Calling on the government of Iran to fulfill their promises of assistance in this case of Robert Levinson, one of the longest held United States civilians in our Nation's history. Whereas United States citizen Robert Levinson is a retired agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a resident of Coral Springs, Florida, the husband of Christine Levinson, and father of their 7 children; Whereas Robert Levinson traveled from Dubai to Kish Island, Iran, on March 8, 2007; Whereas, after traveling to Kish Island and checking into the Hotel Maryam, Robert Levinson disappeared on March 9, 2007; Whereas, in December 2007, Robert Levinson’s wife, Christine, traveled to Kish Island to retrace Mr. Levinson’s steps and met with officials of the Government of Iran who pledged to help in the investigation; Whereas, for more than 6 years, the United States Government has continually pressed the Government of Iran to provide any information on the whereabouts of Robert Levinson and to help ensure his prompt and safe return to his family; Whereas officials of the Government of Iran promised their continued assistance to the relatives of Robert Levinson during the visit of the family to the Islamic Republic of Iran in December 2007; Whereas, in November 2010, the Levinson family received a video of Mr. Levinson in captivity, representing the first proof of life since his disappearance and providing some initial indications that he was being held somewhere in southwest Asia; Whereas, in April 2011, the Levinson family received a series of pictures of Mr. Levinson, which provided further indications that he was being held somewhere in southwest Asia; Whereas Secretary John Kerry stated on August 28, 2013, “The United States respectfully asks the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to work cooperatively with us in our efforts to help U.S. citizen Robert Levinson.”; Whereas, on September 28, 2013, during the first direct phone conversation between the leaders of the United States and Iran since 1979, President Barack Obama raised the case of Robert Levinson to President of Iran Hassan Rouhani and urged the President of Iran to help locate Mr. Levinson and reunite him with his family; Whereas November 26, 2013, marked the 2,455th day since Mr. Levinson’s disappearance, making him one of the longest held United States civilians in our Nation’s history; and Whereas the FBI has announced a $1,000,000 reward for information leading to Mr. Levinson’s safe return: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes that Robert Levinson is one of the longest held United States civilians in our Nation’s history; (2) notes recent pledges by newly appointed officials of the Government of Iran to provide their Government’s assistance in the case of Robert Levinson; (3) urges the Government of Iran, as a humanitarian gesture, to intensify its cooperation on the case of Robert Levinson and to immediately share the results of its investigation into the disappearance of Robert Levinson with the United States Government; (4) urges the President and the allies of the United States to continue to raise with officials of the Government of Iran the case of Robert Levinson at every opportunity, notwithstanding other serious disagreements the United States Government has had with the Government of Iran on a broad array of issues, including human rights, the nuclear program of Iran, the Middle East peace process, regional stability, and international terrorism; and (5) expresses sympathy to the family of Robert Levinson for their anguish and expresses hope that their ordeal can be brought to an end in the near future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223520/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-joins-colleagues-in-letter-to-speaker-boehner-don-t-adjourn,Frankel Joins Colleagues in Letter to Speaker Boehner: Don’t Adjourn Congress without Extending Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC— Congresswoman Lois Frankel joined colleagues today in urging Speaker John Boehner to immediately bring up an extension of unemployment insurance and not to adjourn Congress for the year without extending it. Federal unemployment insurance is scheduled to expire on December 28 for 1.3 million Americans. According to a House Ways & Means Committee report, if Congress fails to extend emergency unemployment benefits, 73,000 Floridians will lose benefits on December 28.  Another 1.9 million Americans, including 95,800 Floridians, who are projected to be eligible for federal unemployment insurance in the first half of 2014, would lose access to that coverage. Failure to extend this insurance would cause a loss of an additional 310,000 jobs in America due to the loss of spending power of those cut off.  The letter that Frankel and colleagues sent to Speaker Boehner reads in part: “We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year...Now is certainly not the time to further decimate vital federal assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who must actively seek work in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits.  We therefore strongly urge you to immediately bring up a one-year extension of the current EUC program.” “It is imperative for Congress to act now, otherwise thousands of Floridians, through no fault of their own, will have no income to pay for food, shelter, and other necessities,” Frankel said. The full text of the group’s letter is below: December 11, 2013 The Honorable John Boehner Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives H232, U.S. Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner: We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year.  Without swift Congressional action, 1.3 million jobless workers will have their benefits cut off on December 28th, and nearly another 1.9 million will lose their unemployment benefits over the first half of next year.   This would not only be a devastating blow for millions of Americans who are already struggling, but it would also hurt our economy. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program is scheduled to immediately and completely stop at the end of 2013, during the holiday season, with the last payable week ending on December 28th.  All current EUC beneficiaries will lose their benefits, and individuals exhausting their limited state unemployment benefits will no longer be eligible for EUC benefits in 2014.  This cutoff will affect over 3 million Americans over the next six months, and thereby also negatively impact our economic growth. In fact, recent estimates indicate that the expiration of the EUC program would cost our economy 310,000 jobs and drain roughly four-tenths of a percentage point from first-quarter economic growth. While unemployment benefits remain a critical lifeline for dislocated workers and their families, these benefits have recently been significantly scaled back.  According to the Congressional Research Service, the total amount of weeks of unemployment benefits has dropped by more than a third across the states, and by more than 50 percent in some states, compared to two years ago.   Furthermore, the recipients have seen their weekly benefit payment provided by the EUC program cut under sequestration. Even with the progress our economy has seen since the depths of the recession, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs today than when the recession started six years ago. Additionally, approximately 4 million Americans are considered long-term unemployed, and have been looking for work for more than six months. Now is certainly not the time to further decimate vital federal assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who must actively seek work in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits.   We therefore strongly urge you to immediately bring up a one-year extension of the current EUC program. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Sincerely,   Sander Levin Barbara Lee Lloyd Doggett Steny H. Hoyer James Clyburn Xavier Becerra Joe Crowley Steve Israel Robert Andrews Karen Bass Joyce Beatty Ami Bera Sanford Bishop, Jr. Tim Bishop Earl Blumenauer Suzanne Bonamici Robert A. Brady Bruce Braley Corrine Brown Julia Brownley Cheri Bustos G.K. Butterfield Lois Capps Michael Capuano Tony Cardenas Matt Cartwright Joaquin Castro Kathy Castor Donna M. Christensen Judy Chu David Cicilline Yvette Clarke Wm. Lacy Clay Emanuel Cleaver Steve Cohen John Conyers, Jr. Gerald E. Connolly Jim Cooper Jim Costa Joe Courtney Elijah E. Cummings Danny K. Davis Peter DeFazio Diana DeGette John Delaney Rosa L. DeLauro Suzan DelBene Ted Deutch John D. Dingell Donna F. Edwards Keith Ellison Eliot L. Engel William Enyart Anna Eshoo Elizabeth H. Esty Sam Farr Chaka Fattah Bill Foster Lois Frankel Marcia L. Fudge John Garamendi Alan Grayson Al Green Gene Green Raul Grijalva Michelle Lujan Grisham Luis V. Gutierrez Janice Hahn Colleen Hanabusa Alcee L. Hastings Denny Heck Brian Higgins James A. Himes Ruben Hinojosa Rush Holt Michael Honda Steven Horsford Jared Huffman Hakeem S. Jeffries Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr. Marcy Kaptur William Keating Joseph P. Kennedy, III Daniel Kildee Derek Kilmer Ron Kind Ann Kirkpatrick Ann McLane Kuster James R. Langevin John B. Larson Sheila Jackson Lee John Lewis Daniel Lipinski Dave Loebsack Alan S. Lowenthal Nita Lowey Ben Ray Lujan Stephen F. Lynch Carolyn Maloney Carolyn McCarthy Betty McCollum Jim McDermott James P. McGovern Patrick E. Murphy Grace F. Napolitano Gloria Negrete McLeod Rick Nolan Gregory Meeks Michael H. Michaud George Miller Gwen Moore James P. Moran Jerrold Nadler Richard E. Neal Eleanor Holmes Norton Beto O’Rourke Frank Pallone, Jr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Ed Pastor Donald M. Payne, Jr. Ed Perlmutter Gary C. Peters Chellie Pingree Pedro R. Pierluisi Mark Pocan David Price Mike Quigley Nick J. Rahall Charles Rangel Cedric Richmond Lucille Roybal-Allard C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Bobby L. Rush Tim Ryan Linda T. Sanchez Loretta Sanchez John P. Sarbanes Janice D. Schakowsky Adam B. Schiff Allyson Y. Schwartz Brad Sherman Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott Jose E. Serrano Terri A. Sewell Carol Shea-Porter Kyrsten Sinema Albio Sires Louise M. Slaughter Jackie Speier Mark Takano Bennie Thompson Mike Thompson John F. Tierney Dina Titus Paul  Tonko Marc Veasey Nydia Velázquez Chris Van Hollen Juan Vargas Debbie Wasserman Schultz Maxine Waters Melvin L. Watt Henry A. Waxman Peter Welch Frederica Wilson John A. Yarmuth   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=108,Frankel Authors Letter to USAID Urging Support for Reproductive Health as a Core Human Right,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"In recognition of UN International Human Rights Day Tuesday, Congresswoman Lois Frankel and her colleagues have authored a letter to USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah urging support for reproductive and sexual health care as core human rights. The letter reads in part: Today is Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsAs former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton famously proclaimed, women's rights are human rights.' We wholeheartedly agree, and are therefore eager to support your agency's efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. The letter, authored by Frankel who serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee, also asks USAID to place particular focus on supporting adolescent girls, who face unique challenges in accessing reproductive and sexual health information and care. More than 60 House Democrats have signed onto the letter, which has been endorsed by organizations including Planned Parenthood, Center for Reproductive Rights, International Center for Research on Women, American Jewish World Service, National Council of Jewish Women, and the International Women's Health Coalition. Full text of the letter follows and can be found here. December 10, 2013 The Honorable Rajiv Shah Administrator United States Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20523 Dear Administrator Shah, Today is Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In recognition of this milestone, we write to reaffirm that reproductive and sexual health care are core human rights. As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton famously proclaimed, women's rights are human rights. We wholeheartedly agree, and are therefore eager to support your agency's efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. Furthermore, as USAID considers a new strategy for programming in these areas, we encourage you to place particular focus on adolescent girls, who are the least equipped among all women to cope with the consequences of inadequate sexual and reproductive health care. Empowering women and girls to determine the number and timing of their pregnancies directly impacts their well-being and the health of their communities. Yet the family planning needs of more than 220 million women in developing countries are still unmet. Moreover, too many young women globally lack self-determination, creating unique obstacles to accessing sexual and reproductive health care. When they cannot access appropriate information and care, the consequences are devastating. The leading cause of death among girls aged 15-19 in low- and middle-income countries is complications from pregnancy and childbirth. Infant mortality and malnutrition rates are also higher among children born to adolescent mothers. When adolescents do survive childbirth, these young mothers and their children face increased physical, social, and economic challenges. For many years, USAID has played a critical role in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, and we strongly support your recent increased focus on youth issues, such as child marriage. We thank you again for your leadership and urge you to remain steadfast in breaking down the significant barriers to comprehensive and rights-based health services faced by women and girls around the world. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=109,Frankel Statement on Office Depot Corporate Headquarters Remaining in Boca Raton,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Statement on Office Depot Corporate Headquarters Remaining in Boca Raton f t # e Washington, DC, December 10, 2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement after Office Depot Inc. announced today that its global, corporate headquarters would continue to be in Boca Raton. This news follows the merger between Office Depot and Naperville (IL)-based Office Max being finalized last month. Frankel's congressional district includes Office Depot. Office Depot staying in Boca Raton is great news for our local economy and community, Frankel said. This means we're keeping jobs here as well as welcoming new workers from Illinois. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301153331/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-authors-letter-to-usaid-urging-support-for-reproductive-health,Frankel Authors Letter to USAID Urging Support for Reproductive Health as a Core Human Right,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – In recognition of UN International Human Rights Day Tuesday, Congresswoman Lois Frankel and her colleagues have authored a letter to USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah urging support for reproductive and sexual health care as core human rights. The letter reads in part: “Today is Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights…As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton famously proclaimed, ‘women’s rights are human rights.’ We wholeheartedly agree, and are therefore eager to support your agency’s efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.” The letter, authored by Frankel who serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee, also asks USAID to place particular focus on supporting adolescent girls, who face unique challenges in accessing reproductive and sexual health information and care. More than 60 House Democrats have signed onto the letter, which has been endorsed by organizations including Planned Parenthood, Center for Reproductive Rights, International Center for Research on Women, American Jewish World Service, National Council of Jewish Women, and the International Women’s Health Coalition. Full text of the letter follows and can be found here.     December 10, 2013     The Honorable Rajiv Shah Administrator United States Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20523   Dear Administrator Shah, Today is Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.  In recognition of this milestone, we write to reaffirm that reproductive and sexual health care are core human rights.  As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton famously proclaimed, “women’s rights are human rights.”  We wholeheartedly agree, and are therefore eager to support your agency’s efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.  Furthermore, as USAID considers a new strategy for programming in these areas, we encourage you to place particular focus on adolescent girls, who are the least equipped among all women to cope with the consequences of inadequate sexual and reproductive health care.   Empowering women and girls to determine the number and timing of their pregnancies directly impacts their well-being and the health of their communities.  Yet the family planning needs of more than 220 million women in developing countries are still unmet.  Moreover, too many young women globally lack self-determination, creating unique obstacles to accessing sexual and reproductive health care.  When they cannot access appropriate information and care, the consequences are devastating.  The leading cause of death among girls aged 15-19 in low- and middle-income countries is complications from pregnancy and childbirth.  Infant mortality and malnutrition rates are also higher among children born to adolescent mothers.  When adolescents do survive childbirth, these young mothers and their children face increased physical, social, and economic challenges. For many years, USAID has played a critical role in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, and we strongly support your recent increased focus on youth issues, such as child marriage.  We thank you again for your leadership and urge you to remain steadfast in breaking down the significant barriers to comprehensive and rights-based health services faced by women and girls around the world.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223611/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-office-depot-corporate-headquarters-remaining-in,Frankel Statement on Office Depot Corporate Headquarters Remaining in Boca Raton,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement after Office Depot Inc. announced today that its global, corporate headquarters would continue to be in Boca Raton. This news follows the merger between Office Depot and Naperville (IL)-based Office Max being finalized last month. Frankel’s congressional district includes Office Depot. “Office Depot staying in Boca Raton is great news for our local economy and community,” Frankel said. “This means we’re keeping jobs here as well as welcoming new workers from Illinois.”     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363797,"Rep. Deutch in Sun Sentinel: Social Security Needs Bolstering, Not Cuts",2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saving enough to retire has become impossible for most Americans. U.S. Census data indicates that even as health care, education and housing costs have soared, average working families earn less today than they did in 1989.The National Retirement Security Institute's recent analysis of Federal Reserve data revealed that Americans are at least $6.6 trillion short of what they need to retire securely. A staggering 80 percent of working households have less than a year's earnings put away, and 40 percent have nothing saved at all. Defined benefit pension plans that many employees used to count on have been replaced by 401(k) accounts that offer nowhere near the same level of income security, and barely half of all workers are even enrolled in such plans. The median retirement account balance of all working households over 55 is just $12,000. Social Security is the only thing most Americans can count on to keep them out of poverty during retirement. In times like these, you would think leaders in Washington would rally behind the one pillar of retirement security left standing in America. Unfortunately, lawmakers seem more intent on chipping away at Social Security than strengthening it. Many Republicans, Democrats and even President Obama have decided that reducing Social Security cost-of-living adjustments may be necessary to get a budget passed. Meanwhile, Republican Budget Chairman Paul Ryan repeatedly claims that only drastic benefit cuts will prevent Social Security from bankrupting our nation. On the contrary, Social Security does not go broke in 2033 as many falsely assert. When the $2.7 trillion Trust Fund is exhausted, Social Security remains capable of paying three-quarters of owed benefits for another 75 years. A minor shortfall two decades away is no crisis. Fear-mongering must not guide this conversation. Social Security is fundamentally strong, but it can be even stronger. That's why earlier this year I introduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act with Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska. A shocking 50 percent of Americans now earn less than $30,000 a year, and a growing share of income in America is no longer subject to Social Security payroll taxes. Nearly 95 percent of workers contribute 6.2 percent of every paycheck to Social Security, yet members of Congress, CEOs and others earning above the $114,000 payroll tax cap pay a much lower effective rate. The discrepancy is stark. A lawyer earning $400,000 pays a rate of 1.71 percent; a CEO earning $2 million pays just .003 percent. Our legislation gradually phases out the cap on Social Security contributions over seven years. This allows us to extend solvency, ensure that those who put more into the system get more out, and guarantee more accurate cost-of-living adjustments. The buying power of Social Security benefits has shrunk over time because our current cost-of-living index does not accurately track rising prescription drug, medical and housing costs. Unfortunately, meager or non-existent benefit increases have not stopped many in Washington from supporting an even less accurate index called the Chained-CPI. This proposal slowly reduces adjustments, cutting benefits by a cumulative $14,000 by the time the average retiree turns 85. In contrast, our plan adopts the more accurate Consumer Price Index for the Elderly and delivers greater benefits to all. The Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act is in line with the mainstream views of most Americans. Earlier this year, polling by the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance revealed that lifting the cap, if it means strengthening Social Security, has the support of 88 percent of Democrats and 74 percent of Republicans. Social Security is too vital to be lumped into backroom budget talks where the views of ordinary Americans risk going unheard. I first introduced this legislation in 2010 to start a conversation about what reform looks like when it actually reflects the views and the needs of most Americans. I am pleased the idea of expanding Social Security is finally catching on, with leaders like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., providing more momentum. For three decades, Americans have worked harder and harder for smaller salaries, with fewer retirement benefits in return. These conditions have shaken the premise that a lifetime of hard work translates into basic dignity at retirement. With a retirement crisis of epic proportion facing our nation, we cannot afford to give up on this cornerstone of the American dream. ​This article was originally posted here: http://sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-oped-retirement-ted-deutch-20131208,0,6951543.story",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023020/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=349171&,"Senate acts to keep undetectable plastic firearms off the street",2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senate acts to keep undetectable plastic firearms off the street December 9, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding to reports that technology now allows people with 3-D printers to manufacture plastic guns, the Senate tonight passed legislation to ban plastic firearms.    The legislation, sponsored in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Bill Nelson (D-FL), bans the possession, use or manufacturing of any weapon that cannot be recognized by a metal detector or X-ray machine.    An existing prohibition on such weapons was set to expire at midnight Monday.     “Weapons like this pose a threat to our security and personal safety,” Nelson said.  “We’ve got to keep them off our streets and out the hands of those who would do us harm.”   The measure was passed without a vote by agreement of Senate leadership.  It was passed by the House last week and now goes to the president for his signature.  It keeps the ban on plastic weapons in place for at least ten more years.   With advances in new technology, someone with a sophisticated 3-D printer could produce a fully-functioning plastic firearm that could be slipped through metal detectors without sounding any alarm.   Law enforcement, fearing the smuggling of weapons through airport security and other sensitive areas, has called for a reauthorization of what is known as the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=107,"Frankel Encouraged by Good Jobs News, Calls for Congress to Stay in Session to Address Unfinished Economic Business",2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Encouraged by Good Jobs News, Calls for Congress to Stay in Session to Address Unfinished Economic Business f t # e Boca Raton, FL, December 6, 2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement about the good news that the economy gained 203,000 jobs in November, the jobless rate fell to a five-year low of 7 percent and the economy grew at 3.6 percent in the third quarter. This economic news is encouraging and it's important to keep up the momentum. Congress should stay in session until we pass a budget to make sure there's economic certainty and finalize the Water Resources Reform and Development Act to bring jobs to South Florida. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223716/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-encouraged-by-good-jobs-news-calls-for-congress-to-stay-in,"Frankel Encouraged by Good Jobs News, Calls for Congress to Stay in Session to Address Unfinished Economic Business",2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Boca Raton, FL – Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement about the good news that the economy gained 203,000 jobs in November, the jobless rate fell to a five-year low of 7 percent and the economy grew at 3.6 percent in the third quarter. “This economic news is encouraging and it’s important to keep up the momentum. Congress should stay in session until we pass a budget to make sure there’s economic certainty and finalize the Water Resources Reform and Development Act to bring jobs to South Florida.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363491,Hastings and Buchanan Support Legal Action to Stop Flood Insurance Hikes,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Co-Chairs of the Florida Delegation, sent a letter to Governors Phil Bryant of Mississippi, Rick Scott of Florida, Robert J. Bentley of Alabama, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Nikki Haley of  South Carolina, and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, expressing support for their federal lawsuit challenging the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to unilaterally raise flood insurance premiums before completing an affordability study as mandated by law. (Please see below and attached a copy of the letter). December 5, 2013 The Honorable Phil Bryant Governor of Mississippi Office of the Governor P.O. Box 139 Jackson, MS 39205 Dear Governor Bryant: As co-chairs of Florida’s U.S. Congressional delegation, we are writing to express our strong support for your federal lawsuit challenging the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to unilaterally raise flood insurance premiums before completing an affordability study as mandated by law.  We stand ready to assist your request for an injunction overturning FEMA’s action. Hundreds of thousands of Floridians and millions more nationwide are experiencing untenable rate hikes that, if left unchecked, threaten to wash away property values and push people out of their homes. Section 100236 of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, passed into law on July 6, 2012, explicitly instructed FEMA’s administrator to submit an affordability study to Congress “not later than 270 days of enactment of this Act.”  Today marks day 518 and FEMA Director Craig Fugate has yet to deliver an economic analysis of the new rate changes for congressional review.  While Biggert-Waters was designed to bring financial stability to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), it was not the intent of Congress to do so in a manner that would force people from their homes and businesses.  As your lawsuit accurately states, FEMA’s failure to conduct a study in the time mandated constitutes a blatant violation of the letter and spirit of the law.  Common sense alone dictates that FEMA should complete the mandatory affordability study prior to implementing any rate increases. The adverse effects of skyrocketing premium costs are especially felt in Florida which holds 40 percent of the nation’s flood policies.  Graham and Jill Edwards of Sarasota, for example, purchased a property less than one year ago with a flood insurance premium of $988 per year.  Today, courtesy of the new rate hikes, they are now paying a $5,600 premium -- a 467 percent increase.  This is unacceptable.   There is no question that reforms are necessary to enhance the solvency of the NFIP, but it should not come at the economic expense of countless communities throughout our region.  The federal government should be focused on getting Americans back to work, not making it more difficult for people to buy homes or meet their insurance payments. Please let us know if we can be of any help in your legal challenge to FEMA’s wrongful actions. Sincerely, Vern Buchanan Member of Congress Alcee Hastings Member of Congress cc: The Honorable Rick Scott, Governor of Florida The Honorable Robert J. Bentley, Governor of Alabama The Honorable Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana The Honorable Nikki Haley, Governor of South Carolina The Honorable Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363560,Hastings Reintroduces the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after reintroducing the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act. Joining him as original co-sponsors of the resolution were Representatives John Conyers Jr. (MI-13) and Barbara Lee (CA-13). (Please see a copy of the legislation attached). “I am pleased to reintroduce the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act, legislation that establishes a national commission to examine the issues of economic and psychological insecurity within our workforce that have been caused by employment displacement,” said Congressman Hastings. “When Americans lose their jobs and their incomes shrink, too often, they face the loss of their family’s health insurance and, subsequent to the loss of income, even their housing. The mental health of the American worker is integral as we continue down the road of economic recovery.” “I am a proud original co-sponsor of the National Commission on Unemployment and Economic Security Act. While we are still recovering from the greatest recession since the Great Depression, unemployment numbers are unacceptably high, income inequality is growing, and our nation’s promise of opportunity is slipping from view, this bill would address those concerns and help to ensure that we have an economy that works for all,” added Congresswoman Lee.   “With the ongoing jobs crisis in America, I am fully supportive of the re-introduction of the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act, which will study the impact of unemployment and economic insecurity Americans face and then offer remedies. Over the last year a quarter of the American population was unemployed or underemployed, and did not earn enough to support their basic needs. We must act to curtail these circumstances before they become entrenched and systemic. I truly believe this is a measure both parties can come together to support and shed light on the real effect and devastation unemployment causes, and in turn lead the Congress to work on legislation that creates jobs for all Americans,” said Congressman Conyers. “Luckily, we are on the road to recovery from the recession that began in 2007, and 7.8 million jobs have been created during 45 straight months of private-sector job growth across the country. Our economy is recovering, but the need for this vital research is no less critical. Congress must face this problem head on,” concluded Hastings. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363593,Hastings Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made the following statement commemorating the life of Nelson Mandela: “Today, the world mourns the loss of a great leader, a Nobel laureate, and a champion of equality. A commanding advocate for equal rights and opportunities, Nelson Mandela led the charge against institutional racism and discrimination in South Africa, fighting apartheid and fostering an era of peace and reconciliation. Truly, the name Nelson Mandela has become synonymous with peace, justice, and the most steadfast perseverance. “The outpouring of support across the globe for President Mandela is a testament to his integrity and fortitude. I have no doubt that his name will live on for generations to come. I join with the people of South Africa and the world in honoring his remarkable life, and offer my thoughts and prayers to President Mandela’s family and country in this time of sadness.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Democratic Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=106,Frankel Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela f t # e Washington, DC, December 5, 2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela. Today we mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela, a special man who will forever be remembered for leading a peaceful fightfor equality and freedom.His legacy will continue to inspire millions of people. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023023/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=349158&,Officials continue mulling state's voting directive,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Officials continue mulling state's voting directive Senator seeks Justice Department review December 5, 2013      ORLANDO – Some of Florida’s county elections chiefs met informally here today in part to discuss a recent Tallahassee directive that could force them to eliminate remote drop boxes for voters’ absentee ballots.  One of those officials afterward is to meet with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in the lawmaker’s Orlando regional office.   Nelson (D-FL) is in Florida this week and meeting with several of Florida’s local elections supervisors regarding the potential impact of the new directive.  He wants to know if it violates any federal election laws.  And just today, he asked the Justice Department in a letter to review the state’s move.   The directive, issued last week by Secretary of State Ken Detzner, would require voters to return their completed absentee ballots to their county’s supervisors of election main offices only – thus eliminating the use by many local supervisors of the so-called remote drop-off locations.  Since being issued, Detzner’s directive has caused a furor among county elections officials with some outright declaring they would defy the order.    One of the supervisors who opposes the directive is Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles who is scheduled to meet with Nelson this afternoon.   For Nelson’s part, he’s been outspoken in his criticism of the state's handling of so-called election reforms, since the Legislature passed and Gov. Rick Scott signed a law to reduce early voting hours prior to the 2012 presidential election.   Nelson also took issue with the governor last year when there were long lines at the polls and Scott refused to extend early voting hours.    Earlier this year, Nelson filed legislation with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to reduce the time voters have to wait in line to cast their ballot in upcoming election.       Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to the Justice Department along with a background article on the issue:        United States Senate Washington, D.C.  20510     December 5, 2013     United States Attorney General Eric Holder United States Department of Justice  950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington DC 20530-0001     Dear Attorney General Holder:   I’m writing about a recent action taken by the Florida secretary of state regarding the return of absentee ballots.    On November 25, Secretary of State Ken Detzner issued a directive to Florida’s county supervisors of elections stating that they should never solicit the delivery of absentee ballots to any location other than supervisors’ offices.    County elections officials in Florida are questioning the directive and at least one has raised questions about federal funds sent down to Florida as part of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA, P.L. 107-252).     I am concerned about the impact this directive will have on citizens whose jobs, transportation or address, make it far easier for them to use mobile drop off locations.  The supervisors of election whom I have met with take very seriously their role to make not only secure but also accessible to all eligible Floridians.   I’m asking for your review of this directive.   Sincerely,     Bill Nelson ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124206/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=454,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Statement on the Passing of Iconic Leader Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Miami— Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), released the following statement about the passing of South Africa’s first black president, anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. “The world will probably never again see a man of Nelson Mandela’s courage and conviction.  He was truly a remarkable and inspirational human being to have endured 27 years as a political prisoner and to respond with forgiveness and reconciliation. President Mandela inspired a movement for freedom and equality that not only transformed South Africa but also humanity. Nelson Mandela was a man of steel and a symbol of peace. He was a gift from God to this world.”                                                                                                                       ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223741/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-passing-of-nelson-mandela,Frankel Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lois Frankel, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela. “Today we mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela, a special man who will forever be remembered for leading a peaceful fight for equality and freedom. His legacy will continue to inspire millions of people.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-statement-on-the-passing-of-iconic,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Statement on the Passing of Iconic Leader Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Miami Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), released the following statement about the passing of South Africa's first black president, anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. The world will probably never again see a man of Nelson Mandela's courage and conviction. He was truly a remarkable and inspirational human being to have endured 27 years as a political prisoner and to respond with forgiveness and reconciliation. President Mandela inspired a movement for freedom and equality that not only transformed South Africa but also humanity. Nelson Mandela was a man of steel and a symbol of peace. He was a gift from God to this world. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363446,Hastings and Bernice Johnson Send Letter Urging No Further Cuts to SNAP in the Farm Bill Conference Report,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) sent the following letter to Congressman Collin Peterson, Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, opposing additional cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the 2013 Farm Bill conference report. (Please see below and attached a copy of the letter). Joining Hastings and Johnson in signing the letter were (19): Representatives John Conyers (D-MI), Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Robert A. Brady (D-PA), Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Janice D.  Schakowsky (D-IL), Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU),  Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), and Jared Huffman (D-CA). December 4, 2013 The Honorable Debbie Stabenow Chairwoman Senate Committee on Agriculture 328A Russell Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Collin Peterson Ranking Member House Committee on Agriculture 1301 Longworth Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Peterson: We write to express our strong opposition to reductions in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of any reconciliation between the House and Senate versions of the 2013 Farm Bill. We believe SNAP is an indispensable program for the nearly 50 million Americans that rely on it, and as the Conference Committee works towards a final version of the Farm Bill, we urge you to oppose a final conference report that would make hunger in America worse. As you are aware, an $11 billion cut to SNAP recently took effect after expanded funding within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expired on November 1, 2013. These cuts will negatively impact one in every seven Americans. For millions of struggling families, seniors, children, and disabled Americans, this reduction in funding will effectively keep food off of the table. More than 80 percent of SNAP participants already live in poverty, and it is estimated that this cut alone will force beneficiaries of the program to forego up to 21 meals every single month. Speaker of the House John Boehner and some Members in the House of Representatives have already indicated their desire for additional cuts to SNAP. Just two months ago, H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013, passed the House on a party line vote, slashing an additional $39 billion funding from SNAP – nearly 10 times the amount agreed to in the bi-partisan compromise passed in the Senate. We believe cuts of this level would be catastrophic for the families that rely on SNAP, as well as the many at risk groups that rely on the program. We are particularly alarmed at the impact that reductions in SNAP would have on Americans living in poverty or without a home. Homeless and impoverished Americans already struggle to make ends meet on a day to day basis, and for some, everyday life is a struggle for survival. Every day, homeless Americans face constant instability and must cope with difficult and often unhealthy lifestyles. For those living without permanent housing, everyday life is extremely difficult. Storing and preparing food is nearly impossible, and much of the homeless population relies on temporary shelters and soup kitchens to survive. For some, panhandling or scavenging through the trash is the only way to provide food for the day. SNAP benefits provide these individuals with a limited opportunity to obtain nourishment, and cutting funding for the program will only add to the difficulties these individuals face. We believe that we must do all we can to ease the burdens faced by these individuals, starting with providing basic nutritional support, to give as many of them as possible a chance to re-enter society. Additionally, one of our nation’s national priorities must be to ensure that impoverished families and individuals currently on the edge of homelessness do not end up without shelter. For many families with limited resources living close to or at the poverty level, the loss of SNAP benefits would severely increase daily hardships. For many of these families, cuts to food benefits will force them to choose between food and rent, or push them out of the SNAP program altogether. Undoubtedly, this will result in an increased number of homeless Americans. We are aware that any compromise proposed by the conference committee will need to pass both Chambers of Congress, which will not be possible without bipartisan cooperation. This only underscores the importance of not resorting to drastic programmatic cuts to SNAP in the name of fiscal responsibility. There are most certainly other ways to cut our national deficit that do not result in 50 million empty stomachs. Once again, we urge you to oppose reductions in SNAP funding that make hunger worse in any reconciliation between the House and Senate versions of the 2013 Farm Bill. Thank you for your consideration in this important matter.   Sincerely, Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress Eddie Bernice Johnson Member of Congress  John Conyers Member of Congress Charles B. Rangel Member of Congress Rosa L. DeLauro Member of Congress Luis Gutierrez Member of Congress Adam Smith Member of Congress Robert A. Brady Member of Congress Gregory W. Meeks Member of Congress Janice D.  Schakowsky Member of Congress Madeleine Z. Bordallo Member of Congress Raúl M. Grijalva Member of Congress Yvette D. Clarke Member of Congress Kathy Castor Member of Congress Keith Ellison Member of Congress Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. Member of Congress Niki Tsongas Member of Congress Ted Deutch Member of Congress Suzanne Bonamici Member of Congress Carol Shea-Porter Member of Congress Jared Huffman  Member of Congress   Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=105,"Request by Reps. Deutch, Frankel, Hastings, and Murphy for Flood Map Extension Granted by FEMA",2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted arequestfrom U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) to give Palm Beach County officials time beyond the November 30th deadline to submit comments and technical data on flood map proposals for the region. This extension will allow local officials and scientists to continue contributing data and suggestions for the final flood maps, which need to be accurate in order to protect many homeowners from unaffordable flood insurance rates. Flaws in the preliminary flood maps released by FEMA would hurt Palm Beach County's economy by saddling homeowners with unaffordable flood insurance rates and reducing consumer spending at local businesses, said Congressman Ted Deutch. This extension will help ensure that the flood maps are accurate, the science is sound, and the remapping process is fair. Keeping flood insurance affordable is a must for South Florida families, Congresswoman Lois Frankel said. Sharp increases in flood insurance rates will continue to be an important issue for Floridians. It is a problem that we must resolve together and I appreciate FEMA's understanding of the situation. I look forward to working on solutions that are acceptable to all, said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. ""Because of the huge impact these final flood maps will have on our local economy, real estate market, and mitigation efforts, it is crucial to provide the time necessary to make sure they are accurate and scientifically sound,"" said Congressman Murphy. ""This process must be done right to protect homeowners from facing outrageous flood insurance rate hikes, and I welcome this much-needed extension."" The Palm Beach County congressional delegation has also sponsored the bipartisanHomeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which would require the National Flood Insurance Program take affordability issues into account before implementation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301152632/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/request-by-reps-deutch-frankel-hastings-and-murphy-for-flood-map,"Request by Reps. Deutch, Frankel, Hastings, and Murphy for Flood Map Extension Granted by FEMA",2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted a request from U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) to give Palm Beach County officials time beyond the November 30th deadline to submit comments and technical data on flood map proposals for the region. This extension will allow local officials and scientists to continue contributing data and suggestions for the final flood maps, which need to be accurate in order to protect many homeowners from unaffordable flood insurance rates. “Flaws in the preliminary flood maps released by FEMA would hurt Palm Beach County’s economy by saddling homeowners with unaffordable flood insurance rates and reducing consumer spending at local businesses,” said Congressman Ted Deutch. “This extension will help ensure that the flood maps are accurate, the science is sound, and the remapping process is fair.”  “Keeping flood insurance affordable is a must for South Florida families,” Congresswoman Lois Frankel said. “Sharp increases in flood insurance rates will continue to be an important issue for Floridians. It is a problem that we must resolve together and I appreciate FEMA’s understanding of the situation. I look forward to working on solutions that are acceptable to all,” said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings.  ""Because of the huge impact these final flood maps will have on our local economy, real estate market, and mitigation efforts, it is crucial to provide the time necessary to make sure they are accurate and scientifically sound,"" said Congressman Murphy.  ""This process must be done right to protect homeowners from facing outrageous flood insurance rate hikes, and I welcome this much-needed extension."" The Palm Beach County congressional delegation has also sponsored the bipartisan Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which would require the National Flood Insurance Program take affordability issues into account before implementation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363315,"Florida falling further behind: No relief for 800K uninsured Floridians, while other states see 15% increase in Medicaid health applications",2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"A report today shows that states fully participating in the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have significantly boosted access to medical care for their citizens. The report states that applications increased by 15 percent in October compared to the average monthly enrollment in July – September. “While other states have put their tax dollars to work to provide health services, Florida Republicans have sent our tax dollars back to the federal government, recklessly leaving more than 800,000 of our neighbors without access to care and putting a significant number of jobs at risk,” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said.  For example, California has seen a 31 percent increase in the number of Medicaid applications submitted, Massachusetts has seen a 43 percent increase and Colorado has seen a 102 percent increase. “The greatest outrage in Florida does not involve a website, but the intentional decision by Republican legislators to put Floridians at a disadvantage compared to other states by sending billions of our tax dollars elsewhere,” Rep. Castor said. ""The Legislature’s decision sends $51 billion back to the federal government over the next 10 years and directs almost 1 million Floridians to ‘emergency room healthcare,’ which is more costly for our communities and neighbors who have insurance.”  Business and healthcare industry leaders, including the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Hospital Association, have expressed strong support for Medicaid expansion in Florida and publicly urged state lawmakers to implement the law. Earlier this year, a Florida Hospital Association study found that Florida Medicaid expansion would generate more than 121,000 jobs over the next 10 years, including nearly 50,000 in the health care industry alone. Today’s report was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is available here:  http://medicaid.gov/AffordableCareAct/Medicaid-Moving-Forward-2014/Medicaid-Moving-Forward-2014.html  Millions of Americans have benefitted from Affordable Care Act reforms. For instance, important patient rights and protections have made it illegal for health insurance companies to arbitrarily cancel health insurance plans or discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions. In addition, young adults may remain on their parents’ plans until age 26 and 8.5 million consumers received a refund this year from their health insurance companies if at least 80 percent of their premiums weren’t spent on medical care. Medicare is stronger and beneficiaries have pocketed significant prescription cost savings. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363094,Hastings Marks 25th Annual World AIDS Day,2013-12-01,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of the 25th annual World AIDS Day:   “Twenty-five years after observing the first World AIDS Day, we find ourselves at a turning point in the ongoing struggle against this devastating disease.  On one hand, AIDS remains a significant public health challenge here at home and abroad.  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 35.3 million people around the world are currently living with HIV, with an estimated 2.3 million people newly infected in 2012 alone.   “However, thanks to scientific advancements and the tireless dedication of countless individuals, an AIDS-free generation is truly within our grasp.  Between increasing access to treatment and reducing new HIV infections, it is suggested that we could achieve the beginning of the end of AIDS as early as 2015.  In fact, 16 African countries have already surpassed the tipping point of their epidemics, with more new patients receiving treatment than the annual number of new HIV infections.   “While the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States has remained relatively stable in recent years, the pace of new infections continues to be significantly high, particularly for certain groups.  Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear the greatest burden of HIV infection, while African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and young people are disproportionately impacted.  Furthermore, only about one in three individuals living with HIV is receiving anti-retroviral treatment, and fewer still are able to adhere to their treatment and sustain undetectable viral loads.   “Achieving the beginning of the end of AIDS will take a renewed commitment to expanding access to testing, treatment, and care, as well as to raising public awareness.  On November 19, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives passed under suspension of the rules S. 1545, the PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act of 2013.  PEPFAR, the ‘President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief,’ is now in its tenth year of successfully saving millions of lives.  In 2012, approximately 5.1 million people received treatment through this vitally important program, and more than 46.5 million people in total have received testing and counseling thanks to PEPFAR.    “As we mark the 25th annual World AIDS Day, we have the knowledge and resources to make a world without AIDS a reality.  Ultimately, bringing an end to AIDS will require greater leadership and coordination in order to increase support for the implementation of effective treatment and prevention programs.  Therefore, it is especially critical that we address sequestration, which is hampering HIV care in the United States at a time when the number of AIDS patients is increasing.”    Congressman Hastings is a staunch advocate for the HIV/AIDS community and a member of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.  In the 113th Congress, he continues to support robust funding for PEPFAR and the Global Fund, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program, Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative, and National AIDS Strategy, as well as HIV/AIDS research. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=104,Frankel Statement on Supreme Court Announcement It Would Hear Cases on Contraception Benefit in Affordable Care Act,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced it would hear two cases Hobby Lobby v. Sebelius and Congestoga Wood Specialities v. Sebelius related to the Affordable Care Act benefit that requires most employers to include contraception coverage in their health care plans. Decisions about contraception belong to a woman with the advice of her doctor, not her employer, Frankel said. There is nothing more essential to a woman's health than to be in charge of her own body and be in control of her most important life-changing decisions. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to provide preventative care, including contraception, with no out-of-pocket costs to individuals. Churches and religious schools are exempt from providing contraception coverage to employees and there is also an accommodation for non-profit religious organizations. The stakes in this case are clear should for-profit corporations or a woman and her doctor determine her access to preventative care and contraception? ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301152408/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-supreme-court-announcement-it-would-hear-cases-on,Frankel Statement on Supreme Court Announcement It Would Hear Cases on Contraception Benefit in Affordable Care Act,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Boca Raton, FL — Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced it would hear two cases — Hobby Lobby v. Sebelius and Congestoga Wood Specialities v. Sebelius — related to the Affordable Care Act benefit that requires most employers to include contraception coverage in their health care plans. “Decisions about contraception belong to a woman with the advice of her doctor, not her employer,” Frankel said. “There is nothing more essential to a woman’s health than to be in charge of her own body and be in control of her most important life-changing decisions.”   Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to provide preventative care, including contraception, with no out-of-pocket costs to individuals. Churches and religious schools are exempt from providing contraception coverage to employees and there is also an accommodation for non-profit religious organizations. The stakes in this case are clear — should for-profit corporations or a woman and her doctor determine her access to preventative care and contraception?   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362880,Hastings Marks International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: “Today, nations all around the world are observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Violence against women remains a global pandemic, and seven out of every ten women worldwide will experience violence or abuse in their lifetime. “Up to two million people, 80 percent of whom are women, are trafficked annually and forced into prostitution or domestic servitude. Furthermore, nearly 50 percent of sexual assaults across the globe are committed against girls under the age of 16, and more than 130 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation, predominately in countries throughout Africa and the Middle East. “Thankfully, in the United States, the number of cases of domestic violence has declined in recent years. Despite these reductions, however, domestic violence remains the most prevalent and underreported form of abuse against women, and there are still millions of cases each and every year. Approximately one in four women in the United States will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. Many women living in low-income households and individuals in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) relationships experience violence and abuse at even higher rates. “It is essential that we continue to address these staggering figures as quickly and comprehensively as possible. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to advocate for the thousands of victims of domestic abuse throughout our country, and will work tirelessly to support and implement policies that will further reduce abuse here at home and abroad. As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, let us reflect on the progress we have made, and rededicate ourselves to bringing an end to the mistreatment of women and girls.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362886,U.S. Rep. Castor rallies for Small Businesses at start of holiday shopping season,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) today visited an independent bookshop in Tampa to champion local Small Businesses at the start of the holiday shopping season. Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been promoted as a day to support local businesses during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) today visited an independent bookshop in Tampa to champion local Small Businesses at the start of the holiday shopping season. Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been promoted as a day to support local businesses during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. “Shopping locally at our small businesses means more of our dollars spent during the holidays stay right here in our community,” Rep. Castor said. For every $100 spent on a local store, $68 stays in the community, compared to $43 when shopping at a nonlocal business, according to Civics Economics.  ""As families make their holiday shopping lists, I urge them to go out of their way to 'buy local,' whether at a bookstore, restaurant, gift shop, auto repair or more,"" noted Rep. Castor.  Small businesses in Hillsborough County make up 92 percent of businesses, and Inkwood Books is one of 75,000 small businesses operating in Hillsborough County. “Small Business Saturday supports the uniqueness of local shops. This is how I make my living and I am invested in my customers,” Inkwood Books owner Stefani Beddingfield said. Inkwood Books has been in business for more than 20 years, but Stefani Beddingfield is new to entrepreneurship. After having been a long-time customer of Inkwood Books, she purchased the shop from its previous owners in April.  “Tampa Bay is a community of small businesses, and in America, small businesses are responsible for about half of all jobs,” Rep. Castor said. “Whether it is consumers shopping for holiday gifts, or businesses and governments procuring local goods and services, shopping locally provides a powerful return for the Tampa Bay economy. Small business is where the real job creation happens.” During her visit to Inkwood Books, Rep. Castor met Lisa Unger and Claire Conner, two local authors who will help Inkwood Books host ""Indies First"" on Small Business Saturday. Indies First is a national grassroots campaign urging authors to serve as booksellers for a day at their local independent bookshop. More than 1,000 authors have signed up for join Indies First, according to the American Booksellers Association. Local authors August Scatergood and Kristen Simmons will also join Indies First at Inkwood Books on Small Business Saturday. ""I'm delighted to be part of the Small Business Saturday event at Inkwood Books,"" said Claire Conner, author of Wrapped in the Flag. ""Stop by Nov. 30, soak up the atmosphere and discover the perfect book for everyone on your holiday list."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362597,Hastings Celebrates National Adoption Day,2013-11-23,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement in honor of National Adoption Day: “Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, thousands of families across the country finalize the adoptions of children in the foster care system. Since 2000, nearly 40,000 adoptions have taken place on National Adoption Day, and this year, the National Adoption Day Coalition expects 4,500 children to be formally adopted by the end of the day. “Today, I am especially proud to honor the thousands of men and women that have provided loving homes for children in need, and the families that have been created as a result. For the thousands of children that are adopted each year, having the unconditional love and support of a family is a dream come true. “As a member of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus, I am committed to the well-being and ultimate adoption of the more than 20,000 children in the foster care system in the State of Florida, and the more than 100,000 children waiting to be adopted in foster care systems across the country. Almost all of these children will wait for more than three and a half years to be adopted, and hundreds will age out of the foster care system before finding adoptive parents. We must do all that we can to give these children the support each and every one of them deserve.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362794,Statement by Rep. Ted Deutch on Iran,2013-11-23,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"​Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa,  released this statement in reaction to President Obama's announcement of an interim deal with Iran:""This partial deal is only the beginning, but we must be clear that the end result of this process is Iran verifiably and completely ending its nuclear weapons program and dangerous enrichment activities. Before any final deal can be reached, Iran must come clean about its entire nuclear program once and for all. This means addressing all outstanding claims by the IAEA of possible military aspects, dismantling the Arak reactor, halting centrifuge manufacturing, and granting inspectors full access to Parchin and all other sites. Iran must understand that all options remain until its nuclear program is no longer a threat to U.S. and international security.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362636,TODAY: Congressional Youth Cabinet to Grapple with Federal Budget Issues in Meeting with U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) will meet with the members of his 2013-2014 Congressional Youth Cabinet and lead the students through a federal budget simulation. The exercise, developed by the nonpartisan, non-profit organization Concord Coalition, will challenge the high school students to grapple with the federal budget debate underway in Congress and propose their own solutions. The Congressional Youth Cabinet is a program launched by Congressman Ted Deutch that provides high school students throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County direct exposure to major policy debates of importance to the nation and our local community. Details: Congressional Youth Cabinet Meeting Friday, November 23, 2013 at 4:00 pm Florida Atlantic University College of Business Room BU 120 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023026/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=348106&,"Sen. Nelson reflects on the day President Kennedy was shot",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sen. Nelson reflects on the day President Kennedy was shot November 21, 2013      WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the nation will mark 50 years since President John F. Kennedy was murdered by an assassin as he rode through the streets of Dallas, Texas. Just a young student at Yale University, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) still recalls how much he was influenced by JFK's call to public service, and his view of service as noble work.   Like so many Americans, Nelson says he will never forget the precise moment he and his international politics classmates heard the awful news.   To mark tomorrow’s somber milestone, Nelson has recorded a brief statement about where he was, and what he was doing, when he heard the news that President Kennedy was shot.  Click here to watch. Here’s the transcript of Nelson’s remarks: “Anyone who was alive in 1963 knows exactly where they were, remember it crystal clear, when we heard the news that President Kennedy was shot.  I was a student at Yale, in my international politics class. The professor came late because of the news, and he spent the next half hour tracing the history of political assassinations.  When we left the class, we were dumbfounded, and so many of us gathered around a car stopped in the middle of the street with an open window, where the radio news was blaring out into the street.  It’s a tragedy that’s indelibly etched in my mind and in America’s soul.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362413,Hastings Observes 15th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following remarks in observance of the 15th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, which were entered into the Congressional Record: “M. Speaker, I rise today in observance of the 15th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. “Fifteen years ago, the tragic murder of transgender musician Rita Hester in Boston offered our nation a glimpse into the daily struggle and injustice suffered by transgender Americans.  In honor of her memory, transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded the first Transgender Day of Remembrance in 1998 as an occasion to remember all those who have been lost due to violence and prejudice against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.  Despite significant advances in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality in recent years, many people do not realize or recognize that transphobia exists, and transgender individuals continue to face discrimination in every major aspect of their day-to-day lives. “Tragically, members of the transgender community are too often the victims of hate-motivated violence.  Each year around the world, hundreds of transgender individuals of all ages – particularly transgender women of color –are brutally attacked, injured, or murdered simply because of who they are, and the list of names to memorialize grows ever longer.  In 2013 alone, this figure topped 238 lives lost, but we know that the real number of deaths is much higher as many cases go unreported and uninvestigated. “All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as live free from fear of discrimination and harm.  For transgender individuals, the lack of access to culturally competent health care, disproportionate rates of poverty and homelessness, resorting to survival sex or attempting suicide, maltreatment by law enforcement, and employment discrimination remain serious challenges to their well-being.  As a nation, we must do more to address these issues, root out stigma and racism, and foster greater inclusion in our society. “At the federal level, one of the immediate steps that we can take to protect the rights of transgender individuals is to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 (ENDA), a bi-partisan measure that strengthens basic employment protections for all Americans and, in my opinion, is long overdue.  On November 7, 2013, the Senate sent a clear message that employer discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity should be outlawed when it passed ENDA by a vote of 64-32.  I urge Speaker Boehner to reconsider his position and allow the House to vote on passage of a fully inclusive ENDA as soon as possible. “M. Speaker, transgender rights are human rights.  As we observe the 15th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us not only remember the lives of all those whom we have lost to transphobic hate, but honor their memory and sacrifice by recommitting ourselves to making a difference in the lives of LGBT individuals and other vulnerable communities as a whole.  I will continue working tirelessly with my colleagues in Congress, the Obama administration, and civil rights advocates to ensure that our laws recognize LGBT persons and provide them with equal opportunities to succeed.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362416,Hastings Hosts Film Screening of The List and Discussion of the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Program Backlog,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after hosting a screening and discussion of The List. The film documents the efforts of Kirk Johnson, a former employee of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) mission in Iraq and founder of The List Project. Kirk Johnson and film Director Beth Murphy joined Congressman Hastings at the screening for a discussion of the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Program backlog. “The United States completed its military withdrawal from Iraq in December 2011, and for many the conflict is quickly fading from memory. However, for the tens of thousands of Iraqis who risked their lives assisting American forces, everyday life remains perilous. Iraqi citizens were vital to the success of the U.S. mission. Now, their lives – and the lives of their loved ones – are constantly in danger. “Since 2007, Kirk has worked tirelessly to bring greater attention to the plight of our Iraqi allies who remain in harm’s way. He has succeeded in resettling nearly 1,500 Iraqis who fled their country out of fear or violence, and his list continues to grow. I am proud of the work he has done and honored to welcome him to the capitol today for this important discussion. “A mere 7,000 Special Immigrant Visas have been awarded and 18,000 remain unclaimed. I am pleased that the program was recently extended through December 2013, and hope the backlog in claims can be thoroughly addressed during this time.  As we accelerate in our withdrawal from Afghanistan, the interpreters who aided our troops there face the same nightmares as our allies in Iraq. The situation will only grow more urgent in the coming months, and we must remain committed to protecting our friends in the region that are now in danger.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that roughly 70,000 Iraqis worked for U.S. government agencies or their contractors in Iraq as of August 2008.  The Department of Defense (DOD) estimates that over 36,000 Iraqis worked with American forces in 2009. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362468,"Bipartisan Bill Tackling Abuses by Patent Trolls Introduced by Reps. Polis, Deutch, and Marino",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) joined his colleagues Reps. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Tom Marino (R-PA) to introduce bipartisan legislation to tackle the growing problem of patent trolls. The Demand Letter Transparency Act will help businesses that increasingly find themselves on the receiving end of vague patent infringement demand letters that often make allegations that the use of everyday technology, such as wireless email, digital video streaming, and the interactive web, is in violation of a patent holders’ rights. While it is estimated that the Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs) behind these demand letter lose 92% of the merits judgments in courts, retailers, advertisers, marketers, and other often simply settle these nuisance claims rather than running the risk of complicated, expensive, and protracted discovery and litigation in federal court.According to the Congressional Research Service, PAEs generated $29 billion in direct costs from defendants and licensees in 2011, a 400% increase over $7 billion in 2005. Another study reported that 62% of all patent suits filed in 2012 were brought by PAEs.  “Intimidating small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits with vague demand letters has become one of the most common ways that patent trolls take advantage of the lack of transparency in our patent system,” said Congressman Ted Deutch. “The targets of these demand letters are often left to decide whether or not to enter into expensive litigation without knowing any of the details regarding the patent in question, whose rights are being infringed, or how often similar demand letters are sent. I am pleased to join Reps. Polis and Marino to introduce a bipartisan bill that uses to transparency to solve a growing problem.” “Businesses are increasingly coming under attack by entities abusing current patent law by sending vague, overbroad and threatening demand letters to businesses that are playing a vital role in our economy. As a result of this threat of litigation, consumers are forced to pay more and many companies are diverting significant dollars from R&D and other activities promoting job growth to simply cover their increasing legal fees,” said Rep. Jared Polis. “The Demand Letter Transparency Act strikes the right balance in protecting the rights of legitimate patent holders to enforce their patents while protecting consumers and businesses against non-legitimate abusers of the patent system.” “Chairman Goodlatte’s Innovation Act makes significant strides to dismantle the fraudulent business model that is otherwise known as “patent trolling. I believe it is imperative that we also take on the issue of demand letters, which is at the very root of the problem,” stated Rep. Marino. “Demand letters target family-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who are essential for creating jobs and generate revenue for the economy.  Small businesses in my district cannot afford the legal fees associated with litigation and they should not have to sacrifice valuable resources to defend themselves against such vague and unsubstantiated claims.   Shell companies and trial lawyers are running a muck, frauding the courts and businesses alike. It is time Congress address this hostile practice.” The Demand Letter Transparency Act aims to assist small companies and end users who lack the money, time, and resources to fight demand letters they receive from PAE’s by putting additional information about the PAEs claims at their fingertips enabling them to determine whether to ignore, settle with or defend against assertions made by a PAE. It would be a very necessary first line of defense before they are forced to spend valuable resources to hire a patent specialist. This bill will help erase the “asymmetry of information” problem, collect data, improve transparency, and promote information sharing among those who receive demand letters from non-legitimate companies who hide behind vague, overboard and threatening demand letters. Specifically, the bill would: Increase disclosure requirements of PAEs by requiring any entity, which is not an original inventor or University, that sends a specified amount of demand letters relating to a patent issued during any 365-day period, to submit to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) certain information relating to the patent (including patent being asserted, ultimate parent entity, the number of entities they sent a demand letter to, and information pertaining to litigation or PTO review relating to such patent) and to file an exemplary copy of such demand letter with the PTO. Further it provides courts with discretion to sanction an entity that brings an alleged patent infringement case and does not meet the demand letter disclosure requirements above. Create a demand letter database at the PTO, in consultation with the Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission, that would be a publicly accessible and searchable. Increase demand letter requirements for any entity sending a demand letter to help a patentee identify the patents and claims. The demand letter shall include identification of each patent allegedly infringed, each claim of infringement, the accused instrumentality, as well as an explanation of each element of the claim within the accused instrumentality, how each element is infringed and a greater description of alleged direct infringement. The letter also must include identification of any case or post-grant administrative action relating to any of the patents, and further specificity relating to the ownership of any patent allegedly being infringed upon. The legislation also requires such entities sending a demand letter to include a statement that the recipient is not required to respond to the letter by law and provide information to recipients regarding accessing the demand letter database established under this legislation. Further it provides penalties for non-compliance. Codifies the FTC’s authority to enforce violations of the bill’s requirements under its existing authority.   Specifically, it defines entities that fail to contain proper standards in their demand letters or fail to submit their demand letters to the PTO as “unfair and deceptive act of practices.” The legislation is supported by a variety of businesses and organizations including Dish Network, Public Knowledge, the National Restaurant Association, Application Developers Alliance, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, National Retail Federation.   In addition to the Demand Letter Transparency Act, earlier this year Rep. Deutch introduced separate legislation to improve disclosure in our patent system. The End Anonymous Patents Act aims to curb abuses and inefficiencies that stem from the system’s current lack of transparency, such as the frequent use of shell companies by patent trolls to disguise ownership during litigation, or the difficulty potential licensees encounter trying to uncover the actual owners of patents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=103,"Frankel Advocates for Port Everglades Expansion, Everglades Restoration As Negotiations Kickoff on Finalizing Major Transportation Bill",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel advocated for South Florida priorities Port Everglades expansion and Everglades Restoration as negotiations got underway on a final Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). Frankel, a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, has a seat at the table as the House-Senate Conference Committee resolve differences between the House and Senate-passed WRRDA bills. For Frankel's opening statement, please see below. Congresswoman Frankel Remarks As Prepared It's an honor to join you all today. First, I want to congratulate both the House and the Senate for passing excellent WRRDA bills and thank the chair and ranking members of the committees for their outstanding leadership. I am very optimistic and energized that we can show the American people that lawmakers have the ability to work cooperatively in this conference committee and bring back an excellent finished product to our respective bodies. Transportation moves our economy, and our waterways play a vital role. WRRDA is about jobs for America, and as a Floridian I will be looking forward to supporting a final bill that streamlines project approvals, promotes our ports, protects our precious wetlands known as the Everglades, and preserves and manages our coastline. Both WRRDA bills reduce the bureaucracy and expense in determining the feasibility of water projects. That will be good news for applicants, like Port Everglades, that has waited 17 years for a chief's report on a dredging proposal. America's ports, like Port Everglades, need to be ready for the widening of the Panama Canal, expected to be completed by 2015. If they are not ready, the ships will pass them by. Dredging projects will allow the accommodation of larger and heavier loaded Post-Panamax freight ships. For Florida, this translates into tens of thousands of jobs with a multi-billion dollar impact on our economy. The ports of our country are in an infrastructure race with the rest of the world. So for those ports and other projects waiting for a Chiefs report and not yet authorized, I urge support for a House provision that will allow nonfederal interests to proceed with planning, design, and construction of projects, once they receive their chief's report. This will allow important projects not authorized in this WRRDA bill to move forward in a timely manner without impact on our federal budget unless authorized by future congresses. Both our bills authorize important projects that help to restore Florida's most important watershed, the Everglades, with a 4 to 1 return on every dollar spent. This restoration means increasing and improving the water quality for millions of people, protecting our natural habitat, increasing property values, expanding recreational opportunities, and boosting tourism. Shore protection projects are a vital first-line of defense against deadly storms like Super-Storm Sandy. For that reason, I commend the Senate's lead in addressing the looming issue of federal project authorizations coming to their 50 year deadlines and for encouraging a more regional approach to sediment management. This is especially crucial for the economy and environment of South Florida. Again, I want to thank our chairmen and ranking members of the house for their leadership. I look forward to bringing to our respective bodies an outstanding bipartisan bill. And I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023027/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=348093&,Effort to crackdown on theft of tax refunds gains momentum,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Effort to crackdown on theft of tax refunds gains momentum November 20, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new tax-reform proposal that the head of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee issued today includes measures aimed at stopping the dramatic increase in ID thieves stealing tax refunds. The identity theft measures are based on legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and are part of a broader tax-reform initiative from Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat. The overall goal of Baucus’s proposal is to simplify the country’s current tax system that’s become riddled with loopholes for special interests and corporations. “It's encouraging the chairman recognizes the importance of dealing with ID theft,"" Nelson said today.  ""Too many taxpayers are having their tax refunds swiped by identity thieves."" While it's encouraging that renewed emphasis is being placed on Nelson's legislation, the prospects for passage of the broader tax plan in a divided Congress remain uncertain. “Just trying to make something happen by taking the initiative,” Baucus has told reporters. Nelson first got involved in the issue of tax-related identity theft two years ago after hearing numerous complaints from Florida taxpayers, mainly in Tampa and Orlando, who fell victim to the scheme.  The Florida Democrat held two hearings in the Senate Finance subcommittee he chaired to investigate the issue, then prepared and filed bipartisan legislation to try to deter identity theft by increasing the penalties imposed on criminals caught filing fraudulent tax returns using someone else’s identity. Nelson’s measures, as included in the tax-reform proposal unveiled today, would: Require the IRS to establish a single point-of-contact for victims Create new penalties for anyone who misuses another person’s identity to receive a fraudulent refund. The fraudster could be fined up to $250,000 and sent to prison for up to 5 years. Establish procedures to accelerate information matching, so the IRS can catch attempts at fraud before the tax refund is sent out. Protect the personal information of deceased Americans, which is currently released to the public on a weekly basis by the Social Security Administration. Require an examination of the IRS’s current Identity Theft PIN program and the feasibility of its expansion. The IRS Identity Theft PIN program protects individuals who have been victimized by identity thieves, ensuring that only tax returns with the PIN are accepted by the IRS. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124222/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=453,Congresswoman Wilson Announces Iconic Congressman John Lewis Will Visit Miami's Booker T. Washington Senior High School,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"MIAMI, FL- Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) announced today that iconic civil and human rights activist Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) will visit Booker T. Washington Senior High School to share with students his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. Congressman Lewis’s visit will take place at 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2013. The school is located at 1200 NW 6th Avenue, in Miami. Congresswoman Wilson and Congressman Lewis are longtime friends and were classmates at Fisk University during the Civil Rights Movement. After meeting with students at the high school, Congressman Lewis will become an honorary member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a comprehensive drop-out prevention and  mentoring program for at-risk boys in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “It is an honor to have an American hero like Congressman John Lewis visit Booker T. Washington Senior High School to speak to students and to share his experiences in the struggle for civil and human rights.  “For half a century, he has been an extraordinary role model for millions.  As he shares his wisdom and life’s lessons with students at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, it is my hope that the students will become even more inspired and empowered to fulfill their dreams,” said Congresswoman Wilson. Congressman Lewis is one of this year’s featured guest speakers at Miami Book Fair International which is sponsored by Miami-Dade College. Congressman Lewis is co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel memoir trilogy MARCH, which also chronicles his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement.                                                                                           ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223807/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-advocates-for-port-everglades-expansion-everglades-restoration,"Frankel Advocates for Port Everglades Expansion, Everglades Restoration As Negotiations Kickoff on Finalizing Major Transportation Bill",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel advocated for South Florida priorities — Port Everglades expansion and Everglades Restoration — as negotiations got underway on a final Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). Frankel, a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, has a seat at the table as the House-Senate Conference Committee resolve differences between the House and Senate-passed WRRDA bills. For Frankel’s opening statement, please see below. Congresswoman Frankel Remarks As Prepared It’s an honor to join you all today.  First, I want to congratulate both the House and the Senate for passing excellent WRRDA bills and thank the chair and ranking members of the committees for their outstanding leadership. I am very optimistic and energized that we can show the American people that lawmakers have the ability to work cooperatively in this conference committee and bring back an excellent finished product to our respective bodies. Transportation moves our economy, and our waterways play a vital role. WRRDA is about jobs for America, and as a Floridian I will be looking forward to supporting a final bill that streamlines project approvals, promotes our ports, protects our precious wetlands known as the Everglades, and preserves and manages our coastline. Both WRRDA bills reduce the bureaucracy and expense in determining the feasibility of water projects.  That will be good news for applicants, like Port Everglades, that has waited 17 years for a chief’s report on a dredging proposal. America’s ports, like Port Everglades, need to be ready for the widening of the Panama Canal, expected to be completed by 2015. If they are not ready, the ships will pass them by. Dredging projects will allow the accommodation of larger and heavier loaded Post-Panamax freight ships. For Florida, this translates into tens of thousands of jobs with a multi-billion dollar impact on our economy.  The ports of our country are in an infrastructure race with the rest of the world. So for those ports and other projects waiting for a Chiefs report and not yet authorized, I urge support for a House provision that will allow nonfederal interests to proceed with planning, design, and construction of projects, once they receive their chief’s report. This will allow important projects not authorized in this WRRDA bill to move forward in a timely manner without impact on our federal budget unless authorized by future congresses. Both our bills authorize important projects that help to restore Florida's most important watershed, the Everglades, with a 4 to 1 return on every dollar spent. This restoration means increasing and improving the water quality for millions of people, protecting our natural habitat, increasing property values, expanding recreational opportunities, and boosting tourism. Shore protection projects are a vital first-line of defense against deadly storms like Super-Storm Sandy. For that reason, I commend the Senate's lead in addressing the looming issue of federal project authorizations coming to their 50 year deadlines and for encouraging a more regional approach to sediment management. This is especially crucial for the economy and environment of South Florida. Again, I want to thank our chairmen and ranking members of the house for their leadership. I look forward to bringing to our respective bodies an outstanding bipartisan bill. And I yield back.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-wilson-announces-iconic-congressman-john-lewis-will-visit,Congresswoman Wilson Announces Iconic Congressman John Lewis Will Visit Miami's Booker T. Washington Senior High School,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIAMI, FL- Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) announced today that iconic civil and human rights activist Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) will visit Booker T. Washington Senior High School to share with students his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. Congressman Lewis's visit will take place at 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2013. The school is located at 1200 NW 6th Avenue, in Miami. Congresswoman Wilson and Congressman Lewis are longtime friends and were classmates at Fisk University during the Civil Rights Movement. After meeting with students at the high school, Congressman Lewis will become an honorary member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a comprehensive drop-out prevention and mentoring program for at-risk boys in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It is an honor to have an American hero like Congressman John Lewis visit Booker T. Washington Senior High School to speak to students and to share his experiences in the struggle for civil and human rights. For half a century, he has been an extraordinary role model for millions. As he shares his wisdom and life's lessons with students at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, it is my hope that the students will become even more inspired and empowered to fulfill their dreams, said Congresswoman Wilson. Congressman Lewis is one of this year's featured guest speakers at Miami Book Fair International which is sponsored by Miami-Dade College. Congressman Lewis is co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel memoirtrilogy MARCH, which also chronicles his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362227,Hastings Introduces Resolution Recognizing People of African Descent and Black European Leaders,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after introducing a resolution in recognition of people of African descent and Black Europeans, and outlining concrete steps for the United States to take to help address racism and discrimination in Europe (Please find attached a copy of the resolution): “An estimated seven to ten million individuals of African descent currently live in Europe, particularly in France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, and form an influential part of the African diaspora.  From labor and scholarship to politics and civil rights, they have contributed greatly to European history and culture over the past several centuries.  However, the story of Black Europeans remains widely untold, rendering many of their past and present contributions to the political and social life of Europe invisible or forgotten.  Furthermore, similar to the experiences of many African Americans, they have increasingly become the targets of discrimination, pernicious racial profiling, and violent hate crimes impacting equal access to housing, employment, education, and justice. “This week, it was my great privilege and honor to welcome to Washington, D.C. an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) delegation of Black European Rights Leaders representing 10 countries in Europe, and preside as Ranking Democratic Member over a U.S. Helsinki Commission briefing, entitled ‘Europeans of African Decent ‘Black Europeans’: Race, Rights, and Politics.’  Building on past and current initiatives, the purpose of the delegation’s visit was to shed light on the experiences of Black Europeans in the face of ongoing racism and discrimination, specifically with regard to their representation in leadership positions and political participation.  Their personal testimonies offered a raw and honest glimpse into the realities of many Blacks living in Europe, and provided an opportunity for lawmakers, human rights advocates, and others to interface on solutions to addressing issues of inequality, discrimination, and inclusion in the 57 North American and European countries that make up the region of the OSCE. “Cooperation is key to addressing the global problems of racism and discrimination.  I was pleased to introduce today a resolution recognizing people of African descent, and particularly Europe’s Black community and political leaders.  Among other things, the resolution calls for the adoption of a Joint US-European Union Action Plan to develop transatlantic solutions to combat racial discrimination and promote racial equality in Europe.  I believe that our government can do more to help advance human rights and inclusion, including more partnerships with Black European communities and the public and private sectors; increased parliamentary activities such as legislation and policy, speaking out against racism, and increasing the political participation of racial minorities; and working with the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). “This resolution reaffirms the importance of inclusion and the full and equal participation of people of African descent around the world in all aspects of political, economic, social, and cultural life.  As we continue working to strengthen our democracy and root out racism and discrimination here at home, I encourage all my colleagues in Congress to join me in recognizing and celebrating the collective history and achievements made by people of African descent.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023031/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=348090&,Senators press for action on flood insurance rates,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senators press for action on flood insurance rates November 19, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Six lawmakers today jointly and publicly urged congressional leaders to take up legislation that would give millions of consumers relief from dramatic increases in their flood insurance. The bipartisan group was trying to impress upon congressional leaders how much folks in their states are hurting from these rate hikes.  They want Congress to pass stalled legislation they filed that would help. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) was joined by five other lawmakers including U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “We want to put this on hold,” Nelson said of the rate hikes. “Insurance that’s not affordable is not … insurance.”   Last month, Nelson and others filed legislation in the Senate that would delay the flood insurance rate increases for four years and require FEMA to complete an affordability study before increasing any flood insurance premiums in the future. They are now trying to attach that legislation as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Bill that is currently being considered by the full Senate.   Such a move would have to be approved by leadership. Last year, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act to make the nation's flood insurance program more financially sound.  The program was in a downward spiral mostly since Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in 2005.     Biggert-Waters eliminated certain subsidies that were being given on many homeowners' flood insurance policies.  When the subsidies expired Oct. 1, residents began to see their rates increase drastically.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361917,Hastings Marks National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement in commemoration of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: “Each year, we set aside the week before the Thanksgiving to mark National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Bringing America Home,” reflects both the progress we have made in reducing hunger and homelessness and also the work that remains to ensure every American access to the most basic human needs. “As a member of the Congressional Hunger Caucus and Co-Chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus, the issues of homelessness and hunger remain among my top priorities in Congress. I am particularly alarmed by the impact that recent and future reductions in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will have on Americans living in poverty or without a home. Homeless and impoverished Americans already struggle to make ends meet on a day-to-day basis, and I believe that we have a moral obligation to do whatever we can to assist those in need.  “I commend the hundreds of schools, organizations, non-profits, as well as community and faith groups that come together every year during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to bring renewed attention to the goal of working to end hunger and homelessness in America. Together, we will continue to make progress in ensuring that all Americans have food to eat and permanent shelter over their heads.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361822,Hastings Observes World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims,2013-11-17,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in commemoration of this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims:   “Today, we remember the lives of loved ones lost in road crashes all over the world.  These devastating accidents are often sudden, traumatic events that leave family members, friends, and communities asking themselves how such tragedies could have been avoided.   “In October 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for governments to mark the third Sunday in November of each year as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.  This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Have Roads that are Safe for All,’ reminding us of the critical need for safer highway infrastructure and sustainable urban planning to keep everyone out of harm when driving, biking, or walking on the street. Road safety is a shared responsibility that concerns everyone, including government, industry, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and everyday citizens.   “From 2006 to 2010, an average of 37,600 Americans lost their lives every year on our nation’s roads. First responders and medical professionals are to be commended for their tireless dedication to treat the injuries of accident victims. Fortunately, we have seen the number of traffic deaths continue to decline due to improved road safety programs, yet we can all take greater steps to help reduce road traffic deaths further.   “Road traffic crashes are frequently predictable and preventable.  Many countries have already made significant progress in reducing their number of crashes and casualties through education and the implementation of smarter, safer policies.  More than two years into the Decade of Action for Road Safety, I remain committed to supporting sustainable road safety programs and partnerships to save lives and minimize crash-related injuries, and as we celebrate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, I encourage all Americans to be extra mindful when on the road.”   Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361382,Deutch: Passage of Right to Counsel Resolution Must be Followed by Action,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives has passed a resolution introduced by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) reaffirming support for the 6th Amendment right to counsel and recognizing the need for strategies to improve access to quality legal representation for indigent defendants in our criminal justice system. March 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision Gideon v. Wainwright, which held that access to legal representation is so essential to a fair trial that states have a constitutional obligation to provide attorneys to criminal defendants unable to afford adequate representation. The passage of H.Res 196 follows the recent introduction of Congressman Deutch's National Center for the Right to Counsel Act, legislation designed to spur desperately-needed improvements to public defender systems nationwide. The crushing caseloads, poor funding, and inadequate resources that plague indigent defense systems nationwide and undermine the 6th Amendment right to counsel have been well-documented in reports from the Department of Justice, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and other organizations. This bill would equip states and localities with tools to implement their own indigent defense systems and meet their constitutional obligations as defined by the Supreme Court in Gideon v. Wainwright. ""I am pleased that the House of Representatives has gone on record in support of the right to counsel, but we all know that words alone will not fix the gross inadequacies of our indigent defense systems,"" said Congressman Deutch. ""The National Center for the Right to Counsel Act represents an opportunity for this House to turn words into action and ensure that all Americans accused of crimes, regardless of their financial means, have access to quality legal representation. Our failure to uphold the 6th Amendment undermines the premise that in America, every person has the right to a fair trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty."" The National Center for the Right to Counsel Act has been endorsed by several national organizations. Letters of support as well as links to the bill's summary are provided below.  American Bar Association Letter of Support for the National Right to Counsel Act The National Association for Public Defense Support Letter for the National Right to Counsel Act National Center for the Right to Counsel Act Bill Summary The National Legal Aid & Defender Association Support for the National Center for the Right to Counsel Act",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=101,Frankel Statement on President Obamas Affordable Care Act Announcement,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Statement on President Obama's Affordable Care Act Announcement f t # e Washington, DC, November 14, 2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement following President Obama's announcement Thursday that insurance companies can let people stay on their current health care plans. I welcome the President's announcement and look forward to the healthcare website being fixed, Frankel said. We should not go back to the days when insurance companies denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and dropped coverage for folks when they got sick. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140115012541/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov:80/news/details.cfm?id=348063&,New help is on the way for Florida's oyster industry,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"New help is on the way for Florida's oyster industry November 14, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - New help is on the way for Florida’s ravaged oyster industry, and fisheries and marine projects hurt by the BP oil spill in 2010, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).   The help is coming in the form of about $356 million that will go to affected parts of the state over the next five years.  The money is coming from fines the Justice Department levied against BP over the company’s role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. One of the lawmakers instrumental in pushing for part of that money to go to help Florida has been Nelson.  He previously wrote a letter to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation officials asking that they consider using money from the Justice Department’s fines to help with Gulf Coast projects.   “This is a big step in helping industries that have been particularly hard hit by the oil spill and the economy,” Nelson said.  “Hopefully we can do a lot more in the next few years.”   Over the next five years, there’s going to be $356 million that goes to projects in Florida that are developed by state and federal agencies.   The initial round of projects – more than $100 million for 22 projects in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas - were announced just today.   The first ones in Florida are:   Management & Restoration of Escribano Point Coastal Habitat - $1,731,000 Government Street Regional Stormwater Pont at Corrine Jones Park - $2,106,500 Apalachicola Bay Oyster Restoration - $4,189,000 Comprehensive Panhandle Coastal Bird Conservation - $3,205,000 Eliminating Light Pollution on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches - $1,499,300 Enhanced Assessment for Recovery of Gulf of Mexico Fisheries – $3,000,000   Click here to see Nelson’s previous letter in support of Florida’s project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140115013011/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov:80/news/details.cfm?id=348057&,Nelson: Florida will cooperate with White House on saving canceled policies,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Nelson: Florida will cooperate with White House on saving canceled policies November 14, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Obama announced today that he will have insurers reinstate anyone’s canceled health insurance policies, and Florida officials have assured the White House that they will fully cooperate.   That’s the word that U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) got from a top administration official just before the president went on national television to make the announcement about the policies.   Because health insurance is regulated by the state, Florida officials will have to approve reinstatement of the canceled policies.   “Congress enacted health care reform to help uninsured Americans get coverage, and it was not intended to take away from folks policies they're happy with,” Nelson said. “The president did the right thing today. Now, the administration has to fix the website and start getting new enrollees through the door.” As a former Florida Cabinet member and the elected insurance commissioner of Florida in the mid-1990’s, Nelson’s duties included regulating health insurance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301151842/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-appointed-to-negotiate-final-wrrda-bill,Frankel Appointed to Negotiate Final WRRDA Bill,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel was appointed to help negotiate the final Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).  Frankel will have a seat at the table as the House-Senate Conference Committee resolves differences between the House and Senate-passed WRRDA bills. “Transportation moves our local economy, and our waterways play a critical role,” Frankel said. “This bill is about jobs for South Florida and America, and I am honored to serve on the conference committee to promote our ports and restore our most precious wetlands, the Everglades.” As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, the committee that generated the WRRDA bill, Frankel worked with Democrats and Republicans to make sure it included a provision allowing Port Everglades expansion and Everglades Restoration to proceed. The House WRRDA bill authorizes planning, design and construction by a nonfederal interest, once a federal feasibility study is finalized. Most significantly, the non-federal interest will be eligible for a credit or reimbursement for any work carried out. The House bill as passed, will allow the Port to progress towards the dredging that is needed to accommodate the larger post-Panamax vessels that will frequent the seas once the Panama Canal is widened in 2015. Once completed, the dredging project will surge economic growth in South Florida, creating 7,000 new additional jobs and 135,000 indirect jobs. That’s a half billion dollars in economic impacts, far outweighing its potential costs. The House WRRDA bill will allow four Everglades projects to break ground, one of which will be constructed in backyard of Frankel’s district. The Broward County Water Preserve Area will help conserve water and boost water supply to South Florida.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301152430/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-president-obama-s-affordable-care-act-announcement,Frankel Statement on President Obama’s Affordable Care Act Announcement,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lois Frankel released the following statement following President Obama’s announcement Thursday that insurance companies can let people stay on their current health care plans. “I welcome the President’s announcement and look forward to the healthcare website being fixed,” Frankel said. “We should not go back to the days when insurance companies denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and dropped coverage for folks when they got sick.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361321,Hastings Attends Hoops for Youth Foundation Food Drive,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following remarks at a food drive organized by the Hoops for Youth Foundation and the American League of Lobbyists: “As I came to work this morning, I found myself thinking about how the holiday season seems to come earlier and earlier every year. It’s already mid-November, and we are quickly approaching Thanksgiving, and the season where we give thanks for all the things we are fortunate enough to have. “In doing so, I was reminded – as I’m sure we all are – that there are many people in our country and around the world who are far less fortunate than those of us lucky enough to be standing in this room today. I was also reminded that just two short weeks ago, a $5 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) took effect. This cut that will affect 1 in 7 Americans, and will give the families relying on this critical program one more thing to worry about. For many, it will literally take food off the table. “This underscores the importance of events like the one we are holding today. “Across America, there are millions of people still struggling to recover after the recession. There are millions of Americans that are still out of work. And, there are millions of American families that are struggling not just to make ends meet, but to provide for the most basic needs such as putting food on the table. “I believe that we have a moral obligation to do whatever we can, be it a grand gesture or a seemingly insignificant act, to make it easier for those among us struggling to make ends meet. Not just this season, but throughout the year.  “And in saying that, there are thousands of organizations like the ones represented here today that have committed themselves to serving their communities. “Making it easier for people to eat may be one of the simplest yet most critical things we can do, and I commend you for organizing this food drive. “The Pantry of Broward County is an organization that I have had the privilege to be involved with for a number of years.  They serve as a one-stop-shop for seniors – providing food, health care, and a number of other critical services for vulnerable seniors. Each and every one of these groups plays a vital role in serving those who live day-by-day. “You have all demonstrated a commitment to this type of service. Hoops for Youth for instance, does an exceptional job at supporting at-risk kids, giving them an opportunity to grow in a safe environment, learn leadership and teamwork, and continue their education in a supportive, safe environment. Simply put, it gives kids a chance. “We need to make sure that we give all families a chance, and with the holiday season fast approaching, I can think of no better time to offer a helping hand to those in need. Thank you again for being here today, for your involvement and commitment to service. May you all have a blessed holiday season.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361322,Hastings Welcomes DOJ Decision to Allow American Airlines-US Airways Merger,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the recent announcement that the Department of Justice (DOJ), along with a number of state attorneys general, has reached a settlement with American Airlines and US Airways to withdraw its lawsuit preventing a proposed merger between the two airlines: “I am pleased that the DOJ, as well as those states that supported its lawsuit, has decided to allow the proposed merger between American Airlines and US Airways to proceed.  This merger represents a tremendous opportunity that will help foster greater market competition, provide employees of the combined airline with better pay and benefits, and ensure that consumers have more choices when they travel. American Airlines and US Airways currently support thousands of jobs in Florida and, on September 27, 2013, I sent a letter along with six of my colleagues from the Florida Congressional delegation to State Attorney General Pam Bondi urging her to withdraw her support from the DOJ’s lawsuit.  I welcome this long awaited decision, which will soon result in the addition of a new 21st century carrier that not only offers competitive services globally, but supports economic growth in our communities throughout the nation.”  Please find attached a copy of the letter sent by Congressman Hastings, along with Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Ted Deutch (FL-21), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Joe Garcia (FL-26), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18), to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=100,"Frankel, Blumenthal, Baldwin, Boxer, Chu, Fudge Announce Legislation to Protect Access to Reproductive Care",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel joined by U.S. Senators U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Barbara Boxer (CA) and U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) Marcia Fudge (OH-11) announced the Women's Health Protection Act of 2013. The Women's Health Protection Act would protect a woman's right to safe and legal abortion by stopping restrictive regulations and laws such as those in place in states including Texas and Wisconsin intended to curtail reproductive health services for women. This legislation would prohibit laws that impose burdensome requirements on access to reproductive health services such as requiring doctors to perform tests and procedures that doctors have deemed unnecessary or preventing doctors from prescribing and dispensing medication as is medically appropriate. Other examples of laws that make it more difficult for a woman to access an abortion include: restrictions on medical training for future abortion providers, requirements concerning the physical layout of clinics where abortions are performed, and forced waiting periods for patients. Congresswoman Lois Frankel We've seen over the last few years that women in Florida and across the country are losing access to critical health services due to excessive and restrictive state laws and that's why it's important Congress passes the Women's Health Protection Act. Every woman deserves the right to make her own health care decisions, no matter what state she lives in. Senator Richard Blumenthal A new federal law is necessary to stop anti-choice legislators from using women's health and safety as a ploy to enact unconscionable and unconstitutional state statutes that obstruct and block women from essential health care and reproductive rights. Such restrictions create cascading doubt and deception that deter women from making personal decisions based their own values and constitutional rights. The Women's Health Protection Act invalidates unnecessary, unwarranted requirements and procedures ranging from ultrasounds and admitting privileges to physical clinic layouts. I am proud that Connecticut has avoided such unjustifiable restrictions, and I am determined to stand with women against state laws abhorrent and antithetical to well-established rights. This law will help make reproductive rights real. Senator Tammy Baldwin In Wisconsin and in states across the country, politicians have been standing between women and their doctors, restricting the choices women can make regarding their own reproductive health. I am proud to stand up to these attacks on women's freedoms and introduce the Women's Health Protection Act. Every American woman deserves the freedom to exercise her constitutional rights by making personal health decisions for herself and her family with a trusted doctor, and without political interference. Senator Barbara Boxer The Women's Health Protection Act will protect millions of women regardless of what state they live in from dangerous restrictions on their access to health care. It affirms the fundamental principle that a woman's medical decisions are best left up to her, her family, and her doctor not politicians waging radical assaults on women's reproductive health. Congresswoman Judy Chu A woman's right to choose is meaningless if she's stripped of her options. State laws eroding access to abortion create unnecessary hurdles and jeopardize women's health. We're introducing the Women's Health Protection Act today to ensure every woman can access safe medical care regardless of where she lives. Congresswoman Marcia Fudge Earlier this year, my home state of Ohio passed a budget bill that defunds Planned Parenthood and restricts grants to rape crisis centers that refers women to abortion clinics. This budget bill also requires abortion clinics to transfer patients to a local hospital in the case of emergencies, but prohibits public, local hospitals from entering into those agreements. Together, these actions have severely limited a woman's ability to exercise her reproductive rights in the state of Ohio. Other states have passed similar laws, but the Women's Health Protection Act will help put an end to this needless government interference at the state level. The Women's Health Protection Act has 27 cosponsors in the Senate and 52 cosponsors in the House. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140115013006/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov:80/news/details.cfm?id=348052&,President signs bill to rename VA hospital for Rep. Young,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"President signs bill to rename VA hospital for Rep. Young November 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The president today signed legislation by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and others to rename the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Medical Center in Florida after the late U.S. Rep. C.W. ""Bill"" Young. Nelson, who serves as a senior member of the Senate’s Armed Services Committee, was able to fast track the bill through the Senate, where it was approved Oct. 31 following House passage the week before.  President Obama signed the bill today. “This is a fitting way to recognize Bill Young’s extraordinary legacy of public service and his unwavering support of our veterans,” Nelson said today. After 42 years in Congress, Young died Oct. 18 and was recently laid to rest in the Bay Pines National Cemetery adjacent to the medical center that will now bear his name. Click here to see a copy of the bill the president signed today. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221123359/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=451,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Appointed to House Higher Education Subcommittee,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) was appointed today to the House Higher Education Subcommittee.  The Subcommittee oversees federal policy on U.S. colleges and universities and is part of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, on which Congresswoman Wilson also serves. “Higher education is not only about empowering our economy—it’s also about enriching lives,” said Congresswoman Wilson.  “I am deeply honored and ready to get to work to make college more affordable and accessible for the nation.” A longtime educator and former member of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Congresswoman Wilson has been a champion for college and university students as a Member of Congress.  Congresswoman Wilson introduced the Student Loan Fairness Act with Congressmember Karen Bass of California earlier this year and will soon announce a Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights to ensure that America’s students benefit from basic consumer protections.  Congresswoman Wilson proudly represents several institutions of higher education including Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, and Miami-Dade College in Florida’s 24th District.                                                                                                                             ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301152455/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-blumenthal-baldwin-boxer-chu-fudge-announce-legislation-to,"Frankel, Blumenthal, Baldwin, Boxer, Chu, Fudge Announce Legislation to Protect Access to Reproductive Care",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel– joined by U.S. Senators U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Barbara Boxer (CA) and U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27)  Marcia Fudge (OH-11) announced the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2013. The Women’s Health Protection Act would protect a woman’s right to safe and legal abortion by stopping restrictive regulations and laws – such as those in place in states including Texas and Wisconsin – intended to curtail reproductive health services for women. This legislation would prohibit laws that impose burdensome requirements on access to reproductive health services such as requiring doctors to perform tests and procedures that doctors have deemed unnecessary or preventing doctors from prescribing and dispensing medication as is medically appropriate. Other examples of laws that make it more difficult for a woman to access an abortion include: restrictions on medical training for future abortion providers, requirements concerning the physical layout of clinics where abortions are performed, and forced waiting periods for patients.   Congresswoman Lois Frankel “We’ve seen over the last few years that women in Florida and across the country are losing access to critical health services due to excessive and restrictive state laws and that’s why it’s important Congress passes the Women’s Health Protection Act. Every woman deserves the right to make her own health care decisions, no matter what state she lives in.” Senator Richard Blumenthal “A new federal law is necessary to stop anti-choice legislators from using women’s health and safety as a ploy to enact unconscionable and unconstitutional state statutes that obstruct and block women from essential health care and reproductive rights. Such restrictions create cascading doubt and deception that deter women from making personal decisions based their own values and constitutional rights. The Women’s Health Protection Act invalidates unnecessary, unwarranted requirements and procedures – ranging from ultrasounds and admitting privileges to physical clinic layouts. I am proud that Connecticut has avoided such unjustifiable restrictions, and I am determined to stand with women against state laws abhorrent and antithetical to well-established rights. This law will help make reproductive rights real.”  Senator Tammy Baldwin “In Wisconsin and in states across the country, politicians have been standing between women and their doctors, restricting the choices women can make regarding their own reproductive health. I am proud to stand up to these attacks on women’s freedoms and introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act.  Every American woman deserves the freedom to exercise her constitutional rights by making personal health decisions for herself and her family with a trusted doctor, and without political interference.” Senator Barbara Boxer “The Women’s Health Protection Act will protect millions of women – regardless of what state they live in – from dangerous restrictions on their access to health care. It affirms the fundamental principle that a woman’s medical decisions are best left up to her, her family, and her doctor – not politicians waging radical assaults on women’s reproductive health.” Congresswoman Judy Chu “A woman’s right to choose is meaningless if she’s stripped of her options. State laws eroding access to abortion create unnecessary hurdles and jeopardize women’s health. We’re introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act today to ensure every woman can access safe medical care regardless of where she lives.” Congresswoman Marcia Fudge “Earlier this year, my home state of Ohio passed a budget bill that defunds Planned Parenthood and restricts grants to rape crisis centers that refers women to abortion clinics. This budget bill also requires abortion clinics to transfer patients to a local hospital in the case of emergencies, but prohibits public, local hospitals from entering into those agreements.  Together, these actions have severely limited a woman’s ability to exercise her reproductive rights in the state of Ohio. Other states have passed similar laws, but the Women’s Health Protection Act will help put an end to this needless government interference at the state level.”   The Women’s Health Protection Act has 27 cosponsors in the Senate and 52 cosponsors in the House. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-appointed-to-house-higher-education,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Appointed to House Higher Education Subcommittee,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) was appointed today to the House Higher Education Subcommittee. The Subcommittee oversees federal policy on U.S. colleges and universities and is part of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, on which Congresswoman Wilson also serves. Higher education is not only about empowering our economyit's also about enriching lives, said Congresswoman Wilson. I am deeply honored and ready to get to work to make college more affordable and accessible for the nation. A longtime educator and former member of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Congresswoman Wilson has been a champion for college and university students as a Member of Congress. Congresswoman Wilson introduced the Student Loan Fairness Act with Congressmember Karen Bass of California earlier this year and will soon announce a Student Loan Borrowers' Bill of Rights to ensure that America's students benefit from basic consumer protections. Congresswoman Wilson proudly represents several institutions of higher education including Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, and Miami-Dade College in Florida's 24th District. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360720,Hastings Commemorates Veterans Day,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: “Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces throughout generations. With great courage and sacrifice, our servicemen and women have kept us safe and acted selflessly to protect America’s interests across the globe. We are all indebted to their service. “In addition, we are uniquely aware that our nation’s commitments to our veterans do not end when they return home from the battlefield. Many have been physically wounded, and suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or mental health illnesses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We also know that a disproportionate number of America’s veterans – about 67,000 of them – are homeless. These figures are alarming and unacceptable, and we must recommit ourselves to doing more to help our men and women in uniform. “I am pleased to hear that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made significant progress in recent months in reducing the backlog of disability compensation claims, and reduced outstanding claims by 34 percent. We are clearly making progress in addressing this serious problem, and I am deeply appreciative to the employees of the VA as they work to ensure that all of our veterans get the benefits they deserve.  “As we commemorate this year’s Veterans Day, let us remember all those who have fought and lost their lives in the name of freedom and democracy. The men and women of our Armed Forces deserve our deepest gratitude every single day for their continued sacrifice, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the rights of all veterans, active-duty members of the military, and their families.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360911,Statement on Veterans Day by Rep. Ted Deutch,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa,  released this statement in reaction to President Obama's announcement of an interim deal with Iran:""This partial deal is only the beginning, but we must be clear that the end result of this process is Iran verifiably and completely ending its nuclear weapons program and dangerous enrichment activities. Before any final deal can be reached, Iran must come clean about its entire nuclear program once and for all. This means addressing all outstanding claims by the IAEA of possible military aspects, dismantling the Arak reactor, halting centrifuge manufacturing, and granting inspectors full access to Parchin and all other sites. Iran must understand that all options remain until its nuclear program is no longer a threat to U.S. and international security.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360663,Deutch: Final Mental Health Parity Rule Will Expand Access and Save Lives,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Boca Raton, FL) Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a member of the House Mental Health Caucus, released this statement in reaction to news that the Obama Administration is issuing final rules for the Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA): “The costs of untreated mental illness and substance abuse on our society are profound, from unnecessary incarceration and unemployment to the tragic loss of life due to suicide and as we have seen in recent times, horrific gun violence.  Five years ago landmark reforms were signed into law requiring that health insurance companies cover treatments for mental health just as they do other medical services. Yet for millions of Americans struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, or other behavioral health disorders, the promise of parity has been undermined by the lack of a final rule. The issuance of final regulations today by the Obama Administration will expand access to mental health care for millions of Americans whose private health insurance companies have avoided covering what are in many cases the life-saving services they need.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360542,Hastings’ Statement on Senate Passage of ENDA,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 (ENDA) by a vote of 64-32: “In passing ENDA today, the Senate sent a clear message that employer discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity should be outlawed. All across the country, qualified, hardworking Americans continue to be denied job opportunities, harassed, fired, or otherwise discriminated against solely because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). ENDA is a bi-partisan measure that strengthens basic employment protections for all Americans and, in my opinion, is long overdue. “It is now up to the House to ensure that this critical legislation becomes law, however, Speaker John Boehner has indicated that he will not allow ENDA to be brought to the Floor for a vote. This decision is outright unconscionable, and threatens the livelihood of LGBT individuals and their families. Sadly, it appears that House Republican Leadership will once again stand on the wrong side of history and attempt to block ENDA from taking effect. Speaker Boehner should reconsider his position and allow the House to vote on passage of a fully inclusive ENDA as soon as possible.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360617,"U.S. Rep. Castor decries irresponsible sequester cuts on defense, other local economic engines",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"During an event hosted today by the local chapter for Women in Defense, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) outlined the harm that sequestration continues to have on the defense industry and other economic engines across the country and in Tampa Bay. Many members present at the event knew all too well the negative impacts of sequester cuts and expressed their experiences and concerns with job cutbacks, reduced training for preparedness, and losing top talent to other communities. “The defense industry has helped transform our community over the years into one of the most exciting places to live. It is a widespread sector of large and small businesses, and top contractors and talent are tied to MacDill Air Force Base, Special Operations Command and Central Command,” Rep. Castor said during her remarks at the event, while some commented that “cheap is expensive” and shared the difficulties the sequester has caused on their businesses and families.  “The technologies we have developed right here in the Tampa Bay area over the  past decade have improved our military capabilities by leaps and bounds. But that growth is at risk because of the hard liners in Congress who will not compromise on the budget and insist upon the sequester.  This approach stalls economic expansion across the country and in the Tampa Bay area.” Sequestration has meant a $470 billion cut in defense spending over 10 years, starting in 2013. Continued irrational sequester cuts will hurt local small businesses. Such cuts could force the military to reduce the size of the U.S. Army by 20 percent, eliminate U.S. Air Force bombers and transport planes, and cut as many as 33,000 from the Marine Corps. In addition, the recent government shutdown and economic uncertainty furloughed 1,500 at MacDill AFB and jeopardized $9 million in commercial contracts in the Tampa Bay area. Sequestration has also harmed other economic engines in Tampa Bay, such as education and research. Up to 1,200 fewer children in Florida will be served by Head Start, Hillsborough County Public Schools took a blow with $10 million in across-the-board reductions, and a $1.7 billion cut in 2013 to the National Institutes of Health has threatened existing and future innovations at the University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center.  “We need a balanced approach to promote economic growth and smart fiscal policy. Fortunately, the deficit is at the lowest level in 10 years. But the sequester is cutting important investments for our country that help us create jobs and get the economy moving.” Rep. Castor warned:  “Up until now sequester cuts have impacted discretionary spending, but if it continues, in fiscal year 2014 the bulk of the cuts will come down on defense and national security. In addition, this unreasonable approach does not give the Department of Defense the flexibility it needs in a world that is changing rapidly. We cannot balance the budget on sequester alone and the Republicans will have to compromise or else risk greater economic damage than they already have inflicted. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=99,Frankel Statement on Senate Passing the Bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Statement on Senate Passing the Bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act f t # e Boca Raton, FL, November 7, 2013 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after the Senate's passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) todaywith bipartisan support: I applaud the Senate for taking a historic step forward by passing ENDA. People must be treated fairly for the work they dowithout regard of their sexual orientation or gender.I urge theHouse to take up and pass this important bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140115013001/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov:80/news/details.cfm?id=348013&,"In wake of new reports, Nelson renews push for legislation targeting tax refund identity scams",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"In wake of new reports, Nelson renews push for legislation targeting tax refund identity scams November 7, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is renewing his call for an increased government crackdown on identity thieves who use someone else’s name to steal their tax refunds.   Nelson’s latest push comes in the wake of two new reports due out today by the U.S. Treasury Department’s inspector general on identity theft-related tax fraud.   The reports show the government is still losing $3.6 billion a year in potentially fraudulent tax refunds and it’s taking over 300 days for consumers who’ve had their identities stolen to get their cases resolved. That’s down from the $5.2 billion in potentially fraudulent refunds that were issued in 2011. “While these reports show that some progress is being made in reducing tax fraud, it’s also clear that there is still much to be done,” Nelson said in a letter to the Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Nelson requested the two newly-released inspector general reports after law enforcement authorities in Florida contacted him about seeing an increase in the number of cases in Florida where people were having their identities stolen. In 2011, a crackdown by a Tampa task force uncovered as much as $130 million in fraudulent refunds and officials made 49 arrests.   Nelson re-filed his legislation (S. 676) in April that would toughen criminal penalties for ID thieves who file fake refunds under someone else’s name.  It would also require the IRS to get legitimate taxpayers the refunds they’re due within 90 days.  Right now, according to these newly-released reports, it’s taking the IRS an average of 312 days to close identity theft cases.   “Earlier this year, I introduced legislation which I believe would go a long way to solving many of the problems identified in these latest reports,” Nelson wrote to the committee chair.  “Therefore, I request that you prioritize moving my legislation through the Finance Committee before another tax filing season passes and we have even more victims of tax-related identity theft.” A similar version of Nelson’s bill stalled in the Senate last year.  The legislation he re-filed earlier this year is currently pending before the Senate’s Finance Committee.   Here are the links to view the two Treasury IG reports:   Click Here to download the report titled: ""Case Processing Delays And Tax Account Errors Increased Hardship For Victims Of Identity Theft"" Click Here to download the report titled ""Detection Has Improved; However, Identity Theft Continues to Result in Billions of Dollars in Potentially Fraudulent Tax Refunds""                 And here’s a copy of Nelson’s letter to Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, followed by a summary of Nelson’s legislation: November 7, 2013     The Honorable Max Baucus Chairman Senate Committee on Finance 219 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510   Dear Chairman Baucus:   I am writing about two reports that the U.S. Treasury Department’s inspector general released today on identity theft-related tax fraud.   While these reports show that some progress is being made in reducing tax fraud, it’s also clear that there is still much to be done and there are still a number of improvements that need to be made to protect both taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury.   Last year, the IRS issued $3.6 billion in potentially fraudulent tax refunds, and criminals are still able to use the identities of deceased Americans to steal millions of dollars each year. Meanwhile, taxpayers whose identities have been stolen have to wait 312 days on average to have their cases resolved.   Earlier this year, I introduced legislation - the Identity Theft and Tax Fraud Prevention Act (S. 676) - which I believe would go a long way towards solving many of the problems identified in these latest reports.  Therefore, I request that you prioritize moving my legislation through the Finance Committee before another tax filing season passes and we have even more victims of tax-related identity theft.   Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Bill Nelson         IDENTITY THEFT AND TAX FRAUD PREVENTION ACT OF 2013 TITLE 1:  PROTECTING VICTIMS OF TAX-RELATED IDENTITY THEFT Section 101.  Expedited refunds for identity theft victims.  In 2012, the average time necessary for the IRS to close identity theft cases was 196 days.  According to the Taxpayer Advocate, the amount of time needed to resolve a case can be cut in half if the IRS adopts appropriate administrative reforms.  The bill directs the Secretary to establish a plan of action for resolving and closing identity theft cases within 90 days. Section 102.  Single point of contact for identity theft victims.  Victims of tax-related identity theft express frustration with the need to repeatedly contact the IRS regarding their case and having to explain their situation to a different IRS employee, who has no knowledge of the matter, each time they call.  The bill directs the Secretary to ensure that an identity theft victim has a single point of contact at the IRS that tracks the case from start to finish. Section 103.  Enhancements to IRS PIN Program.  The IRS anticipates issuing over 600,000 personal identification numbers (PINs) to identity theft victims in 2013.  However, the PIN program still fails to protect all victims whose identities have been compromised because PINs are not issued until all tax account issues have been resolved.  The bill directs the IRS: (1) to expand the existing PIN program to provide victims with a PIN earlier in the review process, and (2) to issue a report to Congress on the effectiveness of PIN program. Section 104.  Electronic filing opt out.  More than 80 percent tax-related identity theft occurs through electronically filed tax returns.  The IRS does not permit identity theft victims to “turn off” electronic filing. The bill would allow an individual filing an identity theft affidavit to direct the IRS not to process federal tax returns submitted electronically by persons purporting to be the taxpayer. TITLE 2:  SHUTTING DOWN ABUSIVE IDENTITY THEFT AND TAX FRAUD SCHEMES Section 201.  Restrictions on ability to use prepaid cards for tax fraud.  A common identity theft scheme involves the purchase of a reloadable prepaid debit card using a stolen identity.  The criminal then files a tax return using the stolen identity and has the fraudulent refund transferred to the prepaid card through a direct deposit.  The bill directs financial regulators to issue new rules to make the account numbers associated with prepaid debit cards and other vulnerable accounts distinguishable from those in which the issuer verifies the identity of the accountholder through more rigorous customer identification procedures.  The bill also directs GAO to review and evaluate customer identification procedures used by the prepaid card industry.   Section 202.  Limitation on multiple tax refunds to the same account.  An investigation by the Treasury Inspector General identified at least 10 bank accounts that had each received more than 300 fraudulent tax refunds.  The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to limit the number of refunds in a year that can be sent to an individual direct deposit account or mailing address. TITLE 3:  ADDING CRITICAL NEW PROTECTIONS TO SAFEGUARD SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS Section 301.  Restrictions on access to the Death Master File.  Identity thieves exploit public access to the Social Security Death Master File (DMF) to easily acquire the Social Security numbers of recently deceased persons, which they then use to file fraudulent tax returns.  The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to restrict access to the DMF to certified persons that have a fraud prevention interest or other legitimate need for the information, and it establishes penalties for disclosure or misuse of the information.    Section 302.  Prohibition on the display of Social Security account numbers on newly issued Medicare identification cards and communications provided to Medicare beneficiaries.  The publication of Social Security numbers (SSNs) on Medicare identification cards and other Medicare documents puts millions of individuals at risk of identity theft.  The bill requires the Medicare program to phase out the collection, use, and display of SSNs. Section 303, 304, & 305.  Prohibition and penalties on the display, sale, or purchase of Social Security numbers.  Tax-related identity theft schemes rely on the widespread availability of stolen Social Security numbers (SSNs).  Identity thieves obtain SSNs from sources with access to files and databases that contain personal information on clients and customers, such as doctor’s offices, schools, and nursing homes.  Federal laws fail to adequately protect SSNs or penalize SSN traffickers.  The bill imposes new civil and criminal penalties selling, purchasing, or publicly displaying an individual’s SSN without informed consent.   TITLE 4:  STRENGTHENING LAWS AND IMPROVING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST TAX-RELATED IDENTITY THEFT Section 401.  Criminal penalty for tax fraud through identity theft.  Tax-related identity theft is generally prosecuted under a tax provision related to fraud and false statements (§ 7206).  Because tax-related identity theft can cause extreme hardships for victims, in addition to loss of government revenue, a tougher penalty is appropriate. The bill increases the maximum penalty for tax-related identity theft from 3 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  The bill clarifies that tax-related identity theft constitutes aggravated identity theft under federal criminal law, potentially adding 2 additional years to the sentence. Section 402.  Increased tax preparer penalty for improper disclosure or use of return information.  Tax-related identity theft can occur when a paid tax return preparer sells, shares, or uses a client’s tax return information for improper purposes. The penalties for fraudulent disclosure or use of a taxpayer’s personal return information are too weak to deter potential criminals. The current law civil penalty is $250 per disclosure, capped at $10,000 per preparer in a calendar year. The current law criminal penalty is capped at $1,000 per conviction (and one year imprisonment). The bill increases the civil penalty to $1,000 per disclosure, capped at $50,000. It also increases the criminal penalty to a maximum of $100,000 per conviction. Section 403.  Authority to transfer Internal Revenue Service appropriations for use for tax fraud enforcement.  The bill provides the IRS Commissioner with authority to transfer up to $10 million for tax fraud enforcement from amounts appropriated to other IRS accounts. Section 404.  Local Law Enforcement Liaison.  State and local law enforcement agencies report difficulty obtaining the cooperation needed to aggressively pursue tax-related identity theft cases. The bill establishes a Local Law Enforcement Liaison (LLEL) within the Criminal Investigative Division of the IRS to administer information-sharing initiatives, respond to inquiries from State and local law enforcement, and ensure that privacy and confidentiality rules are preserved.       TITLE 5:  ACCELERATING TRANSITION TO A REAL-TIME TAX SYSTEM THAT PROTECTS TAXPAYERS AND REDUCES FRAUD Section 501.  Improved detection of fraudulent tax returns through expanded use of the National Directory of New Hires.  Effectively combatting tax fraud through identity theft will require the IRS to identify false income information at the time a return is filed.  The National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) is a database maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services.  It includes timely employment data from W-4 forms, quarterly wage data from State and federal employment security agencies, and other valuable information.  Access to the NDNH would improve the ability of the IRS to identify fraudulent returns at the time the return is processed.  The bill includes a proposal from the President’s budget authorizing the IRS to use the NDNH to administer federal tax laws. Section 502.  Plan of Action for a Real-Time Tax System.  Accelerating information matching and creating a real-time tax system is a critical component of the long-run battle against tax-related identity theft.  A real-time tax system would offer substantial benefits to taxpayers.  According to the Taxpayer Advocate, a real-time system will: (1) allow taxpayers to answer questions and address issues closer to the time of the transactions, (2) prevent taxpayers from facing IRS collection actions long after refunds have been spent, and (3) help taxpayer save money by avoiding the long-term accrual of penalties and interest.  The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to issue a report to Congress analyzing and outlining options and potential timelines for moving toward a tax system that reduces burdens on taxpayers and decreases tax fraud through real-time information matching.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140511223835/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-statement-on-senate-passing-the-bipartisan-employment-non,Frankel Statement on Senate Passing the Bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Boca Raton, FL – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after the Senate’s passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) today with bipartisan support:   “I applaud the Senate for taking a historic step forward by passing ENDA. People must be treated fairly for the work they do without regard of their sexual orientation or gender. I urge the House to take up and pass this important bill.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360484,"Reps. Deutch, Frankel, Murphy to Unveil Bill Protecting South Florida Homeowners from Outrageous Flood Insurance Rates",2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Friday at 11:00 am, U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (FL-21), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) will hold a press conference on the urgent need for Congress to pass the Homeowner Insurance Affordability Act and protect Palm Beach County homeowners from outrageously high flood insurance premiums. Joining the three Members of Congress as they detail this new bipartisan legislation will be local realtors, county officials, and community leaders who understand the threat posed by huge flood insurance rate hikes to South Florida’s economy. EVENT DETAILS Who: U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, and Patrick Murphy Palm Beach County Mayor Steven Abrams Richard Radcliffe, President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities Local realtors and county officials What: Press Conference on the Homeowner Insurance Affordability Act Where: West Palm Beach Boardroom at the Palm Beach Realtors Association 1 Harvard Circle, Suit 102, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 When: Friday, November 8th at 11:00 am ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221123404/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=450,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Takes Action To Stop Flood Insurance Rate Increases,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – As the nation marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy and its devastating accompanying floods, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) today announced actions to protect Floridians from flood insurance rate increases.  In addition to introducing the Homeowners’ Defense Act of 2013—a bill to strengthen state-sponsored insurance funds and enhance their ability to serve homeowners who are unable to obtain coverage—Congresswoman Wilson has co-sponsored the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, a bipartisan bill to delay most flood insurance rate increases for a period of four years.   The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act also requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to propose a new flood insurance regulation framework that addresses affordability issues.  Congresswoman Wilson issued the following statement: “Every homeowner needs insurance.   As a Member of Congress from a state that is highly vulnerable to severe weather, I am absolutely committed to ensuring affordable access to flood insurance. “The Homeowners' Defense Act of 2013, which I sponsored in Congress, establishes a national Consortium for state-sponsored insurance funds to voluntarily bundle their catastrophe risk with one another, and then transfer that risk to the private markets through catastrophe bonds and reinsurance contracts. This bill will go a long way toward making insurance affordable and available. “The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which I have co-sponsored, grants FEMA the time it needs to develop cost-cutting reforms.  The bill stops a tidal wave of rate increases that are set to strike homeowners.  I am so pleased to see Democrats and Republicans coming together to support these sensible and urgently-needed actions.”                                                                          ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-takes-action-to-stop-flood-insurance,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Takes Action To Stop Flood Insurance Rate Increases,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON As the nation marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy and its devastating accompanying floods, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) today announced actions to protect Floridians from flood insurance rate increases. In addition to introducing the Homeowners' Defense Act of 2013a bill to strengthen state-sponsored insurance funds and enhance their ability to serve homeowners who are unable to obtain coverageCongresswoman Wilson has co-sponsored the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, a bipartisan bill to delay most flood insurance rate increases for a period of four years. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act also requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to propose a new flood insurance regulation framework that addresses affordability issues. Congresswoman Wilson issued the following statement: Every homeowner needs insurance. As a Member of Congress from a state that is highly vulnerable to severe weather, I am absolutely committed to ensuring affordable access to flood insurance. The Homeowners' Defense Act of 2013, which I sponsored in Congress, establishes a national Consortium for state-sponsored insurance funds to voluntarily bundle their catastrophe risk with one another, and then transfer that risk to the private markets through catastrophe bonds and reinsurance contracts. This bill will go a long way toward making insurance affordable and available. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which I have co-sponsored, grants FEMA the time it needs to develop cost-cutting reforms. The bill stops a tidal wave of rate increases that are set to strike homeowners. I am so pleased to see Democrats and Republicans coming together to support these sensible and urgently-needed actions. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023034/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=347006&,Senator wants to ban tax deductions for corporate wrongdoing,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senator wants to ban tax deductions for corporate wrongdoing November 5, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) wants lawmakers working on the budget to consider approving a ban against corporations taking tax deductions for penalties imposed in cases of wrongdoing.   Nelson’s proposal comes in the wake of the latest disclosure that JPMorgan Chase is trying to claim a tax deduction for a portion of the $13 billion penalty it’s negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice. The company was engulfed in a case stemming from its handling of mortgage securities ahead of the 2008 financial crisis. The deduction would save the company roughly $4 billion in U.S. taxes.   ""That's money the U.S. taxpayer ought to be getting,"" Nelson said today.   Nelson made his request to end such tax breaks in a letter today to leaders of a 29-member special House-Senate Committee that is charged with resolving about $90 billion in differences between the differing federal budget plans of the two legislative chambers.  Nelson is one of the Senate appointees to the panel.   The panel is supposed to reach a budget compromise by next month.   Meantime, this isn’t the first time the Florida Democrat has fought against a corporation trying to claim a tax deduction for a penalty.  Earlier this year, following reports that BP was looking to write off a portion of the $4.5 billion penalty it agreed to pay for its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Nelson filed legislation to change the tax code and deny such tax deductions for oil spill-related expenses including legal, clean-up and other costs.   And Nelson’s not alone in his efforts to prevent JPMorgan Chase from writing off a portion of its $13 billion settlement,  Last month, he and a handful of senators wrote a letter Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to prevent JPMorgan Chase’s move to reduce its taxes.   There have been similar moves made over the years.  In 2006, Boeing tried to write off the $615 million fine it agreed to pay the government to settle charges stemming from the improper hiring of a Pentagon official - but then backed down in the face of growing pressure from lawmakers not to take such a deduction.     Four years later, Goldman Sachs agreed not to deduct any portion of the $550 million penalty it paid the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle claims it misled investors about collateralized debt obligations linked to subprime mortgages.      And earlier this year, the Justice Department prevented BP from writing off a portion of the $4.5 billion penalty it was forced to pay following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that created one of the largest oil spills in U.S. history. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360141,Hastings Introduces Resolution Recognizing 40th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence,2013-11-02,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after introducing H.Res. 397, Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the independence of the Bahamas.  Joining him as original co-sponsors of the resolution were Representatives Corrine Brown (FL-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY-08), John Lewis (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). (Please find attached a copy of the legislation).   “On July 10, 1973, the Bahamas became a free and sovereign country, and throughout 2013 Bahamians are celebrating the 40th anniversary of this tremendous milestone.  Our Caribbean neighbor has a proud history and rich culture that dates back centuries, from the Lucayan Indians who first settled the islands to British colonial rule and ultimately independence.    “The United States and the Bahamas are united by a shared history, common values, and a commitment to democracy and human rights.  I hope that both our nations will continue strengthening their friendship and bilateral partnership, especially in the areas of promoting greater security, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.  In addition, I look forward to working together with lawmakers and civil society organizations in the Bahamas as we continue to expand opportunities for the next generation of leaders, address the effects of climate change, and advance gender equality throughout the Caribbean region.   “This year, I join with the people of the Bahamas and the Bahamian community worldwide in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the independence of the Bahamas.”   Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360052,Hastings on Cut to SNAP Benefits,2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after a $5 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) took effect: “Starting today, American families struggling to make ends meet will have one more thing to worry about. The $5 billion cut to SNAP benefits will impact 1 in 7 Americans, including seniors, the disabled, children, and low-wage working Americans. For these families and individuals, the cuts will literally keep food off of the table. “This cut will force some of the hungriest people in our country to forego up to 21 meals every single month. Yet, Republicans remain determined to cut even more from the program. Just two months ago, House Republicans pushed through legislation to cut $39 billion from SNAP, nearly 10 times the amount agreed to in the bi-partisan compromise passed in the Senate. “SNAP benefits are critical for the 47 million people that receive them. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to oppose cuts to SNAP and support legislation that makes it easier for Americans to provide for themselves and their families.” Approximately 18 percent of Florida residents receive SNAP benefits. Nearly 1.7 million households in Florida participate in the program, including 51,000 households in the 20th Congressional district. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359986,"Deutch: Reduction in SNAP Benefits for 3.52 Million Floridians Will Bring More Hardship, More Hunger",2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) released this statement today on the expiration of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s $5 billion boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):  “Today, the 3.52 million Floridians and 48 million Americans nationwide who rely on SNAP to avoid going hungry will see their benefits go down as $5 billion in cuts take effect. These cuts result from the expiration of anti-hunger funding included in the Recovery Act, but we cannot forget that for these families, the economic recovery has yet to arrive, and putting food on the table remains a challenge. The fact that 87 percent of SNAP recipients live in households with children, seniors, or disabled Americans drives home how this assistance goes to those who need it most. “As these families cope with more hardship and more hunger in the wake of this $5 billion cut, leaders in the House and Senate are beginning to negotiate the terms of a new farm bill that could include anywhere between $4 and $40 billion in additional cuts to SNAP. The best way to reduce spending under SNAP is to pass legislation that will actually create jobs and grow paychecks so that millions of Americans do not have to scrape by on SNAP benefits. “Unfortunately, instead of passing a jobs bill, or a minimum wage increase, or immigration reform, Washington is busy debating how much less we are willing to help families who struggle with hunger in our communities on a daily basis.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360317,Hastings on Health Care Exchange,2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings on Health Care Exchange f t # e Fort Lauderdale, FL, October 31, 2013 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding health coverage through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): “I am pleased to join the health care exchange on January 1, 2014, which will provide health insurance to tens of millions of Americans, and improve coverage for millions of others. “I voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act, and will go into the exchange as required by law.   “However, after considerable thought and consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), I believe that my Congressional staff both in Florida and Washington should be treated the same as every other Federal employee, who purchases their health care coverage through the Federal Health Benefit Program (FEHBP).” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.   ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359959,"PRESS ADVISORY: Reps. Frankel, Deutch, Murphy, Everglades Advocates to Announce Next Steps for Everglades Restoration",2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday morning, Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Congressmen Ted Deutch and Patrick Murphy along with other Everglades advocates Erik Eikenberg and John A. Marshall will announce next steps for Everglades Restoration and talk about the local impact. The press conference is being held at Clear Lake because the lake reservoir supplies water to West Palm Beach from the Everglades ecosystem. After the recent passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), Everglades Restoration can move forward. The WRRDA bill will allow four Everglades projects to break ground and paves the way for the Central Everglades Planning Project to progress, which marks a monumental step. South Florida’s congressional delegation members have been vocal advocates for Everglades Restoration. Frankel, who serves on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and its Water Resources and the Environment Subcommittee, helped ensure the WRRDA bill allowed Everglades Restoration to progress and worked with Florida delegation members to make sure Everglades issues were at the forefront.  Murphy recently held a Congressional briefing on local waterways issues with over 100 community members to speak to the importance of moving forward expeditiously on Everglades restoration projects, which will benefit the health of these polluted waterways. Amid unprecedented budget cuts in Washington, Deutch has worked to protect funding for Everglades Restoration projects critical to supplying safe drinking water to the people of South Florida and essential to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. The Everglades is important to South Florida’s economy and critical to South Florida’s water supply. According to an Everglades Foundation study, for every dollar invested in Everglades restoration, $4 are generated in economic benefits. The Everglades is the primary source of drinking water for more than 7 million Americans, including providing water to South Floridians.  PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS: What: Press Conference Announcing Next Steps for Everglades Restoration Who: Reps. Lois Frankel, Ted Deutch and Patrick Murphy Erik Eikenberg, CEO Everglades Foundation John A. Marshall, Chairman Arthur R. Marshall Foundation When: Friday November 1, 11 a.m. Where: Clear Lake, Banyan Blvd and North Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=98,Frankel Joins Colleagues in Letter to Speaker Boehner Urging House GOP Leadership to End Threat of Another Government Shutdown or Default,2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"strongA day after budget negotiations began between Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, Congresswoman Lois Frankel today joined 177 of her colleagues in a letter to Speaker John Boehner calling on him and House Republican leadership to publicly declare that they will not use the threat of a federal government shutdown or default as a political tactic in budget talks. Citing the economic damage caused by the recent 16-day government shutdown and threat of default, Frankel and the Members emphasized that Congress must work together to pass a responsible budget agreement and take the dual threats of a shutdown and default off the table. The 16-day-long federal government shutdown is over and default on America's debt has been averted, although no one is relieved that this latest crisis ever occurred, the lawmakers wrote. The most powerful source of uncertainty to American families and businesses is the threat of a government shutdown and default on our debts. That is why we are writing to you to urge you and your leadership to publicly declare that you will not again use the threat of a government shutdown or default as leverage in the important discussions regarding long-term deficit reduction and economic growth. On October 16, Frankel voted for a bill that ended the reckless shutdown and made sure America paid its bills. That bill funds the government through January 15, 2014 and ensures American can pay its bills through February 7, 2014. The full text of the group's letter is below: October 31, 2013 Honorable John Boehner Speaker of the House Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker, The 16-day-long federal government shutdown is over and default on America's debt has been averted, although no one is relieved that this latest crisis ever occurred. Now, we are deeply concerned that the American people are in danger of another shutdown or threat of default early next year. The most powerful source of uncertainty to American families and businesses is the threat of a government shutdown and default on our debts. That is why we are writing to you to urge you and your leadership to publicly declare that you will not again use the threat of a government shutdown or default as leverage in the important discussions regarding long-term deficit reduction and economic growth. The American people depend on their elected representatives to be problem solvers and get our work done. When we fail to do our job, however, it is not the American people who should pay the price for our inability to reach critical agreements. The cost to our nation is too high. The absence of paychecks to hundreds of thousands of federal employees during the course of the shutdown caused real economic hardship to those employees and their families and to private businesses whose livelihoods were affected by the shutdown. Ratings agencies and economists from across the political spectrum agree that the shutdown and threat of default took a real toll on our economy and that the possibility of repeating these crises is causing ongoing uncertainty and economic weakness. Standard & Poor's estimated that the recent shutdown cost our economy $24 billion and reduced 4th quarter GDP growth by 0.6 percent. The shutdown triggered higher short-term interest rates, adding $100 million to the federal budget deficit in the last week of the shutdown alone. And Standard & Poor's said that the threat of another shutdown and possible default weighs heavily on the economy. The short turnaround for politicians to negotiate some sort of lasting deal will weigh on consumer confidence, especially among government workers that were furloughed, the agency said in its October 16 report. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Analytics, said he has downgraded his projected growth for the gross domestic product for the last quarter of this year from 2.6 percent to 2.1 percent because of the shutdown and simply the threat that Congress would not raise the debt ceiling on time, according the Times-Tribune of Scranton, PA. Joel Naroff, founder of Naroff Economic Advisors, said the shutdown trimmed fourth-quarter growth by 20% - an outcome any business would consider a disaster','' according to USA Today. Gennadiy Goldberg, economist at TD Securities, said, 'The recovery is on hold for another four months,' citing the unresolved differences in Washington over the government budget, according to Thompson/Reuters. And Adam Posen of the Peterson Institute for International Economics said, This will accelerate the rate at which the Chinese renminbi becomes accepted at least throughout Asia as an alternative to the dollar, or Chinese government bonds become accepted as an alternative [to U.S. Treasurys], according to National Public Radio. This sobering economic hardship should have never been visited upon the American people. The shutdown and threat of default were unnecessary and costly. Congress has voted itself 90 days to reach a long-term budget agreement. We respectfully request that Congress work hard to reach an agreement sooner than that and that you and your colleagues in leadership remove the threat of another shutdown or default on America's debt as a weapon in these talks. We are working in good faith to meet our responsibilities and achieve the goals set out in last week's agreement to open the government and avoid default. All House Democrats and some Republicans voted for that agreement. By acting now to take the threat of another shutdown or default off the table you can provide certainty and economic relief that American families and privates businesses desperately need. Sincerely, Rep. Elizabeth H. Esty Rep. Ann McLane Kuster Rep. Xavier Becerra Rep. Pete P. Gallego Rep. Denny Heck Rep. Gerald E. Connolly Rep. Daniel B. Maffei Rep. Suzanna Bonamici Rep. Dina Titus Rep. Alan Grayson Rep. James P. McGovern Rep. John A. Yarmuth Rep. Janice Hahn Rep. Karen Bass Rep. Marc A. Veasey Rep. Joyce Beatty Rep. Joe Crowley Rep. Bradley S. Schneider Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick Rep. John Lewis Rep. James A. Himes Rep. Jackie Speier Rep. David N. Cicilline Rep. Frederica S. Wilson Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham Rep. Kathy Castor Rep. Joaquin Castro Rep. Lloyd Doggett Rep. Anna G. Eshoo Rep. Michael F. Doyle Rep. David Scott Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. Rep. Mark Pocan Rep. Timothy H. Bishop Rep. Cedric L. Richmond Rep. Mike Thompson Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Rep. James E. Clyburn Rep. Henry Cuellar Rep. Paul Tonko Rep. John P. Sarbanes Rep. Ed Pastor Rep. Ben Ray Lujn Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter Rep. Richard M. Nolan Rep. Gene Green Rep. Andr D. Carson Rep. Daniel Lipinski Rep. Brian Higgins Rep. Michael H. Michaud Rep. William L. Enyart Rep. Betty McCollum Rep. John Garamendi Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo Rep. Doris O. Matsui Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Rep. John Conyers, Jr. Rep. Alcee Hastings Rep. Adam B. Schiff Rep. Joe Courtney Rep. Scott H. Peters Rep. Charles B. Rangel Rep. Steve Cohen Rep. Yvette D. Clark Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Rep. Marcia Fudge Rep. Diana DeGette Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro Rep. Nita M. Lowey Rep. Linda T. Snchez Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Rep. Peter A. DeFazio Rep. Rick Larsen Rep. Corrine Brown Rep. Marcy Kaptur Rep. David E. Price Rep. Danny K. Davis Rep. Elliot L. Engel Rep. Henry A. Waxman Rep. George Miller Rep. Maxine Waters Rep. Jos E. Serrano Rep. Lois Capps Rep. Elijah E. Cummings Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Rep. Stephen F. Lynch Rep. Jerrold Nadler Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Del. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan Rep. Eric Swalwell Rep. Alan S. Lowenthal Rep. Cheri Bustos Rep. Julia Brownley Rep. Theodore E. Deutch Rep. Ron Barber Rep. Timothy J. Walz Rep. Jim McDermott Rep. Lois Frankel Rep. Earl Blumenauer Rep. Loretta Sanchez Rep. Sam Farr Rep. Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott Rep. Jerry McNerney Rep. Rush Holt Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy, III Rep. Bill Foster Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz Rep. Tony Crdenas Rep. Carol Shea-Porter Rep. David Loebsack Rep. Judy Chu Rep. Susan A. Davis Rep. Patrick Murphy Rep. Ral M. Grijalva Rep. Grace F. Napolitano Rep. Niki Tsongas Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney Rep. Jim Cooper Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod Rep. John K. Delaney Rep. Jared Huffman Rep. Juan Vargas Rep. Chris Van Hollen Rep. Michael M. Honda Rep. Collin C. Peterson Rep. Jim Costa Rep. Sander M. Levin Rep. Grace Meng Rep. Chellie Pingree Rep. Raul Ruiz Rep. Steven A. Horsford Rep. Zoe Lofgren Rep. John C. Carney, Jr. Rep. Ami Bera Rep. Ed Perlmutter Rep. Matt Cartwright Rep. Tim Ryan Rep. Jared Polis Rep. Derek Kilmer Rep. John B. Larson Rep. Joe Garcia Rep. Ron Kind Rep. Mark Takano Rep. Keith Ellison Rep. James P. Moran Rep. Peter J. Visclosky Rep. Rubn E. Hinojosa Rep. Barbara Lee Rep. Chaka Fattah Rep. Nydia M. Velzquez Rep. Peter Welch Rep. G.K. Butterfield Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney Rep. John D. Dingell Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Rep. Albio Sires Rep. Carolyn McCarthy Rep. Brad Sherman Rep. Gwen Moore Rep. Emanuel Cleaver Rep. Robert E. Andrews Rep. Bruce L. Braley Del. Donna M. Christensen Rep. Robin Kelly Rep. Robert A. Brady Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. Rep. Tammy Duckworth Rep. James R. Langevin Rep. Suzan DelBene Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Rep. Daniel T. Kildee Rep. Hakeem S. Jeffries Rep. Steve Israel Rep. Al Green Rep. John F. Tierney Rep. William R. Keating",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301151909/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/frankel-joins-colleagues-in-letter-to-speaker-boehner-urging-house-gop,Frankel Joins Colleagues in Letter to Speaker Boehner Urging House GOP Leadership to End Threat of Another Government Shutdown or Default,2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Boca Raton, FL— A day after budget negotiations began between Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, Congresswoman Lois Frankel today joined 177 of her colleagues in a letter to Speaker John Boehner calling on him and House Republican leadership to publicly declare that they will not use the threat of a federal government shutdown or default as a political tactic in budget talks. Citing the economic damage caused by the recent 16-day government shutdown and threat of default, Frankel and the Members emphasized that Congress must work together to pass a responsible budget agreement and take the dual threats of a shutdown and default off the table. “The 16-day-long federal government shutdown is over and default on America’s debt has been averted, although no one is relieved that this latest crisis ever occurred,” the lawmakers wrote. “The most powerful source of uncertainty to American families and businesses is the threat of a government shutdown and default on our debts. That is why we are writing to you to urge you and your leadership to publicly declare that you will not again use the threat of a government shutdown or default as leverage in the important discussions regarding long-term deficit reduction and economic growth.” On October 16, Frankel voted for a bill that ended the reckless shutdown and made sure America paid its bills. That bill funds the government through January 15, 2014 and ensures American can pay its bills through February 7, 2014. The full text of the group’s letter is below: October 31, 2013 Honorable John Boehner Speaker of the House Washington, D.C.  20515 Dear Mr. Speaker, The 16-day-long federal government shutdown is over and default on America’s debt has been averted, although no one is relieved that this latest crisis ever occurred.  Now, we are deeply concerned that the American people are in danger of another shutdown or threat of default early next year. The most powerful source of uncertainty to American families and businesses is the threat of a government shutdown and default on our debts. That is why we are writing to you to urge you and your leadership to publicly declare that you will not again use the threat of a government shutdown or default as leverage in the important discussions regarding long-term deficit reduction and economic growth. The American people depend on their elected representatives to be problem solvers and get our work done. When we fail to do our job, however, it is not the American people who should pay the price for our inability to reach critical agreements. The cost to our nation is too high. The absence of paychecks to hundreds of thousands of federal employees during the course of the shutdown caused real economic hardship to those employees and their families and to private businesses whose livelihoods were affected by the shutdown. Ratings agencies and economists from across the political spectrum agree that the shutdown and threat of default took a real toll on our economy and that the possibility of repeating these crises is causing ongoing uncertainty and economic weakness. • Standard & Poor’s estimated that the recent shutdown cost our economy $24 billion and reduced 4th quarter GDP growth by 0.6 percent. The shutdown triggered higher short-term interest rates, adding $100 million to the federal budget deficit in the last week of the shutdown alone.  And Standard & Poor’s said that the threat of another shutdown and possible default weighs heavily on the economy. “The short turnaround for politicians to negotiate some sort of lasting deal will weigh on consumer confidence, especially among government workers that were furloughed,” the agency said in its October 16 report. • Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics, “said he has downgraded his projected growth for the gross domestic product for the last quarter of this year from 2.6 percent to 2.1 percent because of the shutdown and simply the threat that Congress would not raise the debt ceiling on time,” according the Times-Tribune of Scranton, PA. • Joel Naroff, founder of Naroff Economic Advisors, said the “shutdown trimmed fourth-quarter growth by 20% - an outcome any business would ‘consider a disaster’,'' according to USA Today. • Gennadiy Goldberg, economist at TD Securities, said, “’The recovery is on hold for another four months,’ citing the unresolved differences in Washington over the government budget,” according to Thompson/Reuters. • And Adam Posen of the Peterson Institute for International Economics said, “This will accelerate the rate at which the Chinese renminbi becomes accepted — at least throughout Asia — as an alternative to the dollar, or Chinese government bonds become accepted as an alternative [to U.S. Treasurys],” according to National Public Radio. This sobering economic hardship should have never been visited upon the American people. The shutdown and threat of default were unnecessary and costly. Congress has voted itself 90 days to reach a long-term budget agreement. We respectfully request that Congress work hard to reach an agreement sooner than that and that you and your colleagues in leadership remove the threat of another shutdown or default on America’s debt as a weapon in these talks. We are working in good faith to meet our responsibilities and achieve the goals set out in last week’s agreement to open the government and avoid default.  All House Democrats and some Republicans voted for that agreement.  By acting now to take the threat of another shutdown or default off the table you can provide certainty and economic relief that American families and privates businesses desperately need. Sincerely, Rep. Elizabeth H. Esty Rep. Ann McLane Kuster Rep. Xavier Becerra Rep. Pete P. Gallego Rep. Denny Heck Rep. Gerald E. Connolly Rep. Daniel B. Maffei Rep. Suzanna Bonamici Rep. Dina Titus Rep. Alan Grayson Rep. James P. McGovern Rep. John A. Yarmuth Rep. Janice Hahn Rep. Karen Bass Rep. Marc A. Veasey Rep. Joyce Beatty Rep. Joe Crowley Rep. Bradley S. Schneider Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick Rep. John Lewis Rep. James A. Himes Rep. Jackie Speier Rep. David N. Cicilline Rep. Frederica S. Wilson Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham Rep. Kathy Castor Rep. Joaquin Castro Rep. Lloyd Doggett Rep. Anna G. Eshoo Rep. Michael F. Doyle Rep. David Scott Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. Rep. Mark Pocan Rep. Timothy H. Bishop Rep. Cedric L. Richmond Rep. Mike Thompson Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Rep. James E. Clyburn Rep. Henry Cuellar Rep. Paul Tonko Rep. John P. Sarbanes Rep. Ed Pastor Rep. Ben Ray Luján Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter Rep. Richard M. Nolan Rep. Gene Green Rep. André D. Carson Rep. Daniel Lipinski Rep. Brian Higgins Rep. Michael H. Michaud Rep. William L. Enyart Rep. Betty McCollum Rep. John Garamendi Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo Rep. Doris O. Matsui Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Rep. John Conyers, Jr. Rep. Alcee Hastings Rep. Adam B. Schiff Rep. Joe Courtney Rep. Scott H. Peters Rep. Charles B. Rangel Rep. Steve Cohen Rep. Yvette D. Clark Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Rep. Marcia Fudge Rep. Diana DeGette Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro Rep. Nita M. Lowey Rep. Linda T. Sánchez Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Rep. Peter A. DeFazio Rep. Rick Larsen Rep. Corrine Brown Rep. Marcy Kaptur Rep. David E. Price Rep. Danny K. Davis Rep. Elliot L. Engel Rep. Henry A. Waxman Rep. George Miller Rep. Maxine Waters Rep. José E. Serrano Rep. Lois Capps Rep. Elijah E. Cummings Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Rep. Stephen F. Lynch Rep. Jerrold Nadler Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Del. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan Rep. Eric Swalwell Rep. Alan S. Lowenthal Rep. Cheri Bustos Rep. Julia Brownley Rep. Theodore E. Deutch Rep. Ron Barber Rep. Timothy J. Walz Rep. Jim McDermott Rep. Lois Frankel Rep. Earl Blumenauer Rep. Loretta Sanchez Rep. Sam Farr Rep. Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott Rep. Jerry McNerney Rep. Rush Holt Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy, III Rep. Bill Foster Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz Rep. Tony Cárdenas Rep. Carol Shea-Porter Rep. David Loebsack Rep. Judy Chu Rep. Susan A. Davis Rep. Patrick Murphy Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva Rep. Grace F. Napolitano Rep. Niki Tsongas Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney Rep. Jim Cooper Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod Rep. John K. Delaney Rep. Jared Huffman Rep. Juan Vargas Rep. Chris Van Hollen Rep. Michael M. Honda Rep. Collin C. Peterson Rep. Jim Costa Rep. Sander M. Levin Rep. Grace Meng Rep. Chellie Pingree Rep. Raul Ruiz Rep. Steven A. Horsford Rep. Zoe Lofgren Rep. John C. Carney, Jr. Rep. Ami Bera Rep. Ed Perlmutter Rep. Matt Cartwright Rep. Tim Ryan Rep. Jared Polis Rep. Derek Kilmer Rep. John B. Larson Rep. Joe Garcia Rep. Ron Kind Rep. Mark Takano Rep. Keith Ellison Rep. James P. Moran Rep. Peter J. Visclosky Rep. Rubén E. Hinojosa Rep. Barbara Lee Rep. Chaka Fattah Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez Rep. Peter Welch Rep. G.K. Butterfield Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney Rep. John D. Dingell Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Rep. Albio Sires Rep. Carolyn McCarthy Rep. Brad Sherman Rep. Gwen Moore Rep. Emanuel Cleaver Rep. Robert E. Andrews Rep. Bruce L. Braley Del. Donna M. Christensen Rep. Robin Kelly Rep. Robert A. Brady Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. Rep. Tammy Duckworth Rep. James R. Langevin Rep. Suzan DelBene Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Rep. Daniel T. Kildee Rep. Hakeem S. Jeffries Rep. Steve Israel Rep. Al Green Rep. John F. Tierney Rep. William R. Keating",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359828,Hastings Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement recognizing the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month: “As a co-sponsor of the original Violence Against Women Act of 1993 (VAWA), I am proud of the progress our country has made in reducing domestic violence over the past two decades. We have taken great strides in banishing domestic violence from our homes, and have dedicated significant resources to better protect survivors, prosecute abusers, and prevent new violence before it occurs. According the Department of Justice (DOJ), our nation has seen a 64 percent decline in domestic violence since 1994.  “Despite this overwhelming progress, one in four women will still experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Young adults between the ages of 16-24 still experience domestic violence at the highest rates, and, every day, three women lose their lives as a result of domestic violence. These statistics are both staggering and unacceptable. Clearly, we must do more. That is why I proudly supported the re-authorization of VAWA.  “Even though Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed only once a year, efforts to bring an end to domestic violence must continue each and every single day. I believe that we must do all that we can to aid those who have suffered from domestic violence, and work to prevent new violence from happening.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357119,U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch Introduces National Center for the Right to Counsel Act,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation Aims to Uphold Right to Counsel Established by Gideon v. Wainright    Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced the National Center for the Right to Counsel Act. The legislation is designed to spur improvements to public defender systems across America, which have been struggling to uphold the constitutional right to counsel for indigent defendants as established 50 years ago in the Supreme Court’s landmark Gideon v. Wainright decision. The National Center for the Right to Counsel Act will establish a private, nonprofit center to financially support state and local systems of public defense and provide training to improve the quality of representation provided to Americans charged with crimes but unable to afford lawyers.  Joining Congressman Deutch as original cosponsors of the National Center for the Right to Counsel Act are Congressman John Conyers (MI-13), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. “Our underfunded and overloaded public defender system undermines the legal representation that the Supreme Court ruled in Gideon v. Wainright must be guaranteed to all Americans, regardless of their financial means, in order to receive a fair trial,” said Congressman Ted Deutch. “From our unsustainably high rates of incarceration to the lives of families torn apart by unnecessary jail time and wrongful convictions, Congress cannot afford to ignore the economic and moral costs of this crisis in our criminal justice system. I have introduced the National Center for the Right to Counsel Act because Congress has an obligation to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and ensure our justice system is administered fairly.”  The National Center for the Right to Counsel Act would create a private, nonprofit Center that provides financial support for state and local public defense systems and training programs that aim to improve the delivery of legal services to indigent defendants.  The financial assistance provided by the Center in the form of grants and contracts will supplement, not supplant, funding for public defense systems.  The Center also will engage in research; training and technical assistance; and serve as a clearinghouse for information relating to the delivery of indigent defense services.  In addition, the Center will create Regional Backup Service Centers that will be responsible for serving a specified geographic region.  These Regional Backup Centers will provide attorneys engaged in public defense services access to qualified investigators and sentencing mitigation specialists.  Regional Backup Centers also will provide information to public defense systems regarding grants that are available to them.  In addition, the bill would create State Advisory Councils in each state.  These Councils will be responsible for monitoring, investigating, and ensuring that indigent defense services in each state are complying with the Act.  The Councils also will be compiling annual reports describing the delivery of indigent defense services in the state. Download a copy of the bill or a legislative summary. Several organizations committed to addressing the inadequacies of state and local public defender systems have endorsed Congressman Deutch’s legislation, including the American Bar Association, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, the National Association for Public Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Constitution Project. Several letters of support are available below: American Bar Association The National Legal Aid & Defender Association The National Association for Public Defense",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221023041/http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=346969&,"U.S. senator wants fed probe of delays wrought by Florida’s new $63M unemployment website",2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. senator wants fed probe of delays wrought by Florida’s new $63M unemployment website October 30, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. — A U.S. senator is calling for a federal investigation into problems plaguing Florida’s new website for handling unemployment benefits since its launch last week.   Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida, has asked the Department of Labor to investigate and make sure the state quickly fixes what has gone wrong with its Department of Economic Opportunity’s new $63 million website for people to apply for unemployment compensation.  It is the Labor Department that oversees programs to help American workers.   As reported by major Florida news outlets, the website that Gov. Rick Scott's administration launched last week has caused delays and frustrations among people trying to get help with unemployment benefits.   Today, Nelson asked Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez to have his department step in and investigate.   “While states administer their own unemployment compensation program … they do so under the Department of Labor which oversees many of the programs our nation has for American workers, including unemployment benefits,” Nelson wrote in a letter to Perez.  ""The main purpose behind this federal-state program is to help stabilize the economy during recessions.  But it certainly won't be of much help in my state if those who have lost their jobs face protracted delays in seeking or receiving benefits.""   Technical problems have reportedly frustrated many unemployed trying to use the CONNECT system featured on the website – right above a picture of the governor.   A spokeswoman in the Scott administration has publicly acknowledged “some users have encountered delays and problems accessing the system.’’   While The Palm Beach Post reported that lots of Floridians are posting online tales of frustration, it’s not known how many may be experiencing protracted delays in seeking unemployment help.   Following is Nelson's letter and background news articles: October 30, 2013 Honorable Thomas E. Perez, Secretary U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave, NW   Washington, D.C. 20210 Dear Secretary Thomas E. Perez: It is being widely reported that an untold number of Floridians are having trouble applying for unemployment benefits because of problems plaguing the governor's and state's new $63 million economic opportunity website. While states administer their own unemployment compensation program - Florida is relying on this online system - they do so under the Department of Labor which oversees many of the programs our nation has for American workers, including unemployment benefits.     The main purpose behind this federal-state program is to help stabilize the economy during recessions.  But it certainly won't be of much help in my state if those who have lost their jobs face protracted delays in seeking or receiving benefits.     I would ask that you investigate the circumstances surrounding the roll out of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s online unemployment claims system; or take this matter into account in any other pending investigation.   I am enclosing for your review a few recent media reports outlining more specifically the problems people in Florida are facing.   I would also ask that you look into whether the state is doing everything it can to correct problems with its website to meet the needs of all Floridians eligible to receive unemployment benefits. I look forward to hearing from you on this matter soon.  Please feel free to contact me or my counsel Clint Odom with any questions you or your staff may have.                                                                                                                                                                Sincerely,   Bill Nelson Fla. unemployment website designed by Deloitte also draws complaints Palm Beach Post By John Kennedy OCTOBER 19, 2013 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida unemployment compensation system’s new, $63 million website has left a trail of frustrated users, filling Facebook and Twitter with tales of online malfunctions and help lines that don’t. The system was developed by Deloitte, the same firm responsible for the updated Massachusetts benefits system that also has been the subject of complaints. “I’m still stumped,’’ Cathy Boyce, an unemployed architect, said on Thursday of the Florida system. She spent two days trying to submit her weekly claim for a $275 payment. “I completed my form. It responded that it was ‘pending,’ then the screen sent me to ‘workforce registration.’ But it wouldn’t accept my PIN number,’’ Boyce said. Boyce then picked up the phone. “I’ve been calling their help number since 7:30 a.m. It’s been busy,’’ she said. ‘‘I can’t figure it out.’’ Boyce isn’t alone. “I’ve never seen a system with so many breakdowns,’’ said Jerry Grenough of Jupiter, an auditor attempting to file his own unemployment claim. Florida’s CONNECT system, unveiled Monday, was developed by Deloitte Consulting, which has had problems in recent years with technology contracts in California, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, state officials unveiled a $46 million unemployment benefits system created by Deloitte that was two years behind schedule, $6 million over budget, and plagued with a host of glitches that have caused problems for thousands seeking benefits. In many cases, the problems echo Florida’s, as claimants wait on hold for hours or are disconnected when they call the state office for help. Concerned about the ongoing barrage of complaints, the Massachusetts Senate’s Committee on Post Audit and Oversight has scheduled an Oct. 28 hearing on problems with the rollout. A legislative committee also moved this week to create a special commission to investigate how state information technology contracts are awarded and managed. New York-based Deloitte LLP is one of the nation’s largest management and information-technology consulting firms. It’s among a handful of corporate giants providing information technology services to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Internal Revenue Service, as part of the Oct. 1 rollout of health exchanges. Deloitte is represented in Tallahassee by high-powered lobbyist Brian Ballard, who also lobbies for US Sugar and several Palm Beach County cities. A spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity said the CONNECT system is ‘‘operational’’ and successfully received claims from more than 50,000 Floridians in its first two days. “Nonetheless, and as expected, some users have encountered delays and problems accessing the system,’’ said the spokeswoman, Jessica Sims. ‘‘Some of those issues are technical and some are an inevitable result of user acclimation to a new online interface.’’ She said the most common problems encountered involve trouble entering PIN numbers or data for the appropriate week payment is sought. Megan Woolhouse of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Lessons from Florida's troubled website rollout Sun Sentinel By Sun Sentinel Editorial Board October 29, 2013 Here we go again. After years of preparation, and millions of dollars spent to set it up, another troubled government website fails to launch properly and leaves thousands of frustrated users facing penalties if they can't access the website in a timely fashion. Government officials knew there would be problems, but pressed on after delaying the initial launch and spending more than $6 million to ensure a better rollout. Sound familiar? This time, the problem isn't the fault of Obamacare. This time, the onus falls squarely on one of the biggest critics of federal healthcare reform, Gov. Rick Scott, who has some explaining to do for the troubled start-up of Florida's new website for unemployment benefits. The website, called CONNECT, is the state's $63-million upgrade of the system for processing jobless claims and benefits. Officials at the state Department of Economic Opportunity concede the launch has had its hiccups, but dismiss the problems as ""minor technical issues."" ""Big picture, we feel really good about the rollout so far,"" DEO chief Jesse Panuccio told Orlando Sentinel columnist Jim Stratton. Try telling that to the 235,000 Floridians who rely on the webpage, which of late has produced almost as many error messages, long waits and system crashes as benefits. The state DEO hotlines aren't much help, either. Trying to reach a real human voice during the CONNECT rollout has proven difficult. Maria Rodriguez is one of the fortunate ones. She reached a DEO representative, but learned her next jobless-benefits check wouldn't arrive before November. ""They said it was a glitch in system that was preventing me from receiving a payment,"" Rodriguez said. Detailed information on how many people have tried and failed to process their unemployment compensation claims has been slow in coming. The department has increased operations at its call centers, where 250 employees are manning the phones for people unable to get through on the web. If there is one enduring lesson from this debacle, aside from the need to better vet government technology contracts and better test government websites before their rollouts, it is that real live humans should be around to help people who are unable to navigate web-based systems. But in 2011, Florida stopped accepting benefits applications over the phone or in person, forcing applicants to go online. The change saved the state $4.7 million annually in administrative costs, but the lack of a live operator creates a frustrating quagmire for applicants. The website's rollout hasn't helped the state's standing with the U.S. Labor Department, which in July said Florida was failing federal standards by lagging on initial unemployment payments, taking too long to determine eligibility and not fully evaluating claims. At the time, DEO spokeswoman Jessica Sims blamed the aging computer network. DEO initially thought the $63-million re-do had solved the problem. Two days after the website's unveiling, Sims called the debut a ""success."" But not long later, snags, freezes and error messages showed up. Deloitte Consulting, which developed the site, has had similar problems in California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, the Boston Globe reports. ""DEO sincerely regrets any delays or frustration experienced by claimants and we are working around-the-clock with program experts from (project contractor) Deloitte to fix technical problems as they arise,"" department officials told the Tampa Bay Times in an email last week. Florida's unemployed deserve better. Gov. Scott says he wants to run the state like a business. At the moment, the business needs a sharper focus on customer service. The governor should commit to giving people who do business with the state a functioning website and when all else fails, the option to ""press zero and talk to an operator.""   Many left frustrated with state unemployment benefits website Miami Herald By Michael Van Sickler and Britanny Alana Davis Posted on Wednesday, 10.16.13 TALLAHASSEE -- The day after Florida launched a $63 million website to process unemployment benefits for thousands of residents, state officials sounded only positive notes. Department of Economic Opportunity spokeswoman Jessica Sims called the debut of the CONNECT site a success. It had processed about 50,000 claims in two days and workers fielded thousands of calls. Yet it’s not clear how the website is handling the demand of a system with 235,000 claimants. Sims said she didn’t know how many people failed to file a claim or how many phone calls weren’t picked up. Context matters because a far different portrayal of CONNECT’s debut was playing across social media and in claims offices across the state. Facebook and Twitter were filled with complaints about wait times, system crashes and error messages — reviews echoing those that met the Oct. 1 debut of the Obamacare insurance exchange. CONNECT is supposed to be a big upgrade over the old system, which was 30 years old and difficult to use. DEO officials are quick to point out that an extra 250 workers were enlisted to assist people with the new website. Still, numerous anecdotes suggest that wasn’t enough. More than 100 people packed the unemployment office on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard in Clearwater Wednesday, with some complaining they had waited for more than an hour. Michelle Mattock, 31, said she was laid off two weeks ago from her job as a certified nursing assistant and has tried since then to get benefits for herself and her 10-year-old son. She was blocked from the benefits page on the state website. So she tried to get her questions answered by phone. No luck. Finally, she went to the unemployment center, where a staffer redirected her back to a phone line. “It’s hopeless,” Mattock said, adding that she is out of money and has nothing to live on. “There are no answers. Ever.” It was more of the same in Tallahassee, where several people told the Times/Herald that they had been blocked as well. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I need this money,” said Germaine Mells, a 49-year-old former nurse. Mells said she spent four hours on a computer, but still hadn’t managed to get her weekly claim of $87 processed so she could pay her electric bill. An employee at the job center, followed by a security guard, told a reporter he was forbidden to talk to recipients. “Miss, you can’t talk to him,” the security guard told one recipient during an interview, causing her to walk away. The job center employee said Jim McShane, the CEO of Workforce Plus who oversees the job centers in Tallahassee, instructed them to forbid interviews. “I didn’t make that decision,” McShane said later. “We’re an open federal program so I don’t know why they would do that.” McShane said there were several technical glitches on Tuesday when the site launched, and some had persisted. One major issue is that the CONNECT site wasn’t recognizing Social Security numbers and PIN codes claimants need to log into the site. Sims said since its launch, the website has not crashed, despite a phone recording from the state’s 1-800 number late Tuesday and Facebook postings that said otherwise. Problems were anticipated. In a letter sent to claimants two weeks ago, the DEO warned of long lines and extended wait times. The contractor of the CONNECT site, Deloitte, has had similar issues with unemployment system overhauls in Massachusetts and California. Deloitte’s contract with Florida, signed in 2011, shows it has been amended several times. The final rollout is 10 months later and $6.4 million more expensive than initially anticipated, the contract shows. Sims said cost increases were a result of changes to the scope of work required from Deloitte. The delay, she added, came at no extra cost to taxpayers and was a result of a “corrective action plan.” She did not specify why such a plan was needed. The website underscores tension between the U.S. Labor Department and how Florida processes unemployment claims under Gov. Rick Scott. Federal officials say Florida violated the civil rights of unemployed individuals because it required them to apply online for benefits. Federal officials couldn’t be reached because of the government shutdown.   Florida's new unemployment system still plagued by long waits, delayed claims Tampa Bay Times By: Brittany Alana Davis Published: Tuesday, October 29, 2013      With the rollout of Florida's new $63 million unemployment system entering its third week, it's still unclear how many claimants are having serious problems accessing their benefits. Internet snags, clogged phone lines and packed unemployment offices seem par for the course for dozens of people who have contacted the Tampa Bay Times saying they are on track to miss a month of claims or more. Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity oversees the unemployment system and says it has 562 employees working overtime to address complaints and questions. Still, more than 1.1 million people have been disconnected from the phone helpline. At times, only one out of every 25 callers can reach a person. Meanwhile, more than 5,600 people have contacted the department in writing and dozens more have flooded Gov. Rick Scott's email with complaints about the new system, known as CONNECT. ""There is absolutely no way to get through,"" said Julie Jared, 42, of Port Orange, who was laid off from a travel agency in September and is supposed to get $229 per week. ""Even if you call every hour of every day there's no way to get your issue addressed."" Jessica Sims, a spokeswoman for Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity, which oversees the unemployment system, said every claimant is important and the state is working with Deloitte — the contractor behind the project — to iron out the glitches. Thousands of claims are being processed per hour and benefits delayed or deleted due to technical errors will be backdated, she added. The department touted the success of the revamp for a week before acknowledging that some claimants were erroneously blocked from entering the website or from claiming certain benefits. ""The Department of Economic Opportunity regrets any delays or frustration experienced by claimants,"" a media release said. The situation highlights existing concerns from the U.S. Department of Labor about whether Florida is breaking federal law by only allowing people to file claims over the Internet. It also raises questions about Deloitte, the New York-based company being paid $46 million for the state's revamp. Deloitte led troubled overhauls of unemployment websites in California and Massachusetts and was fired in Miami-Dade County in 2009 partway through an $84 million contract to overhaul the district's computer system. In June 2012, Florida looked like it was on a similar path, threatening to terminate its contract with Deloitte for a seeming inability to deliver on the system it promised. Deloitte responded by switching its project manager and beefing up staff in Tallahassee. The former system was so fragmented and at such a risk of failure, Sims said, the state didn't want to delay the new system by starting over. Ultimately, Deloitte got $6.4 million more than originally negotiated for a project that took 10 months longer than estimated, contracts show. Jessica Blume, a vice chairman for Deloitte, said in a prepared statement that the company has successfully completed thousands of projects around the country and prioritizes meeting the needs of people who rely on government for services. ""We care about our clients' success, and are committed to helping them improve the lives of the people they serve,"" she wrote. Vanessa Giacoman, of Panorama Government Solutions, which provides independent expert witnesses in public contract disputes, said roughly 80 percent of government projects result in delays or budget overruns, due to a system that rewards the lowest bidder and encourages companies to cut corners. But Deloitte's recent streak of glitchy software rollouts is out of the ordinary, she added. Deloitte has paid out more than $100,000 to Florida political groups since 2000 and employs six lobbyists in Tallahassee, including Brian Ballard, who also represents U.S. Sugar and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida. Deloitte has nine state contracts worth a combined $475 million. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124242/http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=449,Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Leads Effort to Assist People of Haitian Descent in the Dominican Republic,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  - Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) and Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-4) submitted a letter to President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic in response to a recent Dominican court ruling that makes many Dominican citizens of Haitian descent into outsiders in their own country.  The ruling by the Dominican Republic’s Tribunal Constitucional in TC/0163/13 strips persons born on Dominican soil to parents without legal documentation of their citizenship rights.  Excerpts from the letter are as follows:                                                              “For over a generation the international community has agreed that governments have a duty to prevent statelessness. The right to nationality is fundamental and a gateway to almost all other human rights and government protections. Without citizenship one cannot access basic services such as education or health care, let alone find employment or exercise any number of political rights.” “This decision by the Tribunal Constitucional could result in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and seriously threaten regional stability. In light of this, we urge you to take all necessary steps to stay the tide of the denationalization campaign exemplified by the Tribunal Constitucional, and together we call for the protection of the thousands of Dominicans currently at risk of becoming stateless.”                                                                                                             ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.  Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-wilson-leads-effort-to-assist-people-of-haitian,Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Leads Effort to Assist People of Haitian Descent in the Dominican Republic,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) and Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-4) submitted a letter to President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic in response to a recent Dominican court ruling that makes many Dominican citizens of Haitian descent into outsiders in their own country. The ruling by the Dominican Republic's Tribunal Constitucional in TC/0163/13 strips persons born on Dominican soil to parents without legal documentation of their citizenship rights. Excerpts from the letter are as follows: For over a generation the international community has agreed that governments have a duty to prevent statelessness. The right to nationality is fundamental and a gateway to almost all other human rights and government protections. Without citizenship one cannot access basic services such as education or health care, let alone find employment or exercise any number of political rights. This decision by the Tribunal Constitucional could result in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and seriously threaten regional stability. In light of this, we urge you to take all necessary steps to stay the tide of the denationalization campaign exemplified by the Tribunal Constitucional, and together we call for the protection of the thousands of Dominicans currently at risk of becoming stateless. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Along with Congressman Bill Posey, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Wilson serves as founding Co-Chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356936,Hastings’ Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Ike Skelton,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Ike Skelton, former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend and former colleague Congressman Ike Skelton. For 34 years, Ike served the House of Representatives with distinction. He was a dyed-in-the-wool public servant, and his dedication to our nation’s security and prosperity rightfully earned him great respect across the aisle. “Ike was known as both a humble and selfless leader, who fought diligently for the men and women of our armed forces and everyday working Americans. He always put his constituents and the American people first, and as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, he dedicated himself to ensuring that our men and women in uniform received the support they needed both on and off the battlefield. “With Ike’s passing, we’ve lost a great advocate for the American people. I am deeply honored to have known him and to have called him my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Patty, his children, family, and friends, and the people of Missouri during this time of sadness and loss.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356971,U.S. Rep. Castor: Flood Insurance Relief Gaining Momentum in Congress,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) and a bipartisan group of Congressional members are urging adoption of legislation filed today to provide relief from flood insurance increases and to continue reforms to ensure financial stability in the fund that provides a national backstop for flood disasters. “This bipartisan breakthrough will benefit thousands of families and businesses in Florida and other states, and will responsibly analyze flood insurance reform in a measured, reasonable way that focuses on stability for homeowners,” Rep. Castor said. “I am pressing to have Congress act quickly to pass this bipartisan legislation that provides relief for my neighbors, some of whom saw their rates skyrocket overnight.""  Rep. Castor filed similar bipartisan legislation last month that would have delayed the rate hikes until FEMA completed a flood insurance affordability study. The bill filed today, called the “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act,” requires that FEMA complete the affordability study within two years, and then develop measures that help homeowners and tackle the affordability issues identified by the study over the next two years. These measures would require Congressional review before they are implemented. The bill also states that FEMA would also have to certify that it can accurately analyze flood risk for individual properties.  Congress approved the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act in 2012 in an effort to bring solvency to the National Flood Insurance Program, but FEMA did not complete the affordability study mandated by law and subsidies were cut for many homeowners’ flood insurance policies. Subsidies expired Oct. 1 and many property owners saw their flood insurance rates increase. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z