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://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398539,Bipartisan Task Force on Anti-Semitism Issues Statement on Cancellation of Hungarian Monument to Nazi Collaborator,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism released a statement after the announcement of the cancelation of construction of a statue in Szkesfehrvr, Hungary memorializing Blint Hman, a known anti-Semite and Nazi-collaborator. On December 4th, 2015, the co-Chairs sent a joint letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to intercede and cease construction of the Hman statue. The Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Kay Granger (TX-12), Steve Israel (NY-03), Peter Roskam (IL-06), and Ted Deutch (FL-21). We have learned through Hungarys Embassy in Washington that the civil-society organization responsible for the Hman statue has canceled the project. We applaud this decision and hope it serves as a reminder that the history of the Holocaust must be neither revised nor forgotten and the memory of the millions of victims must never be disrespected. We are also pleased by the advocacy of the U.S. government, as well as many U.S. civil-society organizations, in conveying Americas principled and unambiguous stand against anti-Semitism and objecting to the plans for constructing the statue. Background: Hungarys government provided the majority of funds for a local statue honoring Blint Hman, a wartime political leader whose actions led to the near destruction of Hungarys Jewish population during the Holocaust. On December 4, 2015, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism sent a letter to Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orbn urging him to publicly condemn Hmans role in the persecution and deportation of innocent Hungarians and to withdraw government funding for the construction of the statue. The full text of the letter to Prime Minister Orbn can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=556,"Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz, Dingell Wager Hometown Foods on UF-Michigan Bowl Game",2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Florida Gators and coach Jim McElwain gave Gator Nation a lot to be proud of this season, including an SEC East title, 10 regular season wins and an appearance in the SEC Championship Game! I'm confident the Gators will send the Wolverines home from Florida with their tails between their legs and I look forward to enjoying some delicious, if not necessarily clean cooked, Zingerman's Deli food, courtesy of Congresswoman Dingel. share: f t U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement today in anticipation of the University of Florida and University of Michigan playing in the Citrus Bowlon January 1, 2016, in Orlando, Florida. They announced the wager on Twitter and Instagram: The Florida Gators and coach Jim McElwain gave Gator Nation a lot to be proud of this season, including an SEC East title, 10 regular season wins and an appearance in the SEC Championship Game! I'm confident the Gators will send the Wolverines home from Florida with their tails between their legs and I look forward to enjoying some delicious, if not necessarily clean cooked, Zingerman's Deli food, courtesy of Congresswoman Dingell, saidRep. Wasserman Schultz. The Gators may be playing close to home, but Michigan has Coach Jim Harbaugh and fans with energy who are ready to see a repeat of the last bowl game matchup in 2008, said Rep. Dingell. We're looking forward to celebrating another Michigan victory. Rep. Wasserman Schultz will be wagering key lime pies from Bob Roth's New River Groves in Davie, FL. Rep. Dingell will be wagering a selection of items from Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, MI. ### Wasserman Schultz Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Dingell Contact: Hannah Smith, Hannah.Smith@mail.house.gov, 202.225.4071",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398071,U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on passage of year-end omnibus appropriations bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress today came together to pass an important omnibus appropriations bill that funds medical research, education and clean energy initiatives that will boost jobs across the Tampa Bay area and America. Democrats successfully beat back scores of harmful Republican policy riders on Planned Parenthood, Cuba, environmental protection and other topics. share: f t Congress today came together to pass an important omnibus appropriations bill that funds medical research, education and clean energy initiatives that will boost jobs across the Tampa Bay area and America. Democrats successfully beat back scores of harmful Republican policy riders on Planned Parenthood, Cuba, environmental protection and other topics. I am especially pleased that we have secured a $2 billion boost for the National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer's and cancer research that will lift research efforts at the University of South Florida and the Moffitt Cancer Center, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor's (D-Tampa Bay, FL) said. Patients, families and researchers have been pressing for greater investments over the past few years and it has been one of my top priorities. Decades of investment in NIH research and scientific grants across the country have established America as the world leader in treatments and cures, but that was at risk due to mindless tea party cuts over past years. I will keep fighting to shield investments in medical research from congressional budget battles, but the $2 billion increase for NIH over last year will restore Americas commitment to the health science research mission. This will create high-paying jobs in my community and across the country. Several increases in education are also part of todays omnibus bill, including $2.8 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants, which is $326 million more than last year, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. In addition, Head Start will receive $9.2 billion, which is $570 million more than last year. Early childhood education continues to be an invaluable community investment to ensure children succeed in school and later in life. I also applaud the $500-million boost to Title I grants and continued support for Pell Grants that my community has staunchly championed. Highlights of funding increases and investments that will impact Tampa Bay: $94M for MacDill/Special Operations construction. 1.3% pay increase for military personnel, including airmen at MacDill AFB. $117.1M for KC-46 procurement. $8.2B for military construction, which is an increase of $1.6B compared to FY15 and could help the VA move forward with the bedtower, which will provide more private rooms for veterans. $2.7B for disability claims process and a $173M increase compared to FY15. This will go towards eliminating the backlog of pending veterans claims. $109.9M to handle appeals of VA claim rulings and an increase of $11M compared to FY15. At least a dozen solar companies located in Tampa Bay will benefit from the Solar Investment Tax Credit extension (2017-2021). $6B for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is an increase of $535M compared to FY15 and includes $1.7B to support flood and storm damage activities. 9/11 First Responders: Includes the reauthorization of the critically important James Zadroga 9/11Health and Compensation Act, making the World Trade Center Health Program permanent and reauthorizing the Victims Compensation Fund for five years. If Congress did not act, the benefits would have run out for the 70,000 9/11first responders and survivors. Just as importantly, U.S. Rep. Castor supported staving off reckless riders in todays omnibus bill that would have rolled back progress on restoring U.S./Cuba relations, blocked President Obamas Clean Power Plan and blocked U.S. Department of Justice defense of immigration executive actions, which are currently being challenged in the federal court system. More of the GOP ideological riders that Democrats got removed from the omnibus appropriations bill. ""While todays omnibus bill includes significant wins for my neighbors in Tampa Bay, I am extremely disappointed that Republicans rammed through a holiday gift to Big Oil and failed to provide help for Puerto Rico as these neighbors face a dire economic crisis, U.S. Rep. Castor said. While I am disappointed in the actions by the Republican leaders in Congress concerning these two outrageous policies, but I am at least somewhat encouraged by the addition of clean energy provisions and to see that our efforts are forcing Speaker Ryan to acknowledge and address the serious situation in Puerto Rico."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=442,"Frankel, Weber Provision to Protect Americans Abroad Passes Congress",2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bipartisan provision authored by Reps. Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Randy Weber (TX-14) that would allow the best possible protection for our embassies passed Congress today as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill. Currently, when choosing security firms to protect U.S. embassies, the State Department is required to hire the firm offering the lowest price, regardless of its past performance or quality of service. Reps. Frankel and Webers provision corrects this unreasonable limitation by allowing the State Department to choose the best firm to protect our diplomatic posts abroad. We have a moral obligation and national security imperative to safeguard our diplomats serving this nation overseas, said Rep. Frankel. During these troubling times, its more important than ever that Americans representing us abroad are well-protected. Providing the necessary protections for the civilian men and women representing our country abroad is one of our more sacred duties, said Rep. Weber. The world in which we live today has changed dramatically. This provision allows the State Department to adapt to these changes. At a time when the United States faces threats from around the world, the jobs of keeping our diplomats safe shouldnt just go to the lowest bidder, said Ranking Member Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Its a no-brainer that we should hire local guards based on the quality of the protection they provide, but current law requires that we default to the lowest price. This provision will make our diplomats serving around the world safer by eliminating this requirement. I thank Ms. Frankel and Mr. Weber for authoring this common-sense and much-needed measure. This measure has the support of the American Foreign Service Association and is similar to one Rep. Frankel previously introduced, which passed the House of Representatives last Congress. The provision passed the House of Representatives and the Senate today as part of the government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2016. The full measure now goes to President Obamas desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=443,Frankel Votes to Invest in Americas Working Families and Enhance Americas Security,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), voted for the $1.1 trillion omnibus funding bill that will fund the government through Fiscal Year 2016, provide relief for middle-class families, and boost Americas security at home and abroad. This bipartisan funding agreement invests in America, moves our economy forward, and keeps us safer. Frankel said. I was proud to join the majority of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting it. Highlights of the bill, which passed the House of Representatives 316-113, include: Key Democratic Priorities Protecting millions of womens right to access safe and legal abortion by preserving funding for Planned Parenthood and Title X family planning Investing an additional $2 billion for medical research at the National Institutes of Health Ensuring our 9/11 first responders retain the health benefits their valor has earned them Removing harmful ideological riders that would have hurt families and the environment Investments in Floridas Families and Economy Nearly $900 million in additional funds for Americas early education initiatives, including Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Allows employers to continue offering high-quality healthcare plans without incurring a penalty Ten percent increase in funding for programs to prevent violence against women $40 million for shore protection projects $4.2 million for South Florida port and Intracoastal Waterway operation and maintenance $7 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Protections of Americans Abroad, Consumers, and the Environment Includes a provision I authored that will give the State Department tools to protect and save the lives of American diplomats representing us overseas Holds Wall Street banks that were responsible for the 2008 financial crisis accountable Safeguards funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Approves of the Administrations proposed fiduciary rule, which requires financial advisors to give advice that is in their clients best interest Ensures implementation of the Clean Power Plan to limit carbon emissions Preserves the ban on horse slaughter ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-is-sen-nelsons-statement-on-passing-of-congressional-budget-deal,Following is Sen. Nelson's statement on passing of Congressional budget deal,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"While no deal is perfect, this year's budget bill does include a number of projects important to Florida. For example, it gives NASA's overall budget a much-needed boost, which is good news for Floridas space coast. And it fully funds NASA's commercial crew program that will enable us to once again launch American astronauts on American-made rockets in less than two years, instead of having to rely on the Russians for rides to the space station. The bill also gives an extra $7.5 million to scientists and researchers seeking a cure for the deadly citrus-greening disease threatening to wipeout Florida's nearly $11 billion citrus industry, and $195 million to help restore the Everglades. And for the more than 1.7 million Floridians who rely on the state sales tax deduction to help make ends meet, theres a provision in the bill that will make that popular tax break permanent and help Florida families keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1001,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Omnibus Legislation,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 23 years as a legislator I've never seen a perfect bill, but progress sometimes requires compromise. In an era of divided government, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Despite deep reservations about certain provisions of the Omnibus bill, I ultimately voted to support it because of funding for key Democratic priorities such as permanent health care treatment for 9/11 first responders and survivors and clean energy investments, while preserving the Affordable Care Act and maintaining support for Planned Parenthood. share: f t Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the House voted on H.R. 2029, the Omnibus legislation to fund the Federal government through September 2016: In 23 years as a legislator I've never seen a perfect bill, but progress sometimes requires compromise. In an era of divided government, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Despite deep reservations about certain provisions of the Omnibus bill, I ultimately voted to support it because of funding for key Democratic priorities such as permanent health care treatment for 9/11 first responders and survivors and clean energy investments, while preserving the Affordable Care Act and maintaining support for Planned Parenthood. The Omnibus also funds several of my legislative priorities, including $2.5 million for the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act to help rape victims terminate the parental rights of their rapists, and $1 million for the HERO program which trains our veterans to combat online child sexual exploitation. Importantly, the bill also provides for a two-year moratorium on new breast cancer screening recommendations to allow time for proper research, which I fought for with my Republican colleague, Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, and includes language directing the Veterans Administration to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to create a pipeline for veteran medics to become physician assistants. Nevertheless, I have strong concerns over this bill's lack of support for Puerto Rico and it's lifting of our 40-year ban on exporting crude oil. For months, Puerto Rico has faced a deep fiscal crisis impacting millions of families while Congress has failed to act. There are some good provisions supporting Puerto Rico, including better Medicare reimbursement rates and allowing the Treasury Department to provide technical assistance, but this bill simply does not go far enough. We cannot treat Puerto Ricans like second-class citizens and refuse them the right to declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy like our states can. Taxpayers would not be responsible for this decision and Puerto Rico deserves the same financial choices as our states. Largely because of the crisis, Puerto Ricans are migrating to the mainland in unprecedented numbers. We always welcome our neighbors seeking a better way of life but as legislators we must also meaningfully address the crises driving this influx. We have a moral obligation to help Puerto Rico, and this bill fails to do so. I refuse to turn my back on the tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans in my district, and the thousands more coming to Florida every day. I am encouraged Speaker Ryan has promised to take up restructuring legislation by March 31st, and I am hopeful we will have the opportunity to vote on and pass such a bill shortly. Additionally, lifting the 40-year ban on exporting crude oil is a giant step backwards for promoting clean and sustainable energy sourcing, particularly for coastal states like Florida. Our shores are already feeling the devastating effects of climate change, and I cannot cast a vote that would potentially open our waters to more drilling and that would put more oil in the global market. In fact I joined many of my colleagues in voting only months ago to continue the ban. With spending levels for the next fiscal year already set, I am hopeful we can avoid these tiring, unnecessary political games, keep the government funded and running, and get on with the people's business. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=942,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act f t # e Washington, DC, December 17, 2015 Yesterday, I joined my Democratic and Republican colleagues in overwhelmingly supporting a bill that will further curtail financing channels for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. These murderous actors are responsible for killing Americans, our allies and innocent civilians. They continue to play a destabilizing role throughout the region, including ongoing rocket attacks against our most important ally in the region, Israel. As we well know, Hezbollah's main backers are the leaders of Iran, one of the worst state sponsors of terror in the world. We must continue to actively combat Iranian-backed terrorism, and I was proud to vote for this bill. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2297, the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act: Yesterday, I joined my Democratic and Republican colleagues in overwhelmingly supporting a bill that will further curtail financing channels for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. These murderous actors are responsible for killing Americans, our allies and innocent civilians. They continue to play a destabilizing role throughout the region, including ongoing rocket attacks against our most important ally in the region, Israel. As we well know, Hezbollah's main backers are the leaders of Iran, one of the worst state sponsors of terror in the world. We must continue to actively combat Iranian-backed terrorism, and I was proud to vote for this bill. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398538,Hastings Introduces Avontes Law Act of 2015,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 4253, the Avontes Law Act of 2015 (Avontes Law), which authorizes the creation of a grant program to provide local law enforcement agencies with resources, education, and training to better respond to situations related to children with autism and other disabilities who wander. (Please find attached a copy of the legislation): Avontes Law was inspired by the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Avonte Oquendo of Queens, New York. Avonte was an autistic child who disappeared after wandering away from his school. Sadly, more than a month passed before his lifeless body was found. Wandering is very common in children with autism and other disabilities, and sometimes children who wander are non-verbal or cannot communicate well with others. This can lead to dangerous interactions with strangers and evenlaw enforcement officers. Avontes Law authorizes $10 million in grants through the Department of Justice to provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to better prepare first responders, schools, and families for situations like Avontes, with the hope that we can prevent tragedies like this from happening again. Furthermore, this legislation requires the Attorney General to establish standards and best practices for the administration on voluntary tracking systems used by law enforcement agencies awarded funding through this program. Tracking devices are one of the many ways we can help prevent another tragic situation like Avontes, and by taking a holistic approach to this issue, we can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) live safe and happy lives all around the country. A March 2014 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 1 in 68 American children are born with a form of ASD, representing a 30% increase from just two years ago. Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors of the resolution were (5): Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Patrick E. Murphy (D-FL), Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). This bill is a companion to Senate Bill (S.163), introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer and co sponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). 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=398066,"U.S. Rep. Castor marks one-year anniversary of historic announcement of new course for U.S./Cuba relations, announces House bipartisan Cuba Working Group",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"On the eve of the one-year anniversary of President Obamas historic announcement to re-establish U.S./Cuba diplomatic relations, today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14-Tampa Bay) announced that she will help breathe life into a bipartisan task force to press for congressional action that will build on the progress. share: f t On the eve of the one-year anniversary of President Obamas historic announcement to re-establish U.S./Cuba diplomatic relations, today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14-Tampa Bay) announced that she will help breathe life into a bipartisan task force to press for congressional action that will build on the progress. Our bipartisan effort will encourage greater U.S. engagement with Cuba and begin work towards lifting the embargo, U.S. Rep. Castor said. The Tampa Bay area has been a leader in promoting a pro-engagement policy. I intend to continue to help lead the nation in modernizing our diplomatic policies to create jobs, improve human rights and foster better economic opportunities on the island and in America. The bi-partisan Cuba Working Group steering committee members are: Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rosa Delauro (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Reid Ribble (R-WI). A letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was sent by these 10 members announcing the groups formation. The Cuba Working Group has not been formally active over the past number of years. One year ago, the President followed through on so much of what my community had advocated for years: Turning the page on the Cold War policies of the past. However, congressional action is required to remove the further restrictions on commerce and travel that continue to be barriers to progress, said U.S. Rep. Castor, who along with U.S. Rep. Emmer earlier this year filed the Cuba Trade Act of 2015, which would lift the Cuban embargo and allow for businesses in the private sector to trade freely with Cuba, while prohibiting taxpayer funds to be used on promotion or development of these new markets. The establishment of a bipartisan Cuba Working Group in this Congress is a game-changer, said Marc Hanson, senior associate at the Washington, D.C. Office on Latin America. The House Cuba Working Group will be instrumental in translating the overwhelming public support for ending the embargo on Cuba into legislative initiatives that can pass in Congress. In Tampa Bay, business leaders reiterated that the region is poised to be the gateway to Cuba: We commend U.S. Rep. Castor for leading the efforts of re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, said Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has been engaged in exploring opportunities in Cuba for years and U.S. Rep. Castor has worked alongside us each step of the way including co-hosting a forum on Cuba with the Chamber and Tampa International Airport. As we recognize the one-year mark, we know there is more to do and we will continue our efforts on behalf of the business community in support of pursuing increased opportunities with Cuba. For years, the Tampa Bay community has pushed for engagement with Cuba by improving diplomatic relations and promoting economic reforms. U.S. Rep. Castor wrote to then President-Elect Obama about travel to Cuba, calling for him to lift the restrictions that limit family travel to the island nation. She also advocated for increasing travel through broadening general licenses and successfully pushed the Administration to designate Tampa International Airport as an entry/exit point for charter flights to the island nation. Multiple weekly charter flights now connect directly to Havana, Cuba, and have been a boost to Tampa Bays economy. In 2013, upon her return from Cuba, U.S. Rep. Castor sent a letter to President Obama and Secretary Kerry outlining the changes, challenges, and opportunities she saw for modernizing relations with the island. In 2014, U.S. Rep. Castor brought Cuban Ambassador Jose Cabaas to Tampa to discuss greater engagement and economic reforms. In March, U.S. Rep. Castor hosted a well-attended Tampa/Cuba forum with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa International Airport to educate the regions families and businesses on the evolving landscape. In July, she attended the opening of the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C. and plans to soon visit Cuba again. On Dec. 17, 2014, President Obama announced that the United States and Cuba would begin normalizing relations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=439,Frankel Leads Florida Democrats in Urging State Legislature to Keep Guns off College Campuses,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Floridas Congressional Democrats sent a letter to the Florida State Legislature urging it to block a measure that would allow individuals with concealed carry permits to bring guns onto Floridas college campuses. Floridas colleges should be safe for our students, not remakes of the Wild West, Frankel said. The State Legislature should take seriously the concerns of university administrators, police, parents, and students and stop these reckless bills. We agree that campus violence is a serious problem. Sadly, there have been at least 23 shootings on college campuses just in 2015, the letter states. Increasing the number of guns on college campuses is simply not the answer. The bills are H.B. 4001 and S.B. 68, Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons or Firearms. The Florida Democratic delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives joins the State University System of Florida, campus police chiefs, several Florida sheriffs, student groups, faculty, and parents in opposing this legislation. The letter, addressed to Hon. Andy Gardiner, President of the Florida Senate, and Hon. Steve Crisafulli, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, is also signed by Representatives Corinne Brown, Alcee L. Hastings, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor, Theodore E. Deutch, Frederica S. Wilson, Patrick E. Murphy, Alan Grayson, and Gwen Graham. The full text of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressional-budget-deal-includes-75-million-to-combat-citrus-greening,Congressional budget deal includes $7.5 million to combat citrus greening,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The budget deal congressional leaders reached last night includes $7.5 million for research into a cure for the deadly citrus greening disease threatening Floridas nearly $11 billion citrus industry. The money, which U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) pushed to have included in the $1.1 trillion budget unveiled last night, will go to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Group and Citrus Health Response Program to find both short and long-term solutions to keep the states citrus trees in production while a cure is being sought. We have to do everything we can to keep this industry alive while we search for a cure, Nelson said. Citrus greening has been blamed for killing crops across the country including more than 130,000 acres in Florida since 2005. Just this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered their forecast for the seasons total orange crop to just 69 million boxes, which would be the smallest harvest in half a century. Last week, the Florida lawmaker wrote to the Environmental Protection Agency to push for an emergency exemption for growers to use two additional bactericides to combat citrus greening. And earlier this month, he introduced a bill to make it easier for growers to immediately deduct the cost of replanting trees lost to citrus greening. Nelson sent a letter to Senate appropriators last month urging that the funds be included in the just-released budget deal. A copy of that letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nasa-gets-boost-in-congressional-budget-deal,NASA gets boost in Congressional budget deal,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The nations space agency is set to get a significant boost in funding next year thanks to the massive spending bill congressional leaders unveiled last night, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees NASA, is a long-time proponent of the nations space program and one of the leading architects of NASAs plan to build a new monster rocket and crew capsule for deep space exploration.The $1.1 trillion budget includes roughly $4 billion for space exploration which Nelson says is enough to keep the new space launch system on track for its first crewed mission set to launch as early as 2021. ""We are going back into space with Americans on American rockets, and we are going to Mars, Nelson said on the Senate floor Wednesday. Overall, the space agency would get $19.3 billion, a significantly higher amount than the roughly $18 billion NASA received last year. Included in this years total is $3.27 billion for the agency to continue work on its new space launch system and Orion crew capsule, nearly $400 million more than these programs received last year. The bill also includes $1.24 billion for the continued development of NASAs commercial crew program which will enable the agency to once again launch American astronauts on American-made rockets, instead of relying on the Russians for rides to the space station.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1016,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr.,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr. f t # e Washington, DC, December 15, 2015 The arc of his life from serving our nation in uniform, to taking the Florida Bar Exam in a then-segregated Miami hotel and eventually becoming Florida's first black Chief Justice mirrored our nation's ongoing march for equality. He was also the chief author of a 1989 ruling that protected the privacy of minors when seeking an abortion. Justice Shaw was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and it is fitting he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with so many of our nation's heroes. share: f t Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today after the passing of Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Leander J. Shaw, Jr.: I was saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Shaw this morning. He was a pillar of the justice and civil rights communities in Florida, and lived a life of public distinction that few will equal. I am sending my thoughts to his family and friends today. The arc of his life from serving our nation in uniform, to taking the Florida Bar Exam in a then-segregated Miami hotel and eventually becoming Florida's first black Chief Justice mirrored our nation's ongoing march for equality. He was also the chief author of a 1989 ruling that protected the privacy of minors when seeking an abortion. Justice Shaw was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and it is fitting he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with so many of our nation's heroes. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-bill-to-child-proof-liquid-nicotine-bottles,Senate approves bill to child-proof liquid nicotine bottles,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The Senate last night approved a measure to require manufacturers to put child-proof caps on the small bottles of liquid nicotine available for purchase in stores across the country. Its the first time the Senate has taken up and passed a bill aimed at regulating liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. Just a small amount of this stuff canseriouslyinjure or even kill a small child, said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), who authored the legislation. Making these bottles child-proof is just common sense. Nelsons legislation would require child-resistant packaging for any liquid nicotine vial sold in the United States. Nelson first introduced the bill last year after increased reports of children falling ill, and in at least one case, dying from liquid nicotine poisoning. It was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, but never made it to the full Senate for a vote. So the Florida lawmaker introduced it again this year, vowing to push even harder for its passage. Liquid nicotine, sold in concentrated form for use in e-cigarettes, often comes in brightly-colored, easy-to-open vials with enticing flavors such as Fruity Loops, Peppermint Patty, and Gummi Bear. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a single teaspoon of this product could kill a small child. Calls to poison control centers for liquid nicotine exposure have spiked in recent years, according to the AAPCC,going up from just one call per month in September 2010 to 318calls per month in Marchof thisyear. Many of thesecalls involved children five years old or younger The Senate approved Nelsons legislation by unanimous consent late yesterday.It now goes to the House for final passage.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-defends-labor-department-rules-that-protect-workers-at,Wilson Defends Labor Department Rules That Protect Workers,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- At a December 9 Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing on how Department of Labor regulations impact workers and employers, Ranking Member Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) extolled DOL's efforts to ensure that more American workers have the protections they need to build better lives for themselves and their families. Using its court-affirmed statutory authority, the department has proposed rules to promote fair wages, safe workplaces, and equal employment opportunities, Rep. Wilson said in her opening statement. Reminding her colleagues of the mission they share with DOL, she added, We are the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. We must protect the workforce. Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project, in her prepared remarks cited OSHA as a prime example of why regulations are needed, citing the simple and compelling fact that its standards have saved lives, prevented serious injuries and illnesses and, not inconsequentially, also saved money for employers. Rep. Wilson also disputed claims that the Labor Department's regulatory agenda causes job loss given the fact that the U.S. is experiencing record job growth and the lowest unemployment rate since April 2008. She also argued that attempts to derail proposed DOL rules, such as a rule to extend overtime protections to 5 million working Americans, will do little to promote the welfare of working people. If there is genuine concern for workers, as well as businesses, then support a Working Families Agenda that boosts wages, so more Americans are economically secure and have the increased spending power that supports job-creating consumer demand, the congresswoman said. Take up a vote on a Working Families Agenda that promotes the strong work/family balance needed for productive workers. Pass a Working Families Agenda that promotes the equal employment opportunity that is linked to increased profitability and ensures all workers have a fair shot at success. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-the-signing-of-the-every-student-succeeds-act-1,Wilson Statement on the Signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act: Today I witnessed with great pride and pleasure President Obama signing into law the Every Student Succeeds Act. As a former educator, I applaud any legislation that aims to ensure that our nation's public schools prepare every student to succeed after earning their high school diplomas, whether they pursue post-secondary education opportunities or enter the workforce. It also was an honor to serve on the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee for the final bill, which includes my amendment to allow states to use Title IV funds to establish and improve dropout prevention and re-entry programs. As a result, more schools will be able to provide students with the support and resources they need to stay invested and engaged in their education. In addition, as the president noted in his remarks, this landmark legislation enables states and school districts to reduce unnecessary standardized tests so that teachers can spend more time helping students develop critical thinking and complex skills and excitement about learning. ESSA is by no means perfect, but it is an important and overdue step toward delivering on the promise of a quality education that every child in this nation deserves. I am thankful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agreed. The text of the Every Student Succeeds Act can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398534,Hastings Reintroduces Legislation to Restore Federal-Local Partnership for County Health Care Costs,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) reintroduced the Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2015, which would prohibit the federal government from stripping individuals of their Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and SSI benefits, before an inmate has been convicted of a crime. (Please find attached a copy of the legislation): The U.S. Supreme Courts interpretation of the 8th Amendment requires government entities to provide medical care to all inmates. As a result, local governments are burdened with the expense of providing health care to thousands of men, women, and juveniles currently awaiting trial. Although these inmates are incarcerated, they are innocent until proven guilty. As such, they should still be entitled to their medical benefits, and not at the expense of local governments, which are already trying to manage widespread budget deficits and cuts to safety net programs and other essential services. ""Some of the inmates are incarcerated for a year and a half, while they await trial, meaning local governments have to shoulder the burden of providing their health care.Terminating their benefits also violates the presumption of innocence, which is the cornerstone principle of our justice system. This also disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations, who are often unable to post bond, which would enable them to continue receiving benefits. Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors of the resolution were (7): Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Hank Johnston (D-GA), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). 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=398536,Florida Members Urge President Obama to Establish a Critical Habitat Designation for the Florida Panther,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) sent the below letter to President Obama urging the establishment of a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world, andless than 180 of them survive today. Joining Hastings in sending the letter were Representatives Patrick Murphy (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Curt Clawson (R-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Cathy Castor (D-FL). Please find below and attached a copy of the letter: December 9, 2015 The Honorable Barack H. Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Obama: The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world as less than 180 of them survive today. As you know, the two greatest threats to the Florida panther are the loss of habitat and automobile-related deaths, both of which are caused by increased development in environmentally sensitive areas. The best available science suggests that current lands in conservation do not provide enough suitable habitat area to support even the limited number of existing panthers. Further, on November 28th, two more panthers were killed by cars. As members of the Florida delegation, we are writing to request your support in establishing a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther was listed as an endangered species in 1973, but critical habitat has never been established, even though the Endangered Species Act includes a requirement for the designation of critical habitat for endangered species. In other words, the Florida panther is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, unfortunately its home is not. It is of great importance to designate a critical habitat not only because it would preserve and encourage the growth of the current population of Florida panthers, but also because it would help to protect other valuable environmental resources, such as wetlands, aquifer-recharge areas, drinking water supplies and the habitat of other endangered species. At the top of the food chain, Florida panthers help keep feral hog numbers in check and deer, raccoon and other prey populations balanced and healthy. Moreover, a designation of critical habitat does not mean that no further development is allowed in an area, it simply requires additional review when projects requiring federal permits would impact habitats considered essential to preventing the Florida panther from going extinct. We urge you to ensure the continued existence of the Florida panther and the preservation of Southwest Floridas natural resources and unique character by supporting the designation of critical habitat for the endangered Florida panther. Thank you for your time and consideration. The decision to take action now will provide a historic opportunity for protecting the Earths most endangered umbrella species the Florida panther. Sincerely, Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress Patrick E. Murphy Member of Congress Theodore E. Deutch Member of Congress Lois Frankel Member of Congress Vern Buchanan Member of Congress Curt Clawson Member of Congress Frederica S. Wilson Member of Congress Cathy Castor Member of Congress Debbie Wasserman Schultz 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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398056,"Bipartisan education reform bill passes Congress, on its way to President's desk",2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"The long-overdue, bipartisan education reform bill, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), received final passage today in Congress and is now headed to President Obamas desk for signature. share: f t The long-overdue, bipartisan education reform bill, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), received final passage today in Congress and is now headed to President Obamas desk for signature. Fortunately, we were able to fight off attempts to eliminate support for struggling schools and students.Students deserve a high-quality education no matter their neighborhood or zip code, and everyone must remain focused on eliminating the achievement gap,"" said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14). ESSA significantly reforms the controversialNo Child Left Behindlaw, preserves Title I funds for students and schools, increases teacher support, broadens accountability and targets struggling schools, and incentivizes increased transparency of publicly-funded charter schools. U.S. Rep. Castor has been working to ensure that Title I funds remain intact and are properly supplementing - - not supplanting - - education resources, especially for at-risk schools in South St. Petersburg that were highlighted in the Tampa Bay Times investigation as well as schools across Hillsborough County.Under ESSA, Title I funds will continue to augment state and local education dollars, and will not include portability provisions that would have permitted funds to follow students if they transfer between public and charter schools. U.S. Rep. Castor also raised the crisis situation among South St. Petersburg schools to U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, who then visited Pinellas County in October to speak directly to parents and education advocates. Quality teaching matters to student learning, and this bills emphasis on bolstering resources to invest in quality educators as well as early childhood education can also offer hope for improvement in schools across the Tampa Bay Area, U.S. Rep. Castor added. ESSA provides resources to states and school districts to implement various activities to support educators through services for new teachers, professional development for current teachers and opportunities to recruit more educators to the profession. Historic support for early childhood education is critical for states to recognize as an important component in closing achievement gaps between low-income students and their peers. In addition, ESSA replaces the high-stakes testing and punitive policies of No Child Left Behind with a comprehensive state-designed system that better identifies and supports struggling schools. ESSA incentivizes increased transparency, community engagement and accountability for all education resources, especially publicly funded charter schools, which has been another longstanding concern of U.S. Rep. Castor. Tampa Bay schools are facing substantial challenges. Too many of our St. Pete schools are low-performing and require immediate, targeted attention. In addition, a Harvard study earlier this year ranked Hillsborough County third worst place for poor children to be able to climb the ladder of success and escape poverty. Our public schools are central to lifting students and preparing them for future success in life, U.S. Rep. Castor said. Primary responsibility for student achievement remains with students, parents, local schools, districts and states, but I am pleased to report that federal policies will be more encouraging. U.S. Rep. Castor rejected any previous education reform plan that weakened public schools. Rather, she has worked with neighbors, parents and education advocates to ensure todays final legislation included meaningful reforms and upheld Americas 50-year commitment to equity and quality in public education. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=435,Frankel Denounces Trumps Anti-Muslim Rhetoric,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States. Donald Trumps call to bar Muslims from entering the United States is dangerous and inflammatory. His remarks reinforce the narrative that pits the United States against Muslims and fuels terrorist recruitment efforts. Trumps message promotes scapegoating and stereotyping that alienates our friends and bolsters our adversaries. History has taught us the dangers of singling out the other for unequal treatment. Trumps cruel rhetoric defies American principles of equal protection and nondiscrimination and, if gone unchecked, threatens to trample our most cherished values. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398538,Reps. Deutch & Kennedy Urge Accountability for Iran After Missile Tests,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman Joe Kennedy III (MA-4) wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to hold Iran accountable for violating United Nations Security Council Resolutions that prohibit ballistic missile testing. Following separate launches on October 11th and November 21st, the lawmakers wrote a letter to the President stating that Iran violated UNSC Resolution 1929, which remains in effect until the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is implemented, as well as UNSC Resolution 2331, which takes effect after Implementation Day. Irans recent long-range ballistic missile launches amount to clear and indisputable violations of existing U.N. Security Council resolutions, said Congressman Ted Deutch. Failure to hold Iran accountable for these violations sends a dangerous message to the regime that it can abandon its obligations under international law and threaten the security of the United States, Israel, and our allies without consequence. Given that the entire framework of the JCPOA rests on strict verification and rigorous enforcement, the United States must make clear to Iran and to the world that such behavior will not be tolerated. Any agreement with Iran is not built on trust, but strict and vigilant enforcement, said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. These two missile launches are in clear violation of existing UNSC resolutions, and if the Security Council refuses to hold the Iranian government accountable, the United States must take action unilaterally. As we move towards implementation of the JCPOA, ignoring violations of the agreement will send a troubling signal to not only Iran, but to our allies in the region about our commitment to vigorously enforcing its restrictions. To read the full letter,please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/key-senate-committee-approves-bill-to-tighten-airport-security,Key Senate committee approves bill to tighten airport security,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelsons legislation to tighten airport security is one step closer to becoming law today as a major Senate committee gave it bipartisan, unanimous approval. The Senate Commerce Committee today voted on and approved the legislation filed late Monday by Nelson, the committees top Democrat, and Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the committees chairman. It would, among other things, require the Transportation Security Administration to tighten internal security at airports across the nation. The need for this legislation is clear, Nelson said. We must continue to do everything we can to protect the traveling public. Employee security procedures at airports in the U.S. have come under increased scrutiny since reports that an Egyptian airport worker may have planted a bomb that recently caused the crash of a Russian aircraft. Nelson says the measure would, among other things, limit the potential threat posed by airport employees by enhancing background checks and requiring the TSA to increase screening of aviation workers at the 450 U.S. airports at which they are responsible for security. In addition to increased screening, the bill would also require TSA to: Improve its vetting of airport employees with access to secured areas by: Allowing TSA to access additional terrorism-related databases maintained by the intelligence community; and Allowing TSA to conduct real-time, continuous criminal records checks through the FBI; Increase its oversight of employees secure access badges; Conduct a review of the insider threat posed by airport employees and report back to Congress with recommendations for improving security; and Increase the use of its undercover red-teams to test the security of secured areas at airports across the country. The committee approved the bill on a voice vote. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The text of Nelsons legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lawmakers-seek-to-cut-number-of-h-1b-visas-available-each-year,Lawmakers seek to cut number of H-1B visas available each year,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today that would cut the number of H-1B visas available each year. Congress created the H-1B visa program in 1990 to allow a limited number of highly specialized workers to enter the U.S. to fill jobs where there was said to be a shortage of U.S. workers. Under current law, the Department of Homeland Security may grant up to 85,000 H-1B visas to highly-specialized foreign workers each year. Nelsons bill, filed today with Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), would reduce the number of visas available by 15,000. And it would also require the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize the allocation of these 70,000 H-1B visas to foreign workers based on their salary. By cutting the number of visas available each year and requiring those visas be given to the highest-wage earners first, this bill directly targets outsourcing companies that rely on lower-wage foreign workers to replace equally-qualified U.S. workers, Nelson said. Nelson says the measure will help ensure that the H-1B visa program is once again being used as it was originally intended: to attract foreign workers with highly specialized skills not found among the available U.S. workforce. Last month, Nelson and a handful of his Senate colleagues filed a separate piece of legislation to reform the H-1B visa program. Specifically, it would prohibit any employer from replacing a U.S. worker with an H-1B visa holder. It would also require employers to prove that they first tried to recruit American workers prior to hiring an H-1B visa holder and bar companies that employ more than 50 people from hiring any additional H-1B employees if more than half of their employees are already H-1B visa holders. The text of the bill Nelson filed today is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1045,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Retirement of House CAO Ed Cassidy,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Retirement of House CAO Ed Cassidy f t # e Washington, DC, December 8, 2015 I extend my congratulations to Ed Cassidy and his family on his well-deserved retirement from service to the House of Representatives. Ed has served this institution with integrity for several decades, and he has played an important role in working with Members on both sides of the aisle. share: f t Wasserman Schultz Statement on Retirement of House CAO Ed Cassidy U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives Ed Cassidy announced his retirement: I extend my congratulations to Ed Cassidy and his family on his well-deserved retirement from service to the House of Representatives. Ed has served this institution with integrity for several decades, and he has played an important role in working with Members on both sides of the aisle. I appreciated his willingness to work with me on removing Styrofoam containers from the House cafeterias, as he strove to find places for compromise and did what was best for the people who work in the House. I once again wish him and his family the best on his retirement. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1094,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Venezuelan Election,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Going forward, both the opposition parties and the Maduro government must work together to fully implement the rule of law, enforce democratic principles and respect democratic institutions. A strong first step would be releasing political prisoners including Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos. All Venezuelans deserve to live in a free and just society. share: f t Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after Venezuela's parliamentary election on Sunday: I congratulate the people of Venezuela on their historic election this past Sunday. Despite threats and intimidations, brave Venezuelans turned out to the polls to cast their votes overwhelmingly in favor of democratic reform, freedom and liberty. As the National Election Council certifies the results and the final vote tallies, I stand with my colleagues in strongly urging those responsible to ensure a complete and transparent accounting. Although the Maduro government has tried to silence dissent, going so far as jailing opposition candidates and physically threatening and intimidating peaceful protesters, those voices spoke clearly in last weekend's election. Venezuelans voted decisively against the Maduro government's mishandling of the economy and suppression of basic human rights. Going forward, both the opposition parties and the Maduro government must work together to fully implement the rule of law, enforce democratic principles and respect democratic institutions. A strong first step would be releasing political prisoners including Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos. All Venezuelans deserve to live in a free and just society. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=712,Spanish: Wasserman Schultz Statement on Venezuelan Election,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"En el futuro, tanto los partidos de oposicin como el gobierno de Maduro debern trabajar juntos para verdaderamente implementar el estado de derecho, hacer cumplir los principios democrticos y respetar las instituciones democrticas. El primer paso debera de ser la liberacin de los presos polticos, entre ellos Leopoldo Lpez y Daniel Ceballos. Todo venezolano merece vivir en una sociedad libre y justa. share: f t La Congresista Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), emiti la siguiente declaracin despus de las elecciones parlamentarias de Venezuela el domingo pasado: ""Felicito al pueblo venezolano por su participacin el da de la eleccin histrica del domingo pasado. A pesar de las amenazas e intimidaciones, venezolanos valientes se presentaron a las urnas para emitir su voto arrollador a favor de la reforma democrtica y la libertad. ""A medida de que el Consejo Nacional Electoral certifica los resultados y los conteos finales, me mantengo firme con mis colegas al instar firmemente a los responsables que garanticen un conteo completo y transparente. A pesar de que el gobierno de Maduro ha tratado de silenciar la disidencia hasta el punto de llegar a encarcelar a candidatos de la oposicin y amenazando fsicamente e intimidando a manifestantes pacficos, esas voces hablaron claramente en las elecciones del pasado fin de semana. Los venezolanos votaron decididamente contra el mal manejo de la economa y la supresin de los derechos humanos bsicos del gobierno de Maduro. ""En el futuro, tanto los partidos de oposicin como el gobierno de Maduro debern trabajar juntos para verdaderamente implementar el estado de derecho, hacer cumplir los principios democrticos y respetar las instituciones democrticas. El primer paso debera de ser la liberacin de los presos polticos, entre ellos Leopoldo Lpez y Daniel Ceballos. Todo venezolano merece vivir en una sociedad libre y justa."" ### Contacto: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=890,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Chanukah,2015-12-06,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Chanukah f t # e Washington, DC, December 6, 2015 Around the world, families and friends will come together tonight to light the first candle of Chanukah. We will retell the story of the struggle of a small band of committed Jews fighting to keep their own faith and tradition in the face of a repressive army. We celebrate the miracle that happened in Israel more than 2,000 years ago as we light more candles each night. We reflect on those who are still not free to express their beliefs around the world, while also celebrating the miracles all around us. However you are celebrating, my family and I wish you a holiday filled with joy and meaning! share: f t ""Around the world, families and friends will come together tonight to light the first candle of Chanukah. We will retell the story of the struggle of a small band of committed Jews fighting to keep their own faith and tradition in the face of a repressive army. We celebrate the miracle that happened in Israel more than 2,000 years ago as we light more candles each night. We reflect on those who are still not free to express their beliefs around the world, while also celebrating the miracles all around us. ""However you are celebrating, my family and I wish you a holiday filled with joy and meaning!"" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=891,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Chanukah,2015-12-06,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Chanukah f t # e Washington, DC, December 6, 2015 Around the world, families and friends will come together tonight to light the first candle of Chanukah. We will retell the story of the struggle of a small band of committed Jews fighting to keep their own faith and tradition in the face of a repressive army. We celebrate the miracle that happened in Israel more than 2,000 years ago as we light more candles each night. We reflect on those who are still not free to express their beliefs around the world, while also celebrating the miracles all around us. However you are celebrating, my family and I wish you a holiday filled with joy and meaning! share: f t ""Around the world, families and friends will come together tonight to light the first candle of Chanukah. We will retell the story of the struggle of a small band of committed Jews fighting to keep their own faith and tradition in the face of a repressive army. We celebrate the miracle that happened in Israel more than 2,000 years ago as we light more candles each night. We reflect on those who are still not free to express their beliefs around the world, while also celebrating the miracles all around us. ""However you are celebrating, my family and I wish you a holiday filled with joy and meaning!"" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398531,Hastings Statement on Senate Vote to Repeal the Affordable Care Act,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings Statement on Senate Vote to Repeal the Affordable Care Act f t # e Washington, D.C., December 4, 2015 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement in response to yesterdays Senate vote to repeal the core pillars of theAffordable Care Act: It is absolutely outrageous that the Republicans are continuing their attempts to roll back health care benefits for millions of Americans. The Republican-led House has voted more than 60 times to repeal all or part of the law, and now the Senate has jumped on the same tired bandwagon. For seniors and those with disabilities across the nation, over 5.1 million have saved $3.2 billion on their prescription drugs. Yet, Republicans continue to play politics with our nations health care system. Congress needs to get back to the business of helping our nations most vulnerable, as opposed to trying to push them to the winds of despair. The American people deserve better. 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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398050,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor sees huge FL win with passage of federal transportation bill, FAST Act: ""Greatest funding increase for federal road, bridge and transit programs since the Recovery Act",2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"After numerous stopgap measures used over the past several years to merely keep transportation funding afloat, a bipartisan agreement for the long-stalled transportation and infrastructure bill passed the House and Senate yesterday and is on its way to the President to be signed into law. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act will invest $281 billion in local communities across the country over the next five years, boosting Floridas share of the Federal Highway Funding by more than $890 million. share: f t After numerous stopgap measures used over the past several years to merely keep transportation funding afloat, a bipartisan agreement for the long-stalled transportation and infrastructure bill passed the House and Senate yesterday and is on its way to the President to be signed into law. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act will invest $281 billion in local communities across the country over the next five years, boosting Floridas share of the Federal Highway Funding by more than $890 million. We need construction jobs, investments and a transportation system worthy of our growing and dynamic community. The FAST Act provides a surface transportation authorization with the greatest funding increase for federal road, bridge and transit programs since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), who supported the measure and pressed for the higher amount of funding that was included in the FAST Act. U.S. Rep. Castor has been sounding the alarm about the dire needs of infrastructure and transportation in Tampa Bay over the past few years. U.S. Rep. Castor gathered input and pressed for a robust and long-term investment in transportation. She criticized an earlier version of the House measure that was woefully inadequate and insufficient to meet the competitive needs of Tampa Bay and other local communities. FAST Act will provide $12.8 billion more than the previously passed House version of the bill. In addition, it includes a critical provision to allow for automatic adjustments and increased infrastructure investment if more money flows in to the Highway Trust Fund, U.S. Rep. Castor said. While not perfect, FAST Act will provide revenue and certainty to help Tampa Bay and Florida grow. This investment will create the good-paying jobs we need and drive commerce at home. Certainty: The five-year reauthorization is guaranteed; therefore, all five years are paid for. In addition, FAST Act will increase the percentage of funds within the Surface Transportation Program that flow directly to local regions (instead of to states) from 50 to 55 percent. Local transit: FAST Act will provide HART, PSTA and other transit leaders a total of $3.7 billion over five years in bus funding a 75 percent increase over funding levels they currently receive. Multi-Modal: More funding for transportation alternative programs, such as pedestrian walkways, including a new grant program to ensure cyclist and pedestrian safety critical for Tampa Bay, which is ranked as one of Americas least pedestrian-friendly areas. Innovation: $95 million to states to experiment with innovative ways to fund infrastructure improvements, including Vehicle Miles Traveled mechanisms. Buy America: FAST Act will strengthen Buy America requirements to maximize American job creation and for the first time will dedicate funding for freight projects, which will boost commerce and strengthen our economic competitiveness. FAST Act requirements will raise the domestic content threshold of transit buses and rail cars from 60 to 70 percent to maximize American job creation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398536,Deutch Writes Hungarian Prime Minister Opposing Monument to Nazi Collaborator,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and his fellow co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Taskforce forCombatting Anti-Semitism sent a letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn protesting the construction of a monument to Blint Homan, a former Hungarian Minister implicated in sending over half a million Jewish Hungarians to their deaths during the Holocaust. The Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism is co-chaired by U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Kay Granger (R-TX), Steve Israel (D-NY), Peter Roskam (R-IL), and Ted Deutch (D-FL).We write to express our deep concern about plans to erect a statue in the city of Szkesfehrvr, Hungary honoring Blint Homan, who spearheaded Hungarys anti-Jewish legislation and paved the way for deportations of and atrocities against Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust, write the Members. We urge you to publicly condemn Homans role in the persecution and deportation of innocent Hungarians and to withdraw government funding for the construction of this or any statue in his honor. Read the complete letter here. Congressman Ted Deutch is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Democrat on the Middle East Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-to-offer-legislation-that-would-strengthen-security-at-nation-s,Senator to offer legislation that would strengthen security at nations airports,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) says he's filing legislation that would require the Transportation Security Administration to tighten internal security at airports across the nation. Employee security procedures at airports in the U.S. have come under increased scrutiny since reports that an Egyptian airport worker may have planted the bomb that recently caused the crash of a Russian aircraft. Nelson says the measure would, among other things, limit the potential threat posed by airport employees by enhancing background checks and requiring the TSA to increase screening of aviation workers at the 450 U.S. airports at which they are responsible for security. In this age of terrorism, we can't afford to make any mistakes, Nelson said. Earlier this year, Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees our nations airline industry, called on the TSA to thoroughly review internal security procedures at all U.S. airports for possible gaps in the process. He then met with TSA officials at both the Orlando and Miami international airports which were, at the time, the only two airports in the nation to voluntarily impose passenger-like screening on all their employees to review their internal security procedures. Nelson cited both airports as models for the nation, and now wants to increase employee screening at other airports across the country. The lawmaker said he plans to file the bill in the coming days, likely with Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=433,Frankel Statement on Hanukkah,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Statement on Hanukkah f t # e Washington, December 4, 2015 Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement on Hanukkah, which begins Sunday night at sundown: Jewish families across South Florida and the world will gather to celebrate eight nights of Hanukkah, when we recall the bravery of the Maccabees who liberated the Jewish people from persecution and rededicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem. During this Jewish Festival of Lights, we celebrate miracles and blessings, while keeping in mind those still suffering at the hands of oppression. Wishing all a Hanukkah sameach, happy Hanukkah. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=609,Joint Statement on IAEA Report on Iran's Nuclear Program,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"In voting to support the Iran nuclear deal, we viewed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as our best option for stopping Iran from developing a nuclear bomb because it offers the best guarantee for intrusive oversight and access into Iran's nuclear program. Iran must fully comply with all the terms set out in the JCPOA and with the IAEA in its ongoing monitoring. Along with our colleagues, we will remain vigilant to make sure that we are taking all steps to ensure that Iran is not able to pursue nuclear weapons' capabilities,as well as supporting the snapback of sanctions if Iran is caught cheating. share: f t Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Susan Davis (D-CA) issued the following joint statement on the International Atomic Energy Agency report investigating Iran's nuclear program: Yesterday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released its report on the past possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran's nuclear program. This report confirmed what we have suspected or known for years: That Iran previously lied about its ambitions and the military dimensions of its nuclear program, and that Iran actively sought to develop the technology for nuclear weapons. Though Iran's activities failed to produce nuclear weapons, they secretly performed research and technical studies to that end until 2003 and to a lesser extent until 2009. While we cannot yet say that the IAEA's report reveals the entire story of Iran's illicit nuclear conduct, there can be no doubt that this evidence proves the importance of international efforts to stop Iran from ever developing a nuclear weapon. This report demonstrates yet again that we must maintain vigilance over Iran and its nuclear ambitions. It emphasizes the importance of forcing Iran into accepting an agreement that dismantles the vast majority of its current nuclear infrastructure, and that requires unprecedented access to and oversight of Iran's nuclear facilities and supply chain by international inspectors without limiting future U.S. options, including military. This report also makes clear what many of us already knewthe importance of Israel's role in raising the alarm and bringing Iranian nuclear activities to the world's attention. In voting to support the Iran nuclear deal, we viewed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as our best option for stopping Iran from developing a nuclear bomb because it offers the best guarantee for intrusive oversight and access into Iran's nuclear program. Iran must fully comply with all the terms set out in the JCPOA and with the IAEA in its ongoing monitoring. Along with our colleagues, we will remain vigilant to make sure that we are taking all steps to ensure that Iran is not able to pursue nuclear weapons' capabilities,as well as supporting the snapback of sanctions if Iran is caught cheating. ### Note: The signatories on the statement are Rep. Nadler (D-NY), Rep. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Rep. Davis (D-CA).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398530,Hastings Statement on Passage of ESEA Reauthorization,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement regarding the passage of the conference report to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): There should be no question that access to education must be equal across America. Since 1965, the ESEA has been an essential tool for promoting fair and equal access to quality public education and helping to reduce educational disparities between students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, and beliefs. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a significant improvement to the status quo and a critical step in upholding and defending the principal of equal access to education, codified in Brown v. Board of Education. As we continue to work to improve education across America, we must ensure that regional and migrant populations do not suffer under revised allocation methods. We must also be mindful that funding for all minorities is kept at a level that does not put them at a disadvantage. 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=398049,"U.S. Rep. Castor: Major Education Reform of No Child Left Behind Rightfully Maintains Focus on the Achievement Gap, Requires Renewed Commitment from State and Local Educators",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) applauded yesterdays passage of the bipartisan education reform bill in the U.S. House of Representative yesterday and encouraged Pinellas and Hillsborough School Districts to renew their focus on the achievement gap. The Every Student Succeeds Act replaces No Child Left Behind, which was overdue for reauthorization and reform. Democrats fought off radical cuts proposed by the GOP that would have cut $437 million from Florida public schools over the coming years. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) applauded yesterdayspassage of the bipartisan education reform bill in the U.S. House of Representative yesterday and encouraged Pinellas and Hillsborough School Districts to renew their focus on the achievement gap. The Every Student Succeeds Act replaces No Child Left Behind, which was overdue for reauthorization and reform.Democrats fought off radical cuts proposed by the GOP that would have cut $437 million from Florida public schools over the coming years. Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed no matter the neighborhood in which they live. The reform bill ends federally-mandated high-stakes testing while maintaining the focus on the achievement gap and on schools that need improvement. Title I funds remain intact as a vital supplement to state and local education dollars for at-risk schools and students, said U.S. Rep. Castor, who has been working to ensure Title I dollars are properly supplementing -- not supplanting -- education resources for schools located in South St. Petersburg. A recent Tampa Bay Times investigation questioned whether several of the schools in South St. Petersburg were receiving the resources and attention they need and Title I funds are the focus of federal support. Local school districts and states must renew their focus on the lowest-performing schools, and increase teacher support to ensure that high-quality educators are available to teach all students, U.S. Rep. Castor said. This emphasis on teacher support for all students also can offer hope for improvement in schools in South St. Petersburg and across our community. The bill incentivizes increased transparency, community engagement and accountability for all education resources, especially public dollars for charter schools, which has been another long-standing concern of U.S. Rep. Castor. In addition, she called restoring funding for some 50 education initiatives a shared win for Democrats and Republicans. U.S. Rep. Castor has been critical of any proposal that removed key standards for success and the 50-year commitment to equity in public education that ensures that all American children, regardless of where they live, have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. She has worked with education advocates to ensure the final version of the legislation included meaningful reforms. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398532,PRESS RELEASE: Reps. Deutch and Sarbanes Lead 113 Members in Call to Drop Controversial Campaign Finance Rider,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL) and John Sarbanes (D-MD) led 113 Members of Congress on a letter to House and Senate leadership in an effort to fight back against an attempt to include a controversial campaign finance rider into this years omnibus spending bill.As negotiations over the omnibus agreement continue, we urge you to resist any attempt to include a controversial campaign finance provision relaxing political party coordination limits, the Members wrote. This change would be a travesty coming on the heels of last years erosion of the limits on big donor contributions to the parties. Americans have a right to expect that political parties and candidates will answer to them, but this change in the law would only further surrender the party apparatus to the influence of millionaires and billionaires. Moreover, the 114th Congress has not held one hearing, commissioned a single study, nor investigated in any serious way the impacts of changing the current coordination rules governing political party spending. We owe it to the American people to ensure that any proposal to change our campaign finance laws be subject to deliberative study and public debate. U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch & John Sarbanes are both members of the House Democracy Task Force. Deutch is the author of the Democracy for All Amendment (H.J. Res 22 in the House, S.J. Res 5 in the Senate), which would overturn Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC and establish a constitutional right to limit money spent in elections. Sarbanes is the author of the Government by the People Act (H.R. 20), a bill designed to reduce the influence of big money in our elections by amplifying the voices of everyday Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nelson-florida-to-benefit-from-multi-year-305-billion-highway-bill,Nelson: Florida to benefit from multi-year $305-billion highway bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate late Thursday approved a $305 billion bill aimed at fixing many of the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and tunnels over the next five years. The bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 83 to 16, now heads to President Obama, who is expected to sign it. The legislation is the first long-term highway funding bill Congress has approved in a decade. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, was one of the lead negotiators of the highway bill. ""Because of this bill, were going to provide states and communities with over $300 billion over five years to repair the roads and bridges of this country and greatly improve rail and port projects,"" Nelson said on the Senate floor following passage of the measure. ""And, as a result, we are going to create jobs."" ""In my state of Florida, this translates to $12 billion that can be used for improvements on Interstates 95, Interstate 75 and the projects such as SunRail, Tri-Rail and the streetcars in Fort Lauderdale,"" he added.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398529,Hastings Statement on San Bernardino Mass Shooting,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings Statement on San Bernardino Mass Shooting f t # e Washington, D.C. , December 2, 2015 Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the shooting in San Bernardino, California: For the second time in a week, a mass shooting has left our nation in a state of shock and grief. As the situation in San Bernardino continues to unfold, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible violence, and my gratitude is with the first responders on scene. We have become far to accustomed to gun violence in our nation. We owe it to the victims of this attack, and the scores of others that have come before it, to act to curb the violence. I offer my deepest sympathies to the people of San Bernardino during this sad time. 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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398045,U.S. Rep. Castor urges Speaker Ryan to disband Select Panel to Attack Women's Health,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) urged House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan and House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Fred Upton to disband the Select Panel to Attack Womens Health, which targets Planned Parenthood without justification. share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) urged House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan and House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Fred Upton to disband the Select Panel to Attack Womens Health, which targets Planned Parenthood without justification. In her letter to them, she wrote that this witch hunt against Planned Parenthood and womens health is a political stunt and waste of taxpayer money. Furthermore, she wrote: We need look no further than the horrific tragedy that occurred in Colorado Springs last week to understand how such a provocative speech can lead to great harm. I respectfully request that you end this unnecessary and harmful attack on womens health that will most surely lead to further incendiary rhetoric and who knows what else. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nelson-files-bill-to-help-citrus-industry-rebound-from-greening,Nelson files bill to help citrus industry rebound from greening,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today introduced legislation to help Floridas citrus industry rebound from the effects of a deadly citrus disease threatening to wipe out the states nearly $11 billion citrus industry. Citrus greening has been blamed for killing crops across the country including more than 130,000 acres in Florida since 2005. Nelsons legislation would encourage growers to replant groves lost to greening by allowing them to immediately deduct the full cost of planting new trees, instead of over a 14-year period as required under the current law. If we dont start replanting some of the trees weve already lost, we may not have a citrus industry in Florida much longer, said Nelson. This bill will encourage growers to plant the new trees we need by allowing them deduct the full cost immediately, instead of slowly over time. While Floridas citrus industry accounts for about 65 percent of the total citrus production in the U.S., its annual crop production has continued to decline over the last four years, with this years crop estimated to be the smallest in nearly half a century. Nelsons bill would encourage growers to start the process of planting some of the nearly 20 million new trees experts say will be needed to get Floridas citrus production back to the level it had reached nearly 10 years ago, before the citrus greening disease began to ravage the state. It will be a companion to a House bill introduced recently by some members of the Florida congressional delegation. Text of Nelsons legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nelson-introduces-bill-to-help-puerto-rico-s-seniors,Nelson introduces bill to help Puerto Ricos seniors,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Less than a day after Puerto Rico narrowly avoided defaulting on its outstanding debt obligation, one U.S. lawmaker is looking to help the island avert yet another looming crisis: the collapse of its health care system. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today to help the island's low-income seniors afford the cost of their prescription drugs. Specifically, the legislation cosponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would make Puerto Rico's Medicare beneficiaries eligible for the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy program and provide them with federal subsidies to help cover their monthly health care premiums and other out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Puerto Ricans are fellow Americans and it is unfair that they are not given the same prescription-drug benefits as seniors living in the states, said Nelson. Unequal access to health care only further hampers Puerto Ricos ability to get through their current financial crisis. Under current law, Medicare beneficiaries living in Puerto Rico or any other U.S. territory are excluded from participating in the Low Income Subsidy program. Instead, Congress created a separate Medicaid allotment to help beneficiaries living in Puerto Rico that required the Puerto Rican government to match nearly half the cost of the subsidies provided. But, as the island continues to struggle financially, officials there now say they simply can't afford to match the subsidies, leaving the islands low-income seniors on their own to cover the full cost of any prescription drugs they may need. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 60 percent of the 730,000 Medicare beneficiaries living in Puerto Rico stand to benefit if Nelsons legislation becomes law. The bill filed today is just the latest in a series of actions the Florida Democrat has taken this year to help the people of Puerto Rico. In July, Nelson and others introduced legislation that would give Puerto Rico the right to declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy, a right already enjoyed by all 50 states. He also joined three fellow senators to introduce legislation to improve the treatment of Puerto Rico under Medicare and Medicaid. The text of Nelsons legislation is available here. And heres a background article on the issue: As Puerto Ricos fiscal crisis grows into a humanitarian one, health care looks like the first big casualty By Michael A. Fletcher Published: Nov. 5, 2015 Until recently, Puerto Rico's fiscal crisis has been like a slow-motion hurricane churning toward land, in that the damage was more potential than real. Yes, there have been minor bond defaults, government jobs have been cut, and public-employee pensions slashed. Meanwhile, the economy has been in a decade-long funk, keeping the unemployment rate in double figures and prompting tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans to decamp for the U.S. mainland. But now with the commonwealth on the verge of running out of cash, officials are warning that the disaster is picking up speed and threatening institutions crucial to maintaining Puerto Rico's quality of life. The island's health-care system is sagging, burdened by funding shortages, an inability to borrow money, and an increasing flow of doctors, nurses and medical technicians to the mainland where they can make more money and work under better conditions. The result is packed emergency rooms in Puerto Rico and months-long waits for some life-saving procedures, according to doctors there. ""We try to provide patients with the best treatments, but because of a lack of funding we do not have an adequate number of health providers and resources for the demand,"" said Jose Carlo-Izquierdo, a neurologist on the island. The health-care problems are a direct result of Puerto Rico's staggering $73 billion debt, which coupled with the island's stagnant economy, has left the government unable to pay its bills. Puerto Rico officials are calling on the Obama administration and Congress to help by increasing Medicare and Medicaid funding to the commonwealth, but so far their pleas have not been answered. The Obama administration has asked Congress to treat Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories the same as states when it comes to Medicaid reimbursements. That would mean an increase in funds, but so far that request has gone unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico is slated for a sharp reduction in its Medicare reimbursement rates next year even as those rates increase in the 50 states. Already, the commonwealth's Medicare Advantage program is paid at just 60 percent the average rate of the states, while the broader Medicare reimbursement rates are 40 percent lower than those on the mainland. Since nearly 70 percent of the commonwealth's 3.5 million people rely on Medicare and Medicaid for their health care, the reduction is likely to hit hard. That would harm Puerto Rico's health-care system by draining much needed cash. It would also further cripple the broader economy, since health care accounts for about a fifth of the commonwealth's economic output. The growing health-care crisis has prompted political and religious leaders in Puerto Rico to call for a march on Thursday to press for congressional help. New York Gov. Mario Cuomo (D), as well as Bill de Blasio, the Democratic mayor of New York City the city with the largest Puerto Rican population in the country are among the mainland elected officials expected to take part. Organizers estimate that 25,000 will take part in the march. ""The collapse of the Puerto Rican healthcare system will be devastating to the island's already weak economy and will impact millions of Puerto Ricans living in the mainland, including 700,000 in New York City,"" de Blasio said in a statement. ""We have a moral obligation to stand with our fellow Americans as they call on the Federal Government to help the island's economy."" Dennis Rivera, chair of of Puerto Rico Healthcare Crisis Coalition, said there are plans to reduce the work week of public employees in Puerto Rico by two days, or 40 percent. Meanwhile, hospitals and other health-care institutions are bracing for reduced funding and smaller reimbursements from the government. ""The crisis is going to get dramatically worse in the next few weeks as the government runs out of money,"" he said. If that plays out, it could spawn a cycle of decline that hurts the commonwealth's health-care system and its residents. ""It would be a human catastrophe,"" Rivera said. Last month, the Obama administration unveiled a multi-pronged proposal aimed at helping Puerto Rico through its fiscal crisis and sparking economic growth going forward. But the plan's central elements a new kind of bankruptcy protection that would create an orderly procedure for Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories to reorganize debt, as well as health-care funding increases and an extension of certain tax credits to the commonwealth have been met with skepticism from many Republicans in Congress. Speaking at a Senate hearing late last month, Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla said that with the commonwealth on the verge of running out of money, a humanitarian crisis is on the horizon. And given the painful choice between paying for essential services or paying back the commonwealth's many creditors, he said he would choose paying for services. Now with the island's health-care system teetering, he is calling on the federal government to act so he does not have to make that choice. ""One of the causes of the fiscal crisis we are living is the unfair treatment by the federal government on healthcare funding for Puerto Ricans,"" Garcia Padilla said in a statement. ""This march goes beyond party lines and is a collective effort to fight for our rights.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-applauds-passage-of-the-every-student-succeeds-act,Wilson Applauds Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed landmark legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes an amendment from Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson to allow states to use Title IV funds to establish and improve dropout prevention and re-entry programs. As a result, more schools will be able to provide students with the support and resources they need to stay invested and engaged in their educations. The Florida lawmaker, who sits on the Education and Workforce Committee and is the ranking Democrat on the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, served on the conference committee that crafted the bipartisan bill. Like most legislation, ESSA is an imperfect bill, but it is an important step toward delivering on the promise of a quality education for all children, no matter where they live, the color of their skin or their family's annual income, said Rep. Wilson. No Child Left Behind broke that promise by forcing educators to focus more on high-stakes testing that severely undermined their ability to help students develop critical thinking skills and impeded the students' desire to learn. Click here to hear the congressman's remarks on the House floor during debate on the bill. And, to learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act, visit democrats.edworkforce.house.gov/EveryStudentSucceeds. ### Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-reacts-to-florida-supreme-court-s-redistricting-decision-0,Wilson Reacts to Florida Supreme Courts Redistricting Decision,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- To say that I am deeply disappointed by the Florida Supreme Court's decision to approve the redistricting map drawn by the Fair Districts Coalition is a gross understatement. From the start, I strongly opposed the map known as CP-1 because it strips from District 24 several economic drivers and cultural attractions and threatens to return our community to its former status as the nation's most suffering district. CP-1 removes from the district PortMiami, Bayside marketplace, AmericanAirlines Arena, Watson Island, Jungle Island/Parrot Island, and Bayfront Park, to name a few. I had hoped that the court would recognize that this map is not only an unwarranted attempt to reverse the gains made in the past few years, but also creates an area of economic apartheid. The fact that there were no voters at stake because these economic catalysts are located on nonresidential land -- and represented the only wealth the district has -- makes the map particularly egregious. Why take away from people who already have so little? Despite this terrible setback which, ironically, was set in motion by Democrats, as the founder of the Congressional Florida Ports Caucus, I will continue to consider PortMiami a corporate neighbor and convene the caucus to fight on its behalf. Ensuring that the port has all of the federal resources it needs to sustain and create jobs is good for Florida's economy and workforce, and good for my constituents. While not as blatant as the whites and coloreds only signs that were once fixtures at public facilities before African Americans and other people of color were able to vote, the map is almost as discriminatory. Isolating poor people in one district is an indefensible violation of the spirit of the Voting Rights Act and the map created by the Fair Districts Coalition is anything but fair.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398528,Hastings Recognizes World AIDS Day,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in commemoration of the 27th Annual World AIDS Day: Each December 1st we mark World AIDS Day, a day on which we reflect on the tremendous progress we have made in our collective response to HIV/AIDS.Today, let usrecommit ourselves to the fight to rid the world of this disease once and for all. This years World AIDS Day theme is The Time to Act is NOW, which underscores our resolve to put a stop to new HIV infections, discrimination, and AIDS-related deaths. Approximately 35 million people are living with HIV globally, 19 million of which are unaware that they are infected. Although the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund have been instrumental in dramatically reducing its occurrence in developing countries new HIV infections worldwide are down 35 percent since 2000, and AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 42 percent since their peak in 2004 much work still remains. On this World AIDS Day, let us rededicate ourselves to ending the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and tackling the challenges we still face in understanding, treating, and preventing the disease so that we may make a future free of HIV/AIDS a reality. 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://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1059,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Shooting Deaths at CO Planned Parenthood,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Instead of misinformed, politically motivated accusations against a trusted healthcare provider, this country deserves principled leadership from both parties about ways to reduce gun violence. Until Republicans muster the political courage to come around, Americans will die because we have the power to do something and yet actively choose not to, time and time again. It's sad, it's frustrating, and it's tragic. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in response to the shooting deaths and injuries at Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs: Jennifer Markovsky. Ke'Arre Marcell Stewart. Garrett Swasey. ""On Friday in Colorado Springs, they were murdered by a fanatic with a gun. As I spent this past holiday weekend with my family, I've been thinking about their families who won't get to spend future holidays with them because of this senseless tragedy. What a cross section of America these three innocent people were all of them parents who served their country and communities in different but meaningful ways. As Congress returns to session, I find myself wondering how House Republicans will have the gall to go on with their already disturbing probe into Planned Parenthood in light of this senseless act of violence. The rhetoric about women's reproductive health rights crossed the civil discourse line a long time ago, and anyone who believes that the murderer in Colorado Springs wasn't motivated, at least in part, by political distortions over Planned Parenthood's work is participating in willful disengagement from reality. The truth is Planned Parenthood plays a vital role in the health of American families. They provide nearly 3 million men, women and children nationwide with a range of health services each year, including safe, legal abortion services which should be available to every woman without the threat of violence. I will proudly continue to stand with them. Instead of misinformed, politically motivated accusations against a trusted healthcare provider, this country deserves principled leadership from both parties about ways to reduce gun violence. Until Republicans muster the political courage to come around, Americans will die because we have the power to do something and yet actively choose not to, time and time again. It's sad, it's frustrating, and it's tragic. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1064,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving,2015-11-26,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving f t # e Washington, DC, November 26, 2015 Today my family and I join millions of Americans in celebrating Thanksgiving and taking time to reflect on how grateful we are. In a time when much of the world is undergoing hardship and suffering, it is all the more important for us to join with our family and friends to be thankful for what we have, and to keep those who are less fortunate in our thoughts and actions. This nation has an obligation to help those in need around the world, and as we approach the holiday season, I know that our commitment to that obligation will not waver. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in honor of Thanksgiving: Today my family and I join millions of Americans in celebrating Thanksgiving and taking time to reflect on how grateful we are. In a time when much of the world is undergoing hardship and suffering, it is all the more important for us to join with our family and friends to be thankful for what we have, and to keep those who are less fortunate in our thoughts and actions. This nation has an obligation to help those in need around the world, and as we approach the holiday season, I know that our commitment to that obligation will not waver. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett,Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan,Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov,202.225.7931 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398527,Hastings and Woodall Introduce Legislation Condemning Palestinian Terrorism,2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings and Woodall Introduce Legislation Condemning Palestinian Terrorism f t # e Fort Lauderdale, FL, November 23, 2015 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings released the following statement after introducing H.Con. Res. 96, Condemning Palestinian incitement of violence and reaffirming the special bond between Israel and the United States with Congressman Rob Woodall (R-GA). (See a copy of the legislation attached) The current wave of violence in Israel deserves swift and clear condemnation, not just from the United States, but from the entire international community. Unfortunately, we have not seen this happen, even as attack after attack is carried out against innocent Israelis, said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Roughly 100 stabbings, shootings, and car-ramming attacks have been carried out since October. The Palestinian government and leaders around the world must unequivocally condemn these acts of terror. I am therefore pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Rob Woodall, which calls on the entire international community to stand in unison against acts of terrorism in Israel and reaffirms our belief that any chance at lasting peace can only happen through peaceful, bilateral, discussions between Israel and the Palestinians. The American people share a very special bond with the people of Israel, said Congressman Rob Woodall. We have no stronger ally, and their strength is necessary not only for their own protection and success, but for freedom-loving people throughout the region and across the world. They face tremendous danger on a daily basis from those who deny their right to exist and seek to destroy their nation and heritage. Those carrying out recent attacks do not share the love of liberty that bonds the American and Israeli nations together. I am proud of this non-partisan effort to provide an opportunity for the House to unite against these evil acts, and I thank my friend Mr. Hastings for helping us get here. 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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398042,John F. Germany,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mr. Speaker: I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary leader of the Tampa Bay community, John Germany. His remarkable career in public service and his many contributions to our community are worthy of recognition by all. share: f t Mr. Speaker: I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary leader of the Tampa Bay community, John Germany. His remarkable career in public service and his many contributions to our community are worthy of recognition by all. John Germany was born in 1923 in Plant City, Florida. As a young man, John Germany served his country in the U.S. Army as a tank commander during World War II. During the war, he led his platoon to the gates of the Ebensee concentration camp in Austria and helped liberate the camp. After the war, he graduated from Harvard Law School and returned to Florida to begin practicing law. John Germany served as the Chief Legal Advisor for Legislative Affairs to Florida Governor LeRoy Collins. During his tenure, he was an early and important supporter of establishing the University of South Florida and would later go on to serve as the Board of Trustees President. John Germanys critical role in founding the University of South Florida earned him the University Medallion for Community Service in 1966 and the Presidents Fellow Medallion in 2012. Today, the University of South Florida is an economic engine in our community and top research institution in the nation. Not only has John Germany impacted the Tampa Bay community with this dedication to the law, he has also strengthened our community through his support of local organizations and his dedication to educating youth. In 1961, he was elected President of the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County. As President of the organization, he spearheaded efforts to fund and build a library in downtown Tampa which opened in 1966. In recognition of his role in founding the library, in 1999 it was named The John F. Germany Library. His excellence in his legal work and commitment to community service earned him the 2006 Outstanding Lawyer Award by the Hillsborough County Bar Association, an award given to those who excel in the areas of law and community service. Even after learning of his cancer, John Germany donated $100,000 to the library system that will continue to fund the John Germany Youth Reading Initiative into the future. John Germany will be forever remembered as a leader in the Tampa Bay community who was passionate about the law and the advancing youth education. Born into the Greatest Generation and a leader in shaping our great City of Tampa, he was a true pillar in our community. On August 26th, 2015, he passed away at the age of 94. Mr. Speaker, I join the Tampa Bay community in honoring John Germany for his lifelong service to the State of Florida.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398522,Hastings Statement on National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: There are thousands of men, women, and children in our country that go without food or shelter every single day. In marking National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, we must remind ourselves that there is much we can do to provide for homeless individuals across this nation. Those in our country who do not have a home or live in poverty deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. As the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus, I believe that eradicating homelessness in America must be a top priority for Congress and our country. We have made great progress towards this goal, but far too many people still go without the basic securities of food and shelter. I will continue to do all that I can in Congress to work toward a world where no person has to experience hunger or homelessness. As a nation we must strengthen our resolve to fight to end 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 http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398040,"To combat Islamic State, strengthen Special Forces and insist on more help from other nations",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"To combat the ever-evolving terrorist threat, our military must have the flexibility to adapt to the tactics of the radical jihadis, and the Global Coalition to Counter IS must contribute more to the effort. Specifically, Americas Special Forces must have the most modern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools to battle terrorist extremists and to keep us safe. share: f t To combat the ever-evolving terrorist threat, our military must have the flexibility to adapt to the tactics of the radical jihadis, and the Global Coalition to Counter IS must contribute more to the effort. Specifically, Americas Special Forces must have the most modern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools to battle terrorist extremists and to keep us safe. On the day before the Paris terrorist attacks, Special Operations Commander Gen. Joseph Votel and the outstanding team at SOCOM Acquisitions demonstrated for me some of the innovative military equipment used to detect and eradicate terrorists. America has the most committed military and the technological edge and we must keep it that way. The greatest threat to Americas national security and our allies emanates from nonstate terrorist groups like IS, which aims to establish branches further afield, in unstable areas, and to recruit and radicalize susceptible populations throughout the world. It continues to threaten atrocities, especially against vulnerable minorities. Special Forces must be nimble and flexible in addressing the changing terrorist threats so America maintains every advantage. Consider the different types of operations and equipment necessary for Special Forces to kill Osama bin Laden, rescue the Maersk Alabama and join with Kurdish forces to liberate IS prisoners. SOCOM at Tampas MacDill AFB is more entrepreneurial than other Department of Defense programs, and such flexibility should remain a priority. President Obama, CENTCOM, SOCOM and the State Department have pressed our coalition partners into doing more. France and Russia reacted swiftly to the terrorist attacks against them. Kurdish forces in Iraq pushed IS out of Sinjar, and Syrian Arab and Kurdish forces have driven IS from al-Hawl in northeastern Syria. These were important transit and communications hubs for IS, and these defeats will make it harder for its forces to find safe haven, regroup and plan external attacks. In Iraq and Syria, IS has lost more than 20 percent to 25 percent of populated territory it once controlled. France, already one of Americas most valued partners, is flying sorties in Iraq and Syria, participating in our missions in Iraq, and has deployed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to assist in Operation Inherent Resolve. A French flag officer is permanently assigned to CENTCOM at MacDill to foster close coordination. Military efforts alone will not defeat IS. The movements of foreign fighters must be detected and stopped, especially by the Europeans. The coalition must cut off access to financing, disrupt and expose terrorist messaging, and stabilize vulnerable communities that have been liberated from IS control. In the wake of horrendous terrorist attacks, some are calling for boots on the ground in Iraq and Syria. Most of us agree that deploying long-term combat forces like America previously did in Iraq and Afghanistan would not work unless we were committed to being a permanent occupying force in the Middle East. I know from listening to my neighbors and military experts that such a ground force is not in our national interest, nor does it solve the underlying dynamics that allow violent extremist groups to flourish in areas of poor governance. Instead, America must continue to elevate our Special Forces and ensure they have the tools to combat evolving threats. Americas leadership in the coalition has been the driving force, but other countries across the globe must do more to deter and defeat IS and our mutual enemies. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, represents the 14th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398041,U.S. Rep. Castor's statement on HR 4038: Nothing is more important than the safety of families & all Americans,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding H.R. 4038. Please also see U.S. Rep. Castors op-ed, To combat Islamic State, strengthen Special Forces and insist on more help from other nations, published today. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement regarding H.R. 4038. Please also see U.S. Rep. Castors op-ed, To combat Islamic State, strengthen Special Forces and insist on more help from other nations, published today. Nothing is more important than the safety of the families of my neighbors and all Americans. After the horrendous Paris terrorist attacks, we must ensure thatlaw enforcement, intelligence agencies and military service members have the tools they need to keep us safe. It also is fair to examine how people enter the United States and the various screening processes for visitors, asylum seekers, refugees, and others fleeing war-torn nations. Those wishing to enter our country must meet strict tests and checks, but it is counterproductive to completely halt appropriate resettlement victims of torture, those who have opposed terrorist groups like ISIL, and those with family ties. Today I was able to vote to take up the Secure Refugee Process Act of 2015. This approach would ensure that the United States increases its rigorous screening and provides for extensive interagency security.This added vetting of the limited number of people who qualify for safe harbor in our great nation would further ensure the safety of Americans and yet not totally shut down potential resettlement of ISIL victims. In addition, I support legislation to prohibit any person on the national terrorism watch list from being able to purchase a firearm, regardless of their immigration status. Data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) show that between 2004 and 2010, people on terrorism watch lists tried to buy guns and explosives more than 1,400 times. They succeeded in more than 90 percent of those cases, or 1,321 times. In 2013-14, the number of successful buyers rose to 94 percent, with 455 suspects buying weapons and just 30 denied as allowed under current laws. Of those denied, the GAO reported that none were denied because they were a terror threat, but because either there was a felony conviction, under indictment, adjudicated mental health, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction, fugitive from justice and controlled substance abuse. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398529,Deutch: Syrian Refugee Bill Fails our Security and our Values,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee issued this statement regarding the H.R. 4038, legislation brought forward by House Republicans to pause the admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States:We have all been shaken by the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris. Dozens of constituents have called my office concerned about our national security, and justifiably so. Fear is the natural and understandable response to such terrorism. ""In the week following these heinous acts of terror, we have been engaged in a healthy debate about our safety and our values. Unfortunately, the hastily-written legislation brought to the floor today treats neither seriously enough. ""When it comes to our national security, we should absolutely reevaluate our refugee screening procedures. Four million Syrians have fled their homes to escape the barrel bombs of Bashar al Assad and the murderous rampages of ISIS. Of the seven thousand refugees interviewed by the Department of Homeland Security, a total of 2,034 Syrian refugees have been admitted into the United States after a lengthy vetting process. In light of the Paris attacks, we should reassess the way they are vetted, but lets remember that just two percent of those admitted thus far are military aged males. A rational step forward would be to review the process that resulted in the admission of those 40 young men. Put simply, we should focus on the threat, but to close our doors on kids, their mothers and grandparents fleeing some of the most dreadful violence in the world is an unnecessary abandonment of our American values. At the same time this legislation compromises the values that define us as a people, it fails to strengthen our national security. In recent days, we have learned that it was Belgian citizens radicalized by ISIS who carried out these vicious attacks after traveling to and from Syria. This legislation does nothing to protect the American people from the threat of homegrown terrorists from Europe and other allied nations around the world. It does nothing to strengthen potential vulnerabilities to our travel and security protocols, such as the fact that Belgium, like all members of the European Union, are members of the U.S. visa-waiver program. Nor does it do anything to address the crisis in Syria that created so many refugees in the first place, or the ISIS terrorists who must be defeated. We should absolutely review and bolster our security procedures, travel policies, and refugee-screening protocols. Yet we can and we must do so in a thoughtful way that does not abandon the values that define us as Americans. Unfortunately, the hastily-written bill brought to the floor today fails to meet that test.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=422,Frankel Says Safety is our First Priority,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) made the following statement on the House floor before voting against H.R. 4038. People back home are understandably frightened. There is no question that ISIL must be destroyed and that the safety of Americans must be our first priority. But denying refuge to women and children who are fleeing rape and torture and who go through a two-year vigorous entry process will not make us a safer country. At a time when we are trying to forge a coalition of international nations, it is self-defeating to send a message of isolation. Our anti-terrorism resources must be focused on terrorists, not on innocent human beings seeking shelter from the most unspeakable horrors imaginable. The bill passed the House of Representatives 289-137. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=870,Wasserman Schultz Statement on American SAFE Act,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"H.R. 4038 is nothing more than a politically-driven and fear-mongering response to a serious threat. It will not ultimately strengthen our national security and in fact undermines the foundation upon which this nation was built. Instead of politics and fear-mongering, we must focus on ensuring that the agencies responsible for keeping our nation safe have the resources and support they need. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect our citizens and our homeland. In my estimation, this bill contributes nothing to either of those fundamental responsibilities of the Congress. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act: Today I voted against the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act for a number of reasons. The brutal attacks in Paris are the latest impact of ISIS's horrific and morbid ideology perpetrated against innocent people worldwide. ISIS poses a serious threat to our nation and to American allies and interests worldwide. In times of danger and uncertainty, our top priority must be the safety and security of Americans and our homeland. H.R. 4038, however, is nothing more than a politically-driven and fear-mongering response to a serious threat. It will not ultimately strengthen our national security and in fact undermines the foundation upon which this nation was built. Refugees and asylum seekers are already subjected to rigorous and thorough security background checks- the most extensive of any category of people coming into the United States. The process already takes between 12 and 24 months and involves the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense and State as well as the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center. Those seeking to come to this nation under those categories are fleeing the same senseless terror and violence that seeks to harm us. Of the more than 2,000 Syrian refugees admitted to the United States since 2001, not a single one has been arrested on domestic terrorism charges. The United States has a long and important history of standing as a shining light of freedom and democracy for those seeking the freedom to live in happiness, security and peace. Many of us would not be here today were it not for this nation's values and ideals. Instead of politics and fear-mongering, we must focus on ensuring that the agencies responsible for keeping our nation safe have the resources and support they need. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect our citizens and our homeland. In my estimation, this bill contributes nothing to either of those fundamental responsibilities of the Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-s-remarks-on-the-installation-of-bishop,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilsons Remarks on the Installation of Bishop Michael Curry for the Congressional Record:,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"As a lifelong Episcopalian, I am filled with pride over the installation of Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church. His historic election comes at a challenging time in history for both the nation and the church. In response, Bishop Curry has valiantly pledged to take up the serious work of racial reconciliation in his new role and to strive for the beloved community envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At a time when all denominations are struggling to rebuild declining memberships, his focus on both evangelism and inclusion marks an exciting new chapter for our church. I am supremely confident that he is up to both tasks. I recently had the honor of welcoming to my Capitol Hill office the Right Rev. Peter Eaton, who is the new bishop coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese in Southeast Florida. He met with me and our own House of Representatives chaplain, my friend, the Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. Bishop Eaton comes to us from St. John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, and I look forward to helping him get to know our church community. May God shine His light on both Bishop Curry and Bishop Eaton as they embrace their new vocations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-frederica-wilsons-dropout-prevention-amendment-passes-during-esea,Rep. Frederica Wilson's Dropout Prevention Amendment Passes during ESEA Conference Committee,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today the House-Senate conference committee successfully reached agreement on a policy framework to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). During the conference meeting, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) garnered bipartisan support for her amendment to allow school districts to use funds from the new Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants to establish and improve dropout prevention and reentry programs. There are so many obstacles to high school completion that far too many children carry with them into the classroom. Unfortunately, too many schools lack the capacity or resources to develop programs to prevent these students from falling through the cracks. said Rep. Wilson during the conference meeting. I am extremely pleased that the conference committee recognized the need to provide schools with much-needed resources to combat this problem. During the conference committee, Rep. Wilson noted that more than half a million students fail to graduate from high school each year. The failure to graduate adversely impacts future earning potential and deprives the nation of $300 million in worker income each year. Rep. Wilson's amendment allows schools to establish or improve school dropout and re-entry programs using funds devoted to activities that promote positive student learning conditions. With these funds, more schools will have the ability to provide students with the support and resources they need to stay invested and engaged in their educations. Both Senate and House Committee leadership voiced their strong support for Rep. Wilson's dropout prevention amendment. I think this is an important issue, and it's a good thing to clarify that funds in the flexible grant program can be used to support dropout prevention and reentry programs, said Rep. John Kline(R-MN), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and Chairman of the House-Senate Conference Committee. I want to thank Rep. Wilson as well for offering this amendment, said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP. These types of programs really are critical for making sure all our students can graduate from high school prepared for college and career. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, praised Rep. Wilson's work on drop-out prevention, saying I think it's important to put a focus on improving school dropout reentry, and she's just the one to propose it. Sen. Alexander also recalled how 23 years ago, while serving as U.S. Secretary of Education, he traveled to Miami to honor Skyway Elementary School, which was then under Rep. Wilson's leadership as part of President George H.W. Bush's America 2000 plan to upgrade national education standards. Rep. Wilson's amendment will be included in the framework to improve K-12 education that passed the conference committee with overwhelming bipartisan support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398039,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castors Letter to the U.S. Soccer Federation,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castors Letter to the U.S. Soccer Federation f t # e Washington, November 18, 2015 Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor sent a letter to Sunil Gulati, president of theU.S. Soccer Federation, urging the Federation to support and advocate for FIFA reform that places a stronger emphasis on girls and womens soccer across the globe.Rep. Castor also called for greater gender balance in the governance of FIFA. Rep. Castor states in her letter: [a]s Co-Chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus and strong advocate for gender equity in sports and education, I strongly urge you and the U.S. Soccer Federation to support and advocate for the FIFA reform plan submitted by Moya Dodd, Chair, of the FIFA Task Force for Womens Football."" ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-appointed-to-elementary-and-secondary,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Appointed to Elementary and Secondary Education Act Conference Committee,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi named Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) to serve on the conference committee that will draft a bicameral bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Florida lawmaker is one of seven House Democrats appointed to the committee. ESEA, also known as No Child Left Behind, has not been updated in nearly 15 years. First signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, and then reauthorized by President George W. Bush in 2002, the legislation aims to improve the quality of economic and secondary education, provide much-needed resources to schools in disadvantaged communities, close achievement gaps, and provide more accountability and transparency in the nation’s school districts. “It is an honor to be asked to serve on the ESEA conference committee. As a former teacher, elementary school principal, and school board member, I know firsthand how important this legislation is to ensuring that all children have equal access to a quality education regardless of their socioeconomic status,” said Rep. Wilson, who also is the ranking Democrat on the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. “This legislation will provide the necessary tools for every student, teacher and school to succeed. Ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education is not only the right thing to do, it is their civil right. And a strong and comprehensive ESEA will enable them to graduate from high school prepared for a career or college and to help the nation keep its place as a leader in the global economic market.” As a conferee, Rep. Wilson will be a powerful voice for all children, particularly those from low-income communities who deserve to receive a high-quality education. She knows from real-world experience as a former educator and school administrator what is required to bridge education and funding gaps for the schools and children most in need. “Fifty years ago, we enacted into law the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act because, as Americans, we recognized that education is the single most important investment a nation can make in its future and a family can make in its children,” Leader Pelosi said.  “Nothing returns more money to the Treasury than investments in education – from early childhood to lifelong learning.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-bill-nelsons-statement-on-plan-to-admit-syrian-refugees,Sen. Bill Nelson's statement on plan to admit Syrian refugees,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOLLOWING IS SEN. BILL NELSONS STATEMENT ON PLAN TO ADMIT SYRIAN REFUGEES The attacks in Paris further illustrate the threat ISIS poses to our national security. And while I believe its important that we as a country remain compassionate to those in need, I also believe that the security of our nation must always come first. The screening process takes up to two years, so I have asked the administration for additional details on its plan and I want to know how they will screen these refugees to ensure that there are absolutely no potential national security or terrorism concerns.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1005,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Paris Terrorist Attacks,2015-11-14,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Paris Terrorist Attacks f t # e Washington, DC, November 14, 2015 Today I join millions of Americans and people worldwide in mourning the tragic loss of innocent life in Paris last night. The disgusting display of brutality and carnage perpetrated against civilians is an affront to our collective humanity. The terrorists have broken the hearts of too many families but they will not break the resolve of the United States, France and our allies in combating terrorism and defending our shared values and way of life. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after the Paris terrorist attacks that resulted in hundreds of innocent people killed and injured: ""Today I join millions of Americans and people worldwide in mourning the tragic loss of innocent life in Paris last night. The disgusting display of brutality and carnage perpetrated against civilians is an affront to our collective humanity. ""The terrorists have broken the hearts of too many families but they will not break the resolve of the United States, France and our allies in combating terrorism and defending our shared values and way of life. ""The United States stands firmly by our oldest ally, France during this dark day in history, and I offer my sincere condolences and strong support to President Hollande and Ambassador Araud, with whom I have worked closely over the last year. As information continues to pour in, as a Member of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I will be focused on what increased role Congress can play in supporting President Obama and our allies in stopping ISIS and terrorist networks worldwide and making the long term investments necessary to disrupt terrorism and extreme violence."" ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398520,Hastings Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Paris,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the terrorist attacks in Paris, France: Words cannot express how horrified I was to learn of this evenings terrorist attacks in Paris. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their families. While many of the details are still yet unknown, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity with the French people. These senseless acts of terrorism can never be understood, we must find strength in knowing that justice will ultimately prevail, and those responsible will be held accountable for their horrific and cowardly actions. Tonight, I offer my deepest sympathies to the people of France during this dark hour, and stand united with them in prayer. 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=398037,U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announces $600K to assist human-trafficking victims in the Tampa Bay area,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced a $600,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to Gulfcoast Legal Services in Pinellas County to bolster assistance to human trafficking victims in the Tampa Bay area. share: f t Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced a $600,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to Gulfcoast Legal Services in Pinellas County to bolster assistance to human trafficking victims in the Tampa Bay area. Sex and labor traffickers prey on our vulnerable neighbors.This grant will provide more tools to Gulfcoast Legal Services and local law enforcement to aid victims of human trafficking. GulfCoast now will be able to serve more than double the number of clients than previous years and will spur on the important work of the Tampa Bay Area Task Force on Human Trafficking, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said. Legal assistance for victims is critical to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. Furthermore, our community believes that victims should be treated with dignity and that our most vulnerable have a shot at safety, healing and surviving. Gulfcoast is one of only 10 grantees nationwide that received more than $5.6 million to provide specialized services for victims of human trafficking. The grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will allow us to expand our services for the next three years, John Dubrule, executive director for Gulfcoast Legal Services. We would not be able to maintain and expand our staff without this grant. Florida ranks third in the number of reported cases of human trafficking and experts state that Tampa Bay is a hotbed, occurring anywhere, from urban to rural areas and found in a wide variety of venues. Dubrule explained the kinds of human trafficking cases that his agency has already seen, including individuals who were lured into the country for domestic servitude but with no freedom of movement or contact with family back home; otherwise, family back home is threatened with harm or even death. Others have been forced into prostitution and at some point charged with prostitution. Gulfcoast has assisted these clients with expunging the charges if they were victims of sex trafficking so that they are able to move forward with their lives. Other cases involve agricultural or construction workers brought into the country and charged exorbitant fees to do so, but end up working for little or no pay. Dennis Mahilus case is similar. He and his wife, Neveh, and daughter, Kate, were present today for U.S. Rep. Castors grant announcement and his wife told his story of being forced to work with no pay. He escaped when a friend put him touch with Gulfcoast Legal Services. Words cant express how grateful we are, Neveh said. Human trafficking cases arent resolved with an arrest, said Major David Dalton of Clearwater Police and the Tampa Bay Area Task Force on Human Trafficking. Identifying the victim is another starting point and could help us identify others. Gulfcoast is part of the Clearwater/Tampa Bay Area Task Force on Human Trafficking, which also includes representatives from local and federal law enforcement; the Florida Health Department; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; World Relief, Haven Spouse Abuse Shelter; Salvation Army and the Clearwater Hispanic Outreach Center. Gulfcoast also assists domestic violence victims obtain injunctions, child custody, support and alimony; homeowners on the brink of foreclosure; veterans; immigrants; and seniors with health care rights and other matters. We have a community responsibility to help our neighbors who have been victimized and experienced the unimaginable, U.S. Rep. Castor said. While many of my Republican colleagues have inflicted significant reductions in legal aid over the past few years, I oppose those who say You cant get help and pursue a path towards survival.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=972,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Killing of 'Jihadi John',2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Killing of 'Jihadi John' f t # e Pembroke Pines, FL, November 13, 2015 Yesterday, U.S. forces successfully completed a raid targeting Mohamed Emwazi, otherwise known as ""Jihadi John"", who brutally slaughtered Western journalists and aid workers. His heinous murder of South Floridian Steven Sotloff, who bravely dedicated his life exposing the brutalities of ISIS and the suffering of the Syrian people, deeply impacted our local community. While nothing can bring Steven back, we must be firm in our resolve to fight against those who seek to destroy the values that he and we as a nation so deeply value: freedom, justice, and the right to live in peace. share: f t Pembroke Pines, Fla. - U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after the Pentagon announced 'Jihadi John' had been killed: ""Yesterday, U.S. forces successfully completed a raid targeting Mohamed Emwazi, otherwise known as ""Jihadi John"", who brutally slaughtered Western journalists and aid workers. His heinous murder of South Floridian Steven Sotloff, who bravely dedicated his life exposing the brutalities of ISIS and the suffering of the Syrian people, deeply impacted our local community. While nothing can bring Steven back, we must be firm in our resolve to fight against those who seek to destroy the values that he and we as a nation so deeply value: freedom, justice, and the right to live in peace."" ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/open-letter-to-the-florida-supreme-court,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) today sent the following letter to the Florida Supreme Court urging each justice to reject redistricting map CP-1,2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Your Honors: I am writing to express my deep concerns about the redistricting map known as CP-1. It is my humble hope that during your deliberations you will take into consideration the economic and psychological damage its implementation could have on congressional District 24. Five years ago, the district, which was then District 17, received the unfortunate distinction of being the nation’s “most suffering” congressional district in the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Following a meeting with representatives from the two organizations that was attended by many constituents, I formed a task force to determine and, more important, address, the underlying causes that contributed to the “most suffering” rating. One factor was the lack of an adequate health care facility, which was quickly addressed. In addition, the County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to also address the district’s well-being and to pursue ways to “encourage new, vibrant and effective public-private partnerships.” In 2012, District 17 became District 24 and was redrawn to include: PortMiami, the Brickell financial district and the Jackson Health System complex, and other much-needed economic drivers. The state legislators who drew the map rightly aimed to open doors of opportunity for an underserved community. In addition to providing jobs, these economic catalysts are excellent sources of apprenticeships that help build a pipeline of highly skilled employees who in turn can positively impact the district both as consumers and future homeowners. Having these economic drivers in the district, which is no longer the nation’s “most suffering,” also is a powerful inducement for other businesses to move in and offer job opportunities and consumer resources. They give the district’s residents hope and goals to which they can aspire.The CP-1 map threatens to undo all of that and plunge District 24 back into an economic apartheid. It strips the district of PortMiami, Bayside Marketplace, the downtown financial district, AmericanAirlines Arena, Watson Island, Jungle Island/Parrot Island, and Bayfront Park.It is an egregious attempt, given that there are no voters to win or lose as these businesses are all located on nonresidential land. The businesses are neither Republican nor Democrat; black nor white. They are only land mass. And that land mass has been intentionally shaved from the edges of the district, which contained the only wealth it had. This begs the question: Why take away from the people who already have so little? It is disheartening to know that this map was created by a coalition of groups that are normally allies. We assume that Democrats will always protect the poor and lift the downtrodden. In this case, they have failed miserably in that mission. If CP-1 is adopted, District 24 could once again become the nation’s “most suffering.” Instead of working with our corporate neighbors to create jobs, attract new business and continue to strengthen the district’s financial health and vitality, we will have to deal with the inevitable consequences of problems that overwhelm communities in which there is little hope of escaping poverty. One of the most sacred tenets of redistricting is to create a climate of inclusion. Isolating poor people in one district is as much a violation of the spirit of the Voting Rights Act as intentionally separating voters by races or political party. The CP-1 map created by the Fair Districts Coalition is anything but fair. I hope that you agree. Sincerely,   Frederica S. Wilson Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1097,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Veterans Day 2015,2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Veterans Day 2015 f t # e Pembroke Pines, FL, November 11, 2015 As a Member of Congress who sits on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding for employment, housing assistance and educational opportunities for our veterans. And while we have made great strides in supporting these brave men and women, I join many of my colleagues in calling for increased investments in mental health services and access to VA healthcare to ensure our veterans have the comprehensive support they need as they come home and transition back to civilian life. share: f t Pembroke Pines, Fla. (November 11th, 2015) U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: On Veterans Day we come together as a nation to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. The freedoms and way of life we enjoy today have been made possible because our veterans answered the call of duty to protect our values, our national security and those of our allies. I am proud to represent so many veterans in Florida's 23rd District, who continue to make valuable contributions to our community through their careers and their volunteerism. As a Member of Congress who sits on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding for employment, housing assistance and educational opportunities for our veterans. And while we have made great strides in supporting these brave men and women, I join many of my colleagues in calling for increased investments in mental health services and access to VA healthcare to ensure our veterans have the comprehensive support they need as they come home and transition back to civilian life. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398519,Hastings Recognizes Veterans Day,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking Veterans Day: The men and women of the United States Armed Forces exemplify the very best of our nation. As we mark Veterans Day, I am keenly aware of the pressing needs of those returning from conflicts abroad. Many face a long road to recovery from physical injuries, while others continue to struggle with injuries that lay below the surface. It is our duty as a nation to ensure that the men and women who selflessly serve our country receive the respect and support they so rightly deserve. This includes ensuring that our wounded warriors who suffer physical wounds, traumatic brain injury, or mental health illnesses such as PTSD receive the care and rehabilitation they need. Indeed, Florida has the second highest number of veterans in the United States, and this number continues to increase as our military personnel return home from war. We must work collaboratively to guarantee that our veterans maintain access to affordable housing and education, employment opportunities, healthcare and mental health services. This Congress, I have proudly cosponsored 46 pieces of legislation designed to address veterans issues, ranging from increasing the amount of federal leave a disabled veteran can take without loss or reduction in pay, to providing grants to carry out research for the advancement of prosthetic clinical care for members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have undergone amputation. And, on April 17, 2015, I introduced H. Res. 211, a resolution recognizing Americas homeless veterans. As co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus and the Representative of Floridas 20th District, I will continue to prioritize these critical issues in Congress. As we celebrate Veterans Day, let us honor those men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage and sacrifice have not only protected and advanced the freedoms of Americans, but peoples all around the world. 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=398527,PRESS CONFERENCE: Rep. Ted Deutch to Unveil New Student Loan Legislation this Thursday,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"With nearly one million recent college graduates entering repayment on their student loans this month, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) is unveiling new legislation this Thursday, November 12, 2015 aimed at protecting borrowers amid our $1.3 trillion student loan debt crisis.Joining Congressman Deutchin support of these new legislative efforts will be Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), senior administrators from Palm Beach State College, and Florida borrowers each struggling to repay student debt.The event will detail three new bills that strengthen protections for borrowers of all ages, from young professionals just entering repayment to seniors whose Social Security checks have been garnished by owed debt.They include the Student Loan Payment Optimization Act, which requires lenders to more fairly apply student loan payments,the Student Loan Transfers Disclosure Act, which keeps borrowers informed when their debt is sold to new servicers, and the Social Security Garnishment Modernization Act, which works to protect seniors from falling into poverty due to monthly benefits garnished by student debt payments. DETAILS: Who: Congressman Ted Deutch, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Florida borrowers of all ages, campus officials, and others What: Press Conference on Solutions for Generations of Student Loan Debt Where: Palm Beach State College CE129 Boardroom Lake Worth Campus, 4200 South Congress Ave, Lake Worth, FL When: Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 3:00 PM Why: To highlight the impact that the $1.3 trillion student debt crisis is having on our economy and to unveil three new bills aimed at protecting borrowers' rights - the Student Loan Payment Optimization Act, the Student Loan Transfers Disclosure Act, and the Social Security Garnishment Modernization Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lawmakers-seek-to-curb-abuses-of-foreign-worker-visa-program,Lawmakers seek to curb abuses of foreign worker visa program,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and a handful of Senate colleagues filed legislation today to help curb abuses in the H-1B visa program, which was originally designed to attract highly-skilled foreign workers to fill U.S. jobs in fields experiencing labor shortages. The bipartisan bill filed today would explicitly prohibit any employer from replacing a U.S. worker with an H-1B visa holder. It would also require employers to prove that they first tried to recruit American workers prior to hiring an H-1B visa holder and bar companies that employ more than 50 people from hiring any additional H-1B employees if more than half of their employees are already H-1B visa holders. This program was created to help fill jobs where there were labor shortages, not to take jobs away from hard-working Americans, Nelson said. Nelson called for a federal investigation into misuses of the H-1B visa program earlier this summer after media reports raised questions about whether U.S. companies are using the program to displace American workers. Congress created the H-1B visa program in 1990 to allow a limited number of high-tech workers to enter the U.S. to fill jobs where there was said to be a shortage of U.S. workers. In order to return to this programs original intent, the lawmakers bill would prioritize allocation of H-1B visas to foreign workers with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math. It would also require the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a hotline for displaced U.S. workers, and would give the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Labor greater authority to investigate potential fraud and abuses in the system.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1017,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Rhea Chiles,2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Rhea Chiles f t # e Pembroke Pines, FL, November 9, 2015 Florida has lost a consummate advocate for children and families in the passing of Rhea Chiles. After serving as Governor Lawton Chiles' graduate teaching assistant in graduate school at the University of Florida, I met Mrs. Chiles during his first gubernatorial campaign in 1990. As Florida's First Lady, she led the way throughout his two terms to improve the well-being of Florida's children. share: f t Pembroke Pines, Fla. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after former Florida first lady Rhea Chiles passed away: Florida has lost a consummate advocate for children and families in the passing of Rhea Chiles. After serving as Governor Lawton Chiles' graduate teaching assistant in graduate school at the University of Florida, I met Mrs. Chiles during his first gubernatorial campaign in 1990. As Florida's First Lady, she led the way throughout his two terms to improve the well-being of Florida's children. I became a new mom while serving in the Florida House of Representatives shortly after Governor Chiles' passing, and know that I along with millions of parents in Florida owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the foundation they both laid for the quality of life of Florida's children. My thoughts and condolences are with Mrs. Chiles' children and family during this difficult time. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398521,MEDIA ADVISORY: Deutch to Hold Press Conference on Generations of Student Loan Debt,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Deutch to Hold Press Conference on Generations of Student Loan Debt f t # e Lake Worth, Florida, November 6, 2015 | Ashley Mushnick (202-225-3001) (Lake Worth, FL) Next Thursday, November 12, 2015, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) will host a press conference on our nations $1.3 trillion student debt crisis and unveil new legislation aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of borrowers. Joining the Congressman for the press conference will be Floridians who span generations but are struggling to repay their student loans, from the recent graduate just entering repayment to the senior whose Social Security checks are being garnished by unpaid student debt.DETAILS: Who: Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Florida borrowers of all ages, campus officials, and others What: Press Conference on Solutions for Generations of Student Loan Debt Where: Palm Beach State College CE129 Boardroom, Lake Worth Camps, 4200 South Congress Ave, Lake Worth, FL When: Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 3:00 PM Why: To highlight the impact that the $1.3 trillion student debt crisis is having on our economy and to unveil three new bills aimed at protecting borrowers' rights.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-introduces-bill-to-increase-number-of,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Introduces Bill to Increase Number of Apprenticeships,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced H.R. 3993, the Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) Act, legislation that offers tax credits to employers to help increase the number of registered apprenticeships.“Apprenticeships are a win-win proposition for both employers and workers. These training programs help build a pipeline of highly skilled workers who, once hired, are prepared on day one to produce the quality goods and services American businesses need to remain competitive in the global marketplace,” said Rep. Wilson. “The programs provide excellent opportunities for people to receive training that will prepare them for jobs in a broad range of industries and to compete for higher wages.”National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to educate businesses and prospective apprentices about the value of these training programs and to celebrate the lucrative opportunities they provide. According to the Labor Department, the United States boasts some 37,000 Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors through which more than a quarter million employers, industries, and companies offer training to approximately 440,000 apprentices. Workers who complete apprenticeship programs can earn more than $300,000 more over the course of their careers than their counterparts who don’t.The LEAP Act provides tax credits to employers who hire apprenticeship employees as part of Registered Apprenticeship programs recognized by their state or the Department of Labor. Employers can receive a $1,500 tax credit for an apprentice under age 25 and a $1,000 tax credit for an apprentice aged 25 or older.The text of Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Program Act is attached. More information on National Apprenticeship can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nelson-presses-airlines-on-increased-holiday-bag-fees,Nelson presses airlines on increased holiday bag fees,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Bill Nelson,N000032,www.billnelson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, today called on the airline industry to halt any plans they may have to charge increased checked-bag fees during the holidays. Nelson made the call in letters he sent today to the CEOs of all the major U.S. airlines. His move comes on the heels of reports that Spirit and Frontier airlines are going to raise their baggage fees during this years holiday travel season. These increased surcharges fly in the face of declining fuel costs and appear focused on increasing profitability on the backs of American families, Nelson wrote. If your company does plan to impose holiday surcharges, I request that you rescind those plans immediately. Earlier this year, Nelson released a Commerce Committee minority report taking aim at the airline industry for failing to adequately disclose extra fees and add-on costs charged to the flying public. The report made several recommendations, including one requiring checked and carry-on baggage fees to have a clear connection between the costs incurred by the airline and the fees charged. Nelson hopes to include many of the reports recommendations in legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration thats expected to come before the Senate next year. Below is the text of Nelsons letter to the airlines followed by a recent background article on the issue: November 6, 2015 Dear____: According to recent reports, at least two airlines plan to impose holiday surcharges that will increase baggage fees during the peak holiday travel period. These increased surcharges fly in the face of declining fuel costs and appear focused on increasing profitability on the backs of American families. Thats why I am seeking an assurance from your company that you will not impose a holiday surcharge on baggage fees. Furthermore, if your company does plan to impose holiday surcharges, I request that you rescind those plans immediately. In August, Senate Commerce Committee minority staff released a report that found ancillary fees, such as change and cancellation penalties and preferred seating fees, were increasingly keeping consumers in the dark about the true cost of air travel. The report made a number of recommendations, including one requiring ancillary fees to have a clear connection between the cost incurred by the airline and the fee charged. I hope to include many of the reports recommendations in legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration thats expected to come before the Senate next year. Thank you for your attention to these concerns. I look forward to receiving your companys response on this important issue no later than November 20, 2015. Sincerely, The 2 Most Fee-Crazed Airlines Are Raising Fees for Holiday Season Flights By Brad Tuttle Published: Nov. 3, 2015 This is how Spirit Airlines gets in the holiday spirit. Traveling during the holiday season can be a nightmare, what with crowded airports, overbooked flights, inflated flight prices, and the constant risk that bad weather could cancel or delay your trip. Now we can add the holiday season surcharge to this list. Last year, Spirit Airlines took the very Grinchy step of adding an extra fee to its baggage fee for checked luggage on flights departing during the holidays. This year, the checked baggage surcharge is back, and worst of all for travelers, Spirit now has company in the utilization of this strategy. So it appears we have an ugly little trend on our hands. As the flight-comparison site FareCompare noted, Frontier Airlinesthe Denver-based carrier thats been following the fee-heavy tactics laid out by Spiritrecently hiked checked and carryon baggage fees by an extra $5 to $10 for flights scheduled anytime between Thanksgiving week and just after new years, as well as peak travel periods in 2016. According to Frontiers website, temporary price increases are in effect for departures from November 19, 2015, through January 5, 2016, as well as February 11 to April 4 and June 9 to August 16 next year. In other words, through mid-August, there only a few weeks (mostly in January, April, and May) when the higher fees are not in effect. And heres the lowdown on the extra fees: Carry On bag prices increase by $5 at booking and up to 24 hours before departure, $10 at Web Check-in, and $5 at the Airport kiosk or ticket counter; 1st Checked Bag increases by $5 at Flyfrontier.com, at booking and up to 24 hours before departure and increases by $10 at call center, web check-in, and airport ticket counter or self-service kiosk. 2nd Checked Bag prices increase by $10. Compared with Frontier, Spirit seems less cruel, seeing as its only hiking fees for checked baggage (not carryons, which will be subject to normal fees), and only during the comparatively smaller travel window of December 16 to January 4. Normally, Spirit charges $30 for checking a bag when booking a flight, $35 before online check-in, $40 during online check-in, and $50 at airport check-in. (Yes, annoyingly, theres a different fee for each possibility.) But for flights around Christmas and New Years all of the above options cost $2 extra. Spirit attempted to argue a year ago that the baggage surcharge wasnt really about the money. To make sure we have room for everyones bags, were encouraging customers to pack a bit lighter, the airline said when introducing the new feewhich was supposed to be a disincentive to check baggage, rather than an opportunistic cash grab. Right. This time around, neither Spirit nor Frontier is bothering to make such claims. Spirit simply told FareCompare that Christmas and New Years is a very high demand period for the airline. And when demand is high, prices (and fees) tend to be high too. Curiously, while Frontier Airlines is milking peak-season passengers with higher baggage fees, it is also trying to appear generous to these same holiday season travelers via a special frequent-flier bonus promotion. The Denver Post reported that Frontier is attempting to win over travelers by offering double frequent flier miles for all new bookings made now through December 31. The double miles are way for us to thank customers for their loyalty and to entice new customers to try us, an airline representative said. For any of these new customers to become loyal ones, theyll have to be comfortable doing business with an airline that piles on the fees whenever it can.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398520,PRESS RELEASE: Deutch Announces New Claims Process for Holocaust Survivors Deported to Nazi Camps by French Railroads,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, and the Ranking Member on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, announced the launch of a new claims process for Holocaust victims who were transported to concentration camps by the French rail road company, Societ Nationale des Chemins de fer Francais (SNCF), during World War II.Congressman Deutch co-introduced legislation, the Holocaust Rail Justice Act with U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) to hold the SNCF accountable in the U.S. justice system during the 112th and 113th Congresses. The bill, sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), helped build momentum for the December 2014 agreement struck between the U.S. State Department and France to create a new claims process for survivors deported to Nazi concentration camps by the French railroad but who have been denied access to Frances existing compensation programs. With 75 percent of Holocaust survivors living in poverty and the window for justice narrowing with each passing year, the opening of this new restitution process could not come a moment too soon, said Deutch. The French railroads that profited off the deportation of over 75,000 Jews from France to Nazi death camps have avoided accountability for far too long. Since coming to Congress in 2010, representing the many Holocaust survivors who call South Florida home has been an honor and a solemn privilege, and going forward I will do everything in my power to help those transported on SNCF trains and all who suffered atrocities at the hands of the Nazis. Under the agreement reached between France and the United States, the French government will provide the United States with $60 million in claims to distribute to eligible Holocaust survivors worldwide. The process for submitting claims applications begun this week. All survivors, spouses, and families may access the online application process and relevant claims information by visiting www.state.gov/deportationclaims, emailing DeportationClaims@state.gov, or calling 202-776-8385 between now and May 31, 2016.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=421,Frankel Announces Federal Approval of Broward Beach Restoration,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued their final approval of the agreement between Broward County and the Army Corps to restore a five-mile stretch of eroded shoreline. Beaches are one of the lifelines of Broward County's economy. This project will put sand back on the beach, protecting property values and keeping visitors returning to South Florida year after year,Frankel said. The Army Corps' approval is the result of a long process that included a full environmental review and contract negotiation. Under a Project Participation Agreement (PPA), in which costs are shared by federal and local entities, Broward County and the Army Corps will split the $55 million price of the project. The non-federal share will be $25 million, divided among Broward County, its cities, and the State of Florida, and the federal government will cover the remaining $30 million. Once the Broward County Commission signs off, it can proceed with implementation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398515,Hastings Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin f t # e Washington, D.C., November 4, 2015 Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin: I pause today to honor the life of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Prime Minister Rabin bravely risked everything in search of a long-lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and his legacy of service to the Israeli people speaks for itself. I am reminded that when Prime Minister Rabin was shot, he was leaving a rally for peace at the Kings of Israel Square. In his pocket were the lyrics to Shir Lashalom, meaning Song for Peace."" Twenty years after his assassination, and under the shadow of a wave of terrorism currently striking at the people of Israel, let us come together in condemnation of violence and strive to realize Prime Minister Rabins vision for long-term peace. I stand with the people of Israel in remembrance of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a man who I was honored to call my friend. 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://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=953,Wasserman Schultz Statement on House Resolutions Condemning anti-Semitism and Israeli Violence,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wasserman Schultz Statement on House Resolutions Condemning anti-Semitism and Israeli Violence f t # e Washington, DC, November 4, 2015 I was proud to be a cosponsor of two bills the House passed expressing strong concerns about anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments this week. As a nation, we must always remain vigilant in our fight to counter anti-Semitism, and I am proud to stand up in support of the Jewish community in Israel and across the world. share: f t The House of Representatives passed two resolutions this week condemning European anti-Semitism and violence against innocent civilians in Israel. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement: ""I was proud to be a cosponsor of two bills the House passed expressing strong concerns about anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments this week. ""H.Res.293 expresses the House's concern over anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incitement within the Palestinian Authority. As the tragic violence in Israel continues against innocent Jewish Israelis, we must stand firm in the face of terrorism and incitement towards violence. I join my colleagues in calling on President Mahmoud Abbas to take immediate concrete steps to restore peace and return to a path towards a two-state solution. ""H.Res.354 turns our attention to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Europe, who have faced an alarming rise in anti-Semitism throughout the region. This bill offers support to not only the Jewish communities in Europe, but also to those agencies, bodies and people who help counter anti-Semitism and hatred. ""As a nation, we must always remain vigilant in our fight to counter anti-Semitism, and I am proud to stand up in support of the Jewish community in Israel and across the world."" ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398513,Hastings Urges Continued Prioritization of Special Immigrant Visa Program,2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Hastings (D-FL) sent the below letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to continue prioritizing the processing of the Special Immigrant Visa applications. Please see below and attached a copy of the letter. Joining Hastings in signing the letter were Representatives (15): John Conyers, Jr., Jim McDermott, Zoe Lofgren, Earl Blumenauer, James P. McGovern, Michael M. Honda, Betty McCollum, Chris Van Hollen, Albio Sires, Peter Welch, David N. Cicilline, Lois Frankel, Ann McLane Kuster, Mark Takano, and Ted Lieu. October 30, 2015 The Honorable John Kerry Secretary U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Kerry, We write to urge the Department of State to continue prioritizing the processing of Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for Iraqi and Afghan nationals formerly employed by or on behalf of the United States government. These individuals were vital to the U.S. missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and it is our responsibility to bring them to safety within our borders. As you know, two temporary SIV programs exist for these individuals and their dependents. Approximately 14,657 visas had been issued to Iraqi nationals and 11,826 to Afghan nationals between the dates of their inceptions through the end of FY2014. As of October 6, 2015, an estimated 2,150 visas were still available to Afghan principal applicants and 1,850 available for Iraqi principal applicants. Those applying for SIVs have unfortunately found the process to be cumbersome, long, and complicated. Many of those lucky enough to be granted a visa waited for years for the process to be completed. For those whose applications are still pending, every day is still marred by uncertainty, fear, and fading hope. According to a recent Joint Department of State/Department of Homeland Security Report, approximately 15,000 SIV applications for Iraqi and Afghan applicants and their dependents remain pending, at various stages of the application process. While we understand the need to conduct appropriate security screenings on applicants, we remain cognizant that more must be done to process applications quickly and efficiently. We commend the steps taken by the Administration to reduce the amount of time required to apply and go through the SIV application process. Many anecdotal reports have highlighted abductions, attacks on, and even the murder of SIV applicants as they waited for approval for visas, highlighting the necessity for further improving the application process. President Obamas administration, through the Department of State, recently announced that it would raise the threshold of refugees admitted into the United States next year. We applaud this decision and look forward to working with the administration to ensure that the United States does its part to take in refugees from around the world. At the same time, we must keep our commitments to the Iraqi and Afghan nationals who risked their lives in service to our country. We therefore urge you to allocate the necessary resources to quickly process pending SIV applications and to respond to future applications in a timely manner. We appreciate your prompt attention to our request and look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress John Conyers, Jr. Member of Congress Jim McDermott Member of Congress Zoe Lofgren Member of Congress Earl Blumenauer Member of Congress James P. McGovern Member of Congress Michael M. Honda Member of Congress Betty McCollum Member of Congress Chris Van Hollen Member of Congress Albio Sires Member of Congress Peter Welch Member of Congress David N. Cicilline Member of Congress Lois Frankel Member of Congress Ann McLane Kuster Member of Congress Mark Takano Member of Congress Ted Lieu 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://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398512,Hastings Statement on Paul Ryans Election as Speaker of the House,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after Congressman Paul Ryan was sworn in as the new Speaker of House of Representatives: I join with my colleagues in saluting Speaker John Boehner as he steps down from the House of Representatives. Speaker Boehner is a true statesman who always put the institution of Congress first. Despite our differences, his graciousness was always apparent, and this institution was better because of it. As Speaker Ryan takes the gavel, there are many issues that need to be addressed in America. Critically important and time-sensitive challenges face this body, and the new Speaker will need to bring Congress together to meet the needs of our country. I have no doubt that Speaker Ryan is capable of doing so, and though we may at times have different visions for America, I look forward to working with him to make real progress in addressing our nations infrastructure needs, creating jobs, improving wages, and reforming our immigration system. I was pleased to hear Speaker Ryans call to return to regular order. For too long, the House of Representatives has skirted the rules, bypassing the legislative process in order to bring legislation to the floor quickly and without adequate time for review. I hope that Speaker Ryan follows through with this promise, and that the dysfunction gripping the House of Representatives comes to an end. I offer Speaker Ryan and his family my heartfelt congratulations as he takes on his new role, and look forward to real progress in the days ahead. 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://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1021,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Plane Fire at FLL Airport,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am very relieved that there were no fatalities in today's disaster, and I am hopeful that each of the injured will make speedy, full recoveries. share: f t Pembroke Pines, Fla. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after a Dynamic Airways flight taxiing at Hollywood International Airport in her district caught fire earlier today. At the time of this release local authorities had confirmed 15 injuries: I am very relieved that there were no fatalities in today's disaster, and I am hopeful that each of the injured will make speedy, full recoveries. Kent George and his staff at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is located in mycongressionaldistrict, are the finest in the business, and they, the Dynamic Airways crew, and the first responders and emergency personnel who worked quickly to remove passengers from danger and extinguish the fire are to be commended for their actions that saved lives. My staff and I are in touch with airport officials and the Broward Sheriff's Office and the FAA, and I look forward to a full briefing to understand what happened and how it can be avoided in the future. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1039,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Rep. Mark Takai's Personal Health,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"I was very saddened to learn of my colleague and friend Rep. Mark Takai's pancreatic tumor this week. Over his career in public service and our armed forces, Mark has always been a fighter, and my family and I will be pulling for him during his recovery, which we know he will undertake with the same passion with which he serves his home state of Hawaii and our nation. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand that he will need strength to beat this and I also know that he already has that strength within him, his wife Sami and his entire family. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after Rep. Mark Takai (HI-01) made a statement about his personal health: I was very saddened to learn of my colleague and friend Rep. Mark Takai's pancreatic tumor this week. Over his career in public service and our armed forces, Mark has always been a fighter, and my family and I will be pulling for him during his recovery, which we know he will undertake with the same passion with which he serves his home state of Hawaii and our nation. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand that he will need strength to beat this and I also know that he already has that strength within him, his wife Sami and his entire family. His early diagnosis serves as a further reminder that everyone, regardless of their gender, personal history or other factors, should be a determined advocate for their own health and seek preventative care whenever possible. ### Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=909,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Election of Paul D. Ryan as Speaker of the House,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"I served with Congressman Ryan on the Budget Committee and over the years, we have gotten to know one another as working parents who split time between our home states and Washington, DC. I am hopeful that under his leadership, House Republicans will reach across the aisle and work with Democrats to advance American priorities like economic growth for the middle class, comprehensive immigration reform, college affordability and student loan debt relief, and paid family leave. share: f t U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after Rep. Paul D. Ryan's election as Speaker of the House of Representatives: I congratulate Paul D. Ryan on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives. I served with Congressman Ryan on the Budget Committee and over the years, we have gotten to know one another as working parents who split time between our home states and Washington, DC. I am hopeful that under his leadership, House Republicans will reach across the aisle and work with Democrats to advance American priorities like economic growth for the middle class, comprehensive immigration reform, college affordability and student loan debt relief, and paid family leave. I will be sure to extend my hand in cooperation if in return, the priorities of the American people are placed at the top of the agenda. We will continue to be a strong voice to amplify the people's voices, who deserve the opportunity to build the cornerstones of a middle class life: a good job, a roof over their head, a quality education, access to quality, affordable health care and a secure retirement. I also congratulate John Boehner and his family on his service to this nation, the House of Representatives and the state of Ohio, and wish him good health and happiness. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398510,Hastings Receives National Association of Counties Alumni Award,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings Receives National Association of Counties Alumni Award f t # e Washington, D.C., October 28, 2015 Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after receiving the National Association of Counties (NaCO) Alumni Award for his steadfast commitment to the nations counties: My first and foremost responsibility as a Member of Congress is to represent my constituents. I am proud to partner with the local county governments that I represent in order to serve my district to the best of my ability. Serving the people of the 20th district is an honor and privilege. I am deeply appreciative for the National Association of Counties and this award, and will continue to work to ensure that I am doing all that I can to advocate for our South Florida communities. 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://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398511,Hastings on House Passage of the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings on House Passage of the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization f t # e Washington, D.C., October 28, 2015 Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on House of Representatives reauthorizing the charter of the Export-Import Bank: Last night, the House voted to re-open the Export-Import Bank. The Bank is an invaluable tool for American exporters and the Senate should pass this legislation right away. Reauthorization of the Bank has been drawn out for months. While I am pleased that the House voted overwhelmingly and in a bipartisan manner to pass this legislation, it is shameful that such extreme partisanship on the part of House Republican leadership necessitated the use of a discharge petition. The Export-Import Bank operates at zero cost to the American taxpayer and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, yet Republicans refused to bring it to the floor for a vote. The charter of the Bank should have never been allowed to lapse in the first place. This manufactured-crisis is a perfect example of the partisanship that has gripped Washington for far too long. Allowing the Bank's charter to lapse only hurt American workers and put American businesses competing in foreign markets at a disadvantage. We need more jobs in our country, not less. I hope that this legislation reaches the Presidents desk quickly so that we can put this charade behind us. 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://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398032,U.S. Rep. Castor votes for Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, a budget agreement that breaks the gridlock that has gripped Congress and averts a government default. share: f t U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, a budget agreement that breaks the gridlock that has gripped Congress and averts a government default. This landmark budget agreement will help provide an economic boost to hard-working families and our entire community, U.S. Rep. Castor said. The bipartisan agreement will boost jobs and investments tied to medical research at Moffitt and USF, to education at local schools and colleges, to national defense at MacDill AFB and much more. Thanks to President Obama's leadership, Republican Speaker Boehner's willingness to reach across the aisle, and Democrats' vociferous advocacy for Medicare and Social Security, the bipartisan budget agreement breaks a major impasse that had stalled progress on many issues for months, U.S. Rep. Castor continued. The bill protects Medicare and Social Security and incorporates safeguards from a bill I cosponsored that heads off significant hikes to Medicare Part B."" In addition, the servicemen and women in our community and our national security depend on long-term, predictable funding. Last month, U.S. Rep. Castor wrote to House Leadership urging a budget agreement that supports our military personnel and their missions: They [MacDills leaders] are unable to effectively and confidently plan for military operations due to the threat of government shutdown and a Continuing Resolution. Her letter continued, they also advise that the inability to plan, to execute timely contracts and to understand the direction of Congress ends up costing them critical resources. Underscoring this concern and the bipartisan nature of todays budget agreement is a statement which Rep. Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio) wrote to a group of more than 100 pro-military Republicans, also urging them to support the legislation. A two-year deal will provide the Department of Defense with the certainty it needs to plan for and execute its missions around the world. Rep. Turner chairs the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, which is tasked with oversight of procurement and R&D programs to ensure that Americas soldiers and airmen are fully equipped to carry out their mission and keep our nation safe. U.S. Rep. Castor added: Hard-working families can breathe easier as the costly Washington budget gridlock is set aside for the benefit of America. Democrats held firm and successfully prevailed to lift the arbitrary sequester caps on our national security and on our vital domestic needs in equal measure. In the face of GOP chaos, Democrats stayed united and joined with the President and a retiring Speaker to move the country forward."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=420,Frankel Votes for Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frankel Votes for Bipartisan Budget Agreement f t # e Washington, D.C., October 28, 2015 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan budget deal. The bill passed the House of Representatives 266-167. Congress took time out from its abusive Benghazi hearings and assault on Planned Parenthood to do the real business of our country. This bipartisan deal boosts jobs, protects seniors from rising Medicare costs, and paves the way for investments in research, education, and veterans health care. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398519,Rep. Ted Deutch: Bipartisan Budget Agreement a Victory over Extremism,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) issued the following statement after voting with 265 Democratic and Republican Members of Congress to pass H.R. 1314, a bipartisan budget agreement that provides two-years of relief from harmful sequester cuts and upholds the full faith and credit of the United States: After months of refusing bipartisan negotiations, today Republicans joined Democrats to pass a budget framework that shields our economy from devastating automatic spending cuts and protects the full faith and credit of the United States.By allowing for modest but equal increases to domestic spending as well as defense programs, this compromise paves the way for new investments in critical areas like education, research, and public health. At the same time, this agreement protects seniors from a 50 percent increase to their Medicare Part B premiums and prevents 11 million disabled Americans from suffering a 20 percent cut to their Social Security Disability Insurance. The passage of todays bipartisan agreement is a welcome step forward for the American people, who have too often seen partisan extremism jeopardize our economic recovery. It also sends a message to those who believe it is politically advantageous to threaten government shutdowns for partisan gain. ""Let today be a reminder that this institution only functions when bipartisanship wins out over the demands of ideological extremists.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=881,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"This budget agreement is a step in the right direction for our nation's seniors and economy. I congratulate President Obama, his Administration, and Congressional negotiators on their good faith effort to begin to return to regular budget order and provide more certainty to the American people that Congress can responsibly manage our nation's finances. share: f t Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bipartisan Budget Agreement U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after release of the bipartisan budget agreement: This budget agreement is a step in the right direction for our nation's seniors and economy.I congratulate President Obama, his Administration, and Congressional negotiators on their good faith effort to begin to return to regular budget order and provide more certainty to the American people that Congress can responsibly manage our nation's finances. Specifically, I'm pleased about important reforms to Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance that will protect benefits and financial security for our seniors. The budget agreement avoids a 52 percent premium increase for a large portion of Medicare Part B recipients, and curtails significant increases in 2016 deductibles for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries. This deal also ensures the solvency of Social Security Disability Insurance until 2022 without cutting benefits or fundamentally limiting enrollment. We must protect the promise of Medicare and Social Security and never balance our budget on the backs of seniors. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I'm encouraged any time I see bipartisan cooperation that works to prevent the nation from lurching into the next self-inflicted crisis.Additionally, this deal temporarily raises the indiscriminate, across-the-board sequester caps which Congressional Republicans have refused to lift permanently, giving us an opportunity to properly fund domestic programs.While this deal is not perfect, I am pleased to see that we are taking a step towardsprotecting America's vulnerable while ensuring Congress returns to regular order. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398506,Hastings Recognizes the 50th Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Griffin Davis,2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Alcee Hastings,H000324,alceehastings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hastings Recognizes the 50th Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Griffin Davis f t # e Washington, D.C. , October 26, 2015 Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement marking the 50th Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Griffin Davis of Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, Florida. Reverend Davis has always gone out of his way to help those in need in his community. For the past 50 years, he has acted as a beacon of good-will and served as a dependable figure whom the city of Riviera Beach and its residents can rely on. I am pleased to congratulate him on his 50th Pastoral Anniversary. Each and every one of Rev. Davis efforts have reflected the sheer love and pride he holds for his fellow congregants. I am truly honored to join his family, friends, and everyone in the community in honoring him. We have all been touched by this remarkable man whose selfless hard work and amazing spirit knows no bounds. I have had the privilege to see firsthand the selfless work that he has accomplished, and I wish him many more years of service to his ministry. I am proud to not only represent him in Congress, but also call him my close friend. 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://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-frederica-s-wilson-urges-colleagues-to-pass-the-payroll,Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Urges Colleagues to Pass the Payroll Fraud Protection Act of 2015 to Protect Americas Workers Labor Rights and Workplace Protections,2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), ranking member on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, introduced as an amendment H.R. 3427, the Payroll Fraud Prevention Act of 2015, during an Education and Workforce Committee markup hearing. Rep. Wilson introduced the legislation to counter an attempt by House Republicans to pass a bill that would narrow the definition of “joint employer” and make it harder for employees to collectively bargain. The underlying bill, H.R. 3459, is part of the alarming workplace trend of employers using unscrupulous practices to shirk their responsibilities to deny workers a slew of federally guaranteed rights and benefits. The Payroll Fraud Prevention Act would require employers to accurately classify their workers and provide employees with notice of that classification. Misclassification allows employers to deny workers the pay, benefits, and labor rights they deserve, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and family and medical leave. “Employers who misclassify their workers use one of these unscrupulous practices by ignoring any current or prosed definition of employee, thereby stripping workers of their rights,” Rep. Wilson said. “I represent one of the most economically depressed districts in the country, so believe me when I tell you that it is disgraceful to attempt to strip millions of hard-working Americans of their existing labor rights, many of which are in dire need of an update.”   During the Working Families Day of Action hosted by Democratic lawmakers on October 27, former bricklayer, Marvin Monge, shared how an employer forced him to accept cash payments and was lax about safety precautions. When Marvin expressed concerns about workplace safety, the employer said that he and his co-workers were “subcontractors” and then fired him. “Independent contractors are not covered under NLRA, making misclassification another tool used to stifle workers’ voices,” said Rep. Wilson, who urged the committee to work to pass the Payroll Fraud Prevention Act. “Even if we win the battles to raise the minimum wage, strengthen unions and secure more family friendly policies, it means nothing if employers can simply strip workers of these rights with a simple 1099 tax form.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-frederica-s-wilson-issued-the-following-statement-in-response-to-the,Rep. Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to the White Houses Call for Standardized Testing Limits:,2015-10-26,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Frederica Wilson,W000808,wilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Obama administration's call for limits on standardized testing is to be commended. It is estimated that America's public school students can expect to take more than 100 such tests between kindergarten and high school graduation. In Florida, some students in grades K-5 have taken 14 assessments in one year, while students in grades 6-12 have been subjected to as many as 23. These are clearly signs of testing gone awry. Instead of developing critical thinking skills and creative expression, students are spending excessive amounts of classroom time on rote preparation for high-stakes tests that in some states play an oversized role in determining their academic futures and influence their teachers' evaluations. There is no question that tests are an important tool to identify a student's and a school's strengths and weaknesses and to help us close achievement gaps, but we must find that delicate balance between proper assessment and providing a well-rounded education. This year, Florida introduced a new assessment test that our school superintendents and parents agree was an unmitigated failure. I questioned and fought the introduction of the new Florida Standardized Assessment test in part because it is based on regional references and the curriculum taught in Utah. Given how students faced repeated technical glitches during testing, which prevented them from performing to the best of their abilities, there is no question that we must do away with FSA and its unreliable results. Alberto Carvalho, superintendent of the Miami-Dade County schools, agrees. He was among a group of teachers and representatives from various states and school districts who met today with President Obama, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and incoming education secretary Dr. John King at the White House. Last year Alberto decommissioned 24 exams at the start of the school year, which restored about 260 minutes of teaching time. He and I are both believers that over-testing is bad for our students' mental and intellectual health.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=418,Pivotal Surface Transportation Bill Would Bring More Funds to South Florida,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure took up theSurface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015, during which committee memberRep. Lois Frankel of South Florida championed directing more funds to local metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). As a former Mayor, I know well that when there is a pothole, a closed road, or broken bridge constituent calls go to local government officials,Frankel said.Transportation funds are most effective in the hands of community planners, who know their needs best. Thelegislationas passed by the committee would increase the amount of money going to Florida MPOs by five percent over the next six years, translating to an additional $111 million dollars. These funds could be used to finance essential new and ongoing projects that are critical to South Floridas economy and infrastructure, including: Tri-Rail extension to northern Palm Beach County Safety improvements to grade crossings in Palm Beach County Improved cargo handling at Port Everglades Broward Complete Streets Project, which would create interconnected bike paths and optimize streets for simultaneous car, pedestrian, and bicycle use. The large bipartisan transportation reauthorization package provides $325 billion in needed upgrades to our surface transportation infrastructure through 2021. It includes critical investments in our roads, bridges, and transitand will afford certainty to state and local transportation planners as they design major long-term projects. Earlier this year the Senate passed its own major transportation measure, theDRIVE Act. If the differences between the House and Senate bills are worked out, the final legislation will proceed to President Obama for his signature. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=419,Frankel Condemns Latest Attack on Womens Health,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) voted against Republicans latest attempt to punish Planned Parenthood, one of the premier healthcare organizations in our nation, only because it provides an array of services including legal abortions. This Chambers latest fiasco would leave millions of women with no place to go for basic, preventative healthcare services,said Rep. Frankel on the House floor. I am sad to say that Republicans are more obsessed with the uteruses of American women than the real issues facing our country. At some point in her lifetime, one in five American women will turn to Planned Parenthood. In fact, Planned Parenthood provides 400,000 Pap smears, 500,000 breast exams, 4.5 million STD tests, and prevents 500,000 unwanted pregnancies each year. The bill passed 240-189. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration. If passed, it will face a certain veto by President Obama. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398516,Reps. Ted Deutch & Patrick Murphy Unveil Bill to Protect LGBT Seniors,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Ted Deutch,D000610,teddeutch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (FL-21) joined his colleagues, Reps. Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to introduce the Ruthie and ConnieLGBT Elder Americans Act. This legislation will improve the Older Americans Act(OAA) to better serve LGBT seniors, who face higher rates of poverty, pronounced social isolation, and less access to health care due to barriers in the aging system and past discrimination. This bill is named to honor LGBT activists Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz and has been endorsed by the Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE). (Please find attached a copy of the legislation).""Our country has made great strides recently in the fight for equality, but we must not forget the severe impact a lifetime of discrimination has had on the well-being of aging LGBT individuals leaving them with higher poverty rates, poorer health, and less access to health care,""said Congressman Patrick E. Murphy.""I am humbled to introduce this legislation in honor of two of my constituents, Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, who have been true champions for LGBT equality,""Rep.Murphy continued.""After successfully suing the New York City Board of Education for domestic partner benefits in 1988, Ruthie and Connie have remained trailblazers in the LGBT community. As residents of Century Village a major senior community in Palm Beach County they have built a strong network of support for fellow LGBT seniors, which is what this bill will help foster more of nationwide. I first met Ruthie and Connie while serving in the Florida State Senate, and I was immediately inspired by their commitment to each other and to equality for all LGBT Americans,said Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21).It is a privilege to introduce a bill that is not only named in their honor, but designed to honor their work on behalf of marriage equality and dignity for all Americans. I look forward to working with my good friends, Congressman Patrick Murphy and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, to advance a bill that will strengthen the Older Americans Act and help protect the rights and well-being of LGBT seniors in Florida and across the country. Everyone in this countryshould be able to age with dignity,Congresswoman Bonamici (OR-1) said.""The Older Americans Act provides essential servicesfrom home health care to nutritionthat help uphold this promise to Americas seniors. As Congress works to reauthorize the Act, we must include commonsense policies that improve access to services for LGBT older adults. I am honored to partner with Representatives Murphy and Deutch to help every older adult enjoy an independent, healthy, and fulfilling life. For the past 50 years, the OAA has provided support and services, such as Meals on Wheels and caregiver support, to make sure our nation's most vulnerable seniors are able to age with dignity, independence, and freedom from poverty. Congress is currently debating reauthorization of this important law, which expired in 2011. TheRuthie and ConnieLGBT Elder Americans Act, which is the House companion of S. 1765 introduced by Senator Michael Bennet,will amend the OAA to better care for older LGBT Americans and provide equal treatment by including LGBT seniors as a vulnerable population, prioritizing grant opportunities for organizations focused on improving LGBT health and long-term care, and permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging to address the unique needs of this population. To learn more about Ruthie and Connie's story, click here to view the trailer for the documentary Every Room in the House featuring their relationship and fight against discrimination.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1131,"Wasserman Schultz, Survivors and Advocates Highlight Confusion around Breast Cancer Guidelines",2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"With young women now facing three different recommendations from credible organizations on when they should begin annual mammography screening, there is understandable confusion about which set of guidelines to follow. While I'm not a scientist, I am a young breast cancer survivor, a mother and supporter of young women, and I encourage every young woman to be their own breast health advocate. share: f t Wasserman Schultz, Survivors and Advocates Highlight Confusion around Breast Cancer Guidelines U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after she joined breast cancer survivors and advocates to discuss the new American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines released on Tuesday: With young women now facing three different recommendations from credible organizations on when they should begin annual mammography screening, there is understandable confusion about which set of guidelines to follow. While I'm not a scientist, I am a young breast cancer survivor, a mother and supporter of young women, and I encourage every young woman to be their own breast health advocate, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) said. I urge Congress to take up the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act, which will place a two-year moratorium, a time out to allow for research to be done and consensus to be developed on these guidelines and their impact on young women everywhere. This legislation will ensure that young women are not overwhelmed by the confusion surrounding these guidelines. Rep. Wasserman Schultz was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41. YSC's long-standing belief has been that better tools are urgently needed to screen, diagnose, detect and monitor for breast cancer in younger women. There are no effective screening tools for women under 40. Young women must be as vigilant as possible about becoming familiar with their breast and aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Ultimately, we need a way to prevent breast cancers from occurring and spreading, Jennifer Johnson, Senior Director of Mission Marketing & Communications, Young Survival Coalition, said. Jennifer is almost a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. She was diagnosed at age 27, while 22 weeks pregnant. Our concern with this latest set of guidelines is grounded in what we know about Black women and breast cancer. We know that Black women receive late stage diagnosis more frequently than other women, leading to higher mortality rates. We know that younger Black women under the age of 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer at increasingly higher rates, Linda Goler Blount, MPH, President and CEO of Black Women's Health Imperative said. My life's work is to help women understand that importance of screening and the importance of having a conversation with their doctor, Madeline Long-Gill, an advisor to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization as a Komen Advocate in Science, said. Gill was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 48. We know that early detection saves lives, she added. ### Click to view information about H.R. 3339, the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings Act (PALS Act). Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=559,Declaracin de Wasserman Schultz Sobre su Reunion con Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ayer tuveel honor dereunirmecon Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos, cuyosmaridos Leopoldo Lopez y Daniel Ceballos estnencarcelados porcargos polticos fabricados porel r_gimen represivode Maduro. share: f t Declaracinde Wasserman Schultz SobresuReunion con Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos EE.UU. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) emitila siguientedeclaracindespusde reunirsecon Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos, cuyosmaridosestnpresosinjustamenteenVenezuela: Ayer tuveel honor dereunirmecon Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos, cuyosmaridos Leopoldo Lopez y Daniel Ceballos estnencarcelados porcargos polticos fabricados porel rgimen represivode Maduro. La defensade losderechos humanosy un sistema democrticolibrey justo de estas mujeres valientes, en vista de las amenazas directasdel rgimen de Maduro en su contra y de sushijos, es una inspiracinpara suscompatriotasy para todosaquellosque valoranla libertad. Como madrey legisladoraquien apoyala justicia, el debidoprocesoy losderechos humanos, me enorgullece apoyarlas. ### Contacto: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=561,Declaracion de Wasserman Schultz Sobre su Reunion con Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ayer tuveel honor dereunirmecon Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos, cuyosmaridos Leopoldo Lopez y Daniel Ceballos estnencarcelados porcargos polticos fabricados porel r_gimen represivode Maduro. share: f t Declaracinde Wasserman Schultz SobresuReunion con Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos EE.UU. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) emitila siguientedeclaracindespusde reunirsecon Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos, cuyosmaridosestnpresosinjustamenteenVenezuela: Ayer tuveel honor dereunirmecon Lilian Tintori y Patricia de Ceballos, cuyosmaridos Leopoldo Lopez y Daniel Ceballos estnencarcelados porcargos polticos fabricados porel rgimen represivode Maduro. La defensade losderechos humanosy un sistema democrticolibrey justo de estas mujeres valientes, en vista de las amenazas directasdel rgimen de Maduro en su contra y de sushijos, es una inspiracinpara suscompatriotasy para todosaquellosque valoranla libertad. Como madrey legisladoraquien apoyala justicia, el debidoprocesoy losderechos humanos, me enorgullece apoyarlas. ### Contacto: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=776,Wasserman Schultz Floor Statement on Violence in Israel,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express strong support for the people and nation of Israel and to wholly condemn the horrific acts of violence targeting innocent civilians. share: f t Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Floor Statement on Violence in Israel 22 October 2015| As Prepared for Delivery ""Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express strong support for the people and nation of Israel and to wholly condemn the horrific acts of violence targeting innocent civilians. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. All people have the right to live in peace and security, and every nation has the right to take actions to protect its citizens. As chaos envelopes Israel from all borders, we must stand stalwartly with our strongest ally in the region. Over the past month, unprovoked Palestinian attacks against Israeli civilians, including children, police officers and members of the IDF have increased to shocking levels. Perhaps even more disturbing are the Palestinian Leadership's recent incitements to violence. In a September 30th address, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations, saying that Palestinians would no longer be bound by their commitments to the Oslo Accords. One day later, Palestinians ambushed two Jewish Israelis, Rabbi Eitam and Naama Henkin, murdering them in front of their children. Since then, barbaric terrorist attacks against civilians, including stabbings, rock throwing and deliberate car crashes have become too commonplace. We have seen: A 15 year-old teenager stabbed in Jerusalem. Two rabbis stabbed and killed inside the Old City. Five people attacked with a screwdriver in Tel-Aviv. And a driver intentionally hitting civilians at a bus stop, then getting out of the car with a sharp object and causing more bloodshed and destruction in broad daylight. These are only some of the innocent victims of this deplorable violence. Rather than showing leadership and calling for calm and civility, President Abbas and other Palestinian leaders have chosen to further incite violence. President Abbas has perpetuated false accusations about the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians and undermined the Israeli government's assurance that it seeks to maintain the status quo on the Temple Mount. Mr. Speaker, I continue to support the United States' longstanding policy of supporting our partners for peace in the region to reach a two-state solution. However, the Palestinian Authority's words and lack of action to quell the violence calls those partnerships into question. I call on the international community to speak out against these brutal terrorist acts. In addition, we must put pressure on those who are taking inflammatory actions that deliberately fuel tensions. Just yesterday, six countries submitted a resolution to UNESCO with the sole intention of delegitimizing Jewish history in our own Holy Land. This is disgraceful and I applaud the efforts of this Administration to oppose this harmful and incendiary resolution. We must unequivocally condemn terrorist actions wherever and whenever they take place. These violent attacks against Jews in Israel are part of growing anti-Semitism around the globe. Tragically, over the past few years in particular, we have seen a rise in anti-Semitism, from the streets of Paris to the streets of Miami Beach. And around the world, we have seen the spread of a violent and depraved ideology aimed at crushing the values that we hold dear: The freedom to practice and celebrate our own diverse religions and cultures; The right to express ourselves in print and in speech; The right to live in our homelands and walk in our streets with dignity, respect and safety. We must stand up and speak out whenever these rights are threatened. As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations, I am proud to advocate for strong funding and cooperation with Israel on matters of mutual interest. As our strategic and democratic ally, we must bolster efforts to ensure that Israel has the resources she needs to be secure and confront the violent threats against her. The rise in violence in Israel, and of anti-Semitism more broadly, is deeply troubling to me as a lawmaker who values and respects the strong U.S.-Israel relationship, but it also impacts me more personally, as a Jew who feels a significant and historical connection to the land of Israel. No nation on Earth can be expected to sit back and take these kinds of attacks on her citizens without responding. President Abbas and Palestinian leaders must take clear and meaningful steps to stop this violence and encourage unity and a return to the path toward a peaceful, two-state solution. There is absolutely no justification for violence against innocent civilians under any circumstances and I call for those responsible for these vicious terrorist attacks to be brought to swift justice. I proudly and firmly stand behind Israel's right to defend herself against malicious brutal terrorist attacks from outside her borders and within and call on others here and around the world to do the same."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=979,Wasserman Schultz Statement on Meeting with Lilian Tintori and Patricia de Ceballos,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,FL,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,W000797,wassermanschultz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday I was honored and humbled to meet with Lilian Tintori and Patricia de Ceballos, whose husbands Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos are sitting in prison on trumped up political charges by the repressive Maduro regime. share: f t Wasserman Schultz Statement on Meeting with Lilian Tintori and Patricia de Ceballos U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after meeting with Lilian Tintori and Patricia de Ceballos, whose husbands are unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela: Yesterday I was honored and humbled to meet with Lilian Tintori and Patricia de Ceballos, whose husbands Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos are sitting in prison on trumped up political charges by the repressive Maduro regime. Their advocacy for human rights and a free and fair democratic system, in the face of direct threats from the Maduro regime against them and their children, is an inspiration to their countrymen and all those who value freedom. As a mother and a lawmaker who supports justice, due process, and human rights, I proudly stand with them. ### Contact: Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z