Each Memorial Day, we gather to pay tribute to those Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and preserve this great democracy. These brave men and women fought valiantly so the rest of us can enjoy the freedoms, liberty and security that we all enjoy in America. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life and overlook their constant vigilance and sacrifice – all across the world – past and present. These courageous soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and women put their lives on the line for all of us every day Read more »
Today's disturbing CBO score confirms exactly why Republicans rammed through their destructive Trumpcare legislation without hearings, and without a CBO score that would reveal its devastating impact. It is a tax cut for the wealthy, masquerading as a health care bill that would cruelly leave 23 million Americans without coverage. Read more »
The Trump budget ignores the needs of America's hard-working families and brutally assaults our health care and public education system, while all but abandoning those struggling to make ends meet. It hollows out crucial commitments to housing, nutrition assistance, and the environment, along with job training and medical research investments. Yet it delivers obscene tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, and relies on unrealistic revenue projections that no respected economist would embrace. Read more »
As I am writing yet another statement expressing horror and condolences after another inexplicable terror attack, I feel the angst and anger of a mother who has sent my children off to a concert just like last night's in Manchester. The terror attack that apparently targeted innocent young people was a truly despicable act committed by cowards. As Americans, we are heartbroken and horrified by this mass murder of young adults and even children, but make no mistake: our resolve to make our world a safer one for our children is only strengthened, and our commitment to working with our British ally in pursuit of that goal remains unshakeable. Read more »
Today's decision to provide a six-month grace period from deportation for more than 58,000 Haitians is a welcome but temporary solution, and it falls woefully short of what is needed. The move appears to be designed to allow families time to voluntarily return to Haiti or prepare to leave the country. It's the absolute minimum that the Department of Homeland Security could have done. However, this additional time does provide an opportunity to make the very compelling case that sending people back to a country still ravaged by earthquake, food shortages, disease and other harsh conditions is simply inhumane. Read more »
I am pleased that the Trump Administration has finally issued sanctions targeting Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice. The humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Venezuela is an affront to all who believe in freedom, democracy, and justice, and it is appalling that the members of the Tribunal, who are tasked with protecting these values, are actually contributing to their corrosion. Read more »
I'm encouraged by the Justice Department's decision to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the Trump-Russia connection, and I have a deep respect for former FBI Director Mueller. Assuming he is given true independence, this appointment will remove some of the clouds that have hung over our system of justice during this deeply troubling situation. It's certainly overdue. However, the investigation must include Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, the Kremlin's possible ties to the Trump campaign, and the President's alleged interference in the Michael Flynn investigation. This is a positive step, but more still needs to be done to ensure that we provide the whole truth to the American people. Read more »
Roxcy O'Neal Bolton was a fierce, brave feminist fighter who challenged unjust power wherever she encountered it. Whether it was taking on male-only department store lunchrooms, or City Hall and Congress, she stood up for the voiceless. And she did it when the risks were far greater for such an outspoken woman. The first Floridian to join the National Organization for Women in 1966, she blazed a trail of advocacy that touched countless lives, whether championing children's and equal rights, rape prevention, or standing up for the poor, elderly and homeless. I was proud and honored to have known Roxcy. We've lost a true community advocate and civic hero. It is comforting to know that thanks to her courage and leadership, I and so many other women will stand on her shoulders for decades to come. Read more »
If President Trump pressured then-FBI Director Comey to close down an investigation into former National Security Advisor Flynn, it would represent an egregious corrosion of the rule of law. The latest reports indicate that the President possibly abused his executive power, or attempted to obstruct justice. Either one, if true, would represent one of the most disturbing allegations yet. Read more »
It is immensely troubling that President Trump has seriously jeopardized the security and intelligence gathering of our key ally, Israel, by reportedly sharing classified information with the Russians. The President's reckless behavior not only risks lives, but violates the special bond of trust the United States has with Israel – a nation that has grown to be an ever-closer friend and reliable partner. Read more »
