Press Releases

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 »

I am thrilled that the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will shift from the controversial United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for breast cancer screening and mammography to the American Cancer Society's breast cancer screening guidelines. For years, I have fought the USPSTF guidelines, along with other cancer experts and advocacy organizations. In the 114th Congress, I sponsored legislation that became law, which placed a moratorium on the USPSTF breast cancer screening guidelines, to allow breast cancer experts and organizations to review and reach consensus on when screening should begin. The law requires coverage for mammography beginning at age 40.

Washington, DC ­– U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that it is adopting the American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer screening guidelines:

“I am thrilled that the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will shift from the controversial United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for breast cancer screening and mammography to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines. For years, I have fought the USPSTF guidelines, along with other cancer experts and advocacy organizations. In the 114th Congress, I sponsored legislation that became law, which placed a moratorium on the USPSTF breast cancer screening guidelines, to allow breast cancer experts and organizations to review and reach consensus on when screening should begin. The law requires coverage for mammography beginning at age 40.

Having recently learned that the VA previously adopted the USPSTF guidelines, I filed legislation last week after speaking with VA Secretary David Shulkin that would ensure that the widely accepted guidelines – which call for women to begin breast cancer screening at 40 – are required to be used by the VA for veterans and all women. I will continue to aggressively pursue this legislation. 

Nonetheless, the announcement this week by Secretary Shulkin is a tremendous victory for women veterans who now formally have the choice to begin screenings at the age of 40, and be eligible for yearly exams at age 45. I will closely monitor how this policy is implemented, but it would be a major step in allowing our women veterans to take control of their own breast health. And now they can also take comfort in knowing that they will not be treated any differently than women in the private sector. As a breast cancer survivor myself, who was diagnosed at the young age of 41, I know how vital this life-saving policy can be for millions of our veterans.”

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Contact: David.Damron@mail.house.gov or 202-906-0542

2017-05-10 08:23:00 2017-05-10 09:24:00 2017-05-10 07:59:00 False False 1422 1437 49 Latest News SSN: VA Agrees With Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Call to Change Mammogram Guidelines SSN: VA Agrees With Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Call to Change Mammogram Guidelines The federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week that it will adhere to American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer screening guidelines, a decision which won the applause of a South Florida congresswoman who had been urging the department adopt them." Read more »

This is a dark day for justice in America. The conduct of FBI Director James Comey before the 2016 Election was certainly disturbing, and undoubtedly deserved criticism and scrutiny. But the reasoning and timing behind this firing is absolutely preposterous and unbelievable. It smacks of a Nixon-esque cover up of President Trump's Kremlin ties. And with this egregious political power play, there is now no question that a special prosecutor is needed, because Americans absolutely deserve an open, independent investigation into Trump's Russian connections. Read more »

This week, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Congresswoman Susan Brooks (IN-05) introduced H.R. 2307, the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings Act (PALS Act). The PALS Act would postpone recent United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations that could severely limit women's access to mammograms. The Congresswomen released the following statements Read more »