Our debt of gratitude is one we can never fully repay. We must always be vigilant in caring for and supporting our veterans, which means continuing to reform the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals process; ensuring that our veterans have the health care coverage they need, including coverage for in vitro fertilization; and guaranteeing that they are able to live their lives with dignity and respect. I am proud to represent the 33,000 veterans in my Congressional district, Florida's 23rd, and to ensure they have the opportunities, care, and services they deserve. Read more »
Sadly, this is only the latest chapter in UNESCO's long history of antagonism towards Israel. These types of actions make the important work of a peaceful two-state solution between Israel and Palestine much more difficult to achieve. I strongly condemn this vote and resolution, and urge others who are committed to a secure and safe Israel to do the same. Read more »
Today marks an incredibly important milestone in women's health care in the United States. A century ago, women faced high obstacles in their lives – from having very little say in the timing and size of their family, to extraordinarily limited choices for health care services – and thanks to Planned Parenthood's 100 years of service and care, women have more health care options than ever before. Read more »
Today's ruling is an important victory for our democracy and for every Floridian who wants to exercise his or her franchise. Judge Walker has rightfully taken into account the extraordinary circumstances faced by our citizens brought by Hurricane Matthew, including several days' worth of storm preparations, power outages and road closures up and down Florida's east coast. I applaud him for extending the deadline, even as Governor Rick Scott refused to do so in the wake of a natural disaster. Read more »
Tonight, Jewish families across our nation will gather for Kol Nidre and commence the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people, Yom Kippur. On this solemn Day of Atonement, we take the time to engage in self-reflection, take an accounting of our deeds in the past year, and commit to doing better in the year ahead. Read more »
Finally, with the signing of this bill into law, sexual assault survivors can count on a strong, comprehensive statute that protects their basic human rights. Although these basic protections are long overdue, I am proud that this newly-enacted law will help many more sexual assault survivors seek the justice they rightfully deserve. The law includes critical provisions such as ensuring survivors have the right to not be charged for a forensic exam, the right to 60 days' notice prior to the destruction of a rape kit, and the right to have a rape kit preserved throughout a state's statute of limitations period. Read more »
Every year, the High Holy Days provide us with a precious opportunity to contemplate on the past year and consider ways to improve upon it for ourselves, our communities, and our nation. I look forward to using this special time to focus on how we can better use our voices to protect those who cannot speak for themselves, how we can safeguard the rights of those whose freedom is threatened, and how we can ensure our South Florida community is truly a haven for all who live here. From my family to yours, shana tova u'metuka – a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year. Read more »
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and remember all the lives that have been affected by this disease. As a breast cancer survivor, this is a deeply personal month to my family and me. Read more »
When a woman is the victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, she needs the law to be on her side, and I am proud to introduce the Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act with my colleague, Congressman Lamar Smith, to help reduce homelessness and reform unfair laws that punish victims instead of supporting them. As a nation, we must continue to do everything we can to protect our sexual assault and domestic violence survivors, and ensure that our legal system is working for them, not against them. This bill will provide the necessary legal framework to combat housing discrimination against survivors and ensure they are protected under the Fair Housing Act. I thank Senator Shaheen who continues to be a leader in the Senate on sexual assault issues, and the broad coalition of organizations who support this critical legislation. Read more »
I have mixed feelings of relief and frustration on behalf of my constituents and the entire State of Florida. After more than 900 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Florida, House Republicans finally allowed us to pass most of the emergency funding we need to curb this public health crisis. Tonight's vote is a welcome start for Florida's pregnant women, business owners and families affected by the Zika virus – but it has come many months later than it should have. President Obama, on the recommendation of our nation's leading public health officials, requested $1.9 billion in emergency funding to fight this virus more than seven months ago. Read more »
