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 »
Tonight I cast my vote for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) tonight, which contains critical programs for my home state of Florida. WRDA contains the Central Everglades Project, which will provide over a billion dollars in federal and nonfederal funding to continue the essential work of restoring our beloved River of Grass. We must continue working in a bipartisan manner to restore water flow to the Everglades ecosystem, which provides critical fresh water essential to the daily lives of millions of Floridians and the future of our state. I'm also pleased that this bill includes authorization for the Port Everglades dredging project, which is nearly twenty years in the making. Port Everglades is in my Congressional district and I was proud to work for many years with my colleagues to finally achieve this critical economic milestone. The deepening and widening of Port Everglades' channels will allow South Florida to receive cargo from larger ships and help boost our economy. Read more »
I had the good fortune to meet Prime Minister Peres several times. But, as the first Jewish woman to ever represent Florida in Congress, it was an extraordinary honor to meet with him in the Presidential Residence during a Congressional Delegation trip to Israel in 2010. During that trip, I led a bipartisan group of my colleagues on a journey through Israel and the Middle East to focus on the strength of the bonds between the U.S and Israel and our unwavering commitment to the Jewish state. Read more »
Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of Resolution Supporting VenezuelaU.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H. Res. 851 which expresses profound concern about the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, urges the release of political prisoners, and calls for respect of constitutional and… Read more »
Miami has lost a bright and true representative of the American Dream today with the tragic and untimely death of Jose Fernandez. Jose's talent, spirit and love for baseball were remarkable, and South Florida lit up every time he took the mound. My family, like many in our area, loved watching him play. But more than his accomplishments on the field, he was known as a true family man and a pillar of our community. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Jose's family, and the entire Miami Marlins family. This is a truly sad day for South Florida. Read more »
Today we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and its impact on our courageous women and men currently serving in the armed forces, and every young person who wishes to serve their country in uniform. Read more »
