Governor Scott's decision to finally end this attack on Planned Parenthood and women's health care is long overdue. For months – and even years – Governor Scott and his cronies in the Florida Legislature have done all they can to restrict women's access to comprehensive family planning services. He has resisted petitions, protests and advice from health care advocates and providers, as well as women across our state, to drop this assault. He even ignored a warning from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that signing H.B. 1411 would violate federal law. I led the effort, along with my Florida Democratic colleagues, to urge CMS to issue that warning – but Governor Scott signed the bill anyway. Read more »
Today's news that Miami Beach likely has locally transmitted Zika virus cases is another disturbing development in this public health crisis. These cases show the virus' impact is worsening and Speaker Ryan should immediately end the House of Representatives' recess to pass my legislation fully funding the President's emergency funding request. Our public health agencies need resources for mosquito control, maternal health programs and local government support - and we need to make sure we can continue the essential vaccine research whose funds will run out if Congress doesn't act before September 30th. If House Republicans fail to provide that support, they will have to answer for these new Zika virus cases. House Democrats are ready to take the action this crisis demands. Read more »
I am deeply troubled by reports that Russia is using Iranian air bases for missions in Syria. Iran and Russia's continued support of the murderous regime of Bashar al-Assad has contributed to the deaths and displacement of millions of Syrians. I strongly support the Administration's efforts to further investigate whether Russia's actions violate a UN Security Council Resolution on aircraft transfers to Iran, and look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues and the Administration to ensure compliance with the sanctions regime we have in place. Read more »
Today we celebrate 81 years of Social Security, and recommit ourselves to protecting and expanding it for generations to come. We have a moral responsibility to our seniors, those who have lost a loved one, people with disabilities, and our children to protect this cornerstone of American life. We must defend it from attempts to chip away at its promise, and work together across party lines to ensure its viability long into the future. It is unacceptable that there was no cost of living adjustment this year and I will continue to advocate for an adjustment that uses a CPI index that actually reflects seniors' spending patterns. More than 100,000 of my constituents in Florida's 23rd Congressional District receive Social Security benefits, and as I always have on their behalf, along with millions of Americans across the nation, I will never stop fighting to expand benefits and ensure the promise of Social Security is an unwavering one. Read more »
With 16 cases of locally transmitted Zika, Republican leadership still refuses to act on legislation that would secure more funding for vaccine research, mosquito control, and treatment of the virus. Our public health agencies have nearly exhausted the resources they have to combat Zika, but the need for sustained, reliable funding for vaccine research remains. Make no mistake – a vaccine is the only permanent way to protect our citizens and we cannot let inadequate resources or partisan politics stymie its development. I urge Secretary Burwell to take any and all actions needed to secure this lifesaving funding. Read more »
I was proud to personally speak with Secretary Anthony Foxx about this important TIGER grant to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths in Broward County and stress the contribution the project would make to pedestrian and bicyclists' safety. They will help our working families get from place to place more quickly and safely - a critical issue for our region. I will continue to join my colleagues' vocal advocacy for robust transportation investments like the TIGER program that help build our nation's vital infrastructure needs is extremely important to meet our local economy and working families. Read more »
Today we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. We celebrate 51 years of ensuring our senior citizens – who have sustained and strengthened our nation with their tireless work – are able to live their lives secure in Medicare's promise that they have health insurance. We celebrate Medicaid for the working families, children, and seniors who are living in poverty and deserve quality health care just like every other American. Read more »
Today's reports that four South Floridians have contracted the Zika virus from local mosquitoes is more than simply an, "I told you so" moment. It is a startling new phase in this public health crisis. The Obama Administration, leading public health officials, and Congressional Democrats have been warning the nation about this imminent development for months – while Republicans have refused to take meaningful action to stop the virus' spread. I have introduced legislation to provide robust funding for mosquito vector control, public health programs and local government resources to combat this pernicious virus. Time and again I've helped lead the effort with my fellow Democratic Appropriators, introducing amendments to appropriations bills to provide this essential emergency funding. Read more »
My heart is heavy today with the passing of my colleague and friend Congressman Mark Takai, and my deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Sami and their children Matthew and Kaila. The state of Hawaii and our nation have lost a valued and dedicated public servant – a man whose vibrant life took him overseas in our nation's armed forces, to the Hawaii Legislature, and the U.S. House of Representatives. His time serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait helped make him a brave and tireless advocate in Congress for our nation's active duty armed forces and veterans, and a moral voice on our nation's role in armed conflict. We will all miss him dearly, and may his memory be a blessing. Read more »
The loss of three Baton Rouge police officers is another deeply saddening and troubling moment for our nation. Every single day our men and women in law enforcement put on their uniforms knowing they could be in harm's way – a solemn duty that we are deeply grateful for and forever indebted. I send my deepest thoughts and condolences to the families of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty today. As we grieve and heal from this series of tragedies, we must reaffirm our commitment to peacefully ending this senseless violence that has left too many communities in unspeakable pain. Read more »
