Press Releases

As Florida and our nation continue healing from the tragic events in Orlando, we say unequivocally: we stand with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, and we will rededicate ourselves to ensuring their safety and equal rights in every community across our nation. We will defeat hate, and love will win. Read more »

Estoy frustrada y decepcionada por la decisiÑn interbloqueada de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos v. Texas, la que tendrá consecuencias devastadoras para millones de niños y familias en los Estados Unidos. Esta decisiÑn está dividida 4 a 4, aunque sin ofrecer valor de precedente, aÏn mantiene en su lugar la decisiÑn errÑnea del tribunal inferior, y es un doloroso recordatorio del extremo que los Republicanos del Senado están dispuestos a ir para negar a dar una sesiÑn al candidato de la Corte Suprema del Presidente Obama, el Juez Merrick Garland. La facilidad con la que los Republicanos del Senado ponen los conflictos partisanos antes del bienestar de los trabajadores estadounidenses es alarmante. Read more »

For too long, sexual assault survivors have had to navigate a confusing patchwork of laws and regulations that have not done enough to help them access justice. They have had to fight for their forensic medical exams and rape kits, battle their way through confusing state laws, and defend their conduct – even though they were the victim of a crime. These survivors have already had the fight of their lives, and it is unconscionable that in many cases, their pursuit of justice is another one. Read more »

Today, House Democrats stood up and said enough is enough. America is crying out for action on gun violence, and Speaker Ryan and House Republicans have met those cries with cowardly and deafening silence. From the House Floor, where my courageous colleague Rep. John Lewis staged a sit-in with more than three dozen House Democrats; to the Appropriations Committee, where my colleagues and I offered and fought for an amendment that would prevent people suspected of terrorist ties from purchasing a gun and told the stories of the victims in Orlando, we are taking action to force a vote on commonsense gun legislation. How many innocent people have to die before the House of Representatives takes up and passes meaningful legislation to keep us safe? How many families and communities will be torn apart by our epidemic of gun violence before Republicans summon the courage to act? How many more times will they block the "No Fly, No Buy" legislation that would help keep us safe? Their inaction is a national disgrace and House Democrats will not stand for it any longer. And so, we sit! Read more »

Today we mourn the shocking death of British MP Jo Cox and I send my thoughts and deepest condolences to her husband Brendan and their two young children. Her death came as she performed one of the most essential and important acts in public service – meeting with the constituents who elected her to represent them, much as my dear friend Gabby Giffords was five years ago outside a Tucson supermarket. I commend the law enforcement who courageously responded to this attack, as they do every single day around the world. While the authorities are continuing their investigative work into the attack and a possible motive, we must be mindful that incendiary political rhetoric has consequences that we must guard against. Read more »

I rise today in memory of those whose lives were lost in my home state at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Floridians, Americans and people around the world are in mourning today, grieving for those young lives lost and for their families. But when will this body finally say enough? Gun violence is a public health crisis and we must do better. No one needs an AR-15 assault rifle. This is a weapon of war that was used in Newtown, Aurora, and San Bernardino. We need to reinstate the assault weapon ban to reduce the chances that we have more tragedies. Read more »

Watch the Congresswoman's remarks on the House floor here at this link. Rep. Wasserman SchultzFloor Statement – Orlando TragedyJune 14, 2016Mr. Speaker,I rise today in memory of those whose lives were lost in my home state at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Floridians, Americans and people around the world are in mourning today, grieving for those young lives lost and for their… Read more »

This horrific, senseless and heart-wrenching tragedy is an act of evil that defies words. At least fifty people were killed as they went out to enjoy their Saturday night, and instead their families and friends are now mourning their loss. I am sending my thoughts and deepest condolences to their families and friends, and the entire Orlando community. I am deeply grateful for our law enforcement, first responders and health care professionals who were on the scene and are continuing their important investigative and lifesaving work. This tragedy is now the single deadliest mass shooting in American history and in this time of need, I encourage anyone in the Orlando area who is interested in donating blood to visit oneblood.org/donate-now/." Read more »

Today House Republicans injected divisive partisan politics into one of Congress' most non-partisan bills – the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The bill funds, among other things, the operations of the United States Capitol, which is a shining beacon of democracy and freedom across the world. Unfortunately, House Republicans have decided this bill was the perfect vehicle to force the Library of Congress to continue using the subject heading "Illegal Aliens" – even though it had decided to stop doing so. It is truly shameful that House Republicans forced the Library of Congress to use a term that millions across America find outdated and offensive, but it is no great surprise. I voted against this bill – and I stand against this kind of appalling politicization that House Republicans have forced on us time and time again. Read more »

While I applaud the efforts of those who tirelessly worked to create a path for Puerto Rico out of its dire humanitarian and financial crisis, I could not support the bill as written. It is extraordinarily disappointing that Speaker Ryan allowed Puerto Rico to wither for months before finally following through on his promise to deliver a bill. We have for too long treated Puerto Rico and her residents as second class citizens with laws and policies that disadvantage Puerto Ricans. While this bill takes some meaningful steps, ultimately I found certain parts of the bill weighed it down with provisions that were harmful to working people. Read more »