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is truly shameful that House Republicans forced the Library of Congress to use a term that millions across America find outdated and offensive, but it is no great surprise.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 »
During the Appropriations Committee debate on the Fiscal Year 2017 Financial Services Appropriations bill, Rep. Wasserman Schultz made the following comments in opposition to the Palazzo CFPB amendment. Rep. Wasserman Schultz voted against the amendment. Read more »
House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling and Speaker Paul Ryan's so-called "new" proposal is a dangerous policy that would decimate the Dodd-Frank Act and send us back to the policies that caused the 2008 financial crisis. Thanks to President Bush and House Republicans' policies, hundreds of thousands of Americans lost their jobs, homes and savings. House Republicans' "new" proposal would lead to the same Wall Street recklessness that hurt working families across this nation. Read more »
I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important resolution, and even prouder that it passed the House of Representatives this evening. Through this resolution, my House colleagues and I have reaffirmed our unyielding commitment to protecting the dignity and honor of our Holocaust survivors, who lived through such a horrific and shameful episode of human history. This resolution also makes clear that those responsible for these horrendous crimes must be held accountable. We must continue to make Holocaust survivors and their legacies a priority in Congress. Read more »
Marcia Beach spent her life as a pioneer and champion for working families and the most vulnerable among us here in Broward County. From her time as the Broward County Commission Chairwoman, where she withstood criticism amidst tough but important decisions that affected all of our families, to her time as a Circuit Court Judge leading the Drug Court to help our children, she was the epitome of a kind and caring public servant. Read more »
As a breast cancer survivor, there are few days on the calendar that fill me with more hope and resolve than National Cancer Survivors Day. This is a day to share inspiration, love and support with everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer. This is a day to rededicate ourselves to helping our cancer survivors. Read more »
