This is truly a new low for Florida's Republican-led Legislature. I am appalled that in the year 2016, we are still fighting for young women in this nation and state to have quality, affordable health care, including unfettered access to comprehensive family planning services, and safe and legal abortion care. Thanks to Florida's Republicans, my daughters and millions of others across the Sunshine State will instead have their access to health care blocked. It's truly a sad day in Florida. But I am confident, like so many other intrusive, unconstitutional laws pushed by Republicans, this one will be turned back as well. Read more »
Each March, we celebrate Women's History Month and honor and recognize our nation's women and all their contributions to improve the lives of every American. Each Friday this month, I'll be celebrating a woman in Florida's 23rd Congressional District who is active in public service. Read more »
From the very beginning of our democracy, women have played an instrumental role in shaping every aspect of American life. This month, we honor and recognize our nation's women and all their contributions to improve the lives of every American. We honor the trailblazers who have broken barriers and gone on to become America's leading scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, writers and artists. Read more »
Today, the House passed H.Res. 148, calling on the government of Iran to fulfill their previous promises of assistance in finding Robert Levinson, a South Florida native and the longest-held civilian American citizen. I was pleased to join my South Florida colleagues Ted Deutch, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart as an original cosponsor of this resolution; we must hold Iran's leaders accountable to every commitment they make, particularly when American lives are on the line. Read more »
I congratulate Matthew Verderosa on his appointment as our next Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police. He has served with the Capitol Police for more than 25 years and has an extensive background in leadership and command positions within the force. His work serving the entire Congressional community, from Members, to staff, to the general public, has come during some of the most significant periods of change in our system. I know those experiences will serve him well as the Capitol Police adapt to our community's security threats. Read more »
President Obama's nomination of Dr. Carla D. Hayden as the next Librarian of Congress is an important step forward for one of our nation's most important national treasures. The Library of Congress is a world-renowned institution that helps Americans learn and understand our history – and it is fitting that Dr. Hayden is exceptionally qualified in helping Americans of all walks of life learn and understand their world, no matter where they live. Read more »
Today I am thinking of, and sending my love and strength to my friend and colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill and her family as she heads to St. Louis for her breast cancer treatment. Senator McCaskill is a consummate public servant and tenacious fighter who will battle her cancer with the spirit and determination that we have all come to admire and respect. Read more »
However, yesterday's ruling only further underscores the importance of the United States Supreme Court's impending decision in Zubik v. Burwell, a case for which the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in only a few weeks. I was proud to join 123 Democratic Members of Congress in an amicus brief in Zubik v. Burwell, which urged the Court to uphold the current accommodation and protect contraceptive coverage for all women. Read more »
As Members of Congress representing South Florida, we are proud and honored that Attorney General Loretta Lynch is highlighting the progress in our area in building and improving upon the relationships between law enforcement and our communities. President Obama and Attorney General Lynch's leadership during these trying times has been inspiring and resilient. Read more »
President Obama's final budget is a substantive proposal and strong statement of our values that would expand opportunity to more working families and make investments in some of our nation's most pressing areas like education from quality pre-K to affordable college; as well as climate change and Social Security and Medicare. As a cancer survivor, I am particularly pleased with the Administration's request for $755 million for Vice President Biden's moonshot effort to ensure fewer families experience the heartbreak the Bidens, and so many others, have suffered as a result of cancer. As a woman and a mother, I am also thrilled that President Obama has recommended a $14 million increase in funding for the Title X family-planning program. Read more »
