Instead of misinformed, politically motivated accusations against a trusted healthcare provider, this country deserves principled leadership from both parties about ways to reduce gun violence. Until Republicans muster the political courage to come around, Americans will die because we have the power to do something and yet actively choose not to, time and time again. It's sad, it's frustrating, and it's tragic. Read more »
Today my family and I join millions of Americans in celebrating Thanksgiving and taking time to reflect on how grateful we are. In a time when much of the world is undergoing hardship and suffering, it is all the more important for us to join with our family and friends to be thankful for what we have, and to keep those who are less fortunate in our thoughts and actions. This nation has an obligation to help those in need around the world, and as we approach the holiday season, I know that our commitment to that obligation will not waver. Read more »
H.R. 4038 is nothing more than a politically-driven and fear-mongering response to a serious threat. It will not ultimately strengthen our national security and in fact undermines the foundation upon which this nation was built. Instead of politics and fear-mongering, we must focus on ensuring that the agencies responsible for keeping our nation safe have the resources and support they need. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect our citizens and our homeland. In my estimation, this bill contributes nothing to either of those fundamental responsibilities of the Congress. Read more »
Today I join millions of Americans and people worldwide in mourning the tragic loss of innocent life in Paris last night. The disgusting display of brutality and carnage perpetrated against civilians is an affront to our collective humanity. The terrorists have broken the hearts of too many families but they will not break the resolve of the United States, France and our allies in combating terrorism and defending our shared values and way of life. Read more »
Yesterday, U.S. forces successfully completed a raid targeting Mohamed Emwazi, otherwise known as "Jihadi John", who brutally slaughtered Western journalists and aid workers. His heinous murder of South Floridian Steven Sotloff, who bravely dedicated his life exposing the brutalities of ISIS and the suffering of the Syrian people, deeply impacted our local community. While nothing can bring Steven back, we must be firm in our resolve to fight against those who seek to destroy the values that he and we as a nation so deeply value: freedom, justice, and the right to live in peace. Read more »
As a Member of Congress who sits on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding for employment, housing assistance and educational opportunities for our veterans. And while we have made great strides in supporting these brave men and women, I join many of my colleagues in calling for increased investments in mental health services and access to VA healthcare to ensure our veterans have the comprehensive support they need as they come home and transition back to civilian life. Read more »
Florida has lost a consummate advocate for children and families in the passing of Rhea Chiles. After serving as Governor Lawton Chiles' graduate teaching assistant in graduate school at the University of Florida, I met Mrs. Chiles during his first gubernatorial campaign in 1990. As Florida's First Lady, she led the way throughout his two terms to improve the well-being of Florida's children. Read more »
I was proud to be a cosponsor of two bills the House passed expressing strong concerns about anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments this week. As a nation, we must always remain vigilant in our fight to counter anti-Semitism, and I am proud to stand up in support of the Jewish community in Israel and across the world. Read more »
I am very relieved that there were no fatalities in today's disaster, and I am hopeful that each of the injured will make speedy, full recoveries. Read more »
I was very saddened to learn of my colleague and friend Rep. Mark Takai's pancreatic tumor this week. Over his career in public service and our armed forces, Mark has always been a fighter, and my family and I will be pulling for him during his recovery, which we know he will undertake with the same passion with which he serves his home state of Hawaii and our nation. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand that he will need strength to beat this – and I also know that he already has that strength within him, his wife Sami and his entire family. Read more »
