Press Releases

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know that House and Senate appropriators worked hard on a spending package to fund our government for the rest of the fiscal year. As in any difficult compromise, the parties involved will find some items hard to accept, but I am proud of Democratic efforts to keep dozens of additional extreme GOP measures out of this bill. Faced with the alternative of a government shutdown and the reality of a Republican majority in the next Congress, I voted to ensure that the values of my constituents are more fully reflected in this budget that passed with Democratic input. Read more »

Through our action here today, we signify the determination of the American people to stand for freedom and democracy and this bill reinforces the sentiments and actions of the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration. Along with my colleagues, I stand in solidarity with those brave Venezuelans continuing to advocate for their rights. I look forward to this measure's passage, and working with the Obama Administration and our allies to hold these perpetrators of injustice accountable for their crimes. Read more »

The fact remains that too many young women are unaware of their breast cancer risks. I was once one of them. I thank Congresswoman Ellmers and my colleagues for their support today, which allows the EARLY Act to build on its successful track record of reaching and serving more women and health practitioners with the tools and information necessary to detect and fight the disease early. Read more »

While no amount of money can bring back loved ones lost to the murderous Nazi regime nor erase the horrific memories of such hardship for survivors, the settlement reached late last week is a very welcome milestone in the never-ending quest for justice, reconciliation, and accountability. The extent of Nazi persecution knew no boundary, and survivors and their descendants as well as the families of victims have struggled for decades to reclaim what was lost. Read more »

Nearly five years of uninterrupted private sector job growth have added about 11 million jobs to the economy, and not since the end of the Clinton Administration have we seen as strong of a year as 2014. Knowing the work ethic of the American people and the vision the President has for the future, I am more confident than ever that we will see expanded growth and increased opportunities for working families. Read more »

The President has repeatedly asked Congress to send him a comprehensive immigration reform bill, and in Republicans' refusal to do so, the President has clearly communicated to the American people that he will act within his executive authority – as his Republican and Democratic predecessors have done – to strengthen our borders, bolster our economy, keep families together, and bring dignity to those living in the shadows. Read more »

I decided not to vote for the bill once Republicans insisted on funding it by making permanent cuts to Medicare. I cannot in good conscience support Medicare cuts that will have a direct impact on the care that some seniors receive. At a time when we are concerned about the long-term solvency of Medicare and looking for ways to strengthen the program, cutting it is bad policy. I believe there were plenty of other pay-for options the Congress could have considered to fund the ABLE Act. Read more »

Our current state law against same-sex marriage is an incredible miscarriage of justice. It is sad. It is cruel. It is unfair. And while the 11th Circuit has yet to rule on the merits of the case, its decision today not to extend the stay put in place by the lower court is a very good sign that Florida's same-sex marriage ban appears headed for the ash heap of history. Read more »

Once again, local municipalities are showing Congress what's possible when they come together, roll up their sleeves, and work to solve problems. In South Florida we are the poster child for the impacts of climate change, and for years our Broward County leaders have worked tirelessly on short and long-term solutions that address issues such as carbon emissions and sea-level rise while enhancing our economy and protecting our cherished South Florida environment. Read more »

I applaud the executive action taken today by President Obama on immigration, using his lawful authority to provide compassion and certainty to millions of our fellow neighbors, family, and friends. For too long, our broken immigration system has pushed our fellow brothers and sisters into the shadows and outside of the system.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement in response to the administration’s announcement today on immigration:

“I applaud the executive action taken today by President Obama on immigration, using his lawful authority to provide compassion and certainty to millions of our fellow neighbors, family, and friends.  For too long, our broken immigration system has pushed our fellow brothers and sisters into the shadows and outside of the system.  Because of today’s action, more Florida families will no longer have to live in fear of being separated, more parents will remain with their children, and more young Floridians, many who have known no other country than ours, will get to continue their pursuit of the American dream.

“I remain firmly committed to common-sense immigration reform like today’s measures because it is the right policy for the safety and prosperity of South Florida and America.  This course of action allows us to prioritize the removal of those who pose a risk to national security or public safety, strengthens our workforce, protects American workers, and reduces our nation’s deficit.

“I again urge Republican leaders in the House to take up and pass H.R. 15, the bipartisan immigration reform bill.  This legislation remains the most comprehensive and enduring way to fix our immigration system. I know that President Obama took today’s action only after House Republicans refused to deal with these vital issues at all during this Congress.

Thank you to President Obama for taking action while House Republicans continue to block common-sense reforms. This bold approach is not only right for families but right for America's economy and security.”

2014-11-20 20:17:00 2014-11-20 20:17:00 2014-11-20 17:20:00 False False 744 759 25 Press Releases Wasserman Schultz Statement on President Obama's Action on Immigration Wasserman Schultz Statement on President Obama's Action on Immigration Aplaudo la acciÑn ejecutiva tomada hoy por el Presidente Obama sobre inmigraciÑn, en la cual usÑ su autoridad legal para proporcionarles compasiÑn y seguridad a millones de nuestros vecinos, familiares y amigos." Read more »