SUN SENTINELAs gay pride month begins, LGBT community reacts to mass shootingBy Johnny Diaz, Barbara Corbellini Duarte and Skyler SwisherA tide of grief and sympathy swept South Florida after the Sunday morning mass shooting at a gay Orlando nightclub where 50 patrons were killed and 53 were injured.The tragedy comes at a time when the gay community embarks on several annual Pride events… 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 »
ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTIONOn Thursday, we told you that Republican leaders in the U.S. House had thwarted a Democratic attempt to load up a spending bill shepherded by Tom Graves, R-Ranger, with some rather controversial amendments.But last night, as the House debated the $3.5 billion bill, which deals primarily with congressional spending, Democrats continued to slam Graves and… Read more »
THE HILLHouse votes to keep lawmaker pay freeze in placeBy Cristina MarcosThe House on Friday passed legislation to maintain the freeze on lawmakers’ salaries that's been in place since 2010.Lawmakers approved the annual spending bill for legislative branch operations largely along party lines on a vote of 233-175, a contrast from past years, when the measure has been one of the… 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 »
WPLG LOCAL 10 South Florida prepared to shelter up to 800 unaccompanied minors from Central AmericaHundreds of children could arrive in Homestead in coming days, officials sayBy Glenna Milberg - ReporterHOMESTEAD, Fla. - South Florida is prepared to shelter possibly hundreds of children who have escaped danger and poverty in Central America. Local 10 News has learned that the… 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 »
