POLITICOFla. lawmakers say 'I told you so,' about threat of Zika virus, need for federal funding By Christine SextonTALLAHASSEE - Top Florida Democrats and Republicans, who have been hollering at Congress for months about boosting funding to stop the spread of the Zika virus, ratcheted up their rhetoric on Friday following the announcement that the first confirmed non-travel Zika… Read more »
POLITICOSenate Dems: Cancel recess to deal with Zika 'emergency'By Nicole NareaSenate Democrats urged Congress on Friday to cut short its seven-week recess to pass a federal Zika aid package following confirmation of the first four locally-transmitted cases of the mosquito-born disease in the continental U.S.."Zika is public health emergency that requires immediate bipartisan… Read more »
I was proud to personally speak with Secretary Anthony Foxx about this important TIGER grant to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths in Broward County and stress the contribution the project would make to pedestrian and bicyclists' safety. They will help our working families get from place to place more quickly and safely - a critical issue for our region. I will continue to join my colleagues' vocal advocacy for robust transportation investments like the TIGER program that help build our nation's vital infrastructure needs is extremely important to meet our local economy and working families. Read more »
Today we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. We celebrate 51 years of ensuring our senior citizens – who have sustained and strengthened our nation with their tireless work – are able to live their lives secure in Medicare's promise that they have health insurance. We celebrate Medicaid for the working families, children, and seniors who are living in poverty and deserve quality health care just like every other American. Read more »
Today's reports that four South Floridians have contracted the Zika virus from local mosquitoes is more than simply an, "I told you so" moment. It is a startling new phase in this public health crisis. The Obama Administration, leading public health officials, and Congressional Democrats have been warning the nation about this imminent development for months – while Republicans have refused to take meaningful action to stop the virus' spread. I have introduced legislation to provide robust funding for mosquito vector control, public health programs and local government resources to combat this pernicious virus. Time and again I've helped lead the effort with my fellow Democratic Appropriators, introducing amendments to appropriations bills to provide this essential emergency funding. Read more »
My heart is heavy today with the passing of my colleague and friend Congressman Mark Takai, and my deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Sami and their children Matthew and Kaila. The state of Hawaii and our nation have lost a valued and dedicated public servant – a man whose vibrant life took him overseas in our nation's armed forces, to the Hawaii Legislature, and the U.S. House of Representatives. His time serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait helped make him a brave and tireless advocate in Congress for our nation's active duty armed forces and veterans, and a moral voice on our nation's role in armed conflict. We will all miss him dearly, and may his memory be a blessing. Read more »
WLRN RADIO'When We Are Demonized, We Both Lose:' South Florida Leaders Discuss Police And Community RelationsBy Amanda RabinesAround the same time of the shootings of police officers in Baton Rouge, South Florida politicians and law enforcement officials came together at Broward College to discuss the relationship between the police and the communities that they serve.“When… Read more »
VIDEOCongresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz speaks on law enforcement issuesCongresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz talks about strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the community in light of the tragic shootings in Dallas, TX, St. Paul, MN, and in Baton Rouge, LA. Rep. Wasserman Shultz was attending a Unity Meeting of the Task Force on Law Enforcement and Community… Read more »
MIAMI HERALDDignitaries, S. Fla. police meet at Broward College to speak about community relationsBy Alex DaughertySunday’s gathering of the Police Community Relations Task Force at Broward College featured speeches from law enforcement officers and community members.The task force began in 2014 with a conversation on the House floor between Democratic Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz… Read more »
SUN SENTINELImproving relationship between police and community paramount, ex-mayor tells Broward task forceBy Brian BallouJust hours after three police officers were fatally shot in Baton Rouge, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee hosted a wide-ranging discussion on improving the relationship between police and communities of color.Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston,… Read more »
