Wasserman Schultz, Debbie RSS Articles

Democratic Caucus Votes to Place Wasserman Schultz on Influential House Foreign Affairs Committee

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington DC – This morning, the House Democratic Caucus unanimously supported appointing U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) to serve on the influential House Foreign Affairs Committee, a post that allows her to directly tackle issues impacting her diverse constituents and challenge the Trump Administration’s cruel, transactional policies, which harm our national interests and threaten South Florida’s strategic position as an economic hub linking the U.S. with Latin America and the Caribbean.

"South Florida is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and for our people, foreign policy is domestic policy for so many," said Wasserman Schultz. "I’m proud to have long represented one of the nation’s most diverse Caribbean and Latin American diasporas, whose stories and struggles shape my commitment to democracy and justice abroad and at home. I will seize this opportunity to continue to champion human rights, lift the voices of those suffering under violent repression, and fight Trump's self-serving, America-last foreign policy. And I'm deeply grateful to Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and all my House Democratic colleagues for this vote of confidence."

Wasserman Schultz brings two decades of diplomatic and national security policy experience to this post. She has fought to restore Temporary Protected Status for Haitians as a member of the Haiti Caucus and advocated for Cuban political prisoners as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. She currently co-chairs the Congressional Venezuelan Democracy Caucus, Cuba Democracy Caucus, the Abraham Accords Caucus, and co-founded the Victims of Communism Caucus. Wasserman Schultz will retain her post as a Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on the Appropriations Committee. The Democratic Caucus added her to the Foreign Affairs Committee along with U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Wesley Bell (MO-01).

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Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Carol Miller (WV-1), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care.

Over 500,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD.

“PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.”

“Kidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Miller.

“Despite more than 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,” said Cleaver. “There are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.”

“Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,” said Bacon. “The PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”

“The introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation," said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “This bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country's leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.”

“The majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure — not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. “The PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.”

“The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. "Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.”

"The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation's kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD," said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. "It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community's recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.”

The PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology.

The bill text can be found here.

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Wasserman Schultz Shares Broward County Residents’ High-Cost Utility Struggles, Offers Legislative Solutions

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened Broward County residents to share how utility prices continue to squeeze families across South Florida, as electric, water, gas and other bills continue to climb, and she offered a raft of common-sense legislative solutions to bring these costs down.

“Congress can lower utility bills by passing legislation that caps excessive corporate profits and overcharges, and speeds up the deployment of low-cost clean energy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “We live in Florida, where sun, wind and water sources for clean, cheap energy are abundant. We did this kind of work in the Inflation Reduction Act. And we need to revive that, because Trump and this Republican Congress simply do not care about Americans’ monthly utility bills.”

During the press conference, Wasserman Schultz discussed her co-sponsorship of the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which cracks down on for-profit utility companies that make consumers pay for wasteful spending, huge profits margins, and unnecessary projects that raise residents’ bills. She also demanded stronger investments into clean energy, like wind and solar, and moving away from oil and gas reliance, priorities Democrats championed in the recent Inflation Reduction Act.

In recent months, Wasserman Schultz convened from local officials and Broward County residents who know first-hand about the high cost of housing, gas, and healthcare costs, while also proposing solutions to these issues.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Hollywood Commissioner Idelma Quintana, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, newlywed father of three Philmon Brown, and domestic violence survivor and mother of an adult son with disabilities Joy Seymour.

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Wasserman Schultz, Hinson Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Infant Formula and Donor Breast Milk

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act, bipartisan legislation that provides parents who are unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition with financial assistance to purchase infant formula and donor breast milk.

This legislation is named for Constance C. McDaniel, a mother, army veteran, and advocate who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer in 2025. While pregnant, Constance underwent chemotherapy, and after her child was born, she was unable to breastfeed because of her cancer treatment. Constance also learned her insurance did not cover the cost of infant formula, requiring her to pay out-of-pocket. She became involved with the Breasties and Bobbie for Changes to raise awareness and advocate for parents who cannot breastfeed due to a medical condition.

“For so many moms, the decision to breastfeed is one that is deeply personal, but too often, diseases like cancer take this choice away from them. It’s more important than ever that parents who need these nutritious products for their newborns out of medical necessity can get them,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I applaud Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, and the McDaniel family for their relentless advocacy on an issue that has gone overlooked for too long. I look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act becomes law.”

“As a mom, I can’t imagine the heartbreak of wanting to provide for your baby but being physically unable to breastfeed because of cancer, chronic illness, or another serious medical challenge,” said Hinson. “Yet, it is still too common - parents in those situations should be focused on caring for their child, not worrying about whether they can afford medically necessary formula or donor milk. This bipartisan bill is about supporting families during some of the hardest moments of their lives and making sure babies get the nutrition they need to thrive. I’m proud to work with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the moms and dads who brought this need to our attention.”

“Before we even had a product on the shelf, we said we’d fight like hell to fix this glaring gap, and today, we are bringing that fight to the halls of Congress,” said Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie and mom of four. “We always knew that sponsoring feeding journeys for these families was a temporary bridge. By taking this fight to Capitol Hill, we are moving beyond giveback and toward justice. We are proving that when private innovation and non-profit advocacy unite, we can create the kind of lasting, structural change that ensures no parent ever has to choose between their health and their baby’s nutrition again.”

“By collaborating with the members of Congress to draft this bill together, we’re taking our advocacy to the next level” said Allie Brumel, COO and Co-Founder of the Breasties and mom of two. “This is what long-lasting change looks like in practice: it’s the evolution of an urgent question into a piece of federal legislation that will hopefully outlast us all. We’re proving that when you build a community around a shared mission, you can create something far bigger than we ever could have imagined.”

“It borders impossible to put into words what transpired; the events, the timeline, the feelings, and what the consequences of all of that would be,” said Matt McDaniel, Connie’s husband and father of two. “Connie was on a mission and I’m so proud this bill will continue to honor her incredible legacy. I’m grateful for Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Hinson for hearing Connie’s story and turning it into action."

The full text of the bill can be found here.

This legislation is endorsed by Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, Brightspot Network, Chick Mission, Kasem, 4KiraforMoms, and Hope for PDCD Foundation.

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Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, led by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Nikema Williams (D-GA) proudly celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, and released the following statement:

"As we mark Jewish American Heritage Month this May, we honor generations of Jewish Americans whose faith, resilience, and leadership in all facets of American life have contributed to our nation's strength.

"We also recognize the historic bonds between Black and Jewish people in the United States, forged through our shared struggle for justice, civil rights, and equality under the law. The achievements of Black Jewish Americans like Rabbi Alysa Stanton, the first Black woman rabbi, are a point of pride for both communities.

"At a time of rising antisemitic and racist attacks, political violence, and cynical efforts to reverse decades of progress and undermine our democracy, this solidarity has never been more essential.

“This May, as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, we recommit to our mission of building cross-community collaboration, defeating hate in all forms, and fending off attacks on our fundamental rights as Americans."

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Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick(PA-1), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2) re-introduced the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), a critical piece of legislation which will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs of cancer survivors and their families.

This legislation is named for Lainie Jones, who faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and recently passed away due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, Jones found out she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome—a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to multiple cancers. She spent 13 years as an online advocate, encouraging followers to do self-checks and stay up to date with doctor visits.

“As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Wasserman Schultz, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.”

“Cancer survivorship is not an afterthought—it is part of the fight. A diagnosis changes a life in an instant, but for survivors and their families, the challenges often continue long after treatment ends. Our health care system must meet that reality with the same seriousness, coordination, and compassion we bring to fighting the disease itself. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act strengthens the continuum of care—from survivorship planning and care navigation to workforce support, education, and long-term follow-up—so survivors are not left to navigate life after cancer alone,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus.

“I know from firsthand experience as a cancer survivor the importance of quality care not just to beat cancer, but also to thrive in the years following a diagnosis. I am proud to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and my colleagues in leading this effort to set new standards of care that address the unique needs of cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare to ultimately improve their quality of life,” said DeSaulnier

"I am grateful to support all those recovering from breast cancer by joining my colleagues in leading the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act. Comprehensive postoperative care is critical to supporting patients. I am particularly appreciative of the medical professionals in South Carolina who worked with my daughter-in-law Jennifer Wilson to persevere against aggressive breast cancer. Jennifer's example to the women of South Carolina and elsewhere remains an inspiration,” said Wilson.

"The data is unambiguous: only one in three survivors receive a survivorship care plan, and that number is falling. At the same time, half of all survivors are experiencing financial hardship tied to their diagnosis,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Nation. “These are not statistics — they are the daily reality of 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act answers that reality with real solutions, from coverage of care planning and coordination to employment assistance to a payment model that rewards quality survivorship care. Cancer Nation has spent 40 years fighting for survivors' right to not just survive but thrive. This bill makes that possible, and we are proud to stand with Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Wilson, and DeSaulnier in demanding it."

“Following active treatment, cancer patients are faced with a transition to survivorship care that can be disjointed and difficult to navigate. There are nearly 19 million cancer survivors across the US. These individuals often face higher healthcare costs for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act creates pathways to address the financial challenges of cancer survivorship and maintain patients’ access to the health services needed to address the long-term effects of cancer, giving them the best chance of remaining cancer-free. We offer our enthusiastic support for this bill and urge Congress to pass it.”

“More than 521,000 childhood cancer survivors face a lifetime of health challenges due to their treatment. Many transition into primary care without a survivorship care plan and are unprepared for the significant health issues they may face, including hearing loss, infertility, and cardiac late effects,” said Steve Woshala, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Cancer Cause. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act helps address the specialized needs of this population through provisions such as Medicaid coverage to ease transitions of care.”

“Over the last 20 years, we have made tremendous strides in the treatment of lymphoma and many other blood cancers, as well as understanding the unique needs of cancer survivors,” said Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. "The Lymphoma Research Foundation commends Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, and Wilson for reintroducing the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act and recognizing that surviving cancer brings with it a set of physical, psychological, and financial needs that require ongoing attention and support. The Foundation is committed to the continued support of people with lymphoma and their care partners, to ensure that they not only survive but thrive in the face of a diagnosis.”

This legislation addresses:

Care Planning and Transition: Provides coverage to address the transition to primary care to help survivors develop personalized treatment care plans, standardizes processes, and consolidates treatments to guide survivorship monitoring and follow-up care;
Alternative Payment Model: Studies existing reimbursement landscape to develop an alternative payment model to ensure a coordinated approach to survivorship care across an episode of care, including the creation of comprehensive navigation services;
Quality of Care: Establishes grants to promote utilization of navigation, employment of risk-stratification, transition to primary care, utilization of care plans, potential use of at-home care, and better use of information technology for patient experience data;
Employment: Establishes employment assistance grants to help survivors, their families, and caregivers when faced with a range of workforce challenges; and
Education, Awareness: Creates resources for survivors and health professionals to promote early detection, preventive care and help providers provide high-quality services.

It also addresses innovation and technology use, long-term studies on cancer survivorship progress in the U.S., access to fertility and preservation services, and provisions concerning childhood and adolescent cancer.

Over 50 organizations have endorsed the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act:

Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+), Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Coalition, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, American Association for Cancer Research, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Blood Cancer United, The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Cactus Cancer Society, Cancer Awareness Network for Children, Inc., CancerCare, Cancer Nation, Cancer Support Community, Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Professionals Network (CSPN), Cervivor, Chemo Divas Foundation, Children's Cancer Cause, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer, Inc., Digestive Disease National Coalition, Emily Whitehead Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Head for the Cure, Hodgkin's International, I'm Not Done Yet Foundation, International Myeloma Foundation, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, LUNGevity Foundation, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, Man Up to Cancer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, The National Pancreas Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Nicole Cares Foundation, Nueva Vida, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Patient Empowerment Network, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Project Life, RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association, Sharsheret, Sisters Network Inc., Stupid Cancer, Inc., Susan G. Komen, Teen Cancer America, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Unite for HER, Worth the Wait, Young Survival Coalition, and ZERO Prostate Cancer.

The full bill text can be found here.

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Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Everglades Internment Camp’s Reported Closure

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on the reported closure of the Everglades Internment Camp, otherwise known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’:

"The Everglades internment camp’s closure is long overdue. This monument to cruelty, waste and environmental and tribal lands abuse should have never been built. At my surprise oversight inspection last month, I saw atrocious conditions that Florida taxpayers were forced to spend over $1 million a day on, just to cram people with no criminal history into cages and trample our sensitive Everglades.

"This camp isn't closing because ICE leaders found a conscience. It’s closing because the Trump Administration still refuses to pay back Florida taxpayers more than $1 billion in tax dollars they basically lit on fire. I’m proud to have fought it at every turn, in Congress, in court, and alongside environmental advocates, Miccosukee tribal leaders, human rights defenders, and ordinary Floridians who rejected this abomination.

"But this fight isn't done. Democrats will investigate this atrocity and demand accountability. We will keep fighting for reforms to stop ICE brutality and let law-abiding people live their lives."

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Wasserman Schultz Convenes Floridians, Small Business Owners to Sound the Alarm on Affordability

Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Pembroke Pines, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened residents and small business owners to share how high gas, grocery and housing costs continue to hurt South Florida families and small business owners, as Republicans plan to return to Washington this week to seek billions of taxpayer dollars to fund cruel mass deportations by ICE and a Trump ballroom.

Watch the livestream here. Backup video can be found here.

When she last highlighted this problem, a gallon of regular unleaded in Florida was $4.16. Just a month later, that price surged to nearly $4.50 per gallon, an eight percent increase.

During the press conference, Wasserman Schultz expressed support for the Gas Price Relief Act, which would suspend the 18.4-cent federal gas tax whenever the national average price of gas exceeds $4 per gallon and fully offset the lost revenue by redirecting roughly $30 billion in existing federal oil and gas subsidies into the fund.

She also expressed support for the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which would bar transmission providers and for-profit utilities from requiring consumers to pay for private jet rides, lobbying, and contributions to politicians, and it sets a national standard for a reasonable ‘Return on Equity,’ to clamp down on for-profit utilities charging consumers unreasonable rates.

“Americans struggle to afford food, gas, and healthcare, but Republicans ask taxpayers to pay $1 billion for a Trump ballroom,” said Wasserman Schultz. “With just the $210 billion that Republicans are gifting ICE and Border Patrol, we could extend the health care premium tax credits for at least 6 years, reverse the SNAP cuts from the Big Ugly Bill, fund a decade of free preschool for 4-year-olds, and fund the National School Lunch Program for a decade. We could fund Head Start for more than 15 years, we can restore the clean energy tax credits Republicans cut last year and expand rental and home buying assistance. That’s how you lower costs for South Florida families.”

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Vannuchi Brothers Pizza owner Michael Reiter, LifeNet4Families employee and single mother Renae Cameron, and retiree and mother of a son with autism Elaine Terner.

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Wasserman Schultz Convenes Housing Affordability Roundtable

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Dania Beach, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local elected leaders, housing advocates and residents facing skyrocketing housing costs to discuss possible solutions and reforms the affordability problem confronting nearly all Floridians when it comes to keeping a roof over their head.

Watch the full press conference here.

In Florida, the housing affordability crisis is driven primarily by an extreme shortage of homes, specifically the availability of affordable homes for renters at the lowest end of the income scale. For every 100 rental homes in the state, only 26 are both affordable and available on the market for low-income households.

“Too many families are one hospital visit from bankruptcy and view the American dream as unattainable. Affordable housing is critical to achieving that dream,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Working people need an affordable place to settle down to raise a family. I want to make Florida that place once again. I’ll take what I heard here back to Washington and use them to help fight for solutions.”

Wasserman Schultz is a member of the New Democrats Coalition, which has put forward a set of 14 bills that would address the housing crisis with a focus on boosting supply, incentivizing development, and positioning the government as a partner to put land to good use. It also includes financial products and incentives families can use to buy a home, not just to benefit investors.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, Dania Beach Commissioner Lori Lewellen, Broward County Housing Authority CEO Parnell Joyce, Broward County Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Ralph Stone, Broward Legal Aid Director Jeff Hittleman, Dania Beach Housing Board Member Doug Hasty, Housing Foundation of America Chair Chester Bishop, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, and LifeNet4Families client Freddy Bonilla.

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Wasserman Schultz Stands With TPS Recipients, Advocates to Call on Supreme Court to Defend TPS

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Plantation, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), joined Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients and immigration advocates to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to defend TPS after the court heard arguments in Miot v. Trump, a consolidated case challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria. This case also has significant implications for 1.3 million TPS holders of several nationalities across the country.

Watch the full press conference here.

“TPS holders earn work permits, pay taxes, and get zero government welfare. They pay into Medicare and Social Security and get nothing in return,” said Wasserman Schultz. “It does nobody any good to take good people out of the workforce, people who just came here to make a better life for their families.”

“These are families who are contributing to our workforce, caring for our elderly, supporting our local economies, and raising the next generation of Americans,” said Denise Brown, CEO of LifeNet4Families. “The question before us is simple: Do we continue to leave these families in limbo, or do we recognize their humanity, their contributions, and their right to stability?”

“Venezuelans have been living under the consequences of a decision from the Trump Administration that was abrupt, political, and disconnected from reality,” said Adelys Ferro, Venezuelan American Caucus Executive Director. “A decision that ignored a humanitarian crisis that has lasted over a decade. A decision that ignored the fact that Venezuela remains under a dictatorship where repression, corruption, persecution, and fear are still very much in place.”

“This Administration professes to uphold the rule of law. Few people symbolize respect for the rule of law more than TPS beneficiaries. Those who have been on TPS since 2010, it’s akin to being on probation for fifteen years and never violating it,” said Frandley Julien, an immigration attorney. “So those people, when you think of them, are law-abiding citizens. We cannot let the Administration commit such injustice against hard-working, law-abiding citizens.”

“Everything that I’ve known – all of my family, all of my relations – are in the United States,” said Nora Massenat, a Haitian TPS recipient. “I don’t want to end up uprooting all of the relationships and all of the things that I’ve built in the United States – that I’ve come to know and to love – to move to a country that is unsafe and uncertain, where I don’t have my family there.”

Wasserman Schultz led more than 180 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of the plaintiffs in this case. The brief urges the Court to preserve TPS protections, emphasizing the bipartisan support for TPS and the immense public interest served by TPS holders in Florida and across the United States. The brief also highlights how the TPS statute was intended to provide a safe haven for those who are fleeing violence abroad. The full amicus brief can be found here.

Wasserman Schultz is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 and has led several previous amicus briefs in support of Venezuelan and Haitian TPS recipients. She has also signed discharge petitions to force a vote on restoring TPS for Venezuelans and for Haitians, the latter of which, led by Rep. Pressley, secured the requisite 218 signatures and passed the House of Representatives.