Wasserman Schultz, Debbie RSS Articles

Wasserman Schultz, Van Duyne Introduce the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) introduced H.R. 8358 the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2026. This legislation extends the U.S. Postal Service’s authority to issue the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp for an additional 10 years, ensuring continued voluntary funding for breast cancer research. A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The Breast Cancer Research stamp has raised millions of dollars for lifesaving research while giving Americans a simple way to support the fight against breast cancer. With the current authorization set to expire in 2027, this bill ensures the program can continue supporting innovative research and advancing progress against one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States.

“I know what it's like to hear the dreaded words: 'you have breast cancer.' As a survivor, this fight is personal,” said Wasserman Schultz. “That's why I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research stamp program, which raised nearly $100 million for lifesaving studies at the Defense Department and NIH. Every stamp purchase is a commitment to beat this deadly disease.”

“The Breast Cancer Research stamp program proves that small actions can make a big difference, raising nearly $100 million for lifesaving research over the past three decades,” said Van Duyne. “I am glad to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to extend the program for another decade to give Americans an easy, voluntary way to support the fight against a disease that impacts 1 in 8 women.”

Wasserman Schultz and Van Duyne were joined by Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Steve Cohen (D-TN-9), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), John Garamendi (D-CA-8), and Doris Matsui (D-CA-7) in introducing the bill.

The bill was also supported by the Alliance for Women's Health and Prevention, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Women’s Association, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Breastcancer.org, Cancer Nation, CancerCare, Check for a Lump, DenseBreast-info, Inc., FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, HealthyWomen, Living Beyond, Breast Cancer, Livestrong, Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Inc., Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, Men Supporting Women With Cancer, METAvivor Research and Support, NAACP, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, National Black Nurses Association, National Cancer Registrars Association, National Consortium of Breast Centers, Nueva Vida, Oncology Nursing Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, SHARE Cancer Support, Society of Breast Imaging, Susan G. Komen, The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Unite for HER, and Young Survival Coalition.

“Susan G. Komen applauds the leadership of Senators Rosen and Moody and Congresswomen Van Duyne and Wasserman-Schultz in introducing legislation to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research Stamp and urge Congress to swiftly act. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation represents a critical opportunity to sustain a proven, innovative funding mechanism that has advanced lifesaving breast cancer research,” said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy for Susan G. Komen.“For almost three decades, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has raised nearly $98 million for breast cancer research—research that has led to significant progress in the detection and treatment of this disease but is still estimated to take the lives of 43,000 Americans in 2026 alone. Every dollar raised through the Breast Cancer Research Stamp can help advance needed discoveries and save more lives.”

“For decades, progress against breast cancer has depended on strong, sustained support for research. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp has empowered Americans to be part of that effort while helping generate critical funding for breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense medical research programs. Reauthorizing the stamp preserves a proven tool that raises awareness of breast cancer and helps fuel scientific innovation to improve treatment options and resources for patients, survivors, and those at high risk of the disease.” said Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS, Medical Director, Cancer Programs, American College of Surgeons.

Click HERE to read bill text.

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Wasserman Schultz, Frost Demand House Pass Measure to Extend Haiti TPS

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) joined Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus, and Rep. Laura Gillen (NY-04) for a press conference alongside colleagues and advocates calling for the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Last month, Rep. Pressley’s discharge petition successfully met the 218-signature threshold to move forward with bipartisan support.

Video of the press conference can be found here.

Also joining were House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Mike Lawler, Maria Praeli, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy at FWD.us, Joshua Bernstein, Director of Immigration, Service Employees International Union, Guerline Jozef, Executive Director, Haitian Bridge Alliance, and Patrice Lawrence, Co-Director, UndocuBlack Network.

“Haiti is overrun by criminal gangs, who kidnap women and girls, extort residents for protection money, and kill with impunity. We must preserve their TPS and protect their lives and safety,” said Wasserman Schultz. “As a descendent of immigrants who fled repression and antisemitism, I'll always fight for law-abiding immigrant families who fled desperate circumstances and who work hard, pay taxes, pass criminal background checks, and contribute to our economy and communities.”

“Extending TPS for Haiti is urgent and necessary,” said Frost. “I’ve been fighting to protect Haitian families in Central Florida because Haiti is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis marked by violence, instability, and a lack of basic safety. The House must act to protect these families, and the Senate must follow with the same urgency.”

“For Haitian nationals, these deportation threats are not policy. They are a death sentence,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24). “My constituents have done everything right, and I refuse to stand by while they are sent back into violence, instability, and fear. Haiti is not safe, and we all know it. This is a humanitarian crisis, and I am demanding immediate action to extend TPS, protect these families, and stand with Haiti. I will keep fighting with everything I have until these families are protected and this injustice is brought to an end.”

“Extending TPS for Haiti is not only the moral and humanitarian thing to do—it’s also good policy. It’s good for families, it’s good for our economy, and it’s good for America,” said Pressley. “Today the People’s House has an opportunity to pass our legislation to extend Haiti TPS and save lives. And we must do just that.”

"Before I came to Congress, I made a promise to our Haitian community in Nassau County on Long Island that I would use my voice and work with anyone to help protect this community and their existing legal status here in the United States,” said Gillen. “That’s why the very first bill I introduced was a bipartisan bill to extend TPS for Haitians. Without this protection, they will be forced to return to the horrors in Haiti. It has kept hard-working, law-abiding, and taxpaying members of our community from certain death. I am proud that, with the partnership of my Democratic and Republican colleagues, including Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Mike Lawler, we were able to advance a discharge petition on this issue. This week, I intend to pass the very first bill that I introduced in Congress and deliver on a promise that I made before taking office to protect TPS for Haiti.”

“Since the start of this administration, we’ve witnessed one attack after another on law-abiding immigrants,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5). “Families are being torn apart, and fear is becoming a twisted new norm across our communities. Extending TPS for our Haitian brothers and sisters would mark a crucial step toward reining in Trump’s terror. I’m deeply grateful to Reps. Pressley and Gillen for leading the fight to save lives, safeguard basic rights, and uphold the dignity our constituents deserve.”

"I am proud to fight alongside my colleagues who have refused to stand by as the 350,000 Haitian TPS holders, whom we have come to call our neighbors, friends, and loved ones, are forced back to the same humanitarian turmoil, gang violence, exploitation, chaos, and instability that they narrowly escaped with their lives. These families embody what it means to be good, decent Americans, and they deserve more than to be treated as numbers in Donald Trump’s deportation machine,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Temporary Protected Status is a promise. For the sake of our Haitian neighbors’ safety and futures, we must not break it.”

"Haitian TPS holders are our family members, neighbors, and friends. They are parents raising kids here. They are caregivers, coworkers, and essential workers who contribute to the places we all call home," said Maria Praeli, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy at FWD.us. "This bill isn’t just a statement about the conditions in Haiti, and the very real justification for continuing TPS. It is also about recognizing what TPS holders already contribute and making a decision that is in the best interest of our communities and our economy.”

“Many of SEIU’s Haitian members with TPS provide in-home long-term care for elderly or disabled U.S. citizens who face the prospect of losing trusted aides they have relied on for intimate assistance for months or years,” said Joshua Bernstein of SEIU at the press conference. “Others play critical roles in airports, hospitals, health clinics or elsewhere. They will be difficult and costly to replace, and America will be poorer for it, their families bereft, their co-workers and employers left to fend for themselves. We hope and expect that a majority [of congressmembers] will vote tomorrow to keep them in their jobs and free from deportation.”

“350,000 people at risk right now, and those are children who are afraid to go to school because they are afraid when they come back home, their mothers, their fathers will not be here,” said Guerline Jozef with Haitian Bridge Alliance at the press conference. “Where will you be? On the right side of history? Or continuing to cause trauma to people who aren’t asking for anything other than safety and protection? We stand in solidarity with the TPS holders, and we are pushing with Congresswoman Pressley and the entire 218 members who came and signed. We are demanding every member of Congress, regardless of which side of the aisle you find yourself, to stand on behalf of the right, human thing to do right now and provide TPS for those Haitians.”

“This is deeply personal for those of us that know what it's like to be vulnerable, for those of us who know what it's like to be living our lives in short increments—which TPS holders do of two years at a time—folks who are parents, folks who are students, folks who are advocates, folks who are caregivers,” said Patrice Lawrence with UndocuBlack Network at the press conference. “We deserve to give them more time, and that is what we can do today and tomorrow by making sure that we say ‘Yes’ to the votes. This is not about politics—this is about Haitian people, and it is the right thing to do no matter which color you represent.”

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Wasserman Schultz, Pressley, Markey, Van Hollen Lead Over 180 Democrats in Supreme Court Amicus Brief to Defend Temporary Protected Status

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Ayanna Pressley(MA-07), Sen. Edward Markey, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen led 26 Senators and 157 Representatives in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in Miot v. Trump, a consolidated case challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti and Syria. This case also has significant implications for 1.3 million TPS holders of several nationalities across the country.

“Our Haitian neighbors are dedicated parents, workers, caregivers, faith leaders, business owners, and children who strengthen our communities and are essential to our economy,” said Pressley. “Trump's attempts to end Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, Venezuela, Syria, and other nations in crisis is cruel, unlawful, and life-threatening for families across the country, which is why we’re using every tool available to push back. The Supreme Court must uphold the law and preserve these essential, life-saving protections for our neighbors.”

“The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is dire and worsening, and Haitian TPS holders are unable to return home safely,” said Markey. “As Donald Trump unlawfully strips this community of critical legal protections, we must protect the individuals who came to our country seeking safe harbor. We must also protect all TPS holders, who are deeply rooted in Massachusetts and in communities across the country—they are our friends, our family members, our neighbors, and our colleagues. We must not turn our backs on them now.”

“For thousands of Haitians and Syrians – many of whom have been living and working here legally for years after fleeing for their safety—being forced to leave the United States would put their lives and their livelihoods at grave risk. The Administration is asking the Supreme Court to disregard that danger, while also rubber-stamping the Administration’s effort to ignore Congressional intent around the TPS program as a whole—so they can terminate countries’ designations across the board to advance their mass deportation agenda. As this brief makes clear, the Supreme Court must stop this lawless Administration from carrying out politically motivated TPS cancellations—which will force countless people back to countries where it is unsafe to return,” said Van Hollen.

The full Amicus Brief can be found here.

In the brief, lawmakers urge 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 safe haven to protect those who are fleeing violence abroad.

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 to bring it to the House floor.

In the House, in addition to Wasserman Schultz and Pressley, the Amicus Brief was signed by:

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted W. Lieu (CA), Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO), Angie Craig (MN), Mark DeSaulnier (CA), Robert Garcia (CA), Jared Huffman (CA), James P. McGovern (MA), Gregory W. Meeks (NY), Joseph D. Morelle (NY), Richard Neal (MA), Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ), Jamie Raskin (MD), Adam Smith (WA), Bennie G. Thompson (MS), Nydia M Velazquez (NY), Maxine Waters (CA), Yvette D. Clarke (NY), Adriano Espaillat (NY), Grace Meng (NY), Gabe Amo (RI), Yassamin Ansari (AZ), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Becca Balint (VT), Nanette Barragán (CA), Joyce Beatty (OH), Wesley Bell (MO), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA), Suzanne Bonamici (OR), Shontel M. Brown (OH), Julia Brownley (CA), Janelle Bynum (OR), André Carson (IN), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA), Sean Casten (IL), Kathy Castor (FL), Joaquin Castro (TX), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL), Judy Chu (CA), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO), Herb Conaway Jr. (NJ), Joe Courtney (CT), Jasmine Crockett (TX), Jason Crow (CO), Danny Davis (IL), Diana DeGette (CO), Suzan DelBene (WA), Christopher Deluzio (PA), Maxine Dexter (OR), Debbie Dingell (MI), Lloyd Doggett (TX), Sarah Elfreth (MD), Veronica Escobar (TX), Dwight Evans (PA), Cleo Fields (LA), Shomari Figures (AL), Lizzie Fletcher (TX), Valerie Foushee (NC), Lois Frankel (FL), Laura Friedman (CA), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX), Laura Gillen (NY), Dan Goldman (NY), Jimmy Gomez (CA), Josh Gottheimer (NJ), Al Green (TX), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ), Jahana Hayes (CT), Jim Himes (CT), Steven A. Horsford (NV), Steny H. Hoyer (MD), Val T. Hoyle (OR), Glenn F. Ivey (MD), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL), Pramila Jayapal (WA), Henry C. ("Hank") Johnson, Jr. (GA), Julie Johnson (TX), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA), William R. Keating (MA), Robin L. Kelly (IL), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY), Ro Khanna (CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Greg Landsman (OH), John B. Larson (CT), Summer Lee (PA), Susie Lee (NV), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM), Mike Levin (CA), Sam Liccardo (CA), Stephen F. Lynch (MA), John W. Mannion (NY), Doris Matsui (CA), Lucy McBath (GA), Sarah McBride (DE), April McClain Delaney (MD), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA), Betty McCollum (MN), Morgan McGarvey (KY), LaMonica McIver (NJ), Christian Menefee (TX), Rob Menendez (NJ), Kweisi Mfume (MD), Dave Min (CA), Gwen S. Moore (WI), Jared Moskowitz (FL), Seth Moulton (MA), Frank J. Mrvan (IN), Kevin Mullin (CA), Jerrold Nadler (NY), Donald Norcross (NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Ilhan Omar (MN), Nancy Pelosi (CA), Scott H. Peters (CA), Brittany Pettersen (CO), Chellie Pingree (ME), Mark Pocan (WI), Nellie Pou (NJ), Mike Quigley (IL), Delia C Ramirez (IL), Luz Rivas (CA), Deborah Ross (NC), Andrea Salinas (OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA), Jan Schakowsky (IL), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL), Hillary Scholten MI), Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA), Terri Sewell (AL), Brad Sherman (CA), Lateefah Simon (CA), Darren Soto (FL), Greg Stanton (AZ), Haley Stevens (MI), Suhas Subramanyam (VA), Tom Suozzi (NY), Shri Thanedar (MI), Mike Thompson (CA), Dina Titus (NV), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Paul Tonko (NY), Norma J Torres (CA), Ritchie Torres (NY), Lori Trahan (MA), Juan Vargas (CA), Eugene Vindman (VA), James R. Walkinshaw (VA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), Nikema Williams (GA), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL).

In the Senate, in addition to Markey and Van Hollen, the Amicus Brief was signed by:

Angela Alsobrooks (MD), Michael F. Bennet (CO), Richard Blumenthal (CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Cory A. Booker (NJ), Maria Cantwell (WA), Christopher A. Coons (DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Tammy Duckworth (IL), Richard J. Durbin (IL), John Fetterman (PA), Ruben Gallego (AZ), John Hickenlooper (CO), Tim Kaine (VA), Mark Kelly (AZ), Andy Kim (NJ), Ben Ray Luján (NM), Alex Padilla (CA), Jack Reed (RI), Jacky Rosen (NV), Adam B. Schiff (CA), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Raphael Warnock (GA), Elizabeth Warren (MA), Peter Welch (VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI).

Wasserman Schultz Gathers Small Business Owners to Discuss Impact of Trump Tariffs

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Ft Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local small business owners to discuss how their companies and customers are impacted by high costs of materials and production because of tariffs levied by the Trump administration.

To watch the press conference, click here and here. For B-Roll, click here.

President Trump has quickly spiraled the American economy into recession by unilaterally starting a trade war with the rest of the world. Small businesses are disproportionately affected, operating on thinner margins and less likely to be able to navigate complex and onerous “reciprocal” tariffs with our largest trading partners.

“We need to make life easier for the folks brave enough to be their own boss and keep our economy running,” said Wasserman Schultz. “These are the folks who put our local values into the Florida economy, and I’ll do all I can to support them and save them from being crushed by Republicans’ massive tariffs.”

“Mi producto principal es mantequilla que trago de Francia... Yo pagaba como 83, 90 dolares una caja, hoy estoy pagando 213 dolares una caja,” said Owner of Lady Baker and LB Eatery Paula Marsola, “Entonces es muy dificil continuar un business cuando los principales productos tienen precios más altos.”

“We represent 121,000 jobs in this county alone and $9.98 billion, but that can all go away,” said President and CEO of Wards Marine Electric Kristina Hebert, “Boats have choices – where they want to go, where they want to receive their services and we need to keep those coming here. There’s a domino effect of all of that economic impact.”

“One does not just suddenly open a factory in the US and start making this specialized product here, like ‘poof.’ But it was like ‘poof’ that I suddenly began getting hit with the tariffs,” said Owner of VB Hose Clamps Valerie Bressler, “It has been about 4.5% of my annual revenues for the past year. For a small, sole proprietorship, that’s kind of a lot. We’re having to pass it along to the customers, we’re having to lower margins – it’s a difficult road.”

“Tariffs have had a domino effect. The cost of goods – when I look at my invoices from 2025 until now – range anywhere from 8 to 49% more,” said Juici Patties Franchisee Annette Kidd, “The domino effect of that is the impact it has on customers. They’re spending less because they have less to go out and eat with because their prices are more increased, and therefore you have less traffic coming through the store as well as less revenues – they’re spending less per ticket item.”

“Overnight we had to figure out how to finance paying tariffs within seven days, but then also to finance it from the thirty to sixty days it takes to get paid and to sell the flowers to the consumer,” said Executive VP of the Association of Floral Importers of America Christine Boldt, “Flowers are a luxury, and so it’s not something that everyone is going to all-of-the-sudden put into their cart if they’re worried about paying for milk and butter and bread and meat.”

“The tariffs are really scary for the gift basket industry. I know it’s scary for my business,” said Owner of Joyce’s Baskets Joyce Arrieta, “I’ve noticed a lot of the businesses that I purchase products from have went out of business, and the ones that are staying the prices are so high that they have to pass that along to us due to the tariffs. It makes it difficult for me as a small business owner to continue to pivot and make prices affordable for my online shoppers and clients.”

Impact of Trump Tariffs in Florida:

110,000 jobs in Florida rely on trade, most of which are in our flagship sectors like aerospace, agriculture, medical services, and port/trade logistics.
Florida’s $100 billion tourism industry has suffered as trade wars and ICE brutality reduce international visitor numbers by an estimated 8-12%
97% of U.S. importers are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Nearly half employ fewer than 50.
Florida businesses have been charged more than $5 billion since Trump illegally imposed tariffs on our biggest trading partners.
Florida households have paid nearly $2,000 extra over the last year for regular goods.
Even after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s illegal tax on Americans, the Administration has still refused to pay out more than $165 billion in tariff refunds.

Wasserman Schultz was also joined by Compass Logistics and Marine LLC Director of Maritime, Aviation, and Government Affairs Michelle Tororatua, COO of FHG Marine Engineering Kathleen Hagan, Owner of Sun and Fun Cycles Lenny Ivler, and Boston Proper VP of Planning and Strategy Chad Wong.

Wasserman Schultz Discusses Unannounced Everglades Detention Center Oversight Visit

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Ochopee, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced visit to conduct an oversight inspection of the Everglades Detention Center. Last summer, Democratic Members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation were given a sanitized tour of the site by Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and federal officials. Members promised to conduct an unannounced review of the site at a future date.

For B-Roll of the press conference, click here. For audio from the press call, click here.

“Like nine months ago, I came away with the reaction that this facility is inhumane, that the way the detainees are housed is cruel and unnecessary, that ICE is hiding behind Florida state agencies to avoid any obligation to treat people humanely, and that the cost of the facility itself is being hidden behind the state of Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “On many of the questions that I had about how decisions are made about, they said that I had to talk to someone from ICE – who was on the premises – but refused to talk to me following the tour.”

While in the facility, Wasserman Schultz saw an area with just under 1,500 detainees housed in cages. That area smelled of urine, was humid, and “wall-to-wall men.” Toilets and sinks were stained and dirty, and not private. Food marked as ‘fresh’ was nearly two weeks old and served in small portions.

Despite arguments in court that the facility is solely state-run and thus not subject to Federal humane detention standards, Wasserman Schultz was told ICE maintained an active daily presence at the facility. FDEM staff repeatedly deferred questions regarding day-to-day detention operations to ICE. Wasserman Schultz was also denied access to meet with detained people who had filled out privacy waivers in advance or to hear from them directly.

Wasserman Schultz has championed a provision in the Department of Homeland Security funding law that prohibits any Administration from using funds to prevent a Member of Congress from entering any facility where immigrants are detained. Detainees have reported being treated inhumanely, denied access to medication and medical treatment, being sent to a punishment cell, and more to Wasserman Schultz’s office. Wasserman Schultz previously visited the facility in July with fellow Members of Congress and state elected officials, but it was a state government-run tour that she described as “sanitized” and “whitewashed.”

The Everglades Detention Center has cost Florida taxpayers at least $640 million in state funding, and analysts have estimated that its operations cost $1.2 million per day and roughly $1.1 billion per year. Sixty-five percent of detainees do not have a criminal history and only 27 percent are categorized as ‘high threat’ by ICE.

Wasserman Schultz is the lead sponsor of legislation that would prohibit the use of federal funds to construct, reimburse, or operate any detention facility in the Everglades. The No Cages in the Everglades Act would also permanently codify the appropriations provision barring any Administration from preventing Members of Congress or their staff from conducting oversight visits at detention facilities, with no exceptions for facilities operated by State or local governments or by private contractors.

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Wasserman Schultz Delivers Federal Brain Cancer Treatment Funds to NSU

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Davie, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Nova Southeastern University (NSU) leaders, including the University President Dr. Harry Moon and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chad Perlyn, to announce $1.03 million in critical disease fighting funds she fought to secure that will improve the treatment of brain cancer.

To watch the press conference, click here. For B-Roll of the check presentation, click here.

This vital technology will allow researchers to develop an innovative drug delivery system that can directly target brain cancer cells.

“I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I was able to secure more than $1 million in federal funding for NSU to purchase equipment to learn how to better treat brain cancer,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Thankfully, NSU’s amazing researchers are working on solving this problem that’s plagued patients and doctors for decades. NSU’s team will use the federal funds I secured to target brain tumors with precision, while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.”

The brain has a natural defense system called the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a cellular layer that lines the brain blood vessels and tightly regulates what can enter the brain tissue. Therefore, the ability to get drug administered in the bloodstream to cross the blood-brain-barrier and reach the tumor at therapeutic levels is a major obstacle for most chemotherapies.

To overcome this obstacle, NSU’s Dr. Regina Graham (pink hair in photos) and her team are developing an innovative drug delivery system that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and directly target brain cancer cells. This approach uses tiny, non-toxic carbon nanoparticles called “carbon dots” to carry chemotherapy drugs directly to brain tumors.

This investment will help NSU and Dr. Graham obtain necessary efficacy and safety data on her new carbon dot drug formulations, improving her ability to translate her exciting findings to the clinical setting

Wasserman Schultz Sounds Alarm on High Gas Prices, Highlights Local Impacts

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Pembroke Pines, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined constituents and Teamsters Union representatives to sound the alarm on skyrocketing gas prices and highlight its impacts on the South Florida community.

To watch the press conference, click here.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Broward County AFL-CIO president and Teamsters Local 769 member Andy Madtes, Teamsters Local 769 member Josh Zivalich, small business owner Julie Pray, and private music teacher Cari Barter. Teamsters leaders discussed how the hikes harm members, and Pray shared how she was forced to close her small business due to high gas prices. Barter has been forced to give up on students who live farther away and has had to cancel doctors appointments for her special needs children because of skyrocketing fuel costs.

“Life is too expensive. Food prices are up. Rent and home insurance costs keep climbing. Healthcare costs – if you can even afford coverage at all – are doubling and tripling for some of us,” said Wasserman Schultz. “And now I fear this war against Iran is only going to make matters worse on our families as gas prices take a bigger bite out of family and small business budgets. Worse, rising diesel costs will drive up food prices our community just cannot afford right now. I’ll fight for solutions, like raising wages, and crackdowns on price gouging by oil companies.”

Since President Trump launched his war in Iran without Congressional approval, Americans are paying 35 percent more at the pump, and escalating diesel fuel, fertilizer and other rising costs from the conflict are driving up prices all Americans must pay.

Though Trump campaigned on a pledge to lower prices, gasoline alone has spiked to more than $4 a gallon since the start of Trump’s war. Now, families must deal with high gas prices on top of other rising food, housing, and healthcare costs from Trump’s chaotic tariffs and corrupt economic policies that favor billionaires over working families.

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Wasserman Schultz Delivers $1 Million Federal Investment for Fort Lauderdale Public Safety Training Complex

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Police Chief Bill Schultz, Fire Chief Stephen Gollan, and Fort Lauderdale Commissioners Ben Sorensen and Pam Beasley-Pittman to announce a $1 million federal investment she secured to help build the Fort Lauderdale Public Safety Training and Professional Development Complex.

The funding marks a major step forward in building a state-of-the-art training hub for police, fire and regional first responders. This federal investment is aimed at strengthening emergency response and protecting residents and visitors.

“My top priority is to keep our families safe. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure our first responders get consistent, high-level training,” said Wasserman Schultz. “So, I'm extremely proud to partner with City of Fort Lauderdale leaders to deliver this cutting-edge professional development facility. It's a critical investment to better protect our community and visitors.”

“Public safety is the foundation of a strong city,” said Trantalis. “This investment is a step toward building the kind of modern, world-class training facility our first responders deserve.”

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in Broward County, with a current professional staff of over 700 personnel and yet it does not have a training facility that can accommodate the class size and/or variety of training needs required.

FLPD does not have adequate space to conduct all the trainings that are required to fully prepare and equip an officer with the tools and skills needed. FLPD Training personnel must rely on other facilities to rent space and work around their availability to schedule classes. This generally leads to facility rental costs, facility staff costs, costs associated with overtime for the officers being trained, as well as for overtime for officers to backfill positions when fellow officers are in scheduled training.

The tri-county area currently lacks a comprehensive facility that can provide a ‘one stop shop’ for both new recruits and experienced personnel that prepares them to be a first responder of the 21st century. Local police agencies must wait for availability to enroll new recruits in the police academy and there is usually insufficient availability for career enhancement courses, like the introduction to investigations.

The training complex will be located less than 30 minutes from both the international and executive airports, Port Everglades and Brightline and Tri-Rail. Regional police and fire departments, as well as federal and state law enforcement, will also be able to utilize the state-of-the-art facility.

Wasserman Schultz, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make IVF Affordable

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the bipartisan Helping to Optimize Patients' Experience (HOPE) with Fertility Services Act to expand access to infertility diagnosis, treatment, and fertility services for Americans seeking to start or grow their families. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined as co-leads of the bill.

To watch the press conference, click here. For B-Roll, click here.

The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would require group health plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services. This includes individuals diagnosed with conditions that prevent conception or carrying a pregnancy to term, those experiencing unexplained infertility, and patients whose fertility is at risk due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other invasive procedures.

“Infertility impacts millions and doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone who wants to start or grow a family. I know firsthand. Thanks to IVF, my husband and I conceived our twins, now both healthy young adults. But after enduring that struggle, I’ve fought to expand insurance coverage for the prohibitively costly fertility treatments that can make this only accessible to the very few who can afford it.” said Wasserman Schultz. “As a breast cancer survivor, I’m also concerned with how a diagnosis, and treatments can affect survivors’ ability to conceive or even prevent cancer from being genetically passed on. So, for many survivors with a BRCA gene mutation, like me, IVF can be a godsend.”

“As a father of six, I'll never have a more important title than 'Dad.' Starting a family is one of the biggest dreams couples have, and no one should be denied that opportunity because of infertility, cancer treatments, or cost,” said Nunn. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes sure that fertility care is within reach for every family — not just those who can afford it or happen to have the right insurance plan. This isn't a Republican or Democrat idea — it's an American one, and I'm proud of the strong bipartisan support behind it.”

“My grandkids are one of the greatest joys of my life and they wouldn’t be here today without fertility services. The average cost of IVF treatment can cost anywhere between $15,000-$30,000 and most insurance plans are not required to cover this cost,” said Norcross. “The HOPE with Fertility Services Act makes starting a family possible for the millions of Americans across the country who struggle to bring a child into our world. I won’t ever stop fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all who need it.”

“For millions of Americans, the ability to build a family is deeply personal—but too often, it is made unnecessarily difficult by cost and limited access to care,” said Lee. “Infertility affects families in every corner of our country, regardless of background or income, yet access to treatment too often depends on those very factors—and that is not acceptable. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act is about changing that by ensuring families have a real opportunity—not just in theory, but in practice—to grow and thrive. This bipartisan legislation gives Americans what they deserve: the chance to pursue the American Dream and the hope of becoming parents. Strong families are the foundation of a strong nation, and this bill is an investment in the future of our country."

“So many loving couples want to start a family but struggle with infertility. With soaring out-of-pocket costs for in vitro treatment and other fertility care, Americans are oftentimes prevented from being able to have children,” said Malliotakis. “Even for Americans with health insurance plans that provide some coverage, this critical treatment can be cost-prohibitive. This legislation would expand coverage and provide access to fertility treatments for millions of Americans who dream of expanding their family but have faced difficulties due to disease, ailment or unexplained infertility.”

“Infertility affects 1 in 6 people, yet the majority of private insurance plans do not cover fertility treatment, leaving patients to face costs that often put parenthood out of reach,” said Danielle Melfi, CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association. “No one should be denied the chance to build a family because of a lack of insurance coverage. The HOPE with Fertility Services Act would help address these gaps by expanding coverage for 133 million Americans who have private sector employer-sponsored health plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Our team at RESOLVE is encouraged to see Congressman Nunn and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz leading the charge on legislation that could help ease the financial burden for parents on their journey to building the families of their dreams.”

“After losing our first son to Krabbe Disease, IVF gave us hope and the chance to have a healthy child,” said Kasey Feldt, a patient-advocate. “Our insurance didn’t cover IVF, so we used our savings to pay out-of-pocket, and every shot, procedure, and dollar was worth it to bring our sons Lukas and Harper into the world. Access to fertility treatment shouldn’t depend on what someone can afford, having insurance coverage can make all the difference for people trying to build their families. I’m excited to see lawmakers taking the steps to make that a reality.”

"As infertility doctors, one of the greatest challenges we face is the ability to diagnose a condition that we cannot treat because a patient lacks insurance coverage,” said Dr. Valerie Lynn Baker, MD, Member of the ASRM Board of Directors and 2024 PRIMED Scholar. “Simply put, other diseases are not approached this way. Without coverage, patients are often driven towards riskier, more costly treatment options that can lead to downstream health complications for both the pregnant person and baby. We sincerely thank Representatives Nunn and Wasserman Schultz for their leadership on the HOPE with Fertility Services Act—because when IVF is covered, physicians can truly provide patient-centered care."

"Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization, and it is time we treat it that way,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer. “At ASRM, we firmly believe that access to care should never depend on a person’s ability to pay—every patient who needs care should be able to receive it. Yet without comprehensive insurance coverage, that is too often not the reality. We applaud Representatives Nunn and Wasserman Schultz for recognizing the gap in IVF coverage and the need for a federal ERISA plan mandate. If enacted, the HOPE with Fertility Services Act will help ensure that approximately 133 million Americans with ERISA employer-sponsored health plans have access to the care they need to build the families they choose."

“For too many American families, the dream of having a child is limited not by medical possibility, but by financial barriers,” said Dr. Joshua Klein, Americans for IVF Advisory Board Member. “As a physician, I see every day how access to IVF can be life-changing—and how devastating it is when that access is out of reach. The HOPE Act is a critical step toward ensuring that building a family is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a possibility for all Americans who need it.”

“Infertility is a recognized disease that aligns with federal chronic disease frameworks, and fertility care is medically necessary chronic disease management,” said Davina Fankhauser, Fertility Within Reach. “By collaborating with actuaries, we demonstrated that evidence-based coverage can reduce projected costs by billions while ensuring patients receive timely, medically appropriate care—free from arbitrary insurance barriers. The HOPE Act expands access nationwide, extends coverage to self-insured employer plans, and holds insurers accountable to modern medical standards, delivering measurable benefits for families, employers, and the economy—especially for the 1 in 6 Americans affected by infertility.”

The HOPE with Fertility Services Act is cosponsored by Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Young Kim (CA-40), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Greg Landsman (OH-01). The bill is endorsed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, the Tzedek Association, and Americans for IVF.

Wasserman Schultz Convenes Jewish, Law Enforcement Leaders to Bolster Security at Houses of Worship and Community Centers

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Davie, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local law enforcement and Jewish faith and community leaders at the David Posnack JCC to discuss how to keep houses of worship and communal spaces safer for congregants, children, and families.

To watch the press conference, click here.

Last Thursday, the Jewish community came under attack once again, this time in West Bloomfield Township, MI., after a man drove a vehicle through doors of Temple Israel. In recent months, similar assaults took place at synagogues and Jewish centers in Los Angeles, Jackson, Miss., Brooklyn and Toronto.

“Hurt, frustrated and confused people become radicalized. And all too often, it’s religious minorities who bear the cost,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Protecting houses of worship is necessary but not sufficient. We need to attack the root cause – anti-Jewish hatred – by educating ourselves and holding our leaders accountable.”

Under the Trump Administration, the Department of Homeland Security has imposed arbitrary, politicized restrictions on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that have generated confusion and delays. In a letter last week, Wasserman Schultz highlighted bipartisan concern regarding long-overdue reimbursements for Nonprofit Security Grant Recipients, writing that “[f]aith-based institutions and community organizations at risk of attack must be able to access security funds without delay.”

The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has also harmed allocation of these grants. Democrats in the House and Senate have introduced bills to fund the Department of Homeland Security in full, including FEMA, which administers Nonprofit Security Grants, except for ICE and CBP. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans have blocked these bills, illustrating their preference to shut down the whole department rather than negotiate with Democrats to implement common-sense immigration enforcement reforms.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by representatives from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), BSO Cooper City District, BSO Dania Beach District, BSO Weston District, Davie Police Department, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Hallandale Beach Police Department, Pembroke Pines Police Department, Plantation Police Department, Chabad of Southwest Broward, David Posnack Jewish Community Center, Jewish federation of Broward County, Ramat Shalom Beth Israel, Secure Community Network, Temple Beth Am, Temple Dor Dorim, Temple Solel, and Young Israel of Hollywood.

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