Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passage of 21st Century Cures Act

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement tonight after the passage of H.R. 34, the 21^st Century Cures Act:

“As a breast cancer survivor and a legislator, the 21^st Century Cures Act is deeply personal to me, because too many of my constituents and I have learned firsthand just how badly we need to find cures for deadly diseases like cancer. I am proud that this bill provides $1.8 billion in funding for Vice President Joe Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot,” which is yet another shining example of the Obama Administration’s determination to improve the health care of all Americans. This critical legislation will fuel the development of cancer vaccines and more sensitive diagnostic tests for cancer, immunotherapy and the development of combination therapies. Cancer affects people of every background and faith and this funding will go to urgently needed research, which is the only way for us to once and for all beat cancer. I am deeply grateful to Vice President Biden for his tireless advocacy on this issue.

“I also supported the 21^st Century Cures Act because of its $2 billion commitment to tackling our nation’s opioid epidemic. This epidemic is reaching dangerous levels across America, including in South Florida. Recent news reports found that the 12-month death total from heroin or opiate-related drug overdoses will exceed 800 people in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties, which should be alarming to every public official and citizen in our area. This bill provides critically-needed funding to combat the crisis in our community and hopefully save South Florida lives.

“This legislation, like most bills that pass Congress in this era of divided government, is not perfect. I share the concerns of my colleagues and advocates that the funds provided in this bill could be supplanted, in the years to come. As an Appropriator, I will hold my Republican colleagues and the incoming Administration accountable for protecting these funds. Additionally, this bill does not adequately address the rising cost of prescription drugs, which is alarming and needs a solution. However, I firmly believe this bill’s positives – billions of dollars in dedicated funding to speed up life-saving research and make greater progress in combatting disease – outweigh these concerns and do a substantial amount of good for those who need it the most.”

Tis the Season for Holiday Scams' Reports the FBI

The FBI sent out this news alert for the holiday season. 
Shoppers looking for a good deal this holiday season should also be aware of increasingly aggressive and creative scams designed by criminals to steal money and personal information. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Florida again ranked second in the number of alleged scam victims reported in 2015, with 20,306 consumers claiming a total loss of over $94.5 million. 
Online Shopping Scams: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Steer clear of unfamiliar sites. Read More

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Colombian Plane Crash

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Colombian Plane Crash

 Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement after a plane crashed in Colombia, killing at least 75 people:

“My heart goes out to the victims and the victims’ families of this heartbreaking and tragic airline disaster. There are no words today that can fully heal the loss of the victims’ loved ones and all of the fans and supporters of Chapecoense, a soccer team that had players traveling on board the plane. I join the people of Colombia and Brazil and every nation affected by this disaster in mourning this tragic loss. May the memory of those who lost their lives be a blessing.” 

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Nomination of Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary

 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after President-Elect Donald Trump tapped U.S. Rep. Tom Price (GA-06) to be U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services:

“The President-Elect is making it abundantly clear that he will attempt to dismantle the progress we have made under President Obama. As HHS Secretary, Congressman Price, an avowed opponent of the Affordable Care Act, will lead the charge to take health care away from the 20 million people who gained access to coverage thanks to Obamacare. He will drag us back to the dark times when 129 million Americans who live with a pre-existing condition like me, a breast cancer survivor, could be dropped or denied coverage.

“Congressman Price is also a national leader on turning Medicare, a bedrock program of our retirement safety net, into a voucher program that will leave our seniors paying thousands more for their health care. 

“Actions speak louder than the President-Elect's words. The nomination of U.S. Rep  Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services puts the most virulent opponent of ensuring that all Americans have access to health care in a position to jeopardize the health of millions of Americans. Congressman Price and President-Elect Trump have one goal in mind: break our nation’s promises to our seniors and go back to the days when millions of Americans went without health care coverage.”

Orchard Supply Hardware opens in weston

Orchard Supply Hardware believes that every neighborhood deserves a great hardware and garden store. This week, Orchard Supply Hardware opens its third store in South Florida. The latest location will give Weston-Sunrise residents the chance to experience a fun retail setting that inspires fast, fun projects and helps people keep their homes happy and humming, as well as reflective of their personal style.

The community is invited to the Weston Housewarming Party to meet Orchard Supply Hardware’s friendly, knowledgeable staff and tour the perfectly sized store that offers just the right product mix for small-scale home projects in a place that’s fun to shop. Also, during the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., neighbors will have the opportunity to craft their own snow globe, enjoy complimentary ice cream and shaved ice treats, and enter for the chance to win a mystery gift card while supplies last. In addition, guests will get a glimpse of and have the chance to take a photo with the Orchard Supply Hardware truck, a custom 1954 Chevy pick-up.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Orchard Supply Hardware

15900 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, FL 33326

GROCERY GIVEAWAY Sat, Dec 3, 2016 from 10 AM - 1 PM

GROCERY GIVEAWAY

Sat, Dec 3, 2016 from 10 AM - 1 PM
2640 N. 72nd, Ave., Hollywood, FL 33024

In the United States, one in six people struggle to get enough to eat.  Broward Sheriff Scott Israel wants to help fight hunger, so he’s partnered with the Wayne Barton Study Center’s Good News of Christ Ministries to distribute free food, via the Grocery Giveaway Food Distributions.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, December 3, 2016

Life Gate International Church

2640 N. 72nd Ave., Hollywood 

The goal of the event is to enhance the health, welfare and education of the community through healthy eating.  Participants are encouraged to bring bags and carts to fill with meat, produce, bread, dairy and frozen foods.  Everyone is welcome to attend this free community event.

The Wayne Barton Study Center was founded by former Boca Raton police officer Wayne Barton, who has created a safe recreation and education venue for youth to study, learn and play.

These Grocery Giveaways are taking place throughout South Florida.

For a complete schedule of the Broward County Grocery Giveaway, visit sheriff.org or call the Broward Sheriff’s Office Community Services Department at 954-831-8901.

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Fidel Castro

  U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after Cuban dictator Fidel Castro passed away at 90:

“Fidel Castro’s death ends his personal tyranny of the Cuban people and ushers in the possibility of a new era for Cuba. However, the legacy of his oppression continues today in Cuba and as we look ahead to the future, the Cuban government should hold free and fair elections that allow all Cubans a true voice in their government, fully embrace human rights, recognize opposition parties, cease imprisoning people for expressing their views and release all political prisoners. I look forward to working with the Cuban-American community and my colleagues to ensure a bright, prosperous and free future is a reality for all Cubans.”

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Thanksgiving

“Today, Americans of all backgrounds, cultures, faith traditions and orientations will come together to give thanks and spread love to their families, friends, and significant others.  It is in this time of gratitude that I reflect on the many people and values for which I am grateful  - family and friends, colleagues and constituents, freedom and fairness, humility and hope. More than ever before, it is crucial that we embrace the compassionate spirit of the holiday season. So as we come together today, we cannot be oblivious to the plight of this nation. We have an obligation to extend these values to all Americans, to show that division, hatred and bigotry will never outshine unity, love, tolerance and support for our fellow woman and man. I wish everyone a healthy, safe and meaningful holiday and a little more love and kindness in everyone's life.”

I have a lot of favorite Thanksgiving dinner table moments, but I look forward to the same one every year. You probably have a similar moment at your dinner table. Once the table is set, the food is out, and everyone is at peak hungriness -- no matter how eager Steve and my kids are to eat -- we go around the table and say what we’re thankful for. I can be a stickler for tradition! I’m always thankful for the health and happiness of my family and the opportunity to wake up and help other families as part of my job, but it never hurts to say it out loud. That’s why I love Thanksgiving. It gives us the chance to pause and remember what’s important and who’s important to us. Life can be hectic, but I hope you take the time today to slow down, relax, and enjoy hanging out with your family and friends. I know that’s what I’ll be doing. Of course, the food never hurts either. Cooking healthy but delicious food (it can be both, I promise!) is a hobby of mine, so Thanksgiving means game-on in the kitchen. I even sacrifice a little healthiness for taste just for one day. If you need ideas for a last-minute dish, visit my Instagram to see some of my favorite recipes. Well, I don’t want to take up any more of your time unwinding and spending time with loved ones. On behalf of my husband, Steve, the kids, and myself, have a healthy, and happy Thanksgiving. Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz: Farewell Medicare

Republicans have dreamt of this moment.

Americans have feared it.

With Donald Trump as our President-elect and Paul Ryan returning as Speaker of the House -- Republicans are ready to dismantle Medicare.

Speaker Ryan is looking to fulfill his long-held dream of shredding our social safety net, and Medicare will go first. His long-time “Ryan Plan” to turn Medicare into a voucher system could actually happen.

We have to stop the GOP from destroying Medicare as we know it. Sign the petition.

Many Americans do not know a world without Medicare. It has been a reliable and spectacularly effective program for more than a half a century. With Medicare, older and disabled Americans can afford access to necessary health care services without taking on crushing expenses.

Medicare is essentially a promise. With each paycheck, Americans contribute to Medicare throughout their working lives so it will be there when they reach retirement age and live on a fixed income.

Speaker Ryan wants to break this promise. He’ll give seniors vouchers to buy plans on the private insurance market, but if that voucher doesn’t fully cover costs -- tough luck. With the Ryan Plan, the next generation will be left to struggle with their medical bills in their golden years.

I’m a mother and a cancer survivor. Believe me when I say this: Your health and your family’s health is everything. Abolishing Medicare as we know it is a disastrous idea.

Make sure President-elect Trump, Speaker Ryan, and Republicans hear us: Add your name to protect Medicare.

These are battles we can’t afford to lose,

Debbie

Wasserman Schultz Leads Bipartisan Department Veteran Affairs Letter For In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) led a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald to support the adoption of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) coverage, specifically, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), as a covered benefit:

“As Members of Congress, we must uphold our commitment to care for the veterans who risked their lives to protect our essential freedoms. In passing the 2017 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act, the promise of comprehensive health care will finally include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for veterans who sustained a service-connected injury impacting their fertility. We now strongly urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to swiftly adopt and implement the necessary regulations to eliminate this longstanding gap and ensure permanent coverage and nationwide access to this important service,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

“The brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, and have been wounded in the line-of-duty, deserve the opportunity to start a family and the support of a grateful nation in that endeavor,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “I am pleased Congress enacted legislation to lift the ban on providing IVF treatment for service-connected veterans, but it is imperative that they have reliable and consistent access to this service year-to-year. That is why we strongly urge Secretary McDonald to support the intent of the law and ensure permanent and continued access to these critical health care services. Our nation’s veterans deserve no less.”

“After years of fighting to provide reproductive healthcare for wounded veterans who dream of becoming parents, earlier this year we successfully passed a provision to circumvent the 1992 ban on in vitro fertilization services for veterans,” said Larsen, a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee. “I will continue fighting to ensure swift implementation of the healthcare to which veterans are now entitled and for a permanent repeal of the ban,” said U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02).

After years of fighting to expand reproductive care for veterans, in September Larsen helped pass a provision in the Congressional spending bill to provide in vitro fertilization services for veterans for the first time since the 1992 ban was enacted.

The bipartisan letter has been signed by 46 Members of Congress.

The following groups have endorsed the letter: American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, AMVETS, American Urological Association, Blue Star Families, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Quality of Life Foundation, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, Service Women’s Action Network, The Veterans Health Council, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project.

The Electoral College And Its Racist Roots

One of the most confounding American qualities is our capacity to lie to ourselves about where things come from, or why that might matter today.

We’re really comfortable pretending that this nation’s most admirable ideals — especially the democracy that undergirds our system of government — is about freedom and liberty, and nothing else.

But of course, history intrudes, like a pest tapping you repeatedly on the shoulder, sometimes kicking you in the backside. And uncomfortable truths insist on rearing their heads, especially when it comes to the history of our democratic institutions.

The Electoral College is one of those institutions.

Its roots — and its profound influence on America's earliest presidential elections — sprouted from the South's determination to preserve its political power and the institution of slavery.

READ MORE......

2016 Broward State of the County is "Strong and Stable"

 Mayor Marty Kiar delivered the 2016State of the County Address on Tuesday and says the County's economic outlook is strong, stable and filled with "optimism" as we head into 2017.

The outgoing Mayor noted that in the past year, Commissioners dropped the property tax rate, opened new County buildings to better serve the public and completed a number of projects and programs aimed at strengthening the economy and protecting the environment.

"Broward County had the highest annual job growth rate in Florida. We added 8,700 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities. The financial services industry added an additional 3,500 jobs in the past year. Overall, job creation grew by 4.4 percent," said Mayor Kiar. Unemployment was also lower than the year before, and at 4.6 percent is the lowest in the tri-county area.

At the end of this fiscal year, the Broward Commission cut the property tax ad valorem rate by 1% to give homeowners with a homestead exemption a tax break. The Commission also approved an additional $25,000 homestead exemption in order to help low income senior citizens.

"The balanced Fiscal Year 2017 budget totaled $4.7 billion dollars with major future investments planned to expand and improve the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades and finance numerous capital projects that will provide jobs for years to come and increase our tax rolls," said Mayor Kiar.

Passengers arriving and departing from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport grew 8.7% in the first six months of the year with an estimated 29 million people expected to travel thru the airport by year's end. Emirates Airlines and British Airways will soon be offering flights from Broward County.

"The first scheduled commercial U.S. flight to Cuba in more than 50 years took place on JetBlue to Santa Clara this year and soon 100 weekly flights to Cuba will be offered on four different airlines, more than any other airport in the United States," said Kiar.

Broward County's Port Everglades set new records twice this year with more than 55,885 cruise passengers travelling to and from the seaport in a single day. On the cargo side, Port Everglades again exceeded one-million T-E-U's for the third year in a row, maintaining its status as Florida's number one container Port.

The overall success of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center and Visitors Bureau continues to create new jobs in Broward County and contributes billions of dollars to the local economy. In 2016, Broward County had the highest hotel occupancy in Florida during the first six months of the year. For the months of May, July and September, Broward had the highest hotel occupancy in history. Broward bed tax collections increased 6.2% year-over-year to nearly $61 million.

"We also have a lot to forward to as Broward County has been chosen to host the World Boxing Convention next month, the Governor's Conference in 2017 and the South Florida region will once again host the NFL Super Bowl in 2020," said Kiar.

Other noted accomplishments include the opening of the $16.5 million Animal Care and Adoption Center. Groundbreaking for the $20 million Broward Addiction and Recovery Center and completion of the Pembroke Road/I-75 overpass connecting the cities of Miramar and Pembroke Pines.

The $55-million shoreline protection program added 750,000 cubic yards of sand to widen and protect beaches in Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Fort Lauderdale. Commissioners also approved the PACE program to provide residents with financial assistance for energy related home improvements and approved the Climate Change Action Plan to prepare Broward County for the future economic, environmental and social impacts of climate change.

The 2016 Broward County State of the County Address can be viewed in its entirety here.

Broward Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Joint Statement from Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Frankel on Steve Bannon

 Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) issued the following joint statement today:

“President-Elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Senior Counselor is an incendiary decision that shows the President-Elect is not committed to healing our nation after a hard-fought and divisive election. Bannon is a leader of the “Alt-Right” Movement, a breeding ground for anti-Semitism, white nationalism, and bigotry, and his association with this movement should disqualify him to serve in the White House in any capacity. We do not simply disagree with Bannon’s legislative or political agenda and philosophy; we have grave misgivings about his professional career history, in which he provided a megaphone for intolerance and hatred of the diversity that makes our nation truly great. Bannon’s allies include the American Nazi Party, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and a variety of other white nationalist groups. As Jewish-American leaders and policy-makers, we cannot stand silently by while Steve Bannon assumes a senior position at the highest level of our government.  We call on President-Elect Trump, in the interest of all Americans, to withdraw his choice because rewarding anti-Semitism, bigotry and misogyny with such a position of power and influence is tantamount to embracing it.”

Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Passage of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act

 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the passage of H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act:

“Today I cast my vote in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that is intended to bolster the safety and security of the United States and her allies, including the Jewish state of Israel. It is critical that we have this sanctions infrastructure in place, so that Iran understands that we are carefully monitoring its performance under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that there will be serious consequences for any transgressions. By reauthorizing this important law, we will be able to hold Iran accountable for its actions, and ensure that there are sanctions in place to “snap back” in the event of any non-compliance by the Iranian regime. The safety and security of the United States and Israel are a top priority for me, and I am proud to have stood up for this priority tonight by casting my vote in support of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act.”

GROCERY GIVEAWAY 11/19/16

We are seeking volunteers  to assist in the distribution of donated groceries and foods, set up, cleanup  and breakdown on Saturday, November 19th, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM.  This grocery giveaway will be at Sanctuary Church, 1400 No. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. An event flyer is attached. This event is held in conjunction with Sheriff Scott Israel, the donated food is facilitated by Wayne Barton Ministries, and other sponsors are involved. These events are held all over the county and hundreds of people take part.    Please show up and give a few hours of your time.  Students you will receive Community Service hours from the St. Anthony Homeless Ministry. All volunteers must be teen aged or older. Any questions, please write back. Thank you for all you do! Michael Albetta Suzanne Weiss Saint Anthony Homeless Ministry FOR MORE INFORMATION GO HERE  CLICK PIC BELOW TO ENLARGE

LGBTQ Post-Election Tele-Town Hall Meeting

DATE: Tuesday November 15th
Time 7 pm 

CALL IN: (712) 770-4340
CALL IN VOIP: www.freeconferencing.com
ACCESS CODE: 479548

This call is designed for all supporters of LGBTQ equality -- feel free to share this info! You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists during the call.

Broward County Mayor to Deliver 2016 State of the County Address

 Broward County Mayor Marty Kiar will deliver the 2016 State of the County address on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at 2:00 PM in the County Commission Chambers, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 422, in Fort Lauderdale.

Following the State of the County Address, Commissioners will also say farewell to Mayor Kiar and Commissioner Lois Wexler. Mayor Kiar leaves his District 1 Commission seat after successfully being elected to serve as the new Broward County Property Appraiser. Commissioner Lois Wexler, was elected to represent District 5 in 2004 and has served a maximum term of twelve years in office.

The regularly scheduled Commission meeting takes place at the same location beginning at 10:00 AM.  For more information or to find a meeting agenda please visit broward.org/commission.

TODAY: Wear a Safety Pin

Please see below for a Dear Colleague letter led by Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Carson, Castro and Boyle to show communities around our country that we will defend racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, LGBTQ  individuals, and women against harassment, intimidation, and bullying as our country heals from a hard-fought election. More than 20 House Democrats have already said they’re joining the effort today – a big show of support on a busy morning here on the Hill.

Dear Colleague,

Today, as we return from a hard-fought election, it is critical that we come together to put people before politics and move our great nation forward. 

The peaceful transition of power is a building block of our democracy, and we cannot simply pay lip service to this important principle. But it is the diversity of our citizens that is the glue holding our democracy together, and it is what makes our nation a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, there are some who may not share or support these noble principles, and there are even some who have attempted to divide us through the harassment, intimidation, and bullying of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and women. We will work tirelessly to defend our most vulnerable from these attacks. We are better than their divisive efforts and we know there is more that unites us than divides us. 

With this in mind, when Speaker Ryan gavels us into session today, let us not take our pledge of allegiance for granted. As we begin our legislative day, let us recommit ourselves to serving an America that is truly “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In the wake of the legitimate fear that has been instilled in the hearts of too many of our fellow Americans, a symbol of safety, unity, and love has been advanced by wearing a safety pin on your lapel. We invite you and your staff to join us in fastening a safety pin to your clothing this week, as a demonstration that we stand for safety, healing and unity against bigotry, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and misogyny. Let’s go high by sending a message that we are a safe haven, a refuge, and a bulwark against hate.

Please join us in sending a strong message to those who may be in a state of fear that regardless of which political majority wins an election, the American majority stands against those who wish to divide us. Let us all stand in solidarity with those whose differences are what make our nation truly great. 

If you or your staff wish to join us in wearing a safety pin this week, please contact Rep. Wasserman Schultz’s office at 5-7931, or email sarah.farhadian@mail.house.gov, and we will ensure your office receives safety pins.

Sincerely,

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Member of Congress

André Carson
Member of Congress

Joaquin Castro
Member of Congress

Brendan F. Boyle
Member of Congress

Anti-Trump Protest Miami and other cities..

LIVE: Massive Anti-Trump Protest across US Cities for 4th Day

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OVER 2 HOURS OF VIDEO .






MORE VIDEO FROM WASHINGTON POST

LIFE OF JANET RENO TO BE CELEBRATED AT NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION'S WALK FOR PARKINSON'S IN MIAMI

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (NJ) will serve as the Grand Marshal of Moving Day Miami, a community walk sponsored by the National Parkinson Foundation and presented by Terranova Corporation.

The walk will commemorate the life of Janet Reno, a longtime friend, supporter and advocate for greater Parkinson’s research funding. This event will raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and funds to support local community grants to improve the lives of those living with PD.

The walk takes place at 9 a.m. Sunday, November 13, at Miami’s Museum Park.  

Senator Booker is committed to raising awareness of Parkinson’s in memory of his father, who suffered from the disease. In 2014, Sen. Booker filmed a public service announcement for NPF to raise awareness of the early warning signs of PD

“My mother was a caregiver to my father, who had Parkinson’s. That is why I am so thankful for organizations like NPF that offer support, strength and hope to people living with this terrible disease, as well as their families and caregivers.”- Sen. Cory Booker

She set an example for people living with Parkinson’s and she set an example for so many more to live life to the fullest, to be humble and to do the right thing. I will never forget how Janet comforted me when my parents were diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She is a legend to me and many.”- John W. Kozyak, Chairman of the Parkinson’s Foundation and personal friend of Reno: