The Deutch Dispatch

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Thanks to the tireless efforts of thousands of Floridians in making their voices heard, Senate Republican leadership appears to have put the Trumpcare vote on hold. My priority for healthcare reform will always be about keeping costs down and helping people get coverage. Unfortunately, the bill proposed by Senate Republican leadership would have increased out of pocket expenses, making middle-class families pay more for worse coverage. I'm going to continue opposing this terrible bill. I have also been sharing the stories of Floridians who would be impacted by the bill's devastating effects, including loss of coverage guarantees for individuals with pre-existing conditions, slashing Medicaid funds, and an age tax on consumers over age 50. You can watch these Trumpcare stories on my Facebook page. As always, I hope you'll continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me on social media and by emailing me on my website. Warm regards,

Protecting Voters' Privacy

Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) recently led members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation in asking Florida Governor Rick Scott to reject President Trump’s request for Florida’s voter information including names, addresses, party affiliation, electoral participation history, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers as part of the President’s thinly veiled attempt to block legitimate access to the right to vote. The letter was cosigned by Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Al Lawson (FL-5). “As you know, more than half of all states have declined to provide sensitive information about their states’ voters at the request of the bogus voter fraud commission President Trump established in spite of having no evidence whatsoever that widespread voter fraud has occurred in the United States. We expect you to treat Florida voters with the same respect by refusing to turn over their personal information,” the Members wrote. “We share your goal of ‘100 percent participation and zero percent fraud,’ and we hope that you will use your position to deliver this goal to Florida’s election systems. But this work must be done in a way that respects the privacy and due process rights of the state’s voters.” By making this overly broad and invasive request, the commission has been accused of politicizing voter information by even Republican election officials such as Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler. The commission’s actions are reminiscent of Governor Scott’s efforts to purge valid voters from Florida’s registration rolls in 2012. In their letter, the Members point out that even the State of Kansas has refused to provide all of the information requested by their own Secretary of State, who is vice chair of President Trump’s commission.

Strengthening Social Security

This week, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, a bill that would protect and extend the solvency of Social Security and ensure that today's seniors and future generations will continue to fully benefit from this program. The bill would remove the current cap on annual contributions, set at $127,200 in 2017, which allows high-income earners to stop paying into Social Security once they hit the limit, while ensuring that the greater the contribution, the greater the benefit earned. The bill also alters the formula used in determining cost-of-living adjustments to more accurately measure seniors’ costs of living. Additionally, the nonpartisan Office of the Chief Actuary estimates that this bill will successfully extend the solvency of Social Security to 2059, 25 years beyond its current ability to cover full benefits. “Social Security is a fundamental program that protects millions of American workers’ economic security. It protects retirees, people with disabilities, and families who have lost a breadwinner," said Deutch. "Yet, with President Trump willing to break his promise of protecting Social Security from cuts, and with ongoing threats to the program from Congressional Republicans, it’s more important than ever to fight for Social Security. We are standing with the American people who want Social Security protected and strengthened, not weakened. For many of my constituents, Social Security is the only thing keeping them from having to choose between medicine and a meal. Our bill bolsters Social Security to continue its success as the most efficient, effective, and popular promise we make to our fellow Americans.”

Calling for Russia Sanctions

In light of the disclosure of Donald Trump Jr.’s emails detailing his meeting with multiple individuals connected to the Russian government, Congressman Deutch is demanding that House Speaker Ryan bring up a vote on the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that passed in the Senate by a vote of 98-2. “When the Senate votes 98-2 on anything, it’s a safe bet that it’s a widely bipartisan and broadly accepted bill. This is not controversial; Russian officials involved in interfering in our elections last year must not be allowed to get away with it," said Deutch. "Especially in light of recent revelations that the Trump campaign met with Russian officials intent on swaying the election, Congress needs to show unity and impose sanctions for these very acts. Speaker Ryan needs to find his backbone to stand up to President Trump and let the House vote on this sanctions bill this week. It’s no surprise that the White House has voiced its opposition to this bill and tougher sanctions on Russia. Failure to act on this sanctions bill makes the Speaker complicit in the White House’s apparent efforts to repay Russia’s political favors.” You can watch Deutch's speech on the House floor here.

Ted in South Florida

Congressman Deutch recently joined Habitat For Humanity of Broward for the dedication of five new homes in Pompano Beach. Since its founding, the organization has built 416 affordable homes for families in the area. Deutch also recently hosted two Trademarks 101 roundtable events for small business leaders in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. He was joined by experts from the International Trademark Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Administration. Deutch is Co-Chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus. Congressman Deutch will host Town Hall meetings in South Florida during the Congressional district work period in August. Details will be included in the next edition of the Deutch Dispatch.