Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Representing the 20th Congressional District of Florida
All Columns
Medicare Open Enrollment for Prescription Drugs is Going on NOW
November 15, 2010The end of the year brings with it many beloved annual traditions. As the holiday season begins, it is also important to consider your health care and prescription drug needs for the coming year.Nov. 15 marked the beginning of the...
Strengthening Medicare and Americans’ health care go hand in hand
September 16, 2010By Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman SchultzIt is hard to believe that fall is upon us. Summer brought me more time with my family and more time talking with South Floridians about the challenges we’re facing. People are definitely telling me that...
Learning From The Oil Spill: How To Move America Forward
June 10, 2010As we’ve seen over the last two months, oil is an important, dangerous, and troublesome part of this economy and our lives. The BP oil spill that began in April has shown us the danger of offshore drilling specifically, and...
May Is Jewish American Heritage Month
May 14, 2010This May marks the United States’ fifth annual celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions Jewish Americans have made and continue to make in American culture and society.As South Floridians, we should...
Seniors To Benefit From New Health Reform Law
April 1, 2010America’s “Greatest Generation” has truly seen the ups and downs of the last century. Through the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights era, and the Great Society, our seniors have faced hardships and worked to defend and build...
Working for our Senior Citizens
March 1, 2010Like so many Americans today, our seniors in Florida are struggling. They are worried about the present and the future. I have spoken to many people at senior centers around my district, at town halls I’ve hosted, or even in...
The Recovery Act, One Year Later
February 1, 2010On the anniversary of the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (commonly referred to as the Stimulus), it is time to take stock of its impact on Florida and our nation as a whole. One year in, the...
Building on Our Progress
January 1, 2010As a new year commences, it is important to reflect on the progress of the 111th Democratic-led Congress in 2009 as well as look forward to what’s ahead in 2010. Over the last year the House of Representatives passed many...
Great News!
November 1, 2009Great news! Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives took a monumental step toward achieving security and stability for American families – We passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This is GREAT NEWS for the 46 million Americans who...
Give this column to a woman you love
October 1, 2009In the ten seconds it took you to read this far, you could be scheduling a mammogram.By now, you could be teaching your daughter about breast self awareness. And in the thirty seconds it took you to read up to here,...
This is meant to scare you (again)
September 1, 2009(Washington, DC) -- The voice on an old record is urging listeners to write members of Congress and ask them to oppose this legislation…"And if you don´t do this and if I don´t do it, one of these days...
Providing the Best Health Care in the World For EVERY American
July 1, 2009(Washington, DC) -- Every day, injured and sick Floridians worry about whether they will be able to get better—and whether they can afford to. Millions of Americans across the country wonder if they can even continue to pay for...
It's Time To Protect the Average American Consumer
June 1, 2009In this time of economic hardship, helping Americans is more important than ever. The people of the United States keep this country strong by participating in our economy and they deserve to have their rights protected—to feel safe in...
10 Things You Didn't Know About Jewish Americans
May 5, 2009(Washington, DC) -- For the last several years, the contributions of American Jews to American history have been recognized in the month of May, better known as Jewish American Heritage Month. The purpose of Jewish American Heritage Month is...
Educating Young Women about Breast Cancer - EARLY is the Key
April 1, 2009Breast cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries. It strikes women from all backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, the rich and the poor, the old and the young.Yes, you did read that last part correctly. Despite the perception, young...
Helping Families Saves Their Homes
March 1, 2009Foreclosure rates are now approaching levels not seen since the Great Depression and Florida families are hurting. Florida currently has the second-highest number of foreclosed homes in the country. Since January, more than 4,200 Florida families have lost their...
Why Floridians Need the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
February 1, 2009America is facing its greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. The signs are everywhere and Americans from all walks of life are feeling the impact. A staggering 2.6 million American jobs were lost in the last year of...
Our Nation Needs Action Now
January 1, 2009(Washington, DC) -- It’s the dawn of a new day in Washington D.C. and around our great nation. For the past eight years many Americans have felt neglected, even damaged by the current Presidential administration. Together the 111th Congress...
Tough Economic Times Calls For Tough Medicine
October 3, 2008For the last several months our economy has been hit by a perfect storm. We've seen the cost of gas skyrocket to around $4 a gallon. Prices are up at your local grocery store. Then, the middle of September...
I Want Your Children to Be Safe Online
September 1, 2008(Washington, DC) -- Although I am very proud to represent South Florida in Congress, the job I am most proud of – the job closest to my heart – is being a mother to my 9-year-old twins and my...
Save a child's life at the pool
August 1, 2008(Washington, DC) -- With only a couple of weeks left before school starts many families will be spending time around the pool. Whether you are a Mom, Dad, or Grandparent, it’s important that you know how to keep your...
Gas Prices - Drilling off of Florida's Coast is not the Answer
July 1, 2008(Weston, FL) -- About a week ago, I was driving my daughter to diving practice when I saw the gas gauge on my minivan getting close to E. I dreaded pulling into the gas station with gas prices over...
Recognizing Local Contributions during Jewish American Heritage Month
May 1, 2008(Washington, DC) -- May is the month the nation recognizes the contributions made by American Jews. Jewish American Heritage month was first recognized in 2006 after legislation was adopted that U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and I initiated. For the 3rd...
Make Sure You Get Your Check From The Government
April 1, 2008(Washington, DC) -- With costs going up on everything from gasoline to bread, I voted along with an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in support of the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People...
Record Voter Turnout Shows The Power Of Democracy
March 1, 2008(Washington, DC) -- The 2008 primary season in America has shattered previous voter turnout records. In our own state, even though the national parties established a punitive, disgraceful, disenfranchising policy for our delegates, Florida had a record turnout of...
Economic Stimulus Aims To Help South Florida Families
February 8, 2008(Weston, FL) -- The other day I was struck by just how much costs have gone up for South Florida families. I’d just filled up my mini-van, which in Weston set me back $3.10 a gallon –almost $60 right...
Working Together We Can Get America Back On Track
January 1, 2008(Washington, DC) -- Reading the newspaper or watching the news on T.V. has been a bit harrowing lately. There is no question that the economic news is bleak and the threats from abroad are growing. In my job, I...
America Takes a New Direction
January 1, 2008Now that 2008 is here, I cannot help but reflect on the progress of the past year in Congress. Despite obstacles created by several Presidential vetoes, the New Direction Congress passed 130 key measures, seventy percent of which had...
Putting the American People First
November 1, 2007We are one year from the historic elections of 2006 in which Americans demanded a new direction for America. This is what Democrats pledged to the American people when they took control of Congress in January of this year,...
Three Ways I’m Fighting For Children
October 1, 2007(Washington, DC) -- As I travel the 20th Congressional District, I have noticed a recurring theme when I talk to constituents. Whether I talk to a senior in the supermarket or a young parent at my children's ballgames, the...
Implementing the 9/11 Commission Report for a Safer America
September 1, 2007(Washington, DC) -- September 11, 2007 marks six years after one of the darkest days in our nation’s history.It really is hard for me to believe that it has been six years. It is only when my twins, now...
A New Direction For America
August 1, 2007August is here, and if you’re like me, you are scratching your head and asking how it is that summer is almost over. As I reflect back on the first seven months of 2007, I wanted to take this...
Let Me Help You: How My District Office Serves You
July 1, 2007As your Congresswoman, my job is to not only represent my constituents, but assist you in all matters pertaining to the federal government. Because it may not always be clear how a Congressional Office can provide you support, I would...
2007 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
June 1, 2007(Washington, DC) -- The first of June is the first day of hurricane season, which lasts until November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has projected a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above...
May, a month to recognize the cultural contributions of American Jews
May 1, 2007(Washington, DC) -- The cultural contributions of American Jews will be recognized throughout the month of May, as the United States officially recognizes the second annual Jewish American Heritage Month. The purpose of Jewish American Heritage Month is to promote...
Celebrating our Environment: Earth Day Begins With You
April 1, 2007(Washington, DC) -- Thirty seven years ago, twenty million Americans participated in the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. What started as a day of environmental awareness has evolved into a world-wide observance by more than 500 million...
Setting the Table for a New Generation of Women
March 1, 2007Twenty years ago, Congress declared that March would be Women's History Month. For the past 19 years, this month has been a time to draw special attention to the contributions women have made to our nation's growth and culture. ...
Iraq: Escalation of current conflict is not the answer
February 1, 2007Our nation is at a crossroads in Iraq. The recently released National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq confirmed the concern of most Americans that the violence in that country is a result of the battles between religious groups, sects...
New Year and New Congress Puts America First In Washington
January 1, 2007The New Year brings many changes to Washington and to my role as a member of Congress representing the 20th Congressional District in South Florida. The American people cast their votes for change on November 7th. They voted...
This G.I.F.T. adds up: Inspiring Charity Throughout the Community
January 1, 2007While a charitable spirit is one that should exist within us all year around, the holiday season is an important time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. As gift-buying and giving increases, so should our philanthropic activity. To...
Honoring Veterans
November 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- We come together on November 11th to remember and honor the selfless sacrifice of those who have served our country. Every American owes our veterans, both current and future, a debt of gratitude. To all those...
Breast Cancer Awareness: Making Strides to Save Lives
October 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- This past September, thousands of cancer survivors from all fifty states gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for the American Cancer Society's Celebration on the Hill 2006. Survivors and volunteers from across the country...
Medicare Part D – Time for a New Direction
September 1, 2006(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Medicare Part D, the nine-month old prescription drug program in Medicare, is broken and in my opinion, needs to be scrapped, and replaced with a program that puts seniors' interests first. But before I get...
National Insurance Crisis Threatens the Economy of Florida
August 1, 2006Every year, Floridians must endure the financial and emotional distress that arises from each hurricane season. We are accustomed to dealing with natural disasters, but now we must battle a different kind of disaster: the private insurance market. ...
The Politics of Distraction Hurts Every Floridian
July 5, 2006(Washington, DC) -- As I enjoyed the Fourth of July with my family this year, I thought about what an incredible nation we live in, a bold experiment in governance by the people that has lasted 230 years and,...
Hurricane Season is Here. Do You Have A Plan Of Action?
June 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- As hard as it is to believe, June 1st marked the beginning of yet another hurricane season and every indication is that we are all in for above-normal storm activity. Last year we were caught...
Pool Safety – Protecting Our Kids is a National Issue
May 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- We all look forward to the joys of summer when the days are longer and we can enjoy relaxing around our pools with family and friends. Unfortunately, in an instant, this oasis of beauty, pleasure and...
Act Fast To Avoid Medicare Rx Drug Plan Penalty
April 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- The Miami Herald called it, "an unmitigated disaster." A Sun-Sentinel headline blared, "Medicare drug plan failing many so far." Everyday my office receives phone calls from seniors who are disappointed, confused, and angry with the...
U.S. Port Security Problems Run Deeper Than U.A.E. Ports Deal
March 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- You've seen it on T.V., heard it on the radio and read it in the paper; the Bush administration set a dangerous precedent by rushing to approve a deal that would put a foreign government in...
The 2007 Budget – Broken Promises and more Debt for our Children and Grandchildren
February 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- Living in an area that was hit over and over again by one hurricane after another, we understand that there are thousands of families in Florida still suffering from the devastation wrought by the 2005 hurricane...
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR OUR NATION
January 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- As we stand on the threshold of 2006, people across South Florida and America are quietly contemplating their resolutions for the new year. According to recent polling, 49% of Americans have lost confidence in their government. ...
This ‘G.I.F.T’ adds up: Inspiring Charity Throughout the Community
January 1, 2006(Washington, DC) -- While a charitable spirit is one that should exist within us all year around, the holiday season is an important time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. As gift-buying and giving increases, so should our...
South Florida Braces Itself for Traumatic Cleanup After Hurricane Wilma
November 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- South Florida was hit hard by Hurricane Wilma. We still have thousands of residents who have no power and many have been left homeless due to Wilma's wrath. But in the face of disaster, I...
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
October 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- Today, more than ever, medical professionals are relying on new drug therapies to treat chronic conditions. This has contributed, in part, to rising out-of-pocket costs for those who are in need of prescription drugs. Medicare has...
The Lessons of Hurricane Katrina
September 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- First, let me say that my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones and to those who have suffered as a result of the destruction of this devastating natural disaster. ...
$12.8 Million in Federal Funds will Help South Florida Transportation Congestion - Perseverance and hard work equal tax dollars for South Florida projects
August 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- As a new member of Congress, one of my highest priorities when I first came to Washington was to get a full understanding of the appropriations process and meet with South Florida officials to prioritize projects...
CONGRESSWOMAN DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ'S 2005 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ADVISORY
July 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated a 70% chance of an above-normal hurricane season in its 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook. As we prepare for another dangerous barrage of storms this hurricane season, which...
Supporting our troops and veterans means honoring our commitment to them
June 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- I am honored to be able to pay tribute each Memorial Day to the men and women who fell from the line, making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are not just the beneficiaries of...
The Lessons Learned From Terri Schiavo
May 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- Just about everywhere I go these days, people come up to me and ask me about the Terri Schiavo case. Since her passing, my thoughts and prayers have been with all of Ms. Schiavo's many...
The lesson I learned in my first year in Congress? Democrats and Republicans need to listen to one another.
January 1, 2005(Washington, DC) -- When in January, I went to Washington as your U.S. Representative; I did so with some assumptions carried over from my twelve years of being an elected official in the Florida House and Senate. However, I...
