Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I attended an official meeting that did not end on time and was not able to reach the House Chamber before the first vote of the series closed. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA Roll Call No. 32.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is disappointing that I must rise to support this veto override of the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act. It is a very commonsense bill, as our unanimous vote in both houses of Congress clearly demonstrated. It is simple. This act would absorb the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reservation and directs the Tribe and Department of the Interior to jointly protect the camp from flooding. This work is already underway, as we speak, but let's address the erroneous reasons that it was vetoed. First, it does not appropriate or authorize any new spending. The Congressional Budget Office verified that. This bill in no way bestows special treatment, as it was alleged in the veto message, because the site wasn't authorized when it was inhabited. On these points, it appears the President's staff gave him bad advice, bad facts, or both. The reality is, the Tribe came to the Everglades after being driven from their homes in the early 1800s. As the Miccosukee moved to what is now Everglades National Park, they formed temporary camps on tree islands. The water that flows through our River of Grass was a source of food, water, and a means of transit. Depot Tiger settled on a tree island at the turn of the 20th century. Her son, John Tiger Poole, was born there and later helped found the Osceola Camp. However, the construction of a new major roadway split their camp, and it dried up the water that they relied upon, forcing the family to move to a different part of their camp. Family members still live, visit, and protect the land where Depot Tiger's home once stood. None of these facts are in dispute, as my Republican colleagues, who sponsored and voted for this, well know. Protecting this land and the Miccosukees' ability to live there must never be sacrificed by party politics or revenge. This bill was introduced by House and Senate Republicans, backed by the Florida delegation, and approved unanimously. This is hardly a candidate for a veto. Our Nation made a commitment to the Miccosukee, and hundreds of other Tribes, to protect their lands, resources, and sovereignty. Congress must stand by that commitment and override the President's veto. The sanctity of Native-American lands is something that is of the utmost importance to Native-American Tribes, and all of us in this country that represent Native-American lands and Native Americans make a commitment regularly that we are going to help protect those rights. Allowing this veto to stand flies in the face of that, especially because each of us, in both Houses of Congress, lent our votes to this legislation. There are times for vetoes, and I have seen Presidents in both parties issue a veto and then robust and healthy debate plays out on this floor for good reason and Members decide where they want to land, but that is always when we have seen a result that was mixed, where there were people who voted against the bill. No one voted against this bill. This bill is entirely noncontroversial, and it is so narrowly focused that it makes absolutely no sense other than the interest in vengeance that seems to have emanated in this result. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to override this inappropriate and unfortunate veto.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to insist that we pull our Nation back from the largest-ever, Republican-forced loss of healthcare in our history. These catastrophic coverage cutoffs and massive premium hikes will hammer millions of us back in Florida, and it is all because Republicans chose billionaire tax breaks over extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for our hardworking families. That is all on top of the $1 trillion that Republicans slashed from Medicaid and $500 billion from Medicare. Over 203,000 people will lose coverage in my district. Let's be really clear: Many of them will get needlessly sick or die. Thankfully, Democrats refused to accept this Republican healthcare crisis and forced this vote to extend the ACA tax credits. Mr. Speaker, Republicans have made life too expensive. From burger and coffee prices to rent, home insurance, and utilities, costs keep soaring. We can't add crushing cost burdens by forcing families to pick between seeing a doctor and buying groceries. Yes, Republicans chose to unleash this healthcare crisis, but they can avoid it right now. Millions of anxious families are watching. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to my dear friend and south Florida icon, the legendary John ``Footy'' Kross, who we lost on December 13, 2025. Footy helped wake up south Florida for more than 30 years on the Y100 Morning Show, and his commitment to community was second to none. Footy was a mainstay in the south Florida community, a passionate anti-drug crusader, and an incurable chicken wing junkie. Originally, he created Footy's Wing Ding, a chicken wing eating competition, as a fundraiser to aid Here's Help, a not-for-profit organization that assists adults and children with substance abuse addictions. Although the event began mainly as a competition to crown the maker of south Florida's best chicken wings, it evolved over the years into a popular spot for pop music's hottest stars. Each year, Footy's Wing Ding brought a host of celebrities to south Florida to raise thousands of dollars for charity, from Here's Help to the Sun Sentinel-WB Television Channel 39 Children's Fund, and many others. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor his life and service to our community. There was no one with better humor or good nature than Footy. I know I speak for countless south Floridians when I say I will miss his friendship, voice, and advocacy. May his memory be for a blessing.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this atrocious bill which codifies Trump's family separation policy, throws immigrant children in prisons indefinitely, and subjects them to traumatic, invasive strip searches. Despite the gentleman from South Carolina only being here for 5 minutes, he does not remember or is aware of the implementation of the family separation policy in the first Trump term that exposes them to traumatic, invasive strip searches. Trump promised to get rid of the worst of the worst. Instead, he is imprisoning innocent children. He is deporting Venezuelans who have lawful status through TPS to a criminal regime that they fled out of fear whose leader, Trump, has declared a terrorist leader. You just cannot make this stuff up, Mr. Speaker. The point of this bill is to dehumanize and normalize increasingly cruel and unusual treatment and give even more power to the very officials who are already abusing it. The gentleman from South Carolina refers to affected individuals in this bill as UACs. That is a way to dehumanize and avoid using the appropriate term, children. If this bill becomes law, it would cause tens of thousands of children as young as 12 to be ripped from their families by masked men, whisked away in unmarked cars, and taken to hard-sided facilities. Children as young as 12 could be strip-searched with no parent, attorney, or doctor there to protect their rights. Afterward, they could be jailed indefinitely, with no trial, no due process, and no oversight. It is not judges in charge. It is Homeland Security Secretary Noem deciding their fate. Expending law enforcement resources on imprisoning thousands of children instead of targeting criminals won't make us safer. Refusing to release children to loved ones, depriving them of legal support, medical care, and education, none of that better protects any of us. Americans deserve secure borders, a just system that targets violent criminals, and an immigration process that protects innocent children. Instead, Republicans task police with hunting down law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record. All this bill does is add children to their list of targets. Kayla Hamilton's murder was absolutely horrific. As a mother myself, I can't imagine what her family endured. However, no mom should have her innocent child taken away, and this bill does just that. Kayla's murderer was arrested, convicted, and sentenced. He will spend his entire life in prison, and rightfully so, but not one child who will be ripped away from their mothers' arms by this bill was responsible for Kayla's death. In America, we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty. That applies especially to children. I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting this vengeful family separation bill and stop punishing children for the actions of violent criminals.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the life of my longtime friend, fierce leader, and cancer community advocate, Lainie Jones. Lainie was a seven-time cancer survivor and known on social media as The Early Detective. Lainie lost her lifelong battle against multiple cancers on October 14, 2025, at the age of 41. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, she discovered that she had Li- Fraumeni syndrome, or LFS, a rare genetic condition that predisposed her to multiple cancers. Lainie faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and, finally, glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Through it all, she remained positive, ensuring others heard her story as she was deeply committed to the importance of early detection, prevention, and knowing one's risk. For the last 13 years, Lainie worked with the American Cancer Society, using her story to educate and empower others to take control of their health. She called herself The Early Detective on social media, believing that asking questions and acting early is what will help others survive. As a cancer survivor myself, Lainie was always an inspiration to me and so many others in the south Florida community. She tried to help people see cancer as she saw it and not to fear it. Lainie undertook every challenge with a smile and was incredibly generous in sharing her inspirational story with so many people. She lived by the words ``live every day like it is your first.'' It is my honor to soon reintroduce the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, which will seek to improve the health outcomes and quality of life for survivors. Mr. Speaker, Lainie Jones was an inspiration and an example of how one must never lose hope, even in the darkest of circumstances. I hope her story and her spirit continue to inspire others across the country. May her memory be for a blessing. Recognizing the City of Hollywood, Florida's, Centennial Celebration

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the city of Hollywood, Florida's, centennial celebration. The city of Hollywood was founded by visionary Joseph Young in 1925 as a small seaside dream and has since grown into a charming coastal community and dynamic city. Over the past century, Hollywood has become known for its beautiful beaches, historic Broadwalk, scenic waterways, and unique blend of natural beauty and urban vitality. It is one of south Florida's most unique and beloved coastal cities. My husband, Steve, grew up in Hollywood so the city holds a special place in our hearts. Hollywood's residents represent generations of families, new arrivals, and innovators who have built a strong and sustainable community that embraces inclusion, civic engagement, and diversity. Hollywood is also home to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, its reservation, and ancestral lands. We also honor the Seminole people for their historic and ongoing contributions to our shared story. The city of Hollywood is deeply committed to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the city's remarkable natural resources. The city's unique charm lies in its ability to balance progress with preservation. This 100th anniversary is a time to honor the past and the efforts of those who came before us, as well as celebrate the achievements of today and the next 100 years. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Mayor Josh Levy and the city commission for working tirelessly to ensure that Hollywood remains a world-class destination where residents thrive, businesses prosper, and visitors feel welcome. Happy 100th anniversary to Hollywood and all its residents.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the visit to the United States of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian Church. His lifelong advocacy for religious liberty, interfaith understanding, and international peace has earned global recognition, including the Templeton Prize. According to Orthodox Christian tradition, the Ecumenical Patriarch is a direct descendent of, and successor to, the Apostle Andrew in the see of Constantinople, and His All-Holiness has devoted his ministry to fostering greater understanding among people of faith. It is an honor to welcome religious leaders to our Nation's capital. I join my Orthodox Christian constituents and communities across America in celebrating the visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch and commending his continued work in service of human dignity and peace.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this slush fund for Senators bill that will force healthcare costs to explode for millions of Americans. In fact, this legislation guarantees only two things: Republican Senators suspected of helping Trump try to steal an election will get a whole lot richer, and life will get more expensive for everyone else. That is because this bill adds rocket fuel to Republicans' larger assault on Americans' access to quality, affordable healthcare. Remember, Mr. Speaker, Republicans already slashed $1 trillion from Medicaid, $500 billion from Medicare, and let Trump steal billions in medical research. With this bill, Republicans dump massive healthcare price hikes on struggling Americans. Millions will be priced out of any coverage at all, which will drive coverage costs up and health services down for all of us. It is a health budget nightmare for America's families and a slush fund lottery win for eight Republican Senators. That is because the one thing we can all agree on, unless you are Jeffrey Epstein's best friend in the White House, is that the cost-of-living is out of control. Rent, home insurance, and electric bills are all soaring. The cost of beef, coffee, and vegetables just keep climbing. People are really struggling to get by, yet Donald Trump continues to block SNAP benefits to 42 million struggling seniors, parents, and veterans. How anyone could swipe food from the plates of nearly 20 million children like that is simply disgusting, but that same moral bankruptcy is embedded in this bill. This bill unleashes huge health insurance hikes on 203,000 people in my district alone. Mr. Speaker, 82,000 people will lose coverage altogether due to the impact of the big, ugly law and soaring ACA prices. Worse, this bill also reneges on our commitment to veterans. As the ranking member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I take our promises to veterans personally and seriously. Just this summer, I secured bipartisan support for my amendment to restore $51.7 billion in advance funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund. This is funding, mind you, that President Trump sought in his budget. Yet, as Republicans slipped a slush fund for Senators into this bill, they gutted a critical funding protection for veterans. Just so we are all clear, average Americans will see their kitchen table budget blow up from the health coverage price hikes, and veterans will see their future healthcare funding for toxic exposures put in jeopardy, all so billionaires can keep getting huge tax breaks. It is hard to pick between the worst moral outrages behind this bill. Was it covering up for Epstein's best friend for nearly 2 months just so Republicans could vacation and avoid negotiating a better healthcare plan for our struggling families, or is it the slush fund that personally enriches Republican Senators and will haunt everyone who votes for this bill? Well, House Democrats will oppose this partisan spending bill that guts America's healthcare, and we will keep fighting to extend healthcare tax credits. Donald Trump and Republicans broke their promise to lower costs, and this bill certainly cements that betrayal. Democrats will stand by our promise to lower costs, and we will make sure every American knows Republicans are responsible for this devastating healthcare crisis.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the tremendous work and 20th Anniversary of Sallarulo's Race for Champions, an annual, inclusive 5K run/walk that takes place in my Congressional district. Sallarulo's Race for Champions was founded by Paul Sallarulo, whose relationship with Special Olympics began more than 45 years ago as a volunteer in high school. Paul's efforts and relationship deepened when his son, Patrick, began participating as an athlete at age eight. Patrick is now 30 years old, and for more than two decades has trained and competed in swimming, bocce ball, bowling and skiing. Patrick and his sister Samantha serve each year as Race for Champions team captains. This event celebrates respect and compassion for all by providing an opportunity for the entire community to walk or run alongside Special Olympics Florida athletes and each year, grows in size, visibility and fundraising capacity thanks to Paul's leadership and connection to the community. The funds raised by Sallarulo's Race for Champions benefit Special Olympics Florida and help serve more than 6,000 athletes and their families each year. This includes year-round sports training and competition in a variety of 19 sports, health services, inclusive programming and leadership training. Through the transformative power and joy of sport, Special Olympics Florida and Sallarulo's Race for Champions help athletes live richer, fuller lives. I am grateful to Paul Sallarulo, his family, and the team at Sallurulo's Race for Champions for improving the lives of thousands in our community. I congratulate them on 20 meaningful years and look forward to many more exciting years to come.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise to recognize the exceptional work of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on their 100th Anniversary. Founded on a warm Sunday in August 1925, New Hope Baptist Church has stood as a steadfast beacon of hope, compassion, and perseverance for the people of South Florida. From its earliest days, the church has provided not only a place of worship, but a source of strength and solidarity for generations of families in Fort Lauderdale. Over the past century, New Hope has evolved from a modest wooden structure into a vital cornerstone of spiritual and community life in Broward County. The church has been shepherded by 13 pastors, each adding to its legacy through the establishment of new ministries, outreach programs, and community partnerships. Under the leadership of current pastor Reverend Ricky Scott, the church continues to move forward with a renewed vision for spiritual growth and community engagement. New Hope has continually lived out its mission to serve the Lord by serving others. Through its ministries and outreach the church has fed the hungry, uplifted youth, and comforted families in times of need. Notably, the church's participation in ``Souls to the Polls'' has helped strengthen democracy and amplify the voices of those too often unheard. Through efforts like these, New Hope Baptist Church demonstrates that faith and civic duty can work hand in hand to build a more just and compassionate society. As New Hope Baptist Church marks its centennial year, we celebrate its unwavering commitment to faith, service, and community empowerment. Its century-long legacy stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a congregation dedicates itself to love, justice, and hope. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Pastor Ricky Scott and the entire New Hope Baptist Church family for 100 years of ministry and community leadership. May the next century be filled with continued blessings, growth, and service to all.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I, along with Rep. Moskowitz, rise to recognize the tremendous achievements of Diana Nyad. Diana Nyad was born in New York City on August 22, 1949, and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is a legendary endurance swimmer, author, inspirational speaker and sports journalist. She attended Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale and later graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Lake Forest College. Ms. Nyad gained fame by setting a new speed record for both men and women when she circled Manhattan Island in 1975 in 7 hours and 57 minutes. She was the first person to swim North to South across Lake Ontario in 1974, and was the world champion on the marathon circuit that year. Her first attempt to swim from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida was in 1978 and 35 years later, at the age of 64, Diana became the first to ever swim from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cage--110.86 miles, 52 hours and 54 minutes. Ms. Nyad was inducted into the United States National Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. She is also an International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honoree and an ISHOF Al Schoenfield Media Award recipient. In addition to her illustrious career as an athlete, Ms. Nyad founded the national walking initiative EverWalk and wrote and starred in the off-Broadway play, The Swimmer. In 2014, the City of Key West honored Ms. Nyad with an historic bronze plaque installed at Smathers Beach where she walked ashore at the end of her Cuba crossing. On November 6, 2025, a State of Florida Historic Marker tribute to Diana's inspirational life will be unveiled and eventually be on permanent display at Las Olas Beach in Ft. Lauderdale. It is with great enthusiasm that I congratulate Ms. Nyad on her accomplishments and ask Floridians to join me in thanking her for contributing to our state's rich cultural history.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the extraordinary life of Hollywood, Florida Police Lieutenant John Marino. Lieutenant John Marino dedicated his life to the City of Hollywood and the Hollywood Police Department, serving more than two decades with honor, courage, and a deep commitment to both his fellow officers and the community he loved. He was not only a trusted leader within the department but also a devoted husband to his college sweetheart, Tara, for 29 years, and a proud father of three sons. Throughout their upbringing, he coached youth football across Hollywood, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, and Cooper City, shaping the lives of countless young athletes and mentoring them as if they were his own. Beyond his police service, Lieutenant Marino also served as a liaison at Memorial Healthcare System, running the detail that protected and safeguarded doctors, nurses, and caregivers--ensuring that those who heal others could do so in safety. He gave selflessly of his time, his heart, and his strength, whether to his family, his neighbors, or his brothers and sisters in blue. At the young age of 53, only 14 months shy of 30 yrs of service, Lieutenant Marino was taken far too soon by a sudden heart attack, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. Yet his legacy endures--as a protector, a coach, a mentor, a husband, a father, and a dear friend. We will forever remember his devotion to service, his love for family, and his unwavering commitment to giving back to others. I am grateful to Lieutenant Marino and his family for the sacrifices they have made to serve and protect our community. May his memory be for a blessing.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Town of Davie, Florida's Centennial Celebration: 100 Years of Trailblazing. A century ago, visionaries and pioneers laid the foundation of Davie with hopes, dreams, and a commitment to building a better future. And that vision has certainly come to life. Over the years, the people of Davie faced challenges, embraced change, and celebrated countless achievements. It is truly a town known for its spirit, resilience, and diversity. The Town of Davie is home to nearly 107,000 residents who live across a lush 35 square miles within central Broward. The Town's rural atmosphere, western-themed district, and sprawling educational complex foster an environment that separates Davie from all other municipalities in Broward County. Green open spaces, numerous parks, over 165 miles of trail system, and the opportunity to live an equestrian lifestyle are amenities you won't find in today's growing South Florida. The Town of Davie is also the nexus of higher education in South Florida where several nationally known colleges, technical institutes, and universities make up the South Florida Educational Center. And Davie's business climate ranges from entrepreneurial small businesses to the headquarters of Fortune 500 firms. And the Town of Davie holds a special place in my heart. It's where my husband Steve and I bought our first home as we began our life together. This 100th anniversary is a time to honor the past and the efforts of those who came before us, as well as celebrate the achievements of today and the next 100 years. Congratulations to Mayor Judy Paul and the Town Council for working tirelessly to ensure Davie remains a warm, close-knit community with a hometown ambiance for all who live, work, and visit.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the extraordinary life of David Schaecter. President of the Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 96. David was born in a small town in Slovakia in 1929. At age 11, after witnessing the murder of his father, he and his family were rounded up by the Nazis and sent to the Auschwitz death camp. He survived the hell of Auschwitz, and even a transfer to Buchenwald. But the entire rest of his family; his mother, father, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles and cousins were all brutally killed in the Holocaust--105 family members in total. After the war, as a lone survivor, David fled to Prague and eventually came to America in 1950. He learned English in only nine weeks and graduated from UCLA with a degree in industrial engineering. David was a shining spiritual light even though he experienced such horror and despair. He spent his life sharing his story with others with the hope that it would end the scourges of antisemitism, hate, and violence. He became a national spokesperson on behalf of survivors, visited schools in 18 states to educate our young people, and remained active and engaged until very recently, having testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging on the subject Never Again: Addressing the Rise of Antisemitism and Supporting Older Americans. At home, David co-founded the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach that has served as a cornerstone for Holocaust education for South Floridians and visitors from around the world. This lion in our midst was a relentless and powerful advocate for the Holocaust survivor community and a true Zionist, a supporter of the state of Israel as the rightful homeland of the Jewish people. He was an icon who used his experiences to teach us all about the perils of antisemitism, so the words ``Never Again'' have meaning. His work on behalf of survivors was inspiring, and I was proud to call him my friend. My heart is with David's wife Sydney, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May his memory be for a blessing.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to object to this Republican funding scam that simply continues the relentless financial pain America's families, seniors, and businesses face right now. The reason I object so strenuously is because it absolutely does not have to be this way. Democrats have a funding proposal that cancels cruel cuts, lowers costs, and saves Americans' healthcare coverage. Our plan prevents 24 million Americans from enduring a massive 93 percent spike in their healthcare premium costs. How could any Republican vote for a funding bill with that kind of financial sledgehammer hanging over your constituents' heads? The Democrats' plan values families, not billionaires and big corporations. It prevents nursing homes from closing. It ensures 15 million Americans don't lose health coverage. Republicans refuse to sit down and figure this out, just like every family does at their kitchen table each week. Republicans are choosing to go it alone no matter the consequences. What Democrats will not do is support a partisan spending bill that guts healthcare for the American people. We will not support a plan that lets Trump freeze funds promised to our communities and hold up lifesaving medical research, including for kids with cancer. Democrats will never support that. What we will support is our plan which saves a family of four earning $64,000 a year from seeing their annual healthcare premiums go up by $2,571, or 197 percent. Democrats will support permanently extending health insurance tax credits to keep coverage affordable. What we will not do is make this Republican-created healthcare coverage crisis worse. We need to pass a budget that doesn't force Americans to raid their 401(k), cancel vacations, or go to the pawn shop just to pay for skyrocketing premiums. In my State alone, more than 4 million people will feel the financial crunch from these higher premium costs, and they will feel it each and every month. A quarter of the Americans facing higher premiums have a chronic illness they are managing, and these price spikes will also put 1.6 million children at risk of losing essential healthcare. How can any Republican claim to be a champion of small businesses and entrepreneurs when 3.3 million small business owners and self-employed workers would see premiums skyrocket? That will cripple startups and handcuff mom-and-pop shops across America. Budgets reflect values and priorities, and Republicans chose a spending plan that guts healthcare and lavishes the wealthy and big corporations. That is the Republicans' choice that they must live with. Democrats stand ready to pass a funding bill that cancels the cruel Republican spending cuts, lowers costs for everyone, and saves the healthcare coverage of millions of Americans. That is what Democrats fight for, and we will not support this Republican spending plan that drags families further into the healthcare crisis created by Republicans.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for his indulgence in yielding time to speak in support of my bill, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. I thank Chairman Bost for advancing this legislation through his committee and for his indulgence in reordering its consideration on the floor so that I could make it here to actually speak on the bill. I very much appreciate it. My bill, as you have heard, is straightforward and bipartisan. It rights a wrong that occurred in some cases by accident where a Jewish servicemember was laid to rest under a headstone misidentifying their religion. It ensures the United States properly honors the religion and heritage of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. It does so by creating a program with the American Battle Monuments Commission to identify American-Jewish servicemembers buried in U.S. military cemeteries in ABMC purview under headstones that incorrectly represent their religion and heritage. World War I and World War II were brutal and devastating, leading to challenges of ensuring every fallen American servicemember received the honor and respect of a proper burial. From World War II alone, it is estimated that 600 American-Jewish servicemembers killed in action remain improperly buried under Latin crosses rather than Stars of David. While some of these improper burials were due to clerical errors, we have heard many stories of Jewish war heroes not wanting to display their faith on their dog tags while fighting against the anti-Semitic and genocidal Nazi regime. Sadly, this issue is not limited to World War II. This past spring, I had the honor of participating in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to properly honor two World War I fallen American-Jewish servicemembers, Private David Moser and Private First Class Adolph Hanf. Both were laid to rest for over 100 years under a headstone etched with a Latin cross. In a moving ceremony sponsored by Private Moser's family, these American heroes' headstones were replaced, properly honoring their heritage after all these years. It was so moving to honor the tremendous sacrifices Jewish Americans paid in service to our Nation, fighting for the same rights and freedoms every American cherishes. At a moment when anti-Semitism is at record highs, this moment of healing was incredibly special. Knowing that there are hundreds of additional fallen Jewish servicemembers who deserve the same recognition as Private Moser and Private First Class Hanf makes this bill all the more important. I have been honored by all the wide-ranging organizational support for the bill and for my colleagues who have partnered with me on this mission. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Max Miller for being my co-lead and Senators Moran and Rosen for championing this bill in the Senate. As the ranking member of Appropriations' Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, which provides funding for the ABMC, I am acutely aware that the programs that Congress authorizes require funding to ensure proper implementation. In both fiscal year 2026 House and Senate MILCON-VA appropriations bills, we secured $500,000 to carry out this mission with ABMC, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that it stays in the bill as we continue consideration during conference negotiations. It is critical that Jewish Americans who served our Nation in uniform and paid the ultimate price are able to be laid to rest honoring their religious heritage. Unfortunately, due to the fog of war, hundreds of Jewish servicemembers were denied that last opportunity. This bill is an important step to allow for the research necessary to correct these errors and ensure there are resources for that work. This will make it possible for these brave Jewish servicemembers' descendants to know that their loved one's military service, life, and religious heritage are properly honored. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 2701 so we can properly honor our fallen Jewish-American servicemembers.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise to recognize the exceptional work of the Urban League of Broward County on its 50th Anniversary. The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to elevating the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The Urban League of Broward County was founded in 1975 as an affiliate of the National Urban League, and since then, this community-based organization has been dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives. The League helps communities in need gain power and independence by promoting civil rights, economic self-reliance, and social equality. They offer programs in education, job training, housing, and entrepreneurship to empower residents. The League helps our community achieve these goals through a variety of programming--from their Summer Enrichment Program, which offers students the opportunity to create, discover, and learn, to ADVANCE-U, which offers a full range of essential economic resources for residents to help them succeed in the workforce, stabilize their finances and build assets. The Urban League of Broward County's commitment to the health and wellness of Broward's families is extensive and impressive. And the pivotal role it plays for South Florida families is invaluable. I am grateful to the leadership and staff for their tireless efforts to fight for the rights of my constituents and all Americans to live with freedom, dignity, and prosperity. I thank President and CEO, Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, and everyone at the Urban League of Broward County for improving the lives of those in Florida's 25th Congressional District and across Broward County. I congratulate them on 50 remarkable years.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, due to weather related travel delays outside of my control, I was not able to be physically present for votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 191, YEA on Roll Call No. 192, and YEA on Roll Call No. 193.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this vile Republican plunder of working families, seniors, and veterans, all so the richest Americans can be showered with even more wealth. This billionaire bailout would strip healthcare coverage from 17 million Americans, nearly 2 million in my State of Florida. It would push millions into crowded, costly emergency rooms and saddle them with medical debt. Trump's big, ugly bill also steals record food assistance from millions of kids, seniors, and veterans. It makes cancer screenings and prenatal care harder to get by defunding Planned Parenthood. It cripples solar and wind projects and kills millions of clean, green manufacturing and construction jobs, all so the rich can get huge tax breaks. No family is unscathed because this bill also blows up the national debt by $4 trillion, which drives up interest rates on car loans and mortgages and triggers billions in Medicare cuts, cutting healthcare for our seniors. This bill makes life less affordable and more painful. Instead of uplifting lives, it will end them. When history looks back on this bill, its legacy will be: Trump lied, and people died. Vote ``no.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Barbara Collura, a long-time advocate for family-building equality, who is stepping down after more than 20 years of leadership with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. During her tenure, Barbara's leadership was key to furthering RESOLVE's missions: lifting up the voices of millions of Americans struggling with infertility and fighting to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, income, or geography, can access the care they need to build their families. Her work included testifying before Congress, meeting with lawmakers and federal agencies, organizing advocates, and working toward a world where infertility is recognized as a disease that deserves attention, compassion, and coverage. Her tenure has been marked by meaningful policy progress, including expanded insurance coverage for fertility care at the state level, and increased protections for IVF. As someone who relied on access to IVF to have my twins, I know personally how important it is to raise more awareness about infertility and expand access to fertility treatments. I have been proud to work with RESOLVE under Barbara's leadership to push for common sense legislation that would offer hope to millions of families struggling with infertility. At a time when reproductive freedom is under attack, Barbara has stood firm in defense of all paths to parenthood--because infertility is not only part of the reproductive health conversation, but central to it. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Barbara Collura for her extraordinary contributions to the infertility community. Her legacy is one of hope, progress, and an unwavering commitment to the idea that everyone deserves the chance to build a family.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, unfortunately, could not possibly disagree with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford), my friend, more on the description of this bill, which is why I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3944, the fiscal year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill. While I unfortunately cannot support the bill on the floor today, I will say in Chairman Carter's absence that I am thankful and appreciative of the work that we have been able to accomplish together over the years on this subcommittee. I know he and I both prioritize quality of life for our servicemembers and their families and caring for our veterans. Unfortunately, this bill hurtles us toward VA privatization, a top Project 2025 priority that undercuts what veterans consistently ask us for in Congress. They want high-quality medical care at the VA; not privatized care that takes longer to receive. By transferring record funding from VA medical services to community care, which is a 67 percent increase of $14 billion, this bill pushes veterans into private care, even though veteran polls and studies show that when given the option, veterans prefer to receive their medical care at the VA. In 2024, veteran trust in VA healthcare rose to a record 92 percent. We should build on this success, not kick veterans to an already crowded private market. I understand that there is a need for community care, especially for veterans in rural areas and specialty care when necessary, and when appointments at the VA are scarce. However, countless studies show that when veterans seek care at private hospitals and clinics, they wait longer to see providers, and they get worse care. They know VA medical professionals choose this work due to their mission to care for our veterans, and that is something the private sector simply cannot replicate. We should invest more in VA provider recruitment and retention incentives, increase benefits counselors and adjudicators, not ignore veterans' wishes and speed recklessly into privatization. On the military construction side, this bill underfunds military construction by $904 million compared to the President's budget request, and fails to fund some specific needs such as installation resilience and NATO infrastructure commitments. As Russia continues to wage an illegal war in Ukraine and threaten Europe, we should be sending a clear sign that we stand with our NATO allies, allies who have stood by us for decades. We are talking about infrastructure for our troops who are over there, as well as our allies' troops. We all know that warming global temperatures are having a devastating impact on our military installations, including sea level rise, recurrent flooding, hurricanes, and extreme weather, as well as extreme heat and drought, yet this bill includes zero dedicated funding to mitigate this extreme weather damage to our installations and force readiness. We have seen time and again what devastating extreme weather can do to installations. In 2018, Hurricane Michael mauled Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, my home State, and cost the Air Force $4.9 billion to rebuild. When Typhoon Mawar ran through Guam and devastated the island, this Congress provided almost $1.8 billion to begin recovering from the damage. Unfortunately, we know that future need from Typhoon Mawar will cost many billions more. Finally, this bill includes a plethora of harmful poison pill riders. It once again prohibits the VA from implementing its interim final rule to protect a woman's right to abortion and counseling. The message sent on that is clear: Republicans want to further limit women's access to healthcare. Never mind if an abortion is in the best medical interest for the veteran, between her and her doctor. Disturbingly, Republicans think you should only have access to abortion if you are dying. This bill has the government making personal medical decisions for veterans, not their doctor or the veteran themselves. It is a cruel and ironic way to treat those who fight for our freedoms by taking them away. This bill also undermines VA's ability to keep at-risk veterans safe by preventing VA from reporting a beneficiary to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This rider prohibits VA from following Federal law to keep guns out of the hands of people who Federal law says should not have them because they are a danger to themselves or others. My subcommittee receives notifications every time there is a suicide on VA property. Over the last year, Mr. Chairman, we received suicide notices from Asheville, Los Angeles, McAllen, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, south Texas, Puget Sound, and many, many more. Every single veteran committed suicide with a firearm. Every single one. With all of these serious concerns, I cannot in good conscience support this bill. I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would certainly agree with the gentleman from Missouri if the Trump administration under Elon Musk's DOGE effort hadn't actually fired employees and interrupted the ability of employees of the Veterans Crisis Line from actually doing their job. We have no idea how many people lost their lives as a result of that interruption in service. I would love to agree with the gentleman, but unfortunately, the facts on the ground actually reflect that they do not share the same commitment that we do to ensure the safety of our servicemembers and making sure that we look out for them. Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the distinguished ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop), my dear friend who is the distinguished ranking member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar), a new member of the Appropriations Committee.