Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is an advocate for our community as well as the safety of our children. Her recent newsletter is inspiring and confirms she is dedicated to making a difference both on the hill and in Florida.
Newsletter from Debbie Wasserman-Schultz:
I am extremely proud to represent the people of South Florida in Congress. However, the job I am most proud of -- the one I hold closest to my heart -- is being a mother to my ten-year-old twins and six-year-old daughter.
Throughout my career, I have always put moms and children first. While in the Florida Legislature, I authored and passed the "Drive Thru Baby Bill" and the "Drive Thru Mastectomy Bill", both of which helped women by mandating they get the care they needed rather than the limited amount of care that insurance companies were willing to pay for. I also authored the popular Florida Infant Crib Safety Act, which passed both the Florida House and Senate by overwhelming margins, and worked tirelessly to pass the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act.
I know you share my belief that our kids CAN be anything they want to be -- but in order to do so -- they must be healthy and safe first.
In Washington, I have made the well being of our children a priority, which is why I authored The PROTECT Our Children Act (HR 3845) with one of my personal heroes - now Vice President Joe Biden. The PROTECT Our Children Act was signed into law during the fall of 2008 and creates the largest law enforcement effort ever formed for the protection of children. This law ensures the Department of Justice has the resources necessary to rescue thousands of children from on-going exploitation.
I also sponsored and passed The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to combat childhood drowning by requiring the installation of physical barriers (such as a fence) around pools to prevent children's unattended access. It also mandates pools be equipped with a suction drain cover to prevent hair and body entanglement.
But my commitment to children is about more than passing legislation. This is about empowering our children with the tools they need to be successful. My parents raised me to believe that I could be anything I wanted to be in this world, and I share that belief with children whenever I have the opportunity. I frequently spend time mentoring children in my district -- whether it's leading my daughter's Girl Scout troop or talking to kids in school and community about self-esteem or safe online practices.
As we celebrate our Moms this month, let's celebrate our kids, too. As a mom AND as a Member of Congress, you have my commitment to do whatever is in my power to protect our children from harm and ensure they remain healthy and safe.
Warm regards,
Happy Mother's Day to all!
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