Ted Deutch RSS Articles

Deutch Recounts Visit to Local Community College in Remarks on Student Loans

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Deutch Co-Introduces Palestinian Peace Promotion and Anti-Incitement Act

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The following message is an update sent on May 9, 2012 from Congressman Ted Deutch to constituents concerned about the security of our ally Israel.

Dear Friend,

As Congress debates appropriations, we must ensure that the funds we spend internationally actually further the security objectives of the United States and our ally Israel. That is why I recently requested an investigation by the Government Accountability Office into U.S. contributions to the Palestine Investment Fund.

As you well know, this week President Abbas once again restated his refusal to accept an offer from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin direct negotiations, without preconditions. Over the past year, Abbas’ support for a unity government with Hamas has shown he is more interested in partnering with a terrorist organization than seeking peace with Israel.

Additionally, last fall Abbas announced plans to use the Palestinian Investment Fund to pay for housing for the prisoners released by Israel in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit’s freedom. Many of these prisoners have been convicted of carrying out Hamas-sponsored attacks on Israel, including bombings that claimed the lives of dozens of innocent people. The United States does not provide economic support funds to the Palestinian Authority to build new homes for terrorists or to fund the many trips President Abbas has taken through Europe to spread anti-Israel vitriol. The American people do not want their taxpayer dollars funding any activity that runs counter to the security of our nation or our ally Israel.

We must do more to ensure that the Palestinian Authority’s use of U.S. funding not only abides by our laws but actively promotes security and peace. I recently introduced new legislation to address this problem directly by reforming how the U.S. provides direct aid. The Palestinian Peace Promotion and Anti-Incitement Actwill tie any and all cash assistance to the Palestinians with their plans to spend it in order to best ensure U.S. tax dollars are not funding incitement against Israel or anti-Semitic propaganda.

On a final note, I would like to inform you that today the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation affirming the deep military and security ties forged over the past few years between the United States and Israel. I am proud to have cosponsored this legislation with Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, which will also extend the Administration’s authority to provide loan guarantees to Israel until 2015 and require the President to submit reports on Israel’s ability to effectively thwart evolving threats in the Middle East region.

No matter the politics at home or the politics abroad, our work strengthening Israel’s security and defending her right to exist is unending. I will continue to work on legislative initiatives in Congress that strengthen the enduring bond between our two nations, protect Israel’s security, and promote stability in the Middle East.

Kind regards,

Ted Deutch

Deutch Commends President Obama's Statement on Marriage Equality

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“As a longtime advocate for marriage equality, I was proud to hear President Obama’s declaration in support of equality and human rights for all Americans. By acknowledging that all Americans deserve the right to marry the person they love, this announcement gives hope to the millions of families across America who today are denied the many legal rights and cultural benefits that come with marriage. For the President of the United States to publicly support marriage equality is a historic step forward in our fight to end this discrimination and a major milestone in our nation’s broader civil rights struggle.” - Congressman Ted Deutch

Schedule of Events for Rep. Deutch During District Work Period

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

MONDAY, APRIL 30th

Rep. Ted Deutch and Rep. Allen West on Health Care Reform
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL
Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Congressman Allen West (R-FL) will offer differing perspectives on health care reform at an event hosted by the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that informs and educates the South Florida community through visits from distinguished speakers.

Hispanic Roundtable with Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL)
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Lynn University's Wold Performing Arts Center
3601 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL
Congressman Deutch welcomes his friend and colleague, Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, to Lynn University for a special talk on comprehensive immigration reform, the Dream Act, education, and other issues of importance to South Florida's Hispanic community. Now in his tenth term in Congress, Rep. Gutierrez has earned widespread acclaim for championing the causes of the Latino and immigrant communities across America.

TUESDAY, MAY 1st

Visit to Family Central Inc.
9:30 am
840 SW 81st Avenue, North Lauderdale, FL
Congressman Deutch will meet with Family Central, Inc., a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing the South Florida community with childcare, parenting workshops, and other family resources. The Congressman's remarks will focus on how federal budget decisions being made in Washington impact the lives of South Florida children and families.

Palm Beach County PTA Meeting
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Delprado Elementary School
7900 Delprado Circle North, Boca Raton
Congressman Deutch, a champion for public education and the father of three children enrolled in Palm Beach County public schools, will meet with parents and teachers to discuss an array of federal and state issues that impact our schools.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2nd

Congress in the Classroom at Westglades Middle School
9:15 - 10:15 AM
Westglades Middle School
1100 Holmberg Road, Parkland, FL
As part of his ongoing initiative to encourage civic engagement and community involvement among Florida's youth, Congressman Deutch will offer Parkland middle school students a glimpse into what it's like to be a member of Congress.

THURSDAY, MAY 3rd

Student Meeting on Financial Aid Interest Rates
10:30 am
Palm Beach State College Lakeworth Campus
Lakeworth, FL
Congressman Deutch will meet with local college students to discuss how if Congress fails to act, federal student loan interest rates will double from 3.4% to 6.8% on July 1st. A sponsor of legislation to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling, he will outline why keep college affordable is an economic imperative for America.

FRIDAY, MAY 4th

Forum with Township Men's Club
10:20 - 11:20 am
Township Clubhouse
2424 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL
Congressman Ted Deutch will provide an overview of his initiatives in Washington, from protecting the new benefits provided to Medicare beneficiaries by the Affordable Care Act to cracking down on oil speculators at a meeting of the Township Men's Club.

Rep. Ted Deutch Holds Summit on Overturning Citizens United

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, April 18, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Tom Udall (D-NM) will join Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-19), Donna F. Edwards (MD-4), Keith Ellison (MN-5), and Jim McGovern (MA-3) to host a Congressional Summit on Overturning Citizens United. As sponsors of various constitutional remedies to Citizens United, the Senators and Representatives are uniting behind initiatives that reflect their shared commitment to getting money out of politics and complement the grassroots movement taking root nationwide. The Members will be joined by local government officials, activists from across the country, and advocacy groups, including Public Citizen, People for the American Way, the Center for Media and Democracy, Common Cause, Communication Workers of America, Move To Amend, American Sustainable Business Council, and Free Speech for People.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Congressional Summit to Overturn Citizens’ United

Who: Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Tom Udall, Representative Ted Deutch, Representative Donna F. Edwards, Representative Keith Ellison, and Representative Jim McGovern

When: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Capitol Visitors Center HVC 215

View Event Invitation

PRESS CONTACTS:
Rep. Deutch:	Ashley Mushnick, (202) 225-3001
Rep. Edwards:	Benjamin Gerdes, (202) 225 8699
Rep. Ellison:	Jennifer Porter Gore, (202) 225-4755
Rep. McGovern:	Michael Mershon, (202) 225-6101
Sen. Sanders:	Michael Briggs, (202) 224-5141
Sen. Udall:	Dan Watson: (202) 224-7773

Deutch: This is No Time to Revive McCarthyism

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) released the following statement in reaction to Rep. Allen West's assertion that dozens of House Democrats are members of the Communist Party:

“I wish I could say I was surprised that my colleague Congressman Allen West charged that nearly half of the House Democratic Caucus belongs to the Communist Party. Congressman West’s comments were reminiscent of the outrageous rhetoric used by Senator Joseph McCarthy 60 years ago to ruin people's lives. Like Senator McCarthy, Congressman West's shameful comments degrade the U.S. Congress, and they exacerbate the toxic partisanship that is polluting Washington. Senator McCarthy was censured for his actions. This is no time to revive McCarthyism or its sordid legacy.”

Palm Beach and Broward Counties to Receive Nearly $900,000 to Help Homeless Veterans

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Ted Deutch welcomed an announcement from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric K. Shinseki on the disbursement of $72.6 million to help over 10,000 homeless veterans nationwide find shelter and care. The funds will be distributed to public housing agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to supply permanent housing and case management, with nearly $900,000 directed to Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

“The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing initiative has been vital in helping thousands of homeless veterans get off the streets and back on their feet,” said Congressman Deutch. “As more and more of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan return home, we must do everything we can to help our heroes succeed in civilian life. Today’s announcement is good news for the agencies, caregivers, and advocates in South Florida who work so hard to help homeless veterans rebuild their lives.”

HUD-VASH is a program administered by HUD, VA, and local housing agencies to provide not only permanent housing but also case management and other supportive services for homeless veterans across the country. This joint HUD and VA initiative uses vouchers to assist with the payment of rent for veterans and their families with the goal of supporting veterans’ permanent housing in the community. Over the last decade the number of homeless veterans has been drastically reduced, from over 300,000 homeless veterans on the street on any given night in 2002 and 2003 to less than 150,000 in 2009. Programs like the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) have proved to be vital in curbing this epidemic. This funding will strengthen the continued collaborative efforts of President Obama, the United States Congress, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to achieve the goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2015.

Deutch Releases Statement on Death of Trayvon Martin

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

"As a Representative from the state of Florida, and as the father of three teenagers, I was appalled and deeply saddened to hear of the deadly shooting that took the life of 17 year-old Trayvon Martin. No parent should ever suffer the loss of a child, and my heart goes out to Trayvon’s family and loved ones. The disturbing facts emerging around Trayvon’s death call for a thorough investigation, as well as intervention by federal law enforcement agencies. We simply cannot tolerate the kind of vigilantism in a society governed by law. I applaud the Department of Justice for proactively deciding to conduct an investigation. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I will continue to closely follow the developments surrounding this tragic shooting and the efforts of local and federal law enforcement to ensure that justice is served."

Sun Sentinel: Ted Deutch and allies take on Super PACs

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

SunSentinel.com -

In just a few months, they've become titanic players in Florida's political game: So-called Super PACs and the nonprofit groups that fund them have spent millions to fill the airwaves with attack ads designed to discredit politicians they oppose. In the latest version, a self-styled conservative alternative to AARP launched ads this week accusing Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson of backing creation of "a board of 15 un-elected, unaccountable bureaucrats" to cut Medicare and potentially ration care, deny treatment and prevent patients from keeping their doctors.

Now South Florida Congressman Ted Deutch and some fellow liberal Democrats are taking on this barrage of ad spending, starting with a demand that the IRS investigate some of the nonprofit groups that anonymously provide the Super PACs with much of their money.

From Deutch's standpoint, taxpayers are subsidizing these attacks because the nonprofit groups get a tax break for supposedly serving the public welfare.

"There's been an unfortunate history of efforts to make sure Florida's votes don't count," Deutch, D-Boca Raton, said in an interview this week. "Given that history, it's clear why people here would be especially concerned about efforts undertaken by Super PACs and the corporations that fund them to dictate the outcome of elections."

He and other would-be reformers face formidable opposition from those who say these groups have a right to express their views on Medicare, the national debt and other matters of public interest.

The issue will heat up next week when Deutch and some fellow congressional Democrats plan to prod the IRS to investigate these groups to see if some have crossed the legal line. The House members will also urge President Barack Obama to appoint five new commissioners to the six-member Federal Election Commission, hoping they will deal more aggressively with complaints about Super PACs and other controversies.

The terms of five commissioners have expired, but they remain on the FEC until they are replaced. All were appointed by formerPresident George W. Bush.

"We count on the FEC to be the public's watchdog," Deutch said, "and right now that watchdog has no bite."

Super PACs, created in the aftermath of a controversial Supreme Court decision in 2010, can raise unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, and can spend unlimited amounts to praise or attack political candidates.

They spent about $17 million in Florida leading up to the state's Jan. 31 primary, according to the Sunlight Foundation, a Washington watchdog group that tracks political spending. Nearly $11 million came from Restore Our Future, a Super PAC supportive of GOP front-runner Mitt Romney, mostly to pay for ads attacking his rival Newt Gingrich. Winning Our Future, a Super PAC backing Gingrich, spent $5.4 million.

Super PACs are prohibited from coordinating their efforts with a political campaign. And they must disclose their donors to the FEC.

But nonprofit groups — known as 501(c)4 organizations — are able to buy ads or funnel money through Super PACs without disclosing their donors.

Critics say these groups allow wealthy individuals and corporations to secretly spend unlimited amounts to try to sway elections. Defenders say they are designed to influence public opinion about issues or actions in Washington, not elections, and that they typically are funded by lots of small donations.

"I've got a quarter-million donors," said James Martin, chairman of the 60 Plus Association, a nonprofit group that bills itself as "the conservative alternative to AARP." "Until they repeal it, we're going to go by the law."

Martin said his group was playing by the rules when it unleashed a $3.5-million ad campaign attacking Nelson and four other Senate Democrats because of their support for the new health care law, which takes full effect in 2014. All five of these senators face tough re-election campaigns this year.

The ad focuses on an advisory board set up by the law to find ways to restrain the growth in Medicare spending. The law's defenders note that Congress must confirm the board members and can reject their recommendations in favor of other savings — and that the law specifically prohibits rationing of care.

"Is this a political ad? No, I think it's an issue ad," Martin said. "We're talking about an issue. I'm not calling for the election of, nor the defeat of [anyone.] We're just trying to put a little heat on certain senators right now."

Some donors have reasons to remain anonymous, he said.

"A lady in New York gave us 63 donations over six years — $25 here, $50 there," Martin said. "She's probably given us a couple thousand dollars, if I totaled it all up. But she doesn't want to get inundated with mail from the RNC [Republican National Committee] and all these other groups."

Nelson's spokesman had no comment except to point to a statement on the senator's website calling the 60 Plus Association "a shadowy front group, backed by undisclosed conservative donors."

Opinion polls show public alarm about the role of money in politics, but efforts to change the rules or tighten enforcement almost certainly will falter this year. Republican leaders oppose proposed reform, and Obama has not made the cause a priority.

"It's not a fight they [White House officials] think is worth having. They don't care about campaign-finance enforcement that much," said Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a non-partisan watchdog group. "Yet the public is reading about problems with campaign financing every day, and nothing is happening.

"I think a lot of Americans are distressed about it, even if the president is not."

Read the original article here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/fl-deutch-attacks-super-pacs-20120315,0,724491,print.story

Deutch to Unveil New Chinese Drywall Legislation

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) will announce new bipartisan legislation to enact a nationwide ban on contaminated Chinese drywall at press conference in Parkland. Thousands of homeowners living in South Florida and thirty-eight other states have been victims of defective Chinese drywall that corrodes electrical wiring, damages household appliances, and is associated with an array of serious health problems.

PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS

Who:

U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch
State Senator Jeremy Ring
State Senator Maria Sachs

Parkland Mayor Michael Udine
Broward Commissioner Stacy Ritter

Parkland City officials

Affected homeowners

What:

Unveiling new Chinese drywall legislation

When:

Tuesday, March 13th, at 3 pm

Where:

Parkland City Hall

6600 North University Drive

Parkland, FL 33067

Town Hall Meeting in Deerfield Beach

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:38:36 GMT

Town Hall in Coconut Creek

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:22:27 GMT

Deutch Honored as Democrat of the Year by Parkland and Coral Springs Democratic Club

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:24:35 GMT

Deutch Honored as Democrat of the Year by Parkland and Coral Springs Democratic Club

Rep. Deutch to Meet with Residents in Palm Aire Community

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:21:48 GMT

Congressman Deutch will provide an update on his work in Washington and take questions from residents of Palm Aire.

Congressman Deutch to Hold Seniors' Forum

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

eniors' Forum on Monday, August 9th, at 2:00 pm at Temple Emeth in Delray Beach.

Congressmen Host Medicaid Enrollment Fair

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:45:55 GMT

Deutch Unveils Congress in the Classroom

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:35:49 GMT

Press Conference on Stem Cell Research

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:36:38 GMT

Congressman Deutch Hosts Prescription Drug Safety Seminar

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:16:22 GMT

Congressman Deutch Awards Bronze Medals to WWII Veteran

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:17:23 GMT