January 25, 2010: AVMA Supports Proposal Calling for More Wildlife and Zoo Veterinarians (SCHAUMBURG, Ill.) January 25, 2010 – The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today announced its support of newly introduced federal legislation that will help bolster the nation’s supply of veterinarians specializing in the care of wildlife and zoo animals.
January 15, 2010: TPS must be granted now for Haitian nationals in the U.S. (Anderson Cooper 360) The Haitian people are certainly no strangers to adversity. Haitians, both in Haiti and in our own country, have long suffered through natural destruction, persistent poverty, repressive regimes, and the inequitable policies of the United States. While I certainly applaud our government’s generous contributions of humanitarian aid and the administration’s decision to temporarily halt deportations, we must go further. This most recent disaster emphasizes the vital need for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals currently residing in the United States. January 15, 2010: Ukraine's presidential candidates accuse rivals of planning to steal election (The Canadian Press) KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine's presidential candidates are accusing one another of planning to steal Sunday's election, with some warning of potential unrest after the vote. January 15, 2010: The Rape Kit Backlog: A National Problem in Need of a Strong Federal Response Rape victims in the United States undergo exams to collect physical evidence, including DNA, for what is known as a “rape kit”. The invasive process can take up to six hours. The evidence is sealed in an envelope and frozen until it is tested. But for thousands of cases in our country, the evidence is never tested. January 13, 2010: Condemning the Government of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill
A vast majority of governments throughout the world, including the United States, continue to deny full civil rights and protections to their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens. However, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 that has been introduced in the Parliament of Uganda takes this to a deadly extreme. This proposed legislation criminalizes and punishes homosexuality, thereby endangering the lives of all Ugandans and threatening their civil and human rights. This is outrageously discriminatory and deeply troubling. [Read More]January 8, 2010: Suleiman Concerned About Additional U.S. Screenings of Passengers from Lebanon (Naharnet Newsdesk) President Michel Suleiman expressed concern to a delegation from the U.S. Congress about additional screenings at U.S. airports of passengers from several countries, including Lebanon. Following talks with Democrat Alcee Hastings, co-chairman of the congressional Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and his accompanying delegation, Suleiman said that he asked Lebanon's ambassador to Washington to follow up the issue with the Obama administration. January 7, 2010: Syria calls for stronger US role in Mideast peace process (WashingtonTV) 16:16GMT—11:16AM/EST Washington, 7 January (WashingtonTV)—Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday called on the United States to play a stronger role in the Middle East, during a meeting with US Congressman Alcee Hastings in Damascus.
January 7, 2010: “Trail of Dreams” Walkers Bring Attention to Immigrant Rights Four students are walking from Miami to Washington, DC to bring attention to the need for Congress to pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. The four students, all immigrants themselves, stopped at my West Palm Beach office at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 7. [Read More]December 14, 2009: Be Counted; Get Ready for Census 2010!
Once again, it is time for America to conduct a Census. In 1790, the very first census was initiated by one of our founding fathers, President George Washington. Our nation was very young, with a population of 3.9 million people living in 13 states. Since then, we have grown to a grand nation of over 300 million people from diverse backgrounds living in 50 states and in six territories. The U.S. Constitution requires that a national census be performed once every ten years. The census accounts for everyone (citizens and non-citizens) residing in the United States. By participating in the census, you are supporting your community and your country by providing useful information that will drive good policy and necessary programs. So, when you receive the questionnaire in the mail, please be sure to fill it out in its entirety and return it as soon as possible. I want to make sure that you’re counted on April 1, 2010, and that our communities receive the assistance they need and deserve. [Read More]December 11, 2009: Hastings Wishes the South Florida Jewish Community a Happy Hanukkah I would like to wish South Florida’s Jewish residents and their families a Happy Hanukkah. [Read More]December 11, 2009: Hastings Praises North Naples Middle School for Quick Response to Bullying Incident Ten students in a North Naples Middle School, in the Collier County School District, were suspended after determining that they participated in “kick a Jew day.” [Read More]November 18, 2009: HIV/AIDS Community Discussion in Fort Lauderdale, FL On Friday, Mr. Jeffrey Crowley, director of the White House Office of National AIDS policy, will hold a discussion on HIV/AIDS at Dillard High School in my district. Mr. Crowley is the President’s lead advisor on HIV/AIDS policy and is responsible for coordinating disability and health policy issues for the Domestic Policy Council. [Read More]November 9, 2009: Hastings on Passage of Health Care Reform Bill The passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act by the House on Saturday was an historic event for our nation, and an important step in insuring that health care is not simply a privilege for some, but a guaranteed right for all. [Read More]October 13, 2009: Hastings Honors KAPPA ALPHA PSI Fraternity, Inc. with Resolution that Passes House On Tuesday, October 13, the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 392 to 0, a resolution that I introduced, H.Res.659. My resolution congratulated the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on 98 years of local community service and for enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the nation. [Read More]September 14, 2009: Hurricane Research Funding is Imperative We are in the peak of hurricane season, and I am reminded of the aftermath and devastation that our costal communities have suffered from the works of hurricanes Andrew, Ivan, Jeanne, and Katrina. People were unprepared and caught off-guard, because of these unfortunate circumstances. I believe it is about time that Congress pass legislation in support of hurricane research. Protecting our environment is crucial to the health of all Americans, and advancements in hurricane research will help lead the way. [Read More]September 14, 2009: Hastings Commemorates 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
When the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 was enacted, we took a historic step forward in addressing sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking and other forms of violence against women. This legislation established new criminal and civil enforcement tools for holding perpetrators accountable and provided victims with the ability to seek justice and access to a network of support options. [Read More]September 14, 2009: TPS for Haitians Should be Granted Immediately! As we reach the height of this year’s hurricane season, I am reminded of the damage and destruction that befell Haiti, our Hemisphere’s poorest nation, just one year ago. Still recovering from a devastating food crisis, in 2008, Haiti was ravaged by four hurricanes and tropical storms in a span of just 30 days. Sixty percent of the country’s meager harvest was destroyed, and still today, the ability of the Haitian government to provide even basic services remains severely compromised. [Read More]July 31, 2009: "Discharge" Don't Ask, Don't Tell Now! I would like to take this opportunity to explain what has happened in the past few days regarding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Earlier this week, I submitted an amendment prohibiting the use of funds in the Defense Appropriations Act to investigate or discharge our brave service men and women on the grounds of “telling” their sexual orientation. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell provides that a service member can be separated from the Armed Forces for stating that he or she is a homosexual or bisexual. While my amendment would not have repealed the law, withholding this funding would have brought us one step closer to the legislative repeal necessary to eliminate it once and for all. [Read More]Welcome to my new official Web site! It is an honor to represent the people of Florida's 23rd Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. My diverse district includes parts of Broward, Palm Beach, Hendry, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. On my new Web site, you can:
I hope that you find your visit to be helpful and informative, and that you will return to my site frequently. Sincerely, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings |
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