Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced the African Descent Affairs Act on the occasion of the United Nations’ Human Rights Day and beginning of the International Decade for People of African Descent (Legislation Attached): “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 was a clarion call to the world that inspired, and continues to inspire, all of us to work together in order to establish and maintain an international standard of human rights. On the occasion of the United Na...
Read more
Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in response to a seven-month extension through July 1, 2015 on nuclear talks with Iran, after negotiations to reach a comprehensive deal on the country’s nuclear program by the P5+1 surpassed the self-imposed deadline of November 24, 2014: “While I agree that all efforts to secure a diplomatic solution must be continued, providing sanctions relief without considerable progress and assurances sets a dangerous precedent and t...
Read more
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in commemoration of Rosa Parks on the anniversary of her historic refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955: “Fifty-nine years ago today Rosa Parks’ courageous refusal to give up her seat to a white individual on a segregated bus, and subsequent arrest, sparked a bus boycott that became one of the most significant milestones in the Civil Rights movement. It was Ms. Parks’ brave...
Read more
Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in commemoration of World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Month: “Since its establishment by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988, World AIDS Day has served as a call to action and a living memorial to all those whose lives have been lost to the disease across the globe. According to WHO, an estimated 39 million people have died since the first cases were reported in 1981 and 1.5 million people died of AIDS-related cause...
Read more
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of Thanksgiving: “Thanksgiving gives us a chance to spend time with our family and friends, as well as to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. In the midst of this holiday season and as the end of the year approaches, it is important to keep in perspective our accomplishments, while remaining steadfast in our determination to take on the challenges that we still face. “Too often, progress is overshadowed ...
Read more
Congressional Homelessness Caucus Co-Chairs Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement highlighting National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is held the week before Thanksgiving: “This Thanksgiving as many of us prepare to spend the holiday with family let us not forget the millions homeless individuals and families that will go hungry with no home to call their own,” said Congressman Hastings. “Each year, we set aside the week before the T...
Read more
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement regarding an attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem, which took the lives of four individuals, including three Americans, as well as left six people wounded: “Today’s vicious attack on a Jerusalem synagogue is an affront to peace and our common humanity. The four individuals murdered, Rabbi Moshe Twersky, Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, and Rabbi Kalman Levine, were faith leaders in their community. It is truly a ...
Read more
Today, Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced a resolution honoring Malala Yousafzai on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to advancing gender equality in education (Legislation Attached): “At age 17, and the youngest Nobel laureate in history, Malala Yousafzai has distinguished herself as a courageous and tireless activist for global equality in education despite being met with great adversity. After surviving a 2012 assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while...
Read more
Today, Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced a resolution honoring Kailash Satyarthi on receiving the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to the protection of children’s rights and the promotion of peace (Legislation Attached): “In his 34 years as a children’s rights advocate and social activist, Kailash Satyarthi has saved over 80,000 children from forced labor, has vigorously worked to call international attention to the scourge of same by spearheading global initiatives,...
Read more
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) issued the following statement in observance of Veteran’s Day: “As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, let us honor those men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage and sacrifice have not only protected and advanced the freedoms of Americans, but peoples all around the world. “We must not forget that these men and women – who have risked their lives for their country – endure physical wounds, traumatic brain injury, or mental healt...
Read more
