DONNA SHALALA

The race to represent Florida in one of its congressional districts has been extremely closely contested.

Voters in heavily Hispanic parts of South Texas cast record numbers of ballots in the state’s Republican primary last week, leaving the GOP excited about a growing shift toward their party.

The first indication of this expansion in Miami’s football budget was the hiring of Mario Cristobal to be its next football head coach. Cristobal received a 10-year, $80 million contract from the Hurricanes, which is much more lucrative than any other UM coach has received in the past. “The only way you could compete is by having the resources,” former Hurricanes punter Brian Monroe said. Elite football programs like Alabama and Georgia have done an excellent job recruiting the talent-rich area of South Florida, which Miami did so successfully throughout their championship runs of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. “I would love to see the Miami Hurricanes win the Coastal and compete with Clemson,” Monroe said.

AdvertisementCongratulations are in order for attorney Allie Gottlieb and Ben Talus on their recent engagement. Allie, originally from Washington, DC, and Ben, from Philadelphia, met while working in New York City for the Clinton Foundation. They fell in love in Miami while teaming up to elect Congresswoman Donna Shalala. Ben surprised Allie with a return trip to Miami and a romantic proposal at the location of their first date, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The engaged couple enjoyed an afternoon at Glass & Vine as they shared the news with parents and friends.

Former University of Miami President Donna Shalala was on her way to UM’s accounting department. But rather than cancel classes, Shalala kept school in session in order to offer students a place of respite. “For the very first time, when we do this memorial service this year, most freshmen will not have been alive when 9/11 happened,” Whitely said. UM has held a memorial service to honor the lives lost on 9/11 every year since 2001, with the first taking place the night after the attack. “Talking to the family members of those victims was among the most difficult and touching experiences of the attack for me.”

Advertisement1 of 2Congratulations are in order for attorney Allie Gottlieb & Ben Talus on their recent engagement. Allie, originally from Washington D.C. and Ben from Philadelphia, met while working in New York City for the Clinton Foundation. Ben surprised Allie with a return trip to Miami and a romantic proposal at the location of their first date, Bill Baggs State Park. Ben lowered on one knee asked for Allie’s hand in marriage on the shores of Biscayne Bay. The celebration commenced with a romantic boat ride, on the s/s Blue Noon, across the bay to Coconut Grove.

AdvertisementFriends of The Underline (FUL) welcomed their newest board member Donna Shalala, Professor Emerita of Political Science and Health Policy at the University of Miami, to its board of directors in July. Shalala has spent most of her career as a public servant fighting to improve the public health of South Florida residents and elevating the education of students as president of the University of Miami. “Fixing our infrastructure and reducing traffic in Miami has always been a priority,” Shalala said. “The Underline will provide a better quality of life for Miami-Dade residents. “We are honored to have Donna Shalala join the Friends of The Underline board of directors and I am personally humbled to serve alongside her,” said Meg Daly, founder of Friends of The Underline.

Florida's Republican U.S. senators have taken different paths when it comes to willingness to work across party lines with Democrats. During his first two years in Washington, Rick Scott is one of the most partisan members of the Senate, a study shows, while Marco Rubio is one of the most bipartisan. Among South Florida House members, Republican Brian Mast is the least partisan and Democrat Frederica Wilson is the most partisan.

Also pictured is Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second from right, and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, third from right. Among Biden’s 23 nominees with Cabinet rank, just 13 have been confirmed by the Senate, or a little over half. On Tuesday, Biden's Cabinet was thrown into further uncertainty when his nominee to lead the White House budget office, Neera Tanden, withdrew from consideration after her nomination faced opposition from key senators on both sides of the aisle. That must change.”The Biden administration has prioritized confirming those nominees who are key to national security, the economy and public health decisions. The Biden administration has not been completely hamstrung by the slow pace of confirmations, however.

Also pictured is Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second from right, and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, third from right. Among Biden’s 23 nominees with Cabinet rank, just 13 have been confirmed by the Senate, or a little over half. On Tuesday, Biden's cabinet was thrown into further uncertainty when his nominee to lead the White House budget office, Neera Tanden, withdrew from consideration after her nomination faced opposition from key senators on both sides of the aisle. That must change.”The Biden administration has prioritized confirming those nominees who are key to national security, the economy and public health decisions. The Biden administration has not been completely hamstrung by the slow pace of confirmations, however.

MIAMI – During a live appearance Sunday on Local 10′s “This Week in South Florida,” new Congresswoman Maria Salazar accused her predecessor Donna Shalala of “refusing” to transfer constituents’ case work in the transition between offices after the November election. “Not in any moment in time [was there a refusal to help in the transition],” Shalala’s former deputy chief of staff Raul Martinez, Jr. said. AdSalazar said Shalala’s office notified her office of just two or three cases. While there is no indication Shalala’s office willfully refused to transition the cases, Salazar stands by her accusation. Salazar’s interview on “This Week in South Florida” can be watched below:

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – A South Florida congresswoman elected just four months ago is already the target of a tough attack ad. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Miami, is being targeted by Democrats who accuse her of supporting QAnon and the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol. Shalala is now getting help from the ad from congressional Democrats, which has aired on Local 10 and other South Florida TV stations. Ad“Republicans like Maria Elvira Salazar voted to protect Trump, letting the QAnon mob win,” the ad says. “Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar: She stood with Q, not you,” the ad says.

President-elect Joe Biden is eyeing several Democrats who lost congressional reelection races last month for key positions in his administration. President-elect Joe Biden is eyeing several Democrats who lost congressional reelection races last month for key positions in his administration. Their consideration continues a long Washington tradition of defeated politicians seeking shelter in a new White House. A decade later, he headlined a rally for her winning congressional campaign. “More than helping the president, these people can help the White House staff dealing with members of Congress,” said Card.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – New members of Congress Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar were both endorsed by President Donald Trump, and they’re not about to cut him loose. And, in fact, the Trump campaign Friday dropped its legal challenge to the vote results in Arizona, which President-elect Joe Biden won. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2020Miami Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican re-elected without opposition, is totally behind the president. “We should let the legal and vote counting process continue, let the states certify their results,” he said. Gimenez says Biden should get the daily intelligence briefings, but that Trump doesn’t need to concede until all the votes are counted.

And even in Nevada, where Democrats' strength among Latinos had powered the party to dominance, there were some signs of new Trump support among Latinos frustrated at the economic toll of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Democrats had hoped this would be the year when their strength among Latino voters would translate into victories in Florida and Texas, a game-changer that would reshape presidential politics. But Trump's margins dashed those hopes and prompted debate on whether the party was taking Latino voters' support for granted. Forty-one percent said they approved of the way Trump has handled the public health crisis, compared with 34% of Latinos nationally. The most dramatic shift in Latino voters came in Florida.

MIAMI, Fla. – Democratic incumbent Debbie Mucarsel-Powell had not been heard from after one of the biggest upsets in South Florida when former Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez unseated her by winning the election to U.S. House in Florida’s 26th Congressional District. Mucarsel-Powell still hasn’t formally conceded the race, but on Thursday she did congratulate Gimenez, a Republican, on his victory in a statement. "My campaign continues to closely monitor as all ballots, including potentially undelivered mail ballots, are counted in this race. Meanwhile, I want to congratulate Carlos Gimenez on his victory. Florida’s 26th Congressional District runs from Kendall to Key West.

As election postmortems go, the one that began in Florida Wednesday was especially wrenching for Democrats. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Perhaps only in Florida is a loss by fewer than 4 percentage points considered a public drubbing. Democrats zeroed in on two clear explanations: Biden didn't connect with the state's Latino voters, performing particularly poorly with Cuban voters in South Florida. Some Democrats also give Republicans credit for registering thousands of new voters and narrowing the voter registration advantage Democrats have long had. For Taddeo, the Democratic state senator, it means going back to basics.

Former University of Miami President and Democrat Donna Shalala lost her congressional seat for District 27 to Republican challenger Maria Elvira Salazar. With 100 percent of the vote reporting, Salazar captured 51.4 percent of the vote to Freshman Incumbent Rep. Shalala’s 48.6 percent. Shalala beat Salazar by 6 points in 2018. Shalala was president of UM from 2001-2015, leading the university during its peak in ranking at no. Leading up to the election, Miami voters were repeatedly subject to ads implying that Shalala was a socialist.

MIAMI – Two Cuban-American Republicans will be walking into the U.S. House next year after unseating two Democratic incumbents who outspent them during their campaigns. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez is preparing to represent Florida’s 26th congressional district after defeating Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. District 27 includes an area of Miami-Dade that includes the cities of Miami, Miami Beach, South Miami, West Miami, Coral Gables, and North Bay Village. FEC records from January 2019 to October, show Mucarsel-Powell raised more than $6 million and Gimenez raised about $1.96 million. Shalala raised $3.4 million, and Salazar raised about $3.1 million.

“They were all wrong," House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told reporters about Democrats' assumptions of adding to their House numbers. She declared that Democrats had won the House majority, which seemed highly likely but hadn’t been officially determined by The Associated Press. Democrats lost a majority Hispanic district in West Texas they expected to win after the GOP incumbent retired. In a district between Austin and San Antonio, freshman GOP Rep. Chip Roy withstood a challenge from Democrat Wendy Davis. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and the three other members of the so-called squad of young progressive women of color were easily reelected.

She soundly defeated Tipton, a co-chair of President Donald Trump’s Colorado reelection campaign, in the Republican primary in June. Republican state Sen. Stephanie Bice earned a reputation as a political moderate in her two terms in the Oklahoma Senate. ___11:20 p.m. TuesdayRepublican Maria Elvira Salazar has defeated Democrat Donna Shalala for a House seat in Florida. Republican Ronny Jackson has won a House seat in West Texas, where he moved after leaving the White House in 2018. The solidly Republican district is currently held by Mac Thornberry, one of six GOP congressmen in Texas retiring this year.

U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, an Oklahoma City lawyer, faced Republican state Sen. Bice for the Oklahoma City-area House seat. President Donald Trump supported Mace on Twitter and she once worked on the president’s campaign. Fischbach contended that Peterson was too close to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other liberals. Republican Ronny Jackson has won a House seat in West Texas, where he moved after leaving the White House in 2018. They are banking on anxiety over the pandemic, suburban indignation with President Donald Trump and a fundraising advantage.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The choice on the ballot for Miami-Dade County’s 27th Congressional District was the same in 2020 as it was in 2018. Miami-Dade’s voters have spoken, and Maria Elvira Salazar defeated Democratic incumbent Donna Shalala in the race for Florida District 27′s congressional seat. Shalala was the longest serving U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Miami-Dade Congressional District 27 includes Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Kendall and Key Biscayne. CLICK HERE and follow reporter Alex Finnie, who is covering Donna Shalala tonightCLICK HERE and follow reporter Sanela Sabovic, who is covering Maria Elvira Salazar tonight

Florida’s 27th Congressional DistrictAnother federal election occurring is the House election between the incumbent Rep. Donna Shalala and her opponent Maria Salazar. Florida State Senate District 37One of the major state elections that can be voted on is between incumbent Democratic Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez and Ileana Garcia. While being a state senator, Rodriguez has been on the Ethics and Elections Committee, the Rules Committee and is vice chair of the Judiciary Committee. Bado is the Democrat candidate who previously served in the U.S. Army before running for this position. In Miami-Dade county, there would be no party affiliation in the election of sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector and supervisor of elections.

MIAMI – With only 16 days until the 2020 Presidential Election, both candidates are drumming up support in South Florida. On Sunday, the day before early election voting begins in Florida, supporters of both President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden held several rallies. Supporters of Democratic candidate Joe Biden were also busy Sunday. “To spread a message of joy and culture and music to convey the message that Latinos are with Joe Biden,” said Serena Perez with New Florida Majority. >GET ELECTION READY: For complete information and resources, visit Local 10′s 2020 Voter Guide.

Two years ago, Miami’s Community Newspapers endorsed Donna Shalala for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, believing she was best prepared to fight for our community in the halls of Congress. Today, with a term in Congress under her belt and a track record to run on, we proudly stand by that endorsement and enthusiastically again give our full support to Donna Shalala. Donna Shalala’s bi-partisan bill to ban the sale of arms to the Maduro regime was signed into law by President Trump. Miami’s Community Newspapers believes Shalala is a proven leader, with a record of delivering results and the experience needed to address the unprecedented crises we face. We are proud once again to give our full support to “Our Congresswoman” Donna Shalala.

6270, the Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act, legislation which directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue rules requiring U.S. publicly-traded companies to annually disclose imports of manufactured goods and materials that originate in, or are sourced in part from, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in China. The American people deserve to know if publicly traded companies are helping facilitate forced labor and other violations of human rights in China. The Chinese government has engaged in a systematic campaign of repression targeting Uyghurs and other Muslim groups in the XUAR. It is estimated that as many as 1.8 million people have been arbitrarily detained and forced into “educational training centers” in the XUAR and subjected to forced labor, torture, political indoctrination, forced renunciations of faith, and other severe human rights abuses. Additionally, the Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act would have the SEC require companies to disclose:Whether a good originated in forced labor camps;Describe the nature and extent of commercial activity related to the goodProvide the gross revenue and net profits attributable to the good; andSay whether they intend to continue importing from that entity.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla – Two years ago, there was a fierce political battle for the seat in Congress that was being vacated by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. She defeated Republican candidate Maria Elvira Salazar by 15,000 votes. She is a veteran broadcast journalist based in South Florida, with stints at Telemundo, Univision and CNN Español. She also earned a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She joined This Week in South Florida host Michael Putney to discuss the upcoming election and her plans if voted into office.

Two years ago, The Community Newspapers endorsed Donna Shalala for Florida’s Congressional 27th district, believing she was best prepared to fight for our community in the halls of Congress. Today, with a term in Congress under her belt and a track record to run on, we proudly stand by that endorsement and enthusiastically again give our full support to Donna Shalala. Donna Shalala’s bi-partisan bill to ban the sale of arms to the Maduro regime was signed into law by President Trump. Shalala held 21 in-person Town Halls before the pandemic and she has continued Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s important tradition of emphasizing constituent services. We are proud to once again giver our full support to “Our Congresswoman” Donna Shalala.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Rep. Donna Shalala, Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers and attorneys Raquel Rodriguez and Chris Smith join This Week in South Florida. The full episode can be seen at the top of this page.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – When she ran for congress two years ago, Donna Shalala told voters that if elected, she would be ready to go on day one. Boy was she. Two years later, Shalala has an incumbent’s record to run on as she faces a re-match with the same Republican opponent in an election year dominated by the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Shalala joined Glenna Milberg and Michael Putney on This Week in South Florida to discuss, and their conversation can be seen at the top of this page.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI – Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick says an NFL crowd of 13,000 is enough to be heard. “Look, we’ve been watching sports on TV," DeSantis said during a news conference at the Dolphins' stadium to announce their plan. The Dolphins are one of at least eight teams hoping to have a limited number of spectators, while many teams haven’t announced plans. “I know the Dolphins organization is going to do it the right way in terms of the safety guidelines,” Fitzpatrick said. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Steven Wine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Steve_Wine

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Numerous Democratic members of the Florida Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday, calling for the governor to issue a statewide stay-at-home order and mask order. Florida is now the global epicenter of this pandemicOver the past week, Florida reported its highest daily COVID-19 deaths twice and averaged 90 deaths per day. The county is also cracking down on those violating the countys orders, by fining non-compliant businesses. Broward County has not yet scaled back its reopening, but Broward officials say they may have to in the near future.

(Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)AUSTIN, Texas When Texas began lifting coronavirus restrictions, Republican Gov. He pointed out that the White House backed his plan and gave assurances there were safe ways to go out again. Doug Ducey, also a Republican, did the same, declaring the state on pause as hospitals accelerate toward capacity. But the Republican governor has resisted calls to require them, arguing that it would be difficult to enforce in a rural state. Hutchinson also says hes concerned such a mandate could spark a backlash, with people refusing to wear masks.

MIAMI, Fla. – In one camp, a push for more restrictive "use of force policies" to reduce deadly police encounters. Others are marching, demanding for the defunding and disbanding of police departments entirely and using the money to reinvest in communities. State Representative Donna Shalala hosted a virtual roundtable discussion Wednesday that dealt with these issues about race relations. Join me TODAY for a roundtable discussion on community and police relations. We'll be discussing recent demonstrations across the nation and searching for solutions with community, faith and police leaders.

COCONUT GROVE, Fla. On Friday, the state of Florida is expected to release numbers for COVID-19 antibody testing. These numbers will come from data collected at drive-thru sites in Miami Gardens, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville. We need very accurate tests, and the FDA let too many tests that were not accurate, says U.S. Rep Donna Shalala, D-Fla.As state numbers are being made public, Coconut Grove is opening a new antibody testing site at the Frankie Rolle Community Center. People would love to know that theyve had the virus and overcome it, Miami-Dade commissioner Xavier Suarez said at the new testing site. Suarez says this site will be reporting results to the state, and they expect to test about 100 people for COVID-19 and administer about 20-30 antibody tests Friday.

Four of the five members of the Congressional Oversight Commission have been appointed, but Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have not agreed on who should chair the panel. The four members have not met as a group since the economic rescue law was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in late March. So far, its a non-oversight, oversight commission, added Kimberly Wehle, a visiting professor at American University Law School. Even as both sides acknowledge the importance of overseeing the sprawling economic rescue law, lawmakers are immobilized by a larger political fight, with no resolution immediately in sight. It was a shining moment when it first came out," Wehle said of the economic rescue law.

U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) issued the following statement:After many years as a public servant, I understand the importance of maintaining the publics trust. When I was elected to Congress, I chose to divest all my individual stock holdings. Today, that process is effectively complete. I have sold or gifted all my remaining shares of unrestricted individual stocks including a gift to the Miami Foundation. I look forward to continue serving the people of South Florida for years to come.

U.S. Representative Donna Shalala (FL-27) issued the following statement after Secretary Betsy DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education issued new rules governing how schools and universities should address allegations of sexual assault and misconduct:The new Title IX guidelines issued by the Department of Education are deeply flawed. Rather than achieving its stated goal of ensuring reasonable due process to those accused of sexual assault, Secretary DeVos has instead created a framework that could further traumatize and silence survivors of sexual assault. Subjecting survivors of sexual assault to participate in cross-examination proceedings, produce witnesses, and provide evidence in a live hearing setting, will have catastrophic effects for millions of students.These new regulations will undermine years of progress in protecting students and holding predators on campus accountable. I promise to work with my colleagues to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual assault and make sure that predators can be brought to justice.

Representatives Donna Shalala (FL-27) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) have introduced the Health Insurance Marketplace Affordability Act (HIMAA), legislation to increase access to affordable health insurance for millions of Americans without coverage, including 2.7 million Floridians. Individuals without health insurance are less likely to seek testing and treatment, posing a threat to their health and to the health of their community. In the last few weeks, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and often their employer provided health insurance, but the ACA continues to provide access to quality affordable health insurance. Additionally, when we bring more younger, healthier people into the coverage pool, we lower the cost of health insurance for everyone.Lack of health insurance is a persistent problem in the United States. The other main reason is that many Americans cannot afford coverage through the health insurance marketplaces because federal subsidies are too low.

When we kicked off 2020, none of us knew that by April we would be in the middle of a global pandemic.

The national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic has impacted every facet of American life, said Rep. Shalala. Once we learned that the Paycheck Protection Program would exhaust its initial funding, Congress knew it had to act to keep Americas small businesses afloat. This money can be used more flexibly to help small businesses cover long-term expenses like rent. Finally, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provides for additional funding for the hospitals and other healthcare providers ($75 billion) and COVID-19 testing ($25 billion). More information on the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, can be found here.

U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala (FL27) led 92 Members of Congress in writing a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy urging them include protections for property service workers in any future legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These essential workers keep our nation moving in our time of crisis, said Rep. Shalala. The duties of property service workers (building cleaners, security officers, residential service workers, contracted airport service workers, cafeteria workers, parking workers, and others) are critically important to keeping the public healthy and our buildings and facilities safe. Property service workers across many sectors act as first responders meeting the immediate needs of our communities and ensuring the spaces we rely on continue to be clean, safe, and operational, the Members wrote. We are essential workers and deserve essential pay and health and safety protections.The full text of the letter is available here.

This week, Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), along with Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT) will introduce the Reopen America Act (RAA), legislation to establish a comprehensive, science-based national plan to re-open the U.S. economy through federal-state collaboration while aggressively protecting the public health against recurring COVID-19 outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented disruptions to the fabric of American society, commerce, and public health, said Rep. Shalala. While we havent gotten to the end of this crisis, we must start preparing to reopen America in a way that protects public health, restores the economy and takes science-based measures into account. In order to ensure that we can safely resume daily life, we need robust testing, comprehensive contact testing and other safeguards to protect the health of the American people. Congress must provide the strategy and resources necessary for states to reopen for business while protecting their citizens.

Today, U.S. Representative Donna Shalala (FL-27) issued the following statement praising the creation of a filing assistance web tool to aid people who did not file federal taxes in 2018 or 2019 receive the direct cash payment in provided by Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act :Due to measures implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19, the past few weeks has seen the largest and most rapid expansion of unemployment in American history. When Congress passed the CARES Act, we earmarked billions for direct cash payments to American families and workers. The creation of this new web tool will help millions of the most vulnerable people in our country get the help they need quickly. I applaud the IRS and the Free File Alliance for partnering on the creation of this critical tool.The web tool for non-files can be found here.

Today, U.S. Representative Donna Shalala (FL-27) applauded the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as it began delivering $30 billion of the $100 billion allocated in relief funding to health care providers in support of the national response to COVID-19. For weeks now, I have been hearing from hospitals and health care providers in South Florida about the tremendous stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has put on their staff, resources, and bank accounts, said Rep. Shalala. The funds released today is the first distribution of the $100 billion in health care provider relief funds furnished by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act recently passed by Congress and signed by the president. The initial distribution of the relief funds will go to hospitals and health care providers across the United States that are enrolled in Medicare. Facilities and providers are being allotted a portion of the initial $30 billion tranche based on their share of 2019 Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements.

Congresswoman Donna Shalala, a public health expert herself, has been outspoken during the coronavirus pandemic, calling for better leadership from President Donald Trump, as well as Florida Gov. The Miami Hurricane sat down with Shalala, former president of the University of Miami, to ask questions about coronavirus politics and how COVID-19 will affect college students. What aspects of the CARES act are you most proud of? Shalala also called for free testing and helping hospitals and businesses, all of which is included in the act. I think that well never be the same again because well be looking over our shoulders at the next pandemic, Shalala said.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled a broad package of proposals to help Americans affected by the coronavirus outbreak, while officials suspended public tours through the Capitol building. A Capitol tour guide points up into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda during a tour on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 12, 2020. House Democrats hope to pass this second coronavirus bill through Congress before it begins a scheduled recess at the end of this week. Even before the decision limiting access to the Capitol, the number of visits was falling, said Democratic Representative Donna Shalala, ex-President Bill Clintons secretary of health. Most of my tours have been canceled because people are not coming, Shalala said of her south Florida constituents.

FILE PHOTO: Visitors look up at the domed ceiling while on a tour of the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., February 6, 2019. REUTERS/Mary F. CalvertA Capitol official confirmed that the spreading coronavirus prompted a decision to temporarily stop tourist visits, although the landmark building will remain open for legislative business. The tours would be suspended through the end of March, a congressional official said, adding it was not yet clear when the suspensions would start. House Democrats hope to rush this second coronavirus bill through Congress before it begins a scheduled recess at the end of this week. The House bill is expected to include paid sick leave for workers quarantined or having to stay home to care for family members.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat, told reporters that legislation could be unveiled later on Wednesday, with votes possible on Thursday. If passed by the House and Senate and approved by President Donald Trump, it would result in billions of dollars of federal funds being dispensed to confront a spreading coronavirus outbreak in the United States, Hoyer said. [nL4N2AY3AS]The House bill is expected to include paid sick leave for workers quarantined or having to stay home to care for family members. On Sunday, Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled several of the proposals being included in the House bill. That list also proposed expansion of the so-called food stamp program, free coronavirus testing, and medical bill reimbursements for those without health insurance.

Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) celebrated the passage of landmark anti-tobacco legislation, the Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2020, a bill to curb the rising tide of nicotine addiction among American youth. For years now, our countrys kids have been experiencing a dramatic rise in nicotine addiction due to tobacco companies marketing flavored vaping and e-cigarettes products to teenagers and young children. The problem has become so acute that now more than a quarter of all high school seniors report vaping in the last month a rate double what it was just two years ago, said Rep. Shalala. By banning online sales, flavored tobacco products, and targeted advertising to young people, this bill will help improve the long-term health of the American public and reverse the youth tobacco epidemic.The Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2020 has been endorsed by more than 50 national organizations, including the American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association and the N.A.A.C.P.

“We’re very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba, but you know you’ve got...it’s unfair to say everything is bad. When Fidel Castro came into office, you know what he did. Is that a bad thing?”These are words that many say will likely have political repercussions and come back to haunt Sanders, especially in South Florida. Democratic Strategist Fernand Amandi said he was horrified at Sanders’ comments. While Sanders’ comments are not new, Amandi said Sanders had a chance to renounce the Cuban regime.

Congresswoman Donna Shalala visits the CN Studio for a Facebook LIVE discussion with publishers and brothers Michael and Grant Miller! Be sure to catch the full interview soon on cnews.net! Thank you for stopping by, Congresswoman!

// // ////Washington, D.C. As chair of the bipartisan Florida Ports Caucus and a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson applauded the U.S. Department of Transportations decision to award a $43.9 million to PortMiami. The grant will support the construction of a fumigation and cold chain processing facility, as well as other infrastructure projects including pavement repairs, stormwater and drainage upgrades, and enhancements to support refrigerated containers. Congratulations PortMiami for winning a $44 million grant to support the construction of a fumigation facility and other infrastructure. In September 2019, Congresswoman Wilson joined Congresswomen Donna Shalala and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in supporting PortMiamis application in a letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao. Congresswoman Wilson will continue to champion issues affecting PortMiami and all other Florida ports.

Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) joined Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), and Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos Gimenez in announcing that PortMiami received a $44 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct a state-of-the-art cold fumigation facility which will make it more competitive with other ports on the east coast. PortMiami is one of the true economic engines of Miami-Dade County, said Rep. Shalala. I am proud to have helped lead the Miami-Dade delegation in support of a grant that will ensure PortMiami will continue driving economic growth in South Florida for years to come. The state-of the-art cold processing facility will enhance Miamis position as a key point of treatment and processing for perishable food products free of pests and diseases for both domestic and international consumption. Reps. Frederica Wilson and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell joined the efforts in support of this grant.

The Town of Cutler Bay conducted its annual State of the Town Address on Dec. 11, the first hosted by Mayor Tim Meerbott since taking office. Town Hall was filled with residents, town staff and council members, as well as other invited guests and VIP representatives. Among the other officials present were former Cutler Bay Vice Mayor Ernest Sochin, Pinecrest Mayor Joseph M. Corradino, Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham, newly elected Homestead Mayor Steven D. Losner and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. Our residents have planted their roots here, making Cutler Bay their forever home, Mayor Meerbott said. Mayor Meerbott looked ahead to future challenges for the town, such as traffic, lack of mass transit and the concern for overdevelopment.

This Week in South Florida Full Episode: Dec. 22Published: December 22, 2019, 1:30 pmOn This Week in South Florida co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg talk with congresswomen Donna Shalala and Frederica Wilson about the impeachment of President Donald Trump, they also talk with Fort Lauderdale commissioner Ben Sorensen about the recent sewage leaks.

"These are Cuban American citizens who want to bring their relatives to the United States under existing laws," U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala, D-Fla., said Friday. In 2017 the State Department decided to partially shut down the American Embassy in Cuba following the alleged health attacks on embassy workers. U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla., is pushing a bill in Congress that would force the State Department to start processing applications within 30 days of the bill becoming a law. The bill, which is co-sponsored by Shalala, also gives the government the option to process the application by video conferencing. "Castigating Cuban families for what an oppressive and dictational regime has done for decades is not the answer," Mucarsel-Powell said.

Earlier today, Florida Politics reported that Tarrio has filed election paperwork to challenge Rep. Donna Shalala in Florida's 27th Congressional District in 2020. The Proud Boys are an alt-right self-described "Western chauvinist" organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center calls an extremist hate group. Enrique Tarrio was the leader of the Proud Boys Miami chapter. Then again, Tarrio describes the Proud Boys as "a frat with a political lean." So maybe that makes him the perfect poster boy for the Republican Party in 2020.

Fortunately, the Senate Appropriations Committee has matched the Houses increased funding allocation for the Global Fund for the fiscal year 2020. If enacted, it would be the first U.S. funding increase to the Global Fund in six years and the third-largest increase in U.S. funding since 2002, the founding of the Global Fund. Partners In Health Engage Miami (a student-led global health organization proudly rooted at the University of Miami) thanks Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Florida) for supporting the sixth replenishment of the Global Fund by co-sponsoring House Resolution 517. Still, there is a need for the U.S. government to invest in health system strengthening policies that go beyond efforts addressing the burden of infectious diseases alone. I urge Representative Shalala to introduce to Congress new legislation to support global health system strengthening.

Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-5) hosted a roundtable discussion with health insurers, providers, and stakeholders to discuss how to build upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to expand and increase health care benefits, while lowering costs and improving outcomes for the American people. President Trump and his Republican allies have been attacking the ACA from the moment it was signed into law, said Donna Shalala. The President has taken this fight to the Supreme Court again because he and his party want to take away the ACAs affordable health care coverage and pre-existing condition protections from tens of millions of Americans and over 332,000 in my district without a plan to improve or replace it. As a former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Shalala brings a unique and helpful perspective to our work to defend the law and make quality health care more affordable and accessible, including by lowering prescription drug costs. I thank her for her leadership on this issue and for hosting this roundtable today.Since being signed into law almost ten years ago, the Affordable Care Act has expanded health insurance coverage, guaranteed essential protections for all Americans, and increased innovation in health care.

De La Torre, principal of Cutler Bay Senior High School, has announced that graduating senior Kristina Alzugaray has been selected to serve as an intern for U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala. Kristina is in the iPREP Academy. A congressional internship is a mix of hard work, political experience and educational rigor. Internships are extremely competitive, as Congressional staffers look for individuals with a strong academic record, leadership skills, and a background in community service and student government. While these internships are primarily unpaid, they provide the student with unmatched hands-on experience.

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute CHLI this organization sponsors college student internships in DC and hosts leadership events, like the Regional Future Leaders Conference that will be held at UM next Thursday, October 10 from 9am to 1pm. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (CHLI Vice Chairman) and Congresswoman Donna Shalala will be among our welcome speakers. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will be moderating a panel with Israeli Consul General Lior Haiat, TECO Dep Director Sara Chen and Amb Sue Cobb. There is also a financial planning panel and a keynote lunch. It will be a great opportunity for South Florida students and young professionals.

MIAMI - Join co-hosts Glenna Milberg and Michael Putney as they welcome Rep. Donna Shalala, journalist Marc Caputo, attorney Chris Smith and attorney Saman Movassaghi-Gonzalez on the "This Week in South Florida" podcast. SUBSCRIBE TO THE TWISF PODCAST - iOS | AndroidCopyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

As a junior in college who worked twenty hours a week, I never planned on learning the ins and outs of our health care system. Thankfully, my mother and I were insured through her employer-provided health plan and we were able to visit an outpatient clinic. It wasnt just these benefits that have improved the lives of families like ours, but what health plans have been able to do to build on those benefits as well. It will take collaboration from lawmakers, health plans, and health care providers to continue making a difference in the lives of Floridians and all Americans. I have seen the highs and lows of our health care system and hopefully our experiences can play a small part in another persons survivor story.

Somehow it's taken the Democratic Party roughly three years to notice Donald Trump probably should not be president. In a sign that House Democrats finally seem to be getting serious, multiple South Florida Democrats said today they support Pelosi's move. "The allegations surrounding President Trump's actions are extremely disturbing. "It is obvious that President Trump knows no boundaries when advancing his own personal interests," Frankel stated. #CultureOfCorruption https://t.co/0wxaK8lGmE Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@RepDMP) September 24, 2019With Wasserman Schultz taking a late-day stand in favor of an impeachment inquiry, only Miami Gardens Rep. Frederica Wilson remains the lone Miami-Dade Democrat to avoid making a statement today.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, has received the prestigious NCI designation from the National Cancer Institute. It emanates from the dedication of every member of the cancer center and the leadership of Dr. Stephen Nimer. This is just the beginning.Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute is the federal governments principal agency for cancer research and training. The NCI Cancer Centers Program leads, conducts and supports cancer research across the nation through a network of elite cancer centers. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has seven locations in Miami, Kendall, Coral Gables, Hollywood, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs and Plantation.

Encompass Health in Cutler Bay will celebrate National Rehabilitation Week on Saturday, Sept. 21, with an inaugural Health Fair at their facility located at 20601 Old Cutler Rd. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities for the whole family include: food trucks, activities for kids, music, health screenings, education and demonstrations, raffles, guest speakers, health care providers and more. The event serves to recognize and honor patients who have faced overwhelming physical and mental obstacles, and the dedicated healthcare professionals who provide expert care every day, said Marla Fant of Encompass Health. Heres a partial list of vendors who will be partnering with Encompass Health and the Town of Cutler Bay:24/7 Nursing CareAdvocate Home CareAHA (American Heart Association)Alliance for AgingAlzheimers AssociationAmerihealth Home Care AgencyBaptist Screenings: Total Cholesterol/Glucose Blood Presure Body Composition/BMI Waist Circumference Osteoporosis (women 30+; men 50+)Big Red Bus One BloodClareMedicaClearCaptions, LLC (phone)Eastridge Retirement CommunityGriswold Home CareHomeshoppers MagazineHumanaLarkin Hospital Body manipulation Blood pressureMercedes BenzMind and MelodyNational Karate AcademyNew Leaf ChiropractorProvidence Home HealthSelect Physical TherapySHINESt. Annes / Catholic HospiceStarlight CareStaywellThe Roads Home Health CareTown of Cutler Bay Parks and RecreationTown of Cutler Bay Police DepartmentValuecare at HomeVITASWest Coast UniversityZoological WildlifeWe do have verbal RSVPs from Congresswoman Donna Shalala, District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and mayor of the Town of Cutler Bay Tim Meerbott, who will be presenting a proclamation to our CEO, Luis Allende, Fant said. Encompass Health Miamis therapy team will be showcasing our Advanced Technology and several of our success stories.For information or to reserve a booth, contact Marla Fant at marla.fant@encompasshealth.com.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The University of Miami has joined the ranks of the nation's top cancer centers. University president Julio Frenk, along with Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Miami Rep. Donna Shalala and health professionals, announced Monday that university's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has received National Cancer Institute designation. Frenk said South Floridians now "have access to the absolute top cancer center in the world." Officials said the designation, which authorizes the university's hospital to offer advanced and restricted cancer treatments, will also stimulate the local economy by luring patients from across the world to the center. The university will also receive a $10 million grant from the federal government to support its cancer treatment and research efforts.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The University of Miami has joined the ranks of the nation's top cancer centers. University president Julio Frenk, along with Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Miami Rep. Donna Shalala and health professionals, announced Monday that university's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has received National Cancer Institute designation. Frenk says South Floridians now" have access to the absolute top cancer center in the world." Officials say the designation, which authorizes the university's hospital to offer advanced and restricted cancer treatments, will also stimulate the local economy by luring patients from across the world to the center. The university will also receive a $10 million grant from the federal government to support its cancer treatment and research efforts.

Bill would increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2025 & raise wages for approximately 140,000 workers in Floridas 27th Congressional DistrictRep. Donna Shalala (D-FL) voted to pass the Raise the Wage Act, a landmark piece of legislation that will gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 over the next six years. Independent economic analysis estimates that the bill, which Rep. Shalala proudly cosponsored, would increase pay for up to 33 million American workers, including hundreds of thousands of workers in Miami-Dade County and nearly 2.4 million Floridians more than a quarter of Floridas workforce. In the United States, and in particular in Miami-Dade County, where the cost of living is only going up, no one who works full-time should live in poverty.The Raise the Wage Act would provide the first increase in the federal minimum wage in over 10 years the longest stretch in history without a minimum wage increase. Currently, a full-time worker earning the federal minimum wage cannot afford to rent a two-bedroom home anywhere in the United States. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Raise the Wage Act would directly increase the wages of nearly 17 million workers and lift more than 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children.

United States Congresswoman Donna Shalala, of Floridas 27th congressional district, announced her official endorsement of Anna Hochkammers campaign for State Senate District 39. Rep. Shalala said, I am proud to support and endorse my friend Anna Hochkammer for the Florida State Senate. Anna has proven her ability to rally people around her to find practical solutions to issues that impact our community. As a State Senator, I know Anna will put forward meaningful solutions to issues like accessible and affordable healthcare, leading on climate change and protecting natural resources, and championing our public education system. Florida needs more thoughtful leadership, and Anna is the right choice for State Senate District 39.Anna shared, Congresswoman Donna Shalala is a true public servant who advocates on behalf of all the residents of Miami Dade County and Im honored to have her support.

U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala (FL-27) released the following statement on the day of oral arguments to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas v. United States to strike down the Affordable Care Act:Today the Fifth Circuit Court is hearing oral arguments to strike down the Affordable Care Act. Stripping away the ACAs protections would have a devasting effect on millions of American families. In Miami-Dade County, hundreds of thousands of people 100,000 in my district alone would lose their health insurance if the ACA were repealed, said Rep. Shalala. I and my Democratic colleagues will not yield an inch of ground in the fight to protect the ACA. We will preserve this essential law and continue to work to expandand guaranteehealth coverage for all Americans.

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - A congressional delegation led by U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., toured the nation's largest child migrant detention center in Homestead. Wilson was joined by U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala, D-Fla., and several Democratic House members Tuesday as they got a firsthand look at the conditions under which the young migrants are living. The Democratic presidential candidates who were in Miami for last week's debates had also ventured to the Homestead facility. After their tour, Wilson and her colleagues had less to say about what they saw inside the facility and more about what they want, which is to get the facility closed down. We only see them coming," protester Tina Marie Davidson said outside the Homestead facility.