Frederica S. Wilson

Rep. Wilson Condemns Supreme Court Decision on Louisiana Redistricting Case as a Setback for Voting Rights

Position: Rep. Wilson opposes the Supreme Court's decision striking down Louisiana's congressional map that created a second majority-Black district, arguing it weakens Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and undermines fair representation for communities of color.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais striking down Louisiana’s congressional map that created a second majority-Black district. “This decision is a setback for voting rights and fair representation. Full stop. “Let me be clear. For generations, people fought, marched, and even died for the right to vote in this country. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was supposed to protect that right and make sure communities that were shut out of power finally had a fair chance to be heard. “Today’s ruling weakens that protection. Even though Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is still on the books, this decision makes it harder to use it the way it was intended. And when that happens, it is Black voters and other communities of color who pay the price first. “In Louisiana, a map that created a second majority-Black district has now been struck down. That is not just a legal change on paper. That is about representation. That is about whether communities finally get a seat at the table or are pushed back out again. “We cannot ignore what is happening here. Step by step, we are seeing efforts to chip away at the Voting Rights Act and limit the tools that protect fair elections. That should concern every American who believes in democracy. “The right to vote is not negotiable. It is not optional. It is the foundation of everything else in this country. And I will continue to fight, without apology, to protect that right, strengthen the Voting Rights Act, and make sure every community is seen, heard, and represented.” ### Issues: Voting Rights

Rep. Wilson Introduces Transit Workforce Development Act to Strengthen America’s Transit Workforce

Position: Rep. Wilson introduced legislation to expand federal funding for transit workforce development, including training programs, registered apprenticeships, and labor-management partnerships, to address workforce shortages in public transportation systems.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced the Transit Workforce Development Act, legislation to expand workforce training and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support the nation’s public transportation systems. The bill amends federal transit law to allow a greater portion of existing bus and bus facility grants to be used for workforce development, including training programs, registered apprenticeships, and labor-management partnerships. “Our transit systems cannot run without the people who power them,” said Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “We are facing a workforce crisis. Experienced workers are retiring, technology is rapidly changing the job, and too many agencies do not have the resources to train the next generation. This bill is about investing in people, creating real career pathways, and making sure our transit workforce is ready for the future.” Public transportation agencies across the country are confronting significant workforce shortages, compounded by rapid technological changes such as the transition to zero-emission buses. These advancements require new technical skills, including expertise in high-voltage systems, electronic diagnostics, and advanced safety procedures. However, current training programs remain limited and underfunded. “Today’s transit buses are way different under the hood compared to twenty or even ten years ago. Battery electric buses require a different set of skills to not only repair and maintain, but to operate. Our Union has been a leader in developing transit workforce development programs to train our members with the skills and knowledge to have successful careers in public transit,” said John Costa, President of Amalgamated Transit Union International. “We commend Representative Wilson and the other 19 Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for introducing the Transit Workforce Development Act. It is long overdue!” "Public transit is a service that so many working families rely on, and it is crucial that we are investing in the workforce training needed to keep these systems safe and reliable as transit vehicle technology advances,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “TTD strongly supports the Transit Workforce Development Act because it will help to solve some of the current challenges facing transit systems, and promote job quality, retention, and recruitment in the industry." The Transit Workforce Development Act addresses these challenges by: Increasing the workforce development set-aside from 5 percent to 10 percent under the Low or No Emission Bus Program Allowing up to 10 percent of bus and bus facility grant funds to be used for workforce training Expanding training eligibility across all federal bus programs under 49 U.S.C. §5339 Supporting registered apprenticeships and labor-management training partnerships “Every rider depends on a skilled workforce behind the scenes,” said Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). “This bill makes sure we are not just investing in buses, but in the people who keep them running. That is how we build a stronger, safer, and more reliable transit system for everyone.” The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Dina Titus (NV-01). View the full bill text here. View the bill summary here. ### Issues: Labor Transportation Workforce Protections

Rep. Wilson Statement on House Passage of H.R. 1689

Position: Rep. Wilson advocates for Senate passage of H.R. 1689 to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status, arguing that TPS is necessary to protect Haitian nationals from deportation to a country experiencing violence and humanitarian crisis.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1689, legislation to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), sending it to the Senate. “The House has done its job, and now the Senate must answer to history. “I represent the largest Haitian communities in this nation, and I am sounding the alarm because lives are on the line. Right now, my constituents are receiving messages telling them to leave this country or face arrest, deportation, and permanent exile. For Haitian nationals, that is not policy. It is cruelty, it is inhumane, and it is a death sentence. “We know exactly what they are being sent back to: a country held together by violence, gangs controlling the streets, and women and children living under constant threat, with no guarantee of survival. And still, they are being told to go back. “Let me be clear: TPS is not charity, it is earned. These individuals followed the law. They worked, paid taxes, built families, and strengthened this nation. They did everything right, and they will not be sacrificed, not on my watch. “H.R. 1689 is about doing what is right in the face of a humanitarian crisis. We have extended TPS before when humanity demanded it, and we did not hesitate then, so we cannot hesitate now. If it is not safe for Americans to travel to Haiti, it is unconscionable to force Haitians to return. That is not leadership, that is abandonment. “The House has acted with urgency and moral clarity, and now the Senate stands at a crossroads, where they can choose courage or choose to turn a blind eye to the truth. “I am demanding action: pass H.R. 1689, extend TPS, protect these families, and save lives. “And I will not stop fighting until this injustice is ended.” ### Issues: Foreign Affairs Immigration

Rep. Wilson Calls for Urgent Action on Increasing Food Insecurity

Position: Rep. Wilson expresses concern about rising food insecurity in South Florida and calls for urgent action to protect access to food assistance and support local food banks in response to increasing costs and SNAP changes.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement on increasing food insecurity across South Florida. “Across South Florida, more people are struggling to put food on the table. “With new SNAP changes taking effect and costs continuing to rise, the pressure is only getting worse. Food pantries are already preparing for a surge in demand, and that should concern all of us. “This is about people who are working hard and still being forced to make difficult choices just to get by. “No one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. “We must respond with urgency by protecting access to food assistance, supporting local food banks, and making sure our community has the resources it needs. “I will continue working to ensure South Florida is prepared to meet this moment and that no one is left behind.” ###

Rep. Wilson Warns Rising Global Conflict Is Driving Up Costs for South Florida

Position: Rising global conflict is driving up costs for South Florida residents, and the federal government should prioritize lowering costs and protecting working people from the economic burden of overseas instability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement addressing rising costs driven by escalating global conflict and its impact on South Florida. “People across South Florida are already feeling the strain. They cannot afford to pay more because of instability and poor decisions. “Rising global conflict is driving up costs, from gas prices to everyday essentials, and our community is feeling it in real time. What is happening overseas is directly impacting household budgets across South Florida. “People should not be forced to shoulder the burden of instability they did not create. We must focus on lowering costs, protecting working people, and ensuring our community is not left behind.” ### Issues: Economic Growth Foreign Affairs

Rep. Wilson Urges Permanent End to War in Iran as Ceasefire Falls Short

Position: Rep. Wilson opposes the Trump administration's military conflict with Iran and calls for Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to end the conflict permanently and pursue diplomatic solutions instead.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement in response to ongoing developments following President Donald Trump’s temporary two-week ceasefire with Iran. “After weeks of reckless escalation, billions of dollars spent, and lives lost, the President is now trying to call this a success. Let me be clear. This is not success. “A temporary two-week ceasefire that simply returns us to the same fragile status quo is not a strategy. It does not make America safer, and it does not bring us any closer to lasting peace. “We need a permanent end to Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice. “This conflict has weakened America’s standing in the world, strained our military resources, and driven up costs for working families here at home. Meanwhile, Iran remains intact and is already positioned to rebuild and potentially come back stronger. “Threatening to wipe out an entire civilization one day and claiming victory the next is not leadership. It is chaos. It is dangerous. And it puts millions of innocent lives at risk. “Enough is enough. “The American people do not want another endless war. Our service members should not be put in harm’s way without a clear plan, a clear objective, and a real path forward. Congress must act with urgency. We must reconvene and pass a War Powers Resolution to end this conflict permanently and restore accountability. “We need diplomacy, not destruction. We need stability, not chaos. And we must put the American people over politics before it is too late.” ### Issues: Foreign Affairs

Rep. Wilson Condemns Trump Executive Order Restricting Mail-In Voting

Position: Rep. Wilson opposes the Trump executive order restricting mail-in voting, characterizing it as voter suppression and an abuse of presidential power that undermines democratic access to elections.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. “This executive order is a blatant attack on the right to vote and a dangerous abuse of power. “No president has the authority to decide who gets to participate in our elections. Creating a federal ‘approved voter list’ and restricting mail-in ballots is not about integrity. It is about control. “That is voter suppression, plain and simple. “Mail-in voting helps millions of Americans make their voices heard, especially seniors, working families, and people who need accessible options. Now, those voters are being targeted. “Threatening states and intimidating election officials only undermines our democracy. “I will not accept any effort to limit access to the ballot box. The American people deserve free, fair, and accessible elections. Our democracy depends on it.” ### Issues: Voting Rights

Rep. Wilson Urges Immediate Action to Pay Federal Workers and Protect Public Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement urging immediate action to fund critical Department of Homeland Security operations and ensure federal workers are paid. "This situation is urgent, and it demands immediate action. The men and women at FEMA, CISA, the United States Coast Guard, and TSA are continuing to serve this country without the certainty of a paycheck. "These are essential workers who protect our airports, respond to disasters, secure our infrastructure, and safeguard our communities every single day. They show up for us, and we must show up for them. "The Senate has already acted to advance a bipartisan path forward to fund these critical agencies. We should be working together to ensure that law abiding components of DHS remain fully operational and that the people who serve there are paid without delay. "Families in South Florida and across this country are already facing rising costs. Missing a paycheck is not an option for working people who are doing everything right. "We can protect our national security and ensure accountability at the same time. We do not have to choose between supporting our workforce and upholding our values. We must do both. "Tonight's actions by the Republicans will not solve anything. This situation is completely unnecessary, and yet the shutdown will continue. That is unacceptable. "Every day this continues is another day of unnecessary hardship for the very people we rely on to keep this country running. That is not right. "I am calling for immediate, bipartisan action to resolve this situation, protect our federal workforce, and ensure that critical services remain in place for the American people. Our workers deserve certainty. Our communities deserve safety. And the American people deserve leadership that puts them first." ### Issues: Labor Workforce Protections

Wilson, Van Hollen Introduce Bicameral Bill to Invest in Public Transit Workforce Training

Position: The release introduces legislation to expand a national transit workforce training hub that prepares workers for specialized jobs in transit maintenance and operations, addressing workforce shortages in critical transit sectors.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), joined by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), introduced the National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act, legislation to support and expand the Transit Workforce Center, a national training hub that prepares American workers for specialized, good-paying jobs in critical transit sectors facing workforce shortages, including maintenance and operations, while strengthening the transit workforce as an economic priority for the National Capital Region, where systems like WMATA, Amtrak, and MARC are essential to daily commuters and visitors alike.

Rep. Wilson Condemns Hate Following Synagogue and University Shootings

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement in response to the tragic shootings at a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. "In today’s America, it has become normal to show hate. But this country is better than this, and we are stronger than the violence that seeks to divide us. My heart breaks for the Jewish community in Michigan, whose sacred synagogue was attacked, and for the students, faculty, and families at Old Dominion University, who faced violence in a place meant for learning and growth. “A synagogue is a sanctuary. A university is a place of opportunity. Neither should ever be places of fear. “We must be honest: hate is being allowed to flourish, and violence is being tolerated. Antisemitism, bigotry, and attacks on innocent people are not who we are as a nation. They are an affront to the values that bind us together. “We must stand up, speak out, and act with courage. We must defend every person’s right to worship, to learn, and to live in safety. “I stand with the Jewish community in Michigan and the Old Dominion community. We cannot remain silent. We must reject hate in every form and replace it with justice, compassion, and unity." ### Issues: Gun Violence