News

Congressman Deutch introduces legislation to strengthen Iran sanctions

Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the Iran Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (ITA), along with Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East Subcommittee Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Rep. Ron Klein (D-FL), member of the Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees, and Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) Ranking Member of the Middle East Subcommittee. Congressman...

Watch Ted's Swearing-In Today

I am honored to inform you that I will be sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives later this afternoon. The precise timing of the event is not certain, but tune into CSPAN between noon and 1:30pm (EST) to watch the ceremony live on television. It was your support and encouragement that has allowed me to take this profound step, and I am forever grateful for your friendship. Please stay in touch in the days ahead. It is an honor to be your voice in...

A Great Victory; Thank You

The votes have been counted and the results are in. I wanted you to be the first to know that tonight, the voters of Florida's 19th district elected me to serve in the United States Congress. I am profoundly humbled to have earned the confidence of the voters in this election. Since 2006, it has been a tremendous honor to serve in the Florida State Senate. However, with the retirement of my dear friend Congressman Robert Wexler, a new opportunity emerged, and with your help and support I...

Ted Rocks out in Delray Beach

Not only is Ted Deutch a talented legislator with a record of delivering results - he's pretty good at the keyboard too. Campaigning in Delray...

PRESS ALERT: Election Day Schedule for Ted Deutch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12th, 2010 Contact: Ashley Mushnick, 561-865-6874 Ashley@TedforCongress.com PRESS ALERT: ELECTION DAY SCHEDULE FOR SENATOR TED DEUTCH After Polls Close at 7:00 pm, Supporters to Gather for Election Night Party in Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center (Boca Raton, FL) Tomorrow is Election Day in Florida's 19th district, and State Senator...

Palm Beach Post Endorses Ted

Endorsement: Pick Deutch for U.S. House http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/editorials/endorsement-pick-deutch-for-u-s-house-514472.html In the Florida Legislature, Ted Deutch has shown he can work across the aisle to get things done. But the Democratic state senator from Boca Raton also knows when to take a stand on principle. Sen. Deutch is the best choice to fill the U.S. House District 19 seat in the April 13 special election. Early voting starts tomorrow. The seat will be up for...

Deutch: Lynch's Statements on Israel Dangerously Misinformed

(Boca Raton, FL) In a debate that aired this morning on the This Week in South Florida with Michael Putney television show, Republican Ed Lynch made inflammatory remarks about America's relationship with Israel in an effort to score cheap political points against Democratic candidate and nationally recognized pro-Israel activist, Ted Deutch. On the show, Ed Lynch made the appalling claim that the United States has imposed sanctions against Israel and that the sanctions against...

Campaign Update: Two Weeks Left!

In just two weeks, on Tuesday, April 13th, voters will go to the polls and choose a new Congressman for Florida's 19th District. We are now officially in the home stretch of this campaign, and I wanted to provide you with a quick update on what happened last week and what lies ahead. Standing up for Public Education Last week in the Florida State Senate, I took the concerns of teachers and families throughout South Florida straight to the forefront of debate on a new bill that...

Latest List of Endorsements

Ted is endorsed by: Congressman Robert Wexler Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Congressman Alcee Hastings Congressman Ron Klein Congressman Kendrick Meek State Senator Dave Aronberg State Senator Nan Rich State Senator Jeremy Ring State Senator Eleanor Sobel State Senator Chris Smith State Representative Kevin Rader State Representative Kelly Skidmore State Representative Mack Bernard State Representative Joseph Abruzzo State...

Health Care Reform and Florida's 19th District

Dear Friends, Last night, Congress made history by passing health care reform legislation that expands access to affordable coverage to 32 million more Americans. When President Obama signs this historic reform bill into law, the residents of Florida's 19th district will immediately begin to reap its benefits. Over 160,000 Medicare beneficiaries live in Florida's 19th district, and each year, over 20,000 of them fall into the disastrous Medicare donut hole. Health...

Deutch Releases Statement on Middle East Affairs

Deutch: US and Israel Must Move Beyond Recent Incident and Work Together to Confront Iran Deutch Legislation Targeting Businesses Supporting Iran Unanimously Passes Committee BOCA RATON – Today the Florida Senate Committee on Military Affairs and Domestic Security unanimously passed legislation written and introduced by Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) that will prevent Florida state agencies from entering into, awarding, or renewing a contract with any company doing...

General Election Campaign Update

I wanted to provide you with a quick campaign update. The special election to replace former Congressman Robert Wexler is fast approaching, with less than 5 weeks left until Tuesday, April 13th. New Endorsements I am proud to announce that I have received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, the largest coalition of law enforcement officers in Florida. I am thrilled to have the support of so many organizations committed to our public safety, including the Florida...

PRESS RELEASE: Deutch: Republican Budget Privatizes Medicare, Endangers Seniors

(Boca Raton, FL) State Senator Ted Deutch, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Florida's 19th District, released the following statement in reaction to the Republican budget plan to privatize Medicare: "South Florida's seniors should be outraged by the new GOP budget that proposes a risky new privatization scheme for Social Security. I reject this plan and call on all candidates for Congress in the 19th District denounce such efforts. In addition to replacing Social Security...

POLITICO: Deutch wins Dem nod in Florida's 19th

State Sen. Ted Deutch won a Democratic special primary election Tuesday to succeed former Rep. Robert Wexler, giving him a decided edge in the April 13 special general election in Florida's solidly Democratic 19th District. Wexler, a seven-term Democrat, stepped down last month to become president of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation. Deutch, who had the backing of Wexler and former President Bill Clinton in his bid, trounced former Broward County Mayor Ben...

Halfway There!

Dear Friends, I am thrilled to announce that I have just been named the winner of the Democratic Primary for the special congressional election for District 19. I am so grateful to the voters of Palm Beach and Broward Counties for this overwhelming victory. Although it was my name on the ballot, this is a victory that I share equally with you. My success would not have been possible without the incredible help of so many volunteers, supporters and friends. Your dedication and amazing...

Please Vote Tuesday

Dear Friends, This is a vitally important moment for our community - Tuesday, February 2nd, is election day! Election Day polls will open at 7 a.m. for the election to replace Robert Wexler in the United States Congress, and I am asking for your vote. We are facing immense challenges in our nation, and it is more important than ever for you to make your voice heard about the direction of our community and our nation. Florida's 19th District has always had...

Palm Beach Post Endorses Ted!

Choose Budd, Deutch in Tuesday's House 19 primaries By THE PALM BEACH POST After the party's upset Senate victory in Massachusetts, Republicans got so giddy as to wonder whether — even though party registration is 2-to-1 against them — they could win the congressional seat held since 1996 by Democrat Robert Wexler. Unfortunately for the GOP, the two best candidates in Tuesday's primary are Democrats. Among the three Republicans, by process of elimination, The Post...

EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN

Dear friends, I wanted to let you know that early voting has begun in the special primary election for Florida's congressional district. Rather than wait until Tuesday, February 2nd, you can vote early at one of the libraries listed below from today until Sunday, January 31st. Going into this election, I am honored to have the endorsement of the Voter's Coalition, the Police Benevolent Association, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Florida Professional Firefighters,...

Sun Sentinel: Former President Bill Clinton stomps for Senator Ted Deutch

Jack Shifrel of Coconut Creek, an area leader of the Broward Democratic Party, attended the Ted Deutch fundraiser featuring former President Bill Clinton.Clinton devoted most of his remarks to health care, Shifrel said, and also touched on the decline of American politics in which partisanship is so strong Democrats and Republicans often don’t work together. Clinton, who is the U.N. special envoy on Haiti, discussed the situation in the earthquake-ravaged nation. The former...

Watch the New TV Ad: Put South Florida Back to Work

Check out Ted Deutch's new TV spot on the economy...

"Ted Was There"

Dear Friends, I hope you have had wonderful holiday season, and I hope 2010 is a prosperous and healthy year for you and your family. The last few months of 2009 have been among the busiest of my life as I am working every moment toward the special congressional primary election on February 2nd. Our campaign is working overtime to make sure the voters in District 19 know about the race and my candidacy. Help me get the word out by contributing to the campaign! Some...

Palm Beach Post: Candidate Deutch wins endorsements from fellow Dems Frankel, Meek, to replace U.S. Rep. Wexler

By STACEY SINGER Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Florida Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, burnished his Congressional election resume with endorsements from two top Democrats on Sunday, setting him up as the local party's favored son in the fast-approaching Feb. 2 special election primary to replace outgoing U.S. Rep Robert Wexler. Deutch has pulled in a succession of key party endorsements, including Wexler's. On Sunday, he was embraced by West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel and...

Helping others in need this holiday season

Dear Friends, During this time of year, so many of us are fortunate to join friends and family for holiday meals, lighting the menorah, or celebrating Christmas. Unfortunately, for many in our community, especially in these tough economic times, the holiday season is not so bright. For that reason, I wanted to bring to your attention a feature by the Palm Beach Post called the “Season to Share,” which highlights specific families and people in South Florida in need of...

We must stop Iran's expansion of its nuclear weapons program

Dear Friends, Iran’s dangerous quest for nuclear weapons took another significant turn this week, and the United States and our allies must now take affirmative steps to thwart these reckless Iranian actions. Iran’s decisions grow more belligerent and defiant by the day. In response to the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censure of Iran for attempting to keep secret an enrichment plant near the city of Qom, Iran has announced the construction of 10 new uranium...

Protecting Women's Access to Breast Cancer Screenings

Dear friends, The sad fact is that each and every one of us has a friend or family member whose life has been touched by cancer. Some of us have lost loved ones, others have triumphed over impossible odds, and many courageous friends continue to fiercely battle this vicious disease. I am writing to you today because I am deeply disturbed by the newly issued guidelines from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, which tell women to put off mammograms and self-breast exams until the...

Dramatic Success that is Saving Lives

Dear Friends, Last year I wrote and passed legislation designed to reduce smoking in Florida and generate a billion dollars for health care programs and $50 million annually for cancer research, treatment and prevention. My legislation added a surcharge to every pack of cigarettes because every study shows that making cigarettes more expensive is not only the best way to encourage smokers to quit, but it's also best way to stop kids from ever taking up smoking in the first...

Ted Pays Tribute to America's Veterans

Today, Senator Ted Deutch released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: "Today marks a day of tribute to our veterans who bravely fought in wars past and for our servicemen and women who defend our nation at this very moment. They are heroes who left their families to travel thousands and thousands of miles around the world to risk everything in defense of our freedom and our values. "Florida is home to 1.8 million veterans - second only to California in the...

Reps. Wexler, Wasserman Schultz, Klein, and Hastings Endorse Ted Deutch for Congress Four Endorsements Provide Huge Momentum to Deutch Campaign

(Boca Raton, FL) - Today, Reps. Robert Wexler, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Alcee Hastings and Ron Klein endorsed Ted Deutch for election to Congress in the 19th Congressional District. Deutch is running in the early 2010 special election to succeed Wexler, who is leaving Congress to become President of the Center for Middle East Peace. The dramatic endorsement of four Democratic South Florida Members of Congress who represent Palm Beach County and Broward County adds huge momentum to...

Huge Boost For Deutch in Broward County

(Boca Raton, FL) - State Senator Jeremy Ring, earlier considered a leading contender for the congressional seat being vacated by Congressman Robert Wexler, has now endorsed Ted Deutch for Congress. Jeremy Ring is an influential and popular figure in Broward County and his endorsement adds further momentum to Ted Deutch’s campaign for Congress. "There is no doubt that Ted Deutch will be an excellent Member of Congress for the people of Broward and Palm Beach Counties”...

Senator Deutch Receiving Overwhelming Early Support in Palm Beach County

(Boca Raton, FL) – State Senator and Candidate for Congress Ted Deutch, today received an overwhelming show of support from Palm Beach County with the endorsements from 15 state, county, and local officials, including County Commissioners Burt Aaronson, Jeff Koons, Shelly Vana, and Priscilla Taylor, State Senator Dave Aronberg, State Representatives Kevin Rader, Kelly Skidmore, Mack Bernard, Joseph Abruzzo, Mary Brandenberg, Mark...

and overturn the Citizens United ruling.

I have served as an elected official in the State of Florida for many years, and have seen, first-hand, some very questionable elections. Now, the integrity of our elections is under an even graver threat: Recently the landmark Supreme Court case of Citizens United v. FEC ruled in favor of corporations having the right to spend unlimited amounts of money in swaying elections of their choosing. The ruling is based on the Court’s opinion that corporations deserve to enjoy the...

Legislation would consider charges of domestic abuse between parents when determining custody

TALLAHASSEE, FL- The Florida Legislature on Friday passed a bill requiring judges to consider charges of domestic or sexual abuse, involving either parent, when granting custody or arranging visitation. Sponsored by Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton), and inspired by a local story, SB 904 reduces from a third degree felony to a first degree misdemeanor the level of a domestic violence conviction judges must consider when determining...

Legislation will expand divestment and help individuals to stand up to terrorist states

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Continuing to pave the way on divestment of state funds from rogue nations, Governor Charlie Crist on Monday signed a bill making it easier for Florida's citizens to exercise economic pressure against terror-sponsoring states. The bill, SB 538 sponsored by Senators Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and Carey Baker (R-Eustis), requires fire and police pension funds to divest from Iran and Sudan and requires the State...

Friday December 4th at the South County Civic Center

Event to also Serve as Food Drive for South Florida Homeless This Friday, December 4th, at 3:30 pm, the Ted Deutch for Congress Campaign will hold an official kick-off at the South County Civic Center. The event is open to the public and will provide attendees with the opportunity to volunteer for the campaign, enjoy live music and free refreshments, and meet Ted. The event will also serve as a food drive for homeless Floridians and the campaign is requesting attendees to kindly donate...

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Friends, I know I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Jill and I are blessed with a happy and healthy family, and although we just started this campaign, I have been truly humbled by the outpouring of support from the South Florida community. Thanksgiving is perhaps America's most distinctive tradition. Each year, amidst good food and good company, families and friends gather to acknowledge the many blessings bestowed upon our nation. While we as Americans always have...

Legislation passed to expand divestment and help individuals to stand up to terrorist states

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Continuing to pave the way on divestment of state funds from rogue nations, the Florida Legislature on Friday passed a bill making it easier for Florida's citizens to exercise economic pressure against terror-sponsoring states. The bill, SB 538 sponsored by Senators Carey Baker (R-Eustis) and Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton), requires fire and police pension funds to divest from Iran and Sudan and requires the State Board of...

Senator Deutch and Senator Altman Announce "Protecting Florida's Health" Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and Senator Thad Altman (R-Viera) today announced sweeping legislation aimed at reducing the burden on Florida’s Medicaid program caused by tobacco use by targeting all tobacco products sold in the Sunshine State. Sponsored by Senator Deutch, Senate Bill 1840, now named “Protecting Florida’s Health,” is a multi-pronged approach to tobacco use: not only is it intended to deter new tobacco users, but also...

Ted Facilitates Changes in Florida Prepaid College Program

Boca Raton, Fl- A child’s prepaid college plan is now better protected against parental abuse thanks to the efforts of State Senator Ted Deutch(D-Boca Raton). The Senator demanded that the Florida Prepaid College Program revise a rule allowing only one person to be designated the purchaser of a Prepaid Plan. The new rule now allows a co-purchaser to have greater rights regarding the use, termination and refund of any benefits. “The change allows parents and...

Ted Files Milestone Public Health Initiative

Tallahassee, FL – Seeking to dramatically improve both Florida’s healthcare system and the state’s financial outlook, Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) today filed legislation that will make Florida the nation’s leader in fighting cancer. Senate Bill 1840 is intended to curb smoking and reduce the incidence of tobacco-related illnesses by levying a dollar a pack increase in the state’s cigarette tax. Currently at 33.9 cents per pack, Florida’s tax is...

Ted Passes Resolution in Support of Israel

Tallahassee, FL- The Florida Senate on Friday threw its support behind one of our most important allies, unanimously passing a bi-partisan resolution in support of the state of Israel. SR 66A, sponsored by Sen. Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) expresses solidarity with Israel and support of its right to defend itself from Hamas attacks. The resolution, sponsored in the House by Majority Leader Adam Hasner, reaffirms Florida's commitment to those...

by Dara Karn

A Senate committee amended a health care budget bill to allow families caring for the severely disabled to be able to get more than the capped amount of personal care approved by lawmakers this spring. Democratic Sen. Ted Deutch of Boca Raton was the force behind the amendment, which would help 1,000 families who would otherwise have to place their loved ones into institutions. Deutch became interested in the issue on an airplane ride from Washington, D.C. where he was seated...

Ted Asks Governor to Examine Port Canaveral Deal with Largest Gasoline Importer to Iran

Boca Raton, Fl- State Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) is calling upon Governor Charlie Crist to examine the details of a $100 million fuel terminal being constructed at Port Canaveral by European oil company Vitol. Vitol supplies approximately 60% of the refined oil products imported by Iran. With many high ranking U.S. officials calling for a ban on refined petroleum imports to Iran, Florida has the opportunity to take the lead in persuading the Iranian government to stop its...

Courts will have to consider charges of domestic abuse between parents when determining custody

TALLAHASSEE - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton), crafted in tandem with a domestic abuse survivor whose children died at her husband's hand, was signed into law by the governor on Wednesday. "I am so proud to have sponsored this new law that will help ensure no child falls victim to the relationship of the parents," said Sen. Deutch. "Evidence of domestic violence must be specifically considered in order to...

From the Sun Sentinel's "Class Rank"

FRESHMAN MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton District 30 Attorney, 41 A freshman who represents parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, he began his legislative career helping to mold property insurance legislation in January. As vice chairman of the Senate Finance and Tax Committee, he was knee-deep in shaping the property tax reform debate, though unsuccessful in his push to win more relief for business owners and owners of second homes. One notable win:...

"Toiling in Tallahassee: Who were Broward's legislative achievers?"

July 8, 2007 This year, thanks to a new governor and calls for bipartisanship from state political leaders, Broward's heavily Democratic legislative delegation had a louder voice than usual in the Republican-dominated Capitol. In addition to helping pass property tax and insurance reforms in two special sessions, several local legislators teamed up on bills that, among other things, loosened rules for local gambling venues, regulated state investments and increased penalties for leaving...