Frankel, Lois RSS Articles

Frankel Pushes Back Against Republican National Security, Department of State Appropriations Bill, Urges Congress to Meet the Moment

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), led Democratic opposition to the Fiscal Year 2027 NSRP funding bill.

“This is a moment for American leadership—and we must rise to meet it,” said Ranking Member Frankel. “Lasting national security is about more than bombs, bullying, or tariffs. It demands smart diplomacy, strong development, and lifesaving humanitarian aid that prevent threats from developing before they ever reach our shores. This funding bill fails that test.

I look forward to coming together to deliver a bill that reflects the very best of American leadership and truly protects the American people.”

After four years of cuts totaling $14.4 billion, Republicans’ proposed bill cuts $2.7 billion, or six percent, from Fiscal Year 2026 funding levels.

Specifically, this legislation:

Cuts $400 million from International Humanitarian Assistance, and rescinds another $1 billion, while the world experiences humanitarian crises on almost every continent;
Eliminates funding for the United Nations and other multilateral and international financial institutions;
Jeopardizes global health by reducing funding by $532 million;
Cuts family planning by $114 million, eliminates funding for UNFPA, and reinstates an expanded Global Gag Rule, hurting women and girls globally;
Zeroes out funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Inter-American Foundation, and United States African Development Foundation; and
Fails to adequately staff the State Department to properly implement and oversee assistance in the United States’ interest.

For Ranking Member Frankel’s full opening remarks in front of the Committee, click here.

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ICYMI: Frankel Speaks Against Devastating Cuts to National Security and Humanitarian Programs in Appropriations Debate

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

During yesterday’s National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Subcommittee markup, Ranking Member Lois Frankel (FL-22) spoke against House Republicans’ proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) NSRP bill, which would cut critical funding that strengthens America’s soft power, prevents the spread of conflict and disease, and protects our national security.

“This is a bill that is supposed to project American leadership—through diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid—but instead, it’s pulling back at exactly the wrong time,” said Ranking Member Frankel.

“After four years of cuts totaling $14.4 billion—a staggering 23 percent—this bill cuts another $2.7 billion. At the same time, President Trump is requesting hundreds of billions of dollars more for war. My son served in the Marines and was deployed to two wars. I know it's important for the military to remain strong. But bombs and drones respond to threats—they do not prevent them. Soft power does.”

Frankel stressed that cuts to programs such as family planning, humanitarian assistance, global health initiatives, the United Nations, and peacebuilding efforts would make America and the world less safe, while increasing the likelihood of costly military intervention.

“Diplomacy prevents costly, deadly war. Global health programs stop outbreaks before they reach our shores. Food aid and development programs reduce desperation that fuels extremism and migration. Alliances ensure we do not face threats alone,” Frankel continued. “This bill walks away from that strategy.”

“Security at home is only possible with effective, robust engagement abroad,” she said. “If we want a safer America and a more stable world, we need both: We need the strength of our military—and the power of our leadership. This bill fails that test.”

For Ranking Member Frankel’s full remarks, click here.

Frankel Fights for Federal Workers’ Access to Reproductive Health Care in Appropriations Debate

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During this week’s Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee markup, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) introduced an amendment to strike measures in the FY27 bill that restrict federal employees’ access to abortion care and block the District of Columbia from using its own local funds to provide abortion services to Medicaid enrollees.

“These riders are not policy—they are punishment,” said Rep. Frankel. “Punishment for federal employees who simply want the freedom to make their own private health care decisions. Punishment for low-income women in the District of Columbia who are denied care—even when D.C. is willing to pay for it with its own dollars.”

Frankel emphasized that the provisions go beyond federal funding restrictions, calling them a clear example of federal overreach into local governance.

“We are not just restricting federal funds—we are reaching into D.C.’s own budget and saying, ‘you don’t get to decide,’” Frankel said. “That is federal overreach at its worst.”

“These riders hit hardest on the women living paycheck to paycheck—those who can’t travel and are forced into impossible choices about their health, their families, and their futures,” she said.

Addressing the female staffers in attendance, Frankel added: “We trust you with so many decisions every day, we should trust you with your health care decisions, too.”

The amendment was ultimately defeated by a vote of 33-26.

For Rep. Frankel’s full remarks, click here.

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Frankel Statement on Pending House Department of Homeland Security Bill

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel released the following statement after Republican House leadership refused to take up a bipartisan Senate-passed bill to reopen the majority of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I am appalled that Republican House leadership is refusing to take up the bipartisan Senate-passed bill, which would reopen most of the Department of Homeland Security and ensure TSA officers and other essential workers are paid,” said Rep. Frankel. “For more than six weeks, these hardworking Americans have gone without a paycheck while continuing to keep us safe. Instead, House Republicans are bringing up a bill that the Senate has already declared dead on arrival, which is nothing more than political theater. It won’t reopen the government, it won’t pay workers, and it won’t move us toward a real solution. Congress should act now to pay these workers and get back to serious negotiations on reining in ICE immigration enforcement.”

Frankel, Colleagues Introduce Measure Recognizing Equal Pay Day, Call for Action to Close Gender Wage Gap

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), alongside Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3), and Nikema Williams (GA-5), introduced a House resolution recognizing March 26, 2026, as Equal Pay Day—the date marking how far into the new year women must work to earn what men earned in 2025 alone.

The resolution raises awareness of the persistent gender wage gap and its impact on women and families, while reaffirming Congress’s commitment to equal pay for equal work.

“Equal pay is not just about fairness—it’s about economic security and opportunity,” said Rep. Frankel. “For generations, women have been paid less for the same work, concentrated in lower-paying jobs, and pushed out of the workforce by a lack of affordable child care. And for the second year in a row, the pay gap for full-time, year-round women workers has widened. This disparity limits women’s ability to save for retirement and reduces their Social Security and pension benefits, contributing to higher rates of poverty among older women. It’s long past time for Congress to take meaningful action to support equal pay and narrowing the gender wage gap.”

"Equal Pay Day marks how far into the current year a woman must work to catch up to what her male counterpart earned in the previous year,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women working full-time or part-time still earn 76 cents for every dollar earned by men. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, this is unacceptable. While Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, the wage gap is costing nearly $1.7 trillion annually. Equal pay for equal work is a simple concept – men and women in the same job deserve the same pay. It is time we make it real for the millions of American women who are being unfairly undervalued in the workplace. Let’s enact the Paycheck Fairness Act and empower working women by giving them the tools to ensure their contributions to the workplace are properly respected and reflected in their pay.”

“It’s been 62 years since we passed the Equal Pay Act. And we still don’t have equal pay?! It keeps getting worse because there isn’t a mechanism to fight this discrimination. Every member of the DWC is a proud cosponsor of Rep. DeLauro’s Paycheck Fairness Act so women can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “We are fighting for legislation to guarantee wage transparency so women know when they’re being paid less for the same work. We are fighting for paid leave for all so that no woman has to choose between their paycheck and caring for their loved ones. This is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a matter of dignity. We believe in a world where you can balance your work and your family without losing the job that sustains you.”

“For the second year in a row, the gender pay gap has widened, hitting Black women and women of color the hardest. Equal pay is more than a women’s issue; it is a matter of economic justice and racial justice,” said Rep. Williams. “When women are paid less for the same work, families suffer, communities struggle, and our economy falls short. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution to reaffirm our commitment to closing the gender wage gap and fully realizing the promise of the Equal Pay Act of 1963.”

The resolution was introduced with 140 original cosponsors. It is supported by many advocacy groups, including the National Partnership for Women & Families, National Organization for Women, MomsRising, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Equal Pay Today Coalition, Equal Rights Advocates, Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), Justice for Migrant Women, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), American Association of University Women (AAUW), A Better Balance, Golden State Opportunity, PowHer New York, and Women Employed.

For the full text of the resolution, click here.

Frankel: U.S. Leadership at the UN Is Essential to Global Stability and American Interests

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, participated in a visit to the United Nations and a field hearing at the United States Mission to the United Nations, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz.

At the hearing, Frankel emphasized that strong, consistent U.S. leadership at the United Nations is critical to advancing American interests and promoting global stability.

“The United Nations remains one of the few forums where countries from every region come together to confront shared challenges,” said Ranking Member Frankel. “The United States is most effective when we lead—not when we retreat.”

Frankel underscored that while reform and accountability are necessary, sustained U.S. engagement is essential—particularly as conflicts, public health threats, displacement, and humanitarian crises continue to rise worldwide. She also commended Ambassador Waltz’s efforts to combat antisemitism as an example of the importance of remaining engaged and at the table.

Alongside her Democratic colleagues, Frankel raised concerns about recent cuts to U.S. funding and participation in UN institutions, warning that inconsistent engagement risks undermining U.S. credibility and creating openings for adversaries. She added that reform must go beyond budget cuts and be measured by results, like more children vaccinated, fewer going hungry, more in school, greater empowerment of women and girls, and fewer conflicts that require U.S. military intervention.

To watch Rep. Frankel’s full remarks, click here. To watch her questions to Ambassador Waltz, click here.

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Frankel Convenes Security Briefing with Sheriff Bradshaw

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last evening, March 18, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) convened a Zoom briefing with special guest Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, bringing together more than 80 local elected officials, law enforcement personnel, and faith leaders in response to growing public concern about potential security threats.

“My office convened this briefing to encourage local officials and community leaders to work with law enforcement to assess potential risks, stay coordinated, and continue working together to keep Palm Beach County safe,” said Congresswoman Frankel.

Sheriff Bradshaw made it clear that there are no specific or credible threats to Palm Beach County at this time.

Bradshaw provided an update on Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office security protocols, interagency coordination, and preparedness efforts to address evolving threats—while maintaining public safety and minimizing disruptions to the community.

He underscored the critical role of municipal police departments in maintaining public safety, noting that his office remains in frequent communication with police chiefs across the county and stands ready to assist should any threats arise.

The Sheriff emphasized that residents and visitors should report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. If you see something, say something!

Additional updates will be provided as needed.

Frankel: War with Iran Requires a Vote of Congress

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized offensive hostilities in Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force:

“Let me be clear: the Iranian regime and its support for terrorist proxies have wreaked havoc across the region—targeting U.S. servicemembers, Israel, our allies, and its own people, all while advancing dangerous missile and nuclear programs that threaten global security. It is a threat that must not be ignored,” said Rep. Frankel.

“At the same time, the Constitution clearly gives Congress the authority to declare war and requires the President to receive congressional authorization before engaging in sustained military force. Shockingly, the Trump Administration has spent very little time briefing Congress while issuing contradictory statements about its objectives and plans moving forward.

War is too serious a decision to be made by one person alone—our Constitution requires checks and balances before sending Americans into harm’s way,” Rep. Frankel continued. “If the President intends to continue this war, he must come to Congress and seek authorization from the representatives of the American people. And, importantly, the President has a responsibility to inform the country about the risks, rationale, and purposes of the war.

As the mother of a United States Marine Veteran who was deployed to two wars, I know that sending Americans into combat is a life-and-death decision. My heart is broken for the families who have lost loved ones in this conflict, and I am keeping our brave servicemembers and their families in my thoughts as the war unfolds.”

Frankel: No More Funding for ICE Without Commonsense Reforms

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after again voting against a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the federal agency that includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The proposed legislation provides billions more for ICE without a single meaningful reform or safeguard. At a time when this agency has become increasingly lawless and unaccountable—tearing families apart, destabilizing businesses, spreading fear in communities, and killing American citizens—Congress should not be writing a blank check," said Rep. Frankel.

“I will not support funding ICE until the Trump Administration implements basic, commonsense reforms—including requiring agents to be identifiable, protecting local law enforcement resources from being diverted to ICE operations, and requiring judicial warrants before agents can enter people’s homes.

In the meantime, DHS will still have the resources it needs to respond to real threats. Democrats have proposed legislation to fund the rest of the department while negotiations on these reforms continue.”

Frankel Shares State Department Resources and Guidance for Americans in the Middle East Seeking Safety

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) shared updated information and guidance from the State Department for Americans currently in the Middle East, amid the ongoing military conflict in the region.

The State Department has advised that Americans currently in the Middle East should depart as soon as possible, and if they’re able to book travel out of the region, they should do so immediately.

For Americans unable to find their own travel accommodations, the State Department is working to arrange charter flights for Americans out of Israel, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Americans attempting to depart any of those countries should fill out the State Department’s crisis intake form: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.

In addition, the State Department advises all Americans in the Middle East to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov for updates from their nearest consulate. Travelers are also encouraged to follow @travelgov on social media for the latest information.

Americans in the Middle East needing further assistance can contact the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 or call Rep. Frankel’s office at +1-561-998-9045.

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