U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson sworn in to the 113th Congress

U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson sworn in to the 113th Congress

From Gwen Belton

      Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Frederica Wilson was sworn in to office for her second term in the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am honored and humbled to serve Florida’s 24th Congressional District, and I will continue to fight for good jobs, quality education, and justice for all people,” said Rep. Wilson.

     Committed to providing greater economic opportunities to her constituents, in her first term in Congress, Rep. Wilson helped bring over a billion dollars in federal investment to the district. Rep. Wilson also sponsored a hugely successful jobs fair attended by 9,000 people and 150 employers. The fair resulted in job offers for hundreds of South Floridians.

     Dedicated to being the voice for the voiceless, Rep. Wilson worked to successfully pass the “Uninterrupted Scholars Act” in her first term in Congress. This bill ensures that foster youth receive credit for the school work they have completed, making it easier for these youth to achieve academic success. Rep. Wilson also introduced the “Rilya Wilson Act,” named for a child who went missing from foster care and was not reported missing until 15 months after her disappearance. This legislation seeks to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again by requiring each state to develop a plan for the prompt reporting of missing foster children.

     Rep. Wilson has worked hard in her first term to promote the rights of Haitian and Haitian-American communities. She introduced a resolution advocating for the United States to work with the Government of Haiti to address gender-based violence against women and children. Rep. Wilson also successfully advocated for the Obama Administration to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals, allowing tens of thousands of families to remain united.

     As part of her work to end violence and racial profiling, the Congresswoman success-fully served as an outspoken voice for justice for Trayvon Martin.

     In the 113th Congress, Rep. Wilson will continue to build on her record of outstanding public service. Rep. Wilson will serve on the powerful Education and the Workforce Committee. “As a former teacher, principal, school board member, and state legislator with expertise in education policy, I look forward to advocating for education and economic policies that give all children and adults the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Rep. Wilson.

     “I am proud of my work in the 112th Congress and I will continue to champion the needs of my constituents in the 113th Congress.”