Jewish Members of Congress: Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Representative, Florida)

The first Jewish woman elected to Congress from Florida, Representative Debbie Wasserman Shultz has served the 20th congressional district since 2005. Since coming to Washington, she has been a vocal and influential leader in the Democratic Party. As a freshman she was chosen to serve as a Chief Deputy Whip. Wasserman Schultz has been influential in introducing and passing legislation to protect children on a range of issues from sexual predators to warning labels for foods containing high levels of mercury. She was a key leader in the Terri Schiavo debate, forcefully challenging President Bush and the religious right's agenda. She also passed a successful resolution calling for a Jewish American heritage month, which had its inaugural celebration May 2006. The Forward has named Wasserman Schultz a "Forward Fifty," the fifty most influential members of the Jewish community, for two consecutive years. She is a strong supporter of Israel and an active member of the National Jewish Democratic Council. She currently serves on the Appropriations Committee, Judiciary Committee and Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Prior to her election to Congress, she served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1992-2000 and in the State Senate from 2000-2004. Wasserman Schultz is married to Steve Schultz. They have three children and live in Weston, Florida.

For more information on Representative Wasserman Schultz, please visit http://wassermanschultz.house.gov/bio.htm.