Blog Post

Blog Post
On the Earthquake in New Zealand
February 22, 2011
The thoughts and prayers of all Members of Congress and all Americans rest with the people of New Zealand today, and the families and loved ones of those wounded, those missing and in need of rescue, and those who perished in this devastating earthquake.

On this darkest day for an entire nation, we must remember that the longstanding partnership between our two countries reflects more than an alliance of two governments; it is a friendship between two peoples.

Blog Post
Leader Pelosi: I Stand In Solidarity With The Wisconsin Workers
February 18, 2011
Leader Pelosi this afternoon:

As we gather here, in Wisconsin right now we're watching an extraordinary show of democracy in action. Wisconsin's workers, teachers and public servants must have a seat at the table to fight for good wages and a safe workplace. I stand in solidarity with the Wisconsin workers fighting for their rights and especially commend all the students and young people leading the charge, again, for fairness and for opportunity in their community.

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House Republican 'So Be It' Attitude Towards Patient's Rights
February 18, 2011
The Republican spending bill (HR 1) on the floor this week cuts jobs. Republicans say 'so be it.' Today, the House is considering several Republican amendments to HR 1 that block funds from being used to implement any aspect of the Affordable Care Act, including patient's rights. This will put insurance companies back in charge.
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"Instead of Attacking Unemployment, Republicans Are Waging a War Against Women"
February 17, 2011
In addition to destroying jobs and threatening economic growth, the GOP spending bill (HR 1) on the floor this week eliminates Title X—a program that provides life-saving health services, including HIV testing, cancer screening, blood-pressure testing, and contraceptive services for more than 5 million women (two-thirds of whom are uninsured).
Blog Post
So Be It: 110 Rank & File Republicans Vote to Strip Speaker Boehner's Jet Engine Earmark
February 16, 2011
As Dana Milbank explains in the Washington Post today, the GOP spending bill on the floor this week (HR 1) includes $450 million dollars for a jet engine the Pentagon didn't ask for and doesn't even want:

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GOP Spending Bill (HR 1): The Losers By the Numbers
February 16, 2011
American Jobs

800,000: Private and public-sector jobs destroyed by domestic spending cuts

Jobs Rebuilding America

284,000: Private-sector transportation and infrastructure jobs lost

Educating America

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2 House Republicans Vote to Uphold the Bill of Rights
February 14, 2011
Every Member of Congress takes an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. While Members of Congress are all united in their commitment to protect our country against its enemies, they should be equally united to uphold the Constitution.

Today, Democrats offered a motion to recommit on legislation to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act to ensure that PATRIOT Act powers are not used to violate the Constitutional freedoms and protections guaranteed to all Americans. The motion included two parts:

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NY Congressmen to GOP Leaders: Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, but Cuts to National Security Will Hurt New York City and Long Island Too
February 14, 2011
On Friday night, House Republicans introduced an irresponsible and dangerous spending bill that cuts jobs, threatens American innovation, and diminishes investments in rebuilding America. Today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed how these cuts would also impact our national security:

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'The New Standard'
February 11, 2011
Less than 24 hours after Speaker John Boehner accepted the gavel 'offering his commitment' that "openness – once a tradition of this institution, but increasingly scarce in recent decades, will be the new standard" the Rules Committee reported out a rule that provided three bills be considered without going through committee, blocked 30 of the 31 amendments submitted, "deemed" passage of an amendment by the Republican Leader, waived every rule in place to protect transparency and an open process, and only provided for 4 minutes for consideration of a Constitutional resolution (the text of whic
Blog Post
President Mubarak’s Resignation
February 11, 2011
The world has benefited from the impatience of youth in Egypt; our faith in the future is strengthened by their powerful example. They have demonstrated enormous bravery in demanding the democratic freedoms that will help them achieve their aspirations.

Today marks progress for the brave people of Egypt, and for those working for universal freedoms around the world. The future of Egypt now belongs to the Egyptian people.

As the situation in Egypt unfolds, we will continue to watch closely.