Blog Post

Last week, twenty-nine West Virginia miners tragically perished in the mine explosion at the Upper Big Branch-South Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia. This was the worst American coal mining disaster in the last 40 years. Today, the House considers H.Res. 1236 authored by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), standing with all West Virginians in mourning the miners who lost their lives.

For the past two days, global leaders came together to work toward common goals: a future without nuclear weapons and a safer world for our families and for the next generation. Under President Obama's leadership, this summit was a sign of progress for the non-proliferation movement and the effort to preserve the right of all people to live in peace and security, free from fear, in the 21st century.

At this gathering, heads of state and foreign ministers pledged common action to address the threat of nuclear terrorism.

By unanimous consent, the Senate has passed the TRICARE Affirmation Act, sending the bill to the President for his signature into law. TRICARE, TRICARE for Life, and Veterans' Health Care all meet the minimum quality of coverage requirements in the recently-passed health insurance reform legislation.

This morning, Leader Boehner declared repealing health insurance reform the number one priority for Republicans:

When Justice John Paul Stevens retires at the end of this term, the Supreme Court will lose a voice of reason, passion, and good judgment. For 35 years, Justice Stevens has remained faithful to the basic role of a Supreme Court Justice -- in his words, 'to decide cases and resolve controversies.' And at every turn, he brought his unparalleled wisdom and intelligence to each case and controversy, preserving the rights of the individual, protecting the rule of law, and upholding our nation's founding principles.

Today, the United States and Russia acted to make the world a safer place -- for the people of both nations and for families across the globe. In signing a new arms reduction treaty, Presidents Obama and Medvedev marked a new era of cooperation and security, and moved us closer to a day defined not by the threat of nuclear weapons, but by the possibility of a future without them.

This treaty reflects the leadership of both nations in reducing the need and number of nuclear weapons.

Brendan Daly, spokesman for Speaker Pelosi, on the FBI arresting a suspect accused of making threatening phone calls to the Speaker:

After an investigation into threats made against Speaker Pelosi, an arrest has been made in San Francisco. The Speaker thanks the FBI, the Capitol Hill Police, House Sergeant at Arms, and other law enforcement officials for their professionalism in this matter. She will have no further comment at this time.

The tax cuts in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama last February, gave 95% of American workers a tax cut, and encouraged new job-creating investments by businesses large and small. Many of these tax credits will transform our economy for years to come, such as in renewable energy and energy efficiency.