Blog Post

“The EPA has thoroughly reviewed the scientific literature on climate change, which spans decades of research across a breadth of disciplines and across the globe. The science is clear: global warming is real, its impacts are being felt around the world, and carbon emissions present a danger to public health and the economy worldwide."

This morning, the Department of Labor released unemployment numbers for November showing that 11,000 jobs were lost last month - the fewest jobs lost in a year and far fewer than economists had anticipated. In addition, the job losses for September and October were revised downward, showing that the rate of job losses has started to decline -- from an average of 673,000 per month in the final three months of the Bush Administration to 87,000 during the past three months:

“Today's jobs report is evidence that our recovery efforts are moving our economy in the right direction. After losing an average of 673,000 jobs per month in the final three months of the Bush Administration, the report for November showed a job loss of 11,000 jobs - the lowest level since the recession began in December 2007."

This afternoon, the House passed the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act (HR 4154) by a vote of 225 to 200. The bill is a sharp departure from Republican policies and efforts to completely repeal the estate tax -- providing tax cuts to help only the wealthiest 2 in 1,000. This legislation keeps the current estate tax exemption for inheritances of less than $3.5 million per individual and $7 million for married couples.

A new Reuters poll released today shows a majority of Americans -- with support across party lines -- want a public health insurance option as a component of any final health reform legislation:

60% want a public health insurance option included in the final health reform legislation

While support for the public option is strongest among Democrats (86%), 57% of Independents support the public option and Republican support is at 33%

“The Estate Tax relief bill reflects our unyielding commitment to restoring balance and fundamental fairness in our tax code. This Congress is dedicated to fiscal responsibility and to leaving a legacy of progress and prosperity to our children and grandchildren. This legislation is critical to achieving both of these goals."

“Today's action by the House Financial Services Committee brings accountability to Wall Street and big banks. When coupled with strong reforms to protect consumers and Main Street that the House will vote on next week, it will end the reckless practices that resulted in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression."

President Obama inherited a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan because the Bush Administration did not have a plan to get the job done.

Tonight, the President articulated a way out of this war with the mission of defeating Al Qaeda and preventing terrorists from using Afghanistan and Pakistan as safe havens to again launch attacks against the United States and our allies. The President has offered President Karzai a chance to prove that he is a reliable partner. The American people and the Congress will now have an opportunity to fully examine this strategy.