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"A central requirement of the legislation which provided federal assistance to troubled financial institutions was that taxpayers -- who granted hundreds of billions of dollars to the rescue effort - not only would be reimbursed as quickly as feasible, but also would receive a financial benefit for the risk they assumed. Recent reports appear to indicate, however, that some of these very institutions now intend to provide over $32 billion in bonuses to their executives while they still owe taxpayers over $200 billion."

Today, Rules Chair Louise Slaughter met and held a press conference with Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA Vice President who left the insurance industry after a 20 year career. Potter has since become a whistleblower, testifying before a Senate committee in June about insurance company practices such as hiking up premiums for small businesses and cutting people's coverage off altogether if they make minor mistakes or omissions in their application paperwork.

“The politically-motivated trial and conviction of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is another step backward for the future of the Burmese people. The international community must send a clear message that elections in Burma, planned for 2010, will not be open or credible without the participation of imprisoned and detained pro-democracy leaders..."

Some health insurance reform opponents have tried to spread myths about the end of life provisions of America's Affordable Health Choices Act. The facts continue to disprove the myths. Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, who has introduced similar provisions in the Senate, said:

Today, Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to house arrest for an additional 18 months for allegedly violating the terms of her house arrest. Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and she is the leading advocate for democracy and human rights in Burma. She has spent 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest despite winning the country's last democratic election in 1990, which was annulled by the military regime.

Speaker Pelosi on today's conviction:

Eunice Kennedy Shriver's fundamental belief that every human has inherent worth and dignity revolutionized perceptions in this country and around the world. She enriched the lives of millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities; by unmasking discrimination and encouraging acceptance, she enriched the lives of all of us. The Special Olympics, and the joy it brings to countless children, will long stand in tribute to her life and work.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was comforted and strengthened by her deep faith, which inspired her work for justice.

“Today, by signing the Cash for Clunkers legislation that passed the House and Senate, President Obama joined Congress in providing needed assistance to consumers, dealers, and the auto industry in general, while preserving our planet..."

'Today's better-than-expected news on job losses and a slight drop the unemployment rate is evidence that the recession is slowing and that our economic policies - such as the economic recovery act passed earlier this year -- are beginning to take a positive effect..."