Blog Post

Blog Post
On the Shootings at Camp Victory in Iraq
May 11, 2009
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the five American soldiers who were killed at Camp Victory today.

The loss of a single American soldier is a great tragedy, making today's horrible incident all the more troubling and heartbreaking. I share President Obama's commitment to finding out what happened to seeking ways to better protect our servicemen and women.

I hope it some comfort to the families and loved ones of these fallen heroes that so many are thinking of them and praying for them at this difficult time.

Blog Post
On Congressional Briefings on Enhanced Interrogation Techniques
May 8, 2009
Of the 40 CIA briefings to Congress reported recently in the press, I was only briefed once, on September 4, 2002, as I have previously stated.

As I said in my statement of December 9, 2007:

I was briefed on interrogation techniques the Administration was considering using in the future. The Administration advised that legal counsel for both the CIA and the Department of Justice had concluded that the techniques were legal.

I had no further briefings on the techniques.

Blog Post
Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act Passes House
May 7, 2009
Today, the House passed the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (H.R. 1728) by a vote of 300-114. This legislation responds to the subprime mortgage crisis by instituting much needed reform -- stopping the kinds of predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices that played a major role in the current financial and economic meltdown.
Blog Post
Strengthening Fraud Enforcement
May 6, 2009
This afternoon, the House passed the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 by a vote of 367-59-1. The bill protects taxpayers by giving the Justice Department more tools to fight fraud in the use of TARP and recovery funds, and increases accountability for corporate and mortgage frauds that have contributed to the recent economic collapse.
Blog Post
A Global Health Initiative
May 5, 2009
Today President Obama announced his request for $8.6 billion in fiscal year 2010, and $63 billion over six years, for a new, comprehensive global health strategy saying:

Blog Post
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2009

Image removed.

Reps. Pastor, Capps, Pierluisi, Velázquez, Becerra, Ambassador Sarukhan, and soldiers from Walter Reed at the Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Capitol today

Blog Post
2009 Supplemental Appropriations Bill
May 4, 2009
On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee will consider the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the pandemic flu. Speaker Pelosi on the draft legislation:

Blog Post
Capitol Power Plant to End Burning of Coal
May 1, 2009

Today, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the Capitol Power Plant will improve air quality in the District of Columbia and reduce the carbon pollution impact of Congress by using natural gas as the sole fuel source for steam used at the Capitol complex to heat buildings and water.

At the request of House and Senate leadership, Stephen Ayers, the Acting Architect of the Capitol has reported coal will only be burned going forward if backup capacity is needed because:

Blog Post
Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights
April 30, 2009
Today, the House passed the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 627) by a vote of 357-70. In 2008, credit card issuers imposed $19 billion in penalty fees on families with credit cards and this year, card companies will break all records for late fees, over-limit charges, and other penalties, pulling in more than $20.5 billion. Credit-card debt in the U.S.
Blog Post
All Americans Have A Fundamental Right To Feel Safe In Their Communities
April 29, 2009
Today, the House passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act by a vote of 249-175. This bipartisan bill focuses on providing new resources to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and prosecute hate crimes. The current federal hate crimes law authorizes federal aid in cases of hate crimes committed because of a person's race, color, religion, or national origin.