Press Releases

Leader Pelosi.  Good afternoon, everyone.

We have a new President.  We wish him well.  We live in interesting times and we have some concerns.

After naming a white nationalist, Steve Bannon, as his chief strategist, the President-elect has continued to make deeply troubling choices for senior positions in the administration.

Days after picking Bannon, the President-elect chose an Attorney General with a long record of racist statements, discriminatory goals, and contempt for voting rights.  As Attorney General, Jeff Sessions would have dangerous new authority to attack civil rights, LGBT rights, the rights of immigrants and people of color.

"John Glenn's enduring commitment to public service, devoted patriotism, and tremendous courage embody the very best of the American spirit.  John's passionate belief that everyone has an obligation to serve has inspired many people across America to contribute to their communities.

"Today, House Republicans once again demonstrated their inability to reach 218 votes within their own conference.

"With lower numbers in the next Congress, the Republican Leadership will have a choice: embrace the unvarnished extremism of their special interest agenda, or come together with Democrats to meet the needs of hard-working people.

"This time, Democrats' dedication to the families of Flint, victims of opioid addiction and communities hit by the recent storms was enough to push Republicans' thoroughly mediocre bill over the finish line.

"Republicans should not count on Democrats' responsibility to rescue them from their own anti-government ideology."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  I thank the gentlelady for yielding and I commend her for her excellent leadership as the Ranking Member, Ranking Democratic Member on the Appropriations Committee.  As an appropriator myself, I understand the culture, I understand the camaraderie between parties and for that reason, I want to commend our distinguished Chairman, Mr. Rogers, for his wonderful service as the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.  I served with him for many years on the committee.  I know firsthand his concern for the American people, and I thank you for your service.  I know you'll continue as an appropriator, but thank you for your leadership as Chairman, Mr. Rogers.

"The 21st Century Cures Act represents a vital step forward – one that is very important to modernize and strengthen our nation's pursuit of lifesaving treatments.

"National Institutes of Health has the biblical power to cure.  Where there is scientific opportunity, I think we have a moral responsibility to allocate resources – that's part of what this legislation does.

"American families need a Labor Department that stands up for workers' wages, retirement security and safety, not one focused on reducing their pay.  Andy Puzder has a long record of fighting against the wages of working families.

"With the leadership of President Obama and Secretary Perez, the Department of Labor has been a strong champion of bigger paychecks and good-paying jobs for working people in our country:  more money for Americans who work overtime, a stronger hand for labor at the negotiating table, and a firm promise to restore fairness to our economy.

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  I thank the gentlelady for yielding, and for her superior service on the Rules Committee.  Mr. Speaker, across America today, hard-working people and seniors find that their retirement security is under threat and in doubt.  Congress has the responsibility to strengthen America's retirement security, and we dishonor that responsibility with the half measure for coal miners in the CR today – less than a half measure.

Opening Remarks:

Leader Pelosi.  Good morning, everyone.  Thank you for being here to protect the great pillar of economic and health security for the American people – all of the American people.  America's seniors are central to our family life.