Press Releases
Press Release
January 30, 2014
“It is our hope that the presentation of these standards signals a sincere intent to move forward with immigration reform; however, the Republican principles raise more questions than answers. First, what is the standard for DREAMers to become citizens of our country? Next, what is required for immigrants to live legally in our nation, and will it result in full citizenship? Finally, will Republicans’ enforcement triggers create more barriers instead of removing obstacles to comprehensive reform?"
Press Release
January 29, 2014
“But all of us are incredibly grateful. And Members who couldn’t be here send you their regards and we will send them back your messages. So thank you Laura – see you back home. Lilly Ledbetter: we don’t know where in the world we’re going to see you – everywhere. And Heidi, Dr. Hartman, thank you so much for your leadership. Thank you all very much. The meeting is adjourned.”
Press Release
January 29, 2014
"Last night, of course, was a triumphant evening, I believe, for America. Our caucus was so fully energized by the President's State of the Union Address. Some of the issues that we have talked about for a while, the opportunity gap that exists in our country, were addressed by the President, very fully, by his opportunity agenda, stretching from early childhood education, to making college more affordable, to lifetime learning – and everything in between in terms of education as the key to opportunity – to fairness in the workplace and valuing work."
Press Release
January 28, 2014
"Among Pelosi’s guests, Eliseo Medina is the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where he leads the union's efforts to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. Recently, Mr. Medina participated in the Fast for Families on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. When he was 10 years-old, he came to the United States from Mexico with his mother and siblings to join their father, who was an immigrant farm worker. “Eliseo’s efforts to pass immigration reform continue to inspire millions across our country."
Press Release
January 28, 2014
“Why don't we use the time that we have to meet the needs of the American people, to honor their priorities, to make their future better, instead of dragging us into the past? So I ask, again, our colleagues to vote against the bill so that we can take up a bill in support of extending unemployment insurance for 1.6 million Americans, instead of this radical Republican assault on women's health care rights."
Press Release
January 28, 2014
“Our country has come a long way in the past five years, with businesses creating 8 million new jobs over the past 46 months. Yet there’s still far more work to do to create jobs and strengthen the middle class. It is up to all of us to work together to reignite the American Dream and build ladders of opportunity for all.”
Press Release
January 24, 2014
“Extending unemployment insurance is critical for families, essential for workers, and good for our economic growth. On three occasions, House Democrats have tried to hold a vote on restoring this underpinning of economic security to the American people; each time, Republicans have said no. Americans deserve better. It is long past time for Republicans to drop their obstruction and work with Democrats to renew UI without further delay.”
Press Release
January 23, 2014
“Today, it remains our task to strengthen voting rights and remove impediments to the voting booth; to pass bipartisan legislation introduced last week to update the Voting Rights Act; to work with the President to modernize our registration system, expand early voting, reduce wait times and increase access at polling places. It is our duty and our responsibility to uphold and advance the spirit of the 24th amendment – and of all those who fought and died for the cause of civil rights – to make the dream of equality a reality for every American.”
Press Release
January 23, 2014
“In the coming weeks, Congress will carefully review the Board’s findings and recommendations, many of which are consistent with the initiatives announced by President Obama on January 17, and will hold related hearings. The Board’s report underscores the need for Members of Congress to work with the Administration to pass legislative reforms to ensure our intelligence collection architecture keeps Americans safe, and meets our privacy and civil liberties expectations.”
Press Release
January 22, 2014
“Now is the time. What a perfect theme. Now is the time. Dr. King said in his speech 50 years ago – he talked about the ‘fierce urgency of the now.’ What was fierce then is fierce now. Now is the time for us, inspired by Mandela, led by the agenda of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr, and again with the example of Willie B. Kennedy, to get the job done. This is going to be very good year – a good year for the Voting Rights Act, for immigration, for raising the minimum wage, for passing unemployment insurance; this and many other things: implementing the Affordable Care Act. It’s going to be, because we understand that the time is now. Thank you all very much. Have a nice evening."