Press Releases

"We are on the floor on the legislation that affects what we're here to talk to you about, so my apologies for running a few minutes late. This week on Capitol Hill, we have a tale of two priorities; Democrats want solutions, Republicans want sequesters. In fact, one of them has even said it would be a ‘home run’ for the American people. Democrats stand with the President's call for a balanced approach to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, grow the economy, and responsibly reduce the deficit. Republicans prefer obstruction, delay, and across?the?board cuts that are harmful to our economy, the education of our children, the security of our country."

"What an appropriate time for us to be able to welcome you here now that the State of the Union address is taken care of. Again, I thank you for the distinguished ambassador that you’ve sent to the United States. We’re very proud of our Ambassador, [David Thorne], to Italy. We know he has a great affection for Italy and he knows how well respected you are in the United States."

“Our Democratic colleagues will offer a firm, unwavering commitment to national security and the intelligence community, to a thriving middle class and fiscal responsibility, to rural families and strong oversight in committee hearings and on the floor of the House,” Leader Pelosi said. “Each of these committee assignments is a reflection of our caucus’ ongoing work to protect and defend our country, our citizens, our values, and our prosperity.”

"I’m so excited to see so many Members here after a late night last night, when we heard a great State of the Union address by the President of the United States. We were so pleased that he mentioned Violence Against Women and recognized the leadership of Vice President Biden. As you know, yesterday the Senate passed the bill and I know Mr. Hoyer, our Whip, would love to tell you the numbers – I’ll leave that to him to do."

“Tonight, President Obama spoke directly to the American people about solutions to our most pressing challenges: how to create growth with jobs, strengthen the middle class, and responsibly reduce the deficit. His agenda is a reflection of the fundamental American values of opportunity, equality, and fairness for all. His proposals reflect a core vision shared by House Democrats: that a strong, thriving middle class is essential to a strong, prosperous America."

“Today, the Senate acted to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act, protecting and preserving a critical line of defense for women and families against domestic abuse. This is the second time the Senate has voted to renew and expand this landmark law in the 501 days since it expired. House Republicans refused to bring this comprehensive legislation to the floor last year; now, it’s time for them to follow the Senate’s lead, allow a vote on this strong, bipartisan measure, and send this bill to the President’s desk without further delay."

As Leader Pelosi said in her letter, “Last month’s disappointing GDP report was a direct result of the economic uncertainty surrounding the fiscal cliff, the looming sequester crisis, and expected cuts to our defense industry. Now, these cuts threaten further damage to our economic recovery, job creation, the middle class, and military readiness.”

“Today, the Department of Defense took a major step forward on the path to equality, justice, and fairness in our country – upholding the very values and ideals that gay and lesbian service members and all of our men and women in uniform fight to preserve each day."