Press Releases

" On Monday, Americans heard our President issue a clarion call to action, to live up to the highest ideals of equality and opportunity, to make real the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, House Democratic leaders are here to fulfill that promise to protect the lives and secure the liberty and the happiness of America's women and families by reauthorizing and strengthening the Violence Against Women Act."

“Nearly half-a-century ago, our country discarded the discrimination of the poll tax onto the ash heap of history. Yet today, too many Americans are still denied their basic rights to participate in our elections. That’s why the Voter Empowerment Act is critical to the health of our democracy: extending access to the polls; modernizing our registration system; and protecting voters from deceptive practices and intimidation."

“For nearly two decades, the Violence Against Women Act has brought domestic violence out of the shadows, protected women and children from harm, and saved lives. Congress must build on this history of progress and reauthorize and strengthen this law without any delay,” said Leader Pelosi. “No woman should ever be forced to suffer in silence in the face of abuse, and Democrats are committed to expanding protections for America’s women and giving law enforcement the tools they need to enforce the Violence Against Women Act and keep women safe.”

“Forty years ago, the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade established fundamental principles in American life and society: that reproductive freedom must be protected; that the right to privacy must be preserved; and that a woman’s health decisions must be her own, in consultation with her family, her physician, and her faith."

“‘Freedom now stands on the Dome of the Capitol of the United States. May she stand there forever not only in form, but in spirit.’ Those were the words that were expressed 150 years ago by the Commissioner of Public Buildings as the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the Capitol during the presidency of President Lincoln. That expression of the spirit of freedom is what we want you to take with you today and it is contained in the portfolio of essays you will receive from Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies – along with a framed depiction of the Capitol as it appeared at the start of the Civil War."

“Three years ago, the Supreme Court’s devastating decision in Citizens United changed the face and nature of our campaigns – opening the floodgates to special interest money in our politics and undermining the strength of our democracy."

“We need a clean debt ceiling increase and a bipartisan and balanced budget that protects Medicare and Social Security, invests in the future, and responsibly reduces the deficit."

"On behalf of my colleagues, I want to thank John Lawrence for his 38 years of service to the House of Representatives," Leader Pelosi said. "Few staff members have ever had the impact that John has had on so many laws that have been enacted in his years in my office as Speaker and as Democratic Leader, and with Chairman George Miller. I wish John and Deborah well and will always value their friendship."