Press Releases

“With today’s announcement, California and a series of other states are moving our nation closer to the day when affordable health insurance is available and accessible to all Americans. The California Health Benefit Exchange will serve as a critical marketplace for millions of middle class Californians and uninsured workers to evaluate private health insurance options, purchase high-quality affordable plans, and secure vital coverage for themselves and their families."

“The end of the 112th Congress makes it official: the Republican majority has refused to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Their failure to move forward on a bipartisan approach to the VAWA Reauthorization leaves millions of American women without vital defense against domestic violence."

“Though it is good news that Republicans have announced their intention to bring up partial legislation covering $9 billion in Hurricane Sandy relief this Friday, it still leaves more than 80 percent of the region’s emergency needs unmet."

“The House passage of the Senate’s bipartisan legislation is a victory for the middle class. Our action permanently extends the middle class tax cut and promotes economic growth, while asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. It extends unemployment insurance for those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own."

“On January 1, 1863, with the stroke of President Abraham Lincoln’s pen, the arc of American history bent dramatically toward liberty and justice for all. With the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation, our nation began to honor the vision set forth by our founders – that ‘all men are created equal’ – and started to turn the tide of progress toward the promise of freedom for every American."

"I think that we’ve made gigantic progress, I hope that we can have a bipartisan agreement as we go forward. But as I said, our Members are marking their decisions now and we look forward to hearing from what the Republicans have to say. The person who will know best what our numbers are in this regard, at some point during the day, as our distinguished master counter, our distinguished Whip, Mr. Hoyer, and I’m pleased to yield to him."

“I understand at the present time, Senate Democrats are meeting with the Vice President. When a final agreement is reached and passed by the Senate, I will present it to the House Democratic Caucus.”