Press Releases

"President Obama took the issue to the public explaining why and what the difference this makes in terms of the obligation and the burden that would be on America's families. Apparently he made the issue too hot for the Republicans to handle because now, today, they're saying “okay, we will postpone the increase in interest rates for one year,” by bringing a bill to the floor that says “we will do this, but we will only reduce the interest rates by making an assault on women's health, a continuation of their assault on women's health.” Just before we came to this press availability, the President issued a veto threat. The Administration issued a Statement of Administration Policy, which said that if the “President is presented with H.R. 4628, his [advisors] would recommend he veto the bill.” And the reason why is because this prevention fund, from which they want to take the money, is very important to women's health."

"We will not support a bill that robs Peter to pay Paul, which ostensibly supports a middle class initiative while making those very same people pay for it. I don't know what it is that the Republicans have against the idea that there is a positive role that we can do in a public private way to make America healthier, that a woman's health is central to the health of her family. They consider it a slush fund to pay for women's health. We consider it an absolute necessity. And that is the difference here. So we will be whipping against the student loan bill as it is proposed by the Republicans in the House."

"What the motion that we have here today, is to say that: ‘instead of taking the money, instead of robbing Paula to pay Peter, we should be taking the money from the tax subsidies that go to Big Oil in our country.' That's what we should be doing. Isn't that a better show of what our values are? That we value the health of our women and our children. Why would we - and not only, to make matters worse, not only are they suggesting that we take the money from the prevention fund, the immunization and screening for breast cancer, and cervical cancer, and other women's health issues, not only are they saying we should take the five or six billion dollars from there, they're saying we should take the additional $5 billion that would be left in the account and repeal it - repeal it. We're not even - we're taking twice as much money as we need for the student loan bill because we want to do away, we're going to use this as an excuse to do away with this prevention initiative that affects women's health so directly. It's outrageous. It's outrageous. We prefer tax subsidies for Big Oil rather than the health of America's women. Once again, they're targeting women's health."

"House Democrats, led by Congresswoman Gwen Moore, have proposed legislation that mirrors the bill passed by the Senate. Both bills extend defense against domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking; include provisions to expand the classes of victims who would be protected - including Native Americans and the LGBT community; and ensure protections for immigrants affected by domestic violence."

“These values form the foundation of the strong and enduring friendship between the United States and Israel. And as we work together to prevent a nuclear Iran and invest in Israel's defense, we must reaffirm our commitment: the U.S.-Israel relationship is unbreakable, and our dedication to Israel's security is unshakable."

“As conferees begin their work, I urge them to do so swiftly and in the spirit of bipartisanship. We must come together this year in agreement for legislation that will put people to work, invest in road, rail, transit, and highway construction, and rebuild America.”

“House Democrats will continue to work to ensure that seven million students and their families do not face this harmful interest rate hike.”

"To Donald's family, I hope it is a comfort to you that so many people share your grief and are praying for you at this sad time. And that Donald is being honored in so many different ways. He was in life and now with his passing. The fact that the President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and members of President Obama's Cabinet [were] present, with our Assistant Leader, Mr. Clyburn, at his funeral. The fact that we are under the dome of the Capitol of the United States and the Vice President of the United States is here to sing the praises of Donald Payne. As well as an outpouring from his colleagues in the House and in the Senate. I hope that is a comfort to you."