Press Releases

“Once again, Republicans have proposed a sweeping overreach into the lives, and health, of America's women. Today, the Senate tabled an extreme amendment to a completely unrelated bill that would allow an employer or insurance company to claim a vague ‘moral conviction' as an excuse to deny women health care coverage. Democrats have worked to expand coverage for basic health care; this amendment is about cutting coverage for basic health care services for women, including such preventive care as contraceptives, mammograms, prenatal screenings, cervical cancer screenings, and much more."

“When Sandra Fluke testified before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee after Republicans attempted to silence her, she courageously spoke truth to power. As a result, today, she has been subject to attacks that are outside the circle of civilized discussion and that unmask the strong disrespect for women held by some in this country. We call upon the Republican leaders in the House to condemn these vicious attacks on Ms. Fluke, which are in response to her testimony to the Congress. Democrats will always stand up for women's health and women's voices.”

“John Sullivan has served the House of Representatives with distinction for 25 years. He has used his keen mind, excellent legal training, and commitment to public service to make nonpartisan, objective decisions; always, he has kept our Constitution first in mind. The American people have benefitted from his great service."

“The District Court in Northern District of California flatly rejected the arguments of Speaker Boehner and his taxpayer-funded lawyers that insulted millions of Americans and their families. The court made it clear that there is no legitimate interest in denying a class of couples the rights and responsibilities guaranteed to married couples under state law."

“Democrats and President Obama agree: we must act now to ease the pain at the pump, develop American sources of energy, and invest in innovation and renewables to power our future. Even as domestic oil production reaches its highest level in nearly a decade, we only hold 2 percent of the world's oil reserves, but we use about 20 percent of the oil produced every year. We know that we cannot drill our way to lower gas prices and energy independence; we must work together to expand clean energy and strengthen our economy."

“By joining seven other states and the District of Columbia in extending the rights and responsibilities of marriage to LGBT citizens, Maryland has advanced the cause of freedom, civil rights, and justice for every American. When Governor O'Malley signs the bill, we will move closer to the day when all of America's families enjoy the benefits of equal protection under the law."

“Good morning everyone. Our meeting will come to order. This is a hearing of the Steering and Policy Committee of the House Democrats. It is my honor to be here with our Ranking Member on the Government Reform Committee of the House of Representatives, Congressman Elijah Cummings, senior Member of the committee, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Congresswoman from the District of Columbia, and long-term Member of the Committee, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton."

“Today's ruling is a victory for the liberty, civil rights, and equality of LGBT Americans and, indeed, all Americans. By declaring the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, we can right a wrong of our past; we can move closer to ending a fundamental unfairness in our nation; and we can look forward to the day when we discard this discriminatory law in the dustbin of history. With this decision, our country has taken a step forward for marriage equality - a step toward a time when all of America's families enjoy the blessings of equal protection under the law."