Press Releases

“By passing legislation that increases leverage for the people by changing the playing field, a playing field that has been dominated by the insurance industry for over 65 years and now it's the people's turn. The health insurance companies will now be playing on the people's field."

"Last week, many of us traveled to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to see Jack put to rest. It was wonderful to hear the stories of the thousands of people who showed up to pay their last respects to him in Johnstown, the people he knew so well, cared about so much, fought for in this chamber."

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Wendell Potter, senior fellow on health care at the Center for Media and Democracy and a former insurance industry executive, held a news conference this afternoon in the Capitol to discuss the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act that will end the unfair anti-trust protection for the health insurance industry.

"The President today made available to all Americans the Administration's health insurance reform proposal, which contains positive elements from the House and Senate-passed bills. I look forward to reviewing it with House Members and then joining the President and the Republican leadership at the Blair House meeting on Thursday. This discussion will continue a year-long historic level of transparency and open debate of this crucial reform effort."

“Today most of the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights will take effect - helping to end the era of unfair penalties and abusive practices by the credit card industry. No longer will America's consumers face credit card industry practices dominated by incomprehensible fine print and hidden fees. No longer will confusing agreements and arbitrary rate increases unfairly punish responsible families and small businesses."

“President Obama's announcement is an encouraging step in the effort to stabilize our nation's housing markets, help unemployed homeowners, and bring relief to many families hardest hit by the recession."

“I applaud the Administration's decision, which will mean much-needed relief to states facing severe budget constraints in light of the tough economic climate. The California Congressional delegation's diligence in raising this issue with HHS has paid dividends for California, which will be rewarded with an additional $680 million, all due to the FMAP increase included in the Recovery Act that we passed a year ago."

"“We have all been shocked at recent reports of enormous premium increases and record profits in the health insurance industry, while thousands lose health coverage every day. At a time when millions of families are struggling to make ends meet, insurance company CEOs are asking patients to pay more than ever before in higher co-pays and skyrocketing out-of-pocket expenses."