Press Releases

“Congress will soon receive a formal request from the Bush Administration to release the second half of the financial rescue funds. The request comes the same week the House will vote on Chairman Barney Frank's reform and accountability legislation to address the many shortcomings in the Bush Administration's handling of the first $350 billion in TARP funds, used largely to bolster the balance sheets of banks. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs or face the prospect of foreclosure, and it is past time that we helped these families bolster their balance sheets."

“With 2.6 million jobs lost in 2008 and an unemployment rate of 7.2 percent, the American people have inherited an economy from the Bush Administration that is in the depth of recession. Today's dismal jobs numbers show once again what Democrats in Congress have been saying for more than a year: our nation needs a bold economic recovery and reinvestment plan that will create American jobs and put our nation back on track to prosperity."

“The Bush Administration has ignored the intent of Congress and the demand by American people for strong accountability and transparency in the financial rescue package. That is why, next week, the House will vote on legislation introduced today by Chairman Barney Frank that expands oversight, protects taxpayers' interests, and makes significant improvements to the law."

“In selecting Admiral Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta to direct the intelligence community and one of its most critical agencies, President-elect Obama has chosen two strong leaders who understand well the value of timely and reliable intelligence."

“Good afternoon. It is with great excitement that we come by and say how honored we all were to be part of history this afternoon. The House of Representatives and the Senate meeting together witnessed the count of the Electoral College, making Barack Obama and Joe Biden the next President and Vice President of the United States. The outcome was not surprising, but it's wonderful to have it official."

“Today we have sworn in 25 members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, including two new Members. Congressmen Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Delegate Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico will join the rest of the Hispanic Caucus as the national leaders of the Hispanic community. Their new energy will strengthen our work in Congress."

“The New Direction Congress enacted sweeping ethics, lobbying and earmark reforms because Americans deserve a government that is open, honest, and accountable to its citizens. Today, we continue our reform efforts by ensuring meaningful and timely access to presidential records and the disclosure of big money donations to presidential libraries."