Press Releases

"'The Peru Free Trade Agreement represents a remarkable breakthrough because Democrats were able to secure enforceable, basic labor rights and environmental standards in the core text of a free trade agreement. Many of us have been fighting for these priorities under both Democratic and Republican administrations, and for the first time, we were able to ensure that labor and environmental standards would be on par with commercial obligations under the agreement."

"Today, the House built upon President John F. Kennedy's legacy of free trade by passing an agreement that promotes both free and fair trade."

"The overwhelming votes by both the House and Senate to override President Bush's ill-advised veto of the Water Resources Development Act demonstrates that this New Direction Congress is working in a bipartisan way to meet the nation's urgent needs."

"For many combat veterans returning home, the transition from a military to a civilian career can be difficult. For those who have been severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, the transition can be particularly challenging because of the nature of their injuries and ongoing health considerations."

"'As part of a series commissioned by the House Fine Arts Board to include historically significant Members of the House, this portrait of Congressman Saund joins the line of portraits of the first woman elected to the Congress, Jeanette Rankin; the first African American elected to the Congress, Joseph Rainey; and the first Hispanic American elected to the Congress, Romulado Pacheco."

"'For the nearly seven years of the Bush Administration, the rising cost of gas and home heating oil has been a major economic stress on millions of American families. The response from President Bush has been to promote new benefits and tax breaks for an industry already enjoying record profits. The American people, not the oil industry, need help from their government."

"We have no doubt that there are many jobs within the House workforce that would benefit from the advanced skills and dedication of these men and women who have bravely served our country."

"This is truly an historic day. It is my pleasure to welcome to the Capitol of the United States, the People's House, the portrait of the first Asian American Member of Congress, the Honorable Dalip Singh Saund."