Speech

“Six months ago, in Newtown, a lone gunman took the lives of 26 Americans. We all know that. It’s emblazoned in our minds and in our souls. Since then, nearly 5,000 more Americans have fallen victim to gun violence. Five thousand, Mr. Speaker. Now, in Congress, we must summon the courage to act."

"This pulsating force – is that not right [Congresswoman] Debbie [Wasserman Shultz] – for women and girls. Whether it’s sexual trafficking, whether it’s fair pay, whether it’s – well, whatever the subject is, there is never a moment when she’s not in full armor and ready for the fight for girls. So, thank you, [Congresswoman] Rosa DeLauro for your leadership."

“Right now, here today, we want to present some tangible approaches, as Mr. Michaud pointed out. Again, when we’re in a meeting – I think our veteran service organization representatives here will say that his demonstration of knowledge, of judgment, of commitment to our veterans is heartwarming, but better than that, very encouraging for us to reach our goals."

“Now, no less a person than Aristotle – how many thousands of years ago was that? – he said: 'It is manifest that the best political community is formed by citizens of the middle class, and that those states are likely to be well-administered are those in which the middle class is large and strong.'”

“Congratulations to all of the graduates of the class of 2013. I am honored to be a member of your class and as you go forward remember that you have a friend and a classmate in the Capitol of the United States. May God bless you and all of your families. May God bless America. Thank you for the opportunity to be here.”

“Now, I have a lot more that I want to say to you but I’m standing between you and your diploma and your parties after. So instead, I will just thank you again for the invitation to be with you and extend congratulations to the class of 2013. May God bless you and all your families. May God bless the United States of America. Thank you all very much.”

“We’re also joined by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, we are very proud that she is here. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky from Illinois – and Jan, she’s in two places at once; I guess we left her across the table on another issue. Congresswoman Janice Hahn of California. With that, I’m pleased to yield to Congresswoman DeLauro. Thank you.”

“In the interest of time, and not bearing repetition – even though some of it does bear repetition – I want to associate myself with the remarks of my colleagues who spoke before, on the path forward on immigration. May I just say that, of the principles of our Caucus, that we have all stuck together on and are fighting for, family unification is very important to this Caucus, to our country."