Media

Research shows a correlation between school facility quality and student achievement but according to recent estimates, America's schools are without the funding they need to bring them up to good condition. Today, the House began consideration of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187) which will make critical investments to modernize, upgrade and repair school facilities across the country -- authorizing $6.4 billion for school facilities projects for fiscal year 2010 to create healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient teaching and learning climates. This legislation will improve education, create jobs, and encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources in our schools.

This morning, Speaker Pelosi met with President Obama, Vice President Biden, Leader Hoyer, and Chairmen Rangel, Waxman, and George Miller on health care reform.

In the last eight years, health care premiums have doubled while wages have remained stagnant and every year for the past eight years, one million Americans lost their health insurance -- leaving 46 million Americans currently uninsured. Comprehensive health care reform that cuts costs, expands access to coverage and improves quality of care is a top priority for President Obama and Congress.

This afternoon, the Social Security and Medicare Trustees released their annual report including updated projections for the solvency of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. Speaker Pelosi on the reports:

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gets a fierce look in her eyes when she talks about the year's upcoming policy challenges: major health care, energy and global warming legislation."

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the five American soldiers who were killed at Camp Victory today.

The loss of a single American soldier is a great tragedy, making today's horrible incident all the more troubling and heartbreaking. I share President Obama's commitment to finding out what happened to seeking ways to better protect our servicemen and women.

I hope it some comfort to the families and loved ones of these fallen heroes that so many are thinking of them and praying for them at this difficult time.