Newsroom
December 21, 2012 — Press Item
“I think President Obama has made it very clear that he has been willing to move. He has moved both on revenues and on cuts and spending. But he has not met with any kind of positive response to this point in time. I think Speaker [John] Boehner wants to get a deal. Whatever happened last night it did not eliminate the risk that the cliff causes our economy, and our people. It's incumbent upon us, therefore, to continue to work towards a solution and to reach a solution prior to the end of the year.”
December 21, 2012 — Press Item
“We still need to focus on not going over the cliff. Not going over the cliff is I think a priority for us. That's not good for the country, not good for the economy, not good for the confidence of the American people.”
December 20, 2012 — Press Item
It is now time to get back to work on negotiations to avert the fiscal cliff. We cannot allow the fiscal cliff to hit, risking damage to our economy and middle class families, and another downgrade of our credit worthiness. I urge Speaker Boehner and Republican leaders to rise above the politics of the moment and re-engage in the process of reaching a big and balanced plan. I believe we can and must take action before the end of the year to prevent the fiscal cliff, and Democrats are ready to work with Republicans to do so.
December 20, 2012 — Press Item
I thank my friend, Mr. Smith, the Ranking Member [of the House Armed Services Committee]. I thank Mr. McKeon for the work they've done. I want to thank my friend [Congressman] Barney Frank for the thoughtful perspective he brings to the consideration of this bill.
December 20, 2012 — Press Item
“Clearly, the Republicans know that what they are doing today is simply a waste of time… What we’re doing today is wasting time pretending, making political points but not moving the ball forward to get to a compromise that will be necessary if we're going to avoid the sequester that nobody wants, not go over the cliff, and take very positive steps toward getting this country on a fiscally sound path.”
December 19, 2012 — Press Item
Today’s announcement by the President of an interagency task force to address mass-casualty gun violence is an important step as our nation continues to mourn the victims of last week’s horrific shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Vice President Biden has been a staunch advocate for sensible measures to reduce violent crimes, and he will bring to the task force a depth of experience and the direct link to the Oval Office that this issue deserves.
December 19, 2012 — Press Item
Mr. Speaker, for over 40 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has strengthened and enhanced the work of The People’s House. It does so by carrying into this chamber the voices of millions of Americans who for too long in our history were voiceless. It represents millions of our citizens who contribute greatly to building our economy, defending our hard won freedoms and fighting for equal justice and equal opportunity for all of our citizens.
December 18, 2012 — Press Item
"I continue to be encouraged by positive signs of negotiation between the President and the Speaker. However, Speaker Boehner’s decision today to schedule a partisan vote on a ‘plan B’ is not helpful. America needs a big and balanced plan to reduce our debt, not more hollow political votes. While it is a good sign that talks continue, we need to keep the focus on negotiations to move the country forward.
December 17, 2012 — Press Item
By passing this resolution tonight, Congress sends a message to the people of Newtown: you are not alone. The American people are mourning with you; we are standing beside you in this darkest of hours. And, in the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will begin the healing process with you. We remember the twenty children whose lives were tragically cut far too short. We honor the heroes at Sandy Hook Elementary who acted to save students' lives; and we recognize the first responders who reacted so swiftly.
December 17, 2012 — Press Item
“Today, the United States lost a great statesman and decorated war hero. As a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Daniel K. Inouye gave his right arm in service to his country during World War II in an action that earned him the Medal of Honor. He then continued to give America every measure of his energy, his wisdom, and his devotion through public service.
December 17, 2012 — Press Item
Wanted to make sure you saw today's op-ed by Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) and House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) in Politico about the need for a balanced solution to our deficits. To read the op-ed, click here or see below: