Press Releases

“The resolution passed by the House today honors the memory of the Americans who died in last week’s attack in Benghazi and reaffirms our bipartisan commitment to the dedicated civilians who serve America overseas.  It also demonstrates our continued support for Libya’s ongoing democratic transition.

“Today’s action is yet another step taken by the Obama Administration to hold China accountable for their unfair and illegal trade practices. When competing on a level playing field, American workers, businesses, and manufacturers can out-compete anyone. But by providing illegal export subsidies to their auto and auto-parts industries, China is tilting the playing field in their favor and putting other nations, including the U.S., at a distinct disadvantage.

“Today’s report demonstrates exactly why we need to replace the sequester by passing a big and balanced deficit reduction plan this year.  If the sequester were to take effect in January, the consequences would be devastating to our economy and to our national security.

“Sunday evening, across America and throughout the world, Jewish families will usher in a new year – one that I hope is filled with the blessings of peace and happiness for all.  Rosh Hashanah offers an opportunity to remember the important contributions made to our country by its Jewish community, which has enhanced America in the fields of science, politics, law, entertainment, athletics, and a host of others since the days even before our nation’s independence.   

"Today's announcement by the Census Bureau that our poverty rate fell for the first time in three years is welcome news, as is the fact that 1.3 million more Americans have health insurance coverage, a sign that the Affordable Care Act is working. 

“Hopefully [a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff] will come together before the end of the year. I've been working on that. Others have been working on that. Contrary to what I heard Mr. Cantor say, the President of the United States in the 32 years I've been in Congress, has spent more time working with Republicans and frankly with Democrats in the White House around his conference table to try to get to an agreement. The Republicans walked away from the Bowles-Simpson plan. They walked away from the [Vice President] Joe Biden talks. Mr. Cantor himself walked away from those. And they walked away from the [Speaker John] Boehner- [President Barack] Obama agreement. So I'm hopeful that we will come to agreement. I think Moody's is correct - if we don't, we will undermine confidence and undermine credibility of the United States. We need to come to agreement. We need to sit down together and reason together and adopt a balanced plan. That's the trick.”

“Once again, we are seeing evidence of how the Affordable Care Act is benefiting Americans by lowering the costs of care and putting patients first. Today's report that the health reform law enacted by Democrats last Congress has saved consumers $2.1 billion through its rate review provisions and the medical loss ratio affirms that reform is working.

“For the thirtieth month straight, our economy continued to add private sector jobs in August.  With 103,000 more Americans back to work last month in the private sector and the unemployment rate dropping from 8.3% to 8.1%, our economic recovery is moving forward, and our nation is headed in the right direction. 

“Today, Americans join together to honor the men and women who help make our nation and its businesses so successful.  Despite a challenging economy, our country’s workers have continued to show extraordinary innovation and determination to out-produce our competitors.  Our nation has a long history of striving to create more opportunities for our people to enter the middle class, and Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to renew our commitment to an opportunity-driven economy that works for working families.   

“I applaud President Obama’s action today that reinforced Democrats’ energy policy that strengthens our economic, national, and environmental security.  The new fuel standards will benefit the economy through lower costs for consumers, and by ensuring our nation remains on the leading edge of technology and innovation as automakers develop the most fuel-efficient cars. The new standards will also increase our national security as we move away from our dependence on foreign oil, and promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases. This is a bold step, and the right one to help secure America’s future.” 

“This weekend, I will join with Americans across the country in celebrating Women’s Equality Day, marking the anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment’s ratification, which recognized women’s right to vote and participate in our electoral democracy.  On this day, we mark the achievements women have made across the spectrum of American society, but we also acknowledge how much work remains.

"I congratulate J. David Cox on his election as National President of the American Federation of Government Employees, and I thank outgoing President John Gage for his many years of service.  I have had the pleasure of working with J. David in his capacity as National Secretary-Treasurer for the past six years, and I know he will do an outstanding job in this new role.