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“I am disappointed that our GDP has contracted for the first time since 2009.  We ought not to be very surprised, though, as House Republicans’ preoccupation with partisan games has led to Congressional inaction that has created uncertainty for businesses and markets.  Today’s news is further proof that we must resolve the differences that have so far kept Congress from reaching a big and balanced deal to reduce deficits, replace the sequester, instill certainty in our economy, and invest in creating new jobs.  House Democrats are ready to do what it takes to reduce our deficits in a balanced way and to invest in growing our economy, and I hope Republicans will set partisanship aside and work with us to achieve these goals.” 

“I join in thanking my friend Secretary Ray LaHood for his leadership of the Transportation Department during President Obama’s first term.  I was privileged to have served with him during the fourteen years he represented Illinois’ 18th District in Congress. Throughout his time in public service, Ray has consistently put policy before politics, and has worked in a bipartisan way on behalf of his community, his state, and our country. 

"Today, with a strong, bipartisan vote of 62-36, the Senate joined the House in helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Though I hoped Congress would have acted earlier, the passage of this legislation, now headed to the President for his signature, will provide much-needed assistance to the communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states hit hard by the storm.  Residents of these areas face significant ongoing challenges and are struggling to rebuild.  I look forward to seeing this bill signed swiftly into law."

"I was saddened to learn that Senator Harkin will be retiring at the close of the 113th Congress. He has been a tireless advocate for Iowa families and for opportunities for all Americans in his nearly four decades on Capitol Hill.

“I congratulate Denis McDonough on being named as the next White House Chief of Staff.  As someone who has served President Obama since before his election in a variety of critical roles, he will bring to his new job a depth of experience.   In his current position as Deputy National Security Advisor, Denis has been instrumental in achieving the President’s foreign policy goals and keeping our nation safe from a range of threats from abroad.  I am confident that he will continue to provide President Obama with sound counsel and help him manage his Administration’s ongoing efforts to create jobs, address the challenge of our deficits, and protect our citizens from harm at home and overseas.

“I want to say to the Speaker before he leaves the Floor, I believe the Speaker wants to get to a responsible agreement between our parties, between the House and the Senate and between the Congress and the President on getting to a responsible way to reduce the budget. This bill is not that vehicle. This bill, in my view, is an irresponsible waste of our time. This bill does not do what Republicans said they wanted to do over and over and over again. And that is: give a sense of certainty to our economy, to our people, and to the international community.

Thank you very much Leader Pelosi and thank you for your leadership. I am very pleased to join Gwen Moore and one of the few males that is standing here with all these wonderful Members of Congress who are women – Chairman Conyers. I am proud to join in reintroducing the Violence Against Women Act in the 113th Congress.

Today, Rep. John Lewis (GA-5), House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (SC-6), Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), and Rep. Robert Brady (PA-1) reintroduced the Voter Empowerment Act in the House of Representatives.  Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York introduced a companion version in the Senate.  The Voter Empowerment Act will help ensure equal access to the ballot for every eligible voter, will modernize our voter registration system to help more Americans participate, and takes steps to eliminate deceptive practices and voter fraud that deter voters from casting their ballots. 

“I join in thanking U.S. Trade Representative Amb. Ron Kirk for his four years of dedicated service as America’s chief advocate for exports and fair trade practices.  Under his leadership, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative oversaw the opening of new markets for our businesses and the implementation of tougher trade enforcement rules that help ensure a level playing field for American products overseas.  Throughout this tenure, Amb. Kirk has stressed that when American businesses can compete fairly, they will prosper and create new opportunities for jobs here at home.  He has been a strong supporter of American workers and their role as the engine of our economic growth, and I was glad to have had the opportunity to work with him in developing parts of House Democrats’ Make It In America jobs plan to revitalize our manufacturing sector.  I wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase in his career.”  

“Today, as President Barack Obama took his second oath of office to ‘preserve, protect, and defend’ our Constitution, we reflect on the challenges our nation has faced over the past four years, as well as the ones that lie ahead. President Obama has taken action to strengthen our economy, reduce our deficits, and increase our national security. We have made significant progress over the course of his first term, but we know more needs to be done to make the promise of the American Dream more accessible to every American.