113th Congress Ends With House Passage of Legislation to Provide Certainty
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week, the House passed two pieces of legislation that needed to get done before the end of the year. On Wednesday, the House passed a long-term, multi-year extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act to give American businesses confidence that they won’t be left unprotected from losses in the event of a terrorist attack. And yesterday, Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass legislation to fund most of the government through September. While I had serious concerns with several provisions and I was disappointed that it did not fund the Department of Homeland Security for the entire year, I supported the bill because it will provide more certainty to the economy and to American families than the alternative.
This week also marked the last week that the House will be in session during the 113th Congress. I am deeply disappointed that this Congress was the least productive, most closed Congress in recent history, characterized by much fewer bills signed into law and a record number of closed rules, which block amendments and limit debate. House Republicans wasted time and taxpayer dollars throughout this Congress on partisan legislation and political students, instead of taking meaningful action on critical priorities, including job creation, comprehensive immigration reform, raising the minimum wage, and securing equal pay for equal work. I will continue to urge House Republicans to listen to the American people and work with Democrats on these important legislative issues. The American people are fed up with the obstruction and dysfunction in Washington and want to see their Representatives in Congress work together to get things done. Republicans – who will control both chambers in the 114th Congress – have a responsibly to work with us in the new year, and I look forward to tackling the important challenges facing our nation when Congress convenes in January.
Lastly, I’d like to remind everyone about the upcoming open enrollment deadline of December 15 for those who would like to receive health care coverage beginning January 1. Since open enrollment began last month, more than 1.3 million Americans have signed up for affordable, quality health care plans for 2015. I encourage you to explore your options and savings by visiting www.healthcare.gov today.
Sincerely yours,
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DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE
On the Spending Bill to Prevent a Shutdown:
Hoyer: Long-Term Reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act Gives Certainty to Businesses
FACT SHEET: A Review of the 113th Congress