114th Congress Convenes
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Tuesday marked the beginning of the 114th Congress, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle over the next two years to address the issues that matter most to the American people, including supporting job creation and economic growth. We have seen tremendous progress across the economy since the depths of the Great Recession: 2014 was the best year of job growth since 1999, unemployment is down to 5.6 percent, the deficit has decreased dramatically, and the stock market is strong. However, there is still much more work to be done to ensure that all Americans feel that they are sharing in that progress. I will continue to urge House Republicans to work with Democrats to expand economic opportunities so that more people can make it in America.
I’m disappointed that House Republicans began the 114h Congress by bringing partisan legislation to the Floor, rather than working to find areas of common ground. After wrapping up one of the most unproductive and closed Congresses in modern history just last month, House Republicans continued the trend by holding their 54th vote to undermine the Affordable Care Act – a vote that would cause around one million Americans to lose their employer-sponsored health care coverage and would add $53.2 billion to the deficit. They also passed a rules package that continues a partisan investigation of Benghazi; continues a political lawsuit against the President; and expands the use of so-called “dynamic scoring” legislation, a partisan gimmick to hide the cost to the deficit of enacting tax cuts.
I was, however, pleased that the House voted this week to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act following its expiration at the end of last year. This program, which enjoys strong support from the business community, plays a critical role in job creation by giving American businesses the confidence they need to invest in our economy. While it was positive that we were able to come together to reauthorize this program, we need to do more to strengthen our economy. I urge House Republican leaders to abandon their pursuit of partisan legislation and instead focus on bipartisan opportunities to get things done for our constituents. The American people want a Congress that is on their side, and I hope Republicans will work with us to better serve those who have elected us.
Sincerely yours,
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DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE
Hoyer Statement on the Convening of the 114th Congress
Hoyer Remarks on House Republicans' Partisan Rules Package
Hoyer Remarks on House Republicans' 54th Vote to Undermine the Affordable Care Act