Congress

Mr. Speaker, first let me briefly say I rise to speak on this bill, which directly impacts our economy, our competitiveness, and our ability to create jobs that pay well and open doors to opportunity.

This week, House Republicans begin pursuing an agenda laid out by Leader Cantor in a memo titled, “An America that Works.” Unfortunately, the GOP memo shows exactly why, under their leadership, this is a Congress that doesn’t work. What they have put forward is an agenda that works for some, while denying access to opportunities for millions by ignoring immigration reform, raising the minimum wage, renewing emergency unemployment insurance, or creating jobs.

“I am very disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling this morning in McCutcheon v. FEC. 

In the “completely unbelievable” news category, we’ve got yesterday’s remarkable actions by Chairman Issa to deny Democrats, in particular Ranking Member Cummings, the opportunity to speak and ask questions during a hearing. (We thought that’s what members are supposed to do at a hearing? Speak and ask questions? Apparently not when Chairman Issa is running the show.) The headlines sum it up:

At a time when our country continues to face major challenges to its economy, it is very disappointing that the House returned yesterday for a three-week session with no substantive legislation planned to address those challenges.

“When the people of southeast Michigan called John Dingell Jr. to serve at the age of 29, he answered that call with determination and grace.

“Rep. Gloria Negrette McLeod has been a valued member of our Caucus in the 113^th Congress, and I know that she will continue to represent her constituents with distinction during her final months in office. 

“I join in thanking Rep. Rush Holt for his fifteen years of service in the United States Congress.