Miscellaneous
“I am very disappointed that the Supreme Court chose today to uphold its earlier Citizens United decision. The consequences of that decision have seen the voices of ordinary citizens drowned out by the unprecedented influence of political organizations wielding tens of millions of dollars from undisclosed donors with unknown agendas. Our democracy relies on the principle of every citizen having an equal voice, and the Citizens United decision undermines that basic tenet.
“Forty years ago tomorrow, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was enacted to remove barriers to equal opportunity in education and school athletics. This was a milestone that enabled the achievements of the tens of millions of American women who have since participated in the full range of educational and athletic opportunities this country has to offer.
“On June 19, 1865, when U.S. Army Major Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation to the people of Galveston, Texas, the words fell upon the ears of the despairing and enslaved but settled in the hopeful hearts of free men and women. On that day, a new page was turned in our history, as the last of America’s slaves learned of their emancipation, and the new birth of freedom – of which Abraham Lincoln had spoken – began to stir the dreams of millions eager to take their lives into their own hands.
“I am pleased to welcome Tom Mahr and Javier Martinez to my staff,” said Hoyer. “They bring with them to their respective positions years of experience and valuable insight that will help House Democrats develop the best solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges and communicate them to a wide range of constituencies. I look forward to working with them both.”
The Republican budget introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan today is a repeat of last year’s budget: it once again ends the Medicare guarantee while protecting tax cuts for the wealthy. It slashes investments in innovation, education, and infrastructure, which puts our economic recovery at risk and threatens American jobs. It does not reduce the deficit in a responsible way, instead placing the burden of deficit reduction onto seniors, the middle class, working families, and the most vulnerable by refusing to ask the wealthiest among us to contribute.
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) discussed the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing on women's health and Democrats' focus on job creation today on MSNBC Live. See below for excerpts and a link to the video.
“I have had the privilege of serving with Dennis Cardoza in Congress for eight years, and I have come to know him both as an effective advocate for the people of California’s 18th district and as a friend. From his studies at the University of Maryland and work running a small business to his time serving in California’s legislature, Dennis brought great experience to Congress that helped him quickly become a leader in the House on issues important to farmers and ranchers as well as on the home mortgage crisis that has hit California families hard...
“Congratulations to Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35) – this year's MVP – for gaining the most Facebook fans, Twitter followers, and YouTube subscribers as part of House Democrats' annual online competition...
If you have not done so already, I would like to invite you to engage with me online by clicking “Like” on my Facebook page, “Follow” on my Twitter page, and “Subscribe” on my YouTube page. Through these mediums, I share news and information about what’s happening on Capitol Hill, in my Congressional District, and throughout the country, and you can share your thoughts with me...
Thank you for inviting me to testify today on the important work of the Election Assistance Commission—and why we must make sure that work continues.