Press Release

Today's cease-fire in South Sudan is an important step. All parties now need to end the violence that has plagued the country over the past weeks.

"The surest way to strengthen our system of free and fair elections is for the 113th Congress to pass the Voting Rights Amendments Act, which was introduced with bipartisan support last week, without delay.

"The surest way to strengthen our system of free and fair elections is for the 113th Congress to pass the Voting Right Act Amendments Act, which was introduced with bipartisan support last week, without delay. 

“As we mark the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth, let us recall his inspiring lessons of nonviolence and compassion.  

Today the President laid out new steps to protect the privacy and civil liberties of Americans and increase transparency of surveillance programs, while upholding his responsibility to keep Americans safe from threats emanating from abroad. 

“After the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate the pre-clearance formula under the Voting Rights Act, Congress must act to restore critical protections for minorities, seniors, and students. 

“I am very disappointed that the Republican Majority has chosen today to hold the 48^th vote to undermine or repeal the Affordable Care Act, especially while continuing to ignore a long list of legislative items dealing with our immediate challenges. 

“While today’s omnibus appropriations bill does not fully reflect Democrats’ budget priorities, it is a step in the right direction and a compromise that will avert another government shutdown, which is why I voted for it.