Press Release
“Unless Congress acts, in two weeks sequestration will take effect, severely damaging our economy and our national security. In the seven weeks this Congress has been in session, House Republicans have failed to bring a single piece of legislation to the Floor to prevent sequestration from happening. Democrats, meanwhile, have now introduced serious alternatives in both the House and the Senate that are balanced and that will avert the sequester’s most painful effects.
“Thank you very much Madam Leader. I am pleased to be here with all of you.
“In his State of the Union address, President Obama laid out a bold plan to invest in manufacturing and create well paying jobs.
This evening, House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) welcomed his State of the Union guests to the U.S. Capitol.
"Today, the Senate once again passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act with a strong bipartisan vote of 78-22, and it is now up to the House to follow suit.
“I certainly think that we need to encourage business growth in our country, manufacturing in our country.
“Today’s announcement by the Department of Defense that certain benefits are being extended to same-sex partners of military personnel is an important step in the right direction.
I am pleased the Obama Administration is proposing to reestablish the principle of pay parity between military personnel and federal civilian employees, which is a recognition of the critical contributions that both groups make to the defense and well being of our nation.
At this year’s issues conference, House Democrats discussed the challenges facing our economy, how to reduce gun violence, the need for comprehensive immigration reform, and ways to protect Americans’ voting rights.
"I was pleased to stand with my colleagues today in support of common-sense, comprehensive policy recommendations that will help reduce gun violence while respecting the Constitutional rights of responsible gun-owners.