Press Release

“Today’s Institute for Supply Management report, the third in a row showing contraction in our manufacturing sector, reinforces the need for Congress to address manufacturing competitiveness and job growth in a comprehensive way.  Democrats’ Make It In America plan will do just that by investing in education, innovation, and infrastructure to attract well paying manufacturing jobs and keep them here on our shores. 

“Today, Americans join together to honor the men and women who help make our nation and its businesses so successful.  Despite a challenging economy, our country’s workers have continued to show extraordinary innovation and determination to out-produce our competitors.  Our nation has a long history of striving to create more opportunities for our people to enter the middle class, and Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to renew our commitment to an opportunity-driven economy that works for working families.   

“I applaud today’s ruling by the DC District Court that concluded the Texas voter identification law would make it more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote. This law is just one example of legislation that is being passed across the country that could disenfranchise minorities, the elderly, and college students. While proponents of these voter identification laws claim they’re targeting voter fraud, there is scant evidence that such fraud exists. Instead, the real purpose of these laws is to make it substantially harder for eligible voters to cast their ballot and have their votes counted.

“I applaud President Obama’s action today that reinforced Democrats’ energy policy that strengthens our economic, national, and environmental security.  The new fuel standards will benefit the economy through lower costs for consumers, and by ensuring our nation remains on the leading edge of technology and innovation as automakers develop the most fuel-efficient cars. The new standards will also increase our national security as we move away from our dependence on foreign oil, and promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases. This is a bold step, and the right one to help secure America’s future.” 

I was saddened to learn about the passing of Neil Armstrong today. He was truly an American hero and icon. He represented the ingenuity and the passion for exploration and discovery that is the hallmark of our nation. It may have been a 'small step,' but when he became the first person to set foot on the moon, it changed the course of history, making the impossible possible. His legacy will live on each time we dare to dream beyond what seems possible, and will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

“This weekend, I will join with Americans across the country in celebrating Women’s Equality Day, marking the anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment’s ratification, which recognized women’s right to vote and participate in our electoral democracy.  On this day, we mark the achievements women have made across the spectrum of American society, but we also acknowledge how much work remains.

“CBO’s update of its Budget and Economic Outlook released this morning couldn’t paint a clearer picture of our fiscal challenges.  If Congress fails to resolve the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ by the end of this year, according to the CBO’s projections, the first half of 2013 will plunge us back into recession and sharply increase unemployment. 

"I congratulate J. David Cox on his election as National President of the American Federation of Government Employees, and I thank outgoing President John Gage for his many years of service.  I have had the pleasure of working with J. David in his capacity as National Secretary-Treasurer for the past six years, and I know he will do an outstanding job in this new role.