Press Release
Today’s report by the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees demonstrates that both programs will continue to serve seniors and disabled Americans who rely on them well into the next decade. Because of the Affordable Care Act, which took significant steps to strengthen Medicare through cost savings and reforms that will improve quality and efficiency, the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund was extended by eight years. Further, as evidenced by a report released this morning by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act has also translated into savings and lower costs for Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers that will total $200 billion in savings through 2016. However, Congress must do more, and it has an obligation to protect Social Security and Medicare to ensure they remain strong for generations to come.
Once a year, we pause to commemorate Earth Day and reflect on the importance of protecting of our environment and preserving it for the enjoyment of future generations. Earth Day has inspired in us a greater conscientiousness of how our actions affect the planet, from the cars we drive to the benefits of recycling. Working together with the Obama Administration, Democrats in Congress have enacted the toughest fuel economy standards in history and have taken significant steps to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. We have also worked to reduce pollution, protect our air and water, and serve as responsible stewards of all of our America’s natural wonders, from the sparkling Chesapeake Bay to California’s majestic Redwoods.
For over six decades, people throughout the world have paused on this day to reflect and remember the tragedy of the Holocaust. More than any other day, Yom HaShoah compels each of us to consider the nature of evil so that we may strive toward goodness.
Last month, the Senate passed a long-term transportation bill with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 74-22. Instead of following their lead and getting serious about compromise, Speaker Boehner and House Republicans have been unable to coalesce around a long-term plan of their own, potentially placing 2 million jobs at risk.
In announcing new steps today to crack down on price manipulation and to increase oversight of the oil market, President Obama is continuing his pursuit of an all-of-the-above strategy to combat rising gasoline prices. Among the steps laid out by the President this morning is ensuring that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has all the resources it needs to prevent illegal market manipulation. Doing so will contribute to our long-term energy security and help reduce costs to consumers. Yet, House Republicans passed a budget that slashes funding for the CFTC.
Today, on Equal Pay Day, we pause to consider that to earn the same wages as a man in 2011, a woman would have had to work from January 1, 2011 until April 17, 2012. It should be unacceptable in America today that women still earn only 77 cents to the dollar of a man’s wages for the same job. This is why Democrats enacted the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 – the first piece of legislation signed by President Obama – and it’s why we continue to push for measures that will close the gender gap in wages and bring greater economic opportunities for women. It’s also why I am proud to be a co-sponsor, along with 177 other Democratic Members of Congress, of the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Today’s monthly jobs report confirms that our economy is recovering and that job opportunities are returning. In March our unemployment rate dropped again and is now at 8.2% after the addition of 121,000 private sector jobs - the twenty-fifth straight month of private sector job growth. This is a further sign that the policies implemented over the past three years by President Obama and Congressional Democrats are working. However, as long as millions of Americans are still looking for jobs, we will not stop in our push for Congress to pass further job-creating measures.
“Today’s hearing was an opportunity for Members of Congress to hear from experts on the problem of rising gas prices that has affected so many middle-class families across the country. I commend the Steering and Policy Committee for drawing attention to the role of that excessive oil speculation plays in driving prices up for consumers. President Obama and Democrats in Congress will continue to pursue an all-of-the-above strategy to achieve energy savings and ensure affordable energy for future generations. I hope Republicans will join with us in this effort instead of continuing to insist on a drill-only approach that won’t lead to real solutions to the energy challenges we must meet in the months and years to come.”
Today the President determined that sanctions can be brought against foreign financial institutions conducting business with Iran’s petroleum sector, which will increase the pressure on Iran’s leaders to abandon their nuclear weapons program. As the President stated earlier this month, we do not have a containment policy with regard to Iran; rather, our aim is prevention, and every option remains on the table. I agree with this principle, and I applaud the President for his continued leadership as he works closely with our allies to prevent a nuclear Iran. The violent rhetoric against Israel by its leaders, the continued suppression of its people’s basic freedoms, and the support it provides for terrorist groups around the world and at Israel’s doorstep make it unacceptable for Iran to be allowed to reach such a capability.
Today I join in celebrating the life and legacy of César Chávez, whose co-founding and leadership of the United Farm Workers helped raise the voices of millions of Latino agricultural workers. He fought for their rights and stood up for the dignity of their work. Over the course of his journey, Chávez marched, fasted, wrote, and spoke truth to power to win safe and fair working conditions, better pay, freedom from discrimination, and wider opportunities for all workers to achieve the American Dream. As one of our civil rights giants, he continues to be a role model for young Latinos and all Americans who, when faced with adversity and wanting to improve their communities, draw strength from his example and legacy.