Press Release

People used to believe that if you worked hard and took responsibility for yourself, you would make it in this country — that you could provide your children with a safe home, an education and opportunities of their own. Yet, today it is harder than ever for families to make ends meet even with two parents working full time. Costs are rising, and incomes for most Americans have not kept pace.

Throughout my years in Congress, there have been few Members I have come to admire as much as Gabby Giffords.  When she was first elected, Gabby got right to work for the people of Arizona’s Eighth District, standing up for veterans, advocating for a fairer wage for workers, and pushing for comprehensive immigration reform while securing our borders.  She earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle for her determination and strong convictions, and her willingness to work together to get things done.  Gabby always put her constituents first and made it her priority to listen to their concerns and carry them back with her to Washington.

In a decision that affirmed the right of every American woman to privacy and choice, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Roe v. Wade thirty-nine years ago this Sunday.  I join in marking this anniversary, and I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose while strengthening education programs and access to contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies.  I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with women’s health and privacy advocates in continuing to defend the constitutional right Roe v. Wade confirmed.

I am always excited to be back at Pax River with some of the finest men and women in the Department of Defense.  Today I am especially glad to be here with you to introduce a man I have known for over thirty years.    We’re proud to have him at Pax River today to demonstrate all of the great work being done here and the critical importance of this installation to our military readiness and operations.

When Maurice Hinchey came to Congress is 1993, he brought with him the experiences of a Navy sailor, factory worker, and respected state lawmaker.  These experiences helped him become a leader in Congress when it came to supporting our veterans, protecting the environment, and ensuring that government by the people always works for the people.  I have been honored to serve with him for the past nineteen years, and his voice – a moral voice for conservation, economic justice, and equality of opportunity – will be greatly missed in Congress.   I extend to him and his family my best wishes on his retirement.

Democratic Whip Hoyer stated, “I am pleased that Congress is actively taking steps to update how it connects with the American people online, improve transparency and better interact with our constituents to keep them informed. There is still work to be done, but Democrats and Republicans alike understand the duty we share to make the legislative process as open and accessible as possible. This report continues the hard work of Members from both sides of the aisle in shaping how we can better connect the American people to their government in order to better serve them.”

Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life of service. In October, we witnessed the dedication of a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington honoring Dr. King and his work. His statue now looks out across the Tidal Basin in the direction of the memorial to the author who wrote the words into which Dr. King breathed new life: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' 

“Austin has been a key asset in my leadership office since first joining our team as an intern in 2004,” said Hoyer. “Since then, he has served in a variety of roles and excelled in each one. As Floor Assistant and later Deputy Floor Director, Austin has helped manage the day-to-day operations of the Floor and has demonstrated a depth and breadth of knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Members have come to rely on Austin’s good judgment and leadership on the Floor and he is well known and well liked by all Members. Similarly, Shuwanza has served on my staff since joining as a staff assistant four years ago and has continually demonstrated her competence and capabilities across a range of responsibilities. As Floor Assistant, she excelled with a tremendous work ethic, focus and insightful knowledge of the House floor. I am confident that Austin and Shuwanza will continue to ensure an organized, responsive, and robust Democratic Whip Floor operation as the new session of Congress commences. Both Austin and Shuwanza will be a tremendous resource to the Democratic Caucus and I look forward to working with them in their new roles.”