Press Release
I rise out of deep concern that this Congress continues to ask one group to sacrifice to bring down our nation's deficit while not asking others to contribute. With all of the challenges we face today on a national scale, we ought to ensure that those who help devise solutions and carry them out receive the recognition they are due. They should not be constantly subjected to the kind of verbal attacks and legislative assaults we have seen over the past couple of years.
In the ten years since the ODEP was created, we have made great strides in helping Americans with disabilities access the workforce and attain the measure of independence and dignity that comes with a job.
The Democrats in the Senate have continuously offered a small percentage surtax on those with a net income of a million dollars or more. We could easily pay for what is needed here with a small percentage, less than three percent, or in that neighborhood, surtax on the wealthiest in our nation. The Republicans have consistently opposed that contribution to this effort by our wealthiest citizens.
Last month, the IAEA released a report on Iran’s covert nuclear program that was greatly troubling. Not only is Iran continuing to enrich uranium, but they are also believed to be pursuing the development of delivery technologies to create a warhead that could threaten Israel and our allies in Europe and the Persian Gulf – and of course the many Americans serving and living in the region.
Terry Lierman has been a key part of the success of this office for over four and a half years,” said Hoyer. “When he came to our office, he brought unparalleled experience and a passion for helping people. I have worked closely with him for over 30 years to promote and support Democratic ideals, and I am pleased that he will continue to work with me by serving as the Treasurer of Hoyer for Congress and the Chair of AMERIPAC, my leadership PAC. I am very appreciative of all that Terry has done to assure the success of our efforts and look forward to working closely with him in the coming years.
I was pleased to learn that Paul Irving will be nominated to serve as the new Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives. He brings to the position a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Secret Service and a wealth of experience in federal law enforcement. I want to thank Bill Livingood once again for his service, and I look forward to working with his successor to ensure that the Capitol Police and the Office of the Sergeant at Arms have the resources they needs to protect the House, its members, staff, and visitors.
Manufacturing is central to our jobs recovery and long-term economic prosperity, and President Obama has long recognized this. By appointing Commerce Secretary John Bryson and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling to co-chair the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy, the President again demonstrates his commitment to expanding U.S. manufacturing. House Democrats have been focused on creating jobs and strengthening manufacturing through our Make It In America plan, and I hope Republicans in Congress will work with us to take legislative steps to bolster our manufacturing sector in the months ahead.
Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for disability rights and have supported policies that ensure people with disabilities may more fully participate in society.
For generations, Americans have raised their voices to demand equal access to the ballot box. Today, that proud tradition will continue with the “Stand for Freedom” voting rights rally in New York City. Under the leadership of the NAACP, this rally will help shine a light on unprecedented attempts to restrict the voting rights of up to 5 million Americans. Over the past year, Republicans have introduced unfortunate new measures in states across the country that would make it harder for people to register or vote.
We cannot leave for the holidays until we ensure that the payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits are extended and the Medicare physician payment rate is fixed. We should not risk raising taxes on middle class families, dropping unemployment benefits for those out of work, or preventing seniors from accessing their doctors through Medicare by including unrelated and controversial provisions. Democrats remain willing to work with Republicans to extend these critical measures before Congress adjourns for the year, but I do not believe that the plan Republican leaders proposed this morning would be the best path forward to do so. I hope they will work with us to find common ground quickly on a deal that can pass both chambers and be signed into law by the President.