Press Release
Hal made a real difference in people’s lives, both by keeping them informed about their world and by standing up for our first responders and their families. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.
I join with the President in calling on Congressional Republicans to set politics aside and work together with Democrats on helping our veterans find work. The Returning Heroes Tax Credit and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit will provide financial assistance for businesses to hire veterans and remove a hurdle for those finding it difficult to transition to civilian jobs. The President’s American Jobs Act and House Democrats’ Make It In America proposal will help create jobs right away for veterans and all who seek work – but only if Republicans will work with us to do so. The American people – and the brave men and women who have served our nation in uniform – cannot wait any longer for Congress to act. When the Senate brings this bill to the Floor later this week, I hope Republicans will support it.
I am honored to receive this award and proud to share the honor with my good friend Senator Blunt. The mission of the Faith and Politics Institute is to remind members of both parties of the role we share in common as public servants and our duty to be instruments of good. I commend the Institute for its leadership and thank founders John Lewis and Amo Houghton, for whom this award is named, for the example of civility, collaboration, and shared experience they have set for myself and my colleagues.
While I am encouraged that the number of private sector jobs grew by 104,000 over the past month, representing the twentieth straight month of increase and bringing our unemployment rate down to 9.0%, there is still much left for us to do. Too many Americans remain out of work, and Congress ought not waste any more time and consider legislation that will help businesses create jobs right away.
I am disappointed that Republicans continue their refusal to work with Democrats on jobs legislation. This is the third time in the past few weeks that Senate Republicans have voted to block even the consideration of a jobs bill. At the same time, House Republican leaders have not brought any of the Democrats' Make It In America proposals onto the floor or put forth a comprehensive jobs plan of their own. The American people deserve a Congress that works, that is focused on creating jobs, and it is increasingly clear the Republicans will not deliver.
A year from now, millions of Americans will head to the polls to exercise their most fundamental right – the right to vote. Unfortunately, in states across the country, partisan measures have been adopted that would make it more difficult for nearly five million voters, particularly the poor, young people, the elderly, and minorities, to register and vote,” said Whip Hoyer. “Voter suppression has no place in our country. That’s why Democrats are sending a letter to Secretaries of State urging them to oppose these partisan efforts to hinder access to the ballot and urging them to work in a bipartisan way to ensure all Americans can exercise their constitutional right to be heard.
We are just about a year away from a pivotal election. Just as important as the choice we will make is ensuring that all who are eligible can participate in making that choice. The right to vote is fundamental to our entire system of government and the ability of every American to have his or her voice heard in Washington and in their statehouses and city halls.
Yesterday we had a press conference… twenty Republicans and Democrats, equal number. Mike Simpson, myself and others made it very clear that over 100 members of the House of Representatives signed the letter saying to the Super Committee, look, everything needs to be on the table – mandatory expenditures and revenues – and we need to reach a $4 trillion give or take deal to put this country on a sound fiscal path. So we sent a letter to the Committee yesterday urging them to come to an agreement on that kind of package. Erskine Bowles and Senator Simpson testified, Alice Rivlin and Pete Domenici testified on Tuesday to the same objective. I am hopeful given the weight of responsibility that we placed on their shoulders and given the critical nature of achieving the objective of a big deal and doing it within a near term that they will come to agreement. It's obviously been tough. Obviously both sides have sort of hardened positions. But it is absolutely essential in the opinion of a lot of people around this country and a large number of members of the House and Senate that we come to agreement.
We are standing together today, Democrats and Republicans united in our deep concern over the size of our deficits, their contribution to our staggering debt, and their negative effect on our economy. We are here to send a message of urgency and support to the members of the Joint Select Committee.
Mr. Speaker, we are a year away from an election – one that will shape the course of our nation for several years ahead. The choice we make will be pivotal, and in order to make certain that it reflects the direction our people want to take, we ought to do everything we can to ensure that all who have the right to cast a ballot can do so. Equal access to the ballot is the most fundamental right we all have as Americans. It is what preserves our democracy and instills confidence in our system of government. Some of our greatest national struggles have been over suffrage – from votes for African Americans and women to votes for the young people who risk their lives for us in uniform.