Press Release

We need to have more bipartisanship. We need to be working together. There needs to be a greater response to the President of the United States’ initiative to pass an American Jobs Act, which would create a million, over a million jobs. At least it would up our economy, would invest in our infrastructure. Keep policemen, firemen, teachers on the job in our communities. Unfortunately, the Republicans have turned a deaf ear to those initiatives to the detriment, in my opinion, of our economy and of our people.

Today’s third quarter GDP report shows why you should never underestimate the resilience of the American economy and the American worker. After posting quarterly growth rates of .4% and 1.3% earlier this year, our economy grew at a 2.5% rate, nearly a full percentage point higher than most predicted earlier this month. While this is welcome news for our economic recovery in general, it does little to reassure the 14 million Americans still out of work and looking for jobs or the families across the country struggling to get by in these tough times. We need a comprehensive strategy to boost our economy and create jobs for the middle class. I urge Republicans to work with Democrats and allow Congress to vote on real jobs legislation, like the President’s American Jobs Act and House Democrats’ Make It In America plan, that will create jobs and invest in the growth of American businesses and in the competitiveness of our workforce. We cannot wait any longer.

This year’s Floor schedule has prevented the House from getting anything done to create jobs and help Americans who are out of work, and next year’s schedule is more of the same. While Members appreciate having more time in their districts, the House has struggled to get even its most basic work done. We’ve conducted legislative business a mere 111 days this year - nearly equal to the 104 days spent either in recess or in pro forma business. And the schedule has been out of sync with the Senate, making it nearly impossible to coordinate. As a result, this Congress has seen only a small number of bills signed into law. I hope that next year, in spite of the lack of days in session, Republicans will put partisanship aside and work with us to address the challenges facing our nation and get Americans back to work.

I’m sad to learn that the House of Representatives will be losing a dedicated public servant at the end of this Congress. John Olver has been a tireless fighter for the people of Western Massachusetts since he was first elected to the House in 1991. Having served with him on the Appropriations Committee, I know he has always put the interests of his constituents first and has consistently fought for the most disadvantaged among us. I join in wishing him and his wife, Rose, well in whatever lies ahead.

Today's announcement by the President to withdraw remaining U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of the year is consistent with his past statements and abides by the timeline established in the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement written by the Bush Administration and Prime Minister Maliki's government. Our troops have carried out their mission with dedication and have made great sacrifices in order to help advance a stable Iraq. Today, as we begin the transition to a new relationship with Iraq, we honor the more than 4,000 servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, and we redouble our commitment to those who have returned home. I hope as we move forward that the Iraqi government will succeed in confronting the challenges of remaining democratic, representative, and free; succeed in providing for the security of the Iraqi people; and succeed as a model democracy in a region undergoing many critical transitions.

Last night's vote demonstrated once again that Republicans in Congress are more concerned with positioning for the next election than doing what's necessary to help get Americans back to work. The bill blocked by Senate Republicans would have kept thousands of teachers in the classroom and thousands of first responders at the ready in communities across the country. Over and over, Republicans seem intent on torpedoing any proposal by the President and Democrats, even if it contains bipartisan ideas and would benefit those who are desperately seeking jobs. It is long past time for them to work together with Democrats to pass job-creating legislation like the one they blocked last night. I strongly urge Republican Leader McConnell to reconsider and allow the Senate to move forward with this and other measures to create jobs now.

“I have had the privilege of serving with Dennis Cardoza in Congress for eight years, and I have come to know him both as an effective advocate for the people of California’s 18th district and as a friend. From his studies at the University of Maryland and work running a small business to his time serving in California’s legislature, Dennis brought great experience to Congress that helped him quickly become a leader in the House on issues important to farmers and ranchers as well as on the home mortgage crisis that has hit California families hard...

The death of Moammar Gadhafi marks a new beginning for the Libyan people and an end to a dictator responsible for the loss of many American lives. I hope today’s developments signal a return to peace in Libya, and I join in encouraging the Transitional National Council to continue working with the international community to build free institutions and provide for the safety and well-being of its people...