Press Release

We must keep moving forward with talks so that we can quickly take action to reach a balanced deal that reduces our deficit, includes spending cuts and revenues, and ensures that we pay America’s bills.

American manufacturing helped make this the most prosperous country on earth—and it helped build a strong middle class. As we continue to focus on job creation and economic growth, I believe a key part of that effort must be rebuilding our manufacturing strength. That’s why House Democrats have created the Make It In America agenda: it’s about creating the conditions for American businesses to innovate here, create jobs here, make products here, and sell them to the world—and about making sure we have a workforce qualified for well-paying jobs. I believe strongly that when we make more products in America, more families will be able to Make It In America, as well.

For almost a decade, American troops have served bravely in Afghanistan. Their efforts have helped lead to the death of Osama bin Laden and the destruction, to a great degree, of al-Qaeda’s capability to plan and launch attacks against Americans from Afghanistan. These were our original objectives in Afghanistan, and they have been largely achieved. Our struggle against terrorists who would do Americans harm is certainly not over. But now is a time to consider how the threats against Americans have changed, and how we can most effectively defeat the terrorists behind those threats.

Today, the Joint Economic Committee held an important hearing, titled 'Manufacturing in the USA: Why We Need a National Manufacturing Strategy.' I strongly agree about the importance of manufacturing to the American economy, and I thank the JEC for calling attention to this issue. Manufacturing is crucial to our economic competitiveness, our leadership in innovation, and the future of our middle class. That's why it is essential that America develop a manufacturing strategy, just as competitors like China and Germany have. I am a strong supporter of the Make It In America agenda, which includes the National Manufacturing Strategy Act--a bill introduced by Congressman Dan Lipinski that directs the president to develop a national manufacturing strategy. I hope that both Republicans and Democrats can come together to implement this agenda and create manufacturing jobs.

Today’s long-term budget outlook shows the urgent need to get our nation’s deficit under control. Without action, our debt will grow to be larger than the economy within the next decade: publicly held debt is projected to increase from 69% of GDP today to 101% in 2021, and twice as large by 2037. CBO described the path of debt as ‘unsustainable,’ and the longer we wait to act, the worse the problem becomes. That’s why I hope the Biden group will produce a balanced approach to start reducing the deficit now, while putting in place a process to get our budget back on track over the long-term.

I am pleased that Leon Panetta was confirmed by the Senate today as our next Secretary of Defense. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with Secretary Panetta as he has filled a wide range of important positions: chairman of the House Budget Committee, Office of Management and Budget director, White House chief of staff, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. At every step, Secretary Panetta has impressed me, and all who have known him, with his integrity, his insight, and his spirit of public service. I know that he will bring those assets to the Pentagon, along with his wide experience on budget issues—which is especially important at a time when all of our nation’s spending, including defense spending, must come under close scrutiny for savings. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Panetta.

I strongly oppose this legislation, as abolishing the EAC would be an invitation to repeat the mistakes that blemished our democracy in 2000,” said Hoyer. “The work of the EAC matters to voters, who deserve assurance that their votes will count on Election Day. There is too much at stake to abolish the EAC. I can think of few more essential tasks than ensuring that the people’s representatives are elected fairly.”

Nearly three years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived at the city of Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 to deliver news that the nation’s slaves were free. The announcement set off celebrations in the streets as freed slaves rejoiced. At last, the furthest reaches of the slaveholding states were feeling the effects of the abolition of slavery; and today, we celebrate that day of liberation as Juneteenth. Each year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the centuries-long struggle to achieve freedom, honor the legacy of civil rights activists who have pursued justice for all Americans, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African-Americans throughout history. Let us pay tribute to the work and sacrifice of these Americans and recommit ourselves to ensuring freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.