Press Release

Today, President Obama visited Northern Virginia Community College to discuss the importance of manufacturing to our economy’s future, and the role community colleges play in creating a well-prepared workforce, ready to take on well-paying jobs. I strongly agree with the president on the importance of manufacturing, which supports millions of middle-class families, drives innovation and productivity across our economy, and is crucial to America’s international competitiveness. That’s why I’m such a strong supporter of the Make It In America agenda, which focuses on rebuilding our manufacturing strength.

I want to thank Congressman Boren for his years of service to his constituents in Oklahoma. He has worked tirelessly for their interests as an independent voice in the House of Representatives. I look forward to continuing to work with him for the remainder of this Congress, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

I oppose both resolutions that were voted on in the House today. Despite the assertion in Speaker Boehner’s resolution, I believe the President has indeed articulated a rationale for action in Libya: to prevent the Gadhafi regime’s brutal attacks on Libyan civilians. Gadhafi vowed to go ‘door to door’ to kill those who opposed him, a threat that we could not stand by and allow to be carried out. That’s why I supported this mission. I said at the outset that our allies needed to take a leading role, and I was pleased when NATO did just that. I am concerned that sudden withdrawal would strengthen Gadhafi’s hand, undermine our NATO allies, and negatively impact other democratic transitions underway in the region.

Today we received news that our economy added 54,000 jobs last month. It is disappointing that fewer jobs were created than in recent months, but it is an important sign of progress that private-sector employment has grown for 15 straight months under President Obama. With the unemployment rate increasing to 9.1% it is clear that too many Americans are still struggling to find work, and they deserve Washington’s attention and help.

I think the Biden talks are serious talks…. [T]he reports I get are that there are real efforts at making progress and addressing the fiscal crisis that confronts our nation and confronting the debt and deficit that we need to bring down, but also to constructively move forward on trying to reach bipartisan agreement which is the only way we're going to be able to affect change.

This month, LBGT Pride month, we honor the strides toward equality made by America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. In the decades since the advent of the LGBT movement, that progress toward equality has been remarkable, and it has seen several important milestones under President Obama. Most notably, last year America overturned the policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ which both weakened our Armed Forces and wrongly enshrined discrimination in our military. I was proud to work for the end of that harmful policy—and now, I am committed to opposing partisan efforts to needlessly delay the implementation of repeal. While the struggle for LGBT equality remains incomplete, I hope Americans will take time this month to reflect on the dramatic progress toward that end we have seen in our lifetimes.

“This Memorial Day we remember generations of Americans who have fought for our nation, both those who gave their lives for our country, and those who wore the uniform. Their service made this nation what it is today – a beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. I hope all Americans take a moment this weekend to honor their memory and their sacrifice...

Today, the House passed the FY12 Defense Authorization bill, which gives our Armed Forces the resources they need to keep our country safe, and also supports our military families. I voted for this legislation. Nevertheless, I am deeply concerned about several provision attached to this bill by Republicans, none of which will make our nation safer.