Press Release

Today, America honors the pioneering labor leader César Chávez on what would have been his 84th birthday. Chávez spent his life fighting for the rights and dignity of Latino farmworkers and the underprivileged. He is rightly remembered as one of the greatest civil rights leaders of the 20th century. We can honor his legacy by carrying forward the principles for which he worked so hard: workers’ right to organize, fair and safe labor conditions, freedom from racial discrimination, and opportunity for all Americans.

Tomorrow, the report on March's job creation numbers will be released. We don't yet know what the report will tell us--but we do know that if the report is positive, Republicans will claim credit for it. But those claims will have little basis in reality. In fact, Republicans have done nothing to spark job creation: after 13 weeks in the House majority, they have yet to even consider a single job-creating bill. Instead, House Republicans have passed a spending bill full of reckless cuts to investments in our growth--a bill that nonpartisan observers agree will cost hundreds of thousands of jobs. Republicans have been working to destroy jobs, not create them; any Republican attempts to ignore that record and claim credit for job growth should be met with deep skepticism.

I applaud President Obama for announcing an ambitious goal of reducing oil imports by one-third by 2025. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is an economic imperative—and a national security imperative. The continuing unrest in the Middle East and the rise of gas prices is a wake-up call that we must become more energy independent. Democrats are committed to increasing energy independence and security; in fact, we enacted the first new fuel efficiency standards for cars in 32 years.

Tonight, President Obama spoke to the American people about the ongoing international military effort to prevent the Gadhafi regime’s brutal attacks on Libyan civilians. I support this lifesaving effort, which has been authorized by the United Nations and backed by our European allies and the Arab League. I also applaud the service and courage of the American troops who are helping to carry it out. It is essential, however, that the president continue to inform and consult with Congress as long as American troops remain part of this mission. Finally, I am pleased that NATO is set to take over leadership of this mission on Wednesday; as I have urged the president, our European allies and the members of the Arab League must assume the leading role.

I'm deeply saddened by Geraldine Ferraro's passing today. Not only was she a trailblazer, she was a good friend and someone I'm proud to have worked with over the years. She opened doors for generations of women to come by being the first woman nominated as a Vice Presidential candidate.

As a lead co-sponsor of the ADA Amendments Act, I am pleased that the EEOC has issued final regulations today that will ensure all Americans with disabilities will be able to invoke the full protections provided under the ADA,” said Democratic Whip Hoyer. “The ADA Amendments Act restored the intent of the original ADA law to protect anyone with a disability, even if they take steps to mitigate their condition. The regulations issued today uphold the law and open the doors of opportunity to everyone."

My thoughts are with all those injured or killed in today’s bombing in Jerusalem. In the wake of this terrorist act, it is vital to reassert our commitment to the security of our ally Israel, as well as our condemnation of those who attack civilians and those who inspire such attacks by inciting hatred against Israel. As Israelis face cowardly attacks like today’s, as well as an ongoing barrage of rockets from Gaza, Americans must stand united behind Israel’s right to defend itself, and the right of civilians everywhere to live in peace.