Press Release
This is not simply an attack on Ms. Giffords. This is an attack on democracy itself, on the ability, as she said in that reading of the first amendment, to peaceably assemble, to come together to talk to one another. That's what democracy is all about—representatives listening to their constituents and trying to reflect their views.
The Republican leadership has announced, in consultation with Democratic leadership, that there will be no legislative action in the House next week that does not relate to today's tragic event in Arizona. Consideration of Health Care Repeal legislation has been postponed to a later time. We are all keeping the victims and their families in our prayers.
My prayers are with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her family, her staff, and all the victims of today’s shooting in Tucson, Arizona. Congresswoman Giffords is a devoted and insightful public servant, and a passionate advocate for her constituents—but more than that, she is my dear friend.
Today’s employment report had some encouraging news for our economic recovery. Our economy added 103,000 jobs, and America’s private-sector, which added 113,000 jobs, grew for the 12th straight month by 113,000. Also encouraging was a sharp drop in the unemployment rate—the largest single-month decline since 1998.
Republicans had a clear opportunity to live up to their promises of a fair and open process in the 112th Congress with the consideration of their Patient’s Rights Repeal Bill. By all accounts the broke that promise, refusing to allow any Democratic amendments and bringing it straight to the Floor without committee consideration. With virtually no discussion of the consequences, Republicans are bringing to a vote a bill that takes away the new freedoms that Americans have in their health care and takes us back to the days where insurance companies can deny care if you have a pre-existing condition, cancel coverage when you get sick and arbitrarily limit the amount of care you receive.
It is absolutely unacceptable to deny nearly 5 million Americans a voice in Congress,” said Democratic Whip Hoyer. “Republicans continually declare they are focused on listening to the American people. With this rules change, they are ignoring the voices of 5 million American citizens. We can listen to our people by continuing the constitutionally-sound policy of the last two Congresses, which gave Delegates and the Resident Commissioner a vote in the Committee of the Whole House. I hope Republicans work with us to reinstate this fair and common sense policy, rather than disenfranchising millions of citizens.
Today, President Obama announced former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley as the next White House Chief of Staff. Mr. Daley is an accomplished and skilled public servant with a deep knowledge of policy. He brought those qualities to his effective work in the Clinton Administration, and I have no doubt that he will be an equally effective member of the Obama Administration. I’m honored to count him as a friend, and I look forward to continuing to work closely together as we pursue a constructive agenda for the 112th Congress—an agenda focused on creating jobs, strengthening our middle class, and putting our fiscal house in order. I also want to thank Pete Rouse for his dedicated service as Interim Chief of Staff.
Today, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, my colleague from the State of Maryland, becomes the longest-serving woman Senator in American history. It’s a fitting milestone for a public servant who has been a trailblazer for her entire career. From her beginnings as a social worker and community activist, Sen. Mikulski’s career has always been motivated by a deep commitment to open doors of opportunity, to serve the people of Maryland, and to carry their voices to Washington.
Today the House voted for final passage of the Ike Skelton Defense Authorization Bill. This legislation makes crucial investments in our national security, nuclear counterproliferation and counterterrorism efforts, and the well being of our troops. I have been consistently committed to making sure that this critical national security legislation be completed by the Congress, as has been done for 48 years running. I am pleased to see its passage, and particularly so in the name of our outgoing Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Ike Skelton.
I am very pleased that the House has passed The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and it will now head to the President’s desk. This important legislation will provide care and compensation to the first responders and community residents exposed to toxins related to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.