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Next week, we will bring The James Zadroga 9-11 Health and Compensation Act to the floor for a vote. It is our hope that we will have a strong, bipartisan vote to pass this critical legislation.

I'm pleased the Ways and Means Committee passed WTO-consistent China currency legislation this morning. I will bring this bill to the House Floor for a vote next week. While a multilateral approach to addressing this issue is preferable, we cannot wait any longer to level the playing field for U.S. businesses and protect American manufacturing jobs. We recognize the efforts China is making toward reform, but they need to act faster to allow their currency to appreciate. Taking action on this bill, as part of our Make It In America agenda to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and create jobs, will help American workers and small businesses compete successfully.

Just as we expected, the Republican agenda has no new ideas and will take us right back to the exact same agenda that failed middle class families and small businesses. Republican economic policies led to the deepest recession in generations, and their fiscal policies exploded the deficit – and they would do so again. On national security, they took their eye off the main fight against terrorism, and they took no actions to rein in the culture of corruption that flourished under their leadership. And they still don't have a real health care reform plan, meaning Americans with pre-existing conditions won't get coverage, people will lose their insurance when they get sick, and insurance companies will be back in control of Americans' health.

After completing work on a major bill that will help small businesses create jobs, the House will not have votes tomorrow.
Democrats are working hard to continue creating jobs and strengthening the economy and fighting against Republican plans to take us back to the failed policies of President Bush. Next week, we will take action on the Small Business Lending Act, which we are discussing with our Members. This bill will provide needed assistance to small businesses and help them expand and add jobs. There will be no votes in the House on Tuesday, September 21st. The House will meet for legislative business on Wednesday, September 22nd, at 2:00 p.m., with votes postponed until 6:00 p.m.
The Small Business Lending Act that passed the Senate today is a critical part of Democrats' efforts to keep creating jobs and strengthening the economy. I'm disappointed that only two Republicans stood with us in support of small businesses, who need access to capital to grow and add more jobs.

Today the House passed the Rural Energy Savings Program Act, also known as the RuralStar program. RuralStar establishes loans that help rural families, and families all over the country, retrofit their homes and enhance energy efficiency. It is part of the Make It In America agenda, a plan to boost manufacturing and create secure, middle-class jobs for American workers. The House has passed 10 Make It In America bills to strengthen job-creating industries at home, invest in our workforce, and fight for a fair playing field for American companies; three have already been signed into law.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for us to reflect on the history of Latinos in this country, which dates back to the founding of our nation's oldest settlements. They have enriched our nation with their contributions to science, medicine, education, and the arts, as well as their distinguished military and public service, including service in both chambers of Congress.

In response to a question about tax cuts for middle income taxpayers, I reiterated my position that I was for extending those tax cuts for families earning $250,000 or less. I was then asked, if I would be willing to talk about going above that level. I reiterated my position. But as always, I was willing to talk to others about their positions. Unfortunately, the reports of my answer implied a willingness to support an extension of Bush policies. That is incorrect.

As Democrats continue to focus on job creation, a key piece of boosting the economy is strengthening our manufacturing sector.