Tag Archives: John Boehner

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Pelosi – House Dems and the Headlines ~ April 2013


nancypelosi

Pelosi Hosts Roundtable with Veterans Groups to Address Disability Claims Backlog

“Here in Congress, every day is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of our service members and their families and to ensure we serve them as well as they served us,” Leader Pelosi said. “We have a solemn responsibility to care for our men and women in uniform, on the battlefield and at home. We must act on the proposals of our Democratic colleagues to strengthen the VA, speed up the claims process, and extend economic opportunity to our veterans. It’s the least we can do for those who sacrifice so much on behalf of our security and our freedom.”
Thursday, April 25, 2013
“Today, we take the opportunity to honor our 43rd President, George W. Bush, for his service to our country. No matter whether you agreed with his policies, there was never any doubt that he was a leader of conviction, dedication to duty, and faith in American ideals.”
Thursday, April 25, 2013
“The regular order is something that the Republicans have requested over and over again, except when it is time for the regular order, they walk away from it. Perhaps it is lack of confidence in the power of their ideas. Perhaps they can’t take the scrutiny of the American people seeing the difference in our budget priorities, a budget much like what President Obama has put forth, and the Senate Democratic budget bill, which is about investing in jobs and reducing the deficit in a fiscally sound way, a very, very positive budget, which is a statement of our national values, which a budget is supposed to be.”
Thursday, April 25, 2013
“On this solemn anniversary of the Armenian genocide, we pause to remember the victims and honor the survivors of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century. Too often, the truth of these horrific events has been denied, yet the historical record is clear: from 1915 to 1923, the leaders of the Ottoman Empire conceived and carried out a genocide against the Armenian people.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
“The names Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley remain seared in the hearts and minds of us today as painful reminders of a dark moment in our history. For their families, for their friends, for their loved ones, their loss in a bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church would change their world forever. Yet, even at the time of great change across the country, little did we know that their deaths would change our world forever.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
“Congressman Edgar is an extraordinary example of how the strength of one voice can empower millions to call for change. His memory and legacy will inspire his colleagues and everyone who seeks a more open, just, and perfect union. We only hope it is a comfort to his wife Merle, his sons, Andrew, David, and Rob, and their families that so many mourn their loss at this sad time.”
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
“On Earth Day, Democrats and Republicans must no longer treat our environment as a point of partisan political debate. We must work side-by-side with the American people to create a future of sustainability for our children and grandchildren, prosperity and opportunity for our families and communities, security and energy independence for generations to come.”
Monday, April 22, 2013
“Today, our country owes our deepest sense of gratitude to the courageous and dedicated law enforcement teams who brought a swift end to this terrible act of terror. Thanks to their tireless efforts the victims, their families, and the people of Boston can begin to recover from this tragedy.”
Saturday, April 20, 2013
“As our hearts are still in Boston, our concerns across the country for those who are in pain, our work continues here in Washington, D.C. Right now we are focused on adopting a budget that reflects our country’s values, creates jobs, and strengthens the middle class. Republicans have repeatedly called for regular order. They have called it in sessions of – the leader – of the House and Senate with the President and the Vice President that said ‘we want regular order.’ They call for regular order all of the time. They’ve repeatedly chastised the Senate for not passing a budget bill. “
Thursday, April 18, 2013
“The courage of our men and women in uniform is what makes our democracy possible, and the Distinguished Public Service Award is truly a tribute to the work of Congress to honor the service and sacrifice of our Navy and all of our service members,” Leader Pelosi said. “This award will hold a place of pride and prominence in my heart, and it will inspire me to always stand with Secretary Mabus, our officers, our sailors and Marines to ensure the security of our country and the strength of our military.”
Thursday, April 18, 2013

Pelosi, House Democratic Leaders in Letter to Boehner: Appoint House Conferees Without Further Delay

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra, and House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Joe Crowley today sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner calling on the Speaker to appoint House conferees without further delay and follow regular order to reach an agreement on a budget focused on jobs, economic growth, balanced deficit reduction, and a strong, thriving middle class.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
“A minority of Senators failed to summon the courage to do what’s right on behalf of the safety and security of our children and families. Their shameful votes prevented commonsense steps to expand background checks and keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands. Their indefensible actions broke our promise to every community struck by gun violence.”
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
“Dr. Yunus understands that women are the caretakers and breadwinners in many families; that women are innovators and entrepreneurs; that women can be the ones to lead their families and communities out of poverty. He recognizes that women have spent too long a time living in the shadows – and that shining a light on their abilities could provide a pathway to prosperity for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
“This week, a bipartisan coalition in the Senate moved our country one step closer to achieving common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform. Under the leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, House Democrats have spent years working to bring about legislation that preserves our values, strengthens our democracy, and reflects who we are as a nation.”
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
“By dedicating this room, we do more than simply remember; we honor the highest ideals of service. Because that’s what Gabe Zimmerman’s life was about: his values and his service. A real tribute to his family as a son and grandson they raised. As his mother, Emily, has said, ‘it’s not his death, but his work and his ideals that should be recognized here.’ Gabe had gone to work that day for the same reason he went to work every day: to help the people of Tucson, to reach out to Congresswoman Giffords’ constituents, to serve the public and strengthen the community…”
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
“Congresswoman Kelly has brought progressive values and a firm commitment to the middle class to the halls of Congress, and she will place those same principles and priorities front and center in her work to support science, invest in innovation, and conduct strong oversight on behalf of the American people,” Leader Pelosi said. “These committee assignments reflect the faith of the Democratic Caucus in Congresswoman Kelly’s abilities and leadership, and we look forward to working together to create jobs, grow our economy, and build a brighter future.”
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
“Words are inadequate to console the loved ones of those lost at the Boston Marathon. But we will do what we can to care for them. We will ensure that justice will be done.”
Monday, April 15, 2013
“Through it all, the United States has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish state – bound by our common ideals, strengthened by our common interests, devoted to a common future of peace and security. Our friendship is unbreakable, our bonds unshakable. Our partnership will endure as it has from the start: with a firm, unyielding commitment to the safety and security of the Israeli people.”
Monday, April 15, 2013
“Charlie never hesitated to do what was right for his district or our country. He stood firm for the economic security of retired auto workers when a faltering auto industry threatened to leave them without the pensions they had earned through a lifetime of work. He had the courage to take tough votes even when that courage came at a great political cost – whether voting to stem a recession with the Recovery Act or to provide quality health insurance to all with the Affordable Care Act.”
Sunday, April 14, 2013
“On the 100th day of the Republican Congress, it seems only fitting that House Republicans would cast votes to weaken our economy, undermine our recovery, and jeopardize the economic security of the middle class. Attempting to shut down the National Labor Relations Board is bad for business, bad for workers, and bad for our economic growth.”
Friday, April 12, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Passing of Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

“She was a relentless force and a steady hand in our fight to win the Cold War, helping to bring down the Berlin Wall brick by brick.  She led her country with poise, grace, and an unmistakable iron will that will forever stand as a true testament to her unwavering commitment to public service.  We only hope it is a comfort to her daughter Carol, her son Mark, and the entire Thatcher family that so many share in their grief at this sad time.”
Monday, April 8, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day

“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, this day is a reminder of all who had the courage to fight back; who refused to allow the inhumanity of the Nazis to deprive them of their own humanity. It is a reminder of the defiant spirit of the survivors, whose strength and perseverance still inspire us today. It is a reminder of the righteous among the nations who risked their own lives to protect the lives of their neighbors.”
Friday, April 5, 2013

Pelosi Statement on March Jobs Report

“Today’s jobs report makes it clear: there is no time to waste to grow our economy and put people to work. Yet in this session House Republicans have refused to hold a vote on a single jobs bill that could actually become law. Instead, Republicans prefer sequesters that undermine our economic growth and Ryan budgets that would cost jobs and threaten the economic security of seniors and working families.”
Friday, April 5, 2013
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Americans Like Equality


By  ThinkProgress War Room

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Leading conservative commentator says DOMA is unconstitutional.

GOP Congressman: “The best thing about the Earth is if you poke holes in it oil and gas come out.”

Starbucks CEO: If you don’t like marriage equality then feel free to sell your Starbucks stock.

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Army: 11,000 Washington state jobs at risk if Congress won’t stop military cuts


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Documents obtained by USA Today give a state-by-state breakdown of the furloughs and financial impact related to the military, if Congress does not alter the current sequestration plan scheduled to take effect next month.

In terms of Army cuts, Washington state would be hit 11th-hardest hit in the nation. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord, if Congress changes nothing, a $341 million annual cut would be ordered, according to the Army.  More than 11,000 jobs statewide would be affected by furloughs (of more than 200,000 nationally), a figure that the Army says includes, not only immediate civilian furloughs, but jobs related to military spending. President Barack Obama has exempted military personnel from furloughs.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress on Wednesday that if the cuts take effect in March 1, he may be compelled to furlough the “vast majority” of the Defense Department’s 800,000 civilian workers.
More from The Associated Press: Panetta also said the across-the-board spending reductions would “put us on a path toward a hollow force,” meaning a military incapable of fulfilling all of its missions.

In a written message to employees, Panetta said he notified members of Congress on Wednesday that if the White House and Congress cannot strike a deficit reduction deal before March 1 to avoid the furloughs, all affected workers will get at least 30 days’ advance notice.

The furloughs would be part of broad spending cuts the Pentagon would implement in order to achieve $46 billion in reductions through the end of this budget year, which ends Sept. 30. More cuts would come in future years as long as the automatic government spending cuts, known as sequestration, remained in effect.

In the event of sequestration we will do everything we can to be able to continue to perform our core mission of providing for the security of the United States, but there is no mistaking that the rigid nature of the cuts forced upon this department, and their scale, will result in a serious erosion of readiness across the force,” Panetta wrote.

Pentagon officials have said their furloughs would be structured so that nearly all 800,000 workers lose one day of work per week for 22 weeks, probably starting in late April. That means they would lose 20 percent of their pay over that period.

The Pentagon has begun discussing details of the furloughs with defense worker union officials.

House Speaker John Boehner put the blame on Obama and said he agrees with Panetta that automatic spending cuts would devastate the military.

Boehner released a copy of Panetta’s letter formally notifying Congress that the Pentagon will have to consider furloughing a large portion of its civilian workforce if sequestration kicks in.

The furloughs contemplated by this notice will do real harm to our national security,” Panetta wrote in his congressional notification letter, adding that it would make troops less ready for combat and slow the acquisition of important weapons.

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Reject the Status Quo …


merycorp&valentine

just another rant …

My question for all you mostly sane people today is: What would your neighborhood look like without Teachers, Police, EMTs, Firefighters and other public service workers if the Democratic Party had not passed bill HR1586.  Two years ago folks like Bachman, Boehner called HR1586 a bailout and as the President’s 2nd term moves forward Republicans continue using Americans as pawns in their mission to make PBO look bad and make no mistake they are still willing to throw ALL of us under the bus! Hello … this includes you constituents who voted right of center and seem to be complacent about it all which by definition is: To be content and satisfied with your life and surroundings, even when something which may destroy these conditions is imminent.

We cannot be complacent with the status quo!

The leadership we need from folks in Congress … a willingness to act in a bipartisan way … put People ahead of Party! know that the sequester; a congressional act was not well thought out and will hurt ALL Americans, accept that cutting spending means austerity , be selfless and think about how to better the current status of the middle and lower classes because the rich are doing just fine, think globally, environmentally, respect Public Service workers, support education, allow more stem research, respect a woman’s right to choose, equal wages for women, safe and affordable health care for all families.

The fact is President Obama has gotten Congress to pass legislation that will be good for middle class families but to get the change 53% of we voted for we need democrats on the floor of Congress to step up.

It is important that we do not repeat history by understanding the past stop the current austerity program republicans keep shoving Americans into; remember that trust, respect and the votes Republicans are soliciting cannot be seasonal…

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Another Self-Inflicted Wound to the Economy?


By ThinkProgress War Room

GOP to Blame for Latest Manufactured Crisis

The country is bearing down on March 1, the day that deep, damaging across-the-board spending cuts — known as the “the sequester” in Beltway parlance — start to kick in.

If Republicans hadn’t taken the entire economy — the full faith and credit of the United States — hostage in 2011, there would not be a sequester. Period. End of story. What’s more, an overwhelming majority of Republicans in the House and the Senate voted in favor of the cuts. At the time, Speaker Boehner said he’d gotten 98 percent of what he wanted in the deal that wrote the cuts into law.

In the year and a half since Republicans demanded — and received — the cuts, they have rebuffed every effort to substitute something else smarter, more balanced and less damaging to the economy in their place . The president repeatedly offered significant spending cuts and changes to social insurance programs, including Medicare and Social Security, as part of balanced plan that also included new revenues, but Republicans always said no in order to protect millionaires and special interests from having to pay their fair share in taxes.

Just months ago, Mitt Romney and Speaker Boehner actively advocated for closing tax loopholes and eliminating giveaways in the tax code. But now Republicans are saying no in order to protect the wealthy and special interests like Big Oil and Wall Street. They say they now prefer spending cuts that stand to kill several hundred thousand jobs and could potentially drag the economy back into recession to raising even a penny more in new revenue. Just months ago, leading Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan said these cuts would “devastate” the country, but now they appear to be fine with them.

Here’s a few examples of what the choices we face actually mean — and which side Republicans are coming down on:

  • Republicans will let the wealthiest Americans keep special tax breaks instead of funding our military.
  • Republicans will kick 70,000 kids off Head Start and fire 10,000 teachers instead of ending giveaways to Big Oil.
  • Republicans want to cut 1,000 FBI agents and aid to thousands of schools instead of ending loopholes that allow people like Mitt Romney to pay a lower tax rate than middle class workers.
  • Republicans will cut thousands of food safety inspectors, which could shut down the entire meat industry, instead of eliminating giveaways for corporate jets and special tax breaks for horse breeders in Kentucky (the home state of Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell).
  • Republicans want to cut unemployment benefits and loans to small businesses rather than end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.

We need to reduce our deficit, but we should do it in a balanced, targeted way instead of with blunt, across-the-board cuts that will harm the economy. Instead of governing, the GOP is only interested in gimmicks and games. As the President said again last week, we have got to stop governing by crisis. Our economy cannot afford to play the GOP’s games any longer.

BOTTOM LINE: Once again we find ourselves facing yet another crisis manufactured by the GOP. It’s time for the GOP to choose sides: the middle class and the military or millionaires and special interests.

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