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Declaraciones de Pelosi sobre Promulgación de Ley de Medicare

15 de julio de 2008

Washington, D.C. – La Presidenta de la Cámara Nancy Pelosi hizo las próximas declaraciones después de que el Senado voto 70 a 26 para anular el veto del Presidente Bush y promulgando el proyecto de ley de Medicare. Por su parte esta tarde la Cámara voto para anular el mismo veto por una cuenta de 383 a 41. Esta es la tercera vez este año que el Congreso anula un veto del Presidente Bush.

“El Congreso voto de una manera aplastante para apoyar a nuestros mayores, veteranos y a nuestras familias con incapacidades. Al anular el veto del Presidente Bush, el Congreso está respaldando a nuestros mayores que claramente favorecen cuidado médico de calidad bajo el programa de Medicare y están en contra de subvenciones innecesarias para compañías de seguro medico.

“Al eliminar la reducción pendiente de 10 por ciento a los pagos que Medicare hace a doctores, estamos asegurando que los doctores talentosos puedan continuar proporcionando cuidado médico a los mayores de nuestro país. Al proporcionar ayuda adicional a nuestros mayores de bajos ingresos y al ofrecer nuevas medidas preventivas bajo el plan de Medicare, esta legislación asegurará que nuestros mayores puedan permanecerse saludables y productivos en su tercera edad.

“Gracias a los votos bipartidistas en la Cámara y el Senado, el proyecto de ley de Mejorar Medicare para Pacientes y Proveedores es ahora la ley del pueblo. Ahora nuestros mayores pueden celebrar esta victoria tremenda.”

Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of Housing Legislation

July 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after the Senate approved housing legislation to address the mortgage crisis:

“The Senate’s passage of its housing bill brings us one step closer to providing relief to Americans at-risk of foreclosure and to getting our economy back on track and creating jobs again.

“I am confident that Chairman Frank and Chairman Rangel will arrive at a bipartisan, bicameral compromise with our Senate colleagues soon because we share the common goal of protecting homeownership and home values, and restoring stability to the housing market. 

“Recent record foreclosures and continued instability in the housing market underscore the urgency of completing a comprehensive bill to deal with the foreclosure crisis, which I hope President Bush will sign.”

Pelosi to Bush: Free Our Oil

July 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic leadership today held a news conference reiterating Democrats’ call for the President to immediately release a small amount of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reduce energy prices for American consumers. Below are the Speaker’s comments on her call to the President:

“The fact is that the Bush Administration is sitting on 700 million barrels of oil, purchased with our tax dollars, in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That oil was purchased for an emergency, and with gas at $4 a gallon, it is an emergency for America's families, for America's business, and for our country. 

“The first President Bush released oil from the SPR. President Clinton released oil from the SPR.  This President Bush released oil from the SPR. We want him to do it again.  In 1991, the release of oil from the reserve caused an immediate reduction of oil prices of $8 per barrel.

“Americans convinced the Bush Administration to not keep filling the SPR a number of weeks ago.  We are calling upon them now to free our oil, call the White House, e-mail the White House so that we can increase the supply to reduce the price at the pump. The President's number is (202) 456-1414, and his e-mail is comments@WhiteHouse.gov.”

House Votes to Cut Taxes for Estimated 45,000 Tax Filers in 1^st Congressional District

Thompson: “American families are already strained by rising gas, food and healthcare prices, and don’t deserve to be caught by a tax originally meant for the rich.”

June 25, 2008

WASHINGTON—Today, the House of Representatives approved legislation that would stop a tax on 25 million middle-class families, including an estimated 45,000 tax filers in the 1^st Congressional District, without adding to our national debt. 

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Relief Act of 2008 (HR 6275) keeps millions of Americans from being hit by a tax originally designed to only affect the very wealthy. 

“American families are already strained by rising gas, food and healthcare prices, and don’t deserve to be caught in a tax originally meant for the rich,” said Congressman Mike Thompson.  “The last thing these families need is a larger tax burden, and I am very pleased that we were able to stop the tax increase without adding to our national debt.”

The legislation provides one-year relief from the AMT without adding to the deficit by closing loopholes in the tax code, encouraging tax compliance and repealing excessive government subsidies given to oil companies.

“I believe we need to permanently fix the AMT problem, but that’s going to require a broader effort to simplify our tax code and improve fairness,” added Thompson.  “I’m very hopeful that the next president will be willing to make that happen in a fiscally responsible way.”

Pelosi: House Passage of AMT Bill will Ensure Essential Tax Relief for Millions of Middle-Class Families

June 25, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after  the House voted 233 to 189 to pass the AMT Relief Act (H.R. 6275), which provides $62 billion of tax relief to families that would otherwise have been forced to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax.

“Today’s House action ensures that 25 million families will receive essential relief from the Alternative Minimum tax, a provision of tax law that was meant to ensure the wealthy paid their fair share, not to tax middle-class families who are struggling with the high prices of gas and groceries.

“This legislation is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes for a few wealthy investors on Wall Street who pay a lower tax rate on their income than everyday Americans, and by cutting wasteful taxpayer subsidies paid to Big Oil 

“To rebuild the American economy and create jobs here at home, the New Direction Congress is committed to providing middle-class Americans with tax cuts as part of a fiscally responsible budget that invests in critical American priorities, such as job creation, renewable American energy, education, and affordable health care.

“I hope that the Senate will soon act and that the President will drop his objections to fiscally responsible tax relief for middle-class Americans.”

House Passes Major Medicare Improvements;

Aim to Increase Access in Rural Areas

 June 24, 2008

WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed legislation that would significantly improve Medicare benefits for 44 million American seniors and people with disabilities. 

The bill, which Congressman Mike Thompson helped craft as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, pays particular attention to recipients in areas with limited access to healthcare.  In addition, the bill includes several provisions championed by Thompson that directly impact the 1^st Congressional District.

“Medicare providers in rural areas like Northern California often lack the resources they need to serve the public,” said Thompson.  “This bill increases payments for sole community and critical access hospitals, increases payments for rural ambulance services and ensures physicians are fairly reimbursed for Medicare services.”

Without this legislation, physicians across the country would face a 10.6 percent cut in reimbursements for Medicare services beginning July 1st.  Alarmingly, the data suggests that over 60 percent of California physicians would leave the Medicare program or stop taking new Medicare patients if these cuts are implemented. 

“Although this bill stops cuts to physician payments, it is not about how much we pay doctors,” said Thompson.  “This bill is about access to healthcare for patients.  When doctors don’t get reimbursed, they often can’t continue serving Medicare patients.”

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (HR 6331) also includes provisions from Thompson’s telehealth legislation, which expands the types of health facilities that offer telehealth services.  Telehealth, the delivery of health services via telecommunications, is a proven method for doctors and patients to effectively communicate from separate locations.

Also included are provisions from Thompson’s cancer prevention bill, expanding the Welcome to Medicare Physical Examination from six months to one year for all new Medicare enrollees.  Thompson has been a leading champion for preventive healthcare since his time in the State Senate, and believes this provision will help millions of Medicare recipients stay healthy.

“Making investments in preventive healthcare is one of the best ways to keep people healthy and reduce our nation’s healthcare costs,” added Thompson. 

In addition, the bill permanently extends a Thompson-authored law that helps National Guard and Reserve physicians maintain their practices while deployed overseas.  Prior to Thompson’s law, Guard and Reserve physicians would have difficulties arranging other physicians to cover their practices while they were deployed and still get reimbursed for Medicare services; however, this law will expire on July 1^st.  This bill ensures that physicians can continue to serve our country overseas without worrying about losing their medical practice at home. 

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Pelosi Statement on House Vote to Override the President’s Veto of the Bipartisan Farm Bill

June 18, 2008

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after the House voted 317 to 109 to override the President’s veto of the Food and Energy Security Act or the Farm Bill.  The bipartisan legislation is supported by more than 1,000 organizations representing farmers, conservationists, and those supporting energy alternatives and nutrition assistance for families and children.

“Last month, the Congress passed the Food and Energy Security Act, a new Farm Bill for America, because it will help lower food prices, makes an historic new commitment to nutrition assistance and food stamps, invests in energy independence, supports conservation, and recognizes the importance of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. 

“The Food and Energy Security Act will also help reduce gas prices and ensure that America’s family farmers fuel America’s energy independence.  The bill makes a $1 billion investment in energy independence, takes a critical step in transitioning from bio-fuels made from corn, and creates a new tax credit that will provide a $400 million investment in cellulosic biofuels, such as switchgrass.  These efforts will help ensure that we send our energy dollars to the Midwest and across America, instead of to the Middle East.

“Thanks to the efforts of Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and many others, who have made a historic investment in energy independence and nutrition assistance, this bill’s effects will also be felt far away from farm country.  This legislation deserved the broad, bipartisan support it garnered and thanks to another strong, bipartisan vote today to override the President’s veto, it will become law despite the opposition of President Bush.”

Pelosi Announces Department of Transportation Funding for Doyle Drive

 June 6, 2008

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today a Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration grant of $1.35 million for the replacement of Doyle Drive in San Francisco:

“This award is a significant step forward for San Francisco and the Bay Area.  Funding will be used to replace an aging and unsafe roadway with a new parkway connecting the City of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.

“Doyle Drive is one of the Bay Area’s most critical emergency routes, but also one of the most unsafe and unsound roads.  With this announcement, San Francisco will be able to proceed with project design work necessary for the eventual replacement of the roadway, which will provide residents and visitors a new southern approach to the Golden Gate.

“I have long supported the replacement of Doyle Drive and have secured millions of dollars in federal funding to assist with this important project.  However, there is still more work that needs to be done.  I will continue to work with city, state and federal officials and agencies to meet the transportation and safety needs of those in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.”

BOXER, FEINSTEIN AND THOMPSON INTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO HONOR ROBERT MONDAVI

May 29, 2008

Washington, D.C. –   Last week, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced a resolution to honor the life of Robert Mondavi, a pioneer of the California wine industry who passed away in May at the age of 94.  Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced a companion resolution in the House.

Senator Boxer said, “Those who knew Robert Mondavi recognized him as a uniquely passionate and brilliant man.  He took pride in promoting California wines worldwide and advocating causes that he held close to his heart.  His work will be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched.  He will be deeply missed in the Napa Valley and in California.” 

 “Robert Mondavi is a name that will forever be associated with great California wine. He was a winemaking pioneer who showcased California’s ability to make world-class wines. He dedicated his life to being an ambassador for California wine and food and proved that Napa Valley wines could compete on the international stage,” Senator Feinstein said. “He will be missed.”

Congressman Thomson said, “Robert Mondavi was without question one of the true pioneers of the California wine industry.  Were it not for his foresight and determination, the Napa Valley would not be what it is today. Robert was not only an extraordinary winemaker and businessman; he was a pillar of our community.  His legacy can be found throughout Northern California, from COPIA to the Mondavi Center at UC Davis, from the Napa Valley Wine Auction charitable giving to his work on land stewardship and habitat preservation.  His passing leaves a void that cannot possibly be filled.  He was a wonderful friend and I will miss him greatly.”

The resolution recognizes Mondavi’s many achievements, including the establishment, in 1965, of the Napa Valley winery that bore his name and helped bring visibility and acclaim to California wine, the innovative techniques he brought to wine production, as well as his commitment to philanthropy.

Pelosi Statement on Senate Veto Override of Bipartisan Farm Bill

May 22, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement this afternoon after the Senate voted overwhelmingly to override President Bush’s veto of the bipartisan Farm Bill, one day after the House voted to override the veto.

“With overwhelming bipartisan votes, the House and Senate have both overridden President Bush’s ill-advised veto of a Farm Bill that will reduce food costs, invest in energy independence to reduce gas prices, and reform our farm support system.

“This Farm Bill will ensure that future farm bills will never again look like those of the past.  Thanks to the efforts of Chairman Peterson and many others, this bill makes an historic investment in energy independence and nutrition assistance, ensuring that its effects will also be felt far from farm country.

“With respect to Title III, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate to enact this remaining section as soon as possible.”

Pelosi: House Overwhelmingly Votes to Take Action Against Oil Price Fixing

 May 20, 2008

Washington, D.C.- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on H.R. 6074, the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act, which passed the House by a vote of 324 to 84, despite a veto threat:

“The House today with a strong bipartisan and veto-proof margin voted to hold foreign oil cartels and Big Oil accountable. 

“The legislation provides the Justice Department with a critical tool to pursue antitrust actions against OPEC-controlled entities for fixing prices and creates a new Justice Department Petroleum Industry Antitrust Task Force to examine anticompetitive market practices in the oil industry.  It also requires that the mergers of Big Oil companies in recent years be examined for anticompetitive effects.

“Instead of using a veto threat to shield cartels and Big Oil companies from accountability, the Bush Administration should work with the Congress to protect American consumers.”

Pelosi Statement on Bush Administration Halting New Shipments to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

May 16, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement following news that the Energy Department will not sign additional contracts for the receipt and shipment of oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in response to Congressional passage of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act.  The bill, which passed both the House and Senate by veto-proof margins, temporarily suspends the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through the end of the year, as long as the price of crude oil remains above $75 per barrel.

“Next week, the New Direction Congress will send our legislation to the President to suspend deliveries to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the end of the year.  As the President returns from the Middle East, I urge him to sign this legislation that he has previously opposed, which has now passed the House and Senate by veto-proof margins. 

“In response to bipartisan action by the New Direction Congress, the Bush Administration has announced it will not enter into new contracts for receipt and shipment of oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve when the current contract expires in July. 

“In the past, when the SPR has been tapped or deliveries have been suspended, consumers saw real savings.  As the price of oil per barrel has reached more than $127, this is a critical first step for America’s families, businesses and our economy.  It makes no sense to buy oil and put it in the ground when prices are at record highs.  The President should sign our legislation to codify this commonsense approach.”

Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of Farm Bill

 May 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement following the passage of the Farm Bill in the United States Senate by a majority of 81 to 15.  Despite the President’s veto threat, the legislation has now passed both the House and Senate by substantial, veto-proof majorities:

“The Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Farm Bill is good news for families who are struggling with the high cost of groceries and gasoline, and good news for America’s farmers and ranchers who provide food and fiber for the world.

“The overwhelming, bipartisan, and veto-proof votes of both the House and Senate will prevent the President from standing in the way of vital legislation that will reduce food prices by providing emergency assistance to farmers to help them get their products to market, and help families struggling with rising costs by increasing support for food stamp assistance, food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens.  The Farm Bill’s historic $1 billion investment in energy independence and support for the transition to cellulosic ethanol will also help to reduce skyrocketing energy prices.  This legislation is a strong start to reform our farm support system, and is the best Farm Bill I have ever voted for.

“House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin are to be congratulated for crafting a Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers and ranchers while providing a historic investment in nutrition assistance to fight hunger.  The strong, bipartisan votes the Farm Bill received this week on both sides of the Capitol are tributes to their outstanding leadership.”

Rep. Thompson’s Bills to Protect Land and Wildlife Included in Farm Bill

May 14, 2008 

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed a final version of the Farm Bill, which included two bills by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) that would incentivize landowners who protect wildlife habitat, farmland and open spaces.

“Protecting public lands and the wildlife that live on them isn’t enough – we have to help our private landowners do their part to guard their land from development and restore critical wildlife habitat,” said Thompson.

The first Thompson provision would extend an important tax incentive for landowners who donate their land’s development rights to local land trusts, creating a conservation easement.  Once placed under a conservation easement, the land cannot be developed at any time in the future, even if the land is sold.  However, the landowner and all future owners can continue to farm the land.

The incentive was originally created by a previous Thompson bill that expired at the end of last year.  The provision in the Farm Bill would extend the tax incentive for two more years.

“Our farm lands and open spaces are being lost to development at a frightening pace,” said Thompson.  “Conservation easements give people the incentive they need to avoid selling their land to developers.  Protecting our open spaces not only makes our air and water cleaner, it helps preserve our beautiful American landscape.”

The second Thompson provision would provide landowners with a permanent tax deduction if they agree to implement plans to recover threatened and endangered species.  To qualify for the tax deduction, landowners must demonstrate that the species listed as endangered or threatened live or migrate through their property.  In addition, the landowner must implement a government-approved recovery plan designed to reverse the decline of the listed species.

“If we want the Endangered Species Act to be truly successful, we have to help private landowners implement proven recovery plans,” said Thompson. “This provision will for the first time give landowners the incentive and the technical assistance to do what needs to be done to help protect endangered and threatened wildlife on private land.”

Pelosi: New Direction Congress Acts to Protect American Dream of Homeownership

May 8, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House approved comprehensive bipartisan legislation to address the housing foreclosure crisis:

“The New Direction Congress acted today to protect the American Dream of homeownership with a comprehensive package of housing policy reforms that will help protect families facing foreclosure and stem the continuing drop in home values around the country.

“In a forum Democrats convened this week on the economy, several leading economists agreed that aggressively addressing the crisis in the housing sector is essential to restoring growth in our economy.  This legislation will slow down the growth of foreclosures, and restore confidence in the housing market by providing more affordable refinancing and borrowing options for American families. 

“As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said, ‘Doing what we can to avoid preventable foreclosures is not just in the interest of the lenders and the borrowers, it is in everyone's interest.’  Our nation’s long-term economic health is tied to Congress and the President coming together to address this severe housing foreclosure crisis.  I hope that the President will work with us to see that it soon becomes law.”

Pelosi Statement on Disappointing April Jobs Report, Fourth Straight Month of Job Losses

May 2, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement this morning after the Department of Labor released its employment report for April showing a loss of 20,000 jobs, the fourth consecutive month of job losses:

“Today’s jobless numbers, combined with slowing consumer spending and nearly flat wage increases, are additional evidence of the need for Congress and the President to work in a bipartisan way on additional steps to get our economy back on track.

“Many Americans fear losing their jobs, many fear losing the homes; and most everyone is worried about losing their standard of living.  The New Direction Congress has responded by passing Recovery Rebates, which millions of families are now receiving. 

“We will soon act on comprehensive housing legislation that provides the most assistance to Americans of any plan yet to help them refinance and keep their homes.  We should also extend unemployment insurance for Americans whose benefits will soon expire and offer additional food stamp assistance to families struggling with rising food costs. We are also calling on the President to act to combat record gas prices by halting the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“We urge the President to work with Democrats in Congress to speed economic recovery and to provide critical relief to American families.”

State of the Bush Economy

Job Losses:  In April, Americans suffered the fourth straight month of job losses totaling 260,000 since the beginning of the year.

Wages:  Hourly earnings grew at the slowest rate in two years.  Over the last 12 months, wages have grown by 3.4 percent -- less than the 4 percent rate of inflation in the 12 months ending in March.

Unemployment:  The number of unemployed Americans is at 7.6 million – 800,000 more than one year ago -- with 1.4 million of them looking for work for more than six months.

Energy:  Gas prices are at a record $3.62 a gallon and the price of a barrel of oil spiked to a record $120 this week.

Food:  Consumer food inflation has been running at a 5 percent annual rate in the past three months – with the largest price increases in white bread, up 16 percent in the past year; milk, which is up 13 percent; and eggs, up 35 percent.

Health Care:   Since 2001, premiums for family health coverage have climbed 78 percent, with workers paying more than $3,200 per year.

Pelosi: We Must Do Much More to Strengthen Our Economy and Help Struggling Families

April 30, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement in the wake of the new numbers showing anemic economic growth (0.6 percent) and the Federal Reserve Board’s decision to cut a key interest rate by a quarter percentage point:

“Today’s economic news and action by the Federal Reserve are further evidence that the economy is weak and that we must do much more to help families struggling with the rising prices of gas, groceries, college tuition, and health care. 

“Congress led the way by approving $107 billion in Recovery Rebates that are arriving this week at 8 million households across America.  We are continuing to fuel economic recovery by finalizing legislation to help families avoid foreclosure or keep value in their homes and by sending the President this week a bill to help promote 40,000 good-paying American jobs in transportation and construction. 

“We will soon send to the President legislation that protects student loans during this credit crunch.  And just yesterday, we joined with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to endorse a new bipartisan GI Bill that will provide full college scholarships to returning service members and strengthen the middle class, just as we did following World War II. 

“More still must be done, and I urge the Bush Administration to work with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to grow and strengthen our economy and alleviate the real economic hurt American families are enduring.”

Pelosi: President Should Help Lower Gas Prices by Suspending Filling of SPR, Urges Immediate FTC Probe

April 29, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today following comments made this morning by President Bush on energy policy:

“During his press conference this morning, President Bush repeated his call for more domestic oil drilling – the same failed energy policy that has brought record gas prices. Drilling has already increased dramatically since 2000 – the number of oil wells on land has increased about 66 percent – and yet the price of gasoline has more than doubled since President Bush took office. Furthermore, opening the Arctic Refuge would have no significant effect on reducing our dependence on foreign oil or the price of gas at the pump.  Experts have concluded that opening up the Arctic for drilling would produce only a six month supply of oil –10 years from now – nothing that will help consumers today.  

“To help lower gas prices today, President Bush should temporarily suspend purchases of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).  Contrary to the President’s assertion, the American people would benefit from suspending these government purchases. It could reduce gas prices by five to 24 cents a gallon – a critical first step for America’s families, businesses, and the economy.  The SPR has been tapped before by President Bush, President Clinton, and the first President Bush.  In 2000, this action brought the price of oil down by one-third – from $30 to $20 per barrel.

“House Democrats have also called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate record gas prices.  In our energy bill last year, Congress gave the FTC the authority to probe possible market manipulation of gas prices, but to date, the Commission has failed to exercise its power to protect consumers from skyrocketing energy costs. It must do so immediately

“The House has also passed legislation to crack down on oil price gouging, hold OPEC accountable for oil price fixing, and repeal subsidies for profit-rich Big Oil companies so that we can invest in a renewable energy future.  However, President Bush and most of his Republican allies in Congress have opposed these efforts.  Today, American consumers face more pain at the pump – paying a record $3.61 a gallon.”

Pelosi: ‘Next Week, 7.7 Million Americans Will Receive Recovery Rebates - This is Just the Beginning’

April 25, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer held a news conference in the Capitol this afternoon on Recovery Rebates.  Below are the Speaker’s opening remarks:

“Because Congress has taken swift and bipartisan action on the economy, we were able to observe the fact that this week America’s families will be receiving their Recovery Rebate checks. 

“In January, we passed economic stimulus legislation with Recovery Rebates for America’s families.  In February, the President signed the legislation into law. 

“Today, we announce the good news that next week, 7.7 million Americans will receive their Recovery Rebates.  This is just the beginning.

“For a middle-class family of four, that is $1,800, including $300 for each child.  If they have more children, then of course, their check would be more. 

“By the end of the summer, 130 million American families will receive their rebates to help them make ends meet, and boost our economy.

“American families need these rebates for the rising cost of gas and groceries, and this will help get the economy moving.  These checks will not come a moment too soon for families struggling with the economic downturn – that they are a good, strong step. 

“The strain of the economic downturn on middle- and low-income families demands, in my view, a consideration of a second stimulus package and we have begun some conversations with the Administration and the Republicans on that.

“Just as we did with the Recovery Rebates, Congress must work in a bipartisan way to find solutions for the immediate crisis and for a long-term economic recovery for America. 

“Specifically, we are working on efforts to pass additional sweeping legislation to keep millions of families in their homes, provide relief to millions of out-of-work Americans, and reduce the strain on families who are struggling with rising gas and grocery prices. 

“These Recovery Rebates are an example of how Congress and work together and what can be accomplished when we work in a bipartisan way. 

“In that regard, I’m very honored to be standing here with the distinguished Republican Leader of the House and my colleague, the Democratic Leader, Mr. Hoyer.  I’m pleased to yield the floor to Mr. Boehner and acknowledge his leadership as essential in getting this relief to American families.” 

Pelosi: ‘By a Large, Veto-Proof Margin, House Votes to Oppose the President’s Disastrous Medicaid Policy’ 

April 23, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House voted 349 to 62 to pass H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act, which place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven Medicaid regulations imposed by the Bush Administration:

“In an overwhelming and bipartisan vote, the House came together today to protect millions of vulnerable Americans and preserve our nation’s health care safety net. 

“By a large, veto-proof margin, the House voted to oppose the President’s disastrous Medicaid policy.  The Bush Administration’s proposed Medicaid regulations would leave more Americans without the health care they need in a time of economic uncertainty, and would shift the burden of providing critical services to states that are already struggling with budget shortfalls. 

“The President should see this strong vote as a sign that he needs to put down his veto pen and work with the Congress to protect Medicaid.”

Pelosi: ‘Americans are Facing a Housing Crisis Unseen in Generations and Congress Must Act Immediately’

April 22, 2008 

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi today issued the following statement after the State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group, comprised of a group of state attorneys general and state banking regulators, issued a report confirming the need for stronger action to help millions of American families avoid foreclosure:

“This week, the House Financial Services Committee will consider legislation that will aggressively address our housing crisis by expanding the FHA program to help at-risk borrowers refinance unaffordable mortgages.  I stand ready to work with the President and the Senate on a viable, consensus-based, and financially prudent package of housing policy reforms that can help families keep their homes and avert a wider foreclosure crisis.

“In addition to paying high prices for gas, groceries, college and health care, millions of Americans now find themselves owing more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, confronting higher monthly payments, and risking foreclosure. 

"Americans are facing a housing crisis unseen in generations and Congress must act immediately."

Senate Passes Latino Museum Bill/National Latino Museum Major Step Closer to Reality

April 10, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the United States Senate passed a bipartisan bill to make the vision of a National Museum of the American Latino a reality. The Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of American Latino Act of 2007 (S.500/H.R. 512), sponsored by Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) and co-sponsored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mel Martinez (R-FL), would establish a 23-member commission to study the potential creation of a national museum in Washington, DC dedicated to the art, culture, and history of Hispanic Americans. The bill passed by voice vote in the House of Representatives on February 6, 2007.  After today’s Senate passage it will return to the House for procedural approval and will then be sent to the White House for President Bush’s signature.

“I believe we must celebrate the diversity of our Nation and Latinos have been a significant part of American history. They have contributed to nearly every facet of our culture including the arts, business, and served in our Nation's military with distinction,” said Senator Salazar (D-CO). “This bill would take the first step in commemorating the rich contributions of the Latino community to American life. The end result will be a more enhanced experience for the 20 million visitors that come to our Nation’s capitol to learn the full history of America.”

“This is a great step toward showcasing the historical achievements of Latino Americans in a national museum,” said Senator Martinez. “Latinos have been integral contributors since our Nation’s inception and a national museum is a fitting way to honor them. This museum will be a great tool in teaching future generations about their diverse cultural history and how Latino Americans have shaped our nation.”

“With this recognition, we are acknowledging that America's success would not be possible without the contributions of Latino people,” said Senator Menendez. “The National Museum of the American Latino Community will further acknowledge that Latino culture, dreams and advancements are not outside, but within the very fabric of American life.”

“To my friends, Senators Ken Salazar of Colorado, Bob Menendez of New Jersey, and Mel Martinez of Florida, this effort would be nowhere if not for your passion and your dogged drive to see to it that this bill became law in this Congress,” Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31), the House author of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American Latino Act, said. “What was once a dream is now a reality, and it is my hope that the president signs this bill quickly so that we can immediately form the commission and subsequently move forward to complete our American cultural mosaic.”

The bill sets up a 23-member commission charged with producing three things: one, a national conference to bring stakeholders, experts, policymakers and other interested parties together to discuss the museum’s viability; two, a fundraising plan to create an extensive public-private partnership; and three, a report to congress detailing a recommended plan of action on how to move forward with taking the museum from concept to reality. All of this will happen within 24 months of the bill being signed into law. 

Pelosi Floor Statement on Colombia Free Trade Agreement

 April 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor today in support of a new rule that suspends the requirement that the Colombia Free Trade Agreement be considered within 60 legislative days in the House – giving Congress the prerogative in scheduling a vote.  Below are her prepared remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, the vote of the House today is a vote to put the economic priorities of the American people first.

“It is my hope that we will vote to merely remove the timetable on the Colombia free trade agreement so we can focus on restoring America’s economic strength and begin to create jobs again.  We will do so for three reasons.

“First and foremost—the White House sent it without the votes to pass.

“Second, we have concerns still about the treatment and safety of Colombian workers.

“Third, the President has made this a key part of his legacy—so we know the American worker now has some power in this negotiation about what could accompany a Colombia trade deal.

“With this vote today, we have put the leverage back into the hands of America’s working families.

“I counseled the President against sending the Colombia Free Trade Agreement this week because we need additional time to reach a negotiated path forward.  This was particularly critical given that the Administration’s failure to secure the necessary votes for the agreement could jeopardize our long-standing relationship with a crucial ally.

“By his actions on Tuesday, the President abandoned the traditions of consultation that have governed past agreements.  In fact, the action in the House today is more in keeping of the spirit of the rules than the White House’s move to force a vote.

“Most significantly, all of our energies must be focused today and in the days ahead on alleviating the real economic hardship families are feeling and taking tangible steps to get our economy back on track.   This vote gives us that leverage.

“As I told the President, all of the evidence points to the economic downturn becoming more serious, as evidenced by the employment numbers released on Friday, the statements by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and now as recently as yesterday, former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan.

“So we will put this agreement to the side today so that we can continue to work to address the needs of American families.

“We have legislation ready for action that would further address the mortgage lending crisis and we are ready to work with the President on a second stimulus package to get our economy back on track and creating jobs.  That must be our first priority.”

Declaraciones de Nancy Pelosi sobre la decisión de remover el plazo del Tratado de Libre Comercio con Colombia

9 de abril de 2008

Washington, D.C. -  La Presidenta de la Cámara Nancy Pelosi y el Director del los Demócratas en la Cámara Rahm Emanuel tuvieron una rueda de prensa inmediatamente después de la reunión del Caucus Demócrata esta mañana. Abajo están las declaraciones que hizo la Presidenta sobre el Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) con Colombia:

“Buenos días. El lunes recibí una llamada del Presidente indicándome que le enviaría al Congreso el Tratado de Libre Comercio con Colombia. Le recomendé al Presidente que no lo enviara por que creo que necesitamos mas tiempo. Le dije al Presidente que tomando en cuenta la incertidumbre económica de nuestro país, que ha estado ocurriendo por un buen rato – y que el descenso económico se ha convertido mas serio evidente por el numero de desempleo del viernes y mas evidente todavía por las declaraciones del Director de la Reserva Federal Bernake y el director anterior Greenspan.

“Le dije el lunes que antes de proceder, tenemos que continuar nuestra conversación de aliviar las preocupaciones de las familias trabajadoras en los Estados Unidos. Le dije que mucha gente esta preocupada que va a perder sus empleos, y que muchos están preocupados que van a perder sus hogares—aunque no era la mayoría de la gente. Pero casi todos están preocupados de perder su nivel de vida. Le dije que los ingresos y poder adquisitivo han disminuido. Mientras que el costo de todo - todas las necesidades y cosas básicas – las provisiones, la gasolina, la educación, el cuidado médico, el costo de las viviendas, etc.- han aumentado. Se trata del costo de las cosas. Yo pensé que es más importante que continuemos nuestra conversaciones para traer un balance a este tema.

“Yo pensé que había un riesgo, si el Presidente envía el TLC al Congreso ahora. Si lo pusiéramos a un voto inmediatamente, fracasaría. Y cual seria el mensaje? Entonces pensé que hay todo que ganar si continuamos nuestra conversación. El Presidente no estaba de acuerdo y ayer le envió al Congreso el TLC con Colombia. Hoy discutí con mis colegas Demócratas de la Cámara, la posibilidad de traer al piso de la cámara una regla para cambiar el plazo del TLC con Colombia.

“Realmente, no es un cambio de las reglas; el cambio esta de acuerdo con las reglas de la Cámara de Representantes.  Y esta regla expresará que eliminaremos el plazo de consideración del tratado de libre comercio con Colombia. Esta de acuerdo con las reglas que gobiernan como los tratados de comercio siempre han sido adelantados en la Cámara bajo TPA.”

“Y lo que el Presidente dijo el lunes, y con sus acciones ayer, fue que él querría abandonar cualquier protocolo de discusión sobre como este tratado podría ser adelantado en la Cámara.  Eso es una cosa, pero más importante, fue cómo podríamos enfrentarnos con las preocupaciones de las familias trabajadoras de los Estados Unidos.

“Tenemos legislación lista – hay varias cosas que podremos hacer – pero el Presidente escogió no hacer eso.  Así que mañana escogeremos eliminar el plazo de la consideración del tratado de libre comercio con Colombia.

“Estamos aquí primero y ante todo para proteger a las familias trabajadoras de los Estados Unidos.  Yo tomo ésta acción con un respeto profundo para la gente de Colombia y aseguraré que cualquier mensaje que reciben es uno de respeto a su país y de la importancia de la amistad entre nuestros dos países.

“Pero el Presidente tomó su acción. Yo tomaré la mía mañana.”

Pelosi: 'We Need a New Direction in Iraq, But Petraeus and Crocker Offered Many More Years of the Same'

April 8, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on testimony today of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the war in Iraq:

“It is clear from today’s testimony by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker that the Iraqi government remains unwilling or unable to take the steps necessary to reach the political reconciliation needed to secure their country’s future.

“General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker made it official that the Bush Administration will not reduce the number of U.S. troops in Iraq below pre-surge levels.  That is not a policy that appropriately reflect the enormous costs of the war in Iraq, nor what the American people want.

“The human cost of the war has been enormous, with more than 4,000 lives lost and tens of thousands injured, many of them permanently.  The cost to our national security has been immense – our military readiness is stretched thin and our reputation in the world is damaged.  And now, the trillion dollar war in Iraq is damaging our economy by taking us deeper into debt.  

“The Iraqi government is not worthy of the sacrifice of our troops or the cost that the war is having on our readiness and our economy. We need a New Direction in Iraq, but what General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker offered today was many more years of the same.”

Pelosi Calls on President to Work with Congress on New Economic Stimulus Package

 April 4, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the troubling jobs report from the Labor Department, which showed that the U.S. economy lost 80,000 jobs in March, the largest monthly job decline in nearly five years.  In addition, the January and February job loss numbers were revised downward:

"Today’s disturbing unemployment numbers, combined with Chairman Bernanke’s recession warning, and threats to our standard living because of the rising costs of gas, groceries and health care compels the President to work with Congress on a second stimulus package to get our economy back on track, create jobs, and speed assistance to families struggling to make ends meet.

“When congressional leaders meet with the President next week, I will urge him to refocus his attention on America’s economy and to again work in a bipartisan manner on a new stimulus package.  We need to work together to restore consumer and market confidence, to assist millions of Americans threatened with the loss of their homes, and to help families meet the rising costs of necessities. 

“Americans are demanding a New Direction for our economy that will create good paying jobs here at home and keep the American Dream alive for themselves and their families.  Democrats in Congress are hopeful that the President and congressional Republicans will again work with us to strengthen the economy and the American middle class.”

Facts on the Bush Economy:

·         The number of Americans jobs has declined in each of the past 3 months by a total of 232,000.

·         The unemployment rate increased to 5.1 percent – the highest level since Hurricane Katrina -- in March.

·         On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman said “A recession is possible… We're slightly growing at the moment, but we think that there's a chance that for the first half as a whole there might be a slight contraction."

·         Gas prices have reached a record $3.29 a gallon – 58 cents more than a year ago more than double in 2001—and recently oil prices hit an all-time record high of more than $110 per barrel.

·         Since 2001, premiums for family health coverage have climbed 78 percent, with workers paying more than $3,200 per year. A record 47 million Americans are without health insurance.

·         Since 2001, the real income of a typical family has fallen by nearly $1,000.

·         Economic growth virtually stalled at the end of 2007 with consumer confidence at a 16-year low and consumer spending in February at the slowest in a year.

Pelosi Statement on the Anniversary of Cesar Chavez’ Birthday

 March 28, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in honor of the 81^st anniversary of Cesar Chavez’ birthday on March 31:

“Cesar Chavez championed the causes of justice and equality and inspired millions with his vision of hope and prosperity for working people.  With enormous passion and dignity, he claimed for America’s farm workers the rights that must be possessed by all workers: a good job, a fair wage, and a safe workplace. 

“I was proud that the House acted last year on legislation that could allow for the inclusion of significant places in Cesar Chavez’ life in the National Park System.  It would be a fitting tribute to a man whose good works so deeply impacted America.

“On the occasion of what would have been Cesar Chavez’ 81st birthday, we pause to thank this great man for the gifts he gave to America’s workers, to rededicate ourselves to the causes he championed, and to recommit our nation to renewing the American dream for all.  As Cesar Chavez said, ‘Si Se Puede!’”

Pelosi Statement on Deaths of 4,000 American Soldiers in Iraq

March 24, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on reports that the death toll for United States soldiers in Iraq has reached 4,000:

"Today, we mourn America's fallen heroes; the deaths of 4,000 American soldiers is a grim reminder of the enormous cost of war in Iraq: the human cost.  We honor those soldiers, America's best and bravest who have paid the ultimate price, and pray for their families and loved ones.

"With 4,000 American lives lost and thousands injured, many of them permanently, Americans are asking how much longer must our troops continue to sacrifice for the sake of an Iraqi government that is unwilling or unable to secure its own future.

"Americans also understand that the cost of the war to our national security, military readiness and our reputation around the world is immense and that the threat to our economy – as the war in Iraq continues to take us deeper into debt – is unacceptable.

"America wants a New Direction, not the continuation of the President's plan for a 10-year, three trillion dollar war in Iraq."

Pelosi Statement on Fifth Anniversary of the Iraq War

 March 19, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq:

“Today marks the fifth anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq.

“We honor our fallen men and women, their comrades who have returned home, and those who continue to serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other parts of the world.  They have performed their duties excellently, with bravery, with dignity and with honor.  We also thank their families, whose quiet sacrifice for our nation can never be fully repaid. 

“With the war in Iraq entering its sixth year, Americans are rightly concerned about how much longer our nation must continue to sacrifice our security for the sake of an Iraqi government that is unwilling or unable to secure its own future.

“The human cost of the war has been enormous, with nearly 4,000 lives lost and tens of thousands injured, many of them permanently.  The cost to our national security has been immense -- our military is stretched thin and our reputation in the world is damaged. And now, the war in Iraq has become a threat to our economy, with its colossal cost to taxpayers taking us more deeply into debt.  

“It is for our military readiness, for the families of our brave men and women in uniform, for our national security, and for our standing in the world that America needs a New Direction in Iraq - not the continuation of the President’s plan for at least a 10-year, $3 trillion dollar war in Iraq.  Democrats will continue to push for an end to the war in Iraq and increased oversight of that war.”

Pelosi: FISA Bill Meets Our Responsibility to Protect America While Protecting Our Civil Liberties

March 14, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this afternoon in strong support H.R. 3773, the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, which protects America while protecting Americans’ civil liberties. The legislation passed by a vote of 213 to 197.  Below are the Speaker’s remarks:

“I thank Mr. Conyers, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Mr. Reyes, chair of the Intelligence Committee, for their leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor.  They know, as does each and every one of us, that our primary responsibility is to protect the American people.  We take an oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic.  And in the Preamble, it states that one of our primary responsibilities is to provide for the common defense.  We take those responsibilities seriously, and I don’t take seriously any statements by some in this body that any person here is abdicating that responsibility.

“All of us understand, also, the role that intelligence plays in protecting our troops – force protection.  That used to be our primary responsibility, and now of course, homeland security is part of that.  None of us would send our troops into harm’s way without the intelligence to perform their mission and keep them safe.  Although some have been willing to send our men and women in uniform into harm’s way without the equipment they need to keep them safe, we don’t make any accusations against them that they are not patriotic Americans.  We want to protect the American people. 

“As Chairman Conyers and Chairman Reyes have already pointed out in some detail, this legislation will meet our responsibility to protect America while also protecting our precious civil liberties.

“The President has said that our legislation will not make America safe.  The President is wrong and I think he knows it.  He knows that our legislation contains within it the principles that were suggested by the Director of National Intelligence, Mr. McConnell, early on, as to what is needed to protect our people in terms of intelligence.

“The Administration demands that Congress grants immunity to companies for activities about which the President wants only a small number of Members of Congress and no member of the Judicial Branch deciding any of the currently filed lawsuits to know anything about.  

“The bill before us acknowledges that immunity for the companies may already exist under current law and allows that determination to be decided by a judge with due protection for classified information.  Not by hundreds of people who really do not have the facts. 

“Why would the Administration oppose a judicial determination of whether the companies already have immunity?  There are at least three explanations:

“First, the President knows that it was the Administration’s incompetence in failing to follow the procedures in the statute that prevented immunity from being conveyed – that’s one possibility.  They simply didn’t do it right.  Second, the Administration’s legal argument that the surveillance requests were lawfully authorized was wrong; or third, public reports that the surveillance activities undertaken by the companies went far beyond anything about which any Member of Congress was notified, as is required by the law. 

“None of these alternatives is attractive, but they clearly demonstrate why the Administration’s insistence that Congress provide retroactive immunity has never been about national security or about concerns for the companies; it has always been about protecting the Administration.

“As important as the issue of immunity might be, it is chiefly important to the Administration and the telecommunications companies as they look back to events that occurred as many as six years ago.  What is truly important to the security of our country and the protection of our Constitution going forward are the amendments made to FISA in Title I in this bill that is on the floor today, the so-called surveillance title of the bill.

“The bill retains three of the essential provisions of the bill passed by the House in November and in doing so, explicitly rejects again the heart of the President’s warrantless surveillance program.  Those provisions are:  

“One, a restatement that FISA remains the exclusive –means to authorize electronic surveillance.  The President likes to think that he has the inherent authority to survey and collect on anybody and this bill restates that FISA is the exclusive authority.  This was a point conceded to in 1978 when the Congress of United States established the FISA law, which was signed by the President of the United States, thereby his recognition of Congress’ ability to make the courts the third branch of government the exclusive authority for the collection of intelligence in the United States. 

“Second, except in emergencies, FISA court approval must take place before surveillance begins.  But there are exceptions in case of emergencies. 

“Third, a refusal to follow the Senate in excluding – this is very important, because people are talking about the Senate bill as some great thing - from the definition of electronic surveillance activities historically considered to be within the definition.  In other words, if they don’t want the law to apply for a particular activity, they’ll just say it doesn’t fall into this bill.  If the Administration’s change in the definition change was accepted, ‘FISA-derived’ information including U.S. person information could be data-mined with fewer protections than currently in place under FISA.  This is very important to each and every person in America.

“The President insists that we pass the Senate bill as is. Yet even that legislation’s chief author—Chairman Rockefeller—agrees that many of the House provisions improve the Senate bill.

“This legislation before us today will ensure that our intelligence professionals have all the tools they need to protect the American people, and the President knows it.

“This legislation will also ensure that we protect what it means to be an American—our precious civil rights and civil liberties.

“Both goals are essential and both are achieved by this bill. I urge its passage.”

House Passes Democratic Budget Resolution for FY09
Fiscally responsible budget returns to balance in 2012, funds critical priorities

March 13, 2008

WASHINGTON – The U.S House of Representatives today passed a budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2009 that returns to balance in 2012 while funding critical priorities for the nation.  The budget champions priorities including education, children’s health care, veterans’ health care, and innovation; accommodates tax relief for middle-income Americans; and provides the funding to strengthen America’s security.

“This budget charts a new direction for America,” said Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt.  “In returning to balance and funding critical priorities, it strengthens our economy and makes America safer.”

Spratt’s budget rejects the harmful cuts in the President’s budget, including cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, environmental protection, LIHEAP, and COPS.  It adds $4.9 billion over Fiscal Year 2008 for veterans’ health care; accommodates $50 billion over five years for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); and provides substantial resources over the President’s budget for education, and energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

“These increases help sustain good programs that work for millions of Americans, and good programs that Democrats believe in,” said Spratt.

An overarching feature of the Spratt budget is the “pay-as-you-go” rule adopted by House Democrats in the first 100 hours of the new Congress.  It requires that any entitlement spending increases or revenue reductions be offset, so that the bottom line of the budget is not worsened.

The Spratt budget includes a deficit-neutral reserve fund to accommodate middle-income tax cuts, such as extension of the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, extension of the 10% individual income tax bracket, estate tax relief, extension of the research and experimentation tax credit, extension of the deduction for state and local sales taxes, and a tax credit for school construction bonds.  A reconciliation instruction in the budget keeps the AMT – the Alternative Minimum Tax – from ensnaring more than 20 million middle-income taxpayers for which it was never intended.

“This is a balanced budget with balanced priorities,” Spratt said.

Pelosi: ‘We Can Begin to Reassert Our Moral Authority by Overriding the President’s Veto’

March 11, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this evening to support overriding the President’s veto of the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008, which extends the prohibition on the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques that currently applies to the military to the entire Intelligence Community.  A majority of the House voted for the override, 225 to 188, but it failed because it fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority.  Below are the Speaker’s remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, the New Direction Congress made strengthening national security and improving America’s intelligence capabilities a top priority.  It is our major responsibility – to protect the American people. 

“Our very first piece of legislation—HR 1—took the bipartisan 9/11 Commission recommendations off the shelf, as they had been in the Republican Congress, and put them into law to better protect the American people.

“We then began our efforts to strengthen America’s military, the readiness of which has been greatly depleted by the President’s failed Iraq policy.

“America’s security depends on the strength of our military, as we all know, but also the quality of information gathered and analysis provided by the 16 intelligence agencies that make our nation’s intelligence community.

“As someone who has served on the House Intelligence Committee now as a member and ex-officio for 16 years, longer than anyone in the Congress, I understand that policymakers in Congress and in the Executive Branch must be able to rely on accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence.

“That is why this intelligence authorization bill invests in human intelligence, counterterrorism operations, and analysis.  It is a critical step in protecting our nation, and the President should have signed it into law.

“Regrettably, President Bush vetoed these critical investments in our intelligence capabilities because this legislation extended the Army Field Manual’s prohibition on torture to Intelligence Community personnel.

“The prohibition on torture that the President vetoed protected our values, protected American military and diplomatic personnel, and protected Americans by ensuring accurate intelligence.

“Our nation is on a stronger ground ethically and morally when our practices for holding and interrogating captives are consistent with the Geneva Conventions—when we do not torture.

“We all have our views here about intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination.  And again, much of the focus is on force protection, so I look to the words of those who have served in the military for their view on this subject.  

“In the words of retired Rear Admiral Donald Guter, a former Navy Judge Advocate General: ‘There is no disconnect between human rights and national security…they’re synergistic. One doesn’t work without the other for very long.’

“Failing to legally prohibit the use of waterboarding and other harsh torture techniques also risks the safety of our soldiers and other Americans serving overseas. 

“In a letter to the Congressional intelligence committee chairmen, 30 retired generals and admirals—including General Joseph Hoar, the former head of U.S. Central Command—stated: ‘We believe it is vital to the safety of our men and women in uniform that the United States not sanction the use of interrogation methods it would find unacceptable if inflicted by the enemy against captured Americans…’

“Many military officials and intelligence professionals have also stated that torture is ineffective: it is unlikely to produce the kind of timely and reliable information needed to disrupt terrorist plots.  In the words of General David Petraeus: ‘Some may argue that we would be more effective if we sanctioned torture or other expedient methods to obtain information from the enemy. That would be wrong. Beyond the basic fact that such actions are illegal, history shows that they also are frequently neither useful nor necessary.’

“These leading military men and women, and those of us who supported this legislation’s ban on torture, believe that we can and we must protect America while preserving our country’s deeply held principles.

“In the final analysis, our ability to lead the world will depend not only on our military might, but also on our moral authority.  Today, we can begin to reassert that moral authority by overriding the President’s veto.”

SENADOR MENENDEZ RETA AL SENADOR McCAIN A QUE RECHACE EL NUEVO PAQUETE REPUBLICANO DE MEDIDAS DE INMIGRACIÓN

5 de marzo del 2008

Washington – Hoy, un grupo de senadores introdujo un paquete de medidas de inmigración  que traerían severas regulaciones sin el enfoque amplio que se necesita para arreglar el quebrantado sistema.

El senador Robert Menendez (D-NJ), uno de los negociadores originales del proyecto de reformas migratorias presentado el año pasado, reto hoy al senador John McCain (R-AZ), el supuesto nominado a la candidatura presidencial por el partido demócrata, a que rechace este nuevo enfoque republicano.  El senador McCain anteriormente había apoyado el paquete de reformas amplias de inmigración. 

El senador Menendez emitió las siguientes declaraciones: “Hago un llamado al senador McCain como el supuesto nominado de su partido, para que rechace este cruel enfoque a la reforma inmigratoria, que destruiría a la comunidad latina.  Como auspiciador de una reforma inmigratoria en el pasado y quien desde entonces ha dicho que votaría en contra de mi mismo proyecto de ley, es importante que el senador McCain defina su posición en torno a este cínico esfuerzo de parte de los republicanos.  Los norteamericanos saben de sobra que el sistema de inmigración está roto, pero reconocen que abordarlo de una forma desequilibrada y mezquina no lo va a enmendar.  Necesitamos un sistema fuerte, inteligente y civil y que a la vez sea beneficioso para nuestra economía – un sistema que proteja nuestras fronteras al tiempo que proteja nuestro legado como una nación de inmigrantes.  Muchos de los 44 millones de latinos en este país estarán deseosos de escuchar cual es la posición del senador McCain.

“El partido demócrata podrá pensar que éste es un tema que traerá divisiones en noviembre, pero la estrategia sólo opaca sus oportunidades este año y para futuras generaciones.  Los latinos no son un grupo que existe en la periferia de nuestra sociedad que puede ser manipulada para conseguir ventaja política.  Si esta primaria presidencial nos ha enseñado algo, es que los latinos ya no son el gigante dormido de la política norteamericana – están despiertos, activos y marcando la diferencia.  Este es el tipo de esfuerzo cínico que sirve para ahondar las divisiones en nuestra nación que debemos estar laborando para sanar.”

Pelosi Statement on Today’s Economic Forum

 March 5, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after hosting a forum with House Democrats and a dozen economic experts this morning to discuss the state of America’s economy, especially the implications for housing and credit markets.

“This morning, we again brought together many of America’s leading economic minds to assess the state of our economy and discuss additional steps to address the subprime mortgage crisis, its growing impact on other credit markets, and the economic hardships facing so many families.

“These economic advisors agreed that additional steps are necessary to address the continuing subprime crisis, which is having an impact on the broader economy on other credit markets, including student loans and municipalities.

"The drop in housing prices spurred by the subprime crisis has resulted in more than 10 percent of homeowners with mortgages that exceed the value of their homes. Moreover, 1.5 million subprime loans are scheduled to reset to higher interest rates later this year. Both developments represent potentially serious problems for our economy. 

"They encourage Congress and the President to work together to provide additional options for families who need to refinance their loans to avoid foreclosure.

“Given the credit crunch’s impact on the larger economy, these economic experts also reached consensus that Congress should consider a second stimulus package if the economy fails to rebound. They recommended that this package include fiscal relief for states and localities and funding to address Medicaid shortfalls, as well as improvements in unemployment benefits.

“The New Direction Congress will continue to work with the President to address the subprime mortgage crisis and get our economy back on track.  Democrats in Congress are prepared to work in bipartisan way to restore our economic strength, create jobs, and renew the American dream for the middle class and those who aspire to it.”

Pelosi Statement on Oil Prices Reaching a World Record High

March 3, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today as the price of oil reached a world record high of $103.95 per barrel, higher now than in 1980, when adjusted for inflation:

“Americans are now paying the price for years of a failed energy policy that has resulted in record energy costs, a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and the rising threat of global warming.  The price of a barrel of oil is now four times higher than it was when President Bush took office and more expensive than in 1980. 

“The New Direction Congress has begun to break with the failed energy policy of the past by enacting the first increase in fuel economy standards in 32 years, dramatically boosting efficiency standards for buildings, lighting, and appliances, and investing in homegrown biofuels.  This year, we again seek to repeal billions of dollars in unnecessary subsidies given to Big Oil at a time of record profits and invest these savings in clean, renewable energy initiatives that will create good-paying green jobs.  I am hopeful that the Senate Republicans and the President will work with us to pass this critical legislation to save more than 100,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector, and is vital to creating hundreds of thousands more.

“America needs a clean and sharp break from Bush Administration energy policies that are straining families’ budgets and threatening our planet’s future.   The New Direction Congress is providing forward-looking leadership that will fuel America’s energy future, save Americans’ money, create good jobs, improve our national security, and preserve our planet for our children.”

Pelosi Statement on U.S. Troops Levels in Iraq

February 25, 2008 

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the Pentagon acknowledging that it will maintain a force of 140,000 troops in Iraq through July 2008—8,000 more than the pre-surge troop level in January of last year:

“The statement from the Pentagon today on troop levels in Iraq is an admission that the President’s troop surge was not a temporary measure.  There will be more U.S. troops in Iraq this summer than there were at the end of 2006, when the American people demanded a New Direction in Iraq.  

“Both the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, and the Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey have stated that repeated Iraq deployments are severely straining military readiness, making our nation less capable of dealing with other serious threats. 

 “As we approach the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war, Americans continue to demand a New Direction in Iraq and reject a continuation of the President’s plan for a 10-year, trillion dollar war in Iraq.”

Reps. Thompson, Introduced a bill to Ban Waterboarding

February 14, 2008

WASHINGTON. – Today Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA 14^th), Chairwoman of the Intelligence Community Management Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, with Mike Thompson (D-CA 1^st), Chairman of the Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence Subcommittee, introduced a bill to ban waterboarding by the United States Government.

“It’s time to make a clear statement for the world to hear and understand, and for the Bush Administration to obey:  Waterboarding is torture and Americans will not participate in it.

“For this reason, today we have introduced a bill to ban waterboarding once and for all.  The bill makes clear that waterboarding is torture, and cannot be used by anyone in the United States government, including the CIA.

“As General David Petraeus stated: ‘What sets us apart from our enemies . . . is how we behave. In everything we do, we must observe the standards and values that dictate that we treat noncombatants and detainees with dignity and respect. While we are warriors, we are also all human beings.’

“Senator John McCain stated: ‘People who have worn the uniform and had the experience know that this is a terrible and odious practice and should never be condoned in the U.S. We are a better nation than that.’

“We agree.  But the Bush Administration has consistently refused to take waterboarding off the table permanently, and that’s why it’s time for Congress to step in.

“Our bill will ban waterboarding once and for all.  Anyone who waterboards in the future will be subject to criminal prosecution.  Period.

“Criminalizing waterboarding is not a new policy for the United States.  In 1947, the United States prosecuted a Japanese military officer for carrying out a form of waterboarding on a U.S. civilian during the Second World War, securing a conviction and a sentence of 15 years of hard labor.  The United States military has prosecuted American military personnel for subjecting prisoners to waterboarding, including sentencing a U.S. Army major to 10 years at hard labor for subjecting an insurgent to waterboarding in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

“For those who might say that this bill will lead to the prosecution of officers who relied on the guidance of the Justice Department, we note that our bill is prospective.

“Now, from this day forward, let the world know that the United States of America will practice what it has always been revered for:  Dignity, democracy and the rule of law.”

Pelosi Statement on House Vote on FISA

February 13, 2008

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the House vote this afternoon that rejected a 21-day extension of the Protect America Act:

“All Members of Congress fully understand and support our responsibility to protect the American people and the need for the President, the Congress, and policymakers to have the best possible intelligence to fight terrorism. 

"On Friday, a surveillance law insisted upon by the President last August will expire. Today, an overwhelming majority of House Democrats voted to extend that law for three weeks so that agreement could be reached with the Senate on a better version of that law.  The President and House Republicans refused to support the extension and therefore will bear the responsibility should any adverse national consequences result.

“However, even if the Protect America Act expires later this week, the American people can be confident that our country remains safe and strong.   Every order entered under the law can remain in effect for 12 months from the date it was issued. 

“Furthermore, the underlying Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which provides for the surveillance of terrorists and provides that in emergencies surveillance can begin without warrant, remains intact and available to our intelligence agencies.  Unlike last August, the FISA court has no backlog of cases, and thus can issue necessary court orders for surveillance immediately.”

Pelosi Statement on Economic Stimulus Package Signed by President

 February 13, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement this afternoon after President Bush signed the bipartisan economic stimulus package legislation that will provide recovery rebates to 130 million families and create 500,000 new jobs:

“At a time when American families face enormous economic challenges, Democrats, Republicans, and President Bush joined together to move our nation forward and renew our nation’s promise of jobs and opportunity for all.  By enacting a progressive stimulus package that provides tax relief to 130 million American families, the New Direction Congress has taken a strong step for creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and strengthening America's middle class.

“Americans struggling with the high cost of energy, groceries and health care will soon receive relief—and our economy will get a timely, targeted, and temporary boost—thanks to our bipartisan stimulus package.  This package gets money into the hands of Americans struggling to make ends meet, helps families with children, cuts taxes for small businesses that will create new jobs, and stimulates our slowing economy.  We are also providing families a second chance at the American dream of homeownership by helping them refinance their mortgages and avoid foreclosure.

“By working quickly across party lines, and with the White House, this Congress is building a strong record of responsible governance.”

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