Today Americans come together and pay tribute to one of our nation's most important leaders in the quest for social justice and equality, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His teachings of nonviolence, peace and love have resonated with countless millions of Americans as we seek to bend the arc of history and expand freedom here at home and around the world. The arc has not bent easily; our nation is accustomed to setbacks and obstacles. But we have worked tirelessly to overcome them and move our nation forward. Dr. King believed that the government had a fundamental responsibility to meet the needs of its people. During President Obama's administration, we have advanced many of those pressing priorities, from making our nation a more inclusive and free place for people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and genders; to expanding quality, affordable health care to those who need it most; and acting decisively on climate change to leave our planet a better place for the generations who will follow us. Read more »
Yesterday, the United States, our P5+1 negotiating partners and Iran officially announced the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). After years of negotiations and hard-hitting sanctions culminated in a diplomatic agreement last summer, Iran's nuclear weapons' development operations have finally been shuttered. On Saturday, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran fulfilled its commitments under the JCPOA, including dismantling more than half its centrifuges, disabling the Arak nuclear reactor, and eliminating almost all of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. I commend the tireless work of Secretaries John Kerry, Ernest Moniz, Jack Lew, and Undersecretary Wendy Sherman and their entire team. In accordance with the agreement, the United States and our negotiating partners will lift certain sanctions against Iran that relate to individuals and entities involved in its nuclear program. Going forward, the international community will have the most intrusive inspection regime on the ground in Iran to verify its compliance. Read more »
President Obama delivered a strong, inspirational address to the nation this evening. I was thrilled to hear the President reiterate his longstanding calls for comprehensive immigration reform, paid family leave, a higher national minimum wage, and protected and strengthened Medicare and Social Security programs. The American people should be proud of President Obama's accomplishments on their behalf, and know that because of his leadership, our best days indeed lie ahead. Read more »
As a breast cancer survivor, I know how critical early detection and prevention is to fighting and beating this deadly disease, and I know we are all dedicated to that life-saving mission. This two-year moratorium will enable all stakeholders to clarify and address the confusion that multiple, disparate recommendations risks causing young women. I urge these groups and agencies to prioritize ensuring that their recommendations do not inadvertently prevent coverage and access to screenings for all young women who need them. Read more »
I commend President Obama for his veto of this House Republican messaging bill that attempted to strip millions of American women of their health care by defunding the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. This shameful attempt to score points with the most extreme elements of their party is dangerous, but not at all surprising. Read more »
Five years ago today, a deranged gunman murdered six innocent people and injured more than a dozen more, including one of my closest friends and my former colleague Gabrielle Giffords, at a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona. Since that horrifying day, America has grappled with too many mass shootings to enumerate here: Charleston. San Bernardino. Newtown. Chattanooga. Roseburg. Tens of thousands of our family, friends and neighbors have lost their lives because guns fell into the wrong hands. Even more, like Gabby, have had their lives immeasurably altered by gun violence injuries. Read more »
President Obama's executive actions are a critical step to reducing this national epidemic. They are well within his legal authority and will help keep guns out of dangerous hands. They are so critical because of Republican in-action on closing loopholes and their failure to rise above the NRA's fearmongering. Read more »
President Obama's executive actions are a critical step to reducing this national epidemic. They are well within his legal authority and will help keep guns out of dangerous hands. They are so critical because of Republican in-action on closing loopholes and their failure to rise above the NRA's fearmongering. Read more »
We condemn Iran's blatant violation of international law, and urge the Administration to act immediately with punitive measures. Iran's destabilizing behavior in the region and continued support for terrorism represent an unacceptable threat to our closest allies as well as our own national security. As the international community prepares for implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran must understand that violating international laws, treaties, and agreements will have serious consequences. We call on the Administration to immediately announce new, U.S. sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program to ensure Iran is held accountable for its actions Read more »
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Chairman Mike Oxley, who I had the honor and privilege of working with when he served as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Read more »
