Like the President, I too envision a bright future for the Cuban people where their basic human rights are respected and they can access information freely. While I have always been opposed to unearned changes in the status of our relationship with Cuba, I will continue to work with the Administration, my colleagues, and community activists to support policies that benefit the Cuban people and do not further entrench the Castro regime." Read more »
I am thrilled that Alan Gross is coming home today after five long, difficult years for him and his family. The Castro regime's detention of Alan put his health and life at unnecessary risk for shameful political purposes. I thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on his release, and I am particularly moved by the fact that Alan will be home to celebrate Chanukah and the New Year with his family. Read more »
WASHINGTON – The Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or the EARLY Act, was reauthorized for five years today by the Senate by Unanimous Consent. H.R. 5185 was introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) in the House and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and David Vitter (R-LA). Read more »
Along with Jewish families across the country and the world, my family will gather tonight to light the first Chanukah candle. We will recall the great miracle that happened in Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago, and the power of a few against many. As we light another candle each night, we will think about the ways in which we, too, can be shining examples of hope and righteousness in the face of tumult and darkness. Read more »
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know that House and Senate appropriators worked hard on a spending package to fund our government for the rest of the fiscal year. As in any difficult compromise, the parties involved will find some items hard to accept, but I am proud of Democratic efforts to keep dozens of additional extreme GOP measures out of this bill. Faced with the alternative of a government shutdown and the reality of a Republican majority in the next Congress, I voted to ensure that the values of my constituents are more fully reflected in this budget that passed with Democratic input. Read more »
Through our action here today, we signify the determination of the American people to stand for freedom and democracy and this bill reinforces the sentiments and actions of the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration. Along with my colleagues, I stand in solidarity with those brave Venezuelans continuing to advocate for their rights. I look forward to this measure's passage, and working with the Obama Administration and our allies to hold these perpetrators of injustice accountable for their crimes. Read more »
The fact remains that too many young women are unaware of their breast cancer risks. I was once one of them. I thank Congresswoman Ellmers and my colleagues for their support today, which allows the EARLY Act to build on its successful track record of reaching and serving more women and health practitioners with the tools and information necessary to detect and fight the disease early. Read more »
While no amount of money can bring back loved ones lost to the murderous Nazi regime nor erase the horrific memories of such hardship for survivors, the settlement reached late last week is a very welcome milestone in the never-ending quest for justice, reconciliation, and accountability. The extent of Nazi persecution knew no boundary, and survivors and their descendants as well as the families of victims have struggled for decades to reclaim what was lost. Read more »
Nearly five years of uninterrupted private sector job growth have added about 11 million jobs to the economy, and not since the end of the Clinton Administration have we seen as strong of a year as 2014. Knowing the work ethic of the American people and the vision the President has for the future, I am more confident than ever that we will see expanded growth and increased opportunities for working families. Read more »
The President has repeatedly asked Congress to send him a comprehensive immigration reform bill, and in Republicans' refusal to do so, the President has clearly communicated to the American people that he will act within his executive authority – as his Republican and Democratic predecessors have done – to strengthen our borders, bolster our economy, keep families together, and bring dignity to those living in the shadows. Read more »
