Archive: 2009

China's official Xinhua news agency has reported that human rights leader Liu Xiaobo has been formally arrested on the criminal charge of “inciting subversion of state power.” Liu Xiaobo was one of the original signers of Charter 08, an online petition calling… Continue

“The decision by the Chinese government to formally arrest Liu Xiaobo deserves the full condemnation from the international community. Liu’s arrest for peacefully criticizing his government and advocating for human rights violates provisions in China’s constitution as well as international human rights standards. It has also been reported that Chinese authorities have decided to bar one of Liu Xiaobo’s lawyers from representing him, a move without apparent legal basis.”

“Representing the industries in our country that are energy intensive and what they use is for us an economic issue to create clean energy jobs in America, to keep us number one in advancing green technologies. It is a national security issue — to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it’s a health issue — to reduce pollution in the air, and it’s a moral issue for us to pass on God’s beautiful creation to the next generation in a responsible way.”

“Madam President, you visit comes at a time where we are debating an energy bill on the floor in the Congress this week — hopefully. In your conversations with the President, you have talked about a collaborative effort, a cooperative effort, between the United States and Chile. It is a very important issue for security, for the economy, for the health of our people, and for the preservation of our planet.”

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a brief a press availability this morning with Governors Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jim Douglas of Vermont, and Chris Gregoire of Washington before their meeting in the Capitol to discuss health care reform. Below… Continue

This afternoon, the House passed two key measures for our veterans — HR 1016 to ensure sufficient, timely and predictable veterans funding and HR 1211 to expand VA health care services for the 1.8 million women who have served our country. The… Continue

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) released an analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) finding that as a result of energy efficiency measures in the legislation, consumers will spend around 7% less in 2020 on their utility bills… Continue

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR 2454) was filed with the Rules Committee last night and expected to be considered by the House on Friday. The legislation will revitalize our economy by creating millions of new jobs, increase… Continue

“Today, the day after the 65th anniversary of the enactment of the GI Bill, the House of Representatives is considering two critical pieces of legislation to improve the quality of health care for America’s heroes.”

“Today’s report puts to rest the misleading attacks that have been leveled against a clean energy economy at every step. This historic legislation is the product of months of consensus building to achieve an effective and affordable transition to a clean energy future.”