Archive: 2009

“Justice David Souter has served with distinction. He has exemplified adherence to our Constitutional traditions, preserving an independent judiciary, assuring checks and balances, and protecting our individual rights. As a voice of reason, he recognized Americans’ reliance on settled Constitutional guidance, including reproductive rights, and dissented from decisions driven by ideological outcomes. In his support of decisions on Guantanamo and habeas corpus, Justice Souter has upheld the rule of law and the founding principles of our nation.”

“Leadership in this country is also drawing from the AAPI community and gathering the best minds and forces to guide them. With President Obama’s appointments to his Cabinet of Secretary Steven Chu to the Energy Department, Secretary Eric Shinseki to the Veterans Affairs Department, and Secretary Gary Locke to the Commerce Department, we now have represented AAPIs as key decision-makers. Their heritage will add a key dimension in America’s history of leaders and how they shaped this country.”

Today, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the Capitol Power Plant will improve air quality in the District of Columbia and reduce the carbon pollution impact of Congress by using natural gas as the sole fuel source for… Continue

“Almost all Americans–from college students to retirees–are familiar with the countless credit card solicitations that arrive in the mail each week. These pitches promise to beat their competitors by offering the best deal on rates and fees. But more often than not, credit card companies fall far short of upholding the deals they advertise.”

Today, the House passed the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 627) by a vote of 357-70. In 2008, credit card issuers imposed $19 billion in penalty fees on families with credit cards and this year, card companies will break all… Continue

“It’s a budget that reduces taxes, lowers the deficit, and creates jobs. It is a budget that is marked by its transparency as it honors the three pillars of the Obama initiatives; energy, health care and education. And those issues are issues that have been the hallmark of the first 100 days.”

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that the House Democratic Steering Committee has approved recommendations for committee appointments for two new Members, Congressman Mike Quigley of Illinois, who was sworn in last week, and Congressman Scott Murphy of New York, who was sworn in today. The full Democratic Caucus is expected to approve these recommendations at its next meeting.”

“Throughout our history, this nation has sought to uphold the ideals of our founding – that all are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, with the passage of federal hate crimes legislation, we have affirmed these ideals and the inclusiveness that our nation stands for by extending the protection of its laws to all: ‘one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

“We pay tribute to the many people, who with pioneering spirits, brave determination, and deep commitment, made the modern state of Israel a reality. We recognize that far too many have been forced to sacrifice far too much.”

“Because of his leadership, today for the first time in many, many years, we have a President’s budget on the floor that is a statement of our national values. What is important to us as a nation is reflected in this budget. It is a very happy day for our country, Mr. Spratt, because of your leadership.”