Archive: 2010

Anybody who has worked in the Capitol frequently had their day brightened by Herb Shanks, who retired today after almost four decades of service as the cloakroom attendant in the House Democratic Cloakroom: This afternoon, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer had the… Continue

This afternoon, the House passed the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (HR 4213) to create jobs, including summer jobs, close loopholes that give corporations a tax break to send American jobs overseas, and help Americans who lost their jobs through… Continue

“Herb is retiring today after serving this institution much longer than probably most Members of Congress. Indeed, he has served under seven Speakers of the House, and generations of Members have depended upon him.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility here, almost an ethical one really, to create jobs for the American people. Equally important is to reduce the deficit. So any of the pieces of legislation that we bring to the floor must strive to do both, to strike that balance. I congratulate the chairman on this important legislation because it does both–creates jobs and helps to reduce the deficit.”

“Democrats were committed to ensuring that The COMPETES Act that will help restore our economic strength through investments in innovation, science and technology is passed by the House. And today, the House succeeded despite previous attempts by Congressional Republicans to delay action.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James Clyburn, and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin held a press conference this afternoon following House passage of the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010.

“On Memorial Day, we honor all of the men and women who have served our nation in battle – and continue to serve today. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, they have fought on behalf of our safety and security. In every war and on every front, they have laid their lives on the line in the name of our freedom, values, and future.”

Under “Don't Ask Don't Tell”, more than 13,000 men and women in uniform have been discharged from the military and thousands more have decided not to re-enlist. Fighter pilots, infantry officers, Arabic translators and other specialists have been discharged at a time… Continue

“As we move toward this fall’s election campaign, the contrast between the two parties could not be more clear: Congressional Republicans are on the side of Wall Street, special interests, Big Oil and insurance companies. They are threatening to return our country to an era of devastating job losses and growing deficits — to the Bush recession.”

“Today, by repealing the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, we also honor the service and sacrifice of all who dedicate their lives to protecting the American people. We honor the values of our nation and we close the door on a fundamental unfairness.”