“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans are enjoying newfound health security and the personal and economic freedom that comes with it. More than five million people have enrolled in health coverage through the online insurance marketplace, and that number is growing. 3.1 million young people have been able to stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26. Millions more have secured coverage through the Medicaid expansion.”

“It is our hope that this Nowruz ushers in a period of peace and cooperation between the United States and Iran. With ongoing negotiations between our two countries, with a new President in Iran, there is a possibility for progress, for a new beginning, and for an era of partnership – as long as Iran’s leaders uphold their international obligations, abandon the path of isolation, pursue a peaceful future, and respect the dignity and rights of their citizens.”

“With five million Americans signed up – and counting – the Affordable Care Act is moving forward. Each new enrollee is a reminder of the real, human cost of each of the 51 Republican votes to repeal or undermine this legislation. It’s time for Republicans to abandon their ill-advised assault on the health of the middle class and for us to work together to keep Americans on the road to greater choice, quality, and affordability in their health care.”

“I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I hope that when we return after the recess week – yet again, another recess week – Republicans will be ready to get serious and be ready to get back to work for a permanent ‘doc fix’ so that our seniors will be served. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”

“Thank you for giving me the honor to share some thoughts with you this morning. Good luck in your deliberations. I can’t wait to see what comes out of it so I know where we’re going next.”

“Whether inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who cared for all of God’s creation, or by St. Joseph, protector of the church, Pope Francis has lived his values and upheld his promise to be a moral force, to protect the poor and the needy, to serve as a champion of the less fortunate, and to promote love and understanding among faiths and nations.”

“Clearly, Republicans’ obsession with tearing down the Affordable Care Act and the quality affordable coverage it is providing millions of Americans knows no boundaries. Republicans should stop threatening the health of our nation’s seniors, and work with Democrats to pass the bipartisan, bicameral permanent Medicare ‘doc fix.’”

“Today’s directive is only one step in our effort to close the opportunity gap – and only Congress can take the comprehensive approach needed to get the job done. That starts with renewing emergency unemployment insurance and raising the minimum wage. If Republicans would abandon their policy of obstruction, Congress could build on the President’s announcement and do our part to create jobs and grow our economy.”

“So with that, nothing is going on the floor, but a great deal of advocacy going on outside the Chamber and outside the Capitol, whether it is “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds,” whether it is outside mobilization on immigration, whether it is outside mobilization on the “doc fix,” you name the subject, the country is aware and active on it. The only place that nothing is happening is here, and the opportunity cost of wasting time on the floor instead of creating jobs and addressing the challenges of the American people is something that the public must be aware of, because they have to know why their needs are not being addressed…”

“So thank you, Brad Schneider, for your leadership. And I thank my colleagues who have spoken on this subject and all who will join us. When they put their name down on this discharge petition, it will be a signature of hope to all the people out there who are looking to this Congress to do the right thing. Do the right thing, Mr. Speaker: give us a vote. Now, Mr. Hoyer and Mr. Clyburn will lead us to the floor of the House.”