“The Affordable Care Act is already providing new personal and economic freedom to millions of children, students, workers, seniors, families and small business owners. We will continue to strengthen the benefits and protections of the Affordable Care Act, and uphold its promise of quality, affordable care for all Americans.”

“Republicans should be working with Democrats on an opportunity agenda that creates jobs and empowers all Americans to achieve their full potential, not risking a historic default by stalling on raising the debt ceiling. The last time Republicans indulged their partisan irresponsibility, they caused the Republican Government Shutdown that drained billions out of our economy. Our nation simply cannot afford Republicans continuing to play politics with the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.”

“Republicans should be candid about putting extremism ahead of the good of the country. I hope that Speaker Boehner will overcome the dereliction of duty that is holding back his party and our nation, and seize this opportunity to work to enact the bipartisan immigration reform the American people need and deserve.”

“With only five days left in session before the deadline, we must act now. Democrats are ready to work with our Republican colleagues to enact a clean increase in the debt ceiling. Democrats hope the Republican leadership makes the right choice and brings this up for a vote, so our country can pay our bills.”

“Republicans must stop denying so many millions of American families the economic security they earned, and work with Democrats to pass an extension of emergency unemployment insurance without further delay.”

“But when it comes to UI, the Republicans in the House won’t even allow a vote on extending it. This is stunning. They won’t even allow a vote. And one of the reasons they don’t allow it is because they don’t believe in it. The other reason they don’t do it is because they know it will win if they bring it up. Republicans’ continued refusal to extend this essential emergency support for hard working Americans is simply indefensible. Republicans should work with Democrats.”

“Because I do believe that the nation as our Founders courageously established it, the tradition that we have had in our country, is greatly eroded, corroded – whatever the word is – by what the Supreme Court did. We can counter that with the ‘Government by the People Act. Thank you, John Sarbanes.”

‘So that’s what we have to do. Here’s where we are: we’re in a situation where we have the majority of the Republican Party, which is the majority of the House, indifferent to the needs of the American people. We have to raise these issues. Like President Lincoln, he said: ‘Public sentiment is everything.’ And so we have to make sure – Walter Reuther told us that that ballot box is so important, and directly relates to the bread box of American families.”

“Republican political games won’t solve California’s water crisis. Only by working together can we put forward policies that support state and local efforts, protect and expand our state’s water supply, preserve our environment and natural resources, and build a sustainable future for all Californians.”

“In New Jersey, Rob Andrews never failed to earn the trust of his constituents; in Washington, D.C., he always succeeded in securing the respect of his colleagues. He has been a critical voice for our Democratic Caucus and for the entire Congress, and his leadership and friendship will be missed. We wish him, his wife Camille, his children, and his entire family the best in their future endeavors.”