“Surely we should all be able to agree that 41 votes on the same matter are more than enough. Yet Republicans keep finding new ways to disregard the best interests of the American people. It’s time for them to stop playing political games and to work with Democrats to create jobs and grow the economy.”

“…Without going into what we discussed at the meeting, beyond that, I want to say that Democratic principles have always been clear. We are focused on creating jobs, growing the economy to create jobs. Any approach to a continuing resolution or a debt ceiling lift has to be about creating jobs. We are prepared to find common ground to keep the government open and not default on the debt, and that is really important to job creation…”

“As the Obama Administration continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution, the President justly made clear tonight that the threat of military action remains on the table as we continue to work to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction, a pillar of our national security.”

“May the story of that day always inspire us to stay true to the character of our country and our common values as Americans. May time and prayer diminish the pain and grief felt by those who lost loved ones, even as time will never dim the memories of those who perished. And we always pray that God may always continue to bless the United States of America.”

“Americans do not need another Republican-manufactured crisis. Democrats agree. We are committed to enacting a plan to end the sequester, create jobs, and grow the economy now. It’s time for Republicans to work with us to keep the government’s doors open and get the job done.”

“This Caucus is focused on the priorities of the American people: creating jobs, growing the economy, and strengthening the middle class. And that’s what we intend to do. On Syria, I will make only one point and turn it over to the Leader. I took a look at what happened in 2003 with the legislation that was put before the Congress, HR 1828, with regard to Syria and holding Syria accountable…”

“At a time when the international community faces such daunting and dangerous challenges, we are fortunate to have the strong and steady guidance of Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Recommending her was an easy choice, and her nomination ensures that the United Nations will gain an extraordinary champion to help move us forward on the path to peace.”

“So, half-a-century later, from the tragedy of losing the little girls, we only hope that the senseless and premature deaths of these four little girls still ignite the fires of progress and fan the flames of freedom. We only hope that we can have the strength and wisdom to live up to their legacies as we award them, tearfully, the highest honor that Congress can bestow: the Congressional Gold Medal. I don’t remember us ever giving this medal to anyone so young, even adding all of their ages together, so young…”

“…Here in California, we are blessed with the leadership of Senator Barbara Boxer, who voted for the resolution marked up this week in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As Senator Boxer noted in her statement before committee, “And then in 2003, we passed the Syria Accountability Act by a vote of 89 to 4. I wrote that bill with Senator Santorum…”

“Congressional Republicans must put aside political obstruction and start working with Democrats to deliver a budget that will create jobs, expand the economy, strengthen the middle class, and responsibly reduce the deficit. Democrats are working to move our country forward in building a strong economy that delivers the bright and boundless future that every American deserves.”