“The decision by the Chinese government to formally arrest Liu Xiaobo deserves the full condemnation from the international community. Liu’s arrest for peacefully criticizing his government and advocating for human rights violates provisions in China’s constitution as well as international human rights standards. It has also been reported that Chinese authorities have decided to bar one of Liu Xiaobo’s lawyers from representing him, a move without apparent legal basis.”

“Representing the industries in our country that are energy intensive and what they use is for us an economic issue to create clean energy jobs in America, to keep us number one in advancing green technologies. It is a national security issue — to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it’s a health issue — to reduce pollution in the air, and it’s a moral issue for us to pass on God’s beautiful creation to the next generation in a responsible way.”

“Madam President, you visit comes at a time where we are debating an energy bill on the floor in the Congress this week — hopefully. In your conversations with the President, you have talked about a collaborative effort, a cooperative effort, between the United States and Chile. It is a very important issue for security, for the economy, for the health of our people, and for the preservation of our planet.”

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a brief a press availability this morning with Governors Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jim Douglas of Vermont, and Chris Gregoire of Washington before their meeting in the Capitol to discuss health care reform. Below… Continue

“Today, the day after the 65th anniversary of the enactment of the GI Bill, the House of Representatives is considering two critical pieces of legislation to improve the quality of health care for America’s heroes.”

“Today’s report puts to rest the misleading attacks that have been leveled against a clean energy economy at every step. This historic legislation is the product of months of consensus building to achieve an effective and affordable transition to a clean energy future.”

“Today, President Obama has joined Congress in taking a giant step toward making America healthier. This bipartisan legislation grants the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products and marketing, which will help to protect public health, prevent disease, and stop tobacco companies from hooking America’s children on their deadly product.”

“The ambitions of all of you are clearly broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others. In these times of great challenge, America needs more people like all of you – rolling up your sleeves and pitching in to turn challenges in your communities into opportunities to serve.”

“On World Refugee Day, we recognize the struggle and plight of refugees who are escaping dangerous and repressive situations throughout the world.”

“On June 19, 1865, the last slaves of African descent were freed when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas – shortly after the end of the Civil War – to enforce President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order issued two year prior on January 1, 1863.”