“‘I was pleased to welcome Madam Vice Premier Wu Yi and the Chinese delegation to the Capitol this afternoon. In light of the significance of the U.S.-China relationship, we have a responsibility to work together to build a brighter future for the people of our two countries – economically, politically, diplomatically, culturally, in every way.”

“‘Thank you UCSF Vice Chancellor Dr. David Kessler and Mayor Newsom for inviting me to help announce largest single donation ever given to an American university for child and adolescent mental health services. Although pressing congressional business keeps me in Washington, I join you in celebrating the creation of the Pritzker Center at UCSF.”

“‘Strong evidence indicates that the Bush Administration abused a loophole provided by the prior Republican Congress permitting the indefinite appointment of interim U.S. Attorneys without Senate confirmation. This legislation, which now goes to the President’s desk, restores Constitutional checks and balances in the appointment process of interim U.S. Attorneys. It is a small but necessary step toward restoring confidence and independence in the administration of justice.”

“‘Welcome to the National Summit on America’s Children. Today is an historic day in which national experts and scientists are gathered to discuss our nation’s most vital resource – our children.”

“‘American consumers must not be at the mercy of foreign oil cartels that conspire to fix prices and allocate production. These state-controlled entities and cartels, which control more than two-thirds of crude oil traded internationally, avoid accountability by claiming immunity from the antitrust laws. The NOPEC bill provides a critical tool by authorizing the Justice Department to pursue antitrust actions in U.S. federal court against cartel members.”

“‘Thank you, Mr. Leader. My condolences on the loss of your constituent. It’s happening across America almost every day now. And that’s why the nation’s people have lost confidence in the conduct of this war. There is no question that America’s families are paying the price.”

“Today, Democratic Leaders issued a joint letter to President, calling on him to drop his opposition to Democratic plans to give troops the pay raise they deserve and increase benefits for surviving spouses of men and women in uniform.”

“‘We told the American people that Democrats would ‘drain the swamp’ and change the way business is done in Washington,’ said Speaker Pelosi. ‘In the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress, we restored accountability by imposing the toughest ethics standards ever: no gifts, no private jets, and no meals from lobbyists.”

“‘Tonight, with the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act, the House is taking crucial steps toward addressing our nation’s need for affordable housing and restoring accountability that has been missing for too long.

‘The recent scandals at the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-funding enterprises are clear evidence of the need for a change in how business is done in Washington. This legislation will restore accountability while addressing management and accounting problems that have undermined the mission of these government-sponsored enterprises – to expand access to housing for the American people.”

“‘That means we must secure our borders and enforce our laws, while also protecting against discrimination and adhering to the rule of law. It means that we must regularize the status of the 12 million undocumented immigrants who now work and live here, and establish a rigorous but real path to citizenship. It means we must promote family values and family unification. And it means that we must meet our economy’s need for additional workers when there is evidence that they are needed, and there are strict labor protections for all workers.”