“While Democrats in Congress are working to ensure that the federal government has the adequate resources to respond to this catastrophe, Republicans in Congress are apologizing to BP and blocking legislation to strengthen the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.”

“The inadequate legislation on physicians’ fees that Senate Republicans allowed to pass today is a great disappointment. The House has approved long-term reform that ensures that Medicare patients will have access to quality physicians’ services.”

“On Sunday, United Nations World Refugee Day, we again bring attention to the plight of men, women and children all over the world who have been forced to flee their homes for safety. The theme of this year’s World Refugee Day is: ‘They have taken my home, but they can’t take my future.’ This is especially fitting given the current statistics on refugees around the world.”

“America’s small business owners are the backbone of our economy. With this legislation, we are helping to ensure they have what they need to be the engine of our recovery.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that Claire Kowalewski Marsh is the winner of the 29th annual Congressional Arts Competition from California’s 8th Congressional district.

“History books up until now had not reported their story, nor described the pivotal role they played in erecting the Capitol. That the tale will be written forever into these walls, etched into this structure, and spoken from this marble chamber. Today, it is enshrined in these plaques, which state: ‘This original exterior wall was constructed between 1793 and 1800 of sandstone, quarried by enslaved African Americans, who were an important part of the labor force that built the United States Capitol.'”

“Today, the House continued its commitment to fiscal discipline by passing legislation to ensure responsible budgeting, and effective, efficient government.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Congressman Gary Peters of Michigan, and Congressman Kurt Schrader of Oregon were joined by small business owners for a press conference this morning in the Capitol to discuss the impact of the Small Business Jobs and Credit and Tax Relief Acts.

“Today’s announcement of another serious investment in our health care workforce is good for patients and good for the health and well-being of America’s families.”

“BP must be held accountable and responsible for paying the full costs of cleaning up the Gulf and restoring the local economy. Following today’s meeting with the President, BP executives agreed to create an accountability fund to pay its obligations to the American people — as proposed by House Democrats earlier this week. And if it takes more than $20 billion, BP will have to cover the full amount for the families, workers, and small business owners of the Gulf Coast.”