Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Leader John Boehner held a brief press availability this evening with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan prior to their meeting in the Capitol.

“his legislation embraces the key goal of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, passed by the House last June, of reducing our nation’s climate-changing pollution emissions 17 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.”

“And today, in passing this innovation bill–this COMPETES Act–we are reaffirming our leadership ‘in science and in industry.’ And we are keeping America first.”

“Democratic leaders in Congress and President Obama have produced the lowest tax bills for the American people in more than half-a-century. Because of changes Democrats have made in tax policy, more than 100 million Americans have more money to support their families, consumers have more to spend at local businesses, and our middle class is reaping the rewards.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Susan Davis, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, and Congresswoman Donna Edwards held a press conference this afternoon in the Capitol to discuss their Congressional Delegation to Qatar, Afghanistan, and Germany.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrapped up a four-day Congressional Delegation to the Middle East and Afghanistan today by meeting with troops and visiting wounded warriors in Germany.

“With the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, President Obama has chosen a candidate who will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Solicitor General Kagan’s outstanding service as a lawyer, professor, public servant, and administrator prepares her for this challenge, and she will come to the bench with a deep knowledge of the law and respect for all individuals.”

“As I told President Karzai last night, the sacrifice and service of our men and women in uniform, including mothers who missed spending Mother’s Day with their children, demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the security of Afghanistan and the security of the United States.”

“We are grateful for the service of our brave men and women in Afghanistan, for their commitment to America’s security, and their unwavering dedication to their mission.”

“Our men and women in uniform serve with bravery, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the American people.”