“At last, Republicans felt the heat from Democrats to extend the payroll tax cut. However, the Republican proposal does less to spur economic growth for job creation than President Obama’s plan. Unbelievably, it cuts hundreds of thousands of jobs and offers less relief to the middle class.”

“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for taking the time today to bring this important legislation to the floor. Yes, we did indeed experience an emotional moment to see Gabby open her eyes, but we all experienced an emotional moment here on August 1st when Congresswoman Gabby Giffords came back to the floor of Congress to cast a vote.”

“Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding, for his leadership on behalf of America’s working families, and for bringing the opposition to this legislation to the floor today.”

“World AIDS Day affords us an opportunity to reflect on our progress in fight against the global AIDS pandemic and to rededicate ourselves to ending the disease once and for all.”

“Congressman Barney Frank is an exceptional legislator, a trusted advisor and confidante, and a champion for his district and his state. His extraordinary career in public office will leave a lasting legacy on behalf of justice, human rights, consumer protection, affordable housing, and better economic opportunity for all Americans.”

“Congressman Charlie Gonzalez is a dynamic leader and a strategic legislator. As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Charlie has been a great advocate for America’s Hispanic community, and indeed all Americans. He brought to Congress substantial judicial experience and represented his hometown of San Antonio admirably.”

“Dear Mr. Speaker: When the House returns from the Thanksgiving break, the Continuing Resolution for the remainder of 2012 will be a major priority for the Congress. The current CR, which expires on December 16¸ was passed without controversy last week. Members of the Democratic Caucus are committed to taking similar bipartisan action to ensure the continued functioning of the government into the New Year.”

“Democrats insisted that we meet the immediate needs of those suffering from disasters without sacrificing American jobs. We stood firm against Republican efforts to balance the budget on the backs of those hit by natural hurricanes, floods and earthquakes disasters by destroying good-paying American jobs.”

“Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity for Jewish families worldwide to reflect and rejoice, to commemorate the year that’s past and celebrate the year yet to come. It is a moment for repentance and prayer, a time of renewal, remembrance, and introspection, a chance to look forward with hope to a future of health and happiness.”

“Democrats protected American jobs while guaranteeing that families and communities across the country hit by natural disasters receive the assistance they so desperately need. The Senate has now acted in a bipartisan way. It is time for House Republicans to put an end to their latest manufactured crisis so taxpayers can continue to receive the services they’ve already paid for and to join Democrats in meeting American’s top priority: jobs.”