Speeches

“Tonight we come to the floor to pay tribute to two people, Barney Frank and John Olver, who in many ways could not be more different. They are the same in this respect: they have made, both of them, important marks on the Congress of the United States. What’s so special about them is that they are so different, but in their shared values, in their effectiveness, with their knowledge of the issues and their ability to persuade our colleagues to join them in a vote, they share that talent. Especially those values representing Massachusetts in the Congress.”

“His passing marks the end of an era, but the beginning of a great future built on the legacy he brought to the Congress. For the people of Hawaii, the country, and the United States. He was a public servant from start to finish.”

“Working side-by-side with the entire California delegation, their service, our service has strengthened the Golden State; the commitment of our departing Members has strengthened the Congress; their achievements have advanced the character of our country. Each of these Members has brought a unique voice to the table; yet each shares the same core values – a devotion to public service, a dedication to opportunity, a belief in the promise of America.”

“Every time we put this forth – it’s an existential question: why are we here? We are here to do the people’s work. Let’s sit down, get it done, and move forward instead of filling the agenda, however worthy those initiatives may be, instead of, not along with, passing the middle income tax cut.”

“Today, let’s show the American people the politics of the possible. Let’s focus on what we agree on, not what we disagree on. Let’s find common ground. We can accomplish this by extending the middle class tax cuts immediately. Let’s have the people’s House break this ridiculous stalemate. Let families across the nation go into the holiday season with certainty.”

“The President made it very clear that he was supporting the extension of the middle income tax cuts and everyone, 100 percent of the American people, would benefit from it. One hundred percent of taxpayers, small businesses, wage earners, and the rest. The Republicans are saying that rather than passing that they want to hold it hostage to giving an additional tax cut to people making over $250,000 a year. That’s not negotiating. That’s hostage taking.”

“By dedicating the Murtha Cancer Center, we honor the life, legacy and leadership of a legislator unsurpassed in his talents, this Marine of undaunted courage. His public service – a public servant to the end – to watch Jack Murtha legislate was to watch a master at work.”

“Today, we honor Tip by passing a resolution to inscribe his name on a federal building, a lasting tribute to the service and leadership, to the state of Massachusetts, to the House of Representatives, to his leadership for all Americans.”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, Democratic Caucus Chairman John B. Larson, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Xavier Becerra, Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen, and House Democrats held a press conference calling on House Republicans to cancel recess and get to work on the priorities of the American people.

“We left here on August 3rd, we’re not due back until November 14th. And yet we have had only eight legislative days of work in that period of time.”