Speeches

“I too want to join the distinguished Majority Leader, Mr. Cantor, in praising the leadership of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, our Ranking Member on the Rules Committee, and Congressman Tim Walz, for their extraordinary leadership over time. Their persistence, the approach that they have taken to this–to remove all doubt in the public’s mind, if that is possible, that we are here to do the people’s business and not to benefit personally from it.”

“These institutions stand as monuments to Ed Roybal’s success – as a pillar of the Latino community and a shining example of achievement for all Americans. Whether working with the United Farmworkers in California or chairing a subcommittee on Appropriations in Congress, Ed Roybal was always there for working families.”

“We must work to extend to tens of millions of seniors their opportunity to see their doctor under Medicare. This is very, very important.”

“I always say to young girls, ‘Know your power. There’s nobody like you.’ You have a very unique contribution to make. We are all standing on the shoulders, as Secretary Sebelius said, and I’m honored that she was here representing the Administration, Secretary Sebelius. Remarkable to hear you tell of all of the women working together to make the future better for our country. But what you said, was that, we’re talking about glass ceilings, we’re talking about marble ceilings, we are standing on the shoulders of many who came before. You are standing on our shoulders, others will stand on yours. Nothing is more wholesome, and makes our country better, than the participation of women in politics and in government.”

“Congresswoman Giffords’ message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and in the nation should honor and emulate. As Gabby said in her video, which moved us all so much this weekend, ‘We can do so much more by working together.”

““We’re very proud of our Mayors. The city I am from, Tom Cochran knows, that not only was my father the mayor of Baltimore, but my brother was mayor of Baltimore. My brother served with Tom for many years. Isn’t Tom wonderful? Aren’t we glad to have his service?”

“Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay tribute to the passing of a man whose legacy to San Francisco is a great one. I rise to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Warren Hellman: a community leader, a San Francisco legend, and an American success story. Sadly, Warren passed away on December 18th surrounded by his loving family. It’s the way he lived: surrounded by his loving family.”

“Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding, I commend [him] for his extraordinary leadership on behalf of Americans, America’s working families. He has demonstrated long-term, consistent dedication to their well being. Thank you Mr. Chairman for your leadership.”

“Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding and appreciate his presentation on why we are here today and why the rule that is being brought to the floor is not the right one because it does not allow for us to have options for the American people to be considered.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this bill, so-called REINS Act, and to urge my colleagues to act now on behalf of jobs for America’s workers. Jobs are the lifeblood of our economic growth and that of the middle class, which is the backbone of our democracy.”