House of Representatives

Bill breaks down barriers for consumers to make upgrades

March 10, 2010 -- Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues today in introducing legislation that would make it more affordable for families in rural areas to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This legislation, the Rural Energy Improvement Act of 2010, would provide low-interest loans to families to finance energy-efficient improvements, with the cost included in their monthly utility bill.    » read more »

Global Warming Does Threaten Public Health

March 2, 2010 -- More than 500 scientists sent a letter to Congress yesterday, urging lawmakers to oppose House and Senate resolutions that would reverse the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) finding that global warming endangers public health. The letter was organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

"Because the EPA's finding is based on solid science, this amendment also represents a rejection of that science," the letter stated. "The EPA's endangerment finding is based on an exhaustive review of the massive body of scientific research showing a clear threat from climate change."    » read more »

Key Consumer Protections in CARD Act to Take Effect Feb. 22, Will Ban Retroactive Interest Rate Hikes, Due-Date Gimmicks, and Other Credit Card Tricks and Traps

February 22, 2010 -- NEW YORK – This afternoon, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined with representatives of Consumers Union, NYPIRG, and New Jersey Citizen Action and others to hail new credit card reforms taking effect today. The reforms are part of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act, which Maloney authored in the House and Menendez helped pass in the Senate.    » read more »

February 23, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganizing Act tonight on a 245 - 164 vote.    » read more »

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Jan. 28 -- The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, is teaming up with American Airlines and its regional carrier, American Eagle, to fund the delivery of much-needed supplies to earthquake victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

As a result of this partnership, the Sandals Foundation will underwrite the cost of 10 Humanitarian Relief Flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Haiti. American will coordinate the relief supplies for these flights. The missions will commence on Tuesday, Feb. 2, and will continue three times per week through Tuesday, Feb. 23.    » read more »

January 29, 2010 -- Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, and Congressman John Salazar today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its decision to purchase up to $9 million of surplus fresh potatoes and up to $21.9 million of surplus fresh fruits for federal food nutrition assistance programs.

The USDA's decision, announced today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, will provide immediate relief for Colorado potato farmers struggling in the face of low commodity prices and a growing surplus of their product. Colorado is one of the top five potato-producing states in the country, and these funds will help support Colorado's rural economy by putting revenue directly in the hands of potato farmers, which can help stimulate the local economy.    » read more »

Rep. Watson Commends President Obama's Focus on Jobs and the Middle Class in State of the Union Address

January 27, 2010 -- Washington, DC -- Rep. Watson commended the President for laying out a plan to create jobs, cut the deficit, hold big banks accountable and make our economy work for the middle class again in his State of the Union address tonight. House Democrats have stood firm in their commitment to middle-class families by lowering taxes and jumpstarting our economy – and we will continue to work with President Obama to deliver results for struggling Americans.    » read more »

January 27, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Paul Tonko made the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“One year ago I entered office with the new administration and together we inherited a collapsing economy, tens of thousands of newly unemployed Americans, and a huge deficit. Since then, we have worked to stabilize the economy and dramatically slow the rate of job losses, and lay the groundwork for an economic recovery. Without the work we did, millions more jobs would have been lost.    » read more »

Rangel: Congress Committed to Job Creation, Economic Recovery

January 27, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) issued the following statement in response President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address this evening:    » read more »

January 27, 2010 -- Washington, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter released the following statement after President Obama’s State of the Union speech:

"I am encouraged President Obama’s first State of the Union focused on the type of kitchen table issues I have been working on since I took office - small business growth, economic policies to help the hard working people in the middle and getting our budget in order.

"Right now people in the middle are hurting. Too many hard working Americans are worried about their jobs, the rising costs of college and health care, and their small businesses. This is what I hear when I walk precincts or talk to constituents at my Government in the Groceries.    » read more »

January 27, 2010 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) today made the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“President Obama made it clear tonight that creating jobs is his top priority. It’s mine too. We were on the brink of a depression, and while we have moved back from that ledge, recovery just hasn’t come fast enough. There is still a lot to be done to help people get and keep good jobs. And we will not rest until we have.

“I commend President Obama for addressing our country’s fiscal health. But when talking about freezing all domestic spending, the devil is in the details. I will closely examine this proposal in the President’s Budget when he sends it to Congress next week.    » read more »

January 27, 2010 -- “It was good to hear the president make clear that he hears the anger and frustration of so many Idahoans about the state of our country and our economy. Like the president and most Americans, I believe that it’s time to end a culture where every day is Election Day, and instead begin working together in a bipartisan fashion to address the grave challenges facing our nation.    » read more »

Applauds Focus on Job Creation

January 27 2010 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud issued the following statement after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress:

Many Mainers are as frustrated as I am with Washington right now. The environment is extremely partisan at precisely the time we can least afford it.

Having worked in a mill for 29 years, I’ve lived through pink slips, layoffs and picket lines. I know firsthand where Mainers are coming from and understand why they are angry and discouraged – Washington appears out of touch with their priorities. It’s the very reason I still, seven years after my first election, come home every weekend to listen directly to the people of Maine.    » read more »

January 27, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Following President Obama’s State of the Union Address this evening, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) released the following statement:

“The President was clear in laying out his priorities for this year: jobs, jobs, jobs. The President and Congress must have a laser-beam focus on creating jobs and turning around our economy. I have seen first-hand that our local workforce is ready to take an active part in our economic recovery. Recovery has begun – but we need continued investment in our local workforce, small businesses, clean energy and technology, education and flood control.    » read more »

01/28/10 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following President Obama's 2010 State of the Union Address, Rep. Eric Massa issued the following statement:    » read more »