Press Releases

"Republican Senators have held up 77 nominees critical to the functioning of government. Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have no interest in working with Democrats to help the American people, and if they refuse to give the President’s nominees an up-or-down vote, what other choice did he have? In the case of Craig Becker’s appointment to the National Labor Relations Board, there are hundreds of complaints left unresolved at the NLRB because Republican obstructionism has denied the board a quorum. At some point, in this toxic partisan environment, if Democrats are going to accomplish anything, we have to go it alone. I hope that Republicans will decide to work with us again in the future."

"Once again, Republican Senators are playing games with the lives of people struggling in this economy," Congressman Garamendi said. "How many rent checks will be undelivered, how many serious medical ailments will be untreated, because Senator Coburn and his GOP colleagues in the Senate prefer theatre over doing their jobs? When we return to Congress after the two-week district work period, this delay in needed unemployment insurance and health benefits must not stand, and the representatives actually interested in helping the American people will do all we can to recoup lost payments."

"This year, adults with preexisting conditions will be able to enroll in a high risk pool to make sure they finally have basic health care protections in preparation for full integration into our insurance system. This year, discrimination against children with preexisting conditions will end. This year, insurance companies will not be able to kick people off of their insurance because they are sick. This year, seniors stuck in the Medicare Part D donut hole will receive a $250 rebate and next year will see their prescription drug costs in the donut hole reduced by 50 percent. This year, small businesses will receive up to a 35 percent tax credit to help pay for health coverage for their employees. This year, new insurance plans will be required to offer free preventative care. This year, young adults up to the age of 26 will be allowed to stay on their parents’ health plan. This year, early retirees aged 55-64 will see additional relief to help them afford health coverage."

"In the fight to extend health coverage to every man, woman, and child, this bill is an incredibly important beginning. But it's still just a beginning. 'A more perfect union' implies that the progress of the American experience is never complete. Each subsequent generation is expected to pick up the torch and continue on our long road toward positive change. Today the House of Representatives bestowed upon this great nation the most historic health reform since Medicare. I am proud to have voted 'yes' for health care reform. I won't live to see a perfect union, but it is a tremendous honor to see a more perfect union formed before my eyes."

2. It significantly increases the number of primary care doctors in America and includes new investments in medical training. 3. It cracks down on health care fraud by enhancing screening procedures for health care providers.

"Today’s cost estimate by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirms what we already expected: the health care bill being considered by Congress will expand coverage to millions of Americans while significantly reducing our deficit. With these numbers, the naysayers and obstructionists have run out of excuses. We know how many people it will extend lifesaving coverage to, and we know how significantly it improves our economy."

"This week, members of Congress will make be making a stark choice. Do we stand with the millions of people without coverage and millions more one pink slip away from health care ruin? Or do we stand with the entrenched interests who will do all they can to stop reform to maximize their profits at the expense of patients? I believe every American deserves access to affordable health care coverage, and I will do all I can to make that happen."