Recent News | House Democrats

Over 500,000 jobs created in 2010

May 14, 2010

Democrats in Congress have been fighting for Main Street and cracking down on Wall Street, and our successes are evident: the economy has created 573,000 jobs since January. If this rate of job creation continues through December, we will see more jobs created in 2010 alone than during the entire eight years of George W. Bush’s presidency, the National Journal reports.

Republicans reach new low in March to block economic recovery

May 13, 2010

“Democrats in the House believe that America must be at the forefront of innovation and achievement in order to build our economy for the long term. America has led the world in every technological achievement of the last century – computers, cars, the internet – and we can continue to lead. Apparently my Republican colleagues don’t agree."

Democrats make "Made in America" manufacturing and job creation a priority

May 6, 2010

“The Home Star jobs legislation will put American workers back on the job manufacturing and installing the supplies that will refit American homes and build a clean American energy economy.

Democrats Launch Task Force to Address Seniors' Priorities

May 6, 2010

For more than a century Democrats have stood on the side of this country’s seniors – in providing for a secure retirement with Social Security and quality health care with Medicare. We take that commitment very seriously and are continuing to work on behalf of American seniors. House Democrats are rebuilding the economy to work for seniors instead of CEOS, and the Middle Class instead of multinational corporations.

Democrats Launch Task Force to Address Seniors' Priorities

May 6, 2010

Washington, DC – Today, the House Democratic Caucus launched a new initiative to reach out to America’s seniors and address the issues that matter most to them. The Seniors Task Force, co-chaired by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Doris Matsui (CA-05) will work to protect seniors’ rights and raise awareness of policies that will improve the health and well-being of America’s seniors.

House Democrats fight Bush Deficit

April 28, 2010

The President’s Fiscal Commission met yesterday for the first time to develop long-term solutions to reducing the Bush Deficit. President Bush and his Republican cohorts in Congress managed to turn record budget surpluses into record deficits and the worst economic crisis in a generation, in just 8 years. Now President Obama and House Democrats are doing the hard work to return fiscal discipline and prosperity to our nation. Just as American families are making tough budget decisions around their kitchen table, we believe we must make the same kind of choices at the national level.

Young Adults Already Seeing Benefits of Health Care Reform

April 22, 2010

Many young adults are struggling to get access to – and afford – health coverage. The health care reform law which passed Congress last month will allow young adults to stay on, or return to, a parent’s insurance plan until age 26, beginning September 23.

Four of the five largest health insurers have offered a coverage extension for young adults to join their parent’s plan before September, providing greater health security to millions of American families.

Photos from the 1000s of events Democrats held during the District Work Period

April 14, 2010

During the two week April District Work period, Members returned home and held a total of over 1,000 events with their constituents. Take a look at the photos below, showing Members at events about health care reform, the economic recovery, seniors issues, and other areas of interest to their communities.

2010 Census: Answers to the Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

April 13, 2010

Do I have to respond to the 2010 census?

Yes, participation in the 2010 census is vital and required by law. By being counted, you're helping your community secure the resources and representation it needs and deserves.

Celebrating the Legacy of César Chávez

March 31, 2010

Today marks the 83^rd anniversary of the birth of César Chávez. Chávez worked tirelessly to improve the lives and protect the safety of farm workers. His legacy continues today, and is echoed each time his famous motto for the United Farm Workers – “¡Si Se puede!” or “Yes, we can” – is chanted.

One year anniversary of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act

March 30, 2010

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. The legislation preserves more wilderness area than any other bill passed by Congress in the past 15 years. The protected land is currently used by millions of Americans – including small business owners, vacationers, hunters, and ranchers – and the Act ensures that future generations will also be able to enjoy the same resources.

Interactive Reconciliation Timeline

March 24, 2010

Despite Republican suggestions to the contrary, reconciliation has been used in the Senate by both parties for almost 30 years. Since it was first used in 1980, 19 bills have been signed into law. Of those bills, 14 were signed by Republican presidents and five by Democratic presidents.

To view an interactive timeline of when the reconciliation process has been used to pass major legislation, please click the button below:

New tax credits available through the Recovery Act

March 23, 2010

Tax cuts were the biggest individual component of the Recovery Act. Even though only half of taxpayers have filed so far this year, tax refunds are already up nearly 10% from last year due to the Recovery Act.

As you file your 2009 income taxes, you may qualify for a series of new tax cuts that were established through the Recovery Act. You could, for example, save money for attending college, making energy-saving home improvements, purchasing a home for the first time, or buying a new car.

Historic health care legislation passed by House Democrats

March 22, 2010

Last night House Democrats voted to send the President landmark legislation to reform our nation’s health care system. The bill will stop insurance company abuses, bring down the deficit, rein in health care costs for families and small businesses, create up to 4 million new private sector jobs over the next 10 years, strengthen Medicare, and expand quality health coverage to 32 million Americans who can not afford it now.

Larson: Democrats have a Proven Track Record of Deficit Reduction

July 22, 2009

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives will restore the fiscal responsibility legislation that led us from deficits to surpluses during the Clinton Administration. Pay-as-you-go, or PAYGO, rules will mean that every dollar we spend is accounted for and will not add to the federal deficit. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

Larson Praises Pelosi Appointments to Financial Markets Commission

July 15, 2009

Selections move Larson’s Commission to find causes of economic crisis forward

Washington, DC – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed commissioners today to a Congressionally-created commission to determine the causes of the financial crisis. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, led the fight in the House to create the commission.

House-Passed Appropriations Bills Enact Obama's Long Term Economic Plan

July 10, 2009

House-Passed Appropriations Bills Enact Obama’s Long Term Economic Plan

Congress Takes Bold Steps to Protect Consumers at the Pump

July 10, 2009

Washington, DC – The American Clean Energy and Security Act included bold action to close the loopholes that have allowed speculators to manipulate our energy markets and artificially inflate prices at the pump. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of Democratic Caucus, praised the legislation for including key provisions of the Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices (PUMP) Act, of which Larson has been a long –time supporter and co-sponsor.

Larson Joins T. Boone Pickens to Commemorate Anniversary of Pickens Plan, Declare "Energy Independence Day"

July 9, 2009

Washington D.C. – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, joined oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens to declare July 8th as “Energy Independence Day” and mark the one-year anniversary of his launch of the Pickens Plan – a plan to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and encourage the development of alternative energy sources like natural gas and wind. Praising Boone’s efforts to build a new, clean energy economy, Chairman Larson said:

“One year ago, T.

Larson Calls for Quick Action on Transportation Bill

July 9, 2009

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, announced today that he is working with Chairman James Oberstar of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to help move key Transportation Authorization Legislation forward in the House of Representatives.

Larson said, “This legislation is vital to creating jobs and rebuilding our neglected infrastructure.

Larson: Congress Took an Historic Step Today to Create Jobs, Protect the Country

June 26, 2009

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives took an historic vote in favor of Clean Energy Jobs legislation that will create American jobs, spur economic growth, reduce pollution and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

“In the month of April the United States exported $6.8 billion to OPEC nations to feed our addiction to foreign oil. That means $1.5 billion to Saudi Arabia, $1.5 billion to Venezuela, and almost $170 million to Libya.

Featured Member

Donna Edwards

Representing the 4th District of MD

<a href="/members/donna-edwards">Donna Edwards</a>

Meet Congresswoman Donna Edwards and you’ll immediately sense her strong energy and enthusiasm for her work on behalf of people in her community. According to Edwards – who represents portions of Maryland’s Prince George’s and Montgomery counties – the experience so far has “been really invigorating – exciting.”

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