Recent News | House Democrats

Larson Statement in Support of Equal Pay Day

April 20, 2010

Today, on Equal Pay Day, I stand with every American worker who has been the victim of pay discrimination. All Americans are working harder than ever to make ends meet. As we continue to rebuild our economy and get middle class Americans back to work, we need to guarantee that equal work means equal pay and reaffirm our value of a fair reward for a hard day’s work.

Claim your full tax cut this Tax Day

April 15, 2010

Be sure that you are taking advantage of all of the tax credits in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that you are eligible for. 95% of working Americans will be eligible for assistance, as part of one of the largest tax cuts in history. The Recovery Act created more than two dozen different tax cuts– amounting to more than $800 billion in tax cuts for working families and small business in the Recovery Act.

Here are a few of the benefits you may be eligible for:

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:

LARSON HAILS PASSAGE OF HISTORIC HEALTH CARE BILL

March 22, 2010

Today, this Congress accomplished something that was almost 100 years in the making. When the President signs this legislation into law, the American people will see clearly whose side this Democratic Caucus is on. We are standing up to health insurance company abuses and decades of discrimination and mistreatment.

President speaks to House Democrats on the eve of historic health care vote

March 20, 2010

On the eve of tomorrow’s vote, President Barack Obama spoke to the House Democratic Caucus about the historic nature of our health care reforms. The following video – shown to members of Congress before the President’s speech – provides a look back at the decades of progress made in pursuit of those reforms. Take a look:

AARP and AMA endorse health insurance bill

March 19, 2010

Today, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Medical Association (AMA) came out in support of our health insurance reform bill.

They are part of a growing list of hundreds of advocacy groups that support our plan to put Americans and small businesses back in charge of their health care choices, make coverage more affordable for everyone, and hold insurance companies accountable – stopping their worst practices like denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, dropping your covera

Stories from the front lines of the health care debate (VIDEO)

March 19, 2010

These brave people recently came to Washington to tell us their stories and participate in a briefing hosted by Health Care for America Now (HCAN).

As you listen you’ll understand why it's so important to pass legislation that will hold insurance companies accountable, stop abuses, and give every American the choice of quality, affordable coverage.

The benefits of health insurance reform for seniors (VIDEO)

March 18, 2010

House Democrats are closer than ever to reforming our nation's broken health insurance system with a plan that benefits our nation's seniors by strengthening Medicare, closing the "donut hole" to lower seniors' prescription drug costs, and improving the coordination and quality of care.

Watch as Members talk about how seniors will benefit from health reform.

Republican obstructionism quiz: economic disaster and socialist society!

March 17, 2010

In the 30s and 60s Republicans claimed that Social Security and Medicare would bring about economic disaster and a socialist society. History has proven them wrong about both of those widely supported programs, yet today they are claiming the same thing about health care reform.

Can you figure out which Republican quotes are attacking Social Security, Medicare or health care reform?

By the numbers: Republican leadership acting against the best interests of their constituents

March 17, 2010

Here’s a look at what health care reform will do for the constituents of House Republican leaders.

In Minority Leader John Boehner’s District (OH-8):

Larson Commends Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act

June 23, 2009

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. This legislation will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to approve veterans’ medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate, and meet the demand for, veterans’ health care services.

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

Congressman Larson Announces Health Care Reform Principles

June 19, 2009

Washington, DC – Today, Democrats in the House of Representatives released their plan to make quality health care affordable and accessible to all Americans. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

“Reforming health care in this country is vital to American families and our economic recovery. Right now, we spend twice as much per person on health care than any other country – and that isn’t making us any healthier.

Larson Commends Passage of Bill to Boost Crime Prevention and Scientific Research

June 18, 2009

House Passes Crime, Justice and Science Legislation

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed a key piece of legislation to fund crime prevention and prosecution, as well as scientific innovation and research. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

“This legislation invests in two of our nation’s top priorities – public safety and research and innovation. It lays a new foundation for long term prosperity and fiscal responsibility.

Larson Praises Obama's Commitment to Fiscal Discipline

June 9, 2009

Washington, DC – President Barack Obama was joined by Democratic Members of Congress today to express strong support for legislation that would reinstitute statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules and restore fiscal discipline to the federal government.

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said:

“I stand with my Democratic colleagues and President Obama today in their commitment to fiscal discipline and cutting the deficit.

Larson: Paid Parental Leave Act Puts Working Families First

June 4, 2009

Congressman authored one of nation’s first family leave laws

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives passed legislation today that will provide federal employees with up to four weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child, bringing the federal government up to the same standards as most private sector employees. The Federal Employee Paid Parental Leave Act puts America’s working families first.

Congressman John B.

Larson: An Historic President Makes an Historic Nomination to the Supreme Court

May 26, 2009

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement in response to the announcement of President Barack Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

“In making his first nomination to the Supreme Court, President Obama has once again broken historic barriers and proved to young Americans that no matter their background, or the challenges they face, they can achieve their dreams. Judge Sotomayor is a brilliant legal thinker.

Larson Joins President at Financial Reform Bill Signing

May 20, 2009

Bill includes Larson’s Commission on Financial Markets

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, joined President Obama at the White House today as he signed landmark legislation to reform our financial system and protect American consumers.

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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