37th Time’s the Charm?

37th Time's the Charm?
Instead of finally taking action to create jobs this week, House Republicans voted for the 37th time to repeal the Affordable Care Act and take patient protections away from the middle class. Their votes have now cost the American taxpayer over $53 million on pointless votes for their Patients' Rights Repeal Act, which punishes seniors, students, children, families, and small business owners.

Here are just some of the benefits that are already in place and that Americans will lose if the Affordable Care Act were to be repealed:

• Children no longer face discrimination due to pre-existing conditions.
• Students and young adults are gaining coverage through their parents' plans.
• Medicare is stronger, and seniors are paying less for prescription drugs and getting better treatment at a lower cost.
• Women can now access a wide range of free preventive services and soon will no longer face higher premiums than men for the same coverage.
• Americans no longer face lifetime limits on care.
• Families are receiving rebates from insurance companies.

It's time for House Republicans to stop wasting time and actually vote on a bill to create jobs, expand the economy, and strengthen the middle class.

Congresswoman Pelosi speaks on the House floor against the 37th attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Ensuring Safe Conditions for Workers
Following the recent tragedy in Bangladesh where over 1,100 garment workers perished, this week I joined senior House Democrats in sending letters to nine separate U.S. retailers calling upon them to join a broadening global coalition supporting a May 12 Accord on Fire and Building Safety, developed by the Worker Rights Consortium and a number of key stakeholders. The accord has won the support of labor rights organizations and unions around the world, and it has gained significant momentum among buyers, with Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldi, Benetton, C&A, Carrefour, El Corte Inglés, Esprit, G-Star, H&M, Helly Hansen, Hess Natur, Inditex, JCB, KIK, LIDL, Loblaws, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, N. Brown group, New Look, Next, Primark, PVH, Rewe, Sainsbury's, Stockmann, Switcher, Tchibo, Tesco, and WE Group having signed on already. The nine letters can be read here.

My colleagues and I also sent a letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina strongly urging the Bangladeshi authorities to join in a comprehensive, concrete, and coordinated plan to ensure worker safety and rights in Bangladesh.

Congratulations to the Warriors!
All season long, the Golden State Warriors have thrilled the Bay Area with an exciting display of heart, teamwork and dedication. They gave fans a season to remember, and we look forward to a bright future for them throughout the Bay! Go Warriors!

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