Addressing America's Top Priorities, Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

Addressing America’s Top Priorities
Instead of getting to work on legislation to extend the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans, on Wednesday, House Republicans attempted to force the U.S. to default on its debt. Extending the payroll tax cut would put $1,000 in the pockets of the average American family next year. House Democrats are committed to extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits and ensuring that our nation’s seniors can continue to see the doctor of their choice.

One year ago, this week, House Republicans tried to force seniors to pay more for their prescription drugs and take health benefits away from millions of Americans by attempting to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The health reform law put Americans and their families in charge of their health care. By contrast, a repeal bill would have put insurance companies back in charge – repealing key new consumer protections for Americans and their families.

Instead of actively working to increase health costs for millions of Americans, the GOP should work on our nation’s top priority – job creation. My Democratic colleagues and I have put forth a back-to-basics, ABCs plan to rebuild the pillars of America that have historically made our economy strong—small businesses, entrepreneurs, and an all-inclusive and thriving middle class: American Made, Build America, and Community Recovery and Leadership. We are committed to reigniting the American Dream by building ladders of opportunity and tearing down barriers to success for anyone willing to work hard, play by the rules, and take responsibility.

Congresswoman Pelosi visits small businesses on a Merchant Walk in Noe Valley to discuss House Democrats’ commitment to helping small businesses grow and hire.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a powerful, inspirational, and unwavering voice for hope and peace, justice and brotherhood, civil rights and civility. He led a movement and changed a nation; he fought for freedom and summoned a people to live up to our highest ideals. When Dr. King spoke, Americans did not simply listen – many were inspired to act, to march, to demonstrate and sit in and struggle for equality.

It is an extraordinary tribute to Dr. King’s life and work that our nation now honors him among our greatest leaders and heroes with a memorial on the National Mall. Standing on an axis of leadership between Presidents Lincoln and Jefferson, Dr. King’s words still echo and resonate in the hearts and souls of millions, here and around the world. We must cherish his memory, build on his legacy, and honor his commitment with acts of service and a renewed dedication to overcome discrimination in our time.

Do you Qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can put up to $5,751 in the pockets of working Americans who do not earn a high income. The IRS estimated that 20% of eligible tax payers do not claim and receive their refundable tax credit. Take advantage of National EITC Awareness Day next Friday and find out more here.

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