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Batkid, Our Caped Crusader

November 15, 2013
Pelosi Update

Batkid, Our Caped Crusader
Today, Gotham will finally breathe safe thanks to the super-sized might and extraordinary courage of our city's true hero, Batkid. When Gotham City trembled in the grip of our most notorious villains, Batkid once again showed us the true meaning of bravery in the face of fear.

In his young life, Batkid has fought a battle with cancer that would daunt even a full-grown superhero. He has emerged victorious, and is using that strength and positivity not only to save a city, but to inspire children across the globe who are fighting battles of their own.

Miles, with your remarkable valor and your intrepid spirit, you have reminded us all what it is to believe in the power of our dreams. Thank you for saving the people of our city, stirring the hearts of a nation, and sharing your heroism with the world.

Securing Quality Coverage
In just the first month of enrollment, nearly a million Americans have completed the eligibility process for the quality, affordable coverage available on the health insurance marketplaces. Even with the difficulties of the website, we have seen tremendous demand for what the Affordable Care Act has to offer – and more than 500,000 Americans have already secured quality coverage for themselves and their families.

While these figures are lower than originally projected because of the website issues, we expect enrollment to grow through the next five months. As access to the website improves, millions of Americans will see the quality, affordable coverage available to them on the marketplaces. I am also particularly proud of the figures from the first month of enrollment in our state's healthcare marketplace, Covered California. I encourage you to take a look which plans may be available to you and your family and utilize the Covered California shop and compare tool.

In the short window that remains this year, the House of Representatives should focus on our country's most pressing challenges – priorities like job creation, economic growth and comprehensive immigration reform. Instead, House Republicans have chosen to waste time on targeted repeal or undermining the Affordable Care Act. Please be assured that I will continue to work with Congress and the Obama Administration to ensure the health security of hard-working, middle-class families.

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Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Just 12 working days remain on this year's legislative calendar. Unfortunately, Speaker Boehner has chosen to ignore many of the top priorities for our economy and for the American people, including comprehensive immigration reform. In a press conference earlier this week, Speaker Boehner made it clear that he has no intention of bringing comprehensive immigration reform to the House of Representatives for a vote before the end of 2013, just hours after telling two immigrant teens "it's time to get this done".

The votes for immigration reform are there. If Speaker Boehner brings this bill to the floor for a vote, it will pass. The House bill has 190 cosponsors – including three Republicans, with another 28 Members publicly stating that they would support comprehensive immigration reform. There is broad bipartisan support for immigration reform across the country and here in Congress. With nearly 71 percent of voters surveyed nationwide saying they would back an immigration bill, this legislation addresses both a moral issue and an economic initiative. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, comprehensive immigration reform will add $150 billion to our economy in the first year and over $900 billion to our economy over a 10-year period.

House Democrats will not give up on this bipartisan legislation. The time is now to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

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