Growing Our Economy, Ending 'Don't Ask, Don’t Tell'

Growing Our Economy
Last night, House Republicans passed a bill that destroys thousands of good-paying American manufacturing jobs. I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in voting against this legislation, and I hope that GOP leaders in the House will come to the table and find common ground on how we fund the federal government. Instead of destroying well-paying jobs, Congress must focus its efforts on job creation, strengthening our nation’s small businesses and rebuilding America. Congress must act now to pass the American Jobs Act and get our economy back on track. The legislation is fully paid for; is based on bipartisan initiatives; and is consistent with House Democrats’ back-to-basics plan to create jobs: Make It In America, Build America, Community Recovery Corps.

Ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
On Tuesday, we celebrated the long-overdue end of the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, finally closing the door on a fundamental unfairness and affirming equality for all Americans. When the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate took action last year to end this wrongheaded policy, we reaffirmed the core American principle that anyone who wishes to serve, secure, and defend this country must be judged by their abilities and honored for their dedication and sacrifice.

We must continue efforts to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, but in the meantime, I urge the Obama Administration to investigate opportunities to extend the same support and benefits to all our troops and their families. We cannot allow there to be two classes of service members in our military – those who receive benefits for their families and those who do not.

Last year, I was proud to volunteer at St. Anthony’s, which celebrates 60 years of service to the San Francisco community this week.

Cosco Busan Settlement
On Monday, federal, state and local officials announced a $44.4 million settlement for natural resource damages, penalties and response costs incurred as a result of the oil spill that occurred when the Cosco Busan struck the Bay Bridge in 2007. In the days after the incident, I joined my Bay Area Congressional colleagues in touring areas damaged by the spill, as well as hosting a Congressional field hearing to investigate the Coast Guard’s actions before, during, and after the spill. With this announcement, the Bay Area can continue to build upon efforts to restore our natural ecosystem and ensure a full recovery from this devastating incident.

Marking the One-Year Anniversary of the Patient’s Bill of Rights
Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Patient’s Bill of Rights in the Affordable Care Act. For more information on how the Affordable Care Act benefits you, please go to www.healthcare.gov.

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday night marks the start of Rosh Hashanah, a time of reflection and renewal, celebration and introspection for Jews around the world. On this day of remembrance, prayer, and repentance for the Jewish community, this is an opportunity for us all to re-commit ourselves to core values embraced by all faiths: perfecting the world and pursuing justice; striving for peace and performing acts of goodwill. Shanah tovah u’metukah – may this be a happy, healthy, and sweet new year.

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