Investing in America's Prosperity, Protecting Reproductive Freedoms, Celebrating the Lunar New Year

Investing in America’s Prosperity
This week, President Obama delivered a strong vision in his State of the Union address of an economy that’s built to last; one that ensures a thriving middle class, promotes fairness for working families, and reignites the American dream.

The pillars of President Obama’s agenda are consistent with the American values of fairness, opportunity, and responsibility, and reflect the commitment of House Democrats to our ‘Make It In America’ initiative, to rebuilding America, to strengthening our communities, to securing our energy future, and to providing students and workers with the skills to succeed.

Democrats understand that America’s prosperity only goes as far as the success of our workers, the education of our children, the growth of our small businesses, and the economic security of our middle class. We are committed to policies that invest in innovation and technology, establish a level playing field with China and other trading partners, and create new well-paying jobs. Together, we can fulfill the promise of an America built to last.

Congresswoman Pelosi feeds one of San Francisco’s white crane lion dancers with a lucky red envelope, which is a traditional offering of prosperity and fortune in the Lunar New Year.

Protecting Reproductive Freedoms
This past week we observed the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. As I have for nearly 25 years in Congress, I will continue to work on behalf of reproductive freedoms and a comprehensive approach to reproductive health care, which will reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, at home and around the world. Unfortunately, this Congress has been marked by the relentless efforts of House Republicans to undermine the right to choose. Time after time, they have voted in favor of legislation that reduces a woman’s access to legal reproductive health services, chipping away at freedoms that were hard-won for American women. We must continue to protect the right to choose; ensuring that every woman has the right to decide what is best for herself and her family.

A provision in the historic Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover preventive services for women without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible. This past week the Obama Administration announced its final policy for implementing this provision in August which includes contraceptive services. I strongly support this action to expand access to fundamental, basic health care and will continue to fight to protect the benefits of health care reform for the American people.

Celebrating the Lunar New Year
On the Lunar New Year, Asian Americans mark the opportunity to remember the trials and joys of the past year and to look forward to the Year of the Dragon’s new beginnings and new opportunities. In San Francisco, Lunar New Year celebrations light up Chinatown, and festivities inclusive of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Tibetan families welcome this new start.

In the Year of the Dragon, may those celebrating enjoy family togetherness, health, and good fortune. It is my hope that the power and the success of the Dragon creates jobs and grows a stronger economy for all of San Francisco’s families. Gung hay fat choy!

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