Let’s Get to Work

Today, the Republican-led House adjourned for the August district work period without passing a single jobs bill or replacing devastating across-the-board sequester cuts. It’s only the latest example of a Congress defined by distraction, dysfunction, and delay – one that is making life worse for the American people.

Americans want Congress to focus on jobs and economic growth, not partisan games and political posturing. However, House Republicans still refuse to appoint budget conferees to engage in an open debate and pass a budget that puts people to work.

Everything we do must be with the intention to build a better future for our children. That’s why Democrats are committed creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, responsibly reducing the deficit, and reigniting the American dream.

Education is the best investment a nation can make in its citizens and in its future but, for many, a quality higher education has been simply unaffordable. This week, the House took an important step to keep college within reach for America’s best and brightest and approved the Senate-passed legislation addressing student loan rates.

This bipartisan compromise delivers real relief to millions of college students in the next few years by reducing rates on all new loans this year, capping market-based interest rates, and saving undergraduates $1,500 on average over the life of their loans. Over the next five years, undergraduates will save $25 billion in interest costs rather than paying $1 billion more in costs under the House Republican plan. While much work remains to help middle-class families balance financial security with the cost of college, this legislation is a positive step forward.

As we move forward in our work to strengthen the middle class, we must ensure that a higher education is not just a luxury for the few, but an opportunity for all. By expanding the educational opportunities for every student, we will spur job growth, strengthen our economy, and guarantee a bright and boundless future for our country.

On Monday, the San Francisco Giants travelled to our nation’s Capital to celebrate their 2012 World Series championship victory. As President Obama welcomed the team back to the White House, our Giants have once again made us the proudest city in baseball.

The Giants have shown heart and teamwork. When it comes to America's national pastime, our team and our city are number one. At the ceremony, we recalled the team’s dedication to supporting the community with their Junior Giants program, which teaches integrity and leadership to more than 20,000 children through baseball. The President also highlighted a recent Giants’ initiative to turn the centerfield bleachers at AT&T Park into what’s believed to be the first ever edible garden in a major American sports facility. President Obama even offered some encouraging words for the organization this season; "You guys are a second-half team. I expect you to be a second-half team this time around."

As our team celebrated bringing the second World Series victory to our hometown, we commended them for both their excellence at America's game and their dedication to promoting the values of our city. The San Francisco Giants have once again made us proud.