Standing up for our Students, Putting an End to Domestic Violence

Standing up for our Students
Unless Congress acts soon, on July 1st, the interest rate on need-based student loans will double – rising to 6.8 percent. Yet the House Republican budget proposes no action – allowing the interest rate to rise for more than 7 million students. Republican inaction in the House will pass more than $475 million in additional repayment costs onto California students for the coming school year. It is time for Republicans to join Democrats to take action and stand up for our nation’s students.

Putting an End to Domestic Violence
Eighteen years ago, Futures Without Violence led the charge to pass the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Last week, I was pleased to deliver remarks at their luncheon calling on Congress to reauthorize VAWA and ensure that no victim of domestic violence has to suffer in silence. In passing VAWA, we took the issue of violence against women and children out of the shadows. The law has ensured that rape crisis centers have been able to keep their doors open, more victims report domestic violence to the police, and law enforcement and victims services providers are working together to better meet the needs of victims. All Americans are entitled to feel safe in their workplace, in their homes, and walking on the street. Yet too many women continue to live in fear. Congress must reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act.

Congresswoman Pelosi joins fellow Members of Congress to congratulate the six recipients of the Goldman Environmental Prize.

Protecting our Environment
Preserving our planet is critical to ensuring a safe and bright future for future generations. This Sunday, millions of Americans will come together to celebrate Earth Day and recommit themselves to improving the air we breathe and the water we drink. In San Francisco, the environment is a core value and we are privileged to have many outstanding national leaders on the environment. The globally respected Goldman Environmental Prize is one of the many initiatives born in our great city to uphold our moral responsibility to preserve our planet. On Thursday, I was pleased to attend a luncheon to honor six international grassroots Goldman awardees who have made significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment. These heroes reflect a broader commitment reflected by the vision of the Goldman Prize – to change the environment for the better, to defend our planet and our resources, and to preserve a cleaner environment for generations to come.

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