The Clock is Ticking
The Time is Now
With the end of 2013 fast approaching, the time is now to pass comprehensive immigration reform. This week, three House Republicans joined 187 House Democrats in cosponsoring H.R. 15, comprehensive immigration reform legislation that reflects core bipartisan values: securing our borders, protecting our workforce, reuniting families, and creating an earned pathway to citizenship.
With remarkable unity, leaders in government, business, labor, and our faith communities have come together in support of comprehensive immigration reform that creates jobs, reduces our deficit, and grows our economy. The Senate has already passed bipartisan legislation. It is time for House Republican leaders to reaffirm our values and honor our history as a nation of immigrants. If Speaker Boehner brings this bill to the floor for a vote, we can pass comprehensive immigration reform and make it the law of the land.
Congresswoman Pelosi joins leaders of the Asian-American Pacific Islander community at the API Wellness Center in the Tenderloin to discuss comprehensive immigration reform.
Equality for our LGBT Community
This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the Senate's plan to vote on a fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In doing so, the Senate will take a long-overdue step on our path to make America's promise of equality a reality for our LGBT community.
In a country that depends on the strength of its workers, too many of our best and brightest find their voices silenced and their talents squandered by the prejudice of their employers. LGBT workers in 29 states are currently denied job opportunities, fired, or otherwise discriminated against simply because of who they are or who they love. By implementing much-needed protections against such discrimination and harassment, we can ensure that every American who works hard and plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and achieve the American dream.
The upcoming vote in the Senate marks a critical step forward for the LGBT community, for our economy, and for our country. I hope the House will follow suit to make sure that our most basic values of equality and opportunity are enshrined in the law of the land.
Fall Back
Don't forget, Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 2 a.m. By moving your clocks back one hour during the late winter months, you not only gain an hour of sleep but could potentially use less energy lighting your home by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours.