Pelosi: House Democrats Will Continue Relentless Fight on Behalf of America's Middle Class, Working Families

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today:

“As always, Members of the House Democratic Caucus can be counted on to invigorate the debate with their ideas, strategic thinking and a commitment to putting the prosperity of the American people first. And the message that the Leadership heard from the Members yesterday during our Caucus conference call was clear: the most effective way to reduce the deficit is through job creation and getting Americans back to work.

“House Democrats are in their districts, traveling the country, and listening and engaging the American people about how to create jobs, strengthen the middle class and grow the economy. Sharing those ideas and the benefit of their thinking is vital to the success of the Joint Select Committee. Our entire Caucus respects and will closely with Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn, Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen and Caucus Vice Chairman Xavier Becerra toward the goal of creating jobs and reducing the deficit – while strengthening Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which are the priorities of the American people. The work of the Joint Committee will affect all Americans – for that reason I have called for its deliberations to be transparent and open.

“Our Caucus Members agree that wages should grow with productivity, that tax reform should reward small businesses and entrepreneurship, and that the timing of cuts should not harm economic growth.

“The work of the Congress cannot wait for deliberations of the committee. Congress should pass and send to the President the long-delayed highway and FAA bills, which generate hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Congress should also approve a national Infrastructure Bank to create jobs by rebuilding America.

“House Democrats will continue our relentless fight on behalf of America’s middle class and working families in our communities and in the capital. We look forward to reviewing President Obama’s upcoming jobs proposals. Clearly, Democrats have continued to focus on jobs, while Congressional Republicans have failed to offer any initiatives to grow our economy.”

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