Pelosi Remarks at Unveiling of House Democrats' 'Middle Class Jumpstart' Agenda
Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the steps of the Capitol today at the unveiling of House Democrats' new economic agenda: ‘Middle Class Jumpstart.' Below is a transcript of the Leader's remarks:
"Good morning, everyone. Thank you all for being here. Our ‘Middle Class Jumpstart' is a tribute to the middle class – the most productive workers in the world. Our ‘Middle Class Jumpstart' has policies that reflect the ‘Make It In America' – thank you, Mr. Hoyer – and building America. ‘A' and ‘B': American made; build it in America – infrastructure, small businesses.
"This is a tribute to American entrepreneurship, to the innovation that keeps America number one. It is a recognition that innovation begins in the classroom – enabled by Congressman John Tierney's Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, so that kids can have a shot at the American Dream and make their contribution to the American economy. And, as Mr. Crowley says, that education begins at the earliest time in a child's life: children learning, parents earning.
"But one of the best actions that we can take to increase and grow our economy is to increase the role of women in our economy.
[Applause]
"Our agenda for women and families is ‘When Women Succeed, America Succeeds.' This is not just the title of our agenda; this is a statement of absolute fact. And our agenda presents a stark contrast to what the Republicans have done to roll back women's rights and limit women's opportunities.
"You've heard our three categories: One – Make It In America. Two – Affordable Education to Keep America Number One. This is all about our country. And three – When Women Succeed, America Succeeds – when Republicans have refused to ensure equal pay for equal work, reduced access to affordable child care and voted against paid sick leave for men and women.
"When we unleash the full potential of women in our economy, we strengthen the middle class and empower families to thrive. And that's why we have legislation to make this happen, thanks to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro…
[Applause]
"…The chief sponsor of ‘When Women Succeed, America Succeeds,' and author of legislation, the Paycheck Fairness Act, ensuring equal pay for equal work. We've heard about the Miller-Harkin bill on raising the minimum wage. We saw what Mr. Van Hollen discussed, about giving America a raise if we're going to give the CEO a raise. Again, Rosa DeLauro's Healthy Families Act to guarantee paid sick leave for men and women, and of course – as Mr. Crowley discussed George Miller's bill to increase affordable childcare.
"This is important. Children learning, parents earning. It's about men and women; it's about families. House Republicans have voted to weaken domestic violence laws and threatened to shut down the government rather than fund Planned Parenthood. Democrats will strengthen the Violence Against Women Act and expand women's access to comprehensive women's health care planning.
"As we gather on the steps of the Capitol, as my colleagues have referenced, Republicans are inside wasting time and taxpayer money on partisan lawsuits against the President. Republicans are about process, Democrats are about progress. Republican process, Democratic progress.
[Applause]
"Thanks to our colleague from Kentucky, Mr. Yarmuth. Where are you, Mr. Yarmuth? Thank you, Mr. Yarmuth. He has kept us disciplined on a path of a ‘Middle Class Jumpstart' – instead of the stalling that the Republicans have done at every effort to increase jobs in our country – good-paying jobs in our country.
"Today, with this action plan, we reassert the truths of our history. And this is not just about better jobs, more employees; this is about entrepreneurship and our women, and our middle class initiatives for entrepreneurship to create more employers; to create small businesses. That entrepreneurship, that innovation, connected to education and opportunity by the ‘Make It In America' and the Build America, brings us all together.
"So, today with this action plan, we reassert the great truths of our country, of our history, and of our future.
"When the middle class succeeds,
House Democrats. America succeeds!
"When families succeed,
House Democrats. America succeeds!
"And when women succeed,
House Democrats. America succeeds!
"Thank you all. Now, I'm pleased to yield back to our distinguished chairman, Mr. Becerra."
# # #