Pelosi Sends Letter to Speaker Ryan Urging House Votes on Bipartisan Priorities of the American People

Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to schedule votes on bipartisan legislation that speaks to the needs of the American people, including legislation to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs, to rebuild our infrastructure and create millions of good-paying jobs, to protect the Dreamers and to enact commonsense solutions to the epidemic of gun violence.

"Rather than putting forth solutions that the American people desperately need, the Republican Congress is adding insult to injury by considering scheduling votes that are solely political and not designed to address the needs of the American people," Pelosi continued. "I am writing to urge that we work together to pass this strong, smart legislation that makes a difference in the lives of hard-working American families."

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Full text of the letter can be found below:

July 16, 2018

The Honorable Paul Ryan

Speaker of the House

H-232, United States Capitol

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

This entire 115th Congress, the Republican Majority has refused to allow the House to vote on legislation addressing the urgent bipartisan priorities of the American people – including cracking down on soaring prescription drug costs, rebuilding America's infrastructure, protecting the Dreamers and addressing the epidemic of gun violence in our communities.

Now, the conscience of our country is challenged by the separation of families. Congress needs to act to end the policy that led to these separations, ensure these families are reunited immediately and present alternatives to family detention.

Rather than putting forth solutions that the American people desperately need, the Republican Congress is adding insult to injury by considering scheduling votes that are solely political and not designed to address the needs of the American people. Instead, I urge you to finally take up legislation that would pass with an overwhelming bipartisan margin:

• Strong action to stop Big Pharma's outrageous price hikes and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices;

• A real, bold infrastructure plan to rebuild America and create millions of good-paying American jobs;

• Legislation to provide a bipartisan solution for our courageous, patriotic Dreamers;

• Commonsense steps to address gun violence.

I am writing to urge that we work together to pass this strong, smart legislation that makes a difference in the lives of hard-working American families.

Thank you for your consideration.

best regards,

NANCY PELOSI

Democratic Leader