Today, my Democratic colleagues and I re-launched the Make It In America initiative for the 112th Congress, and I wanted to share with you why I believe investments in manufacturing can help us sustain an economic recovery. America’s economy became a world leader in large part due to our manufacturing sector, and increased manufacturing leads to well-paying jobs and a strong middle class. But, over the last decade, America lost nearly one-third of its manufacturing jobs. That is why I am helping...
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Today, the new House Republican majority brought their budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012 to the House floor for a vote. While I share in the belief that we need to reduce our nation’s deficit, I sharply disagree with their proposal for doing so. Their plan would hurt America’s seniors by targeting Medicare and Medicaid, hurt our students by cutting investments in education, and hurt our economy by eliminating investments in clean energy sources that will help us compete with countries like Ch...
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Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am a member, considered a series of Republican health care bills – all of which are intended to chip away at investments in health care and patient protections created by the Affordable Care Act. To fight back against these measures, I submitted three different amendments intended to assist women, children, and seniors, as well as to protect investments in primary care that benefit all Americans:The first bill up for consideration, H...
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This week marks the one year anniversary of the enactment of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), historic legislation which makes the largest expansion of college aid in American history. I would like to take a moment to celebrate this accomplishment, and to talk about some of the important provisions contained in this law.We know that in order to stay competitive, we must invest in the education of our students. In California, over $75 million will be dedicated over a span of...
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Today, the Republican majority has brought H.R. 839, the HAMP Termination Act of 2011, to the House floor for a vote, which will take place in the next hour. This harmful legislation would end the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) that assists American homeowners with acquiring loan modifications so they may stay in their homes.HAMP was established by Congress in 2008 to help address the housing crisis in this country. Putting an end to this program now, while thousands in Sacramento a...
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Today, as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, I wanted to share a video I made with my Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force on Seniors, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Together, we explain how the health care law is benefitting America’s seniors.For instance, the health care law provides for a free yearly wellness visit under Medicare, beginning this year. And it provides preventive services, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and diabetes scr...
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As we approach the one year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I wanted to hear from you and learn more about how the enactment of this historic law has affected you, your family or friends.The health insurance reform law was a major step forward in providing affordable, quality care for all, and put important consumer protection provisions in place. For instance, if we become sick, insurance companies are no longer able to cancel our coverage. Additionally, they cannot put a lifetime limit...
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Today marks the launch of my new, improved online office. As your representative in Congress, nothing is more important than communicating with my constituents. It is my hope that this new website will lend itself to improved constituent service, more timely information, and a better representation of the issues important to us in Sacramento. I have also worked to incorporate social media throughout this website, so that it is easier for you to interact with me, and to share content that may int...
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Yesterday, I joined Sacramento Fire Department Chief Ray Jones and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Chief William Sponable to announce that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded their fire departments $11 million in competitive grants to hire additional area firefighters. Congresswoman Matsui hosts a press conference to announce the $11 million Federal grant for Sacramento City and Metro Fire Departments. Through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Gr...
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Last month, I asked you to take a survey on what should be the top five priorities for the 112th Congress. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation.Over 2,000 of you took the time to share your thoughts with me. After reviewing the results, one thing is clear: Congress’ top priority must be creating jobs and continuing to strengthen our economy. In fact, 81 percent of you put this in your top priorities, and 34 percent listed it as your number one priority. I hea...
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