Pelosi Newsletter: Let's Get Real

Statement

Dear San Franciscan,

The message from the American people is loud and clear: we need solutions not stalemates. We must find a bold, balanced and fair agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff, promote growth and create jobs. At the negotiating table, we must not forget the conversation happening at kitchen tables across our country -- families are concerned about how to make ends meet, pay their bills, save for retirement and afford to send their kids to college. There is no better time than this holiday season for Congress to act -- now -- to pass a $2,000 tax cut for the average American family. Unfortunately, in my opinion, House Republicans continue to support policies that hold the middle class tax break hostage in order to prevent the wealthiest from paying their fair share. In response, I have called on my colleagues to sign a discharge petition to force action on this critical measure. Let's get real; there is no time to waste.

Over the past year, I have stood against the policies of extremism and obstructionism, fighting those who want to roll back the clock on progress for our nation and inject uncertainty into our economy. Wielding their House majority, House Republicans blocked President Obama's American Jobs Act, voted to end the Medicare guarantee and attempted to roll back protections on victims of domestic abuse. Despite their actions, my Democratic colleagues and I have fought for the middle class. Working alongside President Obama, we extended the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans, prevented a devastating increase in the student loan interest rate for 7 million students, and ensured that undocumented children and LGBT families can be recognized in the fabric of our society.

During the past twenty-five years, I have enjoyed no greater privilege than to represent our city in the halls of Congress. In the new year, I look forward to working on comprehensive immigration reform that protects our families and provides a pathway to citizenship; strengthening our investments in innovative technology and STEM education; combating climate change and making energy independence a reality; ending discrimination by overturning the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), and achieving marriage equality. To stay informed of the latest news on these and other issues, please sign up to receive my electronic updates.

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