House Call from the house to your house
House Call from the house to your house
The Politicization of the Social Security Administration
Once again, the Bush Administration has demonstrated that it will stop at nothing to push its partisan political agenda. According to a report by the House Government Reform Committee, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has engaged in a political communications strategy to undermine public confidence in Social Security. The report found that the SSA has made significant and systematic changes in its publications, press releases, Web site content and annual statements to echo the Administration's message of alarm over the future of Social Security. Over the past year, multiple investigations have revealed that federal agencies have employed secret publicity campaigns to promote the Administration's priorities
Read the report from the House Government Reform Committee
President Bush Makes Troubling Comment on Iran
In a press conference at the European Union headquarters last week, President Bush said, "This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table." Although the President has committed to diplomatic efforts with Iran, he has been reluctant to join Britain, France and Germany in their ongoing talks to restrain Iran's nuclear program. Over the past four years, the President's actions have isolated our country, diminished our reputation in the world, and increased the dangers faced by our troops in Iraq. As the President makes critical strategic decisions on halting Iran's nuclear ambitions, our European allies will be watching closely to see if the United States continues an isolationist path or engages with the international community.
Republicans Sabotage Job Training Bill
This week, the Republican-led House sabotaged the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - the nation's primary vehicle for helping workers find new jobs and learn new skills. Instead of helping the country's 7.7 million unemployed Americans, Republicans undermined the WIA and its goal of training and educating workers to succeed in our modern economy. The Republican bill eliminates the Employment Service program, which matches employers and job seekers, forces separate parts of the WIA to compete for funding by rolling them into a single underfunded block grant, and provides meager vouchers to partially pay for job training that is currently free under today's system. Republicans even eliminated longstanding civil rights protections, allowing federally-funded job training programs to discriminate on the basis of religion. These changes are not only immoral, they damage our economy and leave millions of able and eager Americans without the job training they need.
Read a personal account of how the Workforce Investment Act helps
Democrats Support Job Training
Audit Faults the Department of Homeland Security for Flaws in Port Security Funding
"The majority of projects have not been completed, and the program has not yet achieved its intended results in the form of actual improvements to port security."
- Review of the Port Security Grant Program, Department of Homeland Security
A recent audit by the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General found that the Department has spent only 21 percent of the $515 million allocated for port security and has spent millions on projects that have produced unnecessary and redundant security systems. These misplaced priorities leave the country's most vulnerable ports dangerously underfunded. More than 80 percent of trade moves through 10 American ports, yet many of these ports lack the funding to secure their facilities and to screen cargo. Without proper screening, a cargo container containing a biological or chemical weapon can slip within our borders and put the American people at risk. It is critical that the Administration's national security strategy reflect this serious threat and respond with a port security grant program that has the resources and the focus to deal with the threat effectively.
Learn more about what House Democrats are doing to protect our ports
Celebrating Women's History Month
In March, we celebrate Women's History Month. We remember those who have contributed to our progress and honor those who continue to strengthen our communities. American women have made extraordinary contributions to our nation's culture, history, and politics. But many women still face challenges that the Republican agenda fails to address. From slashing funding for health care and community development programs to eliminating education initiatives, the Bush Administration's budget is an assault on the values and policies that are critical to American women. Women must and will be equal partners in determining the future, but we cannot do that unless we make our voices heard. As we celebrate the achievements of women throughout history, we rededicate ourselves to making progress of our own.
Visit Leader Pelosi's Women's History Month web site
Honoring Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson
This week, baseball legend Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest expression of national appreciation bestowed by the United States Congress. An African American baseball player during segregation and widespread prejudice, Robinson broke through the major league sports' color barrier in 1947, laying the groundwork for further integration and becoming a symbol of inspiration for millions. He met injustice with dignity and determination, and excelled far beyond the obstacles placed before him. He became the National League MVP in 1949, helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win six National League pennants, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Pelosi Honors Jackie Robinson at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony