Pelosi Remarks at Press Availability Before Democratic Caucus Meeting Tonight

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer held a brief press availability this evening before a Democratic Caucus meeting. Below are the Speaker's opening remarks.

"Good afternoon. It's very exciting to be back in the nation's capital. We're about to join our House Democratic Caucus to talk about how we continue to move America forward. I'm very proud of the work of our Caucus — they had over 2,100 events to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Social Security, to honor our veterans and our men and women in uniform who still serve. I had the privilege of speaking at the American Legion Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. So it was about our veterans and how we honor their service and build a future worthy of their sacrifice by creating good jobs for when they come home.

"It's about three things, about making a distinction between Democrats and Republicans. We're for preserving Social Security, tax cuts for the middle-class, and 'Making it in America.' I salute our distinguished Majority Leader for his leadership. 'Make it in America'— not only to manufacture it in America but also to enable Americans to make it in America. Preserve Social Security, tax cuts for the middle class, 'Make it in America'— as contrasted with the Republicans who want to privatize Social Security, tax cuts for the wealthy, and send jobs overseas.

"Again, our Members participated in more than 2,100 events to drive these points home. We come back here eager to receive from the Senate the small business legislation which was part of our 'Make it in America' theme over the break and hope that that will pass in the Senate soon so that we can take it up in the House of Representatives as one of the first important pieces of legislation as we go forward.

"While we were gone, of course, our country observed the 9/11 anniversary. Tomorrow, on the steps of the Capitol, we will have a bicameral, bipartisan commemoration of that as well. As we do that, we remember that our first responsibility to the American people is to keep them safe. We take that oath when we pledge to protect and defend the constitution and the American people. And so tomorrow, we will come together, as they say in a bipartisan way, to renew that commitment.

"With that, I am pleased to yield to our distinguished Majority Leader, Mr. Hoyer."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House