Rep. Angie Craig Votes to Pass Historic Drug Pricing Bill
Source: Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd)
December 30, 2019
“Working families cannot wait for action on the outrageous cost of prescription drugs,” said Rep. Craig. “I cosponsored this historic piece of legislation to put common-sense solutions in place to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, invest in research for more effective treatments, and hold big drug companies accountable for profiting off the backs of Minnesota families. It is now the Senate’s turn to take up this essential piece of legislation.”
The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is estimated to save over $500 billion over ten years according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would:
Allow Medicare to negotiate prices for a minimum of 50 of the most expensive drugs and to extend the negotiated price to all health plans
Create a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors
Expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing for the first time, which would benefit over 100,000 people in Minnesota’s Second District alone
Invest in research for new innovation, cures and treatments
Crenshaw Statement on U.S. Strike Killing Qassem Soleimani
Source: Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
January 2, 2020
Tonight’s strike was historic and America is better off because of it. One of the world’s most pre-eminent sponsors of terrorism, Qassem Soleimani, is now dead. He spent more than 20 years spreading death and destruction across the region, to include engineering and providing IEDs to Shia militias in Iraq that were used to kill hundreds of Americans.
The Democrats are "up in arms" about the recent killing of a dangerous terrorist. Some of them claim that it was a "declaration of war" and that Trump acted without proper approval from Congress. Debate on whether or not Trump was declaring war is eminent, but the Democrats are concerned that this could inevitably lead to a decades long war.
The Democrats are right about Congress having the authority to declare war. (Read the Constitution.) But, Republicans and Trump supporters agree that this dangerous terrorist needed killing. AND, according to a resolution passed by Congress after 9-11-2001, Trump was well within his authority.
The Ponder wants to know: Who still supports Trump after this?
The Ponder supports the killing of the General. We support any war that may happen as a result. This war was eminent from the start. Without it, the U.S. has already surrendered to terrorists. And, when Congress refused to Act, WE THE PEOPLE elected a man who would.
Rep. Courtney Statement On US Air Strike In Iraq
Source: Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
January 3, 2020
“The unilateral decision by President Trump to strike down a bad actor such as Soleimani unfortunately does not close the book on the threat Iran poses to America. Not consulting with the American people, Congressional leadership and our allies before taking this escalatory action in a part of the world where we have been entangled for eighteen long years is the wrong way to isolate Iranian bad behavior and wind down our involvement in the Middle East.”
REP. COX ON KILLING OF IRANIAN GENERAL
Source: TJ Cox (D-CA, 21st)
January 3, 2020
"Last night’s airstrike was unprecedented with incalculable consequences that will play out over the coming days, weeks, and months. Given the immense gravity of this situation, Congress needs to hear from the Administration about the intelligence that led to this airstrike and how it fits into our broader strategy to counter Iran’s destabilizing presence in the region, consolidate our gains in Iraq, and combat violent extremism. Soleimani was a brutal killer responsible for the death of hundreds of Americans, but his death is not a substitute for thoughtful foreign policy. Without a full account of the facts on the ground, whether or not the Administration acted within its authority in carrying out this strike remains in question. However, this much is clear: the Administration cannot take any action that will bring us closer to a conflict with Iran without the consent of Congress. Right now, our top priority must be preventing further escalation and protecting the lives of American servicemembers and diplomats overseas."
Davids Statement on Killing of Qassem Soleimani
Source: Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
"Qassem Soleimani committed atrocious crimes against American troops and innocent people. But his killing will only serve to further destabilize an already dangerous region and put more American and civilian lives at risk. The American people deserve to know that this Administration has a strategy for how to deal with the aftermath of this major escalation.”
Rep. Davidson Praises Airstrike that Killed Iranian General
Source: Warren Davidson (R-OH, 8th)
January 3, 2020
General Soleimani should not have been in Iraq. He was behind the violent demonstrations against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and was planning further attacks on Americans.
Rep. Susan Davis Statement on Killing of Qasem Soleimani
Source: Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
January 3, 2020
“There is no doubt that Qasem Soleimani was responsible for countless deaths and violence, what is not clear is the Trump Administration’s justification and the strategy for the aftermath of this dangerous escalation. The administration needs to explain to the American people and to Congress, which was not consulted, about the ‘imminent attack’ and provide reassurance that it has the diplomatic capabilities to prevent this from spiraling into a major conflict with Iran.”
Cunningham Statement on the Death of Qassem Soleimani
Source: Joe Cunningham (D-SC, 1st)
January 3, 2020
"Last night’s airstrike was unprecedented with incalculable consequences that will play out over the coming days, weeks, and months. Given the immense gravity of this situation, Congress needs to hear from the Administration about the intelligence that led to this airstrike and how it fits into our broader strategy to counter Iran’s destabilizing presence in the region, consolidate our gains in Iraq, and combat violent extremism. Soleimani was a brutal killer responsible for the death of hundreds of Americans, but his death is not a substitute for thoughtful foreign policy. Without a full account of the facts on the ground, whether or not the Administration acted within its authority in carrying out this strike remains in question. However, this much is clear: the Administration cannot take any action that will bring us closer to a conflict with Iran without the consent of Congress. Right now, our top priority must be preventing further escalation and protecting the lives of American servicemembers and diplomats overseas."
STATEMENT FROM REP. PETER DEFAZIO ON U.S. KILLING OF IRANIAN GENERAL QASSIM SULEIMANI
Source: Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
January 3, 2020
If we are not careful, President Trump’s impulsive recklessness will lead the United States into yet another endless war in the Middle East. Our founders ensured that the Constitution grants Congress—not the executive branch—the power to declare war, specifically to act as a check on presidential war-mongering.
DeGette Statement on U.S. Airstrike in Iraq
Source: Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
January 3, 2020
“I’m deeply concerned by the escalation of violence with Iran that occurred overnight. Congress has the sole constitutional authority to declare war. And while Iran continues to pose a serious threat to our nation’s security, and our interests abroad, no one wants to see America drawn back into a decades-long war in the Middle East.
DeLauro Statement on United States Airstrikes Killing Iranian Military Leaders
Source: Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“The actions authorized by President Trump may have accomplished their tactical objective, but I am deeply concerned by the ripple effects this attack may have by destabilizing the region. The use of lethal force by the United States in the international arena must always be carefully considered—taking into account the potential backlash and harm that may befall our servicemembers, our diplomats, our national security interests, and our allies. In a volatile region where we have seen our embassy attacked in the last week, and where we have deployed additional troops to support our personnel, every action must be carefully considered to ensure that we avoid bringing the United States into another deadly, protracted armed conflict.”
Delgado Statement on the Airstrike that Killed the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp Commander General Qassem Soleimani
Source: Antonio Delgado (D-NY, 19th)
January 3, 2020
“Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of American servicemembers and innocent civilians throughout the Middle East—he met the fate he deserved. That said, last night the Administration took an enormous and escalatory step in a volatile area of the world without clear coordination with our allies, Congress, or stakeholders in the region, and with no explanation for how it will manage the inevitable repercussions. Moving forward, I have serious questions about how the Administration plans to keep our men and women in uniform and diplomats serving across the region safe, and avoid the march to another costly war in the Middle East. Congress should be briefed immediately on the situation, including the Administration’s legal justification for the strike, and concrete plans going forward.”
Dingell Statement on the Airstrike that Killed the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp Commander General Qasem Soleimani
Source: Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)
January 3, 2020
“Qasem Soleimani was an evil man responsible for the death of thousands of innocent people. However, I deeply fear the consequences of this action, which was made without consulting Congress, or our allies and partners in the region. Congress must be briefed on the Administration’s strategy, and we must be prepared for an almost certain escalation of activities and conflict in the Mideast, as well as the safety of Americans throughout the world.
Doggett Reacts to Trump Assassination Order
Source: Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)
January 3, 2020
“While Soleimani was undoubtedly evil, our foreign policy must focus on protecting Americans. Trump, who claims to know more than our generals, the intelligence community, and our foreign service officers, now risks endless escalation from an aggressive and malicious adversary. Through many years of disastrous conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan—so costly in both blood and dollars, we surely know wars are easier to get into than to get out of. To avoid war, both Presidents Bush and Obama rejected assassination of this detested figure, which may well violate President Ronald Reagan’s anti-assassination Executive Order. At the very time when more Iraqis have been protesting Iranian influence, Trump’s actions strengthen anti-American forces and Iranian zealots. His recklessness has little to do with protecting Americans and everything to do with protecting Trump, the Master of Distraction. To avoid the loss of even more lives through endless escalation, we must find a better path forward.”
Duncan Statement on Death of Terrorist Qassem Soleimani
Source: Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
January 3, 2020
“I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action to take out Qassem Soleimani, a brutal terrorist with the blood of countless Americans on his hands. This action shows Iranian attacks and aggression against Americans will not go unnoticed under President Trump’s leadership. Our military is the best of the best, and may God bless them for their efforts in making the world a safer place without murderous terrorists like Qassem Soleimani.”
Eshoo Statement on Airstrike in Iraq Against High-Level Iranian Military Officials
Source: Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)
January 3, 2020
“No Member of Congress carries a brief for Iran or Soleimani, however, this act is exactly why I wrote legislation in 2018, HR 2354 (and reintroduced in 2019), that specifically prohibits the use of any federal funds for military operations in or against Iran without Congressional approval. I did so based on the provocations of Iran by the President, and the dangers of escalation.”
REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON KILLING OF QASEM SOLEIMANI
Source: Adrianno Espaillat (D-NY, 13th)
January 3, 2020
“Soleimani was, without doubt, responsible for much violence and the deaths of Americans in the Middle East for many years,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “The Trump Administration has continuously shown a lack of preparedness or a coherent strategy regarding Iran and the entire Middle East. The various strikes conducted over the last week by the administration, culminating with the escalation in last night’s targeted killing of Qasem Soleimani, appear to be part of this ad hoc approach. My primary concern with the administration’s reckless escalation is for the safety of U.S. servicemembers, diplomats, personnel, and our allies in the region who are now at heightened risk of aggressive Iranian retaliation. The administration has claimed that the goal of this latest strike was to prevent future attacks by Iran, yet it is clear that this action may have the opposite effect.
Rep. Cuellar Continues to Fight for a Fair and Accurate Census
Source: Henry Cuellar (D-TX, 28th)
January 3, 2020
“Our founding fathers were committed to creating a government that represents of the people of this great and diverse nation,” said Congressman Cuellar. “With an accurate Census count, we can ensure that every American has the opportunity to send a representative to Congress that will fight for them in Washington. I will continue to ensure that we make the 2020 Census the best it can be so our communities receive their fair share of resources and representation.”
