Press Releases

-I am extremely concerned and disappointed by the Egyptian government's raids against several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Freedom House, the National Democratic Institute, and the International Republican Institute, among others. The timing and manner of these actions appear aimed at suppressing the development of independent voices and democratic institutions. I… Read more »

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chairmen Call for Immediate and Unconditional Release of Gao Zhisheng Following news reports that Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng was returned to prison, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chairmen Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) and James P. McGovern (D-MA) today called for his immediate and unconditional release. Gao, a tireless advocate… Read more »

Last night, the Rules Committee - at the direction of the Republican leadership - voted out a martial law rule that will deny the House of Representatives an up-or-down vote on the bipartisan Senate compromise. No vote! We're only days away from seeing 160 million hard working, middle-income Americans see their taxes increase - and there's no vote. We're on the verge of allowing… Read more »

END THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN NOW M. Speaker, on Saturday, the New York Times reported that our ambassador in Afghanistan, Ryan C. Crocker, told a group of journalists that U.S. troops could stay in Afghanistan long past the president's 2014 deadline if the Afghan government asked us to stay. The very next day, the New York Times reported Afghan President Hamid Karzai blaming… Read more »

M. Speaker, let me begin by thanking Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks for their tireless work on this bill. I'm pleased that we are finally going to finish the appropriations process for the year. I especially want to thank the White House, Senator Reid and other key Senate and House negotiators for removing the House Cuba provision from the final conference report. Not only… Read more »

Statement of U.S. Representative James P. McGovern Rule for consideration of H.R. 3630 December 13, 2011 I thank the distinguished Chairman of the Rules Committee, Mr. Dreier, for yielding me the customary 30 minutes. I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in opposition to this closed rule and to the… Read more »

"Once again, our community is given a tragic reminder of the risks our firefighters take each and every day. Once again, we grieve. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen hero, Jon Davies. We hope for the full recovery of Brian Carroll. We will come together - stand together as one - to give them the prayers and support they need." Read more »

"The ongoing war in Afghanistan...threatens to stretch our commitment into another decade. In August you announced the gradual removal of the "surge" troops, and yet over 70,000 troops will remain in Afghanistan at this time next year. This is unsustainable and counterproductive. There is unanimous agreement that the future of Afghanistan depends on Afghans and their… Read more »

I rise in opposition to this rule and in opposition to the three bills that would be made in order by this rule. Regulatory uncertainty is a canard invented by Republicans that allows them to use current economic problems to pursue an agenda supported by the business community year in and year out. In other words, it is a simple case of political opportunism, not a serious effort… Read more »

Senate and House Hunger Caucus co-chairs are encouraging their colleagues to dedicate one hour during the holiday season to raise awareness and recognize efforts underway in their states to combat hunger. The Hour for Hunger initiative seeks to remind mem Read more »