From House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers:

Today, United States District Judge John Bates denied the Administration’s request for a stay of his July 31 ruling that no White House official is immune from Congressional subpoena. The effect of the denial of the stay is that Harriet Miers must appear and testify before the House Judiciary Committee regarding her role in the politicization of the Department of Justice, including the firing of U.S. Attorneys in 2006. The Judge’s July 31 order also requires the White House to produce unprivileged documents on this subject and a reasonable description of any documents being withheld on grounds of Executive Privilege. In denying the stay, the Court observed: “Simply calling an issue important . . . does not transform the Executive’s weak arguments into a likelihood of success” on their appeal. (Memorandum Opinion at 4.)

Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) released the following statement regarding the court’s decision:

Today’s ruling clearly rejects the White House’s efforts to run out the clock on the Committee’s investigation of DOJ politicization this Congress. I am heartened that Judge Bates recognized that the public interest in this matter is best served by the furtherance of the Committee’s investigation,” Conyers said. “The Committee intends to promptly schedule a hearing with Ms. Miers and stands ready as always to consider any reasonable offer of accommodation with the White House.

Today, the Census Bureau released a report on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage. Despite a small increase in 2007, real median household income is still below that of 2000, and the number of people living in poverty grew to 37.3 million last year, up from 36.5 million last year. Other findings include:

The number of Americans living in poverty grew to 37.3 million (12.5 percent) in 2007, up from 36.5 million in 2006, and despite improvements over the past three years, real median American household income is still below that of 2000.

The number of Americans without health insurance totals 45.7 million — even though the percentage of Americans without health insurance did fall from 15.8% in 2006 to 15.3% in 2007. That improvement is only due to the government health care programs of Medicare and Medicaid, which Democrats created and have always championed and which Republicans continue to try to slash. Indeed, employer-provided health insurance and other private health insurance continued to erode in 2007.

Today’s economic news from the Census covers 2006-2007 and does not take into account the consequences of the economic downturn that began late last year. Since January, the number of American jobs has dropped by 463,000 and the unemployment rate has climbed to 5.7 percent — the highest level in more than four years. Real earnings have decreased by 3.1 percent over the past 12 months.

Speaker Pelosi released the following statement on the report:

Today’s Census report confirms that the economic worries of American families are all too real and underscore the urgent need for a New Direction on the kitchen table issues facing American families.

Since George Bush became President, Americans are coping with rising costs of health care, energy, groceries and education. Since 2000, the real median income of non-elderly households has declined by nearly $2,200, nearly 6 million more families are living in poverty, and 7 million more Americans are without health care coverage. It is no wonder that families worry that the American Dream is no longer in reach – they are working harder, but are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet.

Americans cannot afford another four years of Bush economic policies that Senator John McCain is promising, which have resulted in an economy on the brink of recession that is leaving middle-class families behind.

The Chinese government is repeatedly breaking their commitments it made to the international community on freedom of the press and human rights. As the New York Times reported, “the police have detained people who sought permission to protest”, sentenced two women in their late 70s “to an extrajudicial term of ‘re-education through labor’ this week for applying to hold a legal protest in a designated area in Beijing”, and “arrested five Americans on Tuesday after they spelled out ‘Free Tibet’ with blue L.E.D. lights near the National Stadium.”

Speaker Pelosi:

Instead of living up to their commitments it made to be allowed to host the Olympic Games, the Chinese government is using the Olympics as a justification to crackdown on peaceful human rights activists, censor foreign and domestic journalists, and displace Chinese individuals and families who have no legal recourse to protest the seizure of their homes or their land.

From media reports, we are now learning that the Chinese government-designated ‘protest zones’ are a ruse for China to suppress dissent and imprison individuals who speak out against China’s policies.

For instance, Wang Xiuying and Wu Dianyuan, two women in their late 70s, have been sentenced to ‘re-education through labor,’ for applying to hold a legal protest over the seizure of their homes for redevelopment. ‘Re-education through labor’ is a brutal and arbitrary system of imprisonment where the recipient has no right to due process, counsel, or even a hearing.

Another individual, Ji Sizun, a self-described grassroots legal activist from Fujian Province, also applied for a permit for a legal protest. He was arrested on August 11 for asking for a permit.

Despite numerous requests, Chinese authorities have failed to grant any permits for legal protests in their designated protest zones.

Sadly, imprisoning individuals who dare to exercise their human rights is common practice in China. The international community must shine the spotlight on the ordinary indignities and lack of legal and human rights protections that Chinese citizens face every day.

World leaders attending the Olympic Games should use this opportunity to press China’s leaders to live up to the commitments made before being awarded the Olympic Games. I call on the Chinese government to respect the freedom of its own citizens both during the remaining few days of the Olympic Games and after they have concluded.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC Poll released today shows the American people want a comprehensive energy policy that encourages investment in clean, renewable energy and increases our domestic supply. The Republican “Drill Only” approach is insufficient.

In fact, nearly two and half times as many people said more emphasis should be put on developing alternative energy sources (61 percent) than on exploring and drilling for more in the United States (25 percent).

Other Results from the Poll:

72 percent: developing alternative energy sources, such as solar energy and wind energy, will accomplish a great deal;
Only 3 percent describe this as the “wrong direction.”

64 percent: requiring cars be built to be more fuel efficient will accomplish a great deal;
Only 5 percent describe this as the “wrong direction.”

Less than half – 44 percent: expanding areas for drilling off the coast of the United States will accomplish a great deal;
27 percent describe this as the “wrong direction.”

Even fewer – 38 percent: opening environmentally protected areas in Alaska for oil and gas exploration will accomplish a great deal;
A nearly equal number, 33 percent, believe this would take America in the “wrong direction.”

The New Direction Congress supports an energy policy which includes a responsible domestic drilling program that ends royalty holidays for oil and gas companies that deprive taxpayers of revenue they deserve, ends subsidies for profit-rich oil companies, and requires Big Oil to drill the oil leases they already own.

A comprehensive strategy includes:

Requiring Big Oil to pay the billions of dollars they owe in royalties to invest in clean energy resources;

Creating a federal Renewable Electricity Standard;

Increasing the use of natural gas – and energy source which is abundant, clean, and cheap;

Reducing the price at the pump within 10 days, by releasing a small portion of the oil from the 700 million barrel national stockpile;

Expanding drilling in the Alaska oil reserve already designated for drilling;

Assessing our drilling options in the Outer Continental Shelf, with appropriate safeguards, and without taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil;

Cutting mass transit costs for commuters;

Combating undue and excessive speculation that plays a role in driving up the cost of oil.

The GOP energy plan: “None of the Above”

The New Direction Congress led by Democrats has offered real solutions to bring down energy costs, promote renewable fuels and energy efficiency, and promote oil production right here in America.

But Republican Leaders have voted NO each time:

	FREE OUR OIL	DRILL ACT	"USE IT OR LOSE IT"	PRICE GOUGING	RENEWABLE ENERGY	NOPEC PRICE FIXING	PUBLIC TRANSIT	ENERGY SECURITY
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO		NO
	NO	NO	NO		NO			NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO		NO	NO	NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO		NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO		NO	NO
	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO		NO
	HR 6578	HR 6515	HR 6251	HR 6346	HR 6049	HR 6074	HR 6052	HR 6

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

Today we mourn the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, even as we fondly recall her life and accomplishments. Her passing comes as a shock, but we can take solace in her fulfilling life of service to the people of Ohio and of our nation.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones distinguished herself as a judge, a prosecutor, and one of Cleveland’s African-American leaders. For nearly ten years, I’ve been proud to serve beside her in the House of Representatives. She was a respected Member of Congress who represented her constituents with passion and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

The Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones released the following statement:

Washington, D.C. - It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, beloved mother to Mervyn Jones II, sister to Barbara L. Walker, dear colleague, loyal servant and friend to all. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones passed after being admitted to Huron Hospital having suffered an aneurysm while driving her car in Cleveland Heights, Ohio on Tuesday evening. She was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. today. The official cause of death was an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Her death followed a full day of activities, including planning for an upcoming forum on electoral reform and other administrative duties yesterday. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was scheduled to travel to Denver on August 24, 2008 to attend the Democratic National Convention as a superdelegate.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is the first African-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. Congresswoman Jones is a lifelong resident of the 11th District, which encompasses most of the East Side of Cleveland and parts of the West Side of Cleveland and includes parts of 22 suburbs.

Currently in her fifth term in office, the Congresswoman was a strong advocate for many issues, and championed wealth building and economic development, access and delivery of health care, and quality education for all. The Congresswoman was the first African-American woman to chair the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics) and the first African-American woman to serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. She was an active member of numerous Congressional Caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has made a number of historic achievements in her distinguished career as a public servant. Prior to her election to the House, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones served as the first African-American and the first female Cuyahoga County, Ohio Prosecutor. She was the first African-American woman to sit on the Common Pleas bench in the State of Ohio and was a Municipal Court Judge in the City of Cleveland.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has received numerous honors throughout her lifetime including the National Bible Association Capitol Hill Distinguished Leadership Award, Human Rights Campaign of Cleveland Equality Award, Backbone Campaign’s Backbone Award, and the Carib News Multi-National Business Conference Marcus Garvey Award.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is a graduate of Cleveland Public Schools. She received her undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University, graduating with a degree in Social Work from the Flora Stone Mather College in 1971. She received her Juris Doctorate form Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1974. Additionally, she has received honorary doctorates from David N. Myers University, Notre Dame College, Central State University and Cleveland State University.

An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, she served on their national Social Action Committee. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio and was a member of their Board of Trustees.

Her husband of 27 years Mervyn L. Jones, Sr. preceded her in death.

The Family and the 11th Congressional District Office wishes to thank friends, constituents, and colleagues for their expressions of sympathy and asks that the community allow the family privacy at this time. Thanks are also extended to the Cleveland Heights Police Department and Emergency Medical Services, Huron Road Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Gus Kious, Chief of Staff at Huron Road Hospital. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel issued the following statement on the passing of Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

Today, we all mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was a strong, principled leader and an outstanding Congresswoman whose commitment to her ideals and the people of Ohio’s 11th Congressional never waivered. As Chairwoman of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, she truly was the conscience of the Congress and I was honored to serve with her on the Ways and Means Committee.

I’m lucky enough to say that Stephanie was more than a colleague – she was a friend. Her son Merv was a student in my mother-in-law’s fifth grade classroom and I was honored when she invited me to visit her home state and meet with Ohio Democrats. I’m grateful that I will have the memory of her boundless spirit and energy and my thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family during this difficult time.

On behalf of all Members of Congress, I express my deepest condolences on the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, to all who loved her, particularly her son, Mervyn Leroy Jones, II, and her sister, Barbara Walker.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a tremendously vibrant presence in the halls of Congress. She believed in all the best things about our nation, and was a tireless force for justice, equality, and opportunity. As a leader in election reform, she fought on behalf of voting rights to ensure that every American voter can vote. She loved her hometown of Cleveland, and she believed that serving her constituents was the best job in the world.

As Chair of the House Ethics Committee, Stephanie Tubbs Jones ably and conscientiously enforced the rules of the House in an even-handed and non-partisan fashion. She was also a highly effective legislator, passing bills to invest in the health of the American people, and protect children from abuse and neglect.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones broke barriers her entire professional career: she was the first African-American and the first female prosecutor in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. She was the first African-American woman to sit on the Common Pleas bench in the Ohio. As the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress from Ohio, and the first African-American woman to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Stephanie Tubbs Jones always worked to ensure that the House of Representatives reflected the diversity of the American people.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was always full of enthusiasm for the work of the Congress and for life in general. In our sadness at her sudden passing, we remember that she seized every opportunity and enjoyed every moment that she was given. I hope it is a comfort to Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones’s family and friends that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today commented on the passing of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

I was stunned by the news today of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. There is a great gap where she stood on behalf of affordable health care, women’s issues, access to quality education and fairness in voting.

Whether you were a presidential candidate, a colleague debating on the floor or a friend passing time, you wanted her on your team for her quick legal mind, tenacious debating skills, her infectious humor and that thousand watt smile. My heart is heavy. She was larger than life and we will all greatly miss the Gentlewoman from Cleveland. My prayers are with her family, friends and staff.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered the Democratic Radio Address this morning. In her address, she discusses energy legislation the New Direction Congress has brought forward to combat rising energy and gas prices and to invest in renewable resources.

Author: NancyPelosi
Keywords: Speaker Pelosi Congress Democrats Radio Address Energy Independence
Added: August 16, 2008