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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps welcomed the start of the 110th Congress and with it the promise of a new direction for America. Capps was officially sworn in by newly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Following the official commencement of the opening session of Congress, the new Democratic leadership implemented its promise to change the way Congress does businesses by toughening the ethics rules governing the House. Congresswoman Capps cosponsored and voted for the legislation enacting these changes.
“This is a new day for our country,” said Capps. “I am very proud to be part of the 110th Congress that has made history by electing Nancy Pelosi as the first woman Speaker of the House. On November 7th voters on the Central and South Coasts, and across the country, sent a strong message that they were tired of business as usual in Washington and favored a new direction for America. We heard that message and with our first votes, this Democratically-led Congress enacted tough reforms to put our own House in order. In the coming hours, we will continue to enact meaningful change to benefit the American people and restore their confidence in Congress’ integrity and ability to govern.
“Today we passed legislation to ban lobbyist-provided gifts, meals and travel expenses. In the first 100 legislative hours we will implement changes in how the House operates to ensure more transparent and open government, and reform the “earmarking” process of federal funds. In addition, we will vote on legislation to raise the minimum wage, promote life-saving stem cell research, implement the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, repeal recently enacted subsidies to Big Oil and increase investment in renewable fuels, cut interest rates on student loans, and require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices.
“Beyond the first 100 hours, we are committed to pursuing legislation to promote real security overseas and at home, strengthen our economy, improve education for all our kids, pursue energy independence, make available affordable health care, and guarantee retirement security. In addition to these national priorities, there are several critical local issues that I will be working on in the next session of Congress. These include providing year round public access to Santa Rosa Island, protecting our coast from new offshore drilling, and fixing flaws in the Medicare program.
“Last, but certainly not least, I want to see an end to the war in Iraq and the removal of our troops from that conflict as soon as safely possible.”
Congresswoman Capps is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Budget Committee, and the Chair of the bipartisan Women’s Caucus and the Democratic Women’s Working Group.
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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.
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