- December 2014
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12/02/14
The passage of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act Reauthorization of 2014 (NAHASDA) is a victory for our proud Native American brothers and sisters and for those committed to making America a more prosperous and equitable place to call home. I am proud of my Democratic and Republican colleagues for uniting behind our shared goal of strengthening Native American communities through tribal housing.
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- November 2014
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11/24/14
"The grief and frustration of the American people is justified and understandable, especially as we struggle to address the highly polarized relationship between law enforcement and young black men. The unnecessary loss of Michael Brown's young life should urge all Americans to recommit to reconciliation during this dark time. As we reflect on the grand jury's decision, let us move toward honoring the dignity and value of Michael's life. The Brown family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers."
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11/20/14
"As we move ahead, I look forward to working with President Obama and my congressional colleagues in pursing a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will finally fix this outdated system. Democrats are up to the task. I look to my Republican counterparts to set aside the rhetoric and join us."
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11/10/14
"I knew Polly not only as a colleague and mentor, but as a cherished friend. Polly, however powerful, perfected the ‘servant leader' model. She inspired me and other legislators across Wisconsin, demonstrating honest leadership through service. As an example, she prepared meals for bereaved families stricken by tragedy and provided her entire community for the annual free holiday feast. She was an example not only to those who wished to serve, but also to all who shared her eagerness to make a difference in their community."
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- October 2014
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10/31/14
"Every week this month, our office has posted resources, links, and stories about the struggle faced by those whose lives have been effected by this reprehensible practice. We've highlighted the complexities in our legal justice system, underscored the shocking statistics of intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community, and promoted the noble work of our local businesses in raising money for critical domestic violence education programs.
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10/23/14
"As you know, there have been several major changes in the past month regarding Wisconsin's voter ID law (Act 23). Many election officials and voters have expressed confusion about the state of the voter ID requirements, and we are extremely concerned that Wisconsinites may be unfairly denied the right to cast their ballots. We write this letter to request election monitors and any other resources the Department of Justice can provide to oversee the elections in Wisconsin, especially in light of calls for individuals to challenge eligible voters at the polls."
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10/15/14
"Understandably, many Americans have grown increasingly worried about the recent confirmed cases of Ebola within our country's borders. This response is certainly reasonable, and I share my constituent's concern, but it is important to ensure that our alarm about this virus doesn't lead to unreasonable and dangerous actions."
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10/09/14
"This decision by the Supreme Court is one that should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of political affiliation. This is truly a victory for the good people of Wisconsin and our shared democratic ideals."
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10/06/14
"For the people of the great state of Wisconsin, our diversity is a source of strength. My constituents have stood by my side as we fought together against intolerance and discrimination. We have worked tirelessly to make Milwaukee a community of inclusion and respect for all. I am proud of our collective efforts and even more proud to report that Milwaukee clerks will soon begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples."
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10/01/14
"From a lack of access to dependable transportation and matters of convenience to those with serious physical limitations, voters who choose to vote absentee, often do this for a number of different reasons. As a result, we know it will be more difficult, and in some cases impossible, for many of these absentee voters to come into compliance with the requirements of Act 23. That is why I am skeptical of the GAB's current plan to write letters to the 11,000 voters who have already been issued absentee ballots to request that they provide photocopied photo identification with their returned absentee ballot."
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- September 2014
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09/30/14
"Drug testing as a condition of eligibility for critical, life-saving social services is a gross insult to Wisconsin's struggling families," Rep. Moore said. "The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Governor Walker needs to focus less on finding ways to discriminate against Wisconsin's most vulnerable and focus more on fixing his failed policies that contributed to our state's current economic trouble."
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09/25/14
"The resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder is a great loss for our country. As one of the Obama Administration's leading progressive voices, Attorney General Holder led the charge in support of same-sex marriage, protecting our voting rights, and addressing the inequities in our criminal justice system. As the first African-American to serve as Attorney General, his honorable legacy of justice is nothing less than historic."
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09/17/14
"My constituents have been crystal clear in their staunch opposition to arming ‘moderate' factions in Syria. Despite my support for the Administration's targeted operations against ISIL forces to date, I cannot support a plan that fails to include strong diplomatic, political, and economic components. I fear the consequences of pursuing such a plan that rejects these critical elements will have lasting consequences for America and her interests for years to come."
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09/16/14
"Enforcing Act 23 for the November election will also cause widespread confusion for voters and election officials. Until the Seventh Circuit decision last Friday, it is my understanding that election officials were operating under the assumption that no voter ID law would be in place. For example, it has been reported that over 11,000 absentee ballots have already been mailed without voter ID instructions. Further, it would be a tremendous burden on the state to sufficiently train 1,852 municipal clerks and countless poll workers before the election."
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09/15/14
"I find it shameful that Governor Walker has chosen to drug test our struggling Wisconsin families as a condition of eligibility for vital, life-saving social services. The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Drug addition and subsistence abuse knows no economic or social distinctions. This discriminatory policy is devoid of any scientific credibility and has proven in the past to be fiscally irresponsible and a colossal waste of our time."
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09/12/14
"This decision is a grave injustice for those who lack the necessary photo identification that this law requires. Creating unnecessary barriers at the polls, barriers that would significantly impact low-income, elderly, and racial and ethnic minority voters, is a blatant violation of the basic principles of American democracy."
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09/11/14
"There is certainly a need for an escalated military response against this mounting threat but such a response requires congressional oversight. As we move forward, it is vital that the Administration continue to build strong congressional support in confronting ISIL in the region."
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- July 2014
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07/25/14
"We have a humanitarian obligation to protect vulnerable children fleeing from extreme violence and escaping the horrific situations they are faced with back home."
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07/24/14
"I urge my Wisconsin colleague to continue the dialogue on the most effective ways to eradicate poverty. However, if we are going to have a real impact in the lives of our constituents, we need to change the conversation. Our poverty programs are not broken. They should be strengthened, not diminished."
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07/18/14
"We thank you for your commitment to preserving the right to vote for all Americans, and we ask that you use every tool at your disposal to help us protect the rights of our constituents in Wisconsin."
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07/11/14
"Gun violence is a plague that steals the lives of far too many in our community. Each time we lose a life, our hearts break and the violence continues. We must all work together, on the local, state and federal levels, to thwart these crimes."
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07/09/14
"Today this ‘Do-Nothing Congress' has done something to bring jobs to the people we represent. In a rare bipartisan moment, we chose to create significant changes to the way we connect our constituents to the skills they need to thrive."
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07/02/14
"We cannot allow the Supreme Court of the United States, congressional gridlock or state legislatures to undo what our civil rights leaders have built. Congress must come together and pass a strengthened Voting Rights Act."
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- June 2014
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06/30/14
"The extremely personal and private decision to take birth control should remain just that – personal and private. I urge my colleagues to stand on the right side of history and fight for access to women's health care."
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06/26/14
"The failure of House Republicans to effectively address our immigration needs is not only hurting our economy, it's unnecessarily injecting fear in our immigrant communities."
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06/26/14
"This month and always, I urge everyone in my district and across our nation to fully recognize and appreciate that our differences, including whom we love, do not weaken our nation; they strengthen it."
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06/25/14
"Contrary to Republican rhetoric, the Ex-Im Bank is not ‘crony capitalism.' It's a proven jobs engine. Allowing the Ex-Im Bank to close in September will inflict unnecessary harm to our economy, our communities and American businesses, large and small."
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06/25/14
"It has been one year since the Supreme Court opened the door for states to disenfranchise and discriminate against voters. This ruling, and the reluctance of Congress to strengthen the Voting Rights Act, pushed us miles backwards in our ongoing struggle towards equality. Let us come together to reauthorize the VRA."
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06/19/14
"On June 19, 149 years ago, enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas learned that, by law, they could no longer be sold or forced to work, as the property of slave owners. This day was a profound moment in American history."
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06/19/14
"I look forward to her continued service and emboldening our fight against hatred, injustice and intolerance."
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06/16/14
"To date, same-sex couples across Wisconsin have received marriage licenses, and officials in counties throughout the state continue to issue licenses to eligible couples. These loving couples have valid marriage licenses and should receive the same federal recognition that all other married Wisconsin couples currently do."
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06/06/14
"Today I join my lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friends in Wisconsin and across the nation as we celebrate a profound victory towards giving the LGBT community the fairness they have long deserved."
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- May 2014
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05/28/14
"Today my colleagues and I sent a strong message that people accessing our courthouses should be safe from profiling, fear, and intimidation."
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05/26/14
"Today, tomorrow and always, we must support our military families, honor our fallen soldiers and fight for the veterans who bravely fought for us."
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05/23/14
"I'm proud to celebrate the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to improve Wisconsin, our country and the world."
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05/22/14
"I am so proud that the third largest Hmong population in the nation calls Wisconsin home. Each day, Wisconsinites and those across our country benefit from the many contributions the Hmong community and larger AAPI community have made to enrich our way of life."
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05/17/14
"Today, not only functions as a reflection on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, but let it also serve as a call to action. Let us come together to improve our nation by increasing educational opportunities for our kids."
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05/05/14
"This Cinco de Mayo, let us truly embrace the rich heritage of the Mexican people and of all Hispanics across our nation by passing comprehensive immigration reform."
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- April 2014
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04/16/14
"While it is critical that underperforming regional offices are brought up to par, it is also important for the Department to be forward-thinking by building on the successes of those high performing offices that have been selected to broker in additional claims."
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04/10/14
"It's another disappointing day in Congress. My colleagues have, yet again, chosen to protect special interests in lieu of middle class working Americans and our vulnerable populations."
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04/09/14
"Unlike the Republican budget, the CBC budget seeks to help working families and struggling Americans by reducing poverty and income inequality."
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04/08/14
"TRIO represents a sound investment in our entire nation."
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04/07/14
"I am so pleased that the Senate has decided to extend a hand to struggling Americans. Now, it's our turn."
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04/02/14
"As in the past, this budget strikes fear in the hearts of our vulnerable populations."
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- March 2014
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03/23/14
"Many times, our ability to achieve our goals begins with our health."
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03/07/14
"This International Women's Day, I urge my colleagues to pass legislation that keeps families together, boosts our economy and improves the well-being of aspiring Americans."
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03/04/14
"I join President Obama in his commitment to expanding opportunity to all Americans. I urge Rep. Ryan to join the president, and my Democratic colleagues, as we work to loosen poverty's grasp."
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- February 2014
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02/27/14
"I am very disappointed that my Republican colleagues chose to overpower the voice of Main Street with the voice of Wall Street."
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02/19/14
"From the transcendent writing of Zora Neale Hurston, to the illuminating invention of Lewis Latimer, to local Wisconsin leaders like Vel Phillips and Reuben K. Harpole, Jr., African Americans have worked to improve the Milwaukee community and the nation at large."
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02/11/14
"Today the House decided to choose a new direction. I urge more of my colleagues across the aisle to join Democrats in moving our nation forward."
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02/06/14
"The bottom line is that the Export-Import Bank supports American jobs."
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02/05/14
"I hope those in Milwaukee, and our brothers and sisters across America, will join me to build awareness around this scourge inflicting our communities."
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02/04/14
"By building on the values that we cherish as Americans, it is my hope that we can come together and help those women and children who are hidden in the shadows."
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- January 2014
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01/29/14
"You cannot remove $9 billion from SNAP without increasing hunger in our communities. That's the bottom line."
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01/28/14
"It is my hope that President Obama and Congress are able to work together to positively address our most pressing issues."
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01/28/14
"House Republicans oppose government ‘interfering' in our private lives except, of course, when it comes to women's health."
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01/20/14
"I challenge us all to take peaceful action to thwart the crime inflicting our communities. In everything we do, let us recommit ourselves to realizing Dr. King's dream."
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01/15/14
"Our government cannot continue to operate from one manufactured crisis to the next. Although the omnibus does not restore pre-sequester funding for every program, it offers significant relief to many of our domestic investments that were compromised when the across-the-board spending cuts went into effect."
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