First swipes at new administration of the new year by our congressional delegations

Kilmer Statement on Reversal of Proposal to Gut Congressional Ethics Office
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after the majority withdrew a plan to approve a change to House Rules that would severely limit the ability of the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate allegations of corruption.
“Congress needs to get back on track,” said Kilmer. “It can’t do that without having transparency and accountability when it comes to ethics. More than ever, a strong Office of Congressional Ethics is needed to ensure that leaders abide by the highest standards. I’m glad this office will continue to operate independently. To restore the public’s faith in Congress it’s time for members to focus on offering solutions that give people hope that our future will remain bright.”
REF: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-statement-on-reversal-of-proposal-to-gut-congressional-ethics-office-


Senator Murray on GOP Plans to Dismantle Health Care System: Instead of Putting Politics Ahead of Families’ Health Care, Work to Make System Better
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and fellow Democrats to hold a press conference to discuss Republican attempts to dismantle Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the Affordable Care Act. The press conference was held following Senate and House Democrats’ meeting with President Barack Obama.
Senator Murray said that studies show Republican plans to dismantle the health care system will cause families to pay more for health care, and leave seniors vulnerable when they can least afford it. She urged Republicans to step back from the brink before it’s too late and agree to work across the aisle to make the health care system work better for all families.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0F54E5F8-6C7A-4820-89F9-31ED66F9ABA5

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