In response to Hillary Clinton’s announcement that she will run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“I would like to welcome Hillary Clinton as the first official candidate for President of the United States to seek the Democratic Party’s nomination in 2016. As First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has been a forceful advocate for women, children, and families, and an effective ambassador on the global stage.

“While we expect a competitive primary for the Democratic nomination, one thing is for certain — next November, voters will face a choice between Democrats who will continue to build on the middle class economic success of President Obama, and Republican candidates who want to bring back the failed, trickle-down economics of the past. I look forward to the contributions that Secretary Clinton, and all of our eventual candidates, will bring to this debate between two very different visions for the country.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz · Hillary Clinton · Rep. Wasserman Schultz

Last week, I had the privilege of announcing that Philadelphia will host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The convention is our opportunity to present the clear contrast between the Democratic and Republican Parties. And there is no better place for Democrats to make our case in 2016 than Philadelphia. 

The yearlong selection process was a rigorous one, and I thank each city for its strong bid. Philadelphia stood out with respect to our essential security, logistics, and resource search criteria, and I’m thrilled that the next president will be nominated in the cradle of American democracy. 

The role of Philadelphia in shaping our nation is unmatched. There, our Founding Fathers had the courage to declare independence by observing adherence to self-evident truths that we still challenge ourselves to live up to today. After the Revolution, they demonstrated the wisdom to scrap the Articles of Confederation, assembling a Constitution that strengthened the ties that bind us and still guides us. Nearly 240 years later, Philadelphia’s people, spirit, and culture uniquely embody these United States.  (more…)

2016 election · Debbie Wasserman Schultz

DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement in support of the House Democratic caucus legislative agenda announced today:

“The Democratic caucus will fight to advance our country’s infrastructure, work to make sure corporations pay their fair share of taxes and are not rewarded for shipping American jobs overseas. We will introduce legislation to grow paychecks for hard working American families. We will work to ensure workers receive their fair share of compensation and stop CEOs from claiming additional tax deductions until their employees receive a much deserved raise. And we will continue to ensure that millions of Americans receive quality affordable health care.

“And what has the House GOP leadership promised the American people in the next few months? They have committed to looking out for big oil, gas, and coal companies, eliminating reforms that hold Wall Street’s big banks accountable, and repealing the Affordable Care Act, which would take away health care from millions of Americans. 

“It is clear which party is behind the American people, committed to growing opportunity from the middle class, and fighting for those who are willing to work hard. And, it is crystal-clear which party is watching out for special interests. I am proud of our Democratic agenda, and look forward to the work we will do in the 114^th Congress.”

2015 US House Democratic Caucus Agenda · Debbie Wasserman Schultz · DNC Chair

DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on House Republicans’ decision to stand by Steve Scalise:

“As the new Congress begins, nothing discredits Republican claims of ‘outreach’ and bringing people together more than their decision to keep Steve Scalise at the top tier of the elected leadership of their caucus. The continued defense of Scalise by Speaker Boehner and other members of the House GOP shows they are as divisive as ever.

“Anyone living in this century should have known better than to attend and speak at a white supremacist event, particularly one founded and led by David Duke, and Scalise’s explanation that he wasn’t aware isn’t credible by a long shot.  But when House Republicans stand by him years later, and GOP White House hopefuls defend or refuse to speak out, they legitimize his actions.  Republicans throughout the GOP, from members of Congress and state leaders to Reince Priebus and the burgeoning field of presidential candidates, should publicly condemn Scalise. Those who haven’t spoken out should be ashamed of their silence.

“So long as Republicans pander to those who peddle hate instead of unity, and tolerate bigotry instead of promoting tolerance – they will continue to perpetuate the divisiveness that we’ve all come to sadly expect.”

bigotry · Debbie Wasserman Schultz · DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz · Steve Scalise

 DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on the’s jobs report:

“Today’s jobs report confirms that 2014 was the strongest year of job growth since 1999. Contrary to Mitch McConnell’s best effort, this is not the result of magical economic time travel, but the product of policies resulting in steady progress that has seen private sector jobs increase for the last fifty-eight consecutive months. While this news is encouraging and shows that President Obama has our country on the right path, we cannot allow the misplaced priorities of the Republican Congress to return us to the failed policies that contributed to the crisis in the first place.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz · economic recovery · January job report