“Today we honor the memory of the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2001, and commemorate the heroism displayed on that day. On September 11, we were not Democrats or Republicans, black or white, gay or straight; we were Americans. Despite the political backdrop of the moment, on 9/11 let us remember we are all Americans and treasure the freedoms we hold dear. 

“On Labor Day, we celebrate the contributions of America’s heroes—the working men and women of this country. For decades, workers have been fighting for better pay and good benefits in exchange for a hard day’s work. As President John F. Kennedy said, ‘The history of the United States is in vital respects the history of labor.’

MINNEAPOLIS- “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific act of violence and their community. It is particularly disturbing that the shooting occurred in a place of worship—where many Americans go for peace and prayer.

“Acts of violence like this remind us that, no matter our religion or ethnicity, we are one American family. While we do not know the shooter’s motivation, many Sikhs have been victims of hate crimes in recent years based on their appearance.  More than half a million Sikhs live in the United States, including over 250 families in Minnesota. We should all rededicate ourselves to the safety and security of our communities.”

MINNEAPOLIS—On the 10^th anniversary of the Bush Administration’s “torture memos,” which authorized the use of “enhanced” interrogation techniques, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) reaffirmed that U.S. law should uphold human rights and never allow torture.

“On this anniversary of the collapse of the I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi River, I call upon Minnesotans to take a moment to remember the fellow citizens we lost.  Thirteen Minnesotans died and 145 were severely injured—a diverse group who is forever seared in our memory. 

Rep. Ellison’s released the following letter in response to Rep. Michele Bachmann’s 16-page letter suggesting “deep penetration” by the Muslim Brotherhood into the U.S. government. As the Congressman says, “A careful review of your 16-page response reveals that you fail to provide any credible evidence for your claims, engage in guilt by association, and continue to rely on discredited sources.”

WASHINGTON--Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Co-Chair of Congressional Progressive Caucus, released the following statement after voting for H.R. 4348, Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012:

WASHINGTON – Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, released the following statement today after the House voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress:

“Today’s vote by the House of Representatives is just another example of the Republican leadership’s fondness for playing political games instead of governing.  That’s why I am proud to join my fellow Democrats in an action to protest today’s contempt vote.

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, released the following statement after the Supreme Court decided to uphold the historic Affordable Care Act: 

“This ruling is a significant victory for the American people.  After a two-year legal battle, the Supreme Court confirmed today that the Affordable Care Act will continue to provide millions of Americans with health coverage. The health care reform act provides that children will not be denied coverage due to a preexisting condition, young adults will be able to stay on their family health plan, and that Americans can keep their health care insurance if they get a major illness. The Affordable Care Act will now take its rightful place with Social Security and Medicare as powerful examples of what we can do together to improve the lives of every American. 

“Despite today’s victory, Republicans in Congress will continue their assault on universal health care for the American people. Throughout this year, GOP lawmakers have tried to repeal and cut back health care benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid.  We must continue to work together to protect vital reforms that will improve the health of every American.  

“Today’s decision is a turning point for the American people.  Let’s remember that millions of American families suffered without health care coverage for decades.  The health care law has already benefited millions of families.  The Court’s decision to uphold this law President Obama proposed and Congress enacted is a sign that dramatic change can happen when the American people demand change.   We have made an important step forward toward our goal of affordable universal coverage.   Now we need to be vigilant to implement the law so that American families have the health care they need and deserve.”

WASHINGTON – Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, released the following statement today after Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress: