As co-chair of the Iraqi Women’s Caucus in the House, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with and hear from Iraqi women elected to serve in the new National Assembly.

Rather than showing themselves to be an ally to the middle class by ending the AMT or repealing it for years to come, my Republican colleagues refused to include it in today’s legislation and America’s middle class will surely suffer that choice greatly.

If a budget is designed to show our values, it’s clear where the majority stands: against opportunity, against education, and against America’s hard-working, tax-paying middle class.

We know we cannot underestimate the importance of emergency planning in our region, nor can we assume we’ll have ample warning time. If an earthquake or terrorist attack hits, we won’t necessarily have advance alerts or opportunities to double- and triple-check our plans.

Getting our military back on stable footing won’t happen overnight. We must start this process now, since future engagements are likely and allies are scarce.

Hurricane Katrina, coupled with Hurricane Rita, which came promptly on Katrina’s heels, claimed more than 1,200 American lives. Together, they caused more than $200 billion in damage.

The Constitution is like my old blue dress ... it doesn't fit anymore.

These funds will help them continue to meet the needs of America's returning vets. I applaud their work and know that this facility is among the most deserving we have in the country,

However, in pursuing free trade, we must also consider the impact and direct effects the agreements will have on workers - both here and abroad.

a safety net is just not there for people who are without a job or without skills in an increasingly difficult environment.