House Democratic Leadership holds news conference on the “New Direction Congress” and their agenda

Speaker Pelosi and House Democratic Leadership held a news conference this morning to discuss the agenda of the “new direction congress,” as they call it. Pelosi began the conference and said she is “proud” of the NDC. She noted some of the goals they wish to and are attaining such as achievements in energy security and increases in nutrition assistance for American families.

Majority Leader Hoyer spoke next and reiterated his agenda and message from his weekly pen and pad briefing. He also offered a poll that says 8 in 10 Americans believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction. Next the Democratic Whip, James E. Clyburn spoke and said, “congressional democrats want to bring our troops home responsibly.” He also added a statistic of his own stating that the number of Americans looking for work has risen by 800,000 over the last year and concluded by contrasting the Democratic party and the Republican party as “change versus the status quo.”

Next spoke the House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman John Larson. An emotional speaker, Larson passionately said, “the difference between us and the Republicans is that change is not a platitude.” The House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel and House DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen were also on hand to make comments.