Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Jason Lewis (R-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at safely reining in the size and associated costs of the federal criminal code and prison system. H.R. 4261, the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Effective (SAFE) Justice Act takes a broad-based approach to improving the federal sentencing and corrections system, spanning from sentencing reform to release policies. The legislation, which is inspired by the successes of states across the country, will break the cycle of recidivism, concentrate prison space on violent and career criminals, increase the use of evidence-based alternatives to incarceration, curtail over-criminalization, reduce crime, and save money.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 261,000 jobs in October, with the unemployment rate at 4.1 percent. “Today’s jobs report shows that our economic recovery remains strong and resilient, but our work in Congress is far from over. The reality is that too many families and individuals are still struggling to make ends meet, and lack some semblance of economic security. A substantial portion of that security is achieved through access to affordable health care coverage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after Congressional Republicans unveiled H.R. 1, the so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “The Republican’s proposed plan provides tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest among us and adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit. This legislation provides no real investment in workers, jobs or the economy. Eventually these irresponsible tax cuts will be paid for by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, veteran services, educational resources, and other vital services for working families.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Virginia Representatives Gerry Connolly, Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Donald S. Beyer, Jr., and A. Donald McEachin called on House Republicans to protect the state and local tax deduction. In Virginia, 1.5 million households claim $16.5 billion in SALT deductions for an average deduction of $11,288 per household. Virginia has the nation’s 4th highest percentage of tax filers claiming a SALT deduction (37%). “The Republicans’ proposed tax plan is little more than a giant tax cut for the wealthy masquerading as tax reform. Instead of helping working families succeed and ensuring that our economic recovery reaches every community, the President and Republicans in Congress are insisting on tax cuts at the expense of the very people they are claiming to help,” said Congressman Bobby Scott.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-3) issued the following statement on passage of H.Con.Res. 71 – Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 216 to 212 (Roll Call 589) “I am disappointed that Republicans in Congress have insisted on passing a budget that is fiscally irresponsible. This budget also fails to provide necessary investments in the American people, investments that would help working Americans and provide a safety net for those in need.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmembers Brian Higgins (NY-26), John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Bobby Scott (VA-3), Beto O’Rourke (TX-16) and Jared Polis (CO-2) announce introduction of the House companion to the Senate Medicare-X Choice Act of 2017. The Medicare-X Choice Act (H.R. 4094) builds upon the successful framework of the Medicare program by providing a public plan as an option on the individual and small business health exchanges. Congressman Scott said, “At a time when Congress and the administration should be working to improve our current health system, the administration’s actions have undermined the Affordable Care Act and created uncertainty and confusion for American families. I am proud to join my colleagues in putting forth a plan to build on the ACA’s progress, and ensure that all Americans have greater access and more options for affordable health coverage.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy lost 33,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate at 4.2 percent. “The devastation from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria have put millions of Americans out of work. As a result, the job loss reported from the Bureau of Labor Statistics during September reflects the tremendous impact of these hurricanes on Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These numbers underscore the urgency to continue to help these communities recover and for Congress to pass a robust recovery package.

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Representative Mark Takano (CA-41), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, issued the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Department of Justice is reversing a policy that protects transgender workers from discrimination. “Attorney General Sessions’ decision to dismiss the Obama administration’s memo to protect transgender Americans under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is yet another example of the Trump administration’s disturbing pattern of rolling back the civil rights of the most vulnerable Americans. In 1989, the Supreme Court found in Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins that gender discrimination based on sex stereotyping is a violation of Title VII.