Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after Speaker John Boehner announced that he is resigning from Congress at the end of October: “I commend Speaker Boehner for his leadership and service to our country. During his chairmanship of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Speaker Boehner proved that by coming together in a bipartisan way, we can find solutions to the nation’s most pressing issues. I’m hopeful that the Speaker’s announcement today and the resulting dynamics within the Majority do not impede the Committee’s ability to continue his legacy.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, along with U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman, Gerry Connolly, Robert Hurt, Dave Brat, and Don Beyer released the following statement on the release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that makes clear Fort Pickett, Virginia is the best location for a Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC). “After years of study, the Department of State and the General Services Administration determined in 2011 that Fort Pickett was the best site for security training for American embassy personnel and began to plan the facility

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Workplace Action for a Growing Economy (WAGE) Act, legislation to strengthen protections for workers who want to raise wages and improve workplace conditions. The WAGE Act would amend the National Labor Relations Act to help ensure workers are able to have a voice in the workplace and would crack down on employers who break the law when workers exercise their basic right to collective action. In a press conference announcing the legislation, Scott and Murray were joined by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Ross Eisenbrey, Vice President of the Economic Policy Institute.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of Congress, led by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the Pell Grant Restoration Act of 2015. Scott and Boxer were joined by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Janice Hahn (CA-44). With Corinthian Colleges, Inc. filing for bankruptcy amid widespread charges of fraud, this Act is more crucial than ever for protecting and supporting our nation’s students. Currently, the Higher Education Act does not reset the clock on a student’s eligibility for Pell Grants, and students may not have enough Pell Grant eligibility left to complete a program at another school. The Pell Restoration Act will restore Pell Grant eligibility for students who attended an institution of higher education that closed due to certain violations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) made the following statement on President Obama’s plan for an earlier, easier process for students to assess their eligibility for federal financial aid. Ranking Member Scott joined President Obama and Secretary Duncan in Iowa for the announcement today: “The President’s announced changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will significantly improve access to an affordable college education for many students and families. Starting October 1, 2016, students will have the opportunity to fill out their FAFSA forms three months earlier and include income tax information from two years prior. Through these reforms, more students will be able to qualify for federal financial aid and receive an earlier, more accurate picture of what they can afford. This is a good step forward for students and their families as they plan their college careers.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 3461, to APPROVE the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran. Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) voted YES on H.R. 3461 (Roll Call No. 493). The House also considered H.R. 3460, a bill to suspend until January 21, 2017, the President’s authority to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Congressman Scott voted NO on H.R. 3460 (Roll Call No. 494). Congressman Scott issued the following statement on today’s votes relating to the Iran nuclear agreement:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Bobby Scott (D-VA) will host a briefing tomorrow with prosecutors, police and public safety professionals on why prison and sentencing reform will make our communities safer. H.R. 2944, the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Effective (SAFE) Justice Act was introduced earlier this summer by Representatives Sensenbrenner and Scott. The SAFE Justice Act takes a broad-based approach to improving the federal sentencing and corrections system, from front-end sentencing reform to back-end release policies. It is also the first bill that addresses the federal supervision system – ensuring that probation does a better job stopping the revolving door at federal prisons.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Marking Labor Day 2015, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott made the following statement to American workers: “Labor Day is a time to reflect and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers. Our nation’s workers make our economy and our communities stronger, and we know that when workers do well, our economy thrives. “Our economy has now experienced 66 straight months of job growth – the longest streak on record. This means that Americans who are looking for work are finding more opportunities to help them get back on their feet. But the reality is, too many families are working harder than ever but still struggling to make ends meet.