Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) introduced the Fairness and Accuracy in Criminal Background Checks Act of 2019. The bill addresses the serious problems with the FBI database by requiring that records are accurate before they are sent to the agencies and employers that rely on them to make hiring and licensing decisions. “Far too often, many face an additional barrier created by faulty criminal background records released by the FBI," said Congressman Scott.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5, the Equality Act, a bill that would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other key laws to ensure that LBGTQ Americans receive the same legal protections afforded to other Americans: “Today is a historic day for the LGBTQ community. As Chairman, I was proud to consider this important civil rights legislation in the Education and Labor Committee. Today I am proud to stand with my House colleagues as we pass the Equality Act to ensure that LGBTQ Americans can live free from discrimination. The LGBTQ community has made many strides in the last few years, including marriage equality and the repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) delivered the following remarks during the floor debate for the H.R. 987 – Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of this bill to improve access to quality health coverage, protect the Affordable Care Act, and cut prescription drug costs for consumers. “Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the administration has consistently undermined the quality, affordable coverage that Americans have come to expect. “House Republicans passed a bill last year that CBO concluded would provide coverage for over 20 million fewer people, would increase premiums by 20 percent the first year, would cover less, and would jeopardize protections for those with pre-existing conditions.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), John Katko (R-NY), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), and Bobby Scott (D-VA) reintroduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation that would protect pregnant workers from workplace discrimination. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would address legal ambiguities and help ensure that pregnant women are treated fairly on the job. The legislation, which is closely modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), would require employers to make reasonable accommodations—such as a minor job modification—that would allow pregnant workers to continue working and prevent them from being forced out on leave or out of their jobs. The bill also prohibits employers from denying employment opportunities to women based on their need for reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott and Elaine Luria applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s announcement of $60,000,000 in federal funding through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Implementation program to support the revitalization of struggling housing projects in Newport News and Norfolk. These two Virginia cities were among just four localities nationwide chosen to receive HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grants. The funding will allow Newport News and Norfolk to invest in the redevelopment of their public or HUD-assisted housing. “This is a big win to ensure safe, affordable housing for underserved communities in Hampton Roads,” the Senators and Representatives said. “We are thrilled HUD selected Virginia for these grants that will allow Newport News and Norfolk to put their redevelopment plans into action so they can start making critical public housing improvements for residents.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2019: “Today, the House took an important step in protecting Americans’ health care from the sabotage of the Trump Administration. Late last year, the Trump Administration issued guidance to states that would allow them to weaken critical protections for people with pre-existing conditions that are codified in the Affordable Care Act. The guidance also encouraged states to expand the sale of junk insurance plans that do not cover essential health benefits that Americans now expect from their health care.

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (NC-05) released the following joint statement after the White House summit on surprise medical billing. “Last month, this Committee held the first-ever congressional hearing on surprise medical billing. That discussion revealed bipartisan support for a solution that protects patients and their families from the financial and emotional harm of unexpected out-of-pocket health care costs. We remain committed to working across the aisle to advance legislation that achieves our shared goal of shielding Americans from surprise medical bills.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House and Senate Democrats introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive legislation to strengthen protections for workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. As wage inequality continues to leave workers and middle-class families behind, this legislation would empower millions of Americans to stand together and ensure hardworking people are getting their fair share of economic growth. A recent study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research found that unions have consistently provided workers with a 10- to 20-percent wage boost over their non-union counterparts over the past eight decades.