What I care about is keeping my child healthy — and that's what Obamacare makes possible.

My daughter Zoe was born with a congenital heart defect that required her to have multiple open heart surgeries in the first few months of her life. By the time she was six months old, she had already reached over half of her lifetime health insurance cap, which would have left us unable to pay for the continuing care and future surgeries required for Zoe to survive.

I can't tell you how relieved I was when Obamacare passed. I got a letter from our insurance company telling us that Zoe's lifetime cap had been removed. It meant my family wouldn't have to lose everything to keep my daughter alive.

By re-electing Barack Obama, Americans sent the clear message that we want Obamacare.

But for some reason, Republicans continue to fight against the will of the American people. Maybe it's because they'll do anything to stop the President from succeeding or maybe they want to keep giving insurance companies record profits. Either way, I don't care. What I care about is keeping my child healthy — and that's what Obamacare makes possible.

My family, and hundreds of thousands of families like mine across the country, have been through so much. We deserve better than Republicans continuously fighting against a policy that's been voted on, upheld by the Supreme Court, and reaffirmed by the American people.

Join me and sign this petition telling Republicans to stop trying to repeal Obamacare.

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month, we celebrate our differences as much as the very rich history that binds us together.  The AAPI community has made enormous contributions to the United States. The diverse strands that make up our community helped to build and shape the U.S. through work on the railroads, farms, and cities -- from the early days to the present.  Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are woven tightly into the fabric of this country, and have excelled in every walk of life. It is important to recognize how far AAPI’s have come, how far the United States has come, and how far we still have to journey together towards our goals. 

As an AAPI, I offer that the history of the AAPI’s in America has not always been an easy one; we suffered bigotry, injustice, and discrimination as early as the mid-19th century, with violence and injustice applied through a series of highly discriminatory and prejudicial laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the Gentleman’s Agreement of 1907, the Asiatic Barred Zone Act of 1917, the National Origins Act of 1924, and Executive Order 9066 of 1942.  These laws denied AAPIs citizenship, stopped AAPI immigration, and separated families. Executive Order 9066 created the internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II.  But it wasn’t until the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 -- in the wake of massive Civil Rights changes in this country -- that we began to affect changes through the political process that had before worked against us. With this act, barriers to AAPI immigration were reduced and families began to be reunited. We began our struggle for rights as Americans, not our right to be Americans. AAPI political activism, though a relatively late entry in the U.S. political landscape, is nonetheless very strong, and continually growing. 

Our hopes and aspirations are the same as those of all Americans. We care greatly about our families. Because of historical inequities, AAPI families were separated, and when the egregious laws were repealed, we were faced with a huge backlog in getting our families reunited. That is why, at a time when Immigration reform is being considered, it is critical that Family Reunification be part of this comprehensive Immigration Reform. Comprehensive Immigration Reform cannot be addressed piecemeal, and it cannot be looked at only from the business and economic perspective.  It must address all aspects of Immigration, including Family Reunification. We can do it! Together we can do anything!

I ask for your continued support of one another. We must move forward. We must make sure that old battles stay won, and fight new battles all the harder.

Over 40 years ago, my mom decided to do what so many moms had done before her. She decided to leave her home country so that her children could have a better life with more opportunity, better education, and freedom -- she decided to immigrate to the United States.

With four kids (including me) my mom left Haiti, the only home she had ever known. She left behind family and friends -- but she also left a country governed by an oppressive dictatorial regime.

When she came to the States, she worked hard to support her family.  While my dad worked as a teacher and social worker, she worked as a factory worker, salesperson and nurse's aid — and she taught me so much.

My mom taught me perseverance in the face of near hopeless circumstances and she instilled in me an instinct for doing the just thing instead of the expedient thing. Like so many immigrants, she risked everything so that her kids could achieve the American Dream. And I can never thank her enough.

As we celebrate Mother's Day this year, let's pause to think of immigrant moms like mine who would stop at nothing to give their kids a better life with more opportunity. Let's rededicate ourselves to finding commonsense solutions and support the President's plan to fix our broken immigration system. 

Happy mother's day to my mom, and to all the moms out there.

Over 40 years ago, my mom decided to do what so many moms had done before her. She decided to leave her home country so that her children could have a better life with more opportunity, better education, and freedom -- she decided to immigrate to the United States.

With four kids (including me) my mom left Haiti, the only home she had ever known. She left behind family and friends -- but she also left a country governed by an oppressive dictatorial regime.

When she came to the States, she worked hard to support her family.  While my dad worked as a teacher and social worker, she worked as a factory worker, salesperson and nurse's aid — and she taught me so much.

My mom taught me perseverance in the face of near hopeless circumstances and she instilled in me an instinct for doing the just thing instead of the expedient thing. Like so many immigrants, she risked everything so that her kids could achieve the American Dream. And I can never thank her enough.

As we celebrate Mother's Day this year, let's pause to think of immigrant moms like mine who would stop at nothing to give their kids a better life with more opportunity. Let's rededicate ourselves to finding commonsense solutions and support the President's plan to fix our broken immigration system. 

Happy mother's day to my mom, and to all the moms out there.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked members of the DNC leadership team to share stories about their favorite teachers. Here's what a few of them had to say.

Our Chair @dwstweets was inspired by her 5th grade teacher. Who inspired you? #ThankATeacher democrats.org/news/blog/than…

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) May 7, 2013

Ms. Botton, thanks for inspiring me and all of my classmates to study hard and dream big: democrats.org/news/blog/than… #ThankATeacher

— D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) May 7, 2013

Congrats @greenstreetacad Ketia Stokes @baltcityschools Teacher of the Year. yum:I ate the eggs!#ThankATeacher twitter.com/MayorSRB/statu…

— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) May 10, 2013

Thank you Mrs Sandra Whippie for inspiring me in 2nd grade to understand working for social justice is the greatest calling #thankateacher

— Raymond Buckley (@ChairmanBuckley) May 9, 2013

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and I have plenty to appreciate. First shout out goes to Ms. Mostoller. #TheBest #DealJHS#thankateacher

— Lucas Fleischer (@lucasfleischer) May 10, 2013

Thank you Mrs. Miller-Burton for reminding me to#NeverGiveUp no matter how tough the math problems seemed. #ThankATeacher

— Steve Walker (@stevenlwalker) May 10, 2013

To my mom, Joyce Woodhouse, for teaching for 26 years. #ThankaTeacher

— Brad Woodhouse (@woodhouseb) May 10, 2013

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked members of the DNC leadership team to share stories about their favorite teachers. Here's what a few of them had to say.

Our Chair @dwstweets was inspired by her 5th grade teacher. Who inspired you? #ThankATeacher democrats.org/news/blog/than…

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) May 7, 2013

Ms. Botton, thanks for inspiring me and all of my classmates to study hard and dream big: democrats.org/news/blog/than… #ThankATeacher

— D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) May 7, 2013

Congrats @greenstreetacad Ketia Stokes @baltcityschools Teacher of the Year. yum:I ate the eggs!#ThankATeacher twitter.com/MayorSRB/statu…

— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) May 10, 2013

Thank you Mrs Sandra Whippie for inspiring me in 2nd grade to understand working for social justice is the greatest calling #thankateacher

— Raymond Buckley (@ChairmanBuckley) May 9, 2013

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and I have plenty to appreciate. First shout out goes to Ms. Mostoller. #TheBest #DealJHS#thankateacher

— Lucas Fleischer (@lucasfleischer) May 10, 2013

Thank you Mrs. Miller-Burton for reminding me to#NeverGiveUp no matter how tough the math problems seemed. #ThankATeacher

— Steve Walker (@stevenlwalker) May 10, 2013

To my mom, Joyce Woodhouse, for teaching for 26 years. #ThankaTeacher

— Brad Woodhouse (@woodhouseb) May 10, 2013

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on the Colorado elections bill, to be signed today by Governor John Hickenlooper, to make voting easier for Coloradans.

“The bill Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper plans to sign today will provide easier access to voting for all Coloradans. This is a great step forward for Colorado and should be seen as a model for voting reforms nationwide.  With this new legislation, every registered voter will get a ballot by mail, as well as the option to vote in person. They will be able to vote at any of the voting centers established by the bill, instead of being restricted to one pre-designated polling place, among other reforms making it easier for Coloradans to cast their ballots.  Governor Hickenlooper and activists in Colorado should be commended for modernizing voting in the state consistent with the way Americans are living their lives and with the capacity for today’s technology to ensure the integrity of the process.

“Republicans, on the other hand, are continuing their efforts to make voting more difficult with arbitrary restrictions and discriminatory barriers.  As Democrats, and as activists, we must continue to organize and fight tooth and nail to not only beat back these unfair voting restrictions being pursued by Republicans, but to pass new laws, like the one in Colorado, to enfranchise more voters and make it easier to vote.

“Voting is the cornerstone of our Democracy.  I call on Governors and legislators in every state to look at their voting laws and to make every effort possible to make voting as easy and convenient as possible.”

In honor of Mother's Day, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz sent the following email to supporters asking them to sign a special Mother's Day card for Michelle Obama.

Friend --

When I first came to Washington in 2005, there weren't a lot of people who understood why I carried around crayons in my purse.

You see, there weren't all that many moms with young kids working in Congress -- not many people who understood what it was like balancing taking care of my constituents with taking care of my three kids, Jake, Rebecca, and Shelby.

So I was excited when Michelle Obama became the first mother in years to have young children in the White House. In the time since, I've been incredibly inspired by how she's managed to balance her duties as First Lady with what she says is her most important job -- being Sasha and Malia's mom.

This Mother's Day, I want to let the First Lady know how much she's admired and appreciated.

Join me, and add your name to my card wishing the First Lady a happy Mother's Day.

Over the past few years, the First Lady has done so much to help kids, veterans, and military families -- and she's raising two strong and smart daughters while doing it.

We're lucky to have Michelle Obama as our First Lady, and Sasha and Malia are lucky to have her as a mom.

Wish her a happy Mother's Day today.

Thanks,

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- If you haven't yet, make sure to pick up a card for your own mom!

It's Teacher Appreciation Week.

As Democrats, we know that our most important investments are the ones we make in our kids. That's why, for years, we've been on the cutting edge of education reform. From FDR signing the G.I. Bill to President Obama overhauling student loans, Democrats have consistently invested to provide our kids with a first-rate education and the tools necessary to drive our economy forward with more job creation and opportunity.

We also recognize that funding and programs alone won't solve all of our problems. Democrats understand that in order to create world-class institutions of learning, we have to reward, retain, and attract world-class teachers — teachers like my favorite teach growing up, Francine Botton. Ms. Botton was my fifth and sixth grade teacher at Magnolia Open Elementary School in Long Beach, New York, and like so many teachers across our country, she inspired me and all of my classmates to study hard and dream big. She was part mom, part educator, helping her students realize that anything was possible for us. She picked us up when we were down and pushed us when she knew we could do better.

Sadly, rather than reward these devoted professionals, Republican politicians continue to vilify our teachers. They use them as scapegoats for tough budgetary challenges and claim that they are part of the problem with our education system. As Democrats, we know that teachers like Ms. Botton are part of the solution — that effective, quality teachers are how we'll be able to provide every child in America with a world-class education.

President Obama understands this and has led the way with education reforms. Through the RESPECT project, the President has proposed a $5 billion grant to support states and districts in working with educators to develop innovative solutions that improve the teaching profession at every level. He launched the STEM Master Teacher Corps, an effort to recruit and reward 10,000 teachers in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and math. He's also invested $800 million in scaling up innovative education reforms proven to help improve student achievement, and increase high school graduation and college completion rates.

These initiatives are in addition to the more than $4 billion our schools have received through Race to the Top, and they complement the President's plan to reform "No Child Left Behind," so that it works for States, not against them.

As we celebrate "Teacher Appreciation Week" and thank teachers like Ms. Botton, who helped me believe in myself during a time when most kids are unsure of themselves, let's recommit ourselves to supporting the professionals whose job is critical to developing the next generation of leaders, job creators and innovators.

If you're on Twitter, tweet #ThankATeacher this week.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today in honor of Cinco de Mayo:

“Cinco de Mayo is an important opportunity to honor a singular moment in Mexican history. On May 5, 1862, Mexican fighters and workers joined together and defied the odds, beating the much larger and better-armed French army at  the Battle of Puebla.  It was an improbable victory – a day of communities standing together in the fight to secure a better life for their families and for future generations.  Cinco de Mayo represents an historic moment of triumph for the people of Mexico.

“Today, that same spirit of determination and resilience is embodied in the more than 50million Americans of Latino descent across the country. They work hard every day to build a greater future for themselves, their children and for futuregenerations. Their countless contributions to our nation and to the American story are and must always be recognized and honored.

“We know that securing our future depends on making sure that all Americans have the opportunity to reach their potential.  And that’s why we’ve worked hard over the last four years to create jobs, to improve access to health care, to make college more affordable, and to ensure that everyone who works hard and does their fair share has a shot at the American dream. But as President Obama made clear on his trip to Mexico this week, there is still work to be done. We must recommit ourselves to working together to surmount the challenges that lie ahead like implementing common sense immigration reform.

“Today, we celebrate a day 151 years ago, when a group of patriots made a brave stand against the invading forces of a world-renowned European army – a familiar story for all Americans.  And as we do, we are reminded that the United States and Mexico are more united than ever -- in friendship and in common purpose.”

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement on May 2013 being the eighth Jewish American Heritage Month:

“This month, we are proud to recognize May as the annual Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate our nation’s strong and active Jewish community.  With the deep contributions to the fabric of our nation, we have much to celebrate.

“In November we re-elected a President who stands with the Jewish American community and has demonstrated that our priorities, the commitment to Israel’s safety and strength, our nation’s economic security, access to health care, and a woman's right to choose, among many others, are his priorities too.  I am incredibly proud of the leadership of the Jewish community, both inside and outside the government, on the Affordable Care Act, reducing gun violence, common sense immigration reform, LGBT equality, and other social justice issues.

“And earlier this year, President Barack Obama made an historic visit to Israel as its citizens celebrate the 65th anniversary of a free and independent State of Israel. His trip was not just a symbol of our nation’s commitment to Israel as its strongest ally but gave him the chance to express why the relationship is so important to both our countries.

“As the President said, ‘We stand together because we share a common story -- patriots determined “to be a free people in our land,” pioneers who forged a nation, heroes who sacrificed to preserve our freedom, and immigrants from every corner of the world who renew constantly our diverse societies.  We stand together because we are democracies. For as noisy and messy as it may be, we know that democracy is the greatest form of government ever devised by man.’

“This May, we recognize the American Jewish community whose story is America’s story, who have contributed in innumerable ways to the depth of our society, and who change our country for the better with their unwavering commitment to tikkun olam—repairing the world.”

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement on May 2013 being the eighth Jewish American Heritage Month:

“This month, we are proud to recognize May as the annual Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate our nation’s strong and active Jewish community.  With the deep contributions to the fabric of our nation, we have much to celebrate.
“In November we re-elected a President who stands with the Jewish American community and has demonstrated that our priorities, the commitment to Israel’s safety and strength, our nation’s economic security, access to health care, and a woman's right to choose, among many others, are his priorities too.  I am incredibly proud of the leadership of the Jewish community, both inside and outside the government, on the Affordable Care Act, reducing gun violence, common sense immigration reform, LGBT equality, and other social justice issues.

“And earlier this year, President Barack Obama made an historic visit to Israel as its citizens celebrate the 65th anniversary of a free and independent State of Israel. His trip was not just a symbol of our nation’s commitment to Israel as its strongest ally but gave him the chance to express why the relationship is so important to both our countries.

“As the President said, ‘We stand together because we share a common story -- patriots determined “to be a free people in our land,” pioneers who forged a nation, heroes who sacrificed to preserve our freedom, and immigrants from every corner of the world who renew constantly our diverse societies.  We stand together because we are democracies. For as noisy and messy as it may be, we know that democracy is the greatest form of government ever devised by man.’
“This May, we recognize the American Jewish community whose story is America’s story, who have contributed in innumerable ways to the depth of our society, and who change our country for the better with their unwavering commitment to tikkun olam—repairing the world.”

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Throughout the month of May, we celebrate and honor the important contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that have enriched our American identity and made our country stronger. Every day these vibrant communities help build a thriving and prosperous future for our nation.  Members of the AAPI community have worked hard to achieve the American Dream, sharing in the sacrifice, struggles, and accomplishments of all Americans.  At the same time we must remember the adversity that too many in AAPI communities have faced throughout our history, and the disparities we must still work to correct.

“Under President Obama, we have made significant progress on issues that matter to AAPI communities including tax cuts for middle class families, billions of dollars in loans to AAPI small business owners, and through the Affordable Care Act, expanded access to preventive care and treatment and improved language access. While we are proud of these achievements, there is more work to be done.  The time for Congress to pass common sense immigration reform is now. And we must do so in a way that provides a pathway to earn citizenship for people already here and helps keep families together.  The Democratic Party and President Obama will continue fighting on these issues to make sure AAPI communities and all Americans have a fair shot at the American Dream.”

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement on the Massachusetts Senate primary tonight:

“On behalf of Democrats across the country, I want to congratulate Ed Markey for his victory tonight and send him our best wishes as we now turn to a victory in June.  I also want to thank my friend, Stephen Lynch for his dedication to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to working families in our country.  These campaigns and the grassroots energy behind them truly exemplified the tough and hardworking spirit of Massachusetts.

“Now, we must unite behind Congressman Ed Markey and set our sights on keeping this seat blue on June 25th. Unlike Gabriel Gomez, who is vastly out of touch with the priorities of middle class families,  Congressman Markey knows what is important to the people of Massachusetts-- creating jobs, strengthening the economy, improving education and investing in infrastructure to move our country forward.

“As Democrats we must now work together to send another strong advocate for the people of Massachusetts to join Elizabeth Warren in the United States Senate to work with President Obama and Democrats in Congress to keep moving our country forward. I am confident Congressman Markey will continue Senator Kerry’s leadership in bringing jobs to the Commonwealth and fiercely advocating for Massachusetts families.”

In response to the NRA's continued attempts to influence Republicans, our communications director, Brad Woodhouse, fired off this email to supporters.

Friend --

New polls show that the approval ratings for Republicans who blocked a vote on background checks for gun sales have taken a huge dive.

And now, after spending millions of dollars to get Republicans to vote against background checks, the NRA is bankrolling radio ads to help boost their dwindling poll numbers.

The NRA's lobbyists think if they throw enough money around, they can get Republicans to vote however they want them to and protect them afterward -- it makes me mad as hell.

But they're forgetting that we've got 90 percent of Americans on our side -- and we're not backing down.

Show Congress that 90 percent of Americans matter more than the gun lobby: Help us collect 200,000 signatures in support of common-sense gun safety measures like background checks.

The NRA may have deep-pocketed donors, but -- as history has shown -- nothing can stand in the way of the American people calling for change.

We're close to our goal of 200,000 signatures demanding change to our gun laws.

Help us reach our goal. Add your name to the petition now:

http://my.democrats.org/The-90-Percent

Your voice can make a difference.

Thanks,

Brad

Brad Woodhouse

Communications Director

Democratic National Committee

Last week, Democrats from across our country gathered in Minneapolis for a meeting of the Association of State Democratic Chairs.

But it was so much more than just a meeting. It was an opportunity to share best practices, learn from each other on what's worked well in different states and continue to be on the cutting edge of organizing, technology and strategy (oh…and of course celebrate our big wins this past cycle!)

As the new Executive Director of the Association, I had a great time meeting everyone and I look forward to increased collaboration in the future. After all, this is what the Democratic family is all about.

I most recently came from Massachusetts and New Hampshire where, thanks to Chairmen Buckley and Walsh, we were able to overwhelmingly re-elect President Obama, take down Scott Brown by electing one of our country's rising stars, Elizabeth Warren, and put in place two extraordinary leaders in the US House of Representatives from New Hampshire. We were also able to add to the top of the ticket by electing new and excitingDemocrats to the State Legislatures. We know how important it is for us to build our party at every level and I know that by doing so, we'll continue to elect more great leaders.

While the Republicans work on their "rebrand," we'll stick with our Democratic principles, and keep doing what works to win.

As a working mom, I’ve always been a big fan of “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day,” and I couldn’t wait to meet everyone’s families at the DNC headquarters this year!

I have twins, Rebecca and Jake, who are about to head into high school and my baby girl, Shelby, is nine years old. With them in mind, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about and advocating for policies that will help provide families the opportunity to succeed both at work and at home.

This is personal for me.

I’ve missed birthdays for votes and votes for birthdays.  I’ve reviewed homework by fax and now thankfully, on my iPad.  I’ve come up with ideas for legislation while grocery shopping and on the soccer fields. And I’ve had some pretty surreal conversations with the leaders of our country while cheering on my kids from the sidelines of many, many games. 

That’s why I was thrilled to be asked to join President Obama’s team as DNC Chair and why I’m so proud to work with President Obama to make America’s children and working families a priority.  Since taking office, President Obama and his administration has:

• Cut taxes for 95% of working families, who received up to $800 for a couple in 2009 and 2010.
• Cut payroll taxes for 160 million workers, saving a typical family earning $50,000 a year $1,000 in 2011 and 2012.
• Provided as much as $10,000 over four years to help working families put a child through college.
• As a result of the Affordable Care Act, starting in 2014, about 18 million individuals and families will get tax credits for health insurance coverage. Young adults will be able to stay on their parents' health care plan until age 26 and over the next ten years, working families will receive nearly $700 billion in tax credits to help them pay for health insurance.

And much more. In fact, federal income taxes on middle-income families are now at nearly their lowest level as a share of income since the Eisenhower Administration. 

President Obama has invested in America’s working families from day one.

But he can’t do it alone. We need to elect more good people at all levels of government who share common values and can both understand and empathize with the needs of working families.
 
Working families want the American Dream. They want an America that works for everyone and they have the right to expect nothing less.

One of the greatest challenges we face is how to repair, rebuild and revitalize our environment.

For decades, we've neglected our planet, relying on fossil fuels imported from foreign countries, developing land at a rapid rate, and destroying our ecosystems with pollutants and unsustainable practices.

But under President Obama's leadership, we're making progress.  Instead of ignoring our problems, this administration has tackled  environmental issues with comprehensive, meaningful reforms — the likes of which we haven't seen in decades.

In honor of Earth Day, we wanted to share a few of the many ways President Obama is working to create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future for our kids.

1. Established the first-ever national limits for mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants.
2. Invested in clean, homegrown energy production. In fact, with President Obama's proposed clean energy standards, by 2035, 80% of the electricity we use will come from clean energy.
3. Upgraded fuel economy energy standards for the first time in nearly three decades — nearly doubling the fuel efficiency of cars. This change will save consumers an average of $8,200 on the life of a vehicle.
4. Partnered with states to restore ecosystems across our country. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Everglades, President Obama's administration has been working to restore these critical resources — resources that create jobs and strengthen local economies.
5. Preserved more than 2 million acres of federal land and protected over 1,000 miles of rivers.

While the challenges are great, thanks to President Obama's strong leadership, we're moving forward.

To learn more about President Obama's environmental policies, click here.

Happy Earth Day!

In response to Senate Republicans vote to stop common-sense reforms to prevent gun violence, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz sent the following email:

Friend --

Yesterday, a minority in the Senate blocked an amendment to expand background checks on gun sales.

As the President said, it was a shameful day for Washington.

Ninety percent of Americans support background checks -- including a majority of gun owners -- but 90 percent of Republicans in the Senate caved to the NRA's lobbying machine and blocked the vote.

Tell the Senate to vote for the families of Newtown, not for the NRA's lobbyists. Add your name now.

The gun lobby and its allies willfully lied about the proposed legislation, and yesterday they were able to defeat it.

But we are not backing down. Round one just ended. Round two starts now.

Help Democrats collect 200,000 signatures demanding action on background checks. Add your name now:

http://my.democrats.org/Reduce-Gun-Violence

Volunteers will deliver your signatures to the Capitol, so lawmakers know that the American people haven't given up.

Thanks for your dedication,

 

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Washington, D.C. – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement after Senate Republicans successfully blocked the Manchin-Toomey legislation to expand gun background checks:

''The failed vote today was inexcusable and Washington at its worse. Though 90 percent of the American people support expanding background checks for gun purchases, the U.S. Senate, led by the feckless Republican leadership, chose to ignore the will of the American people - blocking the common sense Manchin-Toomey legislation and not even affording the victims of gun violence and their families an up or down vote on the measure. Twenty children and six adults were killed in Newtown, Connecticut, and thousands more by gun violence since then, and the Republican approach to dealing with the issue is to do absolutely nothing.

''This is shameful. But it’s not the end. If Republicans believe they can slide this issue under the rug because they caved to the pressure from the gun lobby, they are sadly mistaken. This issue is not going away. The American people simply won’t allow it. President Obama has made it clear that after witnessing far too many tragedies, we have an obligation to try to do something. Republicans, however, seem to believe their only obligation is to obstruct the will of the American people and stand up for a small portion of the country. That’s not what the American people want – and Republicans will have to confront this issue again and again. And if they continue to stand in the way of these common sense reforms, they’ll pay the price with voters''