This Monday, January 19 2009, we will celebrate the national holiday named in honor of a revered American: the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This marks the fifteenth (15th) year we hold this celebration to honor his memory and work. This year would have been the 80th birthday of Dr. King. The holiday embodies his commitment to non-violence, service, and social justice. During the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. King recognized the importance of service to strengthen communities, therefore allowing us to achieve common goals. And so it is fitting that President-elect Barack and Michelle Obama have asked all Americans to spend this day volunteering to serve the needs of our communities.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation this week to create the opportunity for low-income students to stay in their low-income housing and attend school full time.  Existing law forces such students to attend school part-time, or lose their low income housing.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) voted for two landmark pieces of legislation in the opening days of the 111^th Congress.  The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R. 11) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 12) both passed the House of Representatives with large bi-partisan majorities.

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) made the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives today regarding his vote on House Resolution 34, a bill expressing the sense of Congress about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Congressman Ellison joined 22 of his colleagues and voted “Present” on the resolution.

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) called on both Israel and Hamas to halt the renewed escalation of violence in Gaza. "Over 380 casualties have already been reported," Ellison stated. "The escalation of violence leaves both parties less secure and with a deeper desire to seek revenge. I believe the following actions must be taken at once if peace and security are to be achieved," Ellison stated:

Washington, D.C. –  Representatives Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Co-Chairs of the Consumer Justice Caucus, announced today that they have written to the largest credit card issuing banks asking them to hold off on their intended consumer credit card rate increases in light of the current economic recession.

Rejects Republican-led Bush/Cheney Big Oil Policy

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) voted for the second landmarkenergy bill of this Congress.  TheComprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act passed theHouse of Representatives last evening by a bi-partisan vote of 236-189.