CHICAGO, IL—Congressman Henry Waxman and Congressman Howard Berman, major committee chairmen and California superdelegates, endorsed Barack Obama today, citing his ability to unite the country and put and end to eight years of failed Bush policies. Congressman Waxman chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; Congressman Berman chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Both are respected leaders in the American Jewish community and major voices in Democratic policymaking. 

“Senator Obama’s vision for change has inspired tens of millions of Americans,” Chairman Waxman said.  “And he’s also proved that he has the experience, judgment, integrity, and toughness to bring real reform to Washington. Our nation faces big challenges.  We need to bring our troops safely home from Iraq.  We need to solve global warming and finally enact universal health care legislation.  And we need to create new jobs and strengthen our middle class. Senator Obama is the leader we need both here and around the world. He will be an extraordinary President, and I look forward to working with him to make his vision for change the new reality in Washington.” 
 
“Barack Obama has laid out a foreign policy vision driven by principle and conviction, and he understands that our moral authority and our safety as a nation go hand in hand,” Chairman Berman said. “I spoke with him about a number of foreign policy issues that most concern me.  He assured me that he shares my views. The moment President Obama takes office, we’ll send a powerful message to the world that America is back and ready to lead again—that we haven’t abandoned the values that made us the light of the world, and neither should anyone else.”  
 
The endorsements bring Senator Obama’s superdelegate total to 292.5. Obama is now 130.5 total delegates away from the nomination. 

“Chairmen Waxman and Berman set the standard for leadership and judgment in Congress,” Senator Obama said. “I’m humbled to have their support and grateful to have their counsel in this campaign. They know that this will be a defining election, and they know better than anyone the grit and hard work it’s going to take to turn things around and deliver for the American people again. We couldn’t ask for two more gifted or dedicated lawmakers to lead this coalition for change.”

Congressman Henry Waxman Endorses Barack Obama

Washington, DC | May 15, 2008

Statement of Henry A. Waxman

I have the greatest respect and admiration for Senator Clinton and former President Clinton. They have made remarkable contributions to our country and I believe Hillary Clinton would be a superb President of the United States.

That has been one of the major reasons I have remained an uncommitted superdelegate. I wanted to make sure that Senator Clinton had every opportunity to bring her campaign to the American people.

It is now clear, however, that the Democratic Party is nearing a broad consensus on our nominee. And it is with great pride that I endorse Senator Barack Obama for President.

Senator Obama has run an extraordinary campaign and he will be an extraordinary President. Senator Obama's vision for change has inspired tens of millions of Americans. And he’s also proved that he has the experience, judgment, integrity, and toughness to bring real reform to Washington.

Our nation faces big challenges. We need to bring our troops safely home from Iraq. We need to solve global warming and finally enact universal health care legislation. And we need to create new jobs and strengthen our middle class.

Senator Obama is the leader we need both here and around the world and I look forward to working with him to make his vision for change the new reality in Washington.