Setting An Energy Course For Next President and Congress

August 20, 2008 - This week Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joined the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to host the National Clean Energy Summit. The summit brought together major industry leaders, scientists, policy experts, and elected officials including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to define an agenda that accelerates the development of renewable energy, energy-efficiency technologies and robust clean energy markets throughout the nation and world. "We are here today to accept the challenge of creating a clean energy revolution. And we are ready to put aside political differences to achieve this goal," said Senator Reid.

Senator Reid hosted this summit as part of his effort to promote clean renewable energy, drawing upon our nation's vast solar, wind and geothermal resources to provide clean, stable power while creating thousands of jobs for our economy. He continued his effort to promote clean energy by urging "Congress should pass a long-term extension of tax incentives for private sector entrepreneurs who are standing by, ready to invest billions of dollars in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects." He added "Congress should look to build a national smart grid - a way to transmit electricity - that will reward net energy producers and provide affordable clean energy to regions that need it. And Congress should set aggressive national standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency." Read the rest of Reid's remarks as prepared for delivery here. As the Leader of the Democratic Caucus, Senator Reid is committed to both short- and long-term solutions to our energy crisis. Read more.

Protecting American Consumers

August 1, 2008 -- This week the U.S. Senate passed the conference report to accompany H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act ("CPSC Reform Act"). Democratic Senators, Members of Congress and families who will benefit from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act held a ceremony to enroll legislation that gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission the resources, authority and oversight it needs to protect our children from lead, dangerous toys and other unsafe products.

"We are sending the President a strong bill that says his Administration's lax regulation standards on children's safety are unacceptable," said Senate Major Leader Harry Reid following the passage of the CPSC Reform Act. He added, "for years now, the CPSC's budget and staff had been slashed while 28,200 Americans die and 33.6 million are injured each year. I hope the President agrees that this is unacceptable and quickly signs this good bill into law." Read more on the highlights of the CPSC Reform Act.

Democrats Call For Increasing Investments In Alternative & Renewable Energy

July 29, 2008 -- Democrats are committed to both short- and long-term solutions to our energy crisis. This week Democratic Senators Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman and Ken Salazar joined Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, at a press conference to discuss legislation to create incentives for innovators to invest in alternative, renewable energy sources and energy conservation. This tax-extenders bill will put money back in the pockets of hard-working middle-class Americans suffering from record-breaking gas prices, create good-paying jobs here at home, and help break our dependence on oil.

"Americans want Congress to steer this country toward alternative and renewable energies," said Senator Baucus. Senator Bingaman added, "It's clear that our country can produce a lot more of the power that it consumes from renewable sources, but we need a long-term, consistent policy to achieve that goal." In the past two months alone, Senate Democrats have moved seven times to lower energy costs, but Bush-McCain Republicans have run away from the debate each time. The tax-extenders bill will provide Republicans another chance to join Democrats in creating incentives for innovators to invest in alternative, renewable energy sources.

Advancing America's Health Care Priorities

July 24, 2008 -- Next week, Bush-McCain Republicans will have the opportunity to vote in favor of - the Advancing America's Priorities Act - a package of bipartisan and noncontroversial legislation, which includes a series of common-sense bills that will expand research and improve treatment for diseases and medical conditions that afflict millions of Americans. Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow and Robert Menendez joined health advocates today at a press conference this week to discuss these bills that have repeatedly been blocked by Republicans in the Senate. The bills include the MOTHERS ACT, legislation that provides support for postpartum depression, the Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act, that advances medical research in this field, and the ALS Registry, legislation that collects and examines data from thousands of people with Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"What we are experiencing in the U.S. Senate is an unprecedented attempt by the Republican party to block the Democratic majority from doing the work of the American people," said Stabenow. "The Advancing America's Priorities Act is a bipartisan push to break through the Republican roadblock and pass these non-controversial bills, many of which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House. The American people have waited long enough." These bills are critical to finding cures and living healthier, fuller lives. For their sake, Bush-McCain Republicans should join with Democrats to pass these bills.

Advancing America's Priorities

July 23, 2008 -- This week the Senate Democrats introduced - the Advancing America's Priorities Act - a package of bipartisan and noncontroversial bills, with provisions in a variety of areas - from advancing medical research in critical areas, to cracking down on child exploitation, to promoting important U.S. foreign policy goals. Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy and Chris Dodd joined Simeon Wright, a relative of Emmett Till who was present at his tragic kidnapping in 1955, at a press conference today to discuss this package which includes the Emmett Till Unsolved Crimes Bill, that would help solve crimes that have continued to be unsolved and unpunished since the Civil Rights era.

One or two Republican Senators have continued to hold up this important package of bipartisan, non-controversial bills, such as the Emmett Till Unresolved Crimes Bill. Delaying these bills has real consequences for the many Americans who are victims of crimes. "The passage of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act is long overdue," Dodd said adding, "this legislation will help heal the wounds of one of our nation's darkest periods by expanding federal resources to track down and punish those who perpetrated heinous crimes of racial hatred. With so many witnesses of these crimes growing older, it is critical that we act now. While this bill cannot undo the horrors of the past, it provides an opportunity to restore faith in the impartiality of our justice system. Enough obstructionism - it is time to pass this bill." The Bush-McCain Republicans will have a choice: they will either join the side of the American people, or continue to stand beside one or two colleagues intent on blocking progress. To read a list of bills included in the Advance America's Priorities Act click here.

Democrats Advancing Solutions to Energy Crisis

July 21, 2008 -- Democrats are committed to both long- and short-term solutions to our energy crisis. As part of our effort to lower record-high gas prices, we have introduced - the Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act - a bill that cracks down on the excessive speculation in the energy markets. Democratic Senators Byron Dorgan and Amy Klobuchar held a press conference this week with energy experts to discuss the bill, which will stop greedy energy traders who artificially inflate oil prices and ensure Americans pay a fair price at the pump. "The price of gas and oil continues to shoot up like a Roman candle," Dorgan said. "It has become abundantly clear that speculators, not the laws of supply and demand, are driving up prices. This legislation will cut out the rampant speculation that is happening in the oil futures market."

Said Klobuchar, noting that the price of gas has gone up $1 in just the past six months: "The experts tell us that a good amount of the money we now pay at the pump is going into the bank accounts of financial speculators, when I was a prosecutor we had a saying: 'Follow the money and you'll find the bad guy.' If we're going to protect American consumers and businesses, we need to follow the money and stop the speculators.'' Read more.

Congress Overrides President's Veto
Strengthening Medicare

July 15, 2008 - This week the Congress voted to overwhelmingly override President Bush's veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, thus reversing payment cuts for doctors and improving care for patients. This Medicare bill will reverse a planned 10.6 percent physician payment cut that would have blocked access to health care for seniors on Medicare and military families using the TRICARE system. "Congress today did its part to make sure the President's stubborn opposition to the millions of American seniors and veterans who rely on Medicare does not stand," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid following the overwhelming bipartisan Senate vote to override President's veto.

Senator Reid added, "Though Medicare was created by a Democratic Congress and a Democratic President, that principle has always been anchored far too deep in our soil for the roots of partisanship to entangle. When the program has been threatened, Democrats and Republicans have risen to the occasion to protect it." Earlier this week leading supporters of this key Medicare legislation rallied with Democratic Senate and House leaders, seniors, and military members, calling for the final approval of the Medicare bill.

Victory For All Americans
Democrats Deliver Improvements In Medicare

July 11, 2008 -- Under the Democratic Leadership, Congress has passed a responsible and necessary Medicare bill that prevents payment cuts for doctors and improves care for patients. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke this week about the veto-proof passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act in the Senate. This bill will prevent an enormous 10.6 percent cut in reimbursements to doctors who treat Medicare patients that would have limited the number of Medicare patients doctors see.

"The House strongly passed this bill in bipartisan, veto-proof fashion by nearly 300 votes, and the Senate has now passed it by a veto-proof margin as well. It is now up to the President to sign it into law. I call on him to join Congress in making sure Medicare works better for every American senior and TRICARE works better for our troops," Senator Reid said following the bill's passage. Read more on the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act by clicking here.

Fighting To Protect Medicare For Our Seniors

July 8, 2008 -- Democratic Senators Max Baucus, Blanche Lincoln and Ken Salazar held a press conference this week with Dr. Willarda Edwards from the National Medical Association and Merwyn and Barbara Reaves, two Medicare recipients, to call on Senate Republicans to join the effort to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. The House overwhelmingly passed a good bill in bipartisan fashion that ensures Medicare works better for every American senior and saves taxpayers billions of dollars - but Bush-McCain Republicans insist on standing with the President to protect insurance companies at the expense of patients and providers.

"Forty-four million American seniors, in my home state of Montana and all across the country, are watching to see if the Senate will do what's right on Medicare," said Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "Seniors want to know whether the Senate will stand for them, or whether some will stand in the way of a good Medicare bill. Senators should seize the opportunity for bipartisanship and vote for the House-passed Medicare bill this week. It's time to stop the squabbling, and to vote for legislation that can improve Medicare and reverse the cut in doctor payments now." All Senators will have the chance this week to stand with seniors as the Senate votes again on the House-passed Medicare bill. Read more.

Celebrating A Historic G.I. Bill
Democrats Deliver A Victory For Our Troops

June 27, 2008 -- This week the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century G.I. Bill. Earlier in the week a bipartisan group of lawmakers held a press conference with leaders of veterans groups to discuss the historic G.I. bill - cosponsored by more than half of the Senate, more than half of the House, and most of our nation's leading veterans' organizations - that will give this newest generation of veterans the same opportunities enjoyed by World War II veterans.

"At a time when two million men and women have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and when our troops have had to endure multiple deployments, stop-loss policies, insufficient equipment and an unclear strategy, giving them the opportunity to fuel our future economy is the least we can do," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid following the passage of the bill. The bipartisan G.I. bill helps our servicemen and -women readjust to the civilian life we enjoy because of the sacrifices they make and help them afford an education so they will have the tools to succeed at home and grow our economy.

Working To Revive The American Dream
Democrats Address The Housing Crisis

June 24, 2008 -- Democratic Senators John Kerry and Sherrod Brown held a press conference this week with housing experts today discuss widespread support behind legislation that will address the housing crisis.. The bipartisan bill would keep thousands of people at risk of foreclosure from losing their homes, help stabilize the housing market, create new jobs here at home and modernize the Federal Housing Administration.

"This urgent, complex problem requires real solutions, not broken promises or empty political rhetoric. While not perfect, this legislation will reduce foreclosures; increase access to safe and fair mortgage credit for all homebuyers; and help our economy by creating critically-needed housing construction jobs," Kerry said. Added Brown, "The American Dream is slipping away from thousands of middle class Ohioans due to the rise in foreclosures. We must act swiftly to reverse this trend and invest in our neighborhoods. This week, I'll be fighting for legislation that will help families hold onto their homes and assist in the rebuilding of communities." Read more.

Senate Democratic Women Unveil The Checklist For Change

June 18, 2008 -- This week Senate Democratic women launched the Checklist for Change website to highlight their fight for middle class families and an affordable American dream. Senate Democratic Women for Change held a press conference to discuss Democrats' commitment to provide equal pay for working people, keep good jobs in America, fight global climate change, take care of our veterans, restore America's image around the world and other crucial issues. Senator Debbie Stabenow said, "During the coming months we will release videos and other content to communicate the challenges our constituents face all over America and what must be done to help them."

"We have come together to offer America a checklist for change. We are a voice for the women of America. We are a voice for families of America. And we are here to fight for change," said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Dean of the Women Senators. She invited all Americansto join Senate Democratic women "in the fight to bring about the change that the American people need and deserve." Explore the "Checklist for Change" website by going here.

Working To Make the American Dream Affordable Democrats Champion Innovation

June 12, 2008 --With oil and gas prices expected to remain near record highs in the near future, rapid technological innovations in the transportation sector are critically important to help end our nation's addiction to oil and reduce global warming pollution. This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senators Debbie Stabenow, Amy Klobuchar and David Sandalow, an energy expert from the Brookings Institute, held a press conference showcasing new automotive technologies that can help reduce our dependence on oil.

"We need a clean energy revolution to unleash our brightest and most creative scientists, engineers and corporate leaders because we cannot afford the status quo any longer," said Reid, adding "These cars are a great start. They represent the kind of innovation that America desperately needs to cure our addiction to oil and reduce the risks of global warming." While Democrats are working to make the American Dream affordable, Bush-McCain Republicans continue to demonstrate how out of touch they are with the concerns of American families. This week, given the chance to strengthen our economy, address the energy crisis, cut taxes and create jobs, they once again ran away from the debate.

Democrats Working To Address Energy, Economic Crises

June 10, 2008 -- Senate Democrats continue to work to make the American Dream affordable again for middle-class families struggling with the rising cost of living and a shrinking job market. As gas prices continue to break record highs, Democrats are working to reverse seven years of the Bush Administration's oil-friendly economic policies. But given the opportunity to invest in renewable energy, create millions of good-paying green jobs here at home and address the root causes of high energy prices, Republicans have said no every time. This week Democratic Senators Richard Durbin, Patty Murray and Byron Dorgan held a press conference with a broad coalition of labor, environmental and citizens' advocacy groups to discuss the Consumer First Energy Act of 2008.

"Democrats have been fighting for policies that will help cut gas prices, create jobs, and keep our air and water clean - and our nation secure. We're committed to taking strong action that will stop rewarding oil companies - and that will start looking out for American families," Senator Murray said. Experts and advocates agree that the Democrats' legislation will address the root causes of gas prices, spur innovation and development of alternative energy, and reduce America's dependence on oil. Read more.

Labor & Business Leaders Join Democrats To Support Climate Security Act

June 3, 2008 - Democratic Senators Barbara Boxer, Charles Schumer, Dianne Feinstein and Bob Casey held a press conference with labor and business leaders this week to discuss the Climate Security Act of 2008. With record high energy prices and stagnant wages squeezing the middle-class, Democrats' comprehensive plan to stimulate the economy will create good-paying green jobs here at home and reduce our dependence on oil while capping carbon pollution that causes global warming.

"The Climate Security Act has earned the support of American business and labor organizations because it gives us the tools to create an American economic renaissance with clean energy and green jobs," Boxer said. "We can successfully address global warming, while maintaining a strong economy, and our nation and the world will be better for it." Read more.

21st Century G.I. Bill Congress Delivers A Historic Victory For America's Veterans

May 23, 2008 -- This week the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century G.I. Bill by a bipartisan and veto-proof 75-22 vote. The bipartisan G.I. Bill - cosponsored by more than half of the Senate, more than half of the House, and most of our nation's leading veterans' organizations - will give this newest generation of veterans the same opportunities enjoyed by World War II veterans. "This is an historic victory for America's veterans. It further strengthens the finest military in world and enhances America's security and economy. It is also a testament to what we can accomplish when we drop the futile and fruitless fight over which party supports our troops more and we work as partners in a bipartisan way," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Senator Reid added, "I hope President Bush watches closely what happened here today, and I hope he heeds the call of a bipartisan, veto-proof majority of Congress and the thousands of veterans who know we owe our veterans the support they deserve." The Senate Democratic Communication Center has released a video entitled, "Supporting Our Troops: Delivering a GI Bill for the 21st Century," which highlights how Democrats remains committed to providing this new generation of troops and veterans with the gratitude they deserve: a change of course in Iraq that makes America and its service-members safer, and the care and benefits our veterans need.

Democrats Unveil Consumer-First Energy Act Of 2008

May 7, 2008 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Jeff Bingaman, Max Baucus, Charles Schumer, Byron Dorgan, Maria Cantwell and Bernie Sanders held a press conference this week to unveil the Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008, a bill that addresses the root causes of high gas prices. Seven years of the Bush Administration's disastrous energy policies have enriched Big Oil and market speculators at the expense of American consumers. "Even as it costs Americans more every day to fill up their gas tanks, Bush Republicans only offer more of the same failed energy policies that brought us to this point," Reid said.

He added, "But with this bill, Democrats are protecting consumers. Instead of helping Big Oil make more money at the expense of average Americans, we are forcing oil companies to change their ways. We will hold them accountable for unconscionable price-gouging and force them to invest in renewable energy or pay a price for refusing to do so." Democrats are committed to providing relief to consumers and strengthening our economic, energy and national security. Read more.

Five Years On, The Mission Is Not Accomplished

May 1, 2008 -- Five years ago today, President Bush told us "major combat operations in Iraq have ended" when they had really barely just begun. Senators Frank Lautenberg, Robert Menendez and Jim Webb held a press conference to discuss the five-year anniversary of the speech President Bush delivered on board the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln while standing under the "Mission Accomplished" banner. In the five years since the President delivered that address, the war in Iraq has deteriorated into an endless civil war that has cost the lives of thousands of U.S. soldiers, distracted us from the real war on terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan, made us less ready to respond to threats around the world, and severely strained our military. "We want to draw attention to this dubious anniversary and the President's false promises not to revel in the incompetence of his Administration or the foolishness of his war plan, but because it is incredibly important to remind everyone in this country--from our colleagues to the media to the public--that this war rages on and the Bush Administration has no plans or intentions to end it," said Senator Menendez.

Of the more than 4,000 brave Americans killed in this war, 97 percent have died since President Bush declared "Mission Accomplished." And if President Bush had not so recklessly vetoed a bill passed by both houses of Congress and supported by the vast majority of the American people, every one of our combat troops would be home with their families by today, May 1, 2008. Our mission was not accomplished then, and it is still not accomplished today. Our mission will not be accomplished until we change course in Iraq so that we can refocus on the war on terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan, rebuild our strained military, and stop spending $12 billion a month in Iraq.

Celebrating 40 Years of the Fair Housing Act

April 30, 2008 - Forty years ago, seven days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act of 1968 ("Civil Rights Act"). The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. After the act, neighborhoods could no longer be designated 'whites only' and restrictive racial covenants were outlawed. All Americans were given equal rights to the sale, rent, lease, and finance of their home in all housing markets. Senate Democrats are committed to safeguarding those rights. Senator Richard Durbin said, "If we're really going to strive for the kind of opportunity which is the hallmark of America, we really have to talk about economic opportunity. That means making certain that people have an opportunity for a job that gives them a chance to raise their family and a decent place to live in a safe neighborhood. That's why the Fair Housing Act is so important."

Senate Democrats remain committed to Fair Housing for all Americans. The Senate Democratic Communication Center has released a video entitled, "Looking Back, Moving Forward: Democrats Celebrate 40 Years of the Fair Housing Civil Rights Act." It reflects on the successes of our past and Senate Democrats' commitment to work towards a more equitable future for all of our neighbors who seek to live the American dream.

A Call For Action On 21st Century GI Bill

April 29 - More than one hundred veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from across the country converged on Capitol Hill this week to joined bipartisan group of Congressional leaders in advocating a "21st Century GI Bill" for our newest generation of veterans. "While we may disagree about the policy and strategy of this war, we can agree that each and every veteran deserves our admiration, respect and support," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at the rally. He added, "At its heart, this bill is about helping a large and deserving group of young men and women readjust to the civilian life we enjoy because of the sacrifices they make."

The group called for immediate legislative action on the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act" (S.22/ H.R. 5740). The legislation boasts strong bi-partisan support in both houses of Congress and is designed to offer the brave men and women who have served honorably since September 11, 2001, a level of educational benefits on par with those provided to veterans of the World War II era. For more information about the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, please click here (PDF).

Taking Care of Our Veterans

April 25, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke this week after the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act passed the Senate 96-1. This much needed legislation expands eligibility for traumatic injury insurance, extends eligibility for specially adapted housing benefits to veterans with severe burns, increases benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training programs; and restores veteran status to Filipino veterans who served under United States command during World War II. "At a time when 150,000 men and women are serving our country bravely in Iraq, providing for our veterans is one of our most important responsibilities. This long-overdue bill provides for, supports and honors America's veterans, both young and old," said Senator Reid.

In addition to passing this legislation, over the past year, Senate Democrats have taken decisive action to provide Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Administration (VA) with the resources they needed to ensure proper facility maintenance, first-rate medical treatment, and timely service for all of our nation's wounded veterans. Senate Democrats have also secured emergency funding to fill in gaps left behind by the Bush Administration, advanced landmark legislation on the treatment and management of wounded warriors, and passed the largest budget in the history of our country for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet more must be done to ensure that our wounded warriors receive the care they deserve. Our military medical facilities are short-staffed and our veterans are suffering through a bureaucratic nightmare. Instead of hiding the facts, the Bush Administration should work with Congress to improve the care our wounded warriors receive.

Standing Up For Our Planet

April 22, 2008 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joined Senators Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Tom Carper, Maria Cantwell, Frank Lautenberg, and Bernie Sanders on the 38th anniversary of Earth Day to discuss their efforts to protect the environment. For the last seven years, the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress have repeatedly demonstrated that they are more interested in preserving the interests of big oil companies than in preserving our planet for future generations. Democrats remain committed to reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy and decreasing our dependence on oil.

"It is time for Republicans to join Democrats in taking tangible steps to protect both our nation and our planet" said Senator Reid. Democrats believe that Americans have a right to expect their government is working to make the air clean, the water drinkable, and the environment healthier and more sustainable. Read more.

The Costs Of The War In Iraq On The American Economy

April 16, 2008 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer joined Senator Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of the Joint Economic Committee today to discuss the impact of the Iraq war on the U.S. economy. As the war in Iraq moves into its sixth year, there is still no clear end in sight. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to suffer the effects of record oil prices, job losses, inflation, and a deepening housing and credit crisis.

It is long past time for the Bush Administration to explain why the $12 billion it spends on a failed war policy every month is more important than the health care, education, housing relief, and infrastructure those resources can provide here at home. "President Bush's mismanagement of the Iraq war and his stubborn refusal to change course have exacted tremendous costs on America," Reid said. He added, "The American people deserve a full accounting of what the war has cost in terms of lives, our reputation abroad, our national security abroad and at home, and our economy; and they especially deserve to know the future costs of the Administration's Iraq strategy going forward." Read more on the economic opportunity costs of the War in Iraq.

Creating Jobs By Investing In American Infrastructure

April 15, 2008 -- The Senate is set to debate the SAFETEA-LU highway technical corrections bill this week, which will allow the completion of important highway and transit projects outlined in the 2005 SAFETEA-LU transportation bill to move forward without increasing spending. Democratic Senators Richard Durbin and Barbara Boxer joined Pete Ruane, President and CEO of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, and Ray Chapman, a bricklayer from Michigan, to discuss Democrats' efforts to create jobs and improve our infrastructure.

"At a time when our economy is in trouble, we should be investing in the infrastructure that will put people to work today and ensure our global competiveness in the future," said Senator Durbin. Investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to stimulate our weakening economy, as it immediately stimulates the economy through job creation and benefits the economy in the long-term by lowering transportation costs.

A Call To Bush Republicans to match rhetoric with action on Iraq

April 10, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and veterans groups held a press conference this week following President Bush's remarks on Iraq and Congressional hearings involving General Petraeus's and Ambassador Crocker's testimonies. "This week's hearings gave the Bush Administration a chance to answer two fundamental questions that would indicate whether we are succeeding in Iraq: Has this war made us any safer? and Are our troops any closer to being able to redeploy out of Iraq? On both counts, the answer is no," said Senator Reid.

After nearly a year, the Administration is finally heeding the call of Congressional Democrats and military leaders to decrease troop deployments to 12 months. But President Bush's insistence on indefinitely keeping 142,000 troops in Iraq further damages our national security and our military's readiness. He still does not understand that our limited resources cannot support his limitless war. Senator Reid added, "If the President is genuine about providing our troops with the rest, recuperation and training they need, then I call on him and his allies in Congress to support Democratic efforts to codify his announcement into law and also ensure that our troops have sufficient time here at home. In the coming weeks I plan to bring the dwell-time bill to the floor for a vote, and it is my hope Republicans will not block this crucial legislation for a third time."

Celebrating MLK's Dreams

April 3, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner and other Congressional leaders joined together this morning in a congressional ceremony to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Friday marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King. "Dr. King taught us that dreams have power -- and that dreams coupled with action have the power to change the world," said Senator Reid.

Reid added, "In Dr. King's memory, we must not be silent about the things that matter to this generation. It is not enough to honor him with speeches, tributes or ceremonies alone. He would be the first to tell us this. Our responsibility is to continue his dream — with courage and hard work — so that we can, as he said, "make our old world a new world."

Honoring Our Troops, Veterans & Their Families: The Fifth Anniversary of The Iraq War

March 18, 2008 - Today marks the fifth anniversary of the War in Iraq. In a bipartisan Congressional remembrance ceremony last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joined his fellow Congressional leaders in honoring our troops, veterans and their families for five years of service and sacrifice in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Today we stand together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans, all, to honor every airman, soldier, sailor and marine who has served - and every American hero who has perished in the far-off land of Iraq," said Senator Reid. He continued, "while today's focus is on the five-year war in Iraq, we do not forget the men and women who have sacrificed in Afghanistan. We could not possibly honor our troops with words to match the honor of their brave action."

Senator Reid added, "[L]et it be known to all - from the beaches of America to the sands of Iraq - that they are in our hearts and in our prayers. And that in their honor and in their memory, we will - in the words of Abraham Lincoln - always 'cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." Read more.

Strengthening The American Economy

March 14, 2008 - Senate Democrats continue to strengthen the American economy and reverse years of Bush Republicans' fiscal policies. The U.S. Senate under Democratic leadership passed a budget this week that lowers taxes for middle class families and creates almost half a million good-paying jobs here at home. "In this time of economic uncertainty, this fiscally responsible budget points our economy in the right direction," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid after the Senate passed the budget.

He continued, "We are making health care, college tuition and energy more affordable and reversing years of Bush Republicans' failed fiscal policies. Since President Bush took office, it has been harder each day for middle-class families to make ends meet; this budget will help, and will give more working Americans a real opportunity to succeed in the future." Click here to watch a video which highlights how Senate Democrats are working to jump start the American economy. Senate Democrats will also continue fighting to strengthen our economy in the long-term by addressing the housing crisis, and helping those whom Bush Republicans refused to help.

Democrats' Fiscally Responsible Budget: Cutting Taxes For Working Americans

March 10, 2008 - Democrats continue to strengthen our economy and reverse years of Bush Republicans' fiscal policies that have put the burden of a looming recession on the back of middle-class families. Senate Democrats are proposing a budget that will cut taxes for working Americans and will help make health care, college tuition and energy more affordable. U.S. Senators Kent Conrad and Max Baucus and Representatives John Spratt and George Miller, joined a recipient of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and a recent college graduate today to discuss the Democratic budget that will be debated in the Senate and the House of Representatives this week.

"Middle-class taxpayers who are finding it harder to cope with higher energy, education and other costs, will like what they see in our Democratic budget," Conrad said. "We not only lower taxes for families, but we make needed investments in energy, education and infrastructure. These efforts will create jobs and bring needed relief for workers and their families. Unlike past Republican budgets that have heavily favored the wealthiest among us and caused the country's deficit and debt to explode, our Democratic budget provides help for the vast majority of working Americans, and does so in a fiscally responsible way." Read more.

Protecting America's Children

March 4, 2008 - As the Senate begins debate on the consumer product safety bill, Senate Democrats are working to pass legislation that protects children from toxic toys. Democratic Senators Mark Pryor and Amy Klobuchar held a press conference today with a pediatrician and parents of children who were harmed by dangerous toys to discuss Democrats' efforts to reverse the Bush Administration's lax consumer product safety standards.

"Accidents happen. But it is no accident when a manufacturer uses lead paint for a toy because it's a cheaper material, or when a toxic product remains on the shelves despite multiple consumer complaints," Pryor said. "My legislation prevents these dangerous toys and products from entering the marketplace, responds swiftly to remove them when they do and punishes bad actors who try to profit at our children's expense." Senator Klobuchar added, "This legislation will help keep toxic toys off our shores and out of our stores. Parents must know that when they buy products for their children they have met the highest safety standards and will be safe. It's simply unacceptable that we continue to see more and more toys recalled due to high lead content and safety flaws - we must act now." Read more.

 

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