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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.
Honoring 75th Anniversary Of FDR's Fireside Chat: A Reid Podcast On Economy
March 12, 2008 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid recorded a podcast today to honor the 75th anniversary of the first of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's groundbreaking and historic fireside chats. Like President Roosevelt's initial radio address, Senator Reid addressed the economic crises that threaten the nation's economy.
Senator Reid asked Republicans in Congress to work with the Democrats to pass legislation that will get our economy moving again by lowering taxes for middle-class families and creating almost half a million good-paying jobs here at home.
Protecting America's Children
March 7, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hailed the passage of legislation that will help protect America's children from unsafe products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission bill, which passed by a bipartisan 79-13 vote, will give the Commission the resources, authority and oversight it needs to protect our children from lead, dangerous toys and other unsafe products. The CPSC estimates that products under its jurisdiction are related to 28,200 deaths and 33.6 million injuries each year - and costs more than $800 billion annually. Despite these dangers, the Bush Administration has understaffed and underfunded the CPSC. Senate Democrats brought forth a bill to correct these shortfalls and support the Commission by providing it the resources, authority and oversight it needs to protect our children from lead, dangerous toys and other unsafe products.
"This is a victory for the American consumer and a strong statement that the Administration's lax regulation standards on children's safety are unacceptable," said Senator Reid. He added, "This bill 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." Read more. Click here to watch the video highlights of a press conference Senators Mark Pryor and Amy Klobuchar earlier this week to push this legislation.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2419, The Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act. There will be 90 minutes for debate equally divided. Following, Senators should expect at least two roll call votes beginning as early as 11:00 a.m.
As a reminder, there is a 1:00 p.m. filing deadline for first degree amendments to H.R. 980, the Collective Bargaining Legislation.
Senators should also be prepared for votes in relation to appointing conferees to the Budget Resolution conference.
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