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Republicans Continue to Block Progress While Democrats Try to Provide Solutions to America's Energy Crisis
Senate Democrats are committed to solving America’s energy crisis. That is why Democrats went out of their way to address Republican concerns about the renewable energy tax credits and tax extenders bill. But despite Democratic efforts Republicans continued to block this critical legislation. Senate Republicans knew full-well that blocking this bill would put an end to any agreement to deal with other energy amendments but they did it anyway. The American people are left with only one conclusion: Republicans are more interested in talking than solving problems. Their claims to want to do something about our nation’s energy crisis are disingenuous at best.
Read More...Posted: 07/30/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Groups Across the Country Support the Advancing America's Priorities Act, But Republicans Say No
The legislation that makes up the Advancing America’s Priorities Act has garnered support from groups across the country. Health care groups, mental health advocates, trade associations, state and local governments, and many others strongly support the legislation that has been held up by Republican obstruction and have urged passage of this bill. This collection of bills would improve the treatment of diseases and medical conditions, boost conservation efforts, improve economic development programs, and improve America’s ability to respond to disasters. But despite the broad support for this bill across the country, and the wide bipartisan support this legislation has received in the House and in Senate Committees, Senate Republicans continue to say no. It’s time for Republicans to stop standing in the way and work with Democrats on this important bill.
Read More...Posted: 07/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
On Energy, Will Bush-McCain Republicans Finally Take 'Yes' for an Answer?
This afternoon, Senator Reid once again offered to give Republicans votes on offshore drilling, oil shale and nuclear power. Senate Republicans have said they will consider it. This time will they take ‘yes’ for an answer? Senate Democrats understand the pressure that high energy prices are putting on Americans’ family budgets. This year alone, Democrats have put forward numerous bills to address the problem of high gas prices. But Bush-McCain Republicans have said no at every turn. No to renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits, no to cracking down on price-gouging and excessive market speculation, no to rolling back tax breaks for Big Oil and no to helping low-income families, seniors and the disabled cope with high energy costs. It’s time for Bush-McCain Republicans to stop their obstruction and work with Democrats to lower energy costs for all Americans.
Read More...Posted: 07/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
CBO Letters To Reid And Conrad Undermines Bogus Attacks On Package Of Noncontroversial Authorization Bills
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today in response to a letter he received from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regarding a package of noncontroversial authorization bills being blocked by some Senate Republicans:
Read More...Posted: 07/25/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Will Bush-McCain Republicans Block Critical Health Care Bills?
Next week, Bush-McCain Republicans will have the opportunity to vote in favor of a series of common-sense bills that will expand research and improve treatment for diseases and medical conditions that afflict millions of Americans. These bills are bipartisan and non-controversial, which should make it easy to for Bush-McCain Republicans to join Democrats in passing this important legislation. For the millions of Americans suffering from these diseases, 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.
Read More...Posted: 07/24/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Republicans Can't Take Yes for an Answer
Bush-McCain Republicans showed how uninterested they are in having a real debate over energy. The GOP leadership rejected offers by Democrats to have a debate and votes on amendments important to them. Not surprising, Republicans leaders spent the last several days making speeches instead of working with Democrats on the bill, perhaps because GOP campaign strategists back home have asked them to.
Read More...Posted: 07/24/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Republicans Falsely Claim Their Offshore Drilling Plan Is The Best Way to Lower Gas Prices, So Why Are They Saying No to a Vote on Their Drilling Proposal?
Bush-McCain Republicans have time and again touted their plan to expand offshore drilling “in order to lower gas prices”, despite the fact that the Bush Administration’s own Energy Information Administration says that any impact on prices will be insignificant. Senator McConnell said opening the Outer Continental Shelf to drilling would be “a huge step forward.” But now, when given the chance to vote on their proposal which they have been touting for weeks along with a Democratic alternative, they are backing away. If they say no, it reveals how disingenuous their claims to want to do something about gas prices have been and shows that they are putting politics ahead of policy. Democrats hope that for once, Bush-McCain Republicans will take yes for an answer and instead work with Democrats on solutions to bring down the price of gasoline.
Read More...Posted: 07/23/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Democratic Energy Amendment: Supply, Demand & Taxpayer Fairness
During Senate debate on our legislation to curb excessive energy market speculation by Wall Street traders, Democrats will offer a proposal to increase domestic production of oil while reducing consumption. These steps will provide the American people with both short term relief and long-term measures to solve our energy crisis.
Read More...Posted: 07/23/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Judiciary Committee Bills Blocked by Senator Coburn and Bush-McCain Republicans
Among the many bipartisan, non-controversial bills Senator Coburn has been blocking through petty procedural maneuvers, some of the most egregious deal with the law and criminal justice. Indefensibly, Senator Coburn has blocked the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, a bill to strengthen the Justice Department’s ability to solve the many murders still unsolved from the Civil Rights era – like that of Emmett Till himself. He has also blocked common-sense bills to crack down on child pornographers and child exploitation. Delaying these bills has real consequences for the many Americans who are victims of crimes. But the responsibility does not lie with Coburn alone; the Republican leadership has done nothing to convince Coburn to lift his objections. Hopefully, with the help of a few courageous Republicans, the Senate can bring to an end Senator Coburn’s obstruction of these critical bills.
Read More...Posted: 07/23/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
In Case You Missed It, Senator Cornyn: Experts Believe Speculation Is Driving Up the Price of Oil
On the Senate floor, Senator Cornyn declared that Senator Reid’s comments this morning was the first time that he had heard that excessive speculation could be responsible for a significant portion of record-high oil prices. But economists and energy experts have been saying for months that speculation is part of the problem. Even Senator Cornyn’s allies recognize this; after all, Bush-McCain Republicans included a provision to deal with speculation in their own energy bill. Bush-McCain Republicans should stop playing politics and work with Democrats to address the high gas prices that are hurting America’s families and businesses.
Read More...Posted: 07/22/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Democratic Solutions for America's Energy Crisis
Democrats understand that high energy prices are taking a toll on American businesses and families and are committed to reducing energy costs through both short- and long-term solutions. We must increase domestic energy production, ensure fairness in the marketplace and reduce our dependence on oil by shifting to a new green economy. While Democrats have made important strides, like halting oil deliveries to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, passing a renewable fuel standard and raising fuel efficiency standards in cars and trucks for the first time in 32 years, Bush-McCain Republicans have stood in the way at every turn. But as gas prices continue to climb, we hope that our colleagues across the aisle will work with us on these short- and long-term solutions. By using our existing resources more efficiently and investing in newer cleaner energy sources, we will lower energy costs, reduce our dependence on oil and create jobs in a dynamic green economy.
Read More...Posted: 07/21/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Advancing America's Priorities Act | Summary and Reid Introductory Statement
Tomorrow Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will introduce The Advancing America's Priorities Act. The following is Senator Reid's statement on the bill as prepared for delivery:
Read More...Posted: 07/21/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush-McCain Republican Energy Plan Will Not Bring Down Gas Prices
The Bush-McCain Republican approach to lowering gas prices amounts to nothing more than drill, drill, drill. Democrats support expanding domestic production but know that drilling alone will not solve this crisis. Big Oil has failed to drill on more than 68 million acres of leased land. President Bush says that more drilling will quickly and significantly bring down the cost of gas at the pump, but his own Energy Information Administration and even some Republican Senators disagree. Instead of just calling for more drilling, Democrats are committed to providing short- and long-term solutions to this crisis, like opening up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, curbing the market speculation that experts believe has driven up the price of oil and investing in renewable energy. Bush-McCainRepublicans should stop trying to score political points and instead work with Democrats on solutions to bring down the price of gasoline.
Read More...Posted: 07/14/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
FACT CHECK: Republican Congress Failed to Find a Permanent Fix to Cuts in Payments to Doctors
Today, Senator Cornyn disingenuously blamed the Democratically-controlled Congress for failing to permanently put an end to scheduled cuts to payments to doctors under Medicare. Bush Republicans had ample opportunity to come up with a permanent solution when they controlled Congress, but instead kicked the can down the road. Instead of casting blame and playing politics, Bush Republicans should join with Democrats to pass this critical legislation, raise payments to doctors for 18 months and then work with Democrats on a permanent fix to these Medicare payment cuts.
Read More...Posted: 07/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Doctors, Seniors and Patient Advocates Support the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act
Before the July 4th recess, Bush Republicans had the chance to pass legislation supported by two-thirds of House Republicans that would prevent a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors. But they said no. Today, they will have another chance. Since their irresponsible vote, the medical community as well as senior citizens and patient advocates have stated their strong support for this critical legislation. Will Bush Republicans do the right thing and vote yes or will they continue their obstruction in the face of such broad support for the bill from doctors, seniors and patient advocates.
Read More...Posted: 07/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Republican Energy Plan - Good for Big Oil, Bad for Consumers
Since President Bush came to office, the price of gas has soared 182 percent, to $4.11 per gallon. But Bush Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to address the root causes of these record prices, instead continuing to offer more of the same failed policies that have helped Big Oil reap record profits and squeezed American drivers. Rather than giving oil companies more offshore land in which to drill – despite failing to produce any oil and gas from 68 million acres of existing leases, an area bigger than Colorado – Bush Republicans should work with Democrats to address the root causes of high gas prices, reduce America’s dependence on oil and invest in renewable energy to create jobs and lower gas prices.
Read More...Posted: 07/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Republicans Have Struck Out on Energy
After blocking three Democratic efforts to address our energy crisis by investing in renewable energy just this month, Bush-McCain Republicans are now offering what they are calling a “new” energy bill that offers more of their same failed policies. The bill calls for opening up additional drilling off America’s shores, despite the 68 million acres already leased to oil companies that are not producing. It also calls for expanding oil shale production, which is still hampered by the lack of commercially-ready technologies and high costs. While these proposals would help Big Oil amass ever greater profits, they would do nothing to lower the cost of gasoline at the pump, worsen global warming and fail to reduce our dependence on oil. Fortunately, the Republican bill does borrow one idea to bring prices down from Democratic bills, which is to strengthening the Commodity Futures Trading Commission so it cracks down on excessive speculation in energy markets, but there is still more to do. The most important step that Bush-Republicans could take to help solve our nation’s energy crisis is to stop standing in the way, and join Democrats in investing in energy efficiency and clean alternatives to help consumers get some relief.
Read More...Posted: 06/26/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Industry Experts, Housing Advocates and Economists Support Bipartisan Housing Bill
The bipartisan housing bill on the floor of the Senate has garnered support from industry experts, housing advocates and economists, who all believe this legislation is a critical step towards stabilizing the housing market and get our economy back on track. The bill reforms regulation of the Government Sponsored Enterprises, modernizes the FHA, helps families avoid foreclosure and establishes an affordable housing trust fund to help low-income families. Senate Republicans should join with Democrats to pass this bipartisan legislation without delay.
Read More...Posted: 06/25/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Housing Bill Provides Relief for At-Risk Homeowners
Today, the Senate continues debate on a comprehensive housing bill that by one account could help close to half a million homeowners keep their homes. The Senate bill will strengthen the Federal Housing Administration’s ability to keep people in their homes and provide them with secure fixed-rate mortgages, reform government sponsored enterprises (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) and assist potential homebuyers with a tax incentive to purchase their first home. In addition, the measure also creates a landmark low-income housing trust fund to assist in the construction of affordable rental housing and provides assistance to communities with redevelopment aid.
Read More...Posted: 06/24/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Republicans Fail to Understand That We Cannot Drill Our Way to Lower Gas Prices
From President Bush to the Senate Republican leadership, from Vice President Cheney to Senator McCain, the Republican energy policy can be summed up in three words: drill, drill, drill. The recent flip-flops by President Bush and Senator McCain to grant new access for offshore drilling comes as the Big Oil companies have spent $188 billion in stock buybacks over the last five years instead of investing significantly in increasing supply here and abroad. Meanwhile, at a recent House hearing, an ExxonMobil official testified that it was only investing $100 million over ten years on renewable energy.
Read More...Posted: 06/19/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Republican Book of World Records
Any way you look at it, the Republican record is record-breaking. Many of the most important metrics by which we measure the economy are the worst they have ever been. Meanwhile, the human, economic and military costs of keeping our overstretched military in an intractable civil war grow greater every day.
Read More...Posted: 06/19/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Democrats Are Fighting to Provide Tax Relief for Families and Small Businesses
Today, Senate Democrats will offer Republicans one more chance to provide tax relief to American families and small businesses. The Senate Democratic “tax extenders” measure provides over $55 billion in tax breaks, while offsetting this cost in a fair and responsible manner. Below is a sample of the misinformation being used by the GOP to block this bill, and the corresponding facts.
Read More...Posted: 06/17/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Obstruction Alert - Republicans Block Bipartisan Medicare Bill That Prevents Cut in Doctor's Payments And Takes Care of Seniors
The bipartisan Medicare Bill prevents the looming ten percent cut in payments to doctors that is scheduled to take effect at the end of the month. But it also goes much further in improving Medicare coverage for seniors and reducing their costs. The bill pays for improvements and prevents the payment cut by reining in overpayments to some private Medicare plans. In contrast, the Republican bill only prevents the cut in doctor’s payments but does nothing to improve care or help seniors with rising health care costs. Additionally, the Republican bill does nothing to reform the private fee-for-service plans that are being vastly overpaid – up to 117 percent of traditional Medicare rates. Unfortunately, Bush-McCain Republicans chose to protect the special interests instead of siding with Democrats to make these critical improvements to Medicare and protect our seniors.
Read More...Posted: 06/12/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Costs of Bush-McCain Republican Obstruction
Senate Democrats are working to address the most pressing problems facing our nation by proposing comprehensive legislation to address the record high gas prices, housing crisis, rising unemployment and the barriers our returning veterans face in finding employment when they return home from war, but Bush-McCain Republicans continue to stand in the way. The costs of their obstruction to the American people are stark: average gas prices are a record $4.05 per gallon; more than one million homes are in foreclosure; the economy has lost 324,000 jobs this year; and finally, the rate of young veterans out of the workforce surged to 23 percent in 2005, up from just 10 percent in 2000. These costs are too high for the American people to bear. It is time for Republicans to stop standing in the way and work with Democrats to craft solutions to the problems facing working families.
Read More...Posted: 06/11/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Experts and Advocates Support the Democrats' Consumer-First Energy Act
The Consumer-First Energy Act, legislation to address the root causes of high gas prices, is supported by energy and economy experts as well as labor, environmental, business, rural and seniors’ advocates. They agree that this bill will address the root causes of gas prices, spur innovation and development of alternative energy and reduce America’s dependence on oil.
Read More...Posted: 06/10/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Will Bush-McCain Republicans Stand in the Way of Addressing the Root Causes of High Gas Prices?
Bush-McCain Republicans have talked extensively about the impact high gas prices are having on Americans across the country. With tomorrow’s vote on the Consumer-First Energy Act, they will have the chance to join Democrats in addressing the root causes of high gas prices. Democrats recently lead in passing bipartisan legislation to suspend filling of the nearly full Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Now, Bush-McCain Republicans once again have a choice between addressing this crucial issue by holding Big Oil accountable, cracking down on price gouging and market speculation and reducing our dependence on oil or continuing their record-setting obstruction. Americans feeling the pain of $4 per gallon gasoline hope that Republicans will work with Democrats on this critical legislation and other solutions to restore America’s energy and economic security.
Read More...Posted: 06/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Intelligence Committee Unveils Final Phase II Reports On Prewar Iraq Intelligence
The Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, and a bipartisan majority of the Committee (10-5), today unveiled the final two sections of its Phase II report on prewar intelligence. The first report details Administration prewar statements that, on numerous occasions, misrepresented the intelligence and the threat from Iraq. The second report details inappropriate, sensitive intelligence activities conducted by the DoD’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, without the knowledge of the Intelligence Community or the State Department.
Read More...Posted: 06/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Intelligence Committee Report Confirms Bush Administration Spun the Truth to Take America to War
The Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on the Bush Administration’s use of pre-war intelligence confirms former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan’s account of how the Bush Administration led the nation to war. Through a coordinated propaganda campaign conducted by the President and his most senior advisers, the Bush Administration used innuendo and implication, made claims that went far beyond what the intelligence community concluded and ignored significant dissent within the intelligence community over other claims to lead the nation to war. As Scott McClellan wrote in his book, the President and his officials in the run-up to war “confused the propaganda campaign with the high level of candor and honesty so fundamentally needed to build and then sustain public support during a time of war.” This was the first in a series of misjudgments made by the Bush Administration that have gravely damaged U.S. national security.
Read More...Posted: 06/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Will Senate Republicans Match Their Words With Action to Combat Global Warming?
Some Senate Republicans have talked about the importance of addressing global warming. Some of them have called for a bipartisan solution that strengthens our economy, spurs innovation and significantly curbs greenhouse gas emissions. At the upcoming key procedural vote on the bipartisan Climate Security Act on the floor of the United States Senate, these Senators will have the opportunity to signal they support America leading, not following, in the global effort to reduce the risks of climate change. Will they match their words with action, or will they join their colleagues in the Republican Conference to simply obstruct and delay and leave this enormous problem to burden future generations?
Read More...Posted: 06/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Rhetoric v. Reality on Senate Global Warming Bill
The following document highlights the top myths being asserted by opponents of the Senate’s global warming bill with the corresponding facts. In short, gas prices under the Climate Security Act may only modestly increase, and under some models may in fact go down. In addition, the measure provides tax relief to consumers and will spur investment in renewable sources of energy, which in turn will create millions of new jobs.
Read More...Posted: 06/03/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Climate Security Act Will Spur Innovation and Create Jobs
The Climate Security Act will help America transition to a green economy by spurring innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency technology. This growing economic sector already sustains millions of good-paying jobs here in America, and this legislation will create millions more. Senate Republicans should join with Democrats to reduce our emissions and lessen our dependence on oil while creating jobs and strengthening our economy.
Read More...Posted: 06/03/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Democrats Support Middle-Class Tax Relief, Bush Republicans Call for the Same Failed Policies of the Past
This morning, President Bush once again called for making his signature tax cuts permanent. But the record on taxes is clear. Democrats support responsible tax cuts for the middle-class, to help them cope with the high costs of health care, higher education and gas prices. President Bush and his Republican allies continue to call for giveaways to multi-millionaires and special interests which have turned a budget surplus into record deficits and soaring debt and driven our economy to the brink of recession. As American families are struggling to make ends meet amid soaring costs, they need new ideas for how to strengthen our economy, not more of the same failed Bush Republican policies of the past.
Read More...Posted: 06/02/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
At Hearing, Will General Petraeus Add His Voice in Support of the 21st Century G.I. Bill?
Today, General Petraeus will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his pending nomination to be commander of CENTCOM as the Senate continues to work on the supplemental appropriations bill. The hearing is a reminder that we are spending $12 billion a month on the Iraq war. We are also draining the readiness of our military and diverting America from fighting Al Qaeda, winning the peace in Afghanistan, and giving our troops and veterans the benefits they deserve. The 21st Century G.I. Bill included in the supplemental will ensure that our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan receive the same benefits that World War II veterans received at a cost over ten years equal to the costs of keeping our troops in Iraq for just two and a half months. We hope that as General Petraeus offers his views on Iraq and the other threats in his new command that he honors our troops’ sacrifice and adds his voice to the thousands of veterans and leaders of veterans organizations in support of a 21st Century GI Bill.
Read More...Posted: 05/22/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
FACT CHECK: Bush/McCain Republicans Requested Funding for Programs Unrelated to Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
It’s time again for more Bush/McCain Republican games and their Orwellian tactics. Bush/McCain Republicans are using calls for a “clean” supplemental spending bill to oppose the 21st Century GI Bill, extension of unemployment benefits and other emergency spending priorities included in the supplemental spending bill. But President Bush and his allies in Congress asked for billions in emergency spending for programs unrelated to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats believe that along with the billions Bush/McCain Republicans want to spend on the war in Iraq, they should also invest in crucial priorities here at home and crises abroad. Below are a few examples of the President’s requests and Republican amendments to the Supplemental spending bill that are unrelated to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan:
Read More...Posted: 05/21/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
With Troops Strained from Multiple Extended Deployments, They Deserve a GI Bill Worthy of Their Sacrifice
Yesterday, the Pentagon announced troop rotations for units rotating into Iraq and Afghanistan, putting thousands of soldiers on notice that they will be deployed again. These repeated and extended deployments have put great strain on our forces, hurting their ability to do their jobs and resulting in increased mental health problems. These numerous deployments have also strained our military families, with higher divorce rates and incidence of domestic disputes. Our highest military and civilian leaders, including Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen, have expressed great concern about the strain on our troops. Our troops have sacrificed greatly for us, and they deserve a 21st Century GI Bill that is worthy of their sacrifice.
Read More...Posted: 05/20/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Republican Energy Bill Helps Big Oil, Not Consumers
The Bush Republican energy bill is just more of the same failed policies that have led to record-high gas prices. Instead of investing in renewable technologies, the Bush Republican plan calls for more oil drilling and expanding oil shale production, a process which has not been proven to be economically viable, results in huge greenhouse gas emissions and requires enormous amounts of water. The United States controls just 3 percent of the world’s oil reserves, but accounts for 25 percent of demand. Instead of addressing the root causes of today’s high prices and trying to reduce our dependence on oil, Bush Republicans offer more of the same: more handouts for Big Oil, more harm to the environment and no help for America’s drivers.
Read More...Posted: 05/13/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Administration Has Gone Back on Its Word on Stop-Loss
The Bush Administration promised to minimize the use of a stop-loss policy that keeps troops in uniform past the time their service should end. But earlier this week, a Pentagon official announced that the Army’s stop-loss policy would have to continue until at least the fall of 2009 and that the President’s “surge” had forced a 43-percent increase in the number of soldiers affected by the Army’s stop-loss policy. The program, criticized as a “back-door draft,” effectively bars active-duty soldiers from leaving the Army even though they are within 90 days of retirement, and commanders have expressed deep concern about its effect on troops. Democrats believe we must change course in Iraq to relieve the strain on our servicemen and -women and begin to rebuild our military.
Read More...Posted: 05/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Citizens Across the Country Support the Democrats' Consumer-First Energy Act
A broad coalition of citizens from the labor, environmental, business and rural communities strongly supports the Senate Democrats’ Consumer-First Energy Act. Below are highlights from their letters and statements of support:
Read More...Posted: 05/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Republican Policies Have Weakened America's Energy Security
Seven years of Bush Republican policy failures have weakened America’s energy security. America’s dependence on oil undermines our national security interests by funding terrorism and hostile nations, as well as limiting America’s strategic options. America’s economy is so dependent on oil – and our energy infrastructure is so vulnerable to natural disasters and attacks – that high prices and other crises can cripple our nation. But the biggest threat to America’s energy security is our continued reliance on fossil fuels, which contributes overwhelmingly to man-made global warming. President Bush and his allies in Congress have had seven years to strengthen America’s energy security, but have done just the opposite. Democrats believe we must invest in alternative energy in order to end our dependence on oil, stem the tide of global warming and strengthen America’s energy security.
Read More...Posted: 05/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Five Years On, The Mission Is Not Accomplished
On May 1, 2003, President Bush declared, “My fellow Americans, major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.” Unfortunately for our troops, veterans and nation, five years later the war still rages and the costs continue to grow. Our troops have done their job, but the Iraqis have failed to take responsibility for their own country and the Bush Administration has no other policy than to stay the course. Our brave men and women are still being killed and wounded amidst the ongoing violence in Iraq. The burden on American taxpayers to pay for the war continues to mount while needs at home go unmet. The war continues to erode our military readiness making America less safe and continues to divert focus and resources from the global terrorist threat. Democrats believe we must redeploy from Iraq so we can rebuild our strained military, refocus on the terrorist threat and focus our resources here at home.
Read More...Posted: 05/01/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The War in Iraq Has Contributed to Pain at the Pump
Higher gas prices are just one of the many costs of the war in Iraq. The price of gasoline when the war began was $1.57. Since then, disruptions from the war, insurgent attacks on the oil industry and a lack of investment have all strangled Iraq’s oil production. Coupled with concerns about greater Middle East instability, oil and gas prices have reached record highs. Gas prices, which now average $3.61 per gallon across the United States, hurt every American at the pump.
Read More...Posted: 04/30/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Democrats Lead on Reducing America's Dependence on Oil - Bush Republicans Stand in the Way
Amidst record oil profits, Democrats tried to spur investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced technology vehicles, paid for by rolling back tax breaks on oil companies, but Bush Republicans refused. The White House also objected to provisions passed by both the House and the Senate to crack down on price gouging in times of declared emergencies and allowing OPEC to be sued for anti-trust breaches in U.S. courts. Instead of protecting their oil company friends, Bush Republicans should work with Democrats to reduce America’s dependence on oil and lower gas prices for American drivers.
Read More...Posted: 04/29/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
More Must Be Done to Ensure Our Wounded Warriors Receive The Care They Deserve.
Yesterday’s passage of the Veterans’ Benefits bill makes important changes to help our nation’s veterans. But more must be done to ensure that our wounded warriors receive the care they deserve. Nearly 20 percent of those who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD or major depression. Another 19 percent have TBI. Yet they are not receiving the care that 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.
Read More...Posted: 04/25/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Fair Pay Act Is Vital to Ensuring Women Receive Equal Pay
Pay discrimination continues to be a very real problem for workers throughout our society. Women make only 77 cents for every dollar made by men, while African-Americans and Hispanics make 18 and 28 percent less than whites respectively. Women have been especially hard hit by the recent economic downturn, and must have protection against pay discrimination. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act restores the law to its original intent, helping to ensure that women earn equal pay for equal work. Senate Republicans are standing in the way of this crucial legislation to help all Americans achieve economic equality.
Read More...Posted: 04/23/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Failed Bush-Republican Environmental Record
President Bush and his Republican allies have done great damage to our environment and have failed to take the lead on confronting global warming. This Administration has sought to roll back environmental protections, spoiling our air and water and leaving our public lands vulnerable to ruin. The Administration’s ongoing failure of leadership on global warming has harmed efforts both here and around the world to curb the greenhouse gases that threaten our planet. The American people have rejected the Bush-Republican status quo and are looking for new leadership on these crucial issues. As the President marks his last Earth Day in office, the American people are looking to Congress and a new President to protect our environment and confront global warming.
Read More...Posted: 04/22/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Fact Check: Senator McConnell Misrepresents Senate Fair Pay Bill
Today, Senator Mitch McConnell claimed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would ‘dramatically’ increase the amount of new litigation in the country. However, that claim is contradicted by the Congressional Budget Office, which found that the bill would “not significantly affect the number of filings with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.”
Read More...Posted: 04/22/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
As Costs of War Mount, Americans Increasingly Believe We Must Redeploy Our Troops
Today’s Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that a majority of the American public believes success in Iraq is not integral to America’s anti-terrorism efforts and that the U.S. should withdraw military forces from Iraq to avoid further casualties. This comes on the news this week of the mounting human costs of this war on our soldiers and more evidence that Iraq’s security forces are not standing up. Meanwhile, the U.S. is not safer – global suicide bombings have surged since 2001 and America has failed to neutralize the terrorist safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan. Democrats believe we should redeploy our troops from Iraq in order to relieve the strain on our overburdened military and strengthen our national security.
Read More...Posted: 04/18/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Democrats and Republicans Have Very Different Priorities on Taxes
As Americans pay their taxes tomorrow, Democrats continue to push their priorities: tax cuts for middle-class families, America’s military men and women and homeowners struggling to stay in their homes. In contrast, Bush-McCain Republicans have fallen in lock step behind the failed economic policies of the Bush years that have led to the current economic downturn: tax breaks for multi-millionaires and big oil companies while doing little to help middle-class families struggling to make ends meet. Republicans need to reject these failed policies and work with Democrats to help middle-class families squeezed by the economic downturn.
Read More...Posted: 04/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senator McConnell Is Not Even Sure What He's Obstructing Anymore
Senator McConnell has led his Conference in record-setting obstructionist fashion. But today, while discussing the Highway Technical Corrections, he claimed that the Senate was on the bill. Unfortunately, due to Republican obstruction, the Senate is still considering the motion to proceed to the bill, wasting valuable time in post-cloture debate of a bill that yesterday got support from 93 Senators, with only one objecting. Either Senator McConnell has been obstructing so much he’s lost track of Senate procedure, or he was trying to gloss over the fact that Senate Republicans are doing all they can to obstruct and delay.
Read More...Posted: 04/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
FACT CHECK: Republican Rhetoric on Taxes
Bush-McCain Republicans continue to mislead the American people on the Democratic record on taxes. The record is clear. Democrats have fought to lower taxes on middle-class families while Bush-McCain Republicans continue to call for more tax breaks for multi-millionaires and special interests. It’s time to check their facts.
Read More...Posted: 04/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
President Bush Finally Calls for Shorter Deployments, But Will Bush Republicans Match His Rhetoric with Legislative Action?
Democrats have long been pushing to relieve the strain on our soldiers. Last year, Senate Democrats twice led the fight to ensure our soldiers have the same amount of dwell time at home between deployments as they do deployed in theater. These efforts garnered support from a majority of the Senate, but were blocked by Bush Republicans. Democrats welcome President Bush’s announcement today to limit future army deployments to 12 months, but believe more must be done to limit the strain on our forces currently deployed and relieve the strain on our marines. Now that President Bush has finally acknowledged the strain on our forces, will Bush Republicans join Democrats in codifying the announcement into law and ensuring that our troops have the dwell time they need to recover from combat and train for future operations?
Read More...Posted: 04/10/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
FACT CHECK: 12 Benchmarks?
At this morning’s hearing, Ambassador Crocker incorrectly asserted that the Iraqi Government had met 12 of 18 benchmarks. Unfortunately, the Iraqis have not made adequate political progress and have at best met just six benchmarks, depending on how certain laws are implemented. The Iraqis have failed to take responsibility for their own country and America is paying too high a price. Democrats believe we need to change course by responsibly redeploying our troops and holding the Iraqis accountable for achieving political reconciliation and taking the lead militarily.
Read More...Posted: 04/08/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The State of Iraq and America's National Security
The Bush/McCain mismanagement of the Iraq war and their stubborn refusal to change course have exacted tremendous costs on America and left America less secure. The war has severely strained our military, and weakened our national security by distracting us from the main threats facing the United States. And in Iraq, little political progress is being made and violence levels are rising. Democrats believe that we must change course in Iraq so that we can refocus on the war on terror, rebuild our military, and strengthen our national security.
Read More...Posted: 04/08/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Results of Bush Republican Failed Economic Policies
Today’s announcement that the U.S. lost 80,000 jobs in March is just the latest example of the failure of Bush Republican economic policies. Years of economic mismanagement have created a housing crisis and credit crunch that are spreading throughout the economy and hurting American families. That is why Democrats believe we need to act urgently to strengthen the economy for all Americans and prevent the housing crisis from spreading.
Read More...Posted: 04/04/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
National Security Experts Believe U.S. Must Change Course in Iraq
During today’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings on the military and political prospects in Iraq after the surge, national security experts reiterated their calls for a change of course in Iraq. Citing the continued lack of political progress, the tenuous nature of security gains and the cost of the war on our military readiness, they called for redeployment of our troops from Iraq. Democrats agree with this assessment, which is why we continue to push for a new strategy that refocuses on the terrorist threat, allows us to rebuild our military and redeploys our troops from Iraq.
Read More...Posted: 04/02/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Democrats Push Housing Stimulus Measure to Aid Struggling Families
Today, Senate Democrats will once again attempt to pass legislation to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes. The Foreclosure Prevention Act targets families most in need by keeping families facing foreclosure in their homes; helping families avoid foreclosures in the future; and helping communities already harmed by foreclosure to recover. Last month, Bush Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to debate this important measure. Today, those very same Republican Senators have a chance to address the concerns of their constituents.
Read More...Posted: 03/31/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Costs of the War in Iraq By the Numbers
As we begin the sixth year of the Iraq War, the costs of President Bush’s misguided decision to use force have far surpassed the Administration’s rosy predictions. Nearly 4,000 U.S. troops have been killed, with nearly 30,000 injured. Our army is out of balance according to Army Chief of Staff General George Casey, and violence is surging in Afghanistan/Pakistan where Osama Bin Laden remains at large. Democrats continue to push for a change of course, but Bush Republicans block the way, insisting on more of the same.
Read More...Posted: 03/18/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Diverse Coalition Representing Millions of Americans Supports the Democratic Budget
Groups representing a range of issues and millions of Americans have joined together to support the Democratic budget that will strengthen our economy and restore funding for critical education, homeland security, infrastructure and renewable energy programs. The Democratic budget will effectively reverse years of Bush Republicans’ fiscal policies that have weakened the economy and put the burden of a looming recession on the backs of middle-class families.
Read More...Posted: 03/13/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Republicans Spin Fiction on Taxes
Bush Republicans have been parading out to the floor to criticize the Democratic budget on taxes in a vain attempt to score political points. However, the facts are clear. The Democratic budget cuts taxes for middle-class families, helping the family budget.
Read More...Posted: 03/13/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Republicans Are Playing Politics on Immigration
Senate Republicans’ immigration amendments to the budget are part of an effort to use immigration as a wedge issue in the 2008 elections. But it hasn’t worked. Poll after poll has shown that most Americans do not support their divisive, extreme position on immigration and instead support tough, fair, and practical comprehensive immigration reform. Results at the ballot box for immigration hard-liners have been hard to come by, even in the Republican Presidential primary. Democrats support comprehensive immigration reform and believe we should be legislating on this important issue instead of playing politics.
Read More...Posted: 03/13/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Democrats' Budget Strengthens America While the Bush Republicans' Would Weaken It
The Senate Democrats’ budget makes America more secure by investing in our national security and our homeland security. On veterans and troops, the Democratic budget closes a $3 billion shortfall under the Bush Republican budget while rejecting the Bush Republican budget’s attempt to raise co-pays for veterans. In recognition of their service, the Democratic budget fully funds our troops in harms way and gives them a pay increase. The Democratic budget also invests in our security here at home. The Democratic budget funds local law enforcement programs, first responders and strengthens our nation’s homeland security. In contrast, the Bush Republican budget eliminates the COPS program and slashes funding for first responders and other vital homeland security programs. While Bush Republicans talk tough on security, the Democratic budget invests in security.
Read More...Posted: 03/12/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Democrats' Budget Strengthens the Economy by Creating Jobs Right Here at Home
Senate Democrats are getting our economy moving by creating jobs right here at home. The Democratic budget invests billions in infrastructure projects that will immediately create good-paying jobs. The Democrats’ budget also makes critical new investments in clean energy which will create new green-collar jobs for American workers. While Democrats are working to create jobs, the Bush Republican budget cuts billions from job training and placement programs to help workers affected by the current economic downturn. The Bush Republican budget has the wrong priorities; tax breaks for multi-millionaires and special interests. The Democratic budget has the right priorities; creating jobs right here at home and getting Americans back to work.
Read More...Posted: 03/11/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing Sheds Light on Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Iraq
Today’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on waste, fraud and abuse shed new light on the extent of corruption in American contracting in Iraq. The hearing also exposed the rampant corruption and sectarianism within the Iraqi government. Most importantly, the hearing highlighted the ways in which corruption undermines our reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The Bush Administration has failed to hold the Iraqis or fraudulent contractors accountable for their corruption. Democrats are committed to enforcing accountability and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse.
Read More...Posted: 03/11/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Democrats' Budget Helps Working Families, While Bush Republican Budget Only Offers More of the Same Failed Economic Policies
America’s families are struggling to make ends meet in the midst of an economic downturn. That is why Democrats are putting the family budget first. The Senate Democrats’ budget cuts taxes for hard-working families and helps make health care, college tuition and energy more affordable. The Bush Republican budget only offers more of the same failed policies; tax breaks for multi-millionaires and special interests while underfunding America’s priorities. It’s time for a budget that helps all Americans, not just Bill Gates, Paris Hilton and Exxon Mobil.
Read More...Posted: 03/10/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Iraq War Has Exacted a High Cost on America's National Security
Admiral Fallon’s testimony today before the Senate Armed Services Committee once again made clear the high costs that the Iraq War has exacted on America’s national security. President Bush’s failed strategy has taken focus and resources away from the threats we face in other areas of the world and strained our military almost to the breaking point. The Iraq War has caused us to neglect Afghanistan, which according to independent experts is faltering. In addition, Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is still the main threat to our homeland, as the NIE from July determined, and continues to plot attacks from its base in the Pakistan border region.
Read More...Posted: 03/04/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Democrats Keeping America's Children Safe
Today, Senate Democrats will introduce legislation to substantially increase the budget and enforcement capacity of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, given the alarming rise in recalled children’s toys. Last year alone, over 20 million toys were recalled because of the hazard they posed to children. Unfortunately, the Commission, which during the Bush administration only hired one full-time toy tester, opposes the Senate’s efforts to increase its capacity, claiming they would be unnecessary and too difficult to implement. Given the risk posed by the Bush Administration’s dismal record overseeing imported toys and products, numerous consumer groups have joined Senate Democrats in an effort to pass this measure.
Read More...Posted: 03/03/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
President Bush's War Has Cost Our Country Dearly
The Iraq war has exacted tremendous costs on our country. The lives and livelihoods of the thousands of courageous troops who have been killed and wounded is the most tragic cost. But the war has cost us in many other ways as well, including direct and indirect economic costs which are estimated by the Joint Economic Committee to reach $1.3 trillion by the close of 2008. According to Professor Stiglitz, who testifies before the JEC today, the costs could be even higher. The costs of war also include our failure to invest in domestic priorities, the strain on our military forces which has reduced our ability to respond to other threats both abroad and at home and the cost of taking our eye off the ball and failing to confront the terrorist threat posed by Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. All of these costs illustrate the urgent need to change course in Iraq, refocus the mission and begin to redeploy our troops.
Read More...Posted: 02/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Paul Wolfowitz's Happy Talk Five Years On
Five years ago on Monday, General Eric Shinseki testified to the Senate Armed Services that it would take “several hundred thousands soldiers” to secure the peace in Iraq. Five years ago today, then-Deputy Defense Secretary – and recently appointed chairman of the State Department’s International Security Advisory Board – Paul Wolfowitz called Shinseki’s warning “wildly off the mark.” He also predicted that American troops would “be greeted as liberators.” Unfortunately, history has proven Wolfowitz wrong on all counts. Yet, despite the thousands of American troops killed and wounded, the billions of dollars spent, the happy talk of war supporters continues five years later. Senate Republicans need to join with Democrats to transition the mission, redeploy our troops and refocus on the terrorist threat facing our nation.
Read More...Posted: 02/27/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Administration on FISA in Their Own Words
The Bush Administration is not being straight with the American people on FISA. The President said that there was no excuse for letting the current FISA law expire, but threatened to veto any extension. He said failure to pass a new FISA law would put our country in more danger of an attack, but DNI McConnell said the real issue was getting retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies. DNI McConnell also said that we were losing capability, but yesterday testified that intelligence collection could continue even if the current law expires. Instead of playing political games and trying to force Congress to accept its bill, the Administration should work with Congress to find a compromise that gives our intelligence professionals the tools they need while protecting Americans’ civil liberties.
Read More...Posted: 02/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Walter Reed One Year Later: Democrats Lead the Way for Change, While Lessons Are Lost on the Bush Administration
One year ago, the Washington Post published the first in a series of articles documenting cases of neglect at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Reports of wounded service members being denied proper treatment and enduring substandard and often deplorable living conditions at the Center’s outpatient facility raised widespread concern about the quality of care at Walter Reed and at other Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Administration (VA) medical facilities across the country. The scandal prompted several Congressional hearings and investigations led by the VA and a special bipartisan panel known as the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors – all of which confirmed the failures at Walter Reed and found similar cases of neglect at many VA hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Read More...Posted: 02/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
President Bush and Senate Republicans Continue Playing Politics With FISA
President Bush and his allies in Congress are playing politics with America’s national security. While warning that the current FISA law must not lapse, they have objected to any temporary extension to allow the House and Senate to work together to craft a bill that protects America’s national security while protecting our civil liberties. Senate Republicans also slow-walked passage of the bill in an effort to jam the House and force it to rubber stamp the Senate bill. President Bush and his allies in Congress should stop fear-mongering and work with Democrats to pass a bill that gives our intelligence professionals the tools they need and protect the civil liberties of all Americans.
Read More...Posted: 02/14/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Senate Republicans Have Been Outspoken Against Torture - Will Their Votes Match Their Rhetoric?
Several Senate Republicans have been outspoken critics of the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation tactics. But will their votes today on the Intelligence Authorization bill, which includes a provision to ensure all U.S. agencies abide by the Army Field Manual in all interrogations, match their rhetoric?
Read More...Posted: 02/13/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The Headlines Say It All - Republicans Block Economic Stimulus for Working Americans
Yesterday, Bush Republicans had a chance to strengthen our weakening economy, but instead they blocked a bipartisan bill which would have given a much deserved rebate to an additional 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans. The package also would have given heating assistance to low-income families across the nation. The headlines say it all:
Read More...Posted: 02/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Over Republican's Objections, Senate Democrats Remain Committed to Helping Americans Suffering in Bush Economy
Democrats are proud to have ensured that 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans will receive rebate checks, but are disappointed that Bush Republicans blocked other key improvements to the economic stimulus bill that would further strengthen the economy. Democrats will continue to fight to help those who have lost their jobs, help small businesses suffering in a shaky economy, and help American families avoid foreclosure.
Read More...Posted: 02/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Republicans Say No to Helping Seniors, Disabled Veterans
The economic stimulus package passed by the House lacked rebate checks for 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans. Senate Democrats have pushed to include these seniors and veterans, and to extend unemployment benefits, just as we have in past efforts to address economic downturns. Last night, however, the overwhelming majority of Senate Republicans said no.
Read More...Posted: 02/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Republican Rhetoric and Reality on Economic Stimulus
Republican rhetoric on the economic stimulus bill has heated up of late, but their claims have been divorced from reality. Senator McConnell claimed Democrats were delaying rebate checks, but checks cannot be sent until mid-May no matter what. Senator Gregg said extending unemployment benefits would not boost the economy, but economists say it is one of the best ways to get money into the economy quickly. Republican Senators referred to the additional provisions sought by Democrats as “pet projects,” even though they are widely-supported measures such as heating assistance for low-income families and rebates for seniors and disabled veterans. Finally, Senator Kyl said economic stimulus would not help the economy recover, in the face of calls for stimulus from the President and Secretary Paulson. What’s the common theme here? Bush Republicans do not want to pass the Senate Finance Committee bill and have used every tactic in the book to delay its passage.
Read More...Posted: 02/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Budget Lowlights
President Bush’s final budget continues down the same fiscally irresponsible path he started on seven years ago – weakening America's economy by running up massive deficits and making large cuts in America’s priorities. As more Americans feel the effects of the current economic downturn, President Bush’s proposed cuts to home heating assistance, job training and education programs show just how out of touch he is. Democrats will continue to strengthen our economy, by investing in middle class families and responsibly funding America's priorities.
Read More...Posted: 02/04/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
National Security Facts
In July, the U.S. intelligence community determined that Al-Qaeda represents the main terrorist threat to the United States. Yet instead of focusing on the threat posed by Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the President has focused on policing an Iraqi civil war started on false pretenses. The result has been a regenerated Al-Qaeda, a military stretched thin and a less secure America. It’s time to refocus on the main threat of international terrorism.
Read More...Posted: 01/30/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
President Bush's Glass Is Half Full State of the Union
During his State of the Union address last night, President Bush presented a picture of America’s economy, as well as its efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan in the most positive light possible. But the President conveniently overlooked some inconvenient facts that show things are not quite as rosy as the President would like our country to believe. While jobs have been created unemployment has increased and while violence has lessened in Iraq the Iraqis have still made very little political progress. The public deserves a full and thorough accounting of the state of our union, not a White (House)-washed version of the truth.
Read More...Posted: 01/29/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Republicans: Playing Politics on FISA
President Bush and his allies have consistently warned of the dire consequences of allowing the Protect America Act (PAA) to expire. But the Bush Administration’s threat to veto a 30-day extension of the PAA illustrates that the President and his allies in Congress are more concerned with having a political fight than working to craft a solution. Democrats are focused on legislating: the House has passed a bill and the Senate is working through the legislative process, but Republicans are trying to block debate on this complex and important matter. Bush Republicans should stop playing politics and work with Democrats to find a solution that improves our nation’s ability to fight terrorism while protecting Americans’ civil liberties.
Read More...Posted: 01/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
President Bush: Trying to Have it Both Ways on Earmarks
With his attack on earmarks, President Bush is trying to have it both ways. The President has criticized Congress for its earmarking, but the President himself requested more than $20 billion in earmarks last year. In the 110th Congress, Democrats were the first to bring transparency and accountability to earmarks and drastically cut earmarks to ensure better oversight. Bush Republicans have little credibility on the issue – earmarks more than quadrupled under Republican rule, including billions of dollars in earmarks signed into law by President Bush. Furthermore, Republican leaders in the Senate routinely tout their ability to deliver for their states. Instead of trying to pick political fights, the President should work with Democrats to craft solutions to the pressing problems facing our nation, like the declining economy, soaring health care and energy costs and ongoing threats to our national security.
Read More...Posted: 01/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Administration Seeks Immunity for the Very Contractors it Cannot Manage
Yesterday two remarkable events occurred surrounding the administration’s oversight of contractors in Iraq. The same day Defense Department officials testified before a Senate committee that they cannot manage the approximately 180,000 contractors currently in Iraq, the Bush administration sought to provide immunity for all Defense contractors from Iraqi law in any long term security agreement. This should not come as a complete surprise as administration officials controversially provided contractors with immunity in 2004. However, this current news is troubling given recent abuses by some private security contractors, such as the September shooting incident involving Blackwater USA. As Jack Bell, the deputy undersecretary of defense for logistics and materiel readiness said. “Frankly, we were not adequately prepared to address” what he termed “this unprecedented scale of our dependence on contractors.” This news also further exemplifies why no long term security agreement should be negotiated without the involvement from Congress.
Read More...Posted: 01/25/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Fact and Fiction on FISA
This morning, Vice President Cheney was the latest Administration official to talk about the need for FISA legislation, even as Bush Republicans in the Senate continue to oppose Democrats’ efforts to pass a one-month extension of the law. However, their opposition to a one-month extension puts their credibility at risk. Democrats believe Congress should have the time it needs to debate legislation that improves our nation’s ability to fight terrorism while protecting Americans’ civil liberties and have proposed a one-month extension of the law. Instead of playing politics, Bush Republicans should work with Democrats to give our intelligence professionals the tools they need to keep America more secure.
Read More...Posted: 01/23/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
President Bush: No Intention of Keeping His Promises to Military Families
When President Bush announced over the weekend that he was open to halting his promised troop withdrawals, he put in jeopardy many military families’ hopes that their loved ones would return home – particularly those on their second or third deployment in the region. Worse still, by vetoing the Defense Authorization bill only days earlier, the President rejected numerous benefits Democrats had secured for our men and women in uniform, including a 3.5 percent pay increase, incentive pay and bonuses for many career fields, enhanced care and treatment of troops returning with combat-related injuries, and extended leave for family members to take care of disabled service members.
Read More...Posted: 01/14/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
The War in Iraq Has Stretched Our Military Thin, Endangering Our National Security
After six years of war in Afghanistan and four and more than four and a half years of war in Iraq, the U.S. military is under tremendous strain. President Bush’s “surge” policy in Iraq which was enacted one year ago, has added to this strain. The overextension of our armed forces has forced extended and repeated deployments, hurting the readiness of our fighting forces and taking a toll on the lives of our men and women in uniform. Extended deployments have hurt our military’s recruitment and retention efforts and have led to significant equipment degradation and shortages. The end result: our commanders are concerned that overextension of our forces has hurt America’s ability to respond to other threats, making us less safe. President Bush must work with Congress to redeploy our troops, refocus on the most serious threats facing our country and get our military forces back into balance.
Read More...Posted: 01/11/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
One Year Into Bush's "Surge," America's National Security Remains Under Threat
In the year since President Bush announced his surge strategy violence in Iraq has diminished, but the national security of the United States is no less threatened. In Iraq, insurgents pushed out of Anbar and Baghdad have moved into Northern Iraq, making it now the most dangerous part of the country. While the U.S. has been focused on Iraq, the global terrorist incidents have risen, violence in Afghanistan has surged to levels not seen since 2001 and Al-Qaeda has used a safe haven on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to regenerate its ability to attack the U.S. homeland. Pakistan’s political instability has hurt its ability to tackle the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in its tribal areas and could compromise the security of its nuclear arsenal. Despite President Bush’s promises that the new strategy would “bring a future of peace and security for our children and grandchildren,” the United States is far from safe. The President should work with Congress to redeploy our troops in Iraq and refocus our security resources on all of the threats facing our nation.
Read More...Posted: 01/10/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Bush Administration Blind To The Economic Reality Facing Americans
Today, both President Bush and Secretary Paulson will attempt to ease America’s concerns about the nation’s struggling economy. Unfortunately, rhetoric alone does not address this growing concern. In Cook County, Illinois, the location of the President’s speech, close to 29,000 homes are projected to be lost to foreclosure, the second highest in the nation. In addition, almost two-thirds of homeowners in the county will see their property values affected. Worse still, Illinois continues to lose manufacturing jobs at an alarming rate. Since Bush took office, the state lost close to 18,000 (1 out of 5) manufacturing jobs. While Bush continues to claim the fundamentals of the economy remain strong, economic indicators tell a different story.
Read More...Posted: 01/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Democratic Accomplishments in the 110th Congress: A New Direction for America
Last year, Democrats were elected to take the country in a new direction by advancing the priorities of the American people. Nearly one year into the Democratic-led Congress, Democrats have made a significant down-payment on those expectations. After nearly a decade of Republican control, we have worked to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, fund the government, and pass key legislation on countering terrorism, homeland security, troop readiness, veterans’ care, crime, energy independence, competitiveness, ethics reform, labor and wages, small businesses, health care, nutrition, education, stem cell research, economic security, housing, transportation, water infrastructure, government accountability, and Gulf Coast revitalization.
Read More...Posted: 12/21/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink
Grand Obstruction Party Blocks Omnibus Bill Without Iraq Funding to Break Record
After engaging in unprecedented obstruction throughout the year, the Grand Obstruction Party finally broke the Senate’s record for cloture v