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.

Turning Around Our Economy: Democrats Keep Fighting For Change

February 29, 2008 - Democratic Senators Byron Dorgan, Debbie Stabenow and Sherrod Brown held a press conference today to highlight Republicans' blockage of a plan to help keep thousands of homeowners in their homes and aid struggling communities across the country. The President and Bush Republicans have again chosen the status quo over urgently needed change, and sided with the big bankers over struggling families.

"At a time when we're trying to turn our economy around, it makes no sense to turn our backs on those who could lose their homes," Dorgan said. "It is time for this legislation that will keep people in their homes, stabilize our communities, and strengthen our nation's economy." Said Brown,"This is a much needed response to the foreclosure crisis that grips our country." Stabenow added, "Too many middle-class families across our country are faced with the prospect of losing their home - their piece of the American dream. That's why Democrats put forward a plan that offers real solutions to the crisis facing our nation. While Republicans continue to block this critical legislation, the housing crisis continues to devastate families, communities and our entire economy." Senate Democrats believe we need a bold and comprehensive solution to turn around this housing crisis - not half-measures that tinker around the edges. Read more.

The Disproportionate Impact Of Housing Crisis On African Americans

February 26, 2008 - Senators Richard Durbin, Charles Schumer, Sherrod Brown, and Amy Klobuchar held a press conference today to discuss Senate Democrats' efforts to address the housing crisis and help families threatened with foreclosure stay in their homes. They were joined by an Ohio family and a coalition of organizations who support the Foreclosure Prevention Act. The legislation will help struggling families keep their homes, help others avoid foreclosure in the future, and help communities recover from foreclosures and plummeting property values.

"We should be giving families every reasonable tool to ensure they can keep a roof over their heads instead of giving banks every opportunity to keep padding their bottom line," Senator Richard Durbin said. "Today the Senate is proposing small changes to an outdated bankruptcy code which could help hundreds of thousands of families keep their homes. We need to focus on preventing these families from drowning in financial difficulties instead of worrying about keeping the banking lobby afloat." Read more.

Senate Democrats Helping Americans to Address the Housing Crisis

February 26, 2008 - Senators Richard Durbin, Charles Schumer, Sherrod Brown, and Amy Klobuchar held a press conference today to discuss Senate Democrats' efforts to address the housing crisis and help families threatened with foreclosure stay in their homes. They were joined by an Ohio family and a coalition of organizations who support the Foreclosure Prevention Act. The legislation will help struggling families keep their homes, help others avoid foreclosure in the future, and help communities recover from foreclosures and plummeting property values.

"We should be giving families every reasonable tool to ensure they can keep a roof over their heads instead of giving banks every opportunity to keep padding their bottom line," Senator Richard Durbin said. "Today the Senate is proposing small changes to an outdated bankruptcy code which could help hundreds of thousands of families keep their homes. We need to focus on preventing these families from drowning in financial difficulties instead of worrying about keeping the banking lobby afloat." Read more.

Jump Starting Our Economy...

February 19, 2008 - Last week President Bush signed a bipartisan economic stimulus package into law that will help millions of people who are struggling in an uncertain economy. Congress had promised to act quickly and effectively to help those who need it most and that law represented the promise Senate Democrats kept to the American people. Senate Democrats are proud to have pushed to include 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans in this stimulus plan.

Senate Democrats will continue fighting to strengthen our economy in the long-term by addressing the housing crisis, reversing President Bush's disastrous budget cuts and helping those whom Senate Republicans refused to help.

Senate Democrats Helping Americans Facing Foreclosure

February 15, 2008 -- This week Senate Democrats announced a package of legislation intended to address the national housing crisis and help Americans avoid foreclosure. The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 will keep families facing foreclosure in their homes, help other families avoid foreclosures in the future, and help communities already harmed by foreclosure to recover.

"Since last year Senate Democrats have been moving quickly to ensure more Americans will be able to stay in their homes and we have made some progress," Reid said. "But in the face of an uncertain economy and with so many Americans struggling, we know that more needs to be done to address the housing crisis. The provisions we are announcing today is another step in the right direction and will help over 1 million people stay in their homes and help families and communities avoid foreclosure the future." Read more.

Democrats Blast Bush's Fiscally Irresponsible Budget

February 13, 2008 - Democratic Senators Kent Conrad, Debbie Stabenow and Robert Menendez joined senior citizen Judy Cato and recent college graduate Gabe Pendas at a press conference today to discuss the negative impact President Bush's budget will have on all Americans. His fiscally irresponsible budget would cut needed funding in domestic programs while hiding the true cost of the Iraq war and increasing the national debt.

Said Senator Stabenow: "Any budget is about values and priorities, and this President's final budget is clearly out of sync with the values and priorities of middle-class families across Michigan and across our country. From cutting health care for the most vulnerable among us, to failing to make any real investments to support American manufacturing, this President's priorities are clear." Senator Conrad added, "His tax and spending policies have exploded the nation's debt, threatening our economic security. Instead of paying our bills now, President Bush has been running up the charge card, passing on trillions of dollars of debt to our children and grandchildren." Read more.

Bush Budget Fails Rural America

February 6, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), and Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) today unveiled the Senate Democratic Caucus' "Rural Report Card," a report that illustrates the President's neglect of domestic programs critical to rural America. The rural state Senators argued that the President's budget proposal for fiscal year 2009 weakens the economy and does not reflect a strong commitment to the priorities of rural Americans, making drastic cuts to rural healthcare, education, economic development, law enforcement, and agriculture. Click here to download copy (pdf) of the report.

"The president's budget is out of sync with Nevada's priorities," Senator Reid said. "First, it raises taxes by excluding the sales tax deduction, which is currently available to Nevadans and residents of many other states that have no state income tax. On top of that, every year since he has taken office, the President has proposed cuts to Payment in Lieu of Taxes (or PILT) payments to rural communities, which rely on them to offset property tax losses in counties with large amounts of federal lands. Nevada, for example, is 87 percent federally owned. I will continue my work with my Senate colleagues to strengthen our rural communities by fully funding PILT and by creating rural jobs through investments in renewable energy." Read more.

Strengthening America's Economy
Senate Democrats Leading The Way

February 4, 2008 - Senate Democrats held a press conference today to discuss Democrats' commitment to strengthening America's economy with a targeted and timely stimulus plan. Senators Max Baucus, Debbie Stabenow and Maria Cantwell joined seniors , veterans and members of the labor community in discussing the Senate Economic Stimulus package that will help boost the economy and provide benefits to unemployed workers, senior citizens, and disabled veterans.

"The vote the Senate will take on the Finance-passed stimulus bill is not a vote about politics. It's a vote about people: 20 million seniors, 250,000 disabled veterans, millions of Americans who are exhausting their unemployment benefits," said Senator Baucus, at the event this morning. Added Senator Stabenow, "The Senate package is the quickest, most effective way to boost consumer spending, encourage business investment, create jobs and avoid an economic downturn."

Standing With The Latino Community
Senate Dems Leading The Way For Change

January 30, 2008 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joined Senators Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today to discuss Senate Democrats' accomplishments on issues of importance for the Latino community. Despite Bush Republican obstructionism, Democrats have prevailed in leading the way for change on issues ranging from raising the minimum wage for the first time in ten years and enacting legislation to address the sub prime mortgage crisis, to helping more Latinos afford college and improving conditions for our troops and veterans.

"Although we have much to achieve, I am very proud of our record of achievements in the Senate since Democrats took control last year," Reid said. "Senate Democrats led the way to make our country safer, stronger and more secure. Whether it's raising the minimum wage, approving a landmark higher education bill, providing the largest increase for veterans' health care in history, or enacting legislation to help the millions of Americans who are facing the nightmare of a foreclosure, the record of change could not be clearer. Read more.

Democratic View on The State of Our Union
Restoring America's Moral Leadership
January 25, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered their assessment on the State of Our Union at the National Press Club today. The leaders discussed Democratic efforts to take America in a New Direction and work with the President and Congressional Republicans to deliver the change Americans deserve. In his speech, Senator Reid laid out a vision to restore America's leadership in the world and called on the President to reinforce the work of this Congress to address the military readiness crisis, which is at its lowest levels since the Vietnam War. "Our first goal as a country must be to restore that moral authority with what the bipartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies calls 'America's Smart Power,'" said Senator Reid.

Senator Reid added, "The most effective way to fight terrorism is to harness all of our power ��� military, economic, and moral. When we do, the world will follow our lead once again." The Democratic Leaders also discussed efforts to ensure our nation's short and long-term economic and energy security. Click here to read full text of Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi's remarks as prepared. For more on the State Of Our Union visit the joint Senate/House SOTU website at www.democrats.gov.

Helping Recover Our Faltering Economy: Senate Democrats Pushing Bipartisan Solutions
January 23, 2008 - Senate Democrats today continued their push for a bipartisan, short-term stimulus plan that makes a real and immediate difference in people's lives - as well as long-term solutions to help our faltering economy recover . Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Charles Schumer and Debbie Stabenow held a press conference today with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Providence Mayor David Cicilline to discuss the state of our nation's cities and the economic and budgetary pressures they are facing.

"America's cities help make our national economy the strongest in the world," said Senator Reid. He added, "But today those cities are seeing jobs disappear and incomes drop. It is becoming harder and harder for citizens to build equity in a home or build a foundation for their families. Together with our nation's mayors, we will reverse some of President Bush's disastrous cuts in important civic programs like law enforcement, education and Community Development Block Grants. And we must reverse current trends so that incomes go up, unemployment goes down and our economy is strong once again." For more on the press conference read here.

Democrats Leading the Way for Change
December 20, 2007 - As December recess is upon us the Senate Democratic Caucus is proud of the steps it has taken to put working families fi r st, making our county safer, and supporting our courageous troops with more than words, but action. Closing the last session of the 110th Congress for 2007, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "[W]e worked to address the major issues that affect us at home and abroad and while we have made real progress on behalf of the American people , there is much more left to do."

Senate Democratic Communication Center has released a video entitled, 'Democrats Leading the Way for Change,' which highlights the accomplishments of the Democratic Majority in the U.S. Senate, despite facing unprecedented obstruction from Bush Republicans. Senate Democrats remain committed to change as the American people are. We look forward to returning in 2008, optimistic that we will continue to lead the way for change and fulfill the needs of the American people.

Investing In America's Future: Democrats Deliver On Energy
December 18, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chairman Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Chairman John Dingell of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and senior House and Senate Democrats joined together today at an enrollment ceremony for historic energy legislation that will set our nation on a path to energy independence and strengthen our energy security. The energy bill raises fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in more than 30 years and strengthens our national security, economy and environment.

"Democrats are committed to creating a long-term energy strategy, and this bill is an essential step in that direction," said Senator Reid. He added, "We are committed to an energy policy that invests in renewable energy, lowers gas prices, makes America more energy independent, reverses global warming and strengthens our national security. While we are proud that this bill raises fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in a generation, we will not be satisfied until Republicans fully join us to put consumers' interests ahead of Big Oil's greed."

Bush Republicans Continue to Block America's Priorities
December 12, 2007 -- Senators Charles Schumer, Patty Murray and Debbie Stabenow held a press conference today to discuss Republicans' refusal to legislate, instead continuing to stand in the way of Democrats' efforts to address America's priorities. Democrats believe the stakes are too high to play games with funding for these critical needs.

"Americans are tired of the status quo and they are tired of people who are impeding change," Schumer said. "Republicans might think that by blocking our efforts at making real progress they are only hurting Democrats, but the real victims of their obstruction are all Americans."

Bush Republicans Block America's Priorities
December 5, 2007 -- Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer, Debbie Stabenow and Robert Menendez held a press conference today to discuss how Republicans and the President have blocked at every turn Democrats' efforts to address America's priorities. "This year, it has become ever clearer that the 'R' next to the names of our friends from across the aisle stands for 'Roadblock,'" Menendez said. On a whole range of basic, kitchen table, pocketbook issues that Americans discuss with their families every day , the president and his party have inexplicably chosen to pick a fight. This is a president and a party who say no, no, no when it comes to investing in our families, but yes, yes, yes when it comes to more troops, more time and more money for their stay the course plan in Iraq." For more on the press conference click here.

While Senate Democrats have been able to accomplish many of our goals, there is still much left to do. Bush Republicans are holding America's priorities hostage, refusing to fund critical needs at home unless we pour more money into Iraq.

Democrats Remain Committed To Provide For Troops, Change Course In Iraq
December 3, 2007 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid held a press conference today to discuss Democrats' efforts to change course in Iraq, where political reconciliation remains out of reach nearly a year after President Bush's troop surge began. Democrats have and will continue to ensure our troops have the resources they need to do their jobs and will continue to fight for a war strategy worthy of their sacrifices.

"[W]e will return our focus to finally ending the war in Iraq that has cost our troops and our country so dearly," said Senator Reid later on the Senate Floor. He added, "We will give our Senate Republican colleagues another opportunity to stand on the side of our brave troops in battle by passing legislation that contains additional funding and provides a strategy to bring the war to a responsible end." To read the full statement click here.

 

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