“Month after month we have seen that the way to create jobs is to combine targeted investments with smart spending cuts and policies that ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share – not Republicans’ austerity agenda. Today’s report is no exception. Our job growth would be even stronger if our economy were not hampered by the meat-ax austerity Republicans have insisted upon for the past two years, instead of working with Democrats to forge a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

“To accelerate job gains for those Nevadans and Americans across our nation still looking for work, Republicans should work with Democrats to replace the sequester with a balanced approach that combines job-creating investments with targeted cuts and revenue measures that close loopholes and ensure that the wealthiest americans pay their fair share. I hope my Republican colleagues will put political games aside and start cooperating with Democrats for the good of the middle class.”

“I will vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein’s assault weapons ban because we must strike a better balance between the right to defend ourselves and the right of every child in America to grow up safe from gun violence.”

“I chose to vote my conscience, not only as Harry Reid, United States Senator, but also as a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend. I choose to vote my conscience because, if tragedy strikes again – if innocents are gunned down in a classroom or a theater or a restaurant – I could not live with myself as a father, as a husband, as a grandfather or as a friend knowing that I didn’t do everything in my power to prevent it.”

Washington, D.C. –Washington, D.C. — Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today in support of an assault weapons ban, limits on high-capacity ammunition clips and policies to improve access to mental health services. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Today the United States Senate will honor the memory of 20 first graders and six of their teachers who were killed last year in Newtown, Connecticut – as well as tens of thousands of others who are killed by guns each year – by voting on a number of measures to strengthen the laws that prevent gun violence in this nation. The families of the innocents killed in Newtown and Aurora, in Carson City and Blacksburg, in Oak Creek and Columbine deserve these votes.

Where I stand on each of the Democratic proposals?

This afternoon the Senate will vote on a compromise background check proposal crafted by Senators Manchin, Toomey, Kirk and Schumer – all experienced legislators. I appreciate their principled stands on legislation supported by 90 percent of American. The American people overwhelmingly support this common-sense proposal, which would close gaping loopholes in the law and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and people with severe mental illnesses.

What it would not do is create a national registry of guns or gun owners. In fact, that is specifically outlawed in the legislation. I direct my colleagues to page 27 of the Manchin-Toomey compromise legislation. It not only bans a registry, but also carries a 15 year felony sentence for any government official found storing gun records. Claims that this legislation would create a gun registry are nothing more than shameful scare tactics.

If my colleagues wish to vote against stronger background checks – and oppose the will of the American people – that is their right. But they should not spread misinformation or sow seeds of fear about this critical anti-violence provision.

Today the Senate will also vote on Senator Feinstein’s proposal to ban assault weapons.

I am a strong supporter of Americans’ right to keep and bear arms. That’s how I earned a B grade from the National Rifle Association. When I was a 12-year-old little boy in Searchlight, Nevada, my parents sent away for a 12-gauge shotgun from the Sears catalogue. And I carried a handgun when I served on the Capitol Police force.

Where I come from, people own guns as a matter of course for self-defense and for hunting. But I have always had trouble understanding why people need assault weapons to hunt or to protect their homes.

When the assault weapons ban came before the Senate for a vote in 1993 I called my friends in Nevada to ask their opinion on the legislation. One friend said he believed it was impossible to define what an assault weapon was. That seemed reasonable to me, and so I voted against the ban.

I called that same friend again last month. I asked if his opinion had changed. It had not. He still opposes a ban on assault weapons. But now he opposes it for a different reason – a reason I found troubling, and one that caused me to reassess my position.

He asked me if the police have assault weapons. He asked me if United States military personnel have assault weapons. I said yes, of course they do. And he said, and I quote, “If they have them, I want them.”

I thought about what this statement means. It means that there should be no limits on the kinds of weapons private citizens are allowed to own. I asked myself whether I believe that to be true.

The police have riot gear and tear gas and battering rams. Should civilians have those, too? The military has rockets and machine guns and tanks and fighter jets. Should civilians have those, too? I decided the answer is no. In a civil society, where we have to balance individual rights with public safety, there should be limits on the kind of destructive weapons people are allowed to own.

I firmly believe in the right to own a gun, and to protect your home and family. I will continue to defend that right as long as I am serving the people of Nevada. But you don’t need an assault weapon to defend yourself or your property. Assault weapons have one purpose and one purpose only: to kill a large number of people in a short amount of time. That goes well beyond the purpose of self-defense.

The desire to arm ourselves against the young men and women who willingly risk their lives to defend our freedoms overseas is not a reason to oppose an assault weapons ban. The wish to arm ourselves against the police who keep our streets safe is not a reason to oppose an assault weapons ban.

I firmly believe that as Americans we have the right to arm ourselves against criminals, but we do not need the ability to arm ourselves against the army. The United States military is not out to get us. Federal law enforcement and local police departments are not out to get us.

These conspiracy theories are dangerous and they should be put to rest.

In the real world, in addition to mowing down first-graders, assault weapons are used to shoot down the very people who are sworn to protect us.

Here’s just one real-world example. After serving nine months in Afghanistan with his National Guard unit, Staff Sgt. Ian Michael Deutch was eager to return to his day job as a police officer with the Nye County, Nevada sheriff’s office. He couldn’t wait to get back to work.

He had survived Afghanistan. He had survived bombs and bullets.

On his second day back on the job, he was shot and killed by a man with an assault weapon with a 30-round clip. Sgt. Deutch was responding to a domestic dispute at a Pahrump, Nevada casino when he was shot three times in the chest. One of the bullets pierced his body armor. He was airlifted to Las Vegas, and rushed into emergency surgery. But he died later that night. He was 27 years old.

All 730 soldiers in Michael’s squadron returned alive from their tour of duty in Afghanistan. It was a criminal on the streets of the United States of America, armed with a weapon designed to kill who took Michael’s young life. This is what his mother said: “He was finally safe. In our country. And somebody here kills him.”

That’s a tragedy. And it’s one we could have prevented by keeping weapons of war off the streets.

And we can keep them off the streets. In the 1920s, organized crime was committing murders with machine guns. So Congress dramatically limited the sale and transfer of machine guns. As a result, machine guns all but disappeared from the streets. We can and should take the same common-sense approach to safeguard Americans from modern weapons of war.

That is why I will vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein’s assault weapons ban – because we must strike a better balance between the right to defend ourselves and the right of every child in America to grow up safe from gun violence. I will vote for the ban because maintaining law and order is more important than satisfying conspiracy theorists who believe in black helicopters and false flags. And I will vote for the ban because saving the lives of young police officers and innocent civilians is more important than preventing imagined tyranny.

My reason for supporting a ban on large ammunition magazines is similar. These large clips are designed to kill. Not to kill deer or ducks or any other game, large or small. They are designed to kill humans – living, breathing human beings. Our fellow Americans.

In fact, it’s not even legal to load more than three shotgun shells, let alone 30, to hunt birds. When I was 12 years old, my parents bought me a shotgun. By law, we had to limit the amount of ammo in that shotgun to 3 shells.   That way, when you went bird hunting, you gave the birds a sporting chance.

As Senator Manchin said, “I don’t know anybody who needs 30 rounds to go hunting.” So why shouldn’t we limit the number of bullets in a clip? Don’t people deserve at least as much protection as birds?

Limiting magazine size will force shooters bent on taking human life to reload more often. When a madman walked into an Aurora, Colorado movie theater with a semi-automatic weapon and a 100-round drum, the only thing that spared many survivors was the fact that the shooter’s gun jammed.

In Tucson, Arizona, a shooter emptied a 33-round clip in less than 30 seconds, killing 6 and injuring many more – including Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.

And in Carson City, Nevada, a mentally ill man went to an IHOP during the breakfast rush and killed four people. He shot nearly 80 rounds in 85 second, using three, 30-round clips.

Limiting the size of clips won’t hurt hunters and sportsmen. But it will save lives. That’s why I will vote in support of the Blumenthal-Lautenberg amendment.

As the case of the Carson City, Nevada IHOP tragedy reveals, the deficiencies in this nation’s mental health treatment system are another important part of the discussion about how to prevent gun violence.

We have simply not done a good job of providing funding for and access to mental health services. We have also done a poor job of removing the stigma that keeps many Americas from seeking the treatment they need. We must do better. And Senator Harkin’s amendment begins the work of improving access to these critical services.

As I have said many times, these efforts won’t stop every criminal bent on violence. But last year’s terrible tragedy in Newtown was a wakeup call that we are not doing enough to keep our citizens safe.

It is hard to even comprehend the scope of that tragedy, let alone recover from it. But part of the healing process is this remarkable conversation about how to prevent violence in America. Part of the healing process is examining what can be done to prevent more tragedies like the ones in Newtown, Connecticut; Aurora, Colorado; Oak Creek, Wisconsin; and Carson City, Nevada.

I believe that if we can save the life of a single American we owe it to ourselves to try. That will take courage. Thomas Monson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said this about courage: “Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, ‘no,’ the courage to say, ‘yes.’ Decisions do determine destiny.”

Today, our decisions will determine our destiny. Today, I chose to vote my conscience, not only as Harry Reid, United States Senator, but also as a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend. I choose to vote my conscience because, if tragedy strikes again – if innocents are gunned down in a classroom or a theater or a restaurant – I could not live with myself as a father, as a husband, as a grandfather or as a friend knowing that I didn’t do everything in my power to prevent it.

### ]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/04/17/reid-remarks-in-support-of-assault-weapons-ban-limits-on-high-capacity-magazines/feed/ 0 http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/04/15/bipartisan-legislation-would-strengthen-background-checks/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/04/15/bipartisan-legislation-would-strengthen-background-checks/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:34:19 +0000 judson http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=112944 At a press conference on Thursday, April 11, 2013, Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) unveiled bipartisan legislation to strengthen and enhance background checks for new purchasers of firearms. The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act was also co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
To read the bill, click here.

The bill ensures that anyone purchasing a gun at a gun show has to undergo a background check by a licensed dealer. Also, anyone who purchases a gun online through a commercial advertisement will also go through a background check for both interstate and intrastate sales.
As Nevada Senator Harry Reid said, “It is possible to uphold the Second Amendment while protecting innocent Americans from gun violence. The compromise background check proposal before the Senate – a measure crafted by Senators Toomey, Manchin, Kirk and Schumer – achieves both goals.”

Senator Manchin notes that the legislation does not impair anyone’s Second Amendment rights:

The bill will not, in any way, shape, or form infringe upon anyone’s Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.
The bill will not take away anyone’s guns.
The bill will not ban any type of firearm.
The bill will not ban or restrict the use of any kind of bullet or any size clip or magazine.
The bill will not create a national registry; in fact, it explicitly prohibits it.

“Requiring a simple background check every time a gun is sold is just common sense.”

“I hope Republicans will stop trying to shut down debate, and start engaging on the tough issues we were sent to Washington to tackle.”

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the importance of anti-violence legislation. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Like most Americans, I believe the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms. I got my first gun when I was just a young boy. On my 12th birthday, my parents sent away for a 12-gauge shotgun from the Sears catalogue. It is a beautiful gun.

But, like most Americans, I also believe the right to bear arms must be balanced with the right of all the little boys and girls in this country – whether they to live in inner city Chicago or sleepy Newtown – to grow up safe from the threat of gun violence.

Most gun owners are good, responsible people, who love target shooting and hunting or want to protect their homes and families. But we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals and those who suffer from mental illnesses that make them a danger to themselves and others. We have a responsibility to safeguard our most vulnerable and most precious resource – our children. And the terrible tragedy in Newtown was a wakeup call: we are failing.

It is long past time for a thoughtful examination of the lax laws and the culture of violence that put Newtown and Aurora, Oak Creek and Carson City on the map for such a devastating reason. I only hope Senate Republicans will allow us to have that conversation. I hope Republicans will stop trying to shut down debate, and start engaging on the tough issues we were sent to Washington to tackle.

As President Obama has said, it is impossible to prevent every senseless tragedy. But we owe it to our children to try.

It’s just common sense that felons who couldn’t pass a background check in a gun store shouldn’t be able to walk into a gun show and buy a deadly weapon. Forty percent of the guns sold in the United States each year – including many used to commit crimes – are sold legally at gun shows or through private sales, without even the most basic background check.

Three years ago, one of those guns – a shotgun purchased legally without a background check during a 2008 gun show in Kingman, Arizona – was used to shoot up the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas, just as prospective jurors were arriving for the day. Seventy-two-year-old security guard Stanley Cooper, of Sandy Valley, Nevada, was killed instantly in the hail of gunfire.

He left behind a brother, four sons and a daughter, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Stanley loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He loved horses and spending time outdoors. And Stanley was no stranger to guns. He spent 26 years serving his community as a Las Vegas Metro Police officer.

The man who shot him, on the other hand, was a convicted felon with no right to carry a firearm.  He certainly couldn’t have passed a criminal background check. But the shooter never had to get one.

Requiring a simple background check every time a gun is sold is just common sense. That’s why more than 90 percent of Americans – including the vast majority of gun owners – support our proposal to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those with severe mental illnesses by instituting universal background checks.

Our legislation would also crack down on anyone who buys a gun as part of a scheme to funnel it to criminals – reducing violent crime and protecting police officers.  And our bill would give schools across the country the resources to improve security and keep kids safe.

This legislation won’t prevent every heinous crime. And background checks won’t keep guns out of the hands of every violent madman. But we owe it to Americans to act if there’s a chance to save even one life – whether that life belongs to a great-grandfather like Stanley Cooper or a small child who has barely begun to live.

“Today’s employment report again shows that our economy cannot afford more self-inflicted setbacks like the sequester. We need to focus on growth, not austerity. To spur greater job growth, Republicans should work with Democrats to make job-creating investments and replace the sequester with a balanced approach to deficit reduction that combines smart cuts with revenue measures such as closing tax loopholes for the very wealthy.

“We all know this recovery has a long road ahead, and nobody knows it better than the workers who have lost their jobs in Nevada and across the nation. But only Congress can undo the serious effects of Republicans’ harsh austerity. I hope my Republican colleagues will put partisanship aside and work with us for the good of the middle class.”

“The people of South Dakota could not have asked for a better advocate in the U.S. Senate than Tim. He has looked after the wellbeing of South Dakotans and all Americans in a tireless and unselfish manner. When he was struck by two life-threatening conditions, Tim soldiered on and continued doing the people’s work. He has been an example of resiliency to people all over the nation.

“Tim will be missed when he leaves after 2014. I wish him and his wife Barbara the best as they open the next chapter in their life.”

“Later tonight, I will start the process of bringing a bill to reduce gun violence to the Senate floor. This bill will include the provisions on background checks, school safety and gun trafficking reported by the Judiciary Committee. I hope negotiations will continue over the upcoming break to reach a bipartisan compromise on background checks, and I am hopeful that they will succeed. If a compromise is reached, I am open to including it in the base bill. But I want to be clear: in order to be effective, any bill that passes the Senate must include background checks.

“The bill I advance tonight will serve as the basis for opening debate. Once debate begins, I will ensure that a ban on assault weapons, limits to high-capacity magazines, and mental health provisions receive votes, along with other amendments. In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for all of these provisions to receive votes, and I will ensure that they do.”

“But health reform is not only saving money – it’s saving lives.”

“In the richest nation in the world no insurance company will ever again put a price tag on a human life.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding Saturday’s anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Three years ago, President Barack Obama signed into law the greatest single step in generations toward ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare for every American – the Affordable Care Act.

Millions of Americans are already benefitting from Obamacare. Insurance companies can no longer set arbitrary lifetime caps on benefits, putting millions of Americans one car accident or heart attack away from bankruptcy. Today children can no longer be denied insurance because they are born with a disease or a disability, a protection that will soon extend to all Americans. And soon being a woman will no longer be considered a pre-existing condition.

In less than a year, 129 million Americans with preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can rest assured they’ll have access to affordable insurance and life-saving care – regardless of their health or how much money they make.

In Nevada alone, tens of thousands of seniors have saved tens of millions of dollars on medicines because the Affordable Care Act closed the gap in prescription drug coverage.

But health reform is not only saving money – it’s saving lives.

Just ask 26-year-old Sarah Coffey, a native of Gardnerville, Nevada. Sarah was halfway through her first year of law school at the University of Connecticut when she was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s disease.

Sarah had done everything right. When she enrolled at UConn, she bought the best student insurance plan money could buy and paid for it a year in advance. But her cancer – and the difficult treatment to fight it – made returning to school last fall impossible.

Since Sarah was no longer a student, she no longer qualified for student health insurance. And her policy was about to expire. Without an expensive bone marrow transplant, she might die.

Before the Affordable Care Act became law, Sarah would have been one of the tens of millions of Americans who desperately needed life-saving care, but didn’t have insurance to pay for it. Before the Affordable Care Act, Sarah might even have become one of the 45,000 Americans who died each year because they lacked health insurance.

But thanks to Obamacare, Sarah was able to sign on to her parents’ insurance plan. Sarah is one of 3.1 million young people – including 33,000 young Nevadans – who have benefited from a provision in the law that allows children to stay on their parents’ health plans until they are 26 years old.

And I’m pleased to report that Sarah’s story has a happy ending. She got the treatment she needed. Her most recent PET scan was clear. And Sarah plans to return to law school in September.

Sarah’s mother, Sue, sent me a letter in January. She wrote that Obamacare and the dedicated doctors at Stanford Hospital saved her daughter’s life.

This is the legacy of the landmark law: that no American will end up in an emergency room because he has no insurance, that no American will live in fear of losing her insurance because she loses her job and that in the richest nation in the world no insurance company will ever again put a price tag on a human life.

Thomas Jefferson wrote that, “The care of human life and happiness… is the first and only object of good government.” I am gratified that the Affordable Care Act meets that standard. And I am proud that this law, which we worked so hard to pass, is already ensuring the care of human life remains the first object of this government.

“They said they wanted to debate and pass a budget. Well, here was their chance.”

“Democrats are willing to… debate the issues. And with the American people on our side, this is a debate we know we can win.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding Republican objections to considering the Senate Budget Resolution. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

For the last few years, Republicans have been hollering that the Senate hasn’t passed a budget. They have done so in spite of the fact that Republicans in both chambers voted for the Budget Control Act, which set spending levels for the last two years.

Every reasonable political observer admits the Budget Control Act, which had the force of law, was a budget by another name. But still Republicans pined for the days of so-called regular order – when the Senate would vote on a budget resolution that would set spending priorities for the fiscal year.

Republicans were desperate, they said, to have a budget debate. Republicans were desperate for an amendment vote-a-rama. And they had charts to prove it. They had press conferences to prove it.  They even had a calendar tallying the days since the Senate has passed a budget resolution.

So I was amazed yesterday when Senate Republicans blocked attempts to begin debate on the Senate budget resolution. Republicans said they wanted to debate and pass a budget. Well, here was their chance. Yet the Junior Senator from Kansas, Senator Moran, objected to a request to begin debating the budget unless we vote on his proposed amendment to the continuing resolution.

Senator Moran is concerned air traffic control towers in Kansas will close because of across-the-board sequester spending cuts. I say to my colleague, the Senator from Kansas, we are all concerned about the impact of these cuts. In Nevada, more than 100 families will lose access to low-income housing because of the sequester. Nationwide, more than 70,000 little boys and girls will be kicked off Head Start. Over time, these arbitrary cuts will be very painful for millions of Americans.

We are all concerned about the sequester. That is why the Senate Democratic budget proposal actually reverses the sequester. The policies outlined in our budget will save hundreds of thousands of jobs and safeguard communities by keeping police, air traffic controllers and meat inspectors on the job.

Reversing the sequester would alleviate Senator Moran’s concern about air traffic controllers in Kansas. But the Senate can’t debate a thoughtful way to replace the sequester if Republicans won’t even let us debate our budget proposal.

We know Republicans and Democrats won’t agree on every aspect of the budget – which sets priorities for how the government spends money and how it saves money.

Republicans have one plan for Medicare – turn it into a voucher program. Democrats have another – to preserve and protect Medicare for our children and grandchildren.

Republicans have one plan for taxes – lower them for the rich and let the middle class foot the bill. Democrats have another – ask the wealthiest individuals and corporations to contribute a little more to reduce the deficit.

Republicans have one plan to reduce the deficit – rely on harsh austerity that shortchanges the elderly, veterans, the middle class and the poor. Democrats have another – a balanced approach that couples smart spending cuts with new revenue from closing loopholes that benefit the wealthiest Americans.

We have our differences. But Democrats are willing to discuss those differences. We’re willing to debate the issues. And with the American people on our side, this is a debate we know we can win.

“The Ryan Republican budget introduced earlier this week reflects an entirely different set of priorities – skewed priorities Americans have rejected time and again.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the Senate budget resolution. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

For four years, the first priority for the country and for Congress has been to improve the nation’s economy and strengthen the middle class. Our efforts have paid off, and pulled us out of the Great Recession. Over the last 36 months, businesses have created 6.4 million new jobs. But the economy isn’t back to full strength, and unemployment is still too high.

So we cannot take chances with our recovery. We must renew investments in the things that make America strong – in innovation and job training, in education and preventive health care, in new roadways, railways and bridges. To meet our country’s long-term economic goals – including reducing the deficit – we must enact policies that support a strong and growing middle class.

That is why this week the Senate will pass a budget – crafted by the senior Senator from Washington, Budget Chairman Patty Murray – that fully replaces the harmful sequester cuts with balanced, responsible deficit reduction. The policies outlined in our budget will save hundreds of thousands of jobs, and safeguard communities by keeping police, air traffic controllers and meat inspectors on the job. First we must avoid self-inflicted wounds. Then we can build on the successes of the last 36 months.

The Senate budget will continue that progress by creating new jobs repairing crumbling roads and bridges, and training workers for high-skill jobs. These investments are fully paid for by eliminating almost $1 trillion worth of loopholes that benefit the wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations.

The Senate budget also makes nearly $1 trillion in responsible spending cuts across the federal budget. But meaningful deficit reduction requires shared sacrifice, including contributions from the wealthiest among us.

If you own a profitable corporation that ships jobs to China or India, Democrats in Congress can’t stop you. But we can keep you from getting a tax break for outsourcing. If you’re successful enough to own a second home or a yacht, Democrats in Congress applaud your success. But American taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize that success with a tax break for your vacation home or your boat.

Ending these wasteful giveaways makes sense to most people. An overwhelming majority of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, support our balanced approach.

In the last two years, we have reduced the deficit by $2.4 trillion. The Senate budget continues this effort without jeopardizing our economic recovery or breaking our promises to seniors and veterans. This budget keeps Medicare strong for today’s seniors, and preserves it for our children and grandchildren. It reflects Democratic values. And it honors the belief that success doesn’t trickle down from the top; it grows out from the middle class.

The Ryan Republican budget introduced earlier this week reflects an entirely different set of priorities – skewed priorities Americans have rejected time and again. The Ryan Republican budget would hand out more budget-busting tax breaks for the wealthy. And to pay for these wasteful tax cuts, it would end the Medicare guarantee, rob 50 million Americans of affordable health insurance and raise taxes on middle-class families. To appease the Tea Party, the Ryan Republican budget would risk lives and risk the recovery.  And that is just too high a price to pay.

Late last night, seven United States Marines were killed and several others were injured by an explosion during a training exercise near Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada. My thoughts are with those who were injured. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives. And my sympathies are with their fellow Marines, who are also grieving this loss.

Details are still emerging, and I will continue to follow this news closely. I will do whatever I can going forward to support the United States Military and the families of the fallen Marines.

“I applaud President Obama for nominating Thomas Perez to head the Labor Department. Perez has already showed his commitment to defending the American dream and upholding every American’s civil liberties, and his professional background makes him qualified for a job vital to our economy and the growth of the middle class. He is pragmatic and a believer in consensus who works equally well with CEOs and labor leaders. But it is also his life story, growing up the son of immigrants in upstate New York, that has given him an understanding of the realities facing American families and how decisions made in Washington impact them.

“Mr. Perez is highly qualified and deserves a speedy confirmation. Few public servants have fought as hard to protect the rights and freedoms enshrined by the Constitution as Mr. Perez. I hope Senate Republicans will put partisanship aside and look at his record and values in an objective manner.”

“One way or another, we will move forward with this bill today.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the status of negotiations on amendments to the continuing resolution. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

I want to advise Senators on the status of negotiations to keep the government running. On Thursday, we recessed for the weekend so negotiators could attempt to reach an agreement on a finite list of amendments to consider today. The bill managers, Appropriations Committee Chairman Mikulski and Ranking Member Shelby, have made good progress over the weekend.  I commend them, and their staffs, for all their efforts.

But they have not yet reached an agreement. Unfortunately, there has been difficulty getting Senators on both sides to agree to a finite list of amendments.

There is still hope that we could vote on a limited number of amendments and move to final passage of this bill tonight. Senators Mikulski and Shelby have worked very hard on this measure, and I am optimistic that we will find a path forward. But one way or another, we will move forward with this bill today.

On Wednesday, I filed a motion to invoke cloture on the pending substitute amendment and the underlying bill.   On Thursday, we postponed that cloture vote in the hopes of reaching an agreement to consider amendments today. Absent an agreement, we will vote on the cloture petition tonight.

It is in the interest of all Senators that we move forward quickly with this important legislation. The House of Representatives awaits our action. There is a great deal to do this week on the other side of the Capitol as well. Also, the more time the Senate spends on the continuing resolution, the less time we will have later this week to vote on amendments to the budget resolution.

As a reminder, the budget resolution cannot be filibustered. But it is allowed up to 50 hours of debate. And we must reserve time this week to consider a number of amendments to the budget.

This will be a very full week. Senators should expect several long nights and late votes. And we will stay as long as it takes to complete work on both the continuing resolution and the budget resolution – even if that means working into the weekend and the Easter/Passover recess. But with a little cooperation from Senators on both sides we can finish this work.

GOP Plan Would Force Seniors to Pay $2.5 Billion More In Prescription Drugs Next Year Alone By Reopening Drug ‘Donut Hole’

New State-By-State Reports Showing Devastating Local Impact on Seniors Found Here

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Democratic Policy and Communications Center (DPCC) detailed the devastating effects of the new Republican budget in a series of state-by-state reports. The Republican budget introduced by Paul Ryan is anything but balanced. It would end Medicare as we know it, forcing seniors into a costly voucher system, while providing more tax breaks to millionaires. It would gut investments that strengthen the middle class, while protecting tax loopholes that benefit corporations that ship jobs overseas.

“The closer you look at the numbers, the worse the House Republicans’ budget gets for the nation’s seniors. The Republican budget that would end Medicare as we know it is anything but balanced. Rather than taking a balanced approach to deficit reduction, the Republican budget would kick millions of seniors into a voucher program, and force them to pay more for prescription drugs,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center. “This reckless budget would gut programs that are essential to the middle class, while preserving tax breaks for the wealthy and huge corporations. The Democratic plan preserves investments in job-creating programs, cuts wasteful spending, and protects Medicare for our seniors.”

Under the proposal, set to receive a vote in the House next week, seniors would see their out-of-pocket costs increase by as much as $5,900 per year.
The Republican budget would also reopen the prescription drug donut hole for millions of current seniors, forcing them to pay an additional $2.5 billion dollars for prescription drugs next year alone. A county-by-county breakdown of seniors’ savings on prescription drugs thanks to the Affordable Care Act through December 2012 can be found here. These savings would be wiped out in the Republican budget plan.

Report Highlights:

• The Republican plan could increase out-of-pocket health care costs per senior by $5,900.
• Nationwide, over 3.5 million seniors saved more than $2.5 billion in prescription drug costs last year. The GOP budget would eliminate those savings in the years to come.
• Over 34 million seniors could pay more for preventive services this year.

“This budget reflects the same skewed priorities… Americans rejected in November.”

“It will take more than accounting gimmicks to achieve real deficit reduction.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding Representative Paul Ryan’s budget proposal. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Early this year, with November’s election losses fresh in their minds, top Republicans promised a kinder, gentler Republican Party – a Republican Party that cared about “every American…achieving their dreams.” Republicans bandied about words like fairness and opportunity. They made overtures toward women and Hispanics. They promised cooperation and an end to brinksmanship. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor even spoke of, “an agenda based on a shared vision of creating the conditions for health, happiness and prosperity for more Americans and their families.” The rebranding was under way.

Then a few weeks passed. And the Republican emphasis on fairness and equity passed along with them.

Today House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan will unveil an extreme budget that is anything but balanced. This budget reflects the same skewed priorities the Republican Party has championed for years – the same skewed priorities Americans rejected in November. The Ryan Republican budget will call for more tax breaks for the wealthy, an end to Medicare as we know it and draconian cuts to education and other programs that help America’s economy grow and prosper.

As Yogi Berra famously said, “It’s déjà vu all over again.” We’ve seen this show before. The Ryan Republican budget will shower more tax breaks on millionaires and continue to tilt the playing field to the advantage of big corporate interests, while raising taxes for the middle class. And, like last year, the plan refuses to close a single tax loophole in order to reduce the deficit.

Meanwhile it guts investments in education, health care, public safety, scientific research and job-creating clean energy technology. The Ryan Republican budget would end the Medicare guarantee and force seniors into a voucher program. It would ax preventive health care such as cancer screenings and charge seniors more for prescriptions. And it would further reduce funding for food inspectors, police officers and first responders.

And as if protecting wealthy special interests while shifting the burden to seniors and the middle class wasn’t bad enough, the Republican budget also devastates the economy, costing jobs and slowing growth. Not only is this the wrong approach, it’s the same old approach.

And to make matters worse, the Paul Ryan Budget 3.0 uses the same fuzzy math as his previous two budgets. It relies on accounting that is creative at best and fraudulent at worst to inflate its claims of deficit reduction.

Democrats believe it is critical that we stabilize the deficit. But it will take more than accounting gimmicks to achieve real deficit reduction. And at a time when corporations are making record profits, the stock market is soaring and wealthy Americans’ income continues to rise, that deficit reduction shouldn’t be come at the expense of middle-class families, senior citizens and the poor.

Americans have demanded a fair approach to deficit reduction that makes sensible cuts, but asks profitable corporations and the wealthiest among us to share the burden. Democrats have been listening. That’s why this week Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray will introduce a budget that reflects those balanced principles. The Democratic plan will cut wasteful spending and reduce the deficit, close tax loopholes that benefit the rich and invest in what the economy needs to grow. It will encourage a strong middle class.

Congressman Ryan and his Republican colleagues in Congress have taken a different approach – an approach that makes it plain they missed the message of the November elections. Their budget will once again put moneyed special interests ahead of middle-class families. And no amount of rebranding will hide that.

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding on Nevada judicial nominee Andrew Gordon, on a continuing resolution to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year and on the 2014 retirement of Senator Carl Levin. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

This evening, the Senate will vote on two judicial nominations: Richard Gary Taranto, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit and Andrew Patrick Gordon, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

Andrew Gordon, of Las Vegas, graduated from Harvard Law School in 1987 after receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College. He is a partner with the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson, where he has been a partner since 1997. Mr. Gordon handles complex commercial disputes. He also focuses on alternative conflict resolution, and regularly serves as an arbitrator and mediator.

Mr. Gordon also performs a variety of pro bono work, including handling adoption proceedings and representation of an inmate on death row in a habeas corpus proceeding. He has consistently been named as one of the Best Lawyers in America. I have no doubt he will serve the court well, and I look forward to his confirmation.

This week the Senate will also take up legislation to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. I applaud Appropriations Committee Chairman Mikulski and Ranking Member Shelby for working diligently through the weekend to reach a bipartisan agreement on a path forward.

Senator Mikulski and Senator Shelby, two seasoned veterans, have worked hard to get this legislation ready. They are two of our most senior members. They are also two of our most respected members.

The measure passed last week by the House of Representatives is not perfect. Senators will wish to offer amendments. And we are working out a process to consider those amendments.

This week will offer another opportunity for the United States Senate to return to the regular order – an opportunity for this body to legislate through cooperation and compromise. It will also be a test of the Senate’s good will.

America’s economy is poised to grow and expand. And the last thing it needs is another manufactured crisis – such as a government shutdown – to derail its progress.

Senator Carl Levin Announces Retirement

For some public servants, the political fire is lit by their first trip to Washington, D.C. or by a moving and memorable party convention speech. For others, a history of military service leads to a career in public service. For still others, a single issue – such as a proposed freeway through a vibrant community – propels them into politics. But for Senator Carl Levin, serving Michigan families is something of a family business.

Senator Levin’s father, Saul, served on the Michigan Corrections Commission. His uncle, Theodore Levin, was the chief judge for the U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan. And I was elected to Congress in 1982, the same year as Carl’s brother, Sander Levin, the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

The first time I met Senator Levin, I mentioned that I had come to the House of Representatives with his brother. And Carl said, yes, Sandy is my brother, but he’s also my best friend. That’s something I’ve never forgotten. These two brothers, natives of Detroit, have done so much for the state of Michigan.

Carl Levin is a truly outstanding Senator and an even better man. The senior Senator from Michigan is the longest serving Senator in his state’s history. But he dedicated his life to serving residents of Michigan long before he was elected to the United States Senate.

Senator Levin served as general counsel of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and as assistant attorney general for the state of Michigan. And he served two terms in the Detroit City Council, including one term as council president.

As a Senator, Carl Levin has consistently stood up for Michigan families – whether that meant supporting the auto industry, protecting Lake Michigan, holding credit card companies accountable or securing funding for sons and daughters serving in the United States military.

As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Carl Levin is one of the nation’s most respected voices on national security issues and most powerful advocates for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

And as chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, he has sought the truth on behalf of American families time and time again. He led investigations of the 2008 financial crisis, abusive credit card practices and the Enron collapse.

Carl’s dedication to the United States Senate is matched only by his dedication to his own family. He has been married to his wife, Barbara, for more than 50 years. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. And I’m sure Carl is looking forward to spending more time with those grandchildren.

But when he retires in two years, the Unites States Senate will be sorry to lose this powerful voice for military service members and Michigan families.

“Today’s numbers show that our economy is growing, and is poised to grow even faster in the months to come. There is still much work to be done to bring unemployment down in Nevada and across the nation. The first step is to replace the sequester with a balanced combination of smart spending cuts and policies that close wasteful tax loopholes and ask millionaires to pay their fair share. But this can only be done with cooperation from my Republican colleagues.

“The American people expect solutions from their elected officials. It is up to Congress to provide them with the solutions they deserve.”

“I’ve had the good fortune of spending thirty-one years in Congress with Carl, one of the finest legislators and human beings I have ever known. Carl’s tireless advocacy for our nation’s working families and our men and women in uniform will be a model for legislators to follow for decades to come.

“Whether it was helping rescue our auto industry or defending consumers from abuses by credit card companies, Carl’s work has been exemplary. As chair of the Armed Services Committee through two major wars, Carl helped bring the war in Iraq to an end, and has ensured that our service members always had the support they needed to accomplish their missions. Whether it was fighting so our men and women would have proper equipment or fair pay, Carl has always been a staunch advocate for our armed services, while also ensuring that tax payer dollars were invested wisely.

“I look forward to continue working with Carl over the next two years and will miss him greatly once he retires. I wish him and his family the best in the next stage of their lives.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the talking filibuster and on the anniversary of the Bloody Sunday civil rights march. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

My Republican colleagues love to extol the virtues of “regular order.” If only we could get back to the days of regular order, they say, the Senate would function again.

Well, yesterday we saw both sides of that. On one hand my Republican colleagues did not practice regular order. Instead they demanded a 60-vote threshold for confirmation of a qualified nominee, Caitlin Halligan, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Republicans hid behind a cloture vote – a filibuster by another term – to prevent a simple up or down vote on this important nomination. They took the easy way out.

On the other hand, one Republican Senator did return to regular order. And, as is his right, he spoke for as long as he was able. That is a filibuster.

After 12 hours standing and talking, this is how Senator Paul ended his filibuster: “I would go for another 12 hours to try to break Strom Thurmond’s record, but I’ve discovered there are some limits to filibustering and I’m going to have to take care of one of those in a few minutes here.” One thing I learned from my own experience with talking filibusters: to succeed, you need strong convictions but also a strong bladder. Senator Paul has both.

We should all reflect on what happened yesterday as we proceed with other nominations, including a number of judicial nominations. This can be a Senate were ideas are debated in full public view – and obstruction happens in full public view as well. Or it can be a Senate where a small minority obstructs from behind closed doors, without ever coming to the Senate floor.

Bloody Sunday

Forty-eight years ago today, a young man by the name of John Lewis set out on a march across Alabama, from Selma to Montgomery. By his side were a few hundred freedom-loving men and women calling for an end to discrimination and violence against African Americans.

Today John Lewis is a distinguished member of the House of Representatives. But back then he was a young civil rights leader, determined to fight injustice and force the United States to live up to its founding principle – that all people are created equal.

John expected to be arrested that day. Instead, John and the peaceful protesters by his side were met just six blocks into their march by state troopers with dogs, fire hoses and clubs. Many of the marchers, including John Lewis, were badly beaten.

The terrible violence of that day – known as Bloody Sunday – was broadcast across the country. For the first time, the bloody reality of the struggle for equal rights was beamed into America’s living rooms. Bloody Sunday marked a turning point in the Civil Rights movement, as Americans cried out against the injustice and bloodshed they saw on their television screens.

Later that month, protesters finally completed the march from Selma to Montgomery. And more than 25,000 patriots converged on the Alabama State Capitol Building. From the steps of the Alabama Capitol, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of the power of peaceful resistance. This is what he said: “Selma, Alabama, became a shining moment in the conscience of man. If the worst in American life lurked in its dark street, the best of American instincts arose passionately from across the nation to overcome it.”

Six months later President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The law was one of many steps to make “freedom and justice for all” more than just a maxim.

But today the change Bloody Sunday helped bring to bear with the Voting Rights Act is under attack again. Last week, the Supreme Court considered striking sections of the law barring areas with a history of discrimination from changing voting practices without federal approval.

Critics say these protections are no longer necessary. But anyone who waited hours to cast a ballot in 2012 knows that’s not the case. And anyone who has watched as state legislatures pass laws designed to intimidate eligible voters and keep the poor, minorities and the elderly from the polls knows the fight for freedom is not over.

America has made great strides to eradicate racism, thanks to men like John Lewis. But together we must guard that progress with vigilance, keeping in mind the sacrifices made by so many 48 years ago today.

“[John Brennan’s] extensive intelligence background and executive experience uniquely qualify him to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.”

“Unfortunately, the confirmation process has focused too much this year on partisan, political considerations and not enough on the quality of the nominees.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding a Republican filibuster of John Brennan’s nomination to director of the Central Intelligence Agency, as well as the ongoing violence in Syria. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Each day the world watches in horror as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad carries out a campaign of wanton violence that has killed more than 70,000 of his own citizens. These atrocities have gone on for far too long. It is time that this awful dictator steps down and allows his people to pursue a peaceful transition to democracy.

Assad grows increasingly desperate, as rebels continue to gain ground despite the full force of Assad’s military arsenal. President Assad should understand the world is watching his every action. And we will not tolerate his unforgiveable slaughter of innocent civilians, including through the potential future use of chemical weapons. President Obama has been clear: the use of such chemical weapons would constitute a “red line” for the United States and for the international community.

Rather than continue to kill his own people, President Assad should end the bloodshed and relinquish power to Syria’s citizens.

As America closely observes unfolding events in Syria, and deals with varied threats around the world, it is crucial that President Obama has a seasoned national security team in place.

It’s often said there is no substitute for experience, so it’s natural that 25-year CIA veteran John Brennan was reported out of the Senate Intelligence Committee yesterday on an overwhelming, bipartisan vote. Mr. Brennan is a highly qualified nominee and should be confirmed quickly.

As Deputy National Security Advisor since 2009, John Brennan has been President Obama’s chief homeland security and counterterrorism advisor. He has been at the forefront of every major national security decision made during the Obama Administration. He is responsible for the White House response to pandemics, cyber threats, natural disasters and terrorism attacks. And he played an instrumental role in finding Osama bin Laden and decimating al Qaeda.

But his distinguished intelligence career began more than 30 years ago, when he joined the CIA as a career trainee straight out of graduate schools. Mr. Brennan worked his way up through the agency to serve in senior management roles at the CIA – including as Deputy Executive Director under George Tenant.

Years spent working on covert and analytic missions, and as Chief of Station in Saudi Arabia, gave him a comprehensive understanding of the CIA’s capabilities and inner workings. And Mr. Brennan’s knowledge of the Middle East will be essential as we continue work to defeat al Qaeda and other terrorist threats.

John Brennan has distinguished himself outside of government, as well. He spent four years in the private sector as president and CEO of The Analysis Corporation. His extensive intelligence background and executive experience uniquely qualify him to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.

Just as the CIA faces challenges abroad, it also faces significant decisions about its own future. John Brennan must guide the CIA’s through a thorough consideration of the agency’s relationship with the United States military, how the agency should respond to conclusions of a recent Senate Intelligence Committee report on interrogation practices and the agency’s response to demands for transparency. These considerations must not be made lightly, and John Brennan will give them the attention they deserve in his role as director.

The Senate must also approach its duty to advise and consent with the solemnity it deserves. Unfortunately, the confirmation process has focused too much this year on partisan, political considerations and not enough on the quality of the nominees.

I am disappointed that I am forced to file cloture on Mr. Brennan’s nomination today. My Republican colleagues have already obstructed several critical nominations this year. I hope that pattern of obstructionist behavior will not persist. But I remain optimistic that, in Mr. Brennan’s case, concerns for national security will outweigh the desire to grandstand for the Tea Party.

“If my Republican colleagues choose to filibuster [Caitlin] Halligan’s confirmation a second time, their naked partisanship will be exposed.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding Republican obstruction of qualified judicial nominees. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

William Gladstone, four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, wrote that, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” By that measure, millions of Americans who rely on courts that are overworked and understaffed are being denied the justice they rightly deserve.

With one out of every 10 federal judgeships vacant, Americans can no longer rely on a fair and speedy trial. More than half the nation’s population lives in a part of the country that’s been declared a “judicial emergency.”

The high number of vacancies isn’t due to a lack of qualified jurists. It is due, instead, to blatant partisanship.

President Obama’s judicial nominees have waited, on average, three to four times longer to be confirmed than those nominated by President George W. Bush. Even highly-qualified nominees – nominees who are eventually confirmed unanimously or almost unanimously – routinely wait weeks or even months to be confirmed.

Tomorrow, the Senate will consider highly-qualified Caitlin Joan Halligan. Ms. Halligan has been waiting more than two years to be confirmed.

Ms. Halligan is nominated – for the second time – to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The D.C. Circuit considers complex appeals of federal regulations. And it has jurisdiction over vital national security challenges. It is also one of the many courts in crisis across this country.

A third of seats on the D.C. Circuit Court are vacant. The last appointment to the D.C. Circuit was made in 2006. And in the years since, the number of pending cases per judge has grown from 119 in 2005 to 188 today.

When Ms. Halligan was nominated to the D.C. Circuit in 2010, she was nominated to fill one of two vacancies on the court. More than two years later, Ms. Halligan’s nomination is again before the Senate. And the D.C. Circuit now has four empty seats.

The last time the Senate considered Ms. Halligan’s nomination, some of my Republican colleagues claimed the D.C. Circuit didn’t really need more judges. So they filibustered her confirmation. No one could credibly make that argument today. If my Republican colleagues choose to filibuster Ms. Halligan’s confirmation a second time, their naked partisanship will be exposed.

Patricia M. Wald, who retired after serving two decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, said this of the confirmation process: “The constitutional system of nomination and confirmation can work only if there is good faith on the part of both the president and the Senate to move qualified nominees along, rather than withholding consent for political reasons.” A second partisan filibuster of this highly-qualified nominee by my Republican colleagues would be in very bad faith.

One qualified, consensus judicial nominee ought to be treated like another – regardless of the political party of the President that made the nomination. Yet President Obama is the only president in the 65-year history of the D.C. Circuit Court not to have a single judge confirmed during his first term.

It’s certainly not because his nominees are anything less than supremely qualified. Ms. Halligan’s colleagues have called her a “brilliant legal mind.” She has outstanding credentials and the strong support of appellate lawyers, former judges, law enforcement officials and more than 20 former Supreme Court clerks from across the political spectrum. She graduated with honors from Princeton and Georgetown University Law. She clerked for Judge Patricia Wald, who I quoted a moment ago, and for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

If a truly exceptional candidate such as Caitlin Halligan isn’t qualified to be a judge in the United States of America, I don’t know who is.

“Jack Johnson was a legendary competitor who defined an era of American boxing and raised the bar for all American athletics,” said Senator Reid. “Johnson’s memory was unjustly tarnished by a racially-motivated criminal conviction, and it is now time to recast his legacy. I am pleased to work with my colleagues in both the Senate and House to formally restore Johnson’s name to the full stature and dignity he deserves.”

“Since 2004, Congressman King and I have fought for a posthumous pardon of Jack Johnson, the world’s first African-American heavyweight champion, for his racially motivated conviction,” said Senator McCain. “In past years, both chambers of Congress unanimously passed this resolution, but unfortunately, it still awaits executive action and no pardon has been issued. We can never completely right the wrong perpetrated against Jack Johnson during his lifetime, but this pardon is a small, meaningful step toward acknowledging his mistreatment before the law and celebrating his legacy of athletic greatness and historical significance.”

“Jack Johnson was one of the great African-American athletes. His skill and perseverance to get back up every time he was knocked down made him a champion in the eyes of the sports world and for those who, like him, pursued their dreams despite racial intolerance,” said Senator Cowan. “I’m proud to join Senator McCain and Representative King in their effort to restore the legacy he fought so hard to achieve.”

“Jack Johnson is a trailblazer and a legend, whose boxing career was cut short due to unjust laws and racial persecution,” said Congressman King. “I urge the Congress and the President to do the right thing and take the final step and grant his pardon. I am proud to stand with Senator McCain once again to introduce this legislation.”

Jack Johnson was born in Galveston, Texas on March 31, 1878 and in 1908, he became the first African American World Heavyweight Boxing Champion after defeating Tommy Burns in Australia – a title Johnson held until 1915. Prompted by his success in the boxing ring and his relationship with a Caucasian woman, Jack Johnson was wrongly convicted under the Mann Act when he brought the woman he was dating across state lines.

The intent of the Mann Act was to prevent human trafficking of women for the purpose of prostitution. However, a racially motivated 1913 conviction imprisoned Jack Johnson for a year. The conviction ruined his career and destroyed his reputation.

McCain and King, both life-long boxing fans, have been introducing legislation to pardon Jack Johnson since 2004.

“Republicans have, again and again, injected politics into the confirmation process.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding Republican efforts to obstruct President Obama’s highly qualified judicial and cabinet nominations Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

This week the Senate will consider a handful of nominations. Tonight Senators will vote on confirmation of two district court judges, Pamela Chen to serve as United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York and Katherine Failla to serve as United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Later this week we will consider the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, which currently has four vacancies.

Ms. Halligan’s colleagues say she has a “brilliant legal mind” and an “abiding respect for the law.” But despite her outstanding credentials and strong support from across the political spectrum, Republicans filibustered her confirmation last Congress.

President Obama is the only president in the 65-year history of the D.C. Circuit Court not to have a single judge confirmed to that court during his first term. Since Ms. Halligan was nominated, two additional vacancies have opened up on the D.C. Circuit. The court desperately needs more judges.

This week, the Senate will also consider the nomination of John Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. The Intelligence Committee is expected to report his nomination tomorrow. Mr. Brennan served 25 years at the CIA and four years on the White House national security staff, where he played an instrumental role in finding Osama bin Laden and decimating al Qaeda. He is highly qualified, and should be confirmed quickly.

This week will be a test of Republicans’ good will. My Republican colleagues say they respect the Senate’s responsibility to advise and consent. My Republican colleagues say they don’t plan to obstruct the confirmation process for the sake of obstruction. But they filibustered President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, a former Republican Senator, delaying Secretary Hagel’s confirmation for nearly two weeks.

Republicans say they will not filibuster. But their actions say otherwise.

Republicans say they are just requiring 60-vote thresholds. But the difference between a filibuster and requiring a 60-vote threshold on nominations is a distinction without a difference.

In a nation founded on a principle of justice for all, it is crucial that we adequately staff our federal courts. And at a time when America faces so many threats abroad, it’s crucial we have a talented and dedicated individual like John Brennan leading our most prominent intelligence agency. Yet Republicans have, again and again, injected politics into the confirmation process – both when considering judicial nominees and, most recently, when considering cabinet nominees.

There was once a time when Republicans were the ones defending the right of the President to choose the players on his team. But back then there was a Republican in the White House. In 2001, the Senior Senator from Utah touted the, “longstanding tradition in the Senate… [to] afford the President a significant degree of deference to shape his Cabinet as he sees fit.” Four years later, after President Bush was reelected, the Senior Senator from Arizona pointed out that elections have consequences and said, “The President has a right to put into place the team he believes will serve him best.”

As we consider key nominations this week, and in the weeks to come, I hope my Republican colleagues honor that longstanding tradition of the Senate. And I urge Republicans to consider that – if the Senate fails to properly staff our national security agencies or the nation’s judicial system – our inaction will also have consequences.

“President Obama’s nominations will ensure strong leadership for the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Both Dr. Moniz and Ms. McCarthy bring the expertise our nation needs to address environmental challenges and lead on clean energy innovation and development.

“As a respected nuclear physicist and Director of the MIT Energy Initiative, Dr. Moniz has been at the forefront of finding innovative ways to bolster and clean up our energy supplies at the same time. I am confident that he will continue building on the Administration’s progress in developing our nation’s enormous clean energy potential, reducing our reliance on foreign oil, and finding a safe, consent-based approach to managing our nation’s nuclear waste that does not involve dumping it in Nevada. I also look forward to discussing with Dr. Moniz the Department of Energy’s partnership with Nevada in growing the Silver State’s clean energy economy.

“Ms. McCarthy has a proven track record of public service and I am confident she will be able to tackle the serious environmental challenges facing our nation. Working to improve our environment for the long-term will require the ability to bring together communities, diverse industries, and public health and environmental advocates to find solutions that work for our country. Ms. McCarthy is uniquely qualified for building consensus to clean our air and water, safeguard communities from public health threats, and address climate change.”

“Ms. Mathews Burwell has a strong background and I am confident she will be able to deal with our nation’s budgetary challenges in a responsible way. Having served at OMB, Treasury and as an senior advisor to President Clinton, Ms. Mathews Burwell understands how to work cooperatively to develop a budget that keeps our government strong and bolsters our nation’s economy for the long-term.”

“Because of DOMA, gay and lesbian married couples are denied more than 1,100 federal rights and benefits to which all other legally married couples are entitled; that is neither fair, nor right. Today, I filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court to make clear my belief that Section 3 of DOMA discriminates against gay and lesbian married couples and should be struck down as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law.

“Since the enactment of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996, the attitudes of many Americans, including me, have changed significantly. When Congress enacted DOMA, no state had legalized same-sex marriage. Now, gay and lesbian couples can legally marry in nine states and the District of Columbia. This is progress in the truest sense of the word, and repealing DOMA is the next step we need to take towards providing true equality to all Americans under the law.”

“Republicans should give Congress true flexibility – flexibility to cut wasteful subsidies, flexibility to close unnecessary tax loopholes and flexibility to ask the richest of the rich to contribute a little more.”

“As usual, Republicans have put the demands of special interests over the needs of middle-class Americans.

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding across-the-board sequester cuts that will take effect tomorrow. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Today the Senate says goodbye to a valued and accomplished staff member, Rick DeBobes, who is retiring after ten years as staff director of Chairman Levin’s Senate Armed Services Committee. Rick DeBobes came to the Senate more than two decades ago, after a distinguished, 26-year career as a Judge Advocate in the United States Navy. He has spent his entire Capitol Hill career with the same committee – a rare occurrence in the Senate – working first for Chairman Sam Nunn and then for Chairman Levin.

For the last decade, Rick has led the committee’s oversight of two of our longest-running wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to reward the dedication of military personnel and their families. Under Chairman Levin’s guiding hand, he has also filled the ranks of the Armed Services Committee staff with the next generation of national security professionals.

Rick’s expertise, integrity and commitment to public service will be missed by Republicans and Democrats. And on behalf of the Senate community, I thank him for his service and wish him well in retirement.

Rick’s departure from the Senate Armed Services Committee comes during a trying time for our nation’s military – as deep, across-the-board spending cuts are set to strike. Hundreds of thousands of civilian employees of the Defense Department will be furloughed in coming weeks and months. Families and businesses across this country are also bracing for the pain of deep cuts to programs that keep our food safe, our water clean and our borders secure.

But it’s not too late to avert these damaging cuts – cuts for which the overwhelming majority of Republicans in both houses of Congress voted. Democrats have a balanced proposal to remove the threat of the sequester. Our proposal would reduce the deficit by making smart spending cuts. It would also close wasteful tax loopholes that allow companies that outsource jobs to China or India to claim tax deductions for doing so. Our plan would stop wasteful subsidies to farmer, some of whom don’t even farm anymore. And it would ask the wealthiest among us – those making millions each year – to pay just a little more to help reduce the deficit.

Almost 60 percent of Republicans around the country favor this balanced approach to reduce the deficit with a combination of revenue and smart spending cuts. But because this proposition would ask millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations to contribute even a tiny fraction more, Republicans here in Congress won’t support it. Republicans in Congress are going after our proposal because it goes after special interests.

Now, after days of infighting, Senate Republicans have announced their own so-called “plan.” Instead of replacing the pain of the sequester with something smarter and more reasonable, their plan would embrace these devastating cuts, while abandoning any of the responsibility that goes along with them.

Republicans call the plan “flexibility.” But let’s call it what it really is: a punt. As President Obama said Tuesday, it would simply raise the question: “Do I end funding that helps disabled children or poor children? Do I close this Naval Shipyard or that one?”

It is not a solution. And even members of the Senate Republican caucus have questioned the wisdom of this proposal.

Republicans should give Congress true flexibility – flexibility to cut wasteful subsidies, flexibility to close unnecessary tax loopholes and flexibility to ask the richest of the rich to contribute a little more. Instead, they’re completely inflexible – insisting we risk hundreds of thousands of American jobs, as well as programs that strengthen families and small businesses across this nation.

But that should come as no surprise. As usual, Republicans have put the demands of special interests over the needs of middle-class Americans.

“Jack Lew is an outstanding public servant with the experience and ability to guide our nation’s economy towards long-term growth and prosperity for the middle class. His work under two presidents and years of experience on Capitol Hill give him the tools necessary to succeed in this critically important and difficult job.

“Jack’s ability to work with people of different opinions and his belief in fiscal responsibility were evident when he helped President Clinton balance the budget and generate record surpluses. He understands that our work here in Washington is not just about numbers, but about real families sitting at home, trying to make ends meet. I appreciate the strong bipartisan vote of support for Jack, and look forward to working with him to bring middle-class families the economic security they deserve.”

One hundred years after Rosa Parks was born – and more than half a century after she sparked the Civil Rights movement – the United States is still striving to ensure every American is not only created equal by God, but treated equally in this world.

As America shapes its future it struggles with its past – a past in which equality was our principle but not always our practice. Two of the Best Picture nominees at this year’s Academy Awards – “Lincoln” and “Django Unchained” – offered cinematic treatments of the legacy of our nation’s darkest institution. One film presents an unvarnished view of the evils of slavery. The other depicts our difficult journey to end slavery.

It is significant that, 150 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, we are still considering – in film, in photo, in art, in activism – how to eradicate slavery’s unsavory successors, racism and inequality.

In the doorway to my office, there is a photograph of President Barack Obama in the oval office. President Obama is bending over, and a young, African American boy named Jacob is touching the President’s hair. The photograph is famous now, as is the story that goes with it. Jacob had come to visit the White House with his family. Jacob asked if his own hair was the same as President Obama’s hair. The President said to Jacob, “Why don’t you touch it and see for yourself?” And Jacob said, “It’s just like mine.”

I’ve shed many tears over that photo. It is a potent reminder that – although our journey is not over – this country has come far in its short history toward righting injustice and living up to its founding principles.

But without the determination and sacrifice of Rosa Parks, this presidency, that photograph and so much of the progress we have made to perfect our union would not have been possible. So today a nation pays enduring tribute to the woman who moved the world when she refused to move from her seat.

“It is critical that Republicans and Democrats come together to find a balanced way to avert these drastic [sequester] cuts.”

“Democrats want to work with Republicans to find a balanced, responsible way to reduce the deficit. Unfortunately… they would sacrifice 750,000 American jobs rather than ask multi-millionaires to pay a penny more.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today about the sequester and Republicans’ unprecedented filibuster of Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

Today the Senate will vote for a second time to move forward with the nomination of Senator Chuck Hagel – a Republican – to serve as Secretary of Defense. Twelve days ago, Republicans mounted a first-of-its-kind filibuster of Senator Hagel’s confirmation. Senator Hagel is the first nominee for Secretary of Defense to be filibustered in the history of the United States.

And what has their filibuster gained my Republican colleagues? Twelve days later, nothing has changed. Twelve days later, Senator Hagel’s exemplary record of service to his country remains untarnished. Twelve days later, President Obama’s support for this qualified nominee is still strong. Twelve days later, the majority of Senators still support his confirmation.

Senate Republicans have delayed for the better part of two weeks for one reason and one reason only: partisanship. At a time when our nation faces threats abroad, the President’s nominee for Secretary of Defense deserves a fair and constructive confirmation process.

Politically-motivated delays send a terrible signal to our allies and to the world. And they send a terrible signal to tens of thousands of Americans serving in Afghanistan. For the sake of national security, it’s time to set aside this partisanship.

In three days, across-the-board cuts to defense spending are scheduled to take effect. The Pentagon needs a seasoned leader to implement those cuts.

Democrats are working hard to avert the worst of these arbitrary cuts – cuts for which an overwhelming majority of Republicans in Congress voted.

We have a balanced proposal to replace those across-the-board cuts for this year with smart spending reductions, measures that close corporate tax loopholes and end wasteful subsidies and revenue from the very wealthiest among us – Americans making millions of dollars each year.

It is critical that Republicans and Democrats come together to find a balanced way to avert these drastic cuts. The consequences of the so-called sequester are real – not only for our national defense, but for millions of American families and businesses. More than 750,000 American jobs are at stake.

Across the country, tens of thousands of teachers, including thousands who work with disabled children, could be laid off. Seventy thousand children would be dropped from Head Start. And 373,000 adults living with serious mental illnesses and children dealing with severe emotional problems will go untreated.

Airports will close, due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. And lines at the airports that do stay open will stretch out the door, as TSA workers are furloughed. At the airport in Las Vegas, through which 40 million tourists from around the world travel each year, security lines will take an hour longer than they do today.

And from coast to coast, hundreds of thousands of civilian employees of the Department of Defense will face furloughs that will devastate their families and devastate our economy.

These effects won’t be felt all at once. They will be cumulative, and they will be painful.

Democrats want to work with Republicans to find a balanced, responsible way to reduce the deficit. Unfortunately, Republicans are standing in the way of a solution. They would sacrifice 750,000 American jobs rather than ask multi-millionaires to pay a penny more.

But three-quarters of Americans – including 56 percent of Republicans – are crying out for a balanced approach. With only three days left to protect American families and our economic recovery from this latest crisis, it’s time for Republicans to work toward a solution instead of being part of the problem.

“Nationwide, sequester cuts will cost more than 750,000 jobs… But Congress has the power to prevent these self-inflicted wounds.”

“Unfortunately, Republicans would rather let devastating cuts go into effect than close a single wasteful tax loophole.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today about Sequestration. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

The Senate has a great deal to accomplish this work period, including the long-delayed confirmation of former Senator Chuck Hagel to lead the Defense Department.

This week the Senate will also consider two plans to avert devastating, across-the-board cuts to military spending as well as domestic initiatives that keep American families and businesses strong. To give our economy a foundation for growth, Congress must replace these cuts – the so-called sequester – with a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

Senate Democrats would temporarily replace this harsh austerity with a combination of smart spending reductions and measures that close corporate tax loopholes, end wasteful subsidies and ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. And it would avoid harmful cuts that will hurt American families, harm military readiness and hinder our economic recovery.

Families and businesses in every state in the nation – in red states and blue states – are at risk because of these haphazard cuts. In the presiding officer’s home state, Virginia, 170 teachers who work with disabled children could lose their jobs, thousands of kids will go without life-saving vaccines and 90,000 Pentagon employees will be furloughed.

In Nevada, 120 teachers could lose their jobs, local law enforcement agencies will lose essential funding to prevent and prosecute crime and thousands of Defense Department employees will be furloughed – losing wages that support their families and our state’s economy.

Residents of the Republican Leader’s home state would also suffer. Kentucky will lose federal funding that helps police catch and punish domestic abusers, buys meals for needy seniors and keeps at-risk children in Head Start programs. And more than 11,000 Kentuckians who work for the Defense Department will be furloughed.

Nationwide, sequester cuts will cost more than 750,000 jobs. More than 70,000 little boys and girls will be kicked off Head Start. Meat inspectors, air traffic controllers, FBI officers and border patrol agents will be furloughed. Small businesses – which create two-thirds of all new jobs in this country – will lose access to crucial federal loans. Thousands of researchers working to cure cancer, diabetes and scores of other life-threatening diseases will lose their jobs.

Congress has the power to prevent these self-inflicted wounds. We have the power to turn off the sequester, protect American families and businesses and ensure our national defense.

In the House and in the Senate, Republicans and Democrats voted to impose these cuts. And it will take Republicans and Democrats working together to avert them. Twenty-eight Republicans in the Senate and 174 Republicans in the House voted to impose these painful cuts. If those same Republicans would work with Democrats to find a balanced way to reduce the deficit, Congress could avert the forced austerity of the sequester today – right away.

Unfortunately, Republicans would rather let devastating cuts go into effect than close a single wasteful tax loophole. They would rather cut Medicare, education and medical research than ask a single millionaire to pay a single dollar more in taxes.

The overwhelming majority of Americans want us to compromise before their neighbors, friends and family members get pink slips or furlough notices. The overwhelming majority of Americans – including 56 percent of Republicans – support Democrats’ balanced approach. Once again, the only Republicans rejecting a reasonable, balanced compromise are Republicans in this building – Republicans in Congress.

“President Obama is right: to give our economy a foundation for growth Congress must replace the sequester with a balanced approach to deficit reduction. Senate Democrats will soon vote on a plan to temporarily replace the harsh austerity of the sequester with a combination of smart spending cuts and measures that close wasteful corporate tax loopholes and subsidies, and ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.”

“But for Congress to act, Republicans must get off the sidelines. So far, Republicans have shown that they would rather let the sequester go into effect, or make even deeper cuts to Medicare, education and medical research, than close a single wasteful tax loophole. Republicans’ position is untenable, but only time will tell how many people must lose their jobs before Republicans listen to the overwhelming majority of Americans, and work with Democrats to forge a balanced approach.”

“Few people have contributed as much to our nation and to the Senate as Frank Lautenberg. His life is a reflection of what America is all about. The son of Russian and Polish immigrants, Frank came from a working class background, spending much of his childhood moving frequently around New Jersey as his parents struggled to support the family. During World War II, Frank enlisted at the age of 18 to defend his country, and served with distinction in the European theatre. Through hard work and perseverance, Frank later rose to became one of the most successful businessmen in our nation, co-founding the company ADP and leading it as CEO.

“In the Senate, Frank has had a remarkable career. He protected women and children from gun violence by winning passage of legislation to prohibit convicted domestic abusers from owning firearms. The millions of Americans who travel and work on airplanes can thank Frank for not having to fear the effects of second-hand smoke, after Frank secured passage of the smoking ban on airplanes. Frank’s accomplishments would take a long time to list, but through these two alone, Frank’s work has saved countless lives.

“Frank will serve two more years in this body, but he will leave a void on the day he retires. Our nation owes a great debt to Frank for his outstanding service. I wish him and his wife, Bonnie, all the best.”

“In a time of war and threats to Americans at home and abroad, Senate Republicans are waging the first-ever filibuster of a Defense Secretary nominee. Despite unprecedented responsiveness and transparency from the White House, Republicans have constantly invented new pretexts for opposing Senator Hagel’s nomination, and Republicans continued their embarrassing display of disregard for our national security by blocking Senator Hagel’s nomination today.

“Watching Republicans with otherwise distinguished records on national security place their desire to please the Tea Party ahead of doing the right thing for our troops is one of the saddest spectacles I have witnessed in my twenty-seven years in the Senate.

“Senator Hagel is a decorated war veteran, an expert on national security issues and the right man to lead the Pentagon in these troubling times. Democrats will continue to fight for Senator Hagel, and we will reconsider his nomination in the coming days. Some Republican senators have said that they will change their votes, and allow his nomination to proceed at some point in the future. I will take them at their word, and I will hold them to their pledge.”

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement after being informed by Republican leadership that they would mount a full-scale filibuster and block Senator Hagel’s nomination for Defense Secretary from receiving an final passage vote on the Senate floor:

“My Republican colleagues had led us to believe they would not filibuster Senator Chuck Hagel’s confirmation of as Secretary of Defense. But that has changed. Now, Senate Republicans have made it clear they intend to mount a full-scale filibuster, and block the Senate from holding a final passage vote on Senator Hagel’s nomination. Make no mistake: Republicans are trying to defeat Senator Hagel’s nomination by filibustering while submitting extraneous requests that will never be satisfied.

“The pattern has been clear for months: as soon as President Obama’s administration responds to one request, Republicans devise another, more outlandish request. Senior Administration officials have participated in twenty member and staff briefings, ten congressional hearings, six witness interviews and responded to over forty Benghazi-related inquiries from Congress, producing 10,000 pages of documents. Several of my Republican colleagues sent a letter to the Administration yesterday requesting additional information on the September 11th attack on an American facility in Benghazi. These Republican colleagues said they would not allow a vote on Senator Hagel’s nomination to proceed unless the Administration honored their request. The Administration responded to that letter yesterday. I, along with several of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, received a copy of the letter at 4 p.m. But now Republicans say this is not enough, and are moving the goal posts at the last minute. This is no way to operate.

“The Senate has received extensive information on the Benghazi attacks, including testimony from Administration officials before multiple committees and an independent review board. Senator Hagel has answered exhaustive questions about his record. He has the support of the President. And he has the support in this body to be confirmed, if Republicans would lift their filibuster. There are serious consequences to this delay, and I hope Republicans will drop their filibuster to give our troops the leader they deserve in this time of danger.”

“I applaud the President for taking decisive action to improve our nation’s defenses against cyber attacks. The President’s new Executive Order will significantly advance cybersecurity in the networks of our nation’s critical infrastructure, and will facilitate more rapid, more effective sharing of time-sensitive threat information between the government and private sector. I hope this measure will also help us develop the broader awareness and capability needed to enable companies throughout the private sector to protect consumers and stem the loss of jobs and economic growth caused by intellectual property theft.

“As the President has rightly noted, the new Executive Order is no substitute for legislation, which is essential to address current gaps in authority. Until Congress acts, President Obama will be fighting to defend this country with one hand tied behind his back. I am eager to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to develop and advance legislation as soon as possible.”

“But our efforts to restore prosperity will mean little unless Congress acts immediately to deal with arbitrary, across-the-board spending cuts set to take effect next month.”

“Later this week, Democrats will introduce a plan to avert the so-called sequester.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the State of the Union Address. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Last night President Obama outlined an agenda to strengthen the middle class and expand on our economic progress. And he outlined an agenda that will restore the core value that makes this nation great: fairness. Senate Democrats stand ready to work with the President to make this vision – a vision in which every American shares the prosperity as well as the responsibility – a reality.

The President’s agenda calls for common-sense investments in our future – investments that will breathe new life into a struggling middle class, investments that will make America a magnet for jobs and manufacturing once more, investments that have been deferred for far too long because of the worst recession since the Great Depression.

The President’s plan will give American manufacturers the support they need to thrive, while ending giveaways to companies that ship jobs overseas. His plan will create jobs today building world-class roadways, railways and bridges that our economy can rely on tomorrow. It will prepare current and future workers to compete in a global economy by making K-through-12 schools the best in the world once again and college affordable for every graduate. His plan will break our addiction to foreign oil and encourage investments in renewable energy – a change that will be good for the environment and for the economy. And, as the President said last night, it will do all this without adding a dime to the deficit.

These investments in a strong middle class are not just right for our country; they’re right for our economy as well.

But our efforts to restore prosperity will mean little unless Congress acts immediately to deal with arbitrary, across-the-board spending cuts set to take effect next month. If the looming sequester strikes, 70,000 children would be kicked off Head Start. Ten thousand teacher jobs will be at risk. And the Small Business Administration will be forced to reduce loan guarantees to small businesses by up to $540 million.

Democrats believe we should replace this harsh austerity with a balanced approach that targets wasteful spending and tax loopholes, and asks the wealthiest among us to contribute a little more to reduce the deficit. The American people know we can’t cut our way to prosperity. They agree we cannot ask the middle class to bear the entire burden of deficit reduction.

Later this week, Democrats will introduce a plan to avert the so-called sequester.

Republicans say they agree the deep cuts they voted for would be damaging to our economy and to national security. But they would rather cut Medicare, education and medical research than close a single wasteful tax loophole or ask a single millionaire to contribute more. They should stop protecting millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations, and start working with us to pass an alternative to these terrible cuts that protects the middle class.

We must not jeopardize the progress of the last four years. Even though our work to restore economic prosperity is not done, we should take pride in 35 months of private sector growth and 6.1 million new, American jobs. Imagine how many more jobs we could have created with just a little cooperation from our Republican colleagues.

But now our friends across the aisle have another opportunity to engage constructively. They have a second chance to work with Democrats to rebuild the middle class by investing in the things that made America strong in the first place – world-class roads and bridges, peerless schools, industrious factories and creative entrepreneurs.

President Ronald Reagan, in his first address to a Joint Session of Congress, spoke of these building blocks of prosperity. This is what he said: “The substance and prosperity of our nation is built by wages brought home from the factories and the mills, the farms, and the shops. They are the services provided in 10,000 corners of America; the interest on the thrift of our people and the returns for their risk-taking. The production of America is the possession of those who build, serve, create, and produce.”

He did not say the substance of our nation is built on profits gleaned from shipping jobs overseas. He did not say the prosperity of America is the possession of investment banks or wealthy oil companies alone.

Rather, our substance and prosperity are earned in factories and mills, farms and shops. And the rewards belong to all those who build, serve, create and produce – not only to the few strong enough or rich enough to take for themselves.

It’s time to return to those roots. It is time to remember that fairness is not just a principle for which to strive, but a powerful engine of growth and prosperity for all Americans.

“President Obama delivered a clear vision for strengthening the middle class and creating a foundation for long-term growth. The President outlined an agenda in which fairness is not just a principle for which to strive, but a powerful engine of growth and prosperity for all Americans. Senate Democrats stand ready to work with him to make his agenda a reality, and we are already making significant progress toward fixing our broken immigration system and addressing gun violence in our society.

“As the President made clear, our economy is poised to grow this year and in the years to come. Our job in Congress is to provide a sound foundation for that growth. Unless immediate action is taken to deal with the looming sequester, our economy could suffer yet another self-inflicted wound. The consequences of sequestration are real. If these cuts go into effect, 70,000 young children would be kicked off Head Start, 10,000 teaching jobs would be put at risk, and the Small Business Administration would be forced to reduce loan guarantees to small businesses by up to $540 million.

“The American people want us to replace this harsh austerity with a balanced approach that targets waste, and combines smart spending cuts with closing loopholes and asking millionaires to contribute. Later this week, Democrats will introduce a plan to temporarily replace the sequester with the balanced approach the American people want. So far, Republicans have shown that they would rather cut Medicare, education, and cancer research than close a single tax loophole, or ask millionaires to contribute. That is not what the American people want, and I hope that in the coming weeks, my Republican colleagues will listen to the message the public is sending us: it is time to stop lurching from crisis to crisis, and start laying a solid foundation for long-term growth, prosperity, and a strong middle class.”

###

Updated Committee Democratic Assignments for the 113th Congress
(New members in italics)

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY: Ms. Stabenow (Chairman), Mr. Leahy, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Brown, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Donnelly, Ms. Heitkamp, and Mr. Cowan.

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION: Mr. Rockefeller (Chairman), Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Nelson, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Pryor, Mrs. McCaskill, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Warner, Mr. Begich, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Cowan.

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE: Mr. Baucus (Chairman), Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Carper, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Casey.

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS: Mr. Menendez (Chairman), Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Coons, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Kaine.

COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Ms. Landrieu (Chairman), Mr. Levin, Mr. Harkin, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Cardin, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Hagan, Ms. Heitkamp, and Mr. Cowan.

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE: Ms. Klobuchar (Vice Chairman), Mr. Casey, Mr. Warner, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Heinrich.

“We must build on this progress, fostering a lasting recovery that ensures Americans’ successes are determined by the strength of their will and not the size of their wallet.”

“Senate Democrats will offer our own solution to the sequester later this week.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding tonight’s State of the Union Address. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Four years ago, as newly-elected President Barack Obama prepared to deliver his first address to a Joint Session of Congress, this country was in the midst of a grave crisis. Our economy had been shaken to its core by a financial crisis sparked by Wall Street greed. Millions of Americans had lost their jobs, their homes and their hope.

But President Obama predicted that America would rise to meet the challenges of the day. This is what he said: “We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before. The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation.”

Four years later, we can say with certainty that he was right. Over the last 35 months, American businesses have created more than 6.1 million jobs – including more than a million in the manufacturing and auto industries. Although the economy is not back to full strength and there are still too many Americans out of work, we have made solid progress in the last four years. The depth of the crisis did not determine our destiny. Instead our determination drove us to prosper again.

Now we are faced with an opportunity disguised as a challenge: we must build on this progress, fostering a lasting recovery that ensures Americans’ successes are determined by the strength of their will and not the size of their wallet.

Tonight President Obama will chart a course to maintain the economic progress we’ve made and revive a still-struggling middle class. I look forward to hearing his vision.

I expect the President will call for common-sense investments in our future – investments that have been deferred for too long because of economic turmoil. When times are hard, these investments are easy to put off.

But if America hopes to compete in a changing world, we must prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. We must give small businesses and American manufacturers the support they need to thrive. We must stop relying on foreign oil and start investing in renewable energy that is better for our environment and for our economy. And if we hope to rebuild and maintain a world-class economy, we must build the 21st century infrastructure to support that economy. Renewing these investments is not only the right thing to do for our country; it’s the right thing to do for our economy.

For the last four years, the President has repeatedly reached across the aisle to Republicans, suggesting we find common ground for the sake of the recovery. Tonight will be no different. I expect the President’s proposals will include ideas supported by both Democrats and Republicans. And I hope my Republican colleagues will give his vision the consideration it deserves.

Tonight President Obama will also propose a balanced alternative to the devastating, automatic spending cuts set to take effect next month. Democrats believe we should prevent these harmful, arbitrary cuts – cuts to both the military and to the initiatives that help middle-class families prosper, for which Republicans in both Chambers voted. We could easily avert these job-destroying cuts, which would hinder the economic recovery, by ending wasteful tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.

A balanced approach that pairs sensible spending reductions with modest contributions from the wealthiest among us would prevent the damage of the so-called sequester. I was disappointed to learn yesterday that Republican leaders have no intention of bringing legislation to the floor of the House of Representatives to replace the sequester with a more sensible approach.

Senate Democrats will offer our own solution to the sequester later this week. If Republicans truly agree that these across-the-board cuts would be damaging to our economy and to national security, they should work with us to pass an alternative.

During the first State of the Union address in 1790, the first President of the United States, George Washington, told Congress this: “The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed.” As Republicans and Democrats from both Chambers come together tonight to hear the state of this great union, we should all keep those words in mind. Despite our many differences, if we find the will to work together we will have the power to build an economy that works for every American.

“While I question the legality of the Postmaster General’s decision to suspend Saturday mail delivery, this unfortunate scenario could have been wholly prevented if the House had passed the Senate’s bipartisan postal reform bill in the last Congress. Cutting down mail delivery to five days per week will not save the Postal Service from insolvency. This short sighted measure will deal a crippling blow to the millions of Americans and small businesses who rely on the timely and reliable delivery to every community in our nation.

“Given the importance of the Post Office to communities in Nevada and across our nation, such a drastic policy change cannot be enacted without approval from Congress.  Instead, the Postmaster General relied on flawed legal guidance to claim that he can circumvent Congress’ authority on the matter. The Postmaster Generals’ actions have damaged his reputation with Congressional leaders and further complicates Congressional efforts to pass comprehensive postal reform legislation in the future.”

“No one disputes that the Postal Service is in urgent need of reform. Passing meaningful postal legislation is one of my top priorities for this Congress and I hope House Republicans will finally join the Senate in bringing a bill up for a vote.”

BACKGROUND:

For nearly three decades, Congress  has mandated that the US Postal Service maintain 6 day delivery through a provision in an annual appropriations bill.  The USPS is relying on questionable legal guidance to claim that they can administratively reduce mail delivery since the provision remains in effect under the current government funding resolution.

Last year, Senator Reid worked to ensure the passage of a bipartisan postal reform bill (S. 1789) to update the Postal Service’s business model, preserve the postal network, and protect rural post offices.  The bill would have sustained over eight million jobs and modernized the USPS so it can keep pace with today’s rapidly changing technology.

During a week of floor debate in April 2012, Senators voted on numerous amendments, including five day delivery, and the legislation passed with the support of 62 Senators. Regrettably, the House failed to consider S. 1789 or any postal reform legislation and Congress adjourned without acting to solve the crisis at the Post Office.

“Every day House Republicans stall, another three women will die at the hands of their abusers.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today about the Violence Against Women Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

I am optimistic that today the Senate will complete work on an important, bipartisan measure – reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. But Senate passage means little if our counterparts in the House of Representatives fail to act on this crucial legislation again. The Republican-controlled House failed to act last year, and the women of America do not want them to fail again.

I was reassured to hear House Majority Leader Eric Cantor say yesterday that he “care[s] very deeply about women,” and said the House would act to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. But Americans heard that same promise last year. And despite overwhelming evidence that this legislation saves lives, House Republican leaders used procedural gimmicks and stall tactics to block its reauthorization.

I would remind Leader Cantor and his Republican colleagues of the seriousness of delay. Every minute House Republicans wait to act, another 24 Americans will become victims of domestic violence. Every day House Republicans stall, another three women will die at the hands of their abusers. Every year House Republicans put off action in order to please extremists within their own party more than 200,000 women will be sexually assaulted, more than 2 million women will be stalked and more than 1.3 million women will be abused by their partners.

It has been almost 300 days since the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to help law enforcement officials protect women and families across the country. But despite strong, bipartisan support in the Senate, Republicans in the House have refused to join the effort to end domestic abuse. These partisan delays put women’s lives at risk.

Thousands have written letters, sent emails and called to support this bill. One Nevada woman shared her story – the story of how her partner held a gun to her head and threatened to pull the trigger. She escaped with her life. Many women aren’t so fortunate. Every year, more than 1,000 women are killed by domestic abusers.

Since the Violence Against Women Act expired, more than 16 million Americans have been victimized. The law is effective. In the two decades since it was enacted, the law has helped millions of women escape their attackers and seek justice. But there is obviously much more work to do.

So I say to my friend, Leader Cantor, it is time for Republican leaders to stop talking about how much they care about women, and start acting to protect women. More than a third of women in this country have been victims of violence, sexual assault or stalking by a partner. Congress must do everything in its power to help law enforcement officials prevent these terrible crimes and prosecute the perpetrators.

Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act would help law enforcement improve strategies to prosecute violent crimes against women, provide legal assistance to victims of violence and funding for shelters that allow women to escape their abusers and safeguard youth who experience dating violence or stalking. Until we fully reauthorize the law, authorities will not have all the tools they need to fight domestic violence.

Today I hope the Senate will take bipartisan action – for the second time in two years – to protect American women and their children. And I hope the House will quickly follow suit. I trust Leader Cantor’s word that this legislation is a priority. But I won’t be the only one holding him to his promise to swiftly reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. One hundred sixty million American women are also watching and waiting to see if he turns words into action.

“Allowing partisan delays to put women’s lives at risk is simply shameful.”

“Full reauthorization of the law is necessary to ensure authorities have all the resources they need to fight domestic violence.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

In the two decades since the Violence Against Women Act passed both houses of Congress on strong, bipartisan votes, incidents of domestic violence have fallen by 53 percent.

The law has helped millions of women and children escape their attackers and get the justice they deserve.

That’s why Congress twice reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act without a hint of controversy or a moment of delay.

But despite the overwhelming evidence that this legislation saves lives and protects women, House Republicans used every procedural trick in the book to block its reauthorization last Congress.

And despite strong, bipartisan support in the Senate, Republicans in the House refused to join the effort to renew our national commitment to ending domestic violence.

Allowing partisan delays to put women’s lives at risk is simply shameful.

If House Republicans believe domestic violence is no longer a problem in this country, they’re flat wrong.

Every day, three women in America die at the hands of their abusers.

And every day nine more women escape with their lives – but with the physical and emotional scars of abuse.

More than a third of women in this country have been victims of violence, sexual assault or stalking by a partner.

It is in our power to help them. And it is unthinkable that Republicans in the House would prevent us from taking action.

Victims of violence and the law enforcement officials who support them have already waited too long for Congress to act.

This week, the Senate will pass a strong, bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

I thank Chairman Leahy, Senator Murray and the women of the Senate Democratic Caucus for their leadership on this issue.

I am pleased so many of my Senate Republicans colleagues have expressed support for swift action on the Violence Against Women Act during this new Congress.

The Senate will not allow women to be denied the protection they need and deserve.

We must ensure law enforcement has the means to stop these heinous crimes.

And we must guarantee communities have the resources to support victims – regardless of sexual orientation, immigration status or where they live – as they heal.

Every victim of domestic violence deserves the same vigorous protections under the law.

Because of the unique nature of the crime, combating domestic violence and protecting those affected also requires unique tools.

Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act would help law enforcement continue to develop effective strategies to prosecute cases involving violent crimes against women.

It would provide funding for shelters and transitional housing programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to help victims get back on their feet.

It would make legal assistance available to victims of violence, and safeguard children and youth affected by dating violence and stalking.

Although the Violence Against Women Act expired in 2011, many of the programs established under the law have been funded by continuing resolutions.

But a full reauthorization of the law is necessary to ensure authorities have all the resources they need to fight domestic violence.

I hope the Senate’s bipartisan action this week will send a strong message to House Republican leaders that further partisan delay is unacceptable.

“Voting is the most fundamental of our rights as Americans, and the Voting Rights Act is one of the most important laws Congress has ever passed.  The Voting Rights Act, and in particular Section 5 of the law, provides crucial protection for minority voters living in jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination.  This law was reauthorized in 2006 and passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 98-0, based on an extensive legislative record.  Congress recognized that unfortunately bigotry still exists in this nation, and that there are still those who would seek to suppress the vote on the basis of race.  Indeed, during the 2012 election cycle, insidious efforts were made in various states to suppress voter turnout in minority communities.

“Today, I filed an amicus brief with United States Supreme Court to make clear my belief that Section 5 is not only constitutional, but a critical tool in upholding the promise of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.  Although our nation has made great progress in fighting prejudice and discrimination, the recent election demonstrates that Section 5 remains necessary to ensure that every eligible voter has the right to cast a ballot.  If the Supreme Court dismantles this historic civil rights law and overrules the considered judgment of the people’s elected representatives, it will be a tremendous step backwards for freedom and equality in this country. I urge the Court to respect Congress’s judgment concerning what is necessary to prevent racial discrimination in election practices, and to uphold Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.”

Background on Shelby County, Alabama v. Eric Holder, Jr., Attorney General of the United States

Shelby County is challenging Section 5 of the Voting Rights Acts (VRA). Section 5 of the VRA requires jurisdictions in 16 states with a history of racial discrimination to receive pre-clearance from the federal government before changing voting procedures, to ensure that the proposed change will not discriminate against minority voters. Such changes could be moving a polling location, drawing new districts, requiring photo ID, or other such actions. Shelby County’s lawsuit challenges Section 5 on the basis that the preclearance requirement is an encroachment on state sovereignty and that preclearance is no longer needed.  In 2006, Congress reauthorized the Voting Rights Act for an additional 25 years. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 98-0.

“America’s diversity has the ability to bring us together and make us stronger. This month we celebrate our diversity and the immense contributions of the African-American community in the United States. Since our nation’s founding, the African-American community has influenced all aspects of our society and its leadership has helped to advance forward-thinking innovation in business, the arts, government, and in all elements of our multi-faceted communities.

“African-American history helps to tell the story of the nation. In each generation, black leaders have worked to galvanize the country to advance equality and fairness. In Nevada and in every other state, bold individuals fought to extend America’s promise of opportunity to everyone, no matter their background. Because of their courage, our nation’s narrative is defined by virtues like acceptance, openness, and love. I am inspired by those who helped to break down barriers to create new possibilities for all.

“Civic leaders in Nevada like J. David Hoggard Sr., Lubertha Johnson, Dr. William “Bob” Bailey, Sarann Knight Preddy and many others helped to reform the gaming industry, integrate the Las Vegas Strip, and fought for a better future for all Nevadans. We also remember the brave teenagers in Little Rock who faced protesters to attend school, the college students in Greensboro who fought to sit at a segregated lunch counter, the hundreds of thousands who marched on the Nation’s Capital to embrace a new dream of equality, and the countless others that endured hardship to have their voices heard.

“This year- on the national holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy- nearly one million Americans filled the National Mall to watch the second swearing in of President Barack Obama, our nation’s first African-American president. I was on the Mall in 1963 when Dr. King spoke of his dream for equality and fairness and I was humbled to be on the steps of the Capitol, five decades later, to see his dream had become a reality. In Nevada, we also acknowledge the significance of Rep. Steven Horsford being elected the first African-American to represent the Silver State in Congress.”

“While we celebrate these many voices of our past, we look forward to the many more to come who will make our nation a better, more equal place. Black History Month reminds us, more than anything, that work remains. I urge Nevadans and all Americans to take time in the coming weeks to reflect on this holiday and to join together to build upon the important efforts that these leaders began.”

“Our nation’s economy continues to recover, but there is still work to be done. To give our economy the running room it needs to get up to speed, we should replace cuts that hurt the middle class with a balanced approach that combines smart cuts with revenue measures that close tax loopholes and ask the wealthy to contribute their fair share. For too many Nevadans and Americans throughout our nation, the recovery isn’t a reality until they can rely on a steady paycheck. We will not rest until we make that future a reality.”

“A clean debt ceiling increase that allows the United States to meet its existing obligations should be the standard.”

“Congress will continue to work to reduce the deficit. But we’ll do it without the threat of default over our heads.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today about the Senate’s upcoming vote on the House-passed legislation to suspend the debt ceiling. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

Later today, the Senate will vote on the House-passed legislation to suspend the debt ceiling until this summer and remove the specter of default hanging over the nation’s economy. I expect this legislation will pass on a strong, bipartisan vote – sending the message loud and clear that, while we are willing to negotiate on many things, we will not engage in another irresponsible debate over whether the United States government should pay its bills. I would remind my Republican colleagues that most of them voted to incur the debts now coming due. And suspending the debt limit won’t authorize a penny of new spending – but it will ensure we pay the bills we’ve already incurred.

I was reassured by House Republicans’ decision last week to back off their reckless threat to hold the debt ceiling hostage. The legislation before the Senate sets an important precedent – that the full faith and credit of the United States will no longer be used as a pawn to extract painful cuts to Medicare, Social Security or other initiatives that benefit the middle class. A clean debt ceiling increase that allows the United States to meet its existing obligations should be the standard.

Congress will continue to work to reduce the deficit. But we’ll do it without the threat of default over our heads. We have already made nearly $2.5 trillion in historic, bipartisan deficit reduction. Democrats believe we should do more. And it’s critical that we use a balanced approach that couples smart spending cuts with revenue from the wealthiest Americans and from closing wasteful tax loopholes.

Obviously, Democrats would prefer a longer suspension of the debt ceiling, which would provide additional economic stability as we continue to find ways to decrease the deficit. Raising the possibility that the United States could default on its obligations every few months is not an ideal way to run a government. But a short-term solution is better than another imminent, manufactured crisis.

Even Republicans admit default would rock our financial system to its core. However, injecting uncertainty into the system every few months also has a chilling effect on the economy. This insecurity doesn’t just affect big investment banks or wealthy investors. It costs jobs. And all around the country, ordinary Americans with 401k’s and college savings accounts are affected.

I am glad Republicans set aside their plan to gamble with default. It was bad politics and even worse policy. Middle-class Americans remember the last time Republicans put us through a protracted fight over the debt ceiling in an effort to force deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare and other programs important to the middle class. They remember how the Tea Party forced the nation to the brink of default in 2011 – sending the stock market into a tailspin and prompting a historic downgrade of America’s credit rating. They remember how the economy suffered, and their own bottom lines suffered with it. They remember the consequences of Republicans’ willingness to threaten a national default. I’m relieved that this time Congress was able to reach a compromise and avoid a fight, so middle-class families get the certainty they badly need.

“No one is better qualified than John Kerry to continue the exceptional work of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.”

I rise today to honor my colleague, the Senior Senator from Massachusetts, John Kerry. I congratulate Senator Kerry on his confirmation as our nation’s next Secretary of State.

He will be missed by his Senate colleagues. Senator Kerry said at his confirmation hearing that the Senate is in his blood, and that is true. As he represents America’s interests around the world, his experience in this chamber will serve him and this country well.

For 28 years John has been a dedicated representative of the people of Massachusetts in the United States Senate. But Senator Kerry has also rendered distinguished service to his country in the United States Navy, to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Lieutenant Governor and to the Democratic Party as its 2004 nominee for president.

John Kerry is a brilliant man. He was a debater at Yale University and won awards for his skilled oratory. That talent has allowed him to speak out for freedom and justice at each stage of his career. Before he graduated college, he was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War. But upon graduation, Senator Kerry volunteered to serve in the United States Navy because, as he later said, “It was the right thing to do.”

John learned the value of service at home. His father was a Foreign Service Officer and his mother was a nurse during World War II. Senator Kerry served two tours as a Navy lieutenant in the jungles and rivers of Vietnam. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star for valor in combat and three Purple Hearts.

But even after his gallant service his opposition to the war remained. On April 22, 1971, Kerry became the first Vietnam veteran to testify before Congress about the war, when he appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – the same committee he went on to chair.

John attended Boston College Law School and worked as a prosecutor in Middlesex County before he was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1982. Two years later he was elected to the United States Senate.

In five terms as a Senator from Massachusetts, John Kerry has been an unflinching advocate for veterans. He helped found the Vietnam Veterans for America and has worked tirelessly to secure treatment for service members dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Senator Kerry has served six years on the Senate Intelligence Committee and has been on the Foreign Relations Committee for an impressive 28 years. And he has been a leading supporter of efforts to combat global climate change. Senator Kerry has convened eight major hearings and roundtables on climate change and energy security since taking the gavel of the Foreign Relations Committee in 2009.

It was in the early ‘90s that Senator Kerry’s brilliant mind and exceptional dedication came to my attention. He was serving as chairman of the POW MIA select committee. He served with patience and wisdom as chairman of that committee. It was a difficult assignment, and an important one, and he handled it – as he does every challenge – thoughtfully and with integrity.

In my time in the Senate, I have been fortunate to be invited to Senator Kerry’s home several times for lengthy but fascinating foreign policy discussions with Senate colleagues and policy experts. In recent years, Senator Kerry was also instrumental in securing passage of the New START Treaty with Russia, which is helping to reduce the danger of nuclear proliferation. He has served as an unofficial envoy for President Obama to Afghanistan, Sudan and Pakistan. And he has authored numerous pieces of legislation to prevent the global spread of HIV/AIDS. Senator Kerry has also played a central role in crafting American policy in Iraq and Afghanistan, the war on terror, Middle East peace and Israel’s security.

For three decades John Kerry has been a powerful voice for his constituents in Massachusetts as well as an engaged citizen of the world. And throughout those years, John has matched his unflinching passion for democratic values with forward-thinking actions to advance those values. No one is better qualified than John Kerry to continue the exceptional work of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. And while we are sad to lose his leadership in the Senate, we support him – as was clear from his nearly unanimous confirmation – and wish him well as he embarks on this next challenge.

“President Obama offered a clear vision of the steps we need to take to fix our broken immigration system, and made clear that he stands ready to work with the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are currently drafting a common-sense, bipartisan solution to this issue.

“President Obama’s administration has already made  great strides in securing our border – including more than doubling the number of boots on the ground and deploying new surveillance tools. He has also implemented smart policies that focus our limited law enforcement resources on violent criminals, instead of high school students who were brought to this nation as children, and know no home other than the United States of America.

“As President Obama said today, it is ultimately up to Congress to fix our broken immigration system. In Nevada, I have seen firsthand how the hardships imposed by our broken immigration system have hurt families and strained our economy. I am personally committed to resolving this issue. With the President’s leadership and members of both parties working together in the Senate, the momentum towards a solution is real, and I will work tirelessly to make reform a reality in the Senate.”

“It’s simply not fair that any woman working the same hours in the same job should make less money than her male coworker.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today about the anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

Today women make up nearly half of the American workforce. Women graduate from college at higher rates than men. More women were sworn into the 113th Congress than any before it, and there are more women in the Senate Democratic Caucus than ever before. Millions of women in the United States are the primary wage earners for their families. And women are now free to fight for this country on the front lines of battle. Yet for millions of American women, no amount of valor, talent or dedication will bring pay equality with their male peers.

Women still take home 77 cents for every dollar their male colleagues earn for doing exactly the same work. That’s true regardless of whether a woman has a college degree, regardless of what job she holds and regardless of how many hours she spends at the office or factory each week.

Four years ago today, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. That legislation – the first bill Barack Obama signed as President – was the single greatest legislative step to ensure women have every chance to be full, equal participants in the workforce since the Equal Pay Act of 1963.

But while this landmark legislation built on the legacy of the Equal Pay Act and narrowed the pay gap, it still hasn’t closed that gap. So the Senior Senator from Maryland, Senator Barbara Mikulski, introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act last Congress.

The Paycheck Fairness Act is a logical extension of protections under the Equal Pay Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. It would help close the wage disparity by empowering women to negotiate for equal pay and creating strong incentives for employers to obey the laws already in place. It would give workers stronger tools to combat wage discrimination and bar retaliation against workers for discussing salary information. And it would help secure adequate compensation for victims of gender-based pay discrimination.

It’s simply not fair that any woman working the same hours in the same job should make less money than her male coworker.

Unfortunately, this common-sense legislation was blocked by a Republican filibuster last Congress. But Senator Mikulski, who has done so much to advance the cause of pay equity, reintroduced the measure last week.

As we mark the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Act, I applaud Senator Mikulski and the women of the Senate Democratic Caucus for their dedication to American women and families – and to the principle of equality.

“I pledge that I will do everything in my power as Majority Leader to get a bill across the finish line.”

“With bipartisan support building in both houses of Congress and a President who is eager to solve this problem, there is no reason we should not pass comprehensive immigration reform immediately.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today about immigration reform. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.

Last week, after the nation celebrated the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, I expressed a hope that this Congress would be characterized by a commitment to finding common ground. So I am pleased that a bipartisan group of eight Senators – four Democrats and four Republicans – will announce an agreement on a framework for comprehensive immigration reform this afternoon.

No one denies America’s immigration system is broken. As I have said, this is one of the most important legislative missions Congress will undertake this year. I applaud these Senators for setting partisanship aside to tackle a crucial issue facing our nation. But the true test of our Congressional leadership will be to pass a comprehensive bill.

As a Senator from Nevada, who has for years witnessed firsthand the difficulties our broken immigration system presents for immigrants and their families, it is very important to me, personally, that we finally resolve this issue. So I pledge that I will do everything in my power as Majority Leader to get a bill across the finish line. Nothing short of bipartisan success is acceptable to me.

President Obama has already taken commendable executive action to suspend deportation of upstanding young men and women who were brought to this country illegally by their parents. I thank President Obama for his leadership, and for making comprehensive immigration reform a top priority of his administration. And I am pleased President Obama will present to the nation his own ideas to fix the current, broken immigration system during a visit to Las Vegas tomorrow.

With bipartisan support building in both houses of Congress and a President who is eager to solve this problem, there is no reason we should not pass comprehensive immigration reform immediately. It will be good for our economy and good for immigrant families. But successful immigration reform cannot be piecemeal. And it must include a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in our country.

Legislators must craft a comprehensive solution that continues to secure the borders, punishes unscrupulous employers who exploit immigrants and undercut American wages, improves our dysfunctional legal immigration system and requires the 11 million people who are undocumented to register with the government, pay fines and taxes, learn English and get in the back of the line to obtain legal status. The framework proposed by the bipartisan group of eight Senators meets those criteria. And I hope we will soon have a bill to send through the committee process and bring to the Senate floor for a vote.

I have long said that when my Republican colleagues were truly ready to craft a common-sense, legislative solution that was tough, fair and practical, Democrats would stand ready to cooperate. For years, Democrats have been eager to pass comprehensive immigration reform. But Republicans have been unwilling to work to find common ground. So I am glad to see that some of my Republican colleagues finally seem ready to find a bipartisan way to correct the flaws in this nation’s immigration system – instead of just complaining that the system is broken.

“Fixing our broken immigration system is an urgent priority, and I fully support the efforts of the bipartisan group of senators seeking to solve this issue. We need a comprehensive solution that includes a tough but fair path to citizenship for the estimated eleven million individuals in our country who are undocumented, and a plan to secure our borders. This framework meets those criteria, and I am very encouraged to see this group making progress and finding common ground. The true test of our leadership will be passing common-sense legislation, and nothing short of success will be acceptable.

“President Obama has made immigration reform a top priority for his administration, and I thank him for his leadership. With bipartisan support building in both houses of Congress and a President eager to solve this problem, we should be able to get this done in the months ahead. The American people want a solution, our economy requires a solution, and families across America are praying for a solution. Now is the time to act.”

“Senator Tom Harkin is a pillar of the Senate, and our nation has been shaped in countless ways by his work in this institution.

“Senator Harkin has been a champion for improving Americans’ access to affordable health care throughout his entire career, and Americans will continue to benefit from his commitment to preventive care. Senator Harkin’s work on behalf of people with disabilities has changed millions of lives and advanced the cause of equality for which he has fought tirelessly for decades. And his work combating child labor and human rights abuses will endure for years to come.

“Tom is a passionate progressive, whose deeply-held principles have provided a guiding light to Democrats for decades. The state of Iowa and the nation are better off because of his service. Tom’s work in the Senate is not done yet, but I will miss him when he leaves. I wish him, Ruth and his family all the best.”

“Denis McDonough is an excellent choice for chief of staff. I worked with Denis during his time in the Senate and found him to be a man of great integrity who is deeply committed to public service.

“During Denis’ years serving in the national security sphere, national leaders in both in the Senate and the executive branch have relied on his counsel while navigating some of the most difficult challenges facing our nation. And while Denis’ national security expertise is well known, he has been a trusted advisor on a wide range of policy concerns in the domestic arena as well. His experience has provided him with an understanding of the world and its leaders that will serve him and President Obama well.

“Denis is well-known and well-respected among our caucus. I look forward to working with him in his new role, and I am confident that President Obama will be well-served by his wisdom.”

Prior to joining Senator Reid’s office, Koch served as Tax Chief at the Senate Finance Committee, where she led the tax staff developing the tax components of bills such as the 2008 and 2009 stimulus bills and health care reform. She was also Staff Director of the Finance Subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources, and previously served as a staff economist at the Joint Committee on Taxation. Koch also has extensive experience in the private sector and academia on tax and economic policy issues, and possesses a doctorate in economics. In addition to economic policy, Koch will be covering the role of Bob Greenawalt, who left recently after eight years with Senator Reid and more than 25 years in the Senate.

McDonough has worked for Senator Reid for seven years, serving as legislative assistant and policy advisor on environment, energy, and natural resource issues. During this time, McDonough has helped Senator Reid end the failed Yucca Mountain project, pass legislation to better maintain and finance improvements for aging water infrastructure, among other accomplishments. Prior to joining Senator Reid’s office, McDonough, who holds a law degree, worked for a USAID-funded project in Central Asia managed by the University of Maryland’s IRIS Center. McDonough replaces Chris Miller, who also left recently after more than 25 years of public service.

“These changes will help our office continue our mission of effectively serving the interests of middle-class Americans in Nevada and across the nation,” Senator Reid said. “Based on her extensive experience in tax and policy, Cathy will be my go-to person for all issues related to tax and economic policy and tax reform, and I will rely even more on Alex’s counsel on issues related to energy and the environment.”

“Today, we took steps towards ending gridlock in the Senate, and making this body a more efficient place while still respecting the rights of the minority. Americans of all political stripes can agree that Washington is not working the way it should. We were elected to get things done for the middle class – not waste time with endless stalling tactics that cause even bills with broad bipartisan support to languish for weeks. These reforms will allow us to deal with legislation in a more timely fashion, and weaken the ability of those who seek to obstruct for obstruction’s sake.

“I want to thank my colleagues Senators Merkley, Udall, and Harkin, who have worked tirelessly and passionately to make the Senate more responsive to the needs of the middle class. This proposal does not go as far as they and others would have wanted. But it is a step forward.

“It is my hope that these reforms will help restore a spirit of comity and bipartisan cooperation. If these reforms do not do enough to end the gridlock here in Washington, we will consider doing more in the future.”

“I am pleased that Speaker Boehner and his House colleagues have decided to change course, and pass a bill that defuses yet another fight over the debt ceiling.

“This bill surrenders the hostage Republicans have taken in the past by decoupling the full faith and credit of the United States from cuts to Social Security and Medicare, or anything else.  In substance, this is a clean debt limit increase that will set the precedent for future debt ceiling extensions.  By passing this bill, Republicans are joining Democrats to say we will not hold the full faith and credit of the United States hostage, and we will pay our bills.

“Over the last two years, the bipartisan Budget Control Act set spending levels in place of a Congressional Budget.  As Senator Murray announced today, this year the Senate will return to regular order, and move a budget resolution through the Budget Committee and to the Senate floor. House Republicans had to add a gimmick or two to get their bill past the Tea Party. But to spare the middle class another knock-down, drag-out fight, the Senate will proceed to and seek to pass the House bill. We will seek an agreement with Republicans to bring the bill to the floor in the coming days.

“I want to give credit where credit is due, and thank Speaker Boehner for his leadership here in defusing another fight over the debt ceiling. The middle class has been telling us they do not want another crisis, and this bill gives them the security they deserve.”

“Democrats will hold fast to the guiding principle that a strong middle class – and an opportunity for every American to enter that middle class – is the key to this nation’s success.”

“But not a single piece of important legislation can pass the Senate or become law without the votes of both Democrats and Republicans. So we will also be willing to compromise and to work with our colleagues across the aisle.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding compromise and Democrats’ legislative priorities for the 113th congress. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Today – with the inspiration of the second inauguration of President Barack Obama fresh in our minds – we renew our effort to fulfill the promise of prosperity for every American. The theme of yesterday’s inauguration was “faith in America’s future.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – whose birth and life we also celebrated Monday – once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” I have faith that the members of the 113th Congress will bring this nation closer to realizing that promise of prosperity.

The last Congress was too often characterized by sharp political divides – divides that hampered efforts to foster success for all Americans. I am hopeful – cautiously optimistic – that the 113th Congress will be characterized not by our divisions, but by our renewed commitment to cooperation and compromise. I urge every woman and every man fortunate enough to serve in this Chamber to remember: It is possible to hold fast to your principles while making the compromises necessary to move our country forward.

Democrats will hold fast to the guiding principle that a strong middle class – and an opportunity for every American to enter that middle class – is the key to this nation’s success. Democrats will stand strong – strong for the standard of balance. And we will remain resolute – resolute in the pursuit of fairness for all Americans, regardless of where they were born or the color of their skin, regardless of the size of their bank accounts, regardless of their religion or their sexual orientation.

Those principles will direct our course as we introduce our first ten bills today – a tradition in the United States Senate – and as we mend our broken immigration system, strengthen our schools and rebuild our roads and bridges. Those principles will be foremost in our minds as we balance the right to bear arms with the right of every child to grow up safe from gun violence. Those principles will be our North Star as we work to end wasteful tax loopholes and balance thoughtful spending reductions with revenue from the wealthiest among us. And those principles will point the way as we work to ensure this country’s uniformed service members never struggle to find employment when their military duties end. Through every struggle and every triumph, those principles must be our guide.

But not a single piece of important legislation can pass the Senate or become law without the votes of both Democrats and Republicans. So we will also be willing to compromise and to work with our colleagues across the aisle.

Unfortunately, a number of bipartisan bills passed by the Senate during the last Congress were never acted upon by the House of Representatives. So this year the Senate will also revisit some of the legislative priorities of the 112th Congress. We will take up the Violence Against Women Act, the farm bill, historic reforms to save the United States Postal Service and legislation to make whole the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Each of these initiatives passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis after deliberation and debate during the 112th Congress, but was left to languish by the House of Representatives.

The Senate will continue to help our fellow Americans recover from Hurricane Sandy before another, similar disaster strikes. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed in New York, New Jersey and New England, and tens of thousands of Americans were left homeless by this destructive storm. We have a responsibility to aid our countrymen as they rebuild and their lives and their communities – as we have after terrible floods, fires and storms in other parts of our nation. Once we complete that vital legislation, the Senate will take action to make this institution that we all love work more effectively. We will consider changes to the United States Senate rules.

Because this matter warrants additional debate, today we will follow the precedents set in 2005 and again in 2011. We will reserve the right of all Senators to propose changes to the Senate rules. And we will explicitly not acquiesce in the carrying over of all the rules from the last Congress. It is my intention that the Senate will recess today, rather than adjourn, to continue the same legislative day, and allow this important rules discussion to continue. I am hopeful the Republican leader and I will reach an agreement that allows the Senate to operate more effectively.

“In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King led his historic march on Washington, D.C. From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial- our nation’s tribute to the Great Emancipator- he spoke of his dream for equality, justice, and fairness for all Americans. At that time, long before I represented Nevada in Congress, I worked as a Capitol police officer to pay for my law school education at George Washington University. Along with hundreds of thousands of individuals in attendance that day, I was there. It is a memory that I will forever cherish.

“Dr. King’s actions galvanized our nation. He taught us that we can achieve great things through perseverance, peace, and love. Now, so many years later, we celebrate his dream of equality and we commemorate his legacy of pursuing justice, no matter the cost. Our nation learned an important lesson from Dr. King’s example. As Americans, it is incumbent upon us to speak out for those that cannot always speak out for themselves. We must lend a voice to the voiceless and we must always work to ensure that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to succeed.

“Dr. King’s words ring true today. ‘As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back,’ he said that day on the Mall. In that spirit, as a nation, we must strive to be better. We must seek justice and truth, no matter how hard the journey. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, I hope all Nevadans and Americans reflect on his legacy and come together, as one nation, to march ahead towards a brighter future that we can all share together.”

“It is reassuring to see Republicans beginning to back off their threat to hold our economy hostage. If the House can pass a clean debt ceiling increase to avoid default and allow the United States to meet its existing obligations, we will be happy to consider it. As President Obama has said, this issue is too important to middle class families’ economic security to use as a ploy for collecting a ransom. We have an obligation to pay the bills we have already incurred – bills for which many House Republicans voted.”

“I thank the President’s task force for its thoughtful recommendations. I am committed to ensuring that the Senate will consider legislation that addresses gun violence and other aspects of violence in our society early this year. The tragedy at Sandy Hook was just the latest sad reminder that we are not doing enough to protect our citizens – especially our children – from gun violence and a culture of violence, and all options should be on the table moving forward.”

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“In my thirty years of service in Congress, I have never worked with a better steward of our nation’s precious natural resources than Ken Salazar. Growing up in his family’s ranch in Colorado, Ken always understood and respected the importance of protecting our country’s natural wealth. He approached his job as a man of the land because that is exactly what he is, with deep roots to the Mountain West.

“I could not have asked for a better partner than Ken for continuing to build a clean-energy economy in Nevada. He knows full well that our economic future depends on energy independence and middle class jobs that cannot be exported. His commitment and dedication in this very important job set a high bar. I wish him the best in the next chapter of his life and thank him for his friendship and his unwavering commitment to serving our nation.”

“In the event that Republicans make good on their threat by failing to act, or by moving unilaterally to pass a debt limit extension only as part of unbalanced or unreasonable legislation, we believe you must be willing to take any lawful steps to ensure that America does not break its promises and trigger a global economic crisis — without Congressional approval, if necessary,” the leaders write.

Senate leaders made clear their willingness to pursue balanced approach to cutting spending and reducing our deficit, but reiterated their insistence that any approach be a balanced between smart cuts and revenues from the wealthiest Americans.

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The full text of the letter is below.

January 11, 2013

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As you know, Republican leaders are threatening to bring on an economic catastrophe unless Democrats make deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

This threat is outrageous and absurd. Defaulting on America’s legal obligations would undermine the American economy and spread global economic havoc. Just two years ago, Speaker Boehner himself admitted that failure to raise the debt limit “would be a financial disaster, not only for us, but for the worldwide economy.”

It is hard to imagine that the Speaker and Leader McConnell would really follow through on their threat to let our nation default on its debts. They are responsible leaders who know better. Sadly, some of their Republican colleagues do not. Therefore, we believe that you must make clear that you will never allow our nation’s economy and reputation to be held hostage. In the event that Republicans make good on their threat by failing to act, or by moving unilaterally to pass a debt limit extension only as part of unbalanced or unreasonable legislation, we believe you must be willing to take any lawful steps to ensure that America does not break its promises and trigger a global economic crisis — without Congressional approval, if necessary.

As you know, increasing the debt limit does not authorize new spending. It merely ensures that we meet our existing obligations. Those obligations were incurred by both Republicans and Democrats, and are the responsibility of all Americans.

Accordingly, we hope that you will continue to ignore claims that agreeing to an increase in the debt limit would somehow represent a concession by Republicans to Democrats. All Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike, have a stake in ensuring that our country meets its legal obligations. Financial markets have long viewed securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States as the most trustworthy in the world. This lowers borrowing costs for homes, cars, and college for all Americans and strengthens our economy. If we violate that trust for the first time in history, we will never fully regain it, and every American will suffer.

For all these reasons, we support your view that an extension of the debt limit is not something for which Democrats should have to negotiate. At the same time, as a separate matter, we agree about the importance of developing a broad, bipartisan agreement on fiscal policy that strengthens our economy and reduces our long-term budget deficit.

As you have said, any such agreement must treat all Americans fairly and include not just responsible spending cuts but additional revenue from the wealthy and the elimination of wasteful tax breaks. It would be wrong to slash earned benefits for seniors and middle class families, while allowing corporations, millionaires, and billionaires to continue to exploit wasteful tax loopholes. We therefore hope that you will continue to insist that the entire budget be on the table, and that any agreement be fully balanced and fair.

Thank you for your consideration of our views.

Respectfully,

Senator Harry Reid
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Chuck Schumer
Senator Parry Murray

A PDF of the letter can be found online here.

“The nation and West Virginia are better places today thanks to Jay’s distinguished and selfless public service. Jay was a tireless and successful advocate for our nation’s children, and he was a leader in expanding their access to health care. Millions of families today are better off because of Jay’s tireless work on programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid.

“Jay’s wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed by his colleagues, but his service in this body will resonate for decades to come.”

“President Obama has made an outstanding choice. Few people understand our nation’s economy, and how our government affects it, better than Jack Lew. His 30 years of work on economic issues, under two presidents and in Congress, have given him the expertise and experience necessary to succeed in this critically important and difficult job.

“Jack knows how to work with people of very different perspectives in a calm and even-handed way. He also is a man of principle who believes in fiscal responsibility, and helped President Clinton balance the budget and generate record surpluses. At the same time, Jack always remembers that abstract debates in Washington affect real people with real needs. Jack has always worked to serve all Americans, especially those not represented by lobbyists and who need help the most.

“I expect the Senate will give Jack a fair and prompt confirmation process. A selfless public servant such as Jack deserves it, especially at a time when our nation needs leaders with his talent and experience.”

“I applaud President Obama for his thoughtful choices to head the Pentagon and the CIA. I’ve worked extensively with these two nominees and have always found them to be men of integrity and dedication. Both will be effective leaders in the positions to which they have been nominated.

“Senator Hagel has a deep understanding of the national security establishment, which grew out of his experiences as a decorated war veteran, a former member of the Senate’s Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees, and a member of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. Few nominees have such a combination of strategic and personal knowledge of our national defense needs.

“John Brennan’s current role as a top national security adviser to the President, and his 25 years of service at the CIA, make him a very qualified candidate for a job vital to our national security. He has been part of a team that in recent years successfully rolled back terrorist threats to America and its allies, such as the operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden.

“I trust that all Senators will give these two men a fair and constructive confirmation process. The Senate takes seriously its role in advice and consent and I expect that this body will live up to this tradition and responsibility.”

“In my recent comments criticizing House Republicans for threatening to betray Congress’ tradition of providing aid to disaster victims in a timely fashion regardless of region, I simply misspoke. I am proud to have been an advocate for disaster victims in the face of Republican foot-dragging, from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Sandy, from fires in the west to tornadoes in the Midwest. I have worked hard with Senator Landrieu to ensure that the people of the Gulf Coast have the resources they need to fully recover, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf until the region is fully recovered.”

The anticipated committee assignments are subject to approval by the full Democratic caucus and approval of an organizing resolution by the full Senate.

Anticipated Committee Democratic Assignments for the 113th Congress
(Subject to Caucus and full Senate approval)

Names listed in descending order of seniority with updated assignments in italics:

AGRICULTURE

1. Leahy
2. Harkin
3. Baucus
4. Stabenow, Chair
5. Sherrod Brown
6. Casey
7. Klobuchar
8. Bennet
9. Gillibrand
10. Donnelly
11. Heitkamp 

APPROPRIATIONS

1. Leahy
2. Harkin
3. Mikulski, Chair
4. Murray
5. Feinstein
6. Durbin
7. Tim Johnson
8. Landrieu
9. Reed
10. Lautenberg
11. Pryor
12. Tester
13. Tom Udall
14. Shaheen
15. Merkley
16. Begich 

ARMED SERVICES

1. Levin, Chair
2. Reed
3. Bill Nelson
4. McCaskill
5. Mark Udall
6. Hagan
7. Manchin
8. Shaheen
9. Gillibrand
10. Blumenthal
11. Donnelly
12. Hirono
13. Kaine
14. King

BANKING

1. Tim Johnson, Chair
2. Reed
3. Schumer
4. Menendez
5. Sherrod Brown
6. Tester
7. Warner
8. Merkley
9. Hagan
10. Manchin
11. Warren
12. Heitkamp

COMMERCE

1. Rockefeller, Chair
2. Kerry
3. Boxer
4. Bill Nelson
5. Cantwell
6. Lautenberg
7. Pryor
8. McCaskill
9. Klobuchar
10. Warner
11. Begich
12. Blumenthal
13. Schatz

ENERGY

1. Wyden, Chair
2. Tim Johnson
3. Landrieu
4. Cantwell
5. Sanders
6. Stabenow
7. Mark Udall
8. Franken
9. Manchin
10. Coons
11. Schatz  
12. Heinrich

EPW

1. Baucus
2. Boxer, Chair
3. Carper
4. Lautenberg
5. Cardin
6. Sanders
7. Whitehouse
8. Tom Udall
9. Merkley
10. Gillibrand

FINANCE

1. Baucus, Chair
2. Rockefeller
3. Kerry
4. Wyden
5. Schumer
6. Stabenow
7. Cantwell
8. Bill Nelson
9. Menendez
10. Carper
11. Cardin
12. Sherrod Brown
13. Bennet

FOREIGN RELATIONS

1. Kerry, Chair
2. Boxer
3. Menendez
4. Cardin
5. Casey
6. Shaheen
7. Coons
8. Tom Udall
9. Murphy
10. Kaine

 HELP

1. Harkin, Chair
2. Mikulski
3. Murray
4. Sanders
5. Casey
6. Hagan
7. Franken
8. Bennet
9. Whitehouse
10. Baldwin
11. Murphy
12. Warren

HSGAC

1. Levin
2. Carper, Chair
3. Pryor
4. Landrieu
5. McCaskill
6. Tester
7. Begich
8. Baldwin
9. Heitkamp

INTELLIGENCE

1. Rockefeller
2. Feinstein, Chair
3. Wyden
4. Mikulski
5. Mark Udall
6. Warner
7. Heinrich
8. King 

JUDICIARY

1. Leahy, Chair
2. Feinstein
3. Schumer
4. Durbin
5. Whitehouse
6. Klobuchar
7. Franken
8. Coons
9. Blumenthal
10. Hirono

AGING

1. Wyden
2. Bill Nelson, Chair
3. Casey
4. McCaskill
5. Whitehouse
6. Gillibrand
7. Manchin
8. Blumenthal
9. Baldwin
10. Donnelly
11. Warren

BUDGET

1. Murray, Chair
2. Wyden
3. Bill Nelson
4. Stabenow
5. Sanders
6. Whitehouse
7. Warner
8. Merkley
9. Coons
10. Baldwin
11. Kaine
12. King

JOINT ECONOMIC

1. Casey, Chair
2. Klobuchar
3. Warner
4. Sanders
5. Murphy
6. Heinrich 

RULES

1. Feinstein
2. Schumer, Chair
3. Durbin
4. Murray
5. Pryor
6. Tom Udall
7. Warner
8. Leahy
9. Klobuchar
10. King

SMALL BUSINESS

1. Levin
2. Harkin
3. Kerry
4. Landrieu, Chair
5. Cantwell
6. Pryor
7. Cardin
8. Shaheen
9. Hagan
10. Heitkamp

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

1. Rockefeller
2. Murray
3. Sanders, Chair
4. Sherrod Brown
5. Tester
6. Begich
7. Blumenthal
8. Hirono

INDIAN AFFAIRS

1. Tim Johnson
2. Cantwell, Chair
3. Tester
4. Tom Udall
5. Franken
6. Begich
7. Schatz
8. Heitkamp

“Our economy continues to grow and create jobs, but for those still unemployed in Nevada and throughout the nation, the recovery will not be a reality until they start earning a paycheck once again.

“To keep our recovery going, we need to avoid another knock-down, drag-out fight over whether to default, or to pay our nation’s existing bills. Republicans are threatening to once again hold the full faith and credit of the United States hostage in order to force cuts to Social Security and Medicare. If our recovery is to take off, we must forego this kind of reckless, partisan brinksmanship, and work together to find solutions that work for the middle class.”

“No major legislation can pass the Senate without the votes of both Democrats and Republicans. During the 113th Congress, the Speaker should strive to make that the rule in the House of Representatives, as well.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today marking the beginning of the 113th Congress. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

It is my pleasure to convene the 113th Congress and welcome my colleagues back to the place we love, the United States Senate.

In particular, I would like to welcome Illinois Senator Mark Kirk, who has been away for a year recovering from an illness. We are all grateful for his recovery. He’s an inspiration to us. Senator Kirk, you have been missed.

I also offer a special welcome to the 13 new members of the United States Senate. I am confident they will treasure their memories in this historic legislative body, and that they will serve their states and our nation with distinction.

All of the members of this freshman class are accomplished in their own right. But I trust that serving in the United States Senate will be the most rewarding experience of their lives.

In this Chamber, in the 113th Congress, they will face the most significant challenges of their careers. To turn those challenges into triumphs, I urge all Senators – new and experienced – to draw not only on their varied experience at every level of government and public service, but also on each other’s experience – regardless of political party. As Senator Daniel Webster said, “We are all agents of the same supreme power, the people.”

Today, as we begin a new Congress, we are afforded the opportunity to reflect upon the successes and failures of the past Congress. It has been said that the 112th Congress was characterized by some of the sharpest political divisions in recent memory. But during the last Congress, there were also many commendable examples of compromise.

The recent effort to avert the fiscal cliff was an example of both the divisions and the collaborations that mark this moment in history. Although the process of resolving some of the fiscal issues facing this country was a difficult and protracted one, in the end our two parties came together to protect America’s middle class. That is something of which we can all be proud.

As we advance the debate over the best way to strengthen our economy and reduce our deficit during the 113th Congress, Democrats will continue to stand strong for the principle of balance. Any future budget agreements must balance the need for thoughtful spending reductions with revenue from the wealthiest among us and closing wasteful tax loopholes.

Unfortunately, our political differences prevented us from accomplishing as much as we all hoped during the 112th Congress.

But we also passed very important legislation, such as a transportation jobs bill to keep 2 million people working and begin the restoration of our crumbling infrastructure. We made strides to reduce the nation’s deficit and prevented a tax increase for 98 percent of American families and 97 percent of small businesses. We reformed our patent system for the first time in six decades, gave small businesses owners access to the capital they need to compete and reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration – keeping 300,000 workers employed.

And not a single piece of that legislation became law without the votes of both Democrats and Republicans. All those legislative initiatives were bipartisan. Unfortunately, many other worthy measures that passed the Senate with strong, bipartisan support then languished, awaiting action by the House of Representatives.

In the 113th Congress, it will be incumbent upon the House Republican leadership to allow bipartisan bills passed by the Senate to come to a vote before the full House of Representatives –not before the Republican members only, but before Democrats and Republicans, all 435 of them. Too many good pieces of legislation have died over the last two years because House Republican leaders insist on passing legislation with a majority of the Majority, that is, only Republicans. Democrats were ignored.

For example, postal reform, the Violence Against Women Act, the farm bill and relief for the victims of Hurricane Sandy all passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis after extensive deliberation and debate. Yet the House failed to act on all four of these measures.

As Speaker Boehner saw on New Year’s Day, when he allows every member of the House to vote – and not only the Republican members of the House to vote – Congress can enact bills into laws. No major legislation can pass the Senate without the votes of both Democrats and Republicans. During the 113th Congress, the Speaker should strive to make that the rule in the House of Representatives, as well.

Still, it is true that the 112th Congress left much undone. That is why I am resolved to pick up where we left off in a few short weeks. The first crucial matter we’ll address long-overdue aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

But striving to be more productive will do little if we do not address the major reason for our inefficiency. The Senate is simply not working as it should. That is why, in the last Congress, I made plain that Democrats would do something to fix these issues.

The beginning of a new Congress is customarily a time that the Senate addresses changes to its rules. In the last Congress, Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley, Tom Udall, Tom Harkin and Sheldon Whitehouse made the majority’s case for change. I commend these passionate leaders. They have made compelling arguments for reform.

In recent months, Senators on both sides of the aisle set about trying to broker a compromise. This group was led by Democratic Senator Levin and Republican Senator McCain. I thank them for their many hours of work and negotiation.

But in the waning weeks of the last Congress, Senators were justifiably occupied with other matters, including a resolution of the fiscal cliff. And I believe this matter warrants additional debate during the 113th Congress. Senators deserve additional notice before voting to change Senate rules.

So today I will follow the precedents set in 2005 and again in 2011. We will reserve the right of all Senators to propose changes to the Senate rules. And we will explicitly not acquiesce in the carrying over of all the rules from the last Congress. It is my intention that the Senate will recess today, rather than adjourn, to continue the same legislative day, and allow this important rules discussion to continue later this month.

I am confident the Republican leader and I can come to an agreement that allows the Senate to work more efficiently.

“This critical package will help the residents of the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states recover from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy. State and federal authorities have worked together effectively to help the victims, but more help is needed for the recovery to continue. This bill provides those additional resources. I thank Senators Schumer, Lautenberg, Menendez and Gillibrand for leading this critical effort, and the senators from both sides of the aisle who came together to help those in need.

“There is no time to waste, and the House should act immediately. Congress must continue its long-standing tradition of helping our fellow Americans in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Time is of the essence for the millions of Americans who rely on this aid to rebuild their lives.”

“We had a productive meeting at the White House, and I am hopeful that we will be able to avoid the fiscal cliff. At President Obama’s request, I am readying a bill for a vote by Monday that will prevent a tax hike on middle-class families making up to $250,000, and that will include the additional, critical provisions outlined by President Obama. In the next twenty-four hours, I look forward to hearing any good-faith proposals Senator McConnell has for altering this bill.”

“House Republicans pushed middle class families closer to the cliff by wasting an entire week with their incompetent ‘Plan B’ stunt. It is time for House Republicans to put middle class families first by passing the Senate’s bill to protect 98 percent of Americans from a tax hike on January 1. The Senate bill could pass tomorrow if House Republicans would simply let it come to the floor.

“The Senate has already rejected House Republicans’ Tea Party bills, and no further legislation can move through the Senate until Republicans drop their knee-jerk obstruction. Right now, the Senate bill is the only bill that can become law, and House Republicans owe it to middle class families to let it pass with Democratic and Republican votes.”

“With the passing of my dear friend Senator Daniel Inouye, I have asked the governor of Hawaii to appoint Senator Inouye’s successor with due haste. It is critically important to ensure that the people of Hawaii are fully represented in the pivotal decisions the Senate will be making before the end of the year.”

“Few people are as qualified as Sen. John Kerry to represent and defend our national interests abroad at a time when international cooperation is more vital than ever to our national security and growing the global economy. President Obama’s thoughtful pick means we will have an experienced hand as our top diplomat; one who contributed greatly to bringing our soldiers home from Iraq, and who has served as an envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan at crucial moments over the past several years. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Kerry helped reduce the danger of nuclear proliferation through the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which he steered to a successful ratification. Senator Kerry also has significant experience navigating the delicate situation unfolding in the Middle East, which is key to our national security.

“Just as importantly, Senator Kerry understands the impact of foreign policy decisions on everyday people. As a volunteer soldier during the Vietnam War – where he received multiple decorations, including three Purple Hearts – Senator Kerry saw first-hand the real consequences that policymakers’ decisions can have on the lives of our soldiers, their families and innocent civilians. He has been a leader on United States policy toward the region since that time.

“Senator Kerry will represent our nation with distinction and wisdom, and I expect a prompt and fair confirmation process.”

“It’s time for the Speaker and all Republicans to return to the negotiating table. It’s time for Republicans to work with us to find the middle ground.”

“In the meantime, the Speaker should bring the middle-class tax cut passed by the Senate five months ago to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.”

Washington, D.C. –Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the status of budget negotiations. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Last night the House of Representatives proved what Democrats have known all along: Speaker Boehner’s plan to raise taxes on 25 million middle-class taxpayers while handing out $50,000 bonuses to millionaires and billionaires was dead on arrival.

We knew the so-called Plan B was no plan at all.

It couldn’t pass the Senate.

Turns out, it couldn’t pass the House, either.

It’s too bad Speaker Boehner wasted a week on this futile political stunt.

But at least now House Republicans have gotten the message loud and clear that any comprehensive solution to the looming fiscal cliff will need to be a bipartisan solution.

No comprehensive agreement can pass either chamber without both Democratic votes and Republican votes.

Which means any solution will have to ask the most fortunate among us to pay a little more to reduce the deficit and ensure partisanship doesn’t take the nation to the brink of default a few months from now.

Nothing that has passed the House of Representatives fits this test.

A few days ago President Obama and Speaker Boehner appeared poised to strike a grand bargain.

But instead of making hard choices or compromising, as President Obama has been willing to do, Speaker Boehner retreated to his corner and resorted to political stunts.

But the stunt fell flat.

It’s time for the Speaker and all Republicans to return to the negotiating table.

It’s time for Republicans to work with us to find the middle ground.

That is the only hope of averting the devastating impacts of the fiscal cliff entirely.

And in the meantime, the Speaker should bring the middle-class tax cut passed by the Senate five months ago to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

The clock is ticking until the nation goes over the fiscal cliff and taxes go up for every family in America.

But there’s still time for Speaker Boehner to hit the brakes and avoid the cliff.

The Senate-passed bill would protect 98 percent of families and 97 percent of small businesses from crippling tax hikes while President Obama and the Speaker work toward a comprehensive agreement.

If Republicans truly want to ensure American families’ taxes don’t go up on January 1, they should simply pass the Senate bill.

The only reason Speaker Boehner hasn’t brought our bill to the floor sooner is that he knows it will pass.

Americans are not fooled by the Speaker’s phony, procedural excuses for failing to bring this solution to a vote. They’re tired of excuses. They expect action.

Let me be plain: there is nothing preventing the Speaker from taking up our bill and giving middle-class families certainty.

So I say to my friend, the Speaker, this isn’t a game.

It isn’t about scoring political points or putting wins on the board.

There will be very serious consequences for millions of families if Congress fails to compromise.

And there will be very serious consequences for our economy if Congress fails to act.

It’s time for Speaker Boehner to return to the negotiating table ready to compromise.

And it’s time for House Republicans to remember what’s at stake.

As the tragic events of recent days remind us, often when death visits, it comes too soon.

A plane crash takes a parent from us.

Cancer deprives us of a sibling or a friend.

An automobile accident steals away a child.

Lives are cut short. Dreams are denied.

Often death is troubling. We ask, “Why?”

Why him? Why her? Why now?

And although I wish I could answer those questions with authority, often the “why” of death is a mystery.

But in the case of Senator Daniel Inouye, there is no mystery. And although there is sadness, there is no regret.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 tells us, “To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die.”

It was Daniel Inouye’s time.

Dan Inouye lived a full and productive life.

He was 88 years old when he died. And he lived each of those 88 years to its fullest.

He was a war hero – a decorated soldier / who left the innocence of youth / and most of his right arm / on an Italian battlefield / where he defended our nation’s freedom / even as that nation questioned the loyalty / of patriots who looked like him.

He was a healing hero – an example of the resilience / of the human body / and the human spirit, whose resolve / to live a life of service / was hardened – and not broken – by 20 months spent recovering from his wounds / in an Army hospital in Michigan.

He was a legislative hero – a progressive Democrat / who would never hesitate to collaborate with a Republican colleague for the good of this country.

In 1968 – when the country was riven by racism and divided by war – he calmed the nation’s nerves with an eloquent keynote address before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Daniel Inouye advocated for the rights of all Americans – regardless of the color of their skin or where their parents were born or what their religion was.

He was the first chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

He served with distinction as Chairman of the Commerce and Appropriations committees.

During his time as chairman of Indian Affairs he turned a formerly neglected committee into a powerful voice for Native populations in Hawaii and across this country.

And remarkably, Dan served for more than 34 years with his best friend, the late Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Their friendship, as well as their working relationship, stands as an example of the remarkable things that two Senators can accomplish when they set political party aside.

Together, they were a formidable force / in support of this nation’s fighting men and women, working to ensure our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardsmen / are the best trained / and the best equipped / in times of peace / and times of war.

Senator Inouye also served as a member of the Watergate Committee, and as chairman of the special committee investigating the Iran Contra Affair.

Whenever there was a difficult job to do – whenever we needed a noble man / to lean on – we turned to Dan Inouye.

So it should come as no surprise that Dan died as he lived – with great dignity.

Fifteen minutes before he passed, he shook the hands of friends and family who surrounded him.

He thanked the doctors and nurses for their care and attention.

He thanked his security detail for their careful protection over the years.

He wrote notes detailing his last wishes, working until mere moments before his death.

He told his wife Irene that he would appreciate my speaking before you today, a gesture that touches my heart more than words can express.

Then he said “Aloha,” and he quietly joined the Lord.

He had faced death many times, especially during the war.

He would often tell us that he had been lucky many times.

But I don’t believe that Dan was lucky. He was blessed.

He had work to do here among us. And he stayed until that work was done.

As Ecclesiastes says, there is “a time to every purpose,” and this was Dan’s time.

The 24th Psalm asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.”

That is Daniel Inouye – pure of heart, clean of hand.

During his 1968 convention speech, Dan taught the nation that aloha doesn’t just mean hello, and it doesn’t just mean goodbye. It also means I love you.

Aloha was Dan’s last word.

So I say to my friend in return: Daniel Ken Inouye, aloha. I love you. And goodbye until we meet again.

“My dear friend, Senator Daniel Inouye, the Senior Senator from Hawaii, was one of the finest men I have known in my lifetime. He was one of the most distinguished senators this body has ever seen. He was a soldier of incomparable bravery and a man of uncommon decency, and it is with deep sadness that I mark his passing.

“As a young man, Senator Inouye demonstrated the kind of bravery that challenges us all to rise to a higher standard. Although Senator Inouye and other Japanese-Americans were exempt from the draft, he volunteered to fight for our flag. He volunteered, even though the families of so-called Nisei soldiers were imprisoned in American internment camps. Senator Inouye was wounded in battle saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. For his acts of valor, he received the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow.

“Senator Inouye’s son once asked him why – after being called ‘enemy aliens’ and after being held in internment camps – he and the members of the famed 442nd fought so heroically. Senator Inouye told his son that he fought ‘for the children.’ For children, there could be no finer role model than Senator Inouye.

“Today, my thoughts are with his family, including his wife Irene, son Ken, daughter-in-law Jessica, step-daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Maggie. Their loss is the nation’s, as today we all lost a pioneer and a noble soul.”

“In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow.”

“We have no greater responsibility than keeping our most vulnerable and most precious resource – our children – safe. And every idea should be on the table as we discuss how best to do just that.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

This afternoon, the families of Newtown, Connecticut are burying two six-year-old boys – Noah Pozner and Jack Pinto.

Noah turned six last month. Jack was a New York Giants fan.

In the days to come, many of their classmates will also be laid to rest – the victims of a tragedy too terrible to comprehend.

Twenty little girls and boys. Twenty tiny daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, friends and playmates.

Twenty children, who will never grow up and learn to drive, go on a first date or graduate from high school.

Twenty six- and seven-year-olds who will never have the chance to fall in love, get married or have children of their own.

Noah and Jack, Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Dylan, Madeline, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Caroline, Jessica, Benjamin, Allison and Avielle.

No words of condolence could possibly ease the pain of families who lost cherished children. But I hope it is some small comfort that the nation mourns with them.

My heart goes out to all those affected by Friday’s massacre. And my thoughts are with the students and faculty of Sandy Hook Elementary who witnessed such unspeakable violence.

Newtown and the nation have seen great evil. But we have also seen incredible bravery.

In her final act on Earth, 27-year-old Victoria Soto hid the children of her first grade class in closets and cabinets, and then scarified herself to save them.

Dawn Hocksprung, Mary Sherlach, Lauren Russeau, Rachel Davino and Anne Marie Murphy also died trying to safeguard the children in their care.

These six educators devoted their lives to teaching Newtown’s children how to read, how to add and subtract, how to be good girls and boys, and how to grow up to be good men and women.

And they gave their lives to keep those children safe.

They are a source of hope in a hopeless situation.

I commend the teachers of Sandy Hook Elementary, who didn’t hesitate when they saw danger coming. Some barricaded their students inside classrooms or hid them in closets, preventing even greater loss of life.

And I thank the first responders who rushed into the school despite the horrors around them, knowing they had a job to do.

It is hard to even comprehend this type of tragedy, let alone recover from it.

But in the words of Helen Keller, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

As the families of Newtown mourn, American mourns with them. And we will stand with them as they overcome this suffering and begin the healing process.

I believe part of that healing process will require Congress to examine what can be done to prevent more tragedies like the ones in Newtown, Connecticut; Aurora, Colorado; Oak Creek, Wisconsin; and Portland, Oregon.

As President Obama said last night, no one law can erase evil. No policy can prevent a determined madman from committing a senseless act of violence.

But we need to accept the reality that we are not doing enough to protect our citizens.

In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow.

We have no greater responsibility than keeping our most vulnerable and most precious resource – our children – safe. And every idea should be on the table as we discuss how best to do just that.

Today we have an opportunity to pull together to help the citizens of New York, New Jersey and other parts of the Northeast as they recover from the damage of Hurricane Sandy.

As we did when Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast and Irene struck communities up and down the Eastern Seaboard, we have an opportunity to help make families and communities whole again.

I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join in moving quickly to send aid to those affected by Sandy as they continue to recover and rebuild.

The Senate must move swiftly to approve supplemental disaster aid and act to give the intelligence community the tools it needs to keep our nation safe before the Christmas holiday.

“I am in shock and disbelief at this horrible tragedy that took so many innocent lives today. As a father and grandfather, it is beyond my comprehension why anyone would want to hurt innocent children. I join the millions of Americans whose thoughts and hearts are with those suffering because of this horrible crime in Connecticut.”

Incoming Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn: “I believe we’re going to pass the $250,000 and below sooner or later, and we really don’t have much leverage there because those rates go up by operation of law Dec. 31.  I would focus on the areas where we do have more leverage.”  [Politico, 12/12/12]

Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV): “But as government leaders are negotiating in advance of a year-end deadline to avert at least $500 billion in automatic tax increases and across-the-board spending cuts – the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ - Heller said he would ‘take a serious look at any proposal,’ including ones that might allow rates to increase on upper-income families while keeping them lower for others.” [Las Vegas Review Journal, 12/12/12]

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY): “Give in by voting present, let the Democrats pass an increase in the upper tax brackets, comes over to the Senate, Republicans vote no, and it becomes a Democrat tax increase but not a Republican/Democrat tax increase, which I think is a mistake for the Republicans.” [Fox News, 12/11/12]

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK): “Murkowski, in an interview this morning from Washington, said she had been among Republicans who have been saying that raising the tax rate on some of the nation’s wealthiest individuals should be a part of the solution to the national debt problem if it is coupled with a reduction in spending on entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security. An increasing number of Republicans have, following Obama’s re-election and Republican losses in Congress, been expressing such a view. ‘I have been suggesting for a period of time now that I think it is worth a discussion, consideration, to look at the highest earners,’ Murkowski said. ‘For us as party to draw a line in the sand, to say ‘Don’t ever touch tax rates,’ I think that became a problem for us.’” [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner,12/12/12]

GROWING NUMBER OF GOP LAWMAKERS AGREE

Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN): “So, and a lot of people are putting forth a theory and I actually think it has merit where you go ahead and give the president the 2 percent increase that he is talking about, the rate increase on the top 2 percent.”  [Fox News Sunday, 12/9/12]

Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE): “Sen. Mike Johanns edged Friday toward willingness to consider an increase in the tax rate for the wealthiest Americans as part of a fiscal cliff agreement if it also includes ‘a good-faith down payment’ on reducing entitlement spending. ‘You know, I think there is an opportunity there,’ Johanns told Bloomberg TV anchor Al Hunt when he asked whether Republicans could go along with a Democratic plan that would restore the top tax rate to 39.6 percent with a promise that it could be revisited next year.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 12/7/12]

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK): “Personally, I know we have to raise revenue; I don’t really care which way we do it.  Actually, I would rather see the rates go up than do it the other way, because it gives us greater chance to reform the tax code and broaden the base in the future.” [The Hill, 12/5/12]

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): “Representative (Tom) Cole’s (R-Okla.) proposal to proceed with an extension of tax relief for working families making $250,000 or less has merit because everyone agrees lower and middle-income families should not be subjected to higher taxes. I believe that very wealthy individuals — millionaires and billionaires — should pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes to help us reduce the soaring deficit.” [Portland Press Herald, 12/6/12]

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME): “Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, who is retiring, joined a handful of other Republicans on Tuesday suggesting that Congress should pass the middle-class tax cut extensions now, then leave the fight over taxes and spending until later. Americans, she said, ‘should not even be questioning that we will ultimately raise taxes on low- to middle-income people.’ Congress could take that off the table‘while you’re grappling with tax cuts for the wealthy,’ she said.” [NY Times, 12/5/12]

Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX): “Separately, Representative Kay Granger of Texas is endorsing Oklahoma Republican Tom Cole’s call to extend all tax cuts for middle-class earners as ‘just the right thing to do.’” [Bloomberg, 12/5/12]

Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC): “I would probably vote for it at that point.” [Huffington Post, 12/4/12]

Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH): “Rate increase, if the package includes significant entitlement reform that gets you to $4 to $6 trillion (in deficit savings) over 10 years, I would vote for that.” [The Associated Press, 11/30/12]

Rep. Charles Bass (R-NH): “If it gets us past the fiscal cliff and the president is willing to consider meaningful savings in entitlements, it’s a legitimate solution.” [The Associated Press, 11/30/12]

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK): “I think we ought to take the 98 percent deal right now.” [Politico, 11/27/12]

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA): “I have to say that if you’re going to sign me up with a camp, I like what Tom Cole has to say.” [CNN, 11/29/12]

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID): “I wouldn’t have a problem with letting those tax rates go up.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL): “Tom Cole is talking about passing the ones that are out there so there could be more certainty, and I think that would be a positive step.” [NY Times, 11/29/12]

CONSERVATIVE OPINION MAKERS ALSO SEE WRITING ON WALL

Bill Kristol: “My view is, get the tax issue off the table. It’s the weakest one for Republicans right now.”  [Fox News Sunday, 12/9/12]

Anne Coulter:  Coulter: “OK fine, let’s do that, but in the end, at some point, if the Bush tax cuts are repealed and everyone’s taxes go up, I promise you Republicans will get blamed for it.  It doesn’t mean you cave on everything, but there are some things Republicans do that feed into what the media is telling America about Republicans.”  Hannity: “So are you saying that, for PR purposes, that they should give in to Obama on the tax rate?”  Coulter: “Not exactly, I–Well, yeah, I guess I am.”  [Huffington Post, 12/6/12]

NY Post Columnist John Podhoretz: “Republicans have a bad hand to play when it comes to the “fiscal cliff” coming up Jan. 1, when taxes will rise automatically on everyone and whopping defense cuts will be imposed automatically.  The truth is, every way you look at it, the GOP is trapped. Republican politicians will cave and give the president most of what he wants…The only real question is when. The answer is: Probably at the worst possible time, when they’ve done even more damage to the party’s‘brand.’”  [NY Post, 12/5/12]

Daily Caller Columnist Matt K. Lewis:  “Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see how Republicans have anything but bad options regarding the fiscal cliff. At least, not in the short term… This hasn’t stopped some conservative pundits from acting as if Republicans hold all the cards. But the notion that Republicans have leverage is silly. It’s the same kind of happy thinking that led some to boldly predict a Romney victory.”  [Daily Caller, 11/30/12]

Washington Examiner Editorial Writer Conn Carroll: “But as a backup plan, passing a tax cut for 98 percent of Americans, while avoiding any of the additional new stimulus spending that Obama is asking for, may be the best Republicans can hope for right now.” [Conn Carroll Column, Washington Examiner, 12/5/12]

NY Times Columnist David Brooks: “So Republicans have to realize that they are going to cave on tax rates.” [New York Times, 12/4/12]

National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru: “The low-risk [option] is to pass an extension of the middle-class tax cuts, which presumably the Democrats would have to pass, and watch taxes for high earners rise. That way at least Republicans wouldn’t get blamed for middle-class tax increases. That second option isn’t great. But it’s better than some of the possible deals I’ve been reading and hearing about.” [National Review, 11/30/12]

Wall Street Journal Editorial: “This is where Mr. Norquist can give some ground. If taxes are going up anyway because the Bush rates expire, and Republicans can stop them from going up as much as they otherwise would, then pledge-takers deserve some credit for that.” [Wall Street Journal, 11/27/12]

Washington, D.C. – In a meeting today, the Democratic Steering Committee approved committee assignments for Democratic senators in the 113th Congress.  A list of the anticipated assignments is below.

“I am excited to work with the members of our expanded majority. Our caucus is more diverse than ever, with a record sixteen female Democratic senators serving in the next Congress,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “These committee assignments will allow all members of our caucus to bring their unique talents and expertise to bear as we work together to advance the interests of the middle class.”

The anticipated committee assignments are subject to approval by the full Democratic caucus and approval of an organizing resolution by the full Senate when the 113th Congress convenes in January.

Anticipated Committee Democratic Assignments for the 113th Congress
(Subject to Caucus and full Senate approval)

Names listed in descending order of seniority with new committee members in italics:

AGRICULTURE – 113th Congress
Leahy
Harkin
Baucus
Stabenow – CHAIRMAN
Sherrod Brown
Casey
Klobuchar
Bennet
Gillibrand
Donnelly
Heitkamp

APPROPRIATIONS – 113th
Inouye – CHAIRMAN
Leahy
Harkin
Mikulski
Murray
Feinstein
Durbin
Tim Johnson
Landrieu
Reed
Lautenberg
Pryor
Tester
T. Udall
Shaheen
Merkley

ARMED SERVICES – 113th
Levin – CHAIRMAN
Reed
Bill Nelson
McCaskill
Mark Udall
Hagan
Begich
Manchin
Shaheen
Gillibrand
Blumenthal
Donnelly
Kaine
King

BANKING – 113th
Tim Johnson – CHAIRMAN
Reed
Schumer
Menendez
Sherrod Brown
Tester
Warner
Merkley
Hagan
Manchin
Warren
Heitkamp

COMMERCE – 113th
Inouye
Rockefeller – CHAIRMAN
Kerry
Boxer
Bill Nelson
Cantwell
Lautenberg
Pryor
McCaskill
Klobuchar
Warner
Begich
Blumenthal

ENERGY – 113th
Wyden – CHAIRMAN
Tim Johnson
Landrieu
Cantwell
Sanders
Stabenow
Mark Udall
Franken
Manchin
Coons
Hirono
Heinrich

EPW – 113th
Baucus
Boxer – CHAIRMAN
Carper
Lautenberg
Cardin
Sanders
Whitehouse
Tom Udall
Merkley
Gillibrand

FINANCE – 113th
Baucus – CHAIRMAN
Rockefeller
Kerry
Wyden
Schumer
Stabenow
Cantwell
Bill Nelson
Menendez
Carper
Cardin
Sherrod Brown
Bennet

FOREIGN RELATIONS – 113th
Kerry – CHAIRMAN
Boxer
Menendez
Cardin
Casey
Shaheen
Coons
Tom Udall
Murphy
Kaine

HELP – 113th
Harkin – CHAIRMAN
Mikulski
Murray
Sanders
Casey
Hagan
Franken
Bennet
Whitehouse
Baldwin
Murphy
Warren

HSGAC – 113th
Levin
Carper – CHAIRMAN
Pryor
Landrieu
McCaskill
Tester
Begich
Baldwin
Heitkamp

INTELLIGENCE – 113th
Rockefeller
Feinstein – CHAIRMAN
Wyden
Mikulski
Mark Udall
Warner
Heinrich
King

JUDICIARY – 113th
Leahy – CHAIRMAN
Feinstein
Schumer
Durbin
Whitehouse
Klobuchar
Franken
Coons
Blumenthal
Hirono

AGING – 113th
Wyden
Bill Nelson – CHAIRMAN
Casey
McCaskill
Whitehouse
Gillibrand
Manchin
Blumenthal
Baldwin
Donnelly
Warren

BUDGET – 113th
Murray – CHAIRMAN
Wyden
Bill Nelson
Stabenow
Sanders
Whitehouse
Warner
Merkley
Coons
Baldwin
Kaine
King

JOINT ECONOMIC – 113th
Casey – CHAIRMAN
Klobuchar
Warner
Sanders
Murphy
Heinrich

RULES – 113th
Inouye
Feinstein
Schumer – CHAIRMAN
Durbin
Murray
Pryor
Tom Udall
Warner
Leahy
King

SMALL BUSINESS – 113th
Levin
Harkin
Kerry
Landrieu – CHAIRMAN
Cantwell
Pryor
Cardin
Shaheen
Hagan
Heitkamp

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS – 113th
Rockefeller
Murray
Sanders – CHAIRMAN
Sherrod Brown
Tester
Begich
Blumenthal
Hirono

ETHICS – 113th
Boxer – CHAIRMAN
Pryor
Sherrod Brown

INDIAN AFFAIRS – 113th
Inouye
Tim Johnson
Cantwell –CHAIRMAN
Tester
Tom Udall
Franken
Begich
Heitkamp

 Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN): “So, and a lot of people are putting forth a theory and I actually think it has merit where you go ahead and give the president the 2 percent increase that he is talking about, the rate increase on the top 2 percent.” [Fox News Sunday, 12/9/12]

Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE): “Sen. Mike Johanns edged Friday toward willingness to consider an increase in the tax rate for the wealthiest Americans as part of a fiscal cliff agreement if it also includes ‘a good-faith down payment’ on reducing entitlement spending. ‘You know, I think there is an opportunity there,’ Johanns told Bloomberg TV anchor Al Hunt when he asked whether Republicans could go along with a Democratic plan that would restore the top tax rate to 39.6 percent with a promise that it could be revisited next year.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 12/7/12]

GROWING NUMBER OF GOP LAWMAKERS AGREE

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK): “Personally, I know we have to raise revenue; I don’t really care which way we do it.  Actually, I would rather see the rates go up than do it the other way, because it gives us greater chance to reform the tax code and broaden the base in the future.” [The Hill, 12/5/12]

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): “Representative (Tom) Cole’s (R-Okla.) proposal to proceed with an extension of tax relief for working families making $250,000 or less has merit because everyone agrees lower and middle-income families should not be subjected to higher taxes. I believe that very wealthy individuals — millionaires and billionaires — should pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes to help us reduce the soaring deficit.” [Portland Press Herald, 12/6/12]

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME): “Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, who is retiring, joined a handful of other Republicans on Tuesday suggesting that Congress should pass the middle-class tax cut extensions now, then leave the fight over taxes and spending until later. Americans, she said, ‘should not even be questioning that we will ultimately raise taxes on low- to middle-income people.’ Congress could take that off the table ‘while you’re grappling with tax cuts for the wealthy,’ she said.” [NY Times, 12/5/12]

Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX): “Separately, Representative Kay Granger of Texas is endorsing Oklahoma Republican Tom Cole’s call to extend all tax cuts for middle-class earners as ‘just the right thing to do.’” [Bloomberg, 12/5/12]

Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC): “I would probably vote for it at that point.” [Huffington Post, 12/4/12]

Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH): “Rate increase, if the package includes significant entitlement reform that gets you to $4 to $6 trillion (in deficit savings) over 10 years, I would vote for that.” [The Associated Press, 11/30/12]

Rep. Charles Bass (R-NH): “If it gets us past the fiscal cliff and the president is willing to consider meaningful savings in entitlements, it’s a legitimate solution.” [The Associated Press, 11/30/12]

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK): “I think we ought to take the 98 percent deal right now.” [Politico, 11/27/12]

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA): “I have to say that if you’re going to sign me up with a camp, I like what Tom Cole has to say.” [CNN, 11/29/12]

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID): “I wouldn’t have a problem with letting those tax rates go up.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL): “Tom Cole is talking about passing the ones that are out there so there could be more certainty, and I think that would be a positive step.” [NY Times, 11/29/12]

CONSERVATIVE OPINION MAKERS ALSO SEE WRITING ON WALL

Bill Kristol: “My view is, get the tax issue off the table. It’s the weakest one for Republicans right now.”  [Fox News Sunday, 12/9/12]

Anne Coulter:  Coulter: “OK fine, let’s do that, but in the end, at some point, if the Bush tax cuts are repealed and everyone’s taxes go up, I promise you Republicans will get blamed for it.  It doesn’t mean you cave on everything, but there are some things Republicans do that feed into what the media is telling America about Republicans.” Hannity: “So are you saying that, for PR purposes, that they should give in to Obama on the tax rate?”  Coulter: “Not exactly, I–Well, yeah, I guess I am.”  [Huffington Post,12/6/12]

NY Post Columnist John Podhoretz: “Republicans have a bad hand to play when it comes to the “fiscal cliff” coming up Jan. 1, when taxes will rise automatically on everyone and whopping defense cuts will be imposed automatically.  The truth is, every way you look at it, the GOP is trapped. Republican politicians will cave and give the president most of what he wants…The only real question is when. The answer is: Probably at the worst possible time, when they’ve done even more damage to the party’s ‘brand.’”  [NY Post, 12/5/12]

Daily Caller Columnist Matt K. Lewis:  “Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see how Republicans have anything but bad options regarding the fiscal cliff. At least, not in the short term… This hasn’t stopped some conservative pundits from acting as if Republicans hold all the cards. But the notion that Republicans have leverage is silly. It’s the same kind of happy thinking that led some to boldly predict a Romney victory.”  [Daily Caller, 11/30/12]

Washington Examiner Editorial Writer Conn Carroll: “But as a backup plan, passing a tax cut for 98 percent of Americans, while avoiding any of the additional new stimulus spending that Obama is asking for, may be the best Republicans can hope for right now.” [Conn Carroll Column, Washington Examiner, 12/5/12]

NY Times Columnist David Brooks: “So Republicans have to realize that they are going to cave on tax rates.” [New York Times, 12/4/12]

National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru: “The low-risk [option] is to pass an extension of the middle-class tax cuts, which presumably the Democrats would have to pass, and watch taxes for high earners rise. That way at least Republicans wouldn’t get blamed for middle-class tax increases. That second option isn’t great. But it’s better than some of the possible deals I’ve been reading and hearing about.” [National Review, 11/30/12]

Wall Street Journal Editorial: “This is where Mr. Norquist can give some ground. If taxes are going up anyway because the Bush rates expire, and Republicans can stop them from going up as much as they otherwise would, then pledge-takers deserve some credit for that.” [Wall Street Journal, 11/27/12]

“This is a blatant attempt by Michigan Republicans to assault the collective bargaining process and undermine the standard of living it has helped foster. This effort continues a dangerous trend set by Republican-led state legislatures across the nation, and it is another instance of the Tea Party needlessly sowing division and setting Republicans’ economic agenda.

“Elected officials, labor leaders and business leaders can and should work towards the common goals of job creation, improving our economy and strengthening middle-class families. But this partisan power grab is a setback to prospects for compromise.”

“While too many Americans in Nevada and across the country continue to struggle, there is no doubt our economy is moving in the right direction. The only question is whether Republicans will jeopardize the progress made so far by forcing a $2,200 tax hike on middle class families, or initiating another destructive fight over the debt ceiling.

“The steps we need to take to keep our economy moving in the right direction are simple. Speaker Boehner should pass the Senate’s middle-class tax cut bill immediately, and Senator McConnell should allow an up-or-down vote on his own proposal to give the President the authority to avoid default by raising the debt ceiling.

“If Republicans refuse to take these simple steps, their focus will be clear:  they are more interested in appeasing the Tea Party than protecting the middle class.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) released the following statement today after Senator McConnell filibustered a bill to give the President the authority to raise the debt ceiling – a bill that Senator McConnell introduced earlier today.

“The Senate should pass Senator McConnell’s proposal to give the President the authority to avoid the knock-down, drag-out fight we had over the debt ceiling last year – a fight that caused the first-ever downgrade of this country’s credit, and cost our economy billions. Senator McConnell’s filibuster prevented us from having this vote today, but I will continue to seek an agreement to hold an up-or-down vote on his proposal to avoid another debt ceiling debacle.

“After leading three hundred and eighty five filibusters in recent years, Senator McConnell took obstruction to new heights by filibustering his own bill. Republicans’ obstruction and intransigence turned the last debt ceiling fight into a disaster for the middle-class. We should give American families the security of knowing we will never go through such a harmful ordeal again.”

“The only question left is how long Speaker Boehner will make middle class families wait for relief and how long he’ll force the financial markets to wait for certainty.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding tax and budget negotiations. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Democrats have been saying it for more than four months: it’s time for the House to pass the middle-class tax cut approved by the Senate.

But as the days until the country goes over the fiscal cliff tick by, more and more Republicans have joined our chorus. They realize Republican leaders’ unwillingness to compromise sooner has put them in a real bind.

So reasonable Republicans are asking their House leadership to allow a vote on the Senate-passed legislation. What was once a trickle has become a flood.

Last week Republican Rep. Tom Cole said it was time to give middle-class families certainty their taxes won’t go up by $2,200 on January 1.

Then Rep. Tim Scott, also a Republican, admitted the Senate’s middle-class tax cut would surely pass the House – since it will take only 26 moderate, Republican votes to ensure passage.

Conservative opinion makers piled on. Columnist David Brooks, of the New York Times, wrote: “Republicans have to realize that they are going to cave on tax rates.”

Then on Tuesday the Senior Senator from Maine, Olympia Snowe, urged House Republican leaders to end the suspense for middle-class taxpayers.

They shouldn’t have to wonder, she said, whether “we will ultimately raise taxes on low- to middle-income people.” I assure them, we won’t.

And on Wednesday Senator Susan Collins, joined her colleague from Maine, agreeing the idea of ending the suspense for the middle class “has merit.”

Yesterday, it seemed every practical Republican left in Washington was suddenly willing to say out loud what we’ve known for weeks: the only remaining option is for the House to pass the Senate bill.

Dozens of House Republicans signed onto a letter urging Speaker Boehner to take the last exit before the cliff.

Neither President Obama nor Democrats in Congress have ever been ambiguous about our proposal – to provide economic security for 98 percent of American families, while asking the wealthiest 2 percent to contribute just a little more to stop runaway debt.

And now that even a dyed-in-the-wool conservative like Senator Coburn has endorsed the Democratic approach, Speaker Boehner has the political cover he needs.

“I know we have to raise revenue,” Senator Coburn said Wednesday. “I would rather see the rates go up,” he said, than eliminate tax credits and deductions that benefit the middle class.

It’s apparent how this will end. The only question left is how long Speaker Boehner will make middle class families wait for relief and how long he’ll force the financial markets to wait for certainty.

The longer he delays, the greater the risk to our economy. So I urge Speaker Boehner, if you won’t listen to me, listen to your own caucus. Listen to prudent members of your own party.

We can argue whether to give more unnecessary tax breaks to the wealthy tomorrow. We can discuss balanced, responsible ways to reduce our deficit next week. We can reform our tax code next year. But we must give economic certainty to the middle class today.

Democrats agree. Independents agree. Republicans agree. Americans agree. Even dozens of CEOs of major corporations – whose personal taxes would go up under our plan – emphatically agree.

I’ve been saying for weeks that the only people who aren’t on board are Republicans in Congress. But now even they are crying out for compromise. I only hope Speaker Boehner is listening.

COBURN: ‘I’D RATHER SEE RATES GO UP.’ “Personally, I know we have to raise revenue; I don’t really care which way we do it.  Actually, I would rather see the rates go up than do it the other way, because it gives us greater chance to reform the tax code and broaden the base in the future.” [The Hill, 12/5/12]

GROWING NUMBER OF GOP LAWMAKERS AGREE

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME): “Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, who is retiring, joined a handful of other Republicans on Tuesday suggesting that Congress should pass the middle-class tax cut extensions now, then leave the fight over taxes and spending until later. Americans, she said, ‘should not even be questioning that we will ultimately raise taxes on low- to middle-income people.’ Congress could take that off the table ‘while you’re grappling with tax cuts for the wealthy,’ she said.” [NY Times, 12/5/12]

Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX): Separately, Representative Kay Granger of Texas is endorsing Oklahoma Republican Tom Cole’s call to extend all tax cuts for middle-class earners as “just the right thing to do.” [Bloomberg, 12/5/12]

Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC): “I would probably vote for it at that point.” [Huffington Post, 12/4/12]

Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH): “Rate increase, if the package includes significant entitlement reform that gets you to $4 to $6 trillion (in deficit savings) over 10 years, I would vote for that.” [The Associated Press, 11/30/12]

Rep. Charles Bass (R-NH): “If it gets us past the fiscal cliff and the president is willing to consider meaningful savings in entitlements, it’s a legitimate solution.” [The Associated Press, 11/30/12]

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK): “I think we ought to take the 98 percent deal right now.” [Politico, 11/27/12]

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA): “I have to say that if you’re going to sign me up with a camp, I like what Tom Cole has to say.” [CNN, 11/29/12]

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID): “I wouldn’t have a problem with letting those tax rates go up.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL): “Tom Cole is talking about passing the ones that are out there so there could be more certainty, and I think that would be a positive step.” [NY Times, 11/29/12]

CONSERVATIVE OPINION MAKERS ALSO SEE WRITING ON WALL

NY Post Columnist John Podhoretz: “Republicans have a bad hand to play when it comes to the “fiscal cliff” coming up Jan. 1, when taxes will rise automatically on everyone and whopping defense cuts will be imposed automatically.  The truth is, every way you look at it, the GOP is trapped. Republican politicians will cave and give the president most of what he wants… The only real question is when. The answer is: Probably at the worst possible time, when they’ve done even more damage to the party’s ‘brand.’”  [NY Post, 12/5/12]

Daily Caller Columnist Matt K. Lewis:  “Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see how Republicans have anything but bad options regarding the fiscal cliff. At least, not in the short term… This hasn’t stopped some conservative pundits from acting as if Republicans hold all the cards. But the notion that Republicans have leverage is silly. It’s the same kind of happy thinking that led some to boldly predict a Romney victory.”  [Daily Caller,11/30/12]

Washington Examiner Editorial Writer Conn Carroll: “But as a backup plan, passing a tax cut for 98 percent of Americans, while avoiding any of the additional new stimulus spending that Obama is asking for, may be the best Republicans can hope for right now.” [Conn Carroll Column, Washington Examiner, 12/5/12]

NY Times Columnist David Brooks: “So Republicans have to realize that they are going to cave on tax rates.” [New York Times, 12/4/12]

National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru: “The low-risk [option] is to pass an extension of the middle-class tax cuts, which presumably the Democrats would have to pass, and watch taxes for high earners rise. That way at least Republicans wouldn’t get blamed for middle-class tax increases. That second option isn’t great. But it’s better than some of the possible deals I’ve been reading and hearing about.” [National Review, 11/30/12]

Wall Street Journal Editorial: “This is where Mr. Norquist can give some ground. If taxes are going up anyway because the Bush rates expire, and Republicans can stop them from going up as much as they otherwise would, then pledge-takers deserve some credit for that.” [Wall Street Journal, 11/27/12]

“The few reasonable Republicans left in Congress agree we need to give certainty to middle-class families now.”

“I still believe there are 26 reasonable Republicans willing to put their promise to serve constituents ahead of their pledge to Grover Norquist.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the failure of the disabilities treaty and ongoing tax and budget negotiations. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Across the country, Americans are lamenting the lack of progress in negotiations to avoid a massive tax increase on middle-class families. I share their frustration.

But for insight into why negotiations have been difficult, consider yesterday’s failure of the Disabilities Convention at the hands of the Tea Party.

This shouldn’t have been a battle. But extreme elements of the Republican Party picked a fight where there was none.

Thirty-eight Republicans voted against the Convention, including several who were on the record supporting it.

This treaty, already ratified by 125 countries, would hold foreign nations to the same high standard of treatment the U.S. already maintains for people with disabilities.

And it would safeguard American citizens traveling, working and serving abroad.

The treaty has the support of veterans groups and disability groups from around the country.

It wouldn’t cost taxpayers a penny. It wouldn’t require any changes to existing U.S. law. And the issue is as bipartisan as they come. This is what one Senator said about the treaty:

“Protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, ANY person, is not a political issue. It is a human issue, regardless of where in the world a disabled person strives to live a normal, independent life where basic rights and accessibilities are available. Disability rights and protections have always been a bipartisan issue and ratifying this treaty should be no different.”

That wasn’t some ultra-liberal. That was Senator John McCain, a veteran, who broke with the extremists and Tea Partiers in his party and voted to ratify the treaty.

The Convention also had strong support from a number of other leading Republicans, including President George H.W. Bush and former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole.

Senator Dole, a disabled veteran of World War II who led the fight to pass the treaty, was here yesterday urging Republicans to support it.

One by one, those Republicans greeted the 89-year-old war hero and patriot, who just last week was in Walter Reed hospital.

And then, one by one, all but a handful of them voted against the treaty – ensuring its failure.

But their professed reasons for opposing it had no basis in fact. Even many Republicans acknowledge that.

There is no justification for sending a message / that every individual around the world / who strives to lead a full and productive life / in spite of a disability / does not deserve the same just treatment.

There is no justification for telling disabled Americans – especially those who have sacrificed their very bodies for our freedom – that they do not deserve the same protections abroad / that they do at home.

Yet that is the message 38 of my Republican colleagues sent yesterday.

And these are the same Republicans with whom Democrats are supposed to reach an agreement to protect middle-class families from a tax increase.

It’s difficult to engage in rational negotiation when one side holds well-known facts and proven truths in such low esteem.

That doesn’t mean compromise is out of reach.

But as negotiations continue, I hope my Republican colleagues will keep in mind the oft-repeated words of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan:

“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”

The stakes are high. The days run short. But there is still a quick, easy way out of this predicament.

The House must take up the Senate-passed, middle-class tax cut. The few reasonable Republicans left in Congress agree we need to give certainty to middle-class families now.

Yesterday, Senator Olympia Snowe, the Senior Senator from Maine, who is retiring, said Congress should fight about tax rates for the top 2 percent after we’ve reassured the middle class.

Americans, “should not even be questioning that we will ultimately raise taxes on low- to middle-income people.”

If House Republican leaders allow a vote on our legislation, it will pass. Every Democrat will vote for it.

It will only take 26 Republican votes to push the legislation across the finish line.

And I still believe there are 26 reasonable Republicans willing to put their promise to serve constituents ahead of their pledge to Grover Norquist.

“While there are still some concerns with provisions in this bill, and particularly in its House counterpart, I commend Senators Levin and McCain for working to address many of them, and I expect the remaining issues to be resolved in conference.”

“It is a sad day when we cannot pass a treaty that simply brings the world up to the American standard for protecting people with disabilities because the Republican party is in thrall to extremists and ideologues. The United States is seen as a leader around the world. Today, we had a chance to lead, and we failed because a small group of Republican senators fear the Tea Party more than they care about equality for people with disabilities.

“Today’s vote wasn’t about Republicans or Democrats. It was about standing up for our heroes – men and women who risked their lives on the battlefield for the United States of America. This treaty was about 57 million Americans who live with a disability. Republicans such as former President George H.W. Bush, Senator McCain and former Senator Bob Dole called on their Republican colleagues to support these Americans. I am saddened those Senators did not listen. Their arguments against the treaty had no basis in fact – the treaty does not change United States law. That is why I plan to bring this treaty up for a vote again in the next Congress. Our wounded veterans and millions more around the world deserve better.”

“Given the choice between millionaires and the middle class, Republicans sided with the wealthiest few.”

“Democrats won’t pass it. President Obama won’t sign it. And the American people won’t support it.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding tax and budget negotiations. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

It’s been nearly three weeks since leaders from both parties commenced negotiations with President Obama to avert the fiscal cliff.

But yesterday, after weeks of delay – and as the days dwindled until taxes are set to go up for millions of families and businesses – Republicans finally showed up to the negotiating table.

And now we know why they’ve been holding their cards so close to the vest: their proposal would raise taxes on the middle class.

Their plan to raise $800 billion in revenue by eliminating popular tax deductions and credits would reach deep into the pockets of middle class families.

Republicans are so intent on protecting low tax rates for millionaires and billionaires, they are willing to sacrifice the economic security of the middle class to do it.

Their proposal was short on specifics. But we know from independent analyses that it’s impossible to raise enough revenue to make a dent in our deficit without doing one of two things: raising tax rates on the top two percent or raising taxes on the middle class.

The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center called it “mathematically impossible” to reduce the deficit and give more tax cuts to the rich without harming the middle class.

As usual, given the choice between millionaires and the middle class, Republicans sided with the wealthiest few.

In fact, their plan doesn’t just keep rates low for the richest 2 percent – it actually lowers them further.

Democrats’ plan would protect 98 percent of families and 97 percent of small businesses from painful tax increases by asking the top 2 percent to pay a little bit more to reduce the deficit.

Republicans’ plan, on the other hand, is more of the same.

Not only does it balance the budget on the backs of the middle class, it voids our promise to seniors with steep cuts to Social Security and Medicare – all to pay for even more handouts to the rich.

At least now we know where they stand.

Republicans have sought cover by invoking Erskine Bowles’ name, but he has disavowed their plan in no uncertain terms.

We are glad to finally see Republicans joining in the negotiating process instead of watching from the sidelines.

But while their proposal may be serious, it’s also a non-starter.

They know any agreement that raises taxes on the middle class in order to protect more unnecessary giveaways to the top 2 percent is doomed from the start.

Democrats won’t pass it.

President Obama won’t sign it.

And the American people won’t support it.

They are tired of budget-busting giveaways to the wealthiest few – people who have enjoyed growing paychecks and shrinking tax bills for more than a decade.

The American people want a balanced deal. And simple math dictates that a balanced deal must include higher tax rates for the richest few.

Republicans would be wise to keep that in mind as negotiations move forward.

Democrats are willing to compromise.

But we will not consign the middle class to higher tax bills while millionaires and billionaires avoid all the pain.

“To protect millionaires, Speaker Boehner’s offer would force middle class families to pay higher taxes. Raising taxes on the middle class is bad policy and flunks the test of balance. To protect the middle class while reducing the deficit, simple math dictates that tax rates must rise on the top two percent of taxpayers next year. The sooner Republicans grasp that reality, the sooner we can avoid the fiscal cliff.

“Democrats are willing to compromise, but any agreement must protect the middle class. We have also been clear that we have no intention of kicking the can down the road. Not only does Speaker Boehner’s proposal delay revenues into 2013, it sets up another destructive fight over the debt ceiling first thing next year.

“Republicans have made an offer, but now it is time for them to get serious about forging a balanced approach.”

“The sooner they make a legitimate offer, the sooner we can all start working to find the middle ground.”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the tax and budget negotiations. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Before I came to Congress, I was a lawyer.

I tried lots of cases – including more than 100 jury trials.

But my greatest victories were the cases that never saw the inside of a courtroom.

As the English poet George Herbert said, “A lean compromise is better than a fat lawsuit.”

It’s always better to settle than to fight it out. So I’ve done my fair share of negotiating – both as a lawyer and as a lawmaker.

And I have a bit of negotiating advice for Republican Leaders: you’re doing it wrong.

Generally during a negotiation, each side brings an offer or demand to the table. And then the two sides sit down and find middle ground everyone can live with.

It’s not always easy and it’s rarely ever fun. True compromise means no one gets everything they want.

But unless both sides come to the table with an offer, you can’t even begin the negotiation.

In fact, unless both sides come to the table with an offer, it’s not really a negotiation at all.

Over the last week, Republican Leaders from both Chambers have complained that Democrats put forward a proposal for resolving the fiscal cliff that reflected our priorities. What did they expect?

Our proposal is simple: we want to end unnecessary tax breaks for the richest of the rich and provide security for everyone making less than $250,000.

No one should be surprised by President Obama’s offer. It is exactly what he has said he supports time and again.

It’s what I have said I support time and again.

It’s what Democratic Senators campaigned on across the country.

This plan to protect 98 percent of American families from a tax increase also passed the Senate four months ago.

And it has the support of the American people.

Sixty percent of Americans – including 63 percent of independents – support raising taxes on those making more than $250,000.

I wish I could share with you the details of the Republicans’ answering proposal.

Unfortunately, they have yet to produce one.

We’re not going to do their homework for them.

It is Republicans’ responsibility to respond with a counter-offer – not a hint dropped during a Wall Street Journal interview or a Sunday talk show, but a real offer.
And the sooner they make a legitimate offer, the sooner we can all start working to find the middle ground.

Let me remind my Republican colleagues that, as we work toward a final agreement, millions of middle-class families are nervously watching and waiting.

For four months, Republicans have held them hostage to protect the richest 2 percent of taxpayers.

Reasonable, rank-and-file Republicans are urging their leadership to stop delaying Senate-passed legislation that would give millions of middle-class families making less than $250,000 the certainty their taxes won’t go up by $2,200 on January 1.

It wouldn’t be hard for Speaker Boehner to pass our bill. Every Democrat in the House will vote for it.

To reach 218 votes to pass our legislation, it only takes 26 reasonable Republicans willing to put the needs of the middle class ahead of the demands of Grover Norquist.

As my friend and colleague, the Senior Senator from Missouri, Claire McCaskill, said on Sunday, John Boehner has a decision to make.

This is what she said: “He’s got to decide, is his speakership more important or is the country more important?”

As we continue to hope for a balanced agreement that will safeguard the economy, I hope Speaker Boehner ends the suspense for millions of American families.

THREE NEW GOP LAWMAKERS ECHO REP. TOM COLE

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK): “I think we ought to take the 98 percent deal right now.” [Politico, 11/27/12]

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA): “I have to say that if you’re going to sign me up with a camp, I like what Tom Cole has to say.” [CNN, 11/29/12]

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID): “I wouldn’t have a problem with letting those tax rates go up.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL): “Tom Cole is talking about passing the ones that are out there so there could be more certainty, and I think that would be a positive step.” [NY Times, 11/29/12]

HOUSE GOP LAWMAKERS: ‘SENATE BILL COULD PASS THE HOUSE’

Rep. Steve King (R-IA): “Conservatives might be able to figure how they can go home and rationalize a vote that included a revenue increase and or a tax rate increase.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

Spokesman for Rep Tim Scott (R-SC): Such a measure “could pass the House.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

Anonymous GOP Lawmaker: “Another senior Republican lawmaker, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters that a Democratic bill, which passed the Senate in July and would raise income taxes on families with net incomes above $250,000, could pass his chamber if it got to the floor.” [Reuters, 11/29/12]

It took four months, but Republicans are finally realizing the way back from the fiscal cliff has been right in front of them all along.

In July, the Senate passed legislation to give economic certainty to 98 percent of families and 97 percent of small businesses – to every American making less than $250,000 a year.

For four months we’ve been one vote away from a solution to this looming crisis.

And for four months, House Republicans have refused to act.

Instead they have held the middle class hostage to protect the richest 2 percent of taxpayers – people who have enjoyed a decade of ballooning income and shrinking tax bills.

Now reasonable Republicans are coming around to what Democrats have said all along: let’s reassure millions of middle-class Americans their taxes won’t go up by $2,200 on January 1.

Prominent Republicans are calling on Speaker Boehner to end the suspense for millions of American families.

Republican Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma urged his caucus to pass the Senate’s legislation keeping taxes low for those making less than $250,000.

And conservative, Republican Congressman Tim Scott of South Carolina admitted yesterday that if the Speaker brought our bill to a vote, it would surely to pass.

It’s time House Republican leadership listened to the will of the American people – and the advice of reasonable members of their own caucus.

The way out of this standoff is clear.

Yet we’re left wondering how long Republicans will force middle-class families to wait and worry.

Unfortunately, resolving this standoff won’t eliminate every conflict over our fiscal future.

If we’re serious about reducing the deficit, it will take a balanced approach.

Last year, we successfully worked across party lines to cut a trillion dollars’ worth of spending we just couldn’t afford.

Now, even our Republican colleagues acknowledge budget cuts alone won’t solve our fiscal challenges.

A majority of Americans – 60 percent – want to end needless tax breaks for the richest Americans. Democrats couldn’t agree more.

But we can argue over whether to give more unnecessary handouts to the wealthy tomorrow.

We can discuss balanced, responsible ways to reduce our deficit tomorrow.

Let’s take care of the middle class today.

On April 14, 1945, a young Robert Dole lay gravely wounded in the mud of a war-torn Italian hillside, after shrapnel tore through his shoulder and spine.

Twenty-four years later, after years spent rebuilding his body and building a political career, the future Senate Majority Leader gave his maiden speech on the Senate floor.

Senator Bob Dole’s first floor speech was about the challenges faced each day – even in this, the richest of nations – by people just like him – people with disabilities.

He described the discrimination Americans with disabilities faced as, “Maybe not exclusion from the front of the bus, but perhaps from even climbing aboard it.”

And for the next 27 years of his Senate career – including 11 years as Majority Leader – and throughout his years in the private sector, Bob Dole would remain a vocal advocate for Americans with disabilities.

Since Senator Dole fought for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, barriers have lifted, helping people with disabilities in this country live the full and productive lives they want and deserve.

There is no finer example of the extraordinary things ordinary Americans can achieve in spite of their disabilities than Bob Dole’s inspiring career.

The United States has been a leader in expanding disability rights across the globe. And U.S. law has been the gold standard for the rest of world.

But the United States must continue to lead by example. And we must do more to protect American citizens traveling, working and serving abroad.

The Disabilities Convention before the Senate today, a treaty already ratified by 125 nations, would advance those goals.

This convention would give us an opportunity to strengthen our leadership on disability rights around the world.

And it is another step towards ensuring all people with a disability – in any country – are treated with dignity and given the right to achieve their full potential.

Ratification of this treaty won’t cost taxpayers a dime.

It won’t require any changes to existing U.S. law.

It has the support of veterans groups and disability groups from around the country.

It has the strong backing of a bipartisan group of Senators and leading Republicans such as President George H.W. Bush, as well as Senator Dole.

And like passing the Americans with Disabilities Act, ratifying the treaty is the right thing to do.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “If you would lift me up you must be on higher ground.”

If the United States wishes to be a global example of the huge strides people with disabilities can make when barriers to success are removed, we must take the high ground.

I thank Senators Kerry, McCain, Durbin, Lugar, Barrasso, Coons, Tom Udall and Harkin for leading the way on this issue. With their help, I hope we will quickly ratify this treaty.

Too often, it is a challenge finding common ground in Washington.

But as we negotiate a path back from the fiscal cliff, we should also recognize when Democrats and Republicans agree.

We agree taxes should not go up for anyone making less than $250,000 a year – 97 percent of small businesses and 98 percent of middle-class families.

With common ground in sight, we should be able to act today to avert the fiscal cliff for millions of families and business.

Even if we disagree on whether to end tax breaks for the wealthiest two percent of Americans, we should agree to hold the middle class harmless – and do it now.

A single vote in the House of Representatives would get the job done.

Unfortunately, there’s one obstacle standing between Congress and compromise: Grover Norquist.

For years, Norquist has bullied lawmakers willing to put their oath of office or their promise to serve constituents ahead of their pledge to the anti-tax zealot.

His brand of ideological extremism has been bad for Congress and even worse for the country.

So I was pleased to see a few Republicans in Congress distance themselves from Norquist this week.

Several Republican lawmakers have said revenue should be on the table during fiscal cliff negotiations.

Now it’s time for those Republicans to turn happy talk into action.

President Obama and Senate Democrats ran on a promise to end the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy.

Americans raised their voices, cast their votes and supported our pledge.

Congress must act in accordance with the will of the American people.

An agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff must give economic certainty to middle-class families.

It must protect important tax deductions for families and businesses still struggling to recover from the Great Recession.

It must take a balanced approach to reduce spending.

But it must also ask the richest of the rich to pay a little extra to reduce the deficit.

Any balanced agreement will require difficult concessions from both sides.

Clinging to the kind of ideological purity Grover Norquist peddles – saying you’ll never bend or compromise – is easy.

Cooperating with those with whom you disagree is hard.

Doing what’s right for the country – despite the personal cost – is hard.

Legislating is hard.

As we approach the fiscal cliff, Democrats are ready to make tough choices.

I hope my Republican friends – especially those who claim they put no pledge before their pledge to serve their constituents – can say the same.