January 7, 2009

Senator Leadership Discuss Democratic Priorities For 111th Congress

Washington, DC — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin, Democratic Conference Vice Chairman Charles Schumer, and Democratic Conference Secretary Patty Murray held a press conference today to discuss Democratic priorities for the 111th Congress. The Senators discussed Democrats’ efforts to revive our economy, protect homeowners and consumers, make America more energy independent, strengthen our national security, and improve health care and educational opportunities for all Americans. 

“This Congress, Democrats have one explicit goal: to deliver the change Americans have demanded,” Reid said. “We are confronting some of the most severe problems we have faced in generations. They didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved in a day, but by working together in a bipartisan fashion, Democrats know we can move our country forward.” 

Said Durbin: “Our nation is facing historic challenges and the Senate is poised to quickly to renew the American dream. Senate Democrats will work to return accountability and oversight to the executive branch, strengthen our economy by securing our borders, and restore America’s standing in the world.” 

“The era of the forgotten middle class is over,” Schumer said. “This Congress, we will make good on our promise to provide real relief for middle class families. Everyone should be able to raise a family, send their kids to college, and care for their elderly parents without having to take on a second job or extra shifts. In everything we do, our priorities will be the priorities of working families.” 

Said Murray: “For the first time in a long time, we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the way we treat health care and education.  It is time to make health care more affordable and more efficient for each and every American – especially for children.  Our nation’s economy and the strength of our communities depend on an effective and responsive education system.  Reforming and improving these two critical systems will not be easy, but we stand ready to work with all of our colleagues to make the improvements our country deserves.” 

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