Senate Democrats » Supreme Court http://democrats.senate.gov Official news and legislative information from Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Reid Files Amicus Brief With Supreme Court To End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/03/01/reid-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-to-end-discrimination-against-same-sex-couples/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/03/01/reid-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-to-end-discrimination-against-same-sex-couples/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:08:24 +0000 ian http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=112241 Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today issued the following statement after filing an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court arguing that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. Section 3 of DOMA prohibits the federal government from recognizing for purposes of federal law same-sex marriages performed in states where such marriages have been legally recognized. Forty members of the U.S. Senate and 172 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed the brief:

“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.”

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/03/01/reid-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-to-end-discrimination-against-same-sex-couples/feed/ 0 Reid Files Amicus Brief With Supreme Court To Curtail Voter Suppression http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/02/01/reid-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-to-curtail-voter-suppression/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/02/01/reid-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-to-curtail-voter-suppression/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:49:57 +0000 aaron https://democrats.senate.gov/?p=111930 Washington, D.C.- Nevada Senator Harry Reid today issued the following statement after filing an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of upholding Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which provides the legal avenue to challenge measures that discriminate against minority voters. The case, Shelby County, Alabama v. Eric Holder, Jr., Attorney General of the United States, puts Section 5 of the VRA in jeopardy:

“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.

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2013/02/01/reid-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-to-curtail-voter-suppression/feed/ 0 Reid Statement On The Situation In Arizona http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/11/10/reid-statement-on-the-situation-in-arizona/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/11/10/reid-statement-on-the-situation-in-arizona/#comments Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:34:23 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=110811 Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) released the following statement today on the situation in Arizona, where as of Friday, nearly 525,000 votes remain uncounted out of 1.8 million total ballots cast. In Maricopa County alone, over 350,000 votes remain uncounted.

“All of the votes in Arizona must be counted promptly, accurately and equally. The uncounted votes in Maricopa County alone represent a major portion of the total votes cast in Arizona on Tuesday.

“In light of the Supreme Court’s decision to hear challenges to the Voting Rights Act, we are reminded that the right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. That right is not secure when some votes are counted while others are suppressed or ignored. I expect state and local officials in Arizona to ensure that every vote is counted promptly, accurately and equally.”

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/11/10/reid-statement-on-the-situation-in-arizona/feed/ 0 Reid: Supreme Court’s Decision A True Victory For The American People http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/29/reid-supreme-court%e2%80%99s-decision-a-true-victory-for-the-american-people/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/29/reid-supreme-court%e2%80%99s-decision-a-true-victory-for-the-american-people/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:41:19 +0000 ian http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109949


Congress Can’t Afford To Waste Time Refighting Old Battles And Should Renew Focus On Creating Jobs

 

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act and Congress’ plan to refocus on creating jobs for the American people. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Yesterday the United States Supreme Court reaffirmed that no family should live one illness or accident away from bankruptcy.

The Court’s decision isn’t a victory for Democrats or for President Obama – it’s a true victory for the American people.

Let me give you a few reasons why.

Since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, more than 6 million young people have signed up for their parents’ health plans.

Because children can now stay on their parents’ insurance until they’re 26, no young person will have to defer his or her dreams to take a job that offers insurance.

Since health reform took effect, 5 million seniors have already saved about $600 each on prescription drugs. Millions more have gotten free wellness checks and cancer screenings.

That means millions of seniors have more money in their pockets for food, gas and the electric bill.

And, hundreds of thousands of businesses that already offer their employees health insurance are getting tax credits for doing the right thing.

Since Congress passed this law, insurance companies can no longer put profits ahead of people.

They can no longer discriminate against children with preexisting conditions.

They can no longer raise your rates for no reason.

They can no longer drop your coverage if you get sick.

Millions of Americans are already seeing the benefits of this law.

And soon, 30 million more who can’t afford health insurance will have access to reasonably priced insurance and quality care.

Here’s how it works. Each state will set up its own health insurance marketplace, called an exchange, which will offer a menu of private insurance plans from which people can choose.

Once these exchanges are in place, insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against any American with a preexisting health condition.

They won’t be able to deny you insurance because you’re sick.

They won’t be able to charge you more just because you’re a woman or because you don’t already have insurance.

And if you can’t afford the premiums, you’ll get a tax credit to help pay them.

But what if you’re one of the 250 million Americans who already has insurance? Nothing will change.

Nothing will change except that you’ll no longer have to worry that if you lose your job, you’ll lose your insurance.

Nothing will change except that if you get cancer or have a stroke, your insurance company won’t be allowed to deny life-saving care because you reach some arbitrary lifetime cap.

Nothing will change except that your checkups and preventive care will be free – a provision that’s already helped 54 million Americans with private insurance.

You’ll be able to keep your plan and keep your doctor. But now you – not the insurance company – will be in control.

And by August, almost 13 million people will get a rebate check from their insurance company because it spent too much on administrative costs and not enough on health care.

The Affordable Care Act is already helping millions of Americans – seniors on Medicare, children with heart conditions, students following their dreams.

And in the coming months many millions more will benefit from this law.

That’s doesn’t mean the law is perfect. Democrats have already shown we’re willing to work with Republicans to improve it.

But now that the Supreme Court has spoken, it’s time to renew our focus on the most pressing challenge facing this nation: the high unemployment rate.

Too many Americans are still struggling. And Congress can’t afford to waste time refighting old battles.

Now we need to work together to put Americans back to work.

Thanks to cooperation on both sides, I am glad to say the Senate will vote today on the transportation jobs bill conference report.

This package also includes an extension of student loan rates and flood insurance legislation.

Passing these three very important job-creating measures is a real accomplishment for Congress.

Extending the flood insurance program will allow millions of home closings to go forward at a time when our real estate market is just beginning to rebound.

Preventing interest rates from doubling on 7 million students was a major priority for Democrats and for President Obama.

And passing the two-year transportation bill will create or save 2.8 million American jobs – many of them in the hard-hit construction industry.

It will also restore millions of miles of crumbling roadways, railways and bridges.

This has been an incredibly productive week. And it tops off a fruitful session.

This month we passed a bipartisan farm bill that will give certainty to an agriculture industry that supports 16 million jobs.

I am optimistic the Senate will maintain a spirit of collaboration during the next work period, when we will consider a number of other job-creation measures.

I hope all my colleagues have a constructive week in their home states, and a safe and happy Fourth of July.

And I hope they come back rested and ready to work on in July, because we have a lot to get done next month to ensure this country’s economic future.

I look forward to taking on that challenge together.


]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/29/reid-supreme-court%e2%80%99s-decision-a-true-victory-for-the-american-people/feed/ 0 Senators Leahy, Baucus, and Harkin Comment on the Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold the Affordable Care Act http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/senators-leahy-baucus-and-harkin-comment-on-the-supreme-courts-decision-to-uphold-the-affordable-care-act/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/senators-leahy-baucus-and-harkin-comment-on-the-supreme-courts-decision-to-uphold-the-affordable-care-act/#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:37:02 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109937 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act is a win not only for the millions of Vermonters and other Americans who have long been victimized by a deeply flawed health care system, but for all Americans who will benefit as we continue to implement this landmark law.

“Over much of the last century, generation after generation has unsuccessfully grappled with how to answer complex and increasingly urgent questions about how to let every American have access to quality, affordable health insurance.  Out of control costs were eating our economy alive and forcing many employers to drop insurance for their workers.  The Affordable Care Act at last answered those questions.  Though no bill is perfect, these are good reforms, long needed by the American people, by American businesses and by the American economy.

“The nation and every American household now would be best served if this historic decision puts an end to the years of partisan attacks and obstruction of efforts to help the millions of Americans who have fallen through the cracks, and millions more who worry with good reason that they may fall through the cracks of our broken health insurance system.  The Court has spared the American people a return to those decades of spiraling problems and uncertainty that reached into every American household.

“The Court’s decision reaffirms what I have believed since the Senate debated and passed this law: Congress has the power under the Constitution and the Court’s own, long-standing precedent to protect Americans from abuses by health insurers and to help give all Americans with access to affordable health care, including some of the most vulnerable among us like children and older Americans.

“In passing the Affordable Care Act, Congress built on the cornerstones of modern America like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, to strengthen the Nation’s social safety net and help protect hardworking Americans.  I have served in the Senate for 37 years, through seven presidencies.  I am one of the few people in the Senate today who can say that I served alongside representatives who voted to create our nation’s Social Security system, voted for the G.I. bill, passed the Voting Rights Act, and created Medicare, Medicaid, and Head Start.  Congress has come together to refine the laws establishing these programs.  We should similarly come together to further improve the Affordable Care Act where needed.  It’s time to stop the political posturing.  Congress works best for the American people when we are able to come together to solve national problems.  America is stronger when we do.”

 

Statement Of Senator Max Baucus (D-Mt.)
Chairman, Senate Finance Committee

“This is a win for millions of American families, small businesses, and seniors who are getting more affordable health care, tax cuts, and protections from insurance company abuses thanks to this law.  Now it’s time to put politics aside.  We need to move forward and find ways to work together to put America back on track.”

 

Statement Of Senator Tom Harkin (D-Ia.)
Chairman, Senate HELP Committee

 “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a rigorous, resounding confirmation of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.  It is great news for America’s families and businesses, and for our economy.  This decision keeps consumers, rather than insurance companies, in the driver’s seat, and protects the more than $1 trillion in deficit reduction included in the ACA. Today’s decision allows us to continue our work replacing the current sick care system with a genuine health care system – one focused on wellness, prevention, and public health, keeping people out of the hospital in the first place.

“I am heartened to see that the hundreds of millions of corporate dollars poured into the effort to kill the Affordable Care Act did not win. This law is a critical step in the right direction; I have likened it to a starter home, suitable for improvement.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sensible changes as we continue to implement the law.  I invite them to bring their tool kits, rather than their sledgehammers, so we can work together to improve the law.

“The choice is to go forward, or be dragged backward.  I believe the great majority of Americans want to go forward – and today the Supreme Court made clear what we have long known: that the opposition is standing on the wrong side of history.  Now let’s get back to work building a health care system that works not only for the healthy and wealthy, but for all Americans.”

 

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/senators-leahy-baucus-and-harkin-comment-on-the-supreme-courts-decision-to-uphold-the-affordable-care-act/feed/ 0 Senate Democrats Discuss Court Decision On Twitter http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/senate-democrats-discuss-court-decision-on-twitter/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/senate-democrats-discuss-court-decision-on-twitter/#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:53:24 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109927 Democratic senators have used Twitter to share their reactions to today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. See below for a sampling of senators’ tweets. You can follow all Senate Democrats using this Twitter list.

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/senate-democrats-discuss-court-decision-on-twitter/feed/ 0 Schumer Statement In Response To Supreme Court Ruling On Affordable Care Act http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/schumer-statement-in-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-affordable-care-act/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/schumer-statement-in-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-affordable-care-act/#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:27:36 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109916 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement Thursday in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act:

“This decision preserves not only the health care law, but also the Supreme Court’s position as an institution above politics. Just as Speaker Boehner vowed not to spike the football if the law was overturned, Republicans should not carry on out of pique now that the law has been upheld. Democrats remain willing to cooperate on potential improvements to the law, but now that all three branches of government have ratified this law, the time for quarreling over its validity is over. Congress must now return its full-time focus to the issue that matters most to the public, and that is jobs.”

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/schumer-statement-in-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-affordable-care-act/feed/ 0 Reid Floor Statement On Supreme Court Decision To Uphold Affordable Care Act http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/reid-floor-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-to-uphold-affordable-care-act/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/reid-floor-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-to-uphold-affordable-care-act/#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:21:31 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109912 Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

I’m pleased to see the Supreme Court put the rule of law ahead of partisanship, and ruled the Affordable Care Act constitutional.

Millions of Americans are already seeing the benefits of this law.

Seniors are saving money on their prescriptions and checkups.

Children can no longer be denied insurance because they have a preexisting condition, a protection that will soon extend to every American.

No longer will American families be a car accident or heart attack away from bankruptcy.

No longer will they live in fear of losing their health insurance because they lose their job.

No longer will tens of millions of Americans rely on emergency room care – or go without care entirely – because they have no insurance at all.

Soon, virtually every man, woman and child in America will have access to health insurance they can afford and the vital care they need.

Passing the Affordable Care Act was the greatest single step in generations toward ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for every American – regardless of where they live or how much money they make.

Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress continue to target the rights and benefits guaranteed under this law.

They would like to give the power of life and death back to insurance companies.

But the United States Supreme Court has spoken. This matter is settled.

No one thinks this law is perfect. But Democrats have proven we’re willing to work with Republicans to improve the Affordable Care Act.

Millions of Americans are still struggling to find work. Our first priority must be to improve the economy.

It’s time for Republicans to stop refighting yesterday’s battles.

Now that this matter is settled, I hope we can work together to create jobs and secure this country’s economic future.

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/28/reid-floor-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-to-uphold-affordable-care-act/feed/ 0 Reid: Democrats Are Ready To Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform If Republicans Will Join Us http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/27/reid-democrats-are-ready-to-pass-comprehensive-immigration-reform-if-republicans-will-join-us/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/27/reid-democrats-are-ready-to-pass-comprehensive-immigration-reform-if-republicans-will-join-us/#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:09:27 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109904 If Republicans Want to Reform Broken System, They Should Work with Democrats, Not Criticize from the Sidelines

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding comprehensive immigration reform. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Monday’s United State Supreme Court decision to strike most of the unconstitutional Arizona immigration law reaffirmed something most of us already knew: the onus is on Congress to repair a broken system.

No one denies the system is broken.

But in the 48 hours since the Supreme Court’s ruling, Republicans have engaged in revisionist history to explain why it’s taken so long to fix it.

Here are the facts:

When Democrats brought a comprehensive immigration reform bill to the floor in 2007, Republicans filibustered the legislation – even though Republican President Bush supported it.

And they twice filibustered the DREAM Act – which would allow children brought to the country by their parents to go to college, serve in the military and work toward citizenship.

Democrats have been ready to pass comprehensive immigration reform for years.

It’s Republicans who are divided on this issue.

And every time Democrats offer to work together on comprehensive immigration reform – even bringing to the floor bipartisan ideas originally proposed by Republicans – the other side finds an excuse not to support change.

Yet Republicans blame Democrats for inaction.

Well, they can’t have it both ways – they can’t blame Democrats for not passing a bipartisan immigration bill when they were the ones who blocked the bill.

Moving forward, Congress has two things in its favor.

Thanks to President Obama’s decisive action, the specter of deportation no longer hangs over the heads of 800,000 young people brought to the country as children.

And the Supreme Court offered yet another affirmation that a long-term fix for our broken immigration system must come from Congress and not from the states.

Now is not the time to retreat to our corners. It’s the time to work together on a reasonable solution, one 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.

If my Republican colleagues truly care about changing the status quo, they should step forward now and work with Democrats, not criticize from the sidelines.

Unfortunately, Republicans who once favored a permanent resolution for America’s broken immigration system are deserting efforts to find common ground.

And the only decisive Republican voice on this issue today seems to be Mitt Romney – who has called the unconstitutional Arizona law the “model” for reform.

Mitt Romney has also promised to veto the DREAM Act.

Democrats believe the kind of institutionalized racism in the Arizona law is hardly the “model” for reform in a country that stands for liberty and justice for all.

And we believe upstanding young people who have never known any home but the United States of America should go to college, fight for their country and contribute to society – not face deportation.

But at least we know where Mitt Romney stands on these issues, even if we disagree with him.

As long as Republicans remain unwilling to vote for comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform, we remain at an impasse.

But I want my Republican colleagues to know this: as soon as they are willing to join us to craft a common-sense, legislative solution that is tough, fair and practical, we are ready to join them.

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/27/reid-democrats-are-ready-to-pass-comprehensive-immigration-reform-if-republicans-will-join-us/feed/ 0 Reid: Unconstitutional Arizona Law Should Not Be A “Model” For Immigration Reform http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/reid-unconstitutional-arizona-law-should-not-be-a-%e2%80%9cmodel%e2%80%9d-for-immigration-reform/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/reid-unconstitutional-arizona-law-should-not-be-a-%e2%80%9cmodel%e2%80%9d-for-immigration-reform/#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:09:16 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109864 Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on Arizona’s SB 1070. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Today, the Supreme Court correctly struck down the vast majority of the mean-spirited Arizona immigration law.

And while I agree with the Court’s decision to invalidate three troubling provisions of Arizona’s flawed law, I am concerned that the Court would leave any part of this law in place.

The justices upheld a measure that allows police to conduct immigration checks on anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally – even if their only evidence is an accent or skin color.

Allowing Arizona to keep its “papers please” system of immigration checks invites racial profiling.

And it gives Arizona officials free rein to detain anyone they suspect of being in the state without documentation.

As long as this provision remains, innocent American citizens are in danger of being detained by police unless they carry immigration papers with them at all times.

However, it is reassuring that the court left the door open to further challenges of this unsound provision.

I am optimistic that once that portion of the law is implemented, it will be discarded by the court as well.

Laws that legalize discrimination are not compatible with our nation’s ideals and traditions of equal rights.

So it is disturbing that Mitt Romney has called the Arizona law a “model” for immigration reform.

Anyone who thinks such an unconstitutional law should serve as a “model” for national reform is clearly outside the mainstream – and the U.S. Supreme Court agreed today.

Today’s partial victory affirms the Obama administration was right to challenge this awful law.

And it is a reminder that the ultimate responsibility for fixing our nation’s broken immigration system rests with Congress.

Instead of allowing 50 states to have 50 different enforcement mechanisms, we need a national 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 then go to the end of the line to legalize their status.

Democrats are ready for this challenge – to craft a common-sense, legislative solution that is tough, fair and practical.

We have been for years. The problem has always been that Republicans unwilling to vote for immigration reform.

A good first step would be to pass the DREAM Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for children brought to the country through no fault of their own.

If upstanding young people stay out of trouble and work hard in high school, they should have the chance to serve their country in the military, go to college and work toward citizenship.

Unfortunately, Mitt Romney has said he would veto the DREAM Act.

President Obama, on the other hand, took decisive action in halting deportation of the DREAMers.

His directive will protect 800,000 young people and focus law enforcement resources where they belong – on deporting criminals.

As we all know, it’s not a permanent solution.

But President Obama’s decision to defer these deportations was necessary precisely because Republicans have so far refused to work with Democrats on a solution.

Congress must consider a long-term resolution that protects the DREAMers, and tackles comprehensive immigration reform that addresses all 11 million undocumented people living in this country.

But that will take cooperation from our Republican colleagues.

We have a lot to accomplish this week – and getting it all done before the July Fourth holiday will also take cooperation.

By Friday the Senate must:

  • Pass flood insurance legislation that will allow millions of Americans to close on new homes.
  • Send to President Obama’s desk a bipartisan bill to ease drug shortages.
  • And protect 3 million American jobs with an agreement on transportation legislation.

And the deadline to stop student loan rates from doubling for 7 million students looms at the end of the week as well.

I am putting my colleagues on notice that the Senate will stay as long as it takes – into the weekend if necessary – to complete this substantial workload.

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/reid-unconstitutional-arizona-law-should-not-be-a-%e2%80%9cmodel%e2%80%9d-for-immigration-reform/feed/ 0 Reid Statement On Arizona Supreme Court Decision http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/reid-statement-on-arizona-supreme-court-decision/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/reid-statement-on-arizona-supreme-court-decision/#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:30:05 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109859 Washington, D.C.—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down three out of the four provisions of Arizona’s SB 1070 immigration law.

“The Supreme Court was right to strike down the vast majority of the Arizona law. With three out of the four provisions being struck down, the ruling shows that the Obama administration was right to challenge this law, which was not just ill-advised but also unconstitutional.

“I am greatly concerned that the provision putting American citizens in danger of being detained by police unless they carry their immigration papers at all times will lead to a system of racial profiling. This is a strong reminder that ultimately, the responsibility for fixing our nation’s broken immigration system lies with Congress. President Obama’s decision to defer deportation of young people brought here through no fault of their own was necessary precisely because Republicans have so far refused to work with Democrats on forging common-sense solutions to our immigration challenge that are fair, tough and practical. Immigration reform should continue securing our borders; punish unscrupulous employers who exploit immigrants and undercut American wages; pass the DREAM Act; and require the 11 million who are undocumented to register with the government, learn English, pay fines, pay taxes and go to the end of the line to legalize their status.

“Looking ahead to the immigration debate, it is disturbing that Mitt Romney called the unconstitutional Arizona law a ‘model’ for immigration reform. Laws that legalize discrimination are not compatible with our nation’s ideals and traditions of equal rights, and the idea that such an unconstitutional law should serve as a ‘model’ for national reform is far outside the American mainstream.”

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/reid-statement-on-arizona-supreme-court-decision/feed/ 0 Schumer Statement In Response To Supreme Court Ruling On Arizona Immigration Law http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/schumer-statement-in-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-arizona-immigration-law/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/schumer-statement-in-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-arizona-immigration-law/#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:20:38 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=109857 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), the chairman of the Senate subcommittee on immigration, released the following statement Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Arizona’s controversial immigration law:

“This is as strong a repudiation of the Arizona law as one could expect given that the law has not been implemented yet. Three linchpins of the Arizona law were struck down by a convincing majority of the Court as clearly violating federal law, and a fourth is on thin legal ice. The Court is sending a stern warning to Arizona that the provision allowing local law enforcement to check people’s immigration documents cannot be implemented in a discriminatory or draconian way, or it will be thrown out like the rest of the law.

“This decision tells us that states cannot take the law into their own hands and makes it clear that the only real solution to immigration reform is a comprehensive federal law. The decision should importune Republicans and Democrats to work together on this issue in a bipartisan way.”

–U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2012/06/25/schumer-statement-in-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-arizona-immigration-law/feed/ 0 Reid Statement On Supreme Court’s Decision To Take Up Health Care Reform http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/11/14/reid-statement-on-supreme-court%e2%80%99s-decision-to-take-up-health-care-reform/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/11/14/reid-statement-on-supreme-court%e2%80%99s-decision-to-take-up-health-care-reform/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:08:20 +0000 aaron http://democrats.senate.gov/?p=98142 Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court announced it will consider the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

“Families, seniors and small businesses in Nevada and across the country are reaping the benefits of health insurance reform. Prescription drug costs for seniors are falling as the Medicare ‘donut hole’ closes, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and business owners are taking advantage of tax breaks. Just last week, a conservative judge appointed by President Reagan ruled that this legislation is Constitutional, and I am confident the high court will do the same.”

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/11/14/reid-statement-on-supreme-court%e2%80%99s-decision-to-take-up-health-care-reform/feed/ 0 Senators Decry Supreme Court Ruling In Gender Discrimination Suit Against Wal-Mart http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/06/20/senators-decry-supreme-court-ruling-in-gender-discrimination-suit-against-wal-mart/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/06/20/senators-decry-supreme-court-ruling-in-gender-discrimination-suit-against-wal-mart/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:16:45 +0000 aaron https://democrats.senate.gov/?p=94734 Senators Murray, Mikulski: We Must Continue to Fight to Close the Gender Wage Gap

Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) today released the following statements regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the gender discrimination suit against Wal-Mart.  The senators called the current gender wage gap “unacceptable” and vowed to continue to fight to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.

Senator Murray:

“Women across America continue to earn less than men who do the same job, and today’s Supreme Court ruling is going to make that sad reality even harder to change.  We passed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to start closing the pay gap, and we need to keep working to make sure that women have the tools they need to tackle pay discrimination in the workplace.”

Senator Mikulski:

“I’m disappointed in today’s Supreme Court ruling, which placed another hurdle at the courthouse door for women seeking compensation for wage discrimination. Women make this country run, but we still earn just 77 cents for every dollar our male counterpart makes. That’s why I led the fight on the Senate floor for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and am fighting to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would ensure equal pay for equal work. The pay gap is unacceptable. People should be judged solely by their individual skills, competence unique talents and nothing else in the workplace. And we must keep the courthouse door open to allow women to sue for pay discrimination – not make it more difficult for them to get the money they deserve.”

]]> http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/06/20/senators-decry-supreme-court-ruling-in-gender-discrimination-suit-against-wal-mart/feed/ 0 Reid: Right Of Families To Mourn In Peace Should Be Protected http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/03/02/reid-right-of-families-to-mourn-in-peace-should-be-protected/ http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/03/02/reid-right-of-families-to-mourn-in-peace-should-be-protected/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000 judson http://democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=331580 Washington, DC—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against the family of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who lost his life in Iraq in 2006. Sen. Reid led the effort on behalf of 58 U.S. Senators who filed an amicus brief in support of the family’s effort to stop protests by extremists at military funerals:

“I am very disappointed in today’s Supreme Court decision to allow hateful extremists to attempt to sully the memories of heroes who have fought and died to protect this country, and to heap more hurt on already grief-stricken families. These families have only one chance to bury loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. They deserve the right to mourn without being subjected to the ugly signs and slurs of fanatics.

“Emboldened by this unfortunate ruling, the Phelps family has pledged to redouble its efforts to harass military families during their darkest hour. I call on faith leaders from all communities to stand with me to denounce hate speech, including the kind used by these protesters.

“Soldiers like Matthew Snyder sacrifice their very lives to protect the freedoms and rights guaranteed by our Constitution, including freedom of speech. But while Rev. Phelps and his followers have a right to speak freely about matters of public concern, they should not be allowed to hijack a private funeral as a vehicle for expressions of hate. I believe the law should continue to protect, as it long has, the rights of all private persons — including the families of fallen soldiers like Matthew — to mourn their loved ones at a peaceful and solemn funeral.”

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