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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi: Rolls Royce Republicans Work for Special Interests, Democrats Fight for America’s Priorities
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid joined House and Senate Democrats today to speak out against the corrupt Republican Congress that has chosen the special interests over everyday Americans, and failed to address the priorities of the American people. Below are Pelosi’s remarks:
"Good afternoon. On behalf of House Democrats, and as their proud Leader, I am pleased to welcome all of you here today. Leader Harry Reid and Deputy Leader Dick Durbin in the Senate, welcome back to the House side. I am delighted that Senator Landrieu has joined us as well.
"Our Founding Fathers gave us a great democracy, established upon truth and trust, and established a government for the many, not the few. This Republican Congress has violated both of these sacred charges. The American people expect us to honor our founders and uphold a high ethical standard in doing the people’s work.
"This week closes the door on the first session of the 109th Congress – a Congress that has fostered a culture of corruption and has failed to meet the needs of the American people. It is the most corrupt Congress in history.
"Republicans have pursued an agenda on behalf of special interests and the powerful at the expense of working families in America, forgetting the hard working Americans who go to work every day, and play by the rules and expect that their representatives in Congress will do the same. Instead, this Republican Congress has met every need of the special interests, all the greed of the special interests, at the expense of the needs of the American people. This corruption and unethical behavior exacts a tough price on the American people.
"Four years after 9/11, the independent 9/11 Commission made certain recommendations on which the incompetent Republican Congress has received a failing grade on. Every step of the way, Democrats have proposed legislation based upon the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, to make our homeland safer. Yet, these initiatives have been rejected over and over again by Republicans.
"The unethical Republican Congress has passed two energy bills, satisfying the greed of the energy companies already making historic and obscene profits with billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies. They’re giving tax payer subsidies to these oil companies, while the American people are paying the price at the pump and in their home heating oil at a time when winter is upon us.
"Democrats have proposed legislation that can be voted on today. This very day we can pass legislation that turn back those subsidies and instead subsidize LIHEAP, low income assistance heating program. Passing these bills would be a great assistance to the American people. The American people are paying the price for the unethical behavior of the Republicans in Congress.
"The Republicans passed a prescription drug bill that met the greed of the insurance and pharmaceutical companies and not the needs of America’s seniors. Middle-income seniors will be paying more for their prescription drugs because of the greed and the unethical behavior of the Republicans in Congress.
"Democrats have proposed legislation that can be voted on today that would extend the time seniors have to deal with this confusing and befuddling prescription drug bill that would enable the secretary to negotiate for lower prices and of course for the reimportation of drugs from Canada. Instead, the Republican Congress refuses to help these families.
"We know that America can do better. Here are the Rolls Royce Republican gifts to special interests, spelled out very clearly. America can do better with Democrats united for America’s priorities. We are working to propose legislation to persuade our colleagues, but we cannot be successful without the mobilization of the American people and so many of you here today have been part of that effort.
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
