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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: 'First Session of Congress Saw Too Much Partisanship, Too Little Progress'
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today at a news conference with Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle on the end of the first session of the 108th Congress:
"Today, the Republican leaders adjourned the first session of the 108th Congress, leaving behind a shameful Republican record. This session saw too much partisanship and too little progress. With every vote, the American people saw clearly the different priorities between Democrats and Republicans and our very different visions of the future.
"Time and again, Democrats have fought for the interests of the American people - the middle class, working families, seniors, veterans, and children. Time and again, Republicans fought for the special interests, making them a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. We have seen the huge credibility gap between the Republican rhetoric and the harsh reality of their policies.
"In less than three years, Republicans have added more than $3 trillion to the national debt, and lost nearly three million jobs. More than 2.5 million manufacturing jobs have disappeared. Republicans have added insult to injury by focusing on helping those who do not need help.
"Instead of passing bipartisan legislation to keep manufacturing jobs here in America, Republicans have worked on legislation that will make it easier for big corporations to send jobs overseas.
"Instead of expanding the child tax credit for working families, Republicans have passed new tax breaks for wealthy Americans, helping those who do not need help and shifting the tax burden to the middle class.
"Instead of passing an affordable, defined, guaranteed prescription drug benefit under Medicare, Republicans rammed through legislation designed to help big drug companies and insurance companies, not seniors and the disabled.
"Instead of honoring their promises on education, Republicans have underfunded the very education programs they claim to support, leaving behind millions of children who will not receive quality preschool education, after-school programs or help with the basics of reading and math.
"We simply have different priorities.
"To create jobs, Democrats are fighting for new tax breaks for small businesses and manufacturing companies that create jobs here at home, a child tax credit for working families, and new investments in education and transportation.
"To improve health care and retirement security, Democrats are fighting to bring down prescription drug prices and provide affordable, guaranteed benefits under Medicare.
"To help working men and women struggling in this weak economy, Democrats are fighting to extend unemployment insurance set to expire at Christmas.
"Democrats will continue to fight to fight for good jobs, better access to health care, the best education for our children, and a safe and secure America."
“ 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
