“Upon returning to our nation’s capitol this week, I was pleased to help welcome the President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, as he addressed a joint session of the United States Congress, expressing hope for a brighter future for the people of Mexico and a strong partnership with the United States to bring economic prosperity to both countries.  I am encouraged to see his commitment to working with America to address the challenges facing our two nations.

“There is much to be done in the remainder of this year’s legislative session in Washington as we prepare to finish ironing out the federal government’s spending priorities for the coming year.  I realize that with our slowing economy some difficult decisions are going to have to be made in finalizing this year’s budget, and I am prepared to make those decisions. 

“I look forward to continuing to work on passing this year’s Farm Bill, which will provide our nation’s farm families with the economic safety net they need and deserve so that they can continue farming and feeding America for many generations to come.   And I am hopeful that we can address the needs of our seniors and working families as the two houses of Congress work to resolve differences on a real Patients’ Bill of Rights and as we work to create a meaningful prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program.”