Welcome To Our New Democratic Senators

November 17, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid welcomed the new Democratic-Senators elect who will join the 111th Congress this week. Senators-Elect Mark Udall, Tom Udall, Mark Warner, Jeanne Shaheen, Kay Hagan, and Jeff Merkely met with Senator Reid for a brief discussion on the many issues the Americans have asked Congress to address.

"We have a lot of work to do and many challenges ahead. This is a new chapter for our nation, and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, our new President-elect, and our new Democratic Senators standing with me right now, to tackle the many issues that lie before us and move this country forward," said Senator Reid welcoming the new Democratic Senators-Elect and their spouses.

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A Mandate for Change

November 5, 2008 - The American people have spoken and they have demanded change. The Senate Democrats are excited to congratulate the President-elect of the United States, Barack Obama, and welcome the new Democrats elected to Congress. Senate Democrats welcome the new perspectives and new energy to the job of passing legislation that benefits the American people.

With our economy reeling at home and two wars raging overseas, our work is far too important to leave anybody out. Our commitment to bipartisanship has never been stronger. President-Elect Obama and all Democrats are clear-eyed about the challenges we face. Eight years of wrongheaded policies have put our country in a deep, deep hole and we are not going to get out overnight. Senate Democrats will continue to work every day to deliver the change that Americans rightfully demand and desperately need.

A New Economic Recovery Package for America's Working Families

October 16, 2008 - As American families struggle through one of the worst economic situations in state history, Senate Democrats are working to reach solutions that strengthens our economy by creating jobs, fighting foreclosures and cutting taxes. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid this week offered a series of new proposals to get Main Street back on its feet. "In recent weeks, Washington responded to the financial crisis by quickly developing a bipartisan plan to restore stability to the financial markets. It's long past time to deliver that same help directly to working families in Nevada and throughout the country" said Senator Reid.

Americans all across the country are watching the value of their homes plummet, their wages stagnate and their cost of living continue to rise, Senator Reid's proposals address these and other issues. Click here to read more on Majority Leader's economic recovery proposals for America's working families. The proposals will help reverse the failed policies of the past eight years of Bush-McCain economic policies. As Senate Democrats continue to help our nation recover from the Bush-McCain "perfect storm" of economic and regulatory failures, we call upon our Republican colleagues to work with us to stabilize the economy and restore the American Dream for middle-class families.

Senate Democrats: Leading the Way for Change

October 14, 2008 - After nearly a decade of Republican-controlled government in Washington, Americans have seen their dreams of economic security and homeownership gambled away by deregulation, incompetent fiscal policies, misplaced governmental priorities, lack of Congressional oversight, and un-checked greed on Wall Street and in the financial markets. This month the Democratic controlled U.S. Senate came together in a bipartisan fashion to address one of the most critical economic challenges we have faced in generations, as it passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008/Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008/Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008. The bill improved upon the President's initial proposal, which used taxpayer dollars to subsidize CEOs' golden parachutes, had no oversight, and simply handed one man $700 billion and gave him unfettered power to use it as he saw fit. The legislation, while not perfect, will help stabilize our economy and protect Main Street from the crisis on Wall Street. It also invests in clean renewable energy and extends important tax cuts for middle-class families struggling in the weakening Bush-McCain economy.

"The American people have a right to be frustrated with the situation we face. But inaction is not an option - which is why we have worked expeditiously and in a bipartisan manner to stop a bad situation from getting worse," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid after the Senate passed the legislation. As Senate Democrats continue to help our nation recover from the Bush-McCain "perfect storm" of economic and regulatory failures, we call upon our Republican colleagues to acknowledge the harm that Bush-McCain economic philosophies have caused and work with us to do even more to stabilize the economy and restore the American Dream for middle-class families. It is clearer than ever that the American people need more Senators who are committed to change.

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Working To Stabilize America's Economy

October 2, 2008 - This week the U.S. Senate came together in a bipartisan fashion to address one of the most critical economic challenges we have faced in generations, as it passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008/Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008/Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008. The bill improved upon the President's initial proposal, which used taxpayer dollars to subsidize CEOs' golden parachutes, had no oversight, and simply handed one man $700 billion and gave him unfettered power to use it as he saw fit. The legislation, while not perfect, will help stabilize our economy and protect Main Street from the crisis on Wall Street. It also invests in clean renewable energy and extends important tax cuts for middle-class families struggling in the weakening Bush-McCain economy.

"The American people have a right to be frustrated with the situation we face. But inaction is not an option - which is why we have worked expeditiously and in a bipartisan manner to stop a bad situation from getting worse," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid after the Senate passed the legislation. Democrats will continue to work on putting taxpayers first, ensuring oversight and accountability, and helping prevent foreclosures.

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Working To Extend Tax Credits For Renewable Energy & Middle Class Families

September 23, 2008 - Senate Democrats are working to lower record-high energy costs by passing renewable energy tax extenders that will create good-paying jobs here at home and invest in clean energy sources. Democratic Senators Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman, Maria Cantwell, and Ken Salazar joined Greg Wetstone of the American Wind Energy Association, Karl Gawell of the Geothermal Energy Association and Kateri Callahan of the Alliance to Save Energy at a press conference this week to discuss Democrats' efforts to invest in clean renewable energy and extend important tax cuts for middle-class families struggling in the weakening Bush-McCain economy.

"This country has big challenges right now. Families in my home state of Montana and all across America face big challenges just putting food on the table and gasoline in the car. But today, the Senate can tackle some of those challenges and win," Baucus said. "We can change America's energy future with incentives for alternative fuels. We can stop big tax increases by protecting millions of families from the alternative minimum tax. We can help to create good-paying jobs and opportunity by renewing important tax cuts like the research and development tax credit and the college tuition deduction. It's time for the Senate to act, to break America's dependence on foreign oil, and to secure a better financial future for all our working families." Read more.

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Democrats Join Americans Affected by Bush-McCain Obstruction

September 18, 2008 - Democrats have given Republicans opportunity after opportunity to address the biggest challenges our nation faces today, but they have squandered every one. This week Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer joined CHIP recipient Graeme Frost, LIHEAP recipient Charles Johnson and Medicare recipient Patricia Holland at a press conference to discuss continued Republican obstruction of legislation to lower the high costs of living and to help Americans struggling to make ends meet.

"We've given Bush-McCain Republicans every opportunity to address the biggest challenges Americans face today but they have squandered every opportunity," said Senator Reid adding, "Think of all the good we could have done if not for the President's stubbornness and Republican obstruction." Only with a new President and more Senators and Representatives committed to change can we strengthen the economy, and reverse the reckless and irresponsible Bush-McCain policies that created this mess.

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Democrats Working To Strengthen Economy

September 17, 2008 --As the financial markets crumble, Democrats will continue to emphasize the need for strong leadership and decisive action while out-of-touch Bush-McCain Republicans seek more of the same failed policies that got us into this mess in the first place. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Democratic Senators Patty Murray, Byron Dorgan and Robert Menendez held a press conference this week to discuss eight years of failed Bush-McCain economic policies that have hurt Americans on both Wall Street and Main Street. The Senators discussed Democrats' efforts to address the meltdown in the financial sector and to urgently pass another economic recovery package that strengthens the middle class.

"Democrats believe that to turn this economy around we must not only address the broader, underlying structural issues in the financial markets, but also strengthen the middle class through another economic recovery package," said Senator Reid adding, "Democrats are working to lower energy costs, invest in infrastructure that creates hundreds of thousands of good-paying American jobs, and prevent cuts in critical services for millions of Americans. Wouldn't it be something if just once this Administration would come to my office with the same urgency to help the middle class as they do for Wall Street?" Senator Reid and his colleagues urge President Bush, Senator McCain and other Republicans to work with Democrats in the immediate days ahead to enact an economic recovery package. Read more.

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Democrats Working To Advance Bipartisan
Energy Solutions In Senate

September 12, 2008 - Senate Democrats continues to work on a bipartisan basis to lower record-high energy costs. "With energy legislation moving to the floor of the Senate as early as next week, this is a rare opportunity to put our ideas directly into action. But the legislation of this work period is just one of many steps," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Reid in his opening remarks at a bipartisan Senate Energy Summit this week.

Senate Reid added, "We need to hasten our transition away from oil. That means incentivizing the production of home-grown renewable alternatives. We also need to bring prices down for the oil we use. That means going after any speculator, price gouger or oil-producing nation who game or cheat the system and leave American consumers paying the bill." Senate Democrats have given Bush-McCain Republicans 17 opportunities this year to lower energy prices, but they have run away from the debate each time, blocking any and all progress. Reid hopes that the Senate Republicans will join him and his Democratic colleagues in ending the status quo politics of old and moving us forward on energy legislation that will give struggling Americans relief. Read more.

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Honoring the Memories of 9/11

September 11, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Republican Leader John Boehner jointed together today at a bipartisan and bicameral remembrance ceremony on the West Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol, honoring those who lost their lives and heroically saved others in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

"On this anniversary, and all those to follow, we must never forget the innocent lives we lost or the burden we bear for the freedom we cherish. But we must also remember that we emerged from the smoke and ashes even stronger, even prouder, our endless well of compassion once more renewed," said Senator Reid.

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Investing In America's Future

September 9, 2008 - Democrats want to make the American Dream affordable again by creating good-paying jobs here at home and strengthening the middle class. This week Democratic Senators Charles Schumer, Debbie Stabenow and Bob Casey joined Jared Bernstein, director of the Living Standards Program for the Economic Policy Institute, at a press conference to discuss the need for an economic recovery package that addresses the economic realities of working families. "Middle class families are not fools. They know that the economy is not strong," Schumer said. "They know that the economy is not strong. But apparently the President, his Republican allies in Congress, and John McCain do not."

"The economic data tells us what many of us have been sounding the alarm on for months: the American economy continues to struggle, families continue to suffer and the White House is asleep at the wheel," Casey said. It is clear to Senator Democrats and to the American people that we need an economic recovery package focused on the middle class, and we need it now. But Bush-McCain Republicans just don't get it. They think the economy is strong and don't see the need to help middle-class Americans. They are offering more of the same failed policies that got us into this mess in the first place. Read more.

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Setting An Energy Course For Next President and Congress

August 20, 2008 - This week Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joined the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to host the National Clean Energy Summit. The summit brought together major industry leaders, scientists, policy experts, and elected officials including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to define an agenda that accelerates the development of renewable energy, energy-efficiency technologies and robust clean energy markets throughout the nation and world. "We are here today to accept the challenge of creating a clean energy revolution. And we are ready to put aside political differences to achieve this goal," said Senator Reid.

Senator Reid hosted this summit as part of his effort to promote clean renewable energy, drawing upon our nation's vast solar, wind and geothermal resources to provide clean, stable power while creating thousands of jobs for our economy. He continued his effort to promote clean energy by urging "Congress should pass a long-term extension of tax incentives for private sector entrepreneurs who are standing by, ready to invest billions of dollars in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects." He added "Congress should look to build a national smart grid - a way to transmit electricity - that will reward net energy producers and provide affordable clean energy to regions that need it. And Congress should set aggressive national standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency." Read the rest of Reid's remarks as prepared for delivery here. As the Leader of the Democratic Caucus, Senator Reid is committed to both short- and long-term solutions to our energy crisis. Read more.

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Protecting American Consumers

August 1, 2008 -- This week the U.S. Senate passed the conference report to accompany H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act ("CPSC Reform Act"). Democratic Senators, Members of Congress and families who will benefit from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act held a ceremony to enroll legislation that gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission the resources, authority and oversight it needs to protect our children from lead, dangerous toys and other unsafe products.

"We are sending the President a strong bill that says his Administration's lax regulation standards on children's safety are unacceptable," said Senate Major Leader Harry Reid following the passage of the CPSC Reform Act. He added, "for years now, the CPSC's budget and staff had been slashed while 28,200 Americans die and 33.6 million are injured each year. I hope the President agrees that this is unacceptable and quickly signs this good bill into law." Read more on the highlights of the CPSC Reform Act.

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Democrats Call For Increasing Investments In Alternative & Renewable Energy

July 29, 2008 -- Democrats are committed to both short- and long-term solutions to our energy crisis. This week Democratic Senators Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman and Ken Salazar joined Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, at a press conference to discuss legislation to create incentives for innovators to invest in alternative, renewable energy sources and energy conservation. This tax-extenders bill will put money back in the pockets of hard-working middle-class Americans suffering from record-breaking gas prices, create good-paying jobs here at home, and help break our dependence on oil.

"Americans want Congress to steer this country toward alternative and renewable energies," said Senator Baucus. Senator Bingaman added, "It's clear that our country can produce a lot more of the power that it consumes from renewable sources, but we need a long-term, consistent policy to achieve that goal." In the past two months alone, Senate Democrats have moved seven times to lower energy costs, but Bush-McCain Republicans have run away from the debate each time. The tax-extenders bill will provide Republicans another chance to join Democrats in creating incentives for innovators to invest in alternative, renewable energy sources.

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Advancing America's Health Care Priorities

July 24, 2008 -- Next week, Bush-McCain Republicans will have the opportunity to vote in favor of - the Advancing America's Priorities Act - a package of bipartisan and noncontroversial legislation, which includes a series of common-sense bills that will expand research and improve treatment for diseases and medical conditions that afflict millions of Americans. Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow and Robert Menendez joined health advocates today at a press conference this week to discuss these bills that have repeatedly been blocked by Republicans in the Senate. The bills include the MOTHERS ACT, legislation that provides support for postpartum depression, the Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act, that advances medical research in this field, and the ALS Registry, legislation that collects and examines data from thousands of people with Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"What we are experiencing in the U.S. Senate is an unprecedented attempt by the Republican party to block the Democratic majority from doing the work of the American people," said Stabenow. "The Advancing America's Priorities Act is a bipartisan push to break through the Republican roadblock and pass these non-controversial bills, many of which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House. The American people have waited long enough." These bills are critical to finding cures and living healthier, fuller lives. For their sake, Bush-McCain Republicans should join with Democrats to pass these bills.

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Advancing America's Priorities

July 23, 2008 -- This week the Senate Democrats introduced - the Advancing America's Priorities Act - a package of bipartisan and noncontroversial bills, with provisions in a variety of areas - from advancing medical research in critical areas, to cracking down on child exploitation, to promoting important U.S. foreign policy goals. Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy and Chris Dodd joined Simeon Wright, a relative of Emmett Till who was present at his tragic kidnapping in 1955, at a press conference today to discuss this package which includes the Emmett Till Unsolved Crimes Bill, that would help solve crimes that have continued to be unsolved and unpunished since the Civil Rights era.

One or two Republican Senators have continued to hold up this important package of bipartisan, non-controversial bills, such as the Emmett Till Unresolved Crimes Bill. Delaying these bills has real consequences for the many Americans who are victims of crimes. "The passage of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act is long overdue," Dodd said adding, "this legislation will help heal the wounds of one of our nation's darkest periods by expanding federal resources to track down and punish those who perpetrated heinous crimes of racial hatred. With so many witnesses of these crimes growing older, it is critical that we act now. While this bill cannot undo the horrors of the past, it provides an opportunity to restore faith in the impartiality of our justice system. Enough obstructionism - it is time to pass this bill." The Bush-McCain Republicans will have a choice: they will either join the side of the American people, or continue to stand beside one or two colleagues intent on blocking progress. To read a list of bills included in the Advance America's Priorities Act click here.

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Democrats Advancing Solutions to Energy Crisis

July 21, 2008 -- Democrats are committed to both long- and short-term solutions to our energy crisis. As part of our effort to lower record-high gas prices, we have introduced - the Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act - a bill that cracks down on the excessive speculation in the energy markets. Democratic Senators Byron Dorgan and Amy Klobuchar held a press conference this week with energy experts to discuss the bill, which will stop greedy energy traders who artificially inflate oil prices and ensure Americans pay a fair price at the pump. "The price of gas and oil continues to shoot up like a Roman candle," Dorgan said. "It has become abundantly clear that speculators, not the laws of supply and demand, are driving up prices. This legislation will cut out the rampant speculation that is happening in the oil futures market."

Said Klobuchar, noting that the price of gas has gone up $1 in just the past six months: "The experts tell us that a good amount of the money we now pay at the pump is going into the bank accounts of financial speculators, when I was a prosecutor we had a saying: 'Follow the money and you'll find the bad guy.' If we're going to protect American consumers and businesses, we need to follow the money and stop the speculators.'' Read more.

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Congress Overrides President's Veto
Strengthening Medicare

July 15, 2008 - This week the Congress voted to overwhelmingly override President Bush's veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, thus reversing payment cuts for doctors and improving care for patients. This Medicare bill will reverse a planned 10.6 percent physician payment cut that would have blocked access to health care for seniors on Medicare and military families using the TRICARE system. "Congress today did its part to make sure the President's stubborn opposition to the millions of American seniors and veterans who rely on Medicare does not stand," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid following the overwhelming bipartisan Senate vote to override President's veto.

Senator Reid added, "Though Medicare was created by a Democratic Congress and a Democratic President, that principle has always been anchored far too deep in our soil for the roots of partisanship to entangle. When the program has been threatened, Democrats and Republicans have risen to the occasion to protect it." Earlier this week leading supporters of this key Medicare legislation rallied with Democratic Senate and House leaders, seniors, and military members, calling for the final approval of the Medicare bill.

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Victory For All Americans
Democrats Deliver Improvements In Medicare

July 11, 2008 -- Under the Democratic Leadership, Congress has passed a responsible and necessary Medicare bill that prevents payment cuts for doctors and improves care for patients. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke this week about the veto-proof passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act in the Senate. This bill will prevent an enormous 10.6 percent cut in reimbursements to doctors who treat Medicare patients that would have limited the number of Medicare patients doctors see.

"The House strongly passed this bill in bipartisan, veto-proof fashion by nearly 300 votes, and the Senate has now passed it by a veto-proof margin as well. It is now up to the President to sign it into law. I call on him to join Congress in making sure Medicare works better for every American senior and TRICARE works better for our troops," Senator Reid said following the bill's passage. Read more on the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act by clicking here.

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Fighting To Protect Medicare For Our Seniors

July 8, 2008 -- Democratic Senators Max Baucus, Blanche Lincoln and Ken Salazar held a press conference this week with Dr. Willarda Edwards from the National Medical Association and Merwyn and Barbara Reaves, two Medicare recipients, to call on Senate Republicans to join the effort to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. The House overwhelmingly passed a good bill in bipartisan fashion that ensures Medicare works better for every American senior and saves taxpayers billions of dollars - but Bush-McCain Republicans insist on standing with the President to protect insurance companies at the expense of patients and providers.

"Forty-four million American seniors, in my home state of Montana and all across the country, are watching to see if the Senate will do what's right on Medicare," said Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "Seniors want to know whether the Senate will stand for them, or whether some will stand in the way of a good Medicare bill. Senators should seize the opportunity for bipartisanship and vote for the House-passed Medicare bill this week. It's time to stop the squabbling, and to vote for legislation that can improve Medicare and reverse the cut in doctor payments now." All Senators will have the chance this week to stand with seniors as the Senate votes again on the House-passed Medicare bill. Read more.

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Celebrating A Historic G.I. Bill
Democrats Deliver A Victory For Our Troops

June 27, 2008 -- This week the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century G.I. Bill. Earlier in the week a bipartisan group of lawmakers held a press conference with leaders of veterans groups to discuss the historic G.I. bill - cosponsored by more than half of the Senate, more than half of the House, and most of our nation's leading veterans' organizations - that will give this newest generation of veterans the same opportunities enjoyed by World War II veterans.

"At a time when two million men and women have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and when our troops have had to endure multiple deployments, stop-loss policies, insufficient equipment and an unclear strategy, giving them the opportunity to fuel our future economy is the least we can do," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid following the passage of the bill. The bipartisan G.I. bill helps our servicemen and -women readjust to the civilian life we enjoy because of the sacrifices they make and help them afford an education so they will have the tools to succeed at home and grow our economy.

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Working To Revive The American Dream
Democrats Address The Housing Crisis

June 24, 2008 -- Democratic Senators John Kerry and Sherrod Brown held a press conference this week with housing experts today discuss widespread support behind legislation that will address the housing crisis.. The bipartisan bill would keep thousands of people at risk of foreclosure from losing their homes, help stabilize the housing market, create new jobs here at home and modernize the Federal Housing Administration.

"This urgent, complex problem requires real solutions, not broken promises or empty political rhetoric. While not perfect, this legislation will reduce foreclosures; increase access to safe and fair mortgage credit for all homebuyers; and help our economy by creating critically-needed housing construction jobs," Kerry said. Added Brown, "The American Dream is slipping away from thousands of middle class Ohioans due to the rise in foreclosures. We must act swiftly to reverse this trend and invest in our neighborhoods. This week, I'll be fighting for legislation that will help families hold onto their homes and assist in the rebuilding of communities." Read more.

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Senate Democratic Women Unveil The Checklist For Change

June 18, 2008 -- This week Senate Democratic women launched the Checklist for Change website to highlight their fight for middle class families and an affordable American dream. Senate Democratic Women for Change held a press conference to discuss Democrats' commitment to provide equal pay for working people, keep good jobs in America, fight global climate change, take care of our veterans, restore America's image around the world and other crucial issues. Senator Debbie Stabenow said, "During the coming months we will release videos and other content to communicate the challenges our constituents face all over America and what must be done to help them."

"We have come together to offer America a checklist for change. We are a voice for the women of America. We are a voice for families of America. And we are here to fight for change," said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Dean of the Women Senators. She invited all Americansto join Senate Democratic women "in the fight to bring about the change that the American people need and deserve." Explore the "Checklist for Change" website by going here.

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Working To Make the American Dream Affordable - Democrats Champion Innovation

June 12, 2008 --With oil and gas prices expected to remain near record highs in the near future, rapid technological innovations in the transportation sector are critically important to help end our nation's addiction to oil and reduce global warming pollution. This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senators Debbie Stabenow, Amy Klobuchar and David Sandalow, an energy expert from the Brookings Institute, held a press conference showcasing new automotive technologies that can help reduce our dependence on oil.

"We need a clean energy revolution to unleash our brightest and most creative scientists, engineers and corporate leaders because we cannot afford the status quo any longer," said Reid, adding "These cars are a great start. They represent the kind of innovation that America desperately needs to cure our addiction to oil and reduce the risks of global warming." While Democrats are working to make the American Dream affordable, Bush-McCain Republicans continue to demonstrate how out of touch they are with the concerns of American families. This week, given the chance to strengthen our economy, address the energy crisis, cut taxes and create jobs, they once again ran away from the debate.

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Democrats Working To Address Energy, Economic Crises

June 10, 2008 -- Senate Democrats continue to work to make the American Dream affordable again for middle-class families struggling with the rising cost of living and a shrinking job market. As gas prices continue to break record highs, Democrats are working to reverse seven years of the Bush Administration's oil-friendly economic policies. But given the opportunity to invest in renewable energy, create millions of good-paying green jobs here at home and address the root causes of high energy prices, Republicans have said no every time. This week Democratic Senators Richard Durbin, Patty Murray and Byron Dorgan held a press conference with a broad coalition of labor, environmental and citizens' advocacy groups to discuss the Consumer First Energy Act of 2008.

"Democrats have been fighting for policies that will help cut gas prices, create jobs, and keep our air and water clean - and our nation secure. We're committed to taking strong action that will stop rewarding oil companies - and that will start looking out for American families," Senator Murray said. Experts and advocates agree that the Democrats' legislation will address the root causes of gas prices, spur innovation and development of alternative energy, and reduce America's dependence on oil. Read more.

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Labor & Business Leaders Join Democrats To Support Climate Security Act

June 3, 2008 - Democratic Senators Barbara Boxer, Charles Schumer, Dianne Feinstein and Bob Casey held a press conference with labor and business leaders this week to discuss the Climate Security Act of 2008. With record high energy prices and stagnant wages squeezing the middle-class, Democrats' comprehensive plan to stimulate the economy will create good-paying green jobs here at home and reduce our dependence on oil while capping carbon pollution that causes global warming.

"The Climate Security Act has earned the support of American business and labor organizations because it gives us the tools to create an American economic renaissance with clean energy and green jobs," Boxer said. "We can successfully address global warming, while maintaining a strong economy, and our nation and the world will be better for it." Read more.

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21st Century G.I. Bill Congress Delivers A Historic Victory For America's Veterans

May 23, 2008 -- This week the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century G.I. Bill by a bipartisan and veto-proof 75-22 vote. The bipartisan G.I. Bill - cosponsored by more than half of the Senate, more than half of the House, and most of our nation's leading veterans' organizations - will give this newest generation of veterans the same opportunities enjoyed by World War II veterans. "This is an historic victory for America's veterans. It further strengthens the finest military in world and enhances America's security and economy. It is also a testament to what we can accomplish when we drop the futile and fruitless fight over which party supports our troops more and we work as partners in a bipartisan way," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Senator Reid added, "I hope President Bush watches closely what happened here today, and I hope he heeds the call of a bipartisan, veto-proof majority of Congress and the thousands of veterans who know we owe our veterans the support they deserve." Click here to watch a video released by the Senate Democratic Communication Center entitled, "Supporting Our Troops: Delivering a GI Bill for the 21st Century," which highlights how Democrats remains committed to providing this new generation of troops and veterans with the gratitude they deserve: a change of course in Iraq that makes America and its service-members safer, and the care and benefits our veterans need.

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Democrats Unveil Consumer-First Energy Act Of 2008

May 7, 2008 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Jeff Bingaman, Max Baucus, Charles Schumer, Byron Dorgan, Maria Cantwell and Bernie Sanders held a press conference this week to unveil the Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008, a bill that addresses the root causes of high gas prices. Seven years of the Bush Administration's disastrous energy policies have enriched Big Oil and market speculators at the expense of American consumers. "Even as it costs Americans more every day to fill up their gas tanks, Bush Republicans only offer more of the same failed energy policies that brought us to this point," Reid said.

He added, "But with this bill, Democrats are protecting consumers. Instead of helping Big Oil make more money at the expense of average Americans, we are forcing oil companies to change their ways. We will hold them accountable for unconscionable price-gouging and force them to invest in renewable energy or pay a price for refusing to do so." Democrats are committed to providing relief to consumers and strengthening our economic, energy and national security. Read more.

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