Senate Democrats Discuss Eight Years Of Failed Bush-McCain Economic Policies

As the financial markets crumble, Senate Democrats 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. Today Senators Barbara Boxer, Debbie Stabenow and Bob Menendez took to the Senate Floor to discuss how the turmoil on Wall Street is a direct legacy of Bush-McCain economic policies that have failed this nation for eight years. 

Posted: 09/16/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Seven Years Later: President Bush Continues To Ignore The Growing Threat In Afghanistan

Today, President Bush discussed his plan to keep more than 140,000 American troops tied down in Iraq while Al Qaeda and the Taliban gain strength in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  By most accounts the troop reductions will do little to relieve the strain on the military, and will not provide close to enough troops to combat the rising terrorist threat emerging in Afghanistan. This week, Bob Woodward revealed how President Bush ignored his military advisors in pursuing his failed strategy in Iraq. Now it seems the President is once again refusing to listen to military commanders as they raise the alarm about the growing Taliban and Al-Qaeda threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Posted: 09/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Groups Across the Country Support the Advancing America's Priorities Act, But Republicans Say No

The legislation that makes up the Advancing America’s Priorities Act has garnered support from groups across the country. Health care groups, mental health advocates, trade associations, state and local governments, and many others strongly support the legislation that has been held up by Republican obstruction and have urged passage of this bill. This collection of bills would improve the treatment of diseases and medical conditions, boost conservation efforts, improve economic development programs, and improve America’s ability to respond to disasters. But despite the broad support for this bill across the country, and the wide bipartisan support this legislation has received in the House and in Senate Committees, Senate Republicans continue to say no. It’s time for Republicans to stop standing in the way and work with Democrats on this important bill.

Posted: 07/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Will Bush-McCain Republicans Block Critical Health Care Bills?

Next week, Bush-McCain Republicans will have the opportunity to vote in favor of a series of common-sense bills that will expand research and improve treatment for diseases and medical conditions that afflict millions of Americans. These bills are bipartisan and non-controversial, which should make it easy to for Bush-McCain Republicans to join Democrats in passing this important legislation. For the millions of Americans suffering from these diseases, 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.

Posted: 07/24/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Republicans Falsely Claim Their Offshore Drilling Plan Is The Best Way to Lower Gas Prices, So Why Are They Saying No to a Vote on Their Drilling Proposal?

Bush-McCain Republicans have time and again touted their plan to expand offshore drilling “in order to lower gas prices”, despite the fact that the Bush Administration’s own Energy Information Administration says that any impact on prices will be insignificant. Senator McConnell said opening the Outer Continental Shelf to drilling would be “a huge step forward.” But now, when given the chance to vote on their proposal which they have been touting for weeks along with a Democratic alternative, they are backing away. If they say no, it reveals how disingenuous their claims to want to do something about gas prices have been and shows that they are putting politics ahead of policy. Democrats hope that for once, Bush-McCain Republicans will take yes for an answer and instead work with Democrats on solutions to bring down the price of gasoline.

Posted: 07/23/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

In Case You Missed It, Senator Cornyn: Experts Believe Speculation Is Driving Up the Price of Oil

On the Senate floor, Senator Cornyn declared that Senator Reid’s comments this morning was the first time that he had heard that excessive speculation could be responsible for a significant portion of record-high oil prices. But economists and energy experts have been saying for months that speculation is part of the problem. Even Senator Cornyn’s allies recognize this; after all, Bush-McCain Republicans included a provision to deal with speculation in their own energy bill. Bush-McCain Republicans should stop playing politics and work with Democrats to address the high gas prices that are hurting America’s families and businesses.

Posted: 07/22/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Advancing America's Priorities Act | Summary and Reid Introductory Statement

Tomorrow Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will introduce The Advancing America's Priorities Act. The following is Senator Reid's statement on the bill as prepared for delivery:

Posted: 07/21/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush-McCain Republican Energy Plan Will Not Bring Down Gas Prices

The Bush-McCain Republican approach to lowering gas prices amounts to nothing more than drill, drill, drill. Democrats support expanding domestic production but know that drilling alone will not solve this crisis. Big Oil has failed to drill on more than 68 million acres of leased land. President Bush says that more drilling will quickly and significantly bring down the cost of gas at the pump, but his own Energy Information Administration and even some Republican Senators disagree. Instead of just calling for more drilling, Democrats are committed to providing short- and long-term solutions to this crisis, like opening up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, curbing the market speculation that experts believe has driven up the price of oil and investing in renewable energy. Bush-McCainRepublicans should stop trying to score political points and instead work with Democrats on solutions to bring down the price of gasoline.  

Posted: 07/14/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Doctors, Seniors and Patient Advocates Support the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act

Before the July 4th recess, Bush Republicans had the chance to pass legislation supported by two-thirds of House Republicans that would prevent a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors. But they said no. Today, they will have another chance. Since their irresponsible vote, the medical community as well as senior citizens and patient advocates have stated their strong support for this critical legislation. Will Bush Republicans do the right thing and vote yes or will they continue their obstruction in the face of such broad support for the bill from doctors, seniors and patient advocates. 

Posted: 07/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

FACT CHECK: Republican Congress Failed to Find a Permanent Fix to Cuts in Payments to Doctors

Today, Senator Cornyn disingenuously blamed the Democratically-controlled Congress for failing to permanently put an end to scheduled cuts to payments to doctors under Medicare. Bush Republicans had ample opportunity to come up with a permanent solution when they controlled Congress, but instead kicked the can down the road. Instead of casting blame and playing politics, Bush Republicans should join with Democrats to pass this critical legislation, raise payments to doctors for 18 months and then work with Democrats on a permanent fix to these Medicare payment cuts.

Posted: 07/09/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush Republicans Have Struck Out on Energy

After blocking three Democratic efforts to address our energy crisis by investing in renewable energy just this month, Bush-McCain Republicans are now offering what they are calling a “new” energy bill that offers more of their same failed policies. The bill calls for opening up additional drilling off America’s shores, despite the 68 million acres already leased to oil companies that are not producing. It also calls for expanding oil shale production, which is still hampered by the lack of commercially-ready technologies and high costs. While these proposals would help Big Oil amass ever greater profits, they would do nothing to lower the cost of gasoline at the pump, worsen global warming and fail to reduce our dependence on oil. Fortunately, the Republican bill does borrow one idea to bring prices down from Democratic bills, which is to strengthening the Commodity Futures Trading Commission so it cracks down on excessive speculation in energy markets, but there is still more to do. The most important step that Bush-Republicans could take to help solve our nation’s energy crisis is to stop standing in the way, and join Democrats in investing in energy efficiency and clean alternatives to help consumers get some relief.

Posted: 06/26/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Industry Experts, Housing Advocates and Economists Support Bipartisan Housing Bill

The bipartisan housing bill on the floor of the Senate has garnered support from industry experts, housing advocates and economists, who all believe this legislation is a critical step towards stabilizing the housing market and get our economy back on track. The bill reforms regulation of the Government Sponsored Enterprises, modernizes the FHA, helps families avoid foreclosure and establishes an affordable housing trust fund to help low-income families. Senate Republicans should join with Democrats to pass this bipartisan legislation without delay.

Posted: 06/25/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Housing Bill Provides Relief for At-Risk Homeowners

Today, the Senate continues debate on a comprehensive housing bill that by one account could help close to half a million homeowners keep their homes. The Senate bill will strengthen the Federal Housing Administration’s ability to keep people in their homes and provide them with secure fixed-rate mortgages, reform government sponsored enterprises (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) and assist potential homebuyers with a tax incentive to purchase their first home. In addition, the measure also creates a landmark low-income housing trust fund to assist in the construction of affordable rental housing and provides assistance to communities with redevelopment aid.

Posted: 06/24/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Intelligence Committee Report Confirms Bush Administration Spun the Truth to Take America to War

The Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on the Bush Administration’s use of pre-war intelligence confirms former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan’s account of how the Bush Administration led the nation to war. Through a coordinated propaganda campaign conducted by the President and his most senior advisers, the Bush Administration used innuendo and implication, made claims that went far beyond what the intelligence community concluded and ignored significant dissent within the intelligence community over other claims to lead the nation to war. As Scott McClellan wrote in his book, the President and his officials in the run-up to war “confused the propaganda campaign with the high level of candor and honesty so fundamentally needed to build and then sustain public support during a time of war.” This was the first in a series of misjudgments made by the Bush Administration that have gravely damaged U.S. national security.

Posted: 06/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Intelligence Committee Unveils Final Phase II Reports On Prewar Iraq Intelligence

The Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, and a bipartisan majority of the Committee (10-5), today unveiled the final two sections of its Phase II report on prewar intelligence.  The first report details Administration prewar statements that, on numerous occasions, misrepresented the intelligence and the threat from Iraq. The second report details inappropriate, sensitive intelligence activities conducted by the DoD’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, without the knowledge of the Intelligence Community or the State Department. 

Posted: 06/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Climate Security Act Will Spur Innovation and Create Jobs

The Climate Security Act will help America transition to a green economy by spurring innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency technology. This growing economic sector already sustains millions of good-paying jobs here in America, and this legislation will create millions more. Senate Republicans should join with Democrats to reduce our emissions and lessen our dependence on oil while creating jobs and strengthening our economy.

Posted: 06/03/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Rhetoric v. Reality on Senate Global Warming Bill

The following document highlights the top myths being asserted by opponents of the Senate’s global warming bill with the corresponding facts. In short, gas prices under the Climate Security Act may only modestly increase, and under some models may in fact go down. In addition, the measure provides tax relief to consumers and will spur investment in renewable sources of energy, which in turn will create millions of new jobs.

Posted: 06/03/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

At Hearing, Will General Petraeus Add His Voice in Support of the 21st Century G.I. Bill?

Today, General Petraeus will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his pending nomination to be commander of CENTCOM as the Senate continues to work on the supplemental appropriations bill. The hearing is a reminder that we are spending $12 billion a month on the Iraq war. We are also draining the readiness of our military and diverting America from fighting Al Qaeda, winning the peace in Afghanistan, and giving our troops and veterans the benefits they deserve. The 21st Century G.I. Bill included in the supplemental will ensure that our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan receive the same benefits that World War II veterans received at a cost over ten years equal to the costs of keeping our troops in Iraq for just two and a half months.  We hope that as General Petraeus offers his views on Iraq and the other threats in his new command that he honors our troops’ sacrifice and adds his voice to the thousands of veterans and leaders of veterans organizations in support of a 21st Century GI Bill.

Posted: 05/22/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

As Costs of War Mount, Americans Increasingly Believe We Must Redeploy Our Troops

Today’s Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that a majority of the American public believes success in Iraq is not integral to America’s anti-terrorism efforts and that the U.S. should withdraw military forces from Iraq to avoid further casualties. This comes on the news this week of the mounting human costs of this war on our soldiers and more evidence that Iraq’s security forces are not standing up. Meanwhile, the U.S. is not safer – global suicide bombings have surged since 2001 and America has failed to neutralize the terrorist safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan. Democrats believe we should redeploy our troops from Iraq in order to relieve the strain on our overburdened military and strengthen our national security.

Posted: 04/18/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senator McConnell Is Not Even Sure What He's Obstructing Anymore

Senator McConnell has led his Conference in record-setting obstructionist fashion. But today, while discussing the Highway Technical Corrections, he claimed that the Senate was on the bill. Unfortunately, due to Republican obstruction, the Senate is still considering the motion to proceed to the bill, wasting valuable time in post-cloture debate of a bill that yesterday got support from 93 Senators, with only one objecting. Either Senator McConnell has been obstructing so much he’s lost track of Senate procedure, or he was trying to gloss over the fact that Senate Republicans are doing all they can to obstruct and delay.

Posted: 04/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Results of Bush Republican Failed Economic Policies

Today’s announcement that the U.S. lost 80,000 jobs in March is just the latest example of the failure of Bush Republican economic policies. Years of economic mismanagement have created a housing crisis and credit crunch that are spreading throughout the economy and hurting American families. That is why Democrats believe we need to act urgently to strengthen the economy for all Americans and prevent the housing crisis from spreading.

Posted: 04/04/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Push Housing Stimulus Measure to Aid Struggling Families

Today, Senate Democrats will once again attempt to pass legislation to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes. The Foreclosure Prevention Act targets families most in need by keeping families facing foreclosure in their homes; helping families avoid foreclosures in the future; and helping communities already harmed by foreclosure to recover.  Last month, Bush Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to debate this important measure. Today, those very same Republican Senators have a chance to address the concerns of their constituents.

Posted: 03/31/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing Sheds Light on Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Iraq

Today’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on waste, fraud and abuse shed new light on the extent of corruption in American contracting in Iraq. The hearing also exposed the rampant corruption and sectarianism within the Iraqi government. Most importantly, the hearing highlighted the ways in which corruption undermines our reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The Bush Administration has failed to hold the Iraqis or fraudulent contractors accountable for their corruption. Democrats are committed to enforcing accountability and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse.  

Posted: 03/11/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats' Budget Helps Working Families, While Bush Republican Budget Only Offers More of the Same Failed Economic Policies

America’s families are struggling to make ends meet in the midst of an economic downturn. That is why Democrats are putting the family budget first. The Senate Democrats’ budget cuts taxes for hard-working families and helps make health care, college tuition and energy more affordable. The Bush Republican budget only offers more of the same failed policies; tax breaks for multi-millionaires and special interests while underfunding America’s priorities. It’s time for a budget that helps all Americans, not just Bill Gates, Paris Hilton and Exxon Mobil.

Posted: 03/10/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Iraq War Has Exacted a High Cost on America's National Security

Admiral Fallon’s testimony today before the Senate Armed Services Committee once again made clear the high costs that the Iraq War has exacted on America’s national security. President Bush’s failed strategy has taken focus and resources away from the threats we face in other areas of the world and strained our military almost to the breaking point. The Iraq War has caused us to neglect Afghanistan, which according to independent experts is faltering. In addition, Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is still the main threat to our homeland, as the NIE from July determined, and continues to plot attacks from its base in the Pakistan border region.  

Posted: 03/04/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Keeping America's Children Safe

Today, Senate Democrats will introduce legislation to substantially increase the budget and enforcement capacity of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, given the alarming rise in recalled children’s toys. Last year alone, over 20 million toys were recalled because of the hazard they posed to children. Unfortunately, the Commission, which during the Bush administration only hired one full-time toy tester, opposes the Senate’s efforts to increase its capacity, claiming they would be unnecessary and too difficult to implement. Given the risk posed by the Bush Administration’s dismal record overseeing imported toys and products, numerous consumer groups have joined Senate Democrats in an effort to pass this measure.

Posted: 03/03/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

President Bush's War Has Cost Our Country Dearly

The Iraq war has exacted tremendous costs on our country. The lives and livelihoods of the thousands of courageous troops who have been killed and wounded is the most tragic cost. But the war has cost us in many other ways as well, including direct and indirect economic costs which are estimated by the Joint Economic Committee to reach $1.3 trillion by the close of 2008. According to Professor Stiglitz, who testifies before the JEC today, the costs could be even higher. The costs of war also include our failure to invest in domestic priorities, the strain on our military forces which has reduced our ability to respond to other threats both abroad and at home and the cost of taking our eye off the ball and failing to confront the terrorist threat posed by Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. All of these costs illustrate the urgent need to change course in Iraq, refocus the mission and begin to redeploy our troops.

Posted: 02/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Paul Wolfowitz's Happy Talk Five Years On

Five years ago on Monday, General Eric Shinseki testified to the Senate Armed Services that it would take “several hundred thousands soldiers” to secure the peace in Iraq. Five years ago today, then-Deputy Defense Secretary – and recently appointed chairman of the State Department’s International Security Advisory Board – Paul Wolfowitz called Shinseki’s warning “wildly off the mark.” He also predicted that American troops would “be greeted as liberators.” Unfortunately, history has proven Wolfowitz wrong on all counts. Yet, despite the thousands of American troops killed and wounded, the billions of dollars spent, the happy talk of war supporters continues five years later. Senate Republicans need to join with Democrats to transition the mission, redeploy our troops and refocus on the terrorist threat facing our nation.     

Posted: 02/27/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush Administration on FISA in Their Own Words

The Bush Administration is not being straight with the American people on FISA. The President said that there was no excuse for letting the current FISA law expire, but threatened to veto any extension. He said failure to pass a new FISA law would put our country in more danger of an attack, but DNI McConnell said the real issue was getting retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies. DNI McConnell also said that we were losing capability, but yesterday testified that intelligence collection could continue even if the current law expires. Instead of playing political games and trying to force Congress to accept its bill, the Administration should work with Congress to find a compromise that gives our intelligence professionals the tools they need while protecting Americans’ civil liberties.

Posted: 02/15/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

President Bush and Senate Republicans Continue Playing Politics With FISA

President Bush and his allies in Congress are playing politics with America’s national security. While warning that the current FISA law must not lapse, they have objected to any temporary extension to allow the House and Senate to work together to craft a bill that protects America’s national security while protecting our civil liberties. Senate Republicans also slow-walked passage of the bill in an effort to jam the House and force it to rubber stamp the Senate bill. President Bush and his allies in Congress should stop fear-mongering and work with Democrats to pass a bill that gives our intelligence professionals the tools they need and protect the civil liberties of all Americans.

Posted: 02/14/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush Republicans Say No to Helping Seniors, Disabled Veterans

The economic stimulus package passed by the House lacked rebate checks for 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.  Senate Democrats have pushed to include these seniors and veterans, and to extend unemployment benefits, just as we have in past efforts to address economic downturns. Last night, however, the overwhelming majority of Senate Republicans said no.

Posted: 02/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Headlines Say It All - Republicans Block Economic Stimulus for Working Americans

Yesterday, Bush Republicans had a chance to strengthen our weakening economy, but instead they blocked a bipartisan bill which would have given a much deserved rebate to an additional 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans. The package also would have given heating assistance to low-income families across the nation. The headlines say it all:

Posted: 02/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Over Republican's Objections, Senate Democrats Remain Committed to Helping Americans Suffering in Bush Economy

Democrats are proud to have ensured that 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans will receive rebate checks, but are disappointed that Bush Republicans blocked other key improvements to the economic stimulus bill that would further strengthen the economy.  Democrats will continue to fight to help those who have lost their jobs, help small businesses suffering in a shaky economy, and help American families avoid foreclosure.

Posted: 02/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Republican Rhetoric and Reality on Economic Stimulus

Republican rhetoric on the economic stimulus bill has heated up of late, but their claims have been divorced from reality. Senator McConnell claimed Democrats were delaying rebate checks, but checks cannot be sent until mid-May no matter what. Senator Gregg said extending unemployment benefits would not boost the economy, but economists say it is one of the best ways to get money into the economy quickly. Republican Senators referred to the additional provisions sought by Democrats as “pet projects,” even though they are widely-supported measures such as heating assistance for low-income families and rebates for seniors and disabled veterans. Finally, Senator Kyl said economic stimulus would not help the economy recover, in the face of calls for stimulus from the President and Secretary Paulson. What’s the common theme here? Bush Republicans do not want to pass the Senate Finance Committee bill and have used every tactic in the book to delay its passage.

Posted: 02/05/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush Budget Lowlights

President Bush’s final budget continues down the  same fiscally irresponsible path  he started on seven years ago –  weakening America's economy by running up massive deficits and making large cuts in America’s priorities. As more Americans feel the effects of the current economic downturn, President Bush’s proposed cuts to home heating assistance, job training and education programs show just how out of touch he is. Democrats will continue to strengthen our economy, by investing in middle class families and responsibly funding America's priorities.

Posted: 02/04/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

President Bush: Trying to Have it Both Ways on Earmarks

With his attack on earmarks, President Bush is trying to have it both ways. The President has criticized Congress for its earmarking, but the President himself requested more than $20 billion in earmarks last year.  In the 110th Congress, Democrats were the first to bring transparency and accountability to earmarks and drastically cut earmarks to ensure better oversight.  Bush Republicans have little credibility on the issue – earmarks more than quadrupled under Republican rule, including billions of dollars in earmarks signed into law by President Bush. Furthermore, Republican leaders in the Senate routinely tout their ability to deliver for their states. Instead of trying to pick political fights, the President should work with Democrats to craft solutions to the pressing problems facing our nation, like the declining economy, soaring health care and energy costs and ongoing threats to our national security.

Posted: 01/28/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush Administration Blind To The Economic Reality Facing Americans

Today, both President Bush and Secretary Paulson will attempt to ease America’s concerns about the nation’s struggling economy. Unfortunately, rhetoric alone does not address this growing concern. In Cook County, Illinois, the location of the President’s speech, close to 29,000 homes are projected to be lost to foreclosure, the second highest in the nation. In addition, almost two-thirds of homeowners in the county will see their property values affected. Worse still, Illinois continues to lose manufacturing jobs at an alarming rate. Since Bush took office, the state lost close to 18,000 (1 out of 5) manufacturing jobs. While Bush continues to claim the fundamentals of the economy remain strong, economic indicators tell a different story.

Posted: 01/07/08 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Grand Obstruction Party Blocks Omnibus Bill Without Iraq Funding to Break Record

After engaging in unprecedented obstruction throughout the year, the Grand Obstruction Party finally broke the Senate’s record for cloture votes tonight, forcing the 62nd of the year. The previous record of 61 in a two-year term was set in 2001-2002, the last time Republicans were in the minority in the Senate.

Posted: 12/19/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

While Visiting the Office of National Drug Control Policy, President Bush Should Have Explained Why He Vetoed Its Funding

Today, President Bush visited the Office of National Drug Control Policy to discuss the latest report by the Monitoring the Future Program. Before the President touts the accomplishments of this vital program, perhaps he should explain to them why he put the program at risk by vetoing its funding.

Posted: 12/11/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Hold Hearing to Highlight Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Defense Contracting

Today, the Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing investigating waste, fraud and abuse at the Department of Defense and contracting in Iraq. In addition to receiving testimony from whistleblowers involved in Iraq contracting, the committee received written statements and questioned two of the nation’s leading experts in military affairs. Below are highlights from their submitted testimony.

Posted: 12/07/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Democrats Secure Funds for America's Troops and Provide Continuing Disaster Relief Assistance

Yesterday, the Senate sent to the President a comprehensive appropriations bill that allocates $459 billion for the Department of Defense to strengthen our military and provide for our troops. Specifically, the measure provides over $11 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, $23.5 billion for military health care programs and a 3.5 percent pay raise for active duty military personnel that the Bush Administration opposed. In addition, the bill also provides continued disaster relief assistance for the Gulf Coast and $500 million for federal firefighting programs.

Posted: 11/09/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Farm Bill Provides Vital Funding for Nutrition Programs

This week Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, ushered to the Senate floor the 2007 farm bill – the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007. The measure passed the Committee on October 25th.

Posted: 11/07/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Fighting to Protect the Safety of America's Children

This week, Senate Democrats highlighted their measure to bring accountability and oversight to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).However, it has been reported that the head of the Bush Administration’s CPSC opposed Congressional attempts to boost the agency’s ability to inspect products, stop the sale of recalled products and fine retailers. Senate Democrats have taken the lead to ensure parents feel confident the products they buy for their children receive the highest possible scrutiny before hitting the shelves.

Posted: 11/01/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Top 5 Ways that the Bush Administration Is a Nightmare for America's Children

As children across America go out trick or treating tonight for Halloween, the Bush Administration’s policies should scare them more than ghosts and witches. From the President’s threats to oppose crucial funding for education and juvenile justice programs to the President’s continuing opposition to a bipartisan bill that provides health care for 10 million children, this Administration gives America’s children plenty to be scared of. In the short-term, they should be scared that toys won’t be safe because the Administration has opposed strengthening the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In the long-term, America’s children will be forced to deal with the crushing debt passed on by President Bush. With this Administration, it’s clear that America’s children are getting all trick and no treat.

Posted: 10/31/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Bush Record on Fiscal Responsibility and Misplaced Priorities

After turning record surpluses into record deficits and increasing spending 50 percent, President Bush has no credibility on the issue of fiscal responsibility. Yet his speech today perfectly illustrates how his priorities compare to Democrats’ priorities and the priorities of our hard-working middle-class families. President Bush is willing to spend endlessly for the war in Iraq, with money borrowed largely from foreigners, while refusing to invest in important priorities here at home, like children’s health care, medical research, local law enforcement and homeland security. President Bush should stop playing politics and work with Congress to pass legislation that reflects the needs of our middle class families here at home.

Posted: 10/30/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Having Vetoed CHIP, President Sets His Sights on Vetoing Medical Research

Coming on the heals of his veto of the bi-partisan Children’s Health Insurance measure, President Bush has now set his sights on vetoing funding for the nation’s medical research institutions. Last week, the President issued a veto threat to the measure which provides funds for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Below are highlights of the medical and public health research initiatives funded by the Senate Labor-Health and Human Services measure, which are threatened by the President’s veto.

Posted: 10/22/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Top 5 Myths About the Bipartisan Children's Health Insurance Bill

With the vote to override President Bush’s veto fast approaching in the House of Representatives, the President and his allies in Congress continue to repeat myths about the program. But the facts are clear. The bipartisan compromise Children’s Health Insurance bill will provide coverage for 3.8 million more uninsured low-income children. The President has decided to use this heartless veto to make a political stand, rather than putting kids first.

Posted: 10/16/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

President Bush Continues Pushing His Wrong Priorities - American Middle Class Suffers

While continuing to push for hundreds of billions in spending for Iraq, President Bush today reiterated his opposition to Democratic efforts to focus on the middle class and invest in our needs here at home.  Nothing illustrates the President’s misplaced priorities so clearly as his veto of legislation to provide health care for children.  Rather than addressing the pressures facing working families, President Bush continues to insist on policies that make matters worse.  The President should stop playing politics and work with Congress to invest in America’s domestic priorities and strengthen the middle class.

Posted: 10/15/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Democratic Action Plan to Stem the Rising Tide of Foreclosures

The crisis of rising mortgage foreclosures affects not just homeowners, but also neighboring homeowners and communities, lenders and the economy as a whole. Projections show that 1.7 million people nationally could lose their homes this year and next, nearly double the number of foreclosures during the last two years. Subprime mortgages have soared in recent years, with 3 million new subprime loans in 2005 and 2006, and have triggered this national foreclosure crisis. Democrats are committed to acting quickly to rein in subprime loans, increase the availability of stable, affordable home loans and keep families in their homes.

Posted: 10/03/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Increase Funds for the Nation's Law Enforcement Agencies

Senate Democrats joined local officials at a press conference today to discuss the importance of funding local law enforcement and policing initiatives.  The Senate will begin debating the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill this week, and will seek to support important programs to fight crime in our schools and communities after years of cuts by the Bush Administration.

Posted: 10/02/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bush on Climate Change: A Record of Putting Big Polluters First

Today, President Bush spoke to delegates at the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change and called on individual nations to combat climate change. Unfortunately, the President and his administration have a very poor environmental and conservation record that includes manipulating and not enforcing the Clean Air Act, consistently placing the interests of oil and gas companies first, and  failing miserably to lead the nation and the world in reducing the risks of global warming. As Vice President Cheney said, “Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue but it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy.

Posted: 09/28/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Move to Consider Hate Crimes Legislation

Today, Senator Reid announced that the Senate will vote Thursday on the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which seeks to strengthen the ability of federal and local law enforcement officials to prosecute hate crimes. This measure, an important part of a broad civil rights agenda, strengthens federal civil rights laws and provides grants to state and local law enforcement agencies to combat hate crimes.

Posted: 09/25/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

FACT CHECK: The Bush-Republican Record on Spending

WHITE HOUSE FICTION: White House Press Secretary Dana Perino: “…The President, even in a Republican Congress, would issue veto threats on legislation. He did not veto a bill in the first six years of his presidency. Part of that was because we were able to help try to hold down the line on spending.” [White House Press Briefing, 9/18/07]

Posted: 09/18/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Democrats Working for D.C. Residents

Today the Senate voted against moving forward on a critical civil rights bill that sought to give the citizens of the District of Columbia the right to a voting representative in the US House of Representatives. However, the Senate today did vote to reauthorize a program that gives thousands of District of Columbia students fair access to higher education. Both measures represent the strong commitment Senate Democrats have made in enhancing the civil rights of District residents.

Posted: 09/18/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Katrina Recovery: Two Years Later

Since January, Senate Democrats have made a strong commitment to the Gulf Coast region. Democrats have authorized and financed vital projects in the region while fighting obstacles imposed by the White House and executive branch agencies in getting aid to hurricane victims. Below is a brief summary of the commitment Democrats have made to the region and what we will accomplish.

Posted: 08/28/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Ethics and Lobbying Reform Bill

Some Republicans Senators such as Senators Tom Coburn and Jim DeMint are attempting to make a mountain out of a mole hill regarding differences between the landmark Democratic reform bill and the bill passed earlier by the Senate. The final bill-- which could not go to conference due to objections by DeMint-- accomplishes the same goals as the Senate-passed bill. Though the language of the final bill is not word-for-word what Senators DeMint and Coburn have called for, the differences are not substantive. The reality is that their complaints are unfounded and the bill marks the most significant ethics and lobbying reform in over a decade.

Posted: 07/31/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Government Watchdog Groups Praise Democratic Ethics Reform Bill

Democrats are championing the most sweeping ethics and lobbying reforms in generations. This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Joe Lieberman announced final agreement with the House on the text of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (PDF file).  This bicameral agreement contains the most sweeping ethics and lobbying reforms in generations. The bill is being praised by leading ehics and reform organizations.

Posted: 07/31/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Democratic Accomplishments in the 110th Congress: Leading America in a New Direction

Less than six months into the 110th Congress, Senate Democrats have made significant strides in passing important, common-sense legislation that reflect the priorities of the American people.  After nearly a decade of Republican control, Democrats have worked to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington and pass key legislation on Iraq policy, homeland security, troop readiness, veterans’ health care, economic competitiveness, ethics reform, the minimum wage, health care, education, energy independence, stem cell research, and Gulf Coast revitalization.  Democrats are committed to proving that elections do matter, and we will continue to pursue the international and domestic priorities that matter most to the American people.  Together, we will take the country in a new direction. 

Posted: 06/22/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Bipartisan Group of Senators Call on President to Make Climate Change a Priority for G8 Summit

In a letter (PDF) sent to President Bush today, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-DE) called for U.S. participation in the development of a multilateral response to global warming at the G8 Summit this week. The effort, led by Chairman Biden, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), urges President Bush to engage his counterparts at the G8 constructively in order to reach consensus on global solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

Posted: 06/04/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Majority Leader on Sudan Sanctions ...

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement today in response to newly announced sanctions against Sudan:

Posted: 05/29/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senators Reid, Levin, Biden and Rockefeller Write to President Bush

Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Carl Levin, Joseph Biden Jr. and John D. Rockefeller IV sent a letter to the President in light of new developments regarding Iran and the release of the IAEA's latest assessment of Iran's nuclear activities.

Posted: 05/23/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senators Durbin, Schumer, Feingold and Kennedy Write to Attorney General Gonzalez

Senators Dick Durbin, Charles Schumer, Russell Feingold, and Edward Kennedy sent a letter today to Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez today requesting prompt response concerning questions stemming from former Deputy Attorney General James Comey's dramatic testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Posted: 05/16/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Senate Leadership Expresses "Grave Concern" re. Crisis at The World Bank

Today Senators Harry Reid, Dick Durbn, Patty Murray, and Chuck Schumer sent a letter to President George W. Bush expressing "grave concern about the situation with respect to the leadership of the World Bank".

Posted: 05/09/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid joined millions of Americans today in commemorating Cinco de Mayo, which is celebrated tomorrow, May 5th. This day marks the historic triumph of the Mexican people over the French Army in the battle of Puebla in 1862.

Posted: 05/04/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink

The Senate Passes Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Conference Report to Address Critical National Security and Domestic Needs

Today the Senate passed the conference report to the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 by a vote of 51-46. The legislation provides $124.2 billion in emergency funds primarily to support U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; ensure continued recovery for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; providing first-class health care for wounded veterans; address critical gaps in homeland security; and provide emergency disaster assistance for farmers. This fact sheet provides an overview of the key provisions, which - unfortunately - President Bush claims he will veto when the legislation reaches his desk.

Posted: 04/26/07 by SDCC Staff | Permalink