"Don't forget the little guy" was the slogan of my campaign and I have adopted that philosophy as a member of Congress. After completing just my second week on the job, I am proud to report that the House of Representatives has already passed a number of common-sense proposals to improve the everyday lives of the "little guy" and all other Americans.

For too long, the federal government has put the special interests ahead of the common good and embraced an agenda that benefits only the privileged few.

Since my days on the floor of the Seaford clothing factory, I have seen the way many working Americans struggle to make ends meet. They are being burdened with stagnant wages, skyrocketing health care costs, rising college tuition, and policies that reward the outsourcing of good-paying American jobs.

Democrats campaigned on an agenda to improve America's economic and national security, while addressing the concerns of ordinary families. We also promised to restore the public’s trust in Congress. As I reflect on our first 100 legislative hours, I am proud to say that promises made were promises kept.

On the opening day of the 110th Congress, we adopted the most sweeping ethics package since the post-Watergate era. It ends the pay-to-play culture that has become prevalent over the last several years by beginning to break the link between lobbyists and legislation, including a ban on gifts and travel.

Shortly thereafter, we passed a bill to implement the bipartisan 9-11 Commission recommendations, an important step in making our nation safe and secure.

Specifically, the legislation passed will improve security at the Quad City International Airport by phasing in a 100 percent inspection requirement for air cargo over the next three years.

We also a passed a long overdue raise in the federal minimum wage -- from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years. People who go to work every day to earn an honest living should not be trapped in poverty.

During our first 100 hours, the House passed two measures to improve the future health of millions of Americans. First, we increased the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federally funded research, while also establishing strict ethical guidelines. This issue is personal to me. I served as former Congressman Lane Evans' district director for 23 years, until Parkinson's forced him to retire from the House. For him and millions of others suffering from potentially curable diseases, I voted to advance the scientific hope contained in ethical embryonic stem cell research.

Next, we passed a much needed reform to the Republican prescription drug law, commonly known as Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D unwisely prohibits the government from using its collective bargaining power to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. Our bill didn't just allow such bargaining, it required it. The money we save from negotiation will help provide relief to the many beneficiaries who are falling into the "doughnut-hole," a portion of the program where seniors continue to pay premiums without receiving reimbursements for medicines.

In order to address the skyrocketing cost of college tuition, the House passed legislation to make college more affordable and accessible by cutting the interest rate on subsidized student loans in half over the next five years -- from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. I believe families of every background deserve the opportunity to send their kids to college without going into bankruptcy.

I also believe in the potential of Western Illinois' workforce. That's why I was so pleased to support a bill to redirect $14 billion in tax cuts for profit-rich oil companies into the expansion of renewable fuels. In addition to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, clean energy has the potential to provide a substantial economic boost to farmers and other biofuels producers throughout the 17th Congressional District.

I am proud that all of the bills considered in our first "100 Hours" package passed with strong bipartisan majorities -- an average of 67 Republicans voted in support of each measure. My constituents are tired of the partisan bickering that has become commonplace in Washington. I remain committed to working in a bipartisan way to address the priorities of my district.

The 1964 documentary "The Inheritance" chronicles the history of my former union, the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers of America, as they fought to build an organization to represent workers in the men's clothing trade. Near the end of film, when the union is firmly established, an elderly tailor looks into the camera and says, "Do you think this is the end? It's only just beginning." Likewise, our "100 Hours" package represents the beginning of a 110th Congress that won't forget the "little guy" and will work together to solve the complex problems facing our nation. 

Congressman Phil Hare (D-Rock Island) represents the 17th District of Illinois.