Today, we recognize the 19^th annual World AIDS Day; remembering the countless friends and family we have lost in the battle to eradicate HIV/AIDS and renewing our commitment to the fight against this terrible disease.

We stand today at a landmark moment: the prospects of achieving an AIDS-free generation in our lifetime have never been brighter. Over the past two decades, our country has made enormous strides, from the lifting the HIV/AIDS travel ban to the approval of the first over-the-counter home use HIV test, in combating this terrible virus. For the first time in a generation, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of new infections within the United States has gone down. Additionally, most countries around the world are reporting stabilizing prevalence rates.

Last week, we collectively exercised the greatest right we possess as Americans, casting our votes to elect leaders of our democracy. With the election now behind us, it is time to move forward and get to work on the issues facing our nation. As Congress reconvenes this week, we are faced with many challenges, but also an equal number of opportunities to exercise ingenuity and bipartisan cooperation. The most significant action we will take in the next few months will be to address the looming ‘Fiscal Cliff’. The cliff includes the expiration of the so-called Bush era tax cuts, the payroll tax cut and other important tax relief provisions, along with across-the-board cuts to domestic and defense programs totaling nearly $110 billion this year as required under 2011’s bipartisan deficit reduction agreement.

Today, families in America and throughout the world observe the first day of Diwali, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights. Many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists observe this important holiday by lighting the Diya lamp, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. This year’s holiday is made even more memorable with the election of the first Hindu member of Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, and the first Buddhist Senator, Mazie Hirono. Today, we wish our friends celebrating a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.”|

I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and community of Russell Means.

Means was a charismatic Native American activist known for coordinating controversial, yet powerful, political demonstrations. In 1970 he began his tenure as the American Indian Movement’s first national director by seizing a replica of the Mayflower at Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day – a forceful expression of the frustration and disenfranchisement felt by so many members of the Native American community. Soon after, he organized an AIM takeover of Mount Rushmore to protest the United States’ violation of the Treaty of Fort Laramie. He also served as a spokesman for the famous occupation of Wounded Knee. Under his leadership, the American Indian Movement received an unprecedented level of attention on the national stage. Russell Means sought justice and respect for his people. In the process, he fundamentally altered the discourse of American history and politics.

Although we have made great strides, there is still work to be done. We must ensure that Native American communities have equitable access to education and healthcare. We must demand respect for tribal sovereignty. We must hold ourselves and our government accountable to the historical obligations we have inherited. As long as we fight for justice, the legacy of Russell Means lives on.

I would like to wish my friends, constituents, and fellow Americans of the Jewish faith a happy celebration of Rosh Hashanah as they usher in the New Year, 5773. This High Holiday offers a chance to reflect on the countless contributions made to our country by the Jewish community. May this new year be one of peace and happiness for all, and to the families celebrating, Shana Tovah U’Metukah.

This Saturday marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, where we take time to celebrate our Hispanic brothers and sisters, and their irreplaceable contributions to our communities and country.  

This nation is a remarkable fabric woven together by the cultures of Americans from all heritages and backgrounds.  The story of this great country is made all the more complete by those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean.  Generations of Hispanic Americans have cultivated economic prosperity and cultural vitality in this country, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to honor this incredible community. 

Eleven years ago today, our nation’s trajectory changed forever as a result of the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Reeling from countless lives lost and a deep sense of loss, our nation united, as we have always done, with resolve, resilience and solidarity.

On the eleventh anniversary of September 11, 2001, we must remember the long journey that our nation has taken in the decade since – a decade that has seen many challenges, tribulations, and struggles, including an economy rescued from the brink, two wars abroad, and political turmoil that continues to rip this country apart.

Earlier today, gun tragedy struck our nation once again when a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims affected. No community should have to be faced with such terrible violence, especially one that takes place in a serene and peaceful place like a house of worship. I have been proud to closely work with the Sikh community throughout my career and am horrified that such senseless violence would fall at their doorstep. Yet, as we struggle to comprehend these tragic events, I know that it will be the strength and the character of the peace-loving Sikh community along with the selflessness of the larger American community that will guide us in these difficult times."

In 1965, Congress made the bold decision to fundamentally change our health care system by passing into law legislation that would implement the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In the intervening 47 years, millions of Americans have received peace of mind and stability in their healthcare.

This week marks the 47th Anniversary of these programs and showcases the vital steps forward we have taken in improving the health of our nation. Before the program was introduced, more than half of senior citizens did not have health insurance and 25% of beneficiaries lived in poverty. Additionally, millions of children were born in the United States without proper coverage and did not have the resources to get the care they needed. Today, more than 47 million seniors and disabled people receive benefits through the Medicare system and 31 million children receive benefits through the Medicaid system.