Articles
Orlando Sentinel: Democrats' Reid, Pelosi: It's a new direction
04/15/2007
By Sen. Harry
Reid and Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
Special to McClatchy-Tribune
When the
American people asked in November for a new direction at home and abroad,
Democrats heard their call. In our first 100 days at work, we have answered
with great strides to increase our government's transparency, our nation's
security and our workers' paychecks.
In one of
the year's first orders of business, both chambers of Congress passed the most
significant ethics-reform legislation in more than 20 years, changing the way
We are
making
We are
also giving American workers a long overdue raise by increasing the minimum
wage for the first time in more than a decade.
While the cost of gas, food and health care -- and lawmakers' salaries
-- all increased, the minimum wage stayed the same.
Congress
is also spending tax dollars more responsibly. In passing the first budget in
two years, we put middle-class families first, cutting taxes while putting more
dollars into education, children's health care and our veterans.
Perhaps
our most critical job is to work with the Bush administration to change course
in
Democrats
believe we must transition the mission in
Democrats
in Congress want to sit down with the president to talk about the best way to
both fully fund our troops and move forward in
Congress
is also heeding the call of the people in other ways not quantifiable by
legislation. We take seriously our responsibility to offer citizens a
government that is accountable for its actions
The
shameful conditions at
We also
believe the American people deserve the truth about the White House's
involvement in the firing of federal prosecutors. The American people should
know whether their justice system was manipulated for political reasons, and
Congress will continue to demand answers from the administration
Democrats
have made real progress in these 100 days, but there is much more to be done.
We will continue restoring accountability, responsiveness and productivity to
Congress, and will continue to ask the tough questions, because it is what the
American people demand and deserve.
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is the
Senate majority leader and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is speaker of the
House.