The following is my floor statement on the Democrats' agenda in the 110th Congress:
Mr. President, Americans made it clear in the last election that they want a government which stands with them as they look to the future. Earlier today, our Majority Leader, Senator Reid, introduced ten bills that are a down payment on our commitment to progress. I commend Senator Reid for his leadership in speaking to the hopes and dreams of all Americans by laying out these priorities today - that will make an enormous difference in the lives of millions of our citizens.
Our bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour will benefit almost 13 million Americans. It will help more than 6 million children whose parents will receive a raise.
For far too long, we've had an economy that works for Wall Street, but not for Main Street. Americans are working harder than ever, but workers aren't getting their fair share, especially those struggling to survive on the current unacceptably low minimum wage.
Americans understand fairness, and they know this is unfair.
Minimum wage workers are men and women of dignity, and they deserve a fair wage that respects the dignity of their work. It's long past time to give them a raise.
We also have introduced legislation to help young people afford a college education. It is more important than ever for students to obtain a college degree so they can compete in the global economy and have a fair chance at the American dream.
The challenge we face is that it's getting harder and harder for students to attend college, because the cost has skyrocketed in recent years and federal aid has not kept pace. Our legislation will increase the Pell Grants that are so important to low and middle income families. It will also provide greater assistance to those struggling with unreasonable student loan burdens. Student debt is not only preventing young people from attending college. It also forces college graduates to choose lucrative careers over public service, teaching and other lower paying jobs.
For too long, we've paid lenders unnecessary subsidies to take part in the government's student loan programs, We've failed to adapt the law to reflect the enormous growth of the student loan industry. We need a college loan program that works for students, not lenders, and our legislation will do that.
Another important bill we have introduced will end the unwarranted and unscientific restrictions on stem cell research. I commend Senator Harkin and Senator Specter for their leadership on this important issue. The debate on stem cells touches the spirit of every Americans because it's about hope.
Hope is what stem cell research means to millions of Americans who seek better treatments and better drugs for cancer, diabetes, spinal injury, and many other serious illness.
In this new century of the life sciences, we see benefits of discovery all around us. Leading scientists agree that the potential of stem cell research is extraordinary. We should stop delaying the hope and the help that stem cell research can bring.
We have introduced legislation today to address the worsening health care crisis in America. Our bill will repeal the outrageous ban that keeps Medicare from negotiating the same discounts on drugs for seniors that the VA achieves for veterans.
Current law actually makes it illegal for Medicare to negotiate discounts on drug prices. Companies across America negotiate on the prices they pay for the goods they buy, and Medicare should have the same right. The time has come to end this shameful abuse and stand with our seniors.
Finally we have introduced a bill to provide long-needed and comprehensive immigration reform for our broken border system. This plan is supported by religious leaders, labor and business groups, and millions others across the political spectrum. It is a tough but fair plan that protects our borders, upholds our values, strengthens our laws, and ensures our prosperity.
The bill that passed the Senate last year provides a road map. Our solution must be a comprehensive approach with stronger enforcement at the border and within the United States, legal visas to match willing workers with willing employers and earned legalization for undocumented immigrants already living and working in the United States.
The President has been a leader on this issue. Senator McCain has been our champion and partner every step of the way. And our new Judiciary Chairman, Senator Leahy, had had a key role in moving it forward and putting it high on the agenda.
By heritage and history, America is a nation of immigrants. Our bill will propose necessary changes in the law while preserving this tradition. These necessary changes will ensure that immigrant families today, as in the past, continue to live the American dream and contribute to our prosperity, our security, and our values.
Once again, I commend our Leader, Senator Reid, for making these issues early priorities for the Senate. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of aisle to move them forward.