Republican Earmark Reform: A "Bridge to Nowhere"


This week the House voted on earmark reform. But the legislation in question was reform in name only. All this proposal does is publicize the names of the sponsors of a portion of the congressional earmarks. The truth is this so-called earmark reform will not save American taxpayers one cent. Further, it is full of loopholes, big enough to fit the notorious Alaskan "Bridge to Nowhere" earmark.


If Republicans were truly interested in reversing the deficits they have created, they would support pay-as-you-go budgeting. Talk is cheap. Republican failures are expensive.

USA TODAY: GOP, Dems Take Contrasting Approaches to Ethics Reform.


Rep. David Obey (D-WI) on earmark reform.


Social Security Still Under Attack


The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that President Bush plans to revive his attack on Social Security, despite the wishes and needs of the American people. Although Democrats defeated Republican privatization attempts in 2005, the President has made clear that dismantling Social Security is still his top priority. The message is clear - as long as the Republican Rubber Stamp Congress carries out the Administration's commands without question or oversight, American workers are in danger of losing the guaranteed benefits they have earned.


Both Ways and Means Committee Democrats and the non-partisan Government Accountability Office have released reports analyzing the effects of the leading privatization plans, including price indexing. All the facts point to one conclusion: privatizing social security would hurt middle-class Americans and their families, denying retirement benefits to hard-working Americans for generations. For 70 years, millions of Americans have relied on Social Security's guaranteed benefit during retirement, disability, or the death of a loved one. House Democrats will not stand by and let the President abandon Americans at their greatest moment of need. We remain united with the American people in defiance of these risky privatization plans.


See what privatization will cost you.

Republican Shortcomings Have Weakened Our Armed Forces


Congressmen Dave Obey (D-WI), senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee and John Murtha (D-PA), senior Democrat on the Defense Subcommittee, held a press conference to release recent findings on the state of the U.S. Army’s readiness for war. The findings are not good: our forces are stretched thin, tired, and do not have the equipment they need.


We do not have a strategic reserve in the United States capable of performing its wartime mission should a crisis arise. This is unacceptable. The security of our nation depends on our combat readiness, and we owe it to the members of our armed forces and their families to make sure that our military has the equipment, training, and support they need to get the job done without unnecessary risk. House Democrats know the war on terror is more than a war of words. It’s time to take our homeland security in a New Direction.


The Administration has failed to maintain our armed forces.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Honored With Congressional Gold Medal


This week the U.S. House of Representatives awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Congressional Gold Medal is the most distinguished award bestowed by the United States Congress, reserved for the most heroic, courageous, and outstanding individuals who make lasting contributions to society.


The Dalai Lama has been a unifying voice for global peace, traveling the world, building bridges between and among the different faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution -- not only in Tibet -- but around the world.


By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama, Congress is sending an important signal of support for the ongoing human rights struggle in Tibet. Tibet is a challenge to our conscience that we must remain committed to addressing.

Human rights is a democratic priority.

Democrats Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

This week marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the extraordinary contributions Hispanic Americans make to the character, strength, and history of our great country. As a financial force, Hispanic purchasing power is more than $600 billion and Latino business owners play a crucial role in fueling our economy. One only has to turn on the television, radio, or visit a movie theater or popular local restaurant to see the cultural influence Hispanic Americans have on our national identity. And politically, Hispanic leaders have stepped forward on the local, state, and federal level to guide our country in the 21st century.


While we celebrate and reflect on these accomplishments, we must also rededicate ourselves to the challenges facing the Latino community. This includes passing realistic immigration reform that honors our values and recognizes the contribution Hispanic immigrants make to this country. The Hispanic Dream and the American Dream are one and the same. Anything that can be done to empower the Hispanic American community will empower the nation as a whole.


Learn more.