Today's ruling is the latest example of how the Bush Administration has jeopardized our efforts in the war on terror. The Administration's decision to ignore the Constitution and the Congress has come at the expense of the security of the American people. Instead of being five years into an effective strategy we are back at square one. We now have the opportunity to take a new direction. It is time for the Administration to work with the Congress to develop effective tools to defeat terrorists. Senate Democrats stand ready to work with the Administration and Congressional Republicans toward that goal.

Despite five years of setbacks, no one should give up hope. With the right leadership, the promise of stem cell research will be realized. For too long, our nation has been stuck in the wrong direction because President Bush and the Republican Congress have stood in the way. On this anniversary, Democrats remain undeterred. We will continue to fight to bring the benefit of stem cell research to millions of Americans. After so much delay, the time has come for a new direction.

Democratic Leader Harry Reid and DSCC Chair Chuck Schumer issued the following joint statement today on the Connecticut Senate race:

"The Democratic voters of Connecticut have spoken and chosen Ned Lamont as their nominee. Both we and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) fully support Mr. Lamont's candidacy. Congratulations to Ned on his victory and on a race well run.

"Joe Lieberman has been an effective Democratic Senator for Connecticut and for America. But the perception was that he was too close to George Bush and this election was, in many respects, a referendum on the President more than anything else. The results bode well for Democratic victories in November and our efforts to take the country in a new direction."

I'm terribly disappointed with this situation we have this week in the Senate.

This should have been a good legislative week.

We should be feeling good after having passed legislation to restore the coastline in Louisiana and Mississippi.

We should be feeling good after having passed legislation to protect the pensions of 45 million Americans.   Read More »

Today I went to the floor with a simple amendment. And I must confess, the provisions in my amendment are not new and did not originate with me.

The language of my amendment was taken directly - word for word - from a bill that was passed by the Republican-controlled House last week by a broad, bipartisan margin.

My amendment consists of the tax provisions and Abandoned Mines Land Fund in the House-passed bill. Again, every single provision in my amendment enjoys broad bipartisan support.   Read More »