Schakowsky Marks Start of New Congress; Lays Out Agenda

SCHAKOWSKY MARKS START OF NEW CONGRESS; LAYS OUT AGENDA

WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the opening of the 110th Congress today. This afternoon, Schakowsky was sworn into her fifth term representing the 9th Congressional District of Illinois.
Schakowsky will serve in the House leadership as a Chief Deputy Majority Whip and a member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. She also serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

"Now begins a new day for America. During the first '100 Hours' of the 110th Congress, Democrats will answer the voters' call for change. We will restore honesty, openness, and civility to Congress, require Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices, lower the cost of higher education, raise the minimum wage, invest in life-saving embryonic stem cell research and alternative energy, and strengthen our homeland security....

"The election of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House is a historic moment -- a testament to Nancy's able, dedicated, and unifying leadership. I am confident that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), and Caucus Vice Chairman John Larson (D-CT) will lead us in a new direction that makes our country stronger and more just. While we will make great strides during the first '100 Hours,' it's just a down-payment. Even greater change is on the horizon....

"On November 7th, Americans demonstrated that they will not wait for change in Iraq. Three thousand of our troops have lost their lives and civil war is spreading. Even the Republican co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, James Baker, warned 'We can no longer afford to stay the course.' I will work with members of both parties to pressure the Bush Administration to begin to draw down troops as quickly as possible so that a diplomatic course may be pursued....

"While corporations and the few at the top have profited from tax breaks and giveaways, the majority of workers and families in our country have been left behind. My fight to provide opportunity and economic security for the majority of Americans continues. I will work provide good jobs with strong benefits, to end waste and abuse in the government contracting process, and to protect consumers from corporate wrongdoing....

"The challenges facing our great nation are many. With a focus on our most urgent priorities, Democrats will lead the United States to thrive again, as a force for good that provides opportunity for all....