Democrats' Agenda in Congress

Analysis
By Scott McLean

Democrats are preparing to take over leadership of Congress, which will mean a change in priorities. Election Day and public opinion polls showed that Americans are overwhelming opposed to the war in Iraq and the direction Republican leaders in Congress and President Bush have been taking the country.

It's obvious, too, that Americans want much more done to improve our country and help those in need. Democrats have said they will go right to work in January on specific domestic issues.

It's clear to just about anyone (except for many Republicans in Congress) that the federal minimum wage at $5.15 an hour is way too low.

This week, Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi released a statement that ethics reform and a minimum wage increase would be at the top of the Democrats agenda in the 110th Congress.

“Democrats are determined to take our country in a New Direction to restore economic fairness and opportunity for all American families; that is why in the first 100 legislative hours of the new Congress, we will increase the minimum wage and impose strict pay-as-you-go budgeting,” said Pelosi in a news release.

On another key issue, big-money interests through their lobbyists exert far too much influence over legislation, especially as some companies have benefited greatly at the expense of consumers.

Pelosi in another news release said what Democrats intend to do about it.

“The Democratic ethics package will break the link between lobbyists and legislation, where well-connected special interests write legislation that cost consumers more at the pharmacy and gas pump," Pelosi said.

Speaker-designate Pelosi and her fellow Democrats have their work cut out for them, but their agenda makes a lot good sense. Here's to hoping they will be successful next year.