While both sides of the aisle may disagree ideologically, they can both agree that the Senate has been very successful this year. In just the first six months, 29 bills have been signed into law, more than 65 bills passed the Senate, and over 160 bills reported from Senate committees. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s Senate is making a positive mark in legislative history that brings pride to Senate Republicans as well as Minority Democrats.
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) said while addressing the Senate last week:
“We all have to give and take, but that is what the people expect of us. Whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, it does not matter – they want us to get something done. I am proud of the Senate.”
For the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), 14 Democrats were in favor of the bill passing 62-37. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) specifically wanted to thank the collaboration between Republicans and Democrats during the amendment discussions:
“First, under Chairman Hatch’s leadership, both sides have been working together in good faith with respect to the amendments, and I think it would be fair to say the chairman and I are optimistic that we can have a good and fair list of amendments.”
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a crucial piece of legislation in regards to funding intelligence and the military, passed easily 71-25. Without this Act, safety and support for our veterans and those currently serving were at risk along with the safety of the United States. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) commended Senator McCain on his work:
“There are many needed reforms in the NDAA, and I applaud Chairman McCain for his leadership and fidelity to our men and women in uniform. I know he wants a bill that is worthy of their sacrifice and commend his efforts to try and build consensus.”
The Every Child Achieves Act had a very strong majority of Democrats in favor, passing the Senate 81-17. The long overdue overhaul of education legislation produced a new education system that gives the states more control over what their specific residents need. Many Republican sponsored amendments, such as Senator Pat Toomey’s (R-PA) to prevent child predators in schools, passed uncontested. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) was very proud of the work done by the Republican controlled Senate:
“Our bipartisan bill gives States more flexibility while also including Federal guardrails to make sure all students have access to quality public education. I am very proud of the bipartisanship work we have done on the Senate floor – debating amendments, taking votes, and making this good bill even better.”
No matter how hard Obama may push for his political agenda, the new Senate will ensure that the checks and balance system in place by the Constitution is upheld to the highest standards. The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act passed 98-1 with 43 out of 44 Democrats voting in favor. Obama’s Iran deal is a potentially reckless agreement that needs to be reviewed thoroughly to ensure that Iran does not become a nuclear power in years to come. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) said in a press release:
“Such bipartisanship has eluded the Senate of late, but I give great credit to Chairman Corker who kept us focused on the ultimate goal…The stakes are too high to allow partisan rancor to overtake national consensus that endorses Congressional review of any final deal.”
The 114th Congress has made great achievements under Republican leadership. Both parties have declared their pride for the legislation accomplished thus far and look forward to more effective collaboration in the months to come. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will continue to ensure progress through the Republican Party’s majority.