Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D.-Nev.) released the following statement Monday after 14 senators struck a deal to avert the nuclear option and allow votes on certain judicial nominees.
??¢â???¬?????There is good news for every American in this agreement.????? The so-called 'nuclear option' is off the table.????? This is a significant victory for our country, for democracy, and for all Americans.????? Checks and balances in our government have been preserved.
??¢â???¬?????The integrity of future Supreme Courts has been protected from the undue influences of a vocal, radical faction of the right that is completely out of step with mainstream America.????? That was the intent of the Republican 'nuclear option' from the beginning. ????? Tonight, the Senate has worked its will on behalf of reason, responsibility and the greater good.?????
??¢â???¬?????Abuse of power will not be tolerated, and attempts to trample the Constitution and grab absolute control are over.????? We are a separate and equal branch of government.????? That is our Founding Fathers??¢â???¬â???¢ vision, and one we hold dear.
??¢â???¬?????I offered Senator Frist several options similar to this compromise, and while he was not able to agree, I am pleased that some responsible Republicans and my colleagues were able to put aside their differences and work from the center.????? I do not support several of the judges that have been agreed to because their views and records display judicial activism that jeopardize individual rights and freedoms.????? But other troublesome nominees have been turned down. And, most importantly, the U.S. Senate retains the checks and balances to ensure all voices are heard in our democracy.
??¢â???¬?????I am grateful to my colleagues who worked so hard to achieve this agreement.????? I am hopeful that we can quickly turn to work on the people??¢â???¬â???¢s business.????? We need to ensure our troops have the resources they need to fight in Iraq and that Americans are free from terrorism.????? We need to protect retiree??¢â???¬â???¢s pensions and long-term retirement security.????? We need to expand health care opportunities for all families.????? We need to address rising gasoline prices and energy independence. ????? And we need to restore fiscal responsibility and rebuild our economy so that it lifts up all American workers.????? That is our reform agenda, the people??¢â???¬â???¢s reform agenda.????? Together, we can get the job done.??¢â???¬ ?????
