Harry Reid Vows to Work with Senate Republicans in New Congress - East Idaho News
News

Harry Reid Vows to Work with Senate Republicans in New Congress

  Published at

111214 HarryReid?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1415833821872US Congress(WASHINGTON) — As the Senate returned to session on Wednesday, current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed his willingness to work with Senate Republicans, saying he doesn’t intend on employing a “strategy of obstruction” when he is in the minority next year.

“I’m ready, Mr. President, to work with him on good faith to make this institution function for the American people,” Reid said of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor Wednesday. “I saw firsthand how a strategy of obstruction was debilitating to our system, and I have no desire to engage in that manner.”

“I’ve been able to strike compromise with my Republican colleagues and I’m ready do to it again,” he added. “It’s clear the American people wants us to join together to get things done for the middle class and all Americans.”

McConnell, who is the Senate’s future majority leader, said he hopes the White House will “respect the message sent last Tuesday” when Republicans won control of the Senate.

“The actions of the next few weeks could help set a positive tone for the work of the next Congress. It’s a tone that will depend largely on the administration’s willingness to respect the message sent last Tuesday,” McConnell said.

McConnell warned that any executive action on immigration reform would be a “big mistake” and would signal the administration’s desire to “double down on old ways.”

Senate Chaplain Barry Black opened the Senate Wednesday by acknowledging both the new senators-elect and those senators who are leaving the Senate due to retirement or losing their seats.

“Eternal god, our hope for the years to come as we prepare to turn to a new chapter in united states senate history. We pause to acknowledge that you are our light and salvation. Lord, you are the strength of our lives, enabling us to move confidently toward the future. Empower our lawmakers who are coming and going sustaining them in all of their tomorrow,” Black prayed. “Bless also the many other laborers who will be leaving us who faithfully served without fanfare. Lord, reward their fidelity with heaven’s commendation. As our senators seek to respond to the voices of the American people, make they make it their top priority to listen to your whisper. May pleasing you be their greatest desire. Let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is heaven. We pray in your sovereign name, Amen.”


Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio

SUBMIT A CORRECTION