Speech #1100054078

So we are comfortable that we have done some good things. We passed a balanced budget that restores fiscal discipline and puts the middle class firstcutting their taxes while increasing investment in education. veterans care. and childrens health care. We began debate on the complex. crucial issue of immigration reform. which I spoke about a short time ago. This week. we are going to complete that legislation and hopefully bring to final passage a comprehensive bill that will strengthen our border security and bring 12 million undocumented Americans out of the shadows and help our economy move strongly. In the days ahead. we will work to improve the bill to protect and strengthen family ties while improving the structure of the temporary worker program. Following immigration. we will turn our attention to the 3 remaining bills from the original 10: an energy bill that will take crucial steps toward weaning our country of our addiction to foreign oil. we are going to reauthorize the Higher Education Act which will address skyrocketing costs of college. and a Defense authorization bill to make critical investments to address troop readiness problems in the military. and that debate will be led by the Presiding Officer. Readiness will be led by the distinguished junior Senator from Virginia. someone who has experience in battle and more than just words. We look forward to following the distinguished Senator from Virginia in making sure our troops are ready. their rotations are right. they are trained right. and that they are not going back. as happened in Nevada 2 weeks ago when someone was going back for a fourth tour of duty and acknowledged to his family he was tired and knew he wouldnt come back.