January 19, 2007


CONGRESSMAN LYNCH JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN SECURING PASSAGE OF THE “100 HOURS AGENDA”
Democrats Deliver on Their Promise to the American People, Lynch Says Important Work Remains Ahead

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) joined House Democrats today in bringing the “100 Hours Agenda” to a successful conclusion - fulfilling Democrats' promise to pass legislation reflecting the values and priorities of the American people within the first 100 legislative hours in the House of Representatives.

“The people of the Ninth Congressional District, and all across this nation, sent a resounding message that they wanted a new direction for our country, and that's exactly what we aim to do,” Congressman Lynch said.  “The successful completion of the '100 Hours Agenda' by the House of Representatives demonstrates our commitment to restore accountability in Washington, and put our country back on the right track.”

“From sweeping ethics reform, to restoring fiscal responsibility, to strengthening our national security, to giving more Americans a realistic shot at the American Dream, the new Democratic Majority is committed to real and lasting results for the people we serve.  We hope to change the way that business is done in Washington,” added Congressman Lynch.

Lynch went on to note that each of the “100 Hours Agenda” items passed the House with broad bipartisan support.  “I have always believed that reaching across the aisle is the best way to get something done, and to restore civility and cooperation to government.  I am hopeful that both parties in the Congress will continue to put progress ahead of partisanship.”

The House has passed the following items since the start of the 110th Congress:

• Ethics Reform, 1/4/07, Passed 430-1 (D 232-0; R 198-1)
• Restoring Fiscal Responsibility, 1/5/07, Passed 280-152 (D 232-0; R 48-152)
• 100 HOURS LEGISLATION
  • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations, 1/9/07,
     Passed 299-128 (D 231-0; R 68-128)
  • Increasing the Minimum Wage, 1/10/07,
    Passed 315-116 (D 233-0; R 82-116)
  • Expanding Stem Cell Research, 1/11/07,
    Passed 253-174 (D 216-16; R 37-158)
  • Requiring Negotiation for Lower Prescription Drug Costs, 1/12/07,
     Passed 255-170 (D 231-0; R 24-170)
  • Cutting Interest Rates on Student Loans, 1/17/07,
     Passed 356-71 (D 232-0; R 124-71)
  • Ending Subsidies for Big Oil and Investing in Renewable Energy, 1/18/07,
     Passed 264-163 (D 228-4; R 36-159)

“This is just the beginning of the work we are going to do on behalf of the American people, but a very important step in the right direction,” concluded Congressman Lynch.  “Now we must turn to the issue of Iraq, and work together to bring our troops home as safely and as soon as possible.”