Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he hopes Republicans will have a change of heart after the midterm elections and help Democrats pass legislation to boost the economy.
“It is my hope that when the Congress returns, Senate Republicans will join Democrats to strengthen the middle class, provide a boost for students and small businesses and ensure equal pay for equal work for women in America,” Reid said Friday. “The American people deserve more from Republicans in Congress than political stunts and government shutdowns.”
{mosads}Reid chided Republicans for stopping at nothing to “obstruct legislation” that would give the middle class a “fair shot” — an agenda Democrats are using to campaign ahead of November.
Senate Republicans have blocked Democratic attempts to change the minimum wage, student loan rates and equal pay for equal work.
Democrats are using those votes against their Republican opponents. Several Democrats are facing tough reelection races and Republicans only need to pick up six seats to gain control of the Senate.
Reid’s comments were prompted by the September jobs report, which showed the economy added nearly 250,000 jobs and the unemployment rate dipped below 6 percent.
“Today’s report shows that our nation’s economy continues to improve,” Reid said. “But Congress can still do more to help struggling American families and those Americans out of work through no fault of their own.”