Minority when it comes to the senate than perhaps those on the other side of the aisle. Only time will tell. And now id like to read into the record a statement from the democratic leader, harry reid, which will be part of the opening remarks. Senator reid says as follows as some are already know, i had a mishap in my home last week while excise exercising. I sustained several broken bones in nigh face and ribs. I am doing well in and recovering quickly. I regret i am not on the senate floor to make these remarks in person but my doctors have urged caution and ordered me to stay home while he recuperate. I thank my friend, the assistant democratic leader, for delivering my remarks today. A greek philosopher once wrote theres nothing permanent except change. Our nations elections approve that theory every two years. This is one of those times of change for the senate and for our country. The desks in this chamber have been rearranged, Committee Assignments adjusted, appeared a new majority assumes control for the next two years. Or, in other words, i think just another wednesday in january at the start after new congress. For all the changes our duties as United States senators remain the same, we are here to help working americans and ensure that our government has all it needs to serve the people. In spite of almost no republican cooperation over the last six years, we have made significant strides in many regards. The new majority leader claims the senate has not achieved, in his word words squat in recent years. The numbers in fact tell a different story. Today the u. S. Unemployment rate stands at 5. 8 . Over the last six years the American Economy has added 10 million jobs. The stock market has reached alltime highs. Our nations manufacturers are thriving. The american Automobile Industry was brought back from the brink of collapse in spite of Republican Opposition and lets not forget that there are more thank 10 million americans newly insured with health care coverage. While some here in washington may see that as quote squat close quote ings with theeconomic recovery. Weil work to improve the economy, without republican help we also work to fulfill our constitutional obligation to offer advice and consent on president ial nominations. Just last congress we confirmed 1232 judges, the most 1323 132 judges. As we speak, we have an attorney general and a secretary of defense waiting to be confirmed. I reminged everyone, senator reid says, that last congress the republicans mounted an unprecedented filibuster for a nominee for secretary of defense, a former republican senator. I challenge my friend, the majority leader, to change course and work with Senate Democrats in confirming the president s nominees in the 114th congress. Working together we can easily meet and surpass last congress benchmark 611 confirmations. My republican colleagues and especially the majority leader should also know that Senate Democrats are especially especially tearing continue to help american families. Working together, we can send meaningful Bipartisan Legislation to the president for his signature. The mistakes of the past, the gratuitous obstruction and wanton filibustercally will not be a hall work of the 114th congress. The filibuster is an indispensable actual of the minority. But republican abuse of it during the last congress has come to epitomize the gridlock here in the United States capital. To be clear, senator reid says, i have no intention of just rolling over. I cant. Not when the middle class is teetering on the verge of stings. Any extinction. Any attempt to erode protections for working american fathers the dismanagementeling of doddfrank the weakening of Net Neutrality rules or the republicans neverending quest to repeal the Affordable Care act known as obamacare will be met with swift and unified democratic opposition. But wed rather legitimate together senator reid said. And theres plenty of Common Ground for bipartisan