Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) addressed the Senate floor on the opening day of the 119th Congress, calling for bipartisan cooperation while outlining Democrats’ priorities for the coming legislative session.
Schumer welcomed newly elected senators, recognized the leadership transition in the Republican Party, and underscored the importance of addressing economic uncertainty, safeguarding democracy, and securing America’s role on the global stage.
In his remarks, Schumer congratulated outgoing Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and extended a hand to the new Republican Leader, John Thune. “I want to work with the new Republican Leader to keep that bipartisan streak going in the New Year,” Schumer said, emphasizing the importance of cooperation despite expected disagreements.
Schumer welcomed six new Democratic senators, each bringing unique experience and historic significance. Among them are Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, the state’s first Hispanic senator; Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, the state’s first woman and person of color in the role; and Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, the state’s first African American senator.
Other new members include Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a national security expert with experience in both Republican and Democratic administrations, and Senator Adam Schiff of California, known for his leadership in the House. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey also joins as the first Korean American senator in U.S. history.
Schumer urged all members to prioritize their responsibilities to the American people. “The work we do in this chamber has the potential to create enormous prosperity for millions of American people if we do our jobs right,” he said.
Looking ahead, Schumer reaffirmed Democrats’ commitment to addressing key domestic issues, including affordable housing, higher wages, and reducing the cost of childcare. He also stressed the importance of protecting reproductive rights, defending democracy, and fighting corporate practices that harm consumers.
“We want to help Americans save more money when they go to the grocery store, when they go to the pharmacy, when they pay their cable and internet bill,” Schumer said, pledging to stand firm against corporate exploitation.
As the Senate begins its work under a divided government and with President-elect Donald Trump set to return to office, Schumer signaled Democrats’ readiness to collaborate where possible while holding firm on core values.
“The time to get to work is now,” Schumer concluded. “It’s a new day, a new Congress, and Democrats stand united and ready to fight and deliver for the American people.”
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