William H. Frist: “before we leave for the Fourth of July recess, I want to congratulate my colleagues for their hard work and focus over…”

“before we leave for the Fourth of July recess, I want to congratulate my colleagues for their hard work and focus over the past 6 months. We have worked hard to deliver meaningful solutions for the American people, and we have succeeded. From lawsuit reform to trade and energy policy, we have tackled a number of key issues that will make America stronger, more prosperous and more secure. We also confirmed six new members of the President's administration, including Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Trade Representative Rob Portman, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, and the first ever National Intelligence Director, John Negroponte. As I reflect on the goals set out in January, we took on big and urgent challenges. And our actions have translated into solutions. Together we are moving America forward. When we began the 109th Congress 6 months ago, America faced a number of structural problems threatening our safety, prosperity, and freedom. America was drowning in lawsuit abuse. Our highways and ports were falling into disrepair. We were hitting our 10th year with no energy plan and becoming ever more dependent on foreign oil. Partisan obstruction was tearing apart the confirmation process. Our troops in the field needed our support. And over the Christmas holiday, a tsunami disaster devastated Southeast Asia. We needed to take bold action, so I laid out a plan.…”