Russ Feingold: “the Senate has put trade on the fast track, but there are a number of other priorities that the Senate would do better…”

“the Senate has put trade on the fast track, but there are a number of other priorities that the Senate would do better to put on the fast track. The Senate has put trade on the fast track, but what about a long-overdue increase in the minimum wage? The Senate should put the minimum wage on the fast track. The Senate has put trade on the fast track, but what about updating Medicare to provide coverage for prescription drugs? The Senate should put prescription drug coverage on the fast track. The Senate has put trade on the fast track, but what about protecting people of color against racial profiling? The Senate should put racial profiling on the fast track. Madam President, the Senate has put trade on the fast track, but another thing that should be on the fast track for Senate consideration is ensuring the health of Social Security. As we debate the Senate's priorities, let me take a few minutes to address this other matter that requires the Senate's attention: the state of Social Security and Medicare and the well-being of the millions of Americans whom those important programs serve. Madam President, since the election, the topic of Social Security, as you well know, has all but fallen off the legislative agenda, and that is unfortunate, for at stake is little less than whether our elderly live in comfort or in poverty.”