On January 4, when the 110th Congress is officially sworn in, our nation will see many significant changes. The new House Leadership's "First 100 Hours" agenda, which I support, will include several pieces of legislation that will increase the quality of life and security of Long Islanders, including an increase in the minimum wage, lower prescription drug prices, increased intelligence oversight and a decrease in the interest rates on student loans.

American families have seen a drop in the value of their wages since 2000 while the costs of health care, education and gasoline have steadily increased. That is why I support raising the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. This increase will mean a pay raise for many Long Islanders who are faced with an already high cost-of-living.

In addition to increasing the minimum wage, Democrats will work to lower the costs of prescription drugs by allowing the federal government to negotiate for lower prices. The Medicare Modernization Act, which I voted against in 2003, prohibits the government from negotiating with prescription drug manufacturers. As a result, prices have increased in 2007. I will work to improve the lives of seniors and people with disabilities on Long Island by requiring Medicare to leverage its bargaining power to get the best possible drug prices.

The memories of the September 11 attacks are still fresh in the minds of Long Islanders. Since then, we have increased our efforts to prevent another attack. However, I do not believe we have gone far enough. I will be working with my Democratic colleagues to implement key proposals from the bipartisan 9-11 Commission. As part of this goal, we will create a Select Intelligence Oversight Panel that will coordinate the findings of every intelligence agency in the United States, making America more safe and secure.

College tuition has increased by more than 40 percent since 2000, making higher education unaffordable for many families on Long Island. In response to this growing problem, I will vote to cut the interest rates on subsidized student loans in half. This will open the doors of colleges and universities to all Long Islanders regardless of their economic situation.

With Democrats in control of Congress, Long Islanders will see many positive changes in their everyday lives. I am excited to work on these goals, and many others, that will give Americans the resources and security they deserve.