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In a speech this morning, President Obama outlined his plans and goals for the next few weeks. He emphasizes the overarching need for non-partisan consensus in order to prevent legislative deadlock. Although the economy has obviously been a critical issue in Tuesday's past election, President Obama also spoke of the need to address foreign policy issues, specifically the Senate ratification of the New START treaty, during the upcoming lame-duck session. Please read the President's remarks below:
"THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. I just want to make a few quick remarks to expand on some things that I said yesterday. Obviously Tuesday was a big election. I congratulated the Republicans and consoled some of our Democratic friends about the results, and I think it's clear that the voters sent a message, which is they want us to focus on the economy and jobs and moving this country forward. They're concerned about making sure that taxpayer money is not wasted, and they want to change the tone here in Washington, where the two parties are coming together and focusing on the people's business as opposed to scoring political points.
In a very close contest, CGS-endorsed Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias (D), conceded the Illinois Senate race to former Congressman Mark Kirk. President Obama's former seat will now change hands to the Republican Party.
We are saddened by the missed opportunity to work with Alexi Giannoulias, who responded very favorably in support of global issues in our Candidate Questionnaire. Giannoulias voiced his support for the International Criminal Court, and the importance of the Control Test Ban Treaty, not just for US foreign policy, but for a greater global good.
We are, however, excited to work with Senator-elect Mark Kirk in advancing our issues. This endorsement choice was a difficult decision for CGS. Although Kirk did not return our Candidate Questionnaire, he has made a name for himself as a moderate and a member of Congress who is willing to work across the aisle and seek bipartisan solutions for the many issues confronting our nation.
We congratulate Senator-elect Mark Kirk, and are eager to work with him on the future to advance global issues.
Happy Birthday 19th Amendment!
Believe it or not, it's only been 90 years since the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote in our democracy was made part of the Constitution. Since 1971, we've celebrated the anniversary of August 26, 1920, as Women's Equality Day.
One great way to celebrate would be to make sure that every eligible woman is registered to vote. That includes women turning 18 and those who have recently become naturalized citizens. After all, as important as the right to vote is, it's even more important to use the vote to help shape the direction of our nation. So make sure you're registered and encourage everyone you know to do the same.
Women's Equality Day is also the perfect time to consider what the United States can do to advance women's rights as human rights. A good place to start is with CEDAW - the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
CEDAW, also known as the Women's Treaty, is a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world. CEDAW helps women and girls by offering a practical blueprint for ending discrimination, stopping violence against women and trafficking of women and girls, ensuring education and vocational opportunities, and increasing political participation including the right to vote and to hold political office.