(CNN) -- For the first time in 12 years, the Democrats are in control of both houses of the U.S. Congress.
CNN.com asked readers what issues they think should top the legislative agenda.
Here is a selection of the latest responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.
Fred Fidura of Fairmont, West Virginia
You said you were better people than the Republicans -- now prove it. Forget the acrimony, the investigations, the political games for purely partisan advantage. Do something for the American people and move this country forward. That won't happen if you continue to be Democrats first and Americans second.
Eric Dufresne of Brooklyn, New York
For the love of God, Vishnu, Allah, and Jehovah will SOMEONE please implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations?!??! The continuing failure to do so borders on criminal negligence. From a political standpoint, this could shore up the national security stature of the Democrats and show that they're willing to take action, unlike their GOP colleagues. Health care, the minimum wage -- the traditional democratic agenda can wait its turn.
Gary Sanchez of San Jose, California
I believe the highest item on the Democratic agenda should be ethics reform. Our brand of democracy demands a balanced playing field between the interests of everyday citizens and corporations who pay for access and buy legislation. We need legislative transparency, lobby reform and an end to last minute, backdoor deals. Why not provide us with access to pending expenditure bills, written in plain English, and an ability to post our opinions on them?
John Benjamin of San Francisco, California
I believe that the top priorities of the new Congress should be strictly financial. Raise taxes on the higher income brackets, while raising the minimum wage. This, along with increased funding for health care, could all be accomplished by cutting our bloated defense budget.
Mel Speizer of Boca Raton, Florida
The # 1 business Congress should address is getting out of Iraq!
Mohammed Jallow of Taipei, Taiwan
Democrats in Congress should first consider the Iraq war policy, including increasing [the] number of military trainers in Iraq, to help Iraq govern and sustain itself as quickly as possible by the end of 2007. They shouldn't forget about social reforms, the economy, war on terror and most importantly spending the American taxpayers' money in the right places. My final advice to them is to throw away political differences and work toward making America better.
Ken Powell of Emporia, Kansas
Quit pointing fingers at others when ALL decisions [regarding] Iraq were approved by both the Democrats and Republicans. This philosophy also extends to the budget process.
Howard Vicini of San Francisco, California
Even as a lifelong Democrat and a proud constituent of Nancy Pelosi, I am worried that Democratic leaders may be underestimating the solidarity of the American people in opposition to continuing the war in Iraq. If the president proposes increasing the troops in Iraq as is being reported and Democrats do not do everything in their power to stop him, I believe the honeymoon between Democrats and the American public will end quickly and decisively.
Richard Wilkinson of Cockeysville, Maryland
The number of registered lobbyists has increased astronomically in the past 12 years. Generally, lobbyists are not pushing programs that are for the public good. If they were, Congress wouldn't need them. Reduce drastically the number of registered lobbyists and tell them to go get a real job.
Teena Kunlel of Salem, Oregon
I think the first thing Congress should tackle is why the insurance and oil industries are the only industries reporting record profits and adding employees while most other industries are shipping jobs overseas. Insurance, all types, not just health insurance, is so expensive that minimum wage workers can't afford it.
Jill Kovacs of Fairfield, Connecticut
Because so much policy depends upon it, it is imperative that Congress recreate the Congressional Office of Science and Technology, which for decades employed nonpartisan scientists to read scientific and technical publications and put together reports that the nonscientists in Congress could understand and use to inform their policy making decisions.
Jerry Finch of Hitchcock, Texas
One of the fastest moves this Congress should consider is passing, once again, is the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. It's time to get this done and move on to other issues.
Robert Hetherington of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Please try to spend more money on pensioners [and] medical needs for poorer people. Don't spend (waste) any more money on war anywhere. Don't even think about making war on Iran. Thank you, America.
Brent Hawker of Simi Valley, California
Protect our borders and build the fence. Be strong on national defense, support increased funding for NASA so that our technology continues to be the envy of every nation and inspires our youth to study harder so they can embrace and be prepared for the future.
Bill W. of Coatesville, Pennsylvania
DO NOT, under any circumstances, pass an amnesty bill for illegal aliens. This is political suicide. Pass bills to STOP outsourcing of good paying American jobs by putting taxes and levies on companies who outsource. STOP the mass importation of foreign workers under "guest worker" programs like H-1 and L-1. Enough Americans are unemployed and underemployed. Provide incentives to return manufacturing to America. We MUST stop importing more than we export.
Brian Straka of Washington, West Virginia
I think Congress should set up a monetary prize package for the first person or business that develops a sound solution as an alternative to our dependence on oil. Also, Congress should do more to encourage every federal agency, all businesses and all Americans to recycle. Give tax breaks to refuse companies to recycle, and reduce our landfills.
Adam of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Fix education. Several states, including my own, have outlawed affirmative action in universities, and I fear that this will only condemn more minorities to cyclical poverty. The Democrats need to change the way we fund our public education system so that both inner city youth and suburban youth receive an equal and quality education.
Stacy Gray of La Palma, California
Reinstate federal parole for inmates and change mandatory minimum sentences for federal inmates. Also, have programs for inmates when returning to society to help support their families.
Steve Hearn of Odenton, Maryland
If Democrats want a chance at success and any hope of gaining the White House in 2008, abandon your liberal/socialist ideology of hate, and steer your party back toward the mainstream center. Anything else will lead the Democrats right back to where they were in 2004.
Roger Andrews of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Stay moderate and business-friendly; do not allow the fringe elements on both sides to sway you from what you were elected to do. Remember, the blue dogs were the ones that put you back in place. ... and we will be watching closely! Good luck!
Janet C. of Cincinnati, Ohio
Please keep the best interest of the country in mind when setting the next term's agenda and not settling old political debts. It would be wonderful to see this Congress acting with a sense of dignity, humility, service, fellowship and bipartisanship. If we've learned anything from the recent passing of President Ford, then I hope this is the lesson.
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