Durbin, who delivered the Democratic radio address, said the founding fathers would be troubled by the gridlock in Washington and he blamed Republicans for the situation.

He argued that the Republicans in this Congress have already “shattered” the filibuster record.

“With gasoline at $4 a gallon and rising -- an energy crisis -- a global warming crisis -- our economy in trouble -- our military stretched thin -- and more Americans every week losing their jobs, their homes, their pensions and their health care, America must change course,” Durbin stated. “But in the Senate, the Senate Republican leadership is determined to stop efforts to bring change to Washington.”

Durbin focused on a Medicare bill that failed to pass prior to recess.

“Last week, Republican Senators blocked a bill protecting the ability of many Medicare beneficiaries to see the doctor of their choice. The bill would have cancelled a 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors,” the senator said. “That cut, which took effect on July 1st, could force many doctors to stop seeing new Medicare patients.”

Durbin, who noted that Medicare payment rates are also tied to the military health plan TRICARE, argued that GOP senators and the Bush administration opposed the bill in order to protect private insurers.

“It’s time for the Republican senators who are filibustering this measure to put our seniors and our military families ahead of private insurance companies and let the Senate pass this bill as soon as possible,” Durbin said.

“There will be a lot of talk about patriotism over this Fourth of July weekend and many senators will rightfully praise our military,” he added. “But true patriotism means honoring the men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms -- not just with words and flag lapel pins, but with actions befitting their great sacrifices.”

In his address, Bush described a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens that he attended on Independence Day.

“These new citizens come from countries as diverse as Burma, Afghanistan, Norway, and Iraq,” the president said. “These new citizens are proof that there is no American race, just an American creed.”

Bush singled out the military in his remarks.

“Today, the men and women of America’s Armed Forces continue [the] proud tradition of defending liberty,” Bush said. “In places like Afghanistan and Iraq, many risk their lives every day to protect America and uphold the principle that human freedom is the birthright of all people and a gift from the Almighty.

“These brave Americans make it possible for America to endure as a free society,” the president added. “So on this Fourth of July, we owe all those who wear the uniform of the United States a special debt of gratitude. And we thank their families for supporting them in this crucial time for our Nation.”