WASHINGTON, DC (WOWO): Tuesday afternoon, Senator Dan Coats issued the following statement regarding the start of the 114th Congress:

“Today marks a fresh start in Washington and an opportunity to move forward much-needed measures to strengthen our security and economy. I am anxious to get to work on responsible legislative solutions to our nation’s biggest challenges. My primary focus will be on growing the economy, tackling our debt and deficit problems and keeping America’s homeland safe from terrorist threats. There are several areas where Republicans can work with President Obama, if he is willing to work with us. Many of these already have bipartisan support in Congress: repealing the excise tax on medical devices, constructing the Keystone XL pipeline and reforming federal regulations that prevent businesses from growing and hiring. Other areas of potential bipartisan agreement include expanding exports and reforming our broken tax code. Republicans also are committed to repealing Obamacare to replace it with more effective and patient-centered solutions. My hope is that in the new Congress the Senate returns to regular order and the so-called world’s greatest deliberative body is productive again. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on behalf of Hoosiers.”