[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ECONOMIC SECURITY AND RECOVERY ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BILL LUTHER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2001

  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11th have 
transformed the policy agenda for our nation. Over the past six weeks, 
we have witnessed truly heroic acts by individuals and organizations on 
behalf of the victims and their families. We have also seen this body 
work in a truly remarkable bipartisan fashion. In short, the nation has 
united behind a cause in a manner we have not seen in over a 
generation.
  Our global campaign to root out terrorism will be a long-term 
commitment requiring patience and, most importantly, sacrifices from 
all involved. Previous generations have endured and prevailed in 
unified international efforts in the name of freedom and democracy--and 
they all required patience and sacrifices from the American people. In 
this vein, I believe any economic stimulus package passed by this 
Congress should reflect the reality that our top priority must be to 
drive the war effort while improving security and maintaining 
prosperity at home.
  Unfortunately, H.R. 3090 is not that kind of package. $10 billion is 
devoted to reducing the capital gains tax, a proposal that Alan 
Greenspan recently told Congress would have virtually no stimulative 
economic value. In addition, not one dollar goes to important 
infrastructure improvements to secure our airports, seaports, dams and 
power plants, or to protect us from bioterrorism. A responsible 
stimulus package should include meaningful provisions to improve 
security for the American people. This would, in turn, contribute to 
consumer confidence and create a positive ripple effect through the 
economy.
  This Congress needs to continue the bipartisan approach of the past 
few weeks and develop a stimulus package that truly serves the 
interests of our country. This is not the time to be passing 
legislation that is little more than a grab bag of goodies for special 
interests. Rather, this is the time to be appealing to the greater good 
of the American people. They are willing to do what it will take to win 
this war--we just need leadership in Congress that measures up to the 
courage and will of the American people.

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