[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 72 (Wednesday, June 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E947-E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  2002 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FURTHER RECOVERY FROM AND 
           RESPONSE TO TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4775) making 
     supplemental appropriations for further recovery from and 
     response to terrorist attacks on the United States for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. What I say 
tonight, I am sure has already been said by other Democrats over the 
past two days . . . because this fight is not over a procedure, but 
rather over principles and beliefs that we Democrats believe in and are 
willing to fight for today, tonight and tomorrow--as long as it takes.
  We believe you must be honest with the American people. No gimmicks, 
no tricks, no procedural shenanigans. A straight up and down vote.
  Be honest with the American people. If this Republican resolution 
passes, we as a nation will be $300 billion more in debt this year and 
$200 to $300 billion more each year for the next nine years.
  In this resolution, the Republican leadership has hidden from the 
American people the second largest debt increase in our nation's 
history--$750 billion!--and they will raid the Social Security Trust 
Fund to pay for it, because the Republican leadership has maxed out our 
country's credit card! I stand on the floor tonight in full support of 
our troops fighting terrorism here and abroad. House Democrats are 
fully committed to winning the war on terrorism and once again making 
America safe from harm.
  Unfortunately, House Republicans are using the war to pass a 
dangerous and cynical provision that allows the federal government to 
break its own spending limit and take hundreds of billions of dollars 
from the Social Security Trust Fund!
  America can be strong militarily without becoming weak economically.
  The Republicans are hoping they can escape today's debate without 
leveling with the public; they have driven the nation back into deficit 
and now plan to raid the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for other 
programs.
  Democrats are staunchly opposed to this plan. Democrats support a 
responsible budget that makes needed investments in national security, 
protects Social Security and Medicare, and does not burden our children 
and grandchildren with an enormous national debt.
  We can defeat terrorism without destroying Social Security. Democrats 
stand on the principle of a responsible, honest and bipartisan budget; 
protecting and strengthening Social Security; and ensuring that we meet 
our obligations today so that our children are not burdened with debt.
  We should have an economic summit between the president, Republicans 
and Democrats. Let's come together to address the national debt without 
this sham of a resolution

[[Page E948]]

the Republican leadership has presented to the American people!
  We should learn from the American people. I received a letter today 
with these cards, made in Janie Tavener's kindergarten class. The 
letter says: ``Dear Mr. Stupak. My daughter's kindergarten class made a 
poster that we made into this card. I am proud that they have already 
learned the Pledge of Allegiance, and they are learning to be proud 
Americans. Sincerely, Nancy Stanwick.''
  Democrats are standing up for Mrs. Tavener's kindergarten class we 
won't saddle these children with a huge debt. We won't leave them with 
this GOP credit card.
  Democrats will leave them with Principles and Beliefs. We will tell 
them to stand up for what they believe in, and not to rely on or fall 
for gimmicks or tricks when it comes to our fiscal responsibility! 
Let's stand with these kids! Vote no on this supplemental 
appropriations.

                          ____________________