[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 161 (Friday, November 7, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H10982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ECONOMIC GROWTH

  (Mrs. MILLER of Michigan asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, if we needed any more proof of 
an improving economy following last week's outstanding economic growth 
figures, we just got it. The manufacturing sector of our economy, which 
is important to so many States, including my home State of Michigan, 
appears to be turning around with a vengeance.
  October's indices showed manufacturing expanding more rapidly than at 
any time since January of 2000. The report also showed new orders for 
manufactured goods, the key to future growth, are at their highest 
levels since 1999. Overall construction spending has reached its 
highest level ever. Existing home sales are at record highs. And, of 
course, this morning we got the greatest news of all: unemployment fell 
in October and the economy created 126,000 new jobs.
  Every American should be happy. The Bush tax cuts are working; the 
economy is on the rise. But what is the response to all this good news 
from my friends on the other side of the aisle? More pessimism. More 
gloom and doom. Mr. Speaker, I am beginning to wonder if they view good 
economic news as good news at all.

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