[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 25848]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          ECONOMY ON THE MOVE

  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, the American economy in the third quarter of 
this year gave more indications than ever that we have finally pulled 
ourselves out of the so-called ``bin Laden slump.''
  And thanks to the hard work, resiliency, and ingenuity of the 
American people, the economy is growing at higher than expected rates, 
creating jobs, and spurring new investment.
  The stock market is up. Jobless claims are down, and companies' 
earnings are roaring past projections, meaning that Americans saving 
for retirement are strengthening their retirement security.
  But perhaps the leading economic indicator in the United States today 
is the Democrat Party's desperate attempt to change the subject. 
Democrats' recent silence about the economy is understandable, for the 
rebound has not only taken away one of their principal political 
messages, it has also demonstrated the wisdom of President Bush's 
economic agenda, which we have passed over the last 3 years.
  But just as the economy has responded positively to President Bush's 
proposals to lower taxes, encourage investment, and instill fiscal 
discipline, it would react negatively to those policies if they were 
reversed.
  The budget-busting spending programs and crippling tax-hike proposals 
now in favor among the minority would spell disaster for the recovery. 
They would cost us jobs and stifle innovation, investment, and growth. 
The lost revenues would put a drain on the national treasury as we move 
forward to win the war on terror, maintain fiscal accountability, and 
meet the emerging needs of American seniors.
  Only through the kind of growth that our job-creation tax relief 
measures have spurred will we be able to afford all these priorities.
  There is much more to be done. But the most important item on the 
economic agenda is to check Democrat tax-and-spend plans to hamstring 
the recovery. Now that the economy is moving again, we have got to 
build on that momentum with a job-creating energy bill, fiscally 
responsible spending bills, and further success in the war on terror.
  We have made our Nation safer and stronger since 9-11, and thanks to 
the leadership of President Bush, that security has brought us renewed 
prosperity. And one does not need to take my word for it, Mr. Speaker. 
Just listen to the sounds of the Democrat silence.

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