Jim Nussle: “Mr. Chairman, we cannot quantify the cost of our freedom; however, in passing a budget we must calculate the cost of our…”

“Mr. Chairman, we cannot quantify the cost of our freedom; however, in passing a budget we must calculate the cost of our homeland security and our household security. To fulfil this duty, we are best guided by the verities of our history. A war runs a deficit, and, with determination, we retain our freedom and inevitably regain our prosperity. Truly our Nation's homeland security and household security are best served by budgetary balance born out of fiscal discipline. But sadly there come moments when time connives and fate conspires to preclude us from budgetary balance, and we must sacrifice in the present to strengthen our future. Mr. Chairman, our Nation has been at war since September 11, a war on terror of which Operation Iraqi Freedom is the most recent theater. It has been, is and will continue to be a struggle of momentous sacrifice, yet we will prevail, and we will prosper. This budget, which restores us to balance in 9 years, will speed our path to peace and prosperity. For after each year of this budget, our deficit diminishes, our homeland security increases, and our household security increases. Yes, this is a difficult budget for these difficult times because it is a war budget in a time of war. Mr. Chairman, to preserve and promote our Nation's security, opportunity and prosperity, I urge its passage.”