Mitch Landrieu: “We offer this amendment in good faith because many of us are firmly convinced and feel very passionately that the…”

“We offer this amendment in good faith because many of us are firmly convinced and feel very passionately that the direction the President is leading us with his proposal is the wrong direction. Times have been much worse in this country over the course of our long history. In many ways, things are moving along pretty well. We are making a tremendous amount of progress on many fronts. But it is in some ways a very crucial time. We are trying to transform our military. We are moving into a technological age for which this particular type of economy needs some special framework. We are fighting terrorism worldwide. We are engaged in conflicts because of the recent attack on our Nation. I wouldn't say this is the calmest of times, but yet we are not in a depression; some would argue not in a recession. But it is an important time to do the right thing. For the 4.5 million people I represent in Louisiana, it is very important that we get this tax package right. Their livelihoods depend on it. Their children's futures depend on it. Their small businesses depend on it.”