Eva M. Clayton: “Mr. Chairman, all of us, Democrats and Republicans, support our troops in the field and our fight against terrorism.…”

“Mr. Chairman, all of us, Democrats and Republicans, support our troops in the field and our fight against terrorism. Since September 11, in fact, all Americans are united to protect our Nation from terrorism. There is a great unity on this issue. Those who have fought and given their lives for freedom and our country should not be desecrated by action on this floor in an effort to slip in or by dishonest procedure to raise the national debt ceiling without a debate or an up-and-down vote. This action affects all citizens, especially our seniors, and especially the widows of our veterans, working families, children and grandchildren. Memorial Day should honor those who have fought to protect our freedom, rather than to cover up other devious action that affects millions of seniors. Our bipartisan support for the war against terrorism here at home and abroad should not be smeared or compromised by an attack of unpatriotism when we question the adding of unrelated special interest items or controversial items to a much-needed supplemental appropriation to support the war against terrorism.”