Harry Reid: “at the same time President Bush is telling us that because of severe budget constraints there is no money for important…”

“at the same time President Bush is telling us that because of severe budget constraints there is no money for important programs, he, Vice President Cheney, and other members of the administration are spending taxpayer dollars to jet around the country for political fundraisers and campaign events. Many people wonder why President Bush is traveling around the country so much for political reasons, to give political speeches regarding political candidates, when our Nation is at war on terrorism and we are facing what he called an imminent and serious threat to our national security posed by Iraq. Many people believe it is improper for President Bush to be racing from one campaign event to another--raising record amounts of campaign cash for Republican candidates--instead of spending time solving America's severe economic problems. I agree with them. I, too, wish the President would focus on the issues that we in Nevada--and I believe all Americans--are concerned about, such as jobs, Social Security, pension protection, corporate scandals, stock market declines, high cost of health care, access to affordable quality education, and other priorities. I understand that President Bush has a role. He is not only the Commander in Chief, but also the Republican Party's cheerleader in chief. I understand and accept that. What I don't accept is this constant campaigning being paid for by taxpayers.”