Chuck Schumer: “I would like to address this legislation of great importance to my State, to my city, and of great importance to…”

“I would like to address this legislation of great importance to my State, to my city, and of great importance to America. Before the substance of my remarks, I would particularly like to thank Senator Baucus, chairman of the committee, Senator Byrd, Senator Daschle, Senator Reid--all of the leadership and all our colleagues who have stood up for New York and for America in our hour of need. I would like to speak to the part of the legislation that affects New York. Then I would like to talk generally about the bill as well. Before I do, I would like to address the specific vote that we face immediately; that is, the point of order as to whether we are in an emergency or not. Am I dreaming? Are we debating whether America is in an emergency situation? Are we wondering whether our troops are overseas fighting for what could be if we did nothing the survival of this Nation? No emergency? Tell that to the people of my city who are recovering from the most devastating attack America has ever faced. No emergency? Tell that to anyone who goes to an airport and sees the airport mostly empty and to the millions of others who will not fly. No emergency? Tell that to the people who live near our nuclear powerplants and are worried about what might happen there. No emergency? It is almost as if we came together after Pearl Harbor and said there is no emergency. America has been attacked.…”