Louise Slaughter: “Our Nation is facing very challenging times. Twelve years ago, when I was first elected to Congress, our economy was…”

“Our Nation is facing very challenging times. Twelve years ago, when I was first elected to Congress, our economy was still growing, and we were looking at a significant budget surplus. Our world was relatively peaceful. Now, after 8 years of reckless and wasteful spending, and after an ill-advised war, we face a global economic meltdown and international instability that seem to be spreading all too quickly. In November, the American people elected a new President and larger Democratic majorities in the Congress. The voters sent a very clear message. Things have got to change here in Washington, and Congress has to accomplish things. We know that Congress will need to act quickly and responsibly in order to pass legislation to help our Nation solve our economic and foreign policy problems. This rules package is designed to help us do just that. This is a good package, and I am pleased to support it today.”