Thomas Daschle: “5 months ago, America had a projected budget surplus of $2.7 trillion over the next 10 years. The stock market was…”

“5 months ago, America had a projected budget surplus of $2.7 trillion over the next 10 years. The stock market was soaring. The question before us was one that most leaders could only dream of: ``What should we do with our prosperity?'' At that time, the debate was focused on tax cuts--how much, for whom, and could we also provide for America's unmet needs? Regardless of one's view about that debate or its outcome, there can be no doubt that this is a very different moment. Two months ago, more than 6,000 innocent men and women lost their lives to terrorism. In the weeks since, a wave of anthrax attacks has taken lives, closed offices, and sown fear. Our President, rightfully, has assembled an international coalition to fight those who attacked us, and those who aided them. We are at war. The Federal Government is helping those areas destroyed and damaged by the attacks to rebuild. We passed legislation to keep our airlines flying, and to give our law enforcement the tools needed to fight terror. Our economy, which was already weakening before September 11, has continued to deteriorate. The question facing America is no longer, ``What should we do with our prosperity?'' The question now is, ``How do we protect our citizens, strengthen an ailing economy, and win this war against terrorism?'' I believe history will judge this Congress by how well we answer that question.”