Thomas Daschle: “I think this is a critical amendment. I hope, as we consider what it is we need to do to ensure that our country can be…”

“I think this is a critical amendment. I hope, as we consider what it is we need to do to ensure that our country can be put back in economic balance, that we recognize the importance in providing meaningful assistance to the States. Of all the amendments we have before us, this is one of the most important. I just spoke to the Governors yesterday. They have an $80 billion shortfall. So I am very hopeful that, as we consider where it is we can do the most good, where we can get the greatest traction, where we can do the most to ensure that we have the greatest degree of economic recovery, we recognize the importance of helping States deal with the crisis they are facing in dealing with medical costs. Likewise, we must recognize that we have an obligation to offset the costs of the Leave No Child Behind Act and realize that transportation infrastructure has to be addressed. Our legislation would do that. I hope our colleagues will see fit to pass the amendment when we vote on it tomorrow. If I may say briefly, I wish we were not here tonight with the legislation that is pending before us. Our country is mired in debt.”