Thomas Foley: “I enjoyed my colleague's tirade on trade. He says there is too much coming in, but they consistently vote against any…”

“I enjoyed my colleague's tirade on trade. He says there is too much coming in, but they consistently vote against any going out. They do not assist us in the trade policy that will bring balance to trade. What have we done positively? Let us talk a little bit about the economy. GDP is up. The stock market is nearing 11,000. Not since 9/11 have we seen such a robust economy. Consumer confidence is up. Gas prices are subsiding. Unemployment in Florida and the Nation is the lowest it has been in decades; and the Nation is at an all-time high in prosperity index. We have had job creation; and, yes, we have had tax relief, giving people their own money back to spend in their communities. That is leadership. If you listen to the other side of the aisle, it is a pity party, it is pessimism, it is negativity, and it seems to spawn itself to a defeatist attitude whether it is about the war in Iraq, or the health of our economy. We have got a lot to boast about, and I think it is important that national leaders stand up and talk about the great things that are happening in this country. I applaud what we have done. Reflective in the numbers we have shown leadership, the Nation is stronger than ever, our economy is better than ever, and I think we all ought to wish people a Merry Christmas as we head into a prosperous season. ____________________”