Rep. Martin Frost Delivers Weekly Radio Response on the
Economic Stimulus Package
October 6, 2001
Congressman Martin Frost, of Texas, is the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.
The following is an excerpt from his October 6, 2001 Radio Address
"The fundamentals of our economy remain strong. But it was slumping even before the
terrorists attacked. Just yesterday, the Labor Department reported that 7 million
Americans are out of work. And hundreds of thousands of additional layoffs have been
announced since September 11th.
"Democrats are working for a bipartisan economic package, one that is balanced
between tax cuts, and investments in priorities like public health and aviation security.
It must be fiscally responsible - so that it does not jeopardize long-term economic
health, or endanger our commitment to Social Security and Medicare. And it must
provide an immediate boost to the economy, create jobs, and help laid-off workers with
health care and unemployment insurance.
"Unfortunately, some Republicans in Congress seem to have forgotten how
fundamentally the world has changed - that the same old ideological positions and
partisan posturing will no longer do.
"The President is under tremendous pressure from Congressional Republicans to
fund tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthy - instead of priorities like airport
security and public health. But Democrats remain committed to working with the
President in a bipartisan way to find real solutions to the challenges facing America
today.
"We should start with the hundreds of thousands of Americans who are losing their
jobs. Many laid-off workers do not have adequate unemployment assistance. And
many cannot afford health insurance after they lose their jobs.
"Indeed, the President himself said earlier this week, 'One person laid off is one
person too many.' He was right, but these Americans need more than good rhetoric.
They need substantial assistance from the Congress and the President, and they
need it now.
"All Americans who lose their jobs should get full unemployment insurance and
affordable health insurance. It's not just the right thing to do. It's one of the most
important steps we can take to stimulate the economy.
"Democrats also support a tax cut for the millions of American families who pay taxes,
but did not receive a rebate check earlier this year. "Holiday Tax Relief" - timed to
coincide with the holiday shopping season - could give the economy a shot in the arm.
"And we believe it's important to provide meaningful business tax relief. Short-term
help, focused on encouraging immediate investment, will help jump-start the economy
without threatening long-term fiscal discipline.
"Finally, we must act to ensure public safety. We need to invest in public health - in the
hospitals and emergency officials who are on the front lines of homeland security. And
we need to provide airports with professionally-trained, well-paid, federal security
personnel. The federal government must take responsibility for security at America's
airports.
"The first duty of the government is the safety of the American people. And tax cuts will
not pay for air marshals or baggage screeners.
"These should not be Democratic or Republican priorities. They are America's
priorities, and Democrats are eager to work with the President to achieve them.
"This is Congressman Martin Frost. Thank you for listening today. Thank you working
to make America a stronger, more united nation. And God bless America."
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