Statement on President Bush's Address to the Nation

Tonight, we all honor and salute the brave men and women who have served our country during this conflict. Once again, our young people have proven that we have the best-trained, best-equipped and best-led military the world has ever seen.

While there is still much work to be done in Iraq, tonight is a time to recognize that there is also much work to be done here at home. For too long, President Bush has been unable to do two things at once: fight the war on terrorism and create real economic growth. Over the last two years, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and this administration continues to press for an irresponsible and unsustainable tax cut. Our economic challenges can no longer take a back seat. Returning our country to economic growth must be addressed with the same focus and commitment that won the war in Iraq.

The first thing I think we need to do is get rid of the Bush tax cuts and provide quality health insurance to all Americans. The economic stimulus created by this plan will pump billions of dollars into the economy — creating jobs and helping far more working Americans than would ever be helped by the Bush tax cuts.