U.S. Newswire

December 22, 2001 Saturday 10:07 AM

SECTION: National Desk

Rep. Charles Rangel Delivers Democratic Radio Response

DATELINE: WASHINGTON, Dec. 22

Following is text of the Democratic Radio Response, delivered by Rep. Charles Rangel (N.Y.): "Hello, I'm Congressman Charles Rangel. As we near the end of the year, we look back to tragic events that we can never forget. We know that, for many, this holiday season will be without joy. The horrible attack on our great country on September 11th has inflicted pain and suffering that will long endure.

"But we are a strong people and, even as the tears flow, we are determined to hold our families together, rebuild our city and our nation, and set an example for the free world that we will never give in to terrorists. "A new American spirit has emerged - no matter what color or culture, political party or personal history, whether we are from North or South, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, we are all in this together. The true strength of America is embodied in America's motto: "out of many, we are one." We are all Americans, and what makes us strong is that we face these challenges as one nation. "As the senior member of the New York Congressional Delegation, I want to thank Americans from all over this country for the compassion, the generosity and yes, the prayers that you have graciously given New Yorkers these past months. We could not have gotten through without you.

"It is vital that we continue to stand united to protect our national security and support our troops. But keeping America strong is not only about maintaining a sound military force. America's pride and prosperity come also from our capacity to address domestic challenges.

"The war has not changed the fact that our children need better schools, the sick need to be assured of patients' rights protections, and seniors need an affordable prescription drug benefit. The war has not changed the fact that we must strengthen Social Security, which more than any other policy, has meant seniors can avoid poverty and enjoy a respectable standard of living.

"Yet today, we face new challenges that we never expected this time last year. Long before September 11th, the Republicans had eroded a surplus that was well over a trillion dollars and they did this by pushing through their $1.7 trillion tax bill, mainly to the benefit of the wealthy. Now, the red ink of deficits has returned and washed away all of last year's Republican campaign promises.

"Instead of keeping their promises to the people, some politicians in Washington are wrapping the flag around special interests' agendas. Republican leaders have even pushed a so-called 'stimulus' bill that gives a large permanent tax break to big corporations, paid for with the payroll tax contributions of hard working Americans. (the usual lack of detail or reference)

"Instead of restoring confidence in America's ability to live within a budget, this bill is a $270 billion raid on Social Security trust funds over the next five years. It has nothing to do with stimulating the economy and everything to do with stimulating campaign contributions.

"Meanwhile, millions of laid-off workers are in need this holiday season. Many families do not have access to adequate unemployment insurance or health insurance coverage and yet, the Republicans have held hostage every penny of relief until the Senate passes their special interest tax breaks.

"We Democrats are doing everything we can to extend benefits to the unemployed and to expand coverage to people who might fall through the cracks, such as temporary workers and mothers who work part-time. We want to make sure families of laid-off workers do not lose health coverage. We do not care how we do it, as long as we know it works and is not some political scheme to give people credits and vouchers that make them hunt for HMO's that will not provide decent coverage.

"The differences we have do not interfere with our support for the President when it comes to fighting terror. We will continue to work together and try to work our differences out in a bipartisan way. We just ask that the same level of energy that we invest in putting up the flag and protecting it must be applied to protecting the economic security of the millions of Americans who have worked hard everyday, and are now out of work through no fault of their own.

"Putting aside the small differences that separate us and helping those in need is what the holiday season is all about. No matter whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Ramadan -- all have the same basic message: happiness lies in loving our God, loving our families, and loving one another.

"The American spirit of togetherness is something that no terrorist can ever take way. It's got many of us through these last months when we thought we could not go on. And working together, we can meet the challenges of the year ahead.

"This is Congressman Charles Rangel from New York. Happy Holidays and thank you so much for listening."

CONTACT: Erik Smith or Kori Bernards, 202-225-0100, both of the Office of the House Democratic Leader or Dan Maffei of the Office of Rep. Rangel, 202-225-7924