For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 25, 2002
Presidential Letter
June 25, 2002
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Leader:)
I am writing to ask that the bipartisan cooperation you have shown
in our war against terror and creation of a new Department of Homeland
Security be extended to another important priority: maintaining the
full faith and credit of the United States Government.
Because of the economic slowdown that began in the summer of 2000,
the terrorist attacks of September 11, and the ongoing expense of the
war, the Secretary of the Treasury last December asked the Congress to
increase the statutory ceiling on the Government's ability to raise
funds. Seven months later, the Congress has still not acted, although
it has routinely fulfilled this responsibility in the past.
The Treasury has had to take extraordinary measures to allow the
United States Government to continue to function normally as a result
of the failure of the Congress to act. These are only temporary
measures, not an excuse for the Congress to fail to fulfill its
duties.
I urge you and Minority Leader Gephardt to show the same spirit of
bipartisan cooperation that Senate Majority Leader Daschle and Senate
Minority Leader Lott showed 2 weeks ago with their bipartisanship on
this important issue.
As we fight for freedom, we must not imperil the full faith and
credit of the United States Government and the soundness and strength
of the American economy.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
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