While he complained about Congress this morning, even President Bush has to acknowledge the New Direction Congress' accomplishments this year. Just this week, Congress passed a landmark energy bill, provided tax relief for 23 million American families and a budget that begins to restore our domestic priorities. And the House passed a bill that creates higher safety standards for toys and consumer products.
Democrats in Congress began this year by restoring responsible pay-as-you-go budget rules, passing a budget that invested in the priorities of the American people and came to balance within five years. Our record of fiscal responsibility, which has been praised by independent analysts, stands in stark contrast to six years of record deficits and debt by President Bush and Republicans in Congress.
Next year, I hope the President will stop trying to block progress and work with Congress to deliver for the American people.