September 11, 2001 will be remembered forever as a day when horrific acts of terrorism were perpetrated against freedom and democracy. Americans have responded to the attacks with heroism, bravery, and an even stronger resolve to unite as a nation.

The President and Congress have responded appropriately with speed and generosity to begin the recovery process in New York and the Washington area. Law enforcement agencies have also quickly mobilized to expose additional terrorist plots and to track down and punish the perpetrators.

Yet, even before the tragic events of last week, the economy was at a crossroads. Many industries were experiencing a financial downturn, and economic growth had dramatically slowed. The situation has now become even more critical, and it is incumbent on the nation's leaders to make prudent spending decisions.

Unfortunately, some special interest groups are coming to lawmakers for federal dollars that may go beyond simply helping them recover from last week's events. Approving these requests for federal subsidies allows companies to take advantage of our national generosity in this time of crisis. We urge you to diligently review these requests and allocate our tax dollars wisely. Funding should not be provided for pre-existing business problems, and must be allocated in a disciplined manner.

With the economy slowing down and more money being set aside for unforeseen events, it is important to plan for the long-term. The money required to respond to the terrorist acts, in conjunction with current spending priorities, is likely to return America to the era of deficit spending.

Practicing fiscal restraint and promoting accountability is crucial to a healthy economy and a bright future. We owe nothing less to the families who lost loved ones and the men and women who will be asked to fight the scourge of terrorism.

Sincerely,

Jill Lancelot
Co-Founder/Legislative Director
Taxpayers for Common Sense